Chit Chattin' Away

O, the weather outside is frightful---because it's 7-freaking-6 degrees out there. Sheesh. The bugs are going to be worse than they have been in YEARS if this keeps up.

Anyway, the good news is that today is Tuesday and we can take a break to do some chattin' on Patrice's porch. Plus, Wendell the best horse in the WORLD might join us for a carrot or 50.

Questions

1. Have you ever been on a boat? (Motor boat, sail boat, cruise ship, ark, or Good Ship Lollipop) Yes. We live at the coast so it's kind of hard NOT to get on a boat at some point. I've been on sailboats, shrimp boats, motor boats and fishing boats. I've also been on a cruise on a really big boat.
2. Do you need an alarm to wake up in the morning, or do you wake up naturally? If you have an alarm, tell us what type.I have the alarm set on the television and my cell just in case. But they rarely, if ever, wake up before me.
3. Have you ever had a yard sale? Yes. Loads of work for little money. But it does get the junk out of the house.
4. Do you like kitchen gadgets? What are some of your favorite? Sort of. I liked them a lot more before I took this job that zaps me of all my energy and robs me of my time so that I don't want to or can't spend time in the kitchen. I love my Kitchen Aid mixer and all of the attachments and my juicer. I really like my pastry cutter thingy and my apple corer--that's broken and I need another one-- and my paring knives. 
5. Do you read labels at the grocery store? I do if I'm buying something with a label. But nowadays, I'm only buying things from the perimeter of the grocery store so I don't really have to read much.

So, how's your day? What's on your mind? Let's chat!

Friday Fragments!

It's FRIDAY but I am still off with the days since the 4th was on Wednesday. So I kind of thought it was Monday but only for a little while because I remembered FRIDAY FRAGMENTS!!! WooHoo! Just click the button and head over to join in the fun!

It was a crazy week but just because of the 4th throwing me off...which probably means I'm crazy not the week.

Something bad has happened. Something really, really bad. The AC in my car DIED. Let me tell you- if you think that it's not a danger to others to have a perimenopausal woman driving around in the SC low-country in the OPPRESSIVE SUMMER HEAT you are TERRIBLY MISTAKEN. I've been telling all sorts of people just exactly what they can do and where they can do it. And, because my windows are down, they can hear me. And I'm not exactly sorry about this either because, frankly, some of it NEEDS TO BE SAID.

Have I mentioned what a pure delight it is having Birdie home? Well, it's a pure delight! :) DoodleBug is loving having Birdie home too- we all went to breakfast and then did some shopping this morning! Heaven!!! AND, Tucker LOVES having Strider here! They play all the time...and get under my feet. But it's all good! Birdie and Evwardo are heading for London on July 16th so if any of my wonderful British friends are going to be near, let me know!

My baby is turning 21 on the 24th of this month. It's exciting and depressing all at the same time. Pretty much the way the whole empty nest situation has been from the git-go. All four of the lovelies will be here to celebrate AND the boys are coming too! FULL HOUSE BABY! Can't wait!

The tomatoes are ripening so it's nearly time to start putting some up! I had so many wonderful tips and instructions from y'all so I'm feeling pretty good about it! Now, if I can just remember to buy those darn jars the next time I go to Wal-Mart--which may or may not happen since I have forgotten them the last THREE times I've been. Sheesh.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway HERE! And look for another giveaway tomorrow from NuNaturals!

Now it's YOUR turn! Click that button at the top and head over to Mrs. 4444's!

Friday Fragments!

It's Friday AGAIN. How does this happen every week?! The velocity with which these weeks are flying by is CRAZY! But no worries- because with Friday comes our chance to join Mrs. 4444s over at Half-Past Kissin' Time for some Friday Fragments!

Week 2 of C25k is officially over. Whew. It really wasn't all that bad. Except for Wednesday when my allergies got in the way. I've decided that it is beneficial for me to go ahead and mow the backyard instead of waiting for the husband to get around to it. Plus, it's pretty darn good exercise. But the allergies are a definitely issue. Another issue is week 3. LOL

It's been a good week for food around here. I've been trying new recipes- here and here. Just another week and a half until I begin the 31 days of Gerson and RAW foods- which includes smoothies!

