Brand new......

  Your thinking, wow....Sherry's blog looks different. Well, its a new year and things need to be new.  Everything will be or should be new. New out look, new thinking and a new way you handle things in 2013. Count to 10 maybe even 15 before you speak. Look the other way. If you didn't see it with your own eyes don't repeat it. Really, just don't repeat it at all. When someone tells you something keep it to your self even if they didn't ask you to. Run from drama. Choose your friends wisely. If you're like me you have circles of friends. Those who you trust with you life and your thoughts. Those who you know have your back and so on. I'm blessed I have good circles. It took me a while  and a lot of heart ache to make my circles. But you know I now got them just right.
   Love each other more, and for goodness sakes be nice. Kindness matters. To those who you love, tell them everyday how much you love them. Be thankful, say, please and  thank you. When someone does something great let them know how proud you are of them. Don't let others rain on your parade. No matter how much they run you into the ground, stand tall and don't let their harsh words break you. Be proud of who you are no matter how rich or poor--you are awesome. When they open your closet door and start looking at your skeletons they better make sure their closet is spotless first. Say your prayers every day. If you have a little extra, give it away. Life is a journey not a race. My wish for all my friends is that 2013 brings you blessed days and happy hearts. No tears, sadness or heartache. Enjoy each day and savor each moment and make tons of memories.......xo

Can we keep this day......

   As I walked outside this morning I was amazed at the beauty of the new fallen snow. Every where I looked the snow was gleaming. It was just like a Norman Rockwell painting. I felt as though God himself laid the snow on every branch and in every fork of the trees. As I stood in my yard I thought to myself, was I really in Uniontown. I wanted to grab a lawn chair and set in the yard for the rest of the morning and breath in the beauty that I was seeing.

   Did you ever notice that when snow is on the ground how quiet it is outside...there was no roar from 65 this morning, no birds singing. Utter peace. As I made my way into the flower shop every turn in the road was even more amazing.

   I looked around and no cars were coming, I pulled to the side of the road and took it all in. I grabbed my camera and took as many pictures as I could.

   I thought to myself can we keep this day. To me the world had been cleansed. I felt it was a peaceful world where every one was kind to everyone. No vile words, no hate, no envy just love and kindness. I wanted to wake up every day feeling like this.
I drove on into the flower shop I couldn't wait for my drive back home. I couldn't wait to get back home and enjoy this perfect day......

Love the lazy snow days.....

Thomas and I both had the day off and it was perfect. Sleeping late on your day off knowing it's snowing outside your window and you don't even care. Nothing to do, no place you have to be is even more perfect. Watching movies curled up on the couch in your jammies not really caring how much it snows--do you get the feeling that we don't care how much it was snowing!!
We took down all the trees,  packed away the Christmas decorations and enjoyed left overs for supper.
There is no place like home.....

   Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth. For the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it's the time for home. ~Edith Stilwell

Christmas Day.....

Sandra informed us it was her turn to play Santa this year. Each year we go from youngest to oldest or oldest to youngest to open our gifts. It was my year to go first since I was the oldest. All year long I buy for the girls. I'm always watching for sales for things they like. It all goes into one big bag. It's like buying for twins. They save the big bag for last. Their other gifts are things for their home or things that were on their list. 

As you can see they dive right in for all the goodies...

Got to smell the hand cream and check out the make-up......as you can see they are already wearing their new scarves.

No winners on the lottery tickets....maybe Pat will be the big winner.

Thomas loved his stocking stuffers....chocolate covered peanuts!!

Dinner was good and desserts were even better. What a blessing to have so much love in one room. I can't wait to start buying for Christmas 2013, to fill those bags with goodies.

Joy....

Christmas eve in the Bridges' home is filled with joy tonight. Thomas turned on all the trees and the smell of cherry pie is coming from the oven. I've iced the last of the sugar cookies and the cherry cheese cake is ready. We'll put the ham on in the morning. But tonight it's just the two of us enjoying the evening together. I've still got a couple of presents to wrap for Sarah and Sandra. Years ago when the girls were little it wasn't as quiet. The chatter of little girls talking about Santa and what time he might arrive in Uniontown. Getting the plate of cookies ready and picking out a special glass to pour the milk in. Seems just like yesterday when they were wearing their footie jammies with snowmen on them. It was a special night, listening to the cassettes of Christmas carols. Playing the same song over and over again.  May joy fill your home tonight and may love fill your home on Christmas morning.......Merry Christmas!!

