Bibbi's Boggled Bloggle

DID YOU THINK THAT I HAD GOTTEN LOST?

2009-08-01T22:12:00.006-04:00

This is the THIRD time that I have had to start over on this post. GRRRR I hate it when that happens. I was typing the last sentence when it said there was an error and had to close. I hope I can get to finished this time.

I have three painting that I wanted to share with you. The little house belonged to my friend's grandparents...their old home place. The day they were pushing it down, I took a picture and then painted it for him as a surprise. The other two paintings are also in his house. He is a cowboy and loves western art.

This is all that I have for tonight so I shall say, "Good Night John Boy!"

BLACKBERRY WINTER AND FURRY CHILD PORTRAIT

2009-04-08T21:53:00.004-04:00

There was frost this morning and yesterday was windy and cold as a witches elbow flying in the north wind. I guess this is Blackberry Winter. We usually have a little cold shot just before Easter. Tomorrow is suppose to be up in the mid 70's. Is that crazy weather or what? It was so perfect last Saturday. I wish we could enjoy some more of that weather for a while. The Good Lord sends us what we are suppose to have so I will just enjoy what it is and be thankful for all things.

Here is one of the 11 puppies that we have. This one is 4 weeks old and is Shelly's favorite. She put this little scarf around his neck today and wanted me to take his picture. It is amazing what she has taught him already. He will stay, sit and come when she ask him to. She praises him a lot and also gives him little treats of ham. I really was amazed when she got him to do all of those things for me to see. All of the 11 furry children are so cute!

Well, this is it for tonight so I shall now say "Good Night John Boy".

LASTERDAY WAS ALL THE YESTERDAYS

2009-04-04T22:23:00.006-04:00

Emmy is a typical 3 year old...."NOT". She is so smart but innocent. She has been here several times during the week and wanted to spend the night every time. Jerri would tell her she had to go to school (day care) and that I had to work. Friday finally got here for her. Jerri said that she got up at 6 a.m., ready to go spend the night with Bibbi. When she got here, yesterday afternoon, she come in running to me saying, "Bibbi, I been wanting to spend the night with you since lasterday, here I am." All the days before were lasterdays. lol

She woke up this morning at the crack of dawn. It was just beginning to get light. I pretended I was still sleeping, in hopes that she would go back to sleep. She sat up in bed and crowed like a rooster and said, "Bibbi, it's time to get up. Did you hear the rooster crow?" Of course, at that, I could not keep my eyes closed or still for laughing at her. She then reached over and patted my cheek and said, "Bibbi, I love you so much...I want some Viennas". Talk about a heart melting, mine did. She is so cute, smart and loving. She also has a mind of her own that you can not change with any amount of bribing or persuading in any way. She will be ready for what comes her way in life, I am sure.

She is also very inventive with her prayers. Very thoughtful and good.

Emmy was 2 in this picture. She wanted a mustache like her Daddy's, so she painted herself one.

This is a picture of her at her #3 birthday party.

Shelly, her 7 year old, going on 21 year old, sister, is very protective and nurturing to her. Emmy loves her Sissy. I could go on and on about my Grandchildren but I will stop for Emmy's page for right now and say "Good Night John Boy".

PUPPIES, PUPPIES AND MORE PUPPIES

2009-03-28T16:15:00.003-04:00

These are Visa's 3 boy babies...born March 17, 2009 These are Gypsy's 3 boy and 5 girl babies...born March 10, 2009

These little Terrier babies have their eyes open now, fat as little butter balls and are soooo cute.

I know, I know, I have been a blog slacker lately but have been busy but not a lot to blog about going on either. I have painted a couple of little things but still have a little detailing to do. I will try to get that done and posted soon. I will try to do better, I promise.

I shall say "Tootle Loo" now.

"POOR LITTLE WILLIE ANNE"

2009-03-11T22:33:00.005-04:00

This is my latest painting....."Poor Little Willie Anne" looks so frightened when she notices James Lee, peeking out of the knot hole in the 'Outhouse', sticking his tongue out at her. Hope she didn't have to go to bad. lol Don't you just feel so sorry for this cute little girl? James Lee is being quite mischievous!

This an acrylic and was lots of fun to paint.

This is it for now...time to say "Good Night John Boy".

SCHNAUZER SCHMAUZER

2009-03-04T15:53:00.005-05:00

This little Schnauzer puppy painting is for a friend of mine, Mary, that lives in Florida, next door to Rischa. Her sister just passed away and there are two of these cute little guys that lives there too. I don't do flowers, so I thought this might be something that she could have to make her smile. It is an acrylic with a jazzy background that Rischa said that she liked. I wasn't so sure about it. I am my own worst critique though. lol That is why I always ask Rischa and Kolby their true opinions.

Here he is........

I am working on another painting that will probably be finished tonight before I go to bed....maybe. Well, for right now, I suppose I should say, "Tootle Loo".

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW

2009-03-01T22:37:00.003-05:00

Well, it surprised me, it did snow. I didn't think that it really would. We had had so much rain though, that it didn't stick as much as it would have if it had not been so much water lying around. We got a total of about 3 1/2 inches of rain in about 24 hours. The snow was enough for Kolby to build a snow man; maybe an accumulation of about 2 inches. It started about 3 this afternoon and stopped about 9. So, see what I mean about the water keeping it from sticking very much? It was the largest flakes that I have ever seen; part of the time. We get excited around here when it snows a little because it does not do it very often.

Jamie, Jerri, Shelly and Emmy rode over for a little while. Kolby, Jamie, Jerri and Shelly had a little snow ball fight for a few minutes. It was so cold and the wind was blowing, so they could not stand to stay out there very long at the time. Emmy stayed in the house with me, eating Craisens and warming up. James mozzied around out there with them for a little while....long distance from the snow ball fight. lol

I did get a chance to finish my Little Grey Cabin painting. Here it is.....

Now I am anxious to start another one. I won't tell you what just yet....only because I don't exactly know myself yet. lol I think it might be something with a pallet knife with lots of texture maybe. Who knows? We shall see when it is finished. I have lots of things that I want to paint, just choosing what is the thing.

Maybe we will have more snow when we wake up in the morning. I think I will go to bed now so I can hurry up and wake up to see. "Good Night John Boy"

NUTTIN HAPPNIN

2009-02-27T22:42:00.006-05:00

Today has been a grey rainy day. We need the rain badly though. Thank you Jesus!

I just puttsied around the house with all the domestic goddess stuff today for the sake of my job security.....wife, house keeper, cook, maid and etc. lol

I did do a little more painting on my cabin picture. Hopefully I will get a chance to finish it tomorrow. Yes, no, maybe.............

Like I said in the title, there is nothing going on around here to talk about. I just wanted to say hello to my readers and not get on the slacker list again. lol

I shall now say "Good Night John Boy".

A LITTLE WORK IN PROGRESS

2009-02-24T16:00:00.002-05:00

This is what I am working on now. I still have a ways to go; edges to straighten, details, shading to do, and so forth. I will repost it when I finish. Just wanted to say hello to my readers and hope you have a wonderful day.

Since it is not time to say good night to John Boy, I shall say "Tootle Loo" for now.

ps. Trying to be a non slacker of the blog, like in the past!

MICKEY RAT

2009-02-20T23:29:00.004-05:00

This is "Mickey Rat". He has that "ishkabibble ", (don't worry, be happy) attitude going on, it seems. He was a lot of fun to paint. I painted him for a friend of mine, to give to a little four year old boy, for his birthday. She said that he loved Mickey Mouse. I am calling this one Mickey Rat, though. I don't know about all the laws of a trade mark, so there is my reason for the name. I figure the little kid will like him, either way....his Grandmother loved him. She was so excited and pleased with the painting, that she swilled... literally. That pleased me! Sooooo, we are all happy.
I'm so happy that I think I will say, "Good Night John Boy".

