Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Chronically Vintage contest!

I have been "stalking" this site for just awhile, but truly enjoy her pictures and her posts. That's what leads me to post here today. I figured "what the heck!" I'm going get myself TWO chances in for this drawing! Here's the deal, copied and pasted here from her post:


Starting today *posted first on Monday November 16th* and running until Monday November 30, 2009 at 11:59pm (EST), I’m delighted to offer you, my fantastic readers (who are an integral part of helping to make Chronically Vintage what it is) a chance to win your own set (identical to the ones pictured above) of eight Jessie Willcox Smith vintage art cards, which retail for $48.00, from Traditional Toys. Strung on cheerfully colourful organza ribbon in various hues, the set of eight art cards are immensely lovely. Coming in at 8.5 by 8.5 inches, each card features a different vintage image!

To enter for your chance to win, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post. *PLEASE SEE NOTE BELOW!* If you write about this giveaway on your own blog/site and then come back and tell me about it, you’ll automatically be entered a second time. That’s it! I’m not a fan of elaborate blog giveaway rules that want you to jump through hoops, instead I’d much rather ensure this contest is open to every single one of my amazing readers who leave a comment.

This giveaway is open to Chronically Vintage readers worldwide, so no matter where you live, please don’t hesitate to enter. One lucky winner will be drawn at random on December 1st, and announced via a blog post that same day. Best of luck to all who enter!


*NOTE: My dear family 'n friends, go to Jessica's site via clicking on the title of this post and see about YOUR getting a chance for these prints!!

Many thanks for stopping by too! {{huggz!!}}
ღწ♥

Sunday, October 18, 2009

New grandbabies!

First came Ashley Marie Walden, October 7th, 2009 @ 4:12-PM CNT MTN at 7lbs 8oz and 19.5" long:

Momma Susan feelin better now!
Ashley Marie
See Daddy, nuffin's in ma mouff
Look at thos kissable cheeks!!
Megan said, 'I love her so much already!' as Charile looks on
My son, one proud daddy!

Then came Wyatt Hamilton Grimshaw, October 13th, 2009 at 4:05-AM PDT. He weighed in at 9-lbs 4.6-oz and measured 21.5" long:

Wyatt Hamilton
Momma Jen looks over at Wyatt
Daddy's a lil bit 'nervous'!
All clean 'n sleepy...
What a beautiful BIG boy!

*Pennie-pooh ... I have NOT forgotten that I want to call you, I've just been soooo busy! I love you and am posting these pictures here just for YOU~!! {{huggz!!!}}

ღწ♥

Sunday, October 4, 2009

My Kids Got Baptized!

Yes indeed, today was the day! I am so proud to say the least. Saturday evening, we went over the meaning of baptism and looked up scriptures in the Bible relating to Jesus's baptism and how this is their public admission of choosing to live a life modeled after Jesus ... and they both agreed that this was all in order of what they wanted. Bill took a few pictures and I'm posting them below. If you click on the title above, it will take you to our church's website. Kody went first:

Pastor Rick asks if Kody would like to say anything?
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit ...
Bill wasn't able to get one of her having been "dunked" ...

and this is Kody's sister Audrey
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit ...

Does it look like to you that Pastor really ENJOYS doing this part of his job!? I think he really does what with the smile on his face!
Audrey also sang in choir today and she did wonderful ...

I'm in the front row!
I'm the only one wearing stripes!
Lifting hands in praise and honor!
... gosh, what a great day today!
ღწ♥

*remember to hover your cursor over the picture for text!*

Monday, September 21, 2009

Do You Have 60 Seconds to Help Fight Breast Cancer? We Thought So!: glamour.com

*TAKEN FROM WEBSITE VIA CLICKABLE TITLE*

To help encourage 1 million women to participate in research about the causes and prevention of breast cancer, The Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation/Army of Women asked film students to create short Public Service Announcements about the cause. We love the idea so much that we will be airing the four top videos right here on glamour.com, today through Thursday. On Friday, we'll ask you to vote for your favorite. Let's check out the first one!

Of their video, One Million Strong, Brent McHenry and Nick Wenger, of the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, say:

"It's about...literally stepping up to the frontline of the battle against this terrible disease...While using the powerful and appropriate metaphor of pink bras, women assemble a chain that brings them together across the globe."





Thank you for watching! What do you think? Are you inspired to get involved?

Be sure to come back each day this week to watch the rest of the Love/Army of Women videos and vote for the most engaging, empowering one on Friday! Your vote will help the organization pick the video that will motivate millions of women to take the next step and sign up to join the Army of Women.

Get more information, and take the next step yourself by signing up at:

http://www.armyofwomen.org


Remember: Finding the cause of breast cancer and preventing it starts with one--YOU.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

So Yesterday

Priscilla Richardson

"Forever, O Lord, Your Word is settled in heaven." Psalm 119:89 (NASB)


We live in a society that prizes change. Whether it's the most recent dictum of haute couture from the world of fashion, or the latest in technical gadgets, we are enamored with the idea that newer and different is better.

Let the word "change" fall from a politician's lips, and his or her future is suddenly golden. Discontented with the ordinariness of our lives, we are often an easy sell. So much so, in fact, that one of the quickest ways to kill an idea or project is to describe it as "so yesterday."

Obviously, some changes are positive and some are negative. But too much change, or change for the wrong reasons, can leave us scrambling for the higher ground of stability. When we are forced by circumstances to ride those roiling seas of change, to what do we cling to maintain our emotional and spiritual equilibrium? In Psalm 61:2, David said, "When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I" (NKJV).

Isn't that what we all want - a sense of permanence in a world of change and restlessness? Solid ground when we can't touch bottom? Stillness in place of agitation?

God's Word tells us that all these are possible because of one man, and His name is Jesus. "For he himself is our peace," (Ephesians 2:14, NIV), the One who never changes. The "same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8, NIV). The unshakeable foundation beneath our feet when everything in our world totters (Psalm 40:2).

How comforting to know that our lives are encompassed by an eternally present Christ. He is our Alpha and Omega, our Beginning and our End. Who He is and what He says stands…

Uncontradicted.

Unoverturned.

Forever.

Long after you and I are considered history and "so yesterday," Jesus will still be. Describing the uniqueness of our God, Eugene Peterson in The Message asks, "Are we not at bedrock?" (Psalm 18:31).

Indeed.

Dear Lord, as everything around me changes, may I rest my heart on the firm foundation of Your Word, which never goes out of style or needs revision. May I rejoice in its timeless truth and rest in its awesome strength to transform my sometimes erratic life into a place of peace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

ღწ♥

Monday, August 31, 2009

The Real Me

Renee Swope

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." Psalm 139:13 (NIV)

I sat in the circle dreading my turn to talk. The facilitator of our team-building activity had asked our group of eight to answer these questions: What do you love to do? If finances were unlimited and failure was unlikely, what would be your dream?

