Thursday, October 30, 2014

Seeing fences at a snail's pace.....






While riding in the parade route this past Saturday....I noticed this gate.  This amazing view caught my eye.  It was a leaning pine tree and the gorgeous Fall colors as they so delicately appeared in the distance.  

I've lived in Chandler for over 42 years now and I have never taken the time to notice these particular trees, during the Fall, or any other season. 




Beauty is all around us....
We just need to slow down...

The parade that day was moving at a Snail's pace....and perhaps this is the reason why I was able to see the beauty that has been there all along!




I played around with this photo and I used some of the Halloween 
editing ideas....it turned out kinda cute!!



Another view as we traveled the parade route....


Whether it's baking muffins, planting a rose, or riding in a parade.......there is so much beauty and goodness that surrounds us. Our hurried life styles, can cause us to miss out on the simple sweetness for which God gives us to enjoy!!

Not sure a snail's pace will get me very far....but...it will allow me to zoom in to the grand beauty that I didn't even know existed..

Enjoy the Blessing of this day!
shug

I'm joining Good Fences today....

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

My Cup Runneth Over.....


There is something "New" going on with me!  Can anyone guess?

Nope...I'm not pregnant and I didn't win the lottery.

I am learning to DRINK WATER and to Enjoy it!!

My goal?  To be able to say that my drink of choice is Water!!
(not Southern Sweet Tea)

There are so many benefits to drinking water....I've just never been one to take these benefits seriously.

For one thing....Water flushes out the toxins that store up in our bodies.
Water helps to keep the skin hydrated and can create a beautiful glow in our face.

It also helps our kidneys function well and BEST of all...it's cheap!

Well....for those of us who drink tap water....it can be cheap!


I've just never been one to drink lots of water....so I can honestly say that a half of cup is suffice for my thrist.  

But....I'm learning....I'm learning to let my cup runneth over!! I am learning to drink an abundant supply of water!!

Aside from water....there are other cups that we can invite to overflow in our lives.  

Cups of HOPE, LOVE, CARING, BELIEVING, KINDNESS, GIVING, FAITH.....


This excites me.....Can you imagine how great it must be to wake up each day and to be able to say....."My Cup Over Runneth with Kindness today"  ???

This would be AWESOME!!


don't just let your cup be filled with water, coffee, tea or your choice of drink..

Fill it with Goodness and let this goodness be a blessing to others!!

***

I have a distant neighbor who I totally respect for his acts of kindness.   This gentleman is.....let me see.....how can I say this so that you all will understand?  Lets just say that he is challenged, but not physically challenged!  He lives by himself and he is able to care for all his needs.   He can not drive and therefore....He walks everywhere.  (Something that I need to do more of)

I can look out my kitchen window, .....and can watch him as he walks across the big empty lot.  He will be heading out to find something that he can do for someone else.   

He has no problem saying whatever it is that he thinks!!!....(Which, if you don't know him....his words just might hurt your feelings)  If a person is a little on the hefty side...he might just have the tendency to let them know!!
He just says what he sees and feels!!!   This can be humorous at times!!

But.....he is always willing to do for others!  Many tines, the things that he does results in hard labor.      It is truly a blessing for me to see his generous works!  I can truly say that his kind deeds  (cup) truly over runneth!!  

We all have cups that need to be filled.....Filled to overflowing!!


Shug....



Monday, October 27, 2014

Absolutely Stunning......


an explosion of color is covering one of the fields at the farm right  now!


Absolutely....stunning!


While at the farm this weekend, Sam wanted me to see one of the fields located on the back side of the property.  Oh my.....when you have 3,000 trees lined up in rows, and bursting with Fall colors.....it makes for one gorgeous canvas!


The Best way to describe this view......MORE than BEAUTIFUL!!

Each year.....this particular field of "Chinese Pistache" trees....delivers an outstanding array of Beauty!!

There are some great rewards when it comes to a 
"Tree Farm"

*******

I attended a Tea yesterday afternoon.  It was so nice to spend some time with these lovely ladies.   The purpose of this tea.....was to talk and learn more about the "Christmas Tour of Homes."

I regret not having my camera with me.......The spread of finger foods was simply amazing, and the Lime Tea was a big hit.

A very sweet group of ladies!!

*****

Today, is Dr. day for me!!  I'm trusting that my blood work will deliver some great results.   Over the past couple of months, I have taken breads, sweets, chips and salsa out of my diet.  Also....I have had no fried foods!!  

