Summer Five

What is your favorite thing to eat in the summer?

BLTs aka Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato sandwiches. In fact, they're on the menu tonight along with steamed corn on the cob. Grandma Jago is coming over :)

Actually, the highlight in addition to home-grown, juicy, ripe, red tomatoes is garlic cream cheese.

Have you ever tried it?

What is your favorite thing to drink in the summer?

Lately I've been making my own wine spritzers, using lots of LeCroix (carbonated water with no sodium) and a little bit of whichever wine is open. This beverage doesnt top the all-time favorite gin and tonic with lime, but it does help reduce caloric intake.



I think it's the bubbles.... I like the bubbles.





What is your favorite thing to wear in the summer?

I think my *new* (last five years) favorite thing to wear for summer is painted toenails ;) This month I'm wearing an OPI color - Tazmanian Devil.






Also, I get a charge out of coordinating clothing for my daughters. But now that they're grown, it's somewhat more difficult. DD#2 proposed a color board of yellow, white, and blue/greens for our family photo. It's based on this fun scarf from Old Navy.

What is your favorite thing to read in the summer?

A newly-published fiction from the light (brain-candy) reading category.

This year's is yet to be chosen, unless you count The Help, already completed and reviewed on my Xanga site.

What is your favorite thing to do in the summer?






Family reunions are my favorite thing about summertime. We've been gathering since 1983 around the pool and at Callaway Gardens. We've named it CWAC or Cousins' Week at Callaway.

This highlight of the year combines the fun of Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years, and Independence Day into one, fast-paced week of bonding.

I highly recommend establishing this tradition.





HT: Donna at Quiet Life

Nine in 2009

Seems like a good day to revisit some New Year's Resolutions and see how I'm doing. One of the things I like about blogging (and categorizing my entries) is that it really makes it easier to check up on myself.



Sometimes it's difficult to stay focused.


For a couple of years I have read and contemplated Doug Phillips' year-end assessment. His is so lengthy (albeit excellent) that I have never started it other than in my mind. I do think I would have more success with his if I followed it throughout the year, creating an album that would be finished at year's end.

At any rate, here's a link to a short AJC article that I'm using this year for structure.

1) Get the family up and moving.

Not doing so great in this area, unless you count the fact that DH and I *relax* together in the evenings by NOT MOVING. Actually we have walked together as a family and now that it's staying lighter longer, I think we can work this into the schedule. In the spirit of full disclosure, I have yet to make good use of the stationary bike mentioned in this entry.

2) Give your spouse 15 minutes per day.

Since I work with DH, I think he appreciates when I dont talk to him :) No, really. The advice in this area is noteworthy: no griping during this check-in time. (I could be more careful about that.) But if I count in 5-minutes snatches, I'll bet we rack up 15 minutes with any problem at all.

3) Count your blessings.

Easy to do here. My list is long and I have no grounds for complaints. What I could do is *tell* those people more often that they are a blessing to me.

4) Reach out.

I'm on the receiving end in this arena. I have a *new* friend whom I met on Facebook! I did pay visit with an old neighbour in January; need to write that thank-you note; and have yet to clean out the closet.

5) Be optimistic.

Not a problem... I think I'm wired that way. Actually, no, I think it's a gift from God. I wake up happy and ready for each day the Lord gives me.

6) Do at least one thing each week that brings you enjoyment.

Collecting (books) and reading (fiction and non) - I carry them around with me; even if I dont have time to look at them when I'm at the office, I like knowing they're there.

See that book review in the upper right-hand corner? It's written by my favorite college history professor and prompted me to buy Dr Kirk's book.

7) Take a little time to answer tough questions.

Cindy over at Dominion Family gives me the opportunity to address signficant questions. We've been discussing pop culture in an online book club.

Carol at MagistraMater always writes about interesting topics. Thanks for suffering through my comments, Carol!

Plus I've been reading Calvin's Institutes of Christian Religion - that's a real brain-teaser. Check out the site at Princeton Theological Seminary. I hope to post more about Calvin in honor of his 500th birthday (July 9th).

Per Phyllis McGinley:

Housewives deserve well-furnished minds. They have to live in them such a lot of the time!

8) Dont fall into a weight-loss trap.

I'm hopelessly trapped, weighing myself daily. I only *record* the number once per week. I know that I weigh TEN pounds more this March than I did last. There I said it! Now everyone knows!

I should have signed on with Amy at Humble Musings and dieted with that group. I'd be in much better shape. I might even be richer :)

9) Be good to your feet.

This resolution is interesting because wearing the right shoe size makes all the difference in the world. About five years ago, a good friend mentioned that she'd purposefully gone up a size, with amazing results.

With walking as my exercise, I've never experienced knee pain (hip or back either), but I routinely moan about my feet. Even with no regular pounding during this past winter, my right heel continues to hurt. That means I need to do more stretching exercises (per DH-MD).

And... time to schedule a pedicure ...

