This Week

It's been a week since my Daddy died.  I don't know the exact moment he died since he was out at the farm feeding the animals.  I know it was after 7 p.m. but before 8:30.  My Mother and our dear friend, Neilan, found him as he was walking to the goat pen.  We've found out so much about him this last week.  We have discovered that not a day went by that he did not try to help someone in some way.  He loved life and most of the people he met everyday on his journey through it.  Today has been tough for me but I am blessed by the memories I have of growing up with a wonderful father.  Not everyone gets to have their Daddy for 48 years.  I was blessed.    I miss you Daddy to the moon and back and I know Mom does too. 

My Daddy's Funeral

So sorry I haven't posted in a while but I've been busy planning my Daddy's funeral.  Southern funerals are a ritual.  You sign the book, take a pound cake or cheese and macaronni to the family, and attend the service.  I miss my Daddy.  I miss his laugh, his advice, his look that says I am in trouble.  I have loved the stories friends and students have shared.  I promise to be more diligent in my postings in the future.  He was larger than life and will be missed.

Monday at Home

Monday's at home are always so relaxing for me. Monday's are hectic at work which makes relaxing on my couch on Monday night so sweet.  I've go a great Chicken Tetrazinni in the oven, my PJ's and a glass of wine.  I am always enjoying Monday night TV and laying on my couch.    I should be up doing laundry, unloading the dishwasher and working on my closet.  Alas........it's the couch, TV and wine.  Enjoy Monday dear friends!

Mother's Day

What a great day with family.  Everyone except my sweet son came home to enjoy my sweet Mother on her special day.  We all missed Jake but Alaska is just a bit far to come home for the day!  My Mother is such a wonderful woman.  I could not have asked for a better mother.  I spent the day really just enjoying her.  We had lunch at her favorite restaurant, enjoyed a movie together and then went to Timothy's for a lovely dinner.  She likes it when we all get dressed up and go to what my son refers to as a "three-fork, two-spoon dinner."  My nephew and I cooked breakfast on Sunday morning and the whole family went to church and "packed the pew" for Mom.  She was so excited to have all of her little chickens in church with her.  After lunch we took her out to the local taco joint and enjoyed family fellowship again! 

Life just does not get any better.  (Except if Jake had been here with me)!

Hospital Queen

Today was a long long long day.  Actually, the last 48 hours have been pretty exhausting.  I am ready to get some sleep and some rest this weekend.

On Monday night my Daddy had what we thought was a heart attack, but was actually a medicine issue.  After another heart cath on Tuesday, they adjusted the meds and he will be home tomorrow.

The glitch was my Mother failed her stress test last week and had a heart cath this morning. We were so blessed they were able to stent her main artery to her heart and not have to do bypass surgery on several of them.

I am now the Queen of the hospital.  Mother was in ICU and Daddy was on the floor.  I ran back and forth between Mom's room and Daddy's room.  Every time I would get still, one would direct me to go and take care of the other one.  They care so much about each other and both of them take such good care of the other one.  I am so lucky that they are both still around and love each other so much!

It's been a long 48 hours but we are all ok - once again!

Easter Sunday

I am so looking forward to the Easter Weekend.  My family will begin arriving today and the house will be full of fun and fellowship!  There will be food and laughter, napping, cooking and enjoying the patio!  It will be a relaxing weekend. 

On Sunday we will make the mad dash for church- always arriving late.  Then its off to the Club for pictures and a delicious brunch.  Sunday afternoon will be spent napping and relaxing out by the pool with my favorite magazine - Southern Lady!

Blessed am I to have such a wonderful family.  And on this joyous occasion don't forget that HE arose!

Working on Saturday

I have the greatest job in the world! I am spending the day with clients-school folks who are working to solve the education crisis in Texas. They diligently work to make sure all kids in Texas are educated. The great part of my job is that these are also my friends and my heroes! They are making Texas a better place.

I am blessed to have such wonderful friends. Great people with big hearts-what a combination!


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The Hospital

It has been a long 24 hours.  Meetings all day followed by a dinner at the club.  Then off to stay at the hospital with my sweet youngest step-daughter.  While I am there all night, I get the call that my Daddy is on the way to the hospital with yet another episode with his heart.  Finally, this morning I am notified that a dear family friend is about to succumb to cancer after many years battling the disease. 

Hospitals are interesting places.  They patch you up, fix things that are broken and provide a quiet place to leave this earth when your time with loved ones is no more.  You see all emotions in a hospital from happiness, relief, pain, sadness and despair.  In the last 12 hours I have experienced all three. 

