Craft Corner: Quilt revisited

This is the largest piece of a quilt I started on about 5 years ago. I thought that this year would be a good time to finish it, so while I waited for George to come home from work (poor guy worked late again) I pulled it out to see what needed to be done.

It started from some fabric my mom had. For those who may not know, my mom is an avid quilter ... or was. A few years ago she bought a quilt supply business from a friend and now barel has time to make the quilts for display. Kind of sad, I think, becasue she used to get so much joy from it. Although she still enjoys it, she doesn't get to labor over it like she used to or rotate on projects depending on her mood. (She can tell you a story about working night and day to finish a quilt in like 3 days while my stepfather was left to fend for himself ffor dinner.)

Anyway, I really liked these two fabrics and he thought of making a quilt from triangles sounded fun. Unfortunately, I think I made it harder on myself. A few weeks.months into the project my mom was looking it over and said, "You know you could've done the same pattern using squares..."

Great! I was making it twice as hard on myself so I started to make squares. Later I realized that I couldn't just switch in the middle of the project unless I changed the pattern somehow. Besides the sizes were all off. A little overwhelmed, I put it away and no doubt started another project.

So now, I revisit it. I don't know if there is anymore fabric than the remaining pieces that I cut. Maybe my mom has more, maybe not. But looking at it last night, I think I can make a small lap quilt from the pieces I have of the triangles and another wall hanging size from the squares cut. Or a crib sized blanket and matching doll blanket ... I kinda like that idea. I mean, we're not planning on kids for another two years or so, but I can put it away with my baby
clothes my mom found ...

We'll see. I'll post more later!

What d'ya think?

These roses are actually a picture of the red ones I posted last Monday that my husband gave me for my birthday. Sometimes when we have extra time at work, another coworker and I try to discover new techniques for altering photographs. Technically the only time we can use them is when we are working in the entertainment section of the paper, but it never hurts to keep learning. This rose photo was initially red, but I changed the color balance to bring out a deeper, satin sheen pink. Then I added a crosshatch filter to give it the shadowy, pencil or sketched look. The corners are a contoured bevel, with a drop shadow to the bottom left. So tell me, what do you think???

Tea Time: Forgotten treasure

This teacup has a bit of a funny story behind it, but in order for you to find the humor I must explain something. My mother is one of those people you cannot just buy a gift for. Despite something she might like (such as fabric for a quilt or a cute goat item because that is what they raise on their farm.) You have to wait for her to tell you what to get or else take trip with her when she returns it. She is also a woman who believes if it did not come from WalMart, then she does not need it. With that in mind ...

About a year ago my husband and I were in Houston visiting our families when my mom said," Hey! Maybe when you come to visit you can help me go through all of the kitchen cabinets and get rid of stuff." (That is the sort of thing my mom plans when we visit, but it is better than helping worm nearly 100 goats!)

"Um ... o.k.!" I replied without much enthusiasm.

So the day came and there we were in our stocking feet in the kitchen (no shoes allowed on her hardwood floor!) with boxes spread out and my stepfather safely hidden upstairs as not to be asked to assist. One cabinet at a time, I climb up on the ladder and hand down all of the containers, cups, bowls and other items she miraculously crammed into those wooden hideaways.

When cleaning out one of the top shelves, I pulled down this hummingbird tea cup and saucer.

"This is pretty," I said handing it to her.

"Then you can have it," she said.

"Where'd you get it," I asked absently, as I placed in aside on the counter.

"I don't know," she replied. "It couldn't have been important if I don't remember."

"I guess not," I mumbled as I climbed off the ladder. "I think it look familiar because I have that cross stitch pattern."

"I think it's kind of ugly," she replied absently, but then again she like country styles versus the delicate birds and Victorian elegance that adorns my house.

I moved the ladder and started on the next cabinet, forgetting about the pretty little bird in flight.

After a few hours of working we had cleared all of the counters and boxed up the donations for a local charity or something, I boxed up the few things that she thought I could use in our house and headed back to my father-in-law's.

Days later I unpacked the cup and saucer with the other items and put it on a shelf in the kitchen, making a mental note to put it on display later with the others in my small collection.

