Five Things Thursday

1. This is happening!!

Morgan and Olly's wedding is going to be here before we know it. 

2. When we were at Sandy's, she was wearing these cute shoes!

And no, she did not get them in Venice.

3. This happened in the course of a single day.

This house was torn down. It was an old (but still attractive) ranch--maybe from the 1960's. Had I known they were going to tear it down, I would have taken a picture. 

When I was on my way home later, it was like this! I didn't even know there was a pool there! This is pretty typical of Nashville. You buy a $750,000 home only to tear it down and re-build some multi-million dollar house. It's pretty unbelievable.

4. When we went to the grave of Coca Cola founder, John, Pemberton, I saw this:

It's the first time I've seen streets in a cemetery. I kinda' like that. When picking your lot, you can start with the street you like.

5. OMGosh! This is so true!

It's become a joke with us. EVERY time I go in the kitchen to do something---cook, make my lunch, whatever---it's a cue for Butch to follow me. We are then, constantly in each other's way! So annoying!

What I Buy Wednesday

Well, we didn't buy anything this week. Okay, except for the seafood that I wasted. BTW, I made that dish on Monday night.

The recipe served 4. This was actually a half portion. It makes a lot. We loved it, but agreed that the tomatoes didn't really add anything to the dish. I think they were either a garnish or added for the color. They seemed to conflict with the flavor of the fresh, sweet corn. Next time, I'll leave those off. 

So, we didn't buy anything this week. But, that doesn't mean we didn't get anything new! When we got home, this was awaiting us on the kitchen table. 

It's the Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italy. There was a sweet inscription on the back.

And we love them too! Their wedding on November 9th will be here before we know it! In fact, I have a couple little jobs I'm working on for it. Now that will be a relaxing trip to the beach for sure!! We're traveling to Cancun for the wedding at a beautiful resort. 

Speaking of upcoming trips, Butch and I leave for London on Friday. I can't wait! Remember, England is my favorite place in the world! This is our first time since before Covid! You can be sure that I'll work in a post from there next Tuesday!! Until then, happy travels to you!

Travel Tuesday

So we got to the beach last week. We even debated about going since we have a pretty hectic travel schedule over the next few months. But, I said, “Yes, let’s go—it will be nice and relaxing since we don’t have anything to do.” Famous last words!

Upon arrival:

Unload the car.

Put all the refrigerator things away.

Put away all the stuff we brought from home.

Refill all soaps, toilet paper, and Kleenex.

Replace shampoos, conditioners, bath bars, and body washes. For whatever reason, people are hesitant to throw empty containers away.

Put out fresh towels.

Clean patio furniture.

Wash windows, doors, and all wooden framework (it gets really gross from the salt air and looks like it needs painting when all it needs is cleaning).

Sweep patio and area rug—tons of sand.

Put out all the furniture cushions and pillows.

Pick up trash that seems to accumulate between the patio and bushes—some stuff falls from the balconies above.

Wash fingerprints inside from all doors and woodwork. 

Wash fingerprints from thermostat, and washer/dryer knobs (okay, I freely admit, I get a little OCD about fingerprints.

Butch had to replace the back door lock.

I had to re-program the thermostat--we can control it from home, but for some reason, it stopped letting me do that.

I tired to get our YouTube TV in one of the bedrooms and spent quite a bit of time trying to figure it out. I didn't have the correct login information, so that was a waste of time.

And we definitely have to make several trips to Walmart and/or Publix for miscellaneous things and groceries. On one of those trips, I saw this:

Seriously? Give me a break. I do not understand this. At. All.

When get to the beach, we usually go to Goatfeathers for lunch. Afterwards, I get fresh shrimp at the fish market part of Goatfeathers for the week. I always look forward to that. 

But there was definitely plenty of fun for us.

The first day we went to the beach, there were red flags. The water was really choppy and there was a lot of wind.

The next day, the flag was still red, but the ocean had really calmed down and was beautiful. Even though we don't really like to go in the summer when it's so hot, August is a good time since the kids are back at school. We love it when there aren't many people on the beach--or at the pool. There was one large family at the pool that let their crap all over. They didn't come down until about 11 a.m., so I had it to myself until then. Butch blew up my float, so I had a lot of relaxing time. 

In honor of our 52nd anniversary, we went to our favorite upscale place at the beach:

Cafe Tango is always delicious. You have to have reservations any time you go--it's a small place. They have not changed their menu in 20 years. It's all so good--I guess they just stick with what they know is great. Works for us!

Upon leaving:

Clean out the refrigerator.

Take in all the patio cushions and pillows.

Haul all recycling home.

Trash to the dumpster (everyone is supposed to do this when they leave).

