June Divas - Celebrating Paula P's Birthday

When Paula told her friends that the Texas Divas were treating her to a birthday dinner at a gas station, she received some weird looks. But that's exactly what we did. Since Paula is such a dear member of our group, what better way to celebrate her big day than to serve up some yummies inside a gas station. However, we didn't feast on hot dogs or pre-made Blimpie sandwiches. We dined in style. From appetizers to the main course to the final dish of bread pudding, I think everyone enjoyed their selection.

Paula made a haul on the birthday gifts. She really received some nice things. One very special gift came from Cathy who had just returned from a trip abroad and brought back a rosary for Paula. It was beautiful. But then, Paula is a beautiful person.

We planned to snap a picture of Paula in front of one of the gas pumps, but it was raining when we left the restaurant. Still, she can tell her friends that we did, indeed, treat her to a fabulous birthday dinner in a gas station. The food was excellent. The company was even better.

Happy Birthday, Ashton!

My fifth grandchild is 7 today! I so wish I could spend this birthday with him, but I plan to get my birthday wishes across the miles. He's already received our gifts and called to thank us. And I know a full weekend was planned in his honor. I love those celebrations that are spread out over days since birthdays only come once a year.

It's only 365 days until his next birthday, but I bet Ashton knows how many hours, minutes and seconds it will be before he turns 8. For now, we'll just enjoy our new 7-year-old brainiac.

Happy birthday, Ashton! You are such a sweet boy and I love you so much!

Pushy Salesmen

I am not a salesman (or woman, whatever the proper terminology for it in today's world). I am not assertive enough, and I'm certainly not pushy or aggressive. There are those who can sell ice to an Eskimo and make him feel good about his purchase. Not me. Even if I totally believed in the product and thought it to be the best invention in history, I can imagine myself timidly asking, "You don't really want this, do you?".

But I can get aggressive if I'm pushed. I took a call at work one day when a woman claiming to be with the service company for my copier told me she was updating my file and could I please verify the serial number they had for me. I said, "Sure! What number do you have on file?". She paused, called me the B word and hung up. A few moments later she called back and when I answered she called me the B word again. Oh well, a little B word never hurt anybody.

The pushy salesman yesterday rang my doorbell and told me he was roofing houses in my neighborhood. Now, I seldom answer my door. If I don't recognize the car and I'm not expecting someone, I ignore bells and knocks. This time, however, I thought it might be someone for Robin, who was in the back yard working. I have a doormat on my front porch that says "Leave". It's a joke, of course, and I guess everyone takes it as such since I still get the solicitors. Note to self: buy a no solicitors sign.

This guy was a fast talker. I'm not saying he wasn't with a very legitimate company. He claims his company is displaying signs in yards all through the neighborhood. He might be an upstanding fellow. I'm just saying he was a fast talker and I had trouble getting a word in. Finally, I interrupted and told him in the present economy, we weren't putting on a new roof.

"Oh, no! Insurance will pay for it!"

"In the present economy, I don't want to pay a deductible right now."

"Oh, no! Your deductible will be figured into our price. This will cost you nothing. I'll meet with the insurance adjuster myself. You know, you can't put new shingles over old wooden ones, so we will take off all the shingles, add a radiant barrier which is energy efficient and gives you a good tax break on your return."

I'm wondering which insurance company pays for roof damage and decides to throw in a radiant barrier, just to be nice.

The conversation continues with few breaks to allow me to politely refuse his services and close my door. This guy's determined to get the sale. I held up my hand and interrupted him again.

"Let me explain how I do things. First, if I needed a new roof I would have called you, instead of you appearing on my doorstep telling me I need your service. Secondly, I don't make major decisions on my front porch, on the spur of the moment."

"Thank you." He turned quickly and walked off. He might have even thought of the B word.

Weekend Getaway

Patty and I took off again for the weekend and our first stop was to see the birthday girl. My mother turned 84 years young on Friday. We brought chicken salad for lunch and a pecan roll for her to have with coffee the next morning. We ditched the buns we'd brought for the chicken salad when we saw Mother pull her rolls from the oven. They made a mighty good sandwich!
We watched Mother mix up more bread for her weekend company and wondered how a woman her age could mix such a thick amount of dough without coming up for air. She's definitely amazing.

