What I Love about October 2013

Love, love, love October.  It's one of my favorite months of the year.  Here's what I'm looking forward to this October.

1.  This first beautiful weekend of October finds us working a wedding which we love to do.  This beautiful bride lives in California but will come back to her hometown to wed the man of her dreams.  I can hardly wait to see this wedding unfold.

2.  Sunday morning, D and I, along with another couple, will fly to the great state of Texas for what we are calling our "Taste of Texas Tour."  That's right, friends and neighbors, we are eating our way through Texas.  We are all four big foodies so we had the idea to visit the restaurants recommended by food guru, Guy Fieri of Diner, Drive-in and Dives fame on the Food Network.  We have tracked down all of his recommendations in the great cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and South Padre Island.  We actually have an eating itinerary.  Let the fun begin!

3.  On October 10th, my baby will turn 24 years old!  What a joy this child is to me, his dad and our family.   Love you bunches, G!

4.  On the 15th, Mother and I will take a day trip with one of the local banks up in the mountains.  We'll visit a winery for a tasting (at 10:00 in the morning no less); eat lunch at Glen Ella Springs and stop at a local pottery.  Yes, I'm pretty sure you're officially old when you start taking day excursions on buses.  But that's okay, Mother is beyond excited.

5.  On the 19th, we'll see one fabulous couple get married!  We have loved the planning with this sweet bride and groom.  This one is going to be amazing!

6.  On the 20th, a local church has asked me to join them for an author event they are holding in conjunction with their Sunday morning services.  I haven't quite come to terms with the whole "author" thing since my book is a cookbook.  I'm honored that they thought to invite me.  I'm so looking forward to it.

7.  Oh, that reminds me.  The cookbooks are scheduled to arrive the week of October 14th.  I'm excited and nervous.

8.  On the 25th,  a friend and I are heading down to Stone Mountain for the Country Living Fair.  I have wanted to go to this for years.  I have no idea what kind of treasures we might find but I can hardly wait to begin the hunt.

9.  For some the 31st means Halloween.  For our family, it means we leave to go to the Georgia Florida game for the weekend!  Go Dawgs!

10.  Our oldest furry girl is with child so we are anxiously anticipating the arrival of little furry babies the end of this month.  We go for a sonogram in two weeks.  I cannot wait to see what a doggie sonogram even looks like. This is so exciting!

Happy October!!

Week Recap!

I know y'all have been wondering where I went.  Last Friday morning, D and I headed to Chattanooga for the weekend.    Friday was his birthday so we were celebrating that as well as attending our close friends' son's wedding on Saturday evening.  Short story:  Chattanooga was fabulous!   Great city with lots of cool shops and restaurants.  Wedding was gorgeous! We had a great time.

This week has been a whirlwind of several interesting things:

Monday:  I had a great lunch with a new friend.  What a blessing for God to plop down someone in your life who you instantly love and enjoy.  I also had my hair colored (see Wednesday). :)

Tuesday:  This day was jam packed full of what I call "Mother" activities.   My sweet momma had a doctor's appointment so we decided to do lunch first at Banterra (this is what my momma calls Panera for some unknown reason) with G, along with some errands.  After that, I came home to prepare Darrell's birthday dinner.  So fun celebrating my sweet husband with the family. 

Wednesday:  The morning was full of preparations for a photo shoot with the editor/photographer for the local  "Home Magazine."  They have been kind to ask me to be appear in the November/December issue.  They were coming to the house so I needed to prepare two dishes: a Thanksgiving entrée and Christmas dessert.  I also had to have my house clean and look presentable.  Believe me, it took most of the day.

Thursday:  After a meeting with this weekend's bride and her mom, I began to feel a little queasy. Then a lot queasy.  By lunch time, I had a full-on stomach bug that lasted well into the night last night.  THANKFULLY, I feel much better.

And that brings us to today.  We are looking forward to a beautiful wedding this weekend.  It's at our local Chattahoochee Country Club.  The ceremony is going to be outside on the lawn near the lake which will be beautiful.  I do believe the weather is going to cooperate. 

Okay, with all that said, I've got to go and prepare for this wedding.  Oh and by the way, we are going out of town Sunday morning for a week full of vacation!  I'll be back to give you details about that shortly. 

Happy Friday!

More Big News!!!

