They Call Me Mellow Yellow

I'm just mad about Saffron, and Saffron's mad about me.

We decided to go bowling yesterday since it was like 100˚ƒ outside. The kid,

the actor, in from LaLa Land,

and Miss Sherrie, bowling extraordinaire.

Loads of fun. In fact, the kid and I went back tonight for Thursday Madness. All-you-can-bowl from 9 to midnight. (The hub is still on China time so he was in bed by then.) Woooosh. Seven games, my friends. High score of 112. Not bad for someone who hasn't bowled in like at least ten years! Ross? Who? Another alias or typo?

Today, I went to our Italian grocers, Lazzaroli's, and picked up some fresh pasta for dinner. Love that place! (I made a garlic butter sauce with wild Florida shrimpers on fettuccine. YUM!)

They had some Madagascar vanilla beans which is exactly what I needed to make some vanilla sugar--both granulated and confectioner's.

Can you smell it? Oh my. Sugar is happy tonight!

xo
ro

Cold Case

Our little, soon to move to CA, Hollywood star friend is on Cold Case tonight!!! We're off to watch it. Congratulations Josh!!! Woooohoooooo!!

More Movement

Whaaaaaa. My next-door neighbors are moving. Yes, the one with the little movie star and the sweetest family on earth. Whaaaaaaaa.

The kid is distraught. This was his only friend in the neighborhood and being right next door makes it even tougher. He's not the type to make new friends easily--kind of a chip off the ol' block. Too shy for his own good. It all just breaks my heart.

I truthfully don't want to think about it. The For Sale sign out front keeps reminding me. I'm just not going to think about it. That's all. My blinders are on. Shields' up Captain!

Weekend Cupcakes

For Mother's Day, I purchased two dozen of these scrumptious things (broken down into six to a box) to pass around to neighbors and, of course, us. There's a little shop here in town that sells these luscious deliectibles singly and I thought it would be "festive" to have some for Mother's Day weekend.

When I emailed Flour Power (isn't that the cutest name?) to get directions to her bakery, Ms. Baker (isn't that perfect?) emailed me back to let me know that she doesn't have a store quite yet. Oh no, 'cause these are the bestest cupcakes I've ever had and I was havin' a cravin'! Whoa! She told me she would make them up for me and deliver them though. Ok. Now that is SO Nashville! Everyone here is just too acommodating, I tell you.

There were pink ones, blue ones, green ones, yellow ones and I asked for one chocolate (have to keep the dads happy too) to be added toin each box. I think this will satisfy everyone's sweet tooth, what do you think? (Can you notice these are jumbo?!!)

Our little movie star neighbor is coming home this weekend--yeah--and we can't wait to see him! I gave his little sister a box of the cupcakes to take to welcome them home. I didn't know it until later that she took them back to their playhouse in the back yard (FULL SUN) and didn't bring them in until a couple of hours later! Eeeeek. I hope they're not just big ol' blobs of colors melted together when everyone gets home. Can you imagine? "Oh, wha? How very pretty (NOT!)." hehe.

Motherhood--it may not be beauty to the eye but it is still sweet to the heart.

A Good Day for a Fair

Franklin is having it's Main Street Festival this weekend. The weather is picture perfect. Just beautiful. We went out last night to go to the amusement area but it wasn't in it's normal location. Hmmm. (Didn't think to look on the river front!) So we just went and ate the normal fair fare consisting of Italian sausage with onions and peppers and those potato chips they make fresh--talk about grease! We sat and listened to the live music coming from two stages at each end of the blocks. One had a Latin flair and the other was playing the old funk music that got the body (booty) moving. The hub, kid and I had a great time. The teenager was supposed to go with his girlfriend; but when we called him to see where he was, they had decided to go to the movies instead. Guess they prefer the darkness of the theatre--hehe, remember those days, when holding hands and an arm around your shoulder was to be done incognito. Lawdy.

I got up this morning, ran some errands and then headed downtown to check out the early-bird booths. There were some wonderful new exhibits, which always delights me. I was in and out before the crowds arrived. I "don't do" crowds much. At least, I try and avoid them whenever possible. I cant' tell you how excited I was to find on of my all-time favorite artists exhibiting in our little fair this year. I first found Jeri Landers when I moved to Tennessee and went to a fair in Rugby, TN. If you remember, she is the artist who does amazing scherenschnitte, (previous post here). Her whimsical artwork and use of animals reminds me of another fav, Jan Brett, who I also had the pleasure of meeting at a book signing here several years back. I was happy to see Jeri had published her book and, of course, picked one up. The illustrations in this book are amazing! I look forward to sitting down and reading it later today.


I got this little piece specifically for Riverside. It will go with my other artwork that I seem to be collecting there. It is entitled Home and Hearth and is by an artist named Emily Allison. I wasn't able to find any links to her online, sorry. Of course, I had to have it because my favorite number is 3! I loved the jacks embedded in the wood and the tape measure . . . oh, just everything about it is fun! (Just like Riverside!!)

