Something for Sunday and maybe a little name-dropping!

I'll already written this post once. Somehow, I managed to erase it. Leave it to me. 

This is the day we are leaving Colorado. As usual, I'm up early and fully dressed and ready to go--it's 4:30 a.m. I'm trying not to make any noise so the "kids" can sleep another hour and a half. 

Last Saturday, Stephanie, Mindy, and I went to Cheekwood--our botanical gardens, mansion, and art museum. They had a display of Huldah Cheek's wedding dress from 1942.

The dress was pretty plain and simple, but the lace was worn on the coronation gown of Empress Zita of Austria. I don't know who that is and have never even heard of her. She could be somehow related to Butch's mother since she was born and raised in Austria and came from royalty. Family legend has it that someone  in her line, married out of their class, so they were "expelled." I remember her showing me some jewels years ago. I don't really know the story.

It was also the last weekend for the orchid display in the loggia. The loggia is a sweeping porch all along the back of the mansion overlooking the grounds. It was meant to be open-air, but when it was built, they underestimated the heat and humidity of Nashville summers. So they enclosed it and now it's an all glass sunroom. 

All of the orchids were white except for these tiny red ones placed here and there. It was a beautiful display with all of the greenery that added additional color and texture. I am not usually an orchid lover because as stand-alone flowers, their stems aren't all that attractive. Put into an arrangement they really stand out.

After browsing around the mansion, we met Butch at the club for lunch. We had a really nice time considering it's pretty rare that it is just us. 

Now here's some fun news. As we were having lunch, in walked Dax Shepherd and Kristen Bell. They were with another family. We have no idea why they were in Nashville. Mindy is our celebrity detective, but she couldn't find anything.

It's not at all unusual to see stars out and about town here. We have so many who llive here. And others like to visit here as we do not have paparazzi, nor does anyone bother them. Unless, of course, it's "fanfare!" That's what it used to be called. Now it's the CMA Fest. That's where people can come and see their favorite stars perform. They get to stand for hours in long lines for autographs. I don't know why they needed to change the name. "Fanfare," said it all!

I could make a list of all the stars I've seen, but then again that would be name dropping. Well, okay, if you insist!

Reba--at lunch at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants.

Alan Jackson--I actually talked to him while on a tour at his house. We've also seen him at the club.

Brad Paisley & Kimberly Williams--in their car.

Ronnie Dunn--twice at the mall

Clint Black & Lisa Hartman--at a restaurant--the Green Hills Grille

Donna Summers--at a restaurant--it's gone so I don't recall the name.

Barbara Mandrell & Meatloaf--I put them together because I saw them together at Kroger. Well, not together--she was in produce and he was in canned goods on Wednesday before Thanksgiving years ago.

William Golden (of the Oakridge Boys)--he sat at the table next to us at a restaurant. On my way out, I stopped and said, "I enjoyed your performance of the national anthem at the Titan's game!" He replied, "you were there?' I said "yes" and moved on! No need to interrupt his lunch.

Sylvia--one hit wonder country star--song: "Nobody"--she lived in our neighborhood, so I actually socialized many times with her.

Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and their daughters--they say two rows in front of us at the movie--I also saw Tim in a Cajun fast food line.

Luke Bryan and Kicks Brooks--playing golf together at Richland--okay, that was a Butch sighting.

Martina McGraw--twice--once at the theater and once at a book signing that Mindy took me to.

Kid Rock--that was really fun. Sandy and I went down for the grand opening of his honky tonk at 3:30 in the morning. We got to meet him in person. She loves him and I have to admit, I do too. He often gets a bad rap--he's just not politically correct. At. All. But there's no denying--his music is great!

The Statler Brothers--years ago we got to meet them.

Darrell Waltrip--met him at a friend's grandmother's birthday party. I really had no idea who he was. Butch had to tell me.

Eddie George--Titans player--he performed in a play for Tennessee Rep

Although I haven't seen them, my friend, Nancy told me that Keith Urban, Nicole Kidman and daughters go to 5:30 Mass on Sunday at the Cathedral when they are in town. Cute.

That's about all I can remember at the moment. I have to admit, it is sort of exciting. But then you realize, they are just regular people doing the same sort of things we do. Just going about their business. I'm sure they want to keep it that way.

So, circling back to that Saturday with the girls. Anything they want to do, I'm going to do it! This applies to the whole family. And friends for that matter. Anytime, anywhere. I'm there! For as long as I can!

