Thanksgiving has come around again. It's been a year of ups, downs and a bit of sideways, but the picture says it all.

A Secret

These two look innocent, don't they? Don't let those faces fool you.

I knew something was up, but wasn't figuring on it being so big.

I've wanted one of these for a very long time, figuring I'd never get it.

Yep, it's a Kitchenaid stand mixer. Not just any Kitchenaid Stand mixer. It's the Professional 600 6 quart 500 Watt Stand Mixer! In Pistachio! The colorI have wanted since I can't remember when!

I need to name her. I need to find recipes. I need to remember how to breathe. I can't wait to crank her up! Thanks Honey!

View from my beach chair

We got away to Ocean City MD for a week. I ate crab, crab, more crab and lots more crab.

I am such a Maryland Girl! We visited with family, ate great food - notice a theme here - and sat on the beach. Just what we needed.

Hello, again

So where haveI been? Working for the most part. Summer season is short, so we are working longer hours. I wish I would have had more time to spend here:




When I have been home I've been scanning pictures and slides into the computer. I've found some gems.


This is my Dad and my Grandfather Meyers after going fishing at Fairview Beach in VA. It's a slide I had to be a bit creative with, but I think it turned out well.

My main project has been scanning Justin's life in pictures. It wound up being 12 full discs. That's him cleaning off the car after the Blizzard of '87.

This is 10 years later, when Justin was a member of the Cavaliers. Love the tans on my 2 guys!

I've been enjoying my trip down memory lane. I've still got boxes of photos and papers that need to be entered. I have laughed, cried and totally enjoyed myself. I'll write again, soon.

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Memorial Day

Here's some new pics of the treehouse and the house decorated in it's patriotic finery.

Wanna come take a nap in the hammock?

My little garden on the back deck. Peppers, tomatoes and some herbs. Sounds like a salad.

Front porch view. Yep, the propane tank is still where it belongs.

Rocker in a sunbeam. Can life get any better?

Front of the house. For some reason people slow down when they drive by.

I just like the angle of this shot.

A quick catch up.

The kids got moved, Justin and the Dads moved all the heavy stuff. I arrived in time to bring supper - I think I got the best end of it all. Paula was happy everything fit and the multiple mice found under the dryer were only cat toys.

We're seeing sunshine after an extended period of rain. Makes me not want to be at work. Hmmm is that any different from the other days?

2 weeks until I get one of the bestest birthday presents I've had in a long time. Nestor's sister will be coming down for my b-day weekend. She must really love me, as she has to leave her house at 3:30 am to make a 5:30 flight. I can't hardly wait!

Found a must make adult libation recipe. Bourbon Cherry Lemonade. I'll be testing it this weekend. If it's good I'll share the recipe. Can't see how it would be bad.....

Work calls. I have been doing web stuff and now have to go back and do real work. Have a great weekend!

Life

"So," you may ask, "where have I been?"


The short answer is I've just not written, because some of what I may have said would have been hurtful, far more than the original hurt. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to "edit posts". I've always found it easier to write rather than confront, so the writing part has been cathartic. I've not yet confronted the person or the problem, and probably never will, as I am a coward at heart.


Enough of that, that's why I haven't written. Now onto what's been happening otherwise. Spring has arrived in the mountains! We've not had a problem with pollen this year, as we are making up for the drought years all in one season! Everything has turned green, and if it's not a plant, then it's the stuff that shouldn't be. The decks, bird bath and driveway need washing and bleached, if you know what I mean.

I've had a wonderful visit with a lifelong friend. It was one of those things where the planets aligned and we got to spend a weekend together. We celebrated Christmases and birthdays past. She is a talented needlewoman and I was blessed with some pieces she made especially for me.

There is a 3rd piece but the pic looks awful, my fault. Years ago I chose the Christmas scene, long before we moved into our cabin. The pic in the first one was taken at her wedding, 6 years ago.