Fast forward, a few months later, my husband was deployed and I was looking for some bowl that had disappeared as they often do and I came across this set. Suddenly, it clicked. I knew where I had seen the set at. I finished what I was doing and opened up the laptop. Going to one of the flower pages visit for special occasions, I searched and quickly saw it ...

Yep! Plain as day. It was part of the floral arrangement I had sent my mother the previous Mother's Day. I guess once the flowers had died, she put the cup and saucer in the back of the cabinet and forgot about it. So there it was, a cup and saucer that I thought was so beautiful eventually made its way back to me ... maybe I should have told her to put some flowers in it before she gave it back ...

Foot Fetish Friday No. 11: Training for survival

This week I had the chance to follow a unit in the field for a training competition. It was fun and a coworked suggested this picture for my Foot Fetish Friday tribute. Continue reading to get the story ...

-- Published in Fort Polk Guardian (Jan. 26, 2007) --
By: MICHELLE LINDSEY, Guardian staff writer

Stamina, determination, mental toughness, physical agility. Do you have what it takes? Soldiers of the 519th Military Police Battalion, 1st Combat Support Brigade, were put to the test this week as they competed in the rigorous three-day Warfighter Challenge Jan. 22-24.
The Warfighter Challenge is an annual competition where military police battalions throughout the Army send their best three-person team to compete in events that push the mental and physical limits of competitors.
“(The Fort Polk competition is) based on the military police mission and what the Soldier should know,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Green, command sergeant major, 519th MP Bn.
He added that the annual competition changes each year and teams will not know what tests they will have to put their minds and bodies through until the competition begins. The annual competition will be held in April.
Soldiers from the 204th Military Police Company, 209th Military Police Company, and 258th Military Police Company, were selected by their leaders to compete in the Fort Polk challenge. Through this three-day competition, a team of three competitors and one or two alternates are chosen, said Green.
“The purpose (of the Warfighter competition) is to allow our military police to compete against others across the world,” said Green. “It gives (Fort Polk Soldiers) the opportunity to measure themselves, as far as their training and expertise, against the other military police in the Army.
“The goal is to celebrate being a military police Soldier in the Army and to have that spirit of competition,” he added. “To be selected as the best at your installation is already a huge accomplishment. (The Fort Leonard Wood competition is) about being the best of the best and it says something about what kind of Soldiers they are.”
Staff Sgt. Todd Pichette, a coach for this year’s team, is no stranger to the competition. He competed at Fort Leonard Wood in 2002 with a team from Korea and in 2003 with a team from Germany. His team placed in top slots both years.
Pichette served as a coach for the Fort Polk team in 2005 when they came home in third place out of 38 competing teams.
“The competition distinguishes which Soldiers and NCOs are top in the MP Corps,” he said.
Previous competitors take an active part in helping Soldiers train for the competition.
“I have some insight, but each year they change the competition. You can’t go back and train on exactly what was done the year before, but it is a guide,” Pichette said.
The competition is more than just an event –– it helps Soldiers improve themselves.
“The Soldiers are constantly doing tasks (related to military police work) and it sticks with them. They improve,” Pichette said. “They compete to be named the best. The team members (chosen) are already the best in the battalion and it motivates them to continue to get better and better.”
For first-time competitor Pfc. Greg Davignon, 209th MP Co, this experience has given him the chance to test his limits.
“Some of these competitions push your physical and mental ability. I remember on the first day we had to carry a five-gallon water can through the woods and the march. Events like that push you to see what kind of person you are and what you are made of.”
The competition has helped him see what his strengths and weaknesses are and in the end can help make a better Soldier, he said.
“It shows me what my limitations are, how fast I can do things or how much I can handle. We had three companies compete (from the battalion) and I was put in a team with Soldiers I did not know. It helped me learn teamwork for activities such as the litter carry. It definitely builds battalion cohesion,” he added.
Davignon said he encourages other military police to participate in the challenge because it teaches lessons that “stay with you longer than the pain.” He added that no matter the outcome, once a team is chosen, the Soldiers of the 519th MP Bn will stand behind it when the time comes to compete.
“The (battalion) colonel and sergeant major have been behind us 100 percent, and the team that we send to Fort Leonard Wood will not have to ask or want for anything. We will be supporting them the whole way. Everyone is behind us,” Davignon said.

