The Journey...

As I sit and reflect on this past year of blogging, never did I think I would make such wonderful friends on this journey. I started this blog to keep up with friends in Georgia (all but one [Dianne] have stopped blogging) and also to post pictures and things for family. I never dreamed that my circle of blogging friends would grow as much as it has, which has caused my "cup to run over"! So many of you have grown to mean so much to me. I look forward to checking in on you, seeing how your day went, what's going on in your life, things I can pray with you and for you about, and some to even meet face-to-face beyond this computer screen and the images we share.

We've passed around blogging awards between our circle of friends which reminds me to thank Dianne for the Reflection award, Lynne for the Creative and Thoughtful award, and Melodye for the Thinking award. The thing is, I would give each of these girls these awards right back, cause they mean so much to me!

But what's been on my heart and in my thoughts and prayers so much lately is the award (gift) that is the most important in life. If there is one thing I would hope to accomplish through this blog is that I somehow reflect the love of God and the immeasurable gift He gave each one of us by sending His only Son to die on the cross for our sins, which paved the way for us to have eternal life with Him in heaven.

My heart has been so burdened lately by all those that cross my path each and every day that are lost. Here is something I read recently that has remained as a big lump in my throat and a burden on my heart...

"If you saw a blind man walking straight toward the edge of a cliff, what would you do?"

Well, my answer was that I would immediately run and try to stop him from walking off the edge.

Yet, each and every day, I wave to my neighbors and never wonder if a tragedy will occur in their lives that day and they won't return home...and I have failed to share the Good News of the Gospel with them. And I think of my blogging friends, and how I'm sure I've failed to communicate the grace and mercy of our Lord and this precious gift He has given to any and all out there that might be reading this.

So now, I want to pass on to you the greatest "award" you can ever receive and that is to be welcomed into the family as a child of God and to have a firm and assured hope of spending eternity with Him. Please go here to read how you can say a simple sinner's prayer and receive Christ into your heart and life. There is also a wonderful web site here with more information on receiving Christ or for those who are Christians that want to learn how to share their faith more effectively.

I love you my friends, and I plead with you, if you have never heard the Good News and/or have never accepted Christ into your heart, please don't wait another moment...for we have not been promised tomorrow.

Checking in...

Y'all, I'm here, I'm just covered up! Gary and I are Band Booster Presidents again this year and I have been so busy with that! Last week we had Rookie Camp and this next week is full band camp. I have so much to do still before Monday that I'm wondering how I can get it all done! I will have to force myself to stay away from Blogville, but just know that when I can get my chin above water, I will post about my quick trip to Atlanta to surprise my mom for her birthday, and I will return all the "meme's" and Blogger "reflection" and "thinking blogger" and "creative blogger" awards given by all my friends! Oh! and yeah, I'll post pictures of the pies I've been making lately too! I've been stressed and I needed some chocolate and I've also practiced a little hospitality and took a pie to our new military neighbors!

See you in a few...

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today is my mom's birthday. She's turning 69 years old, if you can believe that! She recently lost my Dad to cancer after almost 50 years of marriage. She's served on the Mission Field both out of the country when we were missionaries in Brazil and as a minister's wife when my dad traveled as an Evangelist after we returned to the U.S. She's raised 4 children and keeps grandkids too! She continues to serve faithfully by teaching Sunday School and also serves as one of the church accompanists. She has more energy than I do at 40 39ish.

Happy Birthday, Mom! I hope you have a wonderful day!

The Choreography of Friendship

Today I had lunch with my dear friend, Jackie. She is one of the few people in my life that from the onset we "clicked" and became fast friends. Jackie has a heart of gold. She is a genuine person. She is beautiful inside and out. When she listens, she really listens, not only with her ears, but with her heart. My hurts become her hurts and my joys, her joys.

It's been about two months since we've had lunch together...something we tried to do once a week or once every other week when school was in session. She has had a full plate this summer since one of her daughter's just graduated high school and is preparing to go to college, the other daughter is getting married in October at the beach, and her son is currently out of the country on an International Study Program. I, too, have been busy with work and things at the school and just life in general.

