Thursday Thankfulness

It's Thursday.....

Today I am thankful that the AC repairman FINALLY showed up (after 5 days) and was able to get the air conditioner running again. Not that it's been 80 degrees or anything this week...I'm just saying.

I am grateful that I got to eat lunch with Melody today. Lauren and I surprised her with McDonald's. Cassidy enjoyed going to the big school and wanted to stay.

I'm thankful business is picking up. With warm weather upon us, it should get better still.


I'm grateful for the beautiful knockout roses blooming outside my kitchen window. If you've ever thought about growing roses, but decided they were too much trouble, try knockouts. They are more disease and insect resistant, and don't have to be deadheaded or pruned. Gorgeous! I now have about 8.


Okay, people! No one was thankful last week--here's your chance to make up for that ingratitude! Comments welcome (and expected)....

Stole This From Layne Who Stole It From Tammy

What's your decorating style? You can click on this link to find out: My decorating style is...

I am Lady of the Manor--not unexpected or surprising. Apparently, in my living room I like to indulge the sense, to pamper and prettify. I prefer earthy but not sludgy colors. My bedroom has a classic look that never goes out of style, again with the neutral colors and textures. My dining room says I am a fuss-free entertainer. Prefer good, freshly made food with an informal touch. And lastly, in my home office I prefer to use color and texture to add a touch of glamour and pizzazz.

I love taking quizzes like these. Sometimes they are right on (like this one). Other times, they're so far out in left field, it's not even funny. Seems there is no happy medium.

Thanks, Layne--soooooo glad you're back to normal--well, what passes for your normal!

I'm Sorry--I Can't Help It!

Don't tell my daughter Lauren I'm posting this--she says my blog is getting boring with all the posts about old movies...

But I can't help it this time!! Mildred Pierce is playing tomorrow (April 30) at 12:30pm. One of Joan Crawford's best movies.

Okay, I'm done. For now.

Of All the Things I've Lost....

....I miss my mind the most....

Yesterday's post was not intended to be a story about Melody's birth. Blame it on sentiment.

What I had in mind when I started was to ask for ideas about luaus. Melody's party this year is going to have a luau theme and I'm looking for decorating ideas on the cheap. We'll give the girls leis upon arrival and bubbles to play with till everyone gets here. We're planning on doing the limbo, having a hula hoop contest, and a tropical relay race. Food consists of pink lemonade, cupcakes, and fruit kabobs.Lauren is planning to make these cupcakes for the party. I think she just wants an excuse to buy those orange slice candies!


I've been to the dollar store and they have lots of luau stuff. Inflatable monkeys, palm tree garlands, flamingo plates, etc. Any ideas so I don't have to spend tons of money on the stuff that'll probably get thrown away? Thanks!!

It's Almost Birthday Time!

This Friday will mark Melody's 8th birthday. Hard to believe she's that old already. I remember when she was born and it seems like yesterday. My daughter Holly and her husband had been living with us for several months and had just moved into their own place. It was literally their first night there. David was working second shift, so Holly was home alone. We got a phone call about midnight that she thought she was in labor and had called David. About 2am, we got another call that they were on their way to the hospital. Because of their insurance, they had to travel about 30 minutes to another town. Of course, this being my first grandchild, there was no way I was going back to sleep, try as I might. Guess I tossed and turned a lot, because Darrell finally told me to get up and go to the hospital. He had to work the next day and needed his sleep. Grandpas don't seem to get quite as excited as grandmas!

For once in our married life, I did as he asked. I think it was about 5am when I arrived. Apparently, Holly and David hadn't gotten there too long before I did. They were driving an older car at the time and had a flat tire on the interstate! David got out the spare and it was flat, too! Having just passed an exit, he decided to walk back to the gas station there and buy a can of FixAFlat. Holly didn't want to stay on the side of the highway by herself in the middle of the night, so she went with him. I'm sure all that walking helped her labor along. The poor attendant at the gas station was only about 18 (or so he appeared). When he realized they were on their way to the hospital to have a baby, he wanted them OUT OF THERE and gave them the FixAFlat!

