Saturday, July 30, 2011

Another Day in Whovillanova

Hey, Y'all,
Just another day in Whovillanova... I was awake this morning around 5 a.m. and turned on the television to Turner Classic Movies and watched an Andy Hardy classic with Mickey Rooney and Donna Reed... Laughed and cried... enjoyed myself tremendously and then got up out of bed for the day. I stepped out onto my little stepstool to leave the bed. Yeah, in case I didn't tell you, I decided I needed both mattresses on my new bed (box spring and top mattress) and the other morning hefted the box springs and carried it in, put it on the bed, thus making the top of the mattress about waist high. Makes me feel like the princess in the story, "Princess and the Pea". Nothing wrong with feeling like a princess, is there? Ha ha. 

I went into the kitchen and heated a cup of yesterday's coffee, made me three pancakes, and sat down to enjoy a leisurely breakfast with my book to read. Ahhhh...life is good. 

Carol and Daryl just left here a few minutes ago after mowing and edging my yard. Such hard and willing workers, makes me feel a little sorry I can't get out there and do it myself. I appreciate them so very much for their loving help. 


Last night we had a really great time. We went to the Mexican Cafe for supper and then on to the Artisan Theater to see a live production of "Anne of Green Gables". It was very enjoyable and we got back home around 10:30 p.m. During intermission at each performance at the theater, there is a drawing for free tickets to a future performance. Last night, Daryl was the winner of tickets to "Hello, Dolly", so we will be going to see that one day during the next seven days. How about that? (I have a season ticket, so mine is already paid for). Something to look forward to. 


Last Wednesday, I took my friend, Mattie, to visit with another member of our Sunday School Class, Connie, who fell and injured herself about three weeks ago. Connie is at home after spending some time in the hospital and then in rehab. Mattie and I went to lunch first, and then went to Connie's. We had a wonderful visit with Connie and hope we didn't overstay. Such lovely ladies both she and Mattie are.

I spent a few hours on Thursday cutting strips of cloth to begin making a quilt for Teresa. Yes, I am slowly in preparation to make it. This hot weather is a good time for staying indoors and doing stuff. I put a load of clothes into the washer while ago and will be drying it after while. As you know, I am a computer game player, so I do little necessary things in between rounds of a game. 


Yesterday morning, I decided it had been too long since going to Walmart, so off I went at about 9 a.m. heading to the local Wally World. Breakfast was served to me at the Mickey D's inside Wally World, and as usual, I ordered the sausage/egg biscuit, accompanied by senior coffee and 2 fried apple pies. As usual, also, I gave one of the fried pies away to another person who was also eating her breakfast. She thanked me graciously, and I took a seat at another table, pulled out my paperback book, and had my breakfast. I shopped around inside Wally World for about an hour and a half, taking my time. What a life!

Well, that is about it for today. I have done some Sunday School lesson preparation, and will be doing some more after while. We are studying about Jeremiah and how God kept warning the Kingdom of Judah through Jeremiah to turn from their sins and evil ways and to turn back to God, or else be carried off into captivity. They didn't and they were.

This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. I hope each of you has a wonderful weekend. Bye for now. More later.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Reflections of the Past

Hey, Y'all,
Well,  yesterday's post got me to thinking about old pictures and how they can show where we come from. While pulling out pictures for Dubby's memorial post, I ran across this picture that was taken 103 years ago, when my mom and her family went to Texas from Loudon, Tennessee. Mama was 7 years old at the time, and the whole Black and Wise family got together for a photograph before the William Gaston Black family went to Texas supposedly to live out their lives. If they had stayed there, then most likely what is my family would never have existed and I wouldn't be writing this blog, because the me that is - would never have been. Mind-boggling, isn't it?


My grandmother is the one sitting on the left with one of my aunts sitting on her lap. My grandfather is standing far left with his sister, (we called her aunty- pronounced ainty). Mom is the little girl with braids sitting on right front.
While they were here in Lorena, Texas working on the Westbrook ranch, my grandfather contracted the measles from his baby son, Franklin, who died, and then Grandpa had to work outside in the rain, got pneumonia and died. He was buried out there, and my Granny Black and her seven children had to return to Loudon to live. Granny was an excellent cook, but could not read and write; she was half Indian, and took in washing and ironing to keep her children in food and shelter. Her oldest children quit school and began working in a knitting mill there in Loudon, and brought their checks home to add to the family coffers. 


