October 11, And So On...

     Got up this morning to 26 degree weather.  Yuck. So not ready for cold weather.  But the sun is out now, shining bright and warming things up so I am gonna pretend this morning's cold didn't happen and summer isn't over yet.  (I know it's not good to lie to oneself, but what can I say).

     I have a dog.  I know that's an odd way to start a sentence, but why not just make the statement.  To those who have a dog, that can say a whole lot and to those who don't have a dog, they will just think... well I don't know what they will think.  LOL... 

    I have a basset hound... to those who have basset hounds they really understand that line...lol.  What a stubborn breed of dog they are.  But in the case of my hound, he's stubborn yes, but he's a sweetheart.  I call him Mama's little idiot.  Not because he's not smart, he is, he's totally awesome and I swear he understands everything I say.  No, I call him idiot because when someone comes all his good manners goes out the door.  He does all the things he shouldn't.  Bark, jump on the person, wallow them if they are brave enough to sit down and will totally slobber in joy all over them.  I tell everyone who might be a first time visitor, I am a dog owner.  I figure that should say it all.

     He, Mr. Teaberry Leland Cunningham, aka my idiot basset hound, is spoiled.  I know it's my fault he's spoiled.  I had no clue how to train a dog, if it wasn't for Larry's sister giving me instructions on how to potty train him I would have been lost there as well.  Although I don't think she meant for him to still be sleeping with us after three years.  But, her method worked.  Worked so good that my little hound never had an accident in the house.  

     He's smart.  (I explained why he's my idiot and it's not because he's dumb.)  He is a creature of habit.  He has a wake time, nap time, breakfast time, supper time and bed time.  He hates to get wet when raining and he has to go out.  He will stand at the door once we come back inside and wait to be towel dried. He will stand there and look at you with this impatience look that says you should have already had him dry.  

     When he wants a drink, no matter if his water bowl is full, he wants you to give him fresh.  He will stand at the sink and look at his bowl and then look at you.  I just roll my eyes and say yes your highness... what a hoot he is for sure.

     And what a picky eater.  He prefers veggies.  That dog will eat tomatoes until they make him sick if you'd allow him.  He loves potatoes but I won't let him have many. Carrots are another favorite snack.  He likes chicken best but will eat about any meat he can sweet talk you out of.  

     He loves to be scratched on the area just where his tail starts, that little spot on his back.  He has no shame to back up to anyone and growl.  What is funny, strangers have no clue why he is growling at them and look a little leery, until I explain that he thinks he is boss and making you scratch him is why he growls.  His daddy taught him that, against my better judgement.  

     If you are a dog owner, you understand completely when I say that Teaberry is my baby boy.  I will say this, if you are one of us empty nest'ers, then a dog is the answer.  If you are one of us mom's who are over protective by nature, all I can say is God help you.  LOL.. I stress and worry over my hound like I did my daughter and do my grandson.  

     As for topics... as you can see it's just whatever's on my mind when I sit down to write.  I hope to become more controlled as time goes on but until now guess it's just gonna be a hodge podge of this and that.  

     Until next blog... take care!

Paula Deen I'm not...