I started praying we'd run out of time before it got to me. But just in case I had to answer, I listened to everyone else describe their dreams, hoping to get ideas. One wanted to be the first female president of the United States. Another friend said she'd always wanted to sing in a Christian rock band. I knew I was in trouble.

Here I was 32-years-old at the time, and I didn't know who I was or what my dreams were. Eventually everyone looked at me for a response. I stumbled over my words but finally admitted that I didn't really know what I loved to do. I didn't have a dream. I felt like a third-grader living in a grown woman's body. Did I want to be a nurse, a schoolteacher or a movie star?

Who was I and what did I like to do?

Unfortunately, I'd never taken time to think about or answer that questions. Instead, I had tried to be who others wanted or needed me to be. But honestly, I wasn't very good at it. I often had this uneasy feeling in my heart and a sense of just not being happy. I was also a constant candidate for burn out.

Later the group facilitator encouraged me to ask God what His dreams were for my life and to spend time getting to know myself better. She also suggested I read some books on personalities. I took her advice and began a process of getting to know the "real me" who had gotten buried in the busyness of life and people pleasing.

As I read books about different temperaments and personality traits, I started to recognize what I liked, strengths that came natural for me, and what I needed emotionally to encourage my heart. Instead of wanting to be like women I knew and admired, I realized there was a reason I was who I was – with my passionate preferences and mixed bag of emotions. For the first time I felt like someone (the author of those books) understood me. I also sensed that God wanted to use the unique way He made me to shape my heart for ministry.

Isn't it easy to completely neglect ourselves to meet the needs of everyone around us, and call it self-sacrifice? It sounds godly, but in doing so we risk shutting down a place in our soul where God's dreams and gifts are waiting to be revealed. It's not self-seeking but God-seeking to intentionally get to know and become the woman He created you to be.

So, how well do you know the real you ? Have you ever taken time to think about what you like to do? How would you fill your free time if you had no fears, no insecurities and no doubts? (You probably have no free time, but what if you did?) What are your dreams?

I hope you'll take time to get to know the woman God created you to be. In doing so, I discovered the life I was meant to live, the dreams I was meant to dream.

Remember, God made you. He knows you and He loves you just the way you are. The only change He desires is that you become more like Him, as you become more like you!

Lord, I want to know the woman You had in mind when You created me. I don't want to grow old and never know Your purpose for my life. Show me your dreams for my life so I can offer what You want to give to those around me through my unique desires, personality strengths, spiritual gifts, abilities and experiences. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

ღწ♥

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Thursday, August 27, 2009

27 Aug 2009

Lysa TerKeurst

"I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws." Psalm 119:30 (NIV)

As a little girl, I had longed for a daddy to pick me up, swing me around, and tell me I was lovely and loved. When this childhood longing went unmet, it became an adult emptiness and brokenness that drove me to seek out all kinds of misguided remedies.

My primary remedy was to look for someone or something that would make me feel loved and significant. It's as if I carried around a little heart-shaped cup and extended it to whatever or whomever I perceived might fill it.

I presented the cup to my education: "Will you fill me?"

I offered it to my husband: "Will you fill me?"

I held it out to my child: "Will you fill me?"

I extended it to my material possessions: "Will you fill me?"

I presented it to each of my jobs: "Will you fill me?"

Within these questions were many more entanglements: "Will you right all my wrongs?" "Will you fill up my insecurities?" "Will you make me feel significant?" The more I offered my emptiness hoping something could fill it, the more frustrated I felt.

And when I had grown in my faith, I was especially perplexed. Wasn't being a Christian supposed to fix these kinds of issues in my heart? What was I missing?

Have you ever been there?

Why is it so tempting to look to things of this world for fulfillment? This notion that worldly things can fulfill is all around us. It's on TV, the focus of countless secular songs, and it's what dominates American advertisements. I can't even stand in the grocery store checkout lane without being bombarded with suggestions for a more fulfilling life. A better husband. A better body. A better career. A more beautifully decorated house. The magazines seem so slick, their promises so enticing. They sneak into our thought processes and make us think, "If only I had _______________, I'd be so happy. I'd be so fulfilled."

So, we chase and chase until we bankrupt our relationships, our bank accounts, and our very souls. The reality is every single thing the world offers is temporary. No person, possession, profession, or position can ever fill the cup of a wounded, empty heart—not my heart, not your heart. It's an emptiness only God can fill.

Whatever "if only I had" statement we are struggling with, we can replace it with solid truths from Scripture that will never leave us empty. It's a bold statement to make and might even sound a bit trite, but it's true.

When God's Word gets inside of us, it becomes the new way we process life. It rearranges our thoughts, our motives, our needs, and our desires. Our soul was tailor made to be filled with God and His truth; therefore, it seeps into every part of us and fills us completely. It is the only perfect fit.

Dear Lord, we ask today that You set within us a passion for Your Word. A passion that will override the fleshly desire within us to chase after fulfillment from people, possessions, professions, or positions. Lord, help us place the highest importance on getting into Your Word every day. And may we always approach Your Word with a humility of need and a heart ready to receive all You want to teach us. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

ღწ♥

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

National Banana Split Day!

Oh my YUMALICIOUS!!

August 25, 2009 is National Banana Split Day!

The perfect recipe for a banana split consists of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream, hot fudge, fresh strawberries, whip cream, and don't forget a banana, of course! Americans have been enjoying this delicious dessert for over 100 years.

In 1904 pharmacy student Evans Strickler invented the banana split when he decided to cut a banana in half and pour ice cream and toppings over it. Back then his prized invention sold for only 10 cents!

The best way to celebrate National Banana Split Day is to take part in this American tradition and make your own banana split with your favorite toppings!

ღწ♥

Friday, August 21, 2009

Friday Fill-In

And...here we go! Replace my bold words with YOUR words!

  1. I remember, I remember , that time in September ...

  2. Dear Friends, I want you to know I am SO blessed to have YOU in my life! ... {{huggz!}} ...

  3. Is that my cell phone ringing!!???

  4. I'm trying to resist the temptation of eating ice-cream before bed ...

  5. I'm saving a seat just for you!

  6. If I made a birthday list YOU would definitely be on it!!!

  7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching a movie on my DVR, tomorrow my plans include spending time with my family and Sunday, I want to chillax!

You can get your 'Friday Fill-In' clicking on the title above or using the button in the left ♥FAVORITE SITES column. *or re-post in a comment below!*

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Obama Care

ouga-booga

Sorry ... couldn't resist ...

Saturday, July 18, 2009

No words needed ...

hellooo in therrre ...

