tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34603944858237516812024-03-13T22:20:38.402-05:00Life in the Slow LaneKBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.comBlogger324125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460394485823751681.post-53819169888141514392012-03-29T16:06:00.001-05:002012-03-29T16:06:25.064-05:00H.E. meets The Wall<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lVmJ4gowsic/T3TOzJVfJyI/AAAAAAAAC4o/8aR7RHdIl4A/s1600-h/Engagement%252520picture%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Engagement picture 3" border="0" alt="Engagement picture 3" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-afuwaGNbuRc/T3TOzwheRII/AAAAAAAAC4w/GbtY1_XoD0s/Engagement%252520picture%2525203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="248" height="346" /></a>My mother turned 88 today.  That and a couple of other things got me to thinking about how much has changed in her lifetime.  Just this week, she’s learned at least two new things.</p> <p>The first call came a couple of days ago.</p> <p>“Chris (the washing machine repairman) says I need a new washing machine, and Tommy (my brother) said to call you.”</p> <p>She went on to tell me that Chris told her that Hardwick’s (probably the only place in Camden, Arkansas, that sells appliances) carried Maytag, her current brand, and a new brand that he said was good but cheaper.  I asked her what this new brand was.  She didn’t know.  I told her I couldn’t help her until she found out, so yesterday she made a trip to Hardwick’s.</p> <p>Turns out that the new brand was something called Crosley.  I’ve never heard of it.  She said it was $50 less than the comparable Maytag.  I told her for $50 to just buy the Maytag.  That was fine, but she was going to have to use some different kind of detergent.  I asked her what kind.  She didn’t know, but the saleswoman at Hardwick’s said she could get it at WalMart.</p> <p>I asked her if H.E. sounded familiar.</p> <p>“I believe she did say something about H.E.”</p> <p>I explained that H.E. stands for “high efficiency” and that Tide makes an H.E. detergent; I use it all the time.  I tried to tell her what the H.E. symbol looked like, but finally gave up and emailed her a picture.</p> <p>The second call came yesterday afternoon.</p> <p>“I was looking at my email to see if you had sent that picture and there were all of these emails from Facebook.”</p> <p>My Uncle Bill, her youngest brother, was in town visiting her last week and set her up a Facebook account.</p> <p>“One of them said that Ken Kisamore has posted on my Wall.  What’s my Wall?”</p> <p>It’s good to know that you’re never too old to learn something new.  Happy Birthday, Mother.</p> KBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460394485823751681.post-40717408271380798132012-03-13T07:26:00.001-05:002012-03-13T07:26:31.685-05:00Don’t Bug Me<p>Vincent, the pest control man, was just here and shared a story about his last visit to my house.  It was around Christmas, and Walker, age 4 1/2, was here with his family.</p> <p>Walker started following him around, asking questions along the way—things like “what are you doing?”</p> <p>Vincent said that not knowing how Walker felt about bugs and stuff, he simply said, “Well, your grandmother doesn’t like bugs, so I’m trying to fix it so she doesn’t see any.”</p> <p>Walker didn’t bat an eye.</p> <p>“Well I think you’re killing them myself,” he replied.</p> KBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460394485823751681.post-58211028887626807092012-02-24T13:01:00.001-06:002012-02-24T13:01:07.055-06:00The Fuzzy Pumper Barber Shop<p>I know it’s late to still be thinking about Christmas and too early to be thinking about next Christmas.  Heck, we’re already past Valentine’s Day and well on our way to Easter.  But I’ve had this post on my mind for a while and just haven’t gotten around to putting it on “paper” so to speak.</p> <p>Since we didn’t open our Christmas gifts until December 29, after all the kids and grandkids finally arrived, our oldest son Hunter had plenty of time to do his Christmas shopping for his nieces and nephew after Christmas.  Returning from a good half day trip to Target, he was quick to share his ideas for what makes the best Christmas gifts for young children.  He said he looked for opportunities to annoy the parents.</p> <p>I immediately thought of the Fuzzy Pumper Barber Shop that my sister Margie gave Hunter one Christmas.  Made by Play-Doh, it came with bald headed plastic people that sat on barber chairs stuffed with Play-Doh.  A quick turn of the crank produced strands of Play-Doh hair that could then be cut and styled.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3ovSUvN3uVc/T0febPh9pSI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/o3QWUVzeA3Q/s1600-h/scan0014%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="scan0014" border="0" alt="scan0014" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wTuuTUvX0oY/T0feccPFv5I/AAAAAAAAC4g/_5HZaWlYyXo/scan0014_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="506" /></a></p> <p>The problem for parents was that the tiny strings of hair ended up everywhere, particularly in the carpet.  This was the late '70’s when shag was still in style.  I can’t imagine how many vacuum cleaner bags I must have filled with red, blue and yellow Play-Doh hair.</p> <p>Now here’s where I have a confession to make.  When LBeau and I learned what this little shop of horrors was all about, we immediately went out and bought another one.  When Margie’s son Matt was hold enough, he too got a Fuzzy Pumper Barber Shop for Christmas.</p> <p>And for any of you out there who might be interested in annoying some child’s parents, you can still find vintage Fuzzy Pumper Barber Shops on eBay.  Happy vacuuming! </p> KBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460394485823751681.post-39585070720697296642011-12-02T17:05:00.001-06:002011-12-02T17:05:32.109-06:00I Won!!<p>Shortly after returning from our early summer Alaska cruise, I entered <a href="http://stepintoalaska.com/">Gastineau Guiding Company’s</a> 2011 Capture Juneau Photo Contest.  The contest was open to anyone who took one of Gastineau’s guided tours.</p> <p>Yesterday I got a phone call from Chris with Gastineau with the news that I had won third place with this photo.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yr7wCCJDMQM/TtlZo0UVJxI/AAAAAAAAC4I/NxCa_Fe5Un8/s1600-h/alaska%252520320%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="alaska 320" border="0" alt="alaska 320" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6YYrJ1KwuTc/TtlZp0x6zWI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/SemgOmvbC-8/alaska%252520320_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="424" /></a></p> <p>The whale watching excursion that we went on was probably my favorite of the entire trip, and the whale watching was spectacular.  We were fortunate to see two humpback whales bubble net feeding.  What magnificent creatures.</p> <p>When Gastineau posts all of the 2011 winners on their website, I’ll let you know.  I’m sure they’re lots of spectacular pictures.</p> KBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460394485823751681.post-63796468212523969142011-11-19T07:32:00.001-06:002011-11-19T07:32:45.830-06:00Say It With Flowers<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uybhwn1UiR4/Tsev85eecNI/AAAAAAAAC3o/MoR7PEz0KqQ/s1600-h/roses%252520006%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="roses 006" border="0" alt="roses 006" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CGCzfkurwoQ/Tsev9WMIu9I/AAAAAAAAC3w/qkr8FyZKG7A/roses%252520006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> Last Monday, for only the second time since I’ve known him, LBeau gave me flowers.</p> <p>The first time was early in our marriage.  We were living in St. Louis at the time, and LBeau was on his way home from work at Missouri-Pacific Railroad.  A street vendor was selling roses for 50 cents a dozen.  On an impulse, he bought some.</p> <p>Since that time, I have given birth to three children and had too many birthdays to count, but no more flowers.  My friend Glenda is also married to an engineer, and we have often shared stories about no gifts and no flowers.  At least she has daughters who were sometimes dispatched to “buy something for Mom for her birthday.”  I have three boys.  Enough said.</p> <p>Needless to say, I was shocked when LBeau appeared bright and early Monday morning, my 65th birthday, with a dozen red roses and a card.  As my oldest son, Hunter, said, “When you don’t expect much, the least little thing can make your day.”</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ychwQL5p0YY/Tsev943vZUI/AAAAAAAAC34/soDy1vPDFbk/s1600-h/roses%252520003%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="roses 003" border="0" alt="roses 003" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OesYqR_f9NE/Tsev_X2PG6I/AAAAAAAAC4A/XNC6K6gORu8/roses%252520003_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="754" /></a></p> KBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460394485823751681.post-5075338617824371612011-10-22T10:45:00.001-05:002011-10-22T10:45:24.506-05:00Lightening the Load & Other Musings<p>For about an hour this morning I got into a cleaning out frenzy.  First I decided it was time to put away the summer clothes and get out all of the cooler (can’t really say “cold” here in Alabama) weather stuff.  In the process, I got rid of a lot of clothes that I didn’t wear all season.</p> <p>It felt good to get rid of things, but the best thing I did was to clean off my key chain.  I had been carrying around all of this stuff.  Now having this whole wad of keys made it easy to find them in my purse, but it also added a lot of weight.  Besides I had no idea what half of the keys unlocked.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RllMoM24r9w/TqLk9V5Tr1I/AAAAAAAAC2k/116KoS74oNQ/s1600-h/blog%252520003%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="blog 003" border="0" alt="blog 003" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gm0TcYgq2I8/TqLk-qCeMAI/AAAAAAAAC2s/4zws0LDjTcs/blog%252520003_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="506" /></a></p> <p>I think I counted 15 keys, three rewards cards (notice that the Best Buy card was non-functional because half of it was missing), and other assorted fobs and stuff.  I’m now down to five keys, two rewards cards, one fob and my Arkansas Alumni Association Life Member tag.</p> <p>If I’ve built or remodeled your house in the past four or five years, you may recognize one of the miscellaneous keys.  If so, just let me know, and you can have it back.