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Friday Favorites

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Can you believe it?  Today is the first Friday of fall 2020!

Easy enough… that will be my

Favorite # ONE

FALL

is my favorite season because I love the look of the sky as it begins to change shades with the new season.

I also love my fall vacation.  Due to the whole COVID thing, I’m not quite sure how vacation will play out this year.  I’m pretty sure masks will be involved.  I’m positive that there will be no tasting at Colonial Mustard’s in Highlands, NC.  WHICH IS A BUMMER.  I’m going to be hopeful that it will be mostly normal, and possibly more wonderful than usual.  My sister may get to cat-sit for me this year, because we are going to try to have Mama come along.

Speaking of Mama, this week she asked me to look for something that she needed.  I can’t say what it is, because it is part of a surprise project.  So I started searching, and in doing so began emptying my Lane cedar chest.

All the way to the bottom

  I discovered that I may have a hoarding problem.

Favorite # TWO

All This Stuff

I have the church newsletter from June 1984

A TV guide from “the ’80s”The game ball from the best girl’s softball game EVER!A newspaper spread featuring the best group of people I ever worked with:I don’t know why I have these comic books.  They must belong to Richard.A FL Times Union dated Wednesday, September 12, 2001…And another 2001 newspaper announcing a personal, heart-breaking happening…

Everything came out and a few hours later, everything went back in.  Except for a couple of things that I couldn’t make fit.

Also I found what Mama was looking for 😄

She was in her yard last night, trimming roses, so I walked over to chat for a few minutes.  I noticed that some of her discards might make a pretty bouquet, so she told me to take them.

Favorite # THREE

I knew that Elvis would like it!

Favorite # FOUR

It is

National Daughters Day

Mine are the BEST!

~

Favorite # FIVE

Pumpkins!

Just because it is fall.

And I couldn’t think of anything else.

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

True Story

Not that the others stories aren’t true.

A post by Mary

It’s 3 AM and as I lay in bed thinking,  I keep waiting for someone to start beating on my windows, screaming hysterically, begging to be let in because someone is trying to kill him. 

It’s just now beginning to hit me that I had experienced this same scenario

Last Night

I throw back my covers and rush towards the noise. Looking out the window, I see a young man sitting with his back to me, in a chair on my patio, rocking back and forth.  He is pleading for someone, anyone in the house to let him in because they are coming and they have guns. For a moment I thought it was my grandson and I know something terrible must’ve happened. As I try to decipher the situation, I realize it isn’t my grandson, but a total stranger. It momentarily occurs to me to not help him. But if they were coming with guns I have to do something… now. I run to the door and let him in where he collapses on the floor. Then I ran for my gun.  He move away from the windows so ‘they’ wouldn’t see him.  He sat in the hall and I stood at the other end of the hall pointing the gun at him.

I didn’t feel he was any danger to me, but the people outside might be.

Then I did what I should have done first…

I called 911

As I’m calling I tell the man that since we are strangers and I don’t know him, that he better not make a move towards me because I would have to shoot him. I find out all about him as I relay the information to the 911 operator, asking her to please not leave me. She tells me she won’t and the police are on the way. The young man sat whimpering and rocking. Though it seemed like an eternity, in only a few minutes there were spotlights in the backyard. The police had arrived and I tell my visitor to slowly move from between me and the door and lie face-down on the floor. (that’s what they do on TV). I keep my gun pointed at him as I unlock the door.

There are two of America’s finest and one says she’s got a gun; and in a very stern voice says put the gun down.

 

I lay it on the table. They cuff my visitor but they are very gentle with him. He is led away. A few moments later one of the policemen returns to explain to me that they know him from other occasions and that he has PTSD.

My heart goes out to him and I silently pray for him.

I haven’t decided yet but I think about visiting his home when he returns from the mental facility. I thank the policeman for being who and what he is.

Safe and Sound

I lock the door and go to bed.  As sleep escapes me, I pray…

Heavenly Father, who gives rest to His children, will You wash over me a peace that passes all understanding as I lay down to sleep tonight?  Be merciful, O Lord, and give sweet sleep to Your child.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

~

MDR

Friday Favorites

HAPPY FRIDAY!

I’m so glad we finally got here.

The week started out right because Monday was a holiday and the workweek didn’t begin until Tuesday.  This is always a good thing.  Because, you know what they say about Monday… can’t trust that day.  And with that, my first favorite is obviously

Monday

Favorite # ONE

On Monday I slept late, and pretty much did nothing all day.  On Monday afternoon, LB and I went to Salsas for a Mexican dinner fix.

~

On Tuesday, I went back to work. SAME OLD SAME OLD for me.

But for Lydia, there was a milestone.  She started school.

Favorite # TWO

Kindergarten

Wasn’t kindergarten wonderful?

I can’t remember.

but this is my favorite KindergärtnerHer Mama posted these cute first day of school pics on social media.

~

Favorite # THREE

My baby with his baby

Thank you Emily!

~

Using my Old Navy credit card to pay for my class at Liberty University has paid off in the form of REWARD BUCKS.  With those bucks I indulged in the following “haul”

Favorite # FOUR

There are other items that have not yet arrived, but these are my favorites.

