Oh You Beautiful Doll

Once upon a time I had a sweet baby doll (just a mere FORTY years ago.)
I loved her, and she loved me.
Actually, I loved her to death.
Sooooo, thanks to EBAY I have bought a replacement.
(because I didn't wait until the perfect match came along,
I first bought two little ones that were close)

Close but not exact.

Isn't she precious?
She has no tears, no clothes, and needs a bath.
I am in love.
My old one was named Suzy, this will be Suzy II.
Welcome Suzy:).
{if you know of any one interested in two small Horsman 1970ish dolls let me know}

Rainy Monday...

Brian Cronin illustration

Its raining today, and has been, and will be, on and off all week. Personally I love the rain. Nice cool, stormless rain. But we are waterlogged. After all when it rains it pours.

So, I should be cleaning house. bleh. After all I'm only babysitting one kid today, and he's napping... I can't go do the things in the yard or shed I need to do...I'm caught up on Farmtown, Farmville, and other Facebook games...

I'll feel better when I have it done right? Right????

Oh, well, off I go...hi ho, hi ho, its off to (do house) work I go...bleh

Where In The World Is BILBO?? Lake Fork, Texas!!

Today's Show And Tell will be by World Renowned Blog Star Bilbo.

Hello from the Lone Star State, where EVERYTHING, including ant hills, is bigger!!

Fresh from my visit in the state of Florida (state most left bottom of map),
where I partied with Darla of the More Family and Flowers blog,

I arrived re-freshed and ready to go!

Texas, the Lone Star State, USofA is a large state with something for everyone.
West Texas has its desert area...

The top of Texas, also known as the Panhandle, is very prairie.

This area is known as the Hill Country, San Antonio, Houston, Austin area.
Austin is the capital, it and west Texas,
is the area most people think of when they think Texas.

Then there is the coast, great beach frontage.

Don't forget the Metroplex, Dallas Fort Worth area!!

But, I was headed to East Texas.
The Piney Woods.
The Lake Area of Texas.

VERY Piney!!
See me in the top right pic???

No, not BIG A*S, it says BIG BASS!

Lots of longhorn cows and buffalo.
(Milk cows too, but trust me the fields were so muddy and nasty,
you DO NOT want to see them)

Love this tree...

Trust me, I don't need a sign to relax and enjoy!!

Ahhhhh, lake life....
Almost every town, big or small has its own lake...
I could sit out here all day...
I make this look good...

Gift time!!
A gentleman always gifts the hostess, and gift I did!!
Thanks to Darla for helping with these treats!!
The first night we gathered around the fire light,
and I told my new friends all about my travels all over the world...
Of course, they were spell bound...

Everyday, I had tea time with the local ladies.
They couldn't get enough of me...
(Ladies, you know you are each so special to me...)

I had the whole guest house to myself...

Perfect for this Super Star...
(BIG thanks to Darla's daughter for the wonderful pillow)

Due to almost non-stop rain, and flooding, and loss of Internet access,
my stay was extended,
and I was upgraded to the castle quarters.
I'll say the castle is the way to go!!

Thank goodness I arrived!!!
These people SO needed my help!!!
I organized the meals-on-wheels...
(had BIG fun hanging out with our helper Kim!!
Kim, love ya girl!!! (said in Tex-speak))

I used my gardening skills to help the lady of the house make much progress on FarmTown and FarmVille...

I led the grands in filling and organizing the new sewing chair.

Very comfortable by the way...

The lady of the house and I 'tour'da'yard',
and I was able to give her valuable info,
and ideas for improvements ...

I suggested the grands paint these squash for Halloween,
sorry I won't be there for the final product.

We checked things at dirt level.

Trust me, I know dirt...

I suggested the blocks were added to the fall decorations,

Much, much, better...

"Boo"

I spent time with Queen Uno.
She is a lovely monarch.
Such beauty and grace.
We discussed world matters.
I know she really has benefited from my wisdom.

I feel like my mission here is accomplished.
Where in the World will Bilbo go next???


Declaration:
This blog post has been reviewed and approved by Queen Uno.

~Long Live the Queen~

Thank you so much to the Dirt Princess for this!!! So much fun!!! Due to almost non-stop rain, local flooding, and loss of internet (ugh), the Bilbo post was delayed. If you would like this fellow to visit you, say so in your comment and I will draw Sunday, in order to mail out Monday!!
To find out more about Bilbo, check out April, the Dirt Princess, at Trials and Tribulations of a Southern Gardener!!