The same weekend that Deb and Jason were here, my middle brother, Kevin, was in the hospital with a brain aneurysm over the optic nerve. There was a bit of miscommunication between his significant other and my parents. Anyone that knows me will understand when I say I took matters into my own hands, found contacts through friends and hospitals and got directly to the hospital and the nurses involved. Middle man was effectively eliminated. Kevin is better, out of the hospital and recovering. I don't do drama any more than I do shopping.

Youngest brother, Kirk, has found a permanent job. He's given up travelling nursing, and found a job in a hospital near our parents in NC. Like many people, there was an extended period of time off prior to finding the new job. Mom and Dad have been hosting him for the last few months, and I am sure all are celebrating the new job!

J & P are in Vegas this week. She has a trade show and he has some vacation time. They've found a new place to live in Dahlonega, so when they get back, it's all packing and moving. It's a cute little house with a pretty view and a pond on the property. Lots of wildlife visit the area and P will have plenty of gardening opportunities.

I'm busy with work. We've had a media familiarization group come through, and just participated in National Tourism Week. We have revamped the shop and made changes to the snake room as well as the viewing gallery, with more decorating to come. We've designed new t-shirts using pictures of our bears. I'll be working on revamping our website, working with tour groups and doing most anything that needs to be done. We've got a new keeper for the bears and she is teaching me a lot about animal behavior. I'm tired, but having a blast!

I am waiting by the phone for news on our niece, Colleen. She is pregnant, a few days shy of 34 weeks, with some high blood pressure and is having strong contractions. She is in the hospital waiting for her dr to arrive. We're all praying baby Ryan will hang out in Mom a little longer.

I think that just about catches me up. I promise more pics of the treehouse, when it becomes a little drier out there. Thanks for your patience with me.

Spring, some more

Hubby was helpful with the pics for this post. They were taken May 1st, from his perspective on the hammock. I'll have him take more tomorrow, if it doesn't rain - again!

Humphrey

This is one of my all time favorites. I know you'll be walking around singing "put it in the bag bump bump". Updated Treehouse pics and a catch up ramble are coming soon!

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Ahhh Spring in the Georgia mountains!

These pictures were taken yesterday morning. We've got lots of leaves budding, azalea ready to bloom and a few blooms on the dogwood. I LOVE watching spring unfurl her leaves.
Scroll down to see what we woke up to this morning.

Yep, snow. We'll be back in the 70's by Thursday. Welcome to spring in northeast Georgia!

Spring

I had the great idea of sharing with you the treehouse as it changes during the spring. These pics were taking at the stroke of spring, March 20th.

This is the view from the back door.

From the far end of the deck.

From the front door to the right. A little further over is the propane tank.

To the left of the front door.

I hope to post each week, so you can see my favorite place.

A Foggy Morning

We've had some wet weather here in Northeast Georgia. Rain for a number of days straight. I'm okay with the rain, but not the temperature changes. One day it's a warmish rainy spring day, then the next day is the cold, end of winter rainy day. I know I shouldn't complain. I'm prayerful for those that live along the Red River. We haven't had the snow and rain extremes like my friends in Nebraska. We've been in a drought situation for years here, so it's good to see the rivers and lakes filling up again. It was nice to wake up this morning to no rain drops and the peaceful quiet that only a foggy morning can have. May you have the peace of my foggy morning for the rest of your day.

This is so my sister in law!

Minus the screaming in my left ear!
Love You Weiner!



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So Sorry

I have no idea where the last month went. I had intended to blog, but intentions aren't quite deeds. I've been working some and enjoying the treehouse on sunny days. I've gotten some books read and some work done. Today I went to the local beauty school for some much needed maintenance. This is before - at 8 this morning:





Here is after, at about 1 this afternoon:

It's amazing what a cut, color and highlights will do for a girl. My hair will never be styled like this again. I don't own a hair dryer, curling iron, straightener or curlers. 2 brushes and a comb work perfectly fine for me.

I'll be back soon. I promise.