Also I’ve learned that straight, boot cut and flare jeans (as opposed to skinny) are the jeans on trend in 2020, so I needed to begin my search for something new (since my old ones don’t fit anymore).  Recently I have been watching a new fashion stylist on YouTube who provided this information.

That stylist is my

Favorite # FIVE

with her “Boujee On A Budget” series, this blogger does exactly what I would do if I had time.  She reveals the spring/fall runway fashions and trends with examples of lower cost styles.  I’ve enjoyed watching her videos.  I’m pretty sure you will enjoy watching too.

 

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

FAVORITES

ONFinally FRIDAY!

I can do whatever I want for the next two days.  And so can you.

As long as we stay home.

To celebrate the end of the week, I’m going to begin by naming five of my favorites.

Last week, LB and I joined my family on a trip to Orlando to celebrate my sister’s birthday.  I published a blog post about that later than I meant to, but you can read it here.  We shopped all afternoon at Disney Springs and one of my favorite stores there is COACH.  It was there that I found my

Favorite # ONE

This Coach Handbag

It is a little handbag, crossbody bag, and backpack.Don’t let me loose in a COACH shoppe.

I won’t leave without something cute!

~

Favorite # TWO

On Tuesday, LB and I took a ride to COSTCO to pick up his new glasses.

While we were there, I was browsing through the books for sale and found this…I remember listening to my 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. McKean as she read this to our class.

I was ALL IN!

Chapter 1. Before Breakfast

“Where’s Papa going with that ax?” said Fern to her mother as they were setting the table for breakfast.  “Out to the hoghouse”, replied Mrs. Arable.  “Some pigs were born last night.”

I can’t wait to read it to Lydia!

~

That same Tuesday was National Banana Split Day.  So LB said, “Let’s go to Dreamette to celebrate.”

Favorite # THREE

 DREAMETTE

  I told him that I was counting calories and it would not be helpful if I consumed a banana split from Dreamette.  He assured me that we would stop by, purchase one item, have one bite, and throw the rest away…

Are You KIDDING ME???

It was incredibly delicious!

Although it was delicious and obviously we were unable stop ourselves from devouring the entire 12 ounce cup… I was a little disappointed in the presentation.

After all this is what I expected…

 

I am pretty sure I can do better…

Favorite # FOUR

YEP!

#NationalBananaSplitDay

~

Today is the 55th Anniversary of my Mama and Daddy’s wedding day.  They were high school sweethearts and this photo is my

Favorite # FIVE

I Love you Mama!

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

What’s Up Wednesday

What’s Up Wednesday is a monthly compilation of

What’s Up

 posted on a Wednesday.

Here it is…

What we’re eating

WE are counting calories on our MyFitnessPal app so WE don’t overdo it (WE = ME).  But at the same time, still enjoying a tasty treat here and there, though LB enjoys them more than I do.

And speaking of tasty, a no-bake pie recipe caught my eye  on Pinterest.  I tweaked it a bit to make it mostly sugar free and gluten free and not over 494 calories per serving.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

  • Servings: 8
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Ingredients

Chocolate Crust

  • 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup Swerve confectioner’s sugar-substitute
  • ¼ teaspoon of salt

Peanut Butter Filling

  • 12 ounces of cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup Swerve confectioner’s sugar-substitute
  • 1 cup all natural peanut butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

Chocolate Drizzle

  • 2 1/2 ounces of sugar-free chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil

Peanut Butter Drizzle

  • 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon of coconut oil

Instructions

Chocolate Crust

  1. In a medium-sized bowl combine the almond flour, Swerve, cocoa powder, and salt.
  2. Add the melted butter and mix well.
  3. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate with butter or coconut oil.
  4. Press crust to the bottom of the pie pan and slightly up the sides of the pan.
  5. Place in the pie pan with the crust in the freezer while you make the pie filling.

Peanut Butter Filling

  1. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer beat the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, all-natural peanut butter, Swerve, and salt.
  2. Add the heavy whipping cream and combine.
  3. Spread the pie filling evenly over the chocolate crust and place back in the freezer.
  4. Next make the chocolate and peanut butter toppings.

Chocolate Topping

  1. Melt the sugar-free chocolate chips with the coconut oil in a microwavable bowl in 30-second intervals or using a double boiler. Stir until well combined. Set aside.

Peanut Butter Topping

  1. In a small microwavable bowl melt the tablespoon of coconut oil and combine with creamy peanut butter for about 30 seconds. Set aside.
  2. Remove pie from freezer and drizzle the peanut butter topping on top of pie, then do the same with the chocolate topping.
  3. Alternate the peanut butter and chocolate drizzles until you are satisfied that you have enough.
  4. Place the pie in the freezer to chill for 30 minutes to fully set or 2 hours in the refrigerator before slicing.
  5. When ready to serve, garnish the top of the pie with salted peanuts and optional whipped cream.
  6. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 weeks.

 

It won’t last that long in this house.

LB hasn’t complained, but I did not like the taste of the almond flour crust and if I make this again will use a store bought chocolate graham cracker crust.  No shame in that, and not many more calories.

