Evidently my blog needed an update, or a change over or a something.  I didn’t know it…how would I?  There is no little light that comes on that says “YOUR BLOG NEEDS ATTENTION”…..see authorized dealer.  Kind of like the light on my car that tells me to have the car serviced or to check my oil or something else that I don’t understand.

 Anyway…Ian, my computer whiz kid said I did.  And, so he did something or other…and I did not even know it!!!

This doesn’t look like him, really……he doesn’t wear glasses.  🙂

So, he changed it to something.  And, it made it faster.  And, took out the bad things.  In fact, he did a great job on everything, except one.  The post that was up when he worked his magic was gone.  “Sure”, he said, “I can find it but it will take me hours and days because it is all crushed up with all kinds of stuff on top of it now.”  Now what would you have said?  I said, “Not to worry, it’s not that important.  I’ll either rewrite it or just let it go.”  And, I tried to rewrite it, but couldn’t remember all the details.  Because, if I don’t write the details down, I totally lose them in this brain of mine.  And, all the details I had written down were now all crunched up, with stuff and stuff on top.  So, I was gonna just forget it.  I mean really, now.  In the grand scheme of things, how much is it going to matter to world peace if I lose a post?

Well, that sweet boy…whom is so very like me, may I add…sent me an e-mail yesterday with the whole original post.  I was so excited…but, I surely didn’t expect him to go looking for it.   The only thing is that while it was up some friends had commented on it, and I thought to myself…”This is going to make them wonder what happened.  They will think they dreamed that post.  Then they will be all stressed out and in a bad mood.”  And, I would never do such to you, my bloggy friends!  So for those of you who didn’t read it the first time…here it is again…your second chance.  And, if you were one of the ones in a bad mood because it was gone…I hope I have (or Ian has) set things right again.

The original DWTS post follows………

This doesn’t look exactly like me either…….I DO wear glasses.

I’m not much of a Halloween person, but I couldn’t resist sharing these dog costumes! What about you? Is your pup gonna dress up to go Trick-or-Treating? Finn will have to be content to stay home and pass out candy. But, if this does happen to be your cup of tea…..

They could go as other animals……

Or, perhaps, they could go as food…….

Better still…how about as their favorite human……..

Maybe they they’d prefer to be their favorite fictional character……..

Whatever they decide on, please have some dog treats treats on hand instead of candy. If they have to go through this humiliation….they should be well rewarded!

Make sure you watch your dog so they don’t ingest any dropped candy or that other people don’t feed your dog candy. Aside from the fact that chocolate is toxic to dogs, the wrappers of even candy without chocolate can be harmful if ingested by your dog.

And, by the way, if this sort of things takes up a big part of your time………..

I have just spent 2 hours of my precious time watching “The Cake Boss”. There is not much good on at 4 AM. This certainly does not qualify either. A big family, working together, making cakes and selling them. But, the ‘thrill’..and I use that term facetiously…is the delivery. There is a small , narrow stairway…several flights…that they have to navigate to get the huge cakes into the car or van. And, THEN, they send a teenage d boy to deliver them! I don’t get it. And he doesn’t either…cause he delivers the wrong cake to the right people.

Obviously, they are doing very well in this business. 45 wedding cakes in 1 day?!! And, a TV show for people like me to ‘marvel over’ in the wee hours. So why don’t they have an elevator, and a big, wide door, and a responsible driver? I suppose they think it makes ‘better television’. Of course, I could be wrong about the whole thing and you may think this is a wonderful show. But, I don’t think I’ll be wasting my time there again. [BTW…I would not have sat and watched 2 hours of it except that I was trying to be quiet and not wake up the household.]

Now. Let’s talk about another show. On HGTV…House Hunters. I don’t know about you, but the dialogue is so unimaginative, that I can speak it right along with them…even if I have never seen it before! But I have because they show mostly reruns…maybe 3 new episodes a year. The shows go back to 2005, for heaven’s sake!!! Every show they say…over and over…….

“I like the openness.” ‘Is this granite?” “We’ll have to gut this kitchen.” “Oh, stainless steel. That’s what I wanted.” “This is a little small.” “I like it” “This is good for entertaining.” OR “There’s not enough room for entertaining.” “I need room for an office.” “Hardwood floors!” “I like this.’ ‘The kitchen is so outdated.” “Look, stainless steel!” “OOOOO, I LOVE the granite!” “Ah, I will have to finish putting up a fence.” “I like it!” “We want the kitchen and family room to be open.” ” That color just POPS!” “We would have to change the appliances to stainless steel.” “Closets?” “I like it.” “This is little small.” “Love the stainless steel appliances!” “We need room for entertaining.” “I like it”. “Love the hardwoods!” You watch it and see. Not very creative folks running this show.