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EZzJW6m_aIk/TqLk_ETbstI/AAAAAAAAC20/QG6X9E3dOCk/s1600-h/IMG_2218%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2218" border="0" alt="IMG_2218" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-In_jHFXPSQQ/TqLk_tx4xCI/AAAAAAAAC28/D0rfQtSFdOw/IMG_2218_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="197" height="358" /></a> Also today I completed my Halloween decoration.  Hey, I’ve been up since 4:30 a.m., so I’ve gotten lots done.  I found this inspiration idea on Pinterest (my newest mania).  The inspiration pumpkin topiary was made with fake pumpkins, but I decided I wanted to use with real pumpkins and live plants.</p> <p>I found the pumpkins last weekend at the Farmer’s Market when we were in Memphis, and I already had a nice size pot.  So earlier this week I set out to buy wooden letters and glitter spray paint.  Well, let’s just say lots of other people must have seen this on Pinterest, because there was no black glitter spray paint to be found at Michael’s, Hobby Lobby or WalMart.</p> <p>Fortunately, I only had to visit Michael’s in my quest.  There was a man there at the same time looking for the same spray paint for his wife, and he had already been to Hobby Lobby and WalMart.  Saved me a trip.  I ended up buying flat black spray paint and then brushed over it with glitter paint.</p> <p>The letters were a different story.  The selection was not good because most of the styles had no “B’s” or “O’s.”  I had to settle for a less decorative style, but that’s what I get for getting a late start.  So here’s my pumpkin topiary.  I figure I can take the letters off, and it’ll be good through Thanksgiving.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Zz6B0dHu4Fk/TqLlAdm9M2I/AAAAAAAAC3E/nNgc2vHgioA/s1600-h/blog%252520004%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="blog 004" border="0" alt="blog 004" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HktJxwpPfMQ/TqLlCK2TQsI/AAAAAAAAC3M/ecOSEjV2Rfo/blog%252520004_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="897" /></a></p> <p>Speaking of Halloween, what are you going to be this year?  One house in my neighborhood has decided to be Christmas for Halloween.  Their decorations went up this week.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IoZNRDppwDo/TqLlDTiOuhI/AAAAAAAAC3U/2v-VU-YXDSc/s1600-h/blog%252520002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="blog 002" border="0" alt="blog 002" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SolDcsiHHlk/TqLlEzxb2RI/AAAAAAAAC3c/B62JKgV1gBo/blog%252520002_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="506" /></a></p> <p>Do you see the garland around their door and on the balcony?  They also have the mailbox decked out in the same theme—greenery, pine cones and red and green glass balls.  I mean, it’s one thing for the stores to put out Christmas stuff before Halloween, but that doesn’t mean we have to use it.</p> KBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460394485823751681.post-37238746107787382192011-10-07T15:00:00.001-05:002011-10-07T15:00:18.692-05:00Things That Make You Go Hmmmmm<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Wp1opC5vcjk/To9aT615SWI/AAAAAAAAC2c/ND6jkGS5ez8/s1600-h/a6f392e9c6ae4527b712bb86e88be6f4%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="a6f392e9c6ae4527b712bb86e88be6f4" border="0" alt="a6f392e9c6ae4527b712bb86e88be6f4" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3H-MSqNWBI4/To9aUZjheGI/AAAAAAAAC2g/4dnQ752RIvA/a6f392e9c6ae4527b712bb86e88be6f4_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="206" height="244" /></a> I’ve come across several head scratching moments over the last few weeks, so I thought I’d take the time to share some of them.  The most recent came this morning when I drove through Starbucks for a pumpkin spice latte.</p> <p>Starbucks has this neat iPhone app where you can store your gift cards.  The barista (that’s a fancy name for a young person who dispenses ridiculously high priced coffee drinks) can then scan your phone for payment.  I’ve been reloading an old Starbucks gift card for years so that I didn’t have to pay with cash and wait for change, but I often found myself digging around in my purse to find which compartment I had dropped it into after the last swipe.  The iPhone app was a chance to further simplify my life.</p> <p>Until today, that is.  When I got to the drive thru window, I was told that they could not scan my phone.  It seems that Starbucks has been sued by customers who have dropped and damaged their phones when they hold them out the window to be scanned.  So much for that great idea.</p> <p>Head scratcher #2.  My recent work schedule has lately taken me to parts of the greater Birmingham area where I don’t normally travel at 7:30 in the morning.  On Thursday I was on Shades Creek Parkway about 7:15.  For those of you who are not familiar with Birmingham, Shades Creek Parkway, which becomes Lakeshore Drive, is a busy link between Highway 280 and I-65 and even points further west.</p> <p>At 7:15 a.m. traffic heading west from 280 toward I-65 is heavy but moving steadily in both lanes.  But not this past Thursday, which happened to be garbage pick up day.  Most people think of Shades Creek Parkway as the home of Brookwood Mall, Samford University and Southern Living.  However, people also live along Shades Creek Parkway, and some of them evidently have earned the privilege of having their garbage picked up at their back door.</p> <p>Unfortunately, I was in the right hand lane, just behind the garbage truck.  Every few feet the truck would stop, and the garbage man would run up the driveway to someone’s door.  Sometimes he would return with a sack or two, which he would toss into the truck, and sometimes he would return empty handed.  The whole process was painfully slow, and none of us in the right lane could shift to the left lane because of the steady stream of traffic.  I guess if you travel this route on a daily basis, you know when garbage day is, and you steer clear of the right lane.</p> <p>And finally, there’s the group I will call The Mom Brigade.  This is a group of moms who live in Liberty Park.  Each day they transport their children about three blocks to and from the elementary and middle schools in golf carts.</p> <p>I’ve never seen anything like it.  A couple of weeks ago I was at a job site in Liberty Park and watched a steady stream of mom-driven golf carts of all shapes and sizes pass down a residential street lined with a perfectly good sidewalk.</p> <p>Back in my day, if you lived within three blocks of the school, you walked.  And it was uphill both ways!!</p> KBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460394485823751681.post-50952369062867785662011-08-27T12:35:00.001-05:002011-08-27T12:39:23.618-05:00“Nevertheless, Beat Texas!!”<p>It’s almost time for college football.  Are you ready?</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wLfp9N9lRa0/Tlkq1wJCrdI/AAAAAAAAC2U/28FL7o0QPgk/s1600-h/20110814-wallpaper-full-3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="20110814-wallpaper-full-3" border="0" alt="20110814-wallpaper-full-3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4U7qWGoloN4/Tlkq2YtnkyI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/IF7qCc0xftY/20110814-wallpaper-full-3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="423" /></a></p> <p>I’ve had several reminders lately that the 2011 college football season is upon us.  About a week ago, I saw my first yellow sulfur butterfly (for further explanation, see <a href="http://kbeau.blogspot.com/2010/08/it-about-time.html">THIS POST</a>).  Another reminder came in the form of an email from my sister-in-law Susie.  It was a collection of famous football quotes and included the following:</p> <p><tt><font size="3" face="Georgia">"Football is only a game.  Spiritual things are eternal.  Nevertheless, Beat Texas."  - </font></tt><tt><font size="3" face="Georgia">Seen on a church sign in Arkansas prior to the 1969 game.</font></tt></p> <p><tt></tt><tt><font size="3" face="Georgia">That’s all well and good, but it’s just plain wrong!  </font></tt><tt><font size="3" face="Georgia">That email as well as hundreds of websites that pop up when you google that quote are trying to rewrite history.</font></tt></p> <p><tt><font size="3" face="Georgia">The quote actually appeared on a sign at First Baptist Church of Fayetteville prior to the <strong>1965 </strong>Razorback game against Texas.  Arkansas won that game 27-24.  We Razorbacks would just as soon forget about the 1969 contest.</font></tt></p> <p><tt></tt><tt><font size="3" face="Georgia">Furthermore, the quote itself is not accurate.  The sign actually read:</font></tt><font size="3" face="Georgia">“Football is only a game.  <strong>Eternal things are spiritual</strong>.  Nevertheless, Beat Texas!” (The emphasis is mine.)</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Georgia">I know because I was there.  And if you need further evidence, just check out <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1077807/1/index.htm">THIS ARTICLE</a> that appeared in <em>Sports Illustrated </em>on October 25, <strong>1965</strong>.  You don’t even have to read the whole four-page article (but it’s great reading).  The proof is on the first page.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Georgia">So I’m doing my part to set the record straight.  I may not be successful, but “Nevertheless, Beat ______________!! (Insert the name of the Hogs’ opponent for the week.)</font></p> KBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460394485823751681.post-5484419793279769662011-08-11T12:12:00.001-05:002011-08-11T12:12:09.522-05:00Discounts, Rewards and Bonus Points<p>If you’re like me, you probably have way more discount and rewards cards than you can possibly keep up with, much less stuff into your wallet or hang on your keychain.  I finally gave up and only carry the three that I use most often—My Panera card, Max Perks from Office Max and Best Buy Reward Zone.  The others are in a drawer somewhere or were lost a long time ago.</p> <p>But then you just never know when one of those long forgotten cards might come in handy.  Case in point.  Today I needed to purchase some cream cheese to go with the baker’s dozen bagels I had bought at Panera (I got points for that purchase, by the way).  I was on the way to a job site, when I passed a Winn Dixie.  How simple it would be to stop and get the cream cheese I needed instead of waiting until I got back to my side of town and going to Publix because Winn Dixie closed the store at Brook Highland years ago.