Thursday, June 28, 2012




Don't you just love all of the Red, white and Blue....that is in all the stores right now?

I certainly do!  I also love this red, white and blue dessert.

Y.U.M.M.Y.

This best part is that it takes less than 15 minutes to make!!

one (bought) pound cake
one tub of cool whip
1 box of instant vanilla pudding
sliced strawberries
blueberries
and strawberry gel

mix the pudding according to package
cut the cake into squares
start the layering.....

Layer of cake
layer of pudding
layer of berries.
top with some gel
top with cool whip.

continue layering until you reach the top of 
the dish......
top with cool whip....

So Simple....so light....and SO good!!

hugs.
shug


Wednesday, June 27, 2012

HEY EVERBODY.....I need you to imagine with me....what it is like to go into a dressing room.....


AND GET STUCK!!  I'm telling you, 


it was: 


frightful.....frightful.....frightful


So...as you all know, I am scheduled to have rotator cuff surgery on my "Right" shoulder, on July 20th...(why wait so long? Because I had to have my vacation, and now the Doctor has to have his vaction! Plus, I was not first in the shoot to be scheduled.


 BTW..i am right handed!!


Ok...lets get back to the story.
This morning (after waiting 2 1/2 hours  for the dealership to fix my (car) air conditioning....)I had a couple of hours to waste...  I was scheduled to pick Sam's computer up from the shop at 11:30 and the time was only 9:30. 


I made the wise decision to go on, to the mall to see what was on sale.  I found a couple of tops and headed straight to the dressing room....I took the first shirt off of it's hanger and put it on with NO PROBLEM AT ALL!


YOU SEE...I FORGOT THAT THE PROBLEM I HAVE IS TAKING SOMETHING OFF.....i can't seem to move my arm back, which is a BIG problem...


there was no way that I was going to be able to grab the shirt and pull it over my head.  I twisted and turned and twisted and turned, only to find that I was making NO HEADWAY.

Almost in a state of panic, I finally had to step out of the dressing room and ask a sweet lady, if she would lift the right side of my shirt, up over my head....(something I did not want to do)


She kindly helped me...Thank you Lord!


And....when I finally got that shirt off, I grabbed my bag and got out of there....


No more trying on clothes for me....at least until this shoulder gets well...


Oh what a funny sight it was....I am sure!!


Happy Day y'all


shug







Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Gee Whiz.....it's gonna be warm around here today!  Temps are expected to reach at least a 100 or so!

I somehow, got myself a slight sunburn yesterday....could it be because I stayed in the pool too long??   Just a couple  of hours, but HEY, when your having fun with your grandkids, who pays attention to time?  Oh...and the grandkids were smart enough to use sunblock!!

           
 I just love my topic for the day.......Organization and a 
CLEAN home!!

I overheard a conversation the other day, between two men....They were talking about a friend of theirs and how at ANYTIME, when you go to this friends home....it is magnificently clean!  (believe it or not, men do notice these kind of things)

As I see it....this speaks highly of their friends wife!!  

It doesn't matter the size of a home....Organization and a Clean home can be had!

 

I will be first to admit, that I do have room for a few more organizational skills in my own home.  The hardest area for me to keep up with is the closet....I don't know if it's because I need more space, or if it's that I need to get rid of some items!

  if we declutter our homes, then it only makes sense that our lives will run much more smooth...and, I think it blesses our children when our homes are kept in order...they learn from these blessings!

There have been a lot of times, when I could have used that ol'  doormat.  

"This house was clean last week"
  Sorry you missed it!

I've Been there!

Guess I had better get to cleaning....

Happy Days!
shug




Monday, June 25, 2012

Trip to the Farm


Sam and I went to the farm last evening to look for otters down at the lake....and yes, we did find three or four...


These little boogers are fast and sneaky!  They slide into the water and softly swim within yards of you, but when you try to get that shot off, down they go...


Sometimes....they will come right back up, and sometimes they will swim all the way to the other end of the lake...they can stay under water for up to 4 minutes at a time.


Otters can really do a lot of damage to a lake, and the bad thing is, they remain active all year long.  They consume an extensive assortment of fish and they indulge themselves by eating plentiful.
 Otters also make huge burrows at the edge of the water, which may include the area at  the dam!  (Not good)




Thought this was a pretty view....the sky was pink and to see the dark shadows on the lake was really cool.....





I always love to see this sight....the trees being watered by the irrigation system!!
And....the gorgeous green "Pecan" trees.




It amazes me, how fast they grow during the Spring and Summer seasons.


I enjoyed our trip to the farm...There is always something going on....Either hunting for hogs that are destroying a crop or hunting for otters that are destroying the lake....LOTS of FUN here!!


Enjoy your day!
Shug

Sunday, June 24, 2012



              
"Steel Magnolias".....Just loved this movie!



Our trip to Natchitoches, Louisiana.....

Sam's business meeting was just down the street from the "Steele Magnolia" home.....