I always wipe the refrigerator shelves since they are usually packed full of stuff. This time, I checked all the expiration dates and discarded a ton of stuff. We'll restock and start fresh next spring. 

The drinks—omgosh—so many drinks left behind. I think we’re going to take them home in October and see if anyone wants them. We can’t tell what’s been left because no one liked them or if they were just leftover. 

We had a great time even if there was a lot of work. As Butch said, “We come down and work our butts off so it’s nice for everyone else!” 

Ain’t that the truth!

Me on Monday

Well, I'm starting to worry about myself. 

Last Thursday, on the way home from the beach, we stopped by the grocery store. As I was putting the groceries away, I noticed that the bread and eggs were missing. I do not get a printed receipt--I signed up to go paperless and have it emailed--or so I thought. I've never actually gotten a receipt via email, but I never really cared or even thought about it.

I called the store and the guy who answered said that they had my bag of groceries. I asked him to put the eggs in the refrigerator case as I'd come first thing in the morning to pick them up. When I got to the store, the clerk on duty could not find my bag. Surprisingly, there were many bags, so at least I'm not the only one who leaves a bag behind. 

Anyway, he asked me what I had. I mentioned the eggs and bread, but wasn't sure if there was something else. He told me to go and get the bread and eggs. When I got back, I asked if he could look up my purchase so that I could make sure I got everything. He said that he needed my card number. I told him that I always use my phone number. He said he needed the card number--which I don't have. Another woman walked up. The guy said something to her. She asked if I had the Publix app on my phone. I did. When I opened it up, she showed me where the receipts were stored. Actually, it's pretty cool. I can see exactly how much money I've spent at the store--I haven't really explored it, so I don't know if I can track the whole year. 

I pulled up the receipt from the day before and checked it all. I did have everything. Now, I'm going to say here that I don't believe this was just me leaving a bag of groceries behind. When the bagger put the bags in my cart, he asked me if I needed help out to the car. I looked down and saw just the two bags and said "no, I'm pretty sure I can handle it!" And off I went. 

To me, that meant that the bagger failed to put the third bag in my cart. So, I'm not really claiming this as my fault. But, when I was putting the groceries away, I did realize right away that something was missing.

Now fast forward just 3 days. Yesterday morning, I got an email with a really delicious-sounding recipe that I decided I wanted to try--Scallops with Fresh Corn and Tomatoes. So I put my grocery list together. At the end of the recipe it said that you could substitute shrimp if you wanted to. I love shrimp and decided that I would just get a half pound of each. 

Around 4 p.m., I was starting supper. I was really looking forward to this meal. It sounded so good--with Boursin cheese and a few other things. I started to get all the ingredients out when I realized that I did not have the seafood. What?? How is that possible? Surely I couldn't have left another bag at the store. Then I remembered that the single bag of groceries I had---fell over on the back floorboard of the car. Butch went out to check. Yep, the seafood was under the seat! That meant it was in the hot car for over 4 hours. Butch said he thought it was okay. I knew it wasn't, but went to the internet just to check. Fresh seafood cannot be without refrigeration for more than one hour. I was so bummed! There went my dinner! And the money! That was about $14.00 down the drain--or I should say garbage disposal! What a disappointment. It just dawned on me. I wonder what my car smells like?? That will be another surprise for me tomorrow when I get in it!

What to do about dinner? I had some crab legs in the freezer, so I quickly got those out. I made some zucchini and mashed potatoes. It wasn't the dinner I wanted, so I didn't really enjoy it at all. This time, it was totally on me. How did I not notice that the seafood was missing? Even Butch said he's starting to worry about me! I've got to pay more attention!

Today, I'm going back to the grocery store. I'm determined to have this meal! In fact, I'm so sure it's going to be a winner, I'm going to share the recipe now.

Seared Scallops with Creamy Corn, Tomatoes and Chives

3 cups fresh corn (4 large ears)

1/2 cup Boursin cheese (garlic and herb or chive)

12 cherry tomatoes (halved)--I'm using grape tomatoes because I think they have more flavor.

1 lb. scallops (I'm using 8 oz. and 8 oz. of shrimp)

2 t. salted butter

1/2 t. kosher salt

black pepper to taste

1 t. olive oil

chives

Wash scallops and pat dry. Season with 1/4 t. kosher salt and pepper to taste.

Heat large pan on high until hot. Melt butter and place scallops in pan. Sear until the bottom turns a caramel brown. Turn over and cook another minute being carelul not to overcook. Remove and set aside.

Add oil and the corn. Season with salt and cook about 2 or 3 minutes.

Add cheese and 3 or 4 T water and cook 1-2 minutes, stirring.

