Wordless Wednesday: Old-time summer fun

Nothing replaces the fun of an old-time hard plastic pool!

Not even...

  

For more Wordless Wednesday fun, visit 5 Minutes for Mom.

Up and RUNNING

I used to be one of those people who mouth-off, "The only time you'll catch me "running" is if someone were chasing me!"

Then cancer, HORRIBLE, EVIL CANCER struck our lives.

June 1st, 2009, we sent our good friend, man and woman's best friend, Weston, off to the Meatybone gates.

We adopted Weston as a puppy a few scant weeks before saying our "I do's".

Lymphoma claimed his life a tender seven years later.

I felt his loss deep in my bones.

I wept and prayed.

Prayed and wept.

Devestated.

Heartbroken.

He was my "Fwend".

 *January 2009*

*

*A few days after his diagnosis (April 2009).*

One afternoon, a few days following his burial, was leaning on the strength of a beautiful friend.

"I feel like pulling a Forrest Gump, getting up and running.  

Just running.  No particular destination.  No goal.  No direction.  Just run."

She then asked the question that might not have launched a thousand ships, but launched my feet and subsequently the healing process,

"Why don't you?"

June 1, 2010 marked the 1 year anniversary of Weston's death.

It also marked a year of "running" that somewhere along the way discovered a destination, created a goal and found direction.

It also culminated in finishing my first 5K on May 1 2010, followed by two more that same month.

It runs through my blood now.

Pounding pavement.

Perspiration.

Going the extra mile.

Adrenaline.

Competition...

*1st Run*

"SCS 5K and 1 mile Tot Trot"

{SCS is "Southside Christian School": the kids school)

Mom & mySamuelson running the 1 mile Tot Trot

Mom running 5K.

Family Chick-Fil-A picnic post-race.

 Time: 31:(Not sure of seconds for the race wasn't time-chipped.)

*2nd Run*

Greenville Hospital System "Swamp Rabbit 5K"

 Time: 38.47

 
 

*3rd Run*

Freedom Weekend Aloft  "Freedom 5K"

 Time: 28.49

*First 5K I ran the entire way!*

Acceptance Speech

Awards?
Again??
No to mention so soon after the other two???
Am practically speechless.

O.k....

"speechlessness" over.

That wiley ole' tongue of mine has never been good at hide-n-seek!
Having a hard time grasping that there are people out there who enjoy my blogging/writing to such a degree as to bestow such notable awards on it.
Once again, am truly humbled and most appreciative.

*Webster's definition.*  
Versatile

Date: 1605

1 : changing or fluctuating readily : variable
2 : embracing a variety of subjects, fields, or skills; also : turning with ease from one thing to another
3 a (1): capable of turning forward or backward : reversible (2): capable of moving laterally and up and down b of an anther : having the filaments attached at or near the middle so as to swing freely
4 : having many uses or applications

*Cleo's definition*

Versatile 

"Wearing many hats."

Thank you, laughing Sarah, strong and kind, for a label that does me justice. ;)

In keeping with the rules of the award, below are seven little-known personal facts...

1)  I nurture a passion for muscle cars.  No way could we presently afford Eleanor (see Nicholas Cage's "Gone In 60 Seconds").  Private christian school tuition takes a CHUNK out of our income.  Sooooo, about 20 years from now, when you hear a super-charged revving engine at a stop light, and you turn and see a middle-aged woman with an impish grin and a "Let's do this!" countenance..that's me!!!!

2)  Dirty microwaves (the inside of them) make me cringe.

3)  A sophomore in college, I played a game of darts one night at a pub with Green Bay Packer's famous quarter back,  Bret Favre.  Both him and his agent were "checking out" our wide receiver, Randy Moss.  Pretty understandable, given that encounter, to think I'd be a #1 fan.  Sorry to disappoint, but "NO WAY!"  While I can appreciate, and even admire that throwing arm (yes...he won the dart game...any doubt?) that took him and his team to the Super Bowl twice, his character left a bit to be desired. 

4)  Same year in college, went to the Kentucky Derby with a then "potential boyfriend".  A party, like few others, in the infield where we spent the day shocked the daylights out of us both! 

5)  My PMS is so bad the medical profession even has a name for it: Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder.  Take the average woman's PMS and multiply it by 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 and you've got me about five days out of the month.  Funny thing, when I was pregnant it vanished!  Yes, Sugar has, albeit briefly, considered keeping me in that state because of this! (insert a don't-think-so-chuckle here!)  Am getting a better handle on it...BY THE GRACE OF GOD!

6)  Webster & his cousin, Thesaurus, are two of my FAVE books.  SERIOUSLY.