I purchased a couple of fun magnets made by Rhanna Nyman, a fiber artist who combines her artistry with her grandmother's poetry. She had a beautiful display but, unfortunately, she does not want any of her work on the web in fear of it being used. Lordy, I sure am glad I asked if she minded if I take some photos. I try and remember that rule of thumb. There are just some artists that do not, under any circumstances, want their artwork online. And so, I can't show you anything of hers, which is a shame, because it is beautiful stuff, really. Oy.

The hub and kid went back out to the carnival today, since we couldn't find it last night. In the meantime, I finished planting my wave petunias and potted some plants for the porch. The beds still look pitiful, but I'm hoping in a month's time, the will fill in. I also put the ferns out on the top deck yesterday. Let's hope it stays warm from now on so they don't turn into the rest of the greenery around here--dead.

OH, oh oh, the kid's best friend is going to be on Desperate Housewives tonight! I think it may be the opening piece where he's going to ride his bike to Mrs. McCluskey's to ask her a question. Dun dun dun. We are soooo proud of him but miss having him here in da hood. He's in the original hood of LA, the little actor that he is. Sendin' a big ol' shout out to Masta J!

Robin Migration

The robins arrived yesterday enroute North, I suppose. With the weather as strange as it's been, I wonder how they know when it's time to head back? I admit, they are early this year. They didn't arrive last year until February 22, see last year's post.

Another difference this year is that they are feasting across the street on the holly bushes in Dianne's old yard rather than our large four on the side of our house. I wonder if the smoke smell is getting to them too? (I got the same smell at the same time last night. It has to be someone burning a fireplace upwind from us. That's all I can figure and hope. It's just that if I knew that were the case, I could actually enjoy the smell. We don't have a wood-burning fireplace and I rather like the smell--unless, that is, I think it's my house burning.)

Amore

I sure do love trading, purchasing and receiving goodies in the mail. In one of my previous posts, I showed you how I had framed one of Corey's pieces. I then saw another one she had done that I had to have also to go with the first one. It came today. Isn't it beautiful? It's going in my bedroom when it gets finished right next to her other lovely piece.


I had told you about my ATC trade with Shelley with a Beatles theme. Look at what she came up with! How creative! I love them all. (She also added quite a bit of goodies to use in upcoming ATCs! Thank you!!) I am feeling the love with the new Beatles' Love compilation. Very fun. It's been years since I've listened to a lot of Beatles in one sitting. And since Shelley has received mine, I can post them. I did an obscure one of "The Benefit of Mr. Kite" which was written by John after he had purchased an antique circus poster. It almost goes word for word by the poster. Then, growing up, I was in love with Ringo (and so was Ms. Dianne, I later found out this weekend!). He was the quiet one and I loved all his rings, of course. So, I had to do an I Love Ringo ATC.

The other is self explanatory, I think. A blue meanie searching for the yellow submarine while the octopus' garden is gentle on the floor. It was such a fun trade. Really made me think! Thank you, Shelley, for the valentine too! I still can't get on your site! (BTW, there are so many I still cannot get onto, it is getting quite frustrating as I've never had problems before!)

Well, when it rains, it pours. I also received a surprise package from Bethy. She sent me lots and lots of ATCs. Gorgeous ones! Look at the valentine ones. To die for, gorgeous. And then these. She has a technique of embossing this metal tape that I just adore. Thank you Beth! If we don't get snow tonight (keeping fingers' crossed), I hope to see you tomorrow!!


Yes, we are supposed to get snow. We are ALL hoping for it just like little kids! We haven't had any in a long time. Actually, the last time we did get a lot of snow was when we first moved in here and we were having some hard wood floors put in. Hmmmm, maybe that's the connection, ya think?

The hub is in Geneva where he says they too have snow. Crazy times. Today was a much calmer day. But, I am still tired. Think it's jammy time.

Coat One Done

Sherwin-Williams "Creme" No. 7556

Aw, to have accomplished one coat was big doings today! Not only that, but I also found the time to run out and get a dresser for the hub at half price! (Last day of sale.) Wooohoooo! Take a look at the difference in the colors. It's such a fresher color. The entire house was done in this drab beige. Slowly but surely, I'm covering it all up. I am getting so excited about the new bedroom, I can't wait!

My trusty partner supervised me all day. Poor girl. She has to just be feeling horrible if she feels as bad as she looks. Think I will have to take her back in to the vets so they can take another look/see. She's just breaking my heart so I let her work with me all day, even though she was in the way most of the time.

I'm letting this coat dry overnight and will hit it with another tomorrow. Momma has her check up at 11; so I'll get back to finishing up after then. What a difference.



I think we wore Abby out with our whirlwind paint job. She's passed out in the hall right outside the bedroom.

