A "Cat"astrophic Cat "Tail"
Part 2

Okay, maybe my sister, the nurse, was right. After having the second pill the kitty start to get real mellow, looking like she didn't have a care in the world. (Hmm, I'm thinking maybe I need that medicine, too;) Like I told y'all, the airline is real strict about the size of carrying case, etc. so my other sister and I had hit the pet stores, measuring tape in hand, in hopes of finding the perfect one. We were so happy to find one that fit the guidelines we bought it then and there. Now, let me tell you, they don't make carriers like they used to. As a matter of fact, if you just glanced at it you wouldn't even know that it was for carrying pets. My sister even jokingly said maybe I should go and buy you some bling to put on it like the stars have! HA!! No thank you, ma'am!

Now that kitty was mellow we decided it was time to put her in the "bag." It took a little maneuvering, but we managed to "stuff" her in without too much drama. On the drive to the airport I kept fretting about what would happen at the security checkpoint, surely I thought I wouldn't have to take the kitty out of the bag. As I walk up to the checkpoint I tell the guard that I have a kitty with me. He looks at me with a grin on his face, and says, "I never thought I'd have to say this, but you have to let the cat out of the bag!" Get it?!! I was thinking, surely you jest, but has was dead serious. So, I say a quick prayer and unzip the bag to get kitty out. Thank goodness she was mellow, because it could have gotten real ugly, really fast. Kitty and I proceed through the checkpoint, and I'm happy to announce she wasn't carrying any explosives!

By the time I got on the plane my nerves were shot. There was the sweetest family sitting in front of me. Mom, Dad, and two darling little boys. Dad and the little boy sat right in front of me. Come to find out, they were going to Disney and this was their first trip. If you have ever taken your kids to Disney, then you can imagine the excitement. He was pretty much bouncing off the plane walls, and was excitedly talking about Minnie, Mickey, and all the others. Dad looked very nervous at the prospect of traveling with such an enthusiastic traveler, and I was, too, because my kitty was sitting right underneath the little boy's seat. Dad and I got into a conversation (I think he was desperate;) and I ended up telling him that my kitty was underneath his son's seat. His face lit up like a light bulb, and I could tell the wheels were turning! He leaned in and told his son that a scared little kitty (just like they had at home) was sitting just below him, so he had to be real quiet so he wouldn't scare the sweet kitty. Brilliant idea , Dad!!!!! The plane ride was great, and at the end I told the little boy that my kitty was so happy he got to sit underneath him because he had such wonderful behavior. The Dad looked greatly relieved, but he had another leg of the trip to go on, so I could see the sweat starting to pop out on his forehead again!

I'm walking through the airport looking for my next gate, and all of a sudden I hear this awful howling, and I look down at the bag, and it looks like kitty is about to bust open the bag. If you've ever seen Christmas Vacation, it was kind of like Aunt Bethany's cat in the box that she wrapped up. NOT a pretty sight, I'm telling y'all. I felt like I was at the verge of hysteria, I really did. I am NOT a drinking woman, but if I could have had a drink I think I would have;) I find an out of the way seating area, and I start talking to kitty to try and calm her down. I thought maybe if I opened the bag a little I could pet her, and that would make her feel better. I did just that, but she didn't care a bit about the petting, she wanted OUT. I quickly zipped up the bag, and set it on the floor. She was moving around so much that every few seconds that bag would fall over on the floor. I kept putting it back upright, and then my eyes caught sight of some orange fur. There kitty was poking her HEAD OUT OF THE BAG.(In the frenzy I hadn't secured it back properly). Oh, my goodness, I about had a heart attack then and there. I grabbed the bag as quick as I could and fought and struggled to "stuff" her body back in. I really thought she was going to get out, and run all over the Cincinnati airport. (If that happened I would go into the ladies room and never come out;) Seriously, I am NOT kidding .......I somehow managed to "stuff" her back in, all the while she is howling and kicking. Finally, finally they call for my flight to board.

