Will they or won't they?

Was designing one of display windows this morning. As I was washing the window preparing it for a Christmas display people were watching me. So I figured I would wave at them. The first few people would just stare at me. I wondered why they wouldn't return the friendly gesture. Were they just mad at the world or just have to much on their mind. Or..were they wondering, why is that lady waving at me. The world has changed so much the last few years. Most people aren't as friendly as they use to be. Why? I know some folks who would rather walk down the next isle in a store just so they won't have to speak. I've done it....I just really don't want to hear all their problems or for some folks they are just plain mean and they have a poor attitude. I try to distance myself from them. Some folks think that we are the ones with the problems and they will make a long list of things they don't like when in reality that list is all about them.
Anyway, I kept waving and smiling and finally they caught on and began waving. Maybe I made them smile and it took their mind off of their problems for a moment. Everyone should try being a little kinder. You know it takes more muscles to frown then it does to produce a smile :)

My Day....

Yesterday, October 22 was my Birthday....I enjoyed an awesome day, doing what I wanted to do. I headed to Brown County to enjoy a day of shopping and enjoying the beautiful fall day. I knew the leaves were in full color thanks to a couple of frost and all the rain that we've had. Every color was visible orange, yellow, amber, red, rust they were all vibrant and with every bend in the road was like driving through a painted portrait.
I enjoyed lunch out on the patio fighting the yellow jackets, seemed they like my orange soda too. But I didn't mind, "It was my Birthday". I stopped in at one shop and the cashier ask how my day was and I informed her it was a special day. She, the owner said it was her birthday too. We gave each other a high five and she gave me 10% off my purchase. I stopped in at my brother Gary's shop and visited with him. Seems he has a opportunity to move to a bigger shop on one of the main streets. He ask me to go check it out. I was excited for him. Anyone who owns a business knows it's all about location. Finally it was time to head home. I'm making plans to go back in a few weeks and take in the sights and sounds of the Christmas season. I will go on a weekend when Thomas is off so that he can go with me.

enjoying a day in my kitchen...

In Uniontown we had one beautiful day this week and it accrued on my day off. One of my favorite things to do is baking and trying new recipes. I had a list of things that needed to be done in my gardens to get them ready for winter. But with the cooler weather I've been craving Persimmon Pudding. So I gathered all the ingredients and began.
Thomas and I enjoy heading out to our favorite spots in the township and gather the persimmons. But I'm the one who prepares the pulp. I don't mind. I remember my Mamaw Brumett with her apron on preparing a pudding. The smell Persimmon Pudding filled the kitchen ....I couldn't wait till it was done. I decided to also bake a Pumpkin Pie. Now Thomas will eat both but if he had to choose it would be the pie.
I did get some work done in my gardens and I even got the grass mowed. As I finished cleaning the kitchen after supper I sliced the Pumpkin Pie and placed a dab of Cool Whip on top and surprised Thomas!!

Fall is in the air......

Early Sunday morning I headed out for a Floral Convention meeting in Frankfort, Kentucky. It was an awesome drive. The morning was crisp and the dew drops were glistening like diamonds. The drive was just what I needed after all the funeral work I did this past week.
The trees were still wet with dew and when you rounded the bend in the road it was breath
taking. As I rounded one curve there in the road way were two young deer. Not quite for sure they could make it up the steep hill, the traffic stopped while they backed up and made a run for it. With the window down a bit, just the smell of the cool air and just a hint of pine from the mountains made this ole county girl perk right up. The only thing that could have made it better was to have been about 60 more miles down the road to where Daddy was raised to see the fog coming out of the mountains.
The meeting went great and all the designers are lined up. Lunch was a full buffet with shrimp, my favorite. The Apple Cobbler just needed a scoop of ice cream!!

Emotions......

It has been one of those weeks...non stop- phone ringing off the wall, customers coming in by the car loads. I made four casket sprays in 3 days. One was for a stillborn baby girl. That pulls on the heart strings. Brings back memories of my little girl. I met with the parents and I just cried with them. After they left you pull your self together and began preparing the flowers. I made sure this spray got extra special attention. All of my casket sprays are designed with love, but this one was special. Being a florist is a wonderful profession. Some days every human emotion is felt. From the jubilant bride, an excited man who gets to send flowers to his wife for their first anniversary or a new grandma telling us all about her first grandbaby. Then your emotions do a complete turn around when a family comes thru the door heart broken due to a loss of a family member. But you take in all in and at the end of the day your thankful that you could be there for them and maybe just one word was spoken that they can find comforting.

time for a breather....

