Food Friday on Monday

Well, I just can't seem to get Food Friday back on Friday. But I just can't let you down with food so I'm going to post a recipe anyways. This is a tried and true, good as gold recipe for one of my favorite desserts.

Key Lime Pie

Ingredients
• 1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust
• 3 cups sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup key lime juice
• 1 tablespoon grated lime zest

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl, combine condensed milk, sour cream, lime juice, and lime rind. Mix well and pour into graham cracker crust.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 5 to 8 minutes, until tiny pinhole bubbles burst on the surface of pie. DO NOT BROWN! Chill pie thoroughly before serving. If desired, garnish with lime slices and whipped cream.

Enjoy!

E's Best Friend's Wedding!

When I pulled up the blog, I couldn't believe that the last time I blogged was LAST Monday. Where did the time go? Well, let's see, there were two brand new Bible studies to launch last week, a shift at the Care Center to work, a hospital gift shop to stock, an upcoming vacation to be planned, work at the office to be completed, a radio show to be done every day and oh yes, the best friend of a certain daughter to get married last night!!!! Have mercy.

I'm sitting with my feet up for the first time all weekend. Before I go any further, let me just tell you that I stayed over after the post-wedding brunch this morning (D went on home) and met a friend at the Fox Theatre for a matinee showing of "The Sound of Music." It was like a huge musical bonus after an oh-so-busy weekend. I had almost forgotten how much I adore Maria and the vonTrapp family. I fell in love with Julie Andrews when she first played the role of Mary in my all time favorite movie ever, Mary Poppins. Well, then a year later, we reconnected when she originated the role of Maria in The Sound of Music. Just a little Julie Andrews trivia for all of those who love her as much as I do - Julie won an Academy Award for her role as Mary and was nominated for her role as Maria. Love her.

Okay, back to the wedding. Oh, glory, what a good time we had with Miss C and her family at the Marriott Marquis. I know practically every nook and cranny of that gorgeous hotel now Wow. I just wanted to stay there a little while longer and do nothing. I told D today that I don't know when I've worked so hard and had so much fun all in one weekend. Let me just tell you, this family knows how to have fun!! They were a hoot and a half and we loved each and every one of them. It was great!

E and I left out Friday morning and headed down to the hotel to get things unloaded, unpacked and settled in before the normal chaos of the wedding would occur. Thank goodness we did. It was quite the "full time job" for E to be the wedding planner and Matron of Honor all in one fail swoop but she pulled it off with flying colors. This wedding was perfection, in my humble opinion.

This whole experience made me weepy-ily nostalgic. When I turned and saw Miss C standing there ready to go down the aisle with her parents, I just lost it. I remembered what a huge part of E's life she has been and the immediate friendship that they have shared since the day they met during Rush the week before they began GCSU. I remembered all of the sorority events I attended with them; the visits she's made to our home; the summer she and E spent in London for their study abroad program. I remembered all of the long talks I've had with those two precious young women; the laughter and tears we've shared and of course, E's own wedding with Miss C being a huge part of that.

Let's see if I can give you a glimpse of this wonderful weekend in photos.

Here are the brand new bride and groom, the matron of honor and her "best man."

Wedding photos on the atrium level at the Mariott Marquis.

E's dress is looking mighty blue in these photos but in reality it was a most beautiful aubergine color.

Yea! We made it to the reception!

Oh, this was so much fun - the Horah!!

I included this picture because I just love it. I was standing on the stage with the DJ looking down onto the dance floor. Well, who did I just see whiz by? Can you see them in the forefront? Yep, that's my girl and her dancin' man. (He's gonna love that - :) )

Here's to the old married couple!!

I was blessed beyond measure to be included in this weekend's festivities. Wishing many years of love and happiness to this very special couple! We love you!

Yes, I Know it's Monday

Well, it's the funniest thing - I've only been two places today but at both of those places I was asked about the Chili "Houndog" Casserole that I talked about last Monday on the What's for Supper segment. For those of you who live in a cave or don't listen to the radio show, last Monday was the 33rd anniversary of the passing of the King of Rock and Roll, aka. Elvis. Moment of silence.

Okay, to celebrate that momentous occasion, I talked about Elvis-related recipes all last week. Thus the Chili Houndog Casserole. It's basically just like a chili dog, except better, and in casserole form.

