A Little Ike Goes A Long Way!

It's Thursday night--this will be my Friday post because we have a volleyball game in Panama City tomorrow night and probably won't make it home before midnight. I surely can't miss a day posting and let the Princess get one up on me! That would just be wrong--not that I'm competitive or anything!!

Bex was outside late this afternoon and took some great photo's of some hurricane bands as they passed over Lonesome Pine. After watching the weather on the news tonight, it appears this was one of the outermost bands -- and really light. Well, if this is light, I sure don't want to have to go through the bands closer to the center. Hopefully, this is pretty much all we'll see of Ike. That's surely good with me!







Awesome cloud structure. It looks like a big, fluffy comforter, doesn't it?














It was so cool to see the sun shining on the tree-tops, yet with these huge rain clouds rolling in.
















Now it's starting to look really nasty.














<== Right here... You can just see the edge of THE Lonesome Pine in this picture.















Oops! How did this get in there? (I just can't resist pictures of this gal.) But I wonder...How can this girl love such an ugly dog?

She's actually hugging the dog. Yuck! If you could see how nasty, dirty this dog is you would say ...Ewwww! Gross!

At 16, she still doesn't understand germs...












Stay tuned.

Jehovah-Jireh Strikes Again!

"The Revelation of the Name Jehovah-Jireh, Genesis 22:12-14. The meaning of this name is The Lord Who Provides. The name is literally, The Lord Who Sees, or The Lord Who Will See To It. This is what we long for when we have a need that is personal and special; One who will see to our needs and provide for us. This is what Jehovah-Jireh means; the Lord Who will see to it that my every need is met. One Who knows my need because He sees. One Who is able to meet my need in just the right time as He did for Abraham, and One Who can meet it fully. For Abraham, it was the ram caught in the thicket that was offered in Isaac's place. For us it is whatever we need."

From Bible.org Go here to read more!

Thankful Thursday!

The Lord has smiled on Lonesome Pine once again and blessed our socks off! Not that He doesn't bless us all the time...but sometimes we just have to STOP, MARVEL at His goodness and PRAISE THE LORD!!!

Many of you know I've been car-less since the first week of August. So, I'm happy to announce a new arrival at Lonesome Pine:


Hopefully, one day soon , after a good bit of tweaking (when Mr. Fix-It gets a Round-Tuit), I'll be toodling around town in a new ride.

The last time God provided for a (new-to-me) van, a month later He put a 14 year-old in our home in desperate need of love and care. That van was perfect for the task He entrusted to us. That assignment lasted 3 1/2 years.

Wonder what He has in mind for this one? I can't wait to find out!


Stay tuned.

Meatloaf Made Easy

We're still embroiled in heavy competition in our blogging contest, September to Remember. I'm sure I'm not in the lead, but I'm hoping that the Princess isn't in the lead either (because I'm being mean since she's so competitive), and that Lea will still let me have some Blackberry Grits...maybe if I agreed to help with the dishes? If you want to check on the contestants, you can wander over to Lori's blog and see the list of participants on the right side of her page.


Today, I'm veering off of my bloggy path a bit to bring you a post for Works For Me Wednesday. If you aren't a regular reader of Rocks In My Dryer, why not head over and check out all the great ideas?

So, "Meggy" you say, "What's up with meatloaf?"

Well... since I'm "remembering" this month, I'll tell you that I LOVE MEATLOAF. MY meatloaf, that is. I'm not really big on other people's meatloaf...but MINE is so good, it's me and Bex's favorite meal. (I'm not bragging here, just being factual!) Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Corn and whatever green you want to throw at it. The green doesn't matter because even though I cook it --I rarely eat anything green that is cooked. To clarify--I do eat salad greens, I do eat field peas, but nothing else green, puh-leese!

Oops...off chasing a rabbit there...

I'm "remembering" meatloaf because it was the first 'entree' I ever cooked as a young teen. I used to make it in our sparkling, brand new, Radarange Microwave Oven. Am I dating myself? Do you remember those HUGE, new fangled things called microwave ovens? Well, each one came with a recipe book and I picked meatloaf as the first to try. It wasn't really too terribly bad...Mom used to call from work and say "Why don't you make some of your meatloaf for supper tonight?" I think she was just really, really tired and didn't care about that cardboard texture!