But today we made time to visit for lunch at our favorite "girly" place. It's a beautiful dance when these two kindred spirits get together! One will "lead" and talk, talk, talk, catching up on everything, while the other eats a while, and then the "lead" will shift while the other eats, and talks, and eats and talks. And it seems like only an hour or so has passed when she glances up at the clock and says, "oh my! guess what time it is?!" Ummm, I don't know...1:30ish? Y'all, we met a few minutes after 11:30 a.m. to beat the lunch rush and sat and talked until almost 3:30!

When we parted, my tummy was full and my heart was "full-er" (okay, I know that's not really a word, all you grammar experts!). But I thanked God for my dear friend, and promised myself I would not allow two months to pass before we met again for a girly "session".

True friendships are to be treasured and I treasure you, my sweet Jackie Sue!

Friend or Foe?

Tonight our pastor preached a very powerful sermon on blasphemy. Webster's defines blasphemy as this:

1: the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God; the act of claiming the attributes of deity

2: irreverence toward something considered sacred or inviolable

The scripture he referenced was Ephesians chapter 5 with special emphasis on verse 4, which reads, "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." He played a video which was incredibly thought provoking and I will add the link at the bottom of this post. But what struck home with me is how complacent and almost "immune" we've become to Hollywood, through films and television, using the Lord's name in vain. I'm guilty of watching movies (renting, cause we rarely, if ever, go to the movie theatre) that contain foul language and when I hear them use the Lord's name in vain, I might shutter and say "I hate that" but do I turn the movie off? No. And if I don't take a stand against things like this, am I a friend of the world or a foe? The Bible says in James 4:4 (paraphrasing)to be a friend of the world is to be an enemy of God.

I want you to watch the video clip on this web site and then leave me your thoughts. You can also add the link to your sidebar.

Always an adventure!

Being a mom is one of the hardest, but most rewarding jobs in the world. There is nothing that has given me more joy than to watch my son grow and mature. I think, as parents, we're never really prepared for what's around the corner. When I took that bundle of joy home 17 years ago, the hospital didn't give me a "how to" manual.

It has continued to be one great adventure after another! I knew, as he was growing, I would have to tell him to not put Cheerios up his nose, or run with scissors, and quit giggling with that little girl during the Pledge of Allegiance, and no, we can't fill the bathtub with Jello Jigglers, and stop bouncing the ball in the house, and no, you cannot tie a rope to the back of the car and skateboard! The list could go on and on!

But never in a million years, did I ever think I was going to utter the words I said last night...

"You are NOT getting a monkey!"

All's well that 'ends' well!

Pun intended.

Thank you, my dear friends, for saying a prayer for hubby the other morning. Everything was fine with his tests and he won't have to go through that for another 10 years! Those of you that have been through that were right in saying that drinking the stuff was the roughest part. Woah! He struggled with drinking the whole jug and then boy, did it ever kick in! Bless his, ummm, heart.

His appointment the next morning was at 8:30 a.m. and we didn't leave there until 12:30 p.m.! They finally took him back at 10:00 a.m., then he said they gave him the "happy juice" around 11:00 a.m. and that was the last thing he remembered! They called me back a little after 12 noon as they were trying to wake him up.

Now, that, my friends, was a site! This is a man that has never had a drop of alcohol in his life and he was muttering and slurring his words like he had gone to sleep with a bottle of Vodka! It was hilarious. I couldn't help it---I was doubled over laughing, at the side of his bed, while they were shaking him and calling his name. They must have thought, "hmm, some loving, compassionate wife he's got!"

Those big green eyes finally opened and he didn't have a clue what had just transpired! I was glad he was okay, but could not quit giggling at how "out of it" he was.