Have a great weekend!!!!
Go to My Romantic Home for more Show and Tell today:)
Check out Camera Critters to join in or see others:)

Bilbo Rules:

RULES
#1) COPY & PASTE these rules into your post on Bilbo if you receive him. The post must be titled WHERE IN THE WORLD IS BILBO: (your city). If everyone copies the rules, then the person you send it to will know what to do. If each post is titled the same, we can keep track of Bilbo and follow him on his adventure. PLEASE do not forget to copy and paste these rules into your post if you receive Bilbo.
#2) In order to participate you MUST leave a comment on the post about Bilbo with the blogger that has him. That blogger will draw names from the people who left comments on that post. Once the winner is selected Bilbo will be on his way to see your garden.
#3) When you receive Bilbo please take a photo (or photos) of him in your garden as well as a photo of yourself with Bilbo.
#4) Rules are linked to http://northmobilegardensociety.blogspot.com/ . Please leave a comment on The Dirt Princess' page so she can keep track of him and let other bloggers know where Bilbo is, and post where bloggers can see his latest travel.
#5) Please try to get Bilbo out the door as quickly as you possibly can. If at all possible please try not to keep him more than 7 days. We want to get him to as many places as we can in 6 months.
#6) Bilbo will travel for 6 months, April 21, 2009- October 21, 2009. If you have Bilbo at the end of this 6 month time frame, you will ship him back to the Dirt Princess at http://northmobilegardensociety.blogspot.com/.
#7) When Bilbo arrives back with the Dirt Princess, there will be a great post letting everyone know where Bilbo has been, when he visited as well as links to the bloggers posts that had Bilbo.
#8) There will be a list enclosed with Bilbo for each blogger to sign once they receive Bilbo. That list will be sent back to the Dirt Princess.
#9) Should anyone have any questions please contact Dirt Princess at
http://northmobilegardensociety.blogspot.com/.
#10) The blogger that is has possession of Bilbo is responsible for shipping him to the next blogger. Please handle him with care. He is ceramic.
#11) Bilbo may be shipped to countries outside the United States. We want everyone to join in on the fun!
#12) If you would like to throw in a little something with Bilbo to ship the next blogger, please feel free. Add to the excitement. See what Bilbo brings you when he arrives at your door step.

"Sway"

Sway
Artist: Dean Martin


When marimba rhythms start to play
Dance with me, make me sway
Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore
Hold me close, sway me more

Like a flower bending in the breeze
Bend with me, sway with ease
When you dance you have a way with me
Stay with me, sway with me

Other dancers may be on the floor
Dear, but my eyes will see only you
Only you have that magic technique
When we sway I go weak

I can hear the sound of violins
Long before it begins
Make me thrill as only you know how
Sway me smooth, sway me now
~
Other dancers may be on the floor
Dear, but my eyes will see only you
Only you have that magic technique
When we sway I go weak

I can hear the sound of violins
Long before it begins
Make me thrill as only you know how
Sway me smooth, sway me now

When marimba rhythms starts to play
Dance with me, make me sway
Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore
Hold me close, sway me more

Like a flower bending in the breeze
Bend with me, sway with ease
When we dance you have a way with me
Stay with me, sway with me

When marimbas start to play
Hold me close, make me sway
Like an ocean hugs the shore
Hold me close sway me more

Like a flower bending in the breeze
Bend with me, sway with ease
When we dance you have a way with me
Stay with me, sway with me

Today, I am thankful for my hubby.

"Memory"

Midnight
Not a sound from the pavement
Has the moon lost her memory
She is smiling alone
In the lamplight the withered leaves collect at my feet
And the wind begins to moan
Memory
All alone in the moonlight
I can smile at the old days
It was beautiful then
I remember the time I knew what happiness was
Let the memory live again
Daylight
I must wait for the sunrise
I must think of a new life
And I mustn't give in
When the dawn comes tonight will be a memory too
And the new day will begin
Burnt out ends of smokey days
The stale cold smell of morning
The streetlamp dies
Another night is over
Another day is dawning
Touch me
It's so easy to leave me
All alone with the memory
Of my day in the sun
If you touch me you'll understand what happiness is
Look a new day has begun
Memory
All alone in the moonlight
I can smile at the old days
It was beautiful then
I remember the time I knew what happiness was
Let the memory live again

~Just Because I Feel Like It Today~

Texas Witt

Forget Rednecks, here is what Jeff Foxworthy has to say about folks > > from Texas .

If someone in a Lowe's store offers you assistance and they don't
work there, you may live in Texas.

If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you may live in Texas.

If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who
dialed a wrong number, you may live in Texas.

If 'Vacation' means going anywhere south of Dallas for the weekend, you may live in Texas.

If you measure distance in hours, you may live in Texas.

If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you may live in Texas.

If you install security lights on your house and garage, but leave
both unlocked, you may live in Texas.

If you carry jumper cables in your car and your wife knows how to
use them, you may live in Texas.

If the speed limit on the highway is 55 mph -- you're going 80 and
everybody is passing you, you may live in Texas.