My stepdaughter had a successful surgery, my father is patched up again and ready to head home, and our friend has been told that the end is near while he endures the pain of end stage cancer. My hope is that regardless of the emotion you experience today, that you treat the day as though it may be your last and live your life to the fullest.

The Engagement

What an amazing event tonight.  The world will gather in Janehaven to celebrate the engagement of Laci and Brett.  This will be a fairy tale wedding for a princess.  The beginning of the wedding season starts tonight as we celebrate the love and future of this amazing couple. 

Tonight, guests will gather poolside to toast this lovely couple and enjoy the future Mr. and Mrs.  What an exciting time in this young couple's life as they move forward to celebrate this exciting day!

Downsizing

Why do you think more and more about downsizing as you get older. I have been with friends who are retiring, my parents who are retired and folks who are always talking about retirement. Why do I need a big house, 100 + pairs of shoes and a closet for both winter and summer clothes? What I need to is not necessarily to downsize but to simplify!

How do you simplify your life of 48 years? What do you begin to let go of and realize you no longer need? Do you still need the drawings your son had in first grade? Do you still need the box of sorority stuff you had from college? Do you still need more than 75 tee shirts from all the places you have ever visited in your life? Do you really need six different sets of wine glasses? Do you really need eight bathing suits? How many pairs of jeans are too many when you really only wear them occasionally on weekends?

 

What do you really need? You need family. The love of good friends. Your bible. An internet connection. A few groceries. A really comfortable pair of pajamas. A debit card. And some really good night cream. From today forward I really want to start focusing in life on the things that are really important. Stuff is not important. Relationships are what is really important. Your relationship with God, family and friends. I think I’ll go home and hug my dog and drink a glass of wine with my feet propped up! Happy Weekend.

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!

RIP Scooby

I am very sad today.   Our family has lost an important member - our dog Scooby.  Technically, he is my son's dog.  However, I will never forget the day we brought him home from the pound in December of 2000.  I was not ready to get another dog after the loss of Rascal (which is a whole other blog).   I argued with my Daddy when he insisted that a 12 year old boy needs a dog.  Of course Jake and my Daddy wore me down and Scooby came home with us.  She was a great dog - housetrained already.  I made her live in the back yard.  Jake would sneak her in every day for some inside time and let her in at night thinking I was asleep.

Eventually, Scooby went to live with my parents.  My Daddy said he was taking care of Scooby "for Jake".  My Mother fussed about Scooby much like I did, but she too fell in love with the dog.  She would "cook" for Scooby as she got older and make sure she was warm and dry.  She would "let her in" when there were thunderstorms.  Everyone in the family grew to love that wonderful little black dog.

Scooby and Jake spent many hours on the farm squirrell hunting.  When Jake moved to Alaska, Daddy and Scooby would walk through the woods so Scooby would not miss Jake so much.  When Jake would return from Alaska each year, I can't tell who he missed the most - me or the dog.  At the end of each telephone conversation, he would always ask if we were taking care of Scooby.

Scooby was a smart dog.  Jake taught her lots of tricks.  She was polite, never barked, didn't bite and even loved kids.  When Mom & Dad enclosed the porch last year, Daddy paid $200 for a top of the line doggie door for Scooby.  Daddy and Scooby sat on the porch a lot lately.  Daddy has been plagued with foot problems and he and Scooby talked a lot on that porch. 



This morning, Scooby did not want to get up.  She was not well.  Jake called to see if we thought she was sick last night.  Finally at 9:00 this morning, he put her in his truck to take her to the vet.  He wanted his dog to not hurt or be sick.  On the way to the vet this morning, Scooby took her last breath.  I think it is remarkable that she waited until she was alone with Jake.  They said their goodbye's in private. 

Last night I said goodbye to Scooby and didn't realize it was REALLY goodby.  When I left, I bent down to pet her and told her what I always do.  I said, "Scooby, take care of 'em around here.   See ya soon ole girl.".  I wish I had known that I wouldn't see her again.  I would have taken a bit more time to give her a final hug. 



 My heart is breaking this morning as my son will bury his beloved Scooby at the cemetary at the farm where she will join Lou (my Daddy's birdog), Valentine (Jake's goat), and Windy, (the farm horse).  I guess that is a final less for us all.  We never know how much time we have with those we love.  Hug them often.  Express your heart openly.  Don't be afraid to love. 



 



RIP Scooby Dooby Do.  We will miss you terribly.





