Another Patio Experience!

These are a couple of pix outside the patio at Murray's. This is where we experienced the "patio" thing tonight. The weather was just perfect. We all love seeing Julie, Charlie, and Susan (although she couldn't come tonight) since we all attend different churches now. Although I don't have a picture of the guys, Andrew is in town from Florida so it was very good to see him.
Today was the first UK football game of the season. Anytime they are on TV, we are most likely to be found on the sofa, with our UK sign lit up, snacking and rooting on the Cats! Today they beat Miami of Ohio 42-0 (or something like that)...Go Blue!

Maggie Jane's 1st pedicure

Pap sat the boys out a little "obstacle" course with buckets! They were so careful not to tip one! MJ had her baby stroller following close behind. The boys love their bikes and love riding.

Saturday afternoon ride

Today turned out to be beautiful as any one that was near the out of doors would testify. Just perfect temperature, sunny skies, and all around perfect. So, since we didn't wind up doing the "patio experience" with our friends, we took a ride to Blue Licks State Park. This is a destination we take several times a year for the scenery, home cooked buffet and together time. As we were heading out Paris Pike, just beautiful horse farms, Clyde asked me if I wanted to turn around and go back to see an especially nice group of horses. Yes....so here are a few photos.

Morning with Miss Maggie

While Becky and Jason took the boys to Silas' birthday party at Boyd's Orchard, I got to keep Maggie! She is so precious. Just a delightful little girl. She is so pretty with her light colored hair and curls. Her eyes are brown, like her daddy's. We all love her dearly. I think Pap relives having a little blonde haired girl just like her almost 30 years ago. Becky was a daddy's girl but was always able to stay close to mom! I made sure of that. I wanted a daughter and decided long ago we would remain close. It is a fact that although we don't agree on all "life lessons" she listens to me and shows respect, then does what she and Jason deem best. That is all I ask. I treat her children as I treated my own. I don't have the same energy, but that's why God gave them to Jason and Becky to raise. I am thankful they include us in their lives.

Today I have watched all morning the funeral of Senator Ted Kennedy. Anyone that knows me, will know that I do not agree with many of his views/issues, especially the one of abortion. He is known in the Senate as the "Liberal Lion" and that is just about as opposite my conservative views as night is from day. However, I could not help but appreciate the way he was with his brother's children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and the Americans he wanted to see have equal rights....the poor, equality in education and so on, I watched to see what was said of him. Some words did recall him as not a perfect man, especially his early life sins. The message however was strong on his qualities in the senate and the man he became. I certainly do not agree with aborting an unborn that has no voice in this terrible action, but I did watch to the end. He was someone's son, husband, father, and friend. I do pray he rests in peace.

This is a red Knockout rose bush we planted after we moved in. It is much bigger in real life. This is a great view out my dining room window. The impatients are all volunteer (earlier post).

Mid Week Dinner

For the past couple of months, Jason has been looking to buy a house using the $$ for first time buyers. So, he has been on line more than ever looking for the "right" house. He loves the house in Winchester with the big backyard, two car garage and fully finished basement. For all intents and purposes the house is his, although our name is on the deed. It's hard to sell (or move from) a house that you like so well to one in a town you want to live in (Lexington was home all his life) that is smaller (not as much Bang to the Buck in Lex.) There were a couple of "possibilities" tonight, so we'll see.
Several times today I was reminded of the date, August 26th. This is my sister and brother in laws 42nd anniversary! I didn't call or go by but my thoughts were with her. Directly after school, I visited mom & dad, went straight home, and out with Clyde to meet up with Jason.
It's pretty remarkable in this day to celebrate over 40 yrs. of marriage. I have always admired Beverly for her happy marriage and very strong Christian faith. She walks the walk each day. She is the "hands on" mother in every way, as well as a very involved nona (spelling?) Her grandkids mean the world to her and they love her dearly. She and Larry attend every activity they possibly can the kids are in. Band competitions, music programs, school events and many baseball games.
I would have been 13 when I was in their wedding. I'm sure she most likely didn't "need" me in their wedding, but she used me as a junior bridesmaid. I remember the wedding and was proud to stand up along with her friends beside her. Blessings Larry & Bev for many more happy, healthy years of married life. Bev., if you are reading today read my P.S.!
P.S. I know how Larry loves to fish...I have posted a blog below that has a link to my friend Fred's blog. He is flyfishing in Wyoming and has a very interesting entry for Mon & Tues. He caught the BIG one! I know Larry would love reading Fred's trip, if he has the time to look.

Family Dinner

As most of my friends know, we meet Jason Allen on Wednesday's for dinner. Our usual "fare" is Cracker Barrel but sometimes we eat at Cheddars or Logans. I like having the whole family here as we enjoy the kids more. They get to run and play and we can sit and talk if they let us. So, that's what we did tonight. I used a cajun run (after slathering with olive oil) and wrapped in foil last night. I rushed home (after dropping by moms for some fresh picked green beans...cooked) and put the pork in the oven. I baked it for 40 min. then removed it, cut it open and stuffed it with spinach leaves, roasted tomatoes in a jar and shredded jalepeno jack cheese. I roll it back up and continue baking for 40 minutes (I always let it sit until everyone's ready to eat)...then I take it out, let it rest, and slice. Yum...thanks Paula Deen. Fresh corn on the cob, a green salad, watermelon cubes and bread finished off the meal. For dessert, chocolate dipped strawberries.

I think Jason is saying "put it here Cassie...you can do it!"

Saturday drive & grandkids

Today, Clyde and I took one of our favorite "short" rides to Midway. We love the food at Darlin' Jeans and I love the shops. A win win for me. The ride across Pisgah Pike is beautiful with horse farms, black fences and lots of horses. It was cloudy and cool but the drive was still nice. I love their Bagel Melt sandwich and Clyde loves their Granny Grilled Cheese. It is VERY bad...has bacon and tomato like a BLT. The french fries are the BEST. Then we topped it off by sharing a chocolate cobbler with icecream!!!! TERRIBLE, but so good.

I bought a serving plate in a cute store and at Baskets from the Bluegrass shop I bought a cheese tray and spreader.

Tonight we roasted hotdogs and the boys helped bring in the wood to build the fire. We had grapes, multi grain chips with dip, and dessert. We came in and had baths, watched some of the Nascar race in Bristol, Austin is a Jeff Gordon fan and Matthew says he wants "Fred" to win. Not sure who that is. Now all three are asleep and we are wiped out! They were good and we enjoyed having them.