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5PoF7EmcVZA/TkQNZ2BS7iI/AAAAAAAAC2M/ndfGQarcgV0/s1600-h/340px-Winn-Dixie_old_logo_svg%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="340px-Winn-Dixie_old_logo_svg" border="0" alt="340px-Winn-Dixie_old_logo_svg" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6cad7avNXsg/TkQNaOM1QDI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/8Iit_VtGPfU/340px-Winn-Dixie_old_logo_svg_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="53" /></a> </p> <p>So that’s just what I did.  When I got to the check out line, the cashier asked if I had a Winn Dixie card.  I had forgotten about my Winn Dixie card, which was probably the very first discount card I ever owned.  I used it all the time.  I explained to the cashier that unfortunately Winn Dixie closed the store near my house, so I no longer carried my Winn Dixie card and had no idea what had happened to it.</p> <p>She asked for my phone number.  I said it had been years since I had used the card, and I was sure I wasn’t still in the system, but I gave it to her anyway.  What do you know, I was still there, and I saved $1.59 on two containers of soft cream cheese.  Note:  I really pays to have one of those discount cards, because it appears that Winn Dixie charges non-card holders a huge premium.</p> <p>Anyway, maybe some of you are way more organized than I and carry all of those cards in some convenient container that you tuck into your purse.  However, there’s got to be a better way.  Surely there’s an app for that.</p> KBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460394485823751681.post-21208186222459360672011-07-05T12:47:00.001-05:002011-07-05T12:47:38.002-05:00North to Alaska!!<p>LBeau and I recently returned from an Alaska cruise on <a href="http://www.oceaniacruises.com/">Oceania Cruise Line's</a> Regatta.  Mark another one off the bucket list.</p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="alaska 214" border="0" alt="alaska 214" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-au_5GtjM5vw/ThNNjj4q2oI/AAAAAAAACwM/xPrdjg1TZE4/alaska%252520214_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="452" /></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AFW93sgbTKs/ThNNkyGYVkI/AAAAAAAACwQ/QPfjSum-xUw/s1600-h/alaska%252520125%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="alaska 125" border="0" alt="alaska 125" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IzCZQ0upeXU/ThNNlhbDwjI/AAAAAAAACwU/tb4YLmee5eM/alaska%252520125_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="221" height="153" /></a> Sailing from Vancouver, BC, on Friday, we headed north through the Inside Passage Way and arrived in Ketchikan Sunday morning.  There we boarded a smaller boat for a pleasant cruise of the George Inlet where we helped hoist a couple of crab traps.  I was even brave enough to hold a crab for a special photo opportunity.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nTfMbZOS-w4/ThNNmo6tDTI/AAAAAAAACwY/V-W7fZhgRDM/s1600-h/alaska%252520075%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="alaska 075" border="0" alt="alaska 075" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AQjZAanPG4g/ThNNoEH5uMI/AAAAAAAACwc/SwzgP4-DnmY/alaska%252520075_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="818" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MXUvv5Cgkp4/ThNNpaiehTI/AAAAAAAACwg/ftCS-nA9bUs/s1600-h/alaska%252520156%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="alaska 156" border="0" alt="alaska 156" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-l_6jflJR9Hw/ThNNqEqIEdI/AAAAAAAACwk/da7PWXHLYpc/alaska%252520156_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="246" /></a> Back at the George Inlet Lodge, we were treated to an all-you-could-eat crab feast.  It was some of the best eating we did on the entire trip.</p> <p>There was even a contest to see which table could pile up the highest mound of crab shells.  We didn't win, but I think it was only because our tablemates were too neat and kept their shells on their plates.</p> <p>Our next port was Wrangell, a small fishing village that's easy to explore on your own.  We visited a Tlingit clan house where we learned about the ravens and the eagles from four Tlingit women dressed in their native costumes.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RX01FiBLByk/ThNNrG229WI/AAAAAAAACwo/Wc5xgAuFP_U/s1600-h/alaska%252520236%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="alaska 236" border="0" alt="alaska 236" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DjuK0gVrzS4/ThNNubUpLMI/AAAAAAAACws/vo_yErP7Z54/alaska%252520236_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="452" /></a></p> <p>One of the main things I was looking forward to on our trip was a chance to see whales up close and personal.   Although several whale watching excursions were offered by the cruise line, we chose Whales and Rainforest Trails provided by <a href="http://www.stepintoalaska.com/index.cfm">Gastineau Guiding Company</a>.  Turns out that we chose well.</p> <p>Our group was small—only 16, and our guide, Diane, a biology teacher when school is in session, was outstanding.  The first part of the trip took us on a hike through the rainforest where Diane gave us lots of information about the native plants before leading us to a magnificent view of the Mendenhall Glacier.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NMMpqiW1p1U/ThNNvKZcnNI/AAAAAAAACww/s5Gzv6x5JTU/s1600-h/alaska%252520281%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="alaska 281" border="0" alt="alaska 281" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OgmddBfJ5vw/ThNNwI41bDI/AAAAAAAACw0/1XV2MF6AcSU/alaska%252520281_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="447" /></a></p> <p>Next we boarded a small boat at Auke Bay Harbor for the whale watching portion of our adventure.  The whales were up to the task, and the lighthouse at Point Retreat made a beautiful backdrop for the breaching humpbacks and orcas.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LZuubG2TNBQ/ThNNw_5LXxI/AAAAAAAACw4/SGpw1MD96qU/s1600-h/alaska%252520333%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="alaska 333" border="0" alt="alaska 333" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N_4TleESooY/ThNNxj1U_tI/AAAAAAAACw8/W2hOq7yMX5w/alaska%252520333_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="432" /></a></p> <p>The orcas were so plentiful it was hard to count, and our boat captain maneuvered us all around the point for the best sightings.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LGeCKNwNqIU/ThNNy_asFHI/AAAAAAAACxA/y5B-9WnmXLw/s1600-h/alaska%252520375%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="alaska 375" border="0" alt="alaska 375" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YO08aiUvc4M/ThNNz86pT9I/AAAAAAAACxE/5OvJJXeJavY/alaska%252520375_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="427" /></a></p> <p>But by far the highlight of the day was watching the humpbacks form a bubble net to corral the fish before exploding to the surface for giant gulps of food.  It doesn't get better than this.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1tglCyzc95w/ThNN1-IQ-bI/AAAAAAAACxI/ZBcPa8K2uVM/s1600-h/whale%252520fixed%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="whale fixed" border="0" alt="whale fixed" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uf6Fjb8aWwk/ThNN3bxwqnI/AAAAAAAACxM/z7vi85rRRHo/whale%252520fixed_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="427" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iyIi_193E1I/ThNN4AoKORI/AAAAAAAACxQ/oJBl2CJqS2I/s1600-h/alaska%252520402fixed%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="alaska 402fixed" border="0" alt="alaska 402fixed" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OaikJrXT5H0/ThNN4rvh9eI/AAAAAAAACxU/nRO_vdTdnAs/alaska%252520402fixed_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="119" height="176" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_cNfqs5gOHM/ThNN504-vKI/AAAAAAAACxY/692Lg9FAAQI/s1600-h/alaska%252520410%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="alaska 410" border="0" alt="alaska 410" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4HxDgKsYdE4/ThNN63BI-pI/AAAAAAAACxc/xCorx9Il0Dc/alaska%252520410_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="223" height="155" /></a> At Hoonah we had another culinary adventure.  Dodie showed us how to filet and prepare halibut and salmon, which we grilled over an outdoor alder wood fire, while bald eagles soared overhead.  She also showed us how to prepare smoked salmon dip and salmon burgers and gave us the recipes to take home.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kQ7Iu_ve1Ec/ThNN7eEyMgI/AAAAAAAACxg/EbXwVtGL7ug/s1600-h/alaska%252520413%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="alaska 413" border="0" alt="alaska 413" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XYxo-sN-C0w/ThNN8DEUECI/AAAAAAAACxk/E2KPHfpHouA/alaska%252520413_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="519" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YdUPeTSyKGA/ThNN9iGecNI/AAAAAAAACxo/uW5FI91oOy4/s1600-h/alaska%252520429%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="alaska 429" border="0" alt="alaska 429" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8pEcM_I15Oo/ThNN-FqGnSI/AAAAAAAACxs/pHRpp_pZovQ/alaska%252520429_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="276" height="195" /></a> At Skagway we traveled north by bus up the Klondike Highway with several stops along the way.  The sunny skies were perfect for photographing the scenery.  The bus trip took us north of Fraser, BC, for a stop at the Yukon Suspension Bridge, a pedestrian bridge across the Tutshi River Canyon.  The center of the swaying bridge was great for viewing the river below.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4UWvmnqBlms/ThNN_MRtjWI/AAAAAAAACxw/8JXRKqR-FG8/s1600-h/alaska%252520459%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="alaska 459" border="0" alt="alaska 459" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lsSBlI-XizI/ThNOAYXmC_I/AAAAAAAACx0/Tn83-66ZX7E/alaska%252520459_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="452" /></a></p> <p>Back in Fraser, we left our bus and boarded the <a href="http://www.wpyr.com/excursions.html">White Pass Railroad</a> for the return trip to Skagway.