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE

2009-02-14T19:58:00.004-05:00

I hope everyone had a nice Valentine's Day. I spent mine with my three sweethearts...Kolby, Shelly, and Emmy. I made them a heart shaped brownie each, a card and a little piece of money. All of my sweeties are the sweetest ever, of course. The brownie was soooo good, especially with all that ice cream on it. Here is a picture of it. Wish you had a piece!

Not much else going on around here so I shall say, "Good Night John Boy".

A TREASURE HIDDEN

2009-02-13T21:56:00.003-05:00

I was going through some of my art books yesterday and come across one that I had forgotten that I had. I don't even remember where I got it, unless it was on Ebay...not sure. It is all about textures. This is something that I have been interested in lately. I read most of the book today. I was not feeling good so I just curled up, covered up and read. Now I am ready to try some of it out. I am so excited to have found this treasure. You know how it is when you put something away for safe keeping? This was in a spot that I walk by lots of times, every day, yet it was still hidden from my knowing where it was....So good that I forgot that I had it at all. It is really a good good book. Rischa is going to be proud I found it, 'cause you know I will share it. Here is a picture of the book, in case anyone might want to look for one, or borrow mine, in the case that you are close enough. In case the picture does not come through good enough. The name is; "How To Create Texture In Your Paintings", by Tony Paul. Again, a really good book.

MAMA'S 81 (2-6-1928) BIRTHDAY "YESTERDAY"

2009-02-07T21:08:00.007-05:00

Since I have not posted in a week till today, I thought I would catch up a little with some family festivities. Mama's birthday was yesterday. She was 81. I can't believe she is that young. We had Pizone from the Pizza Hut to eat. She said that she didn't need a cake because she was trying to loose some weight so I got her a small one. It was chocolate, of course, and was real cute. Jerri and the kids brought the ice cream.
Sooooo.... Preeeesentiiiing.... The One and Only, the "Birthday Girl"....TA DA

It's her cake, she'll bite it if she wants to! lol

No more post for today, so I shall say "Good Night John Boy".

SHAME ON ME

2009-02-07T15:30:00.004-05:00

I look so forward to checking every one's blog each day and disappointed when there is not a new post that I haven't read.....now look at me. I have not posted anything in almost a week now. Shame on me! I have been a little busy this week. I had to take Mama to the doctor one day and then I had to go for a check up on my foot another day, and work and so on and so on. Sorry!

I did do a little painting this week, (late night) though. Just some quick stuff. I painted another strawberry guinea. I put some matte gel on it when it dried and now I do not like the way it looks. I may have put to much on it or something. I don't know what happened because I have never had that to happen before. It has white spots on the guinea. It looks foggy in other areas too, but I can live with that. I don't really like her foggy spots though. I am going to try to put a red wash over her and see if that helps and if not, I will just repaint her. NO, I shall not give up!! ....Any suggestions from anyone, please? I would appreciate it.

Here is the other one. Just a quick silhouette of a deer...monochromatic. There is a little glare on the behind of the deer from the flash of the camera...the photographer again. lol

I think I will go work on something now. It may be a frog...who knows. I'll let you see it when it is finished.

Looking forward to any suggestions and I shall say "Tootle Loo" for now, since John Boy is not ready to go to sleep yet.

BAD PHOTO/PHOTOGRAPHER AND "THE APRON GANG"

2009-02-01T21:35:00.007-05:00

The colors on the painting does not show up right at all.... I promise, it looks so much different than the photo makes it look. I don't know if it is my camera or the one operating it....that would be me, of course. Like I have said, several time before, "I am not good at photography". I did have fun painting this though.

I started another one last night. Maybe it will be a better subject of photography to share.

I have to go to Atlanta, with a friend of mine, Pat, tomorrow, for two days to learn how to better entertain the Senior Citizens in our church. Really it sounds like it is going to be interesting. We shall see. I'll let you know when we get back.

Speaking of entertaining the seniors....4 of us, from our church, preformed a little skit one day that was about dressing like our grandmothers and the old time ways. The main idea was about aprons and the many uses they had. It really turned out good and the crowd loved it. Soooooo, now that we are famous, we, "THE APRON GANG" have been invited to other places to preform. We have an engagement, April 21 and 22, in Toccoa, Georgia, and was asked to go down to Perry, Georgia, but we had to decline that one. I am wondering how this is going to turn out. It will be different with people that you don't know. I will let you know when we get back though. Here is a little sneak peak at 2 of our gang.

Yep, that is me sitting down, with my (hot chocolate mix) snuff in my mouth getting ready to spit," pating", in my spittoon. That really was my Grandmother's apron and the way she wore her hair, up in a bun in the back. Little did we know that we would be enjoyed as much as we were. We had fun and it is always very rewarding to see the seniors having a good time. We always feed them a good meal too.

I have chased enough rabbits for tonight, so I shall say "Good Night John Boy".

WATER DISPLACEMENT # 40...BETTER KNOWN AS "WD-40"

2009-01-31T22:08:00.005-05:00

I wish I had been the one to invent "WD-40". It doesn't cost very much but does wonders for a lot of things. I just spilled a bottle of BLACK INK on my ceramic tile. Of course, I tried to clean it up immediately and it just smeared and looked terrible. I thought about the list of things that someone had sent to me in an email that WD-40 would do. I sprayed it on the huge spot and wiped it up. It took two sprayings and wipeings but it is gone now. Yipeeeeeeee!

Something similar happened to me, a long time ago. A friend walked in from the shop, with black grease on his feet....my carpet was white. I tried everything I could come up with and was ready to give up to cry and hunt for some area rugs that I might could put in place to cover it. A friend called and wanted a hair cut and I told him what I was doing. He ask me if I had any lighter fluid, like you put in a cigarette lighter? (something with naphtha in it) Yes, I had some. I squirted it on the foot prints, scrubbed it and the grease disappeared. Yipeeeeeeee, again!

I shall say, " Good Night John Boy", now, and leave you to read the list below of the things that "WD-40" will do, in case you didn't get the email.

WD-40
A refresher course!

This guy had just bought a new pickup. His neighbor got up very early one
Sunday morning and saw that someone had spray painted red all around the
sides of this beige truck (for some unknown reason). The neighbor went over,
woke him up, and told him the bad news. He was very upset and was trying to figure
out what to do. Probably nothing until Monday morning, since nothing was
open. Another neighbor came out and told him to get his WD-40 and clean
it off. It removed the unwanted paint beautifully and did not harm his
paint job that was on the truck. Impressed! "WD-40"-- who knew?"

Water Displacement #40. The product began from a search for a rust
preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was
created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical
Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a 'water
displacement' compound. They were successful with the fortieth
formulation; thus WD-40. The Corvair Company bought it in bulk to protect
their atlas missile parts.

Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40
that would hurt you...'It is made from fish oil.'

When you read the 'shower door' part, try it. It's the first thing that
has ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works
just as well as glass. Then try it on your stove top. It is now shinier
than it has ever been before.

1) Protects silver from tarnishing.
2) Removes road tar and grime from cars.
3) Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4) Gives floors that "just-waxed" sheen without making it slippery.
5)Keeps flies off cows!
6) Restores and cleans chalkboards.
7) Removes lipstick stains.
8) Loosens stubborn zippers.
9) Untangles jewelry chains.
10) Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11) Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12) Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.
13) Removes tomato stains from clothing.
14) Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
15) Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16) Keeps scissors working smoothly.
17) Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes.
18) It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor! Open some windows
If you have a lot of marks.
19) Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car. Removed quickly, with
WD-40!
20) Gives a children's play gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
21) Lubricates gear shift on lawn mowers.
22) Rids kids' rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.
23) Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to
Open.
24) Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
25) Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as
Vinyl bumpers.
26) Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27) Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.
28) Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy
Handling.
29) Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running
smoothly.
30) Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31) Removes splattered grease on stove.
32) Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
33) Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
34) Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).
35) Removes all traces of duct tape.
36) Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve
Arthritis pain .
37) Florida 's favorite use: 'cleans and removes Love Bugs from grills and
Bumpers.'
38) Protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
39) WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a LITTLE on live bait or lures and you
Will be catching the big one in no time.
40) Fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the
Itch.
41) WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the
Mark and wipe with a clean rag.
42) If you've washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry,
Saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 an d re-wash. Presto! Lipstick is gone!
43) If you spray WD-40 on the distributor cap, it will displace the
Moisture and allow the car to start.