The whole time I'm walking to the plane, people are looking at me and the crazy moving, howling bag. I manage to get on the plane, and get her underneath the seat. I had to keep my feet around the bag the entire time so the bag wouldn't fall into the aisle. We had ONE WHOLE HOUR in the air, and she kicked and yowled the whole way. Can I just saw that it was the first time I was grateful for screaming children and crying babies on a flight, because they somewhat drowned out the sound of my kitty! After what seemed liked days, we finally landed in Richmond. I really could have kissed the ground I was so happy to be home! After our great adventure in the sky, trying to integrate a new cat into a home with two other cats and a dog seems almost like a piece of cake;)


Please meet "Sunny!"

Bless her heart, this is the only picture I could get of her. She spends most of her time under our bed ~ I think the poor thing is going to need therapy:)

Who Let The Cat Out Of The Bag?

A "Cat"astrophic Cat "Tail"

Y'all know how much I love pets. Y'all also know how much I love my Mother. So, when it came time for my Mom to go into the nursing home I knew that my Mom's cat was coming home with me. I would have it no other way. Only problem was, I live over 500 miles away. How was I going to get my new kitty home? I hemmed and hawed over it, and then finally decided that three 1/2 hours in the air would be better than 10 in the car. That's where I made the big mistake.

Finding out how I would be able to transport my cat was an ordeal in and of itself. I called the airlines 1 800 number, and after a half an hour was connected to a representative who happened to live in India. Try as I might, I could not understand what she was saying. After many, "excuse me's" I finally deciphered that the cat could fly home with me. Not only could she fly home with me, she was going to be traveling in the cabin right beneath my feet! What? You've got to be kidding me. During all the transfers my Dad has made in his life, our pets always flew in the cargo plane, never ever in the cabin with the other passengers. I broke into a cold sweat just thinking about it.

A call to the vet was placed and she assured me that she would be able to give the kitty some medicine that would make her sleep for at least eight hours. Hmm, okay, maybe I need some of that, too! The morning of the big adventure my sister and I chase down kitty (who is no fool). She knows when the tuna comes out it can't be good;) After unclenching her tightly closed mouth we manage to pop the pill in. Off we then go to meet my other sister for breakfast before I am to fly back home. We are positive that when we return she will be fast asleep enjoying her kitty slumber. But, OH NO.......... We open the door, and she runs to greet us as if she were ready for the cat Olympics! I gasp in horror and then the panic really starts to set in. I tell Betsy that there is no way I can take her on the plane like this. She is a nurse so she takes matters into her own hands. She says that we can give her another half a pill, and that will do the trick. Now, mind you, my flight leaves in just an hour. Will it work????? Stay tuned tomorrow!

Goofs & Gadgets

Goofs........boy, did I make a big one yesterday. I spent the afternoon getting everything together to make homemade potato soup. There was a lot of chopping to do to prepare. Let's see, there was celery, onion, potatoes, and carrots. Fortunately, it was no big deal, because I got out my handy dandy (hand held) chopper that my Mom gave me around five years ago. I LOVE IT!! It chops in seconds, no mess, no fuss, no onion tears;) I would have to say that out of all the items in my kitchen, this is hands-down my favorite.

Well, imagine my surprise (horror) when I unloaded the dishwasher this morning and part of the chopper was missing!!!! What??? Oh, no!!!!!!! I almost started to panic, I LOVE THIS THING..... So, then I go back in my mind trying to retrace my steps, wondering if I even put that part in the dishwasher to begin with. I tore the kitchen up searching for it, and then even lowered myself to go searching through numerous, filthy garbage bags in hopes of finding it. (UGH) I know, I know, it's disgusting, but you don't know how much I love this thing. It's 3:30 now so it has been MIA for over 24 hours. I'm starting to give up hope..............

Okay, I'm being a tad bit dramatic, I know! I just really love my chopper, and it got me to thinking that this would be a good idea for a post. What is your favorite kitchen item, that if lost, you would go digging in the garbage to find? In other words, what's the one item in your kitchen that you don't want to live without? I can't wait to see your answers! Meanwhile, the hunt continues............

Picture courtesy of Allposter

The Lucky Nut

My Grammy was of Danish heritage so as a young girl I was privileged to partake in many Danish customs. One custom that we celebrated every year was what was called the "lucky New Year's nut." On New Year's day my Grammy would make bake rice pudding. Somewhere throughout the rice pudding she had placed a single nut. The legend says that if you are the fortunate one to find the nut in your rice pudding then you will have wonderful luck the for the new year.