It's Finally Friday

I have had the longest week.  I've been sick, my Daddy has been sick, my Mother fell, and another friend lost her Father.  The good news is that I feel better today and it's Friday!  I love Friday nights.  My hubby and I go to the coolest little place in town.  They don't serve booze but they have great burgers, tacos and nachos.  We can eat cheap and then go home and have a glass of wine out by the pool or in the hot tub. 

I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to Friday night.  If you haven't taken time to relax and reconnect with your someone special this week...........  do it tonight.  It's Finally Friday!

Last Rites

Today is a very sad day for me.  My good friend is laying to rest her father who is in his 90's.  I really didn't know her father, but have enjoyed the many stories she has told of growing up amid privilege, traveling the world, and seeing the lasting impressions her father has made upon her.  He must have been a great man, because raised an amazing daughter.  My heart is heavy for her as we head out to the Party to Celebrate his LIFE! 

My own father is having surgery tomorrow.  It's a gentle reminder that life is short and there are no guarantees.  My Father has lived his life to the FULLEST.  I hope that when I die, I have enjoyed life as much as he has.  My father was not wealthy, nor extravagant, but he was larger than life.  He was an educator who impacted the life of so many people.

Today, as you wander through this Thursday, celebrate the life of someone you love! 

A Great Family Trip

I have had a wondeful weekend with my parents.  We traveled to the Big Bend so my Daddy could look over the area.  We traveled, talked, ate great dinners and enjoyed each other's company.  I still believe car trips can be fun.  I have enjoyed spending time with my sweet parents.  It did me good to see them so happy.  Family is still one of the most important things ever!

It's Friday Night

I love Friday nights.  I am so excited this Friday night in particular.  My sister and I are hosting a Cotton Bowl Party.  It will be a spectacular night.  Burgers and Beer on are the menu and the venue is the Fort Worth Club.  I'll keep you posted.

Sunday Night Treat

Ever wonder what you will have for dinner on Monday night?  Well, stress no more.  Here is a very easy dish to prepare on Sunday night for cooking in the crock pot on Monday while you are at work.  Give it a try and let me know what you think!!!

Crock Pot Baked Beans


Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef , browned

1 large chopped onion

3 lb pork and beans

1 pkg sloppy Joe Mix

½ c. chopped bell pepper

½ c ketchup

½ c. BBQ sauce

2 TBSP mustard

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

½ lb smoked sausage (sliced thin)(optional)

Directions:


Brown the ground beef with the onions. Add remaining ingredients. Place in a crock pot and cook 4-5 hours on low.

Family Fun

What a glorious Christmas we had this year.  Lots of family and friends in for the holiday followed by a family ski vacation.  Although there was not much snow in Red River, there was enough for us to enjoy.  My son, his girlfriend, and my nephew enjoyed three great days on the slopes.  My sister and hubby manned the homebase (our motorhome) by the river and shuttled us back and forth.  What a delightful way to end 2010!!!!!

Life Lesson

Yesterday I flushed my only set of car keys down the toilet at the office.  No, I did not do this on purpose.  No, I was not drunk.  No, I don't have an extra set of keys to my car *(I lost them over a year ago).  But today I learned an important lesson from my sweet husband.  You can't fret about this kind of stuff.  Life goes on.  Someone will come and make you a new set for about $200.  You can survive overnight without your keys.  Life just goes on.  People laugh at you and with you.  But in the long run, you learn that when you are most stressed about work, Christmas, etc, a little flush can change your whole perspective on life!

So, I say to you............relax.  Breathe.  Enjoy the holiday season!

Sunday Lunch

Today my husband and I had Christmas Brunch with two of our grandchildren. We dined at The Club on a delicious menu by award winning Chef Prefontaine! I love that my stepdaughter and son-in-law are raising my grandchildren to behave and use manners in a lovely dining environment. They use their napkins, respond kindly to the waitstaff and remain in their seats throughout the meal. What a treat to see children growing up and being trained with social graces! I am truly blessed!!!!!!


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Location:Fort Worth Club

A Great Winter Dish

When the weather turns cold outside, we often tend to think about cooking soups and stews.  However, when the weather turns cold outside, I tend think of Cajun Etouffee'.  One of my favorite and easy recipes is Crawfish or Shrimp Etouffee'.  I've included the recipe below: 


'


3 lbs of shrimp or crawfish
1 large chopped onion
1 medium chopped bell pepper
2 stalks of celery chopped
1 can of condensed tomato soup
1stick of butter
Louisiana red pepper sauce to taste
Cooked rice






Saute shrimp or crawfish, onions, bell pepper and celery in butter. Add tomato soup and simper about 30 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and pepper sauce. Serve over cooked rice.


Let me know if you enjoy the recipe!