~

What I’m loving

Since we are confined… I am loving the fact that I have a big yard and part of the back yard includes a screened in pool.  This COVID confinement is stifling, but it is great to be able to go outside of the house and relax without having to wear a mask.

~

What we’ve been up to

Still working from home and, as I previously mentioned, doing a lot of baking, which leads to a lot of time on the treadmill.

~

What I’ve been working on

I recently started listing items for sale on Poshmark and try to list or update at least one item per week.  It is slow going, but that is pretty much what I expected.

Still in the early stage, but I have a landscape project that I am planning with the help of Better Homes and Gardens…

Not exactly the same, just using as a guide.

~

What I’m excited about~

What I’m dreading

INDS 400

I am trying to be positive and have every reason to be because I have begun the last class I will need in order to graduate.

Class of 2020 WOO HOO.

Why I’m dreading it is because the class is described as “research intensive” and I’m not in the mood for research, especially the intensive kind.  It is going to be a rough 8 weeks.  Keep me in your prayers.

~

What I’m reading

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

and

The Cengage Guide to Research/MINDTAP, Miller-Cochran/Rodrigo, 3rd edition.
Only because I have to.

~

What I’m watching/listening to

My most recent obsession, which may eventually drive LB crazy, is Erin Busbee.

Her blog is BUSBEE Style

but I really love watching/listening to her on BUSBEE Style TV

She has great style tips.

~

What I’m wearing

same as you…

~

What I’m doing this weekend

I’m not sure yet!

Probably working on one or more of the many things I mentioned earlier.

~

What I’m looking forward to next month

Taking a couple of days off from work.  I can’t wait!

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

There’s No One Like A Sister

There IS NO ONE like a Sister

and that is why when my baby sister reached the age of 50, I traveled nearly 3 hours to be with her on her birthday.

I believe it was Clay’s idea.  He texted me one evening to tell me about the plan to surprise her while she was away on her Disney birthday adventure and asked if LB and I would be able to get away to join in the fun.

My response was “We can make it happen”.

My first thought was that we would leave work early on Monday, August 17th, then make our way to Orlando’s Disney Springs where we would meet up with family, and surprise Gina.  That was a pretty good plan, but LB had other plans.  He decided we should head to Orlando on Sunday, spend the night, and enjoy Monday away from work/home.

So we did.

We went to Universal CityWalk on Sunday and spent the day sight-seeing, but making sure to follow all the rules. Then later had dinner at Antojitos.Before making our way to the Residence Inn, we made a stop at Target… just because I like to

SHOP~

On Monday LB and I took our time getting ready, but eventually we were out door and headed to Disney Springs.  For the next 5 hours we would…

SHOP SHOPSHOP

You cannot tell by my expression, but I was having a good time.

 

To wrap up the Orlando event, we followed my sister and her crew to Sprinkles.

We walked up behind her and SURPRISE!

And she was surprised!  It brought tears to her eyes.We each ordered cupcakes at Sprinkles and found a place to sit and have a little visit.  It was a nice time together with family.We ate cupcakes and Gina opened her birthday gifts…I’m very lucky to have Gina in my life.There is no one else like her!

~

There’s no one like a sister…

’cause she’s known you all along.She gets your jokes, shares your folks, and likes the same old songs.There’s no one like a sister…

’cause she’s there no matter what –To talk, check in, see how you’ve been, and sometimes save your butt.There’s no one like a sister…

she’s a friend your whole life through.And none could be as good to me or loved as much as you!

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Happy Friday!

Today is the day I typically post my

FRIDAY FAVORITES

but alas, nothing has happened this week except rain and weight gain.  I try to find the good in every week and highlight those favorite things on Friday.

Since I can find little good in the rain that has caused a flood in the yard and the leak in the roof and NO good in the pounds that I’ve accumulated, I’m taking a different approach.

Today I will highlight the

National Day Calendar

for this first week of August 2020.

Sunday, August 2

National Sister’s Day

How could I have missed this?

It has typically been one of my favorites that I’ve mentioned here and here.

I have one sister She is my favorite.

I’ve shared pics of some other special sisters in the past and here they are again…

~

Monday, August 3

National Grab Some Nuts Day

How to observe?

Grab a handful of nuts to snack on today! Or better yet, get baking.  Share your celebration of nuts by posting a pic on social media using #NationalGrabSomeNutsDay.

~

Tuesday, August 4

National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day also National Night Out Day

I love to do BOTH.

But today we won’t be doing either!

~

Wednesday, August 5

National Underwear Day

How do you observe National Underwear Day?  Why you embrace your body image and post on social media using #NationalUnderwearDay.  I’m not going to celebrate National Underwear Day.

~

Thursday, August 6

National Wiggle Your Toes Day

#NationalWiggleYourToesDay

~

Friday, August 7

National Raspberries N’ Cream Day

Raspberries are in season and were also mentioned on Sunday in observance of National Raspberry Cream Pie Day.  One of my favorite recipes that include raspberries is Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies.  I made them for our Mother’s Day lunch and as always, they were a hit.

Celebrate Every Day!

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

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