Five Things Thursday

Kicking off the Halloween season:

1. Sandy's new Halloween wreaths.

She found them at Sam's. If you enlarge the picture you can see all the detail and how full they are. They really are awesome! I'd be tempted to get a couple, but I don't think I'm going to decorate for Halloween this year with the remodel about ready to get underway. I already have too much work to do to add decorating for Halloween on top of that! 

2. I thought this was a clever idea:

These pumpkins are made out of old drawers! Who thought of that?

3. Now this is another great idea!

A pumpkin platter charcuterie!

4. Clever ideas abound:

5. This looks like it's straight out of a zombie movie!

Have you come across any good Halloween ideas?

What I Buy Wednesday

Actually, I didn't buy a thing this week. Nada, nothing, zero, zilch!

Instead, this week, it's more about what I'm getting rid of rather than what I'm buying. I'm still working on cleaning out the the rooms upstairs to get ready for the remodeling. Little by little, I'm getting there. 

We've donated the bedroom set and bedding to Renew. It's an organization that provides safe shelter for women and children suffering from domestic abuse---through the YWCA. We've been donating to them for years. 

The round table and rattan chair have been relocated to the attic. We're keeping it in case we need it at the beach sometime down the road. I'm replacing the window treatment too. There won't be anything in front of the window. I'm getting a new smaller chest to replace the one on the left that the tv will sit on--it will be shorter. Or maybe we'll mount the tv on that wall. 

This is a nice size room, but we don't need all this furniture. Where the dresser is located, I plan to put a chair and a smaller table.

I can't wait to hang all of our new pictures! One thing I like about Renew is that they send me pictures of what I've donated in the places they fix up for the families.  It always looks so nice! I'm glad I have a worthy cause to donate too.

We enlisted the help of Stephanie, Nicky, Mindy and Justin to haul everything down to the garage. All of this is going to the Good Will. 

the fan is going, but the chandelier in the background is staying. That came out of the kitchen when we remodeled that. It has bronze leaves and crystals all over. I'm going to either spray paint it--which means I'll have to wrap each crystal in Saran Wrap as they do not come off (at least I don't think they do)--or, I'm going to use some sort of metallic rub. I think I have that in my scrapbook room that I used with stencils. At least I hope I still have it. I know that I have some metallic stamp pads. I'm not too worried about it as I was planning on getting rid of it, so I don't have anything to lose. As it turns out, I guess it's lucky that Butch never took it to Good Will considering the kitchen has been finished nearly 3 years now!!

This picture is pretty cool (it's upside down here), but I just don't need it. The plant stand is going too. That came out of the sunroom. I'm just trying to pare down. We don't need so much stuff!

I've gotten 3 of the 5 drawers in my desk cleaned out---which includes two drawers of files. I still have two file drawers to go through--plus another double size file cabinet. That one already doesn't have much in it. Also, my office has two very large closets that need cleaning out. You know, you keep things you wouldn't ordinarily keep just because you have the space. I just want to get it all cleaned out. Well, I actually have to so that the new carpet can be installed. I thought of getting rid of the triple bookshelf computer desk and the big regular desk. I just don't use it anymore. The only thing we go in there for is to get things off of the printer. I thought about turning it back in to a bedroom, but we don't need another bedroom. We already have two guest rooms that very seldom get used. 

Also, I have to get Mindy and Justin back here to finish her closet. One more session should just about do it.

By the time we do all this, it might have been easier to move. But there's one thing that has held me back from that---my scrapbook room! That room desperately needs new carpet, but there's just no way I'm ready to tackle that! 

The house is really too big---much more space than we need. But the thought of moving is just too darn daunting! So, we'll stay. I'll clean out and then we'll probably fill up all the closets again! I hope not!

Travel Tuesday

So we went to Atlanta to surprise Elizabeth with her new/used car.

Of course she loved it!

She took us for a spin. She's a good driver. 

She goes on Tuesday to get her license. I have no doubt that she'll pass her driving test. As of Saturday night, she hadn't even tried parallel parking. The plan was to take her out on Sunday for practice. I hope she "gets it!" If she doesn't, it's not the end of the world. After all, how often do you actually have to parallel park? I think I've done it maybe once in the lat 5 years. Some of the newer cars have that self-park feature. Butch just told me that his has that, but he hasn't had the opportunity to use it yet. 

We left Sunday morning to head back to Nashville. You hate to see this just one mile from your highway exit to home:

Yep, the traffic was backed up and at a halt. Luckily we were only a mile away, so we crept along for a bit, but were able to exit. I'd say it only slowed us down for about 15 minutes. Still, when you are ready to get home, you're ready to get home!!