 

 

FFA Toy & Food Drive......

When it's almost Christmas you know that it's time for the FFA Toy & Food drive. I enjoyed my day helping. From making bows to working on the assembly line. This will be the 24th year for the drive. The older members of the FFA were teaching the younger ones the "tricks of the trade" for wrapping a perfect fruit basket. It does the heart good to listen to the older members talk about going to peoples homes and helping out the family. He told them, "you will know the feeling when you hand them the box of food, there's nothing like the feeling of helping folks out". Linda told me monetary donations are down this year. Majority of the monetary donations comes from business. We are all watching our spending and I'm sure they are too. So if your reading this and it's in your budget pick up a few extra cans of corn, beans, or soup. Maybe even a box of cereal or mac and cheese. Anything you could drop off at the high school office in care of the FFA would be appreciated.

...Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.
             `Mother Teresa

Floral Designer.....

   I've had a few different jobs in my life and floral designer is what I love the most. I've made shoes, waited tables, sewed shirts and piddled with a few others. We all have a talent that we were blessed with, sometimes it takes time for us to figure it out. Our journey through life has many curves and bends until we take the correct turn.
   I love designing flowers. Give me a bucket of flowers and I'll make a beautiful arrangement. Of the ones I've designed lately this has to be my favorite. Glads, gerbers, anthurium, seeded eucalyptus, flat fern, ti leaves and bear grass. So simple yet so beautiful.
   I hope those of you who read my blog, love your job too. Make the most of it and be the best that you can. Strive for the best in what ever field your standing in. Hopefully your job is the one the Lord blessed you with......

Cold Indiana Weather..............

Weather lore says that if dandelions bloom in November or December you should expect a cold winter......As I walked from the hen house tonight I noticed we had quite a few still blooming. Not only in the back yard but the front yard too. I even seen a few in Daddy's yard.
The persimmons had spoons in them and now dandelions are blooming. The hornets nest we removed from Linda's tree was low and that's a sign to.  Might as well get the winter coat out and the mittens. Should I invest in some snow boots???

How Pretty.......

   Last week I worked over in the flower shop. When I walked in the house I ask Bristol and Lily why they didn't have all the trees plugged in for me. How nice it would be to come in and the house be all pretty. Well, tonight I worked over again and when I came home the house was so pretty....all the trees were glowing. How pretty our home was. They were standing there just looking at me all excited as if to say, "Look, how pretty".
 I enjoy decorating and Christmas is my favorite holiday. So, I have five trees up. If I would have counted the one in our office it would have been six. But that tree just fades from one color to another. I have more trees in the attic and that doesn't count the ones that Sarah and Sandra have come and taken to their homes. I know you all were just messing with me. I have totes full of decorations just waiting to be hung on a tree. Some of my friends were over a few nights ago and enjoyed all the decorations. Even ole Santa has lights. Santa came home with me when I closed my shop. Tommy made a cabinet just for him. So if your looking for something to do one evening give me a call and you can come and enjoy my trees with Thomas and me......

December 7, 2012

11 years of kicking butt.....yep 11 years of never giving up. 11 years of waking up each morning knowing that once again I have to kick butt today. I say bring it on. If cancer thinks it's gonna get this lady it better think twice.
I've came across some pretty rough day's and it wasn't from cancer. But I kicked their butt's too. Those of us who fight every day to keep cancer in it's place can over come what any human puts in our way.
I will continue to fight and kick cancer's butt every day cause I got a lot of living yet to do.
To my friends who encourage me with your love and friendship and all the high 5's I've gotten today, I'm sending all the love right back to you.
To Thomas, Sarah and Sandra, I love you three so, so much.....xoxo

......comment was made-- Sarah and Sandra act like sisters should.
I've been looking back at pictures of my girls this evening and they always have their arms around each other. This pic was taken 10 years ago.  Doesn't matter if they were babies, teenagers or grown women they love each other very much.
I am so blessed.......

