Friday, November 28, 2008

TUSCALOOSA, TURKEY AND TV

We're in Tuscaloosa (Alabama) at my MIL's. We came up on Wednesday and we will return home after the BIG GAME tomorrow afternoon. We had a nice Thanksgiving and now we're settled in watching the LSU-Arkansas game and trying to keep up with the Ole Miss- Mississippi State game. Go Rebels. Eat your heart out, Sylvester!

I've got a little stitching done and plan to continue in a few minutes. It's surprisingly warm here and a little drizzly. Hopefully it will clear off enough tonight so that we can go into town to visit the RVers. Day will start early tomorrow. We're going to park and ride the bus to the stadium. My old ticker doesn't always let me walk long distances. We all bought rain suits today because it's supposed to rain tomorrow. That's okay, as long as it's fairly warm. We'll visit some friends who are tailgaiting, on to the stadium for the Walk of Champions and them to our seats to visit with more Alabama friends and do our duck calls for the dreaded Auburn fans. That has something to do with some screwup that their coach, the wonderful Tubby, made. Alabama fans are going to welcome him into the stadium with duck calls.

I made some photos yesterday and today. I'll get some here as soon as I get home to my photo gear. I made my first ever (and last ever) visit to any mall on Black Friday this morning. And I've caught some fairly nice photos of scenery here.

See ya'll on Monday.

Monday, November 24, 2008

THANKSGIVING


It's almost that special day for all us jolly Americans. It's the day for turkey and dressing, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the official arrival of Santa Claus. It's the day we set aside to thank God for all the blessings He's given us for the past year and to ask Him for His guidance for the year to come.


Several years ago I visited Plymouth, England, and stood on the spot where the Pilgrims stepped off onto the Mayflower and left for America. A little later I joined my fellow travelers for a little voyage around Plymouth Harbor. I tried to imagine what it was like floating off into the unknown, not knowing what was ahead. Looking behind at safe land and ahead to thousands of miles of open water. The seas were rough that day and I was tossed against an iron railing. I did not know until I returned to the States four days later that I had, in fact, broken my leg. Had the same thing happened on the Mayflower I probably would have, at the very least, lost my leg. How things have changed. How much we have to be thankful for.


There really are only two (that I can think of) holidays that are American-born: Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July. Maybe the whole world should set aside a day of thanks. I was joking with a friend the other day that, at my age, I'm losing friends faster than I'm making them. That's not really true. Thanks to the internet I have friends all over the US and the world. And I can share my Thanksgiving Day with them. Sorry, guys, that you're not here for the sweet potatoes and pecan pie. Cranberry sauce, Sister Schubert's rolls. But know that I'm here thanking God that you're there and that you're a pretty important part of my life. And to little Martha-Happy First Thanksgiving Day!


Here are some sites that I found that are pretty informative and have some pretty cool pictures:









Saturday, November 22, 2008

SATURDAY, AGAIN!


Here we are--at the end of a week again. It was a football day, but not for my team. We had the day off, as usual before Thanksgiving, and now are getting ready for the BIG one next Saturday.

Congratulations to Ann and the Ole Miss Rebels. They soundly whupped LSU this afternoon. Last year LSU was the #1 team in the nation. What happened, I don't know. The crazy fans are wanting to fire Coach Miles but I think some of them are forgetting how much it would cost to buy out his contract.

The picture at the top was one I made at the Chelsea Flower Show in London--I think maybe five or so years ago. I have some other photos to use. It was one of the most beautiful shows I've ever seen. I had always wanted to go, so I made flight and hotel arrangements and took off. I stayed at the Rembrandt Hotel, a little shabby chic place across from the V&A Museum, which is one of my favorite places in London. There's a great little cafe there with reasonable prices and admission to the museum is free (most of museums and galleries are) and I walked across the street off and on during those days to either grab a bite or check out a cool place. There's a wonderful embroidery section there, as well as a music floor. And Harrod' s is just two blocks or so down the street. The two things I want to do but haven't done (I will, though) is to do a Jane Austen tour and to visit the Ackworth School. Enough of this!

I have a couple of starts and finishes to show, so I hope I can get them photographed tomorrow. I also found some great Thanksgiving sites to show, also. See you later!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

WHERE THE BIRD CAME FROM

Excuse me----it should be "FROM WHERE THE BIRD CAME". All those years of study and diagramming and I still mess up. Opps! Did it again. Hate that. Never end a sentence with a preposition.

I always thought this was a pretty picture. The colors turned out nicely-not that I didn't doctor it up a bit. I added the spotlight(love that Kodak software). But of all the peacocks I've ever seen, this was the first to be sitting down -almost posing, if you wish- looking downright regal.

I shot this picture at Warwick Castle (England, of course), in the garden in front of the Orangerie. I've heard that peacocks can be naughty, but I've never had a bad experience with one. I also have some great pictures of the peacocks at Leeds Castle. I'll look them up and use a couple of them here. Believe it or not, I've seen very few of the little creatures over here. But they are everywhere-along with swans- in England. But my favorite little bird is the wren. We have them here and they are so TINY with the cutest upturned tails.