Lest you say to yourself "YUCK! I'm not cooking meatloaf in the microwave no matter how easy it is!" I agree. We're not going to cook it in the microwave...that would be gross.

No, I'm not going to share my recipe here. Because it's a very closely held secret. Closely held, because "I" don't even know the recipe. I just know what I put in it -- which is hamburger and a little of this, a little of that, whatever's in the refrigerator that looks interesting and doesn't have mold, etc. You pick the recipe for yourself. (You probably want to put something green in it anyway!)

But my BIG tip is to cook your meatloaf in a muffin tin. Yep! Just make up your favorite meatloaf recipe and stuff that meat mixture down in those little round cups and pop it in the oven for about 20 minutes. They cook really quick this way. (Ms. Edna taught me to do this, by the way!)

There are many reasons this works for me! It is so much easier, saves energy because it cooks faster, having 'portion' control keeps me from eating the whole thing (because I love it!), and makes great sandwiches for left-overs. Even Mr. Fix-It likes meatloaf this way.

I was going to cook meatloaf for supper tonight so I could add pictures. Sorry, I guess you'll just have to wait for next time for those because I was too tired tonight (being a "working" blogger woman these days). But even without pictures, you ought to give this a try...we LOVE our little meatloaf balls!

Stay tuned.

Do They Celebrate Birthdays in Heaven?

I doubt they celebrate birthdays in Heaven, since time has no value there. But if they DID...today would be a HUGE celebration because my buddy, Ms. Edna is there hanging out with Jesus.

If you're a newcomer to my blog here at Lonesome Pine, you might have missed hearing about my sweet friend, Ms. Edna. Yes, I called her Edna sometimes -- but EVERYBODY (including herself) referred to her as "Ms. Edna." I guess that's what happens to you after spending 25+ years directing a Child Care center.

Today, I hope you'll celebrate her birthday and her life with me...because I miss her--a LOT! Frankly, I almost wish she were here, too. Almost, not quite. I loved her too much to wish her back here on this sin-laden earth.

I'd love for you to read about her -- if you have a few minutes to spare. Her testimony was so powerful, it's worth the time. I won't recount it here today because I probably said too much back in May when she went to be with her Lord, Jesus. If you like pictures of crazy old ladies, check these out. We had some wild and wacky times together. She loved to P*A*R*T*Y!!

Ms. Edna made everybody think they were her best friends. She just LOVED people --of every age, color and creed. But she especially loved children! You can read why on my previous posts.

For me she was my friend, mentor, confidante, sounding board, co-conspirator, protocol adviser, recipe book, marriage counselor, Bex Grandma, hospitality resource, encourager, Sunday School student, prayer partner and sooooo many other things. Ms. Edna is probably the best friend I ever had (so far!). I have some wonderful friends now, but she knew me inside out, held me accountable and loved me anyway.

I loved her, I miss her and I hope she's on the Welcoming Committee when I get to Heaven myself... 'Nuff said.

Happy Birthday, Ms. Edna!!!!




Stay tuned.

More of Our Illinois Cousins

Since you seemed to like the cousin picture from yesterday so well...here's the "before" picture to the one yesterday. We were all dressed up in this one! Must have gone to church or something...I don't remember. Don't we clean up good?


I'm wearing my normal hairband--not sure why I have that strange look on my face like I'm scared somebody is about to hit me; my little brother is in the cute gray suit coat that is way too small judging by the sleeves; my two older brothers are dressed in their matching sweaters like they were twins. Mom dressed them like twins for quite a few years, but they are NOT twins--just born the same day a year apart.


Since we seem to be going backwards...here's another cousin picture. This picture isn't very clear, but it was fun so I thought I would share it. It was apparently taken the summer of 1966 in Illinois. My older brothers look really dorky. Chuck is standing shirtless on the far left. Yes, Randy is the one trying to look like he hasn't eaten in a few years. It's funny to me, because I don't remember Randy doing that --but I remember Alan doing that allllll the time! I'm wearing the cute red dress -- a dress? My little brother, Alan is sitting on the far right with a big grin on his face.



We must have been outside playing, which is where we spent most of our time when we were with the cousins...no television, no video games, no computers....how boring. NOT!!!!