Wow!  This month has turned into a biggie let me tell you!  One of our weddings is featured on Style Me Pretty blog!!!  Check this out and please take time to read the words written from the heart of this precious bride.  This young woman is extra special to us as she and her family are long time family friends of ours.  Kayla and Emily have a childhood full of memories together.  To witness the love of her and her groom throughout the planning and wedding weekend was nothing short of breathtaking.  Her wedding reflected her personality perfectly.  We prayed and prayed for beautiful weather for this day and God was good to provide.  It was amazing.  I might have cried like a baby when I first caught sight of her in her wedding dress.  I've seen her grow and mature through the years into an amazing woman.  We were incredibly blessed to a part of this special time in the life of their family.

Oh my word ...

LSU Who?

On Saturday there just happens to be a Big Game in the SEC football world.  If you are a Georgia Bulldawg you know what I'm talking about.  Here's an interesting factoid for you:  The Georgia Bulldogs will become just the fourth team in the BCS era to play three top 10 teams in their first four games. 

So in honor of this occasion I'll share a little video that was created in 2011 by some UGA students, several you might recognize from Gainesville.   I think it still applies ... LSU Who?  Go Dawgs!!

It's Premier Week!

So I've told you how much I love this time for year for several days but haven't mentioned yet another reason for my love of September. The new Television Season!  It's Season Premier week and I for one, could not be happier about it.  Here are the ones I've been waiting for ....

1.  Last night's Castle.  D and I didn't discover Castle until the second season which prompted us to quickly go back and watch the first one. We've never looked back. We're into their 6th season now.   I thought the season opener was fabulous for several reasons:
a.  She said Yes! The last moments of  last season's cliffhanger left Kate and Castle in the park with a marriage proposal in the air.  I would have loved to see them tell Martha and Alexis the news but lo, that didn't happen.
b.  While set for the time being in D.C., the cast of supporting characters is new.  I liked it.  Of course, I miss Ryan, Esposito and Lanie but I have a feeling we'll get back to NYC eventually.
c.  Alexis has a new boyfriend from Costa Rico named Pi.  While I'm not crazy about his character, I love the interaction that Castle has with any of Alexis' boyfriends. 
d.  Apparently, Castle is going to die in 24 hours.  I doubt it.   He is the star of the show.   This is a To Be Continued so we really won't know until next Monday night.  It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.

2.  Nashville: I can hardly wait for this season premier Wednesday night.  This is Season 2 of this fabulous show.   Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere are spot on as friends/enemies in this show set in the midst of the Country Music Capital.  I love the music, the guest appearances by country music legends (especially Vince Gill) and Deacon (he's my favorite).  The season ender left Rayna and Deacon in a very serious car crash.  I can't wait to see what happens.

3.  Big Bang Theory:  This continues to be one of the best written shows on television.  This ensemble cast led by Sheldon (Jim Parsons) is super talented and funny.  It amazes me when writers can continue to write scripts that are laugh-out-loud funny.  Season premier is Thursday.

4.  Modern Family:  Again, another awesome ensemble cast with great writers.  It's no wonder they continue to win Emmy awards for this show. 

5.  Scandal:  We've got to wait until next Thursday (October 3rd) to see what the Gladiators are up to.  This show is intense but totally worth it.  It takes D and I about an hour and half to watch this show because we have to keep replaying to understand what is going on.  There is no getting up for a snack during this one.  You have to stay focused.  Makes me wonder though, is this what our political system is really like?

6.  Dancing with the Stars:  Yes, I know, last week was the Season Premier but I just watched it on the DVR over the weekend so I got a late start.   It's a little different this year.  The show is only on Monday night (no results show on Tuesday) so everything happens on one night.  They dance and then one goes home.  Did it surprise anyone else that Keyshawn Johnson was the first to go home?  I thought he was good.  No offense to Bill Nye (after all, I love him as the Science Guy) but he can't dance.  He stayed, America?  Really?  It's a strange world we live in.

7.  Duck Dynasty:  Again, the new season has been on for about a month now but it never disappoints as good, ole wholesome entertainment.  I love those bearded boys.  Reality tv at its very best. 

8.  Revenge:  Oh, Revenge, how we have a love/hate relationship.  First season? Amazing.  We saw Emily Thorne as a focused daughter determined on avenging her father's imprisonment and ultimate death.  Second season?  Iffy at best.  The show seemed to lose its direction.  I couldn't decide if I really wanted to be a part of it or not.  I'm not willing to give up yet, though.  I'll give you one more try, Revenge, don't let me down.

9.  The Middle:  Okay, to be honest, I really didn't like this show at first.  However, D loved it.  He recorded on the DVR so I sat patiently while he watched it.  Gradually, I warmed to this show like no other.  It is the quirkiest, most unusual show you'll ever watch.  I've always been a Patricia Heaton fan so I guess it's no surprise I finally came around. 

