I sold my home and we are near closing and packing and moving out. We are busy busy busy!
And there are no projects going on other than what is necessary to move.
Will check in here as the Holiday season approaches this fall.

I feel like I've been busy with one thing after another since Memorial Day! First my Summer cleaning frenzy, then our getting ready for our big trip to Michigan, then helping DH lay the flagstone in the garden, reworking all our garden beds including all new drip irrigation.

Now I'm in the midst of getting the house ready for our big going away (dinner) party for DS who's leaving for the Army on 8/3. Gosh, I'd love to have the time to actually plan a nice table, but with 30-some guests and the weather folks saying it may hit the mid-90's, I'm setting up a buffet in the kitchen and letting people eat inside and out as they choose. I'd thought about doing an Army theme, but what I've seen looks too cute. As a mom who's firstborn is going to be spending at least the next 4 years in the military, and most likely part of it in Iraq or Afghanistan, I can't wrap my brain around a cute Army theme :~ (
So I'm thinking I'll just use my Talavera-inspired bowls and platters and use paper plates. Maybe pick some sunflowers for the tables.

Next week we have another trip, driving DS back to Oklahoma City where he'll be inducted. Actually, we'll be in Norman, which is where DS went to college and grad school at OU. Talk about a gorgeous college town! Maybe I'll find some pretties at one of the town's many great shops. We'll be driving this time, so I'll leave room for possibilities :^D

OK, I'm rattling on here . . . sorry! I really like this forum and wouldn't mind hearing what you all are up to, even if ~ like me ~ you don't have any pics to show us.

Lynn

Mary Ruth, what a pleasure to see your post! I knew you were planning to move, glad to hear the house has now sold. You had your home fixed up so beautifully, would imagine you really hate to leave it! Then again, just think of the fun you will have arranging all your furniture and accessories in your new home. And I understand you will be closer to family so that will really make it worthwhile too. Please do come join us here anytime you can. ;o)

Lynne, I didn't know your son was going into the Army. Please give him a big hug from me and tell him we so appreciate his service on our behalf. I'm sure this will be hard for you and his Dad--one of those times when you don't know if your heart will break from the worry about being separated or from your pride in what a fine young man he has become, right?

Don't worry about tablescapes now, just enjoy your time with him--you can "play" with us doing tablescapes and holiday decorating later. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you manage to get in a bit of shopping on your trip to Oklahoma too. :o)

Luvs

I've been popping in here on and off, but mostly off. Have been busy with the grandchildren.

Gee, Lynn. Do you think your son might make a career out of the military? I hope this Afghanistan thing is calmed down by the time they think about shipping him out. Our niece will be going into the Air Force in another month. She just graduated from college in May. I'm glad to hear that the military is still a choice that bright, successful young people consider and not just a place to go if nothing else works out. God speed to your firstborn.

I have a projector that I use in my consultant work. These past few weeks I have been spending a lot of time on the Backyard Theater forum (not a GW site). Learned how to make an outdoor collapsible movie screen and we have been having Friday night movies in our backyard with my grandchildren and a few of the neighborhood kids.
Here's a picture of our Lawn Chair Theater.
If you bring your own blankie and pillow, you'll find the side gate open. Join us. Free popcorn!
{{gwi:1428752}}

Wow, Lynne, you have some big things going on. Luvs has written everything I thought of when I read your son is joining the army. You must be so proud!

OA, that looks like a perfect setup for movie nights. And I would love to join you if I only lived closer!

I have been spending all my free time in the yard so I havent had any energy left to do anything in the house! And I am in and out of labs/clinics for a medical thing and that takes all my mental energy! But I am trying to do a beach theme tablescape (thanks to DD) - I will post pics if they turn out half-way decent. :)

Mo

OA, your screen looks great and what fun for the kids. My neighbor on the corner did something similar last summer hoping to get to know more of the neighbors, only he just projected the movies on the side of his garage in his front yard. He even had a popcorn machine and set up the grill. Everyone just brought whatever meat they wanted and a dish to share. It was lots of fun, but mainly only the four couples of us that he already knew showed up even though he had invited over 15! Isn't that the way it goes?

Mo, I'm so sorry to hear that you are having medical stuff going on--I hate that stuff too, don't even like going to the doctor for fear he will make me have to do more. Last time was blood tests and mammogram. Sure hope your's all goes well and won't be a continuing problem.

