Sunday, July 31, 2011

Weekly Words To Live By #60 . . .


We do not stop playing
because we grow old.


We grow old because
we stop playing.

~George Bernard Shaw

Wishing you a fun Sunday . . .

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Six Years . . .

Happy Anniversary
to
Bobby and Kari


Congratulations on 6 wonderful years!


Friday, July 29, 2011

It's A Beautiful Morning . . .

Oklahoma Tallgrass Prairie
A beautiful place to visit. . .

 Several years ago before my mother passed away we visited
the Oklahoma Tallgrass Prairie.
She had treated all the girls in our family to an overnight
stay in a bed & breakfast in Pawhuska.
The next morning we headed to the prairie.

Oklahoma sunrise on the Tallgrass Prairie.


The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve near Pawhuska, Oklahoma is the largest protected area of tallgrass prairie on Earth, spanning 39,000 acres. The tallgrass prairie is a complex environment harboring a rich diversity of plants and animals. The current 39,000-acre expanse was purchased from private ownership in 1989 and is now managed by the Nature Conservancy to be enjoyed as a scenic drive.


This scenic route on public county roads takes visitors through the heart of the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve and through adjacent private ranches. Starting and ending in Pawhuska, the complete drive is approximately 50 miles, and takes about two hours at a leisurely pace with time for stopping.


The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is a haven for watchable wildlife. The diversity of grassland and forest is home to over 300 species of birds. Other wildlife includes white-tailed deer, bobcats, armadillos, beavers, woodchucks, badgers, coyotes, and more. But the stars of the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve are the free ranging bison who were reintroduced to the area once it became a preserve. The 2,500 American bison are now part of one of the largest herds in the country. The iconic buffalo can often be photographed and observed from the road.


Drive the 15 miles of road through the bison unit and visit the preserve headquarters and gift shop. There are four scenic turnouts, picnic locations, a self-guided nature trail, a newly added two mile hiking trail, and a historic 1920 ranch bunkhouse. The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk.


It's Friday. . .
It's going to be another hot day.
It's still a beautiful morning!


Wishing you a fantastic Friday. . .




Wednesday, July 27, 2011

A Sweet Conspiracy . . .

Southern Living
is conspiring against me!

Each cover is tempting me to give in to
my love of pies.


June's cover. . .
Buttery Pecan-Peach Cobbler

July . . .
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Peach Pie


August's temptation . . .
Lemon Meringue Ice-Cream Pie


Here's the problem . . .
I am working toward my goal weight.
 I am a diabetic.

Here's the solution . . .
I'm eating fresh strawberries and peaches
topped with a sprinkle of Splenda & a dollop of light whipped cream.

The good news is . . . 
I am using 'super human' self control.
(Thank you Lord!)
My family is cheering me on, telling me how great I'm doing.
I see the finish line in the near feature.

Who knows, I may create one of  these delicious pies
before the summer ends and treat myself to one
bite off my hubby's plate!

Maybe . . .


Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday . . .

Monday, July 25, 2011

A Little Dab Wasn't Enough . . .

Yesterday afternoon we had a brief moment of rain.
It wasn't enough!
We need some of this!

Before you go to the link
 click the pause button on my playlist.

http://youtu.be/71gDnLwes80

I love old hymns! 

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Weekly Words To Live By #59 . . .

Good friends are like stars.....


you don't always see them,
but you know they are always there.


Thank you for being my friend!

Wishing you a restful Sunday . . .

Friday, July 22, 2011

Nana's Brag Book . . .

My Grandma, Minnie, had a little photo album
that contained pictures of grand kids & great grand kids.
The front cover said, "Grandma's Brag Book."
She sometimes carried it in her purse so she could share
pictures with friends.


Here's my version of "Grandma's Brag Book."


"Nana's Brag Book"


Ethan and I

Mr. Smiling Blue Eyes


Emma & Papaw

Little ballerina


Wishing you a fantastic Friday . . .

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Praying For A Break . . .


We're praying for rain and a break in this heatwave.


We're so glad we decided to not plant a garden this year.
Last year's garden was a disappointing failure because of the heat.
Even with regular watering we had almost zero harvest.


My poor flowers are suffering.
The saliva look like molting chickens.
However, the 4 Boston ferns on the deck are lush and green.
Our deck is on the east side of house which
means these beauties are in the shade most of the day.


It looks like a green oasis on the deck,
but feels like a sauna.
The only time you can enjoy time there is
early in the morning and very late at night.

How are you flower and vegetable gardens doing?


Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Time Well Spent . . .


Yesterday was a fun day!
My daughter-in-law brought the kiddos over for the day.
Also, her nephew spent the day with us.
She is taking care of Levi this week because his
regular babysitter is on vacation. 


Ethan and his cousin had a fun time playing together.
I had fun holding Emma.

In fact, I had so much fun I forgot to take a
picture of her so, I stole this one from Kari's Facebook page.
She's getting so big!


Wishing you all a wonderful Wednesday. . .

Monday, July 18, 2011

Random Monday Memories #17 . . .


This exteme heat has me thinking alot about the
 snowy weather we had during the past winter.
Here are a few pictures to hopefully help you feel cooler.

The blizzard was raging.
View from our front door in February.



Hi Frosty!



Hubby looking cool shoveling snow.





Ready for a cookout?