10.  Shark Tank:  This is the best show.  I guess since I live with an entrepreneur who has started and owns several companies, we think this show is inspiring and fascinating.   It will renew your faith in the American dream.  You'll see men and women have amazing ideas and then become immensely successful (all with the support of the sharks, of course).  You'll see some things that are utterly ridiculous.  It's great television.

And that my friends is a look at my favorites.  The jury is still out on which new shows I'll like this season.  I'll keep you posted. 

The Weekend it was a Good One

Saturday it rained.  And then it rained some more.  I ran to the grocery store first thing because I had some cooking I wanted to do and after that, I didn't go anywhere the rest of the day.  The Bulldawgs played around noon so that took up the better part of the afternoon.  We continued the theme by watching Alabama play and then LSU well into the night.  It was great day for watching football and the rain. 

But then came Sunday. and oh, the beauty.  Weather perfection actually.  D and I rarely do this but we played hooky from church and went on a little road trip to the mountains.  We loaded up the girls, packed a picnic lunch and went in search of the perfect spot to enjoy the beautiful day.  And we found it - Tallulah Falls.  It is just a short distance from Gainesville actually but we had not be up there in years.  It was gorgeous.  We found a picnic table near the water on the opposite side of the bridge from the falls. 

The girls enjoying the picnic spot.

I realize the trash can looks the focal point of this photo but trust me, it wasn't. 

This is on the other side of the picnic area.   Look at Sadie.  She's a poser. 

After our little stop for lunch, we decided to drive on up to Highlands.  And oh, what a treat that always is.  There are some great stores in this beautiful little town and the photos below were taken at one of my favorites, The Dutchman.  This is pure eye candy.  I didn't buy a thing here, can you believe it?  But don't get the wrong idea, mind you.  I came home with some pretty things.  You always do when you go to Highlands. 

We rolled back into town about supper time and decided since we had the dogs we would go to our favorite dog-friendly spot, Skogeys.    They are so great.  They brought out water bowls and treats.  The girls thought that this was a restaurant just for them.  We didn't tell them any different.

Golf and Shopping

Well, I have been just useless since my brush with Paula on Wednesday.  I've told anyone who would listen and just about drove my own self crazy with my pure giddiness about the whole situation.  I just can't help but think about how we got to this point.  The ride with God is a wild one I tell you.  I'm just so very thankful for all He has provided in my life. 

But Wednesday afternoon, after I got my wits about myself, D and I got in the car to head down to Peachtree City.  The Georgia Food Industry Association's golf tournament was Thursday and D was playing.  So what was I going to do?   My assignment was to "greet."  In other words, that meant they had the perfect job for me.  I was to talk to everyone.  I'll just tell you something about this group, it's a pretty tight one.  These folks all work in the same world and are like family.  We've seen each other's families grow up, been a part of major life events and share a lot of common bonds.  So for me to get to talk to these folks, well, yes, I think I will. I'd love to.    The reason that we went down the night before is because we had to be at the golf course at 6:45 A.M. It was still dark when we got there.  The tournament started at 9:00 but we were there to help so that required an early call.  A very early call.  But once you're up, you're up; just grab some coffee and go with it. 

Anyway, someone looked all bright and ready to roll.  It was a beautiful day for such!

Friday morning I had to work but around lunch time I went to get Mother for a little shopping trip to the Lakewood 400 Antiques Market in Cumming.  We had so much fun.  D's birthday is next Friday so I was on the search for a great gift and I found it!  Check this out.  It is a cooler built into this custom built cabinet.  It's so cool and perfect for our deck.   I went ahead and gave it to him and he loved it! 

Mother always finds something she likes.  It is no surprise it was a pocketbook. 

We had plans to go to some friend's home for dinner on Friday night.  They are dog lovers just like us and were kind to include our furry girls in our dinner invitation.  So here are the girls ready to go!  We all four had a great time! 

A Dream Come True!!!!!

Oh my word, Wednesday ranks right up there with one of the best days ever for me!    After, of course, my wedding day and the birth of my children.   It was a dream come true really.  Are you ready for this??  I had lunch with Paula Deen!!! I sat beside her ... She ate off my plate ...  It was so much fun.  And let me just say, she was kind, gracious, and funny.  I honestly felt like I had known her all my life.   This is what she said to me when she met me "Crevolyn (pronounced correctly, by the way), it is such a pleasure to you.  I've heard so much about you."  What? excuse me?  Obviously, our friend Jeff had given her some background but seriously?

