tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90889310696179984712024-03-13T07:29:40.462-04:00In Every SeasonRebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088931069617998471.post-27412514174622953302013-12-30T10:54:00.000-05:002013-12-30T10:58:02.176-05:002014 - Bring It On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I think I'm glad to see 2013 move on into history. I'm not usually one to wish time away, or particularly want time to move on. But this year has been so strange. Not in a horrible way, like someone has died...well, I did lose an Uncle...but more in a sometimes scary, lots of sickness kind of way. But good can come with the bad right? And, we are suppose to take the bad with the good, right?<br />
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<insert here...="" random="" thought=""> I haven't blogged since July....</insert><br />
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August and September were scary months for me...a serious illness wanted to take me out...but I overcame. God healed me...yes, I do believe it was a miracle...He was there...so close....I could feel Him. When time is right, I'll tell that story. The rest of this year has been spent recovering, being thankful for my family, being thankful for being here, being thankful to be here for Christmas. If I've learned anything from this past year, it's thankfulness...gratitude.<br />
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My focus for 2014 is my health, and my relationships...with family, friends, co-workers. That's all...no big New Year's resolutions...which I never keep anyway. <br />
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I want to take a different direction with my blog. I'm not completely sure what that is yet. I'll figure it out as I go. Until then... HAPPY NEW YEAR! Welcome 2014!<br />
<br />Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088931069617998471.post-43852204517925901512013-07-25T12:19:00.000-04:002013-07-25T12:19:21.719-04:00For the Love<div align="center">
Scarlett Love</div>
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Is there anything sweeter than a new baby?</div>
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Welcome to the world, dear one...</div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Daddy and baby girl</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">First Day.... and I cannot figure out why this picture is turned sideways?</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Scarlett the Princess</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Papa Bear</span></em></div>
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Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088931069617998471.post-88894976124031522332013-07-01T11:59:00.002-04:002013-07-01T11:59:57.448-04:00July and Random Thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've come to realization that I cannot seem to find the time to blog, at least in the manner and with the frequency that I once blogged. I don't know if my muse has left me, or if its just a matter of time and too many other commitments. I think its the latter, because I often feel that muse still there, and I'll think, "Oh that would make a great blog post!" and then I just don't get around to it. <br />
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Its July already. Its been a busy summer in our household. Hubby and I have taken a couple of trips. In May we headed down to Savannah, a city we both have deep ties too. Last month we headed down to St Simons Island, a place where I spent so many summers of my childhood. I simply must get to my island at least once or twice a year, to maintain my general mental and emotional health. I have lots of pics to share from both places, and I'll try to get those posted here in the next few days.<br />
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We've also been busy with college planning. Our youngest heads to the University of North Georgia in August. Lots to do getting him ready to start.<br />
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Our second granddaughter arrives next week! If not before! We're excited to meet our newest addition. Our home has been a flurry of activity with baby showers, and getting an extra bedroom converted into a sweet nursery for both of our baby girls. I could post before and after pics of that too, right? Although I haven't taken any before shots...before the gorgeous new paint color. Castle Path by Sherwin Williams. <br />
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Which reminds me...I read so many beautiful blogs about decorating, interior design, and renovations. I love that stuff. But I always feel so overwhelmed when I look at what other favorite bloggers are doing. I feel like I put more pressure on myself when I look at what others have done, and feel the need to do it myself. Does that make sense? Pinterest does that too me too. Although I love it.<br />
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Anyway...just random thoughts... Happy Summer! The 4th of July is here. We'll spend it at the Lake, having cookouts, boating and swimming, the golf cart parade, and the kid's fishing tournament. This year our darling Lena will participate for the first time in the kid's fishing tournament. Her daddy will bait her hook but I'll be there with my camera. Another blog post, right?<br />
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See...its all there. I just gotta get it posted.<br />
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<br />Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088931069617998471.post-65536615119657825242013-05-17T14:06:00.002-04:002013-05-17T14:06:43.868-04:00A Milestone Day?I don't know...is it? Is it a milestone day when you realize this may very well be the last morning you drag a boy out of bed, make his breakfast, and send him off to school?<br />
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For 27 or so years I've been waking up a little boy or two little boys, in the early morning hours, making sure they had a good breakfast and got dressed, dropped them off at school or at daycare, and headed to work myself. When Nicholas grew up and moved out, Neil was still at home, in middle school, and life moved on as usual, just with one less boy under the roof.<br />
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Today is Neil's very last day of school, as a high school senior. He is my last boy at home. As I sat in the early morning darkness, enjoying my quiet time and coffee, before all the "rise and shine" activity, I realized this could be a momentous day in my life. No longer will I be waking a sleepy child to get to school on time. How much longer will Neil be at home before he discovers college roommates and trying it "on his own?"<br />
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I must admit, the thought of a slower, quieter morning sounds, well, very nice. But the thought of some how being less needed...I'm having to get use to that thought.<br />
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Wow....<br />
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Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088931069617998471.post-46441683288452418942013-03-08T15:30:00.001-05:002013-03-08T15:30:48.123-05:00Winter. Please.<div align="center">
GO AWAY!!</div>
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We've had enough.</div>
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Now...be gone!</div>
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This has been a long, wet, hard winter.</div>
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In our house, we've </div>
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had the flu,</div>
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had pneumonia..still trying to recover,</div>
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lost a dear friend,</div>
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and are saying goodbye to sweet, dear uncle.</div>
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Time changes this weekend.</div>
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With it I hope comes Spring...quickly.</div>
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I need the </div>
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Beach,</div>
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a Margarita...</div>
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and a cupcake.</div>
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Hurry June.</div>
