Texas Divas' March Lunch

We had a great showing at our Diva lunch today. The more the merrier, right?These lovely ladies are Trish, Paula and Cathy.

A big Texas Diva welcome to Jeanne, between me and Deborah. She tried us out today and we're hoping she liked what she saw. Actually, we made her one of us before she even met with us. That's Texas Diva hospitality.

Darlene and Jan missed our last lunch and we were happy to have their smiling faces back among us.

My beautiful Sissy and Patty. Patty may kill me for posting a picture of her eyes half closed but she looks better than I do. My face is gray and looks like another heart attack on the horizon. Maybe it's the lighting. Or maybe I don't know how to apply make up. Or maybe I'm a Doomsday-ist.

One picture was blurred and I left it out. It had my beautiful daughter in it and I apologize to her for being blind as a bat and not catching it.She looked adorable as usual and I know all of you will take my word for it.

Fun times! Every time!

Happy 19th Birthday, Candice!

This beauty is 19 today. That pretty much dates me too since she's my oldest grandchild. But age aside, my Candy Girl has been a blessing to my life. I still remember the first time I held her and experienced the awe and wonder of being a grandmother. Now, that darling pink bundle has morphed into a beautiful young woman who has so much on the ball.Candice is now a college student and can boast some impressive grades. That brain is going to take her places and I'm so proud of her accomplishments. You go, girl! Now, let's get this celebration going and have some fun. Happy birthday, with all my love.

Soaking up the Rays

Usually these two guys aren't this chummy, but they are sharing a patch of warm sunlight on the floor of the dining room. I've seen them in there separately but never together this close. Weasil, the gray boy, has attitude. He's moody and grumpy, and wants it all on his terms. Parker, our orange boy, has a history of being a cuddle bug with other cats in the house, but he's learned that Weasil is no social butterfly.It took awhile, but Weasil finally likes me. He will warm my side during the night, rest his head on my arm, and welcome any rubs I might give as long as they don't exceed the number he wants. If they do, I get bit. He loves Robin as much as Weasil is capable of loving anyone or anything. But Robin can pull a nasty growl from him, too, by just being there. He merely tolerates Parker. Sometimes. He will sneak up to sniff Parker's butt, then hiss when Parker turns to investigate. When Parker returns the favor and sniffs Weasil's butt, Weasil will hiss again. It's not easy to please the Weasil.

Now, Parker is loving and will let me pet him as long as I want. He snuggles in my lap or stretches along my legs and falls asleep. He likes his people. He doesn't bite the hand that feeds him. But even though Parker is docile and sweet, he's getting fed up with Weasil's attitude. He's beginning to chase and taunt Weasil. Maybe Parker just wants a playmate. Robin thinks he's being mean. I have to remind Robin often that they are cats and are doing what cats do. They aren't children to be reasoned with even though they are our boys.

So considering the varied personalities of these two guys, I was surprised to see them peacefully sharing a bit of sunshine. George Clone-y, the newcomer and our black boy, has not been fully accepted by the other two and was not prepared to share the limelight for this picture. He'll adjust very well soon enough, but he will never be a favorite of Weasil's. It's just not in the gray boy's nature.

A Weekend Getaway

Every once in awhile you just have to pack a bag, grab a friend, and get out of Dodge. Friends understand the need for the occasional getaway. After all, how often do women get a day off? I mean, really get a day off? No cooking, no cleaning, no washing, no going to work. Even if the house is clean and the laundry is done, we have to eat. So, yes, a girls getaway is a must. A couple of days with hotel maids, waiters and waitresses is good for the soul.Patty and I headed to East Texas with our eyes on the pottery store in Marshall. It wasn't what we expected. I'd heard a lot about it and envisioned aisle upon aisle stacked with every kind of pottery from place settings to home decor to garden paradise. It wasn't that extensive but we had a wonderful lunch in Marshall and learned of another pottery and home decor store in Longview. We headed there and struck gold. We browsed for a long time and found many pretty things.