Here is how it all happened ... Darrell had a message on his voicemail at work from Jeff  who works for a local poultry producer, Fielddale Farms that there was an opportunity to have a "visit" with Paula on Wednesday mid-day at the Chattahoochee Country Club.  We immediately said - oh yes, we're there!!  We had no idea if there was going to be a ballroom full of people or exactly what.  Turns out, there were 10 of us in the room for lunch: my family; two of our JandJ associates;  Jeff; Paula's food brand manager; Paula and her husband, Michael.    That was it.  They wanted to talk to us (little ole us) about partnering with Fielddale's brand, Springer Mountain Chicken and Paula's brand.     Paula has been the spokesperson for Springer Mountain for about two years.    We already sell this product in our Limestone store but they are expanding the brand to include some of Paula's sauces, rotisserie chickens, rubs, spices and mixes.  All were developed in Paula's kitchen.  These should be in our stores very soon.

Honestly, I'm still pinching myself that this even happened.  It was such a thrill for me!  Here are a few photos to document this wonderful occasion!

We laughed that we may send this as our Christmas card this year.  We'll just have to photoshop E's husband in the pic!

This is Paula and I solving the world's problems.

Oh, funny story.  As we were talking, she mentioned a kind of corn meal that she loved but couldn't find.    Darrell told her that we had it in our store and she wanted to come by and get some.  We had her a little to-go bag ready full of her favorite!  This was taken in the parking lot at the Limestone store.

And that, friends and family, is how one perfectly ordinary day turned into a HUGE day in the life of this girl!  Love that Paula! 
And many thanks to our friend, Jeff who arranged this meeting! He's the bomb!

Fall is Definitely in the Air

This morning when I went out to walk the dogs, the air was cool and it was glorious!  It seems when you live in Georgia that you usually don't get cool mornings until maybe around mid-November so this is a welcome surprise.  I was feeling it so much that yesterday I decorated my house for fall.  My very special girlfriends were coming over last night so it seemed like a good time.   Thought I would share a few photos with you ...

Yes, I know there aren't any fall decorations in this room but I had to share.  This room just makes me happy.  Most folks would call it a formal living room but to me, it's not that at all.  This is my quiet time room.  This is where me and God meet and talk. 

Okay, a little more fall décor going on here in the dining room. 

The Tale of Two Girls

A long time ago in a far away land (not really too far away), a girl had an idea.  Then another girl had the same idea.  And then those girls thought they were supposed to do something with this idea.  Folks would tell them it was a great idea.  But it didn't happen.  So both girls pushed this idea to the back of their minds certain the time just wasn't right for their Big Idea. 

Then, another person heard about the girls' idea and thought the timing was right for this idea to work.  So the girls worked night and day making this idea happen.  For days they worked, I tell you.  Until one day they were finished and then they rested.  The End.  Well, actually it's not the end of the story because today we announced the girls' Big Idea.  

Check this out.  The girls could not be more excited!!

Food Friday

We were so excited when some our long time friends from Illinois called and said they were coming to town.  They had been to Fort Benning to see a precious grandson graduate and thought they might drop by Gainesville for a visit.  So last night they rolled into town (after surviving a little wrong turn in downtown Atlanta) and we were thrilled to get to spend the evening with them.  We took them to dinner at our favorite local restaurant, Poor Richards; for a ride around town (why do we have a chicken monument? thank goodness, D was there to give them the entire history of the chicken industry in Gainesville.  I'm pretty sure I learned something from that); and then to our house for dessert and coffee.  I had made the Coconut Cream Pound Cake earlier in the week because of the Pound Cake Challenge over on the CwC blog and had some left over but I felt like I needed something else.  Something yummy.  Something chocolate.  With cooked chocolate frosting.  So, that's what a did!  And it was pretty delicious. 

We had a great visit and we felt so blessed to be in the company of these friends of my parents for almost 60 years.  My sweet momma was thrilled to see them again!  She even had her hair done yesterday afternoon for the occasion (of course)!  She was stunning. 

So why not have some friends or family over you haven't seen in awhile and fix them some chocolate cake.  I feel sure both of those would be very good things.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 sticks of butter; divided
• 8 tablespoons cocoa, divided
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 6 tablespoons milk
• 1 box powdered sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

Cake:

1. Grease a sheet cake pan. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour and 2 cups sugar
3. Bring to a boil on stove top in medium saucepan:  2 sticks butter; 1 cup water and 4 tablespoons cocoa
4. Pour cocoa mixture over dry mixture and mix in eggs, buttermilk, soda, cinnamon and vanilla.
5. Mix thoroughly and put in greased sheet cake pan. 
6. Bake 20-25 minutes

Icing:

1. Heat 1 stick butter, 4 tablespoons cocoa, and 6 tablespoons milk on medium heat in a saucepan.  
2. Add anywhere from 1/2 to 1 box of powdered sugar to achieve desired consistency and 1 cup pecans.
3. Spread on cake while it's hot.