I"m still here.......

I didn't get lost and I haven't forgotten how to blog.....just been busy. Been getting our home decorated for the holidays and working a lot at Jubilee Flowers. After a long day most evenings all I want to do is snuggle with Thomas and relax. Hope all is well with my friends. Love you all........

Birthday girl......

   It was a normal November day back in 1978, overcast and chilly. We relaxed most of the day just waiting for time to head to the hospital. I remember getting in the car and saying, "I think we have a low tire." Sure enough, but there was a baby on the way and there was no time to worry about a low tire.
   Sarah Danielle entered the world  on November 19th at 5:46pm. Weighing in at 5lb and 13oz and 18 inches. My heart was so full of love and my eyes were full of happy tears. She was beautiful.
I'm so proud of Sarah and the amazing woman that she has become. So proud when I get the chance to introduce her as my daughter. I'm proud and grateful for the inspiration, the joy and the remarkable love that has filled my life since the day I first kissed her little hand. Happy birthday Sarah..........

It's official............

Yep, its official....When they put out the Cranberry Ginger Ale you know that the holiday season has arrived. I will be stocking up. Merry Christmas and a Ho Ho Ho.

Grandpa Peavler......

  With today being Veterans Day, I honored my Daddy for his service on Facebook. I want to salute my Grandpa Peavler who served in the Navy during WWl.

Not for sure when or where this picture was taken. I remember him telling me all the different country's that he had been. Grandpa lived up north and when I visited we had our special time. Being a proud veteran he raised "Old Glory" every morning and evening. I now look back and remember what an honor it was for me to stand there with him every morning and evening. Grandpa was the one who taught me the proper way to fold the flag. Still today every flag is folded just as he taught me.

Date Day..............

   Thomas and I enjoyed the day traveling in northern Jackson County. We went on the Country Neighbors Christmas Open House. It was a beautiful day after the fog lifted, the sun came out and it was a perfect day. I found a few things that I couldn't live without and we made note of a few things that Thomas could build for me.

    It was such an awesome day to have a date with my sweetie. Even though there were few leaves left on the trees, it opened the woods to see the hillside. Jackson County is beautiful no matter what season it is.......

Saying goodbye.....

   Spent most of the day preparing for the winter, did I really say Winter??  Put straw in the ducks house and watched them root around till it was the way they wanted it. The chickens keep trying to help when I put new straw in their nest.

  Cut down most of my flowers. I couldn't help but remember how pretty they were this spring. I will miss them as I walk up the walk this winter.

Also cut down my Knock-out roses in front of the house. They were still blooming even after a couple killer frost. Some folks across this country never experience the four seasons. Their life must be boring. There is an excitement come spring when you see the first sign of a tulip peeping up through the soil. Or a morning sunrise in the fall when the the trees are blazing with color. Just leave me in Uniontown with Thomas and I will be quite content.

Trick or Treat.......

  They planned all week for Trick or Treat night. Come 5 O'clock they started getting ready. They painted each other's faces and I could hear them laughing from their rooms. I promised I wouldn't look till they were ready. My little girls are all grown up but it still brings tears to my eyes when I see pictures like these. But you know, doesn't matter how old they get they will always be my little girls.......

Happy Halloween.......

Cupcakes for Thomas........done

Cupcakes for Sarah's family.....done

Cupcakes for Sandra office.....done

Cupcakes for Jubilee Flowers.....done

Happy Halloween everybody............

FFA, Diana & gardens.......

   The last few days have been a whirlwind. Today is the first day where I've not had to be somewhere. Being at home today is a good thing. Wednesday and Thursday I enjoyed the day with 50k plus FFA members. The kids were awesome. They have the world in their hands just waiting to accomplish great things. Thursday our day started at 5am with a quick breakfast. We were to arrive at the fairground by 7 to set up. The doors were to open at 8 for the kids to assemble and receive their instructions for the Floraculture contest. There were eight stations of different tests. I was one of three judges for the floral design. 192 entries to be judged. We judged four hours straight. We ate lunch while we judged.
    In the afternoon I judged job interviews. I learned that on the west side of the Mississippi a farm is considered a ranch. I ask one young man, what animals do you raise--cows, pigs, horses. Then a young lady from Ohio referred to her farm, I ask her what animals do you raise--cows, pigs, horses. Guess it's just which side of the river you live on.