Had they not returned to Loudon, my mom and my dad would most likely not have met and therefore my family would not have existed, and I would not be the me that I am. I do know that God's plan must have been for our family to be what it is.  I am grateful... 


My dad's family came from middle Tennessee to East Tennessee where they lived on a farm down around Concord, Tennessee. My mom saw my dad walking along the street in Loudon, and set her cap for him. After several months of courting, which consisted mostly of taking walks (I have a picture of them walking through the cemetery) they were married. And...as they say...the rest is history. 
This is Granny Black (mom's mother) on her wedding day on Nov. 14, 1894. This is a tintype photograph and thus is almost 117 years old.

Granny Campbell, my dad's mother
This is the only picture I have of my Grandpa Campbell. He is the one on the left. The one on the right was married to my Aunt Ruby (dad's sister)
This is a picture of my dad's brothers and sisters taken circa 1918. Dad was not in this picture. I think that is his mother whose face is barely visible behind the youngest child on the mule. 

My mom and dad on their wedding day. Don't they look spiffy? I never saw them so well dressed as they were there. This was taken circa 1919. They were poor when I knew them.
Well, that is it for now. I am the youngest daughter of theirs and the only surviving original member of it in this generation. All my brothers and my sister are gone. I know where they are, though, along with my mom and dad. I will join them some day and our circle will be unbroken then. We will all be rejoicing together with our Lord, Jesus. Where are you bound for when you die? If you are not bound for heaven or IF you don't know, think about it, and then take action.


This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. Bye for now. More later.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Pictures of Our Dubby- In Loving Memory

Hey, Y'all,
Today my post is all about our Dubby... He was a quiet man, who loved peace and loved his Lord, his family and me. I had the privilege and honor of being his first and only girl friend, and then becoming his wife. Today, I just want to post pictures of some of our life together. Dub (W.B.) was not what you would call a handsome man, but he had a beautiful heart. Quite possibly, his inner beauty came because of what some people would call handicaps. He had a lazy eye and a long chin, both of which he was very self-conscious. He had surgery on the chin after we were married and improved the line of his jaw tremendously.

As we all know, it doesn't matter what you do to improve the outer person, it is the inner one that comes through, and he was always loving and considerate of others, and recognized as a true gentleman. Dubby went to be with his Lord a year ago today, and this gallery of pictures is in remembrance of our life together.

Nephew Fred, Daryl, Carol, Dub, my brother Ralph  out at the farm in circa 1979-80
Dub, Mae, Hugh at the farm in 1979-80















The pictures here are just a few of the ones that I have, but are representative of the fact that Dub was a family man, who loved that family, regardless of whether they were family that he inherited when we married, or family that was biologically related to him. I couldn't find any of him fishing, but he did love to fish and to take his grandkids fishing. Dub was a peaceable man who cared deeply for others and I was fortunate enough to know him and be loved by him. I miss him. 

This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. Bye for now. More later. 

Monday, July 25, 2011

Laughing Out Loud

Hey, Y'all,
There are all kinds of new catchphrases these days, and among them is the LOL, or ROTFL... I have been a believer of laughing out loud for years; also I can just about roll on the floor laughing... either about a joke or watching a funny movie, or reading a funny book. How about you? Is there a lot that happens in your life that leaves you laughing? Can you find things that you deem funny enough to laugh out loud about? It happens to me all the time. :)

This morning, I was reading a book that I had checked out of the library... one of the Janet Evanovich books about Stephanie Plum, bounty hunter in the burg. It has some slightly raunchy language in it, sure, but some situations that are just uproarously funny. I just skip over the language and enjoy the situations. I always read when I eat alone, and thus enjoy my meal and my company. There was no place I had to be this morning, so I just continued to sit there and read after finishing my breakfast of homemade pancakes and cup of coffee. I finished the book, and now I have read the four books I checked out last week. Now a trip to the library tomorrow is in order.

I may have told you a few weeks ago that Carol and I made a trip to Walmart and I bought a new bed, which had to be assembled before I could use it. Yesterday afternoon, Carol and Daryl came over and put it together for me. It must have had a jillion parts to it, and it took them between  three and four hours to assemble it. They finished it at about six p.m. In the meantime, I stayed out of their way and was at my computer. They worked really hard at assembling the bed, too. I have such a great family and they are always doing things for me. Thank you, Carol and Daryl! You are the best! I slept pretty well last night, but getting used to a new bed always takes a little time.