7)  Have walked that old Roman Road to the foot of Calvary where my Savior died for me.  I stand on the promise of John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  I rejoice in the assurance that He rose 3 days after burial in a tomb and LIVES! (John 20:18)  One day soon He will return for me! (Revelation 1:3)  HALLELUJAH!!!

Tippin' my many hats to...

Rachel @ Yarn Over

Stephanie @ A Pocket Full Of Buttons

Melinda @ Blue Jeans and Cotton Tees

Melodramomma

jayaycee blog
___________________________________________________________________________________

*Webster's definition.*

Sunshine

Date: 13th century

1 a : the sun's light or direct rays b : the warmth and light given by the sun's rays c : a spot or surface on which the sun's light shines

2 : something (as a person, condition, or influence) that radiates warmth, cheer, or happiness

*Cleo's definition*

Sunshine

"God's light."

Thank you, sweet Lori, my sister-in-Christ, for allowing our God to work through you in encouraging me with so beautiful an award.


The following are five rays of sunshine in my life...

1)  Christ in my heart.

2)  Sharing the best and worst life has to offer with my best friend: a man I am so proud to call my husband.

3)  The honor of full-time parenting my three most-undeserving, beautiful blessings: mySamuelson, Mad & Punk.

4)  Home.  Not a house, but our home.  A "house" is a building that serves as living quarters.  A home, on the other hand, is a haven.  A place to retreat when the world has turned a cold shoulder to you: with the knowledge that love awaits you there.  A place where laughter, spilled milk, bubble baths, tears, hugs, bad hair days and everything in-between abounds within the family who dwells there.  A "home" is a "house" with life.  

5)  The few hobbies/interests I can squeeze in: gardening, writing, running, couponing and reading.  

Passing the Sunshine on to...

Dina @ 4 Lettre Words

Kayce @  Our Boy And His Cricket

Jennifer @ The Pages' Page 

Doreen @ They say everyone has a story...this is mine...

Lisa @ Advent's and other Fine(nell) Adventures

 

 Stop in for a visit with these ten wonderful, award-winning women.

Can promise you'll be forever "changed"!
I am!!!

Fine Print

Attention Honorees of awards:

To accept...
...upload the award image somewhere within your blog (in a post, on a sidebar, etc.)
...list seven personal little-known facts about yourself for the "Versatile" award. 
...list five things (i.e. people, places, etc.) that bring you sunshine for the "Sunshine" award.
...pass the award on to five other bloggers.
...let the nominees know they have recived the award by commenting on their blog.
...share the love and link the person who gave you the award.

Wordless Wednesday: Memorial Day "Freedom 5K"

Madalyn'ism IV

{Setting: Mom tinkling in salon bathroom, watching Mad finish pulling her shorts up after a turn on the toilet.  She, in turn, intently watches Mom.  Mom gets uncanny feeling she's being "sized-up".}

Mad: "Your butt's too big for that seat, Mom."  

Old Man Loafers

Although not "sugar and spice and everything nice", am hoping mySamuelson's tacky taste in dressing is a straight shot from his father's genes.

The alternative isn't even considerable!

Although I must admit to wearing pj's everywhere when pregnant with said child.
From the couch...

to the supermarket.
Yes, sadly, am serious.
Any "fashionista" I had in me "pre" children I left on the birthing table along with my placenta gobbledy-gook.

About 2 months ago, as we were walking into my Doctor's lab to give blood for my upcoming physical, I really looked at mySamuelson.
You've got to put your "imagination caps" on for this one folks:
T-shirt seen better days with a host of fresh, new stains to add to those that had defied repeated "Resolve Spot Remover" attempts.
Dressy, pleated khaki shorts
(appropriate for Sunday morning church),
leprechaun-looking socks
(oh yeah...LOUD green),
and these loafers...

which he wore with anything, everywhere for weeks on end!

Mom: "Why don't you start wearing your sandals or flip flops, Sam?  The weather's warmer and those shoes are going to make your feet sweat." (Am thinking: sweat = stench.  And to be brutally honest: mySamuelson = jakey.)

mySamuelson: "Nah.  These are my favorite, Mom."

Mom: "You know, those look like old man shoes." (Am thinking: they really do.)

mySamuelson: "No they don't!" (smiling, with laughter lacing his words)

Mom: "Yes they do!" (Sometimes the allure to get in a "No it's not/ Yes it is" verbal spat with one's child is irresistible!)

mySamuelson: "Moooom!  They don't look like old man's shoes!" (Still smiling, but with a bit of consternation in his profile.)

Mom: "The next time we see an old man, look at his feet and I'll bet you'll see loafers that look like yours."

mySamuelson: "O.k.  But you're going to be wrong!"  (A tad unsure but excited nonetheless to be challenged.  A state-of-being he THRIVES in!)