I've discovered that there is a bad thing about blogging. Specifically, bloggy friends. It's been GREAT meeting of you blogging buddies, but there is a down side. Y'all live TOO FAR AWAY from me! We can't go to the beach and walk together. We can't have coffee or tea together. We can't get together and do stuff. Does that mean I wish I never started blogging? Nope! It just means I wish we all lived closer to each other.

Speaking of bloggy friends- my friend Kim, of My Field of Dreams fame, sent me some sunflower seeds (among others) last year. I planted them this year and LOOK:

Aren't they pretty? There are a bunch more but they haven't bloomed just yet. Although one of them is taller than I- and I'm 5'10"! Some little pest is eating the leaves-even though I am putting Diatemacious Earth on them- but the plants are still growing, so that's good!

Birdie just finished week 3 of Lundy soccer camps in NC. Next week she's off to the one at Wofford and then it's back to work the one here in Charleston. And then, July16th, she and the boytoy are off to visit LONDON! Talk about busy!  At least she's back on the east coast instead of 20 hours away in Texas!

In one month from Sunday, DoodleBug will turn 21! My baby has gone and grown right up just like her sisters did. The good news- all of her sisters will be here to celebrate! The husband turns more than 21 on Monday. We'll celebrate that the following weekend. We have to schedule birthday celebrations depending on when we can get the most kids home!

And today, I get to take my BFF to lunch for her birthday- it was May 23 but she's been swamped with wedding planning for her daughter that we just haven't been able to fit it in. Today we will though and I get updated on all the wedding plans! Her daughter and Deanie have been friends since they were 2 years old- that was 23 years ago!

Have a fantastic weekend, y'all!

Friday Fragments!

I was working diligently on a post for today when I realized- IT'S FRIDAY! And that means- FRIDAY FRAGMENTS with Mrs. 4444s over at Half-Past Kissin' Time!

This week flew by speedy quick! I had to get my journal out just to remember it! Whew! Blink and you miss the weeks during the summer months.

I started the C25k running trainer this week. Today was Day 3 of Week 1. Week 1 wasn't too bad. All you have to do is run for 60 seconds and walk for 90 seconds. And you do this for 30 minutes. Well, 20 because the first 5 minutes are a brisk walk to warm up and the last 5 minutes is a cool down. Except that this morning, it was really hard. The weather was gorgeous- only around 65 degrees and the humidity was only 83%- perfect day for training. So why was I having such a difficult time with it? Because, last night I was skimming through the various weeks (I don't know why, so I could have something to dread maybe) and I never put the thing back on Week 1, Day 3. So I was trying to do Week 3, Day 1. Idiot. I figured it out rather quickly, however, and set that darn thing right that very second!

I got to go to lunch with a dear friend on Tuesday. She was the lovelies' SAIL teacher-that's the GT (gifted/talented) program in our schools. I'm here to tell y'all that she was one of the most phenomenal teachers I've ever had the pleasure to know. All four of the lovelies learned so much from her! Shoot, I learned a lot from her! She's getting ready to move to California. And the only reason we aren't trying to sabotage this move is because she's about to become a grandmother for the first time and her son and DIL live out there. Anyway, we went to a brand new restaurant. I'll have a review soon!

All of my yellow squash and zucchini bit the dust. SAD. I was able to buy a few more plants to try one more time. But, since this is the third year this has happened, I'm not really holding out much hope. Anyone out there have an explanation as to what I'm doing wrong?

That's about it. Not much going on around here right now. We do have a milestone birthday coming up in July- DoodleBug will be turning 21! My baby is going to be 21. I can't believe it! Seriously, HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? AND Birdie and Evwardo are going to visit London in July also. AND Deanie and Breezy will be coming home for a visit! Looks like July is going to be the happening month around here.

Have a fantastic weekend y'all!

HUMP Day HOPS!

It's time for some HUMP DAY HOPS! Let's get this party started! First, we're swimming into summer with the Hodge Podge!

1. In what way are you your own worst enemy? HA! What about EVERY way? Yep, I am my own worst enemy in just about every way possible. I'm always cutting off my nose to spite my face- as my mother and grandmother used to say. 

2. Jacques Cousteau's birthday was Monday, June 11th...ever been scuba diving? Is that something you'd like to try? What's your favorite 'under the sea' creature? I have not ever been scuba diving and it's not something that I'd like to try because I'm a big scared-y cat. I love the ocean. I would not want to live anywhere else because it is in my blood now. However, I like to look at it not go out there really deep into it. I'll take the Discovery Channel documentaries, please. I'm not sure I have a favorite 'under the sea' creature- they're all amazing.

