POTW ~ HOME

HOME is...

more about a feeling than an actual location or structure...a place of comfort, warmth and peace...
a gathering place for those we love...our Heart Space...familiar sights and smells...welcoming to friends and strangers...a place of spirit, love and laughter...a warm embrace...a kindly smile...food for body and soul...where we hang our hats...take off our shoes...sort our sorrows and multiply our JOY!

Mostly Wordless Wednesday - Halloween Part II

"Meech" and "Ree Ree" approximate ages 7 and 5...

Sisters...then and now...still playing dress ups!!!

Ree Ree still has a little gypsy in her (smile, I love that) Meech is dancing again, however not in a unitard (she is taking Hip Hop classes, I love that) Fall Festival Saturday - I know of one little girl that will probably, most likely, definitely be a PRINCESS of some sort!

P.S. Michelle...I am still looking for the Rug Indian costume...who knows what I may find!!! BEWARE...hehehehe...love you girls...mean it!

Salutations is my fancy way of saying hello

“The means to gain happiness is to throw out from oneself like a spider in all directions an adhesive web of love, and to catch in it all that comes" Leo Tolstoy







Chin up, chin up / Everybody loves a happy face / Wear it, share it / It'll brighten up the darkest place / Twinkle, sparkle / Let a little sunshine in / You'll be on the right side, looking at the bright side / Up with your chinny-chin-chin. Charlotte "Charlotte's Web" 1973

As I climbed from my car I noticed this spider wrapping some food storage. I leaned in as close as I dared, hoping not to disturb it...which brought quite a smile to my face...it seems only a few years ago that my brothers could back me into a corner shrieking whilst holding the smallest spider in their hands.

I love Autumn. It is a time for reflection and quietness. A time before the barrage of holiday activities begins...it is also a time of great melancholy as it signals a season of loss...remembrance of those that have left this life...try as I might I am unable to shake the "blues" at this time of year. My feelings go into hyper sensitive drive and I find I must have time alone to brood and sort myself out. I spent the greater part of a weekend wrapped in a quilt not feeling "well"
And sort myself out I did indeed. During a period of "unrest" I must strive extra diligently to express gratitude and appreciation...

so today I am extremely grateful for

• loving family and friends
• the beauty of all I see around me
• yummy homemade broccoli soup for lunch
• the slight chill in the air
• the anticipation of cooler weather
• a very special wedding in a few weeks
• baby toes
• haircuts and restoration of my natural color
• the weight of Moe kitty sleeping on our feet
• Duncan shivering with anticipation over a doggie treat
• sweaters and jeans and scarves
• riding with the top down (the car's top)
• HONEYCRISP APPLES - the tart sweetness and the sound of the crunch
• soon to be started major art project
• knitting
• the satisfaction of canning some holiday pepper jelly
• the smell from bread baking

and I must express sincerest thanks to Robin at Bird Tweets for the most beautiful "gift of jewels" card...it made my day!

Loose Lemon's New Addition or Best Laid Plans Part Deux

That's it folks...I heretofore give up on any plans I may make today or in the foreseeable future!
How many errands did I have to take care of after work on Wednesday? Where did I end up instead? This is the culprit...

This little "pest" was found near the warehouses in our shop yard. A shivering ball of wet fur. He spent a great part of the day under my desk and wrapped around my feet or Carl's feet. My husband looks at me, like, Honey, PLEASE...and I am emphatically shaking my head and saying NO, NO...NO...NO! After many sad looks from my son in law, he calls the animal shelters...well now you know the rest of the story. Before I could blink my eyes, the son in law is preparing a box with towels for me to take puppy home (also promising he will fix the gates at my house) and I am calling our vet. Puppy, who is still nameless, is ensconced in Villa Loose Lemons. Moe Kitty has been checking him out and he is not sure about the invader. Darling Husband and I had to reassure a needy Moe (what's up with that, cats are NOT needy)

Ball of fur is not yet named...suggestions welcomed (I am terrible at naming pets) I am thinking maybe Dugan or Duncan. I wanted to call him Satchmo, however I am afraid that would be shortened to Moe and confusion would reign. FYI, the vet thinks HE is about 6 weeks old, he still has a lot of blue in his eyes and that he is a lab maybe chow mix (his tail curls)

He slept in the laundry room under a blanket and a pile of "dirty" towels. He had a big day and was so tired last night. This morning he was frisky and ready to play!