Keep a can of WD-40 in your kitchen cabinet over the stove. It is good for
Oven burns or any other type of burn. It takes the burned feeling away and
Heals with NO scarring.

Remember, the basic ingredient is FISH OIL!

GOT THE BACKGROUND IN

2009-01-27T21:19:00.002-05:00

Well, I promised myself that I was going to start a painting today. I kept my promise and did get it started. Off and on all day, I would do a little here and there between working. I have the main feature sketched in on the background too, but will have to wait till tomorrow to do anymore. I will post it if it turns out anything like I want it to. I can see that I need to get back in the groove of things. I have missed painting and should have been taking the time to do it all this time that I have been absent from it, but that's the way it is. I have to let some things go and get priorities in my life in the line of things. It is therapy for me.

I won't chase any more rabbits tonight and say "Good Night John Boy".

SHELLY'S SAD CAT

2009-01-26T23:50:00.005-05:00

Shelly, my 7 year old granddaughter, loves to paint and is very creative. Here she is, very diligently working. She loves cats and says that this cat is sad because she does not have anyone to play with. Notice the tears flowing...and don't you think this would be a good decoration for Halloween? Nice orange and black, festive colors. Shelly is like me...the brighter the color the better. Bright colors make you happy. My son says that I need batteries with some of the things that I wear. I think he really likes and expects me to be bright. We won't ask his true opinion though. lol

Shelly's (with her top, two front teeth misssing...so cute) finished painting....she is anxious to do more. I hope she will keep it up.

Shelly's 3 year old sister, Emmy, also loves to paint. Most of the time she ends up with more paint on her than the picture that she is working on. I will get her on here at another time.

I now shall say "Good Night John Boy".

"ISHKABIBBLE" PAINTING

2009-01-25T00:31:00.004-05:00

I finished my ishkabibble painting....it's more of a sign, I guess. I am not happy with it and may change things all around but for now, here it is. I have so many inspirations in my head that I will probably leave it like it is or paint over it completely and start over again. Who knows? This picture looks even less desirable. I painted the board yellow first and then put green on top. I used a piece of plastic wrap on top of the wet paint to snatch some of it off. It gave it kind of a funkie leather look. Then I added the stamps and the words. Last I put a glaze on top. Any suggestions anyone ????

"ISHKABIBBLE"

2009-01-20T21:43:00.007-05:00

I have a brand new word to use. It is "ishkabibble" ....it is pronounced; ish ka bibble ...and the meaning is; it is of no concern to me. I like that word that I have adopted today. I even got out my paints and started a painting with it in it. You never know what will inspire you to paint, do you? Who would have thought "ishkabibble" could have an inspiration, but it did. I have always said that I can lose myself while I am painting, which means that I have no cares that are concerning me at the time. I guess that is why ishkabibble jumped out at me. Some of you reading this are probably thinking, "she's loosing it". Ishkabibble, with what you think of me! lol Just kidding!!! But I do like the word. I might show you the painting when I'm finished. I am doing a little experimenting with new stuff, (to me) with it. Just some things that I have watched others do and never have tried myself. It's fun. My critic that lives here thinks...."that's not the way you usually paint". Variety is the spice of life. I started to use the word change, instead of variety, but the word change has been used up today in the political scenes.
5 am tomorrow will be here shortly, so I will say "Good Night John Boy".

ABBOT AND COSTELLO--WHO REMEMBERS WHERE WHO WAS?

2009-01-17T19:44:00.007-05:00

I got this in an email today. I always loved Abbot and Costello. I was very young when they were doing their show and the main thing I remember is the "Who's on First" skit. Here it is in somewhat of a modern version for you to enjoy.

Abbott and Costello

You have to be old enough to remember Abbott and Costello, and too old to REALLY understand computers, to fully appreciate this. For those of us who sometimes get flustered by our computers, please read on... If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their famous sketch, "Who's on First?" might have turned out something like this:

COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about buying a computer.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou.

ABBOTT: Your computer?

COSTELLO: I don't own a computer. I want to buy one.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou.

ABBOTT: What about Windows?

COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?

ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?

COSTELLO: I don't know. What will I see when I look at the windows?

ABBOTT: Wallpaper.

COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.

ABBOTT: Software for Windows?

COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals,
track expenses and run my business. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?

ABBOTT: I just did.

COSTELLO: You just did what?

ABBOTT: Recommend something.

COSTELLO: You recommended something?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: For my office?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: OK, what did you recommend for my office?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yes, for my office!

ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows

COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say I'm sitting at my
computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need?

ABBOTT: Word.

COSTELLO: What word?

ABBOTT: Word in Office.

COSTELLO: The only word in office is office.

ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.

COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows?

ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue "W".

COSTELLO: I'm going to click your blue "w" if you don't start with some straight answers.
What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: That's right. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: I need money to track my money?

ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer.

COSTELLO: What's bundled with my computer?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?

ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge.

COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?

ABBOTT: One copy.

COSTELLO: Isn't it illegal to copy money?

ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.

COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money?

ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT! (A few days later)

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off?

ABBOTT: Click on "START".............

This is the way I feel sometimes when it comes to something to do on a computer. Thankfully I have Rischa to call on for help. I am pretty illiterate when it comes to new stuff with the computer. So just remember that if I don't do something right.....that would tell you that I have not consulted with my daughter yet. Thank you, Rischa, for all of your expertise and patients.

Speaking of my Dear Darling Daughter, today is her Birthday. Happy Birthday and God Bless You for many more.

The painting project that I was talking about last week was a painted rock for her to have something to unwrap for her birthday. I had already given her her present when I was there at Christmas. I will let her tell you the story behind it on her blog. Rischa's Rants, Raves, and Ramblings or Refuge Pour les Artistes . I am not sure which she was going to post on.

Now I shall say, "Good Night John Boy".

"THE LORD'S SUPPER"

2009-01-14T20:55:00.004-05:00

Look what I have finished after about 10 years of having it on a shelf, in the box. It is a puzzle that is 1000 pieces. I am so proud of it. It is sooooo beautiful. Rischa gave it to me for Mother's Day, like I said, I think it was about 10 years ago. My cousin Barry, framed it for me with some wood that he found at the dump. It is beautiful wood and he did such a great job. One's junk is another's treasures! His wife, Sherrell, put it together....all 1000 pieces. It is 24" x 30". I don't have it hung yet but plan to put it in my dinning room. Just had to share with everyone.

Now I will say, "Good Night John Boy".

4 MORE PAINTINGS ...AND A BOOST IN SPIRIT

2009-01-12T21:47:00.007-05:00

Like I have said before, I am not good at photography, so don't hold that against me please. lol

This is an acrylic Black and White / Monochromatic of the Old Well Shed. This was a learning experience with the monochromatic, but sense it was an old fashion well shed, I thought it needed to be tried. I would still like to paint it with color. Jamie and Jerri have this one in their living room.

This is an acrylic, done with a brush and palette knife, of the Lighthouse

This is an acrylic, done with a brush and palette knife, of my Happy Old Nag....My granddaughter, Shelly, requested this one and it is hanging in her room. I had fun with this one. She is old and bony but happy. I hope I'm bony and happy when I get to be an old nag. lol

This is a water color of my first horse painting. I enjoy painting all that I paint, but this horse was really enjoyable....I guess because I love my horses so well.