3. On a scale of 1-10, how comfortable are you in and around the water? (1=not at all, 10=very) Do you know how to swim and if so how and when did you learn? I'm a 10 in all water except I am quite timid when it gets really deep in a lake or the ocean. Actually, in the ocean, I get scared when it gets deep. I like to see what's under me. I do know how to swim and I don't know how I learned. I think I came out of the womb knowing how.

4. What's something you do to motivate yourself to tick an item off your to-do list? It's a mental thing---I just tell myself to get it done and then I can have free time OR I tell myself it'll burn some calories.

5. What makes a good neighbor? Are you a good neighbor? Someone who has their eye on your house when you're away and who is there but not in your face 24/7--you know, friendly but not assuming or intrusive. We have great neighbors on one side (Hi, Tina!) and across the street but not on the other side! 

6. Who loads the dishwasher at your house? Is there a right way and a wrong way? I do. Um, YES- duh. :)

7. You know it's summer when I have to stay inside in the AC.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I give you the first cucumber of the season---can you say, "Cucumber sandwich!"

Now it's time for some chattin' on the porch! And, hey! I won some NuNaturals from Patrice this week! Woo Hoo! 

Questions

1. What do you do when friends or family pull out a camera? Hide, pose, smile, pull out your own camera and take a photo of whatever they are photographing, or something else? I usually try to avoid their cameras. But, for the most part, I'm the one who take the camera out and takes the pictures. The husband is infamous for his videoing of events. He's sneaky and quiet and we don't know he's gotten us until we see it!
2. Did you take any type of music lesson in elementary school? Music was incorporated into our elementary ed curriculum but I also took piano lessons and played the clarinet in band-but the latter didn't take place until junior high.
3. What is your favorite color of cat (even if you aren't a cat person)? I don't have a favorite- I think they're all gorgeous!
4. What did you have for dinner yesterday? Homemade chicken/brown rice/veggie thing...not sure what to call it. But it was good.
5. Do your feet hit the floor running in the morning, or do you drag your self out of bed? I hit the floor running because now I have TWO dogs who want me up, dressed and out the door for their morning walk. Spoiled much? Sheesh. 

 

The weekend is almost here y'all! Hang in there!

 

Friday Fragments!

TGFFF! What doe THAT mean? Thank God For Friday Fragments! And Mrs. 4444's, of course! Just click on the button to join in the fun!

It's been an interesting week what with TWO dogs instead of my one little Tucker. But both Tuck and Strider have been such good boys. And quite busy too as you can see HERE.

We've had a good bit of rain- though probably not enough to make up for the deficit. But the garden has enjoyed it immensely! Pictures to come this weekend!

I joined a summer weight loss challenge that started on Sunday (read about that HERE). This week was all about getting back into the habit of tracking food intake. I'm using MyFitnessPal.com this time instead of livestrong.com. I think I do like myfitnesspal.com better. The only thing, so far, that I like better about livestrong.com is that they have a greater food database. That's really it though so I'm sticking with myfitnesspal.com for now.  

We went to watch DoodleBug's ultimate game last night. It's city league so it's a co-ed team. I'll leave you with some pix---

That's DoodleBug on her rear- again. But, hey! It resulted in a point for her team! 

 She looks fierce on the field, doesn't she?

Those guys are rough- but the girls keep up just fine--

Some of those guys can get some height when they go up for the disc--

But so do the girls---

DoodleBug and good friend Chloe.

Have a fantastic week-end y'all!

Friday Fragments

Don't have a lot of time? Then Friday Fragments is just what you need! Hop on over the Mrs. 4444's at Half-Past Kissin' Time and join in the fun!

Congrats to the high school graduates out there! Be ready y'all- college is a total BLAST!

• The wedding was big fun! Y'all can read about it here if you missed it. Though I have to say that traveling on a holiday weekend is not something I'd want to do again. Ever. 

•  Birdie made it home safe and sound. Evwardo flew out to Texas to drive back with her- I'm tellin' y'all, that one's a keeper! We had a welcome back sign put up at the entrance to our subdivision- it contains a little inside joke:

•  My very sweet friend sent me this in an email and I thought y'all would get a kick out of it:

• Deanie was able to come to NC for the weekend (she lives in DC) so we all stayed at my dad's house on Saturday. I love it when things work out like that!