Heading off to the beach with my girlfriends on Wednesday. We're all looking forward to that. My brother was just there last week and sent these pictures:

He said it was the best weather he's ever experienced there---just perfect. Not too hot and, most importantly, not too crowded!

We're excited!! There's nothing like a week with your girls!!

Monday Mystery

Where did this grill come from? It's a mystery for sure! 

When we were at the beach in August, there was this random grill out our back door. Someone either forgot it or left it.

Butch says that a lot of people buy stuff when they get down there and then just leave it. Well, this grill has become a topic of conversation on the Gulf Place Caribbean Facebook page. This week, someone was going to remove it. As it turns out, several people--including us--want them to just leave it. In fact, my brother was down there this week and used it. Since I'm going on Wednesday, I'm going to just move it off to the side. 

It will be interesting to see how long this mystery grill lasts. Will the owner reclaim it? Will the maintenance people remove it? We'll see. For now, it's not causing any problems.

Something for Saturday

1. I got my "booster."

Now I really feel fine to travel!! PS notice my new "hairdo!"

2. Elizabeth's new car!

We brought it down to Atlanta yesterday. 2018 fully loaded! Our last grandchild car purchase!

3. My friend, Nancy E. was telling us about the turtle her son found in his yard. Then she showed us this picture. I'm like, "No way! That's a fake!" She insisted that it was real.

She said Tucker posted it on the Next Door app. Turns out that it belongs to a neighbor down the street. Now Tucker did not touch it. But when the 10 year old neighbor girl attempted to pick it up, he felt a little shame! It weights 70 lbs. Her name is Myrtle. They have another named Yrtle. Get it? Myrtle and Yrtle the turtles! I wonder what they would have done without the Next Door app.

4. I was at Connie's the other day. We were sitting on the porch chatting. Can you see who is trying to get my attention?

I thought it was so funny that Dash was staring at me. He wanted to come in so bad. Connie left him out because he tends to be a little wild. I just thought this picture was so cute. I sent it to her daughters, Amanda and Malinda. Amanda replied that their hair color matches. You know how they say that dog owners look like their dogs? Well, maybe there is really truth to that!

5. I think I shared the piece of furniture--doggie apartment that Morgan's boyfriend built.

She sent me this picture of it decorated. She said the boys love it and know exactly which one is theirs. 

The portrait cracked me up! From the left, Finn, Walter and Joey. So cute!! 

That's it for today!

Friday Funnies

Five Things Thursday

1. I read that 98.6 is no longer considered the optimal temperature for the human body. It's now 97.9 degrees. Apparently, improved health is a contributing factor. I guess that explains why my temperature is always low--I'm optimally healthy!

2. Kevin Bacon posted this photo on Facebook. His wife (Kyra Sedgwick) commented, "Thanks for sharing my dirty laundry!"

I was most impressed that Kevin Bacon was doing the laundry!! No wonder his marriage has  made it 33 years in Hollywood!!

3. Interesting.

4. Yep, this about says it all!

5. My fifth thing I'm sharing today is a  new show called The Big Leap. I've only watched the first episode and it has possibilities. It's a show about a reality dancing show where the dancers are pretty bad, but the music is great. I think the show is really about how these reality shows really work--you know, looking for the sad stories or even inventing drama. Don't get me wrong, I love my reality shows!! Still, I'm giving this a chance!

What I Buy Wednesday!

Settle back, this one's a doozy!

Well, I think I'm chasing after something that is not possible---younger looking skin without surgery. Of course, it doesn't help that I've lost so much weight--just short of 60 lbs. Things are baggy and saggy AND, I'm nearly 70. So I'm saying that right up front. That's the truth! But a girl can always dream! it's no surprise that I fell for the illusion of a possibility! Here's the story:

I went to the mall to exchange the bras I just bought. I decided I needed a different size. 

Soma. The most comfortable bras I've ever worn. And they last forever! I've had my current ones for at least 10 years! Seriously, 10 years.

After I made the exchange, I was walking down the mall to Dillards. There was a guy standing outside a store I'd never seen or heard of before. Now, mind you, I don't shop much. I can't even remember the last time I was at the mall. Anyway, this guy was passing out some samples. I brushed him off and continued on my way.