     There's no way I can tell you how many times people have told me I look like Paula Deen.  I must admit to some similarities, but not to the extent others seem to think.
     I had no clue, eight years ago, who Paula Deen was.  I was busy with so many things I just didn't watch TV, let alone cooking shows.  My daughter often mentioned the ladies cooking show to me and how much she enjoyed it, adding it gave her a smile because it reminder her so much me.  In the beginning I would just smile when she'd say this, glad that she was thinking of her old mom.
     Time passed and soon my grandson was born.  We all know how fast baby grow, so it wasn't long till Houston was in a walker.  This was when I learn that not only did the daughter think I looked like Paula Deen, the grandson did as well.  The daughter said "Paula" made a great baby sitter.  I laughed and asked her what in the world did she mean by that (knowing I was Houston's most favorite Mommaw at that age), when she told me that when The cooking show of Ms. Deen's was on all she had to do was sit the walker in front of the TV and Houston was happy and content and wanted to be as close to the set as possible. 
     Now up to this point, I had never actually seen the said show or lady, but now my interest was peaked.  So I start going through the guide on the Food Network Channel to see when the show was on so I could see this lady that was "babysitting" my little guy.  
I have to admit, I seen where they thought we looked alike, hair styles were similar, eyes and little things but I didn't see where we were all that alike.  So I chalked it up to just one of those things that will pass.
     Upon a visit shortly after that conversation with the daughter, I seen first hand just what Amanda was meaning.  I got so tickled to see my Grandson in front of the TV, taking him little hand and smacking the screen over and over when Paula Deen was on saying ..."Mommaw, Mommaw".  
     To say the least I was flatter, after all The lady is a very pretty and pleasant lady.  I still don't see the great resemblance, but I finally don't mind the compliment at all.
     The one thing the Great lady and I have in common is food.  I love to cook.  I'm an old country cook, who still does most stuff from scratch.  I read recipe books like others read novels.  Second thing we have in common, I too love to show others how to cook and encourage them to try new recipes.  I love to have folks ask me about cooking tips and stuff.  
     Everyone has someone they look like.  I think it's so funny to go from supposedly looking like a young Sally Fields when I was a young girl to a Paula Deen as an older lady.  I guess I just have one of faces that is kind of normal and share features that many others seem to have.  The blue eyes and hair and skin I guess comes from my German heritage.
     When it comes to food, as well as cooking I think anyone can do enjoy and do it, but some have a natural touch that can't be taught.  I think it's a mix of things, not just the cooking, but the joy of cooking for folks and seeing the joy on their face and knowing they are happy with the dish.  A good cook has a love for more than food I think.  At least we southern/mountain gals.  The only thing in the world that makes a good meal is the folks you get to share it with.  
     

Monday, Blog Three.

     Why does Mondays always seen so blah.  Today we awaken to crisp cool temps in the thirties.  I am flat out chilled to the bone.  It's just the beginning of what I am sure is going to be a long, long winter.  
      On a happy note, it's nice to dream and plan, so maybe we'll only have this winter and part of next to put up with the snow and cold.  Larry and I hope, when he retires to head to warmer weather.  We actually never thought we'd be "one of them" who pack up and leave their home in the winter but now that we are older and our bones hurt so bad, we understand so well why some hit the road.  We actually have lots of friends in different areas of the south that we can enjoy visiting as we pass through. 
     It's fun to plan and dream.  Where would we be without being allowed to do that.  Larry and I though, know that if we truly want something and set a goal, with the support and encouragement of each other, we can reach it.  Look at our home here on the hill.  We had a five year plan and made all we wanted a reality in that short time.  So we have sat a new goal.  Giving ourselves this time a year and half to achieve.  These plans will call for some major lifestyle changes and some big time changes when the time is up.  It's exciting and scary all at the same time.  
     There comes a time in your life when you realize there is nothing to hold you back.  That some things just truly don't matter and all that should matter is that you're happy and doing what you want.  Once you've realized that the biggest step is made. Then you just say "this is what we want" and make the plans.  That's the fun part.  
     Larry has always wanted to travel out west.  He wants to see the big old open plains and me I just want to see the grand canyon.  I want to visit my nephew in North Dakota, maybe a friend we have in Nevada, visit Yellowstone National Park.  So much to see and do.  It will be a dream to me to travel and blog and share our travels on Facebook and continue my little column with a new twist to it.  