See, I told you it was a very good thing. 

Fresh Starts

Every quarter I go up, with some other ladies, to a very special place in Martin, Georgia called New Beginnings.  You can read all about here if you like.  It's an amazing place with amazing staff and women who are trying to do life better.  They are trying to overcome a past that many of can't imagine.  They are pretty much heroes to me.

So when I read this today, it hit home. Well, it hit to New Beginnings.  I'm working through a Bible study on Ruth by Kelly Minter.  This is what she writes (pg. 19):

"For the past few months I taught a Wednesday night Bible study for some fabulous women from The Next Door ministry in downtown Nashville.  This ministry assist its residents who have recently been released from prison and helps them successfully transition back into free society.  Each woman agrees to live on its premises for six months, participate in counseling, attend a weekly Bible study, work a solid job, address her addictions and assume other responsibilities.  As you can imagine, it's a spicy group where raw is in and sugarcoated is most definitely out.  They need all of their energy for survival, so there's not a lot left over for religious affectation.  Their honesty and vulnerability is what I love so much about these women, mostly because when God hits their lives, it's the real deal.  You can't fake transformation in shoes like theirs.

These girls are some of the most courageous women I know, forging ahead on a journey that will take them back to the place from which they came - the outside world.  Many seek to return to family, distant homes, past careers, and dear friends.  They hope for fresh starts and new lives, all of them convinced that success is only possible if they return changed.  Going back the same person is not an option."

I wish I could have articulated my thoughts about New Beginnings as well as Kelly did.  The women there are indeed a spicy group and there is not one single drop of sugar coating.  But you know what?  It's kind of refreshing.  I could tell a hundred stories about our visits but the one I love best occurred last Christmas.  Our team was there to have dessert with the ladies and present each of them with a Christmas gift.  The gift consisted of several items with one very special one - a hand knit scarf made by one of the team members or one of our church members. This was a group of about  90 women including staff so yes, hand clap for the knitters.  Anyway, we prayed before we left that each scarf would bless the woman in a very special way who was to receive it.   So as I presented one woman with a teal scarf, she literally squealed.  I thought we, er God,  must have done something right so I asked her what in the world brought that reaction.  She looked at me with bright eyes, whirled around, pulled down the waistband of her jeans in the back and said "teal is my absolute favorite color.  All of my tattoos are teal! See here ... (imagine a bright teal tattoo right above her back side)."  Now if that's being real I don't know what is! 

"Going back the same person is not an option."  If we know Jesus, going back to the person we were before is just not an option.  2 Corinthians 5:17 comes to mind:  "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away, behold, new things have come."  (NAS) Praise Jesus!

September 11th

So today is September 11th.  This day doesn't go by anymore with causing to pause, does it?  I came in on the tail end of a National Geographic special about that infamous day in 2001 that G was watching last night.   It was chronicling the events of the day complete with narratives by specific individuals affected by each of the happenings of the day.  Oh.my.word.  I thought I would lose my breath when I saw the footage of that first plane hitting the WTC building and then the next and then the plane that went down in Pennsylvania and then the one that hit the Pentagon.  How many times have I seen this in the past 12 years?  many a time.  Does it take my breath away every single time? without a doubt.

Last summer I was thrilled to accompany a very special girl and her mom in NYC to celebrate the daughter's 13th birthday.  We made our way down to the Memorial site with heavy hearts all the while discussing what happened with this precious girl, who had just turned 2 at the time.  As her mother and I were relaying all that had happened again, now that we were faced with the reality of what was in front of us, we could hardly hold back the tears.  We looked down into the reflecting pools and up into the Freedom Tower under construction.  We walked around the Survivor Tree and solemnly read the boards that surround the site.  We walked past the Fire Station that was right next door and said a prayer as we read each name of those who died. 