How does this "stuff" keep happening to me? I am changing my name to push over!!!

So what do you think his name should be? The puppy not the husband!

P.S. The grand darlings were delighted that we have a puppy. Michelle, Kevin, the kids and Heather all came by the house to greet the newest member of the family.

Balancing Act

Life is such a huge balancing act. Time and time again I am hearing from friends of their frenetic, busy lives. Time to cut back on something...many say they spend too much time on-line and the first place they look to cut back is on their blog posts. In the beginning I posted three times a week. Currently, I am sporadic, posting anywhere from once a week to three times a week. I suspect that some of the social/networking sites are partially responsible...for others life is so full of things that MUST be done. In between the MUST BE DONES are we taking time to be nice to ourselves? Are we taking time to do the things we most enjoy?

(flock of blackbirds frantically taking off en masse - this was a pure frenzy!!!!)

I no longer have children at home...an empty nester I am...Am I less busy...NO...for now I work full time and have aging in laws with serious illness and a mother that does not drive. One of my blog buddies from across the Atlantic tells the tales of shopping with her elderly rellies and being the parent of a teenager with her hilarious British humor. Others tell of their exploits of moving, sick children and the myriad trials of everyday life with great aplomb. Everyone has a full life. Are we busy LIVING it or are we surviving day to day doing what is necessary to get to the next thing. How is your TO DO list stacking up? Do you consistently add way more than you can possibly do in one day, one week or one month. I DO!!! In an e-seminar given by Christine Kane, she suggested that I spend 15 minutes each morning and choose the three most important items that needed priority that day and focus on those three items. Also to plan the day in my mind before taking off running at top speed. It works. Instead of feeling frustrated by the items not checked off...I feel productive and less stressed. She also suggests being "bodaciously" nice to yourself. For example, buy yourself flowers (I have kept flowers on my desk since around 1979)

I had a little medical procedure on Monday, so naturally Tuesday was full steam ahead...catch up day, if you will. My friend, Jayne invited me to attend a Kershaw County Show Choir Concert on Tuesday evening. At one point I was feeling too tired to even think of going out that night. My daughter called and asked if I was going to the concert as well. I am so glad I took a deep breath, freshened up a bit, picked up Michelle and met Jayne. The concert was absolutely fabulous with singing and dancing performed by students of three schools in the county. Several of the choir members also attend our church and we felt it important to support them in this endeavor. Another bonus to a great evening... Jayne, Laresa, Michelle and I enjoyed ice cream sundaes and much laughter afterwards. Michelle announced on her blog that EVERYONE should have ice cream for supper at least once a week! I agree...it was decadent!!!

Yes, we have jobs. Yes, we have children or aging parents. Yes, we must shop, eat and cook.

Yes, we must maintain our homes. Between all the yesses we must strike a balance...say only YES to those things that are truly important, to those people that are truly special, to the events that give us joy...LIVE instead of SURVIVE.

P.S. The first picture is of Carl's daughter Brandi jumping out of an airplane in combat gear! The rest were taken in various places by me.

As the Days of Our Lives Turn Around the World

Natalie of CurlyWurlyGurly fame has thrown down a challenge for the rest of the mere mortals.

She has suggested a themed posting for our otherwise manic or marginal or magical Mondays. My title gives little hint as to the theme...give up...SOAP OPERAS!!! The Sassy Ladies of Blogdom are a clever, amusing and resourceful group with a dash of competitiveness thrown in for good measure. I am a good sport so I'll play along.

