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August 1965

What was happening in August 1965?

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was leading a civil rights march in Alabama from Selma to Montgomery.

The St. Louis, Missouri Gateway Arch was completed.   The Gateway Arch was created as a landmark to memorialize the symbolic gateway between the Eastern United States and the West.

Cool Whip was introduced by General Foods.

Diet Pepsi made its debut.

The Pillsbury Dough Boy, “popping fresh” came to be.

The New York Jets signed Joe Namath:

The Temptations’ “My Girl“, had hit number ONE.

The Academy Award for best best picture went to, “My Fair Lady.”

The “Sound of Music” movie was a smash success.

The “Green Acres” TV show made its debut [Eva Gabor and Eddie Albert].  Green Acres is the PLACE TO BE…

“Downtown” hits #1 in the US singles chart… Love me some Petula Clark!

The Mini Skirt appeared in London.  And as women’s skirts became shorter, men’s hair became fashionably longer.

The Beatles released 4 new albums that year, including “Help“.

“Charlie Brown Christmas” premiered on CBS.

More specifically, do you remember

August 28, 1965?

In addition to Lyndon B. Johnson serving as President of the United States and people in the US listening to “I Got You Babe” by Sonny & Cher…

Mary Ellen Duckworth and

Richard Alton Reid

were planning a wedding.And they were married 52 years ago today.August 28, 1965 was a Saturday.

If my Daddy had lived, he and Mama would have been married 52 years today.  I have no question that they would still be together.  They loved each other dearly.

I asked Mama about her wedding vows because I thought she had written them herself.  She told me “actually they were the regular vows”.

The “Regular Vows” are

“I, ___, take you, ___, for my lawful wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do us part.”

She then added “We just memorized them and said them to each other instead of repeating them after the pastor”.  I think that is very sweet.  What a lovely couple!

 

My Dear Mama

On this day that marks your anniversary, what would have been 52 years that you and Daddy had been married, I am thinking of you.  You have suffered a great loss, greater than I can imagine.  Of course you already know that everyone senses the void, the empty place that Daddy left.  Nevertheless, we all recognize that no one feels it more than you.  I appreciate the love that you still have for him, and that he is the love of your life, as you are his.

August 28, 1965 was a wonderful day and still is wonderful for the memories it offers.

Today I hope you can smile and remember your beautiful wedding day and the beautiful life you shared with him.

Love Kim

Saturday Switch

This weekend LB decided we were going to

Switch It Up

and do something other than the norm.

When we met at home Friday evening after work he announced that we were going out.

Usually we are both mentally exhausted by Friday and will stay at home on Friday night,  saving our date night for Saturday.  LB thought it would be a nice change have dinner out and enjoy one of our favorite cover bands.  In addition, I was instructed to pack a bag for the weekend.  We hit I-95 and exited on South Beach Parkway to the Hampton Inn and checked into our room.

Then we walked over the restaurant that is quickly becoming a favorite

Whiskey Jax

Keeping it carb-free, dinner was a side salad and hot wings.  Under a spotlight.

Ain’t Too Proud played into the night and, as always, we enjoyed their music.

Saturday Morning

after we enjoyed the complementary breakfast in the lovely Hampton Inn, we headed to Mickler’s Landing for a day at the beach.With this being our first trip to Mickler’s Landing, we were surprised to find there is no longer a boardwalk to the beach.  Apparently it had to be removed due to the damage caused by hurricane Matthew in 2016.  Nevertheless, the hike through the sand was good exercise and the flowers were cute.so were the seagullsIt started out as a sunny day and I was happy to have the opportunity to work on [my hopes for] a tan.except on my face!

The sunny day was short lived as the looming gray clouds moved ever closer.We cut our walk down the beach short and took cover under the umbrella.But not before I managed to find these…five reasons to NOT put my body in the ocean.

And an addition to my collection.

And now as I sit here typing, I have already enjoyed a wonderful weekend, and it has only just begun.

Thanks LB!You’re the BEST!

Season Shifting

There are officially 28 days left in our wonderful summer season.

Maldives, Ile, Beach, Sun, Holiday, Ocean, Nature, Sand

Fall begins on September 22, 2017 Autumn, Fall, Foliage, Leaves, Nature, Trees

and I will probably still be donning my summer wardrobe [as it will likely be HOT until next January].
Florida is notorious for skipping fall and going straight to winter.  Although, at times it seems like we have four seasons in the south, which are 1. nearly summer, 2. summer, 3. recently summer, and 4. Christmas.

With this in mind, how am I supposed to enjoy the fall fashions that I am seeing on EVERY fashion blog I follow?

What am I going to wear

after September 22nd?

Sadly, I don’t have the opportunity to spend much time with my jacket/coat collection.  That said, it is time to get creative.  A few fabrics (jersey, cotton knits, and silk) remain fairly seasonless.  When pairing these fabrics with the right colors, it makes for an easier transition from summer to fall.

If you aren’t familiar with those particular fabrics, think lightweight, and focus on fall colors.  I am always referring back to Pantone and their seasonal color report.

This year

the HOT color for fall is

Grenadine

“A powerful, evocative, dynamic red, Grenadine is a confident and self-assured attention-getter” (source).