Have you ever been clicking away on your computer and have the internet stop working??? Frustrating, isn't it, to be in the middle of a game, and be told "please refresh your browser", only to realize there is no refreshing because that crazy old browser isn't working. Ha. Well, it never came back up till sometime during the night. Then this morning, it went out again. I'll declare, that internet goes out more than I do. Ha. It is working again, however, at least for the time being. 

My flower beds are looking really good right now. When I planted them, I put in some Moss Roses which are also called Portulaca (scientific name) and they are beautiful. When i set them out they were just individual sprigs. Now they have spread out and covering a large area of the flower beds. 

  As you can see, the bed has a bookcase headboard, and one of the sections holds my remote for my little tevee. 

This afternoon is when I have supper out with some of the seniors in my church. We are eating at the Spring Creek BBQ place. They have mighty tasty BBQ, too. 

 Well, the weather people are putting out a weather heat advisory about the high temperatures today. I'm sure they will be telling us to stay indoors today. Expected high today is 105 with a feels like of 110. Highs to continue in triple digits all the rest of this week...that is as far as they go at a time. 


Well, folks, that is about it for today. Much love to each of you, my friends and family... More later. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. Bye for now.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Family Pictures

Hey, Y'all,
Well, as they say, "Life goes on" and the events of the past few days are a reminder of that very thing. Grandma Jean loved life and she loved people. She was one of the kindest people you would ever desire to know, with never a mean or unkind thing to say about any one. Last evening her family got together to visit with one another. We also celebrated the birthday of one of our great grandchildren, and also my grandson, Ben, who is married to our Emily. (He is my grandson because he is married to Emily and I'm proud to claim him).

Here are some pictures of some of the people who were there, and I know that if you are a regular reader of this blog, then you recognize them. 


 As you can see, we had lots of cake and we also had ice cream. The kids ran around and played, the adults sat and talked with one another, remembering Grandma Jean and the good times that we had all had together. We know without a doubt that Grandma Jean is celebrating her life with Jesus and the angels, and those in Christ who had gone on before her. 

I was somewhat tired last evening, and when I went to bed, I was thinking, I could just drift off to sleep and if I passed on in my sleep I was ready to go, with no worries. No, I am not depressed, children, just letting you know that all is right with me. I still have a lot of living left to do as far as I am concerned. I had a good six hours of uninterrupted sleep last night and felt much rested this morning. In fact, it is about time for my breakfast. We have memorial services to attend sometime this morning. 

I am reminded of a television show that used to be on, where a dog would bring his bowl to the family kitchen to be filled for breakfast, and the kids would be running around getting ready to go to school and the parents would be getting ready to go to work. It had a theme song, "Da da da, da da da, daaa, da da da Li-fe goes on...And it does...even as we  remember those who are no longer with us in body. 

When I woke up at 4 something this morning, I turned on the television to the TCM channel and watched a film made in 1936. It was in black and white, of course, but it made me laugh. It was a Harold Lloyd, Adolphe Menjou film. It was called "The Milky Way". If you ever have a chance to see it, take the time to watch it. They don't make clean movies like that anymore. 

Well, folks that is about it for today. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. Breakfast calls out to me...Ruby...Ruby...Ruby..
And I say, "Coming!" Now all I have to do is go fix it. Ha. Bye for now. More later. Much love to all my friends and family.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Happy Birthday to Noah and Ben!

Hey, Y'all,
Today is the birthday of two of my favorite people in the world! Of course, all my family are favorites (not to show any partiality)...Our Noah (my great grandson) and grandson Ben, our Emily's husband, celebrate their birthday anniversaries today. 

Daniel and Whitney are in town with their four children for the funeral of Whitney's grandmother, Grandma Jean, who passed away this past week. The family is gathering at Grandpa Bob's this evening for some quality time together before the services tomorrow. (Probably pictures to follow of tonight's family gathering on tomorrow's post). 

As regarding the temperatures (for those of you following this) today is the 20th straight day for 100 degrees and 100+. I keep hoping for rain...the grass is dying regardless of the sprinkler system, but when rain comes, it will come back. The temps are supposed to be hitting 102-103-104 in the next seven days.

You can probably guess, there is not a lot going on right now. I am staying inside as much as possible. No scintillating thoughts to publish. ha ha. I'm going to heat up my left-over gravy and biscuits in a few minutes and make some fresh coffee, and then finish it all off with a couple of pieces of cantaloupe. While I am eating, I will be listening to country music and reading a mystery book. Life is good...God is great and people are crazy... 