Shopping works up an appetite and we had dinner at a delightful local Mexican restaurant before heading to the hotel for the night.

We found the portion we wanted on the senior menu. I told the waiter we were ordering from it and to please ask us for ID. He did as requested and laid it on thick about how he would have to confirm our age before putting the order through. We tipped him well.

Back at the hotel, I showered and crawled into my bed and could not keep my eyes open. And I didn't have to. There was no kitchen to clean.

Next getaway: Antiques. Somehow that fits.

8-Year-Old Cousins

Get two 8-year-old cousins together and they can entertain themselves very well. I was only needed when they were hungry, thirsty, or needed chocolate chip ice cream. Oh, I was asked to tell them a bedtime story, which I did, using talking bionicles that made me look cool.
This bare-chested duo are sporting tattoos that they had Papa put on them.

They spent much of their time building with Legos and created this castle from a big tub of blocks we keep for the grandchildren.

They wanted a bionicle face on their pancakes instead of the usual funny one. This is my feeble attempt. Thomas gave me a mask to go by, but my efforts didn't produce a match.

We headed to the park after breakfast. They used this time to burn off some energy.

From the park, we went to get lunch and cherry limeades, which were refreshing after all the running, jumping and spinning they did. They said they wished cousin Ashton could have joined them for the sleepover. I do too! It wasn't an exciting trip to Disney World for Spring Break, but Thomas and Jude were content to spend this time together.

Happy 8th Birthday, Jude!

Jude is celebrating his 8th birthday today! Papa and I had a wonderful time with him yesterday when we did the traditional birthday lunch and shopping trip.Jude was able to double the gift experience since birthday money had been coming in. He kept his purchases separate from mine and handled the transaction like a pro.

We spent the most time on the Lego aisle. He loves them and has a huge collection.

We enjoyed Mexican food before our shopping spree. Jude chose the restaurant.

Memaw loves the Jude Juice. It energizes her and fills her up.

Jude is one of the sweetest boys I know. He is so appreciative of everything that is done for him. He thanked us over and over for the lunch and gifts. A few days ago I gave him a choice of ice cream he wanted me to make. He chose one but told me he knew anything I made would be delicious. He tells me I am the best Memaw ever and that I'm beautiful. You don't have to ask me why I love him so! He's tender-hearted, he's smart, he's funny, and he is super special. Happy birthday to my Jude!

Jude's A Winner!

It's not an Olympic Silver Medal but it sure looks like one!

Jude placed really well at the speech meet sponsored by the Association of Christain Schools International. He recited Bible verses in the category of Bible Memorization for his grade level. An awards ceremony was held this afternoon to recognize the winners. Jude received a blue ribbon for "superior" in his category and a silver medal. He was so excited about both tokens of a job well done.

There was never any doubt in our minds that he would knock their socks off. He has confidence that usually takes years to build, and a love and acceptance of others. He's just so approachable and friendly. He stood on that stage, looked the judges in the eyes, and recited his verses. His Mom was also a good coach in preparing him for his stage appearance.

But hey, this kid was on the cover of Fort Worth Child magazine. Of course he won awards today. We're all so proud of him.

Jude is the Dude!

Fun with Pancakes

There's a standard answer when I ask the younger grandchildren what they want for breakfast: Funny Face Pancakes. The two older ones have matured beyond the funny face stuff and opt for eggs and hash browns.Sophia told me she wanted a mad face. My limited skill produced a face that was more sad than mad. She was still pleased, but Baylee asked where the angry eyebrows were. Why didn't I think of that?

Baylee's pancake has the upturned smile. By the time I got to mine, I just poured batter and didn't care if there was a face or not.

We took a long walk, watched some TV, and enjoyed corn dogs for lunch. The highlight of the day was the return of the two ducks to our pool. The girls were thrilled to see that sight.

We had a great time and they managed to melt my heart again.