Another pick for the fall season is

Golden Lime

Today I wore a top that I purchased last spring from White House Black Market.

Ironically, the base color is remarkably similar to Golden Olive (fall color 2017 – London ).  This is a top that will work well spring to fall.

Capris are also a good choice for summer to fall transition.
A transition-to-fall outfit would include a bootie or an open toe shoe to pair with your outfit.

Hopefully it does not seem as though I am complaining about the long, hot summer.  Not in the least.  If you live in the south (and if you’re reading this you probably do since you are likely a member of my family), join me for a moment of gratitude.

We who are here in Florida enjoy sunny weather most of the time [not today, but most days].  Floridians don’t have to purchase winter parkas or rain pants. We don’t require pants a size too large to accommodate long johns. Happily, we don’t have to deal with ice and snow ordering the shoes that we wear. We don’t have to deal with bad hair from balaclavas and skull caps.

Four seasons or not, in the sunshine state, we have it pretty good.

Enjoy your summer!

White and Black Wednesday

As opposed to “White and Black”, more often you’ll find that it is referred to as “Black and White” and I’ve posted about it before here.

You can find it when watching movies or television

appreciating art

listening to the words of a song

shopping in a particular retail establishment

As I mentioned before, more often you’ll find that it is “Black and White”, but not today.  Just because it sounds better as a title…

Today is

White and Black Wednesday

And the Executive Escalation Office is rocking the white and black look!  Or at least trying to!

In the world of fashion, there is arguably no more classic a pairing than black and white.

Yesterday Wendy came into the office and declared that we should wear black and white tomorrow.

Of course my interest was piqued and [as always] I’m game!  It kinda makes me feel like I’m in High School again.

Wendy has lost about 70 pounds and we just recently celebrated a milestone in this journey.  She has enjoyed shopping for new clothes and the outfit she wore today was adorable and also a completely new look for her.

Everyone is impressed with her progress and I’m very proud of her.

Kathy sits nearby and joined in the fashion day by wearing mostly white, which was originally why I named today White and Black Wednesday.  Kathy is like my big sister at work.  She has looked out for me since I joined her team six years ago and was instrumental in having me begin work with the Office of the President in our company.  Kathy will sometimes tell the story of how she had our manager move my desk next to hers so she could mentor me right from the beginning.  She is a gem and I love her dearly!

As usual, I require inspiration to get dressed in the morning.  Today I was attempting this look:But because I have to wear this dang badge, it didn’t quite work out…Nobody believes me.

 

 

Show and Tell Tuesday

It has become one of my favorite posts…

This Tuesday’s

Show and Tell

features a piece of furniture that contains more history than I can share in one post.

To begin, this lovely Lane cedar chest (aka hope chest) was a gift from my parents when I turned eighteen and/or graduated from high school.  I’m not sure if it was a birthday gift or a graduation gift, but I still have this beautiful piece of furniture that I cherish.  Inside I have memories of my high school years, my three babies, and my twelve years with First Guaranty Bank.  There are Beanie Babies, a baton, a tiara, and cards that were given to me by loved ones.Recently I opened my cedar chest because I was looking for a giraffe that I seem to have misplaced.

(So I have a thing about giraffes.  Don’t judge.)

A few of the items I came across are worth sharing.

These are Church DirectoriesI began attending Faith Memorial Baptist church with my parents, before I was born.  I attended this church until 1997.  These directories contain pictures and information of the members of the church.  It is interesting to flip through and look at the people who were at one time a part of my life.

This poem

was written by my Mama while she dealt with the grief of losing her father.

This is what it says:

At set of sun in times long past, I see him coming home at last
We’d run to meet him one by one, happy that the day was done
A special word, a hug, a kiss, would let him know how he’d been missed
A crowded table with sumptuous fare, he never tired of being there.
(Did we realize what we had? That special place, a loving Dad.)
He’d settle back in his old chair, content to rest, to just be there.
We’d find a place upon his lap, maybe he would take a nap.
We learned of Jesus at his knee, of how he died upon a tree.
He told us of a home on high, how we could go there by and by.
Of our Father’s gracious love, bestowed on us from up above.

And now the sun has set once more, reflected on that golden shore.
The fluttering of angels wings, bear him heavenward as they sing.
His home awaits, the table set; joy replaces all regret.
Loved ones who’ve been waiting there, bid him welcome as they share
Hugs and kisses, special words,
And then his eyes behold the Lord.
Son, welcome home, the day is through. I’ve been waiting here for you.
…He’s settled now in heaven’s care, content to rest, to just be there…

 

It is a beautiful tribute and now has a place in my family scrapbook.

 

This is a big flower

from my baby boy.

He made this flower for his mama and placed his cute little picture in the center.  Obviously I love it as it has been with me for 20+ years.

This is a big message

from a little girl.

My firstborn DaughterShe is quite an imaginative little artist.  I especially appreciate the Jasmine inspired floating head.

Even today, Stephanie still has a fascination with all things Disney.

This Comic Book

was written by that same little boy in the above mentioned flower… Richard Starling.