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9zMy82c9BxI/ThNOBmTv3dI/AAAAAAAACx4/OivUxH8fD2k/s1600-h/alaska%252520494%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="alaska 494" border="0" alt="alaska 494" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I6shGZ3Q4IU/ThNOCw6OskI/AAAAAAAACx8/U8wVqw3SR8E/alaska%252520494_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="452" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-j4uG4XOEyjw/ThNODYhsYAI/AAAAAAAACyA/A9ybEV3Gh4w/s1600-h/alaska%252520623%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="alaska 623" border="0" alt="alaska 623" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gd_ygVhh4ik/ThNOD8NT7tI/AAAAAAAACyE/rYbTRd-bjyc/alaska%252520623_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="277" /></a> We decided that our day in Sitka would be a little more leisurely, so we opted for a two-hour nature hike and tour of the town.  Our first stop was the <a href="http://www.alaskaraptor.org/25.html">Alaska Raptor Center</a>, followed by a hike through the Tongass National Forest in the Sitka National Historical Park.  Then we skirted the harbor, ending up at the Russian Orthodox Church.  LBeau and I got to go to the top of the bell tower and watch the bells played.  They were so loud that we definitely needed the headphones that our guide provided.</p> <p>For the next two days, we cruised beautiful bays and fjords, getting close looks at some of Alaska's magnificent glaciers.  The first day took us close to the Hubbard Glacier at Disenchantment Bay.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zKg35MMaRWc/ThNOEsDfeSI/AAAAAAAACyI/UM8G9P75FDs/s1600-h/alaska%252520669%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="alaska 669" border="0" alt="alaska 669" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-l1-w-ok1mkM/ThNOFRwYgJI/AAAAAAAACyM/vl2P29nLB7w/alaska%252520669_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="432" /></a></p> <p>The second day took us into College Fjord, where all of the glaciers are named for Ivy League colleges, with the largest being Harvard Glacier.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b2Q8mt5bfzQ/ThNOGE7EdYI/AAAAAAAACyQ/L8xKlfIYTlQ/s1600-h/alaska%252520714%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="alaska 714" border="0" alt="alaska 714" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qiejKTpkckA/ThNOHCsqZHI/AAAAAAAACyU/v5y_VDQT9aM/alaska%252520714_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="447" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r9g4ynPZGF4/ThNOIcJy3PI/AAAAAAAACyY/Epj1IDf4Mj8/s1600-h/alaska%252520753%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="alaska 753" border="0" alt="alaska 753" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MMP1nL-efiM/ThNOJEizO-I/AAAAAAAACyc/9ZNPIa8BdOE/alaska%252520753_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="311" height="221" /></a> When we arrived in Seward, LBeau and I were glad for a chance to get back on shore.  Unfortunately, we had booked a five-hour Kenai Fjords cruise that turned out to be about twice as long as it needed to be.  We saw whales, sea lions, harbor seals, eagles, gulls and puffins (you'll have to trust me about the puffins, because my pictures are not very good), but the weather was cold and rainy and the water was rough.  Couple that with about 200 other passengers, all scrambling for the best views, and it was probably our least favorite excursion.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0l5-HVdVWOs/ThNOKPOAE_I/AAAAAAAACyg/8BHAqqF1RUg/s1600-h/alaska%252520808%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="alaska 808" border="0" alt="alaska 808" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nNJXYSZua1c/ThNOKmE136I/AAAAAAAACyk/AM_ff26nG9I/alaska%252520808_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="315" height="218" /></a> Homer was another "take it easy" day.  We took the free bus into town and walked from one drop-off point to the <a href="http://www.prattmuseum.org/">Pratt Museum</a>.  They have a beautiful small botanical garden in front and some nice exhibits.  On the way, we passed this cute cafe but it was only open in the evening.</p> <p>Our cruise ended in Anchorage, and since our flight didn't depart until almost 10 p.m., LBeau and I rented a car and first headed northeast on Highway 1, which turned out to be a pretty drive along the Matanuska River.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GtOYv9lihhI/ThNOLtrRk1I/AAAAAAAACyo/AHlpdbHirkc/s1600-h/alaska%252520849%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="alaska 849" border="0" alt="alaska 849" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xdqRLgj5TA0/ThNOMQhtzWI/AAAAAAAACys/PRcMhx7r6AM/alaska%252520849_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="452" /></a></p> <p>Then we doubled back and headed northwest, stopping in Wasilla for lunch.  We could not see Russia from there, and I wouldn't recommend this drive unless you have time to travel as far north as Denali National Park.  We'll have to save that for another trip.</p> <p>In the meantime, I'll leave you with this picture of an "almost" sunset.  Since our trip spanned the summer solstice, the days were quite long with sunsets around 11:30 p.m.  LBeau and I never quite managed to stay up that late.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fKpv2Zh_wQs/ThNONBfyDAI/AAAAAAAACyw/wHjS2B_0I8o/s1600-h/alaska%252520417%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="alaska 417" border="0" alt="alaska 417" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ELnBLB7TsJI/ThNOOAYcmEI/AAAAAAAACy0/ybSE4MbJhsI/alaska%252520417_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="463" /></a></p> KBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460394485823751681.post-59756944534323053212011-06-07T08:33:00.001-05:002011-06-07T08:33:41.661-05:00A Wonderful Life<p>Today, June 7, 2011, marks a milestone in our family, as my sweet mother-in-law turns 100 years old!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bnZmYtK88O0/Te2BbF8hKiI/AAAAAAAACt4/zZ3RAtfkrI0/s1600-h/martha%252520b%252520003%252520edited%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="martha b 003 edited" border="0" alt="martha b 003 edited" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wBAcRdnWFvY/Te2BwWMnylI/AAAAAAAACt8/SJ4WwEP72G0/martha%252520b%252520003%252520edited_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="834" /></a></p> <p>Annie Martha McCallum Beaumont was born on June 7, 1911, in Union Church, Mississippi, the third child and second daughter of Samuel Tucker McCallum and Lilly Boatner Winters McCallum.  In 1919 the family farm was sold, and Sam, Lilly and their five children (they would later add another son), moved to Lake Village, Arkansas.</p> <p>It was there in 1929 that Martha met Lauren Hunter (Beau) Beaumont, who traveled Arkansas selling farm implements for International Harvester.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y9DwKGA4kig/Te4oYV7F4pI/AAAAAAAACvU/wz9CZ3VEuU4/s1600-h/Martha00103.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Martha0010" border="0" alt="Martha0010" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mxhp5pVo5S4/Te4odWQ4wOI/AAAAAAAACvY/NosM81Nh2CI/Martha0010_thumb1.png?imgmax=800" width="674" height="664" /></a></p> <p>Martha and Beau married on May 3, 1931.  After living in Little Rock, Fort Smith and North Little Rock, they eventually settled in Newport, Arkansas, when Beau purchased the International Harvester dealership there.  It was there that they raised their three children, Billie Anne, Larry (LBeau) and Mary Katherine.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wXiyMj_67Ms/Te4oec9gaQI/AAAAAAAACvc/eVCJE-as274/s1600-h/Martha00013.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Martha0001" border="0" alt="Martha0001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4HRcIcQvmT4/Te4ogCTOzwI/AAAAAAAACvg/QzndpZMZutA/Martha0001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="834" /></a></p> <p>Eventually, all three children would marry, which would lead to eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren and counting.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C0q1D-GRjCU/Te4ohvUR55I/AAAAAAAACvk/e6tXdUT1MVs/s1600-h/Martha00423.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Martha0042" border="0" alt="Martha0042" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7X7SmC9SlFY/Te4ojI5_HqI/AAAAAAAACvo/Nqmyi7ZFBak/Martha0042_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="509" /></a><em>Mema Martha with her grandchildren at Pickwick Lake</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VG12rDQB2B8/Te4okDvtOjI/AAAAAAAACvs/PbSWu502y3k/s1600-h/birthday171fixed3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="birthday 171fixed" border="0" alt="birthday 171fixed" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jiC2usIz7PI/Te4olvp-8WI/AAAAAAAACvw/S7iNO3APtxA/birthday171fixed_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="483" /></a><em>Mema with four of her seven great grandchildren</em> </p> <p align="left">Most of us, along with extended family and friends (about 50 in all) gathered in Memphis last weekend for a big celebration.  It was a family reunion atmosphere, but Martha ruled the day.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uk8y5qjJI3o/Te4omTOUOWI/AAAAAAAACv0/cNT6Khsq3oY/s1600-h/birthday126fixed3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="birthday 126fixed" border="0" alt="birthday 126fixed" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0ondjCDjZeU/Te4onzQdOEI/AAAAAAAACv4/zC3Q0gjVEhE/birthday126fixed_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="941" /></a></p> <p align="left">We looked at old pictures, told stories, read family letters and even played games.  And on Saturday night, we toasted the birthday girl who blew out the candles on this beautiful cake, with a little help from Brent, Makayla and David.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yvtEABl3QNs/Te4opGogOwI/AAAAAAAACv8/uKix3_5slRs/s1600-h/Mema20110574.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Mema - 2011 057" border="0" alt="Mema - 2011 057" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BZ-WfevMbDg/Te4oqLFDUFI/AAAAAAAACwA/7OaZ08rHkKs/Mema2011057_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="494" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Happy Birthday, Mema.  Here's to many more.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mcSNu8YH1l8/Te4oq4FWUtI/AAAAAAAACwE/tRhYt5sedSM/s1600-h/birthday118fixed3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="birthday 118fixed" border="0" alt="birthday 118fixed" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CRvpnd241lo/Te4otGpAQXI/AAAAAAAACwI/jZnsHqChyFI/birthday118fixed_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="1006" /></a></p> KBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460394485823751681.post-71364245297626153452011-05-18T21:12:00.001-05:002011-05-18T21:41:46.525-05:00What Child Is This?