The back porch...

Our back porch is like none other. The decor is Red, White and Blue. Whenever Thomas and I are out at flea markets we keep an eye out for RWB items. There are two swings, two rocking chairs and a straight back chair. We have an old metal lawn chair that was used back in the 50's and 60's. Stan refinished it a few years back and painted it blue. The long saloon bench that set on the front porch of Mountain Memories is along one wall. We have a cozy table for 2, a potting bench and a deacons bench. We have collected 3 large hornets nest and a slew of baskets. Lot's of other trinkets and I think that's it....
The porch is a place to rest after a long hard day. It's a place to gather with our friends, chat and catch up. Linda and I have set many of night on the porch and rocked our problems away. Daddy usually comes back a few times a week. He will set in the swing and I will either get in the other swing or the rocker. When Sarah and Sandra are out they take turns setting in the swing with me. Of course Thomas and I are cuddled in the swing.
This time of year is the best time to enjoy the back porch. The crisp air in the early morning along with a cup of carmel apple cider makes you appreciate living in the country. In the afternoon the leaves are falling and the color palet is amazing. Come dusk when there is a chill in the evening air there's a afghan to wrap around your shoulders.
So if you find your self tired of the city or just need a quiet place to gather your thoughts come on out and set a spell with us.

Ethan

As I came into work the other morning, the girls were talking about the wreck at Crane Hill. I began reading the article and the young man killed was, Ethan Shirley. As our customers came in they mentioned the wreck also. I felt a sense of sadness for the family and continued through the day and didn't think much of it.
Sunday was our regular Floral Convention meeting in Frankfort, Ky. As Thomas and I made our way into the meeting room they were talking about Eathan. I was stunned and heart broken to hear that Eathan was Dale's son. I've known Dale going on 15 years. Dale is originally from Bedford where he once owned the local floral shop. He has lived in Frankfort for quite some time. Dale is a very gifted floral designer and a good friend. We've set in the design room at convention many times and talked about our children, life and religion. We've shared a drink or two and even boogied on the dance floor. Not only is he an awesome designer but he has moves that make women week in the knees. My heart goes out to Dale and his family. Parents are not suppose to bury their children, but life doesn't always go as we would like.

Finally Friday....

Wow..it's finally Friday. It's been a busy week at the flower shop. We finished up seven weddings and a funeral today. It has been a whirlwind week. Monday started out as mad rush and as the week went on it kept snowballing. Wednesday I made casket sprays. The economy must be getting better, we had a lot of walk-in orders. We went through almost 300 roses. For our reward today we all ordered a 10'' pizza. Not just one pizza, but one for each of us. Judy had mushrooms with sausage, Heather had cheese, Linda had Hawaiian and I had three meat. We sat around the table and looked at each other and we couldn't believe that we each had our separate pizza. We try our best to eat healthy here in the shop. There is always fresh fruit and we each try to bring in snacks that are good for us. But after the week we just had we figured we deserved pizza. But each of us left at least a piece or two to take home so I guess you could say we didn't eat the whole pizza.
I'm looking forward to my weekend with Thomas. I have to deliver three of the weddings Saturday morning and then I'm off. We'll be working on the hot tub house. I reminded Thomas that the first snowfall might be six weeks away. He told me not to remind him.
I hope everyone enjoys your weekend and you take the time to get out side and enjoy the beautiful fall weather.

Spoons.....

Sarah and I ventured to the Oktoberfest Friday evening. We seen a lot of old friends and spent a lot of time catching up with them. We loaded up on cinnamon rolls and kettle corn. I had to buy the larger bag of popcorn so that I could share with Daddy. Afterwards we went to Pat's house. Pat is Sarah's feller. He just happens to have three persimmon trees in his backyard. Some of them had fallen and we picked those up, but the majority of them won't fall till the first frost. I told Pat, no more going out to the bottoms for me, I will just come to your house. There's an old wise tale, that if you open the seed of a persimmon you will find the shape of a fork or a spoon. Fork represents not much snow and a spoon....well, you don't want to see one of them. The one I opened was a....spoon. I did read they were predicting 14" of snow for the month of January. But we'll see.
Sarah was all for the snow, she bought a new SUV last week and it's all wheel drive and she wants to see how it drives.....Sarah always did like to play in the snow. When she was a little girl she couldn't wait to go play in the snow. She always kept a scarf handy for the snow lady. Guess some little girls never really grow up!!