This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. More later. Bye for now.  

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Hello to Sydnei !

Hey, Y'all,
I want to send a hello to a little friend of mine who pops up on my facebook messages every once in a while and we chat and have a great time talking... she is a honorary grandchild of mine. Her name is Sydnei, and she is charming! Hello, Sydnei...and hope you are having a great summer!

This morning, I decided to stay at home and have my gravy and biscuits instead of going to Le Peep's. I must say it was quite good, too. The weather here is continuing to remain rainless and in the hundred's in temperature. 

I spent about an hour this morning reading my Sunday School lesson in preparation for teaching it. I did a little research on my computer, as well. 

Oh, yeah, I decided it was time to change the bed linens, and tonight I will sleep in clean sheets and hope that I can sleep. As you know, I can't always sleep at night, and sometimes get up around 3 a.m. and go back to bed at around 5 a.m. for a couple of hours. 

This afternoon I plan on watching a rerun of "The Closer" and having a banana popsicle while I watch it. 

Well, that is about it for now. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. Bye for now. More later.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

A Trip to Toyota

Hey, Y'all,
Well, we are in the doldrums of summer right now, and so, I'll just post a few reflections... the other day I decided it was time to schedule my car to be serviced. I called the Toyota dealership and set it up. That was last Thursday...the same day, I get a confirmation from them via e-mail and telling me who would be my maintenance person. Very  good, I thought. Then yesterday, I get a call from them confirming my appointment today. I thought, "Man! Wonder if they are afraid I will get away and not have it done?" 

I was thinking about that again this morning, and realized that perhaps it is an indicator of the economy, and that they really need the business. Then I realized that I had gotten the business...ha. The thirty thousand mile service cost $455.00. 

The dealership is on one of the access roads to a freeway, and a long-term construction job is taking place on the freeway. While I was there, I needed to use the rest room. I looked over at the restroom door and noticed an "out of order" sign on the door, and thought, "Uh-oh". I went over and asked where one was that I could use. One of the guys working there near the parts/service desk called another young man over and told him to take me to one. 

Out the back door we went, crossed the parking lot to another building, went inside and he indicated a rest room that I could use. He explained that the construction has interrupted the plumbing and apologized for the inconvenience. I thanked him for showing me the restroom and later went back to the dealership service waiting room. I was grateful for the fact I had one to use. Nothing like a new experience to add to my many.The walk was a hot one, too, since it is still in the hundreds in temperature here.


If you remember, last week I went to have bloodwork done, and wrote about different kinds of technicians, and having one take my blood who really jammed the needle into the back of my hand. That bloodletting was done 8 days ago. Would you believe that my hand still has a sore spot where the needle was inserted? (whine, whine, whine) ha. 

Going to the dealership took me over territory I had only traveled once before, and always doing new territory brings a little frisson of nerves, and presents a rather stressful feeling which probably is good for me. Nothing like stirring up the anxiety juices once in a while. 

This reminds me of something that happened on Sunday morning. One of the class members announced that she was going to have to leave our class and go with her daughter and son-in-law to their church because she no longer had a ride to pick her up for our church. I asked where did she live and she said, "Bedford" and I said, "I can give you a ride each Sunday". I told her I would take her home and then would know where she lived. 


The other class members gave me an idea of about where Mattie lives, so when church was over, we got into the car and I took off in the general direction and figured she could give me more concise directions as we traveled. Well, we got so far, and she said, "I have never come this way before" and told me she was in unfamiliar territory. I said, "Let's go back to the church and you tell me exactly how you go, okay?" So we did. I asked how long she had lived there and she said, "Six years". Mattie does not drive, so consequently never really notices where she is going when in a car. She was, however, able to instruct me on the route to her home. So now, I know exactly where she lives. Next Sunday, I may take her a new way home, because I am quite familiar with the area because it is in my sphere of travel. 


In the morning I plan on going to the library to return and get some more books to read. It doesn't open before 10 a.m. so I won't be out very long, because by ten it is getting hot outside. 


I want to mention the passing of a dear friend this past week. One of my grand children's grandmothers (Grandma Jean) passed away. She is going to be sorely missed, and was one of the kindest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Grandma Jean is Whitney's dad's mom. Whitney is the wife of my grandson, Daniel. Daniel is Carol and Daryl's son . We mourn her passing, but celebrate the fact that because she is no longer with us, she is with Jesus. 