For those standing --there were only 4 years from oldest to youngest! We always had such a fun time with hardly any boundaries at my Grandpa's farm. Just stay outside and watch for copperheads --those were pretty much the rules. I don't remember it, but we might have had to watch out for the younger ones...but since they survived, I guess we did our jobs well enough!

Yep! Those were good days.

Stay tuned.

Snapshot Sunday

Since my theme for "September to Remember" seems to be dragging out old photo's, I thought I would continue today with a photo from 1967 --yeah, way back when!

Do you remember 'Cousin' photo's? These were photo's taken when everyone gathers at Grandma's house and one of the mom's suddenly realizes the moment should be recorded for posterity while all the cousins are together. Every mom grabs her camera and all the children are herded into the "Portrait Area" --and you end up sitting there for about 2.5 hours. At least it seemed that long--cutting into our play time! So much time spent waiting on everybody to get situated so their faces can be seen, then you wait because Cousin Id had their eyes closed, or Cousin Bud wasn't looking at the camera or Aunt Susie's camera isn't working for some reason...or whatever. You remember those days, don't you?

So here's the picture... This was taken at Christmas in 1967 as we visited my mother's family in Southern Illinois. I don't remember any other Christmas's spent with that side of the family. So I guess this WAS a special occasion. Can you figure out which one is me?



These were the Illinois cousins I grew up with. There are a few more now...but they came later --some MUCH later. My Mom and the other two of her oldest siblings each had four children. So here are 3 sets of four with Preston (middle front row) added in to the mix. Preston now has a sister and a brother. My mom also had 2 younger brothers (teenagers at the time of this picture) who each have two children very close to the ages of my brothers' children. Both my Mom AND Dad grew up in families with six children. I miss that big ol' family!

In case you didn't figure it out --or have me mixed up with my braided cousin, Leanna, I'm the bored one with the pink outfit in the front row and the oh, so fashionable headband keeping the hair out of my face--my mom was always saying "Get your hair out of your face!" If you could see me standing up, you would see that my pink corduroy pants had a huge bleach stain on my right hip. I wore them anyway, they were hand-me-downs from my Illinois cousins and I loved them!

The young man on his knees directly behind me is my very attentive, obedient brother Randy who appears to have his eyes glued open so he wouldn't have them shut for the picture!

My little brother, Alan is to Randy's right with the gray/white striped sweater. He wouldn't, in a million years, wear a sweater like that again! He does look kind of dorky! Teeheehee!

My oldest brother, Chuck, is in the back row with his eyes closed. He must have been entertaining because Cousin Ron is looking at him.

So there is one of my favorite 'Cousin' pictures. I'm so glad all the Mom's took the time and endured the headache to take it. Those were the good old days!

Stay Tuned!

Chaos Calms

The chaos of this week is behind us.

After re-entering the workforce this week and having three volleyball games, our home seems to have taken the brunt of the time crunch. Specifically, the laundry! Since that is Bex's chore and she has been as busy as I have, it got a bit behind.

So after sleeping in this morning, Bex got started on the laundry and has done a good job catching up. We'll even have clean clothes for church tomorrow..Wahoo! She got caught up enough that she could go down and ride her horse. She did a flood-water check on our road and reports that it is still about a foot deep in several areas. She enjoys splashing through it on the horse! We're thankful we have another way to get out of here --even though it takes a lot longer.

Mr. Fix-It has spent the day with a headache and hanging out on the couch. Obviously, this keeps me from doing any real 'cleaning' because it would disturb him, don't ya know! You know how loud and obnoxious 'scrubbing' can be and don't EVEN think about dusting!

After getting in bed about 9pm last night --REALLY--9pm! (Those who know me are gasping in surprise and fear thinking I must be really sick...) I think its just age and stress that sent me to bed so early. But never fear, my phone kept ringing and I talked with friends till nearly 11.

Today, I've spent most of my day sifting through my e-mails--trying to lower the count in my in-box, cleaning the kitchen, reading blogs, playing a new Mahjong game (I downloaded for FREE thanks to Borders Books) and just generally taking it easy. It's been a quiet day but my behind is tired of sitting in this office chair at the computer!

