Well, it is the eve of our holiday season. That being the fine day of Thanksgiving. How appropriate that it would be the 1st in a trio of holidays in little more than a month.
As it has approached, I have found myself pondering my life & the things I am thankful for. It causes me to realize what I really have to be thankful for in the next of the series of holidays, Christmas. Thanksgiving is a living out of the "reason for the season". Had it not been for the Christ child, I would have nothing to be thankful for, because all that we have & are is a result of His birth & ultimate sacrifice.
I have lived such a blessed life! I have enjoyed a bounty of provision. Even in times of lack, it has been more than most of the world has ever seen. I was raised in the best of times.... times when you could leave your home for a week & never lock the door....times when neighbors watched out for you, people visited one another without having an invitation & people were willing to share what they had when you didn't have....times when families still considered each other their best friends & worth spending time with, when it wasn't a major feat just to be able to spend 2 hours together....times when every child knew every extended member in their family, what their relationship was, where they lived & what they did for a living...times when the young took care of the elderly @ home because they could no longer manage by themselves... A time when it wasn't considered a sacrifice, it was the norm....times when going to the drive- in movie in the summertime with a bag full of popcorn & jar of koolaid was considered a big treat to be anticipated...times when wintertime meant hot chocolate & mama's oatmeal cookies, curled up in a chair reading a book, then sharing what you read with your brothers & sisters... a time when supper meant everybody at the table, present & accounted for, sharing the days events & thoughts with everyone there...time with no TV, no DS's, Ipods, cell phones, play stations or any other gadget greater than a transistor radio. Yep, it was the best of times & I'm thankful for that... but time marches on.
In the march of time, we have accomplished great things in this country, the land of the Free. We now communicate on these little black boxes called computers. 1 person can do the work of 2 - 3 people with machines. We can travel across the world in less time than it used to take to get to another state . Running water & indoor plumbing are the standard now. We have a restaurant on every corner for even the pickiest of eaters... We have kitchen gadgets that make preparing a meal seem like child's play...We have a TV in almost every room of the house...we no longer have discrimination among the races...almost any child can get a college education if he tries hard enough...we have government programs for almost any need, so there's no call for poverty...Gardens are no longer necessary for survival, they are "chic" & a novelty. Canning??What's that?? cooking?? what's that??? We have made great strides in so many ways but as my daddy always said, " everything that shines ain't a diamond, & everything that glitters ain't gold."
I am so thankful to have lived in those times.... the joys, the sorrows, the struggles, the successes & accomplishments along the way... even the failures because they made me appreciate the successes even more...those times helped me understand what was so important that Christ would live & die for.....people, you & me. It gave me a foundation of caring, loving & helping that would last a lifetime. Not that I have always been a perfect example of them but , that foundation is there & I try.
With that foundation, I am thankful to be here @ this time. I have grandbabies to help get that same foundation... there are more people today with a lack of knowledge of the Christ who died for them...there are more hurting people today...people who have lost their way & just need someone to light the way...there are more lonely people today... who just long for the touch or smile of a friendly soul....there are more hungry people today... who just need someone to notice & help. I am so thankful for the foundation that causes me to want to help. Maybe that's why we are here today... to be the answer to someone else's prayer.
As you sit down today, in your warm homes, with your good meals, your loved ones & friends around you, stop for longer than a second to give thanks to the Creator for that which He created...a time such as this for someone such as you who can help someone else find the way to Him.
Wherever you may be, know that I love you all & will be missing you bunches. Have a great Thanksgiving Day & God's blessings be to you all.
Signing off..... O'Wise one
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Around the World and Back
Hello family! For those of you who are probably more familiar with my older brother, George III, this is Michael Pierce. I am George's other son. I broke from the tradition of mechanics in our branch of the family tree and am a manufacturing engineer for Lexmark International. I have to make two or three visits each year to the factories that I support. Unfortunately, those factories are all in southeast Asia. On October 24, I went back to Dongguan, a city in south China and just a two hour or so drive from Hong Kong. Lynnis asked me to post some information and pictures from my latest adventure.
First, it's a long trip. After a short flight from Cincinnati to Detroit, it's almost 13 hours to Tokyo. Unfortunately, I've never had an opportunity to go into Tokyo. Then it's another four hours to Hong Kong. From the time I leave the house until I reach Hong Kong, it's a full 24 hours. It was 11:00 PM when I got to Hong Kong, so I just took the train into the city and then a taxi to my hotel.
I didn't sleep much the first night, so I got up and watched the Bengals - Bears game on my Slingbox. I walked around the Kowloon part of Hong Kong for a little while and then checked out of my hotel. I was braver than usual and decided to just take the subway up to the Hong Kong - China border (about 35 minutes on the subway) and walk across. That was very smooth, leaving me in Shenzhen, China. Then I took a train from Shenzhen to Dongguan. That's a short 31 minute train ride. It's also cheap at just 55RMB (just over $8). This is where the trip gets interesting. I don't speak Cantonese (Hong Kong) and my Mandarin (spoken in mainland China) vocabulary consists of the words for hello, beer, and , check, receipt and thank you. Much of the younger population can speak some English, but not the taxi drivers. Luckily, I kept a card from my previous stay at the hotel. The driver studied it a minute, and thought he knew where it was. He got me close, but tried to drop me off at the hospital that is a block from the hotel. I just sucked it up and walked the last block, dragging my luggage. I forgot to mention that after 10 trips to Asia and five to Europe, the handle on my trusty Samsonite broken when I was getting off the train in Dongguan. Handling it was not fun, and it's over 85 degrees in south China, with humidity to match. All I wanted at this point was something to drink, and a shower.
After getting cleaned up, I walked to the nearest Bank of China ATM. It's the only ATM where I can use my corporate AmEx card. Then lunch at Subway. Yes, I eat at Subway when I go to China. Real Chinese food is not like the stuff we see on our favorite buffets at home. No General Tso's chicken, and no fortune cookies. Fortune cookies aren't even Chinese. Next, is a trip to Wal-mart. I don't normally buy much at Wal-mart, except some snacks for the hotel room. Later in the trip I found a small western style market where I could get real Mt. Dew (Chinese formula is awful). Above Wal-mart and in the same building are two floors of other shops. My favorite DVD shops are there. I needed some entertainment for my trip. Later in the day, was dinner at the British pub near the hotel and relaxing for work the next day.
Most days, the car picks me up from the hotel at 9:00 and it's about a 20 minute ride to the factory. Most of my day is consumed with meetings and spending time watching the assembly line. Not too exciting. Luckily, most of the engineers speak English. We had lunch the first day at KFC. KFC is probably the largest US fast food chain in China. It's a little different. You can get a chicken sandwich with vegetables inside it. It's not good. And the Chinese don't like white breast meat in their chicken patties. They think it's too dry. Still, my chicken sandwich wasn't bad. Work usually ends around 5:30 and it's back to the hotel.
Being by myself, I don't like to venture too far from the hotel at night. Wal-mart is the furthest I will walk, and it's about 25 or 30 minutes from the hotel. I eat dinner at either One for the Road (British pub), Subway, or Papa John's. I just found Papa John's on the previous trip to Dongguan. It's much better than Pizza Hut. Pizza Hut doesn't use much sauce. There is also McDonald's here, but we go there for lunch some days. There are also a few Starbucks locations. I don't like regular coffee. I do like the occasional Frappuccino. This time I found an Italian restaurant that I had read about on the previous trip. It was very good!
I am used to working weekends when in China. This trip was an exception. On the first Saturday I took the train back to Shenzhen and walked across the border into Hong Kong. A couple years ago I had bought some pearl earrings for Julie and for my mother, and Julie asked me to get some for her mother. She doesn't read blogs, so I don't have to worry about ruining one of her Christmas presents. My favorite store for these earrings is in Stanley Market. After taking the subway into Hong Kong, I only had to cross the street and hop on the express bus to Stanley. I like to sit on the top level of the double-decker bus. It's a relaxing bus ride, but always take the express. The other buses stop at every stop and it takes an hour to get there. Stanley Market is a lot like a flea market. I only buy these pearls, and some new golf shirts when I go there. A shop there is an outlet for Greg Norman golf shirts. I bought a couple of those and two pair of earrings. I was wearing my Bengals hat and ran into two other Americans. One was a Browns fan, the other a Lions fan. I know that kind of pain. Because of the hot, humid, sticky weather, I decided that I had seen enough of Hong Kong and went back to Dongguan.