It’s Columbus Day. Yea! I’m so happy he discovered us. Otherwise, we would all be living here without knowing where we were. Columbus sailed the ocean blue……. In Fourteen Hundred Ninety two!

Funny story. This is not one of my crazy lady stories. I know this lady, and she is a hoot and a half! She is an older than me friend who attends church with us. I do not think I have ever known a lady who loves to laugh as much as she does. And, if you are around her when she starts talking…you will be laughing, too! As we were leaving church after the service, she called out to me, “Tonja, come here, let me tell you what I did.” She was already cackling! She lives in an assisted living facility. In her words…

“When I woke up this morning and looked at the clock…I was running late. It was already after 10:00! I even slept through breakfast! So, I got up and started getting ready. I took my bath and got all my clothes on…even these old pantyhose…and got my Bible and purse. I didn’t hear any body else moving around and I thought that was unusual. I waited for them to come and get me. And then it started getting late and I went down the hall to see if they forgot me. I told that girl, that I thought they forgot me ’cause I was usually picked up by 10:45. I asked her what was going on. She looked at me and then she just laughed and laughed…and said, ‘Mrs.T….,It IS 10:45….at NIGHT!!!!! ‘ [Well, those of you who know whom I am speaking of can hear her…..she just got so tickled at herself! ] I can’t believe I did something so dumb. I went back to my room, but, I wasn’t about to take off all this garb…and these pantyhose…it was hard enough to get them on the first time! Can’t do it 2 times in one day! So, I smoothed everything out and sat down real easy in my recliner, and just slept there till I came to church!” We all laughed…and she the hardest! As I left, she was telling it again to someone else! She is a precious saint.

Here I sit now, watching the Today show. Have you ever noticed how absolutely ridiculous some people act when they see themselves on a monitor? I’m talking about those who are standing outside…behind the person being interviewed. When they realize they are showing up on TV…they lose their minds. They jump and grin and wave and tell everyone around them…and then those people try to edge them out, so they can get in front of the camera! And they are all pushing and shoving and waving. It’s like they have never seen themselves before. I can only imagine how they act in front of a mirror!!! There was one young girl who finally found herself. She waved a while, and then she pulled out her cell phone and called someone in The American Heartland. It rang and rang and rang. Finally someone answered. She told them she was on the Today Show. Then she waited till they turned their TV on and got the right channel……….and then…they saw her! And, she was transported to the Realm of Wonderful! She jumped and danced and swayed and talked…all the while keeping that wave going. Life was just too good for her this morning. Then obviously, the person on the other end of the line, had to go back to work, because she hung up. Girl on TV put up her phone. She looked up one more time and gave a big sigh and moved on so someone else could have the chance at stardom…if only on a monitor, outside, behind Hilary Duff and Ann Curry discussing Hilary’s new book, and marriage, and TV show and album. Busy girl…I’m just saying……..

I think that commercial of the girl sucking all the yogurt out of the container is disgusting!

And, I think the commercial that has the mop despondent over not being used is ridiculous!

But, the commercial that has the animals that are natural enemies frolicking together at the waterhole, is very clever!

However, the one that has the biggest bug in the world going up to the door and asking to come in…creeps me out!

I have typed this post off and on all day. My DH is off on Mondays, so it is always a lazy day for us. But, I did get a dresser cleaned out and ready for Christmas wrapping supplies. And, I went out and cut back all my beautiful coleus. Is there a plural for coleus? Or is it still just coleus? Well I had 2 huge pots of coleus…but, alas, they had gotten so leggy, they had to be cut back. I fully expect them to come back, though. We’ve got lots of warm weather left. Sweet Finn went out with me while I worked on my plants. He’s not quite brave enough to venture too far away from me when we are outside. It’s such a big yard and such a little puppy.

IN OTHER NEWS: 12 weeks, and all is well! Thank-You, God!

This is a post I wrote 2 weeks ago, but have not had time to get it ready to publish until now…and it’s just too good not to share with you! Enjoy!

My day got started early, I met 2 sweet friends for breakfast. We try to get together as often as we can…but it had been 9 weeks since we were together. So…we were there for about 3 hours! Catching up with one another is such fun! All of our children are around the same ages, and were friends growing up. So, we had to hear about each one…and discuss what they needed to do. Between us we have 5 that are still not married….and 3 that are. There’s a wedding for one and 2 granchildren, and a new baby coming for one. Much to figure out!

Thought about stopping at TJ M*xx, but then thought better of it. I had a fun trip coming up soon…and I needed to save my money. However, I did stop in at Belk to see if I could find something really cute to wear on my trip. And, that’s where this episode begins…..