Scrapbook Saturday

Before I show a few more layouts, I wanted to take a minute to talk about putting these layouts in albums. I hate it. I procrastinate. Then suddenly, I have a pile of layouts 12" tall! 

I start with sorting them in to piles for each album I make. I have many albums going at the same time: travel, family, individual albums for each of the grands, Butch, Barb, home and garden, friends and a few others. I spent about 12 hours over 4 days putting the pages in albums. It takes a long time to cut the page protectors for pockets and pull outs. I also make an index inside the front cover of each album so I can find a particular layout if I need to. It took two tape runners to get the job done. Even though I recently ordered about 10 new albums, I ended up being one short! 

I always label the spine so I know which album is which. These albums are still in process--meaning that they each can hold a few more layouts. I completed a few others that will reside in the library.

I had these pages left that still need to go in albums. There are only a couple layouts for each. I usually wait until I have about 5 or 6 before I start the album. 

Since I got my room cleaned out, I was anxious to get this job done. I'm happy to be on top of it--for the moment! Now it's on to a few more organizational tasks. 

Now for the layouts:

Our topic this year for AYM (A Year of Memories) is: "The Songs of Our Lives." Each month one of us picks a song. Karolyn picked this one by Creedence Clearwater Revival and put together this kit for us. I decided that I'm going to use the song as a metaphor rather than taking it literally.

Morgan's first ski trip. I printed the title on vellum and mounted it over Morgan's name. As a matter of fact, when you are seeing this, we will still be skiing in Colorado. Well, not me, but Butch and the "kids"!

The girls surprised us with an all expense paid trip to Helen, GA for our 50th anniversary over Labor Day weekend. The flowers were part of the decor they had.

I used one of the "Not so Newlywed Game" cards to make a pocket to hold the itinerary and job assignments that the girls had organized. It's hidden under the flap that contains the journaling on top. Another example of a page with a fold out to make more room for photos.

Disney layout.

Another Disney layout. I made a pocket on this one to hold our itinerary with the journaling on top.

Friday Funnies

Five Things Thursday

1. You know how I am enthralled by "book boxes" that have become all the rage? Well here's something new that I think is genius!! A "Garden Box!"

I love this idea! I can't wait to come across one in person. What a great way to share your garden excess plants. I have so many plants that I could share. But, I'll admit it right now--I'm a little too lazy to do the work!! Hmmm. Maybe I'll see if Butch wants to build me one. I think I could have fun with it. Oh wait a minute. On second thought, forget about it! That would mean daily watering until the plants were gone. And then what if people shared their plants. Oh never mind. Now it really sounds like too much work. After all, I am retired! I'll stick with lazy.

2. Did you know that you can request a dark napkin at many restaurants? 

Well, I DO know that, yet I continually forget! When we were in NYC for New Years, my pants were covered in napkin lint. I was sort of freaking out. When we got back to our hotel before going to the theater, I asked Butch if he, by chance, had a lint roller. I'm telling you---that guy! Ask and you shall receive!

It's tiny, it's cute, and it worked! OMGosh! The guy has everything! 

Don't get me started on his car! He can survive for at least a week on what he carries! Okay, you got me started. I recently asked for an emory board, check. I asked for hand lotion, check. Kleenex, check. Napkins, check. After dinner mints, check. Phone charger, check. Cooler cup, check. Snacks, check. Bottled water, check. Blanket, check. Sweatshirt, check. Extra hat, sunglasses, check check! Not to mention all the regular stuff you have for the car. If he could take his car to "Let's Make a Deal" he'd win for sure. For Sure!

3. Wow, what a great idea!!

Recently, I came across a picture of us in NYC where it looked like everyone was on their phone at a restaurant. At first I was a bit appalled. Then Mindy pointed out that we needed to access the menu on the phone. Yeah, I'm not crazy about that. But times--they are a changin'!

4.

5. 

Yep, this is me! 

What I Buy Wednesday

I'm very happy to report that I found that Fried Pickle Ranch Dip at Sam's. You might remember that Jeanne brought it on our scrapbook weekend. It was so good with vegetables. And, only 50 calories for 2 tablespoons. It can easily make a nice 100 calorie snack. 

Still waiting on my Walmart order.

