MOTHER AND CHILD REUNION

Cathy and Miss Chippy, a perfectly matched pair.

DAN'S 50TH! 02-23-09

It would take more than this column to describe this beautiful, perfect, surprise party for Dan. We had his surprise party on Sunday afternoon, the day before his birthday...on the sound advice of our sister Phyllis. Mom and Dan are not easily pried from home and especially not at night. Travel is not easy for Mom. And harder for Dan. Cathy, Ruth Ann, WFS, Polly, Marion and Jason and Jaxon worked tirelessly to make this event happen. I can only say, how many people do you know, when you invite 25-30 family and friends will 100% of that number attend? Dan has that kind of friendship base...and I count myself amonst the luckiest. I have known him the entire 50 years....
He's timeless. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR BROTHER.

SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PLANNING PARTY, 02-20-09

FIRST EVENING OF DAN'S BIG EVENT. CATHY AND RUTH ANN ARRIVE. DR. POLLY AND MAIRZEY COME OVER FOR DINNER, THE PLOT HATCHES!
WE HAD THE MOST AMAZING DINNER OF SWEET POTATO/COCNUT MILK SOUP, SALAD OF GREENS, PEARS AND WALNUTS, AND MY NEW FOUND HOMEMADE PARMESAN CRACKERS...WE FINISHED WITH BISCOTTI, GOAT CHEESE, HONEY AND GRAPES AND A HOT CUP OF TEA~~~~AND A PLAN TO DECEIVE DAN!

ORCHID HOME

OHHHHH, IT IS BEAUTIFUL!

GAZE AT THE WONDER OF IT ALL!

HD THOREAU

I WENT TO THE WOODS BECAUSE I WISHED TO LIVE DELIBERATELY, TO FRONT ONLY THE ESSENTIAL FACTS OF LIFE,AND TO SEE IF I COULD NOT LEARN WHAT IT HAD TO TEACH, AND NOT, WHEN I CAME TO DIE,DISCOVER THAT I HAD NOT LIVED.

Y'ALL COME

This project has had bumps and turns and unexpected disasters. However, my cherished friends, loyal crew of workers, son and WFS have all worked tirelessly to bring the kitchen renovation into focus. Today the sun was shining through clean windows and the dust is gone. I spent a good portion of the day building a shelf for my orchids. I cleared and cleaned the sun room, then searched to find a suitable shelf for the orchids. I never fancied myself as an orchid lady but they've adopted me, so I had to make them a home...I relocated a fine stainless shelf from my remodeled pantry...it fit perfectly in the sunroom. Now all my lovelies are smiling from an organized, newly recycled shelf home. I will post a photo tomorrow. As for now, all you get is the stove photo, no home for it yet, by tomorrow, y'all come...I WILL be cooking.

FINISH LINE

SOME WORK, SOME PLAY AND SOME DO NOT GET PHOTOGRAPHED! TODAY THE BOTTOM OF THE FLOOR APPEARED AGAIN IN THE DINING ROOM AND SUN ROOM...JAXON WAS SOMEWHAT OBLIVIOUS TO THE MAD DASH TO FINISH...HE, HOWEVER, WOULD NOT BE CODDLED ON EGGS....CAMP STOVE CAME OUT OF THE BASEMENT AND WE MADE SCRAMBLED EGGS AND TOAST.

PROGRESS

TODAY I COULD SEE WHAT I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR...THIS INCREDIBLE FLOOR. MY FRIEND, BETTY CAME TODAY FOR GREAT GIRLIE SUPPORT. I HAD TO BUCKLE DOWN ATER MY PLAY DATE...
THE TRANSFORMATION IS UNBELIEVABLE. TOMORROW, I TAKE ON THE DUST COVERING EVERY CREVICE IN MY HOUSE.

EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK

End of the day it looked like this: Photos below show the layers. I told Dan, when he said, "you are nuts"... "they came for me with a straight jacket today but I cleverly hid under the bed".........and tomorrow could be crazier!!!!
The table,covered with stuff, Boos Block and refrigerator are in my dining/living room.
I have a toaster and coffee pot working...nothing else!!!

EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK

THIS IS how it all began, first we had the pergo, glad to see that one go, then the blue linoleum, then the seventies gold and yellow linoleum and then four layers of old flooring and then sub floor.
I loved the day! I can only tell you progress was made but WFS needs a fit pill( or several cocktails). His constitution is not geared toward the wrecking ball.
I am the wrecking ball!!!!!

HISTORY, DUTTON STYLE

I found these family photos whilst cleaning the kitchen for a new floor tomorrow. My scanning skills leave something to be desired but I liked the images. My Dad, his two sisters and his brother. My uncle,D.H., was a boxer in WWll. My aunts, Gladys and Gertrude, were va-voom! It is certainly a side of their personalities I never witnessed! Click on the photos for larger viewing!

DREAMS OF SUMMER

I THOUGHT THIS MIGHT BE THE BEST GROUNDHOG'S DAY GIFT I COULD OFFER. DAN, CEBAH, BETTY AND I WALKED IN ABOUT THREE MILES...WE WERE CHIGGER MAGNETS, BUT IT WAS WORTH EVERY ITCH. I CANNOT EXPLAIN THE BOOST DAN WAS GIVING ME, EXCEPT THE FOLLOWING PHOTO THAT SHOWS WHAT I WANTED TO DO, CLIMB THE SHELF OF THE CREEK!

GROUNDHOG'S DAY

Now, am I correct if the little bugger sees his shadow, we get SIX (6) more weeks of bad weather? This sun is shining, omens are lurking for another bad blast the next few days....The good news is: our backyard is slick as a professional skating rink...You're never too old to try, right? Or is it to learn? I feel reality sipping away...better go back to cleaning the pantry. And wait to see if the groundhog sees his shadow. HUMMMMMMMM, where does he live, that little groundhog? Is he accepting visitors?