Surely......good results will come from me cutting out these foods.

*****

Hope you enjoy the Fall pics and I also Hope you enjoy your day!!

Blessings,
shug ~









Sunday, October 26, 2014

Face Book Debates

Ok....so..... my sweet, sweet husband loves debates!!  He deserves the title of "Face Book....King of Debates".....  The truth is...his personality is very funny and MOST of his FB friends know that he is just that, a fun-filled dedicated friend who loves to say the word datgum!!!!

I can honestly tell you that as for my Sam....he is usually the biggest supporter of the very thing that he has put out there for a debate.   In other words, he may make a comment, but I can assure you that nine times out of ten....he is one of the biggest fans in upholding the  POSITIVE role in any debate!!!  I suppose you could say, he uses reverse psychology on the takers of his debates!!!!   lol.

As for me....it makes me very nervous!  Most people hide behind their true feelings when there is a real, face to face conversation going on......but give them Face Book....and boy, a whole lot of negative words can flow faster than honey!!

How do you become eligible for one of these debates?  Well, first of all.....we all know the way face book works, You "FRIEND" others, which allows them to become a part of your world.   Did you grasp that word "Friend?"

My question is....are these friends really friends or are they just simply acquaintances?   

Second.....you must feel very strong about  the topic that is being debated.  Each individual has their own opinion!!

Friends and  "mean words".......do not make for a happy medium.   I truly am not a fan of being the one who hurts others with my own words, nor am I a fan of being the recipient of harsh negative words.  (especially from FRIENDS)

I guess you could say that I am shockingly amazed by how serious some people can react to a simple topic !  

Perhaps it is time for me to opt out of Face Book.....due to the fact that I do not enjoy seeing the negative side of personalities put out there by people, that I do consider to be our friends.....not acquaintances!!!

BTW....I am posting this on FB.......I wonder how many comments I will get.....     I'm guessing NONE!!

Have a good day......dear friends!!

Shug......




Saturday, October 25, 2014

A Fun Day!!

A community coming together to enjoy a Fun-filled day......this is what I experienced today.  


Shanda and Mylee Jo......getting ready to get on the 5,6,7,8 float.


Sun was shining in her eyes.....I love this little tooth missing smile.


Love this shirt......These are the shirts that the Brownsboro Intermediate "Student Counsel" kids wore today, in the parade!
Sam was driving the trailer for these kids and I was a ride along passenger!!




Good looking kids.....and I especially think that the boy on the back row....the one NOT WEARING the hat....is especially handsome!
after all...he is my grandson!  This is Trey!!


Fun Balloons!!


Beauties and the Beast....


People....watching the parade


Tom, Shanda, Jeff and Melisa


Band kids marching 


Even puppies enjoy a Parade!!


Lots of craft Booths....


This pooch was really strutting around....


Trista......after the parade.....waiting for all the kids to be picked up!!


Fountains.....


And Fall trees!!

It was a fun day!!

Shug







Thursday, October 23, 2014

Happy Birthday Sam


Happy Birthday to my Sweetheart....
Happy Birthday, Sam!!

I am hoping for many great things for Sam today.   He deserves the best of the best!

*******


Do any of you recognize this fence?

Have you ever eaten BBQ in the "Hill Country" of Texas?

This is a fence at the "Salt Lick" 


Great BBQ and Interesting Fences!!


Joining Tex at 


Shug.....






Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Orange things....

Busy times around here!!  Sam came in for lunch today, and the first thing he said when he walked through the back door was: "This Christmas thing really has you doing some cleaning!"

And he is right....I have been doing a lot of extra cleaning!! Cleaning things like all the light fixtures in the house and all of the vents!  Things that need to be done on a regular basis ANYWAYS!



I took my dad to the "Pumpkin Patch" and he loved it!!  He wanted me to take his picture beside everything on the lot.....lol.  I love this man!





Wow.....I'm thinking that it might be a good thing to grow some of these things next year!!!!!
Pumpkins can be quite PRICEY....


Have any of you ever eaten a "Chocolate Persimmon?"  They taste soooo good!!  Sam grows these at the farm.  What is great is when you can walk out in the field and take one off of the tree....and eat it right there!


Aren't they gorgeous??

*****

Happy Tuesday Y'all...