My Grammy made her rice pudding in individual dishes and so we were each allowed to pick the one we wanted. Little did we know that my little sister had snuck in the kitchen, dug through each rice pudding dish with her hand (yuk;) in an effort to find the lucky nut. After she found the nut she very carefully arranged each individual pudding with her hand again (yuk;) Well, the time came for us to choose our pudding dish and the youngest family member got to go first. My sister excitedly grabbed the pudding of her choice. Any guess as to who got the lucky nut?!!!

Here's wishing all my dear blog friends will find the lucky nut tomorrow;)

Much love and Happy New Year's Eve,

Susan P.

Down And Out

I am not a good patient ~ there's no two ways about it. For the last week I have been unable to go about my regular routine due to an injury to my arm. First of all, I'm a baby when it comes to pain.I just plain don't like it!! Second, as Mr. P says, I am an "couch" quarterback! From the couch I can see most of the goings-on in my home. I have an especially good view of the kitchen. NOT a good thing, ladies!! Mr. P and Miss Bonnie are managing quite well and are completely capable of carrying on the household duties in my place. However, I have this crazy need to give "added" instructions along with what I consider to be helpful tips, much to their chagrin! I have a feeling if I don't stop it, they might see to it that I never recover (if you know what I mean;)

Oh, No ~ Not Another Pumpkin Post!
Part Two........

Okay, I know I promised, but this is an unusual circumstance... I took it upon myself to write Libby's last week about the disappearing pumpkin and I received an email from them today. Yes, I wrote to them. No, I'm not kidding. And Yes, I take my pumpkin seriously!!! Here is their response:

Dear Susan P,

"I am sorry that you are having a difficult time finding Libby's Pumpkin. Due to unfavorable weather conditions last fall, some of the pumpkin did not meet our high quality standards. Therefore, our harvest was smaller than typical and you may have some difficulty finding Libby's Pumpkin.

We are in the process of harvesting our pumpkins and you will be able to find it in all sizes within the next few weeks.

We appreciate your interest and hope you will visit our website often for the latest information on our products and promotions."

Sincerely,

Tara Williams
Consumer Response Representative

So, the great pumpkin mystery is now solved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!We can all go on about our lives again;)

Pumpkin, Pumpkin, Where Art Thou?


Oh my goodness, I can't believe it! For the last week or so I have been itching to get in the kitchen and do some baking. Autumn and baking just seem to go together, don't they? There is only one little problem, though. How am I going to make pumpkin bread, pumpkin bars, and pumpkin cookies without pumpkin??? Yep, that's right. There is absolutely NO LIBBY'S CANNED PUMPKIN to be found in my city!!!! Can you believe it? I've been to 2 WalMarts, Kroger, Food Lion, and another local store. The label for the Libby's canned pumpkin is there, but the shelves are completely bare! Boo, hoo..... Oh well, I guess either there is a great pumpkin shortage I didn't know about, or everybody in the city is busy baking pies:) Have y'all had this problem, too?

Riddle Me This:

What do onions and shorts have in common? Any guesses? It's where Mr. P and I have been the last five days! I'll be back tomorrow with the answer;)

Mr P & I Can't See "Nose" To "Nose" On This

As I said the other day, I just love this time of year when I can open up the windows and let all the fresh air in and all the stale air out. But, what's a girl to do all those other months? Herein lies my conundrum. Conundrum,hmm, don't you love that word? lol Mr. P & I do not see "nose" to "nose" on this issue at all. No matter what I do to try to make the house smell nice, he doesn't like. Come on, fess up girls, y'all know what I'm talking about! If you don't, here are some examples:



I discovered this wonderful candle last year ~ it's made by Yankee and the frangrance is called Mulling Spices, it smells just like you are brewing a delicious batch of apple cider. However, almost as soon as I lit it Mr. P looked at me with furrowed brow and said, "what's that smell?" Notice, he said smell, not scent. Y'all know the difference, right;) i.e. A skunk smells, honeysuckle has a lovely scent. A dirty diaper smells, a rose bush has a sweet, delicate scent. Hmm....not quite the reaction I was hoping for. Now, I'm quite sure if one of my girlfriends dropped by when it was burning I would get this reaction, "oh, I just love that fragrance, it smells just like Fall.! Makes me want to get out my decorations and bake something. Where did you get it? I must go and get one, too!!!!" Y'all totally get this, don't you girls? HA