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Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088931069617998471.post-68572515134231052362013-01-01T21:42:00.000-05:002013-01-01T21:42:09.192-05:00I've Got It!<div style="text-align: center;">
I've learned to avoid lofty New Year's resolutions. </div>
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Rarely do I complete them, </div>
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and I really don't do disappointment real well, when I look back at the end of the year, </div>
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only to check off all those well intended resolutions that I didn't meet. </div>
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Sure, I could resolve to do all those reasonable things, </div>
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like lose weight (which I need to do...badly).</div>
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Or, be a better mom,</div>
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Or be more patient,</div>
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Or practice one act of kindness every day.</div>
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But, aren't those the kind of things we do each day, anyway?</div>
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So, I decided to simplify my resolutions, and have just one;</div>
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one very simple resolution...</div>
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HAVE FUN!</div>
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Yes! Have more fun...laugh, and look for fun and every opportunity to seize it.</div>
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Hopefully this will not get me into too much trouble.</div>
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Sounds simple enough....</div>
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Well... maybe just one more thing...</div>
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Greece. Visit Greece.</div>
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My brother lives there,</div>
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and has begged me for years to come visit him.</div>
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I think I will resolve to work hard to save my money,</div>
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and plan a trip to see him.</div>
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This is his view from his apartment in Athens.</div>
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Fun...and Greece. </div>
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Think I'll be disappointed?</div>
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Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088931069617998471.post-57683453054436573432012-12-31T16:27:00.001-05:002012-12-31T16:27:16.000-05:00A New Year<div align="center">
Tonight is New Year's Eve.</div>
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I have BIG plans!</div>
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I plan to spend the evening browsing Home Depot.</div>
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And, purchasing a new area rug for my dining room.</div>
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I'll be starting this new book....</div>
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And, popping open a bottle of my favorite red...</div>
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I know...</div>
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My life is so exciting.</div>
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Please don't hate me.</div>
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Seriously y'all...</div>
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I'm exhausted.</div>
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I've had a house full of guests since the weekend before Christmas.</div>
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Thank goodness, they all finally went home this past weekend.</div>
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But, I have more guests arriving this next weekend.</div>
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I should get the "World's Best Hostess" award.</div>
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All this festivity is killing me.</div>
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Happy New Year!</div>
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Happy New Beginnings!</div>
Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088931069617998471.post-83563067750643561722012-12-21T20:14:00.002-05:002012-12-21T20:14:59.714-05:00Christmas Wonder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There's nothing like a little child at Christmas,</div>
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is there?</div>
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This is our lovely little Lena.</div>
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As we wind down, and approach the beauty</div>
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of Christms Day,</div>
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I wish for us all the wonder of Christmas,</div>
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as seen through the eyes of a child.</div>
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Peace. Love. Joy. Amazement.</div>
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Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088931069617998471.post-10525440687084850492012-12-18T15:50:00.000-05:002012-12-18T15:50:22.683-05:00Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cz4FAJEZsX0/UNDSKBPytWI/AAAAAAAABBU/AkMZwyIcprk/s1600/cotton+wreath+g&g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cz4FAJEZsX0/UNDSKBPytWI/AAAAAAAABBU/AkMZwyIcprk/s320/cotton+wreath+g&g.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">from Garden and Gun</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From my little corner of the South,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Merry Christmas.....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Christmas snuck up on me this year.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like a mischevious child, sneeking up from behind,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
shouting "Boo!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The planner, always wanting to be prepared.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
part of me is in a tizzy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Final presents to purchase,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and wrap,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and menus to plan,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and food to purchase,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and cook,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
guest room preparations to make...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
all these things swirl around in my head,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this week before Christmas.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then there is the one thing...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that looms over it all,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the great sadness of those families</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in Conneticut.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I imagine the presents under the trees,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and presents yet to be wrapped,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who's receipient is missing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And, my heart breaks.....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Why should I be in a tizzy? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wanted to blog about my home decorations,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
family celebrations, meals and recipes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I can't...it doesn't seem right for me right now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My Christmas wish is for comfort for the children and adults of Newtown,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