Now, it's been raining for the past 15-20 minutes...hopefully, it will stop soon.

Here's a few September to Remember pictures.




Bex and her friend loved having tea parties at Mrs. Sandra's...in her clothes, hats, shoes and gloves!





Here's a little Bex playing dress-up all by herself. At 3 years old, that little girl could put on lipstick BETTER than her mom!

I miss those days!








Stay tuned!

What a Day!

Thank you ALL for your kind birthday wishes. As it turned out, I had a very nice day.

To start my day, I didn't have to go in early with Bex...because...I started a new job today! Yep! I am now gainfully employed at an attorney's office in Tallytown.

Now you're wondering, "If she didn't ride with Bex and her car isn't fixed...how did she get to town, walk?"

Thank you for wondering...I knew you folks really cared about me and our automobile challenges! In fact, a wonderful neighbor of ours left yesterday to visit her husband in Wyoming (where he's working right now). Before she left, she offered me the use of her brand-new car while she was gone. She told me where the keys were and to take it whenever I needed.

At first, I kindly thanked her for her generosity...but said no. But after thinking about the logistics of my day today and talking it over with Mr. Fix-It, we decided to take her up on her offer. So, today, on my birthday, I was able to leave home later in the morning-- driving a spiffy new car. Ain't God Good?!!!

My new job and my new boss are a gift from God. I know He's blessing me with this! This job offers flexible hours so that I can still travel with the volleyball team, enough hours to meet my employment needs, very good starting pay and the chance to work with an old friend. What more could I ask for?

In accordance with the Truth in Blogging thingy...I have to tell you that it wasn't all berries this morning. After Bex left at 7am, I headed into the bathroom to shower and get dressed to impress for my first day! After carefully blow-drying my hair into some semblance of order, I decided to go ahead and put on my makeup... yeah, my makeup...but where is my makeup bag? OH NO!!! It's in the car with Bex. What am I going to do?

Now, I know YOU would never have a dead-makeup drawer...but I do. Clutter is my life. So I started scratching around through this drawer full of rejects --TRYING to come up with something to put on my face so I wouldn't be nekked! Just so you know...I arrived at my new job with no eyelashes and no eyebrows...but I had eyelids, cheeks and lips!

Another thing that was kind of weird...remembering that this is my first job in a LONG time...as I sat in my first conference with the new 'male' boss, two things kept running through my mind. I had trouble paying attention because of these two niggling things.

If you didn't think I was weird before...you'll KNOW for sure when I tell you the two things. Thing #1 -- Did I brush my teeth this morning? I kept running my tongue over my teeth wondering...hmmmm.... Do they look hairy?
Thing #2 -- That orange juice I had before leaving home is really, really, really starting to cause a problem...how do I delicately ask.."Um, excuse me..Could we take a time out here? Where is the Ladies Room?"

Thankfully, my friend arrived and saved the day. No embarrassing moments on my first day--except for the no eyelash or eyebrow thing!

After work, I was able to run a few errands with Bex before our volleyball game this evening. At the game, our Varsity came through in high style and very handily won their match. Thank goodness! I was worried this might be a tough evening. So much for MY faith in the team! Huh?

After the game, the team gave me a sweet little party with cookies, cupcakes and Cokes...(such creative alliteration!)

THEN, after the team party, my buddy MamaWeso treated me to dinner at Sonny's. Then on to McDonald's for ice cream. Can you beat that? Forget the food --just being able to spend a few hours with my buddy and mentor was a HUGE blessing for me!

The only drawback of our evening was not really bad...but Good...but kind of frustrating...my phone kept ringing with well-wishers. My dad and all of my brothers called (who, curiously, all wanted to talk politics with me on my birthday?), even my foster-daughter called me for the first time in months!

The frustrating thing was that MamaWeso and I had to keep remembering where we were in our conversation before the phone rang! And for gal's who are 40+ that can be terribly frustrating!!! Thankfully, she loves me and was patient and understanding as I answered the calls. Normally, I would have let them go to voice-mail -- but tonight WAS my birthday, after all!

So, I finally arrived home (in my new car) about 11:30pm and the dogs just about attacked me because they didn't recognize me! I had to talk really fast as I got out of the car. They aren't very smart -- so it took a minute or so for them to figure out it was just me!