I got out my paints yesterday and painted something that I can't share with you yet. I'll explain later! It boosted my spirits though.

Today was such a beautiful day....sun shinning so pretty. I stayed outside about half of the day. That is a spirit booster, as well. Thank you God for this beautiful day....a good dose of medicine for my soul.

"Have Sunny Days And Leave Happy Trails"

I now shall say, "Good Night John Boy!"

GYPSI

2009-01-11T19:19:00.002-05:00

This is Gypsi........so I have named her. She is so sweet, pretty, and very well mannered. I am sure someone is missing her. I have posters up so if someone is looking for her maybe they will see them. I named her Gypsi for obvious reasons. I will call the local Vets tomorrow and ask them to put up posters too. I know that I would be missing her and looking, if she belonged to me.
I will have more art up tomorrow, I promise. But for now, I shall say "Good Night John Boy".

GLOW BLUETS

2009-01-10T22:06:00.002-05:00

Today started out so pretty but I had things to do inside and didn't get to get out till later in the afternoon. By the time I got outside it had turned grey and started to drizzle rain. Emmy and Shelly were over here and wanted to play on the Happy Little Tire Swing. Between drizzles, we played on the tire swing. That was short time though. The drizzle drops got a little closer together. All these grey days make me have the "Glow Bluets". Definition: down in the dumps, the glow of attitude is blue. I am ready for the sun to shine. I am a bright person that likes bright days. Shine sun shine! Go away glow bluets! I think some of this is that I am still tired from going back to work and not use to it yet. Gotta get my energy back. This too shall pass, for tomorrow is but another day!!!!

I did not get a chance to take any pictures of the run-a- way- doggie, yet.....Maybe tomorrow, along with some more of my paintings too. That's what I need to do; paint. That always helps everything. After church tomorrow, I think I will drag out my paint and create something. See, I feel better already, just talking about it.

Hay time, so "Good Night John Boy".

YUMMY OATMEAL COOKIES AND A LOST DOGGIE

2009-01-09T21:00:00.004-05:00

I have been baking some Yummy Oatmeal Cookies. They are really scrumpdilleyishous. You don't have to bake them all at one time. Just store unused dough, covered, in the refrigerator and get out what you want to cook each time. Here is the recipe if you wish to try it.

YUMMY OATMEAL COOKIES
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
3 cups oatmeal (uncooked)
1 cup white raisins
2 cups lightly toasted, coarsely, chopped nuts
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350*
Grease cookie sheet lightly. Cream together butter and sugars. Add eggs and beat until mixture is light in color. Add buttermilk. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder,salt and spices; stir into creamed mixture. Fold in oatmeal, raisins, nuts, and vanilla, blending well. Chill dough for about an hour. Drop by rounded teaspoons full onto lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake about 12 minutes or until golden around edges.

Sorry I did not get around to posting anything last night but I was just to tired. My second full day, I mean FULL day, was very busy. I was dragging my tail feathers. Then our neighbor called about a little dog that had appeared at their house. She knew that we had one like her and thought she might be ours. I went to check to see if ours was in her bed and she was. I called her back and she said that she was afraid that her big dog would hurt her so I told her that I would put her in one of our kennels and we would try to find her owner. We put up posters today but she is still with us. She is really a pretty and sweet little dog. She looks like a cross between a Jack Russell and a Rat Terrier or Fiest. I really would not mind keeping her. My soft heart loves animals. I will get a picture of her tomorrow to show you. She has been well taken care of.

I plan to crawl on my perch early tonight so I will cease and desist with this post, and I will say "Good Night John Boy".

FIRST FULL DAY BACK AT WORK

2009-01-07T21:04:00.003-05:00

Well, this was my first full day back at work....yep, I am pooped and need to prop. I finished up just in time to invent a little supper, eat and get to Bible Study on time. We had a good crowd tonight. Sometimes it's just a handful of us there. I am glad that we have it though because it gives me the mid week boost that I need. We are studying "30 Days To Understanding The Bible". It is a good book, easy to understand and learn.

I did not have time to take any more pictures of my paintings today, so you get a little break tonight. lol That is kind of like showing family pictures when friends come over. They look at them to be nice. At least you are in the privacy of your home, not face to face with me, and can run through them without having to make a comment, unless you want to. Thanks for the nice ones that I have received though. Now me, I like looking at other's photos. I love pictures.....

I think I hear a dish of ice cream with 'nasty cereal' on it, calling my name. I must go see about it now, so I shall say, "Good Night John Boy".

A FEW MORE PAINTINGS

2009-01-06T22:27:00.004-05:00

This is an acrylic done with a pallet knife. Rischa and I were painting, at her house.

This is an oil painting. Rischa and I were painting together with this one too.

I didn't get a very good picture of this one. I cut it off on the left side. See, I told you that I was not a good photographer. This is another one that Rischa and I were painting together.

I won't put any more up for tonight. It is getting late and I have to be at work in the morning at 6:30 a.m. It's after 11:00 p.m. now and I have to get up at 5:00 a.m. This will be my first full day back at work. My last one comes at 5:30 p.m., as I have booked for now, so I will finish up pretty early.

For now, I will say "Good Night John Boy".

INTRODUCING SOME OF MY ART TO MY BLOG

2009-01-05T21:53:00.012-05:00

These are my Corn Dollies with Kokopelli playing his little flute, to make them produce happily. This is an acrylic

This is a wet on wet oil painting that I did along with a friend of mine, B.J. Jackson, while in Tennessee one week end.

My cute little Strawberry Guinea keeping an eye on things. You can see the dog tail good in this one, on the right, about half way up. This is an acrylic.

This is an oil painting. This is one of two lighthouses that I did. The other one lives at someone else's house now. I think I can sneak over there and get a picture of it though, since it is at my Mama's house.

This is my SKINNY OLD cow. Poor thing needs something to eat besides rocks and parched dirt from that hot sun. Try to ignore the glare, from the flash and from his eyes. Those eyes look kind of wicked. This is an acrylic.

This was my first use of black gesso with the butterflies on the butterfly bush. This is an acrylic.

Kolby calls this one "My Happy Little Tire Swing". This is a watercolor. Kolby has had a happy little tire swing here since he was a very small boy. He is 16 now. Shelly (7)and Emmy (3) play on it now too.

This is an oil painting of a little cabin.

This is one of the oldest ones I have. It is an oil painting that was done with a pallet knife while I was in high school. I have just in the last 5 years took up painting again and wish I had time to do more of it and also wish that I had done more of it over the years.

This is an acrylic of Jesus. You see very few pictures of Jesus smiling and it is hard to see it with my photography, but there is a glow around His head beaming to Heaven. If you click on the picture it will enlarge it so you can see it larger and up close, you may see the beams. This is my most favorite one. When I finished and put it in the frame, it took my breath and tears come to my eyes. I can't tell you just how I felt....maybe like Jesus was telling me thank you.

My photography is not to good. There are glares on some of them that I need help with from my dear darling daughter. Rischa, Jeff (my brother) and Katie (my niece) are the photographers. Don't be to critical of me please...just wanted to share. I would like some comments though, from anyone out there, please. I have more but will let this be it for tonight. I wish that I had made pictures of the ones that have left my possession. Hind sight is 20-20.

Oh, just a little tid bit of info about the way I sign my paintings. I always put a dog tail somewhere, as well as my signature and year date. The dog tail story is from when my children were small. If they asked me to draw them a picture of a dog, I would draw a house with only the dog's tail sticking out from behind it and say, "there is your dog, whatever kind you want him to be". That kind of stuck with me. The tail is there somewhere on all of my paintings. Some may be incognito, but they are there. Yes, even in the one of Jesus....it is within my signature.

More another time...it is time now to say, "Good Night John Boy!"