peace for us all, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a friend for each of us,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and to love and be loved.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you</span></em></strong>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">I do not give to you as the world gives.</span></em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Do not let your hearts be troubled.</span></em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Do not be afraid."</span></em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">JC</span></em></strong></div>
<div align="left" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088931069617998471.post-55746724747457097732012-12-05T09:44:00.002-05:002012-12-05T09:44:31.012-05:00Helen & Charlie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWOj_Io5cao/UL9c30btBwI/AAAAAAAABA8/J3cX8G7t1rs/s1600/charlie+and+helen+1919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWOj_Io5cao/UL9c30btBwI/AAAAAAAABA8/J3cX8G7t1rs/s400/charlie+and+helen+1919.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am absolutely intrigued</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by this photo.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Its a photo taken in 1919,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Helen Keller meeting Charlie Chaplin.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just think about that for a moment.....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love how he has taken off his hat.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And, how her fingers seem to be touching his moustache.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He appears to be smiling,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and there is just the faintest hint of a smile on Helen's face.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love it.</div>
Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088931069617998471.post-74783777354545620422012-11-30T15:55:00.001-05:002012-11-30T15:55:50.483-05:00Red & Black<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JU_W7xxjmyw/ULkblh54RxI/AAAAAAAABAo/QrcXryONQ6s/s1600/Black+G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JU_W7xxjmyw/ULkblh54RxI/AAAAAAAABAo/QrcXryONQ6s/s320/Black+G.jpg" tea="true" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
Its a big game for my Dawgs tomorrow.</div>
<div align="center">
The SEC championship game.</div>
<div align="center">
And, if we can beat Alabama...</div>
<div align="center">
We head to the National Championship!</div>
<div align="center">
GO DAWGS!</div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
As a little girl,</div>
<div align="center">
my daddy made sure to raise me as a Georgia Bulldawg fan.</div>
<div align="center">
He took me to games,</div>
<div align="center">
"between the hedges."</div>
<div align="center">
I remember one game specifically.</div>
<div align="center">
I must have been about 12 years old.</div>
<div align="center">
It was cold, it was windy, it was rainy...</div>
<div align="center">
but we yelled and screamed, </div>
<div align="center">
and cheered on our Dawgs.</div>
<div align="center">
Today, I'm blessed</div>
<div align="center">
that my 85 year old daddy and I still love</div>
<div align="center">
watching the Dawgs together.</div>
<div align="center">
Daddy doesn't make it to the games anymore.</div>
<div align="center">
But he never misses a Saturday the Dawgs are on TV.</div>
<div align="center">
My daddy gets all the credit for making me the</div>
<div align="center">
football fanatic I am today. </div>
<div align="center">
My absolute favorite part of Fall...Football.</div>
<div align="center">
But most especially college football.</div>
<div align="center">
Even more...SEC football.</div>
<div align="center">
But the mostest...my beloved Georgia Bulldawgs.</div>
<div align="center">
I sure hope we win tomorrow.</div>
<div align="center">
It would be a special special day for my Daddy...</div>
<div align="center">
and for all the Bulldawg Nation.</div>
<div align="center">
Our hopes are high.</div>
<div align="center">
Our excitement is over the moon.</div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
GO DAWGS!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088931069617998471.post-72544538147208878762012-11-20T15:57:00.001-05:002012-11-20T15:57:39.887-05:00Thanksgiving Day<div align="center">
One of the things I'm always hoping for,</div>
<div align="center">
on Thanksgiving Day,</div>
<div align="center">
is beautiful weather.</div>
<div align="center">
In Georgia, every so often on Thanksgiving,</div>
<div align="center">
we're blessed with a warm and sunny day.</div>
<div align="center">
When that happens,</div>
<div align="center">
I like to throw open the back door,</div>
<div align="center">
and set up a table on the deck.</div>
<div align="center">
Our deck is off our dining room,</div>
<div align="center">
so its easy to just extend the dining area</div>
<div align="center">
outside.</div>
<div align="center">
I'm really hoping for a nice 70 degree day this year.</div>
<div align="center">
I already have a tablescape of sorts,</div>
<div align="center">
on the dining table.</div>
<div align="center">
But, if by chance I can also set up a table outside,</div>
<div align="center">
look at these gorgeous tablescapes I found on Google....</div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n2Vs48HyPHc/UKvslGpCoKI/AAAAAAAABAE/TtISSSfm9U8/s1600/autumn-inspired-table-settings-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n2Vs48HyPHc/UKvslGpCoKI/AAAAAAAABAE/TtISSSfm9U8/s320/autumn-inspired-table-settings-15.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
I love the natural elements.</div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pp10ugS-MMI/UKvsyULPLnI/AAAAAAAABAM/rtd8trU2sJQ/s1600/autumn-inspired-table-settings-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pp10ugS-MMI/UKvsyULPLnI/AAAAAAAABAM/rtd8trU2sJQ/s320/autumn-inspired-table-settings-16.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
And, the green glassware reminds me of my Granny.</div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XZWmxpiFlJo/UKvs8VQtRdI/AAAAAAAABAU/9wxCLcRnpnI/s1600/autumn-inspired-table-settings-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XZWmxpiFlJo/UKvs8VQtRdI/AAAAAAAABAU/9wxCLcRnpnI/s320/autumn-inspired-table-settings-14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll have about 15 people at my house on Thanksgiving Day, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so to extend the dining room to the outside would be perfect.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have a lot to be thankful for this year.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Its been a challenging year at times,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with a wedding, the loss of a sweet family pet,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
several major and unexpected home repairs,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and at this very moment...two days before Thanksgiving...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
new flooring being installed over a majority of our house.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But, I'm thankful for those new, badly needed floors.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Thanksgiving.</div>
Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088931069617998471.post-80357918170376191782012-11-19T16:11:00.001-05:002012-11-19T16:16:59.984-05:00Today, in 1863<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93YSz06gZWE/UKqcpnpowrI/AAAAAAAAA-c/bvQtoP4K0WQ/s1600/lincoln.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93YSz06gZWE/UKqcpnpowrI/AAAAAAAAA-c/bvQtoP4K0WQ/s1600/lincoln.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
November 19, 1863,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous two minute speech</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the Gettysburg Address, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
dedicating the National Cemetary at the battlefield</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of Gettysburg.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There were actually five copies of Lincoln's speech.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Contrary to legend, Lincoln wrote his speech a day or so before the address,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
while still in Washington DC.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He revised it later,before the cemetary dedication,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
while staying at the home of a local attorney,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