All of this was overwhelming almost.  But the one thing that I cannot shake from my heart, was a tour we took of the site lead by two survivors.  I will never forget the man who told us he was a stockbroker in the South Tower and barely made it out.  How he walked down steps passing firefighters going up.  He said he remembers face after face who told him how to escape all the while they were headed to their death.   And I will never forget the other guide, who was also a stockbroker but in the North Tower.  She shared her story of coming to work that morning with her husband who worked on Wall Street.  They kissed goodbye right at the base of the South Tower.  They had plans to go to a Broadway Show that night and she was carrying a bag that held a new dress from Neiman Marcus and a new Coach bag she had bought for this special occasion.  And then it all happened.  She was able to get of the building (with her bag which  she said for some reason she thought she needed) but couldn't get in touch with her husband.  The rescue workers insisted she leave the premises by boat.  She had to jump into the Hudson River, swim to the boat and drop her bag into the river.  She laughed that she was even concerned about her bag but in some way it held normalcy and hope for her husband.   Can you imagine?  She told all of the details of the day and I listened in disbelief almost, like it was a story of fiction.   How could this have happened in America?  Right across from the Statue of Liberty for heavens sake.  It all still boggles my mind.  I don't understand. 

By the way, if you ever find yourself in New York City, do not miss this tour.    Proceeds support the 9/11 Tribute Center and September 11th Families’ Association, a non-profit organization.  It is well worth your money.
 
So, we live in uncertain days.  This whole Syria thing is frightening.  But what can we do?  We can pray. A lot.

I recently heard about this from Billy Graham.  I think My Hope America is worthy of our prayers as well.

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chron. 7:14)
 

Have I Mentioned How Much I Love Fall and My Camera Roll

Oh y'all ... I can't wait for it to be fall.  Granted, this summer has not been the hot-sweaty-humid-think-I'm-gonna-die kind of summer but still.  Is fall not the best?  So we're off to a great start with football and all (go Dawgs) but bring on the pumpkins, fall festivals, cool temps and of course, the food.  I can hardly wait to start baking with apples and sweet potatoes.  Of course, I know we can do that most anytime but it does just call for it in the fall.  Just as a little teaser, I'm making Slow-Cooker Applesauce for supper tomorrow night.  I just couldn't wait.  If you've never made it, it is super easy.  Just put 10-12 peeled, cored, diced apples in your slow cooker with about 1/2 cup water, 1/2 brown sugar and a shake or two of cinnamon.  And that's it!  Let it cook for about 7-8 hours on low and you'll be glad you did.  Your house will smell amazing and the end result is fabulous.  Try it - you'll love it! 

So... what's new with you?  I've spent most of the morning over on the Cooking with Crevolyn blog writing posts for the week.  Today I wrote about Saturday's tailgate and a post for Thursday about the Pound Cake Challenge.  I'm loving doing this cooking blog now that I've finally figured out how to do all of the features like post pictures, schedule posts, etc. The internet thing ... it might catch on.

So since I have figured out how to post photos, let's take a stroll through my camera roll.  These photos are in such random order but here goes.

So this is Kirkley, she's our older Cavalier.  Kirkley and Sadie are both foster dogs which is a great program with a local breeder.  Someday when I have lots of time, I'll tell you about it.  Anyway, we are crazy about our two little girls.  This photo was taken yesterday when I picked Kirkley up from the breeder where she had been on a little "vacation."  Let's just say that in about 2 months I'll take her back to the breeder for her to bring forth a litter of little Cavaliers.  Awww....

 This was last night.  They were glad to be back together. 

Last Saturday we tailgated in Athens with these three.  It was so much fun!

So remember I told you that we went to see The Jesters at Chateau Elan last Sunday.  We danced until our feet about fell off.  We could not have enjoyed these fine musicians more.

This is currently my favorite cookbook.  It came out last year.  It has great recipes for tailgating but in case you're not into that, it has great recipes period. 

The Atlanta Falcons came to City Park a few weeks back and we decided to walk down the hill and take in all the fun.  It was great!  Before the game started, four sky-divers landed in the middle of the field.  It's not everyday you see that.   Aren't these two just the cutest?

And here's the rest of the crew that night. 

Back on August 3rd, Kenny and Zac came to the Dome.  It was an amazing concert. 

This is where we went after the concert.  It's a tradition. 

Oh and this is the picture I texted my family on August 16th.  The day Elvis died.  Moment of silence please. 

Look who sits with me in the morning while I have breakfast and read the paper. 

Well, hey ... how about me and Joe Nichols?  We went to the Poultry Federation's Night of Knights which was a big old hoop-de-doo at the Cobb Galleria.  Joe was the featured performer for the evening.  After the concert, we went to an after party and lo and behold, look who showed up and signed autographs?  Side note:  my word at the cute.

Not sure you know Joe?  Check this out.