So I'll be ready for some new peep-toed shoes!

Feast on Monday


Appetizer
When was the last time you visited a hospital?

My last visit to a hospital was in February '07 to see a friend's mother, who was enduring her final illness. She complained up being *hot.* So, standing at the foot of her bed, I carefully lifted the sheet, removed her booties and rubbed her feet. She smiled.

Soup
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how ambitious are you?

I've been neutralized.....or zero :(

Salad
Make a sentence using the letters of a body part. (Example: (mouth) My other ukelele tings healthily.)

For ever enjoy Truth.

Main Course
If you were to start a club, what would the subject matter be, and what would you name it?

I keep thinking about hostessing an group called *HiddenArt* where we would covered the various chapters in Mrs. Schaeffer's book, The Hidden Art of Homemaking. The topics she addresses are wide and varied which I think would keep the group dynamics fresh. It might work better on a monthly schedule though.

Dessert
What color is the carpet/flooring in your home?

Salmon/peach......but it's 20 years old and faded into beige in some places. If I had the chance to replace it, I would go with a similar color 'cause I still like it.

Feast on Thursday

In all my years of playing along at Donna's and answering the five questions she posts early every Friday morning, I have never (until today) googled the site for her inspiration. And now I found out the gal's a cook! Funzies!!

Ok, so, here's yesterday's dinner plate:

grilled pork tenderloin
steamed asparagus
summer squash (compliments of a patient's garden)
sauteed with a Vidalia onion
and penne pasta with homemade Vodka sauce.


Now for my answer's to last week's questions:

Appetizer
What do you consider to be the ultimate snack food?

I like snacks which are crunchy and salty, just about any kind of chip or nut. On Sunday evenings, I indulge in a huge bowl of parmesan coated freshly popped popcorn, while watching an old movie or TV show.

Soup
On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 as highest), about how popular is your last name?

My married name is not very common in the US. In fact, we are the only ones in our area. The name is much more popular in the UK, Canada (DH's birthplace), and Australia. It has only four letters, but most people mispronounce it

Salad
Who is your all-time favorite sitcom character, and why?

Ya know, I just never can come up with answers for questions about TV watching. The first thing that came to my mind was DH!! He's my favorite sitcom character....in the sitcom of our family life. He's the star! Plus he knows more about TV and movies than I ever will be able to retain.

Main Course
Do you shop online? If so, name some sites you like to browse for goodies.

Yes, I shop online more and more. The normal places: Amazon, LLBean, Lands End, Talbots, Coldwater Creek, Macys….wherever. Most recently I found and ordered an item not usually available in the US. Just with the click of a mouse!

Dessert
Fill in the blank: I think ___________ should be ___________.

I think abortions should be illegal.

And here's a link to a very good website promoting a bill here in Georgia. We're trying to create a groundswell of support for this bill, so that when it comes to committee and a vote during our next legislative session, it will pass and we will be the first state in the Union to be pro-life.

And here's a spoonful of sugar to help that medicine go down.


Homemade Pecan Pie
compliments of DD#3


There are a couple of slices remaining. Drop by and I'll serve you some with a cup of coffee.

Wedding Meme

Happy 25th Anniversary!
12/27/2005



















Posted in honor of Donna's son's recent engagement,

1. Where/How did you meet? We met in college. He lived in the same dorm as my older brother.

2. How long have you known each other? First met in 1975.

3. How long after you met did you start dating? One year.

4. How long did you date before you were engaged? 2.5 years

5. How long was your engagement? 1.5 years

6. How long have you been married? 26.5 years

7. What is your anniversary? December 27, 1980

8. How many people came to your wedding reception? A goodly number

9. What kind of cake did you serve? Pound cake with buttercream icing and pulled sugar flowers.

10. Where was your wedding? Trinity Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA

11. What did you serve for your meal? Heavy hors d'oeuvres were served at the reception.

12. How many people were in your wedding party? Eight bridesmaids, eight groomsmen.

13. Are you still friends with them all? Yes, friends with them all.

14. Did your spouse cry during the ceremony? No, but the alarm on his watch went off!

15. Most special moment of your wedding day?

16. Any funny moments?

17. Any big disasters? Not that I'm aware of.

18. Where did you go on your honeymoon? St Simons Island, GA

19. How long were you gone? Three days.

20. If you were to do your wedding over, Everything was perfect. Nothing to redo.

21. What side of the bed do you sleep on? Facing the bed…the right.

22. What size is your bed? King now. Started out with a double.

23. Greatest strength as a couple? Good question.

24. Greatest challenge as a couple? Another good question.

25. Who literally pays the bills? Literally, we both do.

26. What is your song? No special song.

27. What did you dance your first dance to? Others danced….we didn’t :(

28. Describe your wedding dress: I wore my mother's, champagne silk gown (Priscilla of Boston)

29. What kind of flowers did you have at your wedding? Red/white-on rabbit fur muffs. Red velvet dresses.

30. Are your wedding bands engraved? Yes, with initials and date.

31. How old were you when you got married? 22.5 yrs old

Friday Feast

Appetizer
Who is your favorite news anchor/reporter? Why?
From years ago, I like Jane Pauley: her polish, her independence, and her professionalism. I haven’t read her recent book, Skywriting. I don’t want to burst my bubble of admiration for her.