Wow...this morning has be super busy. I did find the time to take a short break and eat my lunch and to check my e-mails. Was even able to walk out side and got a bit of fresh air.
I have already meet with two family's and got their flower order processed. Seems the local funeral home in Seymour is full. Well, at least if you are reading my blog you didn't make the list!!!!
Yesterday was my day off and I went furniture shopping. I'm in the market for a new couch. Thomas and I have a sectional and I am ready to get rid of it. They take up to much room.
At my flower shop I had a 4 foot Old World Santa and I had been keeping it at the store for safe keeping. I didn't want to bring it home for the fear of my Doxies picking at him. I ask my father-in-law if he could build me a curio cabinet for it. Well, I didn't even think that it had to bigger than Santa....so now I have to find space for it. So that's why I'm getting rid of my sectional. But that's OK, I would like a new couch anyhow.
Well, I have answered the phone twice while trying to blog, so I will get back to work.
Enjoy this rainy day...

Thank goodness for Fridays....

I can't wait to get home tonight-and stay there!! I have had something every evening this week. Monday was Ladies Aid at church. Tuesday was the Plan Commission meeting in Brownstown. Wednesday was back at church for another meeting. Thursday was back at church again, serving our community meal.
I was off Thursday and was in the kitchen most of the day. The church served pork loin's and I baked 62 loins. They smelled so good!! I made my own sauce and received many compliments. I also made a peanut butter pie and baked a chocolate cake. Needless to say the peanut butter pie was gone in no time. Thanks to my daughter Sarah for her awesome recipe.
So tonight I am going to lay on the couch and watch TV with Thomas. I will have to share the couch with Lily and Bristol --but hey that is A-OK with me.
Sunday is a big day at my church. We celebrate 150 years. Wow...150 years of serving the Lord. That's a big milestone. We have been celebrating all summer with community activities. Sunday we'll have an all day celebration ending about 4pm. I told my girlfriends at church that I am bringing my flip-flops for some comfort, just in case. They said that was a great ideal as long as we could color coordinate with our outfits!!!

It's been way to long....

I believe the last time I wrote in my blog was April. That seems like ages ago. I was busy all spring and summer. I say summer cause it's almost over. So much has happend since then.
Sarah has started a new chapter in her life. I remember twenty some years ago I was starting a new chapter also. But, I had to little girls-one was still in diapers. Sarah's only worry is to make sure she has plenty doggy treats handy.
I lost my best bud last week. He lost his battle with cancer. Stan delivered flowers for me for almost ten years. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do around the shop. From hanging christmas lights, reparing things and making shelves. Then there were the days when Daddy and him would set around and solve the worlds problems. Some days I think that if they went to Washington and Congress would just let them have their way, we wouldn't be in the mess that we are today. I will miss Stan more than you can imagine. But I will always have my "Memories."
I'll do better with keeping my blog updated.........

Could it be....

Could it be that I have planted to many White Pine trees. Spread to much mulch, worked way to much in my flower beds......now I'm walking with a cane and spending time at the chiropractor. Am I just getting old......
I've been asking my self that question the past few days. Maybe I need to hire a Gardner. Might have to place an ad in the local paper if this keeps up!!!

Transplanting.....

I spent the better part of Sunday afternoon transplanting flowers. For the last few weeks I've been waiting for my perennials at the store to come up so that I can transplant them to my gardens at home. When I returned home from church the weather was so pretty and I knew that rain was on it's way for late afternoon, so I hurried. With shovel and gloves in hand I believe I dug up almost 15 assorted plants. My Columbine's were coming up everywhere so I gave Sarah a few for her gardens.
If any of you remember Tommy use to have a Pecan tree in front of the tavern. Some of the older folks in town have told him that it was almost 80 years old before he had it cut down. So over the past few years I have been trying to get starts off of it as they come up from seed. I have done some trial and error planting over the years and this year I think they are finally going to make it. I've transplanted five so far and I'm keeping my fingers crossed and with a little luck they will all make it. I guess you could say I've been putting my Indiana Master Gardner degree to use!! I'll keep you posted on the progress.