Me and D at the after party. 

This was before the boys walked out the door to go to the Clemson game.  Side note: my word at the cute. 

It's September 2013

Y’all, you may be wondering why I don’t post on this blog much anymore.  Well, what just happened is why.  I’ve been writing a post for over an hour and it’s gone! Poof!  It is so frustrating and it’s not the first time this has happened.  I’m guessing I could go to another blog whatever but then there’s that the whole learning curve thing.  It’s a dilemma.    But I won’t let this ole internet get me so I’m going to persevere and write it again.    Here goes…

September 2013 – What’s not to love?

1.        Last night D and I went down to Chateau Elan to see The Jesters perform.  Word is that was their last performance and if so, they went out in style.  We danced until midnight, were exhausted when we got home but honestly, I don’t know when we’ve had more fun!  Thank you, Jesters for many wonderful years of good music. 

2.       September officially marks the first full month of college football! Can I get an amen?  This is something our family might have looked forward to for, oh maybe, eight months.  G and D made their way to Death Valley at Clemson University early Saturday morning and returned early Sunday morning.  While they didn’t bring home a win, they did bring home some good memories.  They laughed, they cheered, they ate, they made friends with folks with big screens, they walked many miles, and they had a great time together.  It’s really just a game but those memories, well, they will last forever.

3.       Today is Labor Day and while some get a respite from their labors, that just doesn’t happen in the Wiley family.  But that’s okay.  We’ve learned to take days off and vacations when others don’t.  It’s just the nature of the grocery store beast.  We might go see some fireworks tonight because our regularly scheduled fireworks on July 4^th were cancelled because of the summer-2013-that-never-really-was-summer-because-it-rained-all-the-time.  This ole girl’s not complaining though.  I have my own personal summer, if you know what I’m saying and that is enough for one person.  Whew.

4.       September holds a beautiful wedding for Wonderful Events.  This couple is getting married the middle of the month at Smithgall Woods.  This could not be a more beautiful, natural spot to tie the knot.  We are so looking forward to it.

5.       The Birthday Girls will get back together at my house this month.  It’s been a long dry spell as far as us getting together so I'm really excited about this.  I've missed them!  I’m so looking forward to night of constant chatter and laughter!

6.       Cooking with Crevolyn is poised to make a big announcement this month.  One that E and I have been working on diligently for a while.  I am super excited about this!  So the fall will be full of fun things! 

7.       My sweet husband has a birthday the end of the month and we’ll be celebrating in Chattanooga!  We’ll take a long weekend to celebrate him and attend the wedding of some of our precious friends’ son and his beautiful fiancée.  We are so looking forward to staying at the ChooChoo and enjoying all the city has to offer.

Well, I think I’ll just end on seven.  That seems like the perfect number.  J  There are lots of things happening this month and hopefully, I’ll jump back on here to update.  In the meantime, happy September and Go Dawgs!

 

What I Love about July 2013

So here it is July.  Exactly one half of 2013 is now in the books.  So what's happening this July ...

1.  Well, the 4th of course this Thursday.   I love the 4th of July!  For us, it usually looks like good food, a boat ride and fireworks.  This year may be an exception in that it's supposed to storm and rain which definitely would put a damper on our celebration.  We'll be praying for sunshine!  Last Sunday was our annual Patriotic Celebration at church which may be my favorite service of the whole year.  Brings tears to my eyes every time.

2.  On Saturday, the 13th we'll be assisting one beautiful bride to make her Big Day wonderful!  She and her mom have just been the sweetest to work with and E and I can hardly wait to be there to see her become a Mrs.     Speaking of weddings, we are already booking in 2014.  We've got some brides who are serious about not waiting to the last minute.   I totally love that. 

3.  On the 14th, D and I will bust out of town for a few days of vacation.  I can. not. wait.  I'm going to relax and enjoy every minute of it.  Thank you Lord for an opportunity to recharge and renew with my husband. 

4.  July is actually a time for me to slow the pace a little bit.  We've got a busy fall coming up and I need this time to organize and get things in order.  So what I love is a little bit of down time.

5.  The very end of the month I'm headed out of town for a little beach trip with the girls to St. Simons.  It will mean lots of laughing, shopping, eating and fabulous girl time.  I can hardly wait.

6.  I continue to have decorating projects going at the house.  We recently took back the teenage boy bonus room and reclaimed it for a tv/movie room.  While it's not quite finished, it's looking pretty good as a space to relax and hang out ... grown up style.  I'm also creating, or actually re-creating myself a home office space.  I bought a new desk and had a little bookcase painted a killer color. I'll try to post a few photos.   I'm hosting a shower at my house in August and you know how that goes, it forces you to do things you've been putting off for months.  So my honey-do list is a mile long. 