4 Little Piggy's

Dennis and Dillon were out bright and early the other morning. They brought me four little piggy's.They're so cute. Dennis just laughed and Dillon rolled his eyes at me. They just don't understand why I would think they are cute. Four little girls all black in color. Most people don't know that pigs are very smart. But over time I will be able to call them by name and they will come to the fence and eat from my hand. You do have to be careful, they have very sharp teeth. I've learned a lot from Dillon about raising pigs and I still have more to learn. Lily don't care to much for them. She will stand there all day and bark if you let her. Bristol just looks at them, he's so laid back nothing much bothers him. As for BB, Bogie and Annie it's just another animal.
If your out by the house stop in and I will introduce you to the cutest piggy's in Uniontown.

Updates...........

The race at Kentucky Speedway was great. Thomas and I enjoyed our date. The track is really nice and from each seat you have an overall view of the track. Thomas knows all about race tracks from all his years of working at MasterSbilt. The facility was designed with the fans in mind. They are adding a new seating section and work was in progress. Now for the best part of the evening...Diamond Rio. As usual they were great. They played at lot of their old music and mixed in a few newer ones. Thomas is not a country music fan, but he did enjoy his self. I do wish I had taken my sign...the one that said. "I'm friends with Scott McKain". That would have caught their attention and maybe I could have gotten back stage. But oh well, we still had an awesome evening just the two of us.
My appointment with the doc....it was wonderful news.

getting back to normal....

It was back to work this morning. Leg is on the mend. I was so touched by all my friends that called, sent cards, sent text messages or left gift bags on my porch as I napped in the afternoons. Thomas, Sarah and Sandra were my rock last week. My BFF Linda, bless her heart she brung supper to us one evening.
Cindy and Jill took time off from work, to set in the waiting room and keep the girls company. Thomas kept them all in line from what I hear!! My church family was keeping a vigil with prayer.
I'm blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful caring friends.
It was back to normal as soon as I walked into work. Phone was ringing, folks were coming in and I was to meet with two family's as they needed to choose flowers for their loved one. Customers were asking how I was doing.
I'm off tomorrow (Tuesday) and I meet with the doctor to check on things. Waiting for the test results will drive you crazy. But you just have to have faith and know that things will be fine.
One friend called Sunday and said, the test will come back--all clear!! That's what we are praying for. Yep...just got to have faith.

Finally Friday.....

It's finally Friday and Thomas and I are so looking forward to our three day weekend. We both had to work today and he just called and we were telling each other how our day had been. He said his went pretty fast and mine...well, I designed another casket spray and filled other orders as they came it. We're excited about our date tomorrow at Kentucky Speedway and enjoying Diamond Rio.
We're going to work on our hot tub house and hopefully get it almost done. We have a few other things that we need to get done around the house also. You know how it is you can't wait for a three day weekend and you have a list of things to get done. But at least we will be doing them together.
Next week I will be going in for outpatient surgery, so keep me in your prayers.
I hope everyone has an awesome weekend....love you all!!

Not so pretty flowers

A few weeks ago I went to a funeral home to visit with a friend who had lost a family member. I made my way to the viewing room and found my friend. We greeted each other with a hug, she took my hand and we made our way to the casket.
Being a florist, I looked at the casket spray.....I could hardly take my eyes off the arrangement. It had to be the most hideous casket spray that I had ever seen. In all my years in the floral industry I have never seen a spray designed so pitiful. It was like they had just taken the flowers, threw them and where ever they landed that's where they left them.
The greens where old and the flowers weren't far behind. The ribbons were stuck in like they were ready to explode. I was ashamed for the family. Did other folks think they chose that design. My friend noticed I was staring...she squeezed my hand & whispered in my ear, "I know they are ugly, yours are always beautiful."
Designing casket sprays is my favorite floral arrangement. I take great pride in designing a spray and I put a lot of love into it. These flowers are placed on the casket and it reflects the deceased. I figured up I have designed close to 450 sprays. Thomas says I'm to picky. I tell him- being picky has nothing to do with it. I never get in a hurry and I put love and feelings into the design. I place the ribbons to lay ever so gently down the side. These ribbons carry the names...Mom, Loving Wife, Grandma, Nanny, Daughter.
Today, I designed a spray of all red roses for a Grandma who the family said, she was the most precious Grandma in the world. I designed her spray just as they said...for a most precious Grandma.

