Thursday, July 23, 2026

Meet "HOOT"

Let me introduce you all to "Hoot."

I shared his picture for Wordless Wednesday, but the truth is, Hoot has quite a story to tell.


 Hoot… our trusty plastic owl who has been standing guard around our home for the past 25 years!




10 Things About Our Faithful Plastic Owl, “Hoot”


Hoot has seen more Texas sun, rain, wind, and storms than most people would willingly stand through.

He may be made of plastic, but he’s become part of the family.

After 25 years, he’s beginning to crack in several places, but aren’t we all showing a few signs of aging?

Every spring, he takes his position to convince the birds that someone is watching.

Whether he actually scares birds away anymore is still up for debate. They may just wave as they fly by!

He has survived countless mowing seasons, flower bed makeovers, and more than a few curious squirrels.

Replacing him has crossed our minds… but it just wouldn’t feel the same.

There’s something comforting about looking outside and seeing Hoot faithfully standing in his usual spot.

He’s a little faded, a little worn, and definitely weathered, but he’s earned every crack and scratch.

● Hoot isn’t just a plastic owl—he’s a tradition  for our family.



It’s funny how certain little things become part of our lives. A plastic owl that cost only a few dollars has somehow become one of those familiar sights that makes our home feel complete. Seeing him outside each day gives us a sense of comfort, almost like he’s quietly keeping watch over everything.


One of these days, Hoot may finally retire. His cracks are getting bigger, and time has definitely taken its toll. But until that day comes, he’ll continue doing what he’s always done—standing proudly, watching over the yard, and bringing us the sweetest memories.


Do you have something around your home that has been with you for years? It may not be worth much to anyone else, but to you it’s filled with memories. I’d love to hear about it! 



Shug.....πŸ¦‰



 

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Christmas in July...

 Last week Trista and I stopped at a local restaurant for lunch, expecting nothing more than a quiet meal together. We most definitely were surprised at the scene we saw as we sat down.





In the dining room sat nearly thirty women celebrating Christmas in July. These ladies were impossible to miss! Bright red shirts, Christmas sweaters, Santa hats, jingling earrings, and enough holiday spirit that made both of us excited to see what was really happening...

I wish I had taken a photo of how cute they looked, but I was too involved in watching their excitement... 


This is Texas! The temperatures have been hovering around 100 degrees, and just looking at those sweaters made me start sweating! I honestly don’t know how they managed to wear any kind of sweater without melting into their chairs. But not one of them seemed to mind.



πŸŽ„This would be the Best I could do......


The room was filled with loud cheers, and each time one of the ladies would open their gift, there would be a burst of laughter.  Loud? Yes for sure, but it was so fun watching them. Even Trista and I could not wait for the next package to be opened so that we could see their excitement.  




This was a first for both Trista and myself to see a Christmas in July party....but it reminded me that we don’t have to wait until December to celebrate the season of giving. Nothing wrong with a little Christmas spirit in the middle of a long, hot summer.  It breaks up the routine, and I suppose it gives friends a reason to gather.


My brain was thinking the entire time about what fun gifts one could give for a Christmas in July party...  And the good thing is (πŸ˜‚) you could find plenty of Christmas wrapping at Hobby Lobby..

Do you think that this is why this store puts out the Christmas paper so early in July?  just kidding!!


Who says Christmas has to be snowflakes and fireplaces? This party looked like sunshine, fun Christmas wrapping and some really neat homemade Santa hats!




While watching those ladies, I realized that joy doesn’t necessary belong to a season. It belongs to the people who choose to create it. These adorable ladies were not waiting for December to celebrate friendship. Instead, they made an ordinary summer afternoon feel like a holiday.


Maybe that’s the real lesson of Christmas in July. Celebrate often. Laugh loudly. Gather your friends. Exchange a few thoughtful gifts. Make memories whenever you can.




Have you ever attended a Christmas in July party? If so, I’d love to hear about it! What fun gifts did you exchange, and do you think you could survive wearing a Christmas sweater in the Texas heat?


Shug....πŸŽ„πŸŽ…

Monday, July 20, 2026

COFFEE AND A GOOD PIE

 


This made me laugh this morning!!  

I grabbed a cup this morning to start my morning coffee...  You know how it is when you first get up out of bed.... eyes barely open, just needing to get some coffee in you.  

It wasn't until after I joined Sam outside that I realized my cup had a popsicle on it!!  It definitely is "Sweet Summertime" but I feel like a nice serving of lemonade or fruit punch might taste better in this particular cup.  

Oh well....I drank my coffee and pretended that I had snowflakes on the front of my cup!!  It tasted pretty GOOD!!
________

Switching Gears Here!!

So, my kiddos were in Florida all last week.. 
They enjoyed the beach and all of the FUN things that go along with being on vacation..in Florida.

Our family has taken many vacations to Panama City and one of our all time favorite places to eat is "Captain Anderson's."  

If you are looking for GREAT Food, great service, a great atmosphere....AND the BEST desserts in Panama City, then Captain Anderson's is a must!!

Well.. Shanda, Tom and the family once again visited this awesome restaurant while they were there.  Not just once....but twice!!

One of my favorite desserts from there is the coconut cream pie!!

Guess What?

They brought back a WHOLE coconut cream pie for Sam and I to enjoy!!


LOL.....we did share with Trista and others that stopped by.  

We live 11 hours from PC, which is 704 miles away.
Tom and Shanda....purchased a styrofoam cooler...they froze water bottles the night before they were to head home, placed the frozen bottles in the bottom of the cooler and set the pie on top of them.   

This pie....was PERFECT when it arrived here at my house!!  

This is what I call LOVE.  

_____

Well friends...the temps today are suppose to reach near 100 degrees.  A dip in the pool will most likely happen...

NEW WEEK...NEW BLESSINGS...NEW OPPORTUNITIES!!
HAPPY MONDAY...

SHUG...



Meet "HOOT"

Let me introduce you all to "Hoot." I shared his picture for  Wordless Wednesday , but the truth is, Hoot has quite a story to tel...