I looked in different areas of the store and gathered up several things to try on. I then walked over to a rack of pants in the petite section and there she was. I knew she was the one and that she was just ‘itching’ to talk. She had a twinkle in her eyes, and she was telling her son exactly what she expected him to do! A little, bitty old lady, who wanted some pants. Her son was trying to help her…and kept bringing her size 14 and 12…and she may have worn a 4! So, when she saw me, she latched on to me, and asked me to help her find her size. “Hey, Hon, would you mind helping me find my size?” She wanted a pair of brown tweed like pattern. She couldn’t find them…nor could I.

I had several things in my hands and she looked at me and said, “Honey, go on and put that stuff down. You can’t help me with your hands full.”

Well, I did not want to lose my things I had gathered…but I could tell she was one of those ladies who expect to be obeyed…by everyone! And, besides, I knew she was going to make a good blog post!

LBL (Little Bitty Lady)……”Now, this here’s the ones I want. These ‘Coronet’ ones. I want this brown pair, and I want a size 6. And, I Do Not Want those vile pants that come way on down where no eyes should be.” (She pointed to the area right below her navel) I tried on a pair of them kind, and I was pure ashamed they even had them in the store. And, I was ashamed I tried them on, but I didn’t know.”

T…..I know. It’s sad that anybody would even want to wear pants like that.

LBL…laughing) You should have seen it! Hon, I looked like a ‘dime store hussy’.

***What is a ‘dime store hussy’? I have no idea. I think a hussy is a woman with low morals…but what has the dime store got to do with it? Oh, the things I learn when I go out and about.***I think I’ll use that phrase again…it fits on so many levels!***

T…..Ma’am, they don’t have those in your size. Don’t you think you could wear a size 4? (she was tiny)

LBL…..I don’t want no tight pants on me…showing my rolls and all. Don’t want no body thinking I’m no ‘you-know-what’.

T……Dime store hussy?

She nodded and laughed behind her hand.

T…..O K, I understand. Let’s look over here. Could you use them in a houndstooth?

LBL…..A WHAT?????

T……This black and white pattern is called hounds tooth.

LBL….Nope, needin’ me some brown pants. And, don’t get me none that don’t have something to match with them. I don’t want to have to come back out here and go searching all over for a sweater. Just look for some brown ones in that ‘Coronet’. They have good matches.

T……You sound just like my Mama did. She wanted to get something to match them right then! She said you never could find something if you came back. She was about your size, too.

Her son had been watching us and he felt embarressed by all she was doing and saying.

R…..Mama, this lady has got her own shopping to do. I’ll help you find your pants. I’m sure she needs to go.

LBL…..Honey, you busy?

T…Well, I have a little time free right now.

LBL…..Sit down Roy, she says she can help me. Just sit down.

He did.

T…..Ma’am…

LBL…..Name’s Esther

T…..Mrs. Esther, I don’t know about the ‘Coronet’ brand. I don’t think I’ve ever seen those anywhere. Can you show me where they are?

LBL……Well, Honey, they’s right there. And, they’s in every store you go in. Where you been shoppin?

I walked over to the rack where she was pointing…..and checked the labels. Sure enough…”Coronet’. Only they spelled it KORET !

I found her a pair of brown pants,and a sweater to match. And, I picked up another pair and a top to match and showed them to her.

LBL…..Don’t need but one outfit….can’t afford but one.

Roy…Mama, I told you to buy anything you want. You just go ahead and buy both outfits. I’m paying today.

LBL…..Well, you need to be saving yore money for them young’uns.

T….Now, Mrs. Esther, if he wants to buy you 2 outfits, you get 2 outfits. It will make him happy! Besides, you should never keep a man from spending money on you! That’s a rule I learned a long time ago!

LBL….Well, we’ll see. Now, Hon, do those have elastic all the way around? Cause some times they just put it on the sides. Some ‘darn fool’ had that bright idea. I want it to go all around so they don’t fall down! You didn’t get none of that ‘jungle cat’ stuff, did you? (she meant leopard print)

T…..Yes, Ma’am, they have elastic all the way around. No, Mam, no jungle cat. Now do you need to try these on?

LBL…..Are they ‘Coronets’ ?

T…..Yes, Mam, that’s what it says.

LBL…No, they’ll do. I just don’t know if I’ll need 2 outfits.

T…..Well, think about it, Mrs. Esther, there are lots of things going on this time of year. Parties and special things at church. You know Thanksgiving is coming soon, and then Christmas. And, if you don’t need it before then, just think…you can have a new outfit to wear on Christmas Day!

I thought that sounded like a grand idea.

LBL…..I don’t think anybody cares about what an old lady wears on Christmas Day.

T……Now, Mrs. Esther, I can tell you like to look nice. You look so pretty today, everything matches! And, I bet you went to the Beauty Parlor yesterday, too. And, besides, Roy would be real happy to know you were wearing one of the outfits he bought you on Christmas.

LBL…. Yeah, Lucille gave me a perm yesterday. Got it too tight if you ask me. OK, I’ll get ’em both. You been real nice, helping me. You know men just ain’t much use in a store. They’s better out in the yard.