Okay, obviously candles aren't going to work, because he's like that with every one I burn. So, on to plan B. Yankee also makes some wonderful smelling plug-ins and I figured I'd put it behind the chair where Mr. P couldn't see it. I thought "surely, he won't notice this." WRONG!!!!! As soon as he opened the door that evening he said, "what's that smell." Are you kidding me?? Who in the world doesn't like Butter cream??????? Ugh.........................



So, on to plan C. I do a little spray dance all around the room ~ ah, smells so good! I can fill my spirits lifting! Guess what? Febreze makes him cough...............

Potpourri? This darling bag of potpourri that smells like lavender fields and has the cutest little rosebuds you ever did see. I tried putting it into delicate little containers, you know, the cutesy kind we women love. Yep, you guessed it. It gives him a headache!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, after giving up almost all hope I discovered a "new to me" thing on the market ~reeds with infused oils. Y'all know I redid my bathroom recently so I went and bought this darling little container to put the oil and reeds in. Now, I promise I'm not kidding y'all ~ that very evening Mr. P came home and went into the bathroom to see what I had done. He was very complimentary, but then gave me this strange look. He asked, "what in the world are those sticks in our bathroom for?" Uh, oh! I very innocently told him they were just for decoration (well, they are kinda, sorta;) He shrugs his shoulders and then goes into the study which is next to the powder room. Not two minutes have passed and I hear him calling, "what's that smell?"

Oh boy.................................. I give up! I guess I'll just go back to doing what I did before ~baking yummy things like pies, brownies, cakes and bread ~ he NEVER complained about that! On the bright side, I guess there's nothing wrong with our home smelling like chocolate chip cookies;)

"Nana" 911

After raising two children of my own when it came time to taking care of my grandson, Benjamin, it was kind of like riding a bike ~ all the basics came back to me pretty quickly and I was on my way. However, in certain cases this has proven not to be true. Case in point, children's clothing. What in the world is up with all the snaps, buttons, and Velcro? My heavens, by the time I get him dressed he's ready to be changed again! Especially not an easy task when he is squirming to get away!

Now to the point of my post. What has proven to be my "nemesis" are baby hats. I almost break into a sweat thinking about them. Here's my story: A couple of months ago it was a beautiful day and I decided it was a perfect day to take Benjamin for a ride in the stroller. There was a bit of a breeze so I thought, of course, he needs a hat. Well, I reach into the diaper bag and out comes this darling little green hat. The only thing was it had so many flaps and "doodads" on it that for the life of me I couldn't figure out how to put it on his sweet little head. Feeling a little old and overwhelmed I called in my faithful reserve, Miss Bonnie. Well, she doesn't have any experience with babies and so she was about as lost as I was. We must have spent over ten minutes trying every which way to put it on this poor child's head.

Now to appreciate this story I must tell you that Benjamin has been blessed with a most joyful personality. He is such an easy- going, happy baby. But, by the time I finished with the hat this is what he looked like:



Notice that poor, pitiful face...... He was a great sport, though, and put up with all of his Nana's nonsense. Although you can really tell by his furrowed brow he was not happy! I think he must have been thinking, "Oh, Nana, boy, you have a lot to learn!" Miss Bonnie and I got so tickled we couldn't stop laughing. We both said that he looks like he was wearing a bonnet and could be a character on Little House on the Prairie!!!! We did go ahead with our walk but in the back of my mind I was hoping we wouldn't run into anybody I knew. I think poor Benjamin was thinking the same thing!



By the way, this is how the hat was supposed to be worn. My 25 year old son put it on him. Nuff said:) I guess I better get that bike out!

It's A Wacky, Wacky House!

Remember this picture I took one Thanksgiving where Annabelle thought she was a turkey? Well, know my grandson thinks he's one, too!