David Wills.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Later he penned three more copies of his address,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to autograph and provide to acquaintances.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Interestingly, in several of the later copies,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lincoln removed the name of God, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
where he had originally penned it,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
near the end of the speech,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when referring to "this nation under God..."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
However, historians tell us that there were many accounts</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
stating Lincoln did indeed use the name of God</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when delivering the address.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One hundred and forty nine years ago today....<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To me, one of the most profound lines in the address is:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>"The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here."</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Little did we know....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thousands of children, like myself, would memorize this famous 272 word speech, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
long remembering what was said there on that Dedication Day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lincoln's Gettysburg Address</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. </em></div>
<em>Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting-place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead who struggled here have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. </em><br />
<em>It is for us the living rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth."</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Info gathered from the National Park Service.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xdJLLQqqh8o/UKqfuRauOhI/AAAAAAAAA-s/3IQS_roMPTQ/s1600/lincoln+at+gettysburg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xdJLLQqqh8o/UKqfuRauOhI/AAAAAAAAA-s/3IQS_roMPTQ/s320/lincoln+at+gettysburg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This photo, taken at Gettysburg is one of only few rare known photos of President Lincoln.</span></div>
<br />
<br />Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088931069617998471.post-88146823416073092672012-11-10T12:19:00.002-05:002012-11-10T12:23:02.355-05:00Fall Weather and Chicken Perloo<div class="widget Blog" id="Blog1" sb_id="ms__id1091">
<div class="blog-posts hfeed" sb_id="ms__id1092">
<div class="date-header" sb_id="ms__id1094">
As
much as I love Summer, I have to admit, I love Fall too. Something about the
cooler temperatures, football games, wood smoke, and the mountains painted with
brilliant colors makes me feel all cozy inside. Ultimately it leads me to
comfort foods.</div>
<div class="date-posts" sb_id="ms__id1096">
<div class="post-outer" sb_id="ms__id1097">
<div class="post hentry" itemprop="blogPost" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" sb_id="ms__id1098">
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-7760333931972799718" itemprop="description articleBody" sb_id="ms__id1106">
<div class="separator" sb_id="ms__id1108" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" sb_id="ms__id1110" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I
grew up spending weeks in the spring and summer traveling between Athens,
Savannah, and Gainesville. Having family in all those areas, I was
priviledged, blessed really, to an exposure of different regional foods. My
paternal grandmother exposed me to all things Athens and central and southern
Georgia. My maternal grandmother and great grandmother exposed me to Coastal
Georgia and Lowcountry foods. My mom and aunts taught me early on of those
wonderful dishes coming out of the farmlands and foothills of North
Georgia.</div>
<div class="separator" sb_id="ms__id1111" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" sb_id="ms__id1113" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But... when I want a simple, one pot, warm and cozy comfort
food, I remember Great Granny's Chicken Perloo. Perloo is a lowcountry dish,
made of basics...rice, chicken, pork, savory seasonings. Perloo is actually the
gullah pronounciation of the word "pilau," a dish that originated with the
people of the gullah nation. The folks north of Savannah and Charleston
probably use the "proper" pronounciation, Chicken Pilau. But I prefer the old
term my Granny and Mama used, "perloo." Another spelling is "perlo." Recipes
for Chicken Perloo are as varied as the pronounciation. Some are simple, like
my family's. Others are all gussied up with herbs, olive oil, mushrooms and
peppers. I like mine simple. Here's the recipe as I remember it from my Mama,
Granny, and Great Granny.</div>
<div class="separator" sb_id="ms__id1114" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" sb_id="ms__id1116" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1
fryer chicken, cut up</div>
<div class="separator" sb_id="ms__id1117" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4
- 5 cups water</div>
<div class="separator" sb_id="ms__id1118" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Salt, pepper, chicken boullion cubes or poultry
seasoning</div>
<div class="separator" sb_id="ms__id1119" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1
lb. country ham, or thick bacon (later my mom started using polish sausage as a
substitute)</div>
<div class="separator" sb_id="ms__id1120" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil</div>
<div class="separator" sb_id="ms__id1121" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1
large or 2 small onions, chopped</div>
<div class="separator" sb_id="ms__id1122" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1
- 2 stalks celery, chopped</div>
<div class="separator" sb_id="ms__id1123" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2
cups white rice</div>
<div class="separator" sb_id="ms__id1124" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(Optional - 1 chopped tomato, chopped bell pepper)</div>
<div class="separator" sb_id="ms__id1125" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" sb_id="ms__id1127" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Place chicken in a large dutch oven, or soup pan as my mama
would say, cover with the water, season well with salt, pepper, a couple of
chicken boullion cubes or poultry seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cook
chicken 20-30 minutes until done .</div>
<div class="separator" sb_id="ms__id1128" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Remove chicken from broth, <strong sb_id="ms__id1129">saving
the broth</strong>, and set chicken aside to cool. When cool enough to handle,
skin and debone, and shred or cut up chicken. Add the chicken back to the
broth.</div>
<div class="separator" sb_id="ms__id1130" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In
a large fry pan, heat the tablespoon or two of vegetable oil. Add cubed country
ham or bacon and cook until crispy. Remove pork from the pan and add the
chopped onion and celery, adding a bit more oil if needed to prevent veggies
from sticking. Cook veggies until tender and translucent. Add pork and veggies
to the broth and chicken. Bring to a boil. </div>
<div class="separator" sb_id="ms__id1131" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When broth begins to boil, add the rice. Stir well. Reduce
heat to low, cover, and simmer slowly until rice is cooked and water is
absorbed. Stir occasionally and taste for seasoning. Add salt and pepper if
desired. </div>
<div class="separator" sb_id="ms__id1132" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" sb_id="ms__id1134" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Final thoughts....</div>
<div class="separator" sb_id="ms__id1135" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
**
Many recipes will call for pouring the broth into another container and setting
aside. Use the same dutch oven or soup pan to brown the pork and saute the
onion and celery. Then, pouring the broth back over the veggies. My family
always cooked the pork and sauted the veggies in a large fry pan, then deglazed