I did buy something else. I bought tickets to a Titan's wine tasting party for last Thursday night. Mindy organized it and needed me to help purchase some tickets as there was a limit. Butch and I, Hugh, Pam, Stephanie, Nicky, Mindy and Justin went. We had a few others who had planned to go, but had a change of plans. Anyway, it was a lot more fun than we thought. It wasn't terribly crowded and the food was really good.  They had charcuteries set up in several places loaded with just about everything you can imagine. Then they also had passed hors d'oeuvres--shrimp, mushroom tarts, chicken satay and a couple other things I can't remember. 

I would have liked to know who made the petit fours. They were delicious. I had two and could easily have had 3 more! I probably would have, but I was too busy with the wine and champagne!

They had a couple photo booths set up.

We took one with Hugh and Pam with us, but for whatever reason, neither Pam nor I got it.

Me and two of my "boys"!

Me and two of my girls! 

This is the organization who sponsored the event. I don't really know anything about it and have never heard of it. Butch thinks they were wanting people to join their club. I seriously doubt I would ever join anything called "The Foolish Club!" I don't really like to waste my time doing foolish things! Plus, I'm a little too old for foolishness!

It was really a lot of fun--even if it was on a Thursday night AND we had a huge storm passing through. The roads were flooded, but by the time we got down to the stadium, the rain had stopped. It turned out to be something fun and different and definitely worth the $20.00 ticket! 

Tuesday Thoughts About...

...Walmart! 

Okay, I've already mentioned how I've become a Walmart shopper. Well, I want to amend that to say: "I am a Walmart "online" shopper!" I still cannot abide the actual store. 

Anyway, I've made a couple recent purchases--which I'll share on "What I Buy Wednesday" post whenever the items arrive. I'm pretty hooked on their home decor right now. You just can't beat the prices. Really, this is not an endorsement of Walmart. Just my personal opinion.

So, on to the purpose of this post. Did you know:

1. Americans spend $36,000,000 every hour of every day at Walmart? That's 36 million--every hour! Trust me, I don't spend that much, so it must really add up!

2. Walmart sells more from January 1st to St. Patrick's Day than Target sells all year! I sure hope that doesn't mean Target is in trouble. I LOVE Target! (After all, I worked there as a teenager! Way back when we had to count items for inventory. Even though I was a cashier, I was sent to a department to count. Ahhh, but I digress)...

3. Walmart is bigger than Home Depot, Kroger, Target, Sears, Costco and Kmart combined. (Are Sears and Kmart even still around?)

4. Walmart is the largest company in the history of the world! (Hmmm, bigger than Amazon?)

5. Walmart sells more food than any other store in the world. (I won't be doing that. It's impossible to find anything in the grocery section. At least it is at the beach!)

Whatever you think about Walmart--or--however you feel about Walmart--it's here to stay. Butch loves Walmart, so I guess that's a good thing. I just wish they'd spiff up their stores. But, I have to say, I haven't really seen those characters that are supposed to be crazy Walmart shoppers. Then again, I'm not in the store so who knows. Maybe they are there.

And that's what I'm thinking today.

Monday Mystery

If you walked by this lamp post, would you think there's anything unusual about it? You probably wouldn't think anything at all. But look at this!

Yep, there's a geo-cache hidden behind that seemingly innocuous metal plate! 

They are everywhere! Right under your noses! All Over the World! That's why it's so much fun! Some are even big enough to contain treasures. 

Give it a try. Geo-caching. It's a great thing to do with your grands!

Something for Sunday

Last Saturday, Stephanie, Mindy and I went to Cheekwood---our botanical garden and mansion. We went specifically to see the wedding dress of Hulda Cheek--who, along with her husband, built Cheekwood in the early '40's. 

It was a pretty plain dress but the lace was worn by Empress Zita of Austria for her coronation. I don't know who that was, but royalty is royalty. So, I guess that was really something at the time.

It was also the last weekend for the orchid exhibit. 

We spent a little time browsing through the mansion.

I was just happy to have a day with the girls. Afterwards, we went to Richland for lunch. We met Butch there. 

And now, here's the real news! While having lunch, guess who came in? Dax Shepherd and Kristen Bell! We have no idea what they were doing in Nashville. No one bothered them--they were with another family--who must have been the members. You just never know who you might run in to in Nashville. The stars like to visit here because we don't have paparazzi and people leave them alone!!

Just another day in Nashville!

The Bathroom Reveal

Well, it's not 100% complete. We're still waiting on the actual fixture that turns the water on in the shower. It's due to ship February 18. I don't know what that really means. Will it take a few days or a few weeks to get here? We'll see about that.