Caller 15

Driving home the other evening from work I was surfing the radio stations. I quickly hit the stop button on WMPI and they were giving aways tickets. I had been hearing the advertisements for a few weeks and thought to myself..Wow, that would be great for Thomas and I to go. Diamond Rio was going to be at Kentucky Speedway. The DJ said, "Caller 15 will receive tickets to the race and hear in concert, Diamond Rio." I quickly picked up my cell phone. Luckily, I have them on speed dial. I waited for the DJ to answer. Wow.... Whooohoooo!! Yes I was caller 15. We are going to the race and I get to see Diamond Rio.
I couldn't wait to get home and give Thomas the news. He was really excited. We are now making plans for our date at the racetrack.
I won a gun for Thomas earlier in the summer and now I won tickets to the race/concert. Maybe I need to start buying lottery tickets. I'm one to put my name in the pot for a drawing and my name never, never gets pulled out. Maybe I'm on a roll.
Even though I meet Diamond Rio at Scott & Tammy's wedding, they wouldn't remember me. Maybe I could hold up a sign that says..."I'm friends with Scott McKain" that might get their attention. But I'll just set back and listen to the music and enjoy the evening with my sweetie, Thomas. I will let you know how our date goes!!

Sandra Denise

Happy Birthday Sandra....I can't hardly believe that my little girl is 26 today. Sarah and I fixed her a huge gift basket and filled it with junk food, jewelry, diet coke, picture frames and other goodies that Sandra likes. I headed to her office about 8:30 this morning with this huge basket with mylar balloons in one hand and a cake in the other. She was so excited as I come through the door. Oh, Mommy she says.....I knew you would bring me surprises.....
I'm so proud of Sandra, she had become a beautiful young lady.
I remember when the nurse layed her beside me right after she was born. To this day it still bring tears to my eyes.She was so tiny to me, 7lbs, 6oz and 21".
Happy Birthday sweetie, Mommy loves you!!

Our weekend...

Thomas and I had a wonderful anniversary weekend. Remember I told you that he was keeping it a surprise as to where he was taking me...well, I was getting ready to fix supper Friday evening and he came into the kitchen and said, "no need to start anything, we're going out." Ok I said, lets go. Well, we ended up at Lucille's. We had never eaten there before and it was very nice. I can remember Amy as a little girl. Sarah and her played volleyball and graduated together. Amy had stopped in the flower shop a few days earlier and picked up some centerpieces for a party and we got to catch up on things.
On Saturday Thomas worked on the hot tub house and I fixed supper and we had a relaxing evening at home. Sunday when I came home from church he was dressed and ready to take me to dinner again. We headed south and he pulled into the Longhorn Steakhouse. We had eaten there before and he remembered how much I liked it.
Mr. Romantic....that's my Thomas!!

17

Today is a very special day.....17 years ago Thomas and I promised to love, honor and cherish till death do us part. We've been a couple for 24 years. It's had it's up and downs, but the ups out weight the downs. There's not a day gone by that I've not thanked the Lord for Thomas and the joy that he brings to me. We were talking last night about all the fun times we've shared and the times when the girls were home. Raising two girls..well that's another story.
We got a few things planned this weekend. We're going out for dinner but he said it was a secret as to were he was taking me. We'll work on the hot tub house a bit, piddle a bit and we'll celebrate a lot.
Happy Anniversary Thomas, love you bunches!!

64 years

64 years ago today my Mom and Daddy promised to love, honor and cherish till death due them part. I stopped in this morning and visited with them before I came to work. They were smiling from ear to ear. I honored them Sunday at church and I didn't aim to make them tear up. But how many couples get to celebrate a milestone like 64 years. Too many times one partner passes on and leaves the other behind and they had so many years of joy ahead of them.
Is marriage easy? No, it isn't. Marriage is an everyday job. You have to work to make it great. You have to bend, zip your lip, smile, and remember how your heart felt the day you married your partner. If anyone boast that they have a perfect marriage...they are fooling you.
I've ask Mom on many occasions what is a perfect marriage. She says, "some marriages are close but none is perfect. We each have different views and each day brings a hill or a valley. You have to respect each other and sometimes just go with the flow. You must always remember the love that you have for each other and love will see you through". Mom also said, "I never once wanted to throw in the towel with your Daddy, we worked through our problems and our love was stronger when we came out of the valley".
My one prayer is that Thomas and I can live long enough to celebrate our 50th. That would put us in our 80's.
Happy Anniversary Mom and Daddy....I love you!!!