I was heading to Dillards to spend my Mother's Day gift card from Stephanie and Nicky. Right after I got it, I knew I was going to get a swim suit cover-up, just hadn't done it. Actually, I tried once, but that's when I found out the stores don't open until 11 a.m. now. Yeah, that's right. The last time I was at the mall was right after Mother's Day. As it turns out, I'm happy I waited. I ended up getting this:

Being the end of the season, it was marked down from $60.00 to $18.00. I really didn't expect to find anything at this late date, but they had racks and racks of swim suits and coverups. It looks sort of like a man's shirt, but it has silvery, shiny thread running through it. I do like shiny things.

Next, I headed to William Sonoma to check out the Fortnum and Mason tea. I lucked in to this:

The Victoria Grey was nearly half price, so I decided to buy it. They had several of my favorites too, but I only got this one---well, two--you know my multiples problem! (Side note: Butch made it for me yesterday morning and it's delicious! Glad I got two!) $12.95 rather than $19.95. Oh, and it's in a shiny tin with a gold top.

Once I finished at William Sonoma, I had to pass by that store again where the guy was standing outside giving out free samples of moisturizer. He said, "I knew you would come back!!" I said, "Oh, okay, I'll take the sample." Once I got close to him and retrieved it, he said, "Just come inside so my associate can show you something amazing." I should have left then--feeling like a lamb being lured in to the lion's den--but I thought it would be too rude since I had taken the free sample. (Note to self: nothing is free!) 

Once in the store, a woman started fast talking--because she said she knew I was in a hurry. I had said I was meeting a friend and didn't have time. She asked if she could put some age stuff under my eye that would show me an instant improvement for the puffiness. Until she said the word "puffiness" I hadn't really noticed that. But when she held up the mirror, there was no denying it--my eyes were definitely puffy! I agreed and it was amazing! The difference was remarkable!! I told her she had to do the other eye so they would match. 

Then she started asking me about my skin care routine and what products I use. I told her that I used Estee Lauder--although I've gotten very lax about my routine. I didn't tell her that part. She continued her speed talk and said that this eye product would also reduce fine lines anywhere on my face. It was to be used once a week and the bottle contained 120 applications. And guess what? It was $1000!! Yes, one thousand dollars! Yikes! I immediately said, "NO WAY!" 

Then she asked me to show her my wrist where she took another product---an exfoliator and rubbed it on. Within about 20 seconds, the skin started balling up. That's the only way I can describe it. All kinds of supposedly dead skin cells were flaking off. Then she said that for $500 she would give me the eye cream AND the exfoliator. I said I'd have to think about it.

Her next question was, "What's holding you back? The money?" I replied, "Yes, that and whether I would actually use it!" She then dropped the price to $299, plus she'd throw in the moisturizer. Okay, now I was interested. Actually, I thought I might have been hit by the "flim flam man"! Really, it was like some sort of medicine man side show. 

When she asked how much these similar products would cost from Estee Lauder, that's when she had me. It would be about $300. Then, you know what flashed across my mind? My personal checking account balance---many thousands of dollars from my social security that I don't spend. That did it. I was sold!! I dropped the 300 bucks.

Here are the products. It comes in shiny gold boxes! Man, I love shiny stuff! The store and the product is called Hermetise. Honestly, I believe the stuff is legit because the Green Hills Mall is totally upscale with all high end stores. 

And here's the amazing stuff. It's called "Age Delay Immediate Eye Lift!" And that's definitely the truth--it's immediate. Then, all of a sudden, I had a deja vu moment of being at a craft show or woman's show--maybe with Connie--where someone did this exact demonstration on her. It was immediate and amazing!

Another thing. I got to thinking about that exfoliating stuff. I thought, "I'll bet it's just the product that balls up." So, I decided to try an experiment. I exfoliated with something I already had--this time on my face. Then, I tried their product and guess what? There was no dead skin to remove!! That made me feel better. 

I tried the moisturizer and it felt like--well--moisturizer. There didn't seem to be anything particularly special about it. But hours later, it still felt soft and creamy--not dry like when it just absorbs in to the skin and you feel all tight and dry again. 

I guess the bottom line is that so far, I like the products. Now, I just need to be disciplined enough to use them. But heck, once a week for two of the products? That's simple! Especially for such amazing results. I'll even take some pictures so you can see some before and after photos. I have to wait until next Monday before it's time to use them again.

There you have it. My crazy purchases for this week. Maybe a little over the top, but we'll see. So if you don't recognize me right away the next time you see me, you'll know why!

Look out Target, I'm comin' for ya'!!

Travel Tuesday

Thought I'd share a few pictures from my trip to St. Louis/Salem with my sisters last week. 