Gerry & Ashley came over and they wanted to know how much weight little Benjamin has gained. They knew Mr. P had a postal scale so out it came. In order to weigh Benjamin they needed something to put him in to place on the scale. Well, they decided on my 9/13 baking pan, and no, I'm not kidding! They placed his blanket in the pan and then placed him on top. Which now leads to the third picture.

Annabelle has staked out Benjamin's play mat and has decided it's hers ~ did I mention she's not good at sharing? Didn't I tell you it was "wacky" around here;)

Picture this:

You have just finished all of your morning chores and you're feeling pretty happy with yourself. As the clock strikes noon you decide it's a good time to have a well-deserved lunch break. You sit down with your yummy sandwich and start watching the news in the den. (Yes, I know, I'm supposed to eat at the table;) All of a sudden you hear this very loud CRASH and you wonder what in the world it could be. All of a sudden you remember your trip to Sam's Club the previous day and the GINORMOUS

container of liquid laundry detergent you purchased. We're talking 110 loads here, people. You jump up as quickly as you can and RACE to the laundry room (I think I could have beaten Flo Jo from the Olympics) and to your horror you see all 110 loads of detergent gushing out all over the floor. You enter the room as quickly as you can to try to stop the impending flood and you forget that you have these on:

These are your leather KEDS that you wear everyday ~ did you know they have very slick soles??? Oh, yes, they do! As you go to reach down to pick up the container you start to skate across the floor, just like Dorothy Hamel,(and yes, I realize we have a lot of Olympic analogies going on here) but, the only problem is YOU ARE NOT Dorothy Hamel. And because you are NOT Dorothy Hamel you end up sitting in a sticky sea of detergent. After a little bit of sobbing and REPEATED attempts to get up (try getting up from a floor covered in laundry detergent) you finally hoist yourself help and limp to the den, all the while leaving nice detergent footprints all over the kitchen. Out of the corner of your eye you notice your three cats and dog looking at you as if you've lost your mind!

You then decide that you didn't have anything to post about today, so why not this? After taking the picture of your shoes you are horrified to see how dirty your "old faithful Keds are." You think to yourself, "I really need to wash those." Only problem is, there is NO DETERGENT:)

Happiness Is . . . .

A basket full of the fun size candy bars. Why? There are no calories listed on the back! Guess that means I can eat as many as I want:)

Having Sweet Dreams Can Be A Nightmare!

When the springs of your mattress start "springing" out, you know it's time to get a new one. It got to the point where our mattress had become somewhat of a lethal weapon. As much as we wanted to, there was no more putting if off. We knew it was time. So, we put on our helmets and off we went on the dreaded mattress shopping trip. Here's a synopsis of how it went:

~As we entered the furniture store I felt somewhat like a mouse because as soon as our presence was made known we had numerous sale associates "pounce" on us. I knew this was going to happen, but somehow I was hoping it wouldn't. With big wide fake grins and dollar signs dancing in their eyes, they all wanted to be "of assistance" to us. UGH...........

~After telling them what we were after we were led amongst a maze of furniture to the section where all of the beds were. If I were to guesstimate, I would say there were probably at least 40. The first bed we were led to was the "Cadillac" of all beds. Of course it was their bestseller and it was for people who are bed "connoisseurs,"those that really appreciate a good night's sleep. Well, we like a good night's sleep just as much as another, but after seeing the price tag we decided quickly we could sleep just fine on another one!

~Sales associate then encourages us to take off our shoes and take a "test" drive, if you will. He tells us to take our time and says he will be back in just a minute. I'm thinking, "I have to try out forty beds and he's going to be back in a minute?" "No way!" I tell him make it fifteen, instead. FYI, he was back in two;o)

~It's at this point of the story I need to tell you that Mr. P and I love to sleep together, but we would prefer to do it in two different beds. I'm the kind of girl that loves a soft, downy, plush "bed and breakfast" kind of bed. You know, the one you sink into like you are floating on a cloud. Mr. P, on the other hand prefers the kind of mattress that I would think would be found on a army cot in the barracks. The firmer, the better. I'm talking no movement at all. You could bounce a quarter off of it. Ugh..... I start to feel a headache coming on.