A Nice Afternoon

Don't they look yummy! Golumpki, Cabbage Rolls or Pigs. Whatever you call them they are delicious! Paula's mom, Chris, and I spent a wonderful afternoon creating a roasting pan full of them, using her moms recipe. As we cooked, stuffed and rolled we talked a lot about our kids, our husbands and about life in general. It's a real blessing to discover how well you get along with the family of the woman your son has chosen to be his life's mate. I am unbelievably blessed.

A Mother's Chagrin

I'm spending some time with my parents in North Carolina. Mom does a lot of needlework, mostly needlepoint nowadays, but she used to do crewel, counted cross stitch, knitting and crocheting. I didn't get this gene. When I was younger I tried. I really did. Not relaxing. Not theraputic. The thought of needlework causes hives. Hot glue is too much for me. I love her work, and she's happily making a pillow with a million flowers and colors for the windowseat in my dining room. Maybe one of my brothers will be like Rosie Greer and pick up needlepoint. Love you Mom!

Ready for spring and a few things I've learned

I have started some spring cleaning and redecorating. I'm not generally a pink person, but there is something about spring that makes me think pink. Hubby found some cool tea cup/saucer hangers at a craft store for clearance pricing. They were brass, and I dislike that color. Out came the spray paint, and voila! I gathered my pink hued glassware and some teacups that were in the storage cabinet and the buffet is ready for spring. It's my little piece of happy, now that the weather has gone cold again.

Some things I've learned over the past week:

Silicone spatulas are awesome. Just make sure that the handle is silicone or something other than plastic that won't melt. That pan of beans went into the trash.

Silicone spatulas are awesome. After you have melted one, make sure you don't replace it with one with a metal handle. OUCH

Silicone spatulas are awesome. I finally learned my lesson and got one with a wooden handle and all is well. I smarten up over time.

I'm heading to NC for a visit with my parents. I'll be helping with a little bit of spring cleaning, teaching some new computer stuff and enjoying a visit. I'll be sharing pictures and annoying their cat. I'll post pics when I get back.

Daffodils are up here. Spring is coming. That's plenty of happy for me today. Take the time to find yours.

True Love

We had to run some errands using hubby's truck. It's a work truck. I seldom ride in it, as there are usually drop cloths, tools, paint color charts and other painting contractor paraphernalia taking up the passenger seat. It generally smells like sweatsocks after gym class. As I was finishing up getting ready to leave, he went out to clear the seat for me. When I met him outside, he held the door for me as I got in to a fresh smelling truck. I looked at him, he looked at me with a big smile and said " I thought you'd appreciate it." After 30 years, that's better than Valentine's Day. I Love You, honey.

Oh So True

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Hungry

I am having one of those days. I'm hungry. Doesn't matter that I had oatmeal for breakfast, a turkey sandwich and chips for lunch, and a few dark chocolate kisses for a snack. I'm prowling the house looking for something to eat. I've got chili on the stove, there won't be any left for supper if I don't stop "checking the spices".

I don't know what I'm hungry for. Am I bored? Probably. Maybe I'll make a cake, but I'll eat just one piece and hubby doesn't need the rest to himself. I made salsa yesterday, for something to do. Don't want it any more. Sigh.

The good news, there's food in the house. That's something to be happy about.

I think I'll put on my shoes and take a walk. That should take away the hungries.