Sidenote: I finally got back to sleep the other night by the honking like a gaggle of geese gentle, soothing sounds of my hubby's snoring. Then I slept until 11:00 a.m. The guys are at the Biscuits vs. the Mississippi Braves game tonight and I just woke up from a power nap. I had my jammies on at 5:15 p.m. and was in la-la land by 6:oo and slept almost two hours. I'm sure I've messed up now! Maybe I need to get someone to come and flip me upside down by my heels like that old wives' tale about babies who have their days and nights mixed up. Oh well...guess I'll just check in on all my blogger friends and catch up on what ya'll are doing!

By the way, a very special thank you to the word "gaggle". It's a funny word that I don't get to use often and so I was determined to work it in. And an even bigger thanks to my "grasshopper" friend, Melodye, over at MorningSong...without you, I wouldn't know how to strike through words which is going to become my new favorite bloggy tool!

P.S. I have not forgotten the restaurant meme tag by Sandi at Whistlestop Cafe. I'm working on it!

Definitely Not Prime Time

Did you know there's nothing good on t.v. at 4:00 a.m.?! I just don't know how I've lived 40 years without the pill that relieves crankiness; or that wonderful iron that presses so beautifully and steams your clothes and drapes in half the time all while you cook an entire chicken at the press of a button! And to think of the treasures I'm missing out on while at the beach! Crazy me usually just lays there and tries to sun myself to a golden brown, but I could be using a metal detector to search for buried treasure and lose weight all at the same time! And all the money I've wasted on doctors over the years when I could have been self-diagnosing and self-treating with that wonderful cure-all book. And my poor back, luggin' my Eureka vacuum around instead of carrying that feather lite one. And the horrors thinking of what's in the air I breathe! I'm calling right now to get on the waiting list for my motorized wheelchair. A girl can never plan too far ahead! Now here's something I can use, dial-a-number sleep system...

...seems I've been calling the wrong number lately!

Ahhh, yes, miles to go before I sleep.

The O.C.D. kicks in...

I spent all day today cleaning and organizing the home office. My desk had gotten way out of control and my bookshelves were just piled high! Zack even got in on the action and decided to clean his desk and computer area and organize all his computer cords (without any prompting from me!).

Hubby spent the day drinking some nasty clear liquid for his colonoscopy (sp?) tomorrow morning. Bless his heart! Say a prayer for him in the morning. He is NOT looking forward to this appointment!

Now, I'm exhausted and going to bed...but it feels so good to be organized again!

Reflecting...

This beautifully written post by Antique Mommy reminded me so much of my Dad. So, I thought I would go back in my archives and find this post I wrote about his dementia before he passed away October 2006.

Wednesday, July 19, 2006 (original post date)

Man in the Mirror

Man in the Mirror
This is my Dad. He is merely a reflection of the man he used to be. I wonder what he sees when he looks in the mirror. I wonder who he sees when he looks in the mirror. Does he see the "tough guy" Italian boxer he used to be? Does he see the officer that served in the Army and the Navy? Does he see the missionary that selflessly gave of his life to serve on the mission field in Brazil? Does he still see the preacher that said he will only retire the day he dies? Could it be that he sees the invalid whose body is giving out only second to his mind that dementia is stealing from him every day? I wonder, as he looks at himself in the mirror, which one of these men is staring back at him?

You see, my 78 year old father had a stroke several years ago, suffers with prostate cancer, diabetes and dementia. I believe the physical things would be easier to handle, it’s the mental that breaks my heart. He often speaks of his days in the military, and can recall names of those he fought and triumphed over in the boxing ring, but tell him of a family vacation, a special occasion, something as simple as what he just had for dinner and there is nothing but emptiness. Emptiness in the eyes that used to twinkle with mischief. Emptiness in the eyes that could change just as quickly from anger to love and forgiveness as the direction of the wind. My dad has always been the "go to" guy when it came to questions about the Bible. He could recall and quote more Scripture than anyone I’ve ever known. How could it be that all of that is lost? Is it not hidden in his heart? I choose to believe it is locked away in some corner of his mind in which he no longer has the key.