<p>Last week I emailed my youngest son Ben this picture of himself and commented on how much I thought it looked his daughter Lucy.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TdR8lgCaXQI/AAAAAAAACtQ/b_83lDnF7ig/s1600-h/scan0019%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="scan0019" border="0" alt="scan0019" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TdR8m78Q53I/AAAAAAAACtU/phJbiRU2Zg8/scan0019_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="981" /></a></p> <p>As the third child, Ben has always insisted that I never made any pictures of him,  and earlier today he sought confirmation from his two older brothers.  Here's the email "conversation" that took place.  I've cleaned up their spelling and grammar.  Can't help it; it's the English teacher coming out.</p> <p><em>Ben:  What do you think guys... is this me or Brent? I think it's Pun (that's Brent). Mom claims it's me, but I can tell that she is not certain. </em></p> <p><em>Brent:  Looks like you to me. I might even see a widow's peak.</em></p> <p><em>Me:  See those dimples?  Brent did not have dimples.</em></p> <p><em>Hunter:  That's Benj. Widow's peak and elfin ears give it away. </em></p> <p><em>Me (just to prove my point):  Here's Brent at about the same age.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TdR8nfhW7BI/AAAAAAAACtY/oIx8tu29evs/s1600-h/scan0039%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="scan0039" border="0" alt="scan0039" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TdR8oP8RgnI/AAAAAAAACtc/WDEmeTgrSeA/scan0039_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="897" /></a></p> <p><em>Hunter:   That's as chubby as Brent's ever been.</em></p> <p><em>Ben:  Admitting this is me would be admitting that Mom actually took pictures of her third child...</em></p> <p><em>Hunter:  I think you can credit Olan Mills for that one. It's not a snapshot like Mom would have taken.  It's a portrait with a faux background.</em></p> <p><em>Ben:  Good point H. It was probably a photo session set up for you, and they used me for the test shot.</em></p> <p>So you be the judge.  I'm sure you'll agree with me that those are photos of two different children.</p> <p>And for the record, here's Lucy.  She looks an awful lot like her daddy Ben, widow's peak, elfin ears and all.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TdR8oui5ixI/AAAAAAAACtg/ld6V3av1rhk/s1600-h/lucy%20005%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="lucy 005" border="0" alt="lucy 005" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TdR8pZcKjNI/AAAAAAAACtk/CQR88ceIsr8/lucy%20005_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="792" /></a></p> KBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460394485823751681.post-1523154465912365002011-05-06T15:52:00.001-05:002011-05-06T15:52:55.027-05:00A Hint of Color<p>I just finished a beginning Photoshop class earlier this week, so in honor of Mothers Day, I thought I'd try "hand tinting" my mother's engagement picture.</p> <p>Here's the original scanned photo.</p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Engagement picture" border="0" alt="Engagement picture" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TcRfnxErSfI/AAAAAAAACtE/RaLH6xilugs/Engagement%20picture_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="919" /></p> <p>And here's the "hand tinted" version.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TcRfobhhelI/AAAAAAAACtI/-eeJTBFE6L4/s1600-h/Engagement%20picture%203%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Engagement picture 3" border="0" alt="Engagement picture 3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TcRfplPn5qI/AAAAAAAACtM/eL5hziV9hmY/Engagement%20picture%203_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="926" /></a></p> <p>I do need to practice some more, but I think I'm going to like using this technique.  Happy Mothers Day, Mother.</p> KBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460394485823751681.post-25615391905798383572011-05-04T07:03:00.001-05:002011-05-04T07:03:14.228-05:00Wanted: Dead or Alive<p>Hearing the news of the demise of Osama bin Laden, I was reminded of this picture that I took in 2003.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TcFAfR6lA7I/AAAAAAAACs8/Dc1vlwvq8PA/s1600-h/Thanksgiving%202003%20001%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Thanksgiving 2003 001" border="0" alt="Thanksgiving 2003 001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TcFAgRHZT3I/AAAAAAAACtA/Uunk7MPl35A/Thanksgiving%202003%20001_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="684" height="457" /></a></p> <p>That’s my daddy and my Uncle Joe sitting on the porch of the mess hall at the Camden Hunting Club.  Until recent events, I hadn’t thought much about the “Wanted” poster that appears in the background.</p> <p>Looks like we finally got our man.</p> KBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460394485823751681.post-17318209397687767792011-04-01T17:27:00.001-05:002011-04-01T19:40:19.288-05:00KBeau and the Kiddos<p>With much excitement and some apprehension, I headed to Savannah, Georgia, a couple of weeks ago to stay with Walker and Lauren while Brent and Katie enjoyed a much needed vacation.</p> <p>I was excited to see my two oldest grandchildren, but at the same time I was a little nervous.  I would have them by myself for four days and three nights, and it had been more than 25 years since my own children were that age.</p> <p>Here's a quick look at how we passed the time as well as some of the things I learned, or relearned.</p> <p><strong>Lesson #1</strong> – Something is bound to go wrong.  Shortly after Brent and Katie left on Friday morning, I discovered that the toilet was not flushing properly.  Since they have only one bathroom, it was mandatory that we get that problem fixed immediately, or we were going to all be using Lauren’s little potty, and I would be digging a hole in the backyard to bury the waste.</p> <p>Fortunately, I had spotted the plunger the night before in anticipation of trouble.  So I got busy and soon had it working every other flush.  We limped along like this for about 24 hours before things got back to normal.</p> <p><strong>Lesson #2</strong> – Sometimes more than one thing goes wrong.  On Saturday while the kids were napping, I gathered up all the dirty clothes and decided to wash a load.  The kids were going through several outfits a day playing in their new sand and water toy (more about that later), and with the unseasonably warm weather, they were running out of things to wear.</p> <p>The washing went just fine, but now I had a huge load of wet clothes and a dryer that was making a funny whining noise and just sitting there blowing hot air without tumbling.  Next door neighbor to the rescue.  Odette was kind enough to let me bring my wet clothes to her house, and even though I contacted the property manager about the broken dryer, I was pretty sure it wouldn't be fixed before my babysitting duties were over.</p> <p><strong>Lesson #3</strong> – Sand and water do mix.  For Christmas LBeau and I had given the kids an outdoor sand and water table.  The crab side holds sand and the fish side holds water, and it came with all sorts of boats and buckets and shovels and scoops.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TZZRL6VXw7I/AAAAAAAACsU/YgwFj9y97Jo/s1600-h/iphone%20003%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="iphone 003" border="0" alt="iphone 003" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TZZRNHjkW8I/AAAAAAAACsY/eojTn9x8grY/iphone%20003_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="694" height="524" /></a></p> <p>Since it had been sitting in my basement waiting for my trip to Savannah, this was the first chance the kids had had to enjoy their new toy.  The weather cooperated beautifully with temperatures in the 70's and 80's, and on Thursday afternoon we had it all set up.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TZZROF3nggI/AAAAAAAACsc/zESp8N4H6GE/s1600-h/iphone%20004%5B13%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="iphone 004" border="0" alt="iphone 004" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TZZROqdgKqI/AAAAAAAACsg/fBVIcLqpncY/iphone%20004_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="228" /></a>The picture on Amazon.com showed one child playing with the boats on the fish side, while another child made starfish with special molds on the sand side.  Well things don't happen just like that in real life.  The starfish molds quickly became scoops to transfer the sand to the water, and we ended up with something that looked like this.</p> <p>The important thing, however, was that the kids had a blast.</p> <p><strong>Lesson #4 – </strong>Outings with the kids can be a lot of fun but require even more planning.  On Saturday I made plans to take the kids to the <a href="http://old.sccpss.com/Schools/Other+Educational+Centers/Oatland+Island+Institute">Oatland Island Wildlife Center</a>.  I would need to take the double stroller, which was in the storage shed, but I wanted to make a dry run to be sure that I knew how to fold it up and how to open it properly.  With my luck, I would get there and wouldn't be able to figure out the stroller.  Turned out to be pretty simple.</p> <p>Next I had to pack provisions—diapers and wet wipes for Lauren, sippy cups with water for both kids, and plenty of snacks (granola bars for Walker and Goldfish for Lauren).  I found a tote bag for all of that stuff, got the kids strapped into their car seats, and off we went.  Halfway there, I realized that I had forgotten hats and sunscreen.  So much to remember.  I did later discover the sunscreen in my purse, and the Wildlife Center turned out to be quite shady for the most part, so all was well.</p> <p>Although the bobcat was in hiding, we enjoyed watching the new baby bull, the fox, the deer, the hawks and eagles, the bison and the tortoises.  Walker thought the rooster was a little loud.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TZZRP7hrZII/AAAAAAAACsk/lUxr6us7AIk/s1600-h/savannah%20005%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="savannah 005" border="0" alt="savannah 005" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TZZRRFFk5CI/AAAAAAAACso/m6qS7c9S1TQ/savannah%20005_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="694" height="503" /></a></p> <p>The trip home, however, turned out to be the biggest challenge.  We had barely gotten started when Walker announced that he had to use the potty, even though I had given him an opportunity before we loaded up.  