So lucky you, the Food Friday fairy decided to appear afterall, on Monday. So here's to Elvis and all you "houndog" lovers!

Chili Houndog Casserole

Ingredients
8 hot dog buns
8 hot dogs
2 (15 ounce) cans chili
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
2 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Open up the hot dog buns and lay them flat, crust side up. Sprinkle ½ cup cheese on top of the buns. Slice the hot dogs into bite size pieces and layer the pieces over the buns.
3. Pour the chili over the hot dogs, sprinkle with the chopped onion, then spread some mustard over the chili and the onion. Top off with the cheese.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Brides Against Breast Cancer Event

Well, this weekend has been a whirlwind of wonderful things! But we'll begin with yesterday. Wonderful Events and Celebrations was honored to be a co-sponsor with Soirees Southern Events to host the Brides Against Breast Cancer Charity Event held at the Chattahoochee Country Club. Oh the beauty - the food, the flowers, the gowns, the tablescapes and of course, the brides!
But to me, the most beautiful of all was this girl!

Outside on the Patio Pavilion tablescapes were set up, along with the Silent Auction items. This is one of our tables - Breakfast at Tiffany's inspired.

This is our second tablescape - environmentally friendly and green!

Mary Stanford and our friends at Southern Florals did the flowers for our tables as well as the tables in the Ballroom. Isn't this amazing??

The Silent Auction items were fabulous - gowns, vacations, wine and check out the shoes! Ann Roth donated a pair of her fabulous shoes and let me tell you, it was quite a bidding war for those shoes! I wish I had taken a better picture of them because oh my word, they were awesome.

Friends, if you aren't familiar with Brides Against Breast Cancer and the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation, please go their website and read for yourself what this fabulous organization does for women suffering from this horrible disease.

Every January the Nationwide Tour of Gowns makes it to Atlanta. The proceeds from the gown sale go directly to the Foundation to help make dreams come true for terminally ill patients. Half of the gowns are brand new, donated by designers and bridal shops, while the other half are donated by individuals. What a great idea. I want to go. But apparently you have to be a bride looking for a wedding dress. I just hate that.

Have a good Monday!

A to Z . . . U thru Z

In A Word . . . An A to Z List of Words that Can Change Your Life

Unplug your television. Try it for a week at first and see how much time you gain for God, others and yourself. Ortberg says, "television kills intimacy and conversation and disrupts sustained thought. Use the freed-up time to do things you've needed or have been planning to do. Get more sleep. Read. Have a really good conversation."

Voice. Listen to the way God speaks to you. God speaks today just as much as ever before. Sometimes it's a soft whisper (1 Kings 19:12) and other times it's loud and booming (Duet. 5:22). The key is to hone in and listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying specifically to you. Just as you talk to Him in a unique way, He speaks uniquely to you. Grow in your communication with Him.

Worship. You were created to worship God. Discover what that truly means. Worship doesn't have to be through song. You can worship through looking at nature, God's creation. You can worship Him in wonder, in amazement over the mind-boggling intricacies of this earth. You can worship Him through service, by being the best parent you can be to your kids, or spouse. You can worship through dancing or drawing or building or simply thinking. Jesus said, "True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship Him" John 4:23.

eXpect the unexpected. It may sound like a cliche' but with God, it's the truth. Ask Him to do amazing things and watch Him do them.

Yesterday. Leave it - and it's regrets - behind. Ask forgiveness from people you've hurt in the past and make efforts to amend fractured relationships. Then once you've repented, it's out of your hands. Hang onto this promise, "as far as from the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions." (Psalms 103:12) Regret will always destroy a hopeful life but hope will restore a regretful one.

Zeal. Passion. Fervor. It's how life should be lived, mistakes and all. God will take a heart zealous for Him over a lukewarm one any day.

So . . . have these "words" spoken to you? Might you make a few changes? I know I will. Remember we were put on this earth for a purpose for "such a time as this." Know your purpose and live it!

Have a great Friday!

In a Word . . . N thru T

In a Word . . . The A to Z List of Words That Can Change Your Life

Notice the little things. Watch a storm cloud roll in. Feel the sense of being alive as you breathe in the crisp winter air. Take time to notice what makes your sweetheart laugh. After all, life is really made up of a series of the little things more than the big things.