For to me, he is still my Dad, the tough Italian boxer, the selfless missionary, the "go to" guy. Even though he is empty, those things live on in his children. Thank you, Dad, I love you.

Who do we see when we look in the mirror? Do we see a reflection of our Heavenly Father? Or is the image staring back filled with self-centeredness and pride? Do we mirror our Father’s example by practicing the Fruits of the Spirit? Sometimes I wonder what my Heavenly Father thinks when He looks at my reflection. I am so thankful His eyes are filled with unconditional love and immeasurable grace. Lord, help me to reflect You to a lost world. Let me be Your hands and feet.

Not as young as we used to be...

and that's why it takes two days to recover!

We had a great 4th at the beach. We were scheduled to leave by 7:00 a.m. with a carload of teenagers, but ended up having to wait until 7:45 a.m. for two of them to arrive. But all was good...we had our toes in the sand by 10:30!

We went back down to Perdido Key and spent the day on the beach. The sun was in and out behind some serious clouds and we did have off and on rain, but we still had a great time. The kids all went to Bahama Bob's (in Gulf Shores) for dinner because they wanted to eat on ther own, while Gary and I headed to Lambert's, but ended up at Mellow Mushroom because Lambert's was closed!

Then we went right out onto the beach in front of Bahama Bob's to watch the 9:00 p.m. fireworks show off the pier in Gulf Shores. It was great! I have to say that there is no better place to spend the 4th and watch fireworks than on the beach!

Then the guys put on their own fireworks show for us with the almost $200 worth of fireworks they bought. They were also entertaining others on the beach that hung around to watch! It was so much fun and I the kids really enjoyed themselves.

We left the beach much later than intended (about 11:15 p.m.) and got home at 2:00 a.m.!!! That was rough! It has taken me and hubby two days to recover!

Click here if you're interested in seeing pictures, but fair warning...there are ALOT of pictures and there were a few times the kids had the camera and were just clicking away!

Hope all my friends out there had a great 4th! I will be catching up with y'all in the next day or two! (By the way, for all who may not know, that is NOT us in the picture...it's just an old couple that made me laugh, but isn't it sweet that they are still holding hands---check out her purse too!)

Celebrate America!

Happy 4th to all my friends. I hope you have a wonderful day celebrating America's freedom and don't forget to breathe a prayer for those continuing to fight to defend our freedom. May we never take it for granted.

We're heading back down to Perdido with Zack and 5 of his friends. Have a happy and safe 4th and we'll see you when we return!

(P.S. please say a prayer for my mom who is home suffering with a pinched sciatic (sp?) nerve and in alot of pain)

A Smashing Good Time!

Well, Zack has had a weekend full of birthday celebrations! I didn't want to spoil the post about his birthday yesterday by posting what happened yesterday afternoon, so here goes...

He was at a friend's house after lunch yesterday and they were going to meet some more of their friends for his birthday celebration dinner last night. He had been at his friend's house for about two hours when I got a phone call, "uh, mom...I'm okay, but my car is crashed!" WHAT??? You've got to be kidding me?!

So, I rushed over there, surveyed the damage and then we called the police. Apparently, someone hit his car (which was parked curbside in front of his friend's house) and they didn't stop or leave a note or anything. The boys were inside playing video games and never heard a crash or noise or anything. When they went outside to leave is when they noticed his car had been hit.

Interestingly enough, the neighbor's driveway across the street lined up right where someone could have hit Zack's car backing out of the driveway. There was no colored paint on Zack's car. There was a big white truck in the neighbor's driveway across the street. Hmmmm.

No neighbors admitted to seeing or hearing anything.





Nice police officer says, "don't mean to discourage you, ma'am, but we rarely catch hit and runs". Well, thank you very much Mr. Sunshine!

Hubby spent the day getting estimates and talking to the insurance company. $1800 worth of damage---smashing good news.

Happy Birthday, Zack!