Weekend update....

Thomas and his dad picked up our new hot tub about noon on Saturday. Now we just have to build a platform. Thomas has these plans that he's been working on and I told him whatever he designs is fine with me. I just want him to hurry. We set on the porch Saturday afternoon and I told Thomas, "sure wish I could close my eyes and everything was finished and we were setting in it", he kissed me on the cheek and said me to!!
We went Friday evening and purchased eight ducks from the Maxie's at the FFA building. We got them settled in and I swear they have doubled in size since bringing them home. It won't be long till they are put in with the other ducks. My only worry is that Darrell and Darrell won't be so friendly.
Sunday we went back to the fair grounds and picked up my ribbons from the Family Arts Building. Got those placed in my ribbon scrap book. Now maybe we won't be driving to Brownstown so much in the next few weeks. At least until the watermelons are ready.
I guess that catches you up for the Bridges adventures over the weekend. Now it's on to a new week and many more adventures. Won't be long and Dillon will be calling to come and pick up our baby pigs!!

It's been very busy around our home for the past few weeks. Been working in my gardens trying to keep them looking good through all this heat and humidity. Thomas has been piddling around the garage. He's been thinking about adding a lean to on the side and also talking about getting a hot tub. Oh yea...now he's taking!!! We are going tomorrow to look at one and we will see how it goes. He already has plans on how he wants it set up. It would be so great after a hard days work to relax in a hot tub. Would help out both of our backs and my left leg.
We've been to the fair a few times. I entered a few things in the Family Arts Building and received three 2nd place ribbons. I will add them to my ribbon book. I watched the Maxie kids show their pigs and they did pretty good. It's always a good time when I can spend time with Linda.
We have been extremely busy at the flower shop. We have four weddings this weekend. Heather has went out of town for the next few days. Her oldest son is playing in the state little league tourney. So it's up to me to deliver the weddings tomorrow. You just have to stay organized and keep your post it notes color coded!!
Last night was my floral demonstration at the fair. This was my eighth year. It was one of my biggest crowds. One lady told me there were 35 people in attendance. I designed some pretty neat arrangements. I was able to use some flowers from my gardens and the lady's loved that. A few of them were taking pictures of them. That makes me happy.
Tonight Thomas and I are going back to the fair and pick up some ducks from the FFA building and give them a good home. Linda has a nice selection this year.
Well, that's about all that's been going on around the Bridges household. Enjoy your weekend!!

Kendra's Pie Plate

I had just got to work yesterday morning when my phone rings.....and my heart sank. My friend Kendra Smith had passed away. Kendra was one of a kind. She spoke her mind and if you didn't agree with her, well to bad. Kendra was also a giving person and when you were her friend she always had your back.
Back when Norma and Kendra had their last yard sale in Crothersville, Kendra had told to come and check out the kitchen stuff that they had. So I got up early and headed into town before going in to the flower shop. As I walked up my eye caught a pie plate. This was not an ordinary metal or glass dish. The one was nice..it was from the Roseville Pottery Company out of Ohio. They make the best baking dishes. I grabbed it up right away...Kendra yelled to Norma, "Sherry's got my pie plate, Lord knows she will use it more than I did". We all got a good laugh out of it.
Kendra was ask to show her and Lanny's new home in the Crothersville Holiday Home Show a few years back. She called me and ask if I would help her decorate. So I spent a couple evenings with her, Lanny and Norma. Her Aunt Betty was there one night baking cookies and I think we ate quite a few, but hey, we had to make sure they were good. That was fun times and a time that I will cherish.
As I have worked in the shop today quite a few people have came in and ordered flowers for Kendra. We've laughed, cried and hugged and laughed again at funny things that Kendra did and the things she would say.
I will miss Kendra...but I will always have my memories. I can only imagine the smile that her Daddy Sonny had, when Kendra walked through the gates of Heaven........

Vacation....