This just cracked me up~! *pun intended*

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

A Safety Suggestion

How to hold on while the train is in motion ...
in order to avoid falling.



I was referring to the older gentleman by the door!
But you knew that ...

Thursday, June 11, 2009

The Liberal Messiah

Written by an unknown Preacher's Wife, and brilliantly said:

And it came to pass in the Age of Insanity that the people of the land called America , having lost their morals, their work initiative, and their will to defend their liberties, chose as their Supreme Leader that person known as "The One".

He emerged from the vapors with a message that had no meaning; but He hypnotized the people telling them, "I am sent to save you. My lack of experience, my questionable ethics, my monstrous ego, and my association with evil doers are of no consequence. For I shall save you with Hope and Change. Go, therefore, and proclaim throughout the land that he who preceded me is evil, that he has defiled the nation, and that all he has built must be destroyed."

And the people rejoiced, for even though they knew not what "The One" would do, he had promised that he would bring change, and they proclaimed "Yes We Can".

And "The One" said "We live in the greatest country in the world. Help me change everything about it!"

And the people said, "Hallelujah!! Change is good!"

Then He said, "We are going to tax the rich fat-cats,"---- And the people said "Sock it to them!" "---- and "Redistribute their wealth." And then He said, "Redistribution of wealth is good for everybody" And the people said, "Show us the money!" And Joe the plumber asked, "Are you kidding me? You're going to steal my money and give it to the deadbeats??" And "The One" ridiculed and taunted him, and Joe's personal records were hacked, publicized, and ridiculed; though no crime could be found.

One lone reporter asked, "That shouldn't be, isn't that Marxist policy?" And she was banished from the kingdom! Then a citizen asked, "With no foreign relations experience and having zero military experience or knowledge, how will you deal with radical terrorists?" And "The One" said, "Simple. I shall sit with them and talk kindly to them and show them how nice we really are; and they will forget that they ever wanted to kill us all!"

And the people said, "Hallelujah!! We are safe at last, and we can beat our weapons into free cars for the people!" Then "The One" said, "I shall give 95% of you lower taxes." And one, lone voice said, "But 40% of us don't pay ANY taxes." So "The One" said, "Then I shall give you some of the taxes the fat-cats pay!" And the people said, "Hallelujah!! Show us the money!"

Then "The One" said, "I shall tax your Capital Gains when you sell your homes!" And the people yawned and the already slumping housing market fully collapsed. And He said, "I shall mandate employer-funded health care for EVERY worker and raise the minimum wage, and lower the white collar wage. And I shall also give every person unlimited healthcare and medicine and even transportation to the free clinics." And the people said, "Give me some of that!"

Then he said, "I shall penalize employers who ship jobs overseas." And the people said, "Where's my rebate check?" Then "The One" said, "I shall bankrupt the coal industry, and perhaps even the oil industry (Cap & Trade/Carbon Tax) and though electricity rates will skyrocket, we shall soon build wind farms and solar power stations and drive green cars that I shall mandate in Detroit!" And the people said, "Coal is dirty, coal is evil, no more coal! But we don't care for that part about higher electric rates."

So "The One" said, "Not to worry. If your rebate ($10/week) isn't enough to cover your extra expenses ($3,000/year), we shall bail you out. Just sign up with ACORN and your troubles are over!" "Only the fat cats will have to pay." Then He said, "Illegal immigrants feel scorned and slighted. Let's grant them amnesty, Social Security, free education, free lunches, free medical care, bi-lingual signs and guaranteed housing..." And the people said, "Hallelujah!!" And they made him King!

And so it came to pass that employers, facing spiraling costs and ever-higher taxes, raised their prices and laid off workers; though they sold much less of their products. Others simply gave up and went out of business, and the economy sank like unto a rock dropped from a cliff. The banking industry was destroyed. Manufacturing slowed to a crawl. And more of the people were without a means of support.

So "The One" again blamed the prior administration, extended unemployment benefits to a year, bailed out his favorite banks, and then took over the banks and auto industries. "The One" said, "I am the "The One" - The Messiah - and I'm here to save you! We shall just print more money so the government will have enough!" "Surely one trillion dollars will make everyone happy." And immediately the Fed complied and the money presses roared. And China reconsidered their one trillion dollars of loans to the US ,, and threatened to call in their debts.

Other foreign trading partners said unto "The One", "Wait a minute. Your dollar is not worth a pile of camel dung! You will have to pay more.. for everything.. as your dollar becomes worth less." And the people said, "Wait a minute.. That is unfair!!" And the world said, "Neither are these other idiotic programs you have embraced.

Lo, you have become a Socialist state and a second-rate power. What factories are not owned by your government are owned by us. Now you shall play by our rules!" And "The One" said "Americans are arrogant, divisive, and derisive!" "We will listen."

And the people cried out, "Alas, alas!! What have we done?" But yea verily, it was too late. The people eventually set upon "The One" and spat upon him and stoned him, and his name was dung. But the once mighty nation was no more; and the once proud people were without sustenance or shelter or hope. And the Change that "The One" had given them was as like unto a poison that had destroyed them from within, and like a whirlwind that consumed all that they had built.

And the people beat their chests in despair and cried out in anguish, "Give us back our nation and our pride and our hope!!" But it was too late, and the once-glorious "Home of the Brave and Land of the Free" was no more..

**note: You may think this is a fairy tale, but it's not. It's happening RIGHT NOW, Already everything down to the last couple of lines....

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Unconscious Mutterings

"Rules are, there are no rules." There are no right or wrong answers. Don't limit yourself to one word responses; just say everything that pops into your head!

  1. Nursery :: Rocking Grandma. What you volunteer to be.

  2. Side effect :: What happens when you suddenly stop something ...

  3. Heart to heart :: ... sometimes words need not be uttered.

  4. Try :: If at first you don't succeed ...

  5. Hog :: Canyon ... a place in the backwoods of Paso Robles, CA.

  6. Symptom :: makes me wonder what the cause is.

  7. Collide :: ... when two worlds collide ... ?

  8. Fury :: ANGER!

  9. Incorporated :: the town I live in was officially done in 1979.

  10. Summer :: VACATION time!

Get your muttering at: Unconscious Mutterings, and have some fun!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Ancient Words

Tracie Miles

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1 (NIV)

It caught me off guard. While standing and singing praise and worship songs during our Sunday morning worship service, the choir began singing a song that I was not familiar with. It was called Ancient Words, written by Lynn DeShazo in 1999. As we came to the chorus of the song, each member of the choir held their Bibles up in the air, and within moments, scores of people in our congregation began lifting their Bibles to the heavens as they sang. The sight of all of those Bibles lifted high in the air, resting on the melodies of praise that were being sung to our God, literally took my breath away.