• We had TWO birthdays this week! Both BestSonInLawEVER and my brother T had a birthday on Wednesday! T is way older than BestSonInLawEVER, aren't you T? Happy birthday fellas! Love y'all!

• My Tucky Poo doesn't travel well so Mimi (my mother) came down to stay with him while we went to the wedding. My aunt goes to lunch with a group of friends every Friday. This past Friday several of them weren't there. Guess where they were? Babysitting their grand-dogs! How funny! 

• Also funny- y'all know Joyce at From this Side of the Pond, right? Well, her DD2 was in a wedding in NC on Saturday. Guess where it was? At the exact same place of the wedding that we attended on Sunday!   

• Met the boy that DoodleBug is sort of dating a little bit on Monday. He seems quite nice. We'll see how he works out.

• Yesterday, Birdie and I went out to the IOP (the Isle of Palms) with the pooches. During certain hours, the dogs can run free without leashes! It's awesome and only 6 minutes away! I'll leave you with a few pix:

Here's Strider having a run after a swim:

Tucker prefers to have the run without the swim:

But Strider just swims and swims and swims:

While Tucker watches:

Sometimes there are holes that we can't see when we're in the water. And we fall. And we get wet. Like Birdie:

Tucker met a new friend who ran into the water. Tucker followed. But, as soon as he realized he was in the water, he came out. Speedy quick:
 

There was a random dude out there paddle boarding:

The water was gorgeous:

I could stand there all day and just look at it:

Yellow flowers abound on the dunes:

Another random doggie heading out for a swim. Or so we thought. As soon as he got to the water's edge, he stopped and headed back:

Quite a lovely way to begin a day:

Have a great weekend y'all!

Hump Day HOPS!

Wednesday has arrived again and that means it's time for the HOPS! Click on the buttons below to join in the fun! Come on! It's too dang hot to go outside anyway!

1. What can the average citizen do to honor a military veteran and/or those currently serving? I've never really thought about this. When I was in elementary school I would send cards to those serving in Vietnam. I got several back telling me how much they appreciated them.

2. Besides a flag what is something you own that is red, white and blue? Nothing. I purposely avoid clothes that are red, white and blue. On July 4th I wear white pants with a red and blue shirt but I don't wear red, white and blue any other time.

3. Does love really conquer all? I doubt it. But it sure makes it easier.

4. Strawberry shortcake or blueberry pie? Strawberry shortcake! Yummy!

5. Do you share personal stuff with your hairdresser? I don't have a hairdresser. They are too expensive down here- to get your hair highlighted is nearly $200! A cut and style- $80. No thank you. 

6. Does money lead to selfishness? It doesn't have to. Maybe it depends on whether or not the person is just naturally selfish. Some people are selfish and have no money at all. Most of the people I know who have money---wait a second...I don't know any people with money. So I have no idea. LOL

7. What piece of furniture in your home most needs replacing or refinishing? I have a favorite chair that needs to be reupholstered. Everyone loves this chair and it's starting to show. Then there's the chair that used to belong to my MIL- it needs to be reupholstered. But I've already taken care of the refinishing projects.

8. Insert your own random here. The wedding was big fun! You can see pictures here. And Birdie is all moved back in here at home! She will stay with us for a couple of months before moving into her own place. Guess who's tickled pink about that?!

QUESTIONS

1. Do you have any musical instruments in your house? If so, which ones do you have? No, the lovelies took their instruments when they moved into their own houses. Wait! We do still have some percussion instruments. Some are antiques and some are from Africa. But the piano, cello and drum set are gone. Guess which one I don't miss? LOL WAIT! I forgot the husband's guitars and Dobro! Oops!
2. When you take a walk, what are you likely to pick or pick up from the ground? Nothing. I used to pick up Tucker's poo while walking over at the ponds but, since they started constructing monsters of the new home sort, I no longer pick it up.
3. They say to have breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper. I guess that means you have fuel for your body to get through the day and don't have a full tummy when you go to bed. Are your meals like that? Not really. I got in the habit of making dinner the 'king' meal because that's when we were all here and sitting at the table together. This summer, however, I think we are going to go RAW just to check it out. So, every meal will be extremely healthy but light. I just felt like summer would be a good time to try it out.
4. Do you prefer iced coffee or iced tea? Didn't even have to think a millisecond on this one- iced tea. I am southern, after all.
5. How do you handle doing things you'd rather not do? It all depends. If it's something that doesn't necessarily HAVE to be done at all, I just skip it. If it's something that HAS to be done, I dive in and do it right away/first thing to get it over with. I can't stand things like this to hang over my head. 