Remove from heat and stir in tomatoes. 

Divide into 4 portions and top with scallops.

Garnish with fresh chives.

Something for Sunday

Yep, it's that time of year. "Back to School!" The summer went by way too fast. Doesn't it always? Well, not exactly when I was a kid. Way back then, summers seemed to last a really long time. Maybe it was because we didn't do anything or go anywhere. We had day camp, but I don't remember how long that was--maybe a month or so. 

Did I ever tell you about the time that Ronnie and I spent our swim lesson money on candy? At camp, they took us for swim lessons twice a week--Tuesdays and Thursdays. It was 25 cents each time. Instead, Ronnie and I stopped at "the little store" and spent it on candy. That was a lot of candy to eat in a single day, but boy was it good! Then we had to wet our swim suits and wrap them up in our towel. We weren't stupid. If you are going to commit a crime, it's in the details! We thought it all through. Back then, you better have your siding on your side, or they would tell on you. I don't remember whose idea it was to spend the money on candy. I would say "me" because I would do just about anything for candy. But, I was that oldest child who never did anything wrong. Mostly. I don't remember if the twins were accomplices and joined in with us. They must have because they were bg snitches. 

Anyway, we got a way with it----until---the end of summer when mo asked for our swim cards. At the end of each summer, they presented us with little cards saying how far we'd advance in our lessons. I do remember that I was the one to save us all---by telling a big, fat lie. I told mom that "they didn't give them out this year!" She bought it. I guess because I was that oldest, child, good kid who never dd anything wrong! But then, I had to go to confession and tell about the big fat lie. I completely understood why "crime doesn't pay!"

Okay, enough of the walk down memory lane. Another school year is upon us!! How about we start with a couple of throwbacks?

How darn cute are my little nieces, Devon and Madison?  They are twenty-somethings now. Darn, I should have looked for their lunchboxes at the lunchbox museum!

This is my sweet little niece, Reese. I think she is starting first grade. I can't really keep up with all the kids now. I don't know the story behind this. but it looks like the parents do this at school--maybe as a surprise for their kid. Love that idea. Wish I'd have thought of it when mine were "littles!"

Nathan is starting second grade--at least I think that's it. It's becoming harder and harder keeping up with the "littles" that aren't so little anymore!

Big brother, Travis is starting middle school. 

I don't even know what grade that is--maybe 5th?

Not exactly a first day of school picture, but...

...this little gal, Harper is going back with one less tooth!

And then we have Elizabeth who is so excited to get started at The Paul Mitchell School. 

Sadly, I didn't get a "first day of school" picture, but she did send me her lunchbox! 

I guess that counts! It is super cute!**

**Sandy sent me the picture later:

She's ready to get started!

With a move to UT--she's ready to start!

I hope Analise has the BEST year!

In the meantime, her brother is...

This boy! He's my favorite!! Meet Merritt, Connie's grand. I cannot believe he's all grown up! This is the first summer that I've only seen him one time. You know, teenager, driving, job! His voice is husky. He's not a kid anymore! It's like he grew up overnight! Still, he's fun and still takes my joking in stride. He doesn't know me any other way!

This little beauty, Grace, another of Connie's grands. I think she's starting her junior year.  

This handsome lad is Charlie--the youngest of Connie's grands. I'm pretty sure he's starting 8th grade. He and his sister, Grace, live in Atlanta, so I don't get to see them too often. Still, I always love the school pics.

How about a couple more throwbacks?

Quite a few years ago for Elizabeth and Victoria!

And then there's this:

Mitchell on his first day of adulthood! The first day of his new job!! (Turns out, his new boss pranked him. He did not have to wear suits to work!)

And last but not least--just about the cutest "back to school picture" ever!

I'm pretty sure I've posted this one before. But, it's worth repeating! What a clever mom! I love it!

Scrapbook Saturday

Me on Monday

When we were at the beach last week, we visited the local library--for two reasons. First, Butch has a cache inside the library, so he wanted to check on it. I think it's pretty cool that he put one there--with the full support of the library. The log is actually a book on the shelf next to a book about geo-caching. That's a fun find for people--something really different. He was a little unhappy that people signed the log, but didn't leave any comments--as the book is a blank journal. I said that perhaps they didn't know they could post a comment. So, I left a comment to get it started. I hope that works. It will be fun to see where everyone who finds it is from.

Now for the second reason we stopped. It's getting harder and harder for me to get my book club books in time to read them by book club. Sooo, I thought if I got another library card, then I'd have double the chance of actually being able to get the books in time. Since we have our beach place, that makes us residents in Walton County. It was pretty simple to do.

The librarian presented me with my new card and a brochure about the Walton County library.