                                       These are just some of the 192 designs

                    FFA members receiving instructions before afternoon session

  Saturday was a girls day out. Sarah, Sandra and I headed to the Frazier Museum in Louisville to tour the Princess Diana collection. I remember getting up at 4am to watch her wedding on tv before heading to work at the Shoe Factory. Her wedding dress was just as beautiful as I remember as she stepped out of the carriage that morning.
   We  enjoyed lunch and was able to squeezed in some shopping.

 Today as I cleaned up some of my gardens this is what I seen...

I couldn't bring myself to cut these flowers, they were still blooming....

 

 

 

FFA Bound.......

 

Kentucky Florist Association is heading to the National FFA Convention in Indy today.  We will be helping the members in the floral contest. I'm excited to be part of the group. Besides that I want to experience the excitement that Linda tells me about. This is an organization that prepares our young men and women to be leaders in their community and to go out into the world an accomplish great things. I was honored a few years ago with an honorary degree and later given the VIP award. I learn so much from working with the FFA kids. Can't wait to be surrounded with blue jackets.

Uncle Hube......

   This past Sunday Daddy and I visited with his brother Hubert. Uncle Hube turned 91 on October 17. They spent a few minutes talking of how each of them were and the conservation quickly turned to the days of living on the mountain in eastern Kentucky. Daddy was curious of when Papaw had built the big barn, he thought it was in the early 1930's and Hube said he was for sure it was 1932.
   To be able to set still and just listen, was priceless for me. Two brothers who were growing old could still remember things they did 70 years ago. They recalled things by the time of the year- fall 1940 or spring of 1938. Daddy talked how he could still find his way up the path. Sometimes he closes his eyes and he's back on the mountain. Uncle Hube said, yep just put me at the bottom & I'll meet you at the top. They talked about planting in the lower garden and Mamaw's apple orchard.
As we started to leave they held onto each other's hand, Daddy said, I love you buddy. Uncle Hube said, I love you to little brother.
   This picture was taken about 1956 on the way to Harlan, Kentucky. Uncle Hube was driving his Chevy and in the trunk was Papaw Brumett tomb stone. They purchased it here at home and loaded up all the supplies they needed to set the stone. Back then you would have been able to drive up the steep hill to the family plot. Last time I was there you had to walk and it was straight up.
Daddy says they carried water from the creek to mix the concrete. After a couple hours they were ready to sow a little grass. Before heading back down the hill they talked about the day they brought him back from Indiana, back to the mountain. Right where he wanted to be.

Double nickles......

   Yep, that's me. I was eight and I thought there were way to many candles on my cake. When Mom lighted all those candles it seemed like a big flame. Imagine how big the flame would be today.

 Today Linda supplied the cookies, Sarah and Sandra brought the cupcakes. They were scrumptious. I have to admit there is a pumpkin flavored cupcake missing and a M&M cookie also missing from the picture. Had them for lunch. Thanks to my buddy Linda for the lunch date. To all my friends who sent me messages on FB, sent a text or called, I love you all for remembering me. I am blessed.....

Life is good.......

   If you made a wish for a perfect fall day, today you would have gotten your wish. It was beautiful. I had a few things on my "to do" list. Mow the back yard, plant the mums Linda gave me and replant a few maple trees. This was my view from the mower.

 As I mowed I was making mental notes of the things that needs to be done to prepare for winter. I still have some flowers blooming so I will put off preparing my gardens for a couple more weeks. Not ashamed to admit that sometimes I sing to myself when I mow and sometimes I think out loud. Today was a day to think out loud. Looking at the blast of color all around me reminds me of all the blessing that I have. Thomas, Sarah, Sandra, my home and my circle of friends. Also, good test results the last few months. You've heard the ole saying, "Life is good", well it's awesome for me.