Tea Party Sleepover

Baylee and Sophia had a sleepover with us tonight since Jude has to be at his Speech Meet so early in the morning and it will last most of the day. They wanted to know if we were going to have a tea party. Well, of course, when the girls are here we are supposed to do girlie things. After a dinner of lasagna the three of us got in the kitchen and whipped up some blueberry muffins. I pulled out the tea set, hats and tiaras, and polished all our nails while the muffins baked. Pink sparkly nails are a must at tea parties.
We are enjoying our tea as the muffins cool.

The girls think it is so funny to include Papa in our tea parties and he's always a good sport. He can handle that little teacup as well as we do. The girls enjoy pouring and serving us.

What's a party without a clown? Baylee, as usual, had the quote of the day: "Papa, you're going to squeeze your brain."

There was a little drama at bedtime when Sophia exclaimed that her pajama top and bottoms didn't match. It took a little convincing for her to agree to be seen in them. Girls will be girls. More fun tomorrow.

Break a leg, Jude, at the Speech Meet!

Happy Birthday, Ron!

I want to recognize my handsome son on his birthday today. He's been an absolute joy and I'm very proud of him. He's always been able to pull a laugh out of me with his funny antics. He shares a great sense of humor with his two sisters.
The three greatest accomplishments in my life are pictured here. I have every right to brag and I do so very easily and often!

My Birthday Boy has had the honor of working with me for almost 26 years. Well, it wasn't always a honor. He's witnessed my tantrums and I've seen his. Still, he knows he's indispensable to me. Ron is one of the most talented engineers I know. He can design and produce parts that astound our customers. And he has an easy way with everyone we do business with and they all admire him. Not as much as I do, of course.

It was only a few years ago when I first stared at this blond, blue-eyed baby boy and knew instantly that I was in love. Through the years that love has exceeded my own expectations. Happy birthday, Ron. I love you more than life itself.

Words Ending in "ic"

You might think I'm a little eccentric, but I like words that end in ic. Just as an artistic person loves color, a writer can be a fanatic about words. I have found some paragraphs so poetic in their presentation that I go back and read them again. I just enjoy how the English language can be magnetic, drawing so many words together to form a beatific thought.

Although my own writing has been problematic lately and I've tackled the book in progress at a very erratic pace, I still feel ecstatic about completing it. I feel the topic could be very interesting and the characters have very eclectic backgrounds. I hope to become energetic very soon and begin typing away. Maybe an exotic getaway would do the trick. But I don't want to panic over it. The logic I live by is that writing should be fun, not a caustic acid that eats away at me. Still, it might take a sonic boom to wake me from my autistic stupor.

At this point, you are probably thinking I'm manic and need professional help. Perhaps a medic, or a cleric, or a psychic could find a magic or systematic cure for what ails me. But you can't teach an old relic new tricks.

Texas Divas are a Crazy Bunch!

I love this picture. Can't have fun without a little insanity. Our group has that in reserve.

OK, I Promise This is the Last Birthday Post

Until I get my scrapbook, that is. I'll want to share it with all of you.

I had another birthday treat today when my son came over with his homemade ice cream. He received a Cuisinart ice cream maker for Christmas and asked what flavor I wanted for my birthday. Yeah, he's three weeks late, but you have to understand sons.

I opted for peppermint chocolate chip. Ron added the peppermint extract, big chunks of chocolate and a hint of green food coloring to give it a realistic appearance. It was delicious! I had it for breakfast, which is unconventional by some standards. But I'd slept late and hadn't eaten by the time he appeared on my doorstep. You know how it goes, I had to try it.

What was really unique was the card he brought with the ice cream. It had a pretty dessert dish with mounds of ice cream, topped with birthday candles. Inside, a spoon pops up and it says, "It's your birthday. Dig in!" How appropriate is that?

I make homemade ice cream for all the grandchildren birthdays and Ron said it was only right that he make me some on mine. Thank you, Ron, for making my birthday complete and my hips a little broader.

Now, dear daughters, the pressure is on for the finished scrapbook. What wonderful children I have!

Texas Divas Birthdays!

Wow! We celebrated four Diva's birthdays today. Two turned 60 and two are turning 57. A polite person wouldn't even venture a guess which ones they are. The birthday Divas are Deborah, Cathy, Patty and myself, who hasn't tired of all the celebrating.