My Forth Post, days later

    I got a little busy and lazy.  Not that I have all that much to say that others may find interesting, I just happen to have the gift of gab and as those who know and love me, pretty much know I have an opinion on most things.  Have I always been so, yes. But at one time I just keep opinions to myself, it's just been as I have gotten older that I really don't care if folks agree or disagree, I am not out to win brownie points with anyone.  They either like me or they don't.
     This world has become such a violent place to live.  Watching the news makes me cringe inside.  A part of me knows that my daughter and grandson live in an area that's more apt to see and content with violence, that same part of me wishes I could make them move close to me so I can somehow protect them.  In my heart I know my son-in-law will protect them, although he and I have had our issues throughout his marriage to my daughter, I'm not blind enough to think all the roughness was just his fault, my daughter can be a pip to live with I am sure.  She was after all the center of her parents world and lead to believe she was near perfect.  She had never had to deal with a lot of different emotions, such as jealousy, fighting or arguing, even hearing voices raises or as far as that goes bad language.  During the time her father and I were together we just didn't do that kind of thing.  Both agreeing it was rather useless considering we were both    less likely to change an opinion and we chose to not ever subject our child to that kind of verbal lifestyle.  Her Dad had not grown up in that manner and I had heard nothing but ranting and raving in mind.  She in the end was her father and mine's only link, when she left the nest we had nothing more in common.  But what we ended up with was a very opinionated young lady who thought all her idea and what not was all there should be and everyone should just comply.  She married a young man, who has a strong personality, a strong sense of the "I'm man of house" attitude and they clashed like a cold and hot front colliding.  Through much bickering  they have finally I think come to a point they know each other and working together for the same goal.  That's what's important.  Needless to say their attitude effected my grandson, he's a very opinionated little boy but not too mouthy as some kids that age are.  I personally think his Daddy's to hard on him at times, after all, he's just a little fellow.  Little fellows like him need a buddy and needs praise and patience.  Don't get me wrong, my son-in-law is a good person I just wish he'd be a tad less stern and more approachable where the grandson is concerned.  
     I know I got off course... lol.. I do that, I ramble at times.. anyway, I would love for my daughter to live near me.  Yet chances are high that she and her little family will move further away.  My son-in-law is a hard working young man, his values are high and he has always provided well for his little family.  He will do what he needs to continue to provide a good living for them.  It's not an easy thing on this old woman, to think of her little girl moving out of West Virginia, we all know once a young family moves away and gets established in a new area they never move back.  I think our wonderful state is probably the only place a person should ever want to live but the reality is, there just isn't a whole lot of opportunity to hold a young family here.  Not a young family that wants to make it on their own and live a good life. 
     Politics.  That's a subject I just don't even want to get into.  I am sure at some point I will, after all this blog is just for me to vent.  The daughter says she reads it because it's a look into my thinking pattern.  Good luck on figuring that one out my dear.  
     Larry and I have been together soon to be eight years.  When older individuals start a relationship if they allow it, there could be much drama.  Opinionated I may be but I still am a firm believer that it's futile to argue or fight or have that kind of drama.  If you don't play it, it's easier to keep it out of your life.  
     We have a love at first site relationship that few understand.  Some were against us but those who truly were our friends stood by us.  Those folks are still with us today, still dear friends.  
     I am happy to say my daughter, although the first months or so were spent getting to know Larry,  become friends and accepted each others roll in my life.  Larry is Pappaw to the grandson and step Dad to the daughter.  Their's a big difference folks in being just Mom's partner and being step dad.  you know what I mean.
     How hard he and I worked.  It seems the whole time we've been together all we've done is work like dogs to build our dream.  We succeeded.  We always tried to take time to play and make special time together.  Now that we are nearing retirement, we find that we have different goals.  We have the satisfaction of knowing we've achieved one goal and knowing we'll achieve this new one as well.  
     We hope to do what so many want to do but some are afraid to make that step or take that chance.  I am not saying that a year and half down the road that plans won't change, because they can.  Health or other things may make that happen.  As it stands now, we have just sat the goal and aiming for that and will work hard toward that, but will accept whatever the good Lord may have in His site for us.  
     We are trying right now to decide if we want to invest in an RV Motorhome, or do we want instead to invest in a fifth wheel and the right truck to pull it.  We are so excited in our plans and discussions of striking out when he retires.  Going out west and going south, going north... seeing all the things we dreamed of seeing.  First thing we'll do is sight see our own great state.  So many little places to visit.  
    The plan is, we're gonna take this next year and half and sell off all the extras.  The little things we don't need and are just material, have no purpose.  My little hookem crookem will be one of the first places I am starting, been pricing stuff out there... then the house.  We'll leave just what we need here in the house to make our visits home comfortable, we'll get a well trusted person to tend to the yard and anything that may need done while we're on the road.  
     It will be Larry, me and Teaberry hound...living the life...lol... I am so excited.  There just comes a point in your life when you realize that there really isn't nothing to hold you. That material things are just stuff... we will take what's important with us...each other.  
     