Before we even got off the Wildlife Center property, I pulled into a side road, got him out of the car, and there he went on the side of the road.  Little boys are so easy!</p> <p>Back on the road, I looked back to see two little heads nodding and eyes closing.  I was determined to keep them awake.  We were not going to miss naptime, because I needed a break!!  So we started singing every verse we could think of to "The Wheels on the Bus."  We even made up verses—"The daddies on the bus say, 'Go Hogs, go…'"</p> <p><strong><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TZZRRiyb_0I/AAAAAAAACss/gvh69Vudh70/s1600-h/iphone%20005%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="iphone 005" border="0" alt="iphone 005" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TZZRSJXD-MI/AAAAAAAACsw/xwKW8LZT-f8/iphone%20005_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="197" height="257" /></a> Lesson #5</strong> – Cheerios should be a food group by themselves.  Walker and Lauren are not particularly picky eaters.  We had lots of eggies, peanut butter (sun butter for Lauren) and jelly or honey, strawberries, blueberries, Craisins, cheese quesadillas, carrots, pizza, hot dogs with dip-dip (catsup) and even edamame, but Cheerios were a favorite.  Lauren could eat three bowls for breakfast and still have room for scrambled eggs and toast.</p> <p>I even found myself enjoying a bowl of Cheerios for breakfast and sometimes lunch.  They were quite good, particularly when I added a scoop of Katie's homemade granola.</p> <p><strong><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TZZRSSL37mI/AAAAAAAACs0/E98wvmgDm_4/s1600-h/photo%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="photo" border="0" alt="photo" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TZZRSpHA_3I/AAAAAAAACs4/VEHe97inejk/photo_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="223" height="155" /></a> Lesson #6</strong> – It's probably not a good idea to let your 22-month-old granddaughter play Balloonimals on your iPhone.  If you're not familiar with Balloonimals, it works something like this.  You get a long skinny balloon, and the idea is to blow on the bottom end of the phone to blow up the balloon.  You then shake the phone until the balloon turns into an animal which does all sorts of tricks when you pet it.  Then you can burst the balloon animal using a special pump.</p> <p>Lauren was fine with the shaking and the petting, but she wanted to cover the whole end of the phone with her mouth to inflate the balloon.  So after a couple of times playing with this app, I started getting weird messages popping up on my phone—"Charging is not supported on this device."  The thing was, I wasn't even trying the charge the phone.  I decided the real problem was probably baby spit, so Lauren had to confine her iPhone time to Talking Tom.  Sure enough, after a few days the weird messages went away.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>I could go on and on with lessons learned—an almost four-year-old is a great interpreter for an almost one-year-old, it's great to have a park within walking distance of your house, Crayola No Mess markers are a wonderful invention, and grandparents still have the right to spoil their grandchildren.  I'm sure, in fact, that we watched way more Thomas the Tank Engine, Veggie Tales and Leap Frog videos than Brent and Katie allow.</p> <p>Perhaps the greatest lesson learned was a new-found appreciation for my own mother and mother-in-law, who kept my own children on numerous occasions when LBeau and I would be out of town.  My hat's off to the two Memas.  I know my boys must have worn you out, but I also know it was a good tired.</p> KBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460394485823751681.post-23557294359480058852011-03-19T15:52:00.001-05:002011-03-19T15:52:15.888-05:00The Wearing of the Green<p>Since I was coming to Savannah to keep the grands this weekend, I decided to drive over a day early so that Walker, Katie and I could take in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  Savannah has one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country.</p> <p>It was a gorgeous day, and we found our place along the curb just before the parade started.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TYUXbcBEkFI/AAAAAAAACrk/83dE53h8mOg/s1600-h/st%20patricks%20001%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="st patricks 001" border="0" alt="st patricks 001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TYUXcD_swVI/AAAAAAAACro/u8EQpE9koS4/st%20patricks%20001_thumb%5B11%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="668" /></a></p> <p>The bagpipe bands were quite colorful.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TYUXcaB1MkI/AAAAAAAACrs/B1347332FZM/s1600-h/st%20patricks%20009%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="st patricks 009" border="0" alt="st patricks 009" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TYUXc-Oq_iI/AAAAAAAACrw/xyZi22Z_V6g/st%20patricks%20009_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="897" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="st patricks 013" border="0" alt="st patricks 013" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TYUXdELKCLI/AAAAAAAACr0/8wrLiD1tMrE/st%20patricks%20013_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="506" /> <p>But they were also quite loud.  It’s a good thing Walker brought his earplugs.</p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="st patricks 014" border="0" alt="st patricks 014" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TYUXdmQtWmI/AAAAAAAACr4/jXe7eJ7yk3Q/st%20patricks%20014_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="897" /> </p> <p>There were lots of colorful floats.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TYUXdxn4EfI/AAAAAAAACr8/MBrCIBigjC0/s1600-h/st%20patricks%20016%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="st patricks 016" border="0" alt="st patricks 016" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TYUXeMUid-I/AAAAAAAACsA/anBDba9G9mk/st%20patricks%20016_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="897" /></a></p> <p>And even the Budweiser Clydesdales, which were followed by several people with large pooper scoopers.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TYUXeniBbEI/AAAAAAAACsE/C-Y6azxix94/s1600-h/st%20patricks%20017%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="st patricks 017" border="0" alt="st patricks 017" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TYUXe9aWaoI/AAAAAAAACsI/NdLQe5yoVy4/st%20patricks%20017_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="433" /></a></p> <p>But Walker was especially thrilled with the Piggly Wiggly float with its giant pig.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TYUXfNky8UI/AAAAAAAACsM/D8GlElJZqlQ/s1600-h/st%20patricks%20019%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="st patricks 019" border="0" alt="st patricks 019" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TYUXfr983BI/AAAAAAAACsQ/7YcVIDfAOb0/st%20patricks%20019_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="897" /></a></p> KBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460394485823751681.post-8119407941448782272011-03-10T13:56:00.001-06:002011-03-10T13:56:14.636-06:00The Sincerest Form of Flattery<p>You know what they say about imitation?  Well, consider me flattered.</p> <p>Back in January, I received an email from Dawn, who is the room mother for her daughter's second grade class in Tampa.  As a fund raiser, the students were going to make beverage tubs to sell.  When Dawn started doing some research on the internet in hopes of finding something more than simply decoupage pictures on the side of a bucket, she came across my blog post about my galvanized beverage chillers.  You can read it <a href="http://kbeau.blogspot.com/2010/12/just-chillin.html">HERE</a>.</p> <p>With a little adult supervision, Dawn thought this might be a good project for her daughter's class.  She emailed me for more details, and I told her where I had purchased all of my materials, and approximately how much she could expect to spend.  I asked her to send me photos of the completed tubs, and yesterday they arrived in my inbox.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TXks1lzNhRI/AAAAAAAACrU/B9g9Zgb8nXs/s1600-h/IMG_0073%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0073" border="0" alt="IMG_0073" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TXks2hYRUHI/AAAAAAAACrY/R4BtAkCRekg/IMG_0073_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="694" height="524" /></a></p> <p>"My local Home Depot was so incredible," Dawn wrote, "and they actually drilled the holes in the tub for me.  I can play a real good 'damsel in distress'."</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TXks3NLzyMI/AAAAAAAACrc/7CrBWvIAqik/s1600-h/IMG_6807%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_6807" border="0" alt="IMG_6807" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TXks3SR7nMI/AAAAAAAACrg/eZuwbQCMuJs/IMG_6807_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="306" height="213" /></a> Remember <a href="http://www.shrinkydinks.com/">Shrinky Dinks</a>?  Dawn had the children make Shrinky Dink beads personalized with their names to incorporate into the project.  I see endless possibilities with this clever idea.</p> <p>Thanks for sharing, Dawn.  It's always nice to see what others can do with your ideas.</p> KBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460394485823751681.post-55684913420208889432011-03-03T20:21:00.001-06:002011-03-04T12:52:51.904-06:00Mathematics 101 - Fractions<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TXBMtiWW5iI/AAAAAAAACrE/RtqTNaKlUAM/s1600-h/kids%20019%20new%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="kids 019 new" border="0" alt="kids 019 new" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TXBMuLboBdI/AAAAAAAACrI/XWozVKSuBcM/kids%20019%20new_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="233" height="244" /></a> This is my grandson, Walker. He’s three-years-old, pushing four in a couple of months.</p> <p>This morning his mother, Katie, made muffins, and Walker enjoyed several.  In fact he liked them so much that after his nap he asked for another, and was terribly disappointed when Katie reminded him that he had already consumed lots of muffins.</p> <p>After much pleading by Walker, Katie told him that he could have half a muffin.</p> <p>Walker thought about that for a minute and then asked, “Can I have two halves?”