My Little Buddy

As most of you know Thomas and I have five, yes five little doxies...these little people have become our kids. We started with Bristol and he makes sure that the rest of the clan knows that he is #1. Then came Lily Belle, she was so tiny when we bring her home only four pounds. She quickly became my little girl following me everywhere. Then came the puppies. Four of them, we were able to sell one but just couldn't part with the other three. BB, Sgt. Major Bogie and Annie. BB has become my little buddy. He will lay at my feet where ever I am. When I go shower he sets at the door. When I'm in the kitchen he lays on the rug and waits for me to sneak him a bite. When I venture into my office he is not satisfied till he's in my lap. There he will set or lay for as long as I'm at my desk. He is in my lap now sound asleep. Funny how people get attached to their dogs. Some days when the world is a cruel place and our friends seem to have forgotten about us, all we need to do is go home and at the door we will find unconditional love. All they see is love.....their owner is home and no matter what the problems they just seem to falter away. We are welcomed home with excitement and kisses.

70 square miles....

My friend Cindy and her husband Marty have been in Aruba for the last few days. Each day she sends me an update of their fun in the sun!!!
She explains in great detail how the palm trees sway in the cool breezes of the island, the turquoise water and the white sand. The beautiful sunsets and the latest umbrella drink.
Today they were renting a jeep and driving around the island. Aruba is 70 square miles.Cindy states that with each turn of the road the view just gets better and better. Post card perfect she puts it.
I emailed her back and gave her great detail of how it reached 72 degrees in Uniontown today and the wind was out the the southeast with 18 mile wind gust. Now all I need is for my pond water to be turquoise.....

Update....

Talked with my buddy and well it's back for more chemo. The doctor decided to change things for a bit. Now he's taking chemo every day to see how this does. It just breaks my heart to see him suffer. He told me the chemo really makes him sick. It's all that I can do not to cry when we talk. I want him well, I want my ole buddy back. I need to pick on him and give him a hard time and we need to have our weekly talks about how crazy republicans are. (he like me is a born democrat) I will never give up hope, I promised him that I would hang in there with him and be a shoulder for him. I will keep the faith for both of us even when he is to weak to be strong......

Birthday Girl....

Tomorrow March 17 is my BFF Shelley's birthday......
If I was rich I would do what Oprah does for her best friends. I'd fuel up my jet, invite some of our friends and we would party on an island in the Caribbean for a week!!! Money would be no object and the whole island would be ours...fun in the sun celebrating Shelley's birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHELLEY
See ya tomorrow!!

The watch...

Each morning I spend a few minutes to read the news on some of my favorite sites. Then in the evening I check to see how the day has gone through out America. I find it amusing how some of the media are fascinated with what Michelle chooses to wear for the day. Just the other day they were talking about her arms....how toned they were. Then there was a poll of the top 10 outfits that she had worn over the past 50 days.
Today, I ran across a site where you can order the same watch that Obama wears. It's a Jorg Gray 6500 Chronograph, he received his for his 46th birthday. You can own one today for a mere $325.00. It's a commemorative edition and comes with individualize serial number and is engraved with his name and the 44th president on the back. Now, don't you all rush and order one. I don't think I will be ordering Thomas one. He has his own special watch that I purchased for him when we were first married. His is engraved on the back also.
I hope the media don't get to personal...I really don't want to know where Michelle buys her undies. But it could cause a stir in the malls with everyone wanting the came kind and color!! I can read it now-- with the decline in auto sales there is one bright spot.....pantie sales are up!!!

Now we wait.....

Got my daily call from my buddy. He's done with the first round of radiation and chemo. Now we wait......Monday he goes in for blood work to see if the treatments have slowed the growth of the cancer. He sounded relieved that it was over for a few days. Maybe he can enjoy a few normal days. But with living with cancer, days are never normal. It's the not knowing that will drive you crazy. So keep him in your prayers.....