Yes, my name is Connie and I have watched soap operas. It began innocently enough with my SAHM (stay at home mom)...during my middle school and high school years I would come home, get a snack and watch General Hospital with Mom....during the Summer, I would watch Days of Our Lives too. Time to graduate, figure out what to do with your life etc. and soap operas are not thought of in a very long time. Fast forward to the 8th month of pregnancy with daughter #2 , yep while daughter #1 was napping I partook of the daily drama that is soap opera land.

Fast forward a bit more, between all nighters with a baby and chasing a toddler around I was feeling frazzled, frenzied and frumpy. Picture a light bulb above my head...I will dress up like they always do on my "soaps" As morning dawned, hot rollers were stuck in my head, make up applied and a lovely satinesque blouse with ruffles was donned. It was the eighties, after all so everything was a bit overdone. I put on large dangly earrings and affixed a giant rhinestone brooch to my blouse. Feeling good and ready to tackle the day. Daughter # 1 says I want pancakes for breakfast, yes dear. Mommy you look pretty...can we go play in the sandbox, want to go swing in the hammock, FINGER PAINT? Daughter # 2 (a mere babe) YAK!!! I don't think soap opera moms play outside or finger paint. Can you imagine the dry cleaning bills? Soap opera moms have someone else to change diapers and wipe up puke. Soap opera moms don't wear sweat pants not even to work out their glorious bodies. Soap opera moms have matchy matchy outfits to wear to the gym or tennis court. Soap opera moms aren't cleaning up after kittens, dogs and rabbits. Or picking green beans with their children in the 100 degree heat of the South. That time is so fleeting and days were filled with the more important function of teaching and entertaining my children.

In the days of "DVRing", Tivo etc. I could easily record soap operas...as an empty nester I have the time to watch them...what is lacking is desire...I'd rather be a participate in my somewhat frenzied, frazzled sometimes frumpy life than to watch the drama of a made up life. Real life is messy, disappointing...real life is REAL, beautiful, joyful and dramatic enough for this gal!

P.S. Besides after 20 years you can tune in and pick up the story line...Have fun...I am going to create something!!!

Change for Chad

CHAD - Charitable Hands Are Divine
Date: Monday, April 20, 2009
Time: 5:30pm - 6:45pm
Location: City Hall
Street: 1737 Main Street
City/Town: Columbia, SC

Five years ago returning to college, Chad was in a fatal automobile accident. In rememberance of their eldest son, Bobby and Lisa Radvansky started an organization called "Charitable Hands Are Divine" , the acronymn being CHAD. The goal of "CHAD" was to create scholarships, to create a desire in people to perform acts of kindness and to become involved in their communities. Lisa assists others suffering from tragic events in their lives. Bobby is always on hand to lend a hand. Recently Bobby, (Bob to some) was on a local radio station and the "interview" lent itself to creating a larger vision for the community on a much grander scale than the Lugoff-Elgin, Camden area. I would encourage you to attend the meeting tomorrow evening as I think some great things are about to happen. The mayor of Columbia is on board and wants to see individuals show more kindness to one another...to help their neighbors...after all, we ARE our brothers keepers.

I remember Chad as a polite young man I taught in Sunday School. My daughters remember Chad as fine looking, charismatic, fun guy to hang out with at church and other activities. I am supporting this effort in rememberance of Chad and because Bobby and Lisa are wonderful friends with a great vision! Life is Good...let us all help our "brothers" along the path! Hope to see you tomorrow evening!

Celebration

After attending church and children taking naps we celebrated...

For "Ree Ree's" 25th birthday, she requested the bunny cake from her childhood...go figure!

I haven't made THE "bunny" cake in...oh...about 20 years! It took a LOT of icing to hold that silly rabbit together. My Mom tinted the coconut for the grass! I thought the cake was rather cute...til a couple of boys put jelly beans everywhere. One would have to get very creative indeed to top CurlyWurlyGurly's Easter Repast ...I shall say no more, you have to see that for yourself, in addition the "Curly Gurl" painted some lovely eggs and Curly invited the s.l.o.b.s. poolside for some Florida fun! Thanks CWG!!!