It has really blessed my heart to read all your sweet comments. Although points were offered for all the hard work I did by scanning all the old photo's -- I must admit that I did not scan a single one! I simply copied Lea's idea and took digital photo's of them all -- then posted them. I do believe I should get the points anyway because you all 'thought' they were scanned!

I'm also awarding myself a huge 100 point bonus because Grandmama from DanceMommy's blog posted a comment on mine!!!! Woohoo!!! I've never met Grandmama, but I LOVE the sweet, encouraging comments she leaves on her daughter's blog. I'm thinking my mom would have done the same. Thanks, Grandmama!!!

So for our bloggy contest -- A September to Remember -- I'm remembering today that I am loved. Thank you.

Stay tuned!

Happy Birthday To....ME!

This wasn't the post I had planned for today... but since Bex let the cat out of the proverbial bag (see Lea...I can use big words, too!) I decided to thrill you all with pictures of when I was quite a bit cuter than I am today.

I know you are all asking the question..."How OLD are you?" Well, as much as I'm into the Truth in Blogging rules...I'll just say, I'm 40-something -- and if you gave me $1/year, you wouldn't get much change from a $50!

So with that little tidbit... here are a few cutie pictures.

This is the first picture of me. Not a very good one, I might add. You can't see how cute I am...but you can see my tiny little feet! But this is precious to me because it was taken when they brought me home from the hospital. There's another one ...somewhere... of both my brothers checking me out. They were both in their underwear...so it's probably best not to post it here for the world. My wonderful Grandmama (my Dad's mother) is holding me. She came from Bronson, FL to help out. Her youngest child at the time was 6 years old--so her being here must have been quite a sacrifice!


Obviously, this really 'real' looking Santa didn't faze me. My brothers didn't look like they were terribly happy. It looks like we were all ready to bolt!









Here, I think I was about a year old. ==>




This is an Easter picture circa 1963. I was about 3 1/2. I remember the purse. My mom made my dress. She also put ribbons all around this plastic basket thingy, lined it and added the silk rose. She was handy like that.







This picture was taken while visiting relatives in S. Illinois, the summer after first grade. In fact, my Aunt Barb made that dress for me that morning...then we went to Anna-Jonesboro for her kids to have their piano lessons. We (I cropped my brother out of the picture...LOL!) were standing in front of a monument commemorating one of the Lincoln-Douglas debates held there.

I broke my arm during the last week of school. I wore that stinky cast all summer. I broke one bone and bent the other. I went to the doctor for over a year for free because he wanted to see if it would heal properly. It didn't. My arm is still crooked. I'll show it to you one day, if you promise not to laugh. I broke my arm doing flips over the bleacher rails at Messer Park while my dad was playing softball. He was not impressed with my tumbling.


This was Brownies in 2nd grade. I remember getting my picture taken at Mendelson's at the Northwood Mall. Have you lived in Tallytown long enough to remember that store? It was kind of pre-Gayfers. THE place to shop. The store downtown on Monroe Street had burned (I was there that day...BEFORE it caught on fire...NO! It wasn't me! But I remember the elevator that took you up to the little girls department.)



Can you believe two pictures with hats? I normally don't DO hats. Why would I choose these two weird ones like these? Obviously, neither was my choice.

I never really understood the reason or history of mortar boards. I think its just a really sly way of making graduates look dorky. Mission accomplished!






Ahhh....but then I grew up and met Mr. Fix-It --and even wore another hat, of sorts. He sure cleans up good! I'll have more wedding pix for our anniversary later this month. The dress design is post-Dianna...with the big sleeves...IF, ya know what I mean!





Then, nearly 10 years later our life changed drastically. This was the first time I was able to hold Bex--about 8 hours after she was born...before they took her to the NICU. I didn't get to hold her again for TWO days!!!





If you blow this picture up, you will see that we are real homeschoolers. This is our dining room. Complete with computer on the table; maps, skeletons, art-work and Bible verses on the wall...REALLY!


This picture was taken a few years ago at a Mother's Day Tea at our church. Bex on the left, Krystal (our foster-daughter) in the middle, with Meggy on the right. The lady in front is Mrs. Becky, our dear, sweet friend. We've adopted each other. I'll probably blog about her one day this month...so I'll leave it at that!