T…..Oh, I couldn’t agree with you more, Mrs. Esther.

LBL……Roy, get that woman’s stuff for her, and let’s get paid and get on outta this place.

Roy went over to retrieve my things.

LBL…..Hang on now, Hon, I’m gonna see if Roy will pay for your things, too!

T…..No,I haven’t even tried them on yet. I still want to look around some.

LBL…..OKaaaay. You might find some stuff for you in the ‘Coronet’ things. They shore wear good. But, you’ll need a bigger size than me. I don’t know if they have that size here in the Petites.

I was thinking now, that maybe I could drop kick her over into the underwear and bra area and let her try to get herself out of there in one piece!! (Just kidding….sorta, kinda) 🙂

T…I’ll find something. You and Roy have a good afternoon.

And, with that, I took the things I had planned to try on…put them back on the rack…and jogged twice around the mall before I went home!

And, it’s Saturday! We made it up earlier today, because we had planned 2 days worth of activity into this one! Had breakfast at the motel, and set the GPS toward the community of Crabapple. This is where our favorite primitives store is located…as well as the arts festival we plan to attend.

Since I got this new phone, I have been able to put all sorts of things on it. Now all of you are probably way more knowledgeable about these things than I…but, I’m getting there. Anyway, one of the apps is a daily Bible verse, as well as devotional. I checked the one for today to share with the girls, and this is it: “For wherever two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20 We felt that was just a little ‘wink’ from God. One of the things that makes our friendship so special is the bond we have in Christ. We love the Lord and love doing things in His name. His love forms a bond between us that nothing else can. We always spend part of our time together discussing things we have studied or read. And, often one or the other of us can add to or help clarify something for the other. Each morning we thanked God for his rest, and our friendship, and for the beautiful world He created for us to delight in.

We found the little crossroads where the festival was being held. Right there was the store that we all love to peruse. These are the only 2 girls I know who can appreciate this type of decor. Very simple, very primitive, no frills. ( This is not the old time country of lace and geese and mauve and country blue. ) The lady who owns it is well known for her knowledge of this kind of decor, as well. We knew this would be a fine show if her name was associated with it.

Here are a few shots in and around her store.

We made our way on through the show. Many antiques, quilts, collectibles, and such.

We finished seeing all we could see, and then headed to Roswell. We had passed a funky looking store as we went by this morning and we wanted to return to check it out. We spent some time there and it was a full of treasures. The owner pointed out a little outdoor bakery and cafe and we went over to have a bite to eat. Tina left to go and get the car, so I would not have to walk so far, and as she was gone…I remembered that I had bought a gift at the show and had failed to pick it up before we left. Sooooooo, we went back to Crabapple, and Shirl went and retrieved my purchase. Back again to Roswell, and some shopping in the restored old town. There, groups and individuals had made all types of scarecrows and each lamppost was holding a different one. This was my favorite.

The scarecrow is on the LEFT…in case you weren’t sure! All along the sidewalks were several cafes with outdoor seating. And, that is where we wanted to eat…outside…enjoying the air, and the people, and the animals! There were so many dogs! And, so we put our name down and sat down to wait.

Along with the scarecrows on the lampposts, there were whiskey barrels all along the street, as well. They had been planted with a variety of plants and greenery…and for the season, each had 3 white pumpkins added to the center. So festive.

Finally, after about an hour of waiting, we were seated at a table outside. We enjoyed our meal immensely, and hated to have to get up and leave.

Back to our motel, and the wreath makers set about their work. My feet were as big as boats after being on them all day, so, I headed off to bed. They finished their work, then came in the bedroom and proceeded to watch The Blind Side…and discuss it…right where I was sleeping!!! It’s not like there wasn’t another TV in the sitting room!!! 🙂 Here is a one of the Christmas wreaths…beautiful! This pic does not do it justice.

We had brought all our packages from the car, and repacked them to try to save some room. So, Shirl and Tina began the task of loading the car.

They made this trip 3 times to get it all loaded! Then they woke me up, I gathered my little bag, and we all headed to the car.

They had packed the car, all right! This is a picture from the front seat looking to the back. Yikes!

You’re right. You can’t even see out the back window! As long as I did not breathe too hard, I was fine. Good thing I didn’t want to cross my legs!!! I kid! One more stop on the way home at Target…and we pulled into Dothan in time for Tina to get to her church picnic. And, Shirl left today to go home to Moultrie.

And, that’s the end of Fall Fling 2010. A time of renewal for us all. A time to be together with friends who know all about me and love me anyway. A time to share things of the heart with each other, that only we would understand. A time to be ourselves, as we can only with each other. We shared as much as we could, solved as many world problems as we could, and laughed as much as we could. And, as you well know: “A cheerful heart is a good medicine…” Proverbs 17:22. We are well.