Not much noteworthy happened the rest of the trip. The funniest thing was a Chinese prostitute who followed me on to the hotel elevator and propositioned me when the other people had gotten off the elevator. It was all I could do to not laugh, as she fumbled with the English words. I made sure that she did not follow me off the elevator, and I walked the wrong way just in case.
I had to stay a few days extra and finally headed back to Hong Kong on November 10. I checked into the hotel and took the subway to Hong Kong Island. I had dinner at Fat Angelo's (good lasagna) in Soho. Soho is a Hong Kong neighborhood that you can get to using the mid-level escalators. You can google it. After dinner, I went to Lan Kwai Fong. Lan Kwai Fong is an area of bars and restaurants where you can just walk from bar to bar and socialize. On the weekends I think they close the street and it's just a big block party. I went to find one of my old bosses who lives in Hong Kong but works in our Shenzhen office. I know his favorite bar and found him there. It was nice to catch up and drink a couple beers. Nice way to end a trip. I took the subway back to the hotel and got a few hours of sleep.
I hope that you enjoy the photos from Dongguan and Hong Kong. If you have any questions about my adventures, feel free to e-mail me at michael.pierce@fuse.net, or find me on Facebook.
Papa John's
My favorite hangout!
Wal-mart is everywhere.
Tastes just like home!
Public suqare area in Dongguan.
Dongcheng International Hotel, my home away from home.
Star Ferry, the best way to cross Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong skyline on a hazy morning
Lan Kwai Fong neighborhood in Hong Kong
Night in Hong Kong
Mid-level escalators to Soho neighborhood in Hong Kong.
First, it's a long trip. After a short flight from Cincinnati to Detroit, it's almost 13 hours to Tokyo. Unfortunately, I've never had an opportunity to go into Tokyo. Then it's another four hours to Hong Kong. From the time I leave the house until I reach Hong Kong, it's a full 24 hours. It was 11:00 PM when I got to Hong Kong, so I just took the train into the city and then a taxi to my hotel.
I didn't sleep much the first night, so I got up and watched the Bengals - Bears game on my Slingbox. I walked around the Kowloon part of Hong Kong for a little while and then checked out of my hotel. I was braver than usual and decided to just take the subway up to the Hong Kong - China border (about 35 minutes on the subway) and walk across. That was very smooth, leaving me in Shenzhen, China. Then I took a train from Shenzhen to Dongguan. That's a short 31 minute train ride. It's also cheap at just 55RMB (just over $8). This is where the trip gets interesting. I don't speak Cantonese (Hong Kong) and my Mandarin (spoken in mainland China) vocabulary consists of the words for hello, beer, and , check, receipt and thank you. Much of the younger population can speak some English, but not the taxi drivers. Luckily, I kept a card from my previous stay at the hotel. The driver studied it a minute, and thought he knew where it was. He got me close, but tried to drop me off at the hospital that is a block from the hotel. I just sucked it up and walked the last block, dragging my luggage. I forgot to mention that after 10 trips to Asia and five to Europe, the handle on my trusty Samsonite broken when I was getting off the train in Dongguan. Handling it was not fun, and it's over 85 degrees in south China, with humidity to match. All I wanted at this point was something to drink, and a shower.
After getting cleaned up, I walked to the nearest Bank of China ATM. It's the only ATM where I can use my corporate AmEx card. Then lunch at Subway. Yes, I eat at Subway when I go to China. Real Chinese food is not like the stuff we see on our favorite buffets at home. No General Tso's chicken, and no fortune cookies. Fortune cookies aren't even Chinese. Next, is a trip to Wal-mart. I don't normally buy much at Wal-mart, except some snacks for the hotel room. Later in the trip I found a small western style market where I could get real Mt. Dew (Chinese formula is awful). Above Wal-mart and in the same building are two floors of other shops. My favorite DVD shops are there. I needed some entertainment for my trip. Later in the day, was dinner at the British pub near the hotel and relaxing for work the next day.
Most days, the car picks me up from the hotel at 9:00 and it's about a 20 minute ride to the factory. Most of my day is consumed with meetings and spending time watching the assembly line. Not too exciting. Luckily, most of the engineers speak English. We had lunch the first day at KFC. KFC is probably the largest US fast food chain in China. It's a little different. You can get a chicken sandwich with vegetables inside it. It's not good. And the Chinese don't like white breast meat in their chicken patties. They think it's too dry. Still, my chicken sandwich wasn't bad. Work usually ends around 5:30 and it's back to the hotel.
Being by myself, I don't like to venture too far from the hotel at night. Wal-mart is the furthest I will walk, and it's about 25 or 30 minutes from the hotel. I eat dinner at either One for the Road (British pub), Subway, or Papa John's. I just found Papa John's on the previous trip to Dongguan. It's much better than Pizza Hut. Pizza Hut doesn't use much sauce. There is also McDonald's here, but we go there for lunch some days. There are also a few Starbucks locations. I don't like regular coffee. I do like the occasional Frappuccino. This time I found an Italian restaurant that I had read about on the previous trip. It was very good!
I am used to working weekends when in China. This trip was an exception. On the first Saturday I took the train back to Shenzhen and walked across the border into Hong Kong. A couple years ago I had bought some pearl earrings for Julie and for my mother, and Julie asked me to get some for her mother. She doesn't read blogs, so I don't have to worry about ruining one of her Christmas presents. My favorite store for these earrings is in Stanley Market. After taking the subway into Hong Kong, I only had to cross the street and hop on the express bus to Stanley. I like to sit on the top level of the double-decker bus. It's a relaxing bus ride, but always take the express. The other buses stop at every stop and it takes an hour to get there. Stanley Market is a lot like a flea market. I only buy these pearls, and some new golf shirts when I go there. A shop there is an outlet for Greg Norman golf shirts. I bought a couple of those and two pair of earrings. I was wearing my Bengals hat and ran into two other Americans. One was a Browns fan, the other a Lions fan. I know that kind of pain. Because of the hot, humid, sticky weather, I decided that I had seen enough of Hong Kong and went back to Dongguan.
Not much noteworthy happened the rest of the trip. The funniest thing was a Chinese prostitute who followed me on to the hotel elevator and propositioned me when the other people had gotten off the elevator. It was all I could do to not laugh, as she fumbled with the English words. I made sure that she did not follow me off the elevator, and I walked the wrong way just in case.
I had to stay a few days extra and finally headed back to Hong Kong on November 10. I checked into the hotel and took the subway to Hong Kong Island. I had dinner at Fat Angelo's (good lasagna) in Soho. Soho is a Hong Kong neighborhood that you can get to using the mid-level escalators. You can google it. After dinner, I went to Lan Kwai Fong. Lan Kwai Fong is an area of bars and restaurants where you can just walk from bar to bar and socialize. On the weekends I think they close the street and it's just a big block party. I went to find one of my old bosses who lives in Hong Kong but works in our Shenzhen office. I know his favorite bar and found him there. It was nice to catch up and drink a couple beers. Nice way to end a trip. I took the subway back to the hotel and got a few hours of sleep.
I hope that you enjoy the photos from Dongguan and Hong Kong. If you have any questions about my adventures, feel free to e-mail me at michael.pierce@fuse.net, or find me on Facebook.
Papa John's
My favorite hangout!
Wal-mart is everywhere.
Tastes just like home!
Public suqare area in Dongguan.
Dongcheng International Hotel, my home away from home.
Star Ferry, the best way to cross Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong skyline on a hazy morning
Lan Kwai Fong neighborhood in Hong Kong
Night in Hong Kong
Mid-level escalators to Soho neighborhood in Hong Kong.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Get out your calendars
I'm a planner for those of you that done already know. And, I'm a busy person with lots of things in my life to juggle (as I'm sure most of you are as well). I'm trying to get my schedule together for Christmastime. Yes, I know we haven't even made it to Thanksgiving yet, but December days are filling up fast.