Offer. Romans 12:1 urges us to "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship." (NIV). Take care of the temple God has given you and worship Him by eating well, exercising, challenging your mind and lowering your stress level. If that sounds too difficult right now, take it one step at a time, remembering that these are acts of worship.

Play. "Play is an expression of God's presence in the world. It's not an escape; it is a way to release the life-smothering grip of busyness, stress and anxiety. Playfulness is a modern expression of hope, a celebration of the flickering light of the gospel . . ." (author Mike Yaconelli).

Quit whining. God has things under control. He has not forgotten you.

Recognize your strengths. Once you have identified your strengths, you can more easily look at those times when you've exercised them. It's the exercising of your strengths that leads to your success.

Savor. To savor something is to immerse yourself in the enjoyment of it. "Savoring is the lost art of cherishing, appreciating and relishing. When you and I stop and savor a particular of life, we soak it in, we listen with all of our senses, we immerse ourselves in what we are savoring." (Yaconelli) Savor your time with your husband, your family, your friends and most of all, your God.

Truth. It will transform your life. Jesus Christ is the truth - the transforming truth. He promises that transformation in John 10:10: "The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly." And that is a promise.

In a Word . . . H thru M

Continuing In A Word . . . An A to Z List of Words that Can Change Your Life

Hope. Cultivate hope in your life. In the midst of our toxic world, the hope of resurrection is still a reality. Our identity is found in Christ's resurrection and that brings great hope.

Identify issues. Whether it's in your family or at work, unresolved issues breed bitterness and discontentment. The key is to deal with them the appropriate way.

Joy. Carry it with you wherever you go. Choose to become joyful. John Ortberg says, "We are invited to rejoice in every moment of life because every moment of life is a gift. If we don't rejoice today, we will not rejoice at all. If we wait until conditions are perfect, we will still be waiting when we die. If we are going to rejoice, it must be in this day."

Know your purpose. You have to know what your ultimate life purpose is and what your driving force is in order to be completely fulfilled.

Learn. Commit yourself to a life of continual learning. Keep reading. Keep attending classes or workshops regularly. Keep learning and be teachable.

Meditate on a passage from the Bible. Read it slowly. Certain words may stand out to you; allow them to sink into your heart. Ask if perhaps God wants to speak to you through these words. The goal is not for us to get through the Scriptures. The goal is for the Scriptures to get through us.

In a Word . . . A thru G

I'm not sure where this came from but I like it and I seem to think if I like something, you'll like it too. I wish I knew who the author was because I would love to pass along my thanks. It's called "In A Word . . . An A to Z List Words that Can Change Your Life." So please read these slowly and give them a ponder. That's what I'm gonna do.

Accept other's help. The world preaches a self-sufficient message but Jesus is returning for a body of believers interdependent on one another. Surround yourself with people who are rooting for your success, not your failures. Find someone to help you, someone to hold you accountable.

Bless others. The word "bless" means to add weight or value to someone. On the other hand, the word for "curse" in Hebrew is literally the word for subtraction. When you bless someone, you add to their life. And when you curse someone, you subtract from their life. In every dealing you have with someone, you're either adding or subtracting.

Call your spouse (or someone very special) in the middle of the day and tell him you're still crazy about him - even after all these years.

Devote half a day each month to a time of prayer and worship. If you can't remember the last time you had 30 minutes without being interrupted by the kids or the phone, start with an hour and work your way up. The key is spending much-needed one-on-one time with God - adoring Him, listening to Him and allowing Him to nurture your spirit.

Endure. Hebrews 12:1 says "to run with endurance that race that lies before us." That race involves trials, big and small. The way to enjoy something is to work on endurance. When you persevere through a problem or issue, you enjoy that you've come through it. That may be the reason people don't get enjoyment out of things; there's no effort attached.

Focus. Author Laurie Beth Jones says, "one of the most powerful questions for focusing is asking yourself: 'What would I be doing with my time if I knew I only had six healthy months to live?' That can immediately cause you to reorganize your priorities."

Give. Do it outlandishly. Extravagantly. Ridiculously. It's how God likes it. God loves a cheerful giver. Then, as icing on the cake, watch His blessings roll in as He changes your heart.

Road Trip - The Girls!