Click here to see other articles in this week's Fort Polk Guardian.

Long day, go away

Ever have one of those days where you just don't feel like facing the world? One of those days where you want to bury you head under the covers? Today, most Thursdays actually, are like that. It's production week here are the newspaper and it is crazy. By 10 a.m. I feel like I have put in two days work of effort without any sleep. On the good side, my husband is making dinner (actually ording pizza 'cause that's what I wanted!) He's a real prince charming. Somedays I wonder how I lucked out!

Obviously 'no' means 'no'

Taking a tip from the ever trendsetting Lime ... here is an article I came across in my daily reading.


There are some days that you can’t get me to do a thing. You can entice me with all the bribes you want, if I don’t want to do it then I don’t. Know I thought I had some stay-power when it came to putting my foot down against doing something, but apparently, even my willpower can be outlasted.

JENA, Germany Jan 24, 2007 (AP)— Scientists in the eastern German city of Jena said Wednesday they have finally given up after three years of failed attempts to entice a sloth into budging as part of an experiment in animal movement.

The sloth, named Mats, was remanded to a zoo after consistently refusing to climb up and then back down a pole, as part of an experiment conducted by scientists at the University of Jena's Institute of Systematic Zoology and Evolutionary Biology.

Neither pounds of cucumbers nor plates of homemade spaghetti were appetizing enough to make Mats move.

"Mats obviously wanted absolutely nothing to do with furthering science," said Axel Burchardt, a university spokesman.

Mats' new home is the zoo in the northwestern city of Duisburg where, according to all reports, he is very comfortable.

Now I love me some pasta and cucumbers are a good and healthy, but do you think they could have tried some chocolate? Maybe a nice cold beer on a hot afternoon? Anybody think about ice cream? These are things that motivate me. Guess it’s a good thing I’m not a scientist anyway, I would have quit long before the three year mark.

Foot Fetish Friday No. 10: Toasty Tootsies

I totally screwed up. I took the Foot Fetish Friday picture on Friday and forgot to post it. It was such a crazy weekend for me with social obligations and military events, so I am posting it now.

These are the slippers that my great-grandmother crocheted for me. She died in June 2004 and I wear them whenever possible. They are a little big, but they are sooooo comfy.

Tea time ... Mexican delight

O.k. I know this was suppose to be posted a few weeks ago but I have been so busy, I haven't been able to post as often as I wanted to.

This is the tea cup and saucer that we found in Mexico. George was negotiating for a miniature silver teapot but I wanted something that reflected the Mexican culture's pottery skills. I like the cobalt blue and if you look closely you can see the spots from when they fired it in the kiln.

Another Day, Another Year

Ugh! Today is my 29th birthday. Yes, I know, it's not that old, but 30 is such a milestone and I am starting down the barrel. It's not that I feel old, it's just that I am staring at that "Things To Do Before 30" list and there is very little done.

Don't get me wrong, if you had told me 10 years ago that this is what my life would have been in 10 years (confused yet?) I would have said there is no way that I could have been that lucky. I have the world's most perfect husband, a career that is ever-changing, despite its lack of making me a millionaire, friends that support me is measures that I could not imagine (ex: recent deployment) and a home that is close to being what I dreamed of as a little girl.

O.k. when put like that, there is definitely little to regret. The good definitely outweighs the bad without comparison.


Anyway, speaking of my perfect husband, here are the flowers that he brought when he picked me up for lunch at work. Gorgeous right!?! What can I say, I live the life of a modern day princess thanks to him. O.k. I must go and polich my tiara now. Until later ...

Icy beginnings ...