This was a sweet trip in a beautiful town.....

*****

Have a great Sunday..
shug

Saturday, June 23, 2012

When you put on today's clothing, make sure your heart is adorned with Christ's righteousness!




I absolutely love how the Falls were dressed each evening.  The water cascading over the water's edge, turned from pink to blue to green and then, back to white.  This was very fascinating to watch....


                               **********


I do have to tell you, I  love my grunge clothes!
You know....the kind that you get to wear around the house when no one is around.....


I have a lot of friends who get up every morning and the very first thing they do, 
is put the make up on and get fully dressed.
Fully dressed, as in all matching attire and their arms full of bling.....


It's not like they have a job to go to.....No, they dress like this to stay home!!  


Oh....not me!  I have to be comfortable! Not sloppy...just comfortable.  If I have somewhere to go, then yes....I will dress myself up, but just to run next door to the neighbors house.....OH NO, NO, NO.....


I love my neighbors...and I sure hope they love me too.....(no make-up and all)


God loves us and I do believe that HE wants us to take care of ourselves, but most importantly, HE longs for us to make sure that our hearts are dressed with love, kindness and goodness.....


The way others see our hearts, is what is  MOST important!!  


Happy Trails to you....today!
Shug





Friday, June 22, 2012

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will
Never forget how you made them feel!!
                                                          Maya Angelou










   I am thankful for the beautiful pictures of joy that we can capture on any given day.....


Just this morning, as I was about to enjoy a delightful  cup of hot coffee....I caught myself  listening to a story on the news....


It was about a bus monitor who had been bullied by several boys....The next story that came up, was about the jury trial of an adult man that supposedly has taken advantage of some young men...


And.....I am sure that you all have heard these same stories, being told over and over again by the news media....


Now really...is this a great way to start the morning?  Absolutely not!!  Wouldn't it be wonderful if the news media could not talk about one bad or evil thing until after midnight?  


I really don't watch very much TV as it is, and from now on, I certainly do not intend to listen to all the negative news....at least until I have had a second or third cup of coffee.....


Well...that's my rant for the week....


I had much rather be out finding something good to do....something wonderful to take photos of....or just taking a quite walk with just me and the Lord!


Hey now.....Y'all have a good one!


Shug

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Love that "Ping"

"As for me and my house....We will serve the Lord"        
                                    Joshua 24:15






Who doesn't love a good ol' "Beauty" peach?

To my gurls and all my guy friends.....I want you to know that 
this chic has been happier than a kid in a Texas size
candy store.......

Yesterday, I found myself listening for "Pings"

Pings that were coming from the jars that held my fresh made hot sauce and squash...


I can not wait to taste this stuff!!  

When Sam came home from work, he commented on how good the kitchen smelled.....He said:  "Smells like a real kitchen  Again"


Pickled Squash.....thanks to my wonderful friend 
Marsha Kay, for sharing this tasty recipe!




Yumo...Fresh cream peas!!  I know these will taste so yummy with a piece of hot water cornbread....



You just can't be "FRESH" when it comes to food.


I'm sure hoping to get a lot more canned over the next few weeks....Before I have surgery on my shoulder....


That's right, I don't think I mentioned my dreaded surgery that is coming up, next month..
Seems that during the healing process of my carpal tunnel surgery {last year}, I somehow tore my rotator cuff.  I am right handed, and guess what?  The tear is in my right shoulder!!  


The way I figure it.....If I go ahead and put up all this good food right now, Sam will have plenty of good things to cook, while my shoulder is healing!!  {laugh}


Ok....I still have lots to do....Sure hope I hear those beautiful "Pings" today!!


Blessings,
shug

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.....You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart".
                                                      Jeremiah 29:11,13




I have to tell you, this scripture excites me!  God knows the plans He has for ME....plans to prosper me...plans to give me HOPE and a FUTURE....    and the second part is all about seeking God...when we seek HIM...we find HIM....we are given the privilege of having a personal relationship with HIM.

                                        Thank You Lord!


                                                 *******


Good morning all......I am so thankful for the bountiful blessings that we have been given....


Our wonderful friends called yesterday to say they had lots of fresh peaches for us....So, this morning...I have been putting up peaches..     wow, they smell delightful!


This afternoon, I'll be canning salsa.....the roof may raise off of this place, with all the different aromas going on in my kitchen....


Tomorrow.....I plan to put up fresh cream peas!!  Don't you just love cream peas??


Who needs meat?  Of course, I am one of those that could go forever without eating meat....give me fresh fruits and veggies, and I am a happy camper!  Oh....I can't forget to mention the sweets....Love me some sweets!


I have several quarts of canned blackberries and blueberries, so fruit dumplings will definitely be on the table as well....


I've got a busy schedule today....Much to do!


Hope you all have a super blessed day....
Hugs, 
Shug



Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Highlights.....


Hey there y'all.....I just want to share a few "Highlights" from our trip...