* Must interject here that my primary care/ family physician is an Internist.  Thus, it should come as no surprise when I share that there are alot of elderly people in the waiting rooms.  A good number of the Doctor's in practice with mine specialize in one particular area: pulmonary, cardiology, etc.  Hence, the large number of aging patients.

Mom: "Sam!  Look!" (pointing at a 60-something man sitting in the lab waiting room we were walking by)

mySamuelson: "Oh my gosh, Mom!!!  That old man has shoes on just like mine!!!" (in disbelief with escalating excitement)

{Aside: They were carbon copies of Sam's!  Couldn't have planned it any better!}

*By this time, we had entered the lab and were looking for a place to sit.  mySamuelson's eyes were glued to those old man's feet the entire way.  Then...

mySamuelson: "Mom! Oh my gosh!  Mom! Mom!" (With unchecked eagerness: jumping up and down in front of me, pulling at my sleeve...with quick, stolen glances to his right.)

Mom: "What, Sam!?" (aggravated, of course)

mySamuelson: "Look, that man has old man shoes on too!" (a LOUD whisper)

Mom: "Yes, I know.  We already talked about it." (distracted with a roaming Punk)

mySamuelson: "No Mom.  Not that man.  That man!" (pointing at a 70-something man sitting to our right, a few chairs down)

Mom: (Throws a quick, placating glance to her right.  Breath catches in her throat that eventually comes out a guffawing hee-haw as she confirms mySamuelson's keen observation!)

mySamuelson: "Can you believe there are two old guys here with shoes on like mine, Mom?!" (grinning ear-to-ear) 

No, Mom can't!!!!

Guess they're more popular with the "elderly-man crowd" than I originally thought!

Unfortunately, these (along with about 25 other pairs of shoes) met their demise at the jaws of Dog-with-no-brain.
To quote Eustice on Courage the Cowardly Dog,
"Stupid dog!"

LOVE that cartoon!

Wordless Wednesday - Imp

For more "Wordless Wednesday" fun, visit 5 Minutes For Mom.

April's sunshine NOT showers bring May flowers!

How can it be that our Punk have not one post dedicated strictly to her???
(With the exception of her introductory post created back in January!)

Well, that buck stops right here, right now!

*Sugar's first deer-mount.*

The following wordless (with exception of date photo taken) April photo collage is in honor of "The Punk".

A

April 6, 2010

April 14, 2010

April 17, 2010

April 29, 2010

This little light of mine... I love her all-consumingly!

Black & White Wednesday: My hero's hero

Although this won't reflect well on my "wifery" skills...
am hoping it will aid in purging the guilt.
(wink)

 Have been in that holy state of matrimony for almost 8 years now and until this past Saturday,
could not have told you who my Sugar's hero(es) is.

Shoot, didn't even know he had one!
(bowing head in abject shame)

After learning who it is, I must say my heart swelled with pride and my Sugar solidly moved into position as one of my heroes.
One sure can tell a lot about an individual by examining their hero(es)...who they look up to...who they admire...who they pattern themselves after.
We should all have one hero, at the least.

he·ro

Pronunciation: \ˈhir-(ˌ)ō\

Function: noun

Etymology: Latin heros, from Greek hērōs

Date: 14th century

a: a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities  

b: one that shows great courage

Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North

Specs

• combat decorated 22-year Marine: silver star, the bronze star for valor and two purple hearts for wounds in combat.

• #1 best-selling author (eleven books)
• founder of a small business
• inventor with three U.S. patents
• syndicated columnist
• host of War Stories on the Fox News Channel
• member of the NRA board of directors
• founder of Freedom Alliance (A foundation that provides college scholarships for the sons and daughters of service members killed in action.)
• United States government’s counter-terrorism coordinator 1983-1986

***Yet, he claims his most important accomplishment is to be “the husband of one, the father of four and the grandfather of eleven.”***

A family man.

A man's man.

A hero.

In order to make the Colonel stand out...

though if you ask me, he accomplishes that quite well himself!

For more arresting black and white's, visit Lisa at The Long Road to China.

Wordless Wednesday - Home Office decor

*For more "Wordless Wednesday fun, link up at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Tutorial: Making HOMEMADE strawberry jam

I have a friend allergic to strawberries.

Yep...you read me write...

ALLERGIC TO STRAWBERRIES!
What the heck???
Yep...
that was "heck" I said.
Am an old stick-in-the-mud.
(said quite proudly)

I retired the potty mouth when mySamuelson was born.

These days, "hate" is a bad word in our household.

Not that I'm a "bleeding heart".

FAR from it.

(Verification here and here.)

Hearing such a strong, negative word on the lips of a child is akin to seeing a picture of said child holding a machine gun.