I'm going to catch up reading your blogs today! Traveling over the weekend put me way behind! Have a great Wednesday y'all!

Friday Fragments

Don't have a lot of time because it's a holiday weekend? Then Friday Fragments is just what you need! Hop on over the Mrs. 4444's at Half-Past Kissin' Time and join in the fun!

Not too much to report this week. Good thing this is Friday FRAGMENTS...

• We have a wedding to attend this weekend. BestSonInLawEVER's youngest sister is tying the knot. I hope to have pictures to share next week. 

•  I started a running trainer app on my phone- I think it's going to work out. Until it doesn't. Or until I get bored. Again. It says to only run three days every week and take in between days off. Gee, what a heart break (can you sense the sarcasm?). So, on the days I run I do level 1 of the 30 Day Shred and on the days I don't run, I do level 2. I'm beginning to think I'm either NUTS or a glutton for punishment. Or just tired of being overweight.  Anyway, I'll have a review of the app soon- not because they're paying me, just FYI.

• I also started using the exercise (stability) ball for exercising while I'm watching television or reading. But it's actually FUN! 

• The garden is growing like crazy! Tomato plants are up to my waist--some even taller! And the tomatoes themselves look great! I hope to pick some next week. The cucumbers and lettuces and spinach are doing well also. The guy at the landscape nursery told me that I couldn't grow leafy greens around here until fall. He was wrong. I have some sunflowers that are growing up taller than my waist too and there is one zucchini out there that will be ready to pick in a few more days! The yellow squash are still coming along. And all the flowers are doing great! Oh and the pumpkins! And the blueberries and grapes! WooHoo! I know it sounds like a lot but it isn't really. Just a backyard garden. But I love it! 

• Birdie comes home this weekend! WooHoo! Can't wait to see her! If there's one thing I simply cannot adjust to with the Empty Nest is when the lovelies move too far away from home. I don't like it. Not one little bit.

•  BFF's daughter got engaged! It's about to get real busy up in here! BFF also had a birthday this week! So it really has been busy around her house. I'm going to take her out to lunch next week after things settle down a bit from the engagement and the graduation--her daughter also graduated with a dual masters. It was after graduation that the boy proposed to her. And then it was birthday time. It's really more like family with our families- we've known one another for over 20 years! Goodness!  So we are all quite excited!

That's it for me! Hope y'all have a fantastically fun family filled Memorial Day weekend! Be safe out there!

Friday Fragments

It's Friday. AGAIN. Where DOES the time go?

The good news--besides it being the weekend--is that it's time for FRIDAY FRAGMENTS with Mrs. 4444s over at Half-Past Kissin' Time!

Seriously, this week FLEW by. Speedy quick. And what do I have to show for it? Not much people. Not much at all.

I did get my focus back on running. I had slowed way down because of the humidity but, let's face it, where we live the humidity is not going to go away. So, it's time to buck up and do the running. So I am. And I'm not dead. Yet.

I also moved up to level 2 on the 30 Day Shred for three days. Yesterday I dropped back to level 1 due to that darn left leg issue. I refuse to succumb to injury- so I back off. Which is much better than quitting. I'll go back to level 2 on Monday. Or maybe tomorrow. We'll see. Today was day 16! I'm over halfway there!

Oh, and I lost 3 pounds this week! WooHoo! This is fantastic because that scale has not been very nice lately. Not nice at all.

We have been having some rather regular rain. That's right- RAIN. And the garden LOVES it! The tomato plants are up to my waist now! And that's tall!

Saw a snake on the side of the house where the pump is. Hubs was all like, "What was it? Just a little grass snake?" To which I replied, "Yes, but a snake is a snake so what difference does it make?" He was really nice and came home during lunch to turn the pump off and check for the snake. Nice but, no matter. I won't be going over there anymore.

Also saw the neighbor's dog catch a squirrel. Ew. I felt terrible because Tucker chased it out of our yard through the fence right where the neighbor's dog was standing. Watching. Waiting. Ew. No matter how annoyed I get with those little things when they dig in the garden, I hate seeing anything killed. Ew.