PROMISED PUPPY PICTURES

2009-01-04T22:00:00.008-05:00

She is sleepy here. She will be 5 weeks old tomorrow, and was born on Dec. 1, 2008. The mother did not want to take care of her and the seven others in the litter, any more, so that is the reason we got her so young. She is already showing her intelligences, trying to heard the guineas and chickens. She is an Australian Cattle Dog-Blue Heeler. They are bred to heard by the heel of the stock....thus "Heeler". She is still nameless. One will come to her. I suggested Misty because she is a misty color at this age and it was a very misty, foggy day yesterday when we drove so far to get her. They are born white, turn grey (at present) and then blue as they mature....again thus, "Blue Heeler". I just love little puppies.

I took some pictures of some of my paintings today. I will try to get them on tomorrows post. I will be glad when I can slow down enough to do some more painting. I have come up with several inspirations lately.

I have had a lot of running to the doctors lately. Tomorrow, I have to take Mama to her cancer doctor in Athens, then back home and then to Thomson for me to see 2 doctors (getting the stitches out of my head where I had a little booger that did not belong there, cut out) and to my foot doctor and hopefully to pick up my shoes, that he ordered for me, and then to pick Shelly up at the bus stop and then back home. Wheeeeeeu... I am tired just talking about it.

It is time to say "Good Night John Boy".

ADAM'S PUPPY

2009-01-03T21:53:00.004-05:00

This was another rainy, drizzly day. I put a huge pot of spaghetti on to cook just after lunch today. Boy was it good for supper. Yep, Rischa, I will put some in the freezer for you. That is why I cook a large pot full every time, so I can put your name on a bag going your way.

Adam had been looking for another Blue Heeler puppy every since his dog, Dolly died in July. I found him one about 3 weeks ago. The lady called me about lunch time and said that she (the puppy) was ready to leave her mommy; really , the mommy was ready for the puppy to leave her. We went down to Harrison (about 90 miles from here) and picked her up. She is sooooo cute! She has made herself at home with her new home already. She has the cutest personality going on. I hope she will keep it. She also seems to be very smart. I will try to get some pictures of her tomorrow to post. We also have to come up with a name for her. Does anyone have any suggestions???

It was just drizzling going down to Harrison but coming back it was so foggy that you could not see but just a little ways in front of the truck. We had to drive really slow. Yes, I did a lot of praying that God would get us back home safe. As you see, my prayers were answered. In my journal, on each page, there is a Bible verse. Today's said, "Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks". 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18. See God knew He was needed with us even before we left. Thank you God.

It is time to prop my foot, as well as the rest of my body up for about an eight hour nap now. I now shall say "Good Night John Boy"

A RAINY DAY IN GEORGIA

2009-01-02T22:00:00.003-05:00

Nothing much going on around here today. It has been a rainy and cold day in Georgia, all day. Shelly spent the night with us and all we did was play and eat. After Shelly left, I watched a lot of art videos on YouTube. They give me so much inspiration. I have not painted lately but I have sketched some that I want to paint later. I'm hooked!

Today is Joel's birthday...Happy Birthday Joel. Hope you had a good one and will have many more.

Time to go write in my "Thankful Journal" now and head toward bed. I had planned to go to bed early...it is earlier than usual though. So I will say "Good Night John Boy!"

GREENS, PEAS, ICE CREAM, AND CEREAL

2009-01-01T22:02:00.003-05:00

Did you have your greens and peas today, so you will have good luck and money this year? I did....collards,(that Adam brought me from his garden) peas, corn,(from my garden) pork chops, corn bread and Butterfinger cake. (a good friend brought the cake to us...yummy too) So I am going to have plenty of good luck and money this year because I ate LOTS of all of it. Oink Oink

I made my first entry in my new journal tonight. It brings back memories from my teen years (which was not THAT long ago that I can't remember) when I had a diary. This will be a little different though. It is going to be my "Thankful Journal". I promised myself that I would write down 5 things that I am thankful for, for the day that I am writing. It made me feel good to write them down.

The only thing that got done about my new years resolution was that I opened the door and looked into the room that I have to clean out for making my art studio. That was a start...at least I thought about it. I need to wait till the weather gets a little warmer. Yeah, I am going to do, I am.

Today seems like Sunday. I can't keep the days straight when there is a holiday in the middle of the week....especially since there has been FOOTBALL on all day....Not something that I enjoy!

Since we had a late breakfast, we had a late lunch/early supper and now my tummy says it is ready for a dish of ice cream, instead of milk, with my 'nasty cereal' (Fiber One original) on it. I have called it 'nasty cereal' since Rischa said that it was. lol It really is good and good for you. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Going to please my taste buds now, so I will say "Good Night John Boy!"

CHRISTMAS GIFTS AND GENERAL RABBIT CHASING STUFF

2008-12-31T19:31:00.011-05:00

First, showing off a few Christmas gifts and then the Rabbit Chase with random stuff.
My friend Pat gave me this beautiful platter for Christmas. I used it to put my smoked pork loin on that I cooked for Christmas dinner. Thanks, Pat

This is my Electronic Bible that Jamie, Jerri, Shelly and Emmy gave me. Thanks, ya'll. I have to learn all the things that it will allow me to do, but the main thing I have figured out already...reading the scripture.

This is my new Journal. Thanks Rischa, Joel and Kolby! I am going to officially start writing in it tomorrow. It is going to be my "Thankful Journal". I am going to reflect on the day, and what I am thankful for that I encountered for that day.

Just had a little carving done on my head, Monday. Throbbing yesterday but better today. Trying to ignore it...but I have been dehorned once again (3rd time) and now I don't have anything to hold up my halo. lol Just thinking about, 3 times on surgery for my foot too. I am going from head to toe. lol "This too shall pass, for tomorrow is but another day."

Shelly and Emmy spent the night with me last night and of course, you know what we have been doing today.....besides playing, nothing much all day, but having fun. We did have to get the horses and dogs ready for the Vet to come do Coggins test on the horses and Rabies vaccine on the dogs. Can you say VET BILL? If you have them, you have to have it done. I just love all of my animal friends and family.

I have been doing a little sketching lately. Since Rischa got me hooked on YouTube art videos, I have had the urge to paint. I have gotten more into Folk Art with the latest things. My new years resolution is to clean out my storage room between my shop and the tanning bed room and make me a place that I can set up all my art stuff and can leave it out and ready for whenever I have an inspiration to hit. That is also a dream that I have had for a while, to have my own little art studio. Yep, I'm gonna do it now. Hey ya'll, help, push, keep me going in that direction, please.

Speaking of Folk Art, the first Folk Art picture that I painted was the very first thing that I painted; a dancing clown with a little umbrella. Then I didn't get back into it till almost 4 years ago when I painted a Strawberry Guinea. I have painted two of them, Adam has the first one and Rischa has the second. The little clown is stuck under my bed, I think. I will take some pictures of some and post them one day maybe. I have given most of them away to my friends and family though.

Well, 2008 has almost finished up. I usually ring in the new year by myself. I watch the ball fall on TV and listen for the fireworks from some of the neighbors. Whoooo Hooooo .....how exciting is that? It keeps me honest! lol

I think I will go eat me a bowl of ice cream with some nasty cereal (as Rischa calls it) on it. Celebrate Celebrate!!!! Eat your way through to the new year. Lot better than drinking and feeling bad tomorrow. Right? Right

Well, I will say "Happy New Year" and" Good Night John Boy"!