Words can not express the 14 days that Thomas and I spent together on vacation. It was back to work this morning for the both of us. We had a hard time letting go of each other this morning. It was a very relaxing time for us. I think we both put on a few extra pounds. I would fix brunch each morning and we would set on the sun porch and enjoy the view of the lake. We went to the farmers market and purchased fresh fruit and vegetables on the weekends. I made blueberry waffles a couple of mornings and they were awesome.
We spent time at Cocoa Beach and took a behind the scenes tour of Kennedy Space Center. We had taken the girls when they were younger and did the regular tour. This tour we had to provide a photo ID and papers had to be filled out. There were certain places where you couldn't take pictures. The tour was over three hours long but was very interesting.
It was good to get away just the two of us and relax and not have the worries of everyday. We've already made plans for next year...already marked the calendar at work!!!

Vacation time....

The bags are packed and are waiting by the door. The suntan lotion and flip flops are about all you need. Florida here we come.........
Later this evening we will load everything up and hit the road for a relaxing 14 days of vacation. Fun in the sun and lazy afternoons by the lake with a late night romantic boat ride. Dinner for two on the sun porch....what more could we ask for. Thomas and I have been looking forward to this day since the two foot of snow hit earlier this year. Just me an my sweetie..
Dillion is going to keep my yard mowed and looking perfect, my brother Gary is tending to my flower beds and Daddy is feeding the animals. Sarah and Sandra will look after the house and feed the birds that my BFF Shelley gave Thomas (you should see them Shelley, their colors are so spectacular). I will miss my girlfriends though, Shelley, Linda, Cindy, Jill and Heather.
I did have to work this morning, had to design a casket spray and took two other orders for casket sprays for the first of the week, but Heather can do them.
Well, you all take care and be nice to each other. Maybe by the time I get back folks will quit gripping about the festival....but .....just remember.... "I have already begun working on the 36th Festival"...hee hee

Lunch with Linda

Yesterday afternoon Linda and I had lunch at the Chocolate Spoon in Seymour. It was a nice relaxing atmosphere. Just a few other folks enjoying the afternoon. We got to catch up on what each other had been up to and we shared what our children were up to also. Even though we were at the Red, White & Blue Festival for 3 days, we didn't get to visit much. We made a few plans for the summer and she talked me into coming to her house tonight and helping her with some of her landscaping. Linda had purchased a few plants and needed a second opinion on where to place them. So after supper tonight it's off to the Maxie farm.
I enjoy landscaping, designing a layout for the yard. I designed a new area at the house this spring and planted Black-eyed-Susan. They are full of blossoms. I already had a few plants there, it just needed updated.
After I returned home from lunch I mowed the yard and added another perennial to my gardens, a Bee Balm plant. The leaves are more fragrance than the actual flower. Thomas said I am eventually going to run out of room....Nah, I said, "I will just make the gardens bigger".
I'll let you know how Linda's landscaping comes out. Maybe one day I will be equipped to show pictures. Wow...wouldn't that be great!!!

Darrell and Darrell

A few years ago one of Thomas friends gave him two Mallard ducks. They both were males and they settled in with the other ducks and they all became friends. I named them as I do all the animals on our small farm. 'Darrell and Darrell" was the names I chose for them. Remember the Bob Newhart Show years ago, the one brother would always introduce his two brothers, "this is my brother Darrell and my other brother Darrell". These two ducks just remind me of those two brothers. They never go anywhere without each other. They will fly and waddle around from the pond to the pen. You can find them taking a nap under the Persimmon tree every afternoon.
Occasionally we let all eight of the others out. I keep them in the pen cause they like to dig in my flower beds. But if Darrell and Darrell are on the pond they come waddling as fast as their little webbed feet can carry them and peck the other ducks telling them that they are in charge and to behave their selves. One would think that Darrell and Darrell run the roost. Sometimes I have to get after them cause they get a little to bossy. I have to let Darrell and Darrell know who is really in charge.
One day Thomas let the others out and was really quiet opening the gate. Darrell and Darrell came waddling in a mad rush from the pond to see what was going on. It's comical to watch them all. Animals are just like humans if you really stop and think about it.
Oh, life on my small farm...there's no other place I would rather be.

RWB set a record...