Of course, here is me and my precious Bex. One of the better things I've done with my life --with God's guidance.

So, there is my 40-something retrospective. Sorry, I never had big hair--except with a perm...but those pictures are buried very, very deep somewhere. But I can show you a BUNCH more 'flat' hair, if you'd like!

As I've said before, I'm a blessed woman!
Happy Birthday to ME!

My Dear Destini

Before I get into today's September to Remember post... For Contest Purposes: I want to clarify that the post about my brother Beau was supposed to be dated September 2. I had already posted for September 1 -- but somehow with all the formatting glitches, the 2nd ended up on the same day. So...FOR THE RECORD...(whomever is keeping the RECORD), I have posted each day...so far! (For those keeping score, because of the glitches, I'm awarding myself 25 points just for the frustration level...)

I finally figured out how to go back and fix it, and I have. So now, if you're curious and look back at the dates you'll think I'm a crazy person (which I am) for putting the paragraph above... just trying to adhere to the truth in blogging rule....

Thank you.

Now, on to today's post.

~~~~~~<>< ~~~~~<><~~~~~~~<><~~~~~~~

Today I want to tell you about my niece, Destini. She is celebrating her 24th birthday today.

I remember the day she was born very well.

Back in 1984, Mr. Fix-It and I lived in Havana in a single-wide mobile home. We had only lived there for a few months.

Early one morning, before I had even gotten up to dress for work, there was a terrible banging on our back door. I jumped up, threw on my robe and went to find out what the commotion was all about. Or maybe Mr. Fix-It answered the door...but I was right there, I'm sure. Does it matter?

Anyway, we opened the door to find one of our neighbors from across the street. He said, "Your brother is on the telephone and needs to talk to you." (Can you believe, in 1984 we didn't even have a telephone? We had moved in a few months before and had not saved up enough money to have one installed, yet. Now, we even have cell phones and I can't imagine being without one…but you do strange things when you're young and newly married!)

Since Mr. Fix-It does not have a brother, I knew it must be one of mine. So I ran across the street to talk to my brother on the neighbor's telephone. It was my brother Randy, telling us the good news that he was a proud daddy of a baby girl. He couldn't have been happier! A Daddy at long last.

Happy Birthday, Destini!

Since my brother's family lived way down south, it was quite a while before we got to see this little beauty-I really don't even know how long it actually was.

I do remember that every time you would see Destini, she would be in a different outfit. I'm not sure she ever wore the same one twice! When she and her parents would visit for Christmas or whatever holiday at Granddaddy's, she would be bathed several times during the day and her outfit changed. Dirty was not in her Mom's vocabulary.

For church or special occasions, Destini was always decked out in ruffles and finery. Her Mom's choice -not necessarily Destini's. Now, I wonder if you could even wrestle her into something with ruffles!
(Sorry about the spots on the picture...must be that non-archival plastic!)








I remember she had (has) the most beautiful, thick, rich dark brown hair. As a child she always wore it long, long with bangs. Everybody said she reminded them of ME as a little girl! Growing up, I did wear my hair long with bangs and we both had that ever present sprinkling of freckles!


Oops! How did that get in there? That's me in 3rd grade...does she look like me?

=====>

This is obviously one of her prom pictures...nope, no ruffles there!











This is Destini with her family a few years ago. She's so grown up!







Now, Destini is in her 2nd year as a school teacher. She teaches English and is going back to school herself to get her Master's Degree. It only took a few months of teaching to let her know that being a classroom teacher was not what she wanted to do for the rest of her life!










Last November she married her red-neck beau, Wes. He likes to hunt. He fits right in with our family.






Stay tuned.

It's Brother Beau, Don't Ya Know!

Today is my brother, Beau’s, birthday. He’s 26 today!

Beau is the youngest child in my Dad’s 2^nd family. Beau is the 4^th living son. (We have one full-term brother in Heaven.)

I remember (you know there’s a contest going on!) when Beau was born –two days before my wedding shower in my hometown. My step-mother, Bobbie and ladies from the church I grew up in were hosting it.

p>