Well, that is about it for today. Much love to each of you my friends and family. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. More later. Bye for now.



Friday, July 15, 2011

Scents Knock Me Senseless

Hi, Y'all,
Today has been a busy (sort of) day...I got out at 9 a.m. and went to have my gravy/biscuits breakfast, then went to a fresh air market that sells fruit and veggies. (Thank you, Alex, for the good suggestion!) I bought some Georgia peaches, some plums and a couple of really sweet cantaloupes (the orange looking ones) and they smell soooooooo good. I had a sample of one that they had cut up and I was sold. Ha.

After leaving there, I went back to Kroger's and bought a few things, then headed home. All that took only an hour, and I was back home before the temp had reached the high for today (105) with a higher heat index than that. Even at that it was really getting warm by the time I got home. 

While I was in Le Peep's Restaurant, I was reminded again of how many men (and women) wear scents to make them smell aromatic. For my part, they could just take a good shower with Ivory soap or Lifebuoy or some such clean soap and forget the stinky stuff. Nothing puts me off food like having that stuff assail my nostrils.  

Did you know that at least twenty percent of all Americans have allergies and for many of them, the smell of perfumes can trigger asthma attacks. Believe me, I know personally that it can happen. Are you a wearer of perfumes and colognes and after shave products?? If so, have you ever considered the effect of your aroma on those around you? If you have ever had someone kind of back off from standing near you, you may be wearing a loud fragrance that offends.

The young man who seated me this morning in the restaurant, was quite pungent with his fumes. I am often tempted to let people know how their aroma is affecting me. I am aware that most people who think they have to "smell good" don't even consider they would smell better unadorned with cologne or perfume. Thanks for letting me vent. My daughter, Carol, has more trouble with them than I do. She is too polite to say anything to an offender, but I say if you don't let them know, you are just going to suffer needlessly. 


Well, that is it for today. I did get some laundry done today and need to fold it before I go to bed tonight, and might even make my bed. ha ha ha. 


This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for this evening. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. Bye for now. More later.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Ahhh...Clean Floors

Hey, Y'all, 
Well, this day is almost over...and I didn't go out this morning for my gravy and biscuits, but maybe tomorrow. I think it hit 105 here today, and it really felt like it when I took the throw rugs outside to shake them out. 

I decided yesterday that I would probably mop my floors today, so when I got up this morning, I went ahead and had my breakfast at home, so that a great deal of my morning would not be wasted going out for breakfast. Somehow, it is easier to work here at home if I stay focused. 

Consequently, I did the floors in stages, alternating with spending time on the computer, and so this evening, my floors (all six rooms and two bathrooms) have been cleaned. Yahoo!

Tomorrow, the laundry gets done. In fact, I may put a load into the washer this evening. That would help get it done, right? Tomorrow, I may do the breakfast out thing...that would be okay, wouldn't it? ha ha. After all, I have not been out for a meal since Monday afternoon. 

Does it sound like I am rambling on here? Gee, I guess I am, but I am just talking to friends, right? Hey, I got the furniture dusted this week, too. I may get my bed linens put on tomorrow, too. Did you know that if you fold a light weight blanket in two on the unmade bed, you can climb in between the layers and sleep just as well as if you had sheets on the bed? Really... it works for me.  Who's to be here to know it?? No body. Only you, and I'm sure you won't tell anyone, will you. ha ha. 

Well, that is about it for right now. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. More later. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. Bye for now. 

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Nothing Jumpin' Round Here Today

Hey, Y'all,
Been trying to decide what to do with my time this afternoon. (The morning is shot, ha ha). I reckon maybe I will do some floor cleaning if I can get up the gumption to do it. I have been trying to cut down on eating, and have had cheerios for a couple of mornings...sorry, but that just doesn't do it for me. So I had my sandwich of mayo, cheese, bologna and tomato early today. Goodness knows what else I will eat before supper time. 

Temperatures today are keeping me inside except to do take Carol to her job and pick her up afterwards. Her car is in the shop being worked on and I am delighted to be able to do this for her. Mothers do like to be able to do for children when they can. 

I was able to visit several blogs last evening now that I am not playing Farmville any more. Playing a game was quite helpful to me to have something that didn't tax my thoughts as I was mourning the passing of my husband. He has been gone almost a year now, and the pain is not mind-numbing to me now. Besides, it was beginning to be quite boring and the challenge was quickly fading away. I imagine I will soon begin quilting again when the mood hits me. 

