The Jerky Women Rule --Read At Risk Of Ruining Your Jerky Treat Love

Alrighty a few days later, if you read the other days' post, you've probably been sleepless wondering what in the world I have to show you! Here it is, my grandest purchase of the day, my baby, my new favorite find. I'm the owner of a fine avocado green West Bend electric percolator. I've wanted one for the longest time-I read on a blog somewhere coffee is better in a percolator, and I couldn't shake the thought until I found one! So when my friend Kelly (new blog up) came for a visit last week, we first hit our favorite thrift store (where I found goodies, but not this one). Making our way back home with the loot, we stopped into an estate sale where I saw it...my heart skipped a few, I went to the shelf it sat on, picked it up, held it over my head so I could see the price tag on the bottom, and knew when I saw $1 I'd found my percolator. It does make fantastic coffee! We took it home (along with my new giant mondo huge vintage electric stand mixer/grinder/ice crusher/blender) and made Kelly and myself coffee. Not any coffee, mind you, but DD coffee. Kelly, being the bff she is, brought down a dozen DD and a bag of coffee.

Here's my new bff, my avocado green percolator:

Yeah yeah I burned again, I know. Sunscreen. I almost never burn twice. But I was at the pool for three hours Tuesday, that'll probably do it. If only my friend Pam hadn't brought cold grapes...but she did. And now I'm certain my chest is going to look like a piece of jerky before the summer is out. I'll be a jerky woman.

There's a group of women who congregate and hoard one end of our neighborhood pool. They're exclusive, and have probably been there since the beginning of the neighborhood. They've got matching towels, matching towel clips (I want some but can't justify them) and imo, shouldn't be wearing the two pieces they wear. Think jerky glistening from an oil rubdown hanging over and out and sagging from behind.

It's likely the QT cups they tote along aren't filled with water or tea, but I can't be certain, so I refuse to infer anything otherwise. They buy the same type of raft, whichever is the newest 'style' is that year and when they overheat, they congregate in the deep end, holding the group together by grabbing each other's raft edges. They clog up the end of the pool and block entrance to the ladder. If you're lucky enough to get by the group, you'd be brave to attempt exit from that ladder--it's kind of like climbing a dipstick--you'll need suction cups to get a grip. They're the jerky women--their kids are grown, they have a lot of time on their hands and live some of the more gigantic homes in the neighborhood. I fear by the looks of me, I could be mistaken for a member of the jerky women. I'm off to buy some sunscreen today.

Random shot of the three cats--they hang out here most of the day. GiGi top, then Jack, then Scat (I think I'll call him Scat now).

I took this test I saw on another blog I don't read (a high cuss-o-meter rating--I think she hangs out with JenGi) and here's my cuss-o-meter result:

OnePlusYou Quizzes and Widgets

Sunday we take off for Memphis--it's finally time to get to the Baptist Convention and talk Miracle Word. I was at the church yesterday being brought up to speed and looks as if I've got some PowerPoint revisions to spend my day with today. I'd be extremely excited, except one of the activities we're signed up to do is garden. Gardening in the middle of summer in Memphis sounds fantastic, I'm not sure why I didn't think of this before!

I'm Still Breathing

Okay I was taking the pictures ^^, working on a new profile for my digi Etsy (same day I took the ones below with Alex) and decided upon looking at 'em I was too pale. It's summertime, I need me a tan. I tan easily, shouldn't be a problem to get one in a week or so. So....we have a neighborhood pool, my bff Pam lives in the hood, we'll take the boys up and we'll try to get something. It was a little overcast, but warm. I even swam (I'm a child, I can't just lay there, I have to dive in and do my flips and stuff). So after an hour, when it was time to go home, I was disappointed when I stepped into the shower to find it didn't look like I'd gotten much sun.

And a few hour later...ewww! But you can clearly see I wore my shades (is my skin really THA yellow?!).

Later that night, John had his first church men's ballgame. Alex too the pictures, so this is the best one I have. But you can still see he's adorable in his little ballcap! He got on base his first hit, he even scored a run. And pulled something in his leg. So Thursday, not so sure he'll be playing...will keep you updated. My sinuses are quite clear, however, the Ben Gay overdose I'm getting each night is ensuring that much, lol.

Tonight--my dear friend, Celia, has invited me to join in at Legacy (where Cody guards now) for a water aerobics class. I'm doing it! Cody's actually sad he won't be there to guard it, I dropped him off at church today for his Georgia Student Life Mission trip. I'm going to miss him, he's one of the most amazingly honest examples of living as Jesus. I cannot take an ounce of credit for that, no more than I can take all the blame for the way our daughter is living at the moment. But I am proud of him nonetheless. I gave him my camera to take along, so no pictures of this week's ballgame. I'll definitely find time to poke serious fun of brag about John's ballgame accomplishments, should he play.