I've know what you mean about wanting to do a tablescape and hoping it turns out okay. I've got a few plates I've bought but just can't figure out what I should use with them. Guess I just need to start putting stuff on the table and see what else I need to get for it. It's been pretty hot here, so haven't really wanted to do very much except try to keep cool! LOL

Luvs

Thanks for starting this thread Luvs, it is interesting to hear what others are up to. We are heading out on Monday for a 2 wk motorcycle trip to Sturgis, South Dakota. We have never been there and although looking forward to it, it will certainly be an experience. We have never been travelling on the bike that long. (My poor bum!) We are going with my brother and his wife. It is so hot here right now, I can't imagine how it is going to be going south, getting hotter and wearing all our leathers! Wonder if I will see any Harley "pretties" to use for a tablescape like I did last fall.

Lynn, my prayers are with you and your DS, such mixed emotions you must have and I couldn't even imagine what you are going through. Your send-off gathering sounds perfect!

Good luck with your move, Mary Ruth and we will look forward to hearing from you in the fall...hopefully a few pics of your new place too!

OA, what a great idea! I've never seen a little outdoor home theatre like that. There is an old style "Drive-In" in a nearby town which is a nice attraction for nostalgia buffs or our kids who have never experienced Drive-In movies. Remember, in our day, we rarely went to "WATCH the movie"? LOL!

Mo, hope your medical issues are minor. Would love to see a beach themed tablescape from you!

Luvs, you keep cool and do a tablescape with your new plates when you can!

Will check back in when we return! I think I will definately be going into dish-withdrawal by then!

DD

Hi, Luvs. Been BUSY here. Just got a new Grandson Thursday afternoon. His 5 year old Brother cut the cord. I kept him occupied until the Baby arrived and Dad came out and got us and He cut the cord. He was so cute. On the way to the hospital he was calling his Mom on the cell phone saying, "Hi, Mom. How are your contractions?" He's watched the baby channel with his Mom so much that he knows more about having a baby than I do!! He is so mature for his age and hasn't left the Baby's side since he was born. They came home today and I thought he was going to spend the night with me. Usually I have to beat him away with a stick to get him to go home. (Not Really!!) As soon as we got here he started crying to go home to his Brother. His Dad had to come get him! Good thing they live next door!

Any way, I will try to post some pics of the Beach table thet he and I did Wednesday. He is the one I bought the Black-capped Chickadee dishes for. He's still young enough to have fun helping Nanny play with dishes!

So hurry up and show us those new plates on a tablescape. Can't imagine how you can top that Spa table you did.

DH and DS left yesterday to go camping this weekend. They needed some Father/Son bonding time. Because of DH's accident DH really hadn't been well enough to take him anywhere on vacation in almost 2 years. DH called this afternoon to tell me they went floating down the river fishing and DS caught all of the fish and was soooo happy!!

Mary Ruth, If I remember correctly, you will be living close by temporarily for about 6 months before you can move closer to the Grandbabies. I know you can't wait! They sure are fun.
Don't work too hard doing all of the moving chores. Sure is good to hear from you. Tell Judith we miss her when you see her. I'm going to miss the pics of your beautiful house. Still remembering that awesome Christmas tree.

Oh, Lynn. You poor, Baby! I know what you are feeling. Our next to the baby son is leaving for the Marines in Sept. and the closer it gets the more nervous I get about it. But, he has ALWAYS wanted to be a Marine. He wrote his life story for a school project when he was in the 4th grade and that was what he wanted to do with his life back then!

OA, What a neat idea!! I bet the Grandkids are having a BLAST!!

Mo, Please take care of yourself. I pray it's nothing serious and it will be nothing but a memory very soon. Please post your Beach table. Can't wait to see it.

DD, Be sure to stop and "Rub the Buns" often!!!!
My old "Behind" would never make it that long on a Harley!!!

Betty

Your mention of a "blankie" registered with me. We were babysitting tonight for our DGSs the youngest, is three and still clings to his blankie. For a long while we found it so endearing, but now we're beginning to worry about it.

Anyway, I'll bet you have way fewer moquitoes than we do. I'd love to come curl up and watch a move. - Gail

DD, you are going to have such fun! Will you tent camp or stop at hotels/motels? Have a great time, but stay safe,okay?

Betty, congratulations on the new little one. So neat that the 5 year old is so interested and informed. He's sure not going to feel left out--bet he will be right in there helping his Mom with the baby too. He sounds like such a sweet, bright, energetic little guy. What a blessing grandkids are! So glad Albert and your son got to have some "Father/son" time together. Are you ready for the "fish fry" when they get home? ;o)

Nana, my son kept his "blankie" for quite a long time too. In fact, it started falling apart yet he still kept a smaller piece of it. I don't remember exactly when he quit wanting it, but rest assured, he gave it up before starting kindergarten! LOL He's 43 now,married with a little one of his own. He blushes when we mention his "blankie". ;o)

Luvs

Thanks for all your wishes and prayers, ladies! I really truly appreciate it. Certainly hoping it works out well.