My thoughts on this day were also on Chezzy who passed away on my mother's birthday 17 years ago. Each anniversary is sad, but this one held a greater emptiness knowing that Angela has now lived her life as long with him as without him. But no matter what the milestone, the impact he made on each of us is lasting and just as precious today as it's always been. He was a very loved man and one who returned that love in abundance.
After visiting with Mother, Patty and I headed farther east where we were booked in a lovely suite with plenty of room to move around. Besides taking it easy, we took in several antique stores.
When friends get away for the weekend there are only a few staples needed to get us by. This is the inside of our refrigerator. Very sparse for a reason.
Notice the kitchen counter. Peanut M&Ms and a coffeemaker. The stove and microwave were never touched, which is the whole purpose of the trip.

The only thing unpleasant about this trip was the bar right outside our window. There were some lively parties at all hours - lots of noise, laughter, squealing, and loud motorcycles. It started out quietly the first night when I asked Patty, "do you hear voices?"

"Yes," she said.

"Good," I responded.

Baylee's Graduation

Nothing like a gentle tug on the heartstrings when watching a precious granddaughter graduate from preschool. It's such an innocent age and they feel so big, so proud, when crossing that stage for the award that spells out their great achievement. And the family sits there with tears in their eyes, wondering where the time went, how did she get this age without our noticing it.But Baylee managed to wipe our tears by being her usual animated self. She didn't just sing the songs with her class or receive her diploma with shyness. She performed. She smiled and waved, and moved on the stage as if she had to awe her audience. Yes, her audience.

After graduation we stopped by Sophia's classroom to peek in on her. She was excited to see us, to say the least. I love this picture of her with her teachers. This expression shows the warm affection she has for these women. So sweet.

Three reasons why being a grandma is so wonderful. Jude's arm around his baby sister shows what a loving, doting big brother he is.

Baylee with her BFFs. What a blessing friends are. Just picture these girls posing just like this in another ten years. Years only make a sweet friendship even sweeter.

Because Sophia was still in class, she missed being a part of this family picture. This was taken during the reception that followed. Jude was proud and anxious to put those flowers into Baylee's arms.

Three generations of ladies. I wish my mother could have attended to show off the one who started all of this.

I gave Baylee a card with money inside for her graduation. You'd think I'd given her $100, she was so grateful and happy. She kept asking her mother if they could go shopping with it.

Her diploma in hand, Baylee is smiling for her audience. Such a ham. I think her mother passed a healthy dose of "outgoing" to Baylee during the gestation period.

When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, Baylee answered zoologist. For some reason, this came as no surprise to her family. The girl adores every animal she's in contact with and her heart is so big that it includes every kind, every species.

And finally, the picture that shows our true Baylee - the comic, the entertainer, the one who literally takes our breath away. Gotta love that girl.

May Divas

Our May Diva outing included celebrating Allison's birthday, the only estrogen-pumped female in our group. I don't know that I miss the estrogen, but happy that my daughter is still young enough to have it. It dates me a little younger too.One of her gifts from Jan and Darlene was this pair of glasses, which has her posing as a believable schoolmarm. Always the good sport. I hope she hangs onto them because they might come in handy in a year or two.

We so missed Cathy who would be celebrating her one year anniversary as a Texas Diva. Unfortunately, a family emergency called her away and we understand, even if her presence was missed. But we did have a bonus. Paula F. took time away from her busy schedule to visit with us again. It was wonderful to see her and we hope she makes it a habit. Nothing like a good habit.

We happily indulged in chocolate flan, compliments of Paula P., the Diva Baker. She can put together some sinfully delicious desserts. Her birthday is next month in June and I'm wondering what possible creation could top the chocolate flan or the carrot cake. Thinking caps on, ladies.

Thanks also go to Paula P. for sharing pictures of our night together. Only one of mine turned out due to my camera's refusal to focus. I'd admit that I'm just not good at photography, but the truth is several others used my camera and with the same blurred results. I love that it's small and metallic pink, but will have to resort to the bigger black one from now on.