I'm off to the sewing room....I haven't been down there in months, but this is a good day to get my new bag made up...and maybe some pj bottoms for Alex. I was supposed meet halfway and have lunch with my bff JenGi, but she's busy holding a thermometer to the lit end of a cigarrette (not hers).

My bff, Kelly, from St. Joseph, is coming down Friday (the beautiful blonde in the middle). I cannot wait! Haven't seen her in ages (new fiances will do that). We're doing the Lee's Summit Downtown Days for a few hours, maybe some swimming. I miss her terribly, I have so much to catch up with. Shoot! No camera, I just realized this! Not.good. I'll somehow find a way to get camera phone photos for you. I can do this, I think I can I think I can.......how long does camera withdrawal last anyway?

Be Nice, It Matters!

Janice, my bud over at Twist and Skewer, has kindly overlooked my meaniness to Democratic candidates, recognizing that I'm nice to Democrats who aren't running for office. I hope anyone else who reads my blog and might be offended understands me. I'm big on believing if I know something is right then I would be part of the wrong by not taking a stand. It's a simple thing for me. I have a personal relationship with being wronged and nobody taking a stand on my behalf that could have made it right. And it would have changed everything. That's why I'm outspoken from time to time, and I welcome differing opinions anytime anywhere, so long as they correlate with mine. (kidding)

So thanks, Janice, because your comment brought this to mind, and I reailzed I should clarify myself. Here is what she said:

Stacey at JameeForever who is kind and encouraging to all(except Democratic candidates!) and consistantly leaves lovely comments on everyone's blogs.

With that being stated, then you guessed it, she has bestowed upon me a pretty darned nice award. And a beautiful award, might I add! Here is the award by definition:

The Nice Matters Award: This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you've been awarded please pass it on to others who you feel are deserving of this award.

And it's time to pass the award--and I'm picking a new one for you. You've heard me blog on and on about my bff Kelly from my high school days. She just dropped her little baby boy off at MU and drove home alone. Alright, maybe not little, a baby only in her eyes, but still I don't wanna think about those days to come. But...on the upppp side, Kelly's begun dating again (she's divorced). She's a new blogger--geneologist, writer and extremely artistic. I'm excited about her new blog (finally!). That's Kelly in the photo, standing on my left. Not my right, that's a guy, that'd be silly!

If you're reading my blog, then you're my kind of blogger, so try and overlook Kelly's 'deep thoughts' from time to time--she is a teacher, she can't help it! The only 'deep thoughts' I have, I likely got from Jack Handey. Oh yes, there really is a website dedicated to the vast vastness of Jack Handey thinking-ness! Wait! I'm gonna be teacher starting tomorrow--tomorrow I begin homeschool for Alex! I need a school name, hmmmm....that's something to think on.

So there you have it, I bestow niceness upon Kelly, because she's about the nicest person I know. She'd do anything for me except my toenails. And probably no bikini wax either. Would you, Kel? But aside from that, she's down for it! Gosh, now I'm hankerin to sit on the front porch of her little cottage! Kel, I'll be up soon. I'm almost out of Dunkin Donuts coffee anyway! Thanks again, Janice, you're too darned nice to me!

*I picked the music as I was hearing more about the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Landing a day early to avoid the hurricane, and landing despite a tear in the heat shield on its underside. I pray that the decision not to repair this tear was the correct one.

Boobie (Can I Use That Word Here?)

Niki joined me today and actually said she enjoyed herself. She always breaks down at the cemetery; Jamee was a very special person in her life. But she handled herself beautifully.

We had lunch with my friends Kelly & Nova as well. (And I didn't leave without my....Dunkin Donuts Coffee...okay and donuts). I forgot my camera, but my g/f Nova brought hers. I think I may sneak up to her farm tonight and steal it! I usually take the pictures. So don't think you'll see me bent over things like todays shots ..she took several like that. Yeah, rolls coming over the pants, not my thing! Arghhh!

Yes indeedy, it is time to lose that post op weight again. (I had a complete hysterectomy in November & quit smoking). This is not good, but I am motivated now. Actually, got Niki to play some catch with me in the backyard tonight. Now that's excercise I can do AND enjoy!

We always have time for a photo op...I chose this one, it's got a lead-in story. Nova said she felt like she was being attacked by boobies on either side, lol! Here is Nova's lead-in boobie story:

In Jr. High band, I sucked at playing my trumpet. Really. So...our then exasperated band leader was asking me to define the difference between a sharp and a flat. He asked me what came to mind when I thought of 'flat'. Not losing a beat, I quipped "Nova!" Is that not AWFUL?