with a bit of broth, adding it all back to the broth.</div>
<div class="separator" sb_id="ms__id1136" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
**
Sometimes Mama or Granny would add chopped tomato to the mix after everything
was combined back into the broth. Sometimes they even added chopped green pepper to the onion and
celery.</div>
<div class="separator" sb_id="ms__id1137" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
**
Polish sausage is a nice hearty substitute for ham or bacon. In fact, I prefer
it. If you use polish sausage, you'll want to slice in about quarter inch
rounds.</div>
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Chicken Perloo ~~ takes me back to Savannah and my island
everytime.</div>
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Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088931069617998471.post-1837252894308465052012-11-07T15:28:00.002-05:002012-11-07T15:28:44.590-05:00My One & Only Political Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IcBNd7axloQ/UJrEBGpojII/AAAAAAAAA-M/u2RYGmocySs/s1600/cocktail+party+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IcBNd7axloQ/UJrEBGpojII/AAAAAAAAA-M/u2RYGmocySs/s320/cocktail+party+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Its the day after...</div>
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and </div>
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in the words of a friend....</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Whether or not your sociopath won or lost, be kind to your neighbors today, buy from local businesses, tip well, manage your health, and don't be a jackass. You know.... things that will actually change the world." JE</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stay calm, and move on. Cheers.</div>
Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088931069617998471.post-66086160676902529972012-08-15T10:52:00.000-04:002012-08-15T10:52:03.520-04:00Happy Birthday Julia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t2rcqFekILs/UCu1yTXg9MI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/A2jktd8YSYY/s1600/julia-child-with-rolling-pins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t2rcqFekILs/UCu1yTXg9MI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/A2jktd8YSYY/s320/julia-child-with-rolling-pins.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<em>"Life itself is the proper binge."</em></div>
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<br /></div>
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Julia Child would have been 100 years old today.</div>
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As far back as I can remember,</div>
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in the deepest depths of my memory,</div>
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I remember watching Julia's cooking show,</div>
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with my Mama.</div>
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<br /></div>
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How can we ever forget that distinctive voice,</div>
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her charm, her wit, her humor.</div>
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<br /></div>
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No, they don't make 'em like Julia anymore.</div>
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<br /></div>
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As a very young bride, it was Julia,</div>
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who taught me a love for cooking, </div>
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the proper way to roast a bird,</div>
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and dared me to attempt Creme Brulee.</div>
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I would hear her voice in my head,</div>
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and I learned my way around my new kitchen,</div>
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teaching me how to use various utensils and kitchen tools.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I wonder just how many cooks are out there today</div>
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that were influenced by her. </div>
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Those such as myself.</div>
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that grew up watching, listening, absorbing</div>
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Julia's teachings.</div>
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Surely there must be thousands.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Happy Birthday Julia. </div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
There will never be another like you.</div>
Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088931069617998471.post-74946703586406343492012-08-09T11:23:00.002-04:002012-08-09T11:23:38.621-04:00How Did This Happen So Fast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He went from this....</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JWIjO4nZHQ/UCPTdSRUmdI/AAAAAAAAA8k/ERK6dJkBxMQ/s1600/neil+first+grade+first+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JWIjO4nZHQ/UCPTdSRUmdI/AAAAAAAAA8k/ERK6dJkBxMQ/s320/neil+first+grade+first+day.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JYWdjlxyYsE/UCPTjvEwnXI/AAAAAAAAA8s/8lXm-wlTkiY/s1600/neil+first+grade+school+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JYWdjlxyYsE/UCPTjvEwnXI/AAAAAAAAA8s/8lXm-wlTkiY/s320/neil+first+grade+school+pic.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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To this.....</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5O6cP62Hg2s/UCPT-mTgoJI/AAAAAAAAA80/4R5DpA2n7Gw/s1600/neil+senior+photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5O6cP62Hg2s/UCPT-mTgoJI/AAAAAAAAA80/4R5DpA2n7Gw/s320/neil+senior+photo2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bTpbPmFPZEc/UCPUF2M5-LI/AAAAAAAAA88/J1jk-D11rjI/s1600/neil+and+gus+first+day+of+senior+year2+august+9+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bTpbPmFPZEc/UCPUF2M5-LI/AAAAAAAAA88/J1jk-D11rjI/s320/neil+and+gus+first+day+of+senior+year2+august+9+2012.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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He agreed to pose for me this morning...by the fireplace</div>
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Not with his bookbag,</div>
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but with his dog instead.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Today my baby becomes a senior in high school.</div>
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I've had three seniors before him.</div>
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But he's always been the baby.</div>
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How did it happen so fast?</div>
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That he grew up, right in front me, and I'm not sure I saw it coming.</div>
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He went from being a wild and crazy "Dennis the Menace" type of boy,</div>
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full of mischief, adventure, curiosity...oh the never ending curiosity, which</div>
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often left a path of destruction in his wake;</div>
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To being funny, sweet, sensitive, gentle, shy,</div>
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and oh so smart.</div>
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He went from taking apart vacumn cleaners and lawn mowers,</div>
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to writing music, recording songs, and painting pictures.</div>
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<br /></div>
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He has so much waiting for him...so much ahead of him.</div>
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This child...my child from another planet. </div>
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I cannot wait to see what he does with this amazing, incredible life.</div>
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But, I think, whatever he does, nothing will surprise me.</div>
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This child from another planet.</div>