I know that we are planning to have our Christmas get together at Aunt B's, but how about we toss out some ideas for the date and maybe even the time. Are we planning to do a gift exchange like last year? I thought it was a lot of fun and I actually already have my gift, so I'm hoping other people are up for it as well. :)
I was thinking about an idea to celebrate being thankful on Thanksgiving. And, thinking of how to make it fun. Does anyone have any ideas? My idea is to have everyone write at least one unique thing specific to them and not a general thing that they are thankful for on a piece of paper without their name and then have them read and everyone try to guess who wrote it.
So, get out those calendars and lets start talking about when we get to see each other!
much love from my house to yours,
dana
I know that we are planning to have our Christmas get together at Aunt B's, but how about we toss out some ideas for the date and maybe even the time. Are we planning to do a gift exchange like last year? I thought it was a lot of fun and I actually already have my gift, so I'm hoping other people are up for it as well. :)
I was thinking about an idea to celebrate being thankful on Thanksgiving. And, thinking of how to make it fun. Does anyone have any ideas? My idea is to have everyone write at least one unique thing specific to them and not a general thing that they are thankful for on a piece of paper without their name and then have them read and everyone try to guess who wrote it.
So, get out those calendars and lets start talking about when we get to see each other!
much love from my house to yours,
dana
Monday, November 2, 2009
How I love our SEEEESTER!!!
I just happened to click on the Pierce family blog, and was so thrilled that someone had actually posted something. It has been a long dry spell, I guess Facebook has had something to do with it. I believe a major part of us are on Facebook and can keep up with what is going on.
Pierce is truly a Pierce. He loves wheels under his butt, and wants the steering wheel at all possible times. I had taken him to the hospital when Will was born. He was not allowed to visit, due to the H1N1 virus, so we were waiting in my car for Mikie and Charlotte to come and get him so I could go see Kristi and the sweet new little baby Will. I put Pierce in my lap, in the driver's seat, and he grabbed the wheel, started trying to turn it and went "BRRRRRRRRRR", just like a true "Pierce". I said out loud to myself "Daddy, I wish you could meet this baby".
Mikie's Daddy- Mr. Mikell takes the grandsons out for a ride on his golf cart when they visit, and he has to ride Pierce around and around and around. He sits in Mr. Mikell's lap at all times, and if Mr. Mikell stops, Pierce grabs the steering wheel and tries to make it go again. He is truly "Just the sweetest thing ever"!!
Kristi had Will with very little sweat or effort it seems. In the picture of her holding Will after he was born, her makeup is still perfect. Will is a little fat boy, a beautiful boy with dark hair, blue eyes and fat cheeks, just like some of his aunts and his Mamaw.
I too am looking forward to seeing everyone and had called Martha today to see what the arrangements might be. How I wish she would ANSWER HER PHONE!!!!! I called the office, not the cell, cause that is the only phone she will ever answer. I also called Mary Beth, Momma and you know nobody wanted to talk, or I just couldn't find them.
I am going to Lexington to check on the boys tomorrow, and fix supper. They will be graduating within the next few years and then we will be remembering the days of these suppers. Life changes, I thank the good Lord above that it never gets dull though.
It does seem that the older you get the more you reflect, I don't know why, cause I am busier now than ever. I guess it is because that when you have a full life, you have alot of memories to think about. I can only guess what Momma thinks about, with all of her little lambs and grand lambs.
I love all of you and can't wait to see you soon, Susan
Pierce is truly a Pierce. He loves wheels under his butt, and wants the steering wheel at all possible times. I had taken him to the hospital when Will was born. He was not allowed to visit, due to the H1N1 virus, so we were waiting in my car for Mikie and Charlotte to come and get him so I could go see Kristi and the sweet new little baby Will. I put Pierce in my lap, in the driver's seat, and he grabbed the wheel, started trying to turn it and went "BRRRRRRRRRR", just like a true "Pierce". I said out loud to myself "Daddy, I wish you could meet this baby".
Mikie's Daddy- Mr. Mikell takes the grandsons out for a ride on his golf cart when they visit, and he has to ride Pierce around and around and around. He sits in Mr. Mikell's lap at all times, and if Mr. Mikell stops, Pierce grabs the steering wheel and tries to make it go again. He is truly "Just the sweetest thing ever"!!
Kristi had Will with very little sweat or effort it seems. In the picture of her holding Will after he was born, her makeup is still perfect. Will is a little fat boy, a beautiful boy with dark hair, blue eyes and fat cheeks, just like some of his aunts and his Mamaw.
I too am looking forward to seeing everyone and had called Martha today to see what the arrangements might be. How I wish she would ANSWER HER PHONE!!!!! I called the office, not the cell, cause that is the only phone she will ever answer. I also called Mary Beth, Momma and you know nobody wanted to talk, or I just couldn't find them.
I am going to Lexington to check on the boys tomorrow, and fix supper. They will be graduating within the next few years and then we will be remembering the days of these suppers. Life changes, I thank the good Lord above that it never gets dull though.
It does seem that the older you get the more you reflect, I don't know why, cause I am busier now than ever. I guess it is because that when you have a full life, you have alot of memories to think about. I can only guess what Momma thinks about, with all of her little lambs and grand lambs.
I love all of you and can't wait to see you soon, Susan
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Where are you now?
Well, I decided to check out the family site & what to my surprise? There was no posting since July!!!! Sad shame & disgrace that even with technology we still can't keep in touch. Anyways, I thought I would get the engine to moving again. Maybe we'll make it a mile or two.
Today was Halloween. Since turning the age of 12, it hasn't meant too much for me except I could beg the other younger children to share their candy with me & now that I am able to buy my own candy whenever I want, it doesn't even hold that attraction for me. I had 12 spooks show up tonight. I can remember when they would come solid for 3 hrs., but I guess in today's world, most parents find it safer to take their children to a central place for shared activities & treats. Mr. Campbell seemed to appreciate the fact that there was candy left over & I had to finally gather it up & hide it. He has never gotten past his love for chocolate, as we all know.
It has been a beautiful fall. The leaves have been gorgeous & I still have petunias blooming. I fear that will be over shortly...but all good things must come to an end. It seems that the shorter days & longer nights bring out the sluggard in me & I have to fight to get anything accomplished. If it were not for Sarah, who cleans my house & does other honey-dos for me , Mr. Campbell & I would live in filth I'm afraid.
We are going to get plexiglass up around our screened porch to hopefully extract a longer period of use out of it. We love that porch so much & have dreaded the inabilty to use it this winter. We hope to be able to have Christmas out there for those of you who will be visiting us then. I am looking forward to everybody being here!
I am of the understanding that we will be gathering @ the Biddle mansion for Thanksgiving the Saturday after the official holiday. Hopefully, dear sister will be letting us know what we can bring for that fine affair. I would forego the food just to be with you all. I often thinks to meself how blessed I am to be part of such a wonderful family & even though everyone is so busy with their individual lives, just an afternoon shared with each of you keeps me going till the next time we gather. I guess being one of the eldest has it's drawbacks. I have come to the place in my life where things have settled down... kids are grown, no major demands on my time & I have time to visit but all the younger ones have the demands that I used to have. So maybe, I'll just have to wait for the holidays for my "family fix".
I suppose everyone is aware of the newest Pierce addition, little William Drake Johnson... Susan's newest grandbaby. Kristi Ann now has 2 under the age of 2. Ya'll pray for her... she's gonna need it. Susan has been in grandma heaven after spending 2 weeks down in Savannah hauling that baby Pierce around. He is the brightest, cutest, & sweetest child born according to his Mawmaw. Spoken like a true grandma!! We are all blessed to have such wonderful progeny. Each one adds a bright spot to the family tree!
One more tidbit of news... In case you didn't know, Dana Lynn will be making her maiden voyage to the big continent of Africa next year! She will be going on a mission with her church & is excited to no end. We must all get behind her, pray for her & support her in any way we can. After all, she is our representative to the rest of the world. When one of us'ns does good, we all look good!!! you know what i mean?
Well, all I can say is this.... if this much jabbering don't help nobody but me, it was worth it. I reckon I will be signing off as it is time to go to napper's house. Church in the morning & Lowes tomorrow afternoon. I am loving you all. Have a great week!!!