Thank you to everyone, for without YOU, the Texas Divas just wouldn't be any fun at all.

Rhyme Time

A number of years ago I compiled my small collection of poems into notebooks to give to family members and friends. The following poem is one I wrote for the cover page.

My Poems

My poems can take me anywhere,

To places far and wide.

Or enter the chambers of my heart

To reveal what's there inside.

I can climb the highest mountains,

Describe a panoramic view.

I can paint a winter landscape

Though the morning's fresh with dew.

I can write about my feelings,

Somehow it always clears my mind!

And pull up pleasant memories

Of another place and time.

My poems can tell of sweet romance,

Of love that's strong and true.

I can detail every hurt and tear

When that love affair is through.

My poems can travel, see, and feel,

I'm the actress on the stage.

Whatever part I wish to play

Will be recorded on some page.

1995

Happy Birthday to Allison & Brian!

There's an advantage when a couple shares the same birthday: You're not likely to forget the occasion. And I don't think anyone will let Brian forget that he turned 40 today. And we probably don't have to remind Allison that she is younger.The Birthday Couple are the proud parents of Jude, Baylee, and Sophia. It warms my heart to see how much they love their children. Each child feels extra special and sure of their place in the family. I'm thrilled, too, to know that Brian knows the joy of having Daddy's Girls. There's nothing like it.
I'm so proud of the woman Allison has always been. She was easy to raise, she was loving and funny, and had a beautiful character. Those attributes still shine brightly today. Plus, she's a wonderful, nurturing mother and a loyal and priceless member of our family.
This is my favorite picture of Brian because it shows his great sense of humor. When my book came out, he grabbed a tissue for this photo. I found it hilarious and so fitting. Thank you, Brian, for all the laughter over the years and for being brave enough to join this wacky family.
As part of her birthday and Mother's Day, I gave Allison our hospital bracelets from when she was born. One big one, one tiny one, one huge blessing. And since Angela had asked for my diamond wedding set for her own wedding, I gave Allison a wedding band that Chezzy had also given me. I'm so happy that both my daughters have the unbroken circles that had meant so much to me.

May God bless you both on your birthdays just as He blessed me with both of you.

Honoring Moms & Grandmas

There are those delightful moments in life when you just feel like royalty. Whether perched on a lofty pedestal or lounging in an ivory castle, your perception of self-worth is soaring through orbit. You are all-important. You are on a higher plane. You are God's special gift. And all you had to do was walk through a door and enter the presence of a grandchild.That look of surprise, then the wide smile, two little arms opening as they rush into your own, and the excited squeal of "Memaw" fills the air, and your moment of being supreme has just taken place. I got to experience that today as I visited Sophia's pre-school classroom as they honored moms and grandmas this morning. She shyly acknowledged my presence in a roomful of other supreme beings, then smiled and rushed into my arms. How thrilled she was to have me in her element, and unexpectedly.
Allison and I listened to their sweet tributes and songs, and stole a quick visit to Baylee's room where I was exalted once more. I'm telling you, today I don't stink.
After spending time with the girls, we went to Jude's school to share lunch with him. He, too, didn't know I was coming. He stood in line to enter the cafeteria and spotted his mom. He was so happy to see her. Then, he noticed that I stood slightly behind her and the pedestal I was on elevated to the heavens. That's just how good they make you feel. And look at this cute boy with his missing front tooth! He's proud that he pulled it out himself.
Jude told me that when parents or grandparents visit for lunch that they sit at a special table, separate from the class. So his mom and I had him all to ourselves.
Proud Mama and Memaw were told by Jude's teacher that he was so polite and well mannered, and tells her jokes. She said she wished she had ten more like him in her class. I don't doubt it. Jude has a special knack of knowing how to make others feel special. He's a friend to everyone.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the kids today. I may be a little hard to live with for a few days, until I come down from the clouds where I've been. But I had my moments of glory and they will keep me until one of us walks in the door again.