Friday Night Buffet

Thomas and I had supper at the Pines Friday night and man was it awesome. We didn't care to wait on an empty table for about 15 minutes, the wait was worth it. The BBQ chicken was so tender and savory. I've never been a fan of ribs, but Mike's were the best. Maybe that's why I have never cared much for them. Thomas even made the comment, "I thought you didn't like ribs". As we were leaving about 8pm there were still people waiting on a table.
I visited with Mike before leaving to thank him for a great supper. As a business owner I understand why Mike is changing things around. You have to be flexible, you have to step out side of the box. With the economy in the shape that it's in you have to be able to take a step back and look at all sides of your business. Come up with new ideals and try your best to stay afloat. Mike has done his homework.
There is only one change that I would have made Friday night.......Brent should have worked the carving table in his, Ball State shirt!!!!

Daily Phone Call

Gosh, it's been a while since I've posted....
I start each day awaiting a phone call from my buddy. Wondering how he is doing today. Taking radiation each day and chemo a couple days will weaken the body quickly. His voice is weak but his spirit is amazing. He's telling me to be strong all the while I give him his daily pep talk.
I hate cancer. In comes in like a thief in the night and steals you away. I live with cancer everyday, how dare it rob me of someone I love. For those of you that have lost loved one's to this evil disease you know my heartache. Keeping praying.........

Pray

Prayer is a powerful thing. I seen a sign once that read, "When all else fails, Pray" I believe in prayer and I believe in the healing power of prayer. So that is why I write tonight.
I received a call today that a very dear friend who holds a special place in my heart was diagnosed with cancer. He doesn't deserve this. He has a heart of gold and he's a remarkable person.
Cancer is a cruel disease, who shows mercy for no one. It's evil.
So please lift my friend up in prayer. Pray that God will give him strength to fight, pray that God will lay his hand on him and heal his body. Please keep him in your prayers in the coming weeks.......

Valentines Day 2009

Valentines Day was fun this year....especially since I was working for someone else!! It was so enjoyable, no 80 hour work week, no pulling an all niter . No stress, just doing what I love--designing flowers. Heather did a great job organizing and doing the math on ordering how many flowers were needed with the economy and money being tight. We pretty much had a empty cooler by Saturday afternoon. Each of us girls brought in food and we ended up with enough to feed an army. We weren't to worried about the calories.
I was glad to see some of my old customers stopping in and ordering and those who called in with a delivery order. I get excited when I get to talk to my customers.
Sarah my daughter worked on Friday. Sarah grew up in the shop and she pretty much knows everything there is to know about running a floral shop. It didn't take her long and she was working beside me designing arrangements. It was just like old times.

Convention Details

Things are getting back to normal around home. I now have time to update you on the great things at convention. WOW...is just one word to describe all the amazing floral designs. There were a lot of out-of-the-box designs. All the designers were great, I did pick up a few new ideals and I even taught one of them a new trick of keeping hydrangeas lasting longer. I gave her a hug and said, "I can't believe that I'm teaching you something", we both had a good laugh. Deborah is from Florida and been in the business for over 25 years. I worked with her a few years back and it was good to spend some time with her again.
Tim from South Carolina taught me a few tricks for making Prom corsages. He was a hoot. Tim and I also had a good time at the Gala dancing to, "Ride Sally Ride."
One of the highlights of the convention was the, "Hats for Hope." Each year all floral designers are encouraged to design a Derby Hat that will be auctioned off in Louisville later this spring. All proceeds are donated to the American Cancer Society. So far "Hats for Hope" has donated over $160,000.00 for Cancer research. This year we had a total of 28 hats. Some of the hats last year bring in over $400.00 each. These are not your every day run of the mill hats. These are high class designs and are considered to be top of the line. It makes me proud that Kentucky Florist Association volunteers for such a needy organization. Cancer research needs every penny they can get to find a cure for this ugly disease that shows no mercy.
I'm all ready looking forward to convention 2010!!

Convention Time!