I have to send get-well wishes to our Bethy who was under the weather last week. Yuk. Glad to hear you're doing better Beth!! And, of course, I have to give a shout out to Miss D. who was soooooo much fun to visit with last night. Miss you already!! pout. You look marvelous dawling, hope your trip home was safe and uneventful! Burr, I think you left a little Minnesota air here. It's freezing!!

PS STILL having probs getting into most of your blogs. Getting the same "Error 400." Who knows why. So, if you happen by, please leave a comment even if it's "Hi" so I can click into your Profile Page. That seems the only way to get there these days. And, for some reason, I can't get into the old blogger posting site from Safari. Therefore, I can't check my spelling. So, forgive my ignorance, ya'll.

Note to Self

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT, write post while under the influence.

Do not expect to get much done the next day either.

Pink Sheets Find a Home

Today has been one of those days. Oh my. The internet connection has been down all day, probably a good thing. I have been so busy TCB (taking care of business).

We settled with the insurance company on how much the teenager's car was worth and therefore went out first thing this morning to find him another car. We went back to the same place we purchased his '92 Accord and found a '96 Accord that fit the bill. Done, boom, sold. (No pics, yet. He didn't take long to shower and leave in new car.)

Came home and moved all the furniture out of the bedroom to geust room. Boom done. Went to the paint store (have to paint tomorrow), closed. Closed at 4. Have to drive to next closest Sherwin Williams store. Boom done. Paint in hand.

(Thought you could see paint can in bathroom, but you can't. Oh well.)

Home again and make old bed moved in guest room with pink sheets. It looks great. I am quite proud of the finished room. Although, I think(s) some rugs are in store. Boom done. (see main pic above.)

Back up to master bedroom where I begin to dust blinds, ceiling fan and carpet. Cough cough. No wonder I want to get rid of the carpet. I cannot believe the amount of dust under where the bed was. Ew. Not to mention where I had my grandmother's quilt hanging on the wall (although I just did, mention it, that is.) now soaking in tub. Cough cough. All done. Now, late for seeing our Dianne from the hood who moved to Minnesota.

Quickly take shower at time I should be at restaurant to meet up with Dianne and others. Boom done.

Finally make it to restaurant, late, where I begin to cough dust and allergies hit. Lovely. Cough cough. Love fest with neighbors and fellow Dianne, love. So good to see her although too short, since I was late to arrive. Several drinks and time to go.

Meet up with hub, more drinks, some shrimp for dinner, then home. Here I am, too many drinks, much love and ready to hit new home for pink sheets.

Yawn. I'm not ready to switch over to new blogger, so forgive me for mistakes. I am NOT ready to change to Beta. (They want me to, according to Safari, will not let me log on unless I change . . . grrrrr.)

Now, let's go test those pink sheets! zzzzzzzzzzzzz

Think(s) I will feel this in the morning.

O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum . . .

. . . wie grun sind deine blatter!




Our Christmas tree arrived last Tuesday. It's been so pretty sitting, free of ornaments, stretching it's limbs out. I almost hated to decorate it. But, the kid insisted today. And I admit, it is absolutely breathtaking, at least to us.






Each ornament holds a special place in our hearts. So many from years' past. A lot were found broken, unfortunately. I don't understand how two grown men can half-hazardly place boxes (that I have listed as FRAGILE) on top of one another waiting for them to teeter over within a year's time. And, of course, the ones that broke are the ones from my childhood. For the life of me . . . ok, never mind. I'll move on. I'll pick this bone later in the season with the two grown men in question . . . like when the ornaments are again being stored!

The kid and hub putting on the lights.

The kid couldn't reach the top, so the hub did the honors of placing the star on top.


My friend Kell made these for me many, MANY years ago.

Everyone has to have a pickle ornament for good luck, no?

This is one of the "modern" 60s ornaments that has survived over the years (plastic!).


And these too are from my childhood. We had so many over the years, it's a shame that they're almost all gone. My favorite was always the sphere with Santa in the middle.

My Aunt Suzanne made these in her last year of life. I have several.

From our trip to Scotland.

Our trip to London.

Our last home was in Leesburg, VA

My dear friend Lori gave this to us the year the hub turned 40. He was hell-bent on getting a motorcycle! (This mid-life crisis passed, that God!)

The teenager's first Christmas ornament. Notice the raspberry he's giving!
One of the kid's homemade ornaments.

An angel given to us by an old college chum of the hub's Pat and Lisa in NYC.

Got a bunch of these after Christmas last year at Bergdorf's in NYC.


Dun dun dun, the finished Christmas Tree! Yeah!!!

The kid is dying for me to wrap the goodies from NYC and put them under the tree. Hopefully, I'll get to that tomorrow!

Look at what the neighbors brought over. Need I say, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas?

Oh yes, I still have one more post from NYC. So, hang tight chillins.