The Weekend

On Friday nights, Stephanie and Mindy come over after work for cocktails. We’ve really come to look forward to that. Butch and I always started our weekends with cocktails on Friday nights as he was usually coming home from out-of-town. It was always a great way to catch up on the week. 

The girls caught us up on their world---Mindy, telling the story of how the COO of their company came by to say, “I knew you reminded me of someone, and now I find out that you and Stephanie are sisters!” This has happened so often to them. Steph works on one floor, Mindy on another. A couple of weeks after Mindy started, one of Steph’s co-workers told her, “Steph, there’s a girl downstairs that could be your sister!” To which Steph replied, “she probably is!” Anyway, we think that is such a hoot as we don’t think they look alike at all. People have always said that about us Zimmermanns too, but I’ve never seen it. Janet says it’s the nose. I’d like to take this time to mention that the family has voted me as having the best nose. High praise from a group whose show of affection is cut downs! I’ll take it.

Anyway, back to Friday night. We started to discuss the plans for the weekend since the Lapps’ would be back on Saturday. The girls wanted a pool day and BBQ. I wasn’t too keen on the BBQ part as the entire house is a wreck---every table-top covered with stuff. I just wanted to pick up chicken or Corky’s BBQ---the girls wanted Backyard Burgers---which Butch said would be way too expensive. Then the girls went back to having a BBQ here idea. I still balked. They said they would do everything. I wouldn’t have to do a thing. Yeah, right. Okay, so we started planning the menu---hamburgers, New Orleans style brats and shish kebobs. The only thing I had to do was make the fruit salad---which was okay by me.

On Saturday morning, Steph and Mindy did the grocery shopping. They got here around noon and were anxious to get outside to the pool. At that time, I tried really hard to bite my tongue, but just couldn’t. I said, “girls, don’t you want to get your food ready and bake the cake so you don’t have to worry about it later?” They looked at each other and said, “No, we want to get this prime sun.” I told myself, “okay, mom, just butt out.” I did. Lapps family arrived about 12:30 and the party ensued.

About 2 p.m. the kids were making pizzas---I reminded them that we were having our BBQ around 4 p.m. They didn’t care. Teenagers eat all the time. It’s chaos around here with them in the house. About that time, Steph CALLS me from the pool---“Mom, would you plllleeeezzzze make the cake? I promise you won’t have to do anything else.” Uh huh, I told you so…..

I made the cake and started on the fruit salad. We all know that Stephanie is NOT a cook. But I never realized she could screw up someone else’s cooking too. She bought a generic brand of fruit cocktail. It had NO cherries in it! Then, she bought colored, flavored mini marshmallows. All of the kids complained---no cherries and the marshmallows tasted funny. I agreed about the marshmallows---ruined my fruit salad. After dinner, Mindy told us how Steph was so excited about the

marshmallows in the store---“Mindy, won’t they be so festive? Don’t tell dad they cost a lot more!” At the time, Mindy agreed with her. We all got a good laugh about it---Steph is taking the rest of the crappy fruit salad home with her. Then I asked what I owed her for groceries---$100. I looked at Butch and said, it would have been cheaper to get Back Yard Burgers! He has no clue what things cost. Eating at home isn’t always cheaper!

The pool party was fun---Jordan is the only one that jumped in---the water is still way too cold. Greg said he was tempted as the temperature reached 94. It was hot. So hot that Stephanie went around the house and turned on all 3 air units. I try to hold off until at least May 1^st but even our friends were telling us on Friday night that they had already turned theirs on.

After dinner, we started playing some games  outside. It didn’t begin well because no one could agree on what they wanted to play. We wound up playing trivia with teams. That lasted about 2 rounds before we realized that no one was having fun. We ditched the games and just talked. With that many, it’s always fun.

About 9 p.m., Morgan and Carson left. I minute or so later, we heard the most horrible noise and thought it was Carson’s car---like the engine was grinding or something. Turns out, it was our air conditioner---the downstairs one. We turned it off and roasted the rest of the weekend. I’ll get my buddy, Tommy out here today. I like being on a first name basis with my “peeps,” but this will not be good….