Feast your eyes on this cake! It was huge! Paula baked this masterpiece carrot cake and it was the best one any of us have ever tasted. The cake pan is so big that she had to bake one layer at a time. We almost forfeited lunch so we could enjoy dessert first. We had some happy husbands when we got home with Hungry Man portions of this delicious cake. Thanks, Paula. You've just been designated Texas Diva Baker of the Year. The title includes supplying rich desserts for each Diva outing. Sorry. You brought it on yourself, girlfriend.

Deborah, Paula - Texas Diva Baker of the Year, and Cathy.

Patty and I are pictured with Trish, Paula's sister, who has officially joined our crazy group. Welcome, Trish! You fit right in.

My beautiful daughter, Allison, and equally beautiful sister, Donna, always add so much humor and fun when we're all together.

Here we are. This picture looks like trouble about to happen. Never a dull moment when the Texas Divas meet for lunch. I'm honored to have each one in my life.

Winter Wonderland

What could be more relaxing than watching the silent beauty of falling snow? It blanketed our yard all day in non-stop quietness. I loved it.

A Cherished Poem by my Sister

As part of my birthday, my daughters are making me a scrapbook. They asked for comments from friends and family. My sister, Donna, wrote me a poem that reduced me to tears. I want to share it here, although I realize that some of it are inside jokes between us, while most is about our relationship during childhood.

Donna and I usually had kitchen duty and we harmonized while doing dishes. It made the chore bearable and faster. We also used to write poems for each other, most of which were tacky but all in fun. Now that I've set the stage, here's her beautiful poem.

A Poem For My Sister, Peggy

How do I start to write a rhyme for someone like my Sis,
As her ability is far better; that talent gene I missed.
Battle of the poets, she would always win.
Making fun of my bra size was to me a sin.

Early in our childhood, we had our standard chores,
Sweeping, dusting, mopping and picking up the floors.
We'd be doing dishes, Peggy washed and I dried,
Singing and telling stories, yes, making this fun, we tried.

My sister Peg is good, but also she is vain,
The rear view mirror episode was really quite insane.
I'd love to know the sacker's thoughts when to you he said goodbye.
That one last look in the mirror, didn't you just want to cry?

I'm so thankful I was blessed with the sister that I got,
She always treated me special though I could be a little snot.
Pretending I was Peggy when the cute young boys would phone,
Begging to go with her and Pat so I wouldn't be alone.

Peggy finds humor in oh so many things,
Though her heart is warm and generous, gives without any strings.
She is a friend of mine and I know to many others,
A wonderful grandma to nine and a kind and loving mother.

I thank God for you, Peggy, you have always shown you cared,
Even with your offspring you were willing with me to share.
I'm looking toward eternity at that heavenly kitchen sink,
Singing Drummer Boy with our Daddy,
He'd like that, don't you think?

I love you, Sissy!

Donna

Isn't that beautiful? Tears were stinging my eyes as I typed it. I will no longer make fun of Donna's poetry after this masterpiece. Well, maybe in fun.

Thank you, Donna, for words I will treasure for a lifetime. I love my Sissy!

My Birthday - Again

These pictures were taken on my actual birthday and before we met up with my three cousins for dinner. If you're having a major event and need it spiced up a bit, invite our group of fun ladies.Angela put her camera on a timer and was able to capture the five of us together.

The Birthday Girl is getting lots of birthday hugs.

Mama and her two beautiful daughters, affectionately known as Mutt and Jeff. I love these girls!

With best friends Patty and Cheryl on each side of me I'm one of the luckiest people alive.

Our waiter graciously snapped this picture of our lunch in what used to be the stables at the Biltmore.

Here we are in front of the Biltmore Estate, picture compliments of our shuttle driver.

My beautiful, perky Allison.

The tour ended and we were headed off for dinner with cousins Linda, Barbara, and Trisha. I left there very thankful that I don't have a house that large to clean!