I began to consider the importance that we put o n ancient things. Antique furniture, our grandmother's fine china, estate jewelry, old pictures, and precious family heirlooms all come to mind. I began to wonder why these things are so important to us. Is it just because they are old and from another point in time? Is it because they belonged to people we love? Or is it our desire to simply have a piece of something that came into existence before we were born?

I believe that we not only long for antiques, or ancient things, but we often long for how things were in the ancient days. The days when morals were the driving force for how to live one's life. The days when God was an integral part of our education system, our workplace, and our communities. The days when we could speak of our faith without worrying about offending someone. The days when we could raise our children based on biblical principles without feeling like the minority. And the days when our country was founded on Jesus Christ, and proud of that found ational belief.

As time passes, things change, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. But our hope lies in knowing that there is one thing never changes…God's Word and the truths that are found in His Word.

In ancient days, and today, the Bible invites us to discover the covenant relationship that the Lord desires to have with each of us. Through the words of those holy pages, we are taught how to live a life that pleases Him, and how to embrace His commandments for living. Through God's Word we learn how to deal with adversity and stand strong in the face of opposition and suffering. We find hope, grace, forgiveness, peace and purpose.

Those ancient Holy words give us the courage, freedom and strength to live in a world that may not value the most precious antique of all.

God's ancient words will never change, and our hearts do not have to change either if we hold tight to our faith. God's Word is timeless.

Just as the passing of time makes an antique even more valuable, the same goes for God's Word. Its value increases with each passing day, encourages every generation, and holds true to the end of time. It is our choice whether or not we will treasure God's Word in our hearts.

Dear Lord, build in me a hunger for Your Word that can only be met by spending time with You. Help me treasure the Bibles in my household more than any other items I own. Help me to pass down a passion for Your Word to my family and friends so that I can pass down the most valuable of all antiques. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

The lyrics of the song "Ancient Words":
Holy words long preserved for our walk in this world
They resound with God's own heart; O let the ancient words impart
Words of life, words of hope; Give us strength, help us cope

In this world where'er we roam, ancient words will guide us home
Holy words of our faith, handed down to this age
Came to us through sacrifice; O heed the faithful words o f Christ!
Martyrs' blood stains each page, they have died for this faith
Hear them cry through the years, "Heed these words and hold them dear!"

Chorus:
Ancient words, ever true
Changing me and changing you
We have come with open hearts
O let the ancient words impart

~♥ღ~

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Unconscious Mutterings

"Rules are, there are no rules." There are no right or wrong answers. Don't limit yourself to one word responses; just say everything that pops into your head!

  1. Lisa :: and Boo ... go together like peanut butter 'n jam!

  2. Hope :: Faith and Love. But the greatest of these is love.

  3. Irene :: My sister's middle name. Also a song I love by Toby Mac.

  4. Tony :: My oldest son. Charles Anthony Walden, aka: Tony

  5. Anna :: Anna bo bana, banana fana fo fana, fe fi fo mana, Anna!

  6. Dolly :: Carol Channing, singing Hello Dolly ... dang. I'm old.

  7. Laura :: , me, Nickson, plus Puett, Anderson, Denes, Willison, and Jandel. The 4 last Laura's I know at my church!

  8. Debbie :: Bilek. Aww, such a cut-up at camp! ha!

  9. Wilson :: Tom Hanks friend in the movie, Cast Away.

  10. Paula :: Oglesby. My neighbor. My friend and bunco buddy, too!

Get your muttering at: Unconscious Mutterings, and have some fun!

Friday, May 22, 2009

Friday Fill-In

And...here we go! Replace my bold words with YOUR words!

  1. Moving right along.

  2. BORN free.

  3. My best quality is that I love giving.

  4. Shut-up! Gimme all the details.

  5. In nearly 10 years, I could be a great grandmother.

  6. Chocolate is what I need right now!

  7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to reading my bookclub book, tomorrow my plans include seeing Emma 'n Landen and Sunday, I want to chillax!

You can get your 'Friday Fill-In' clicking on the title above or using the button in the left ♥FAVORITE SITES column. *or re-post in a comment below!*

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Cherry Angel Food Cake!

This is SO easy~! I made this for my BUNCO group at my house this past Friday and thought I'd share here since I posted it on my facebook -

Preheat oven to 350*

1 - box Betty Crocker Angel Food Cake Mix [add water only mix!]
1 - 20-24oz can of Cherry Pie Filling [Comstock brand makes a Lite for counting points on WW]

Simply mix the pie filling into the cake mix in a large bowl, pour/spoon into baking dish and bake per box directions!

You'll get what you see here: *place cursor over photo to read note!*

already getting fluffy!
must try a sample slice warm from the oven
mmm ... look at those juicy cherries!
Ya know you WANT it, so go make it!!
PLUS ... every good laides party MUST have a dose of chocolate!!

top this brownie pie with a scoop of your favorite ice-cream and be HAPPY~!

Thanks for letting ME share and for droppin by to peek~!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

INTERESTING HISTORY LESSON

Railroad tracks. This is fascinating. Be sure to read the final paragraph; your understanding of it will depend on the earlier part of the content.

The US standard railroad gauge (distance between the rails) is 4 feet, 8.5 inches. That's an exceedingly odd number. Why was that gauge used? Because that's the way they built them in England, and English expatriates built the US railroads.

Why did the English build them like that? Because the first rail lines were built by the same people who built the pre-railroad tramways, and that's the gauge they used.

Why did 'they' use that gauge then? Because the people who built the tramways used the same jigs and tools that they used for building wagons, which used that wheel spacing.

Why did the wagons have that particular odd wheel spacing? Well, if they tried to use any other spacing, the wagon wheels would break on some of the old, long distance roads in England, because that's the spacing of the wheel ruts.

So who built those old rutted roads? Imperial Rome built the first long distance roads in Europe (and England) for their legions. The roads have been used ever since.

And the ruts in the roads? Roman war chariots formed the initial ruts, which everyone else had to match for fear of destroying their wagon wheels. Since the chariots were made for Imperial Rome, they were all alike in the matter of wheel spacing. Therefore the United States standard railroad gauge of 4 feet, 8.5 inches is derived from the original specifications for an Imperial Roman war chariot. Bureaucracies live forever.

So the next time you are handed a specification/procedure/process and wonder 'What horse's ass came up with it?', you may be exactly right. Imperial Roman army chariots were made just wide enough to accommodate the rear ends of two war horses. (Two horse's asses.) Now, the twist to the story:

When you see a Space Shuttle sitting on its launch pad, there are two big booster rockets attached to the sides of the main fuel tank. These are solid rocket boosters, or SRB's. The SRB's are made by Thiokol at their factory in Utah . The engineers who designed the SRB's would have preferred to make them a bit fatter, but the SRB's had to be shipped by train from the factory to the launch site. The railroad line from the factory happens to run through a tunnel in the mountains, and the SRB's had to fit through that tunnel. The tunnel is slightly wider than the railroad track, and the railroad track, as you now know, is about as wide as two horses' behinds.