This and That

On the Soap Box

At first, I thought it was a good idea for the homeless to sell those little newspapers. I thought it gave them a purpose and maybe a little dignity---that, rather than "begging," they were at least "working" for the money. Well, now, there are more homeless than ever---on just about every street corner. At first, I gave to just about every one---I always think, what if this person were actually Jesus in disguise. Now it's just too much. They don't even look homeless anymore---you know---dirty, tattered, grungy (I know, that's politically incorrect, but it's the truth). I just do what everyone else does now---try not to make eye contact and drive on. The saddest is the woman with the little "mentally impaired" girl (is that politically correct?). They usually sell their papers in front of McDonald's. That way, they get money AND food. They are the only ones I really think about---where they sleep at night. I just wonder....

Buying American

Out of respect for my mom, I decided that whenever I have a choice, I will try to buy American---especially the big ticket items. No more foreign cars for us---even though I still don't really get that---the Nissan plant here in TN uses thousands of workers putting together those cars. Matt tells me it's because the profits go overseas. But what about the supposedly American made cars that are made in Mexico and Canada? He tells me you have to check the vin number to actually figure out where the car is made. Even if I could remember those country codes, would I be able to find the car I want made here? I just don't get it, but that's okay, I'm only buying American made cars from now on. Period.

I'm not going to get fanatical about this. I already know how hard it is to find clothing made in America. I just wish there were some huge department stores called American Made or something. I'd shop there exclusively---even if it was more expensive. That's a pretty good idea. I wish someone would do it. I think there are a lot of people that would shop there---unless you can't find enough stuff made in America---then it would be a mini-mart.

While shopping for my new sunroom furniture, I came across a manufacturer called Lloyd Flanders that's been making furniture since the 1920's. When the salesman told me it was made in America, I looked no further. He didn't realize that was the selling point for me. Yes, it was more expensive, but I'm okay with that. After we went through all the regular sales crap, "oh, this is the regular price and our price is..., and we give free delivery and I'm going to give you a 5% designer discount, blah, blah, blah." I just wanted to say, "Just shut up and cut the crap. Tell me how much, let me make the deposit and I'm outta' here." When I got home, there was a message to call the store. I called back and a manager said, "Oh, Mrs. Eads, we didn't realize you were one of our "premier" customers. I'm going to give you another 10% off!" Wow!! That NEVER happens! I was really excited. Already buying American has paid off! By the time I got that discount, it was the same as the cheaper stuff. I know, it still would have been cheaper with a discount on the cheaper stuff. Anything I have to do to justify the cost....

Easter is in the House

Or at least it was---now the house is all torn up due to re-decorating, remodeling and painting. What a mess, but it looked like spring for awhile.

 I made this centerpiece last year---copied a Martha Stewart idea---just a pedestal cake plate with grass and heaped with eggs. 

I found the pink bunny last year. The baskets of eggs are really old. The little blue and pink bunnies I found at Cracker Barrel. And of course, one of my tableaus would not be complete without books. In this case, Beatrix Potter with Peter Rabbit and Aunt Jemima Puddleduck on top.

When I bought these ceramic bunnies at an antique mall, I knew they would be perfect for Easter decorating. Notice more books in the background? I picked these just for the color---they are part of a collection of children's books that actually belong to Stephanie. She hasn't asked for them. The foil bunnies in the background---I can't remember who told me this---but someone took theirs back to the store because when they unwrapped them, they weren't chocolate! Duuhhh! Not that I'm so smart, I could tell by the weight.

These chocolate eggs look so real you are tempted to take a bite.

Scams

I decided to sell my old sunroom furniture and window treatments on Craig's List. I've done Ebay lots of times, but never Craig's List. I'm not a worrier, but since the Craig's List killer has been on the loose, Pam has me a little freaked out. She's worries about everything. Anyway, I listed the furniture, pillows, ottoman coffee table and 45 ft. of window treatments (see photo below). Within a couple of hours, I got 2 inquiries. I responded. The next morning, one emailed me that they wanted to buy it "sight unseen" and would send me a cashier's check with an additional $25.00 to secure the sale. Once I cashed the check, they would send a moving truck by to pick up the furniture. Now anyone that knows me, knows that I believe everyone and trust everyone. But, for some reason, this just bothered me. I just felt like something wasn't quite right. I started to accept the offer, but still hesitated. I went to the Craig's List website and looked under Scams. The first thing that popped up was about "fraudulent cashier's checks." After you cash the check, the bank comes back to you later and you are held responsible. Now that's not right in any way shape or form. The BANK should be the one to know if the check is fraudulent. If they don't know, how are you supposed to? Anyway, all this for some used wicker furniture? I ended up just deleting the email. And wouldn't you know, the second "buyer" made me the same offer?? 