Several months ago I told you about my venture into the world of Facebook. Not really knowing what I was getting into, I (I mean, E) signed up and I became fast "friends" with over 100 people. Well, being the sanguine that I am, I was all about that in a New York minute. Over the past few months, since reconnecting with grade school and high school friends, I've seen photos of myself from kindergarten, first grade, piano recitals and sitting on the hood of a car in the high school parking lot. I've "talked" with friends I thought I'd never have communication with again - living all over the states of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Florida and a couple I found right here in Atlanta. Too say the least - it has been FUN. And I would right now like to publicly thank Facebook and the Internet for all you've given me. It is much appreciated.

So, during this whole reconnecting process, I began communicating with my friend, C who now lives in Orlando. She casually mentioned one day that she was traveling to Illinois to see her family during the month of August and "hey, why don't you come up and we'll have a little girls reunion?" I'd love to - let me see if I can work it out! Thus the Road Trip 2010 wheels started turning. When I realized that it would coincide with Mother's Birthday, I knew what we would do. Mother and I would go on this whirwind trip together. Driving up on Monday and driving back on Wednesday. Call me crazy.

A little background info here. In high school there were three of us who were inseparable. C, T and me. We went everywhere together. We did everything together. We all three sat in the front seat of a bucket seat car (yes, that meant two of us shared one seatbelt in that one front seat. Oddly enough, we never got a ticket for that. Although we did get stopped by the police one night for being "suspicious" after we drove around a local establishment for the 50th time trying to catch sight of one our lastest loves.) We slept in the same bed. We all three got ready together in one bathroom. We shared laughs, tears and alot of Pizza Hut pizza - those were the days.

So . . C made all of the arrangements with T and I asked C if she would keep it a secret that I would be making an appearance at this little girls get togehter. And she did. When I rounded the corner in that restaurant, I honestly wish I could tell you the look on T's face. It was priceless! It was totally worth the 20 hours of driving that I endured. It had been at least 15 years, probably more since I had laid eyes on these two precious women and all of sudden, the laughter and friendship that we had once had, returned. We talked and laughed until our sides hurt. We caught up on work, friends, children, parents and lots, lots more. I wouldn't take a million and one dollars for the four hours I sat there with them. It was like a treasure worth more than gold. A gift truly that God gave me tied up with a big bow.

Another gift I recieved on this trip was surprising another one of the precious women from my past by showing up at her workplace on Tuesday afternoon. I just love surprising people! We had a great, but short, time of catching up. She is one of the most beautiful women I know - on the inside and out. She's strong and tender all at the same time. I left there wishing I could have had more time . . .

I've said this before and I'll say this again. While my girlfriends can never replace my husband, children and family - my girlfriends are a lifeline to me. The women that God has chosen to be my sisters are beyond my wildest dreams. I wasn't blessed with any blood sisters but I tell you what, I think the ones He gave me for friends were just as handpicked for me. All my life, God has surrounded me with the absolutely coolest and most fabulous of women. You make me want to be a better woman, wife, mother and friend. Some I see all the time and some only every 15 years. Either way, you are a pleasure and a treasure to me.

Food Friday Returns!

Good morning friends! I've already been to have my hair cut and now I'm waiting patiently on a house appraiser to get here. D has been doing a vast amount of research on home interest rates over the past few months. Never one to throw money out the window (or give it away frivolously to a mortgage company), my husband decided that refinancing our home was a wise decision. I agreed. Thus the house appraiser this morning.

Okay, Food Friday has returned!! Yea and woo hoo! You know, I'm so blessed to be able to do the "What's for Supper?" segment every day on the radio. I know you won't believe this but just for me to get to talk first of all is so much fun because I do, after all love to talk. Then to get to talk about food - well, that's just a match made in heaven. This recipe however hasn't made it to the radio line-up yet but believe me, it will very soon. This is the recipe I made for Mother's birthday (picture on her birthday post) - Fresh Peach Pie. Now, as you know, I've been watching every bite that goes in my mouth for the past couple of months which means I have had very little (and I mean very little) sweet things cross my lips. But I just could not resist this dessert. On my Favorite Desserts List Ever - this makes the top five. I honestly could have eaten the whole pie but instead I had a obnoxiously small piece but you know, it was enough. Believe me, I savored the moment.
I can honestly say that this is the best thing I've put in my mouth in the past four months. Okay, enough about me, here's the recipe:

Fresh Peach Pie

1 package of pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie
1 egg, beaten
5 cups fresh peaches - peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons butter