At exactly 10:46 p.m. Eastern Time on July 1st, 1990, you entered this world and breathed new life into mine. I never knew a love so deep. My heart was so full of love and adoration--it was a feeling of completeness, but yet I had never realized there was a void before you filled it. You have given me the greatest gift of motherhood. Anything I ever aspired to be before I gave birth to you, was of little significance. The tiny treasure looking up at me with the biggest deep blue eyes revealed what was most important in my life and that was being a mom to you. You were always so full of wonder, constant curiosity, questions, mischief, overly dramatic in your expressions and always a camera hog. Not much has changed about that in 17 years!

I remember how you loved all the baby Mickey's and Minnie's that were in your nursery; how you used to scoot your walker over to the Christmas tree and single-handidly "un-decorate" the bottom two feet of the tree; how you used to hum along with Nana when she rocked you; how it seems you were born loving baseball and continue to 'till this day; how you adored your cousin, Taylor, and were always trying to take care of her, entertain her and make her laugh (again, not much has changed there!); how you used to open your mouth real big when you sang and really enunciated each and every syllable; your first day of school, what a big guy you were, while I fought back tears long enough to get back in the car; how you were and have always been such a grateful child; how you used to always want to be right in the middle of things (like when Dianne and I would be talking and you would try to wiggle your way inbetween the front seats of the car so you could hear better!)...there are so many memories of your childhood that have shaped you into the wonderful guy you are today...I could go on and on.

You are smart, responsible, tender-hearted, honest, polite, handsome, a hard worker, and still a very grateful child. I am so proud of the man you are becoming, but a part of me wants that little snuggle bug back to do it all over again. You have been such a joy to raise and I'm finding it hard to watch you fly. Mama wants to keep you in the nest as long as I can...but I know that I can't clip your wings, because watching you fly and soar higher and higher will be my greatest accomplishment and I look forward to what the Lord has in store for your future. You are my heart. I love you Zack---Happy Birthday!

(Below are a few photos. My scanner is not working, so I had to take pictures of pictures. Some are blurry and some have the flash spot on them, but it's the only way I could get them posted!)

first Christmas...

first haircut...

Helping Ed Mangan rake the Braves pitcher's mound before our first World Series game.

First day of Preschool at New Hope and graduation from preschool...

Fun with the bubble gun...

Taking the "catcher's stance" and showing off a big, bad tattoo!

Pretending to shave...

First day of school at Landmark and kindergarten graduation (pretending to talk on the cell phone)

part of photo shoot for "Kiddin' Around" Modeling Agency in Atlanta

One of many trips to Disney World, but the first for our new family

The whole crew...

Vacation in West Palm Beach...

Southbeach in Miami...

In the mountains of Gatlinburg...

Beach in Turks and Caicos Islands...

16th Birthday at the Spaghetti Factory (Atlanta)

New car for 16th birthday...

Drum Major award...

At a friend's house in Atlanta...

17th birthday, Georgia Aquarium...

After dinner at ESPN Zone we went to Cheesecake Factory for dessert!

Happy 17th Birthday Zack!

Headed to Atlanta...

This handsome fella, whom I proudly call my son (Zack), is turning 17 this Sunday, July 1st. We're headed to Atlanta in the morning to celebrate his birthday with our extended family. We're going to the Georgia Aquarium and then to ESPN Zone for dinner.

I'll be sure to post pictures when we return.

Well, I'll see your 'Rockin Girl' and raise you...

...a waddling mama?!

Hmmm, I've been nominated by my sweet friend, Beachkat, for the "Rockin Girl" blogger award. She said some pretty sweet things about me and I feel honored that I was included in her list of nominees, although the title of "waddling mama" sounds more appropriate! So, thank you, Kat! I think you rock!

So, I'm to choose 5 more "Rockin Girls" to bestow this title upon. Since we "run in the same circles", Kat and Tonja both chose some of the girls I would have nominated (Dianne and Jean), so I will nominate the others I was going to include and just know my sistas that you were on my list too!