The husband, DoodleBug and I went to my mother's for Mother's Day. Breezy and BestSonInLawEVER drove down and met us there! Even though we missed Deanie and Birdie, we had a nice visit!

Deanie redesigned my blog for me. I was ready for a change. At first we went with some bright, bold colors but that just wasn't me. So she went with what you see here. Thanks, Sweetie!

Something new at the bird feeders this week---A HUMMINGBIRD! I'm so excited. Though I haven't been able to get a photo yet.  

And that, my friends, is it. Hope y'all have a fantastic weekend!

Thursday's Faves and American Idol

Thursday means it's time for Thursday's Favorite Things over at Katherine's Corner!

I don't usually watch television programs like American Idol. They just aren't my favorite things. One of the main reasons I don't appreciate these types of shows is that I don't believe the general public votes according to talent. Which is what I thought the show was supposed to be about in the first place.



However, this season, I am keeping a close eye on one young lady on the show.

DoodleBug and Gibbsterrific actually know ELISE TESTONE. She's originally from NJ but lives in Mount Pleasant (where we live...pretty sure she's been here for about 8 years or so now) and used to be the singer for Gibbsterrific's ex boyfriend's band (that was a mouthful). So we are sort of watching and hoping good things for Elise.
 
Anyway, DoodleBug and I decided that I should ask y'all to vote for Elise if you watch the show and don't have a favorite yet!

She really does have talent. And that's what it's all about!

Here's last night's performance- I think y'all will see why we love her!

Friday Fragments

It's been SO LONG since I've participated in Friday Fragment over at Half-Past Kissin' Time! And I have no idea why because it was always FUN!

I'm just going to jump right in and share the FANTASTIC news first- Deanie will be coming home the same day that Birdie comes! What does this mean? It means that ALL FOUR OF THE LOVELIES WILL BE HOME AT THE SAME TIME!!! I'll get Breezy for the weekend, Birdie for 5 days and Deanie for an entire WEEK! Of course, DoodleBug will be here too---but then, luckily, she always is as she only lives 10 minutes away! YAY!

Sunday was a fantastic day- Hubs and I sat around the house and watched 4 movies on Netflix. And that's all we did--Oh, wait- Hubs did serenade me on his guitar which I recorded and would post for y'all but I can't figure out how to get it off my phone. It was an awesome day! Except that, after the first movie, we had to watch two comedies in a row because that first one was FAH-REAKY! Watch it if you want, but you've been warned. Oh, the title? The Vanishing.

We've had rain this week! We still need it so I'm not complaining. And I'm trying not to complain about the upper 70 degrees either. But that's not easy. UGH. All this humidity coupled with the heat is wreaking havoc on my running regimen. It makes breathing nearly impossible. And, with no freezing temps to kill off the bugs, they will eat us alive this year.

Speaking of running, I got totally bored with my little learndtorun/runforweightloss schedule so I changed it up. I now walk the outer loop, try to run the inner loop, then continue walking until we hit 3 miles. Once I can run that inner loop without stopping, I'll add distance to it. When I can run 3 miles without stopping, I'll work on time. This is not easy when the temps are in the upper 70s and the humidity is 100%. But I will NOT let the weather stop me! Probably.

Every week our Spring Chick Challenge host, Stormy, gives us a little mini challenge (isn't she just the sweetest thing?--those last six words were dripping with sarcasm just in case you didn't already figure that out). This week's was to intensify our exercise regimen. Like I said, she's so darn nice. So I did it. I started Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred on Monday. What an idiot! (Me, not Jillian). I thought I would hate it because I think Jillian is a bully and whenever someone tells me what to do or that I have to do something, well...I either do nothing or I'll do the opposite. Surprisingly, Jillian is NOT a bully on this...at least not on Level 1. Today is Day 5 and the very first day that I can move without pain. Major pain. The first three days I even put off doing anything that involved moving because it hurt so bad to stand up, walk, sit down, breathe deeply... I know I'm doing the moves correctly because my thighs, butt, abs and arms are telling me so. At the end of 30 days, should I actually survive, I had better see some major results or Jillian Michaels goes on my sh*t list.

Ok, so related to running and the shred, while walking yesterday I looked down. What did I see? I saw my entire legs from the tops of the thighs down! I know this isn't a big deal to most people but to those of us who haven't seen our thighs in years because of a Jabba belly, it's tremendous!