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Line the bottom and sides of a 9 inch pie plate with one of the pie crusts. Brush with some of the beaten egg to keep the dough from becoming soggy later.
3. Place the sliced peaches in a large bowl, and sprinkle with lemon juice. Mix gently. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, sugar and salt. Pour over the peaches and mix gently. Pour into the pie crust and dot with butter. Cover with the other pie crust and fold edges under.
Flute the edges to seal or press the edges with the tines of a fork dipped in egg. Brush the remaining egg over the top crust. Cut several slits in the top crust to vent steam.
***I cut the top crust into strips and arranged in a lattice design on the top.
4. Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, then reduce the heat to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, until the crust is brown and the juices begin to bubble.
If the edges brown to fast, cover them with strips of aluminum foil about halfway through baking.
Cool before serving.
Tastes better warm than hot.

Enjoy!!

Road Trip Part 2

Well, Mother and I have returned from Illinois Road Trip 2010. I really don't know where to start with all that has happened over the past 48 hours. It's mind boggling. As you know, Mother started out early yesterday morning for a full day of activities and was still up when I came in last night at 11:30 Central Time. She is like the Energizer Bunny, I swear.
I've just got to tell a story on her. I don't think she'll mind. Actually, I could tell a hundred after my past three days with her but this one just about did me in. I tapped on her door last night when I got in just to see if she was awake. (Remember this is 11:30 p.m.) She opened that door fully dressed, hair fixed and make up on. I said "Mother, did you just get in from being out with Judy?' This was her answer, "Oh no, honey. I've been back about two hours. I just felt so gross after being out in this heat all day, I just had to take a shower. And I thought since we are leaving so early in the morning, I would just save time and go ahead and put my clothes on and fix my hair. You know, I don't move much when I sleep, so I won't mess my hair up. And I sure won't get my clothes dirty laying in that clean bed. So, you just get me up when you get up in the morning and I'll be ready to go."
I. am. not. kidding.

Just a little stroll down memory lane:

This is the First Baptist Church - the one who grew me and married D and I. Sorta. Actually this doesn't look anything like that church. The one we knew and loved has long since been torn down and replaced with this brand spanking new beauty.


This is one side of the town square. The taller building facing us is a building that I spent a good bit of time in back in the day. The building used to be home to "The Stylart," which was THE best ladies boutique within a 100 mile radius. The family who owned it gave me a job when I was barely 15. I worked after school, on Saturdays, and during the summers until my junior year in college. I adored working there. I loved my employers, the ladies I worked with, the customers and of course, the clothes. It was a dream job and I hated to give it up. I'm not sure when it closed but obviously, it has.

This is the house that D was renting when we were dating. We lived there for two weeks after we were married. I've got to tell you a funny story about this though. I drove around for about 30 minutes looking for this crazy house. I thought what in the world, I lived in this town for 24 years and lived in this house a whole two weeks, but I just could not find it. Well, I'll be doggone if they hadn't changed the street name. I think. Honestly I don't know. This may not be the house. I only lived there two weeks.

I do, however, know this house. This is my childhood home. 105 Lakeview Road. I loved living here. There used to be a huge tree that sat out right next to the road that gave this house alot more shade. My dad was meticulous about those shrubs in the front. They had to be exactly even all the way across. There was a hole in the front yard that one of the boys t-p-ing that big tree and those shrubs fell in and sprained his ankle. He always believed my dad put that hole there on purpose. I learned to ride a bike in this front yard but it was in the backyard that I ran smackdab into a tree and totally tore up my new pink basket. I cried for two days. Until I got a new one. I was an only child. And I clumsy one at that.

Well, Marion, in the words of Frank Sinatra, "thanks for the memories, of things I can't forget."

Road Trip

Well, I'm sitting in a hotel room right on Interstate 57 in Marion, Illinois. This hotel room is within 4 miles of the home I lived in for 20+ years. I'm headed out in a little while so maybe I'll take a few pictures to document this time travel trip we're on.

Today is Mother's birthday. She has already gone out with one of her girlfriends to visit some more friends and then do lunch. I just wish you could have seen her, she was up at 6:00 a.m. (I know because we have adjoining rooms) and she was practically giddy by the time she left. Like she said yesterday- you have to face facts, at her age there isn't alot of friends left to visit. So I think this may be the best birthday gift I've ever given her. Which makes me wonder why I didn't think of this before? I should have realized that as much as she loves Georgia and her family, she just might need to reconnect with the place where she put down roots for more than 60 years. Yes, 60. Hard to believe.