My first nominee is Melodye at Morning Song. This girl is funny, transparent, and loves her kids so much sometimes I think she's gonna burst! She makes me remember how much fun it has been raising Zack and how quickly the time passes. Her kids are precious and she is adorable. However, I will have to say that her one flaw is that she is an LSU alum and fan. So y'all, let's just try to overlook that and love her anyway! Oh well, we can choose our friends, but we can't choose their ball teams, can we?! Geaux DAWGS!

My second nominee is Sandy at Reluctant Entertainer. I have been lurking and commenting occasionally on her blog. This girl is amazing! Once you stop in for a visit, you won't want to leave. You'll find yourself searching through previous blogs and awe-struck at the gift of hospitality she has, shares, and passes on to others, including her adorable daughter. She leaves me wanting to get to know all my neighbors and host block parties!

My final nominee is Lynne at Lynne's Little Corner of the World. This chic (a hip grandma chic!) can read a book faster than anyone I know! Her list of books she has read, is reading, or is going to read is unbelievable! I'm doing good to get through one or two a year! She does all that reading on top of caring for a granddaughter, a hubby with an ailing back, cooking up a whole month's worth of meals, keeping a clean house, and blogging. This woman can multi-task like nobody's business!

My list go could on and on with my bloggy girlfriends that rock! If you read this blog, consider yourself tagged and pay it forward, sistas!

I just can't pass up a good deal!

After a busy morning with sales meeting and Realtor caravan, I met hubby and son for lunch and then decided to run over to Kohl's cause both me and son needed new tennis shoes. Plus, I wanted to get some candles for some things I picked up at the beach. {If you can't live at the beach, bring the beach home with you!...that's my motto anyway!}

I happened to wander by the clearance aisle and check out what I found! My kitchen is cobalt blue and bright green and I could not pass these up!

When I took the tags off the bottom to take the picture, I inadvertently switched them, the big vase was $4.99 originally $24.99, the small one was $2.99 originally $14.99. I bought some candles to put in them along with some sand. The long tea-light holder was only $5.99! The other light blue vase with seashells I purchased at the beach and bought a candle to put in it too.

I just can't pass up a good deal!

Time stands still at the beach...well, sort of...and a wonderful, good time with a beachy blogger friend!

I'm back! Ya'll, it warms my heart that you missed me and let me tell ya, I missed ya'll too! Before we left, I said to Gary, "I wonder if the condo has high speed internet access?" to which he replied, "you are NOT taking your laptop!" Oh well, I tried.

We spent a week at Perdido Key in the Gulf and it was absolutely gorgeous! We've been to several beaches in the Gulf area, but not this specific one and we were so delightfully surprised at what a gorgeous beach it was! We rented a 3 bedroom condo at Indigo and it was exquisite. We took along my mom (from Atlanta) and just had a good time of sunning, swimming, eating too much, and playing endless hours of Phase 10.

By the way, both mine and my mom's watches stopped when we got there. Isn't that weird?! I wish time really did stand still at the beach, cause it went by way too fast! (My watch is working fine now since I got home--strange).

It would take to long to upload pictures to the blog, so I'm going to just post the link here to my photo album on Shutterfly. You should be able to view the pictures with no problem. (The pictures include the condo, the beach, the view from the other side of the condo towards the bay, the Blue Angels practice session, eating at Lamberts (home of the throwed rolls), Lulu's (Jimmy Buffet's sister's restaurant), Destin Commons, visit with Kat, Miss Daisy and Zack, etc. Also, there's one where I'm turning pancakes with a long outdoor grill utensil for flipping burgers--it was all we could find! Needless to say, my mom bought a spatula and left it in the condo for the next guests who may be in need of something to flip pancakes!)

To top off a wonderful week, I got to meet my dear blogger friend Beachkat (Kathy).