NOT LOST

2008-12-28T22:36:00.008-05:00

I am not lost.....I just have not had a chance to blog the last couple of days. It has been so busy around here since the day before Christmas and we had spend the night guest last night. It was Laurie,(neice) Greg, Erin and Aubrey. Laurie and I stayed up till about 4 a.m. talking. Greg tried to stay up with us but he fell asleep several times on the sofa. He was really sawing some logs several times there. lol Poor thing was so tired. I was back up about 7:30 making coffee, quiche, and biscuits. (good too) Laurie and family left to go home about 2:30. She called me when she got home and settled and we talked another 2 1/2 hours or so. We had a lot to catch up on! And respectfully saying, she has the gift of gab....Love ya Laurie!!! Wish I could talk like that!
Well, I had a long post written and this crazy computer just bumped most of it off. I am so sleepy that I feel like I am about to fall out of this chair, so I will wait till tomorrow to write anything else. Please excuse me while I take a nap for about 6 hours, if the coyotes will hush up. They are really singing tonight and the dogs are trying to harmonize with them, I think.

Good Night Johhhhhhhhn Booooooooy! Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

SANTA HAS GONE

2008-12-25T21:25:00.004-05:00

Santa has made his rounds once again. It still does not seem like Christmas. This year just flew by to fast. I am just getting use to writing 2008 and now it will soon be 2009. Mama said that the older you get, time passes faster. I thought, how can that be? Now I am witnessing it...She is right. It seems that each year goes faster than the one before. That "O" word is not allowed around here for me. I am not going to get -----, I am going to get better....at what, I have not figured out quit yet. lol

We had a good meal today, if I do say so myself. I smoked a pork loin, and had crock pot macaroni and cheese, green beans, corn, fruit salad, rolls, cherry cheese cake, and coconut cake. Jerri brought some munchies; cheese sticks (that she made and was delicious), veggies and dip, cream puffs and eclairs. We all were ready to oink like piggies, when we ate lunch and then again at supper, with the reruns, it was the same oinkers. I have gained, I don't know how many pounds from being down at Rischa's, over at Mama's Christmas dinner and then today. Cereal for supper, for me, for a while, that is, after all the goodies are gone....can't let them go to waste, now can I? lol

I will post pictures later. I have not retrieved them from my camera yet and it is getting late. I feel like I am about to fall out of my chair, I am so sleepy, and I have fat fingers with hitting the wrong keys too....So this means that I say Good Night John Boy!

SANTA WILL SOON BE HERE

2008-12-24T22:11:00.003-05:00

Shelly and Emmy have been here some today while Santa was prepare for his visit with them tonight. We played a lot, of course. The tire swing got a good workout.
I cooked some things today for tomorrow's lunch so I would not have so much to do in the morning. I will put a pork loin in the smoker early in the morning. I am making myself hungry just thinking about it.
This will be a shortie tonight because I have to get in the bed before Santa gets here and I'm still up..... He may pass me by and not come back. That is what usually happens anyway because it is not that I have been bad....no way. I have been a good little girl. Yep, a good little girl. Now that I have that said, I will say Good Night John Boy!

PLAYING A LOT

2008-12-23T23:12:00.002-05:00

Shelly has been with me for the last three days. We have played and played and played Connect Four. She has really gotten good at it. She beats me as much as I beat her. She wanted to stay on tonight but Jerri told her that it was going to take her a while now to D-Bibbitize her. lol I don't spoil her....never have. She is just privileged, as are Kolby and Emmy. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Now that's that!
I am in the process of boiling a big pot of peanuts. They take forever and a day to cook. If I could find a place around here that sells them, I would buy them instead. All the G-kids like them. They also bring back memories of when we would go to the mountains. James, Rischa and Kristy would always have to stop at this one place, to buy peanuts to eat, coming down from the mountains toward home. I didn't like them then, but I have acquired a taste for them now, that I like.
Shelly and I delivered Christmas bags filled with oranges, to some of my friends today. I still have some more to deliver tomorrow and also some last minute Christmas shopping, as well as groceries for Christmas dinner. I have had ham several times in the last two weeks till I am hamed out so I think I will smoke a pork loin.
I have a sick friend that we took some food to, also. She has a dog named Angel, and a cat (can't think of the cat's name) that Shelly enjoyed playing with.
I have a couple of presents to wrap tonight before I call it quits and turn in for the night so I will say Good Night John Boy!

FAMILY CHRISTMAS GATHERING

2008-12-21T22:16:00.002-05:00

Today was our family Christmas gathering at Mama's house. Everything was very nice and everyone had a good time. The little girls, of course, enjoyed opening their presents and playing with them. The adults always enjoy the Chinese gift swap too. There was not a lot of swapping like it was last year. It gets more exciting when there is a lot of swapping about. Everyone was happy with what they got though and enjoyed being together mostly. And the FOOD...it was all great. Yes, we were all ready to oink when we finished and take a nap.

I was going to add some pictures but it will not allow me to at this time. Maybe later!

Shelly came home with me and we have played umpteen games of Connect Four. I think she beat me more times than I did her. She is pretty sharp on that game. She is ready for me to come to bed now so I will say Good Night John Boy!

GOODIES THAT MAKE YOU GROW

2008-12-20T23:46:00.003-05:00

I just finished making a huge tray of fudge. It is called Six Pound Fudge. I don't know if it is that it weighs 6 pounds, or it makes you gain 6 pounds with every piece you eat. It is so rich and creamy and of course, full of good old Georgia pecans. I think now that I think about it, the 6 pounds are attached as you chew. Who cares? It's Christmas....You are suppose to eat goodies. That is what New Year's Resolutions are made for. The diet that gets old rather quickly. Eat now for tomorrow you may not be here. My Daddy use to say, "I am not going to die poor and hungry too". He enjoyed eating and a lot of that is because Mama was such a good cook for him.

I also made some Haystacks. They are so crunchy and addictive. They are like potato chips, you just can't eat one. One taste like must....you must have another one. Both the Fudge and the Haystacks are sinfully good.

I am listening to my new CD that I got for Christmas, from Rischa, Joel and Kolby; "Believe" 'Country's Most Inspirational Songs, preformed by The Country Dance Kings. It has a lot of good songs on it. I am really enjoying it.

I also have another new CD. The name of it is "One Life" by 33 Miles. It is a really good CD too. One of the singers is an IN LAW brother, my son in law's brother. They have another one too. Maybe I can get it at some point and time too. They are a fairly new group. Their web site is: http://www.33milesonline.com/. Check them out.

I have not been contributing much to my new addiction today....YOUTUBE. I did watch some painting videos this morning but have not had time this afternoon. I just may go into DT's if I don't watch at least one painting video before I go to bed. They are also like potato chips, you can't watch just one. Then, before you know it you have been sitting there for an hour or so. That's OK, I am relaxed when I am doing that. Everyone needs some relaxation sometimes.

This day that I started this entry just turned into tomorrow. It is time to say Good Night John Boy.

LOST AND HOOKED ON YOUTUBE

2008-12-20T00:15:00.003-05:00

It is all Rischa's fault! She got me started watching art videos on Youtube and now there is no turning back. Tee Hee Hee....I could sit for hours, if I had the time, and just watch all kinds of art videos. Sometimes the mixed medium, sometimes oil, sometimes one thing and another time something else. I love it all! It really makes me want to fix me up that studio that I have always dreamed of. I just need to set my head to cleaning out my storage room and getting things organized. ORGANIZED....that is the key word with the storage room. I won't even get started on telling what all would need to be done.

I had a long drive back home from Florida today. I, with the assistance of my GPS, which I call Sassy Suzie, because she gets an attitude sometimes with her "RECALCULATING", got us a little turned around. I did not want to listen to her because I wanted to go another route that I already knew and she was taking me in another direction....the roads being worked on and rerouted also played a role in things with her mental maps. Plus, I picked up 30 bags of oranges, 2 bags or grapefruits and a bag of Ponderosa lemons. That put a lot of weight on the rear tires, especially with all the other stuff I had already packed and I mean packed tight. I was cruising along thinking that my vehicle was driving kind of mean when this guy drove up by me, in a pretty yellow Hummer (handsome driver too) and told me I had a very slack tire. I then had to hunt a place to check it out and get some air put in the tire. I just prayed that everything would be alright and I could get home safely. God was listening and complied, as He usually does....which is another part of my drive. I no longer had said my prayers, but to look at the vehicle in front of me and his tag had McDuffie county on it. Someone from home, almost. I followed him for a long way, in hopes that he was headed home. Yes, God gave him the chance to pass me and show me the way home. Anyhowsomeever....As it ended up, it was 30+ miles closer and without the humdrum Interstate. The different route and scenery was kind of nice. To say the least, I was tired with a capitol T when I got home.