A Squirrel's Demise

There's nothing like sharing coffee with a friend on the patio and witnessing a brutal murder.

So it was on Friday, a beautiful afternoon and the beginning of a slumber party weekend, that Patty and I enjoyed coffee and conversation on the patio. We were giddy with the prospect of spending two days doing only what we wanted to do. We discussed the many possibilities - definitely eating out and not even thinking about cooking, maybe some shopping, and leaving plenty of time to just relax.

We decided on a restaurant for dinner and scouting out a book store for some good reading material. Our attention was diverted to the yard where George, a stray cat who has adopted us, was investigating something in the grass. Suddenly, we saw what looked like a squirrel do a quick flop in the grass and go still. For some reason I didn't question, Patty remained on the patio while I crossed the yard for a closer inspection.

I found either a sick or injured squirrel who wouldn't move a muscle as I approached. I could see that he was still breathing, but big horse flies had already claimed him. And sweet George seemed very sympathetic if a little playful. He would lightly tap the poor animal, or roll in the grass next to it. It was as if he sensed something wrong and would do no further damage. Finally, however, George lost interest or decided to let the squirrel die with dignity. Patty and I, too, quit watching the spot in the grass and continued our conversation.

Minutes passed, then Patty pointed to what she believed was another ill squirrel on the pool decking. Again, she remained seated while I investigated. I noticed the one in the grass was gone and assumed it had crawled to the decking. But unfortunately for the squirrel, it wasn't George who noticed him again, but Lucky, another stray that feeds in our back yard.

I will point out here that Robin names all the cats that eat at our house. There are five now. He has a quirky sense of humor that defies explanation, but I will say that there is a reason behind each name. Lucky will happily take the food and bedding we supply, but we have not gained his trust. We have not touched this cat. He won't allow it. Anyway, I once saw Lucky running down our driveway with a squirrel in his mouth, so I knew he was about to put this squirrel out of its misery.

Lucky did a stealthy approach as only a cat can do. He seemed surprised that his victim didn't jump up and run. He crept closer and closer. Then, he went in for the kill. Patty and I cringed at the sound the squirrel made, but it was shrill, brief, and over in seconds. Lucky carried his prey behind a tree at a far corner of the yard. It was over. And although it had been traumatic for us as well, I was relieved the suffering was over. The squirrel was obviously ill and in the throes of death. Lucky was his Dr. Kavorkian.

After a few shivers, I looked at Patty and asked, "Ready to go eat now?"

And so we did.

Texas Divas - April Outing

There's an affectionate saying among the Divas: It's all about Donna. Actually, she is one of the most unselfish people I know and I'm sure everyone will agree. However, this particular Diva post is "all about Donna."

Donna was the Diva in charge this month and selected a wonderful Mexican restaurant for our monthly dinner. She also had a drawing and I won. Her sister. No, it wasn't rigged, but I left with some handy kitchen tools for being the winner. I thought her idea was a good one, and would think so even if I hadn't been the winner.

Donna also had a horrifying story to share with us. Last night she went outside in her bare feet to call for her dog. She stayed on the sidewalk, in the light from the porch, knowing to be careful since they have seen more than their share of rattlesnakes. So, she called the dog, then turned to go back inside. A rattlesnake blocked her path. And her feet are bare. She'd just polished her toenails and, ladies, we know you don't put shoes on after doing toenails. Not even if you live in a rattlesnake pit.

So, she hopped over it, ran inside, and alerted her husband. He was able to find the snake and put an end to its scare tactics. And, I might add, we all saw Donna's toenails this evening and they were no worse for the wear. My suggestion to my sweet sister: The next time you do your toenails, do not go outside until they dry.
We forgot about pictures until we were leaving the restaurant. By that time, Paula and Trish had already left. But here are the remaining wind-blown Divas.

What a fun group! We missed Jan, Darlene, and Jeanne, and hope they will join us for our May outing. We'll be celebrating my beautiful daughter Allison's birthday with Diva Deb in charge. Great job, Donna! You and your toenails done good.