I have found another tevee show to watch, "Memphis Beat". It stars Jason Lee, who was Earl in "My Name Is Earl". I didn't care for that show, but this one is really good, and was on last evening. 

It is almost 2 p.m. and I need to get moving and so some thing before the day is gone. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. More later. Bye for now.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Five KInds of Blood Techicians

Hey, Y'all,
Not a very busy weekend in a manner of speaking. I did have some little elves come over and mow my yard for me Saturday. They were disguised as my granddaughter, Emily, and her hubby, Ben. They did a fab job on the yard, as always. It was really good to see them. 

On Saturday, I went to a covered dish lunch at my church, where I put my feet under the table with a lot of other seniors and we chowed down on casseroles, beans, spring rolls (made by a sweet oriental lady who comes and eats with us- she is not a senior by any means but is one of our members), and lots of other good foods. Desserts were yummy too. I had some Key Lime Pie and Pecan Pie. I thought of Tom when I ate the Key Lime and of Dubby when I ate the Pecan Pie. 

Yesterday, I was able to teach my class without my nose bleeding. Needless to say, I was worried it might do so, but I guess the warm salt water I sniffed before going helped to prevent the nosebleed. 

We are in our ninth day of triple digit temperatures and it is supposed to continue through the next seven days, reaching 104 tomorrow and Wednesday. I went this morning to have some bloodwork done, because the doctor thinks that my high liver enzymes suggest that I have hepatitis. WE know that isn't true because they are high due to liver abscesses I had from the gall bladder surgery that was badly done a couple of years ago, don't we? 

Say, how are your experiences getting blood drawn from your veins? I have determined that there are about five different kinds of techs or nurses that do the job. (1) This person is very friendly, but a little inept. (2) This person is not friendly, but quite good. (3) This person is friendly and is good at hitting the vein - where you tell them to (4) This person thinks they can hit the vein in your arm, even though you tell them they can't -they never listen. (5) This person should not be in the blood letting business because they are not friendly, are inept, and never listen to the patient. 

Now, the tech I had last week was quite excellent, but did not crack a smile or have a chairside manner. I couldn't get any really friendly response from her. The tech I had today was very friendly, and she did get the blood, but I thought I was going to cry when she jabbed the vein in my hand. Very painful.

Anyway, while I was sitting in the doctor's waiting room, I met a very interesting lady named Kathy and we are going to be facebook friends and even play some facebook games together. I have invited her to be my facebook friend as soon as I got home from the doctor's office. Yes, you know how I love to meet new people and make friends. Just can't help it. :)

This afternoon is the regular weekly getting together of some of the seniors at our church to eat out. We are going to the Cotton Patch Cafe for supper. They always have really good food. 

Tonight is the Season Premiere of "The Closer". YES! I admit it, I am addicted to it. The actors are a well knit group that work well together and make it so believable and entertaining. I feel like I know the characters portrayed personally. When I am reading a book, I really get into it, and am right there with them, feeling the emotions they feel. 

Well, that is about it for today. Lunch today will be a mayo, tomato, cheese, onion, and bologna sandwich. Yum! Nothing like food, is there? This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. More later. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. Bye for now.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

If It's Thursday, It Must Be Biscuits and Gravy

Hey, Y'all,
Well, this morning I was up for about an hour at 3:30 and sat at my computer for awhile, then back to bed. Woke up later at 8 a.m. ... great sleep, but wild dreams... Still coughing...

Went to breakfast and  had my weekly gravy and biscuits (hot hot hot gravy). It is hot enough that it stays that way at least 15-20 minutes. Yum! Cold gravy be no good... I request it to be that way and they are quite accommodating so I continue to return. Ha. 

After my breakfast I went next door to the Kroger's for my weekly purchase of groceries. I saw lots of interesting people and also bought some Mucinex tablets (which is just a cough expectorant) and some saline nasal spray. The tablets will be easier to use than liquid cough medicine. Hopefully, that will help get rid of my cough. These coughs get old after a while, especially when you cough every three minutes and nothing gets coughed up. (Well, enough about that).

I bought some fresh peaches at the grocery store, too. YUM! I love those things. Tomatoes too for tomato, cheese, mayo sandwiches. Did you ever eat one of those? Pepper Jack cheese is the best for sandwiches. OH, my goodness, yes!

