End of Summer Class Social

We joined with another ABF class at SCC a few months back, and it was a very good decision.  This is what others have said and I agree.  Our class had dropped off, our current teacher moved to another church, and we were not willing to disperse.  So, after meeting, talking and praying, we asked the Couples in Christ ABF if we could join up.  They have been SO friendly, super receptive, good Bible teaching that involves the entire class....we just love it.
We have now had two socials since we started and they have been so fun.  We all got to know each other a little better at the Tarvin's beautiful home early in the spring, and last night we laughed at Guy's stories, played croquet, corn hole and just sat around eating and chatting. We hosted this potluck.   Here are the pics from last night.

We waited until the weather turned cooler to have this outside social.  Rain is always a possibility; but, for this night, the weather was super.  It was even cool enough that I had to provide sweatshirts & blankets!

We started later than I normally do, so that everyone could get there after work.  It was almost dark before we were finished eating.  However, we still got in a couple of games of croquet and lots of corn hole.

After dinner chatting!

Lee & Ron

Marilyn & Peggy

Sweet Susie

Guy kept us entertained by his very funny stories of life as a boy, later around the fire.

Tricia and me posing it big time!  Patty showed us how to do just that!  Fun learning new tips!

Kathy posing it too!

LOL, I never have put my hand on my hip:) but that's what I was directed to do! Kathy and I took it seriously!

This weather was so wonderful...felt like a night in October.  Very refreshing after the heat of July.
We sat around the campfire listening to the men tell stories from days gone by.  Looking forward to making more memories with this group of friends.

Late Summer Getaway

This week Clyde and I are at the beach for a last minute vaca.  I love the beach on Spring break.  I actually get through the school year knowing spring, Florida, beach, Aunt Catfish', sun, ocean, are coming. This trip is a bonus week.  We are not at our time share, Islander in New Smyrna, we are in Ormond (north of Daytona) at the Maverick (a time share that we have stayed in before).  Clyde called for "last call" week for several weeks before getting this one.  This one is "older" but the rooms are fine, clean, and it is a great beach.  We are "good to go".  We began by stopping in Savannah for the day on Saturday.  We couldn't get into Paula Deen's until night, and we weren't that eager to go there.  The Wilkes House, which we really love, was not opened on Sat. so we asked a local, went down to River Walk and ate at a "pub" named the Warehouse.  Big sandwiches, fries, and cheap prices.  We ate sample pralines (bought one for later), and I found a really cool store with everything half off:)  I did need a beach house and another pair of sunglasses. 
Now we are at the Maverick.  Here are a few pics so next time we are getting a "last call" we will remember this is what it looks like.  The view at this moment is awesome.  Sitting inside the screened porch, looking over the pool, green lights just came on, pool activity is busy, then beyond that is the ocean, in full view.  Nice!

Traditional pic in front of the welcome sign!

As if either of us need it, we LOVE the free samples of pralines at the candy stores in Savannah!

We bought a salad (for the candy we sampled) and shared the grilled chicken (huge) and fries.  The Warehouse.  Good.....I believe the price was $7.99 for the sandwich and fries.

The Maverick in Ormond Beach, Fl

This is how we "roll" this week!  Rented an umbrella, 2 chairs for the week (not big enough!)  We didn't realize how small the umbrella was or he would not have gotten it.  However, honestly, it's been adequate.  We just "shift" every 15 to 20 mins.  It works!!  BTW, it was cheap and we came in the convertible without room enough to bring our shade tent.  We considered it, but this option was chosen.  So I don't complain!  Again, it works.

Our time share is a 2 BR, and this is a studio.  It is all we need. 

Small kitchen as you come in the door.

This is the back on the laying out side.  The other part is the pool.  Not enough shade so we rented the umbrella above.

This blew in this afternoon, didn't last long or amount to much here. 

We ate tonight at River Grill.  They don't have the shrimp special anymore but what we had was awesome.  After dinner, we walked out on the deck.  There we enjoyed the wildlife, an alligator lurking in the shallow water for food.  The fish were jumping several feet in the air.  Fun evening.  Thanks to my hubs for finding this week for us. 

Summertime Fun 2012

We have been spending as much time as we can at the baseball field.  Matthew was too old for t-ball so he didn't play baseball this year (he has been in gymnastics).  So, he and Maggie have run "amuck" and enjoyed many of the games.  There were 100+ degree days that none of us loved watching buddy out there running bases, but for the most part, it has been good.  Austin has improved each year and this year he was picked up on the "blue" all stars team.  He is hitting very well (as he did all season) and to date has caught two fly balls in the outfield.  He received two Barry Bond rookie baseball cards from his coach.  I kept Matthew & Maggie last weekend while mom, dad & Austin went to a tournament in Shelbyville (over Sat. night).  They go to Harrodsburg this weekend.