</p> <p><a href="http://bargainhuntingwithlaurie.blogspot.com/2011/03/have-you-found-copy-yet.html"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="FAVORITETHINGSBUTTON" border="0" alt="FAVORITETHINGSBUTTON" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TXE1AjDgWcI/AAAAAAAACrQ/tTdXZBdfDTc/FAVORITETHINGSBUTTON%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="125" height="176" /></a> Since grandchildren are about my most favorite things, especially when they are so smart and clever, I thought I'd link up with Laurie, who's hosting <a href="http://bargainhuntingwithlaurie.blogspot.com/2011/03/have-you-found-copy-yet.html">"Favorite Things Saturday."</a>  Be sure to check it out.</p> KBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460394485823751681.post-65224498673219279052011-02-21T10:48:00.001-06:002011-02-21T10:48:52.367-06:00Lucy's First Birthday<p>LBeau and I traveled to Harrison, Arkansas, this past weekend to celebrate Lucy's first birthday with Lucy, Ben and Claire and Claire's family.  Lucy turned one on Friday, but we saved the party for Saturday, which was also Claire's brother Adam's 19th birthday.</p> <p>Claire spent Saturday morning making birthday cakes—a pistachio cake for the adults, a banana "smash" cake for Lucy and a brownie cake for Adam.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TWKXJg9_jEI/AAAAAAAACqE/BbcGlyNh7Y4/s1600-h/lucy%20014%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="lucy 014" border="0" alt="lucy 014" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TWKXKeudFcI/AAAAAAAACqI/rLIipd5Q2sU/lucy%20014_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="694" height="466" /></a></p> <p>Claire's sister Caroline helped Claire choose photos from each month of Lucy's first year.  These were mounted and hung on the dining room chandelier. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TWKXLF4Q88I/AAAAAAAACqM/Ag4rSD_jhDA/s1600-h/lucy%20019%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="lucy 019" border="0" alt="lucy 019" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TWKXMGCGhtI/AAAAAAAACqU/JBGFHJSAi6w/lucy%20019_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="694" height="466" /></a></p> <p>After lunch it was time to celebrate.  Lucy briefly donned the Party Princess hat.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TWKXMjB67qI/AAAAAAAACqY/kh-1YzVSTVA/s1600-h/lucy%20041%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="lucy 041" border="0" alt="lucy 041" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TWKXN4s_n-I/AAAAAAAACqc/x0Wv_av0x9Y/lucy%20041_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="1006" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>But Adam absolutely refused to wear it.</p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="lucy 057" border="0" alt="lucy 057" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TWKXPK3cyFI/AAAAAAAACqg/ZUaB14inRYo/lucy%20057_thumb%5B14%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="828" /></p> <p>Lucy got lots of cute clothes, including these cool new shoes.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TWKXP9etWzI/AAAAAAAACqk/G4of7zqIYpQ/s1600-h/lucy%20050%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="lucy 050" border="0" alt="lucy 050" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TWKXQrpBJnI/AAAAAAAACqo/iii9RaahTXw/lucy%20050_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="694" height="466" /></a></p> <p align="left">But the most fun was eating the "smash" cake…</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TWKXReheb2I/AAAAAAAACqs/Vc0IvA37Kr0/s1600-h/lucy%20069%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="lucy 069" border="0" alt="lucy 069" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TWKXSKQHV-I/AAAAAAAACqw/5ceJgpUF6vU/lucy%20069_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="694" height="466" /></a></p> <p align="left"> …and sitting in her brand new chair.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TWKXSqiYWiI/AAAAAAAACq0/lnRW_2VAKig/s1600-h/lucy%20085%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="lucy 085" border="0" alt="lucy 085" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TWKXUBOAiTI/AAAAAAAACq8/hT8YqfQgvsM/lucy%20085_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="1006" /></a></p> KBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460394485823751681.post-59243937255853691832011-02-16T08:14:00.001-06:002011-02-16T08:14:16.699-06:00You're Not Getting Any Younger<p>I've had lots of reminders lately that time is marching on.  The first came back in January when I visited the orthopedic surgeon to have my sutures removed.  When I asked Greg, the physician's assistant, about the repair of the meniscus tear that they had found, he remarked, "Oh at your age we don't repair them; we just clean them up."</p> <p>I looked at my friend Glenda and said, "Well I guess I'm just too old to fix."</p> <p>Shortly after that, I began to correspond via email with a cousin in Virginia who is updating the Belin family tree.  He needed some help filling in the gaps.  My maternal grandmother, Mary Belle Belin Reynolds, grew up in Warren, Arkansas, and is shown below with her siblings.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TVvboKQK4xI/AAAAAAAACpk/7CtIpIssPuw/s1600-h/GRANNYBSnames%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="GRANNYBSnames" border="0" alt="GRANNYBSnames" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TVvbpRDtsAI/AAAAAAAACpo/sqgJKeNARlU/GRANNYBSnames_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="504" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TVvbp6YUylI/AAAAAAAACps/Ai4Ezu-iLfI/s1600-h/IMG_0660%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TVvbqGevQrI/AAAAAAAACpw/r9uKzoCUrlI/IMG_0660_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="133" height="176" /></a> When I started working on information for my part of the family, I realized that since his last update we've added 15 members of a new generation to the line.  This is Ty.  Born in January, he's number 14.  Later in January Marion, named for my mother, arrived, and number 16 is already on the way.</p> <p>As if that was not enough hint that I'm not as young as I used to be, my friend Danny began posting pictures on Facebook of our hometown, Camden, Arkansas.   This photo of the Tastee-Freez prompted a lengthy discussion of our Friday and Saturday night routine—circle the Tastee-Freez and the Duck Inn, and head back to Teen Town for more dancing to those 1960's 45's.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TVvbrKrDCcI/AAAAAAAACp0/lRlGILPLmyA/s1600-h/165191_184577021566912_100000438469085_567608_1095612_n%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="165191_184577021566912_100000438469085_567608_1095612_n" border="0" alt="165191_184577021566912_100000438469085_567608_1095612_n" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TVvbsV--KPI/AAAAAAAACp4/ZKt-z-lcO9A/165191_184577021566912_100000438469085_567608_1095612_n_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="535" /></a></p> <p>Meanwhile, Roy, our class president, circulated one of those email quizzes to see how much we remembered.  You know, questions like "What builds strong bodies 12 ways?"  I got a perfect score.</p> <p>That prompted Jack to post some pictures from a 1958 Christmas dance.  We were 12 years old and in seventh grade, that awkward age where most of the girls are taller than the boys.  I was not one of them—awkward, yes (my mother had blessed me with an awful home perm), but taller, no.</p> <p>Joy and Jack (dancing), and Nancy (seated with the corsage) were our hosts.  The dance was held at the Supervisor's Club, which was also the venue for our 45th class reunion several years ago.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TVvbtO9mc8I/AAAAAAAACp8/QJRPYsPC15Y/s1600-h/Camden%20Dance%201%20edited%20-%201958%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Camden Dance 1 edited - 1958" border="0" alt="Camden Dance 1 edited - 1958" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TVvbuNQsToI/AAAAAAAACqA/emt4RLc1WsI/Camden%20Dance%201%20edited%20-%201958_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="530" /></a></p> <p>So yes, I'm getting older, but it surely is fun to look back and remember the good times.  I'm already looking forward to more good times to come.</p> KBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460394485823751681.post-19990636309467652902011-02-14T13:03:00.001-06:002011-02-14T13:03:16.395-06:00Valentine Cuties!!<p>Happy Valentine's Day everyone.  In honor of this day that honors love, I thought I'd share this family photo of my brother Tommy and my cousins Mary Lynn and Ruth Ann.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TVl8b82QCNI/AAAAAAAACpc/ywB0bbpAdQc/s1600-h/Tommy%20and%20the%20Reeves%20girls%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Tommy and the Reeves girls" border="0" alt="Tommy and the Reeves girls" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TVl8cz-LPeI/AAAAAAAACpg/-uCEiSR6Jys/Tommy%20and%20the%20Reeves%20girls_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="746" /></a></p> <p>This picture was made sometime in the mid 1950's by Ben Bracken, who was the photographer (the only professional photographer, in fact) in Camden, Arkansas.  As I recall, it was for some kind of feature article that was published in the Camden News.</p> <p>I've spent a lot of time lately looking at old photos from my hometown, thanks to my friend Danny.  More on that later as I try to get inspired to start blogging more frequently again.</p> <p>Meanwhile, hope you get flowers or a heart-shaped box of chocolate candy or at least a card from your sweetie.</p> KBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460394485823751681.post-49286641573980164962011-01-18T07:55:00.001-06:002011-01-18T07:55:39.410-06:00Exceedingly Blessed<p>Just after Thanksgiving an MRI revealed a mass behind my right knee.  This was not news that I was prepared to hear when I finally scheduled an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon at the urging of my friends.  A torn meniscus perhaps, or maybe just arthritis, but not a tumor.</p> <p>The good news—Dr. Sorrell was 99.99% certain it was benign.  The bad news—to get to it, he would need to make a jagged 6 inch incision behind my knee.  Recovery would take about six weeks.  So how soon did I need to schedule surgery?  After all, I had things to do and places to go.