I painstakingly decorated the Easter Egg Tree...several grandchildren whom shall remain nameless have redecorated it several times...much to my OCD chagrin...oh well, at least it was fun!

Michelle, Heather and Lindsey before the blowing out of the "trick" sparkler candles

P.S. Lindsey is expecting Baby # 3 in September!

Ree Ree gets a little help from the boys! The trick candles did not re-light as often as I hoped for...however did sparkle and crackle quite nicely. After dinner and cake eating...on to the eggstravaganza...Good Times for All!

Many eggs were found filled with candy, toys and dollar bills! Hunter always gives his dollar to MiMi...(great grandma)

Happy 25th Birthday Baby Girl!

Happy 25th Birthday "Ree Ree". You have brought such joy and adventure into our lives! Our bargain hunter, shopper, bungee jumping, parasailing wonder...where did you get that sense of adventure? You always love to have a good time!!!

"Ree Ree" and "Meech" (also know as Shellie Poo) circa 1984ish

Sullivans Island near Charleston, SC...

St. Augustine, Florida (with Katharin and me in one of my jumpers)

Any beach is still one of your favorite places to be...actually I think you just love water! You couldn't stand it when your sister and cousins would swim in the "deep" end...so you jumped off a diving board (much to my horror) and started swimming! People were always amazed to see such a tiny girl diving and paddling in deep waters.

Now that is funny, I don't care who you are... (this past weekend at "Big Buck")

Love ya bunches! And yes, my sweet girl, I am making your favorite "bunny" cake for your party on Sunday!

Big Buck

What the heck is a Big Buck if not a very large male deer? Last weekend...Dear Husband and I packed up the motor home and parked in a HUGE field with 100's + other motor homes near woods that were often used for deer hunting. Traces of the old deer stands still remain. It is predominately used for ATV and motor cycle races through the hills, dales and streams. I was very apprehensive about "sleeping" or more to the point not sleeping in the camper in the middle of this huge field given my propensity for insomnia...not to worry, I slept like a hibernating bear! Maybe it was the cave like "bedroom" I woke to the sound of revving engines and soon two little grandchildren arrived with their parents in tow. My son-in-laws were racing their "four wheelers" that day.
Danny meditating before the race...he won FIRST PLACE in his division...Way to Go Danny!!!

Getting ready to hike to the starting line. We are so cute early in the mornings!

Anna and Hunter on the "Ruckus" loading up to ride with Buddy, Buddy to the starting line. Waiting for the race to start!!! Go Daddy Go!

And they are OFF!!!


The first group to go resulted in a huge tumble of ATVs and riders all over the bottom of the hill. End over end, racers and riders...no one was hurt...picked up, dusted off and continued on their way. My heart took a few more minutes to start back up. Dear Husband and I hiked miles deep into the woods and down the steepest hills to the "water crossing" Riders are not allowed to jump the crossing...they must ride through the mud. They pretty much look like fudgscicles when they are finished riding.

More Cow Bell please!!!! Kevin had a frustrating start as the ATV in front of him stalled out...he finished with an excellent time...only four minutes behind Danny. Everyone had a great time.

Relaxing after the first laps of the race...the camper was parked pitside and we waited until the "boys" came by the pit to get gas, fresh water and goggles. Anna decided that I would make a great cookie holder and she placed her cookie on the nearest "shelf" she could find! A good time was had by all!!!

Please pass the Vodka???

February 22, 2009 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina....cold, windy and beautiful!