This weekend is the Kentucky Florist Convention. Tomorrow I will be heading to Frankfort for the weekend. I always look forward to convention for it's a time of seeing old friends and learning new designs. Again this year I will be assisting in the design room. We have designers flying in from Florida, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and Georgia. The weather is about the same in Frankfort as here at home--ice and snow. I plan on leaving the burg early afternoon to make my way down. I'm taking some of my props from the store and we'll use for them for the stage lay out. The stage must ready for the first design show at 9:30 Saturday morning. I'll let you know how things went the first of the week...

Doxies and snow.....

Thomas and I let our Dachshunds out this evening for a few minutes just to get some fresh air. Now you have to remember that Doxies have very short legs and their belly is only inches from the ground. Thomas sounds those magic words. Everybody makes a mad dash to the door with excitement. And their off.......wait a minute.... they all turn and look at us with such sad eyes. They can't get their little legs high enough to walk through the snow. We can't help but laugh. B-B is very clever, he looks around and figures out that if you leap like a deer you can maneuver through the snow.He runs back and tries to show the rest of them how to leap.
After a couple tries they catch on. We let them have fun for a few more minutes and we head back to the porch.
**Always remember when you let your pet out wipe off those belly's and feet. Keep an eye on where they roam. Salt from the driveways and walks can irritate their feet.

The B.A.T. Lady

Friday evening I stopped into, "Arbys" to pick up a couple of sandwiches for Thomas and I. A young man took my order and as he was giving my change back he stated that he knew me. He ask aren't you,"The Bat Lady", I smiled, why yes I am. He said, I'm one of your BAT kids. I ask which class he was in. I'm beginning my 15th class and after all these years it's sometimes hard to remember all of them. His name was Andrew and he's now 16. He no longer attends Crothersville Schools but is home schooled. He said he still has his BAT book and remembers most of the things that I taught him about First Aid. We talked a bit longer and I wished him well.
For those of you wondering what's BAT, it stands for Basic Aid Training. It's a program offered through the Red Cross to all fourth graders in Jackson County. My daughter Sandra and her class mates were my first class. I did a little math and I figure I've taught over 500 children in those 15 years. Being known as "The Bat Lady" it's a good thing!!

I'm not comfortable yet!

I have to admit--it's a little scary to do normal things on my computer. I have to give Shelley a call tomorrow to make sure I'm where I'm suppose to be with all my downloads. As I said in my post the other day, it has been a wild ride. I just haven't been myself this week. Too much on my plate and stress is not healthy!!
As most of you know I work part time at, "Jubilee" flower shop in Seymour. Thursday after all the orders were filled, Heather and I put up the Valentine's Day displays. Heather did a awesome job with the window displays. You will have to drive by and check them out. I was so glad to put my mind on other things and not stress over computer problems.
In the floral business, Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday.
One of my delivery drivers called me the other day and ask what he was suppose to do on Feb. 14, I laughed.....he had been my driver for over 10 years. I told him that he just might have to drive to "Jubilee" and take some orders back to Crothersville. We reminisced about the good times at the shop and I have to say it bring a tear to my eye.

losing my mind........

It's been a wild ride for the last few days.......there are evil forces out in space and they just wait for people who mess up other peoples computer. From now on my computer is off limits!!!! I'll hurt anyone who comes within 10 feet of my computer--enough said.
If I had a million dollars I'd pay Shelley and Perry for saving my computer. Thank you and a hug- is not enough. Even though I was setting in the floor putting up Hail Mary's they get the majority of the credit.
Understanding computers is not my thing. I am a florist. We were ready to hand it to Rumpke, but Shelley said let's try one more thing, and here I set in my office on my computer.
Thank you Shelley and Perry, I love you both....but you already knew that!

just another day....

The last few days I've been very busy with funerals and today is no exception. My day started at 7am and I begin designing another casket spray, then I finished up a wedding for this evening. I needed to wrap the bouquet stems and double check all the corsages. I had made an agenda for the day as to when everything was to be done and delivered. I even penciled in stopping at Steak & Shake for a "White Chocolate Milk Shake". I figured I would treat my self for getting everything done and delivered on time. I know my hips didn't appreciate it, but--oh, well....it sure was tasty. The life of a florist...prepare flowers for a sad occasion and then finish with flowers for a joyous occasion. I'll relax this evening at the wedding/reception and enjoy good conservation with my friends