Blast of color.....

   Thomas and I enjoyed supper at Linda's home tonight. Linda is a great cook. While Thomas with busy with handyman stuff and Linda was in the kitchen I took a walk around the farm.  I was excited with all the color. Some of the trees were in full color. From a dark yellow to a neon yellow. From a blast of orange to a dab of red. Just ablaze with pure bright color.

I was lucky that my camera was working correctly. I couldn't help but click away. Every direction that I turned the trees just kept getting more amazing.

Last week Linda informed me that she found a hornets nest. It was in a tree just under her swing. She couldn't believe that she hadn't seen it all summer long. Thomas climbed the ladder and cut it down. I was ready with the camera. You say where's the picture?? well, what I thought were four good pics turned out to be nothing but a purple blur. I'll try again tomorrow. Thomas remarked that it was a good size. We added it to our collection. With this one we now have five. Check back tomorrow to see if we get a good pic.......

Afternoon......

 

                                       
                                         Nothing better than a lazy Sunday afternoon........

Of all days for my camera to die......

   Headed to Madison this afternoon for a fall home tour of seven beautiful homes. Was making my way through the garden area of one home and was ready to take some pictures. Now I knew my camera had been taking a few bad pictures on occasions and today was not the day for it to be messing up. I reset a few buttons and tried again, nothing but a blur.....so guess what I'm going to get myself for Christmas!!! 

   Since I don't have any photos from all the beautiful homes and gardens today, I will show you a picture of mine......

May you rest in peace.......

 

Keith Wynne Mosley

March 26, 1957-October 6, 2012

Beautiful Day.........

   Enjoyed the afternoon mowing the grass. Now some of you might not agree with me but that's ok. I was looking around at the tree's as they are just starting to bust with color. My persimmon tree has been shades of yellow and orange for the past two weeks. As I mowed today almost all the leaves had fallen just in the last few days. I'm thankful that I took the time to take some photos last Sunday.

   It was so peaceful to mow and enjoy the beautiful sunshine. No place I would rather be than, home......

The circle of life.......

   Headed to Columbus this morning with Mom and Daddy to the Social Security office. Needed to make changes per the government request. As my parents have gotten older they have depended more on my brother and me to help them with paper work and errands. Do we mind--not a bit. It's the circle of life. They raised us till we were able to be out on our own. They drove us here and there for school events and party's at our friends house. Provided us with a car and gas money. They gave more than we ask for and loved us regardless of how much trouble we might have gotten into. Unconditional love is what a parent has for their children. Now it's our turn to take care of them. How blessed I am to still have both of my parents, they are in good health and very happy. Yes, it's the circle of life.....

Sunrise in Uniontown........

As the sun comes up each morning it should be a reminder that we've been given another day. Another day to be kind to one another. To do something that we've never done before. To sing with the radio when your setting in traffic and not worry if the person in the next car might think your crazy.
Tell your friends that you love them. Take the time to ask the cashier if she is having a good day. Don't just take your change grab your sacks and walk off. Smile....you have been given another day. Live it to the fullest. You just never know if you'll have tomorrow...................

 

Doing with out each other??

   This evening Sarah and I loaded the last box, cleaned the floors and sacked up the last of the trash. We were finally done and her house is empty and ready for the next family. There were days all of us were there packing things up. She loves to cook so the kitchen took the longest. Sandra wanted to know if there was a gadget that she didn't have.
  Sarah and I was busy in the bath room and she said, "Mom, what would I do without you." Not wanting her to see the tear in my eye I replied quickly, "what would I do without you."

Sarah like many of us has been through a storm. There were days when she didn't know which end was up. But at the end of the storm she came out dancing. She is a strong, determined lady. I'm so proud of her in all that she has accomplished. She has found her prince charming. Pat is perfect. When they look at each other their eyes glow and you can feel the love  they have for one another. As a mother you just want your children to grow up to be healthy and happy.
As we drove up to Sarah and Pat's home Pat came out the door to meet us and Sarah and I said together, "Honey we're home", he looked at Sarah and said, "Welcome home baby"