So, a major Space Shuttle design feature of what is arguably the world's most advanced transportation system was determined over two thousand years ago by the width of a horse's ass. And you thought being a horse's ass wasn't important? Ancient horse's asses control almost everything and CURRENT Horses Asses are controlling everything else.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

How Would You Fix the Economy?

Dear Mr. President,

Please find below my suggestion for fixing America's economy. Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan.

You can call it the Patriotic Retirement Plan:

There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force. Pay them $1 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following stipulations:

  1. They MUST retire. Forty million job openings - Unemployment fixed.

  2. They MUST buy a new American CAR. 40 million cars ordered - Auto Industry fixed.

  3. They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage - Housing Crisis fixed.

It can't get any easier than that!

P.S. If more money is needed, have all members in Congress and their constituents pay their taxes...

Friday, April 24, 2009

Friday Fill-In

And...here we go! Replace my bold words with YOUR words!

  1. Apparently there's some sort of misunderstanding regarding facebooks security.
  2. RE: YOUR snow day. WE had a very sunny day.
  3. 2009 has been a BUSY year so far.
  4. I said all I could say and that was it.
  5. For too long I've been batteling depression.
  6. I am not obsessed with Farm Town; I am not!
  7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching the movie Fireproof, tomorrow my plans include studying the group leaders Fireproof kit things and Sunday, I want to chillax!

You can get your 'Friday Fill-In' clicking on the title above or using the button in the left ♥FAVORITE SITES column. *or re-post in a comment below!*

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

In God's Hands

by Tracie Miles

"When I am afraid, I will trust in you.". Psalm 56:3 (NIV)


As I aroused from sleep, my first thought was, "Uggg. It is going to be cold outside." But to be honest, my anxiety wasn't so much about the cold mountain weather, but about my teenage daughter's safety that day.

We had been planning the trip for weeks and the girls were so excited that their snowboarding day had finally arrived. The wind was cold and the snow was slippery, but the sun was shining, the mountains were beautiful, and the enthusiasm of three teenage girls outweighed their shivers. We had arranged for them to take a one-hour snowboarding lesson that morning, as this was their first time on the slopes. Once we got them bundled up in their coats, scarves and protective gear , we parted ways as they walked off with the rest of the group to begin their lesson.

Suddenly, I felt this little rush of panic come over me. It was a familiar feeling, because for the past 15 years I have mastered the art of worrying about the safety of my children. When there is even the most remote possibility one of them could be hurt, my mind floods with irrational thoughts about what could happen in the worst of circumstances.

What if she has trouble getting onto the ski lift properly, and slips and hits her head? What if she can't get off the lift quick enough at the top of the mountain, and falls off and gets hurt? What if she falls off the lift seat while hoisted five stories up in the air? What if she gets too close to the edge of the slope and falls off the side of the mountain? What if she gets separated from her friends and panics all alone? What if she breaks her arm/leg/neck? What if ...

As I said, irrational thoughts. Unwarranted panic.

Since I could not run up the ski slope after her, looking like a crazed, over-protective mother, I headed back to the lodge. There I found myself praying a simple prayer something like this: Oh, Lord, I cannot be with her today. I cannot protect her. I cannot watch after her. She will be out of my sight, at the top of a mountain, far from my reach. Only You can see her. Only You can protect her now. Please keep her safe. Instantly I felt God's reassurance, and heard Him quietly speak to my heart, "Put her in My arms Tracie. Entrust her to Me."

Although I secretly preferred to hold her in my own arms and keep her safe, just like when she was a little girl, I knew I had to entrust her fully to God – just not on the ski slope, but every day of her life. I am a mere human, but God is a sovereign and powerful God. Any physical protection I could offer her pales in comparison to the spiritual protection given from our Savior.

As e ach of my children grow and live, I know they will face new dangers. Peer pressure will be heavy, temptations will prowl, people will hurt their feelings, dangers may cross their path and life may be hard. Our modern culture will cause them to face challenges and decisions that I did not have to deal with as a child. My comfort must come from believing that they will be in God's hands, and that He will always be with them, no matter where they go. Not just on the top of a mountain, but every minute of every day in every circumstance.

Do you know that the word "children" appears over 450 times in the Bible? Our children matter to God, and He loves them, even more than we love them. Being a parent allows us a window to see God's amazing perspective of that love.

Dear Lord, forgive me for forgetting how much You love my children and that You are always with them. Thank You for surrounding us with Your angels. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources: Do You Know Him?

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Most Dangerous Cake In The World


I got this recipe email from two differnent friends, so thought, 'what the heck, I'm going to try it!'

Well, I did and aside from it needing, in MY opinion, a lil "kick" of some sort, it will definitely cure the craving for chocolate! Give it a try and see what you think could be added to give it that missing "kick" then let me know so I can try it, too!

5-MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

  • 4 tablespoons flour
  • 4 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 3 tablespoons oil
  • 3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
  • 1 small splash of vanilla extract
  • 1 large coffee mug

    Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.


    mixed flour, sugar, cocoa, and egg


    Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the vanilla extract and chocolate chips (if using), and mix again.


    What else could be added?


    Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes (at 1000 watts) on high. The cake may rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!

    Allow to cool a little; run a knife along inside to loosen and tip out onto a plate if desired.


    ~it wasn't as 'dry' as it appears in this photo!


    EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to be generous).

And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world?

Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

P.S. I liked mine with strawberries and cool whip!


I shared it with Kody & Audrey~



Friday, April 17, 2009

Friday Fill-In

  1. Join me in bowing your heads .. .

  2. Put a little sunshine in your day!

  3. Happiness is good coffee first thing in the morning.

  4. Drunk and confused.

  5. I'm waiting for hell to freeze over.

  6. For me, chocolate is hard to resist.

  7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to bunco, tomorrow my plans include seeing Jen's new house and Sunday, I want to chillax!

You can get your 'Friday Fill-In' clicking on the title above or using the button in the left ♥FAVORITE SITES column. *or re-post in a comment below!*

Friday, April 10, 2009

Friday Fill-In

  1. Anonymous...signatures make research hard.

  2. LIFE is a trip.

  3. Let me embrace thee, sour adversity, with gentle mellifluous arms..

  4. New life blooming is what I look forward to most about Spring.

  5. Who needs therapy when I have YOU for my friend.

  6. A big SOLID chocolate bunny MUST go into the Easter Basket!

  7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to seeing Crucify Him, tomorrow my plans include grocery shopping and Sunday, I want to chillax!