Day Two, Second Post

     Walking the hound this morning, the air was crisp and cool, the stars were twinkling brightly in the predawn sky, they look so close on morning like this that you think you can just reach out and touch them.  The hill is always so quiet of a morning.  There's really nothing like living in small rural community such as mine.  You know all your neighbors, you have family (in laws) close by, and in a world that has went totally haywire, in our little corner of the world we still feel safe.  I don't think I would ever want to live anywhere else.
     I write.  I don't have any true blue talents, I don't decorate and I have no sense of decoration neither.  I see people who just seem to "know" what goes where and what looks best here and there.  Me, well I just can't do it.  I cook.  I know food.  I know recipes, I can plan and throw a party but to decorate that party, forget it.  
     I don't envy people anything, or at least never have until I met Larry's family.  Sad thing is they don't think it's anything special that they can paint, design, decorate, have the taste to just know what looks good where, to pick up any kind of crafty project and just do it.  Larry's mother is an artist.  Her work is amazing.  His sisters are crafty, they decide for instance, they want to do a cross stitched sampler, they just do it.  Not me, it would take ages to just teach myself to cross stitch.  His sister that lives here in our community has a house that's looks like it plucked from the pages of some magazine.  Perfect. Everything in the right place and the right thing in the right space.  Don't get me wrong, it's not over done, nor is it so perfect you aren't comfortable (we've all seen those kind of places), it's got a balance that few can achieve. She takes these old pieces of stuff that most would have tossed out and creates something that makes you want to go home and beat up your furniture so yours may look that way too.  
     Me, I would like for my home to be more decorative, but if it happens it won't be because of any thing I do.  Those who like the looks of it I have to honestly say it's due to Larry's talented eye and not mine.  But then Larry, like the rest of his family, just has that nack too.  
     My daughter has that talent as well, she didn't get it after me.  So if you wonder how I got on the topic of decorating today, it's because I look around and see I need a change in here.  Have no clue where to start.  So, truth be known, I will probably just leave it be for fear I screw it up big time.  
     I think for me, less is more.  I have the habit of cluttering, not good clutter neither.  I blame it on our house being so small, but I am not fooling myself with that at all.  If nothing else I try to be honest with myself and I know I have no decorating skill and anything I set out to do looks either cluttered or empty.  No good middle ground.  I would call in reinforcement but sometimes you hate to admit you suck at something and then you hate to ask for help cause you just know they think you're totally hopeless.  Oh well, we all have our burdens to bare. 
     House work.  I hate it.  I admire the ladies that keep a perfect house.  I live with a slob, (I love him dearly, but the truth is the truth).  Where ever he takes his pants off..that's where they lay.  My heart drops when he starts talking about taking up cooking. The mess he makes when just trying to do french toast makes me cringe.  I do not ever encourage him to cook.  My kitchen is just off limits.  But I can't call him names without calling myself names as well.  I tell myself (I try to fib to myself occasionally, to no avail), that if I have more closet space, etc that I would do better when it comes to putting clothes up.  I don't truly know if I would or not, I like to think I would but I have my doubts.  So I am a clothes slob.  
    My house is clean but it's far from spotless.  My wonderful Teaberry (spoiled basset hound) makes sure it would never be spotless.  That dog sheds so much he ought to be bald.  I can sweep three times a day and get dog hair.  Yuck.  Yet for all the aggravation of the dog hair I wouldn't take anything for my hound.  He is my baby.
     I think there just comes a time in our life when we just have to say, ok I can do this and this but I know I can't do that.  For whatever reason I have this attention thing... the only thing I truly enjoy doing is writing, playing music, cooking and planning to do crafts.  I'm 52 years old and can honestly say I just have never found my one thing.  You know, that one thing that just is your talent.  I don't have a clue why I get bored with things before they become completed.  Are any of you ever like that?  How many of you have three afghans started, four quilts, nine pillows, two books, one scrape book, three hats, and a couple scarfs all started and in many stages away for completion.   It's always been that way with me.  
     So with that I guess I will give myself a pep talk, I have a big old out building that needs organized and cleaned up.  I need to pick out the things that need to go and the things that need to stay.  Make room to store some of the outside stuff before bad weather sets in.  
     Sunday Larry and I are going to go look at something we're been wanting for a long time.  It's kind of scary and exciting too to realize that our dream is going to actually be a reality in the very near future.  I don't know who is more excited, him or me.  
     I am not sure many, if any will actually ever read my blogs, but I do believe I am going to enjoy posting them.  Writing...the one passion I have had from a very young age.  This gives me the opportunity to just that.  Once again I have no clue where it will go but going to have fun with it.  I never want to offend anyone with my blogs and hope those who read them realize that I am writing about my feelings, not yours.  I have no intention of writing things to be hurtful or to be taken the wrong way.  If I write about things that have touched me, be it good or bad, I hope no one ever assumes I am writing about any certain thing unless I specifically  mention it by name or deed, then it is random feeling.  I know in my first blog I had a person to guess who I meant when I said they hurt me, I thought they were my BFF and ended up they weren't, that they proved to me that I once again trusted when I should have known better.  When I moved to this area I had only Larry's family and few new friends I made since meeting Larry.  I was so happy to think that I also had someone from my family that truly wanted to be a part of my life.  We become fast friends and I thought it went beyond being family.  I though for sure we were BFF's and considering  all that was going on at that time, I welcome the friendship and went out of my way, to be there for her.  When I learned later that she gathered up with all the others and not only allowed them to talk about me, but joined in on the gossip session, I was so hurt.  But thankfully I am a stronger person than I use to be, learned years ago to distrust those you thought you meant something too.  So to my sweet little cousin who asked me if I was meaning her Mamaw I had to be honest and say yes.  Although I still won't mention names.  I am thankful that I can be concerned about my family from afar.  I am thankful that a new life was provided for me, along with a new family, (in-laws).  
     But when it's all said and done at the end of everyday, we have the person that is laying there beside us.  That is my family.  That is the one person who will never let me down and will stand beside me as I will him.  He will never allow anyone or anything to hurt me.  He won't fight my battles for me but he will give me reinforcement if I ever need it.  It takes a person a little while to understand that your needs are very little and normally all you ever need is standing right in front of you. 
     Now, on a different note, I have been thinking about this blogging.  I am a little excited about it, yes, because I get to do lots of writing but because I decide where I hope it goes... I am so hoping it might turn into a advise type blog.  On all kinds of topics.  I figure if I don't have an opinion on it I can find someone who does.  I'll continue with "Just another day" as well... like I said, no one may ever read it but doesn't matter as long as I am enjoying writing it.  Have a good morning and blessed day!
   