Betty, Congratulations!! Aww, your 5 year old granson seems totally cute and affectionate. Its amazing your DS has wanted to do one thing all his life - I think I changed what I wanted to do every few months! Best of luck to him and you guys as he starts this new chapter in his life.

DD, wow, your trip sounds really cool! I often wonder about the heat and leather combo when I see people on their bikes too, LOL. Its been super hot over here lately too. Have fun on your vacation.

Mo

Y'all sound like you are blowing and going!! Too energetic for this ol' lady!
Luvs, thanks for starting this thread..
Lynn, blessings to your son...it's hard to see them march off into the unknown! Tell him we are thankful!
Mary Ruth...it's good to see you visiting...we miss you. Good luck with your move.
Mo, I hope your medical stuff goes well...we'll be thinking about you!
OA...neat screen! It would be so fun to show up for a movie with you!
DD, y'all be careful!! We traveled on motorcycles for years, but I am too old and lazy now. DH and his sons make a trip or two a year.
Betty, congrats on the new little one!
We had Grandma week here last week...whew, this ol' grandma is worn to a frazzle, but we did have fun! The girls slept all the way home, and were begging to go to bed early last night :^) Ya' think I kept them busy enough?! :^)
Hugs to you all,
J

Good to catch up with everyone!

Summer is always a busy time here. Lots of visitors who want to go the the ocean, and that means the whole day.
Then having something cooked so when we get back we can have dinner.

When my son and dil are here with their 4 little ones, it is VERY busy, and it takes a few days of down time to catch up with chores, etc.

I do try to keep up with some blog events, and today I posted pics of the kitchen improvements we did..
I will link it so you can look if you like..I know some of you asked..

Betty, Congrats! How wonderful! Hope your dh is doing well too!
Mo, good thoughts for you! Hope all turns out well.

Speaking of which, Jane was having some medical concerns too, so please have positive thoughts for her too!

OA, that's great! What do you use to show movies? An outdoor projector of some kind? It plays dvd's?? Cool!
That would be great for here at the beach pavilion..although we have gnat issues here..
No bugs at night by you?

Mary Ruth, I thought you had moved already! I remember when you said you were taking a break from HTE and Wicker Chair to get ready for the move..
And how is Judith? I know you are good friends..

Jay, good to hear from you too...You have been busy!

DD have a good trip to the US! I have never been to your fair country!

NCNana, we do out share of babysitting too..

8 yo gdau has been a cast since school got out, and she won't get it off till Sept. Terrible time to break your arm..roller blades..ugh!

Luvs, so good of you to start this thread..

Lynne, best wishes for your dau..I will pray for her..
and thank her for her service for me!

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchen updates

Kathleen, your kitchen looked great before--but it looks fantastic now! Love the granite you chose, and your new valance looks perfect for in there. ;o) The thing that blew my mind was that you have not one--but two dishwashers! Wow! Of course, with all the cooking you do, I think that was a great idea! Congrats on the reno, it turned out great.

Luvs

Thanks, Luvs..I do like the granite...
2 dishwashers, I def would do that again...even when it is just my family, that is 8 of us, the dw fills up fast!

Kathleen that is beautiful!!! and yes, I am jealous of not only your having two dishwashers, but the space to put them!!! Good for your girl, it's lovely!

YOU not your...grrrrr (jealousy clouding intelligence I guess)

Kathleen,
Wow! Your kitchen turned out great. I was drooling over the pic of the stove. Very nice!

Mo

Wow Kathleen, you did a great job with your reno'd kitchen! I really like that granite and the changes to your cabs! And TWO dishwashers?!! That would be lovely here. Good for you!
Lynn

I lurk a lot. Does that count? ; - )

Twizzis, nope, lurking is okay and perfectly acceptable--but it doesn't keep things from being dead,dead,dead on here! If you like reading the posts, bet you have similar interests so please join in with your comments, questions, pictures, etc. We'd love to get to know you. The more the merrier! ;o)

Luvs

Thank you, like I said, it wasn't a total redo..ithe house is only 8 yrs old, so I couldn't justify that..
I cook a lot, and believe me the 2 dishwashers come in handy..And when you have guests it's a blessing.