Today was Halloween. Since turning the age of 12, it hasn't meant too much for me except I could beg the other younger children to share their candy with me & now that I am able to buy my own candy whenever I want, it doesn't even hold that attraction for me. I had 12 spooks show up tonight. I can remember when they would come solid for 3 hrs., but I guess in today's world, most parents find it safer to take their children to a central place for shared activities & treats. Mr. Campbell seemed to appreciate the fact that there was candy left over & I had to finally gather it up & hide it. He has never gotten past his love for chocolate, as we all know.
It has been a beautiful fall. The leaves have been gorgeous & I still have petunias blooming. I fear that will be over shortly...but all good things must come to an end. It seems that the shorter days & longer nights bring out the sluggard in me & I have to fight to get anything accomplished. If it were not for Sarah, who cleans my house & does other honey-dos for me , Mr. Campbell & I would live in filth I'm afraid.
We are going to get plexiglass up around our screened porch to hopefully extract a longer period of use out of it. We love that porch so much & have dreaded the inabilty to use it this winter. We hope to be able to have Christmas out there for those of you who will be visiting us then. I am looking forward to everybody being here!
I am of the understanding that we will be gathering @ the Biddle mansion for Thanksgiving the Saturday after the official holiday. Hopefully, dear sister will be letting us know what we can bring for that fine affair. I would forego the food just to be with you all. I often thinks to meself how blessed I am to be part of such a wonderful family & even though everyone is so busy with their individual lives, just an afternoon shared with each of you keeps me going till the next time we gather. I guess being one of the eldest has it's drawbacks. I have come to the place in my life where things have settled down... kids are grown, no major demands on my time & I have time to visit but all the younger ones have the demands that I used to have. So maybe, I'll just have to wait for the holidays for my "family fix".
I suppose everyone is aware of the newest Pierce addition, little William Drake Johnson... Susan's newest grandbaby. Kristi Ann now has 2 under the age of 2. Ya'll pray for her... she's gonna need it. Susan has been in grandma heaven after spending 2 weeks down in Savannah hauling that baby Pierce around. He is the brightest, cutest, & sweetest child born according to his Mawmaw. Spoken like a true grandma!! We are all blessed to have such wonderful progeny. Each one adds a bright spot to the family tree!
One more tidbit of news... In case you didn't know, Dana Lynn will be making her maiden voyage to the big continent of Africa next year! She will be going on a mission with her church & is excited to no end. We must all get behind her, pray for her & support her in any way we can. After all, she is our representative to the rest of the world. When one of us'ns does good, we all look good!!! you know what i mean?
Well, all I can say is this.... if this much jabbering don't help nobody but me, it was worth it. I reckon I will be signing off as it is time to go to napper's house. Church in the morning & Lowes tomorrow afternoon. I am loving you all. Have a great week!!!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Sunday, July 12
I am home from Savannah, and getting ready for a whirlwind weekend. I hope all of my cousins are able to come and visit. I hope we can have a picnic at Bronston, so bring whatever you want to add to the table. I am not sure what I am going to fix, so just bring whatever you like. Meet at my house, and then we will proceed to Bronston. My home phone number is 606-274-4222, or cell is 606-219-3276. If you can call or email me at susanhansford@hotmail.com if you are coming or not, then I will know when everyone has arrived.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Reunion Pictures...
Family faces are magic mirrors. Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present, and future. ~Gail Lumet Buckley
On Little Drops, I always use a quote at the start of my post. There are many wise words to learn from. I just know I like them and there are bits of truth in most of the ones I've used. Especially the one above. If you look at some of our faces, you will see Grandmother and Grandpa Pierce, all of our Mothers and Fathers, as well as our other ancestors. Edna Mae looks so much like Grandmother as I remember her. Looking at Jamie, you see Daddy's image looking back at you. Little Pierce looks much like his daddy, Mike and a little bit like JD. Michael reminds me so much of George B. I knew as a little girl.
Funny, isn't it? But I'm glad that I'm part and parcel of such wonderful past, present and future...
Michael, thank you so much for sending me the pictures below. Pass it on to the rest of the family. Maybe there will be more who have others they want to share.
The clan waiting to launch our balloons with messages to the Angels above. I think everyone loved this part of the day. Gwen, thank you for bringing the balloons and helium so that we could do this.
One... Two... Three...OFF THEY GO!
Watch them go up into the wide blue sky on their flight towards heaven. Okay, so maybe a few pilots coming into Greater Cincinnati Airport will snag a few before they get that far.
Isn't that the coolest picture ever? There were a few that got tangled in the tree's. But I think the wishes and words we wrote on the cards attached to the balloons made it a lot farther than we know.
Edna Mae and Mary Beth talking up a storm. See what I mean when I said Edna looks like Grandmother? Daddy would have had a field day teasing her, I just know it.
What? Me use my hands to turn those hotdogs? Never!! I think we finally got the fire burning hot enough to cook the way I wanted. Uhh, Yeah, If you're going to do it, do it right. Right?
Susan had baked a cake for Momma's birthday that was the 25th of June. It was her 74th birthday. The cake was also for Kathi, whose birthday was this day, the 27th. Sorry that she wasn't there to enjoy the cake as well.
And there you have it. Maybe next time we should hire a photographer to do the picture taking. While we keep on talking and eating. Oh, I think if you click on each picture, it should come up much larger in a separate window. Just try it...
Much love and kisses from my house to yours.
On Little Drops, I always use a quote at the start of my post. There are many wise words to learn from. I just know I like them and there are bits of truth in most of the ones I've used. Especially the one above. If you look at some of our faces, you will see Grandmother and Grandpa Pierce, all of our Mothers and Fathers, as well as our other ancestors. Edna Mae looks so much like Grandmother as I remember her. Looking at Jamie, you see Daddy's image looking back at you. Little Pierce looks much like his daddy, Mike and a little bit like JD. Michael reminds me so much of George B. I knew as a little girl.
Funny, isn't it? But I'm glad that I'm part and parcel of such wonderful past, present and future...
Michael, thank you so much for sending me the pictures below. Pass it on to the rest of the family. Maybe there will be more who have others they want to share.
The clan waiting to launch our balloons with messages to the Angels above. I think everyone loved this part of the day. Gwen, thank you for bringing the balloons and helium so that we could do this.
One... Two... Three...OFF THEY GO!
Watch them go up into the wide blue sky on their flight towards heaven. Okay, so maybe a few pilots coming into Greater Cincinnati Airport will snag a few before they get that far.
Isn't that the coolest picture ever? There were a few that got tangled in the tree's. But I think the wishes and words we wrote on the cards attached to the balloons made it a lot farther than we know.
Edna Mae and Mary Beth talking up a storm. See what I mean when I said Edna looks like Grandmother? Daddy would have had a field day teasing her, I just know it.
What? Me use my hands to turn those hotdogs? Never!! I think we finally got the fire burning hot enough to cook the way I wanted. Uhh, Yeah, If you're going to do it, do it right. Right?
Susan had baked a cake for Momma's birthday that was the 25th of June. It was her 74th birthday. The cake was also for Kathi, whose birthday was this day, the 27th. Sorry that she wasn't there to enjoy the cake as well. And there you have it. Maybe next time we should hire a photographer to do the picture taking. While we keep on talking and eating. Oh, I think if you click on each picture, it should come up much larger in a separate window. Just try it...
Much love and kisses from my house to yours.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Calling For Photo's From Reunion
Hey Everyone,
This past Saturday at Boone Woods was a wonderful time spent catching up with the dwindling number of Pierce's. Why we wait for a annual picnic to see each other is beyond me. Still was loads of fun, doncha think?
Sooo, I thought it would be nice to post some pictures of that gathering, just for posterity. Unfortunately for me, I never got the chance to take my camera out of it's case. I was busy!! Didn't you all enjoy the hamburgers, h'dogs, metts, brats and shrimp? Plus I had the 3 little piglets with me, which required keeping an eagle eye on them most of the time.
If there is anyone who was in attendance and was able to use their camera, would you care to send those pictures for me or someone to post here? Or...drop me a line via email or facebook so that we can get more of us Pierces' posting on here. I think Dana Lynn still has administrator powers here.
Here's my email addy>>lynnis dot honaker@gmail dot com
I'll be waiting to hear from y'all.
Much love and kisses from my house to yours.