Upon arriving back at the car, they found a state trooper waiting for them. He helped David fix the tire while Holly continued pacing. No one bothered to inform the policeman that she was in labor! He finally noticed and called an ambulance. Holly went to the hospital via ambulance with David following soon after in the repaired car.

Having a baby is quite an experience, but watching your child have a baby is something else entirely! I quite understand now the helpless feeling most husbands must have. There's pretty much nothing you can do. There are probably nurses at that hospital who still bad mouth me!

Melody Cherish arrived about 8am. She was and still is absolutely beautiful. Happy birthday, Miss Mell! I love you!!

Interested in a good movie this weekend?

Okay, you may be getting sick of my classic movie announcements, but I can't help it! These are great movies and I feel the need to at least put the ball in your court about watching them. Who knows, maybe one of these days you'll sit down and watch one and be as hooked as I am. So I'm going to continue spreading the word--what you do with the information is up to you.

Saturday morning offers The Man Who Knew Too Much with Jimmy Stewart and Doris Day. If you want a family film, try The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again. It's got Don Knotts and Tim Conway. Kind of lame, but funny nonetheless. Darrell and I saw the first one in the series while we were in Italy. We still use Celia's line about the urgency of going to the bathroom, especially on road trips. If I call him "Mr. Donovan", Darrell knows he better be finding an exit soon!

Saturday evening brings another opportunity to view the original Cheaper By the Dozen. Love, love, love this movie!! Just in case you couldn't tell. Then later in the evening is The Lion in Winter with Katherine Hepburn. Even later offers Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde with Fredric March. He's one of my favorite actors--very versatile.



On Sunday morning you can see one of Bette Davis' best movies Dark Victory and that afternoon Joanne Woodward in The Three Faces of Eve. Sunday night I'll be watching There Goes My Heart. It stars Fredric March and I don't think I've seen it yet. It's almost sad how excited I am!

If you start watching these movies, we can start an online Movie Club--sort of like a book club but with films. What do you think? Yes? No? Maybe????

Tassel Giveaway

Go here for a beautiful tassel giveaway--and make sure you visit The Nesting Place, as well!

TCM Today

If you're a fan of Errol Flynn, you're in luck today. TCM is showing The Adventures of Robin Hood and The Adventures of Don Juan. Robin Hood also stars Olivia de Havilland (Melanie of Gone With the Wind).

Tonight you can see Judy Holliday in Born Yesterday and Lucille Ball in The Long, Long Trailer. These are great movies--not to be missed!

Check your local listings for times!

Thursday Thankfulness

Today is Thursday and you know what that means--time to slow down and count our blessings. So here goes:

Today I am thankful for spring. It's my favorite season. After the long dreary winter, it's so refreshing to see the many different shades of green popping up. Not to mention the flowers everywhere. I live in the south where bulbs and other buds are anxious to raise their heads to the sun. Sometimes they get "bit" by frost, so you might find Darrell and me out covering azaleas and peonies with sheets to keep them protected. Is it just me or are the dogwoods exceptionally beautiful this year? I wish we had our computer up and running so I could show you some pictures. At this point, I even enjoy mowing the yard--I doubt I'm saying that in mid July!

I'm grateful for a healthy body which serves me well even when I abuse it. Yesterday's servings of fruit and vegetables included two bananas and lettuce on my hamburger!

I am thankful for my oldest grandchild Melody who will turn 8 on May 1. She will be baptized on Saturday May 2 at 2pm for those of you who live nearby and want to attend. She has such a sweet spirit.

I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father whom I love very much and who I know loves me. I'm grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ and his willingness to give of His life that I might live eternally with Him and with my loved ones.

Your turn....

Eureka!