~As we are making our way around the "wall of beds" I start to notice a pattern. Every bed Mr. P likes, I don't. Hmm......Every bed I like, Mr. doesn't. So then we start to examine the charts next to each bed to see if we can make sense of the whole thing. The chart gives numbers to rate the bed for firmness, durability, and comfort. Also, did you know that there is no such thing as an "ordinary" mattress anymore? They now have foam, air, pillow top, as well as a few other "must haves." Oh no, now my head is really starting to hurt. What? What does it all mean???

~I then start to become self-conscious because I notice that people are looking at us while we are laying (lying) in the beds. I feel it almost necessary for me to say, "it's okay, we're married!" Then I'm thinking, how can a person relax and test out a bed when the whole store is watching?As much as I tried to concentrate on the firmness number, I can still see them peering at us with my side vision.

~After awhile we started to notice a "tricky" thing that they did to try to fool us. They have the price of the smaller mattress in big bold letters, while the larger mattresses need a magnifying glass to be seen. Aw, no fair!

~I start to feel like Goldilocks in that famous story with the three bears. Me, "this bed is too hard" and Mr.P, "this bed is too soft." I have but one question, "where, oh where is Baby Bear's bed?" I need a spotlight to come from the ceiling and shine on the perfect one for us.

~After trying out one of the more inexpensive mattresses, Mr. P said that he thinks they are trying to make the cheaper mattresses feel bad by putting hard pillows on it. He said, "I think they have the really soft pillows on the expensive beds and the hard as a rock pillows on the cheap ones. We have now entered the paranoia stage of the trip.

~While discussing pillows my mind starts to wander and the part of me that is a germaphobe kicks in. I started to think of all the customers who have come before us that have laid their sweet little heads on the same pillows as we did. EEWW...... In preschool I told the children to never share hats because of "you know what." EEWW again!!!!

~Well, fifteen minutes turns into thirty, thirty into forty five, etc., etc.... You get the picture! The sales associate is about the wear a path on the carpet because of all the times he has come to "check" on us. After trying out all forty beds and thinking I can take it no longer,we decided to go back to the second bed we looked at. After comparing it to all of the others, we decided that yes, indeed, it wasn't too hard for me and it wasn't too soft for Mr. P!! Could it be? Why, yes!! So, we ended up doing what all happily married couples do, we compromised! It looks like we found Baby's Bear's bed after all!

"Oh, Me" & "Oh, My"

When I opened my eyes, why what did I see?
A beautiful Fall day and my heart filled with glee!

I ran to the window as soon as I could
I opened the windows and it felt, "oh so good."

The curtains did a dance as the breezes blew in
And donning my apron I took the broom for a spin.

I was whistling a tune as I worked room to room
I polished and scrubbed, used the mop and the broom.

Then all of sudden the wind started to howl
And instead of a smile I started to scowl

Because out of the corner of my astonished blue eye
I saw something that scared me and I said, "oh me, oh my!"

For when the breeze blew in it decided it'd be funny
By going under my table and finding this dust bunny!

Hold On, P L E A S E ................!!!

This is what's been going on at our house the past few days. If you look real closely at the middle of the picture you can see a MAN at the top of our pine tree.

I took it from the upstairs bathroom window because I didn't want to have a tree limb fall on my head;o) That pine tree is swaying back and forth and he is at the top hanging on with one hand and using the chain saw with the other. At one point he even waved to our neighbor! I get "sick" just looking at him up there. All I can say is, "I'm so glad Mr. P has a desk job!"

Oh, Happy Day!

For several weeks now I have hunting the stores for candy corn. To me, it isn't Fall yet until this yummy, sugary, calorie-laden candy makes it's appearance. Notice I wasn't shy.......I got the BIG BAG! On most items I purchase I buy generic, but in a few cases I am a brand snob, I'm ashamed to admit. I have to have Hellman's mayo. , Bounty paper towels, and Charmin toilet paper. When it comes to candy corn it HAS to be Brach's, no other will do!

I had thought about making the darling candy corn garland to hang on my chandelier, but I have decided I'd much rather eat it, instead!