You can get your 'Friday Fill-In' clicking on the title above or using the button in the left ♥FAVORITE SITES column. *or re-post in a comment below!*

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Following My Father's Directions

by Karen Ehman

The Lord said, 'It is because they have forsaken my law, which I set before them; they have not obeyed me or followed my law.'" Jeremiah 9:13 (NIV)


The car was packed; the gas tank full; a cooler stood chock-full of sandwiches for the long ride. This was it! My three kids and I were excitedly off on a summertime adventure. In the midst of a stressful and busy move and while waiting for the kids' bedrooms in the basement to be finished, we threw caution to the wind and took my friend Marybeth up on an invitation to join her at an ocean beachfront home she was being allowed to use for free.

Now this was no small undertaking. It was going to be a 17-hour trip with three kids in the car. Besides the necessities we needed to pack, most of all we needed dir ections. We had to see on paper just how to get from our little home in the middle of Michigan to sunny Ocean Isle, North Carolina, without getting lost!

Should be a piece of cake in this era of online sites that spit out detailed directions, right? Of course! So I printed them off, tucked them in a folder and revved up the car's engine. Before I left, however, my father called me. He winters near Ocean Isle and he wanted to give me verbal directions since he has traveled that course twice a year for the past 18 years and is very familiar with how to get there.

I reluctantly wrote down his instructions, complete with highways to avoid and exit names, etc. Then, I tossed the directions into the glove compartment. I thanked him for the gesture but assured him I probably wouldn't need it since I had the newest, slick Internet directions already. But "Father knows best!' he assured me. I smiled and headed off.

About half-way to our destination, I noticed that the exit number and name on the Internet's directions didn't match up. I began to panic. Should I take the exit number it gave or the exit name it listed? I chose the exit number. Soon after that, we became completely lost. None of the directions made sense any more. We got off the exit, headed back to where we'd made the turn and tried again.

But this way didn't work either! We were soon heading north instead of south and there wasn't an exit in sight for miles! When we finally got off, I popped into a gas station and asked for help. The attendant smiled and handed me a piece of paper with corrected directions already written on it. It seems that the Internet site does not completely have the directions. In fact, the station gets dozens of lost souls wandering into their establishment everyday longing just to get back on the right track. They were ready with printed directions to give out to such weary travelers.

Worried that the rest of my Internet directions might be wrong as well, I quickly fumbled through the glove compartment to find my father's handwritten instructions. I ran them by the gas station attendant. "Perfect!" he commented. My father knew the way without any wrong turns. "Just stick to your father's instructions and you won't be lost" I was told.

Like so much of life, we hear of new fangled shortcuts, ways to find happiness or even new paths for getting to heaven. Celebrities say they have found new spiritual dimensions or perfect peace in a New Age practice. We must resist the desire to trust these so called 'new ways' completely and instead follow our Father's original instructions: the Holy Bible. His ancient words ring true. He is the way, the ONLY way, and following His instructions will never result in our souls being lost.

Perhaps it is time we did away with the new and went back to the old. God's instructions are never wrong. They lead to peace and contentment and a home with Him in heaven forever. Why, that is even better than a week at the beach!

Dear Lord, help me to get and stay forever grounded in Your ancient instructions, the Bible. May I follow only Your holy ways. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources: Do You Know Him?

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Friday Fill-In *on Saturday!*

  1. Angel or not, I will always love you as only a mother could.

  2. Take any way you want me.

  3. As my mother used to say, you're full of piss 'n vinegar.

  4. I drink a HUGE glass of water after I'm done working out or doing something strenuous.

  5. Even in the most crowded of rooms I can find you with that laugh of yours.

  6. 9/11 is a day fraught with peril.

  7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to handing out tracts *did do this!*, tomorrow my plans include finishing things I didn't do on Friday and Sunday, I want to chillax!

You can get your 'Friday Fill-In' clicking on the title above or using the button in the left ♥FAVORITE SITES column. *or re-post in a comment below!*

Walking Through a Valley

by Glynnis Whitwer


"Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell." Psalm 43:3 (NIV)


I live in a valley. Every direction I look there are mountains. Living in the West, my family also vacations in mountains. Because of that, it seems I spend lots of time in valleys. One truth I've learned is if you keep walking, you will eventually get out.

One summer we took a trip to Southern Utah, with a stop at Bryce Canyon. It was warm outside, and it only got warmer as we headed down into the canyon. It was a great hike as we circled the interesting rock spires called hoodoos. We wound our way down the valley with steep mountains on all sides. After a while, I was hot, tired and ready to sit do wn and relax.

As I rested on a rock, I looked up at the canyon rim, wiping salty sweat out of my eyes. It looked very far away. I wished for a shortcut to get out, but knew there wasn't any. Short of calling in a helicopter, there was only one way out, and it was to walk across the valley and up the mountain. Sitting there on that rock might give me a moment's rest, but it didn't get me out of the valley.

I've also been in other valleys: those of fear, worry and hopelessness. I'll be honest. When I'm in those valleys, my inclination is to sit. Fear paralyzes me. Worry straps itself to my feet like weights. Hopelessness misconstrues reality so I'm blinded to the truth. And so I stay, planted firmly in the valley of misery. Over and over, I review how others have hurt me, and forecast possible fearful outcomes. None of those choices gets me out of the valley of misery. In fact, they get me nowhere.

What does get me out of those difficult valleys is when I keep wal king, and walking to me is when I keep praying even though it seems like my prayers hit the ceiling. It's when I keep reading my Bible, even though the words seem to have less meaning. It's when I keep going to church or a small group even when I'd rather stay home. It's singing songs of worship, even though my heart isn't soaring with joy. But when I keep doing those things, I take steps toward truth and eventually get out of the valley.

Walking through a valley to me means doing the things that are healthy and God-honoring, even when I don't feel like doing them. There is always a way out of a valley. But it means I have to keep walking, then climb a mountain, and that takes work. But when I do the work, God rewards me with a breathtaking view.

Dear Lord, please speak to my heart in my darkest valleys. I need to remember that You are the truth, and not my circumstances. Help me have the strength to do the right things, and not stay planted in misery during a time of difficulty. I long to be out of this valley. But I will praise You now at the bottom and I will praise You from the mountain top – for You are worthy! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Friday Fill-In

  1. "In a hole in the ground there lived a yet to be discovered microscopic civilation, bursting with activity."

  2. "To YOU it may be just 'a lil blood' but that ain't no matter."

  3. "After dark the rain began to fall again, and I could sense the presence of something out there with every fiber of my being."

  4. "Sitting in port, as the slave master lifted the heavy seawater soaked trap door, you could hear the wails of the children coming from the hold of the Spanish galleon."

  5. "There was a hand in the darkness, and it was NOT one of mine."