I was so giddy with excitement just anticipating our meeting. The first time I called her, I got the answering machine and babbled on for probably 5 minutes. When I hung up the phone I thought to myself, "what did I even say? I feel like I blacked out! Oh no! What if I sounded like a crazy person or a redneck?! I wonder if she'll call back?! Geez, she sounded a lot more like a Southern Belle than I expected. Oh my! Should I call back and apologize for rambling? No! Then she will think I'm nuts!" After several times of playing phone tag, we finally were able to make plans to meet. As we got closer to her house, my stomach was filled with butterflies, but I was so! stinkin! excited! George and Miss Daisy met us on the golf cart at the entrance and led us to the house.

The door opened and after hugs and laughter, we just talked and talked and talked...and talked some more like old schoolgirls that had been friends forever. I agree with Kat that we had instant connection and I have felt that few times in my life with friends. Kat is everything you see and read about on her blog. She is a genuine person--genuinely friendly, genuinely loving, beautiful, she oozes hospitality from every pore and she is always smiling! We felt right at home from the first moment to the very last. As you can see in the pictures, I looked like I had been crying but it was from laughter and I was grinning from ear to ear. Let me add a DISCLAIMER: the Florida water. Oh my! How it did some dreadfully wrong things to my hair!!! My usual, "big" bouncy, wispy hairdo did not show itself in Florida. I was constantly grasping at every clip and hair barrett I could find.

Anyway, it was too short a visit and we agreed that we MUST have a blogger friend beach weekend! It would be so much fun to have the girls all get together, wouldn't it?! I'm sure there would be much laughter, lots of food, and little sleep! What more could a girl ask for?!

Glad to be back. No, I'm not. I want to live at the beach. What I should have said is, I'm glad to be back blogging with my sistas! Now...off to catch up on what ya'll have been up to!

Edited to add: I'm having trouble with the Shutterfly link. I will try to get it corrected ASAP!

Hot Flashes, Night Sweats and the "Guhvenah"

Ya'll, Tuesday night I went with 4 other girlfriends to see "Menopause, the Musical" at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. If ya'll haven't seen it yet, get online, see where it's playing in your area and get tickets. It was hilarious!

They parody songs from the 60's and 70's like...

The Beach Boys song, "California Girls" becomes "I wish we all could be sane and normal girls"

"The Lion Sleeps Tonight" (in the jungle, the mighty jungle...) becomes "In the guest room or on the sofa, my husband sleeps tonight"

"My Guy" becomes "My Thighs"

...and on and on it goes!

They talk about hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, food cravings, etc. I was laughing so hard, tears were streaming down my cheeks! Every once in a while I would glance over a couple of rows and see the "Guhvenah" who (begrudgingly, I'm sure) accompanied his wife and first lady, Patsy Riley, to the performance---slumping further and further down in his seat while he had the Playbill rolled into a tight tube tapping his mouth with it. Then I glanced back and saw his security guys standing in the back of the auditorium, jaws still clenched from drawing the short straw!

It doesn't get any better than that!

This show is a must see!

Ahoy, maties! Don't call the fire department... it's just me thighs!

Smell something burning? It's my thighs. No, this is not a post about how much I've been working out and using my brand new treadmill. It's about panty hose.

Ya'll, I hate panty hose. I don't know what idiot invented panty hose but I'd like to put them in a fat suit and make them put on supposed "Queen size" panty hose while breaking into such a sweat they get stuck just above the knee and refuse to go up any further! I try to limit my panty hose use, especially in the dreadfully hot summertime, but there are a few occasions that I try to look a little more presentable (such as a closing, wedding, etc.). By the time I twist, turn, roll back on the bed and get them up past my knees, it seems there is far less panty hose material left than will reach up around my waist, which usually leaves the crotch hovering somewhere around mid-thigh.

Now, the friction going on in my inner thigh area is dangerous enough without having highly flammable material rubbing back and forth causing sparks when I walk. Yes siree! I could start a fire faster than any Boy Scout around!

And to top it off, just for fun, in honor of recently seeing the 3rd Pirates of the Caribbean movie, I decided to see what my "Pirate Name" would be...

Your Pirate Name Is...

Captain Firecrotch

What's Your Pirate Name?

Uh, yeah. Pretty fitting I would say.