We were in the car for over 10 hours yesterday and bless her heart, she talked the entire time. It was great. She told me things that I know I had forgotten. Like when my dad was in WWII and his army unit was headed to the Battle of the Bulge. Right as they were preparing to leave, my dad's knee blew out, a result of an old football injury. He didn't go. Most of his buddies didn't come back. My mom said he always struggled with wondering why he was spared.

I'm preparing to see the precious faces of some high school girlfriends that I haven't seen in over 20 years. This whole experience just brings back more memories than I can process at one time. Things have changed so much, yet in some ways have stayed the same. This is the town, the people, the church, and the friends that built me. This place gave me a foundation. It is a good place full of good hard-working people. A place where farmers work hard in the ground, coal miners work hard below ground and others work hard above ground. This is middle America. I'm proud to call it my hometown.

Happy Birthday dear MiMi!

I hope y'all have had a great weekend! We just finished celebrating my Momma's birthday and a fun time was had by all. My sweet momma's actual birthday is Tuesday but because she and I are going on a road trip to Illinois in the morning, we decided to blow out her candles tonight.
I have the sweetest Momma ever. She has a great attitude about life and I hope I can be like her when I'm her age. She laughs easily and just really appreciates the small and big things. I love her dearly.

I just had to share these quick photos of the festivities. As you know, everyone in the family has to put on these ridiculous items in order to get their birthday dessert. Mother was a good sport and played along. Bless her heart. I should be ashamed.



I found these candles at the JandJ and had to have them. Aren't they awesome? What was even more awesome was the fresh peach pie they are sitting on. Have mercy. Warm peach pie and ice cream. That is my kind of birthday "cake."
I made it myself, thank you very much.

Happy Birthday MiMi! We think you are the best ever!

Did Y'all Know?

While you might not think this is big news, this is HUGE news for me! Gotta share, gotta share! Are you ready? There is another "Say Yes to the Dress" . . . and it's in Atlanta!!!!! So guess what, Kleinfields NYC you got nothin on us because Bridals by Lori right down here in beautiful Sandy Springs, Georgia is the new home of my favorite show! Well, Yea! and WooHoo! Can you tell I am just a little more than excited about this?

What I'm not as excited about is that I think I may have missed the premiere on Friday night. If nothing else interferes, I usually reserve Friday nights for my SYTTD marathons, but last Friday we were at the farm and it didn't even enter my mind. But I may have a safety net because our DVR is set to record all of them. I'll have to check that tonight and if it's on there you better believe I'm gonna be glued to it instead of the alternative which I'm sure you are aware is The Bachelorette. The Bachelorette just makes me crazy - I get nervous and embarrassed for those poor guys. Stresses me out completely. But for some odd and surprising reason a bride trying on tons of wedding dresses, some twice; in a store full of hundreds of dresses in all shapes, sizes and styles; all the while arguing with her mother, sisters and bridesmaids; constantly documented by an unseen narrator; while salesladies bicker in the background; with Randy constantly telling them what they should have done all along . . . does not stress me out at all.

UPDATE! I paused this post while D and I ate supper and guess what was on my DVR for my viewing pleasure? Yes, indeedy - SYTTD Atlanta! And it did not disappoint. Randy was not assisting these Southern brides but not to worry because Monte was on the case! It was awesome! But let me just give you this spoiler alert, there was more than one "oh my gawwsh, Ah thank thees ees maa da-reess, yaa'aall."

I am sure, however, that I do not sound like that. :)

What I love about August 2010!

August 1st! Really? We have now successfully completed seven whole months of 2010. Unbelievable. We'll be talking Christmas around here before you know it. Let's see I haven't blogged since Tuesday and oh the fun I've had since then. Wednesday I went to the Mart and yes, that was all I did that day. I was t-i-r-e-d at the end of that. Beautiful things were purchased for the Windowshop and although time was short, I, of course, managed to squeak in a couple of personal purchases.
On Thursday, E and I had a consultation with a precious bride and her fiance. They have visions of a Spring 2011 outdoor wedding dancing in their heads (sorry, just the word "Christmas" got my mind humming of such) and we hope to make those visions a reality. After the radio show that day, I headed back to the downtown square for a reception held at a local art gallery, Gallerie 110, which features artists in our area. I have a friend who participated in the showing and she is among many talented artists who have come together to showcase their talents at this gallery. It is a great addition to our downtown and the art is amazing.