Well today started off very cold. Now I know your Northern dwellers may laugh at me when I complain about weather in the 30s but I ask you, have you ever seen a southern belle in a parka? NO! Because we don’t do cold.
My husband got a call at 5:19 a.m. this morning telling him that morning formation and PT had been canceled due to weather advisory. We have a very smart commanding general (I am actually in awe of him, but that is a different story). He realized the consequences of icy roads and Soldiers who may not understand the dangers would far outweigh the loss of a day of PT.
So I started my day by snuggling under the covers and coaxing my nearly 70-pound bulldog who is quite warm to cuddle with me while my husband was on the phone.
After resetting the alarm clock, I burrowed deeper under the three layers of covers (which included my childhood blankie) while my nearly lung-crushing pup settled back to sleep resting on my chest. (After 2 years I have learned to sleep with the painful piercing stab of his knobby knees in my chest or back.)
The alarm went off at 6:45 a.m., but being the efficient person that I am, I figured I could get up at 7:15 a.m. and still make it to work by 8:30 a.m. So off to sleep again.
At 7:20 a.m. I jump into the shower. When I get out my husband informs me that my boss called and said we didn’t have to be in to work until 10 a.m. SWEET!! So I crawled into bed wet hair and all, but alas, mommy’s shower means time to get up for the puppy and he was fully awake after going outside via doggy door to lift a leg to his favorite bush.
After much wrestling, and eventually loosing to the 70-pound pouncing machine (and a paw to my head that brought tears to my eyes), I got up and went to the livingroom where I gave him food and water, then settled in to watch the news. After checking out his food he promptly went to sleep by the bookcase as I muttered under my breathe that I could still be in bed.
As I got ready for work, slowly since I had more time, my husband gave me tips on driving on the icy roads.
“Be sure to remote start the car and them go out there a little later to turn on both (front and rear) defrosts,” he said before leaving for work.
After finishing getting ready, I gathered my things and headed out to my warmed Tahoe. My truck was covered with ice and I was glad I had pre-started it. Despite the cold, I put my stuff in the car and grabbed my camera. So as I warm myself with hot cocoa, here are pics my icy start to the day.




The water seemed to freeze where it had fallen last night. There was not sheet ice, just frozen water drops. It alsmost looks like a rainfall instead of ice. When I got into the truck this morning my wipers automatically came on and pushed the ice off in one big sheet, it was way cool for this southern girl. The door handles were still icy when I went to lunch.



I know I owe my readers the Day 2, 3 and 4 posts of our Mexico trip and I promise to post them soon. Getting back into the groove and catching up on everyone blogs has taken more time than I thought. I have so much to do, but I promise to get those posts and the other tea cups in the collection done soon. Thanks for your patience.

Life changes and so does my blog

Well I am in the process of making some changes to my blog in hopes of making it more appealing to new readers (those of you whom I have already suckered into repeatedly returning to view the life of a princess already know its worth the time, but I do offer you my thanks and a title with land in my future kingdom.)

I was working on a second blog, paying homage to my craft addiction, but alas my life is full and I cannot keep up two, so I am combining the two and adding the posts here. However, my old blog, My Stitching Haven, will remain up for those who wish to view previous posts.

As you may see at the bottom of each post is a category where other similar posts can be found, but to help readers determine their post preferences, I will also add a title to the heading. From now on, by royal decree, craft corner will contain craft information an tea time contains tea and tea collection info. Now I know that my loyal friends will want to read ALL posts, but this is to help you decide how best to prepare yourself (such as a delicate cup of warm tea, a decanter of liquor or Kleenex for those military life posts.)

I hope the changes will bring with them new friends and I thank the returning friends for their support. So grab your drink (and Lime your chocolate) and lets face each new day with anticipation, because laughing is a lot better than crying and beer is better.

Foot Fetish Friday No. 9: Vacation bliss

The second installment of the 2007 Foot Fetish Friday finds my husband and I with toes buried in the warm sands of Mexico. For those who have not read, we recently had the chance to finally take our honeymoon, nearly three years after our wedding. Better late than never ... but then again - Who really needs a reason to go to Mexico?

Mexico Vacation: Day 1

WARNING: Long post. Includes pictures.