The Falls were more beautiful than I ever imagined...


I was simply amazed by all the gorgeous rainbows.  Not only were we able to see ONE each day, but most days, we saw several....on all sides of the Falls.




How powerful, are the hands of God!




Our view from the 34th floor of the Embassy Suites!  Not only did we have a gorgeous view of the Falls, but we had the same perfect view of the American Falls and the Rainbow bridge.




The landscaping was so pretty and so inviting....




and....I had no idea that there would be so many vineyards...Gorgeous vineyards.   Sam and I even had the opportunity to learn all about "Ice wine"   


The process of making ice wine is very challenging and requires the right temps and perfect timing....





My sweetie, getting ready to order some lunch....BTW, I ordered the quiche, and it was the BEST ever.....


























Oh....and yes, we did get to experience the "Maid of the Mist"
Lots and Lots of Fun!  I was very thankful for all the blue attire that we are dressed in....otherwise, we would have been soaked!


Who would have ever have guessed that I would love my new camera as much as I do.....I ended up taking about 600 pictures on this trip.  Don't worry, I promise that I won't bore you, by writing a  post about every single picture.....


We had a blast....and we loved Canada....


Blessings..
shug



Monday, June 18, 2012

Post Vacation Blues

Have any of you ever suffered from "Post Vacation Blues?".....


It's just a known fact, that the number one man in my life, has a tendency to get a taste of the blues when we return home from a trip ....   I guess it would be safe to say, that he loves his vacations!


Honestly speaking....I do (kinda) understand these  type of feelings...You put so much time and energy into planning a vacation and when it is time to return to "Normal" life, it feels as if you are coming down from a  tremendous high!!


This "High" that I am speaking of, is a high of excitement.


While we were in Canada, we kept our phones  completely turned off.. .....(fees were way to high)
I must say, this was a very difficult challenge for me.  I am so used to talking to my kiddos......several times a day!!


But, in Sam's case....he was elated not to have to talk on the phone!  Day in and day out, his job requires him to do business, via the phone.  I am almost positive that this is one thing that he is not looking forward to returning to, today.  Clearly, this was a well deserved break, that he would rather not give up just now.


Yes....with every "GREAT" vacation, there always comes a few of those ol' Post Vacation Blues.....


The good thing is....within No time at all....we'll be busy make NEW plans for a NEW vacation and the cycle of life will go on!


I want to leave you with just a few shots from our trip to the Butterfly Conservatory.....





Blue Winged Butterfly




More next time....


Hope your day is a lot like you....
Simply Wonderful


shug

Thursday, June 14, 2012

A Quick Hello



Just a Quick Hello!!

We are still on vacation....but I could not wait to show you all, what we were Blessed to wake up to every morning....

NO....not the picture of us, but the scene below.


Absolutely Gorgeous!!  Thank you Lord!!




Yesterday it was Niagara Falls, Canada....today we are in Gator Land (Louisiana)...


I have lots to share....see you all Monday!


Whew...I'm tired!


Blessings,
shug

Thursday, June 7, 2012

A Break




Geez.... time passes by fast when you're having fun!!

This is post number 851 for me....
can you believe that I have found that many topics to write about??

and....believe me, I have a whole lot more to write about.....

For the next week....

I am going to be taking a break....not  a long, just one week!  

This will be my first break since starting my post in January of 2010...January 24th to be exact!  
I have missed some weekends, and a few days here and there, but never have I taken a vacation from blogging...


Sam and I are going to the FALLS!!
As in Niagara Falls...


I am very excited about our mini vacation....On June 16th, we will have been married  

40 years....

This is a very Long time!


I am carrying my iPad, so hopefully I'll be able to find a little time to catch up on some reading....

Our bags are packed...my new camera is packed, and I'm ready to go...

I am a wee bit afraid of flying, but hopefully I'll be able to relax and enjoy the flight!

Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead....

Many Hugs...See ya soon!
Shug


Happy Birthday Gaitorbait

Well Friends....Yesterday was a very exciting day around here....


Our youngest daughter turned 35!  We had a Happy Birthday party for  our Beautiful
                       "Gaitorbait."
Isn't this a lovely nickname?  One that her dad gave her, many years ago!! 
Happy Birthday, Shanda Kay!!




Shoes from Mylee.......



Clothes from Carson....


Necklace from Trey........

a couple of gift cards from her husband 
(one being a nice trip for the two of them)

and 

some "CASH" from mom and dad....

this is what I call a FANTASTIC 
birthday!!


The "Olive Garden"  was the choice restaurant for the evening....just as we got there, huge 
rain drops started falling from the sky....


Sam was drenched......Bless His Heart!


Such a sweetheart!!

Blessings y'all

shug


Sunday Thinking

  Happy St. Patricks Day!   🍀 Tomorrow, I will be filling my hummingbird feeders.  The little beauties should be arriving any day now.  I a...