This past Saturday at Boone Woods was a wonderful time spent catching up with the dwindling number of Pierce's. Why we wait for a annual picnic to see each other is beyond me. Still was loads of fun, doncha think?
Sooo, I thought it would be nice to post some pictures of that gathering, just for posterity. Unfortunately for me, I never got the chance to take my camera out of it's case. I was busy!! Didn't you all enjoy the hamburgers, h'dogs, metts, brats and shrimp? Plus I had the 3 little piglets with me, which required keeping an eagle eye on them most of the time.
If there is anyone who was in attendance and was able to use their camera, would you care to send those pictures for me or someone to post here? Or...drop me a line via email or facebook so that we can get more of us Pierces' posting on here. I think Dana Lynn still has administrator powers here.
Here's my email addy>>lynnis dot honaker@gmail dot com
I'll be waiting to hear from y'all.
Much love and kisses from my house to yours.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Family Reunion July 12, to meet our cousin, Dale
For all of you Pierce family members, we have found some more of us. Uncle Gover had 3 sons, and I got to meet one of them Dale recently. He looks like Uncle Jim, and I am so excited to introduce him and his family to the rest of everyone. We are going to meet here at our house, on July 12, that 2:00 p.m. We will go to Bronston, to the family cemetary at Alexandria's chapel, and to Grandmother and Papaw's house. I have called Alvin Morrow, who now owns the farm that Papaw was born on. He is a very gracious man, and has said he is looking forward to seeing all of us, and he has a story about Papaw to tell us. We will fix a picnic lunch and take it with us to Alvin's.
So the directions to my house, address 545 Old Shopville Road, Somerset, Ky. if you want to google it. If you are coming south on I-75, take the Exit 62, Mt. Vernon Renfro Valley exit. The ramp does not end, but continues on into a double lane road, so don't stop at the end of the ramp. Continue on that road, through the stoplight for about 16 miles, until Hwy 461 ends at the intersection of Hwy 461 and Hwy 80. Take a left onto Hwy 80, east. Go about 1/4 mile, you will see the Shopville Elementary school on the left. Turn left, in front of the school, it is a connector road between the new Hwy 80 and the old Hwy 80, they named it "Old Shopville Road". When you are facing the Elementary School, turn right onto Old Shopville Road. Continue past the school, the new library, Fellowship United Methodist church, (Our church). Go across a little bridge, and then we are the 3rd house on the right. We have a horseshoe drive in the front. It is a brick, with a drive that goes down to the garage and basement, and then the front drive. If this is your first visit to our house, park in the upper drive. My phone number is 606-274-4222, and my cell phone is 606-219-3276. I would like everyone to get here about 1:30 if possible, so that we can leave and get to Bronston. I am to call Alvin when we leave. Make sure you bring your cameras, paper and pencil to make etchings of the headstones, and picnic food and drinks. I will get the paper plates and things. I will probably fry some chicken also. Mary Beth you better make some more potato salad. I am sooooo excited. Love, Susan
So the directions to my house, address 545 Old Shopville Road, Somerset, Ky. if you want to google it. If you are coming south on I-75, take the Exit 62, Mt. Vernon Renfro Valley exit. The ramp does not end, but continues on into a double lane road, so don't stop at the end of the ramp. Continue on that road, through the stoplight for about 16 miles, until Hwy 461 ends at the intersection of Hwy 461 and Hwy 80. Take a left onto Hwy 80, east. Go about 1/4 mile, you will see the Shopville Elementary school on the left. Turn left, in front of the school, it is a connector road between the new Hwy 80 and the old Hwy 80, they named it "Old Shopville Road". When you are facing the Elementary School, turn right onto Old Shopville Road. Continue past the school, the new library, Fellowship United Methodist church, (Our church). Go across a little bridge, and then we are the 3rd house on the right. We have a horseshoe drive in the front. It is a brick, with a drive that goes down to the garage and basement, and then the front drive. If this is your first visit to our house, park in the upper drive. My phone number is 606-274-4222, and my cell phone is 606-219-3276. I would like everyone to get here about 1:30 if possible, so that we can leave and get to Bronston. I am to call Alvin when we leave. Make sure you bring your cameras, paper and pencil to make etchings of the headstones, and picnic food and drinks. I will get the paper plates and things. I will probably fry some chicken also. Mary Beth you better make some more potato salad. I am sooooo excited. Love, Susan
Monday, March 30, 2009
Easter Sunday
I think I have finally figured this out, how to get to post something. I have been extremely busy, with the state meeting, Master Farm Homemaker judging, realty school, CV and JD. April is going to be quite eventful for me, and I am loving every minute of it. I am through with the realty school, now I just got to go take my test. I have been invited to join the Master Farm Homemaker guild, after they came and judged us, and state meeting is going well. CV and I will celebrate our 25th anniversary next week, we are still in shock that it is here. Kristi and Pierce will be coming home on Tuesday 21st, to attend the Master Farm Homemaker banquet. I cannot wait to get sugar off of that baby. We will get another baby the first of November. I am so thankful, and wished they lived closer.
I am writing this so everyone will remember that the 12th of April is Easter, and we will host Easter dinner here, around 2:00 p.m. I am going to fix ham and roast beef, mashed potatoes, and maybe corn pudding. You all bring what you want, and I look forward to seeing all of you. I want to see you in your Easter outfits.
I am writing this so everyone will remember that the 12th of April is Easter, and we will host Easter dinner here, around 2:00 p.m. I am going to fix ham and roast beef, mashed potatoes, and maybe corn pudding. You all bring what you want, and I look forward to seeing all of you. I want to see you in your Easter outfits.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Another Birthday Celebrated...
Families are like fudge - mostly sweet with a few nuts. ~Author Unknown
Just wanted to post a few pictures of Scottie, who turned five today. Strange how fast those five years disappeared. I called him earlier today, asking him if he wanted to go out to dinner. He did, so we went. His two picks as to where to eat were Frishes and Bob Evans. You can get grilled cheese at either one. I don't know who loves grilled cheese more, him or Daniel.
But anyways... for your viewing pleasure.
Sissy Girl and the Birthday Boy...
Daddy Lyle and his boy...
Nana stealing kisses from her 'ittle girl...
Sissy has to try to get her some kisses, too...
Much love and kisses from my house to yours!
Just wanted to post a few pictures of Scottie, who turned five today. Strange how fast those five years disappeared. I called him earlier today, asking him if he wanted to go out to dinner. He did, so we went. His two picks as to where to eat were Frishes and Bob Evans. You can get grilled cheese at either one. I don't know who loves grilled cheese more, him or Daniel.
But anyways... for your viewing pleasure.
Sissy Girl and the Birthday Boy...
Daddy Lyle and his boy...
Nana stealing kisses from her 'ittle girl...
Sissy has to try to get her some kisses, too...Much love and kisses from my house to yours!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Wishing da Man...
Hey Y'all! Did you remember that today is Shane Allen's birthday? I know I saw several wishes on his FB page. I added mine to the growing list. But thought I would add one here as well. I finally was able to connect to the 'net. This gol-durned thing is enough to drive a person insane.
Anyways...while I still can, Happy Birthday Dear Shanie Boy!!!
)
First you forget names; then you forget faces; then you forget to zip up your fly; and then you forget to unzip your fly.
(But you ain't there just yet. Hope that your day was filled with love and laughter.)
~~~~~Branch Rickey
Anyways...while I still can, Happy Birthday Dear Shanie Boy!!!
First you forget names; then you forget faces; then you forget to zip up your fly; and then you forget to unzip your fly.
(But you ain't there just yet. Hope that your day was filled with love and laughter.)
~~~~~Branch Rickey
Thursday, March 19, 2009
this one...
:) So, after a few really long days of waiting for a reply to my offer(s)....they accepted my last one! Closing is set for the end of April. It has been such a whirlwind. I am wishing desperately that my things would pack themselves. Anywho, I went over there tonight and took some pictures. Thought I'd share them with all of you.
lots of love to you all. ~dana
lots of love to you all. ~dana
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
this one or that one?
hey y'all. so, i'm in the process of buying a new house. it's been tough! and somewhat fun... ya know, it's a lot trickier than i first thought b/c there's so much to think of. are you okay with a big yard? is the area safe? can you handle a small kitchen if you have a larger dining room? do you like the layout? how close is it to highways, bus stops, grocery stores, etc? what's the resale possibility? what are the neighbors like? yeah, that's just a start.
like i said, there is soooo much to think about and that doesn't even count the whole loan process (tons of paperwork!) Right now, I am playing the waiting game on this townhome: Here it is.