It's not that I don't think the room still looks good, but it's been 16 years and I'm ready for a change. Plus, this was cheap furniture to begin with and was never all that comfortable---not terrible---but not the type of furniture that you wanted to spend the day reading in either.
A Treasure and New Family Heirloom At our family reunion last week, my cousin, Julie gave me 2 tablecloths that belonged to my grandma Zimmermann. I'm so excited to have them as I have nothing from her. This blue and green one will be perfect in my kitchen. The other will work in the sunroom---I don't know why I didn't take a photo of that one. Stay tuned---I'll post pictures later when the work is done, to show how I used them.

Fashion (mis)Statement

This month for A Year of Memories, the assignment is about fashion---I challenged everyone to find pictures of the guys in various styles of clothing through the years. This vintage, color-blocked, terry cloth robe, was a Christmas present I gave Butch in 1974. He has had this thing for over 35 years. A couple of years ago, he finally put it in the "Goodwill" pile. The girls saw it and thought it was so hilarious that he still had it, that they took it, kept it and gave it back to him for Christmas. We have to keep it now---I mean, come on---who keeps anything for 35+ years anyway?? That would be Butch. He has a bike in the garage that has no tires and you can't even get any parts for it---German made from 1960 something. But we have to keep it.....and he says I have hoarding problems....

 In all fairness, I thought I would show his closet. It's impeccable. He'll leave all of his crap laying around the bathroom, draped on the wall, tub, and chair to keep his closet looking like this. I used to gather everything up and dump it in his closet. He thought Margarita was doing it. I finally "fessed up." But why should I have to look at a mess in the bathroom so his closet can look like this?? Doesn't make any sense to me.

Babysitting Jeannette
It's no secret about how I feel about animals---any animals. I plain don't like 'em---they're stinky and unsanitary. I've had my share of them over the years, but never liked them. I'll admit, I've gotten attached to a few things, but that's different than actually liking/loving them. So, frankly, I don't "do" animals. Butch is the one who handles anything slightly animal related.

The Lapps family had to bring Jeannette along with them on Spring Break. They hid her in the hotel while we were in St. Louis. Her water bottle was leaking, so they thought they would have to get a new one. I had the kids with me when I saw a Pet Smart. I mentioned it and Elizabeth said, "no, grammy, my coupon is for PetCo." That cracked me up. Then Victoria (who is the actual owner of Jeannette), said, "no, Elizabeth, that's not a coupon, it's your frequent buyer card." So funny. Looks like the kids have inherited the "thrifty" gene from Butch.

Then the plan was to leave Jeannette here with Butch while they went on to Atlanta for the week. It was dejavu for me---no surprise---Butch had to go out-of-town which left me to care for her. Elizabeth had given us explicit instructions. It turned out to not be so bad---except late at night when I forgot about her and thought someone was trying to get in the house. I'm not at all afraid to be alone, but that did freak me out. It took about a minute for me to realize that it was just Jeanette, frolicking in her "penthouse" of a cage---as Sandy said, a $100 set-up for a $20. hamster. It even has a swimming pool---I think. Anyway, I 'll admit, she's pretty cute---grey, white and teeny---not like those tan non-descript type that my girls had. Mindy reminded me of hers that had the infected nose that I had to rub cream on since Butch was out-of-town back then too. At least I didn't have to have any type of hand-to-hand contact with Jeannette.

I Work Fast
This has to be a record for me. I had 10 family portraits of various sizes to be framed. It only took me 20 minutes! Yes, I did use the same moldings on some of them, but still---20 minutes. I'm very decisive. I have things to do, places to go, people to meet. Can't waste time.