If you find 60 degrees 'a little chilly', you may live in Texas.


Need a vacation? Here is a list of actual places to travel to in
Texas:

Need to be cheered up?
Happy, Texas 79042
Pep, Texas 79353
Smiley, Texas 78159
Paradise, Texas 76073
Rainbow, Texas 76077
Sweet Home, Texas 77987
Comfort, Texas 78013
Friendship, Texas 76530

Love the Sun?
Sun City, Texas 78628
Sunrise, Texas 76661
Sunset, Texas 76270
Sundown, Texas 79372
Sunray, Texas 79086
Sunny Side, Texas 77423

Want something to eat?
Bacon, Texas 76301
Noodle, Texas 79536
Oatmeal, Texas 78605
Turkey, Texas 79261
Trout, Texas 75789
Sugar Land , Texas 77479
Salty, Texas 76567
Rice, Texas 75155
And top it off with:
Sweetwater, Texas 79556

Why travel to other cities? Texas has them all!
Detroit, Texas 75436
Colorado City, Texas 79512
Denver City, Texas 79323
Nevada, Texas 75173
Memphis, Texas 79245
Miami, Texas 79059
Boston, Texas 75570
Santa Fe, Texas 77517
Tennessee Colony, Texas 75861
Reno, Texas 75462

Feel like traveling outside the country? Don't bother buying a
plane ticket!
Athens, Texas 75751
Canadian, Texas 79014
China, Texas 77613
Egypt, Texas 77436
Turkey, Texas 79261
London , Texas 76854
New London, Texas 75682
Paris, Texas 75460

No need to travel to Washington D.C.
Whitehouse, Texas 75791

We even have a city named after our planet!
Earth, Texas 79031

And a city named after our State!
Texas City, Texas 77590

Exhausted?
Energy, Texas 76452

Cold?
Blanket, Texas 76432
Winters, Texas

Like to read about History?
Santa Anna, Texas
Goliad, Texas
Alamo, Texas
Gun Barrel City, Texas

Need Office Supplies?
Staples, Texas 78670

Men are from Mars, woman are from
Venus, Texas 76084

You guessed it... it's on the state line...
Texline, Texas 79087

For the kids...
Kermit, Texas 79745
Elmo, Texas 75118
Nemo, Texas 76070
Tarzan, Texas 79783
Winnie, Texas 77665
Sylvester, Texas 79560

Other city names in Texas, to make you smile..... :
Frognot, Texas 75424
Bigfoot, Texas 78005
Hogeye, Texas 75423
Cactus, Texas 79013
Notrees, Texas 79759
Best, Texas 76932
Veribest, Texas 76886
Kickapoo, Texas 75763
Dime Box, Texas
Telephone, Texas 75488
Telegraph, Texas 76883
Whiteface, Texas 79379
Twitty, Texas 79079
The Anti-Al Gore City
Kilgore, Texas 75662


P.S. Whoops, left out
Muleshoe
Cut'n shoot,
Hoot And Holler,
Ding Dong, and don't forget......
Farewell, Texas

And, of course, there is a place in Texas that is......
KNOTT, TEXAS

Great Advice!

Email from Gail of At the Farm:
This is something we should all read at least once a week

Written By Regina Brett, 50 years old, of The Plain Dealer,
Cleveland, Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught
me..
It is the most-requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 50 in August, so here is the column once more:


1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone...

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick.
Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument.
Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone.
It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others.
You have no idea what their
journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.
But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath.
It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood.
But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.
Don't save it for a special occasion.
Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now.
Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words
'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone, everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything.
Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously.
No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life.
Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time.
You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Amen!
This is for my Thankful Thursday today. May we see God's blessings today, no matter what.

Thankful Thursday Hosted by Grace Alone

Vote For Happy Cow: April

Loving those ducks!!!

"Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"

Seriously the loveliest Twinkle Twinkle I have ever heard (or seen)

Vote For Happy Cow: Jenn

I know this mother:)

A Life Well Lived: Taylor Brothers

Oh that I was a poet...


And had the words to describe a life lived their own way...
To speak of the brothers...


Herman...


And Aubrey...


Living in the ways of their forefathers...


In modern days...


Always seen together,
in overalls,
driving 20 miles a hour in their new pickup truck...


Or sitting on the porch of the home place...


A life lived their own way,
at their own pace,
leaving behind a silent legacy...

Of a life well lived...
The Taylor Brothers.
Aubrey 1910-2000
Herman 1907-1986

At the suggestion of my brother, we prowled through this family place, mostly trash is left, with peeling wallpaper, broken windows, and exposed wood, and in each room, the personal clothing hanging on the walls. One room with the name tag of Herman, one room with the many name tags of Aubrey, one room with overalls.
So many questions these men could have answered, so much wisdom they could have shared...Had I asked...