A heat record that is. When the parade stepped off Saturday at 4pm it was 96 with a heat index of 105. The crowd was down due to the heat. But I would rather folks stay home than come out and get sick or worse.
It was a great festival. I received many compliment's on the food, crafter's and opening ceremony. Opening ceremony was a little different as in years past. I never know for sure what I am going to say. I have a theme and a outline. The rest is just what ever the Lord puts on my heart.
My friend Kevin from Columbus came down with his Bag Pipe and folks really enjoyed his music.
My new little buddy Wyatt and I began to play with a small ball through out the day Saturday and I kept telling him don't run.....well, come evening he was chasing his ball and stumbled and bit through his bottom lip. We packed up him, Mom and Grandma and sent them to the ER. She called me bout 10:30pm and said he received stitches inside and outside of his lip. He was a little groggy but was going to be ok. He was a sweetie.
Bout 9:15pm, I received a call from the sheriff's office that a tornado had been spotted on Slab road in Ewing (Brownstown)and was headed our way and we had bout 30 minutes. I began informing folks and preparing my vendors. Thanks to Vaughn Isenhower for getting the Baptist Church basement opened. Mike Carothers (sheriff deputy) was a vendor and kept me informed also and said it was now just strong winds and heavy rains. Boy when the rain came, it came hard and cold. But those of us loading up our vehicles didn't mind to much cause it kinda felt good after being hot all day. My phone kept ringing and I wasn't about to open it in the rain and all the messages were telling me to take cover. I guess I'm like the ship's Captain I have to make sure all my folks are ok before I go and that makes me leave last.
But it was a good festival and I'm already working on 2011 and going to try some new events, that is if I can get people to help...there is just so much I can do..... most of these events don't require you to attend meetings. Heck, nobody shows up so why have meetings. We can just talk over the phone. Let me know how you would like to help with your community festival.

Number 35

It's the 35th Red, White & Blue Festival and it's my 27th time to be part of it. For 27 years I have heard it all and been called it all. But I never let those who complain dampen my spirits. Some have tried their best to run me out of town, heck they had already taken over and was calling the shots. But little did they know that I don't give up that easy. Some have gripped, complained, whined and threw a fit that the festival is nothing more than nasty Carine folks. Well, those people need to look back at the many kids and adults that have benefited from festival funds. Why, some folks have spent many a year in a booth serving up food so that their child could have an awesome prom or have a chance to go on the senior trip. How soon they forget.....Look at the thousands of dollars that Phi Beta Psi has sent to Cancer Research, it's over $30,000.00.
But, having the festival is more than this. You have no ideal the pride that I feel when I stand on the stage during opening ceremony and honor our veterans. It's not about me nor you. It's the opportunity that we have as Americans to be able to hold a festival in our community and pause for a moment and say thank you to those Veterans who have been shot at, wounded or came home in a body bag fighting for their country so that we can have the freedom that we have.
So many folks have gotten caught up in the, "look at me" attitude that they just want the glory of saying, I'm in charge and I'm the boss. They have no ideal what being part of the Red, White & Blue Festival is all about.
Opening Ceremony is at 6:30pm on Thursday night. We are honoring those Veterans that are no longer with us. I invite you to bring a picture of your loved one and place it on the stage along with the others. Let's pause for a moment and simply say, "Thank You".

The Dove Awards...

Diamond Rio was awarded the "Country album of the Year", last night at the Dove Awards.
The song, "The Reason" tells the story of why we are all here. Did you ever stop and ponder on why you are on this earth? What's your purpose in life? Are you living your life to the fullest or are you just putting in your time.
So many of us just go through life on a wing and a prayer. We tell our selves that we're doing good things and being kind to others and over a period of time we convince our selves of this.
I'm neither the judge nor the jury and don't want to be. But we will all answer to a higher being one day. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to hear their answer's when they are asked the questions-on their actions and words....
I'll now step down from my soap box...I had the pleasure of meeting Diamond Rio when I was the florist for Scott & Tammy's wedding. What a wonderful group of men. They have recorded many heartfelt songs over the years. Many country artist have recorded a gospel album and was glad that Diamond Rio had recorded one also. Putting your faith to music is hard for some but Diamond Rio let their life experiences speak for them.

Chicks...won't be long.....

Thomas and I took the eggs out of the automatic turner Saturday evening. We checked the water level and the temperature. We can't open the lid now until we see the first chick. Even then we have to wait till it's completely out of the shell and it's feathers are completely dry. We have set up a box where they will stay for a couple of days. We have to be their Mother and teach them how to drink and eat. It's comical as you take their little head and dip their tiny beak in the water time and time again until they catch on. They are so cute at that age.
Wednesday is the big day.... day 21, we should be able to hear them chirping and the egg will begin to move a bit as they try to peck their way out. Will keep you posted.