The moment everyone has been waiting for ... our trip to Mexico. Day 1:

Let me first begin by saying that although the trip was a beautiful way for George and I to spend some quality time together, I would trade it in a heartbeat not to have him deployed for nearly a year in a war zone, but it is the life we chose and this is the rewards. His stories can be bone-chilling and at times (sorry my love) I tune him out when he is talking about them because I like to believe he was in some plush, safe resort for an extended “guys day out.”

But we managed to save WAY MORE than we had anticipated during the deployment (partly because I perfected the sad and lonely routine which caused many friends to have me for dinner, thus I bought less groceries). The week or so before he came home he emailed me that he had planned a trip for us to Mexico.

I soon learned that we would be staying at a 4.5 star, adult only, all-inclusive resort. Instead of a room, he opted for the solitaire bungalows on the beach with personal concierges (I am a spoiled princess and I am seeking help.)

We arrived at the airport at 5:15 a.m. (or near there as I was still half asleep.) We checked our baggage and rode the mobile walkway to the gate (when I am on vacation I do as little work as possible.) After grabbing a some gum and a magazine and checking out the cool gadgets store we settled in to wait for the plane.

The plane ride was quick. A two-hour flight where I read and George played PSP. After taking a few pictures as we entered Mexico, we deplaned and headed for baggage.

Now even with heightened security as our own airports and living on a military installation, I am not used to seeing armed militia walking around with rifles or whatever big guns they had. Maybe it’s because I knew that in case of a situation, I didn’t know enough of their language to tell them I was not one of the “bad guys” or maybe because I knew they didn’t care and would likely shoot first and ask questions later.

The security system was quite unique though. You had to walk past this big pole with a traffic light minus the yellow on it and press the button. If you got green you could go, if you got red they searched you. maybe that is how terrorists get in so easily. Anyway, we got the green light and headed to find our travel agent.

After loading our baggage into the van, we waited as three other couples joined us and off we went. To other couples were staying t other resorts and we dropped them off first. Another couple was staying at our resort and were on the last stop with us.

As we entered the lobby we were giving glasses of champagne. The lobby itself was breathe-taking with an 18-plus foot Christmas tree decorated in white and golds standing majestically in the center of the large water fountain "crowned" by a beautiful glass chandelier above it.



The other couple, staying in a hotel room went to the desk to check in but we were taken away on a golf cart to check in with our personal concierge. The bungalows, or Casitas, were in a restricted area of the resort with private pools and ocean views. Only Casita residents were allowed there although we could use any part of the rest of the resort.

Our first order of business was to eat while they brought our baggage to our room.

After eating a late lunch (at a restaurant that was technically closed but Casita guests were never turned away) we went to our room.

Walking in we were greeted by a cool breeze and white linen everywhere.

The queen sized bed was covered by a canopy and two swans kissing made from folded towels. There was a sliding glass door leading out to a porch with a breakfast table, hammock and two lounge chairs with seats like the hammock.

Inside the room was a two-person jacuzzi tub with picture windows on three sides and candles all around. Two windows faced outside (beach) while the third faced the outdoor shower with stone walls cool to the touch and water than ran from a piece of driftwood.

The view from the porch was the most amazing part. I wish I could describe it, but maybe you should jusdge for yourself ...

The bathroom, separated by low walls had a double sink, a second large tub, although not jacuzzi and the “privy” area was closed off by saloon doors.

There were two full closets and a safe for valuables as well as a huge armoire with the TV and DVD system.




We unpacked a little, got out the bathing suits and headed for the private pool with swim up bar.

Everything was green and blooming and a balmy 85 degrees. I was already trying to figure out how to stay forever.

For dinner we had reservations at the El Cocotal Restaurant where we enjoyed a wonderful five course meal. I post it later, I think I wrote it down and it is in my stack of papers to sort through. Regardless, here is picture of the first course, " the salad." No wonder peoplecan eat five course meals.



They had a mariachi band that walked around and played and the BEST waitstaff in the world.



After dinner, we walked around the resort, stopping at one of the night bars and had a few drinks while the mariachi band (from the restaurant) played. After about an hour we headed back to the room to relax and plan the next few days.

I live to help others achieve their dreams ...

This quote was in my monthly Texas wine (Dry Comal Creek) newsletter and I thought I'd pass it along to "inspire" others ...