My Favorite Superbowl ad

Cough, Cough

I've been battling a bit of a cold. Nothing major, but I hate the cough tht comes with the "drainage". I am not much of a medicine taker, but in the last week have tried a few different combinations with little result. Hubby reminded me that we still have some of "Grandma's Cough Drops" in the fridge. Woo Hoo! Coughing has stopped! This is a picture of them:
Ok, so why am I showing you a picture of marachino cherries? Oh, but they are not ordinary cherries!
A long time ago a friend of my Dad told him of their family holiday tradition of steeping cherries in vodka. Dad decided to try it, and put them to steep at Halloween. Christmas Day came and Dad offered them around, not telling what they were. My grandmother was skeptical, but took one anyway. She bit down, and started coughing from the ingestion of straight vodka. She called Dad some impolite names as we all laughed at her. Dad left the cherries on the table and we all enjoyed a few, but the best was Mom-Mom. She would do a polite ladies cough and decide that she needed another one! She was a bit tipsy by the end of that day!
Fast forward 20 years. The torch has been passed and now our son makes the cherries. This year he decided to try something different, Bacardi 151!!! Wooooo dogggggiiiieeee! These are potent!
My happiness today, is the remembering of the story and family traditions. Oh and yes, I feel much better. Hmmm, I feel another coughing fit coming on. I'd best go take my medicine.

Nothing Better!

I am the proudest of great Aunts. Our niece and nephew by marriage happily share pics of their little guy, The Robster. Is there anything cuter than a baby's butt?!! I LOVE this picture and I hope it makes you smile, too.

An opinion

I wish I could be as eloquent as my friend Terri. She is the author of a blog I enjoy greatly, http://www.xanga.com/pennyannpoundwise

I wanted to share with you something she wrote. I feel exactly as she does, and am so thankful for Terri allowing me to share it with you.

Opinionated Coffee Cup
Join me here with a cup of coffee while I air a few thoughts about the current hub bub.

All weekend long I've heard a copious amount of news, opinions, debates, chronicles and more about our incoming president. Almost every single one promotes the idea that the moment our new president is inaugurated, life as we know it will forever be sunshine, rainbows and bliss.

It's my opinion that an awful lot of people are going to be sadly and badly disappointed. And it's a darned shame!

Whether or not I voted for Obama is not at stake here. He is my president and I will pray daily for him to have wisdom and wise counsel in all he does. As a Southerner, who well remembers separate drinking fountains and desegregation and such, I am proud that as a nation we've made this vast step forward. But what we have to remember here is that if race doesn't matter, then we shouldn't be making such a huge fuss over his race. Let's make a big deal over his ideals instead. Let's make a big deal out of his party if we must, but for heaven's sake let's remember that he is a man: human, intelligent, with faults and virtues like any other.

I am concerned at the unrealistic views of those who are so vocal in the media. Because Obama is untried, inexperienced and new to the tasks at hand. He's going to have a thousand and ten new things to learn, as anyone who takes on a new job. He will struggle with making difficult and life altering decisions. He will make choices that are unpopular with his own party as well as to the opposing party.

He is a young man who will leave office as aged as any other before him. The job of the presidency takes a tremendous toll on the leaders who are chosen to fill that position. Take a look at any president's before and after photographs. The stress and strain of the position is visible in every grey hair, every line of their face.

He doesn't have a magic wand to wave and make all things as all people would wish them immediately. There will be choices that are heart wrenching for him. He will make great decisions and grave mistakes. There are problems to be solved that will take years to fix, and nothing will overnight be set right after the stroke of midnight on January 21.

Whether or nor he was your choice as president, let me urge each of you to pray for him daily while he is in office. He will need every prayer he can get! May God bless him and his family.

Today's joy

No, this isn't a recent picture. It's a few years old, but it's the picture I thought of when I read this quote:

"Home is any four walls that enclose the right person" -Helen Rowland

44 Question Meme

If you are reading this, consider yourself tagged to put it on your blog.

44 Question Meme
Taken from http://daycaredaze.wordpress.com/
1) Favorite object in your room? Antique vanity table that hubby refinished

2) Have you ever smoked a cigarette?Yes. Just once Yuck

3) Do you own guns?No.

4) What flavor drink do you get at sonic?Watermelon

5) Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Yes

6) What do you think of hot dogs?Love them grilled

7) Favorite song?Right now? Toes by the Zac Brown Band.

8.) Can you do push ups? No

9) Can you do a chin up? Only by throwing my head back.