Every once in a while I'll go to Bi-Lo instead of Whole Foods for the sake of convenience. I've caught them trying to scam me twice now. They have a very small organic section in the store. The first time I caught them scamming was when I was checking their price on coconut oil. Funny thing- on the baking aisle it was priced $13.29 but on the organic aisle it was priced $11.99. WTH?

So, I took pictures of both and brought it to their attention. Along with the fact that Wal-Mart sells the same brand for $5.98. They were not pleased. When I went in Wednesday of this week, I caught them at it again with the gluten free linguini. I took pictures with my phone- again--and they were not pleased--again. Really people?   

I realize that we aren't talking big dollar amounts here but 1: it all adds up and 2: it's the principle of the thing. And I did NOT like that they acted offended because I pointed out their tactic. Poop heads.

That pretty much does it for this week! If you live in a place that is having winter-complete with snow- post pictures! It's the only way I can enjoy winter this year!

Have a fantastic weekend y'all!

 

HUMP DAY HOPS!

Ready to leap into the Hodge Podge and do some Chattin' on the porch? Want to get wired? Feel free to click on the links and join in the fun!

If you're here for Chats on the Farmhouse Porch or Get Wired Wednesday only, then scroll down.

First up is WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE from Joyce at From This Side of the Pond.  This meme is fun and sometimes even poses a challenge (read: she makes us use our noggins!).   

1. The Hodgepodge falls on the last day of February this year, a leap year. How will you spend that extra day?Doing the things I normally do on Wednesdays- enjoying the Hump Day Hops!

2. What has recently required a leap of faith on your part? I can't think of one single thing. 

3. We're one week into the season of Lent...are you marking these 40 days in some way? Giving something up or adding something extra to normal life? How's it going so far? I am not marking the 40 days in any way. I never have. I think believers should be in a continuous state of preparation not just for 40 days.

4. When was the last time you sat beside a fire?During the last oyster roast last month. It's just not cold enough this winter (well, it can't even be called winter this year) to make a fire.

5. Surf and Turf is on the menu. Do you order as is or do you ask for just the surf (lobster), just the turf (steak), or a menu so you can select another option?We prepare surf and turf here from time to time. Grass fed beef and any kind of surf- usually fresh shrimp from the docks. However, at a restaurant, I'd ask for a menu. And never lobster. Ew.

6. If you could have any television program back, not in reruns but in new episodes, what program would you choose? That's a toss up between The Cosby Show and Everybody Loves Raymond.WAIT! And Lie To Me- loved that one too!

7. They say an elephant never forgets. These days would you say your memory is more like an elephant or a gnat? Mostly like an elephant. Unless there's something in between. Then I'll pick that one.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

1. I have never been a fan of Jillian Michaels because I think she's a bully and I cannot be bullied into anything. Seriously, if someone tries to bully me it's assured that I will not do whatever it is. However, I have started her 30 Day Shred (found it on You Tube) and HOLY CRAP! My entire body is SCAH-REAMING at me! Even though she's not a bully on this, I'm still yelling obscenities at her.  Do you think that burns extra calories?
2. Breezy posted some of her art on her blog. She's pretty darn good! And I am NOT just saying that because she's my kid. Check it out for yourself here: The Blonde Oxymoron and let me know what you think.
3. Birdie will be home for a visit in March! Everyone will be here except Deanie and NicholAss- we'll miss them! The best things about having an empty nest are the times when it fills up again!

Next up is a HUMP DAY HOP from Patrice at Everyday Ruralty called Chats on the farmhouse porch! Sometimes we get to visit with Wendell the wonder horse too!

This Week's Questions:

1. What did you have for breakfast this morning? Scrambled eggs with ketchup.
2. What's your favorite kind of juice? I'm not much of a juice drinker but, if I must pick, I choose apple.
3. Have you tried Pinterest yet? Tried? Ha! I'm completely ADDICTED to it! Click on the button on my sidebar and follow me! It's FUN!
4. I can't wait for tomatoes from my garden (or farmers' market/CSA/neighbor with green thumb). And anything else that I grow successfully this year--anything will be better than last year when all I got were the tomatoes and peppers. And anything at all from our farmers' market and CSA!
5. The worst job I ever had was ...I don't think I've ever had a bad job. I pretty much enjoyed the ones I've had. Wait! Does cleaning the bathrooms or changing linens count? I pick those! 