The Doyle and Debbie Show
If you ever come to Nashville, you MUST be sure to be here on a Tuesday night. That is the only time you can catch "The Doyle and Debbie Show." It is hysterical---an old-timey, twangy, country, comedy show. With songs like "Blue Stretch Pants,"  "I ain't no homo, but you sure look good to me," and "Fat Women in Trailers," they cover every politically incorrect thing there is. Check them out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQuFj36jR_8&feature=related
Enjoy!

And the Party Continues....

On Friday night before the reunion and Saturday night after the reunion, we wound up at Jeanne's house. Of course, no Zimmermann party would be complete without this:

The fully stocked bar...something for everyone---not to mention the food---darn, I wish I'd gotten a picture of the giantic, 6 foot sandwiches that Janet got (Jeanne sent me the picture---see below). They were huge! We definitely like to eat AND drink. We always have a poker game---mostly two going at the same time since the family is so large. This night, we really needed three games to accommodate the teenagers. 

Friday night, our family stayed until midnight. By Saturday night, the little girls were tired and so was I (I didn't get a nap and you know how I am without one). About 9:30, we decided to leave. Well, that posed a problem as Mindy, Butch and Greg were playing poker. Since they were all drinking, none of them could drive. That meant they had to leave with us. Mindy was NOT happy and started complaining right away---"well, if I'd known that my Saturday night was going to end at 9:30, I'd have stayed home." She had just arrived that morning in time for the reunion so she wouldn't have to take a day off work. It was after 10 by the time we said our goodbyes, but she wasn't happy. That lead to bickering in the car---until, I saved the day. I suggested that we play poker at the hotel. Everyone seemed to think that was a good idea. Plus, they wanted to order Imo's pizza. No one had had their St. Louis pizza "fix" yet.

When we got back to the hotel, I asked at the front desk if Imo's delivered there. I got the pizza brochure and then asked if we could play poker in the lounge area. The clerk said "yes." I then went out on a limb and asked if we could have alcoholic beverages there too. Her response this time was "as long as you don't bring your guns"---only in the #1 crime city, St. Louis, would that come up! We were all set. I even had an idea that I thought would make the little girls happy---they could play games on my computer.
Sandy said that they were too tired so she was going to put them to bed. She wasn't very happy---but that's how it is with our family---you can't make everyone happy at the same time. We ordered the pizza and played cards until about midnight.

This is a bad picture, but the only one I had.

We all had a great time in St. Louis---as always. We got up bright and early to head back to Nashville. Now it was Morgan's turn to be unhappy. She had plans with her boyfriend's family and was mad that we had to go by the airport so Mindy could get her car. More complaining...


Most of the time large families are fun...

Boewer Family Reunion

With the help of my cousin, Rick, I have been planning the Boewer Family Reunion for almost a year. When I first told my girls about it, they all said, "Who are the Boewer's?" Boewer was my grandma Zimmermann's maiden name. That's the only thing that connects us to this part of the family. When I did up the family group sheets, it hit me that there are no actual Boewers remaining. The name has died out in our family. My grandmother had three brothers---Uncle C.J. never married and Uncles Bill and Joe only had daughters. It's unbelievable to me that this can happen so easily.

The Joseph Boewer family.

The Boewer girls.

All the first cousins.

Bob and Rick Palank. Rick handed off his camera to me. I couldn't find the  "live" view. He said he didn't really know how to work his camera. Come to find out, it's old---doesn't have the "live" view. What we take for granted today...

Just a really small part of the Jules Zimmermann family.

Uncle Jules and Aunt Irma.

Just a few of the Wesley Zimmermann family. On the far left is my cousin, Julie and her family. She was only 3 when I got married, so I never really knew her. I've had a lot of fun emailing her and sharing family stories over the past couple of months. She gave me a couple of tablecloths that belonged to my grandma Zimmermann.  (I'll be sharing those soon.) I'm so grateful to have them.

Next to Julie is her brother, Mark. He drove with his son, Matt all the way from Washington, D.C. to attend.

Aunt Marlene and Uncle Wally---can you "dig" her leather pants and motorcycle jacket? Not bad for an old broad!