In the meantime, we've gotten everything done and decorated. I wanted to start with a before picture, but I can't believe I don't have ANY!! How did that happen? Darn!

On to the new:

This is the vanity that caused all the problems!! It was so heavy. They brought it up via the front curved staircase. I was a nervous wreck! But, it's perfect!!

I was really happy to be able to use a few of my antique mirrors. I had planned to use a couple more, but they were not the right orientation to work. So, the ones directly over the sinks are new that look old. That antique casserole dish holds q-tips and cotton balls. The faucet handles say "chaud" and "froid"--hot and cold in French. It's in the details! As for the light, I had to paint it gold--another use for my craft paint! But, I want what I want--and it wasn't the right color. Christy said, "Well, Barb, you can paint it!" And so I did! Remember I had already painted an old chandelier and then discovered that it would have hung down too low. I'm keeping it anyway. It's in the attic. I'm sure I'll have a use for it some day. You know "some day"? The day which never actually comes!

The shower head is pretty tall. I cannot reach the adjuster thingy. And, I'm not happy that they put the towel bar up so high. It's about to my shoulder blades?

As Christy said, "What? Do they think giants live here?" No, it's just that the people doing the work must have been tall. Seems to me they might have asked us how high to put things. There's nothing to be done about it now. I told Butch that he's going to have to take a shower in there and make the adjustment. We girls in this family are short. Well, except for the grands--they are all tall! In the scheme of things, I guess these are pretty minor issues.

I bought the Eiffel Tower in Paris from. one of the street vendors. It lights up and can be used as a nightlight. The picture is from my iPhone--another shot in Monet's garden. The other decorations have been recycled from other places in the house as I was cleaning out. The basket came from Walmart.

The Roman shade is one of those types that has no strings. It just pulls up and down easily by a little ring hidden on the back. I just have to remember to show people how it works. The fabric is the same as in the bedroom. I love the wallpaper and how well it goes with the tile. I wanted a rustic, French farmhouse kind of look. The paper looks kind of like water stained walls. the floor looks sort of old too. Just the look I wanted. I already know that the towel and grab bars are going to drive me crazy. They are already tarnishing. That's just tough! You won't find me polishing them! Plus, I do not expect anyone to "squeegee" my glass! We had a special "rain" coating put on it. It has to be re-done about every 5 years. But considering this shower will probably only be used about 3 or 4 times a year, I'm pretty sure that coating will last for life!

There you have it. We're really happy with how it came out. There's nothing like remodeling to make everything look new and fresh. Well, I guess because it is!!

So that's about it for remodeling/redecorating our house. The dining and living rooms could use new paint. I might do that soon. Also, the library has grasscloth that's probably original to the house built in 1984. I'm thinking about painting over it. I'll have to talk to Christy about that. One thing for sure is that the ceiling needs painting. It leaked around the fireplace during our great flood in 2010. 

Just a very few things left to do.

Oh yeah, and the garage! It's awful! it needs a major re-do! It hasn't been painted since we moved in 26 years ago. Plus I want to re-do the floor with one of those cushion types. I've given Butch a May 1st deadline to get it cleaned out or I'm taking over. I can get it cleaned out! And quickly! I work fast! It will feel so good to have everything looking like new.

And then there's the outside....but that's a whole 'nother issue--lots of issues! Way too many. I'm tired thinking about it...

Scrapbook Saturday

"70 and Fabulous!" This layout is about my birthday party in January. I cut the title from the sash that the girls gave me when I arrived for the party. I created a pocket and decorated a "gang tag" to put inside. The pin that holds the pocket together came off the sash.

One side of the tag.

Other views of the tag.

On this layout of our "Gems of the Danube" river cruise, I used a fold out to include more pictures.

Here's the fold out.

"Time to let her go!" is about the sale of our 1950 Corvette. If you look real close, you can see the stacks of bills--the guy paid us in cash!

I did several Disney layouts. I have albums going for everyone in the family. That way, I can print all the pictures I want and divide them to make layouts for several albums. 

I did a lot of travel pages on this trip. This one was about our trip to Albuquerque and traveling Route 66 and going to the Grand Canyon. I added an extra page in the middle for more space.

The other side of the added page.

I always like to get as many pictures on the page as I can. On our crop weekend, I made all kinds of pockets, inserts and fold-outs. I always have so many photos and memorabilia from trips. 

Now to get them in the albums...