I just bet that got your attention! Having dinner with my friend Jayne always helps me to put things into perspective. With her vast knowledge of so many subjects including the ones she teaches plus an incredible memory of everything she has ever read Jayne always has a helpful tidbit to keep your life sane plus she is not preachy. We spent two hours chatting over chips and salsa and delicious entrees at Chili's. It was a much needed respite for me and I woke up this morning feeling more calm and optimistic. Jayne and I often talk about "our tribes" We discussed a little about telling those you care about and admire how much you care and admire them. I am so grateful for "my tribe", the individuals both far and near that I call friends...those I spend time with in my day to day wanderings, my book club tribe and my blog friends. I have been amazed at the kinship I feel with some of my blog family, Hayden coined the phrase, I-Family and I think it is an awesome and very apt definition. Stephanie takes the everyday mundane chores, rants and raves a little, adds her humorous twist and you leave amused and less annoyed with life. Natalie, well you never know what she will be up to and she makes me laugh! Other members of the tribe include Tracie and Tracey and so many more that inspire me and leave comments that color my world Happy! Ruth writes technically, professionally and creatively...sometimes I worry about my obvious misuse of grammar and flagrant misuse of punctuation, however even she comes back and leaves lovely remarks. Jayne and my daughter, Michelle were the impetus for starting my own blog. Prior to that I only lurked around blogworld! Many thanks to my blogging friends for your continued support! To each of my friends I thank you for your individuality and for all the ways I am inspired by you.

How does your blogging go...I generally get an idea and just start typing...I know there are a few of you shaking your head this very moment. I never have a rough draft and do not edit overly much. Thus I never know where I may end up with a post. The title of this post was inspired by an article on The Daily Green that listed ten uses for vodka...my favorites...soothing a toothache (duh?) freshening your laundry (so that's what my aunt was doing out there) an insect repellent...it suggests using the bottom priced vodkas for these household uses... no Grey Goose in the laundry room. The article caught my eye mainly because I am always on the look out to an alternative for every day stuff. Did you know that vodka helps with jelly fish stings (you pour it ON the stings) and poison ivy...? My friend Kristi chose the book "Alas Babylon" for our book club recently and one of the characters purchased cases of alcohol in preparation for an end of times scenario...it became a very valuable commodity particularly since no medicine or antiseptics were available...I'm not saying go out and buy a year's supply of booze...

I have been blogging a little over a year and I have FINALLY learned how to include links!!! I am so excited...it is the little things that make me happy (STOP shaking your heads)!

Other things that make me happy today...

a cool, crisp beautiful day
the bunches of tulips I bought for each of my daughters, shh, it's a surprise!

the daffodils tilting their lovely heads towards SPRING (hey DotDot, I am thinking of you each time I see them)
planning silly headgear/hats for an upcoming bridal shower

beaches

and as Hayden says, you can never have too much cuteness....

3rd Annual Silly String War and Holiday Recap!

Ah, the Loose Lemons household does not have a Norman Rockwell or Hallmark Christmas...we have supreme and utter chaos with a heck of a LOT of fun...participants were threatened with a spanking if silly string was sprayed in house (Moi, had to clean that mess up for two hours last year) As you can see we take our silly string very seriously, Carl III "come and get me sucka"

McKinley evaluating the level of silly string coverage! Everyone must participate in silly string removal before re- entering the casa!!!!

Lovely Picture, thank you, in the midst of a hot flash, hair up and a mouth full of silly string...I was just here to take the pictures...thank you very much!

Enough already!!! The grown children and the children ran around and played and played....great grandma (MiMi) chased great grandchildren through the house and then she was chased...you can imagine the hilarity of that moment!

Meech and the "Charlie's Angels" pose. Do not mess with me!!!

No, no. no you can't make me laugh...

Engagement announcement, Carl III and the very lovely Kay with an October wedding coming up! Woohoo! We are sooooooooo excited and happy about this development and the ring is stunning!

Playing nicely together after many years of making each other cry. Thank goodness!!!

Taking a break from the chase! Notice MiMi coming SLOWLY around the corner! We had one of our best Christmas festivus ever!

I will be on the couch in my pjs ringing in the New Year as I am relapsing with the creeping crud respiratory infection...two painful injections (and I am no wimp) later and antibiotics has me throwing up the white flag in surrender. I am chillaxin until Monday!!!! I wish each of you a very safe and Happy New Year!!!! Peace and Love!