Don't you love when you look and look for something and FINALLY find it?!? Almost two years ago, I lost a case full of workout DVDs. Thanks to Peter Walsh, I had consolidated all my workout DVDs into said case and disposed of the cases they came in. More efficient, right? Sure...until the case is lost. I had looked everywhere and almost decided that I'd accidentally tossed it. This morning I was determined to turn the house upside down. Found it approximately where I thought it should have been--it had just gotten buried under a bunch of electronic wires and junk that could probably be thrown away (if my hubby wasn't a packrat).

So, if you know Peter Walsh, tell him I'm holding him personally responsible for two years anguish over misplaced DVDs, two years aggravation in having to search for them (one of my pet peeves is looking for lost items), and the extra ten pounds I'm sitting on (literally!).

I'm Slipping...

I usually check TCM's lineup regularly, but haven't done so this week. Shame on me!! Not only is The Women on right now, but later tonight you can catch Topper with Cary Grant and Constance Bennett (Billie Burke Wilkins is also in it--aka Glinda the Good Witch). After Topper is Stage Door with Katharine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, Lucille Ball, and Eve Arden. Wonderful, wonderful movies!

Tomorrow's selections include Along Came Jones (Gary Cooper and Loretta Young), Bell, Book, and Candle (James Stewart and Kim Novak), Kiss Me Kate (Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson), and The Miracle of Morgan's Creek (Betty Hutton). I may not get anything accomplished!

Almost Forgot!!

TCM is showing The Women tonight at 7!!! This was recently remade with Meg Ryan among others. I admit to not seeing the remake--I love the original too much! I especially love the beginning credits where each female character is "described"--it's hard to explain, you'll have to watch.

Thursday Thanks

Gonna borrow an idea from a couple of bloggyland friends and use Thursdays to count my blessings. Thanks, Dawn and Layne!

Today I am thankful for good friends who love and support me. I'm grateful for those who know me in real life and those who live in my computer. I have reached out and you have responded in such a kind, loving way to buoy me up when I was almost too far down to pull myself out. I love you all! (And that's the two-word "you all", not the southern "ya'll".)

I am thankful for a dear sweet husband who is my inspiration, my best friend, my anchor.

I am thankful that we have two computers, since one of them crashed overnight, and so far is still out of commission despite our efforts at CPR (Computer Please Revive!!).

I am thankful to live in a country where I can voice my opinion and not fear retribution. No one is going to come knocking at my door in the middle of the night to take me away never to be seen or heard from again.

This is my short list. Now it's your turn. What are YOU thankful for today?

Three Years Ago

And They Said It Wouldn't Last

Thirty-three years ago today, I married my best friend. We have been through some really good times together, as well as some really bad. I was never one of those girls who had an idea in their head of the perfect man, and I didn't have a list of the qualities I was looking for in a husband. But Heavenly Father surely knew the kind of husband I needed. He sent the perfect one for me. Some people don't believe in soulmates, but I do. And Darrell is mine. I love him more and more every day. I hope that I have made him half as happy as he's made me.


Isn't this a cute little couple? So young and naive. But ready to set the world on fire. You need to remember this was the mid-70s and these clothes were actually in style. This is our engagement picture that ran in the local newspaper. Luckily, all pictures were printed in black and white--which we knew when we picked out these clothes. Darrell had just turned 21 and I was all of 17. (Darrell wants me to add that I was almost 18.)

This is the picture that ran in the paper announcing our wedding. I know Darrell doesn't look too happy, but he claims he was. One of his friends had just told him what they'd done to his van. My 'something borrowed' was the headpiece for my veil. It belonged to Darrell's sister. Darrell's mom made the veil and my dress. The flowers are sweetheart roses, daisies (which were my favorite flower at the time), and baby's breath, with sprigs of lily of the valley in the ribbons.

Again, Darrell says this was a happy occasion. So why does he look like he's on his way to the gallows? Darrell and his groomsmen all wore light blue leisure suits. Darrell's mom made my attendants' dresses and we choose hats for them to wear. Believe it or not, my bridesmaids still speak to me, even after having to wear these hats!