  6. "Accidents ambush the unsuspecting, showing the element of surprise."

  7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to possibly having smores around a campfire, tomorrow my plans include some Bible teaching and LOTS of relaxin fun with friends and Sunday, I want to come home from retreat stress free!

You can get your 'Friday Fill-In' clicking on the title above or using the button in the left ♥FAVORITE SITES column. *or re-post in a comment below!*

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Brenda Photo Challenge!

Many thanks goes again to Cindra from doing the prior challenge. With the tips and tricks taught, I've been able to do some fun stuff! Below are my own eyes, played with in FotoFlexer.

Yes, these are my OLD glasses!
This one is showing who the "apple of my eye" really is!

... see my love, my man ...

Many thanks for stopping in and looking!

Friday, March 20, 2009

Friday Fill-In

  1. Why do we have to always close our eyes when we sneeze?
  2. Checking the locks behind the kids leaving are now habits.
  3. I have some of the BEST friends ever.
  4. I had never heard the phrase "sing before breakfast, cry before supper" and it has always made me wonder where my Mom heard it.
  5. When you finish brushing your teeth, please wipe the counter clean the way I always do.
  6. How was I to know you forgot to set YOUR alarm ...
  7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to grilled steaks, tomorrow my plans include reading and Sunday, I want to chillax!

You can get your 'Friday Fill-In' clicking on the title above or using the button in the left ♥FAVORITE SITES column. *or re-post in a comment below!*

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Monday, March 16, 2009

Unconscious Mutterings

"Rules are, there are no rules." There are no right or wrong answers. Don't limit yourself to one word responses; just say everything that pops into your head!

  1. Sunburn :: is what I get rather than tanned.

  2. Aquarium :: Monterey Bay ... hi Pen!

  3. Otter :: ... ya otter see them otters at Monterey Bay Aquarium.

  4. Awesome :: Something you can't help but say when impressed by something!

  5. LOL :: Looney Old Laura

  6. Accordion :: to the sher'iff, it twar a bigg bear dune chazzin 'em!

  7. Hot Pocket :: I'll have a lean Ham 'n Cheese, please.

  8. Grandstand :: home run! Yea Dodger baseball~

  9. Shaved :: Ice ... the blue kind ... yum!

  10. Upgrade :: when climbing from one level to the next.

Get your muttering at: Unconscious Mutterings, and have some fun!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

LisaBoo ~

She's in the hospital ~ her water broke just after midnight and she, her hubby Boo and her Mom, Renee are at the hospital ~ I'm so excited! Just wanted to share!!

Friday, March 13, 2009

Friday Fill-In

  1. When I look to the left, I see my little kitchen.

  2. The dining room is the room that has the best view in my home.

  3. Let it work pleeeeease, let it work.

  4. Landscaping done dirt cheap!

  5. SAFE driving practices is a responsibility that all qualified citizens must share.

  6. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

  7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to BUNCO at Paula's, tomorrow my plans include going to a surprise party and Sunday, I want to chillax!

You can get your 'Friday Fill-In' clicking on the title above or using the button in the left ♥FAVORITE SITES column. *or re-post in a comment below!*

Monday, March 9, 2009

Time To Pray - from Rachel Olsen

"Keep on praying." 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT)

GUILT. Many Christians I've talked to equate this word with their prayer life, and I can relate.

I used to feel guilty because people would ask me to pray, or I would volunteer to when I heard they were going through something difficult. With a heart of compassion, I'd reply, "Oh, I'll pray for you!" And I fully intended to. But then I'd forget ... get busy ... say that to five other people in the meantime ... and often never get around to doing it despite my good intentions. I'd put off praying in the moment, in favor of waiting until I had a big chunk of time to spend in prayer. Then life would happen and that chunk of time wouldn't materialize. By the time I carved some out, I couldn't remember all I'd intended to pray about.

One of the perceptions I had about prayer was that I needed to spend a lot of time in prayer in order to do it "right." I thought short prayers wouldn't have much power or impact. Then I noticed something that shifted my thinking. In Matthew chapter six, Jesus is teaching about prayer. He says, "When you pray, don't talk on and on as people do who don't know God. They think God likes to hear long prayers. Don't be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask" (Matthew 6:7-8, CEV). Wow, so I don't have to talk for hours, coming up with many ways to phrase my petitions? It was so freeing to see this coming from Jesus' lips.

That was followed by another ah-ha moment. In the next verse, Jesus said: "You should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, help us to honor your name. Come and set up your kingdom, so that everyone on earth will obey you, as you are obeyed in heaven. Give us our food for today. Forgive us for doing wrong, a s we forgive others. Keep us from being tempted and protect us from evil " (Matthew 6:9-13, CEV). This is often called "The Lord's Prayer."

Pause, look at the clock, and then say the Lord's Prayer aloud. Now check the clock again. How long did that take? This was Jesus' illustration of how to pray - so what does that tell us about feeling we need to pray l-o-n-g prayers to be effective? Hear me on this, I do believe there are needs that call for extended time in prayer (see Jesus' time in the Garden of Gethsemane in Matthew 26:36-46 for instance). But many things can be prayed for in short prayers as we move through out our day.

Now, when a friend sends me an email with a troubled story, I rarely respond by saying, "I will pray for you." Instead, I pause and pray for her before hitting reply to say, "I have prayed for you." If someone calls me on the phone, or tells me in person about their prayer need, more often than not I'll offer to pray with them right then. If I encounter a reason to pray while reading the newspaper, or reading scripture, I do it in the moment. My aim is not to be lengthy and elaborate with these prayers, but rather to do it while my mind is on it.

If I feel the need to pray for someone repeatedly or over time, I follow through with my carefully considered plan because I've gotten more intentional about this prayer thing. But deciding several years ago to pray short, in the moment prayers was key for me. It is very doable way of "praying continually" and it helped relieve a lot of feelings of failure, pressure and guilt. Most importantly, this ensures that people's needs are in fact being prayed for - which is the ultimate goal, right?

I'm convinced the Enemy often keeps us from praying by getting us to procrastinate until later, making us think we need more time or more words to do this thing "right." As I read the Bible, I see instructions to pray frequently, to pray with faith and persistence, and to pray over all our cares and concerns. But I do not see that we must talk for hours over each request for God to hear them. I hope that does for you what it did for me – replaces feelings of guilt with a renewed passion to pray.

Dear Lord, help me to pray frequently and persistently with faith, in accordance with Your will. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Unconscious Mutterings

"Rules are, there are no rules." There are no right or wrong answers. Don't limit yourself to one word responses; just say everything that pops into your head!