Now I didn't remember this 'incident'...Nova retold it for me last fall before our 20th reunion (Savannah High). It horrified me to think I could be so insensitive to a friend. I don't doubt I said it, that'd be me--never knew how to filter my thoughts then. (Yet it is kinda funny--and veryyy quick thinking on my part, lol!).
Boobie shot & the new sign Niki and I came up with on the drive up--it's a "w" and it stands for Whoah! Doesn't Nova have an amazingly delightful smile? That'd be The Belt Hwy in St. Joseph (MO) behind us...many many hours cruising that strip of road. How about you guys...where did you cruise for fun?

I borrowed the song idea from my friend Janice at Twisted and Skewered. Thanks, girlie!

I Was A Terrible Friend

I said something last night in a letter that made my best friend cry. I didn't mean it to, but I also didn't think how my words might be taken.

So.....I've never done this before, I know it's probably not "blog cool" but I don't care. She's far and above my best friend, I'd rather be an unpopular blogger than not be honest. I need to remember this forever...and know that the eyes that read my words far and above outweigh the words they read.And cannot end the post without this, our favorite quote, and it is very very true: You don't suck the life right out of me, Kelly! (don't you hate inside jokes?!)

*I'm going up Monday to put flowers on Jamee's grave, it's been five years Monday. I hope all will be back to normal and I will have pictures at Dunkin Donuts of us to share. And darnnit, Kel, everytime I post a photo of us I'm wearing my crap bra--I need to remember these things!

Monday Monday

(barely...falling falling falling..click it and save me!!!!)

Happy Monday! Survived Cody off to camp the first night, but didn't do so well when he called and I when asked if he was getting homesick, said "uh, no Mom, being here is amazing!". Why does that sting a little? I had immediate visions of him, 18 years old, bags packed, University of Colorado hoodie on, getting into his car (it's a Mustang Cobra in my vision--black!) and blowing me kisses goodbye. And it's just not that far away! If any of my three kids go far away, it'll be Cody. And if he does, next to his happiness I'll pray for him to return to live nearby. I don't ever want to think of any of my kids going so far .

Looks good for Niki's new job--she's finally getting a few more hours, so hooray! Maybe she can put that hand back in her pocket where it belongs. She's become a very high maintenance little girl--whereEVER did she get it from?
Alex....easy. Give him a bowl of something to eat and pop in an Andy Griffith or Bewitched and watch his face light up...he's happy happy happy! He promises never to leave home, he's going to be an animal petter at the shelter and save enough money to buy a mansion that we can all live in together. Now that's one practical little redhead!

Get over to Pinks & Blues for the bling thing giveaway....all you need to do to enter is think of your favorite blog name and share it. If nothing else, it's a lot of fun to read. I think when I have a little time I'll click on a few and check them out myself.

Me, lots of typing today, but hopefully a lighter load the rest of the week. My bff Kelly is coming to town Thursday...again--gasp! Two visits in less than a month! She bought herself a nice new car, so she's all about zippin up and down that highway now, lol. Think I'll take her to our town's hole in the wall for a late birthday linner!

On Birthdays, Legos and Math

Ohhh one of those mornings--I woke up sore ALL over, and later than I should judging from the pile of typing on my desk that despite my best efforts to coax it, just will NOT type itself! I'm getting older, I feel 40 coming on. All this soreness because I timed the first half of the swim meet last night and most of the second half (I almost sneaked by before they snagged me again--I'm just THAT good...or they were short help, either way). Okay....first things first, it's my BFF Kelly's Birthday today--

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KELLY GIRL!!! She was supposed to come do linner with me (you know, eat around three or four) but her 'prin see paul' called and she ditched me. (that's my best high and mighty enunciation I can do for Principal {not ple, a Principal is our Pal}). Kelly's a pretty famous school teacher in St. Joseph, so when the P-Pal wants to take her for lunch, she goes...she's pretty tight with the Superintendent as well I hear. One day maybe Kelly will let me tell you she was a very very wild wild wild girl in high school--could swing with the good girls and the parking lot at lunch girls. But I can't tell you that because I didn't ask. So she'll come next week or I'll go, whichever way it works to be.

Summer Mom--I read your comment from this morning (see previous post) and I'm quite glad you enjoyed my Rant in the

LS Journal! I couldn't let that mean lady say those things without hearing from me! Please email and tell me who you are, I can't figure it out--and right now, all I have is an image of Gladys Kravitz reading the paper, husband fast asleep and, well, you know..."Abner...Abner WAKE UP!", lol. Whoever you are, because you agree with me on the Legoland issue, I like you. I think we should hold a rally at the postponed council meeting--bring our Legos with us, dump them in the parking lot and see how long it'll take our mayor to navigate outta there! Oooh I feel a Lego rally coming on here--let's do it!