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<br /></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088931069617998471.post-9259498274656067472012-07-16T15:41:00.000-04:002012-07-16T15:41:04.260-04:00Peaches & Blueberries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jIwxKwoy4MI/UARoMYjQtWI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/OaVwFb6QEII/s1600/peacches+and+blueberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="215" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jIwxKwoy4MI/UARoMYjQtWI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/OaVwFb6QEII/s320/peacches+and+blueberries.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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July in Georgia brings peaches, and blueberries.</div>
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Two of my favorite fruits, and</div>
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two of my favorite fruits to eat together. </div>
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Peaches and Blueberries go together in the most delightful way.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Our little town holds a local Farmer's Market, during the season,</div>
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on our little town square every Friday.</div>
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This past Friday I loaded up on peaches and blueberries.</div>
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I wandered among the tables and booths,</div>
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set up with all sorts of garden delights.</div>
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It was hard to pass up the jars of honey,</div>
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baskets of tomatoes, and fresh corn.</div>
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But, I went that day with peaches on my mind.</div>
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Then the blueberries woo'd me and I couldn't resist.</div>
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<br /></div>
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This past Sunday, my family gathered for one of our favorite</div>
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summertime suppers....</div>
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Low Country Boil</div>
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Fried Green Tomatoes</div>
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Hushpuppies</div>
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and I made a Peach with Blueberries Crisp.</div>
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Its a crazy simple recipe, </div>
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one long inheirited from my Mama.</div>
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I'm bettin' every southern girl has this recipe, or a variation of it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<em>PEACH CRISP</em></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(I just added a couple of handfuls of blueberries, for good measure.)</em></span></div>
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<em>For a 9x11 baking dish:</em></div>
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<br /></div>
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<em>1 1/2 cups self rising flour</em></div>
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<em>1 1/2 cups sugar</em></div>
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<em>1 1/2 sticks softened, room temp butter or margarine</em></div>
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<em>Enough peaches to generously cover the bottom of the dish.</em></div>
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<em>1 1/2 cups water</em></div>
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<em>Sprinkle of cinnamon</em></div>
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<br /></div>
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<em>Spray baking or casserole dish with non stick spray.</em></div>
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<em>Peel and cut up (I like nice size chunks) enough peaches to almost, but not completely fill up the dish. I used about 10-12 peaches, depending on the size. Sprinkle the fruit with cinnamon. I give it a light covering. Pour the water over the fruit, enough water (about 1 1/2 cups) to cover the bottom half of the fruit.</em></div>
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<em>Mix flour, sugar, and butter together to form a crumbly topping. You can use a pastry cutter but I use my hands. The mixture should be a separated, pea like crumble. Crumble the mixture over the fruit to cover completely.</em></div>
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<em>Bake at 350 for about an hour, until top is golden brown. </em></div>
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<em>Its best eaten warm, with vanilla ice cream. Yum....</em></div>
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<br /></div>
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<em>For a smaller dish, you can cut back the amount of fruit, cut the dry ingredients back to one cup and one stick of butter, and one cup of water. </em></div>
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<br /></div>
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<em>This recipe is especially yummy in the Fall, with apples. For an apple crisp I add more cinnamon for that apple cinnamon-y goodness.</em></div>
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<br /></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088931069617998471.post-54493359616406190062012-06-01T09:59:00.002-04:002012-06-01T09:59:33.832-04:00Ahhhh, June...<div style="text-align: center;">
June is my favorite month of the year. Yes, I am the quintessential summertime girl.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E3dHyEoEf1E/T8jIPfbMVFI/AAAAAAAAA7s/tuCnwRK8g4o/s1600/jumping+in+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" rba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E3dHyEoEf1E/T8jIPfbMVFI/AAAAAAAAA7s/tuCnwRK8g4o/s320/jumping+in+water.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Why I love June...</div>
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<br /></div>
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Long lazy days on the dock, swimming and boating.</div>
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Lightening Bugs</div>
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Blueberries</div>
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Hydrangeas</div>
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Magnolias</div>
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Jasmine on the lattice, and in the air.</div>
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Black Banks Creek, and crabbing.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KUyScb3GpM/T8jJE4f7W9I/AAAAAAAAA70/eyvlOqOqUrQ/s1600/marsh_picture-33395413.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" rba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KUyScb3GpM/T8jJE4f7W9I/AAAAAAAAA70/eyvlOqOqUrQ/s320/marsh_picture-33395413.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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Wearing the scent of sunscreen, and salt water.</div>
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Margaritas.</div>
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Skirts, shorts, and sandals.</div>
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Spanish moss and Resurrection ferns.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4eEeKh6m4Lw/T8jJkZLloiI/AAAAAAAAA78/Bk7gf0Xkv58/s1600/live+oaks3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4eEeKh6m4Lw/T8jJkZLloiI/AAAAAAAAA78/Bk7gf0Xkv58/s320/live+oaks3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
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I love June, yes I do.</div>
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I'm at my best in June.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<em>"If a June night could talk, it would probably boast it invented romance."</em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">~ Bern Williams</span></em></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088931069617998471.post-71477569863504902162012-05-30T15:07:00.000-04:002012-05-30T15:10:43.447-04:00Today is....National Mint Julep Day!<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--W1t3avj2CA/T8Zsdr1fgTI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/6gvfZVwf8-o/s1600/mint-julep-x%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--W1t3avj2CA/T8Zsdr1fgTI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/6gvfZVwf8-o/s1600/mint-julep-x%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">from Google images</span></div>