As it turns out, Beau was the youngest person at my wedding shower. His mother got out of the hospital that morning and was at my shower that afternoon. Did I tell you she was tough? Maybe she was just committed. I really appreciated her grit and determination.

p>

Beau was also the youngest person at our wedding. He was three weeks old at the time. This is good because it helps me to remember his age.

Beau has a nephew and a niece older than he is—and many just a few years younger. This little tidbit made for some very interesting conversations trying to get all those family-ties organized when he was younger. Poor Beau, he has 14 nieces and nephews, yet none of them call him “Uncle Beau.” Maybe when our sister, Mandy, starts having children, he’ll finally feel like a real uncle!

Here's Beau at about 10. He was a mess, then. Okay...I guess many would say he's still a mess.

This is Beau's Senior picture. He graduated back in 2001.

Here's Beau and 3 of his nephews at Christmas Eve festivities in 2004. Beau is the tallest...he sort of stands out. The two on the left are brothers. The baldy in the striped shirt is Charlie, the first-born grandson and now ex-Marine. He's four years older than Beau.

This picture was taken at my niece's wedding. Just as the rest of the men in my family...he's displaying his pyro-maniac tendencies.

A recent picture of Beau and his crazy dogs.








Beau and a 'nameless' friend.

So, at 26 and 6’7”, Beau is grown up –for the most part. He’s still a handsome bachelor —so you know he’s not “really” grown up! A few years ago, we thought he was close to settling down, but that was not to be. He’s quite an entrepreneur and likes to run his own show…so that might be a big stumbling block for relationships. Never let it be said that any of my brothers aren’t hard-headed and stubborn to the nth degree! I believe all my sister-in-law’s would agree.

Fortunately, being the only girl during our growing-up years, I didn’t inherit all the hard-headed stubbornness that seem to entangle the men in my family. (You believe this, right?) Unlike my brothers, I’m very humble and pliant and submissive…ask Mr. Fix-It!!!

Happy Birthday, Beau!

Stay Tuned!

A September to Remember

Happy September, everyone! This month, my bloggy friend, Lea over at 'Blog It All' is hosting a contest of sorts entitled "A September to Remember." The winner gets Blackberry Grits.

September is really starting out with a BANG! at Lonesome Pine this year. Well, I guess it’s really more like a bang! The Gustav frenzy has had our internet out for the past two days…so I was starting to get a bit jumpy around here. I was afraid Mr. Fix-It was going to send me to computer de-tox. It also doesn’t help that I woke up with a headache, then proceeded to up-chuck my breakfast. Maybe that's TMI, but I hope I’m not coming down with the flu. Just to be sure, I've stayed in bed most of the day...you know...saving up my energy for the busy week ahead.

No matter, I have to push all that aside so that I can win this here bloggy contest and enjoy some Blackberry Grits at Lea’s house. Although I’ve never even MET Lea, I have it on good authority that I don’t want to miss the grits!

So, I’ll start off my ‘Remembering’ telling you about one of my very first memories in life.

Merthiolate.

Any of you remember this particular method of torture? This stuff came in a little brown bottle and when painted on a wound it left a bright red stain that stayed for days. The wound felt like it was on fire! Supposedly, it was an antiseptic, I think. It was banned by the FDA in the 1990's because of the Thimerosal in it. Too bad it was about 30 something years too late!

According to my Dad, I was riding in the front seat with him on our way home one day --long before baby car seats and seat-belts. Apparently, I was messing with the passenger side door. As Daddy made a sharp left turn, the door flew open with my little 3-year old self dangling precariously over the pavement; hanging onto the door's armrest for dear life. The toes of both my feet dragging on the pavement.

I don’t remember the wild car ride. I DO remember being held down and Merthiolate being applied to my scraped up toes whilst I cried. I remember my sweet Mama blowing on them as hard as she could to stop the burning. No amount of blowing relieved that burn.

I guess that was the treatment of the day and I guess it worked to keep my toes from being infected, since I still have them attached to my foot; but I vowed right then and there that I would NEVER do that to MY children!!!

So, now you know about my very FIRST memory. Too bad it couldn’t have been a sweet one. Thankfully, they get better.

(Thus ends my first 'short' post...I'm trying to do better!)

Stay tuned.