Today Becky had a meeting this morning and a doctor's appt. this afternoon.  The kids came in a little "slow".....like why are we here again (but of course they don't say that:)  MJ clearly didn't want to be here, but she perked up right away.  The boys walked in, sat down on the sofa with their itouch (Matthew) and DS (Austin)....electronics.  No problem, I just kept working in the kitchen.  So, MJ was "at odds".  In just a few mins. I got her busy at the table with her "pasta".  I have mentioned that several times in the past....they can play the longest time with noodles, spoons, bowls, cups, etc., just play cooking.  Today I got some yarn and showed her how to make a necklace.  She loved it.  When the boys saw hers, they wanted to make one.  So, for the next 30 mins. or so they did.  Austin took longer as he was making a pattern.....and a necklace with more noodles on it, not just the front. 

After this, they all changed into my stash of clothes (thanks to Kelly Connelley) and played outdoors with a plastic tub full of water, and cups.  They started having a water "fight" and running around throwing water in the air....I asked them to try and "hit" a few pots of flowers.  This kept me busy, refilling their tub, but they loved it.  MJ mentioned she was a little hungry, so I got out of the freezer the leftover homemade icecream (Beck made) and gave them 3 spoons.  They have never done this at nanas:) but I put them on a sheet and said "go at it".  Soon icecream was melted and all over them, a quick clean up with the water from the tub and they were at it again.  Soon they dried off, came on the patio for new coloring books & new crayons and a bite of lunch.

This all kept me busy (and bushed), but I loved having them play all "kid" activities and just having fun.  They said thank you to me for the coloring books, and told me they had a good time today.

Although the three of them keep you very busy, I love them so very much.  I hope they always know that I am here for them and that they can trust me.  I may not like everything they do, or what they may tell me, but I will listen.  I will try never to be their "judge" but give them wisdom as I know it.  Mostly, I will love them regardless.

One Of Us Turns 60!

Before I shut it down for the day, I want to blog my thoughts about Clyde's 60th birthday.  He is the one that always makes my birthday's special.  He is not easy to buy for, so I have a little more trouble with his birthdays.  A few weeks ago, I noticed how old his toiletry case was.  He mentioned he has had it for 40 years!  So, I have "sort of" looked for one.  Not seriously, but I have stopped by several places.  No one had them at this time of year.  Well, Becky goes to a leather store in Lexington Green and got him a very nice one from both she/Jason and her brother.  She also made him homemade banana ice cream and a great cake. 
So, last week I went to Shutterfly and made him a hardcover "60" memory picture book.  Of course I didn't check as to when it would come in, until I had worked two days on it.  So, even if I paid extra, it wouldn't be here by today.  I just hope it is nice and I won't blink at the rather high price tag.  Fingers are crossed:)  I also bought a couple of smaller gifts that I think he liked. 
I surprised him with a luncheon for his mom and her siblings (his aunts & uncle).  I also asked Becky to come with the children since they weren't coming to our dinner tonight.  I think the food went over well, as they complimented it many times and ate seconds/thirds.
Then tonight we went to Portofinos downtown on East Main.  He and I stopped by Thursday Night Live, then went to meet Becky & Jason K. and Jason Allen & Rosemary.  Our dinner was so relaxing.  Nothing rushed, laid back and I believe everyone enjoyed the good food. 

Uncle Sonny, Jean, CB, Joyce and Martha

A Nascar #88 Dale Jr. car, cake! 

I love this variation of the classic "pea" lettuce layer salad.  I have made it twice and really have good comments about how tasty it is.  The ham was a boneless Kroger one and everyone really liked it.  Especially the kids! To round it out, I cut up fruit for an easy salad, green beans & broccoli casserole.

Also, from the 3rd of July, I had Tricia's corn salad (in the first tall dish).

We ate inside but went on the patio for photos at Portofino's.

Geraniums can tolerate this heat...as long as you water them.  I have been watering mine daily, and the flower pots look terrible.  I should have planted geraniums!

The ladies

The next generation

Dad and his family

Clyde's fillet Mignon

Jason A. and I got this chicken/mushroom lasagna

We didn't realize the waitress knew it was a birthday, but she brought out dessert!

I believe he has enjoyed today.  I will blog another time about our July 4th at Lake Cumberland.  This was sure a nice way to begin his birthday!  Loved it!  I will also add, on the way home last night, (the night before his bday) that I asked him how it felt to be turning 6-0.  I was glad to have on sunglasses, as what he said made me a little teary.  He said something like "I didn't feel old in the 50's but saying I'm 60 makes me feel old.  Like now I'm a grandpa old"....or similar.  I always knew I wanted to grow old with Clyde; guess that's a dream come true.