So even though this month seems sparse with traditional significant events, I am keeping busy with planning weddings, presenting a radio segment and managing a cooking blog.  I plan to do some reading, cleaning of closets and hanging out with the family.  Some of my favorite things (well, all except the closets!). 

Happy July! 

What I love about April 2013

Just for the record, I’ve tried to post on this blog several times to only be bumped off and deleted.  I’m trying another approach.  We’ll see how it works out. 

So it’s April of 2013.  Can you believe it’s April?  Not sure what happened to the first three months but they are history. So it’s Spring and yay for that. Amen?   Let’s talk a little about April and yes it’s already the 8^th.  But so much has happened.  There’s a lot to love about April 2013.

1.        Our fur baby turned ONE year old on April 3^rd!  Unfortunately because of some other circumstances, there was no big birthday party but she got lots of love and treats but well,  that happens pretty much every day.  I’m not sure I’ve mentioned her before but her name is Kirkley.   She’s a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and honestly, she is the best dog in the entire world.  She’s sweet, she’s loving, she’s smart and she has brought these two empty nesters so much joy. 

2.       The first week of April was jam packed with meeting with our brides.  We have two weddings this month with several others coming up.  So much fun to plan weddings with friends!  I love my job so much.

3.       Last Friday was one of the best girlfriend days I’ve had in a long time.  We left Gainesville mid-day and headed towards the mountains.  We stopped first in Highlands for lunch and some shopping.  It was simply delightful.  The company with my friend J was the best part but the second best thing was definitely what started that evening about 7:30 when Vince Gill took the stage at the Smokey Mountain Performing Art Center in Franklin, NC.  When he called it an evening it seemed like he had just started.  This is the third time I’ve seen Vince; once with Amy for their Christmas show; second for his bluegrass show and then this one, a kind of greatest country hits show.  The man has the smoothest voice and is an excellent musician.  Okay, enough about Vince.  It was a great day.

4.       Which brings us to yesterday … I enjoyed my Christmas gift from E and N and it was fabulous.  The plan was for E and I to go to brunch then to see Mary Poppins at the Fox.  Unfortunately, my girl has been feeling poorly because of some gallbladder issues and she just didn’t feel up to it. I just feel so bad that she feels so bad.  You know how mommas hate when their children feel yucky no matter their age.  So my man stepped up and stepped in and sat among the big and little girls to watch Bert and Mary “step in time” among other fabulous numbers.  Oh how I love this show.  As you know, I’m a lifelong lover of Mary and I’m super thankful to E and N for a wonderful afternoon.  I missed you like crazy, E!

5.       So this week is jam packed with all kinds of good things – cooking, lunch dates with friends, meetings with brides, supper with another friend, radio shows – and then the weekend.  Oh the weekend.  On Saturday, D and I will head down to the house of the Dawgs, Sanford Stadium to see a concert that we’ve been looking forward to for months.  Luke Bryan – check;  Jason Aldean – check; Jake Owen – check.  Yes, we’ll get our country on. 

6.       Then on the 16^th we’ll head to Washington D.C. for a few days.  We are honored  to have an opportunity to discuss some important grocery industry issues with Georgia legislators.  We’ll also do some sightseeing in this city rich with history and culture.

7.       On Sunday the 21^st I’ll have the privilege along with some other friends, to honor the daughter of a precious friend who will be marrying the man of her dreams in June.    I have known this sweet girl since the day she was born and I could not be more thrilled for her. 

8.       On the 27^th, E and I will do something we have never done before and that is work two weddings on the same day.  It’s a long story how this came about but I really hope we don’t have to do this again.  We want to do all of our weddings together and take great comfort in having the other one on site.  We are looking forward to both of these weddings.  One is another precious friend’s daughter and we have loved the time spent with them. 

9.       If I recover and can get out of bed the next morning, I’m gonna head to the beach.  Last year D and I bid on a beach condo at a fundraiser for a local non-profit and we are ready to pack up  and get our toes in the sand.  Oh… thank goodness! And that’s the way April will end for me. 

10.   One last thing… my heart and mind are on a dear friend of mine who will be undergoing some major surgery this afternoon.  God is the God Almighty -  El Shadday;  El Roi – the God who Sees Me; Jehovah Tsuri – our Rock; and Jehovah Rapha – the God  who heals!!! Praise Him!