Believe it or not, this so southern girl has never had a mint julep. I know, a sacrilege, right? <br />
<br />
But, for some reason, a few months back, and I do think I'll blame this on pinterest, I've been longing for a set of mint julep cups. All the pretty pins I've seen on flower arrangements in mint julep cups have me seriously shopping. I found these about a month ago, and have been playing the "Should I or Shouldn't I?" game....<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MGt5AHTgxt8/T8ZthiDe7RI/AAAAAAAAA7g/uKs_p-Ez8UI/s1600/mint+julep+cups+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MGt5AHTgxt8/T8ZthiDe7RI/AAAAAAAAA7g/uKs_p-Ez8UI/s320/mint+julep+cups+2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> from Ross-Simons.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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I have a feeling that eventually I will...............</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Also, coincidently, Damon Lee Fowler, one of my all time biggest Author crushes, posted a very tempting mint julep recipe on his blog a few weeks ago. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I love Mr. Fowler...love him. His Savannah Cookbook is one of my favorites. Plus, his keen interest in historical southern cooking touches my very soul. Being a lover of southern history, and cooking, his writings on the relationship of both just puts me over the moon. But I digress....</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Mr. Fowler posts his favorite mint julep recipe here, along with some very cool historical background of the South's signature cocktail, dating back to even Biblical times. Makes me want to try a mint julep today...and well, it being National Mint Julep Day and all..... <a href="http://www.damonleefowler.com/blog.htm?post=853665">http://www.damonleefowler.com/blog.htm?post=853665</a></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088931069617998471.post-3846330002227492012012-05-29T14:41:00.001-04:002012-05-29T14:41:53.686-04:00Other ThingsI've had a hard time keeping up with blogging. It seems like for a few years, I really enjoyed blogging, and blogged regularly. Nowadays I do well if I blog once a month. I still keep blog post ideas in my head, and I'll think, "I need to blog about that!" And, my camera still hangs at my side, sometimes with pictures that I want to share. But sitting down to actually "do it" often evades me. Maybe its because I'm back at work full time. Maybe its because the last 5 months or so have been a whirlwind of activity with wedding planning, college graduation, end of school, and the illness and loss of our sweet old girl, Sophie. <br />
<br />
Our girl Annalee was married to her sweet Jeff last week....two weeks after her graduation from college.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r7d7FxS4bcY/T8UW2wllo8I/AAAAAAAAA68/2cX1bJJZ1AE/s1600/bride+and+groom+2.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r7d7FxS4bcY/T8UW2wllo8I/AAAAAAAAA68/2cX1bJJZ1AE/s320/bride+and+groom+2.5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We lost Sophie in April. She was my best good friend, and a faithful and loving companion. I've had dogs, and pets of almost every variety through out my life. Sophie was an exceptional pet, a member of our family. I miss her terribly.<br />
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I'm heading to my island in a few weeks. Home.<br />
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I miss my blogging friends. And, I'm sure they've all given up on me. But I do still get by your blogs on a regular basis, to read, and sometimes comment. Hopefully I can spend more time here on my blog and hanging out with my blogging friends again. </div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088931069617998471.post-61516641517109351492012-04-05T09:57:00.000-04:002012-04-05T09:57:32.580-04:00Tee Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xjEuapwrjaA/T32dCawZLsI/AAAAAAAAA6I/QcYLHnDmaGo/s1600/Golf-The-Masters-Final-0091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xjEuapwrjaA/T32dCawZLsI/AAAAAAAAA6I/QcYLHnDmaGo/s320/Golf-The-Masters-Final-0091.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Its the Masters week in Augusta.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I love watching the Masters. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> I still can't get over that year Greg Norman choked on the final round. I loved him so much,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> loved everything about him...the total package. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> I was brought to tears that year. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Through the years I've enjoyed watching the careers of </div><div style="text-align: center;">Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and the wonderful</div><div style="text-align: center;">Payne Stewart, RIP. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Will we ever forget his signature look?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When I was growing up, my Daddy always went to the Master's.</div><div style="text-align: center;">From the 1960's to the 1980's.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you know how many times he tried to get me to go with him?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Numerous...too numerous.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But, I was a dumb teenager, too busy with friends, dating, partying.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dumb.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And, its a regret I'll always live with.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Its ironic now, how much I love Golf. Love the game.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't play, but I sure love watching,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and just being around a golf course.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Its a wonder that I love it so much.</div><div style="text-align: center;">As a teenager, I caddied one summer at our local Country Club.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I got hit in the head that summer, by a wooden club.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Of course, I cried, and walked off the course,</div><div style="text-align: center;">swearing I would NEVER come near another golf club</div><div style="text-align: center;">or golf course, for the rest of my life....But I lied.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This weekend, as my family marks the death and resurrection of our Lord,</div><div style="text-align: center;">we'll also be enjoying a weekend filled with family...and golf.</div><div style="text-align: center;">May you be blessed with the knowledge, love, and grace of a risen Lord.</div><div style="text-align: center;">May you enjoy fellowship of family and friends...and of course, good food.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll be serving two traditional Master's weekend dishes...from the cookbook,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Tea Time at the Master's.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>The "Now Famous" Cheese Ring</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 lb. of grated sharp Cheddar cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup of chopped pecans</div><div style="text-align: center;">3/4 cup of mayonaise</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 small or medium onion, grated</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 clove garlic, pressed</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 teaspoon Tabasco</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup Strawberry Preserves</div><div style="text-align: center;">Combine all ingredients except the strawberry preserves, mix well, and chill.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Form into a ring.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fill center with strawberry preserves (I like to put this in a small compote and set in the center)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Serve with crackers.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes its hard to find peaches this early in the season, but if peaches are available, I love to make the following cobbler. If not, then early and mid summer is Peach time in Georgia.