Click the Face again if you have time. I'm facing a very icky day and don't wanna be booted yet (may already be, idk). Finally, I need to get to the typing, so in honor of my Kelly Girl's birthday, I have a little math ditty for you (thanks Sandra and sorry ahead of time for the naughty words at the bottom ((no pun intended thar!)) )

What Makes 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been to those meetings where someone wants you to give over 100%. How about achieving 103%? What makes up 100% in life? Here's a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions:

If: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z is represented as: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26. Then: H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K 8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98% and K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E 11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96% But , A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E 1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100% And, B-U-%-L-S-*-&-T 2+21+12+12+19+8+9+20 = 103% AND, look how far ass kissing will take you. A-*-#-K-I-S-S-I-N-G 1+19+19+11+9+19+19+9+14+7 = 118% So, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that While Hard work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, it's the Bul*&^#t and A$# kissing that will put you over the top.

(knowing look)

Kelly Day Today

My friend Kelly is coming down today! Yay! I'm very excited! I usually go north to my hometown, so nobody comes my way, they don't have time to miss me before I come up again. I try and get up there every six weeks or so to visit the cemetery where my father and sister are. And of course Dunkin Donuts. When I begin to plan another day trip, I call Kelly first. We all have a Kelly in our lives, how would we ever do life without one? She's the friend I call when I need a listener. She listens and doesn't inadvertantly turn the conversation to what's happening to her. Unless it really is relative! She listens. Imagine that! And she thumps me on the head--all the time. I need those thumps, they wake me up.

These past few years I've been aware of how I listen. Because I know when I needed to sound off when I was hurting it hurt to suddenly find myself listening to them. I'm aware that when a friend calls to talk about a problem, they've entrusted me to HEAR them. There will be plenty of time down the road for reciprocation. It doesn't come naturally to me, it's a conscious effort.

Yes ....I'm happy my Kelly will be heading my way. We'll visit, thrift shop, thrift shop, thrift shop, visit, and dine. Guess it's a good thing she doesn't live too close--we'd never get anything done! Well thrift shopping...

Hometown

My trip to St. Joe/Savannah yesterday was good! Nellie, my late friend's mother, still has the ability to make a group of girls roll with laughter. There was always that ONE mom, remember? The one who enjoyed having a house full of goofy pre-teen/teenaged girls in the house. That's Nellie. I could try and try all day to describe her personality, but I don't think I'd give her the justice she deserves. It's clear her grandchildren feel the same about her, they drop in round the clock.

Cat went along with me this time (thanks girl). We stopped at the cemetery in St. Joseph where Jamee, Dad, and Grandma are buried. I had some little markers I wanted to leave for Memorial Day and knew I wouldn't make it back for Memorial Day.

On that same road, we headed West a mile or so and dum da da dah! Goodness, Dunkin Donuts is RIGHT there, it would almost be rude NOT to stop in! I get DD every time I'm in town--we can't get them in Kansas City.

Cat, Kelly, Me (they hit it off--I know this because they teamed up to tease me all night!)

Swung back down "the Belt" and picked Kelly up, headed north and in 15 minutes were were at Nellie's in Savannah! Oh gosh I always loved her home, she was the mom we all wished we had and NOTHING has changed. Her wit is unmatched, not exaggerating here. I'm still giggling at some of the things that popped into her head. If I had to define amazing, loving and witty in one word--Nellie. I met my Nellie's granddaughter, Linda's daughter. She is beautiful and oh my goodness she has the bubbly personality Linda had.

My bff, Tracy, joined us briefly at Nellie's and the cemetery--her son had his first t-ball game and she couldn't miss that--what mother would?! But I'm so glad she got to come, that Cat was able to meet her.

We drove to the cemetery where we visited Linda's grave. It took my breath away, seeing her name on the headstone. I doubt one ever gets used to seeing loved ones' names on stones, especially long before we're ready. Again, can't show emotion here because if I did, Nellie would break and Lord knows she's done almost more than she can bear--I don't want to cause her anymore pain on this day. This is a mom who loves her children fiercely and losing Linda to a car accident (almost 16 years ago) has driven her to her knees. I pray I never know that devastation.

Here we are, left to right me, Nellie, Tracy, Kelly (Cat is shooting). Or.....and this just now came to me, I'm slow.....Stacey, Nellie, Tracy, Kelly. Now say that all at once. Funny! Guess I don't need much to entertain me, lol. We're looking directly into the evening sun, so it was an awkward shot!

Minus Tracy, we dined at The Pizza Shoppe down on the square. As we dropped everyone off, I was grateful for Cat's company that night. I get a twinge of separation anxiety when I exit back onto the highway, headed towards the city. I don't wanna leave--I miss my home town and I envy all my friends who weren't dumb like me. I just KNEW I was a city girl (ha!).