While searching for a dish to put it in I came across this one that my Mom got me years ago from an antique store. It's funny how sometimes things can escape our notice ~ after all these years of using it I just now noticed that their are maple leaves on each side of the dish. Perfect for candy corn!! Thank You, sweet Mama:o)

BTW, Is there any brand that you JUST HAVE TO HAVE, or am I the only one?

A Few Of The Many Reasons . . . . .
I Love Mr. P!

I guess y'all have noticed that my posts lately have been few and far between. The reason? I haven't had a clue what to post about! I guess you could say, "the well has been dry!" Well, I never know when an idea for a post will come about, and this one is a perfect example. I got the idea for this post while I was taking a shower this morning! After the shampoo bottle fell on my foot (owie) the idea hit me like a thunderbolt~ I will post about some of the things that poor Mr. P has to put up with by being married to me!!

Okay, first thing. If y'all are anything like me you have to have your "products" in the shower. I'm talking about body scrub, shampoo, bubble bath, moisturizers, shaving cream . . . . . . .

Not to mention the cute little scrubby thing a back scrubber and a razor . . .
Guess what Mr. P has? One bar of Dial soap:) That's it!! Have you ever? lol

The bed is another example. You see the mountain of pillows on top of our bed? Guess what? None of them are actually used to sleep with!! Every night they are taken off and replaced with our "sleeping" pillows. Mr. P doesn't complain, he just scratches his head. I know y'all understand completely;o)

When you go to wash your hands at a sink in our house you might have lavender soap, cucumber soap, or even geranium;o)

After washing his hands one too many times with lavender soap he finally asked if we could get some soap that doesn't "smell." Well, over the weekend we went to Sam's Club and he bought this GALLON size bottle of fragrance free soap. Of course y'all know I have to find a "cutesy" little bottle to put it in!!

And what about the monogrammed towel and soap? "Oh, we can't use these honey?" "No, we're just supposed to look at them." Poor, poor Mr. P. I guess he really DOES LOVE ME!

~Just An Idea~

Yesterday in the mail I received this darling little tag from my friend Deena. Thanks Deena, I love it! :o)



I thought it was so cute that I decided to try and make my own! I went to my craft box and this is what I came up with. (This is not a final product, I was just "playing" around) As you can see it says, A Place Called Home, and it represents my blog!



front of tag (sorry, it's hard to read) On the bottom is says A Place Called Home.



On the back I put part of the poem I wrote about A Place Called Home.

So then I thought how much fun would it be if we each made tags that represented our blogs and then had a tag exchange! We could receive tags from all of our favorite blogs and the only stipulation would be that you have to give one to get one. I was also thinking it would so neat that once we had collected them all we could display them by our computers!! Wouldn't it be fun to see what everybody comes up with? Each tag would be as unique as each blog:o)

So, here's the deal. Tell me if you might be interested in doing this. I am going on vacation next week so you would have over a week to figure out what you would like to make. If anybody is interested in this when I get back I can put up a Mr. Linky so that we can see everybody that wants to take part in the exchange. Wouldn't it be so much fun to receive tags from all of your friends? Please let me know what you think!


Much love,
Susan P.

"Name The Grandmother" Contest

First of all, I want to thank y'all from the bottom of my heart for all the love you have shown over my grandbaby news! All that baby talk got me to thinking about what I would want to be called once the baby arrives. I know there are about as many grandmother names out there as there are grandmothers (lol) and I would love to hear them all!! I'm needing some good ideas and y'all are without a doubt the best source I know! Ashley's Mom has already come up with a great one, I think. Her name is Janet and she wants to be called "Janny" I love it! So, if you would kindly put in the comment section your ideas for names, when I get back from Kentucky I will randomly draw not just one winner, but THREE!! I can't wait to see all your names ~ I don't have computer access in Ky so I will have a big surprise to look forward to when I get home:o)

Each winner will receive ONE of these books. They are all exceptional and I know they will bless y'all like they did me. The first name I pick will get their first choice, second gets second, and third gets which one is left! lol You don't have to give me your choice now, wait until I pick the winners:o) Good luck everybody!!

The titles are:

Becoming a Woman Who Pleases God

Homespun Gifts From The Heart

A Life That Says Welcome

Don't worry ~ if you don't win this one we will have a "Name the Grandfather" contest, too!!