  1. Mourning :: - at times for my Dad ... even still at almost 19 yrs.

  2. Approval :: Something we each seek at different levels.

  3. Lotion :: ahh, Sensual Amber by Bath & Body Works!

  4. Perspire :: I don't perspire, I 'glow'.

  5. Language :: You're in AMERICA, speak ENGLISH!!

  6. Defection :: ugh ... baby diapers.

  7. Play :: what I'm doing by filling this out!

  8. Graphic :: can be a thing of beauty or repulsive.

  9. Spicy :: How I love me Mexican food ~

  10. In love :: ... loved you then, love you still; always have, always will.

Get your muttering at: Unconscious Mutterings, and have some fun!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Photo Challenge!

I've been offline, out and about, running to and fro ... BUT ... had to not forget to post my picture. The new Brenda Photo Challenge theme was to "Flip That Photo" given by Cindra of Knits & Pics & Favorite Things. She and Donna both offered tutorials using various [one of my favorite words] FREE downloadable programs. I've given it a shot, and have to admit it was fun!

Here's my BEFORE:

I have had these feathers for almost 30 years!
And here is my AFTER:

... just one POP of color ...

I know it's pretty simple, but with the time constrants I've been under, I am pleased that I learned something new ... thank you Cindra and Donna!!

Friday, February 27, 2009

Friday Fill-In

  1. I'm happy, I'm oh so HAPPY, I sing to you this my song ...

  2. Why do I have an awesome motorhome and not any extra money to go anyplace in it ...

  3. How does this contraption work, anyway?

  4. Every morning, I put moisturizer on my face.

  5. I consider myself lucky because we OWN our home.

  6. One day we’ll see Jesus face to face.

  7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to putting my feet up, tomorrow my plans include being lazy and Sunday, I want to chillax!

You can get your 'Friday Fill-In' clicking on the title or using the button in the left ♥FAVORITE SITES column. *or re-post in a comment below!*

Monday, February 23, 2009

Unconscious Mutterings

"Rules are, there are no rules." There are no right or wrong answers. Don't limit yourself to one word responses; just say everything that pops into your head!

  1. Carpet :: Close your eyes girl, Look inside girl, Let the sound take you away ... ahh ... Steppenwolf sings; Magic Carpet Ride.

  2. William :: Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be - When our time has come, we will be as one, God bless our love - God bless our love.

  3. Oh! :: I just thought of TWO songs in a row!

  4. Board game :: One that is in our rig that is a favorite of mine to play but I don't for sure know it's name. Played with marbles that used to belong to my Mom.

  5. Sunlight :: Not much today with all the rain.

  6. Delay :: To be late!

  7. Winner :: What you are in more than just the general term. Such as to awaken in a bed, in your home, in a free country, etc., ect.

  8. Concubine :: *shhh* Wha' the mass'a calls me ...

  9. Comatose :: My hubby after Thanksgiving dinner.

  10. Satisfy :: Curiousity killed the cat ... satisfaction brought it back!

Get your muttering at: Unconscious Mutterings, and have some fun!

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Brenda Photo Challenge!

Our current Brenda Photo Challenge hostess, who called for "Signs Of Spring" to be posted TODAY, Saturday Feburary 21st, 2009 is the lovely [and talented] Joy of ShutterShy. I'm late and behind on most everything. I just can't seem to "shake" it and get back on track ... but, I'm not giving up! And darn if I just can't choose which pictures to post! I took a whole lotta of 'em too ...

So ... you're looking at the BBQ'd ribs wondering, "now, what in tarnation does ribs got to do with SPRING!?" It means break out the Barbeque cuz the weather's good enough for me to grill is what it means! These are my Marmalade Glazed Pork Spareribs and yes-siree indeedy, they be finger lickin' good!

From the inside of a piggy to the inside of another piggy!
Here's another shot of those yummy ribs ...

... yes, traces of orange marmalade, fresh rosemary, red pepper flakes and ...

This is from the rosebush that is next to the steps to go up onto the porch to the front door. It's just a lil bud ... they're not very big roses and this bush has been in this spot for most of my life! [and I thank Brenda for her macro tip!]

... aww, snuggled in between tiny leaves ...

And down on the ground underneath the rosebush ... well, and growing here and there throughout the yard, are these violet plants that my Mom got some cuttings from her Aunt when I was just a wee one. It's amazing to me that they are still here ...

Above me grow roses of red, and I myself, violets of blue?

Thank you for coming by to look and give me a holler if you want that recipe for my Marmalade glaze sauce!

Friday, February 20, 2009

Friday Fill-In

  1. Give me chocolate and I'll be your BEST friend.

  2. Whenever I do these fill-ins, my mind goes blank.

  3. I wish I had $250,000.00 in my bank account.

  4. The shrimp I made for dinner the other night was the last thing I ate that was utterly delicious.

  5. To live in this world you must not conform to it.

  6. Other than this one, Orphic Soliloquy is the last blog I commented on.

  7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Marmalade glazed pork ribs, tomorrow my plans include going to the Pinewood Derby Races and Sunday, I want to chillax!

You can get your 'Friday Fill-In' clicking on the title or using the button in the left ♥FAVORITE SITES column. *or re-post in a comment below!*

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

What is Bunco?

Bunco is a dice game, the object of which is to tally the most wins and buncos, during four sets of play. There are six rounds to each set, corresponding to the six sides of the die. Traditionally, the game is designed for 12 players.

At the beginning of the game, four players are randomly chosen to sit at the head table. The remaining players are distributed among the remaining two tables. Each table is divided into two teams. One person on each team tallies the points. Along with the team score, a score is kept for each individual player on their own card of wins, losses, and buncos.

The head table sets the pace of play which commences with the ringing of a bell. Play immediately begins as one player on each table rolls three dice (my group uses 5 dice) attempting to roll “ones.” The target number corresponding to the current round of play. For instance, in the first round, each die that turns up a “one” in this case, scores one point. Thus, if two of the dice rolled came up as ones, two points would be tallied. Anytime three (ours is five) of the target number are rolled, for instance, three fours in round four, a bunco is achieved. The player rolling must call out "bunco" for his team to be awarded an extra ten points. Only the individual who rolled the bunco can claim it on their individual score card.

If a player rolls three (ours is five) of a kind of a number different than the number of the current round, the team is awarded five points but does not count it as a bunco. As soon as one team at the head table reaches either 21 total points or scores a bunco, the head table rings the bell and the round ends for all tables. The round is won at each table by the team with the most points at the time the bell is rung. Those two winners advance to the next table and the losers stay, unless you are at the head table, then the losers go to the end table. Each time you start the next play, you must change partners! Awards are provided to the players with the highest scores at the end of four sets of play. My group pays ten dollars and purchases items that can be used or useful~ it's loads of fun! We usually meet the 2nd Friday of every month and each team member hosts the game at their house once a year, allowing us to each have a turn. My month is May ...