Day 14

The eggs are at day 14, only 7 to go before we anticipate the arrival of new little chicks. We have to keep a check on the temperature. As they develop and life begins to form the temperature increases. Won't be long now. I can remember years ago when Sandra was still living at home, we set up most of the night watching them hatch. You can hear them chirp inside the egg and can see the egg starting to crack as their little beak pecks away.
Yesterday was my day off and I spent the majority of it outside, mowing the lawn and working in my flower beds. I mowed around the pond and noticed quite a few bull frogs. Now that the weather is warmer you can hear them into the night. Trust me they are as big as they sound. Daddy has all the Martin boxes up except for a few gourds. The Martins came in last week. As each day passes more come. Last year we counted over 40 birds. That old saying, "there is no place like home" is so true for me. There is no place I would rather be.
Home Sweet Home.....

Cookie Classes....

Saturday evening I helped Sarah make iced sugar cookies. She is like me, enjoys cooking especially baking sweets. Sarah is a good cook and enjoys being in her kitchen. She has made cookies since she was a little girl but sugar cookies takes more time. You have to prepare the dough and then wait 6 to 12 hours for it to chill. She had everything ready when I got there. She was excited, "lets get started, I have everything ready." I taught her the tricks of the trade and showed her some short cuts. After the third dozen came out of the oven I felt she had everything down pat. I headed home to prepare supper for Thomas. I called her later in the evening and she had baked 115 cookies, and had most of them iced. Thomas talked to her and informed her that at least a dozen was his and he would be down on Sunday to collect. They were good but I told her each time she makes them they will get better and better.
She took the majority of them to her boyfriend Pat and his son Jordan. She said when she pulled up to the house they both came out helped their self to a cookie even before she could get them packed inside. Sarah told them she had created monsters. So, now I guess Sarah has to bake the boys cookies instead of me. Thomas said, "now I don't have to share mine with the boys."
Baking cookies and sharing them is a good thing.

Friday's ramblings......

It's exciting to walk through my gardens to see what flowers have popped up. Yesterday, I took Bristol and Lily for a early walk and then again in the afternoon and it was amazing how some flowers had peeked through the soil in just a few hours. I noticed in the afternoon that my Bleeding Hearts were almost ready to bloom. My Magnolia is in full bloom, it's gorgeous
Sarah called and we were talking about her gardens and she wondered if some of her flowers would have made it through the winter. We had to do some digging last fall in one of her gardens to repair some drain lines and she kept telling everyone, "now watch out for my flowers." She wanted Mom to come down and check on them.
So there we were on our knees moving soil with our fingers looking for life, sure enough they made it, their just a little slow. We discussed taking down her shutters and painting them. She had lost 2 due to the high winds last fall. So I guess that's a job for ole Mom on my day off.
The eggs are doing great, Thomas adjusted the temperature this morning, water level was fine. Just a few more weeks....
Sandra called just a bit ago and wanted to know if the Easter Bunny had her basket finished yet and I informed her that he did....but it was not Easter morning yet....she is 25 but she is still a little girl at heart.
Last night at our community church dinner we fried 50lbs of fish and feed 81 people. Everyone pitched in and worked hard. It's work but we have good fellowship. Sunday will be a early day. Sunrise service is at 6:30am with breakfast at 7. So if you all are up, come to Uniontown Baptist. The biscuits will be drenched with gravy, the eggs will be farm fresh and the bacon will be crisp all served with orange juice.

It's Friday.....

Today was a good day, the Lord blessed me with another day. We had a good day at the shop. We were doing funeral work and wedding work. This is a big wedding and there were lots of flowers. I think from all we did they placed flowers in every nook and cranny they could find. Everyone is gone now and it's quiet in here. I remember the days in my shop after I put up the closed sign it was quiet and I would gather my thoughts and get organized for the next day.

The 32 eggs are doing great. The only thing we have to do now and for the next few days is keep check on the water level and the temperature. Now that spring is here the chickens are back to laying. Yesterday Daddy gathered 13 eggs and the day before that there were 11.