It's listed WELL below it's value and is pretty much in move in condition. I never thought I'd be interested in a townhome, but I *really* hope this one works out. I made an offer yesterday and am waiting to hear back.
Hope y'all are doing well and can't wait to see you soon! I'll keep you posted about the house hunting.
much love!
dana
like i said, there is soooo much to think about and that doesn't even count the whole loan process (tons of paperwork!) Right now, I am playing the waiting game on this townhome: Here it is.
It's listed WELL below it's value and is pretty much in move in condition. I never thought I'd be interested in a townhome, but I *really* hope this one works out. I made an offer yesterday and am waiting to hear back.
Hope y'all are doing well and can't wait to see you soon! I'll keep you posted about the house hunting.
much love!
dana
Friday, March 6, 2009
Just so Y'all know...
Hi Y'all.
Seems like Sarah Beth has been the only one who has had words to post on the family blog. Since I'm home with the flu and today being the first day I have been able to think coherently for more than a few minutes at a time, I thought I would drop in.
Yes, I have the ole flu bug. It bit fast and hard. I went to work Tuesday afternoon not feeling myself. Didn't look too hot either by the observations given by co-workers. Nevertheless, I stayed the entire shift, but by the time I drove home, did the few things I needed to do like take out the garbage, laundry, dishes, etc. I was tired. Not bad tired or so I thought. Morgan came out after I got home. Guess it's a good thing his schedule is about as screwed up as mine. Otherwise, we'd never see each other. Regardless, we got caught up, ate a light supper, and then started catching up on all the 'net reading we had missed. Ok, he did most of the surfing. I was on the couch by then. Wrapped in a blanket, freezing, sneezing, hacking and coughing.
"You poor girl, you don't sound so good." Yeah? Well, I don't feel so good.
Next morning, I ached all over. Wanted to do nothing but lay on the couch, snooze, talk when talked to, pop a few Motrins every few hours to help ease the body aches and headache somewhat. The brief periods in between the pain were filled with the normal day to day things, like lunch, blogging and then dinner.
That lasted roughly 24 hrs before it laid me out completely. By the time Morgan had to leave Thursday morning, I was most miserable. Called the doctor who didn't have any appointments available, but you can come in after hours to the "First Come First Served Clinic". You know what that means? Yep, you sit till they call your name. Just what I want or need to do when all I'm wanting is to be in bed.
But I went.
Only had to sit for a brief one magazine read. Was called back to the exam room where the nurse takes all information, temperature, blood pressure. One more item to note, I was surprised at my weight. Who knew? Maybe being sick isn't such a bad thing after all.
The nurse leaves me curled up on the short little exam table awaiting the docs arrival. Even with me being so short, those tables were made for midgets. Finally the doc knocks and enters, asks the same questions the nurse had me answer just a few short minutes before. If I'm not mistaken, she even wrote my answers down. He checks my ears, throat, and nose. Listens to my lung sounds... Then proclaims in a wise doctor voice... "sounds like you have the flu, very contagious by the way. I suggest you take ibuprofen, chicken soup and lots of rest. Oh, no work till at least Monday."
Note to Shane Allen: YOU will have a better bedside manner when you become one of them, right? Please say yes, cause otherwise me and your momma will hunt you down like a rabid dog to make you change your ways. It takes compassion, caring and empathy for a good bedside manner. Qualities that I know you have in abundance. Just don't let them disappear on your way up. Got it??
Alrighty then. Sign me out, give me my work slip, prescription and Thank you very much. They take your money on your way out.
I stopped at the local Walgreens to get the Tamiflu prescription filled. Even picked up some juices. High tailed back to the house to bed. Popped the first of the twice a day pills. Drank some juice, made a few phone calls to the ones who cared enough to ask, then wrapped myself in a blanket, collapsed on the couch again.
You know what? I think my body was tired of all that laying in bed or on the couch, because sometime during the night, it was more comfortable to sleep on the floor. So I did.
There you have it folks, the details and description of that little bug called "the flu". Don't let him catch you unawares. His bite is definitely worse.
Reckon it's time for some chicken soup and another pill or two.
Much love from my house to yours...
No kisses cause I'm contagious, ya know?
Seems like Sarah Beth has been the only one who has had words to post on the family blog. Since I'm home with the flu and today being the first day I have been able to think coherently for more than a few minutes at a time, I thought I would drop in.
Yes, I have the ole flu bug. It bit fast and hard. I went to work Tuesday afternoon not feeling myself. Didn't look too hot either by the observations given by co-workers. Nevertheless, I stayed the entire shift, but by the time I drove home, did the few things I needed to do like take out the garbage, laundry, dishes, etc. I was tired. Not bad tired or so I thought. Morgan came out after I got home. Guess it's a good thing his schedule is about as screwed up as mine. Otherwise, we'd never see each other. Regardless, we got caught up, ate a light supper, and then started catching up on all the 'net reading we had missed. Ok, he did most of the surfing. I was on the couch by then. Wrapped in a blanket, freezing, sneezing, hacking and coughing.
"You poor girl, you don't sound so good." Yeah? Well, I don't feel so good.
Next morning, I ached all over. Wanted to do nothing but lay on the couch, snooze, talk when talked to, pop a few Motrins every few hours to help ease the body aches and headache somewhat. The brief periods in between the pain were filled with the normal day to day things, like lunch, blogging and then dinner.
That lasted roughly 24 hrs before it laid me out completely. By the time Morgan had to leave Thursday morning, I was most miserable. Called the doctor who didn't have any appointments available, but you can come in after hours to the "First Come First Served Clinic". You know what that means? Yep, you sit till they call your name. Just what I want or need to do when all I'm wanting is to be in bed.
But I went.
Only had to sit for a brief one magazine read. Was called back to the exam room where the nurse takes all information, temperature, blood pressure. One more item to note, I was surprised at my weight. Who knew? Maybe being sick isn't such a bad thing after all.
The nurse leaves me curled up on the short little exam table awaiting the docs arrival. Even with me being so short, those tables were made for midgets. Finally the doc knocks and enters, asks the same questions the nurse had me answer just a few short minutes before. If I'm not mistaken, she even wrote my answers down. He checks my ears, throat, and nose. Listens to my lung sounds... Then proclaims in a wise doctor voice... "sounds like you have the flu, very contagious by the way. I suggest you take ibuprofen, chicken soup and lots of rest. Oh, no work till at least Monday."
Note to Shane Allen: YOU will have a better bedside manner when you become one of them, right? Please say yes, cause otherwise me and your momma will hunt you down like a rabid dog to make you change your ways. It takes compassion, caring and empathy for a good bedside manner. Qualities that I know you have in abundance. Just don't let them disappear on your way up. Got it??
Alrighty then. Sign me out, give me my work slip, prescription and Thank you very much. They take your money on your way out.
I stopped at the local Walgreens to get the Tamiflu prescription filled. Even picked up some juices. High tailed back to the house to bed. Popped the first of the twice a day pills. Drank some juice, made a few phone calls to the ones who cared enough to ask, then wrapped myself in a blanket, collapsed on the couch again.
You know what? I think my body was tired of all that laying in bed or on the couch, because sometime during the night, it was more comfortable to sleep on the floor. So I did.
There you have it folks, the details and description of that little bug called "the flu". Don't let him catch you unawares. His bite is definitely worse.
Reckon it's time for some chicken soup and another pill or two.
Much love from my house to yours...
No kisses cause I'm contagious, ya know?
Friday post
So yet another week has come and gone and what a week it has been! If you are reading this, you are alive and kicking and hopefully giving thanks to the good lord above for that. We could all be much worse off than we currently are and I thank God on a daily basis for letting me have as much as I do have.
I just wanted to send out a little inspirational note that I get in my email daily and I liked the one for today. Love and hugs to each of you and I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day and weekend!
"Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
I just wanted to send out a little inspirational note that I get in my email daily and I liked the one for today. Love and hugs to each of you and I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day and weekend!
"Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Sunday in Lexington...
Hi all! I was showing mom how to transfer her pictures from her camera to her computer and we wanted to post the pictures from Outback on here for everyone to see! We will get our next trip planned before too long!
Love and hugs! - Sarah
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
This is a funny that I thought would brighten everyone's day!
This is hilarious as all get out and if you don't smile and laugh something is wrong and we need to get you to a doctor! The laughter catches like crazy and I laughed so hard I cried!
Enjoy!!
Listen to the guy in the middle when he laughs....
Turn up the speakers I was crying with laughter.
I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!
Double-click or copy and paste:
http://videos.komando.com/2008/06/04/mans-surprising-laugh/
Click arrow to play
Enjoy!!
Listen to the guy in the middle when he laughs....
Turn up the speakers I was crying with laughter.
I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!
Double-click or copy and paste:
http://videos.komando.com/2008/06/04/mans-surprising-laugh/
Click arrow to play
Monday, February 23, 2009
Oh Yeah I Forgot....
It's me again! I forgot I was going to put a picture of Jenn's desk on here. If any of you all remember mom's smaller wooden desk that she used, she gave it to Jenn and I have redone it too. I have been in a fixer upper mode lately and just wanted to revitalize furniture. Nothing like hand me downs redone!!
Also, I wanted to tell everyone that I really enjoyed getting to see everyone that I did. I wish everyone could have been there and gone with us, but...there is always next time we go. We will have to make plans and meet up in Lexington again in about another 3 or 4 months. Whenever everyone is available and has time.
XOXOXOX
-Sarah- :)
Ta-da!! Here is the finished product...
So....I am pretty much so finished with mom's basement. I need to put up a couple of little things still and mom is going to do some kind of paint job on the grey primer wall. Other than that I just have furniture to move around. YAY!!!
Here are some of the pictures that I took today as I was setting stuff up. I am proud of her basement now!! LOL! It looks much more up-to-date and alot brighter as you can tell. Now if we can just the upstairs finished, mom will be rockin' in a completely re-finished house...at least on the inside.
XOXOXOXO
History Lesson on Kentucky
For those of you who live in Kentucky
you might find this interesting.
And for those of you who don't,
YOU might also find this interesting.
Today's history lesson!
1792 - Kentucky was the first state on the western frontier to join the Union .
1816 - (first promoted) Mammoth Cave , with 336+ miles of mapped passages, is the world's longest cave. It is 379 feet deep and contains at least 5 levels of passages. It's second only to Niagara Falls as the most popular tourist attraction in the US . It became a National Park on July 1, 1941.
1856 - The first enamel bathtub was made in Louisville .
1883 - The first electric light bulb was shown in Louisville . Thomas Alva Edison introduced his invention to crowds at the Southern Exposition.
1887 - Mother's Day was first observed in Henderson by teacher Mary S. Wilson. It became a national holiday in 1916.
1893 - 'Happy Birthday to You', probably the most sung song in the world,
was written by two Louisville sisters - Mildred and Patricia Hill.
Late 19th century - Bibb lettuce was first cultivated by Jack Bibb in Frankfort , Kentucky
1896 - The first (known) set of all male quintuplets was born in Paducah .
1934 - Cheeseburgers were first tasted at Kaelin's Restaurant in Louisville .
1937 - The first Wigwam Village Motel, with units in the shape of a 'teepee', was built by Frank A. Redford in Cave City
The world's largest baseball bat, a full one hundred twenty (120) feet tall
and weighing 68,000 pounds, can be seen at the Louisville Slugger Museum in Louisville (Jefferson Co.).
Chevrolet Corvettes are manufactured only in Bowling Green .
Covington (St. Mary's Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption) is home
to the world's largest hand blown stained glass window in existence.
It measures an astounding 24 feet by 67 feet and contains 117 different figures.
The world's largest crucifix, standing at sixty (60) feet tall, is in Bardstown (Nelson Co..).
Fort Knox holds more than $6 billion worth of gold - the largest amount stored anywhere in the world.
The JIF plant in Lexington is the world's largest peanut butter producing facility.
Kentucky has more resort parks than any other state in the nation.
Middlesboro is the only United States city built inside a meteor crater.
Newport is home to The World Peace Bell, the world's largest free-swinging bell.
Pike County is the world's largest producer of coal.
Pikeville annually leads the nation (per capita) in consumption of Pepsi-Cola.
Post-It Notes are made exclusively in Cynthiana , Ky.
Shaker Village ( Pleasant Hill ) is the largest historic community of its kind in the United States
Christian County is 'wet', while Bourbon County is 'dry'.
('wet 'sells liquor; 'dry' does not)
Barren County has the most fertile land in the state.
Lake Cumberland has more miles of shoreline than the state of Florida .
Kentucky is best known for its beautiful blue grass. And, let us not forget about the basketball and the Race Horses !!
And then there more interesting things about this state................For example, below are some 'rules for rural Kentucky '.
THE RULES OF RURAL Kentucky
ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Listen up City Slickers !
1. Pull your droopy pants up. You look like an idiot.
2. Turn your cap right, your head isn't crooked.
3. Let's get this straight; it's called a 'dirt road..' I drive a pickup truck because I want to. No matter how slow you drive, you're going to get dust on your Lexus. Drive it or get out of the way.
4. They are cattle. They're live steaks. That's why they smell funny to you. But they smell like money to us. Get over it. Don't like it? Rt. 80 goes east and west, I-75 goes north and south. Pick one.
5. So you have a $60,000 car. We're impressed. We have $150,000 corn pickers and hay balers that are driven only 3 weeks a year.
6. So every person in Southern Kentucky waves. It's called being friendly. Try to understand the concept.
7. If that cell phone rings while an 8-point buck and 3 does are coming in, we WILL shoot it out of your hand. You better hope you don't have it up to your ear at the time.
8. Yeah, we eat taters & gravy, beans & cornbread. You really want sushi & caviar? It's available, at the corner bait shop.
9. The 'Opener' refers to the first day of deer season. It's a religious holiday held the closest Saturday to the first of November.
10... We open doors for women. That is applied to all women, regardless of age.
11. No, there's no 'vegetarian special' on the menu. Order steak.
Or you can order the Chef's Salad and pick off the 2 pounds of ham & turkey.
12. When we fill out a table, there are three main dishes: meats, vegetables, and breads. We use three spices: salt, pepper, and ketchup.
Oh, yeah....We don't care what you folks in Cincinnati call that stuff you eat...IT AIN'T REAL CHILI!!
13. You bring 'coke' into my house, it better be brown, wet and served over ice.
14. You bring 'Mary Jane' into my house, she better be cute, know how to shoot, drive a truck, and have long hair.
15. College and High School Football is as important here as the Lakers and the Knicks, and a dang site more fun to watch.
16. Yeah, we have golf courses. But don't hit the water hazards- - it spooks the fish.
17. Colleges? We have them all over. We have State Universities , Community Colleges, and Vo-techs. They come outta there with an education plus a love for God and country, and they still wave at everybody when they come for the holidays.
18. We have a whole ton of folks in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. So don't mess with us. If you do, you will get whipped by the best.
19. Turn down that blasted car stereo! That thumpity-thump crap ain't music, anyway. We don't want to hear it anymore than we want to see your boxers. Refer back to #1.
20. 4 inches isn't a blizzard - it's a flurry. Drive like you got some sense in it, and DON'T take all our bread, milk, and bleach from the grocery stores. This ain't Alaska , worst case you may have to live a whole day without croissants. The pickups with snow blades will have you out the next day.
A true Kentuckian will send this on!!!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Just another post...
So anyhow, I don't know if I am the only one reading and posting on here, but what the heck is going on with all of ya'll??? I know everybody else has stuff going on that they want to blog about so I think we all need to start typing!! LOL! Anyhow, I wanted to light a fire under some keyboards and hopefully everybody will start getting on here.
As for our girls day out, we were wondering if anyone is interested or if anyone is able to go? I had posted a comment to the other post about our girl's day out that I can't go on the 21st....it's my husband's birthday. I am game for any other weekend though. We need to set a date and get together and go see the boy's in Lexington. Ya'll give me a yell back or post a comment whichever. My home number is 606-425-5494 and if I don't answer, leave me a message or you can call mom and let her know.