"Sometimes when I reflect on all the wine I drink, I feel shame. Then I look into the glass abd think about the workers in the vineyards and all of their hopes and dreams. If I didn't drink this wine, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. Then I say to myself, 'It is beter that I drink this wine and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver.'" –– Jack Handy

All that security and still assaulted at airport

Before I post about our vacation to Mexico, let me share with you a little bit about Michelle. I am a people watcher. As a child my dad used to take me and my siblings to the local airport to watch the planes or sometimes we went for rides back on forth on the ferry near our house. It was here that I learned that people in real life are just as fun as those on TV.

With that said, Let me tell a few funny stories from the airport. During our wait George left to go the the bathroom and I turn so that I can see the people walking by. I perk up when I see a “blue coat” (ticket agent) call out to a white shirt (in this case driver of the “lazy” cart that drives people to their gates.)

“Where are you going?” he (ticket agent) called out.

“Why do you want to know?” she (driver) snapped back.

“Why do you have to be so rude? Where are you going?” he continues walking up to her stopped cart.

“Why do you want to know?” she said making her three passenger visibly uncomfortable.

“I just want to know where you are going so this couple can get a ride,” he said, raising his voice as the elderly couple next to him shrinks back.

“Well why don’t you just tell me where to take them,” she threw back at him.

“They need to go to gate 14A,” he said, as the couple timidly climbs on to the cart.

“Why didn't you just say that,” she spat back as she began to drive off.

“I don’t know why you have the be so ghetto,” he called after her.

Now I am sure this is only my imagination but I swear the cart squealed to a halt as she snapped her head around and jumped out of the cart.

“What did you say,” she asked.

“Why do you have to be so ghetto,” he responded ensuring in my mind he was single because no married man would have actually repeated what he said.

“Oh, I’m ghetto,” she said, walking towards him. “I’m being ghetto.” (At this point I wished for popcorn because it was getting good.)

“Why don’t you just do your job,” he said backing up a little.

“I’ll show you ghetto if i have to see you again,” she said now aware that people had walked closer to see what was going on. (I was already in the front row for this prize winning drama.)

“They are going to miss their flight,” he said reminding her that there were people still in her cart.

“I’ll find you later,” she vowed as she got back into her cart.

With a few more mutter comments they both went back to their work and I felt a little bit happier that my boredom was alleviated.

Houston Intercontinental Airport is such a lively place. Later when it was my turn to go the the bathroom, I had my own run in.

I exited the bathroom and stood in the center of the empty corridor looking at monitors when I felt a tug on my sleeve and a slew of Spanish.

“I’m sorry, what?” I said, turing in hopes of their changing to English (America’s language!)

“Spanish, Spanish, Spanish ...” repeated this grandmotherly looking lady holding a garbage bag filled with wrapped presents. Thinking of my own dear grandmother I smiled at her (my entire family speaks Spanish fluently, yet I was sent to a private school with no foreign language classes and never learned.)

“No hablo espanol,” I said. (Translation- "I don't speak Spanish")

“Que?” she asked. (“What” for those who don’t know.)

“No hablo espanol,” I repeated.

Suddenly I was assaulted with a barge of Spanish.

“I’m sorry,” I said using the apologetic face that got me out of trouble as a kid.

Then unexpectedly, the hand gesture. That’s right ... the middle finger. Then she turned and stomped off.

After a moment of shock, I thought of only one thing. Of all effort you spent getting yourself and presumably family to America you didn’t take the time to learn the language, only one simple hand gesture. Kudos to you, grandma. I hope you don’t hand out presents with that hand.

I thought America was where you go to better yourself. I guess not everyone got the memo.

Tea Time: New Year, New Additions

O.K. Christmas was good. In fact I got a surprise when I went to visit my grandmother. For my pending birthday (Jan. 22) she gave me five tea cups and saucers to add to my collection.

I asked her about her collection and she said that she started collecting them when she was my age. She had no preferences or requirements, just choosing those she was drawn too. She has given some away over the years, but I think secretly she was happy that I was starting my own collection and she could pass her's along to me (I am the only granddaughter, thus the favorite). I guess with life's every changing ways, she eventually stopped collecting, although she couldn't tell me of a defining moment.