Unlike my home library where I can have 20 books on hold, I can only have 10 here. That's fine since I really only plan to put my book club books on it. I'm spoiled now with my Kindle. Plus I hate to spend the money on electronic books since you can rarely loan them out. That seems like a waste of money to me. However, it already seems unlikely I'll get the books in a timely manner. Occasionally I get the "skip the line" notification and can get it earlier. I hope that now with having the books on hold at both libraries, that option will happen more frequently. 

I was so happy to see all the other things the library has to offer. Sewing machines, 3D printers, engraving, and die-cut machines? Looks like I can take my scrapbooking to the library!!

Can you tell I'm happy to have a new library card? I cannot live without books!

Friday Funnies

Five Things Thursday

1. Regardless of how you feel about Taylor Swifts music, you have to admit, this girl is amazing!! It's estimated that her tour is going to add 5 billion dollars to the world economy. Right here in Nashville, 220,000 people descended on Nashville over the course of 3 days. 55,000 hotel rooms downtown and 39,000 in outlying areas were sold out! Of course, not all of those rooms were sold for the concert as there are always "things" happening here. Still, I wonder where the overflow stayed. 

All of the transportation services were over-run including the buses, bikes and scooters. There was no mention of parking, but that had to be gone in a matter of minutes. There's a pontoon boat on the river that cruises up and down that was sold out too! Thousands of people lined the pedestrian bridge to listen to the concert. It was crazy! The clothing stores did a lot of business as people were looking for new clothes for the concert. The bars and restaurants were packed well past midnight.

I read an article of how much money was spent in Nashville that weekend, but I can't remember, nor find the article again. It was a lot!

She is so devoted to her fans that she wants to make sure that they have a unique concert experience--including surprise songs and costume changes--even adding extra concerts. The concert is 3 1/2 hours long. I just wish I could have snagged a ticket. 

Oh and did you hear, she gave 50 million dollars in bonuses for every person working in her organization including those t-shirt sellers. She gave each of the 52 truck drivers $100,000! Now that's life changing! Sure, she's making tons more, but when have you ever heard of anyone else sharing that much money? Love her or hate her, she's a class act!

While we're on Taylor Swift, I saw this recently and had to post it:

And I'll be darned if I didn't see the Taylor one the way to the beach!

2. How true is this?

Although I'd say it's more of a senior citizen thing than just an adult thing!

3. PSA: you should freeze a cup of water. Once frozen, put a quarter on top. That way, if you happen to be out-of-town and the power goes out, you'll know if you need to throw away everything in your freezer. Since when the power comes back, everything re-freezes and you have no way of knowing if your food thawed. It happened to Connie recently when they were at the beach. When they got home they didn't know if their food was good or not.

You're welcome!

4. This is one of Mindy's teachers.

Pickleball injuries: broken wrist; messed up her shoulder which had already been operated on last year--needs another now; fractured orbital bone, top and bottom requiring titanium plates. That's the last I heard. 

Connie, Nancy and I were talking. We're not quite ready to give it up yet. We don't play so hard that we put ourselves at risk. Meaning, there's no diving for the ball. If it's too far out of our reach, we just let it go. We do it for fun and exercise. We don't feel the need to be competitive.

5. There are no words!!

Well, maybe one: HIDEOUS! 

What I Buy Wednesday

I don't think I've bought anything this week. But Butch did. And it was a super bargain!

He needed his drill for a project here at the beach but had forgotten it. We went to Walmart to pick up a few things. He decided to check out the drills--knowing they aren't usually too expensive. But, he was not prepared for a clearance sale! 8 bucks! That's what it cost--a measly 8 bucks. He needed it for a better lock he's installing on our storage room door. Little did he know he'd need it for something else!

This is the picture we took on our first day at the beach--our 52nd anniversary.

When Stephanie and Nicky were down here a week ago, they bought two (actually four, but that's another story).new umbrellas because the ones we had were messed up. They ordered a very nice set of Tommy Bahamas and had them delivered. When they put one in, the part that goes into the sand broke, but was still hanging on. Stephanie told us about it.

When Butch went to put it in the sand, he had to break it off the rest of the way to make it work. He lamented the fact that Steph and Nicky had thrown away the old umbrellas because he might have been able to salvage that part. Anyway, he was able to make it work and we had shade without ever having to move it! I loved that. Plus, it's pretty. 

After about an hour or so, he decided to take a walk. Not me, it was way too hot! When he came back, he was so excited. Look what he found on the beach:

Really, what are the odds? 

He was able to fix a new one! The man can fix anything! He really can figure things out!

And all because he bought that 8 buck drill! 

Amazing all the way around! And so is he!