So sadly, that is the state of many parts of our world today. :(

I wish I could share memories of making jam with my mother, grandmother, an aunt...someone...anyone.
Alas, that is not the case.
I am blessed, however, with heart-warming memories of learning to grow and tend a vegetable garden at the hands of my Memaw.
I can distinctly remember kneeling beside her with a plant in our hands...



As Sugar and I discovered a few years back when we started making jam, the process is simple and yields a better tasting jam then any manufactured you buy off the shelves.
All of those additives they use: preservatives...artificial flavors...etc., etc. might serve a number of purposes, including longevity of the jam and of course, decreasing overhead.
There is a costly exchange, however.
It rapes the jam of its natural flavors and health benefits.

We happen to be in a part of the country with conditions (rich soil and warm spring temperatures) that make it relatively easy to grow strawberries.
For some reason, though, my green thumb just refuses to cooperate in nurturing this fruit.
Strawberries and roses.
What on earth is it about these two plants that makes it impossible for me to grow???   
And I'm not talking practically impossible.
I'm talking outright impossible!

Fortunately, we have a few farms within a 30 minute drive that grows strawberries.

Each year we make a trip out to one of the fields.

We've grown especially fond of "Stewarts Farm".
Good pickin' and warm, friendly farm staff faces.

It's time well-spent.
Any time spent together as a family in pursuing honorable, basic & simple pleasures is time "well-spent".
And "God-blessed" with HIS stamp of approval.

***I know...Giddy-up, Cleo!
On to the tutorial!!!***

Ingredients & Items Needed

5 cups mashed strawberries
7 cups of sugar
1/2 teaspoon butter
1 box of Sure Jell Fruit Pectin
5 pint-size Mason jars
5 Mason jar lids
5 Mason jar bands

*WalMart, Big Lots, Target...just about any store sells canning equipment: especially at the height of the season. (NOW!)
*Sure Jell can be found at any grocery store.


Set-up

Wash strawberries.

 Allow me to offer a little clarification here.
We don't actually wash each strawberry.
With the large quantity we're working with, we would be there an hour!
 We put them, all at once, in a sink full of water and allow them to soak for about 15 minutes.
What this method misses in removing dirt, bacteria, etc., boiling them at an extremely high temperature manages to get.
That "15 minutes" also gives you time to start working on the rest of the prep.
 
Sterilize your Mason jars.
(I always sterilize one extra jar: just in case.)

We put ours through a wash cycle, by themselves, in the dishwasher.  The temperature gets high enough to accomplish the task, and it avoids the more involved process of a water bath on the stove.
God Bless the man/woman who invented the dishwasher!

Sterilize the lids and bands stovetop.

Do not put them in the washer with the jars, for they need to be moist and hot in order to create a good seal.
A condition (i.e. moist & hot) boiling them on the stovetop creates and is easy to maintain until you're ready to use them.

Cut the tops/stems off the strawberries.

Using a knife you can slice them off.
Or Pampered Chef has a gadget...

that I love, for it cuts back on waste.
When you slice the stem off of a strawberry, inevitably, a good bit of the fruit goes with it.
We don't like "waste" round here.
I don't remember the name of this tool, but know it's a "corer".
 Have had mine for 5 years now.
I went to Pampered Chef's website and found an upgraded model with two different "corers": one at each end!
Cost - $10.50
Obviously some inventor's been hard at work in the lab. ;)

Mash the strawberries, a handful at a time.

 Or you can throw them all in a food processor.  

I prefer the "mashing" method, for it seems every time I use the processor I end up pureeing them.

"Pureeing" is good if you're making jelly, but this is a jam recipe!

Jam should have bits-and-pieces of the delectable fruit!

Cook

Pour the exact amount (5 cups) of the prepared fruit in a 6- or 8- quart saucepot.

Stir one box Sure Jell Fruit Pectin into prepared fruit in saucepot.

Add 1/2 teaspoon butter or margarine to reduce foaming.

Bring mixture to full rolling boil (a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring frequently.

While waiting for the fruit mixture to boil, pull your mason jars out of the dishwasher and set them up on a flat, heat/burn-proof surface.

Measure exact amount (7 cups) of sugar into a separate bowl.

***IMPORTANT NOTE: Reducing sugar or using sugar substitutes will result in "set" failures.***

Once the prepared fruit mixture reaches a full rolling boil, stir in sugar- quickly.

Return to full rolling boil and boil exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Can

Ladle quickly into jars, filling to within 1/8 inch of tops.

Screw the lids on, over the bands, tightly.
Let stand at room temperature 24 hours.

Store unopened jam in cool, dry, dark place up to 1 year.
We put them in that small cupboard above the refrigerator: you know, that one that stores stuff you hardly use because it's so blasted hard to get to!
Refrigerate opened jam up to a month.

ENJOY!