Day One, First Blog

     It seems like everyone is blogging these days, so I thought why not.  Not that my life is all that interesting or special to anyone but me.  I like to write, I like to talk, so that's how I figured blogging would be a perfect thing to do.  
      I am a Jill of all trades and mistress of none, but pretty good at some...lol.  I love to cook.  I like to eat so cooking and learning to do so well seemed like a smart thing to do.  I love to do crafts but I'm really honest with myself so let's just say I have a lot of things started with the promise to finish them soon.  So far, nothing finished.  
     I like people.  Most times I stick my neck out and do and do for people, especially the ones I think I have a relationship with like BFF only to find out later I was never their BFF. So I end up with some regret and tell myself I am not gonna get close to anyone or trust someone again.  Family is always the worst.  There was a time that I would crawl off and lick my wounded pride and just keep going back for more, these days, older and wiser, I try never to be rude and hurtful but you hurt me or be mean to me and I can guarantee you're off the "list" of being special to me.  Oh I'll be kind and smile but won't ever trust you not to repeat the offense.
     I dislike people who claim to be your friend and then enjoy a good "lets talk about Deb" feast... if you're my friend and truly know and love me you'd never sit down with anyone and talk trash or allow someone to talk about me when your around.  Real friends just don't do that.  But it's always good to find out who those real friends are.
    I love music.  Bluegrass is awesome.  It was music that brought me and the love of my life together.  WOW, here we are all these years later and still in love, still planning our future and excited over plans and dreams we have. Larry is my second best friend in life.
    I have one daughter.  She is my sunshine.  She has to be the best thing that ever happened in my life.  I look at her and my heart just swells with love and pride.  She's everything I hoped she'd be and more.  She's my one true and honest best friend. 
    I am a grandmother.  My grandson is the greatest.  He has a personality that is as humorous as his mom's and a good strong sense of what is right which he gets from his mom and his dad.  I love him dearly.
     I'm not real sure where this blogging will go, heck I might actually figure it out and it take off.  I do know that I hope everyone enjoys it.  
     I am by no means puffed up with knowledge, but I have lived quite a bit and find I'm pretty good at passing out advice, the daughter and Larry says it's because I am opinionated and give that said opinion even when no one asks.. so it would be good if someone would ask so I can prove to them that someone really did want it...HAHA
     I have been trying for two months to get my little cooking show up and going and genius that I am, BAHAHA... I can't figure out how to get my videos uploaded...but I haven't given up yet so someday you'll just pop on line and boom, there I'll be...lol.
     I love all topics.  Some better than others.  Call me crazy, call me whatever but I believe in Aliens, spirits, supernatural and have a pretty open mind on most things.  I figure I am not one to say something isn't when no one can prove one way or the other.  I have faith and believe in prayer.  I believe there is a higher power and I call that higher power God.  
     Larry says my taste in television suck but I just laugh at him and say "back at you buddy".  I love the Big Bang Theory.  I think deep down that Sheldon on there is so open and honest and dumb with it that no one could ever be mad at him.  
Well...this is the end of my first blog... we'll see where it leads... 
Love and blessings to everyone!