Hurt Back

It seems that all those warning signs that one sees on boxes showing you how not to lift with your back are on to something. While fixing a toilet on the park I decided to lift it with my back causing a good deal of pain.

I am now at SGMC awaiting the results of my xray so I can go home and enjoy my weekend.

Alans First Adventure with Triple A

A.T. and I felt like getting off the park today and frequenting one of our favorite stores--Serendipity Antiques in Hahira. I got him in his seat and was ready to roll but the car wouldn't start. So I called Mike who asked the park's maintenance man to come over and jump it.

Unfortunately none of us noticed that the battery was corroding, so after the car was jumped, off I went to my antique store. A.T. and I arrived and he was immediately greeted by one of the friendly owners, he smiled, showing his gummy grin and she was enamored. I enjoyed looking around and asking lots of questions about items, I'm trying to train my eye better so I know what the quality of pieces are. I learned about Fenton china and how to spot tiger oak.

We then went to Sew Blessed, an amazing sewing store with bolts and bolts of fabric. They even carry Michael Miller, one of my absolute favorite designers. We perused there and a few other places and then headed back to the car only to find it wouldn't start again. I wasn't surprised or even annoyed as I was half expecting that to be the case anyway. I called Triple A and then sat down on a bench in a pretty little alley to nurse Alan. It was a lovely day, sunny and 75 but not too hot. Alan was in a good mood so it wasn't stressful. He nursed and then we went to Subway which was right there, I got a 6 in. Italian BMT and A.T. chilled in his seat while I ate.

The tow man arrived, jumped it and told me to go to the nearest Advance Auto parts and get a battery ASAP, driving the car more than two hours could cause the battery to explode as it was already in such terrible condition.

So we went to AAP and then headed home. All in all a good day--I learned about antiques and how to spot a car battery that's about to explode!

Little jaunt

Grammie and Grampy left today and Daddy was working so we popped out the door for a stroll. Here's what we found, some mussel shells:

Walk with Grampy

Grampy and Grammie arrived today! Big Alan and Little Alan headed out for a stroll and when they returned Little A.T. was fast asleep.

Childhood Memories

They say that scent is the strongest of the five senses to bring you back to an old memory. This is certainly true for me, I often find myself instantly transported back to a fond memory with certain scents.

Last night I made smoky pork stock by boiling 4 and a half quarts of water with 2 lbs of bacon and the scent was amazing! It smelled just like my grandmother's kitchen when she would bake up some delicious southern meal at her home. I was instantly transported back to memories of visiting Mama Rosalie and Grandpa Erle when I was kid. I'd always sit at their kitchen table while she cooked something in one of their many cast iron skillets. Salmon patties and cornbread are my two favorite dishes she'd make.

I miss you Mama Rosalie and love you!

Mommys Little Sidekick

While making my pie crust I turned to see my adorable sidekick watching with his big beautiful brown eyes.

Thanksgiving Week

Wow, I can't believe it's already turkey time! A year ago I was 9 weeks pregnant and getting ready to fly up to Detroit for Anne and Justin's wedding--time flies!

This year Mike and I are hosting Thanksgiving at our little home and Mr. & Mrs. Schay are coming. I am so excited to prepare my first Thanksgiving meal and roast my first turkey. We will be having collard greens, green beans, bourbon sweet potatoes, Easter potato casserole (a favorite dish of mine that Mrs. Schay makes), cranberry sauce, cloverleaf rolls and of course turkey and stuffing. Dessert will be a fun variety: poppy seed bread (Mike's absolute favorite), bourbon pie, French apple tarte, cherry pie, and pumpkin pie.

I purchased a beautiful mustard yellow table cloth (very French provencial) that will go beautifully with our blue and white china and we'll be using our new S&P shakers that also match perfectly. The table will feel fall and festive but not be all browns and yellows, a little different is good.

I'll post pictures of the table and meal when it's all together! I have run now and take advantage of A.T.'s nap to get some stuff done.