I flew in on Monday. My favorite cousin, Chrissy picked me up. We had a few hours together and even had a chance to stop by and see her sister, my other cousin, Judy--before she dropped me off at Uncle Tony's. We went to visit Aunt Marie in the nursing home. It's pretty sad. She's non-verbal and this time there was no recognition in her eyes. I had lunch with Uncle Tony at Rich and Charlies--a well-known St. Louis Italian restaurant--the best salads. 

Afterwards, he took me over to see my cousin, Mark's new house. It was good seeing him too. I don't always get a chance to do that. St. Louis is a big city and some family live really far apart.

Uncle Tony dropped me off at Janet's where Jeanne met us. After a stop at Starbucks, we were on the road. We met the twins at the hotel and had dinner together at a Mexican restaurant. It was delicious--remember, I haven't had chips and salsa in almost 8 months! We hung out for several hours before calling it a night.

The next morning, we headed to the farm. First, the chickens. Don't all farms have chickens? Jennifer has a couple dozen. They are really colorful and pretty. She had already gathered the eggs. I like to do that with her.

Of course, we were greeted by all 5 dogs! There are 3 cats too, but only the curious little kitten wanted to hang around. Jennifer heard her crying and found her in one of their cars. They assume that someone dropped it off. After all, it is the country and people tend to do that a lot. Luckily this little girl found the right home. I've already forgotten her name--I think it's Suki or something.

We played a lot of poker. I was up and down. From left: Janet, Jennifer, Janice (the twins) and Jeanne. Yes, all J's. My baby sister, Joyce wasn't there. I'm the oldest. I don't know why mom decided to start with the J's after me! (Janet is my sil, but she fits right in).

We sat outside--one of my favorite things to do. The scenery is so beautiful. I like to walk the property too. Just Jennifer and I did that. As it turns out, Janet and Jeanne are babies about being outside, "it's too hot!" Or, "it's too buggy!" one or the other of them whined.

"Hmmm," I said, "and you all thought I was the prissy one!" In the above photo, Janet was sitting inside the cabin behind the screen. As long as I'm in the shade, I don't care how hot it is. Plus, I'm fine putting on bug spray! The only thing we didn't do this trip was have a campfire. I really like that too---just sitting around the fire gabbing. It was probably too hot anyway.

This time that's me on the left. 

In addition to poker, we also played Mexican Train. In the end, I came out a 60 cent winner. A little disappointing because at one point, I was about $17.00 ahead! We've been gambling since we were 5. Our grandparents came over every Sunday and gave each of us 25 pennies. They taught us our first gambling game--Fan Tan. We still play it, but we've upped the stakes from a penny to 10 cents. It's really not about the money as we don't play for big bucks. It's just something to do while we're talking. That works for us girls. My brother, Ron used to bark at us, "Are we playing poker or are we talking?!" Gosh, we miss that guy! 

It was a great couple of days together. We ate, antiqued, geo-cached (just to introduce them to it), played games and talked--a lot! 

Salem is about 2 hours outside of St. Louis. We left on Thursday morning. Later in the afternoon, Jeanne and I made the rounds so I could see her grands.

This is Angie and Brian's new house. 

The boys were excited to show me their new rooms. 

Travis is so inventive. He managed to build himself a basketball hoop out of a box. I was so impressed by this. It's about the only way he could play basketball in the house!

Nathan really likes to draw. He was showing me some pictures that he's drawn. I don't know what those creatures are--I'm out of little kids shows these days and know even less about the things boys like! He said that he learned how to draw them by watching a Youtube video. Amazing! Kids know where to go to find information! But, I thought it was so cute that he had on mis-matched footies. I asked him about it. He said he couldn't find a match. Boys! So funny!

After visiting the boys for awhile, we went over to Johnny and Andrea's new house.

The people they bought from were really in to gardening. The landscaping is beautiful. Luckily, Johnny is all for it. There wasn't a weed to be seen! I met little Rosie for the very first time. She's about 18 months old now--born during the lockdown. I spent time "messing" with Logan, their 8 year old. He showed me the fort that Johnny had built him. Johnny might be a new gardener, but he is an accomplished woodworker! Andrea showed me the jewelry box he made her too.

Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures, but here are a couple I pulled off Facebook.

My visits are always a whirlwind as I try to see as many people as I can. As it turned out, Chrissy texted to ask if she could take me to the airport. She'll do anything to get more time with me!! I love that about her. I told the twins that the next time I come to St. Louis, they could meet me there. That way, I'd have more time to see everyone!! 

Even though the trip was from Monday to Friday, it went by in a blink! I love my family!