After that, I headed out to a friend's house for get this . . . a Chocolate and Wine Party. Oh yes I did. Now, there is nothing a bunch of girls like better than this combination and oh, did we enjoy every single minute of it. I left overdosed on chocolate (and underdosed on wine) and to quote that famous song from Flashdance, "What a feeling." Can't you just see that video - leg warmers, and water - "I can have it all, now I'm dancing for my life. I have music now! I have rhythm now! What a feeling!" That was my absolute favorite movie in 1983. Don't judge me please. Where was I?

I hit a highlight on Friday morning when I was able to sit down with a very dear friend to listen to her share her heart about her year-long mission trip to 12 countries. The trip is called the World Race but I keep calling it the Amazing Race because of her stories of God's amazing work throughout her trip. (I fully realize that Amazing Race is a tv show but I think it pales in comparison to the journey God took my buddy on). God is leading her back to one of the countries she visited to begin a ministry there. His provision already is evidence of what He has called her to. My heart is full for her and what God has in store. On Saturday night a group of us welcomed her back with a little fellowship and she shared more of her stories as well as some video and awesome photography. Such a blessing to lay eyes on this fabulous young woman again after a whole year.

Friday afternoon I headed with my hubby to the farm for some rest and relaxation. We cooked out that night and played Spades and Rook into the wee hours of the morning with E and N. Saturday was full of quiet time for me and manual labor for D - therapeutic for both of us. The beauty and quietness of the farm just kinda allows us to bring balance to our hectic lives. Much needed and much enjoyed.

So what does August 2010 have in store for us?
1. Tuesday will find us at the farm again for an all-day business planning meeting for the grocery store. All of us will go up either to participate, set up, cook, host or do whatever needs to be done. D holds these get-away planning meetings from time to time and I think it is very beneficial to his staff. After a day of hard work, we will all load up on the four-wheelers to just enjoy nature and clear our heads. A very good thing.
2. Oh, I can hardly wait til Thursday when I will attend, for the very first time, the World's Longest Yard Sale. It runs 675 miles from Gadsden, Alabama to Hudson, Michigan. We are catching it as it cuts across the very northwest tip of Georgia - connecting Alabama to Tennessee. This should be tons of fun! I'll let you know what we saw and what treasures we couldn't leave there.
3. Next weekend, D's sister and family will be here for the weekend. This will involve food, fun and boat time. So excited to spend some time with them.
4. Sunday night we'll be celebrating my momma's 80-something birthday. I really cannot tell you . . . I would have to kill you (per momma :) )
5. We are celebrating Mimi's birthday Sunday because she will be gone on her actual birthday (Tuesday). She and I are headed to Illinois for a few days beginning Monday the 9th. As most everything in my life, this trip has a really long story behind it so I'll save it for another day that will hopefully include photos!
6. The following week I'll get to go to Nashville with hubby for a short trip. Business for him; fun for me. I still haven't been to the Country Music Hall of Fame. You'll remember my trip to Nashville got cancelled the last time because of D's appearance before the Georgia Senate. I sure hope they appreciated my sacrifice.
7. On Sunday, August 22nd, Wonderful Events will be co-sponsoring a fabulous event for an incredible charity, Brides Against Breast Cancer at the Chattahoochee Country Club. Mark your calendars now - you don't have to be a bride to attend. I'll pass along more details later.
8. August not only marks the beginning of the school year but our Bible study year as well. I'm so excited to get back in the Word with my buddies I can hardly stand it! Looks like we'll be studying two Old Testament pillars of the faith - Esther and David. Yea!
9. Oh and of course, the big event for the month - E's best friend's wedding! It will consume us for a few days and we couldn't be happier about that! She is a fabulous young woman and I can hardly wait to be a part of her wedding weekend!
10. Since we'll be in Atlanta for the wedding, I just thought I would just make a weekend of it and go to the Fox Theater on Sunday afternoon to see my second favorite musical, "The Sound of Music." (Mary Poppins is, of course, my favorite). Because, after all, these are a few of my favorite things . . .