10) Favorite type of jewlery? Watches

11) Do you like blue cheese? Love it

12) Ever been in a car wreck? Yes

13) What’s one trait that you hate about yourself? weight

14) Middle name? Kimberly

15) Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment: I'm freezing, dinner was good and I need a cup of tea.

16) Name 3 things you bought yesterday. No shopping yesterday

17) Name 3 drinks you drink regularly ? Sweet tea, hot tea, wine

18.) Current worry? Will hubby get work soon

19) Current hate right now?My weight.

20) How did you bring in the New Year? Set the alarm to wake up to see the year end.

21) Where would you like to be right now? Any warm Pacific island will do

22) Name three people who will complete this?No. Idea.

23) Do you own slippers? Yes.

24) What shirt are you wearing? Pink sweatshirt

25) Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? No. They make funky skritchy noises

26) Can you whistle? No

27) Would you be a pirate? No.

28.) What songs do you sing in the shower? Whatever is on the radio at the time

29) Favorite girl’s name? Amanda

30) Favorite boy’s name? Justin

31) What’s in your pocket? No pockets

32) Last person who made you laugh? Charlie Gibson

33) Best memory as a child? Going to my grandparents house at the bay. Swimming, boating, catching blue crabs and just hanging out on the porch.

34) Worst injury you’ve ever had?badly sprained ankles

35) Do you love where you live? Yes.

36.) How many TVs do you have in your house? One

37) Who is your loudest friend? SOmeone on hubby's side of the family. I'm NOT naming names.

38.) How many dogs do you have? None.

39) Does someone have a crush on you?Someone loves me, which is much better.

40) What is your favorite candy? Anything caramel

41) Favorite Sport?To watch or to play? To watch - football To play? indoor games

42) Where is the next place you want to travel to? DC

43) What were you doing 12 AM last night? Wandering the house hoping to sleep

44) What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? My feet are cold!

Thoughts

I've been giving thought to the direction and theme I want to take this blog. I've decided that not only will I continue my ramblings from the treehouse, I will make certain to share with you the daily joys and happiness in my life. There's too few joys right now and I need positive affirmation that all is good. I invite you to share yours with me.



This joy is my hubby working on something for my work. My joy comes from watching him help me.

This joy is our warm cat, Spot. With her insecurities and penchant for ripping through the house, she keeps us quite entertained.

Find a happiness in your day today.

So where have I been?

Hmmmm.

The short answer is I've been lazy. The long answer is, well, longer.

Work got crazy. We ran a 50% off everything in the store sale from the 18th of December until our close for the season date of January 4th. I had Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off, then worked every day through the end. I was amazed at what people will buy when marked half off! Long and frenetic days, to say the least!

January 5th was hubby's birthday. The kids took us out for dinner to celebrate. I took him shopping for some new clothes for me. I had put off buying new dress slacks too long. I had need for dress clothes later in the week, so delaying any longer was not an option. I loathe shopping. I had 2 stores in mind to visit. I hit pay dirt on the first store! Walked in, found a sale rack, pulled 4 pairs of pants that should fit and went to try them on. 2 of the 4 were perfect! Exactly what I needed! Took them to the checkout, and they were on clearance. I was willing to pay the sale price, so getting them for a third of the price I was elated! Then it was on to find tops. 8 stores later I found 2 that "would work". Ugh

Thursday, Sunday and Monday I shopped for work. I'd never been on a buying trip before, and this was interesting. It's hard to put aside personal style and order things that are within the style of the offering in the store. The best part of it all was that I got to see Tyler Florence give a demo of recipes from his newest cookbook.

Since then, I've been happily enjoying a mini vacation. The store remains closed until the first weekend in March, so I have a few weeks to relax. We've been scanning old pictures into the computer and enjoying trips down memory lane. I'm reading a book a day, catching up on housework and cooking. I've started a workout video, hopefully I will keep it up.

That's the long version of where I've been. Sorry it's been so long.

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