</p> <p>Destin for New Years…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TTWbzTcHpoI/AAAAAAAACpI/83ZQmi4OA9Y/s1600-h/sunset%20008%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="sunset 008" border="0" alt="sunset 008" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TTWb0Dbo2eI/AAAAAAAACpM/QIGOa_XhUqU/sunset%20008_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="451" /></a></p> <p>…and New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TTWb1Z99_LI/AAAAAAAACpQ/zPlRXEP6Om8/s1600-h/new%20orleans%20025%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="new orleans 025" border="0" alt="new orleans 025" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TTWb2tCe2LI/AAAAAAAACpU/tdYjIvSdgU8/new%20orleans%20025_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="506" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>So I scheduled surgery for Thursday, January 13 (at least it wasn’t Friday the 13th).</p> <p>When Dr. Sorrell came to see me in pre-op, he said that he had been studying my MRI and thought it was worth trying an arthroscopic procedure before opening up the back of my leg.  If it didn’t work, they would flip me over and proceed as originally planned.  I agreed.</p> <p>What a great feeling to wake up hearing one nurse tell another that I had had an arthroscopic procedure.  The difference in recovery will be huge!!  Instead of the mark of Zorro on the back of my leg, I have three holes in the center of my knee and one on the side.</p> <p>My friends have been wonderful.  Glenda sat with LBeau during surgery, took my prescriptions to be filled and stayed until supper time.  She came back the next day to keep me company while LBeau went to work and helped me remove the dressing on Saturday.  She’s also become my designated driver.  Yesterday we visited one of my job sites, and today she’s taking me for my first physical therapy appointment.</p> <p>We’ve had delicious meals every night, furnished by my Bible study friends and my P.E.O. sisters.  When they see me walking around (I’ve been weight bearing since the first day), they probably wonder why I need such service, but believe me, it would be difficult getting to the grocery store and being on my feet long enough to prepare dinner.</p> <p>So I am exceedingly blessed.  And one more thing.  You can’t begin to know how much it means to tell someone you’re praying for them, until it’s you they’re praying for.  Thanks everyone!!</p> KBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460394485823751681.post-22146919293873307322010-12-28T17:33:00.001-06:002010-12-28T17:33:53.243-06:00Surprise!!<p>For our 40th anniversary dinner, the kids were in charge.  Needing an outing, they announced they were taking us out to eat.  Fine with us.  They were paying.</p> <p>We needed a kid friendly venue, and the majority voted for Chuy’s at the Summit.  Mistake.  Big mistake.  The Summit was a zoo on the Monday after Christmas, and it was a two-hour wait at Chuy’s.  No can do with three children age three and under.</p> <p>Regrouping we headed back east on 280, aiming for Pablo’s at Lee Branch.  Fortunately, since everyone in the entire Birmingham metro area was at the Summit, navigating 280 at 6 p.m. was a breeze.  Pablo’s had our table ready in less than five minutes, and we had a pleasant dinner.  We even found another customer willing to snap a group photo.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TRpzy10thaI/AAAAAAAACog/vdJwRjf5dHI/s1600-h/Christmas%20278%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas 278" border="0" alt="Christmas 278" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TRpzz9a5SMI/AAAAAAAACok/LSiyiGSBGns/Christmas%20278_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="506" /></a></p> <p>But little did LBeau and I know that the fun was just getting started.  We had taken three cars to accommodate the eight adults and three children in car seats.  By the time LBeau, Mema and I got home, the others were already there and getting the kids in bed.  Or so we thought.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TRpz0ZuqlaI/AAAAAAAACoo/r3MtVsAhcVw/s1600-h/Christmas%20025%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas 025" border="0" alt="Christmas 025" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TRpz0gd-S9I/AAAAAAAACos/vyslRbd3Xvw/Christmas%20025_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="153" height="192" /></a></p> <p>Surprise!! </p> <p>Under the direction of Katie, the kids had spent weeks plotting a surprise anniversary party.  Glenda was in charge of the festive decorations on the island, the boys provided beer, and Connie brought wine as well as a delicious spread that Walker called chocolate stuff on crackers (he asked for it for breakfast this morning).</p> <p>Janice made a delicious appetizer, and Claire spent the afternoon baking a cake at a friend’s house, which she later decorated on the bed in her room upstairs.  It was a complete surprise, and I was blown away.  Afterward all of our friends gathered for a group photo.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TRpz1TPwG8I/AAAAAAAACow/mPW6r4C4gWc/s1600-h/Christmas%20029%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas 029" border="0" alt="Christmas 029" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TRpz2IpcgJI/AAAAAAAACo0/sLl_epJUIhs/Christmas%20029_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="386" /></a><em>Connie and Terry, KBeau and LBeau, Susie and Wayne, Walt and Glenda, Janice and Don</em></p> <p align="left">When Claire instructed us to act goofy, Connie whispered, “Make out.”  So we did.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TRpz29iJIZI/AAAAAAAACo4/TUGGrh4TDR4/s1600-h/Christmas%20031%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas 031" border="0" alt="Christmas 031" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TRpz3ljAhXI/AAAAAAAACo8/imKpPXct-o4/Christmas%20031_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="395" /></a> </p> <p> There are lots of years and lots of happy marriages in that picture.  Thanks everyone.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TRpz0ZuqlaI/AAAAAAAACpA/O0QI_pxf6Gk/s1600-h/Christmas%20025%5B2%5D.jpg"> </a></p> KBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460394485823751681.post-38661466796673711052010-12-27T16:04:00.001-06:002010-12-27T16:04:18.760-06:00How Time Flies…<p>…when you’re having fun.</p> <p>Forty years ago today, LBeau and I were married at the First Presbyterian Church in Camden, Arkansas.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TRkNXY-RbdI/AAAAAAAACoY/0CDHavx8bxc/s1600-h/Kathy%20Larry%20wedding%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Kathy Larry wedding" border="0" alt="Kathy Larry wedding" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TRkNYjyCKnI/AAAAAAAACoc/siqVUuEDeQw/Kathy%20Larry%20wedding_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="654" height="852" /></a></p> <p>Little did we know that 40 years later we would be spending Christmas with our three sons, two daughters-in-law and three grandchildren.</p> <p>Happy Anniversary, LBeau.  It’s been all fun.</p> KBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460394485823751681.post-6113175646900463992010-12-17T15:33:00.001-06:002010-12-17T15:34:06.692-06:00The Village Is Growing<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TQvXHbnXKtI/AAAAAAAACnw/QS0iRbqJbZU/s1600-h/houses%20004%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="houses 004" border="0" alt="houses 004" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TQvXH1oUpTI/AAAAAAAACn0/JYWfePjKYpE/houses%20004_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="158" height="202" /></a> I just thought I was finished.  Lucy's Chocolate Shop arrived in the mail the other day and has joined the other lighted houses in my tiny Christmas village.  As you may have read in <a href="http://kbeau.blogspot.com/2010/12/it-finished.html">THIS POST</a>, I only buy pieces that "speak" to me.  This piece definitely spoke to me, since Lucy is the name of my 10-month-old granddaughter.</p> <p>The Chocolate Shop fits in perfectly with Walker's Department Store, Claire's Card Shop, Newport School, the Camden General Store and the Beaumont Inn.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TQvXIiYjtDI/AAAAAAAACn4/jWMr5nfHPPE/s1600-h/houses%20003%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="houses 003" border="0" alt="houses 003" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TQvXKPkPCgI/AAAAAAAACn8/0tDaEg1kbeI/houses%20003_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="654" height="864" /></a></p> <p>Here's a view from another angle.</p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="houses 005" border="0" alt="houses 005" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TQvXLiFrrpI/AAAAAAAACoA/X_-cYAGS-0A/houses%20005_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="654" height="849" /> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TQvXME6hy4I/AAAAAAAACoE/sZVRyOa5mvA/s1600-h/houses%20011%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="houses 011" border="0" alt="houses 011" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TQvXMsfB6pI/AAAAAAAACoI/ghx0UevZF6Y/houses%20011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="134" height="163" /></a> I thought the Chocolate Shop would be the only addition to my village this year, but shortly after I uploaded my previous post I received an email from my friend Becky.  It contained a link to a website with the instructions to check it out.  And there I found what no self-respecting Arkansas Razorback fan could possibly be without—The Hog Penny Pub.  Of course, I just had to have it.</p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="houses 013" border="0" alt="houses 013" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TQvXN_B2faI/AAAAAAAACoM/xmCgfmqpHuU/houses%20013_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="654" height="769" /></p> <p>So the next time you're in the area, stop by Lucy's Chocolate Shop for a free sample, and then head over to the Hog Penny Pub for a Hog Burger and beer.  It's conveniently located next door to the Beaumont Inn. </p> <p><a href="http://bargainhuntingwithlaurie.blogspot.com/2010/12/gloria-in-excess.html"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="FAVORITETHINGSBUTTON" border="0" alt="FAVORITETHINGSBUTTON" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-93uKR4hv4E/TQvXOMGOzsI/AAAAAAAACoQ/OiHrVlPwJvA/FAVORITETHINGSBUTTON%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="125" height="176" /></a> You might also want to visit <a href="http://bargainhuntingwithlaurie.blogspot.com/2010/12/gloria-in-excess.html">Laurie</a>, who's sharing more of her wonderful Christmas collections.  It's a sight to behold.</p> KBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749986838867446338noreply@blogger.com11