Shug





Saturday, October 18, 2014

Happy Saturday morning to all of you..     Don't you just love this time of the year?    There are so many festivals going on...    The Tyler Rose Festval has been going on all week and there is a huge Rosé Parade happening right now, in Tyler.  

I wanted to give you all an update on my friend Kay..    The surgery lasted a much shorter time than expected.   The doctors were able to remove all of the tumor and Kay is doing well.   Her spirits are Great!     She has two spots on her lungs and the doctors plan to attack these very soon.   She will undergo radiation as well as chemo therapy.   

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for joining with me in prayer for Kay.   I give God the Glory for this successful surgery.   

Wishing for you a wonderful weekend!!

Shug... 

Friday, October 17, 2014

Barn Finds.....

Who doesn't love Barn Finds?  Especially when you are first in line....to enter the big massive doors.  

I have big plans for some of my picks.....and this will be revealed in a latter post.  For now....let me show you my finds!



How many of you have ever cranked one of these things?  


I remember when.....my dad would make "Homemade" ice cream....back in my childhood days!  We had the old crank kind of machine....and all of us kids would take turns....Turning the Crank!

Over the years...can you imagine how many of these old wooden machine barrels, were just thrown in the dump?  Many, I am sure.


I actually found this little jewel at an Antique store, this past weekend.


Isn't she lovely?  Just needs a little cleaning up and WaLa...it will be a sweet charm!

I have big plans for this old 
manual typewriter.  BTW...it has already been a big hit with the grandkids.  The first words out of their mouths was...."What is This?"   lol.


This old box is nothing but complete "Sweetness!"   It was tucked underneath a pile of other junk.  Just one look, and I knew I had to have it!  



Just look at the richness in this piece!!  My favorite find!!



And last....this old metal ladder!
Yep....I have big plans for this thing too.  


Don't you absolutely love the rust?  Speaks Character!!


Did I mention that all of these things were great bargains?  I'm super happy with all of my finds!

              ******

I would like to ask you all to stop what you are doing and please say a prayer for my sweet friend Kay......Kay is in surgery right now....undergoing  the removal of a cancerous Brain tumor.   Please join me in prayer!!
Thank you!!

Blessings my dear friends...
Shug ~

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Open the Gates.....




Open to me the gates of righteousness:  I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord:   This gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter.

Psalm 118: 19-20

Linking with Good Fences..

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Barn Sell......

You can call me Mrs. Cool today!! 
Somehow.....I got stuck driving Tucker's big truck today!  The pipes are so loud, and I can barely concentrate when driving down the road.  {I guess I'm getting a little older}

Tucker had the opportunity to play in a big golf tournament in the Dallas area, so.....he and Sam drove my SUV and left me with the tank!!! 

And....I had to put gas in the thing!!

Believe it or not...I went to Tyler (the big city) in this monster truck.  I had to park near the end of every parking lot, because I knew I wouldn't be able to park in those tiny spaces.

The distance away from the stores was good for me!!  lol..

There is always a POSITIVE side to everything!!  I went to a Big Barn Sell and came home with several great items!!!  Woo Hoo!!  

A metal ladder being one of those items....and thank goodness, I was in Tucker's truck!!  The ladder would not have fit in my SUV.   

If my feet had not been hurting from wearing a pair of my (Cooler Weather) shoes...I might have stayed longer and found even more goodies.  {should have worn my flip flops....I love wearing them...Summer, Winter, Spring and Fall}

Anyways....this Barn Sell only happens twice a year!  Once in the Fall and again in the Spring!  I usually wait until the last day or so, because the fee is only $5.00....But, this time I went on opening day!!  Cost me a little bit more to go, however...I got some things that I'm sure would have been gone, had I waited!

I'll post pictures tomorrow of all my goodies!!  

Love me a good ol' Barn Sell....

Shug ~

Monday, October 13, 2014

I am Loving this Weather...

This was our day yesterday, and the weather has been pretty much the same today!


Rain....and lots of it!

Here are some more pictures that I took at the farm yesterday.



Did you ever play in the mud puddles, when you were a child?
We did....and I have a lot of special memories from those days!


I was trying to capture the tiny raindrops on the leaves.




I was happy that I had my camera with me!!

Don't you just LOVE the RAIN?

Especially, Rain like we have had today...   A slow rain!  

The wind is blowing now and it is much cooler outside!  You know I am loving this!!   Bring on the cooler weather!!  I Welcome it!

What is the weather like in your area??

See ya tomorrow!
Shug ~





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