And here's the lovely van. Darrell had been instrumental in decorating the cars of several friends over the years (complete with sardines on the manifold) and he was worried about retaliation. Well, it wasn't for lack of trying, but his buddies couldn't get inside the van. They did the next best thing by writing stuff all over the van and hanging streamers everywhere. Darrell had lined the windows with aluminum foil for some odd reason. One of the first things we did after leaving the church was stop at a car wash and clean everything off. That did NOT make me happy! I wanted to drive through town showing off!

Another Pathetic Appeal

It has occurred to me (albeit, belatedly) that I should have emphasized that this post is mainly directed to those who know me in person. Thanks to those who commented even though we've never met.

Do you remember that part of the movie "Grease" where Sandy decides she has to re-create herself? I have been in a funk for the better part of a week feeling kind of the same way. I'm just not liking myself lately. I have always fought depression (sometimes more valiantly than others) and I just don't want to feel this way anymore. I do take medication, though not as regularly as I should be. What I want is to like myself and for others to like me, too. Sometimes I think maybe I come off as cynical and sarcastic when in fact I'm trying to be humorous or trying to cover nervousness or anxiety.

I truly do care about other people, but I can't seem to make it show. Darrell is so good at caring--he makes it look easy. When I attempt his techniques (for lack of a better word), all I get are strange looks. Like they think I have ulterior motives or something.

My difficulty comes in deciding what to change and how to make the change. That's where you come in, dear reader. Please leave a comment about how you think I come across as a friend or as a person in general. What improvements could I make? How would you recommend I make said change? You can leave your comments anonymously, so don't hold back. Let me have it. I promise not to get mad or fall deeper into my black hole. After all, I asked for it.

Please do this. I know it's pathetic, but I also know I can't talk about this without going into the ugly cry.

Gotta Love Goodwill

Big D went fishing this morning, so I was left to my own devices. Not always a good thing! Especially when I have nothing planned for the day--unless you count mowing the yard and laundry. No, I don't either. So, what to do? What to do?


I know! Miss Mell needs a dress for Easter. Since she doesn't attend church regularly (thanks to Dimwit--the ex son in law--who has her and her brother 3 weekends a month), I started at Kmart where they had dresses for $10. Found one that didn't look too bad and bought it, but I was too cheap--er, frugal--to spend $13 for a white sweater to go over it. Not when there's a great consignment shop nearby. So off to Wee-Cycled.







I should have started there first! Found this little beauty for $8! And it's Rose Cottage brand. Now I can't decide whether to keep both dresses or take the one back to Kmart. I'll probably let Miss Mell decide. Since I was chatting on the phone, I didn't want to check out just yet. One of my pet peeves is people who talk on the phone at the register--customers or cashiers!









So I wandered over to the dresses in my size and found this sweet little ensemble. Don't know if you can tell, but it's a skirt and top and was on sale for $9.60!!








Okay, now on to Goodwill. One never knows what might be found there! On past visits, I've picked up a jean jacket from Casual Corner, a Pendleton blazer, and several Ralph Lauren sweaters. Today's find--a Vera Bradley bag!! To be honest, I'm not a big fan of hers, but love this combination of blue and brown. The bag was tagged at $9.99--but the first Saturday of every month is 1/2 price day. EVERYTHING is 1/2 price. So I got this baby for $5!!
















Nothing like a good ole shopping spree and finding some great bargains to give you a natural high!! Maybe I'll tackle the laundry and yard after all....

Classic Movie Alert!!

I have to post something to get that awful picture of nasty feet off the top of my screen. Every time I pull up my blog, there they are in full, disgusting color!

So here ya go: another movie alert for TCM. Remember these times are Eastern. Make adjustments for wherever you are.

Tomorrow at 7am That Hamilton Woman is showing. Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier are so good together. The relationship they had in real life definitely comes through on the screen.