Love and hugs to all!
As for our girls day out, we were wondering if anyone is interested or if anyone is able to go? I had posted a comment to the other post about our girl's day out that I can't go on the 21st....it's my husband's birthday. I am game for any other weekend though. We need to set a date and get together and go see the boy's in Lexington. Ya'll give me a yell back or post a comment whichever. My home number is 606-425-5494 and if I don't answer, leave me a message or you can call mom and let her know.
Love and hugs to all!
Shazam and here's mom's basement!
LOL!!! So I finally remembered to take my camera to mom's with me so I could get some pictures of the on-going work we are doing out there.
Here are a few of the basement. The one of the floor that looks just like concrete with junk is the semi-before picture...the original floor was the lovely brown (faded orange) indoor/outdoor carpet from the 70's when the house was built that bubby and JD pulled up. I am almost finished with the floor (3/4 of the way there) and only have 1/4 of the floor to do along with rearranging the furniture and putting up new baseboards. The floor is a tan epoxy with blue, black and white paint sprinkles in it. The steps are no longer the lovely greenish colored shag carpet as you all can see and they are now the tan epoxy paint with blue glitter in the sealer that we put on them. The walls...no longer white primer and wood grain paneling, they are now soft yellow. It is still a work in progress, but will hopefully be finished soon!
Anyhow, mom said that when she is finished de-cluttering her house we are going to take pictures of the furniture that will be up for grabs and we will get them posted on here for everyone to take a look and put in their request(s).
I hope everyone is doing good and until next time....HUGS and LOTS OF LOVE!
-Sarah-
Monday, February 2, 2009
Girls day out?
Hi girls! So me and mom were talking this morning and wanted to throw an idea out there to see if there would be interest. We thought about us having a girls day out in Lexington so we can make sure the men are doing good and see what we can do to help them out or make their stay in Lex a little more comfortable. Plus that we want a shopping day out....LOL! Anyhow, we were discussing possibly the 21st or the 28th of February for our outing. You all let me know if either of the Saturdays will work for you all and we will see if we can't get together for the day. I figure we can check on the men in Lex and go to lunch/dinner and go shopping. (We should hopefully have tax money back at that point to where we can at least treat ourselves a little bit.) Anyhow, you all let me or momma know and we will get something set up.
We got more snow this morning and school is out again today, hopefully there is more coming our way over the next couple of days. I will try to get some pictures of my pet project at mom's house up on here in the next little bit too. You all will be suprised, suprised, suprised!
Anyhow, Love to everyone and hugs....we will be back on here later!
xoxoxoxo
We got more snow this morning and school is out again today, hopefully there is more coming our way over the next couple of days. I will try to get some pictures of my pet project at mom's house up on here in the next little bit too. You all will be suprised, suprised, suprised!
Anyhow, Love to everyone and hugs....we will be back on here later!
xoxoxoxo
Friday, January 30, 2009
Well, I thought I would try this posting thing instead of just commenting and so far it looks like it's working. IF I can just get it to finish right, I 'll be in business. I'm glad everyone's doing well in spite of the blow Mother Nature threw at us this week. If my sources are right, we may be in for some more next week. I even got to stay home one day this week because of it. Turns out, I could have gone on in because the snow disappeared almost as fast as it came.
We are re-doing my house too. We have painted everything in mustard and ketchup so you won't be hungry if you come down this way to visit. It has been a co-operative effort, with everyone doing what they could. Sarah's husband, Ben, did the honors of spreading the mustard and ketchup. Very fine job, I might add. Then Shane and John David stripped the carpet off the basement floors. Sarah has been in charge of putting everything back in order, and now she is grinding the glue off the floor so we can stain the concrete. That away, in my old age, when I can't get up the stairs to the bathroom fast enough, and I pee my pants, it can just be dobbed up!!HaHa!! I ain't too far away from that now!! And if you're wondering what the heck I'm doing?? Well, I'm working to pay Lowe's off for all the stuff I've bought to do all this mahvelous renditioning!! I also have a friend who is helping me DE-Clutter!! You heard it right!!!DE-Cluttering. I have had some major panic attacks thinking about what she may take away from me.. Her one condition in doing this was that whatever she took out of a room could not go back in!! Can you believe it! You had just as well ask me to give up my first born!!! Anyway, I agreed, as my next- in -line sibling, Susan, said it would simplify my life. And I concur... If you aint got nothin, you can't lose nothin!! By the time they get done, I'll be lucky to have any purties at all. So when it all gets done, We'll have a big party and a big give-away. If you have ever secretly wished for anything I may have had, just come on down. Make your list and check it twice because it will probably be in the free- for- all party sale!! I will send details when the torture has ended.
Also, I think we should have an Aunties/neices day to go to Lexington and see where all the men in our family live, and go to school at and see what we can do to make life more pleasant and enjoyable for them. We could take them out to supper and do a fine job disturbing the peace at one of Lexington's fine eating establishment's. Would sometime in late February be good? Nan, you would need to look at your schedule and give us a more defined time. If Jenn is still among our readers, give us your opine too. I'm sure Tera would love to go. We might even be able to get a jump on spring shopping, even if I won't have no money!!! Anyways, I have blogged my little head off and that's just one more thing I won't have to lose so if you find it, let me know. Till I see you again, May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and may the snow melt under your feet. I love you each and everyone. Auntie B
We are re-doing my house too. We have painted everything in mustard and ketchup so you won't be hungry if you come down this way to visit. It has been a co-operative effort, with everyone doing what they could. Sarah's husband, Ben, did the honors of spreading the mustard and ketchup. Very fine job, I might add. Then Shane and John David stripped the carpet off the basement floors. Sarah has been in charge of putting everything back in order, and now she is grinding the glue off the floor so we can stain the concrete. That away, in my old age, when I can't get up the stairs to the bathroom fast enough, and I pee my pants, it can just be dobbed up!!HaHa!! I ain't too far away from that now!! And if you're wondering what the heck I'm doing?? Well, I'm working to pay Lowe's off for all the stuff I've bought to do all this mahvelous renditioning!! I also have a friend who is helping me DE-Clutter!! You heard it right!!!DE-Cluttering. I have had some major panic attacks thinking about what she may take away from me.. Her one condition in doing this was that whatever she took out of a room could not go back in!! Can you believe it! You had just as well ask me to give up my first born!!! Anyway, I agreed, as my next- in -line sibling, Susan, said it would simplify my life. And I concur... If you aint got nothin, you can't lose nothin!! By the time they get done, I'll be lucky to have any purties at all. So when it all gets done, We'll have a big party and a big give-away. If you have ever secretly wished for anything I may have had, just come on down. Make your list and check it twice because it will probably be in the free- for- all party sale!! I will send details when the torture has ended.
Also, I think we should have an Aunties/neices day to go to Lexington and see where all the men in our family live, and go to school at and see what we can do to make life more pleasant and enjoyable for them. We could take them out to supper and do a fine job disturbing the peace at one of Lexington's fine eating establishment's. Would sometime in late February be good? Nan, you would need to look at your schedule and give us a more defined time. If Jenn is still among our readers, give us your opine too. I'm sure Tera would love to go. We might even be able to get a jump on spring shopping, even if I won't have no money!!! Anyways, I have blogged my little head off and that's just one more thing I won't have to lose so if you find it, let me know. Till I see you again, May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and may the snow melt under your feet. I love you each and everyone. Auntie B
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Hi everybody!
Hi everyone! I haven't been on much lately, but hopefully I can start getting back on here more. We haven't had internet or phone for 3 days now...thank you lovely winter weather!
Anyhow, we have been remodeling our house, repainting everything basically along with some new floors, and I will get pictures up here before too long to let everyone see the improvements! I have also redone Mama Bond's cedar chest that I have. It is bootiful now that it received a little TLC. I think we may all need some TLC now that the holidays are over and things have kinda sorta calmed down. Girls when are we going shopping? LOL!
Anyhow, you all give yourselves some TLC until we can get a shopping trip together or something to pamper ourselves! I love you all and take care! Here are some of the pictures of the cedar chest and one of the girls out in the lovely white stuff!
Until the next post....
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