Soup
Name 3 foods that are currently in your freezer.
Steak, Coffee, Wedding Cake

Salad
If you were to have the opportunity to name a new town or city, what would you call it?
Home

Main Course
What will most likely be the next book you read?
Probably an audio book borrowed from the local library, as I am recently intrigued by the concept of listening while reading along.

Dessert
What's the first thing you notice about the opposite gender?
Overall appearance, as in how the package is presented.

DONNA's FRIDAY FIVE

Appetizer
What is your usual bedtime? Do you like that, or would you rather it be different?

I like to be ready for bed by 9pm and give myself one hour to wind down, so that I’m asleep by 10 pm. It suits my *rhythm.*

Soup
When it comes to advice, do you give more or receive more?

It's a fault with me....I give more than I receive


Salad
Describe a memorable meal you've had.

Last evening my 79 yo MIL served roast beef w/gravy, mashed potatoes, cold beet salad, and yellow squash. Fresh fruit (strawberries, raspberries, and pineapple) was for dessert. Conversation was delightful and we brought home some leftovers!


Main Course
Name a work of fiction that affected the way you think about something.

Cant think of one right now.

Dessert
What is your favorite type of fruit juice?

I don’t drink juice. Occasionally I have some V-8 with breakfast.

Five Random Questions/Answers

If you could take lessons to learn any musical instrument, which would you want to learn?

I would like to be able to play the piano well. I took lessons as a youngster, but didnt practice enough. Melissa over at Mentalmultivitamin is learning as an adult. I even own two teaching books, aimed at the adult beginner. In short, there's no reason I cant start learning.

Have you ever mistaken a person for someone else?

Of course! and gone up to him/her and spoken.

The funniest one occurred in a bank where I worked. I approached a regular customer as he was completing his transaction with the teller, and told him he looked a LOT like a model in the Lands End catalog. Lo, and behold, IT WAS HE!

On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how well do you keep secrets?

If properly informed that the information is a SECRET, I am a *10*

What's the closest you've ever been to a dangerous animal?

In elementary school, we were placing a *hide-and-seek* type game, and I was sitting in some bushes only to jump up shouting, revealing my location, because a very large, black snack had just slithered across my lap.

When was the last time you lost your patience?

It's a daily occurrence. Thank goodness people are patient with me!

Borrowed from Donna at Quiet Life.

Friday Five

Appetizer
Create a new candle scent.

Spice.
Oh, you just have to see my newest candle! And I am not a candle person! This pound cake is really a spice-scented candle and it sits on the butler's tray in my dining room. It makes me feel as if I am ready for company at any minute :)


Soup
Name one way you show affection to others.

I cook/bake for them.

Salad
What is your favorite writing instrument?

Black roller-ball writer


Main Course
If you were given $25 to spend anywhere online, from which site would you buy?

I would head over to some audio site and use the gift to learn how to download books/music like Cindy Rollins.

Dessert
Are you dressing up for Halloween?
No, I am not dressing up for Halloween this year. The last time I did was for a party in college. I had my first date with my now DH. I was a Southern Belle and he was a slave!! Wouldn’t you like to see a picture of that??!! That would have been 1976.

Finally my answers! Better late than never? Perhaps I am just humoring myself. Donna over at Quiet Life has been inviting blogger-friends to get to know one another by answering five questions each week. I find it fun, entertaining, and thought-provoking. I kind of wish I had been saving my answers.

ABC's

A - Accent: Southern drawl
B - Breakfast Item: Black coffee
C - Chore you hate: Vacuuming/dusting
D - Dad's Name: Dan
E - Essential everyday item: TP
F - Flavor ice cream: Coffee
G - Gold or Silver?: Together: my new fashion statement
H - Happy Place: Home sweet home
I - Insomnia: only when I’m planning a wedding
J - Job – Domestic Engineer
K - Kids: aka billygoats
L - Living arrangements: w/DH of 25 yrs
M - Mom's birthplace: Atlanta GA
N - Name your pets: none at present; previously Minerva then Athena
O - Overnight hospital stays: five-my own and the births of 4 daughters
P - Phobia: claustrophobia
Q - Question: Is this too much information?
R - Religious Affiliation: Reformed Presby
S - Siblings: Bert, Noel, Amanda, Grey, Will
T - Time you wake up: today 4am
U - Unnatural hair colors you've had: natural blond w/hilites
V - Vegetable you refuse to eat: cant think of one
W - Worst habit: sharp tongue
X - X-rays you've had: teeth only
Y - Yummy: pimento cheese
Z - Zoo animal: Our Zoo’s panda just had a baby J