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Weekly Words To Live By #58 . . .


Wishing you a beautiful Sunday . . .

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Sunflowers . . .

The sunflower is one of my most favorite flowers.
Maybe it's because they represent the summer season.

Several years ago while on vacation we found a
bookstore going out of business.

This is one of books I bought.
Sunflowers
Growing, Cooking, and Crafting
with the
 Sunniest of Plants

Written by
Diane Morey Sitton

Throughout the book it lists fun facts about sunflowers
called
 "Seed  for Thought."


Here a few of the fun facts . . .

*
Sunflowers are the national
flower of Russia.


*
The French word for sunflower
is tournesol, or literally
"turn with the sun."


*
In early Native American culture, the
sunflower was a religious symbol, merging
with the sun in sacred and
decorative motifs.

*
In 1987, Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers
painting sold at auction for a record
$39.9 million.

 *
The sunflower was officially named the
state flower of Kansas in 1903.

 
*
Bees make a delicious amber honey
from sunflowers.


  *
In the language of flowers, the sunflower
is the birthday flower for June 30.  It symbolizes
adoration, affection, constancy, glory,
gratitude, and infatuation.



Here is a recipe from the book that I want to try.

Sunflower Herb Dip

1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons chives
2 teaspoons parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup sunflower kernels

Blend in food processor until sunflower kernels are chopped.
Chill overnight.
Serve with crackers, chips or raw vegetables.
Yield: approximately 2 cups.



Note to self. . .
buy a bunch of freshly cut sunflowers.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

30 Years Ago . . .

Thrity years ago we were blessed when our
son was born.

Look at those chubby cheeks!
He was the biggest baby in the nursery that week
weighing almost 10 pounds.
The nurses called him Bam Bam.


An adorable toddler. . .
what a sweet face.

1st grade . . .
 look at those big blue eyes!

Now you're all grown up.
You're a husband and father,
but you'll always be our sweet baby boy.
We love you, Bobby!
Happy Birthday!

Monday, July 11, 2011

Hot Enough For Ya? ? ?

I couldn't resist posting this picture!
It's 6:15 AM. . .
already 86 degrees.
Today's forecast?
106


Today's motto. . .
"Think cool thoughts!"

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Weekly Words To Live By #57 . . .

Holding a grudge is letting someone
live rent-free in your head.

Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, was reminded one day of a vicious deed that someone had done to her years before. But she acted as if she had never even heard of the incident. "Don't you remember it?" her friend asked. "No," came Barton's reply,
 "I distinctly remember forgetting it."


Wishing you a day full of joy . . .

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Beating The Heat . . .

Well, the heat wave continues in Oklahoma.
A cold front came through Thursday
dropping the temperature to a chilly 97 yesterday.
Today we'll see at least 100 with brutal heat indexes.
The humdity is horrible.
Hubby started mowing the lawn around 7:30.
Hopefully he'll be finished soon before 9:00.


Here is a list of things to do when you're trying to beat the heat.

Wear your bikini around the house, but keep your cover up close by
in case unexpected visitors ring the doorbell.
Not going to happen. . .
I haven't owned a two piece since 1975.
Need I say more?  
 I think not!

Fill your bathtub with ice water and take a dip when you feel the urge.
Note to self . . .
buy bags of ice.

Stick your head in the freezer for a few minutes while you breathe deeply.

Run through the water sprinkler like you did when you were a kid.
I might consider this idea, then maybe not.
The neighbors might think I've gone off the deep end!

Eat lots of ice-cream and snow cones.
Now, that's a great idea!
Oops, I forgot, I've got to watch my sugar consumption!


Seriously folks, if it's super hot where you live,
take it easy and don't overdo the outdoor activity.

Enjoy your Saturday! 
Keep cool and chill out!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Fun On The 4th . . .

Our July 4th celebration started Sunday with
Hubby's annual smoked meat fest.
Yummy!

The fun continued Monday . . .


 This is Ethan's 3rd year to be in our subdivison parade.

 waving and wearing Old Glory . . .

 Papaw provided the pulling power . . .


 Emma was unaware she was in her first parade . . .

 Uncle Sam and Ethan . . .

 I'm awake now . . .

 patriotic family of four . . .


 Is it time for lunch ?

aw-w-w, so sweet, he loves his little sister . . .


Hope you all had a safe and fun weekend!

Thanks so much for visiting today!

Monday, July 4, 2011

Happy Independence Day . . .



Ever since 1776, Americans have been protecting and defending their freedom.
Great speeches have rekindled liberty's
flame when the nation was in danger, and
great military, economic and social battles
have been fought in Liberty's name.

Fundamentally, however, it is in the daily
actions of ordinary Americans that freedom
finds its most reliable defense.


Have a safe and happy July 4th!

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Weekly Words To Live By #56 . . .

Freedom
Our freedom is a priceless gift.
It gives us the opportunity to achieve our
highest potential and create great things.
It is a beacon of hope for a better future
for ourselves and our children.
It gives life to the
idea that all things are possible.

source
1,001 Reasons to Love America
by Hubert Pedroli & Mary Tiegreen

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Almost Born On the 4th Of July . . .

Our niece, Kara, is celebrating a birthday today.
Have a wonderful day, Kara!
Enjoy celebrating!
Eat a big piece of cake for me!