It is a first volume publication by Marble Comics and is titled “The Nother World”

One day I will create a post dedicated to this comic book.

Both of my Memas

are gone now.

Mema Reid left us in 2007.  Mema Duck left us in 2010.

How lucky am I to have had a relationship with both of my grandmothers.  They loved me and I love them.

And I miss them both.

There is so much more… I may have to open that chest again next week.and I found that giraffe!

Saturday Night Alive

LB is always looking for new and different ways to provide weekend entertainment, especially on Saturday night.  He is also very gracious and will offer several options before making a final date night decision.

Yesterday LB gave me

Four Options:

  1. The Cellar Upstairs at San Sebastian to hear “Ain’t to Proud“.

2. Jerry’s Sports Grille to hear “Spektra“.

3. Whiskey Jax to hear a new band called “Fat Cactus“.

All three are great places.  The bands I’ve heard are great fun.  I haven’t had the opportunity to see Fat Cactus yet, because LB also mentioned that we could go to the never before seen

4. Outerbanks Sports Bar & Grill to hear the very talented “Bluff 5 Band“.

We decided to check out the Outerbanks Sports Bar & Grill.  This little restaurant is in Kingsland, GA and takes about 40 minutes for us to reach via I-95N.  From the outside it looks very nice.  Inside was dimly lit, and my eyesight is waning, so I’m not sure how it is decorated.  There is a LARGE television positioned in front of the “stage” area (thus the “sports bar”).  But the memory that lingers most is the fact that it was filled with smoke.

At the advice of my sweet LB, I try to stay positive in all of my blogging remarks, so I will continue on that path…

This restaurant is perfect!  Lets say you are hungry, in the mood for good music, and in desperate need of a smoke.  Upon entering Outerbanks, if you need a nicotine fix, but have no cigarettes on hand, just step inside.  Problem number three is immediately solved.  LB and I were Not in need of a nicotine fix, but were ready for dinner.

Dinner hit the spot

We split one of these:We each had a taco, 2 jalapeño poppers, and chips with salsa, and, of course, little packets of taco sauce!

About the Bluff 5 Band…  we heard them first during the Shrimp and Grits Festival last year.  Four guys accompanying a lively lead singer.  She’s cute, animated, and extremely talented.They are a GREAT group.

Although we enjoyed the entertainment, we didn’t stay long and made it home safe & sound.

Still breathing!

 

 

Friday Favorites

It’s Happy Time People:  Friday Favorites!

Favorite # ONE

Halo Top

Every day is a reason for Halo Top. #ScoopItUp #ThePerfectPint

sweetened with organic Stevia, Halo Top ICE CREAM is low in calories and high in protein, and my new favorite dessert!

Last Sunday night, LB and I enjoyed a pint of vanilla bean.

This morning on my way to work, I stopped by Winn-Dixie and picked up four pints of Halo Top to celebrate Wendy reaching her first weight loss goal. I chose Pistachio, Black Cherry, Birthday Cake, and Mocha Chocolate Chip.

When I asked Wendy if she had reached the goal she responded with “I didn’t check, I’m going to wait until Tuesday”

So we celebrated anyway…

Like this:

Saturday Night Live snl saturday night live nbc cake GIF

JK

Black Cherry was my favorite

Favorite # TWO

these jeans

Embroidered jeans are a Fall trend and these hit the top of the list of jeans I’ve shopped.  Vera Wang is an awesome designer and I love her work.  Although the pants/jeans in her collections are a bit curvier than I’m accustomed to, these were snug enough to convince me to take with.  I have lopped off the hem and have worn them once.  Yes, they do stretch, and I will wash and dry them to see if they shrink appropriately.  But the jeans are most assuredly cute and I will continue to enjoy them, I’m sure!

Favorite # THREE

my Breakfast Smoothie, which I took notice of when I discovered the Cave Woman Diet last year.  It wasn’t until earlier this year that I started enjoying my own version of that smoothie.Mine contains ½ banana, ½ cup mixed berries, 1 T chia seed, 1 T Stevia, ½ t cinnamon, a handful of spinach, ice and water.  It amounts to about 120 calories.

I enjoy it Every Day!

Favorite # FOUR

Fajitas… because Today is

National Fajitas Day!

so we went out to enjoy Fajitas! This Amigo was there with UShe is MY BABY and going to be a Daddy for the second time.

I adore him.  Always have.

Family is important.  The Most important thing!

Favorite # FIVE

Life as we know it is about to change FOREVER… For ALL of us!  Trust me on this one.

My Glam-baby is going to be a BIG SISTER… just like her Glammy.  I knew we would have a lot in common!

This morning I got a text from LB telling me my Mama wanted to know when I would be home from work today, as she needed a few minutes of my time.  Obviously I was DISTURBED and sent her a message inquiring about her well being.  She’s fine, of course, and just wants me to “meet someone”.

Really?

Lord Have Mercy.

I KNOW she hasn’t adopted a pet or began a new romance.

She wants to be a buffer for the news to come:

GLAMMY, the SEQUEL.She’s excited.  She’s happy.  Her Glammy is too!

We just couldn’t seem to get her to sit still for a picture of the shirt

 

 

 

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