It is now almost 1 a.m. and I am ready to say Good Night John Boy!

SANTA WAS IN TOWN

2008-12-18T00:29:00.003-05:00

Today was an early Christmas at the Heape household. I got a really nice leather journal and a Believe CD with a lot of good songs on it. I can listen to it while driving back home.

I plan to start my journal on January 1, 2009. Wow, 2009...I am just getting use to writing 2008. Where did it go? Mama has always said, " the older you get, the time goes faster". She is right. I still can't figure out why though. Ha!

Rischa and I went shopping again today. I have a big part of my Christmas shopping done now. Now I have to wrap and bag up. It just does not seem like it should be Christmas already.

I think Rischa and I are going to Michaels tomorrow. She wants to pick up some painting and craft things and so do I. I have the painting itch now! It is just calling me and I need to scratch it to satisfy my craving. I have several things in my head to do. I think I may start with an angel. We shall see! I gave Rischa an Acrylic Revolution book for Christmas, that I have looked through and learned some new techiniques, as well as watching some videos. Can't wait to see how they turn out for me. I'll let you know.

I am getting fat fingers now....it is late or maybe I should say early. It is almost 1 a.m. already. John Boy is already sleeping, I am sure. I will have to wake him up to say "Good Night John Boy".

A LITTLE SHOPPING

2008-12-17T08:17:00.004-05:00

I was pooped last night and did not get into blogging. John Boy went to sleep without me telling him Good Night last night, but here I am this fine Wednesday morning, all bright eyed and bushy tailed, and ready to go.

Rischa and I went shopping a little while yesterday. The best place we went was to the Thrift Store. Rischa was looking for some big fat, short mugs for her new coffee machine. She found two good ones....cute too. She was also looking for some books that she could use with her crafting of her painting and stuff for her dolls. She got lucky and found some stuff. I got a couple of books, a couple of nice heavy cooking pots, a pair of lounging pants (since I have been lounging so much lately and everyone is ready to see the ones that I have, given a rest...lol) and last but not least, a beautiful wire Angel. Good finds....one's junk is another's treasures!

We had put a ham in the oven before we left so when we got back home, Rischa cooked some green beans, shells and cheese and some crescent rolls. Boy did I pig out. Oinkers for me! I needed those big, elastic waist band lounging pants that I had just bought so I could do like the doggies; had my tummy full and ready to go to sleep. lol It was really soooooo good.

Rischa and I watch some painting videos. I learned some new techniques and ideas. I have really got the itch to paint now. Got to get through Christmas first and then maybe I will get going with it.

Rischa and I are going shopping a little more today. My foot and her knee won't let us do to much at the time.

We are about to cook some bacon and pancakes for brunch now so I will say," brunch will be ready soon, John Boy". Get ready--"Oink Oink Oink"-- I know!

DEEP DOWN SOUTH

2008-12-16T00:13:00.002-05:00

Here I am in Florida! Long trip but I enjoy being here when I get here. The traffic and trip was not to bad. My foot was needing a good iceing and propping when I got here. Rischa fixed me right up.

Rischa has some new painting books and we have been looking at them and videos as well as craft things. Katie would love some of this stuff. Fun Fun crafting stuff. The painting stuff makes me want to get out my painting stuff real bad. Maybe after Christmas.

I think we are going shopping for a little while tomorrow. I have got to get ready for Christmas. I have very little done so far. Blame it on my foot! Can't believe it is only 10 till Christmas.

Time to say good night to John Boy!

NEW FAMILY, GIFT AND HEADED SOUTH

2008-12-14T23:20:00.006-05:00

Here is Kolby with Freddie. Freddie is the newest member of our family. He is an experienced squirrel hunter that is going to teach Visa, Kolby's puppy, to hunt. Freddie is a Jack Russell and Visa is a Fiest.

Here I am with the nicest surprise that I got in the mail yesterday. My Sweet Special 'Sunshine Sister', sent me a beautiful horse wind chime. It has the nicest tone to it. I just love it! Thanks Fern.

I am all packed up and ready to pull out in the morning. Kolby, Me and the Snow Birds are headed to Florida. I dread the long drive but looking forward to getting there. I am sitting here pooped and daze trying to decide if I have everything that I am suppose to take. I have a Christmas present or two but planning to do a little more shopping when I get there. Get ready Rischa!

Not much going on around here today but cooking, going to church, cooking, packing, cooking, washing, cooking. It seems like I have been cooking all day for some reason.

I am about to turn into a pumpkin, since it is almost mid night and I was suppose to get in the bed early tonight, so I will not be sleepy while driving tomorrow. Sooooooo, I will say good night John Boy!

GOT THE GLOW BLUETS

2008-12-13T22:04:00.002-05:00

I guess I am expecting my foot to get well instantly but I was not expecting the doctor to say I may have to have more surgery on it. He filled it full of cortisone shots yesterday and poked and proded. To say the least, it hurt all night and is very sore today. We shall see! That is where the Glow Bluets come from because just about everything else is fine.

We went to Thomson to get a new dog today. A squirrel hunting dog, that is a Jack Russell that looks a lot like our little departed Tuff. The guys are anxious to take him out hunting tomorrow. His name is Freddie. He is a sweetie and Visa likes him too! They will make some cute babies, maybe. Fuz is not to thrilled with him taking over his woman though. Freddie and Visa liked it other from the first sniff. lol

Since I didn't get but about 2 hours of sleep last night, I am headed toward my perch early tonight. Sorry I missed last night but that is the way things go for various reason sometimes.

Well, good night John Boy!

JUST A SHORTIE

2008-12-11T21:48:00.003-05:00

Not a lot going on around here today. Don't tell anybody but I did a few hair cuts today. I scattered them out over the day...not like standing there long and the time. Don't fuss at me please. I miss my customers and friends and also the money.

I have to go to the doctor tomorrow for them to re-xray my foot to see if the bones are still lined up like they are suppose to be and everything else is like it is suppose to be too. Maybe I am not giving it enough time to heal but I can't tell that it is any better than before surgery yet. I hope I am wrong!

We had rain rain and more rain today. It was much needed. So far it is up to 3 inches and still raining. Thank you Jesus!

Well, this is the finish of my "Shortie" for tonight. I am headed toward my perch now, so this is good night John Boy!

ps...See, I got my time fixed...Thank you, Rischa!

TIME ZONE

2008-12-11T08:49:00.003-05:00

I think I have the time zone fixed now. I am making this post to check it out. Of course, Rischa had to help me, via email. I am very illiterate when it comes to things of the computer sometimes. Rischa has been a very patient teacher with what I do know.

It is almost 9 a.m.,Thursday morning, Katie's birthday, by the way....Happy Birthday Katie!

Now to go check the time.

Tootle Loooooooo.........

By George I think I've got it! I checked and it is right now.

Tootle Loooooooo again!

I FORGOT TO TELL YOU

2008-12-10T21:36:00.000-05:00

I forgot to tell you that Kolby did most of the making of the Turtles. Of course he would not let me take a picture of him doing it though. I think he enjoyed it. He has done some cooking several times before. He doesn't like to admit it but I think he kind of likes it. Don't tell him I said that though. He would say that I am embarrassing him. Some of the best cooks I know are guys.
Later Gators...