Am I just running on at the mouth ...or the fingers, rather... I reckon so. I'm just talking to you all out there in Blogland. Kinda chewin' the fat, so to speak. Have laundry to put away after while, hanging up clothes in the closet. 

The Closer re-run is on at 2 p.m. so I will be watching that from my recliner in the living room. Have to put my feet up every once in awhile, you know. Helps keep the swelling down in my ankles (which happens regardless of what I eat). I just put my bed linens into the washing machine, so I will have nice clean sheets to sleep in tonight. 

Well, that is about it for now. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. Bye for now. 
 

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Mid Week Stuff

Hey, Y'all,
Well, here it is midweek and not a lot accomplished in this household so far this week, but that is really nothing new, is it? Ha. Monday evening, I went out at 10 p.m. and tried to see the fireworks, but the trees along my street prevented me from seeing them. They could have made them go up a little farther into the sky, couldn't they? 

I had lunch with Carol and one of her co-workers today at a local Fuddrucker's and really enjoyed spending some time with them. When we left there, I went to the Bedford Public Library and returned books, then checked out some more. 

Returning home, and getting out of the 100+ degrees of heat, back into my home was a pleasure for sure. Temperatures all this week are in the triple digits. I  need to go outside in a few minutes and water the flowerbeds and a dry patch in the yard that the sprinklers don't reach.

Supper will be a sandwich probably, along with cracking open one of the books I checked out today. Tomorrow is Thursday, which is my one day a week to have gravy and biscuits for breakfast...ha ha!

I have been trying to stay inside as much as possible because of the extreme heat out there. Today was my first day out since Sunday. I will be stopping at the Kroger's for a few groceries tomorrow after I have breakfast. I did get my laundry folded this afternoon while watching "The Closer". Now to put it away before bedtime...the work just never seems to stop. ha ha.

Teresa and Tom have been having a wonderful time visiting his brother and family and old friends in Kentucky. It is wonderful reading her postings about their vacation. I think they are heading back to their home in the morning. I know they will have a lot to talk about in the days and weeks to come. 

Well, as you can see, I don't have a lot to write about, but I am doing so anyway. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. More later. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. Bye for now. 

Monday, July 4, 2011

My Fourth of July

Hey, Y'all,
Actually, I began the Fourth still up and awake from the third. I had taken a short nap earlier in my new recliner (not on purpose, but while watching tevee) so I was not sleepy when midnight came. I was rearranging my farm when I looked up while sitting at my computer, and saw it was one a.m. So, around 1:30, I toddled off to bed. The next time I awakened it was around 6:30 a.m. and I arose for the day. 

I knew I needed to water my flower beds and went outside to do so. I noticed that no one had come by and noticed the weeds growing in them, obligingly pulling them up...so I decided I had better do it. Otherwise, it wouldn't get done. After I had my breakfast of freshly made blueberry pancakes, one measly piece of hot sausage, and a cup of Joe, I heard my gardeners (Carol and Daryl) pulling up into the driveway. They had come to mow my yard for me and to visit a few minutes. It is always good to see them. Next week, I think my gardeners will be maybe Ben and Emily...I have a schedule that is provided to me.


After they left, I decided I needed to do a little blogging and also some farming. My kitchen waits for me to do the dishes after I have my lunch. In honor of the Fourth, I will be having a couple of hot dogs (fat free) and then some watermelon. I may sing some patriotic songs, too...who knows? I will definitely be reading while I have my lunch. 


This evening I plan on watching fireworks from my driveway. I think I will be able to see the same ones that Carol and Daryl will be watching at the place where they will be done. If I can't see them, well, that is okay too. 


Right now I am watching the news and they were showing hot dog eating contests. UGH! Sickening! They look like pigs cramming those into their mouth...Not my idea of fun. 


Maybe after while I will fold and put away laundry that I did on Saturday. As you can tell, I don't get in a hurry to do anything. If I don't get it done today, it will still be here tomorrow. 


That is how my Fourth of July is going. I am wearing an American Flag pin on my blouse in honor of our country. I love my country and our flag. You will not find anyone any more patriotic than I am. A flag flying in the breeze can always bring a catch to my heart and a tear to my eyes. Coming back into this country and seeing Old Glory flying in the air makes my heart glad. I love a parade with someone carrying the flag, and enjoy hearing and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. I love hearing the National Anthem sung as written without all the furbelows and flourishes that so many singers add to it. 


