Derby Hat......

   This weekend is the Kentucky Floral Convention in Frankfort. Once again I'm in charge of the designers and the design room. We have designers coming in from all over the United States. I enjoy being in the design room, you're able to see first hand how the design is developed and you get to know the designer personally. I've made some great friendships over the years and keep in touch with them.
   Our theme for the Saturday night gala is, Derby. You can dress for millionaire row or for the infield. I choose millionaire row. Not wanting to wear a huge Derby hat, I designed a Fascinator hat. I did research on designs and came up with my own. I went through some totes left from the my flower shop, found the tulle I wanted and a few other things. I think my Fascinator looks great. I showed it to Linda and Denise and they loved it. Denise said it would be great for the Prom.
   The Fascinator is becoming popular by Princess Kate. Usually designed on a small hat or a head band fits to the side of your head. Not having a wig stand I placed the Fascinator on one of my bears so you could see it. I will take pics on saturday night and you can see it better.

Monday's Memories....Needing a rest.

   Took Sandra to get her picture taken when she was five years old. I have a picture of Sarah when she was five and I needed one of Sandra. The photographer had taken quite a few pictures of sis. As he was changing lens, out of the blue Sandra stated, "I need a rest" just as he was ready for the next shot he got her resting....we all laughed when the proofs came back.

Lucas and Juno

   Lucas is a brave little boy. It's bad enough when an adult has to deal with cancer or a untreatable disease. But when a little child has to suffer it totally breaks my heart. I cry every time I think about my cancer getting to the point where there is no hope. I've got so many things to do and grand baby's to love and smooch on. Then you read a story like Lucas and his dog Juno and it touches your heart in such a way that my little cancer is nothing compared to what Lucas and his parents are going through.
   Follow, "Lucas Hembree" on facebook and read the story that was on the, TODAY Show.com. Lift him and his family up in your prayers.

Things.....

   We all have things. Things we don't need, things we think we can't live without and things that clutter our life.
  But the most important things in life aren't things.....

  

Remembering Jan....

   Not quite for sure how to start this post today. So many thoughts have crossed my mind. I remember all the times that Jan would call me a few weeks before the festival and ask if I needed her help with anything and if I was hanging in there. All the times we set at the VFW and chatted with each other. I recall my last day of chemo. I was almost done when Jan and Ed came in. Jan was back for another round and she was happy for me that I was done for now. When ever there was flowers delivered to the hospital for her, I made sure I delivered them. It was good to see her laugh when I came through the door with more flowers. We would talk about cancer and we never had a kind word to say about it. She use to tell me,''girl we're two tough women.''
   I've known Jan since I was six years old and I've always looked up to her. She was a proud American, a proud veterans wife and even prouder to be little Ed's Mom.
   Jan is at peace now, that damn cancer can no longer attack her. I hate cancer, once again it took someone I loved.

 

Monday's Memories--Kermit the Frog.....

   Sarah has always loved Kermit. From the time she was three years old she had a crush on Kermit. We went to all his movies, watched all the TV specials. We even stood in line at Disney World for an hour and a half so she could see him. A poster of him still hangs on the inside of her closet door at home. I ask her if she wanted to take it with her and she said, just leave him there.
   When she went on the senior trip she purchased a newer one in New York City. It didn't surprise me at all when she unpacked her bag and out jumped Kermit. Still today Kermit has his own special shelf in her home.

Icy.......

   As I woke up this morning I wondered if we were covered with ice. I made my way to the kitchen window and sure enough everything was covered. The ice sparkled from the pole light. I text Sarah to make sure she made it to work safely. She said 65 was in good shape and she had no problem. Sandra's office is closed on weekends so I knew she was home safe. As for Thomas he was still asleep. I was suppose to work at the flower shop today but Heather called and since she lives in town she would go in. Later on I made my way out to check on my chickens and ducks or should I say I slid out to check on them. They were all cozy in their houses not a bit worried about the weather. It might be a good day to make some home made bread. If you all venture out today, be careful.....
 

Class......

   Occasionally I sub at school. Most of the time I fill in for Linda when she has to be out, if I have the day off from the shop. Linda tells the sub coordinator I know alot about flowers, plants and animals which is what she teaches. 4th period class was learning about eggs. I told Linda that I would bring in some of my fresh brown eggs for the kids to compare with white store bought eggs. I explained the process of incubating eggs for 21 days and raising chickens. It was a fun day, but just like the kids I was ready to head home when the last bell rang..... 

Don't forget to smile.....

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

Monday's Memories......

   Starting today I'm going to start posting, "Monday's Memories." Every Monday I'll post a picture or two about something or someone who has made a memory to me and my family.
Today's memory takes me back to, Relay for Life. It was the first year that my flower shop, Mountain Memories sponsored a team. We raised a little over $1100.00. I recall it rained a lot that year and about midnight it came a thunderstorm. We had a camper so we could take turns resting as we were required to walk 24 hours straight. When the lightning started they told every one to take cover, little did they know we already had. It was a good time with lots of laughter and tears. This picture was taken about 10:30pm I think back about 1991. Sandra was still in high school. Linda, Sandra and me.......