The Eugene Zimmermann family---that's us. We had the largest turnout, even though not everyone was there. My whole family was there (except for Jordan who had to stay behind for work). Of course, I pretty much brow beat everyone to be there. I'm so glad they still listen to me. I keep saying I'm done being the boss, but I have to admit, it still comes in handy every now and then!

"The Original Seven"

Nail Update

I went to Venetian for my regular Thursday nail appointment and to get rid of the terrible gel job I got on Sunday. I was pretty decided that I was NOT going to be doing the gel nails after all. But, Connie emailed me and my cousin, Judy, responded on my blog that I really did have a bad experience. Both of them have been happy with the gels. I decided that the deciding factor was going to be the color choices. On Sunday, I had about 10 choices and they were pretty crappy. I'm not one to get just one color all the time. I like to change it up depending on my mood, season, hunger level (cha ching cherry sounds really good if you're hungry), etc. 

When I got to Venetian today, I first asked to see their gel colors. They showed me one of those charts with all the little fingernails on it. There must have been 100 to choose from. I was ready to give it another go. I chose #83---I'm going to miss those fun OPI colors---many of which I chose just because of the cute names---not quite a waitress red, all roses lead to rome, dress to empress, etc. 

I sat down with Jason---at Venetian, they must all have to take American names since no one can pronounce all consonants. He was cute, had good hair for a guy and could actually speak so that I could understand him. The only drawback was that he was a smoker. He was sort of flirty which at this stage, age and size of the game I totally did not fall for. I figure he was "in it" for a big tip. Yeah, I'll give him a tip---stop smoking!!!

Anyway, he did a good job and was fast. The whole ordeal took about 45 minutes and my nails look great. I'm very happy. I might not have a lot going for me right now, but at least I can like my nails. 

So I leave the place on a "high" until I encounter this:

What??? There must be some evil fairy somewhere messing with me. "Hey, she's been happy for 5 minutes, now let's get her good." I had to get in on the passenger side and then figure out how to get my bulk over to the driver side. It was really quite a trick. The body's not quite as bendable as it used to be. Gumbi I ain't. Falling on top of the gear shift didn't seem like it would be pleasurable either. Gingerly, I finally made it by taking off my shoes and easing myself over the console. 

Actually, with my new, awesome nails, I feel pretty invincible!! At least I didn't mess them up. I think I'll keep them for awhile. I already told Jason to expect me in two. weeks!

AYM---March

The assignment this month was to scrapbook an important relationship. 

Sally decided to document her blind date with her future husband. She said that as soon as she laid eyes on him, she knew she would marry him. 

Suzanne told the story of a special priest she met in high school that remained a life long friend. She had a lot of memorabilia in the way of news articles and letters. She made a fold-out and added a pocked page in order to include it all. The kit colors (as in Sally's layout above) didn't quite work for this subject, so she chose a more neutral set of papers.

 

I have to say, these girls a really doing a great job. Looks like they've been scrapbooking for years. Of course. the whole reason I started "A Year of Memories" was to get more people thinking about the stories. Every single person that has committed to it has done a fabulous job with the journaling. All of the stories have been interesting.

Not only do I feel strongly about telling the story, I am absolutely certain that everyone has the ability to write theirs. That prompted me to develop a journaling class to help others get their story down. We all have that little inner voice that is just begging to be heard!

Stay tuned---I may offer this class to out-of-town family on friends---online!!!

A Little More of the Garden

I just couldn't resist a few more garden pictures. I took these shots just a couple days after the last ones---right after a big rain. Things just seem to really pop after a good rain.

I realize that I showed all close-ups the last time. Here's a long view.

 I'm using this as my desktop on my computer right now---this cherry tree is just gorgeous every year. It's at the top of the driveway, so I get to see and enjoy it everyday.

 All the photos I took of this tree were so good, I just couldn't pick only one. I did narrow it down from about a dozen.

I love the contrast of the close up flowers with the rest of the blooms in the background.

 Lilacs. I haven't cut any for inside since we're going out-of-town, but definitely will be doing that on Sunday when we get home. They smell incredible.

It finally hit me the other day---these are anemones. I didn't cut any, so I don't know how they hold up in a vase. I'll have to give it a try.

Still waiting to see what's happening in your gardens.