Well, that is it from Blabbin' Grammy today. More later. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. A happy Fourth of July to you all. May we remember those who have died to keep us free and all those who have served so we can enjoy our freedoms. Bye for now.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Quick Post

Hey, Y'all,
Just a quick post to let you know how things are going for me and other stuff. This morning I got up and got ready to go to Sunday School and church, and everything was going just fine. I had my cereal for breakfast and showered, got dressed and headed to church. Sunday School came first and as I was sitting there teaching, my nose began to drip so I picked up a napkin (we have coffee and cookies at the beginning of class). Well, when I looked at the drip on my napkin, it was actually blood. Yep, nose bleed. 

I have been blowing my nose quite a bit over the last couple of weeks (with the cold and snotty nose) and apparently had blown it too hard this morning. I struggled through teaching and then came home instead of staying for church. I immediately got some warm salt water and sniffed it up my nose. That quelled the bleeding and will heal the inner lining of my nose. It will also help clear out the sinuses. 

Daryl came home from Kenya where he was teaching on a mission trip along with a few other people. He brought back a regular plethora of pictures and short videos. Matt and Amy, Ben and Emily, Julia and the two little girls were all there, and we had a joyous supper of salad and pizza with Carol and Daryl. He shared a bunch of the pictures with us and told us some of the things that happened on his mission trip. When I left their house, I forgot my cell phone and left it there. It was so strange to be here without a phone. Ha. I sent Carol an e-mail, and also a facebook message, and sent one to Teresa as well. Isn't it wonderful to have so many means of communication with the outside world? Carol brought my cell phone to me on Saturday morning, though, so all is well. One really can exist without a phone. I did it all through my childhood and early years. Ha.


Did you know that my girls track me via my computer every morning? Yep, one morning I had not turned on my cell phone for the day. I turn it off each night to save the battery power, and every other night I charge it. I had also decided to do my blog posting before signing on to facebook. About 8  or 8:30 a.m. my doorbell rang. Puzzled at who would be coming by so early, I answered the door, only to see Carol standing there and hear her ask, "Are you okay?" I said "Sure".  "Well, you didn't answer your cell phone, and you weren't playing Farmville or show up on Facebook, so Teresa called me and asked if you were okay." Ha. Yep, it is the twenty-first century for sure, and I am being tracked by modern methods. 

Carol just called and asked if I wanted to come over for lunch and of course, I said sure. So it's about time to leave. More later. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. Teresa and Tom are on their way to Kentucky to visit family there. I know they will have a great time. Bye for now.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Third Little Pig's Got Nothin' On Me

Hey, Y'all,
Do I have you guessing? Well, for those of you who have not read the expanded story of the three little pigs...the third little pig was smarter than the other two, (hence escaped the wolf) and in the story, he and the wolf make a date to go to the town fair. Well, the little pig goes early and gets his shopping done, and gets back before the wolf can get to the village for the fair. This morning I got out early to go to the library and then to the grocery store before the plethora of Friday and pre-fourth of July shoppers got there. Aha...now you get it, don't you?

To a more serious subject, I saw something on the local news yesterday that just really tore at my heartstrings... A father tried to strangle his four year old son, and thinking he had succeeded, threw him out on a west Texas highway with a duffel bag like so much garbage (words of the newscaster). The man who rescued the little boy three hours later related how he had seen the boy around sunrise standing on the highway, with two eighteen wheelers heading for him. The man held out his hands for the boy to stay where he was, and rescued the little boy. The boy (Angel) was covered in cactus needles and dehydrated. The father was later arrested and his family said the father had arrived at the family home muttering that God had told him to kill and throw out his little boy. Angel was treated by doctors at the hospital at Abilene, where they removed around 400 cactus needles. He is in custody of Child Services there until a hearing set to happen in about two weeks. Can you imagine? People there just fell in love with the little boy. So sad...and tragic. 

Temperatures here remain in the upper 90's, which just means HOT. .Ha. I am watering my flower beds about every 36 hours so the flowers won't be leaning over with their little blossoms sticking out their tongues looking for water. 

Word of advice...hope you did not wait till today to do your grocery shopping.. I was fortunate enough to get mine done before this afternoon. Poor check-out persons will really earn their money today and tomorrow. (not that they don't earn it every day, but Fridays and Saturdays right before a major holiday...hmmm hmmm hmmm.)


Well, that is about it for today. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today.. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. Keep cool... More later. Bye for now.