I told her about how when I was a little girl I would sit at the coffee table in the den and pretend I was a Spanish Queen pouring tea for her visitors. I don't think she ever really knew I did that. Anyway, here are the pieces that have now been passed on to me.



They each remind me of childhood, but I like each one of them for different reasons. Depending on the day, my favorite is likely to change.

I think I like this one becasue purple was my great-grandmother's favorite color. Althought my mother's parents (Grandpa Gil and Granny) divorced when my mom was still a teen, they never let their anger at their failed marriage get in the way of the relationships they had created. I remember as a child thinking how unique it was that my Ganny still visited and spend time with my grandfather's parents. In fact I was a bit confused as to whose parents they actually were since she often went with my mom when she brought us there to visit them and Grandpa Gil. As a young adult I thought about how we could learn from the relationship my grandparents maintained long after their divorce. They could have eaily turned their back on each other, but I think Granny knew how important my great-grandparents were to my mom and her siblings and that naturally passed to my brother and I. She was a constant presence in their lives up to thier passing about three years ago.

This one is kind of a classic cup and saucer but still maintains an understated elegance, like my Granny. She can be tough as nails when needed (and when my brother and I were young we needed it a lot I'm sure), but she is also the most poised, well-mannered and elegant lady. Even when she is elbow deep in her garden after a rain storm, she still seems to have the elegance of a grand lady. I must say she has probably been the largest influence on my life even though as a child we saw her only twice a year when my mother had visitation.

This one reminds me of playing princess as a child. I imagine this is what they grand lords and ladies of my imagination would have drank from as they sat in their marble parlors and libraries with conversations of latest fashion keeping the ladies occupied while the lords shared their lastest adventures of aquired land and taming wild steeds. My favorite part is the lace-like sutting on the plate.

This cup I just like because of the boldness of it. Yellow and gold might be a bit of a risk for some, but you never know what you'll get if you don't try. The simplicity of the yellow mixes with the elegance of the gold to create something unique and beautiful. Imagine what the world would be like if we were all so bold as to risk new things. Life uninhibited by the confines of society could be quite a rainbow, if we let it.

This is my favorite cup of the day. It is smaller than the others by no less as beautiful. It is not quite small enough to be a miniature. I love the rose peeking over the rim from inside the cup, in a bold "there's more to me than you think" kind of way. Kind of like the way my grandmother always told my brother and I that we could do whatever we dreamed, no matter what others thought. I guess growing up in a world where you are only limited by you imagination has led me to where I am today. I am only fueled further in my ambitions by people who tell me I can't do something becasue I am a girl, or officer's wife or contract employee. I like to step outside of the lines and draw my own box sometimes, and other times I like to comfort of the old box.

I guess life could be like a box of chocolates, but I like to see it through my grandmother's china.

She also gave me a beautiful plate that has the same lace-like cutouts of one of the above cup and saucer sets. She was worried about giving me incomplete sets, but half the fun is finding the beauty in what you have. There are two other additions to my collection, one from our trip to Mexico and the other with a funny story. Come back later for more. Until then, relax and have a cup of tea ...

New year, new start

Well it has been a long time since I last wrote (not since last year! Ha! Ha! I just had to throw that in.) I have so much to catch up on and we didn’t have Internet service at my father-in-law’s house, not even dial-up (I’ll wait as you recover from the shock …)

For now I’ll give a brief overview/timeline to begin with then go more in depth over the next few days with pictures and details.

On Dec. 16 we left Fort Polk to begin our three weeks of vacation. The powers that be at work were very helpful extending my two-weeks of annual vacation by an additional week by allowing us to plan it around the week the office was closed over the Christmas/New Year week. My co-workers graciously covered any work I was not able to get a jump on before leave. My husband actually has an additional week (they usually get up to 30 days after a year-long deployment) which he’ll take next week.