Then tomorrow night at 5 the original Yours Mine and Ours will air. This one stars Lucille Ball (in one of her final movies) and Henry Fonda. One of my favorite scenes is their trip to the grocery. Seeing cart after cart of food rung up and then hearing the total blows me away! You'll see lots of others who later became stars themselves--either on TV or in movies. Look for Max Klinger of MASH (the TV version) and George Carlin, among others.

Monday April 6 at 7pm, you can catch The Wild One with Marlon Brando. This is back in his heyday when he was young and fiiiiine.

And just so I don't forget, next Saturday the 11th at 2:15am Rebecca will air. This is the film adaptation by Alfred Hitchcock of Daphne Du Maurier's novel.

All these movies are well worth the time spent watching them. Something I can't say for too many of today's efforts. I guess I compare watching classic movies to reading classic novels. There are just some you HAVE to experience!

Yes, This DOES Mean You!

I received this as an email and wanted to pass along this advice here. We can all benefit from it! Feel free to pass it along--anonymously or not.....

Spring is here......that time of year again

Alright ladies, it's that time of year once again!!! I think we need to be reminded of a few things. So my sisters, PLEASE, raise your big toes and repeat after me below...

The Open Toed Shoe Pledge
As a member of the Cute Girl Sisterhood, I pledge to follow the Rules when wearing sandals and other open-toe shoes:

I promise to always wear sandals that fit. My toes will not hang over and touch the ground, nor will my heels spill over the backs. And the sides and tops of my feet will not pudge out between the straps.

I will go polish-free or vow to keep the polish fresh, intact and chip-free.
I will not cheat and just touch up my big toe.

I will sand down any mounds of skin before they turn hard and yellow.

I will shave the hairs off my big toe.

I won't wear pantyhose even if my misinformed girlfriend, coworker, mother, sister tells me the toe seam really will stay under my toes if I tuck it there.

If a strap breaks, I won't duct-tape, pin, glue or tuck it back! into place hoping it will stay put. I will get my shoe fixed or toss it.

I will not live in corn denial; rather I will lean on my good friend Dr. Scholl's if my feet need him.

I will resist the urge to buy jelly shoes at Payless for the low, low price of $4.99 even if my feet are small enough to fit into the kids' sizes. This is out of concern for my safety, and the safety of others. No one can walk properly when standing in a pool of sweat and I would hate to take someone down with me as I fall and break my ankle.

I will take my toe ring off toward the end of the day if my toes swell and begin to look like Vienna sausages.

I will be brutally honest with my girlfriend/sister/coworker when she asks me if her feet are too ugly to wear sandals. Someone has to tell her that her toes are as long as my fingers and no sandal makes creepy feet look good.

I will promise if I wear flip flops that I will ensure that they actually flip and flop, making the correct noise while walking and I will swear NOT to slide or drag my feet while wearing them.

I will promise to go to my local nail salon at least once per season and have a real pedicure (they are about $20 or $25 and worth EVERY penny).

I will promise to throw away any white/off-white sandals that show signs of wear... nothing is tackier than dirty white sandals.

Fancy Nancy Party

Do you know Fancy Nancy? If you have little girls in your house, I'll bet you do. Our local library hosted a Fancy Nancy party today. At least 30 little girls of all ages showed up dressed in their fanciest finery. A few brothers got dragged along. And even a couple of moms got into the act. It was a hoot! They are talking about making it an annual event and I hope they do.

Lots of activities: tables were set up where the girls could make bookmarks, bracelets, crowns, and autograph books. There were stickers galore!

This is a good shot of most of the room. Boy, did it get HOT in there!

The librarians really got into the spirit of the party. Both were really dressed up and did fancy voices and gestures. The kids loved it!

This is the red carpet the girls got to stroll down during the fashion show.

Melody really got into the catwalk!

They asked for a volunteer among the adults to be "fancied" up. I was draped with a scarf, beads, a tiara, fancy gold bag, and of course a scepter. Oh, the things grandmas will do....
The tiara seemed to fit very nicely...hmmm...maybe that's something I should consider for everyday wear!

Why Babies Need Moms

This is one of the funniest things I've seen in a long time!!