The lovely lady.....

   Headed south today for a meeting to finalize our floral convention in a couple of weeks. It was good to see everybody. I wasn't able to attend the last two during the summer due to my treatments. We gathered at Wayne's house which is close to the Ohio River. We enjoyed a pitch in and lot of laughs. As I walked closer to the front door I was meet by this lovely lady...

Memories........

   I checked Shelley's blog this evening and it made me smile. The picture she showed is one of my favorites. It was taken on a joyous day. It was the wedding of Shelley's brother Scott and his bride Tammy.  I was running around doing last minute designing of the flowers and making sure everyone had their flowers. I had just come back from pinning Scott's flower on him and headed out to find Shelley.
As I look at that picture now it still warms my heart.  Shelley and I didn't say to many words as I pinned on her corsage. We didn't need to say much, we knew what each other was feeling.
   Shelley stated it was a hot summer day and I remember it well. I had been working all day, Sarah and Linda worked with me preparing for the wedding.
   What a special day and I'm so thankful that Scott and Tammy let me be a part of it.

Standing alone......

   Old man winter came today with cold winds and snow. I decided to take one of the runs for delivery today. I knew some of the deliveries were out in the county and I wanted to see how the snow looked on the open fields. I came across a lonely tree. I wondered why the farmer left this one tree standing. I thought maybe years ago it was where his wife would pitch a table cloth across the tail gate of his pickup and they would share the lunch that she had prepared. Even as the snow flakes became bigger I could imagine a spring day with a light breeze, the sun shinning and the smell of fresh soil just being turned over. Fried chicken, garden picked green beans, home made rolls and a large glass of ice tea. The farmer and his wife discussing how they hoped for a bumper crop this year enjoying each other's company under that big old tree........

Go back to sleep.....

   Thomas and I was enjoying the warm sunshine today and we noticed the daffodils were peeking there heads out and the magnolia bush had fuzzy buds showing. These warm days that southern Indiana has been experiencing has got the plants thinking it's been a short winter. Weather man says that will change tomorrow with rain and snow. You just never know about southern Indiana weather.

Derrick's Birthday............

   A fun time was had by all at Derrick's 14th birthday party. Linda prepared a tasty meal, but the cake and ice cream was the best. Enjoy the pictures.................

 

Happy Birthday Derrick....your the best!!

Yeast Rolls......

   Today was a beautiful day. Can you believe that it's January.  I took advantage of the sunshine and washed a couple of rugs and hung them on the line. They were dry in no time.

   I also tried my hand at making yeast rolls. Years ago I made some and they turned out ok. But for a yeast roll to be great it has to be light and airy. I've been comparing recipes for a couple of days and found one that I liked.





                                                          Waiting for the yeast to rise.

                                             

Dough is kneaded and ready.

     Placed in an oiled bowl and ready to rise.

                               

                                                       After a couple of hours.

                           

                              Dough is cut, rolled into a ball & placed in baking dish to rise again.

                                                                  Looking good.    

 

 

                                                        Ready for the oven.  

 

                                             

                                                  Just need some butter.......

 

Jubilee Christmas Party....

   Last evening the gang at Jubilee Flowers enjoyed our annual Christmas party. We never have a free evening during the holidays so we wait till the first week in January. We all loaded up and headed to Columbus. Heather choose Scotty's just down from the courthouse. Scotty's is eco friendly. The food is organic and they don't use napkins. You have a hand towel folded on your appetizer plate. Your water comes in a over sized fruit jar. The atmosphere was very laid back which was a perfect fit for us. We had a awesome evening and had quite a few laughs as you can see from the pictures below......

Starting from your right, Linda (Heather's Mom), Jan, Barb, Vicki and me, Heather was taking the picture.

Vicki and Linda enjoying the appetizer's.

Vicki, showing us her eco friendly napkin.

Our fries came in these cute little deep fryer baskets. These are my sweet potato fries. Your side's for dipping were marshmallow, carmel and ketchup.

Heather opening her presents with Barb in the background.

Heather, me and Jan enjoying our beverage's.

Winter........

       Winter, a lingering season. Is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey and enjoy every idle hour.                             
                                                                           John Boswell



Baby it's cold out side.......

   Setting here in the warmth of our home while it's 21 degrees outside. We just finished with supper and we are settled in for the night. We've both had the last few days off and we kinda been lazy. Lily and Bristol and the puppies have loved having us home all day. Thomas and I were talking this afternoon what our New Year's resolution was or if we even had thought about it. I said, I wanted to do better at making homemade bread. Going to try this weekend with my first batch. I'll let you know how it goes.
We took pictures New Year's Eve.....

   
                                                                      Sarah and Pat

                                                                      
                                                                      Sandra and Aaron

                                                  
                                                                 Thomas and me