Dec. 15- I had a short day at work today, with all of the errands I had to run before we left for Houston. At work there was a Chrsitmas party, but neither KG or I attended. George's until had they redeployment (homecoming) ceremony at 3 p.m. which I actually had to cover for the paper. I literally went to his CIB (Combat Infantry Badge) pinning ceremony, walked over to the ceremony site, took pics, after ceremony interviewed commander, went to reception at his unit headquarters, went to leave digital pics at office, went to house, changed for dinner with two other couples, came home wrote the article, emailed it to boss and went to bed. Day ended about 11:30 p.m. and you all know I am a princess and need my beauty sleep.

Dec. 16- Spent all morning packing and cleaning house. Had to clean out Ford Escape in hopes of getting a new Tahoe for Christmas. Left for Houston about 4 p.m. arrive after 7:30 p.m. Just in time for puppy to play with Grandpa and grab a later dinner.

Dec. 17- Shopping! Today George and I went on a shopping spree for last minute (not nessacarily needed) clothes for our Mexico trip at the Galleria in Houston. We were joined by his best friend Gordon and girlfriend Mindy. Got TONS of stuff!!

Dec. 18 through 21- MEXICO! Finally the honeymoon of my dreams. Do you know the limit of acoholic beverages allowed at an all inclusive resort? That's right- there is no limit, if you can order you can drink and if you can't walk they'll bring it to your room. More details in an upcoming post.

Dec. 22- Day of recovery. I actually got sick on the plane home and by the time we finally landed I was fighting a full force cold virus. I am still suffering from slight side effects today, but I was knocked on my ass until Tuesday. That didn't stop me from celebrating the new year however! This was also the night of my mom's Christmas party. It drives me insane how the rest of the family (including my husband's) live withing a 15 mile radius of each other, yet we all get into five different cars to drive an hour to my mother's house. Need I explain how she needs to be center of attention?

Dec. 23- My step father's family had their Christmas party but I was too sick to even drag my butt out of bed. My husband spent the day with Gordon and I gathered enough energy to go to dinner with them, although at this moment I can't remember where.

Dec. 24- Christmas with my husband's family. I always get my favorite presents here. This year a Mikasa candle set. I love the presents in the big blue box the best. Move over Tiffany's, I want some crystal.

Dec. 25- Traditional breakfast at Waffle House with his Dad. That's always a favorite for me because you get to see all sorts of people traveling for the holidays. In the afternoon we went to look at 2007 Tahoes at the local dealerships.

Dec. 26- Got a 2007 Z71 Chevy Tahoe 4X4. Need I say more!



Dec. 27 through 30- SPent the days fighting cold and the nights cruising around Houston with George, Gordon and Mindy. Had a blast although complete fun was hampered by illness. A pack of Klennex was my constant companion for those few days.

Dec. 31- The real fun begins! After shopping for the perfect outfit with Mindy (of course George and Gordon were cohersed along with promised of Auntie Anne's pretzels), I took a quick nap and then the four of us headed out to dinner and then drinks at the Flying Saucer in downtown Houston. We had a blast and like previously stated in yesterday's Foot Fetish Friday I found a new drink.

Jan. 1- Off to a rocking start! We arrived home a little after 2 p.m. and then I promptly slept the day away, at least until lunch.

Jan. 2 through 5- The first week of the new year was spent just doing stuff. Not really a lot of details. Mindy and I dragged George around for two days while we went shopping for srapbook stuff, but we never got around to actually scrapbooking for more than 2 hours. At least now I have the stuff needed to put the pictures from Mexico in a book.

Today- We got up early this morning and dragged ourselves to the livingroom for another couple of hours of laying around before we packed up the Tahoe and trailer George got frome his dad and headed home. After a few hours of unpacking and an overwhelming mountain of luandry, I sat down to give and update.

I know many think I have fallen off the face of the earth, but I am back and will begin posting pictures over the next few days. Stay tuned ....

Foot Fetish Friday No. 8: New Year's Chic

New Year's was a blast and I'll post pics and details in the next few days, but until then, here is a pic of my tired tootsies just minutes before the bells tolled the new year. After resting a few minutes, I saddled up to a new drink ... Woodchuck Amber Draft Cider! That was some good stuff!
Hope everyone had as much fun as we did!