I didn't leave the house today. Tried to finish the ornies. One just WOULD not straighten up. I think it will go into the trash and I'll start again. I just joined the Christmas Ornament SAL and I have almost completed my first one. It's a little large so I may take it apart and size it down. And the foundation for the front is too heavy. Stiff as a board!!! I used a lighter paper for the back.

It's getting a little chilly here-but it won't last long. I'm not too wild about cold weather, but we do need a break down here. And a little rain wouldn't hurt, either. We had several trees removed from the backyard last Friday and Saturday. Some were damaged from Katrina and some from Gustav. It's really beginning to look like a park. But.......I don't venture too far back there because I have an aversion to things that don't have legs!!!!

I'm on pins and needles like a lot of you ladies. Elisa's Martha is due to arrive in 3 days. It's like waiting for Bradley, Grace and Ann when it was time for them to appear. Hang on Elisa, and get some sleep while you can!

Monday, November 17, 2008

YES, VIRGINIA, THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS

In October we had our picture made for the church directory. We ordered copies for the boys and David's mother. They all arrived here on Saturday. I'm posting the photo just so everyone knows that I REALLY don't look like Hyacinth. Would love to have her hats, though.

Sunday I was sitting in a pew listening to the sermon. Directly behind Dr. Wimberly was David. All of a sudden I realized his hair was completely white. It had been gray for a number of years. Now it is snow white. Wow! Where has time gone? We're now 62 and 64. Something has happened here.....

Alabama beat Mississippi State Saturday in a real UGLY game. We sure didn't look like the No. 1 team in the nation. Now we have a rest until the 29th, when we play Auburn. LSU pulled one out. Wish I could have seen that one.


I finished stitching on two ornies. Hopefully I'll start putting them together tomorrow. Will post a pic as soon as I finish.

Photo by Olan Mills.


Saturday, November 15, 2008

PUMPKINS, STITCHING AND NERVES


Here it is, Saturday afternoon, and 4 hours to game time. We play Mississippi State at 6:45 PM, and I'm not really feeling warm and fuzzy. I've changed my stitching piece several times while sitting here watching Georgia and Auburn. Michael is at the game but we're here with colds and with some heavy music on Sunday. We're just going to get well and get ready for the Big One on the 29th. So here I am with my greatest consolation-my computer.

Thought I'd throw in a recipe. It's one of my favorites and I sometimes give them as presents at Christmas. It's a good substitution for those who don't like Pumpkin Pie. It is good served warm with a little vanilla ice cream.

PUMPKIN CAKE

1C. butter, softened
3 C. sugar
5 lge. eggs
3 C. AP flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. cloves
1/8 tsp. apple pie spice
2 C. cooked (or canned) pumpkin
1/3 C. rum

Preheat oven to 325. Grease and flour a tube (or bundt) pan.Beat butter at medium speed until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating until yellow disappears. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves and apple pie spice. Combine pumpkin and rum. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture alternately with pumpkin mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix at lowest speed until just blended after each addition. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bak for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until done. Cool cake on wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan.

For those of you who prefer to omit the rum, I'm not sure what you can substitute. Apple juice? Orange juice? Rum extract won't work because liquid is needed.

Here's a fun site I found when looking for a picture: http://www.pumpkin-patch.com/

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

RAINY WEDNESDAY


Dull day here today. It's raining off and on
and its getting a little cooler. I'm sitting here looking out my den window and I see leaves falling from the trees. It used to be true that we never had autumn--one day green leaves were on the tree and the next awful brown ones on the ground. Now we're actually seeing some color changes. This is my favorite time of year to head towards Tuscaloosa. Leaves are a beautiful orange, yellow and red treat.



I have a finish to go along with a couple of purchases. Any organization that supports breast cancer research has a place close to my heart and if a little sewing goes along with the help, that's even better. The pink snips and the needle minder are from Kelmscott Designs. My LNS has them in stock (Cross Stitch Corner on Coursey Blvd.). The Cat's Whiskers Design Studio has a limited edition scissors holder. It comes with everything except the fabby--white 32 ct. Belfast linen and the satin pink thread. It only took a couple of days to do the sewing and a couple of hours to put it together. Part of the proceeds go to support Breast Cancer Research and Education.

Monday, November 10, 2008

SCARF AND KLEENEX


Here I sit on this great Monday, sneezing my head off and considering stitching and reading all day. David brought me the Mucinex this morning because sooner or later this will hit my chest. Always does. I just hope I don't spread it too far.

A word about the opening picture: Michael took this a couple of weeks ago when he was in Washington. I downloaded some pixs from my camera this morning and some of his shots were still in the camera. So I commandeered one. It's the Korean War Memorial. Since it is Veteran's Day, I thought it was appropriate.

Here is the infamous scarf. This one was more or less tongue in cheek. It didn't take long to sew up-all the seams are French seamed because the fabby ravels so badly. I had planned to use ribbon for the trim but had the black stuff already here and decided to use it. The Bama fabric was left over from Michael's Christmas present last year. Now what I REALLY want to do is one a little smaller, one layer of fabby and a Bama monogram. What I need to do is find a shop who can do the monogram. I'll worry about that tomorrow!