Patio Improvements

Robin and I gave our patio a little facelift over the weekend. And we actually had fun doing it. We gathered empty flower pots and filled them with new blooms.
This is a good place for morning coffee under the carport. Now the little table sports a flower. The brick flowerbed looks barren, but there are flowers poking through the sod from seeds we'd planted.

Besides the flowers, the patio furniture is redressed with new cushions. I'm hoping the cats who like to nap on them will keep the squirrels away. They like to build nests out of our cushions.

The center pot is a cute teacup I bought at Wally World last year, but hadn't gotten around to filling it. I'm hoping the rust on the furniture deems it retro, and therefore not neglected.

This year Wally World had a smaller teacup, but same price. Inflation. But I love the tulip shape and the pink. Other colors are available in yellow, red, and plum. I sound like the penny-pincher version of Angela's blog.

Even the mailbox received some color. I know we won't be featured in Homes & Gardens, but the little bit of work we did helped restore some interest in my home. Sometimes we just need a little boost.

Packaging

Most manufacturer's put a lot of thought into packaging. Sometimes these products catch your eye and you want them, whether you need them or not. They just look so darn tantalizing. Perfumes, especially, are often boxed so beautifully that I wonder if half of the price is for packaging. Since perfume is my passion, they can reel me in regardless of how it's presented.

But what about the packaging that is downright irritating? Oh, there are many. How often have you purchased a baking dish or cookie sheet and fought to remove the glue residue from their label? I've soaked them, scrubbed them, cursed at them, and they still retain their stubborn ways. There are better ways to apply the product name and I applaud those companies who have found it.

Canned goods are another source of irritation. I detest can openers. They are nasty. Even more, I don't like to use them and have the contents splash up on the lid. That's unsanitary, even if I've wiped the lid before opening. I prefer the pull-tops that make opening the can as clean as possible. Thank you Campbells and others who have gone this route.

And what about makeup? Oh, the vain women that we are, how the industry takes advantage of us. Have you noticed how the expensive serum that is supposed to erase all signs of age comes in a glass bottle with a pump that leaves a good half inch at the bottom? I have bruised my palm by pounding the remaining miracle-working serum free from its lowly place. We are charged for the full product, even if we are unable to reach the full product.

Tubes won't give up all its lotions and creams either. I've never been a tight-wad but I do like to get my money's worth. I don't go so far as snipping off the top in order to get to the bottom, but I've thought about it. I usually give in to the manufacturer's intent, and go out to buy another one.

But I have found a way to ease my frustration. I only buy moisturizer in wide-mouth jars so I can use every last bit. I run my frugal finger all around that jar until it's completely empty. I got my money's worth. Many foundations can be found in jars with openings wide enough to cake the very last smidgen on your face. I support these products since they were designed to be easily consumed.

Have you ever had your shaving cream stop working even though you shake it and hear something in there? Do you stand your ketchup on its head so gravity will do its work? Do you add a little water to your shower gel, shampoo, or dishwashing liquid, shake it to mix with the remaining product, so you can use it once more? Maybe I am a tight-wad. Or maybe manufacturer's just know how to package their products so we will purchase more often.

Still, I believe it's the cosmetics industry that gains the most by their packaging. They pretty much have full rein because we, as women, are more concerned about how we are packaged.

A Dozen Years!

Today, instead of celebrating our 12th anniversary, Robin and I have decided to call it quits.Happy April Fool's Day! Gotcha!

Birthday Fun with Candice

Candice and I celebrated her 19th birthday tonight with shopping and dinner. We had a fabulous time, although my camera had focusing issues and refused to capture the moment clearly.I dropped the mint chocolate chip ice cream she requested that I make, posed for pictures, then took off for the mall. Our first visit was a cosmetic shop where Candice chose some makeup and nail polish.

This cute dress was purchased, along with a few other things that Candice treated herself to.

She insisted that Memaw have her picture taken with this trendy little top from a strictly teen store. Maybe I could get away with wearing it. On a dark night. Alone.

After shopping we relaxed over dinner and conversation. We enjoyed our girl time. I love these birthday excursions with the grandchildren since we get a lot of one-on-one time together. Candice was a real joy tonight. Love my girl!