Great Books

I read alot.  Unfortunately, I don't read for pleasure often enough.  This has been my new resolution for this year.  So far, I have managed to read only one book.  I love to read.  There is something magical about getting lost in the pages between the bindings.  Right now I am trying to read Water for Elephants.  I recently finished The Lincoln Lawyer.  My next book to read is Roses.   The greatest invention now is the Kindle.  You can have a book at your fingertips instantly.  Unfortunately, after you finish the book on Kindle, you cant' share it with a friend.   Hey....let's read.

Crass Casita & Spa

Since our move to the suburbs, we have always dubbed our house "Crass Casita & Spa".  We wanted it to be an inviting home where friends could come to visit, relax, laugh and rejuvenate.  This weekend is no exception.  Being reconnected with old friends, enjoying good conversation and wine by the pool is what life is all about.  Making money is great, have things makes life comfortable, but in the grand scheme of things, the real value in life is the relationships we have. 

It's really a lesson we should take from the bible.  Jesus wasn't about stuff - he was about relationships.  So much so that he gave his life for us.  We should follow his example and place the the value in life not on stuff but on relationships.  Family and friends are the great things in life.

I am enjoying renewing some relationships this weekend.  It means a lot that you can live, love and laugh!  Come on down the the "Crass Casita & Spa" and spend some time!  We'll have a glass of wine and enjoy life!

The Southern Funeral

On Monday a great man was honored and laid to rest in Bowie County, Texas.  James Barfield was the most wonderful father in law ever.  His legacy is three wonderful children and six delightful grandchildren and an enduring love for his devoted wife, Ann.  The wonderful thing about a Southern funeral is that folks turn out in mass to honor a great man.  It is the honoring of that life for the family to understand how special a person he or she was on this earth. 

Greatness was a trait that James Barfield (Jabo as his family affectionately referred to as) exemplified on a daily basis.  His life was spent making this world a better place for his family, friends and employees.  He was generous to a fault, honest in all his dealings, was unconditional in his forgiveness of other's transgressions and his character was above reproach.  The funeral of this man was well attended.  The church overflowed with those who were saddened by this loss.  Food was abundant at the home and the church.  Those leaving condolences at the home, at visitation, and at the funeral home were many.

This ritual of a southern funeral is steeped in tradition.  I am glad to be southern.  I am  blessed to have been a part of Jabo's family and life!  God Bless you, Jabo.  May Heaven rejoice in your homecoming!

Vacation

The worst thing about coming home from a long trip is the laundry.  When you return, it seems to have multiplied in your bag.  I have decided henceforth that when I go on vacation in the future, I shall plan a complete day when I return that I do nothing but dedicate to my laundry.  I need tips on keeping up with the wash!

Dining with Butter

Today I had an amazing meal.  I dined at the famous Lady & Sons restaurant - the home of Paula Deen.  It was as if I were sitting at my grandmother's table on Sunday all over again.  Hoecakes with collard greens on top of them.  Peas, butter beans, cream corn, mashed potatoes with BROWN gravy, rice, sweet potatoes and cheese and macaroni.  Let's not forget the meat - fried chicken and baked ribs with BBQ sauce.  AND BUTTER!  There was plenty of it in all of those great dishes.

My Grannie Lester cooked like that all of the time.  My Mother didn't becuase of father's heart condition - she cooked baked food with lo fat margerine - much healthier for all of us.  My Grannie's cooking was delicious.  Of course she and my Daddy Bill could eat like that because they worked outside from early in the morning until late in the evening.  My Grannie didn't have a dryer - she hung her clothes on the line outside.  She raised chickens.  She fished.  She walked to the mailbox.  She never sat down except from 2-3 p.m. every day to watch her "story" - Another World.  Then she was up and on the go again, always working.

The point of this story is this........if you work hard everyday - you can eat butter!!  Love you Paula for bringing back some wonderful childhood memories today!