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HUMP DAY HOPS!

Are you ready for a little Hodge Podge love and some chattin' on the porch? Want to get wired? Feel free to click on the links and join in the fun!

If you're here for Chats on the Farmhouse Porch or Get Wired Wednesday only, then scroll down.

First up is WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE from Joyce at From This Side of the Pond.  This meme is fun and sometimes even poses a challenge (read: she makes us use our noggins!).   

1. What is something you are loving right now? Getting crafty with DoodleBug who has discovered her inner craftiness- something that is required of education majors. :)

2. Paris, Venice, New York, and Rome are considered four of the most romantic cities in the world. Which one would you most like to visit? Venice. Hands down. Wait--New York? Really? Huh.

3. Are you a romantic? Most of the time. But there are days when my cynical self is alert and then I'm not a romantic AT ALL. Luckily, my cynicism rarely flares up. On this particular matter anyway.

4. What's your favorite love story made for the Big Screen? This one is nearly impossible to narrow down- I love them all! There is rarely a love story on the big screen that we don't love. 

So, I asked the lovelies to tell me their top three and listed two that they didn't:

Two that they didn't list: While You Were Sleeping; Gone with the Wind

The lovelies top three faves are:

Breezy: Robin Hood Prince of Thieves (starring Kevin Costner); Amelie; The Count of Monte Cristo

Deanie:  Love Actually; PS I Love You; The Notebook

Birdie: Jane Eyre; Moulin Rouge;An Affair to Remember

DoodleBug: Love Actually; Pride and Prejudice; PS I Love You

5. Everyone loves Pooh bear and friends...which character are you most like and why? Click here for help in answering this question. According to the 100 Acre Personality Quiz I am most like Kanga. Not very exciting.  

Take the 100 Acre Personality Quiz!

6. What's the best chocolate something you've ever eaten? Puh-leeze. I've NEVER eaten anything chocolate that wasn't the best!

7. Share a favorite quote about love.

"How did it happen that their lips came together? How does it happen that birds sing, that snow melts, that the rose unfolds, that the dawn whitens behind the stark shapes of trees on the quivering summit of the hill? A kiss, and all was said." Victor Hugo

8. Insert your own random thought here. It's Wednesday and that means DoodleBug and the gang will be over for our weekly dinner. I bought gluten free pizza crusts and toppings so they can all make their own individual pizzas. PLUS, DoodleBug and Gibbsterrific will come by this morning on their way to practicum. How in the world did I get so lucky?!

Next up is a HUMP DAY HOP from Patrice at Everyday Ruralty called Chats on the farmhouse porch! Patrice made a very nice video for us this week! So hop on over there and check it out! And she's maybe making us another one soon featuring Wendell who is only the bestest horse in the whole wide world!

Questions:

1. Stephanie asks, "What kind of competitions do you prefer to watch? Dancing, singing, or cooking? When Deanie was dancing competitively, dancing competitions were my favorite. And our lives for YEARS. When DoodleBug was in band, band competitions were my favorite. And our lives for YEARS. All other competitions were sports related and they remain my favorites to this day. And number one on that list is FOOTBALL! 
2. My Kid's Mom asks, "Do you work? Are you retired? Are you a stay at home mom? I was a stay at home mom for 25 years. Best thing I've EVER done! I worked as an interventionist in the elementary school the lovelies attended for a few years after they were all moved out until the funding ran out. Now, I am a stay at home dog owner and wife trying to find my purpose in an empty nest.
3. Empty Nester asks, "What's your favorite thing about winter? The cold weather that gives us relief from the heat and kills the bug eggs so the bugs aren't so bad in the summer. Except that this year winter forgot to show up.
4. Homeschool on the Croft asks, "What do you love most about where you live?" The smell of the salt air; the nearly constant breezes; the sound of the fog horns on foggy days; the sound of the waves crashing on really windy days...it's hard to narrow it down.
5. Did you or your children(grandchildren too) ever have a dollhouse? I had a Barbie house. The lovelies had a dollhouse. Several actually. And I may have enjoyed them as much as the lovelies did!
6. Wendell asks, "If horses have blankets, why don't they get a pillow too?" Wendell, o most wonderful horse, you come on down to SC and I'll give you a pillow to go with your blanket! :)

And NOW: 

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