THINGS TO MAKE YOU GROW

2008-12-10T20:44:00.000-05:00

I did get my round tuit today to make the goodies that I had planned to. I made some Mock Turtles and a Butter Pecan Apple Cake with a Caramel glaze. The glaze turned out a little to hard but it tast good. Yes, I licked the pan. The turtles are sooooooo good and so easy to make. I didn't have the right size pretzles but they are still yummmmmy! You are suppose to use the little ones that look like a window. The only ones that I could find are the small bow tie kind. That works but the others are better. Did I hear you say you want the recipe???? Here it is...

Put 1 pretzle then top with a Rolo (there are 8 in a package) then with a pecan half. Put them in a 350* oven for 3 minutes. Remove and mash down slightly. Let cool and then indulge!

We got some much needed rain today but thankfully we did not get any of the flooding and tornados that were predicted for this area.

We did not go to check out the little hunting dog today, like we had planned, because of the bad weather. It will probably be Saturday before we get there. Update whenever!

I think I will call it a night early tonight so I will say Good Night John Boy!

A COMBINATION... NOT A MISTAKE

2008-12-10T11:31:00.000-05:00

The stoup word is not a mistake it is a combination of soup and stew since I have two kinds of meats added to the vegetable soup. Jeff calls it Vegetable Stew. I think Rachel Ray calls it Stoup too. I had other mistakes in my post for last night though. My bad.....I blamed it on being late. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. lol Also, I have learned to look back at the post now and edit it. Yeaaaaah, me!

Going to check out another hunting dog today. He is suppose to be trained and will help Visa and Fuzz learn what to do. Visa is doing pretty good on her own with Kolby. They have put meat on the table twice this week already and they are out now on a chase. I will let you know tonight what the out come is of the new hunter.

I am planning to try a new recipe that is sort of invented, today.... Also some Mock Turtles. I will also let you know how they come out. Got to find my round tuit first.

I think I ate a bear for breakfast. The growls, that I can hear and feel, coming from my stomach, would make you think so......LUNCH TIME!

Unless John Boy is about to take a nap, I can't tell him good night yet. John Boy, come to lunch!

SLEEP MISTAKES

2008-12-09T23:44:00.000-05:00

As you can see, my first blog tonight had some miss placed words and a word that had letters left out. Sorry, I get fat finger this time of night. Another thing is that my posting time is wrong on here too. I can't figure out how to get it right. Any help would be appreciated??!! I think it is about 4 hours off. HELP!!!! It really is almost mid night.

Again...for real this time......good night John Boy!

MY POT RUNNETH OVER AND CHRISTMAS GIFT

2008-12-09T23:12:00.000-05:00

I started out making some Vegetable Stoup today and as usual it kept growing and growing. It had to have some of this and it had to have some of that till I had two huge pots full. I know Rischa is saying, "Wooooo Hooooo", because she know that when I come her way I usually have some frozen stoup for her. Love from home when I have gone back home.

The peanut reminders worked. They both got their messages and got their jobs done today with the help of the Peanuts.

I was suppose to help with the Christmas Senior Luncheon today but I was not up to hobbling around and dodging others from stepping (accidentally, of course but it would have still HURT) on my foot. I did take a cake up there for them. Pat came by for a visit on her way from home. She brought me some desserts that was scrumpdillyishous, a poinsettia and a beautiful Christmas Ladle. Pictured....

Well Gee Wheellikins, it is almost mid night again....time for me to say good night John Boy!

CREATIVE REMINDERS AND THE MAGI

2008-12-08T22:03:00.000-05:00

I had boiled some peanuts a couple of days ago and there was a cup of them left and sitting on the counter. James had told Kolby to remember to give the cows some salt blocks tomorrow. Kolby said, "if I don't forget". That is when James spelled out "salt" with the peanuts so Kolby would see it and remember to do his little job. A little while later James said,"don't let me forget to pick up the checks in the morning". In return for the favor he had reminded Kolby with, James got in return from Kolby, spelling "checks". Maybe it will work. Are they creative or what?

Sometimes I wish that I had one of those little things that you talk into and it records what you say. Then you can play it back when you can't remember what you are suppose to pick up and etc. I misplace my list sometimes so I probably would loose the little gadget too.

Kolby and I read "The Gift of the Magi" today. Hard to read but if you stop along the way and think about what it is saying and talk about it, it is a good and inspirational story. The wording and how they place the words in the sentence is what is hard for me to grasp until I go back and reread and analyze it as I go. Really it is a good story behind it....kind of sad too.

Kolby put up the Christmas tree today but that is as far as we got with it. Maybe tomorrow we can add the lights and decorations. This is early for me, you know! I have some goodies that I want Kolby to make too. I think he will enjoy it. I'll let you know how it goes and maybe have some pictures too.

It is about perching time again so as usual, Good Night John Boy!

CHRISTMAS PARADE; NOW PLAYING AGAIN

2008-12-07T20:12:00.000-05:00

We had our big town Christmas parade today. Jerri, Shelly and Emmy went with me to watch. It was not very big at all but what do you expect from such a small town. The girls enjoyed it and got lots of candy thrown their way. Emmy was giving everyone in the parade, her Miss America wave till Santa come riding up on the firetruck. With wide eyes and a huge smile her wave grew larger. That was worth it all. Of course, after the parade they wanted to come home with me, and did. We all three sat in the recliner, eating candy, boiled peanuts and watching Animal Planet and enjoying each other. Yes, I had my foot propped up to the side, out of their reach so everything was fine.
As you see, I have been playing with the background here again. I am just looking around at what can be done, and that I can figure out how to do myself, without messing up. Surprise Surprise, I did it.
I have got to get busy doing some Christmas shopping. Jerri has been so gracious to get Shelly and Emmys for me. That was a help. I have ordered a couple of things on the net. That is just not like getting out there and bumping behinds and shoulders with other shoppers. Although, this year, I want to put my foot in my pocket so no one will step on it. Yikes, that would not be good. It makes me hurt to think of it. I like the shopping to a certain extent. I love getting things for people that I think they may want or/and enjoy. All the preparing and stuff and then it is over in just a little while...a little depressing at that point. There is so much going on that we all tend to not concentrate on the real reason for "Christ"mas. Happy Birthday Jesus!
Going to prop, perch and read a while now. I shall say good night John Boy, once again.

2008-12-06T22:31:00.000-05:00

This is a good thing to know. You never know when you might have to use it. AND, I was just testing the waters as to how to add this type of thing to my blog. Still learning, ya know?

Officially Starting My First Blog

2008-12-06T20:16:00.000-05:00

Well here I am officially typing my first real entry to my first blog. How do you like that name I gave myself? Bet you can't say it three times fast....correctly that is. Hang with me, I am new at this so I don't quite know where to start.

I am sitting here eating a bowl of ice cream with my favorite (at the present) cereal on it, Fiber One Original. Rischa thinks it is nasty, but it's not really. It is kind of nutty tasting on ice cream. To be honest, it is not really as good just with milk as it is with ice cream. I can get that good calcium that way to, you know. Maybe that is just my justification for eating ice cream. It works for me. So now I am justifiably justified!!!

It is cold tonight...and suppose to be 25* in the morning. Burrrrrr

I started reading a new book last night. A friend of mine wrote it. "There's No Place Like Home", by Cathy Blount. Very well written about her family difficulties and heartache and how she overcomes them. Very inspirational and hard to put down till you have finished. Cathy is a very inspirational person to talk and listen to and has become a good friend. I met her at one of our Baptist Women's Retreats.

It is time to find my perch and prop my foot up now. So I will say good night John Boy.

JUST GETTING STARTED

2008-12-06T15:59:00.000-05:00

Hello All,
I am new at this so please be patient. Rischa is walking me through everything. I am going to use this as a test and will try the real thing later. Later Gators!

Testing, testing, 123

2008-12-06T14:34:00.000-05:00

....just testing. ;-)