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Peach Cobbler</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">2 cups fresh, ripe peaches, peeled and sliced</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 stick butter</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup milk</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup sifted plain flour</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pinch of salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">Preheat oven to 350.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mix peaches with 1/2 cup sugar. Let stand 30 minutes or until juice forms.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Melt butter in 2 quart baking dish.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Use remaining ingredients to make the batter.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pour batter over the butter,</div><div style="text-align: center;">then pour peaches and juice over the batter.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bake at 350 for 30-45 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Serve with vanilla ice cream.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Of course, Easter dinner this year will be served with Arnold Palmer's tea, </div><div style="text-align: center;">much to my Daddy's delight.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088931069617998471.post-83855530827555254532012-03-01T09:51:00.000-05:002012-03-01T09:51:32.200-05:00In Like a Lamb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9BIbFAYxmk/T0-I26ss4hI/AAAAAAAAA5o/vGF09uuHnG4/s1600/lamb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9BIbFAYxmk/T0-I26ss4hI/AAAAAAAAA5o/vGF09uuHnG4/s320/lamb.jpg" uda="true" width="284" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">from Google images</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">March 1</div><div align="center">came in like a lamb today.</div><div align="center">You know what that means...</div><div align="center">According to folklore, March will go out like a Lion.</div><div align="center"><em>"March. In like a lamb, out like a Lion."</em></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">I've always liked that old saying. </div><div align="center">The thing is, I've never remembered to notice how March "went out."</div><div align="center">But one thing's for certain.</div><div align="center">In Georgia, March brings both beautiful soft weather, and</div><div align="center">roaring windy, rainy, and sometimes cold weather.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">According to the Farmers Almanac,</div><div align="center">this old saying is myth,</div><div align="center">started by those who came before us.</div><div align="center">People often believed that bad spirits could affect the weather adversely.</div><div align="center">Because of that, they were often cautious about what they did, </div><div align="center">what they did not do, and how they did it.</div><div align="center">They believed in a balance between weather, and life.</div><div align="center">So, if a month came in bad, like a lion,</div><div align="center">it should go out good, or calm, like a lamb.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">March is such a changeable month.</div><div align="center">I think nowhere is this more true than in the South.</div><div align="center">We will probably see warm, spring like temperatures...like today. </div><div align="center">It was 62 degrees at 7:30 this morning.</div><div align="center">Or, we may see late season snow flurries, or cold driving rain.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Regardless, I'm anticipating spring...anxiously. </div><div align="center">And, enjoying a morning of sunshine, warmth, </div><div align="center">and the hint of buds on my azaleas.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">"See the winter is past. The rains are over and gone.</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Flowers appear on the earth.</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">The season for singing has come,</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">the cooing of doves is heard in our land."</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">~The Song of Songs~</span></em></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088931069617998471.post-74926995181187524932012-02-21T15:24:00.001-05:002012-02-21T15:26:02.837-05:00Mardi Gras Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-maZNAIt_WbE/T0P8WX5BvII/AAAAAAAAA5Y/lewP7I3cnJQ/s1600/mardi+gras+mask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-maZNAIt_WbE/T0P8WX5BvII/AAAAAAAAA5Y/lewP7I3cnJQ/s320/mardi+gras+mask.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">Its Mardi Gras today in the Crescent City.</div><div align="center">I've always wanted to go.</div><div align="center">I love NOLA, but have never been during Mardi Gras.</div><div align="center">But...its on my bucket list.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Today, in honor of Mardis Gras</div><div align="center">I'm making Grillades & Grits for dinner.</div><div align="center">I haven't made these before, so today will be a first.</div><div align="center">And, what better recipe to follow than one from New Orleans' own...</div><div align="center">Emeril.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">I'm using this one...</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/grillades-and-baked-cheese-grits-recipe/index.html">http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/grillades-and-baked-cheese-grits-recipe/index.html</a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">BAM!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w4V-_bD5FLM/T0P8cgHBaWI/AAAAAAAAA5g/R1KfnnULJXY/s1600/Grillades-and-Baked-Cheese-Grits_s4x3_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" lda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w4V-_bD5FLM/T0P8cgHBaWI/AAAAAAAAA5g/R1KfnnULJXY/s320/Grillades-and-Baked-Cheese-Grits_s4x3_lg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Happy Mardi Gras, Y'all!</div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088931069617998471.post-54416548506009378392012-02-07T15:40:00.000-05:002012-02-07T15:40:34.339-05:00This Is How We Do It<div align="center">Winter in the South....</div><div align="center">My daddy's camellias, in full bloom</div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YzOQ5LWMVJ4/TzGKhtvw5qI/AAAAAAAAA5A/Iw4KlvmTq8I/s1600/pink-camellia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YzOQ5LWMVJ4/TzGKhtvw5qI/AAAAAAAAA5A/Iw4KlvmTq8I/s320/pink-camellia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Jonquils (or are they daffodils?) peeking up through the ground.</div><div style="text-align: center;">A bit of sunshine in my otherwise dreary brown garden.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d32rm4fLXSA/TzGKnvwPtvI/AAAAAAAAA5I/ZpFKrpzwnOs/s1600/daffodil-field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" sda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d32rm4fLXSA/TzGKnvwPtvI/AAAAAAAAA5I/ZpFKrpzwnOs/s320/daffodil-field.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">And, this little fella. </div><div align="center">I think the bluebirds take advantage of the warm days, </div><div align="center">not too often seen in February,</div><div align="center">to flit around the field. </div><div align="center">When they fly together, they look like they are playing.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TK7XBZ05wYs/TzGKxTF-MoI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/syteN_dRTsY/s1600/eastern+bbird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TK7XBZ05wYs/TzGKxTF-MoI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/syteN_dRTsY/s320/eastern+bbird.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">from Google images</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I think February likes to tease those of us</div><div style="text-align: center;">who are lucky enough to live in the south.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Today, its sunny, and 60 degrees.</div><div style="text-align: center;">A hint of Spring is in the air.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But tomorrow...or next week...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Who knows what Mother Nature will send our way.</div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728670504246881746noreply@blogger.com0