My girls, Sarah and Sandra called today and wanted to know if I was going to bake Easter cookies next week. Seems they are getting spoiled with all the iced sugar cookies I've been baking lately. Yes, girls their will be bunny shaped cookies in your Easter basket. Sandra has always called them, "Bunny-Hoppers." My girls look forward to getting a basket. Now days it has other items like hand cream, make-up, fuzzy footie's and other neat things. But it still has lots of candy also.

Well, I better get off of here and head home. Thomas had the day off and he will have supper almost ready by the time I get there. There's no place like home.........

32 eggs....

Thomas and I put 32 eggs in the incubator last evening. This is not an easy task. There are so many things that have to be done each day for the eggs to hatch in 21 days. We have Rhode Island Reds now and they seem to be our favorite to raise. Most folks have no ideal where their eggs come from or what the chickens living conditions are or how they are raised or what conditions they live it. My chickens are happy and don't live in a 12x12 wire cage. They are free to graze in their pen and have plenty room to roam and scratch around. They are not given hormones to produce more eggs and we feed them ground corn. They are just country chickens raised the old fashion way!
So stay turned up updates.....

Shelley's Birthday....

Yesterday was Shelley's birthday....(she was 39) after work I went and took her some goodies. We (and Perry) had the best time setting around the kitchen table talking and catching up on things and just spending time with dear friends. Shelley and I don't get to spend as much time as we would like with each other but in the time of need we would drop everything for each other.

Good friends are hard to find, trust me I know. Good friends love you through the thick and thin, the good and the bad and the ups and downs of life . Even if sometimes you don't live up to their expectations they don't judge, they just keep loving you cause that's what being a true friend is all about.

I hope Shelley enjoyed her day and that she lives to be 100....Love ya Girlfriend!!!

Spring is on it's way....

This past weekend was just beautiful. A little cool but the sun was shinning and that's something we haven't seen for quite some time. Thomas and I was out on Saturday afternoon enjoying the sun and we let our Doxies run and boy did they run. It was good to see them play. It was funny to see them run and then they would come running back to us for a hug and they were off again.
I walked around the yard and checked on my my Dogwood trees that I had transplanted from the flower shop in town. I worried about moving them back last fall, but I took the chance and moved them. We made sure they were setting just the way they did at the shop. I kept plenty of dirt around the roots. They had to be moved by a skid steer they were so heavy. I was so excited to see them budding out...wow that is just awesome!! All the trees and bushes are budding and my tulips and daffodils are popping up also. I can barley wait to get my hands in the soil and start mowing grass.

Today is a special day...My Daddy turns 84. I baked his favorite cake-German Chocolate. I believe I have baked that cake for at least the past 30 years.
Sunday at church they sang, "Happy Birthday" to him and it tickled him and bring tears to my eyes. They ask him if he thought he could make it to 100 and he said, only the Lord knows that.
I am so blessed that I still have my parents. Many of my friends have lost one or both of their parents. My heart goes out to them. I will walk that path one day, but I sure hope that it's a long time away.
So Happy Birthday Daddy....from your little girl xoxox

Following Behind....

I bet a few of you thought I had forgotten that I had a Blog...well, It's just been a busy time.
So here I am now and that is all that matters....
Following Behind...as been on my mind for the past few months. I can remember when I was a little girl following my Daddy everywhere. Those of you who really know me, know that I am a Daddy's girl. It seems only yesterday that I was where ever he was and doing chores with him around the barn. Taking care of the animals, watering the garden, helping with the lawn or riding in the car heading to Lacey's Hardware Store. If I decided to piddle and not keep up with Daddy, he would say, "come on little girl." Those were the best days. I was always two steps behind him. I couldn't wait for him to get off work wondering what we would be doing that evening.
Now days it's a different story. Daddy will be 84 on Monday, February 22. Daddy's step seems to be slowing down. But don't let that fool you....he still push mowes his yard, tends to a small garden and drives Mom to the store to do her trading on Mondays. He can out work any young man on any given day. He will call me up on my day off and say lets go to lunch or he wants to go run errands. I have noticed as we walk through the stores I'm the one who has to turn around and say, You coming Daddy? Instead of me following Daddy, he is following me....I never thought I would be two steps ahead of him. So I just slow down and enjoy walking at a slower pace. There's a lot to see at a slower pace especially when you are with your Daddy.