Bryan Station Class of 1972

Forty years seems like a long time.  One year, 365 days in it, goes by in a blink.  So did these past 40.  That's when my classmates of Bryan Station High walked the floor of Memorial Coliseum to be handed our diploma.  I can see myself now, waiting in the line to go up onstage.  It was warm but not like the heat of these past two days that we rallied together to celebrate. 
Last night we met at the Ramada Inn North for a heavy appetizers meal, D-jay, lots of hugs and photos.  There was dancing, chatting, and remembering classmates that have passed on.  I loved it when we took a minute to remember them in prayer.  Classy, and I felt they would be so appreciative.
I decided to go to this for a couple of reasons.  One, my cousin Gene came from Florida every year that his class from Lafayette High had a reunion.  He never missed and they had them quite often.  When he died, many came for his service.  Second, the committee that planned this, came up with a very nice meal and picnic for a very good price.  They kept the price low so everyone could come.  I thought that was nice.  The food last night was plentiful.....so much!  Today, they provided the shelter at Shillitos, brought all the drinks & really good chicken from Krogers...again, a lot of it!  All for the low price of $30.00.  A bargain.  Thanks to each member that planned this.
Leading up to this, I didn't think many of the friends I knew and ran around on a Friday night were coming.  Clyde couldn't come as he is at the Nascar race in Sparta.  I really wanted to see friends that were in my wedding, those that gave me a wedding shower, ones I ate lunch with and hung out on Friday nights with at Mary's house.  I missed those classmates, but I am VERY glad I went.

Lisa Foley, me, Keith's wife, Keith Howard, Nita Martin & Dixie Lay (all maiden names)

I was SO SO glad to see Keith.  He was someone I admired then and still do.  So good to catch up!

Dixie, Sherry Boone, me, Nita & Lisa

I had a great time with a few friends, and those that didn't know me well, were very happy just to be there.  They each treated me and each other like "old" friends.  We had one thing in common, that is we all graduated together one afternoon 40 years ago.

My cousin Mike Davis and his wife

Michelle & Richard Harr (thanks to classmate Rich for helping to plan the reunion, and to his wife for being so kind as to take most of the photos last night and today at the picnic!)

Although it was 100 degrees today, the shade was good.  They brought a couple of fans, and that helped a lot.  Plenty of ice, good tea and I'm good to go!

The photo above is Lisa, Gayla Morton, standing is Teresa Isaacs, me & Vicki Feck (Roark)

Gayla wasn't there last night and I was SO happy to see her today. 

Today was very organized with lots of food to share.  The best banana pudding ever and everyone loved it.  We had such a good selection of salads, veggies & desserts.  Glad I went.  I only stayed for maybe an hour then on to Austin's t-ball game.  This morning was filled with watering, so I have had a pretty hot day.  However, I am glad I did the things I did.  I am hoping that I will see all these classmates and more in another five (?) years!  I am singing our fight song in my head....

D-E-F-E-N-D-E-R-S...we're gonna watch our team go down the field and score, we're gonna fight, fight, fight, fight, fight for Bryan Station High!

Daddy's Birthday

Today dad would be 92 if he was still with us. He passed two years ago this July 14th and turned 90 on June 25th before that. Last year, the first birthday after his death, mom wanted to celebrate his life by meeting together with as many family as could come. We all met at Cheddars on the patio and she brought a large framed picture of him. After we ate, we each said something about dad, either a memory or a comment about him as a person. This year mom asked that just the four of us and our spouses come so that we could get around a table at Logans. We were off to ourselves there and as we ate our salads, again she ask that we each share a "daddy" memory. She grieves for him and makes it clear her heart is ready to meet up with him in Heaven. I said tonight that granny lived to be 97 and mom had sharp hearing, mind, and pretty good body. She could live that long...but she said she didn't think so. Here are a few pics:

Mom has always loved her sons in law.  She and dad treated them as their own sons.  Thought of them that way as well.  Each of them have lost their fathers and both Glen & Larry have now lost their mothers.  Clyde still has Helen, we call her granny and the great grandkids call her Gigi.

Kent, Beverly, Martha, me & mom.  K-youngest, me-next, then Bev & Martha.  Mom will turn 86 in December.



Good Swimming Makes Hungry Boys

First, I am out at the pool and can barely see this screen; but, at night, when I want to blog, the boys are trying to get to sleep.  This week has surely been a pool week.  Very hot, so the water has been good.  I haven't swam much since out from school so this has been nice.  I have batted the beach ball a thousand times, played my fair share of ping pong and eaten way too much. 
Some of our favorites have been here at the lodge.  The boys have eaten very well and cheap  Each meal is $2.95 which includes either a cheeseburger (same size as the adult one), grilled cheese, or chicken tenders (3 big ones).  Then comes either french fries (the boy's portion was bigger than mine:) or green beans???  Also, included is their drink.  A bargain!!
Then last night we took them to Henry County at Our Best.  They served us flat cornbread with the best apple butter.  Austin ate four and Matthew ate three.  They had the best chicken nuggets....they were like "home made"!  Austin got fried apples for his side, Matthew got french fries.  So much food! Clyde and I both got the $6.00 special, a large fried pork chop, bowl of either white, brown, or combo beans and cornbread.  Yummo!  Ended with a large slice of Heaven....oh I mean chocolate pie.

This is today's lunch at the lodge for a whopping $2.95.

I thought the second one was Matthew but realized it wasn't.....cannot see, so I'll post.  I know the bottom one is.....he took great care to decorate his cornbread with apple butter.

They spent a portion of the afternoon decorating hummingbird feeders.  They were the only two there so got a lot of attention.  I looked at the clock and determined it was 30 mins. well spent (cost $6 for both houses).