Right now I'm watching "Patriot Games" on the tube. I love Jack Ryan movies. I wish he would make a couple more of them.
Thanks, Michael.

BAD COLD!!


I had a good time at church today. Since I spend most of service time on the platform my hounds tooth scarf and red dress were obvious!!!! The LSU fans were nice. They all know I would have worn the same thing if we had lost. Win or lose, they're my team.


One of the guys said that, since we'd beaten LSU, we were now expected to beat Florida in the SEC Championship. We'll try, but it will be difficult. Then again, I half expected LSU to beat us.
These people think we stole their coach. Not true. He left LSU for the Miami Dolphins (pro team), didn't like it, and accepted our offer when we made it. He's a darn good coach. Who would have ever thought we'd end up No.1. We're going to enjoy it while we can.



We can't go home for next week's game. It's at 6:45PM and that would mean no church on Sunday and we both feel, that since it's special service all day, we need to be here. Don't worry. I'm not that nice. I have a BIG guilt complex!!!! But I guar-an-tee you I will be sitting in Bryant-Denny Stadium for the Auburn game. This is one of the biggest rivalries in the South--no, make that "nation". For those who don't know--not that it matters that much--David and I were born and raised in Tuscaloosa, one son was born there and the other in Birmingham. We bleed crimson......


I'm sitting here with a gimoungous cold. I'm sure I picked it up working the polls on Tuesday. I do the book, which means I'm exchanging my pen with people all day. Still, it's cool to get to see neighbors and friends. But I don't think it was worth the cold.
Photo from Tuscaloosa News

Saturday, November 8, 2008

RAMMER JAMMER!


And the band plays: Ta-DA-ta


And the people say: Hey, Tigers!


And the band plays: Ta-DA-ta


And the people say: Hey, Tigers!


And the band plays: Ta-DA-ta


And the people say: Hey, Tigers!

We just beat the hell outta you!


Rammer Jammer, Yellow Hammer

Give 'em Hell, Alabama


Repeat in case anyone missed it.


Yes, just a few hours ago Alabama handed LSU their tiger tails. Neither team looked great but the one with the most points at the end-even if it's overtime-wins. We did 27-21. And we cinched the Western SEC title and will meet the winner of the Eastern SEC in December.


We're still No. 1 in the nation-totally unexpected. And that was cemented by the fact that Penn State lost today.


So tomorrow I will clothe myself in my red dress, Alabama scarf (I'll post a picture because I designed and made the thing myself) and prance off to church. We haven't beaten LSU in quite a few years and I intend to savor EVERY minute of this next year.


ROLL TIDE ROLL

Thanks to the Tuscaloosa News for the photo.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

AMERICA


America is the greatest country on earth. Our history is short compared to others but it's a wonderful one. Our freedom has been bought at a great price. Our freedom is our most prized possession. Many members of my family-as well as millions of others- fought and shed their blood to leave us this legacy.


One of the things that makes us what we are is the ability to choose and make that choice known. Yesterday the citizens of the USA spoke and elected a new president. President-elect Obama was not my choice but he is the choice of the majority. I accept that choice.


My job now is to work together with other Americans to continue to make this nation work for all our people. I will continue to pray for my country and to do all in my power to unite us. I would not be anywhere else on earth. I look forward to what is ahead.


God Bless America.

Monday, November 3, 2008

TOMORROW


Tomorrow-actually a few hours from now- we will begin the process of electing a new president. I will be in my precinct bright and early in the morning to open voting machines and get ready for a record turnout. Most people aren't really aware that someone may win the popular vote and still lose the election. Our president is actually selected by the Electoral College. It will meet sometime in the next month or so and make the election official.


My pastor's sermon Sunday was about the election. It was very good and very timely (you can hear it by clicking on the Parkview site and following the links). He reminded us that God is in control and He already knows who will win. Even if it's not our candidate, it's okay. HE is in control. He also reminded us that justice is more important that economy and then listed two very good reasons why he WON'T vote for a certain candidate. He and I agree on that!!


So......I will come home late tomorrow night- polls close at 8, but we will have an even later night than that- and I will fall into bed and sleep until the next day. And I will get up to face a new era-good or bad. Some pundits have predicted civil unrest. Pray God that it doesn't happen. Pray God that we can all learn to live together in peace.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

HOMECOMING AT BAMA


Today is Homecoming at the old alma mater. I'm not there (sob!) but David and Michael are. It's past halftime now and we're ahead 28-7. They're driving back after the game. Next year will be my 40th anniversary so I WILL be there. Couldn't miss that one.


Ole Miss tromped Auburn so all certainly is well with the world. The next best thing is for Georgia to decimate Florida. Not likely, but I can hope.


Bama plays LSU here next week. We're a "divided" family. Alabama is the tradition in our family but John broke with custom and graduated from LSU. However.......there is no doubt where our loyalties will be. I'm going to be at a wedding. The Minister of Youth at my church is being married and I figure I'd best be at church behaving myself than at Tiger Stadium being a very bad girl.


Some new stitching this week plus a finish. That's for another day. It's about time for a story or maybe a recipe. Stay tuned.