Tammy and Joel

It was so sweet. Tammy one of Denise's bff's from high school and the love of her life Joel Ramay got married on Sunday the 21st of September.

Tony, Stacy and I attended, and Denise was the maid of honor. The wedding was held at The Garden Room at the Ozark Mountain Smokehouse. The garden is behind the Smokehouse, and has a lovely little fountain and stream that runs through it, with a little bridge over to more dining. A canopy of grapevines cover the pergala above the patio, and tall trees. Japanese lanterns in red and white (the brides colors)

The reception was held inside at the same location. There was a buffet of pasta and salad and of course barbecue beef and pork. A tablecloth was hung on the wall with markers for us to write loving messages to the new couple. This was a neat idea. Tables with lovely centerpieces in red florals.

Dancing with music performed by Darren Ray (lead singer of Big Uns a great local band). Lots of fun. A toss of the bouquet and garter and then the cutting of the cake and a few photos. It was great Tony and I had a marvelous time with these two young people on their special day.

Congratulations Tammy and Joel many happy years together!

Rough Night in Fayetteville

Broken tree limbs just a small example of the damage last nights rain and winds brought to our neighborhood. The weathermen said it would be rough last night and they were definately right. Mostly we just have to clean up the large
amount of leaves that blew from our many trees

we have in our yard and the neighbors. So much
rain the ground couldn't hold it all. We have approximately and inch to two inches of water

standing in the yard.

Limbs blew onto the patio and of course many leaves and the worms uuugh! Those poor creatures came crawling out all over the place. Here Joxer just finished checking out our new foilage on the concrete.

This was a hole Joxer dug in the corner. Just look at the amount of water that accumulated in it overnight. It will be there for days the ground is so wet.

All lined up in a row. Here's where I put all the loose pieces of furniture from the patio. With the wind warnings that were given we wanted to make sure no damage was done from something blowing around.
Tony had put that cover on the barbeque grill yesterday, as you see it blew right off.

Last night the wind blew and the rains came and came and came and came. The leaves are all over our yard. Joxer is splish splashing around in our saturated yard.

This was my backyard patio before last nights rain and wind blew in. Very clean neat. The after photos however sure do show a windy mess.

It could have been worse but it wasn't and we are thankful to God for that. I pray for those that were in Ike's devastating past. I pray they find those that are missing. God bless all, peace, love, and joy to all. Debra

This week

My husband and I have been married 24 years now. We enjoy simple things. Sitting on the patio, playing with the dog. Watching the birds in our backyard. Of course the rain on Monday and Tuesday kept us from doing anything in outside, but we went out to eat on Thursday to Penquin Ed's. It's right up the street and we love the smoke chicken breast salad they serve there. We like to go out at least one night a week and eat someplace we enjoy. Then we usually drive around town or up the highway a little to talk and see what's going on in the community. We heard about some changes at TGIFridays and so last week we went there and really enjoyed the food. Tony loves the sports he can keep up with on TV's they have around the resturaunt.

We have this funny little bird feeder in our front yard. Tony's father gave it to us and we hung it on a limb we could few from our living room window. Tony has loved this little feeder. He loves seeing the different birds that come to feed from it. The cardinals have had a field day with this thing. Tony likes to watch the big obnoxious blue jay. They're pretty but they overwhelm all the other birds around. Well anyway this little feeder has a phrase on it that says Front Porch Cafe.
If I had seen this at a craft fair or anyplace I would not have purchased it myself, it's not my taste. But this simple little gift has been such a joy. Funny isn't it, most people spend a fortune to have fun and the most joy can cost so little. We spend what amounts to less than a couple bucks a week to receive so much pleasure

Saturday Tony and I went to Old Navy and the mall and picked up a few new tops for each of us us. We have to put our stuff together and see what kind of outfits we need for the trip to Seattle next month. I'm still not sure what to wear to the weeding itself I've looked at several things. I need to make a decision in the next couple weeks.

We listened to the Razorback game last night on the radio. What a nail biter. This team knows how to bring on the suspense. Just when I thought we were doomed to loose. This team of hogs pulled out a win. Not a big win but a W is a W.
This team is going through a transition not a lot of return players, due to several legal issues with some of our main players. Also injuries have caused us to loose some players. The new head couch Petino is obviously making a huge difference in our teams capability. He has the knowledge to help the team win even in a time of hardship.

Everyone have a wonderful week and love to all Debra.

Usher

Made it through another day at the game. Last year I worked as a usher for the Razorback ballgames. So I decided to do it again this year. I have a position where I patrol up and down a walkway. Just reminding smokers not to light up. And making sure the aisles are clear. The game went well and we won a nailbiter 28-24. The fans stayed till the bitter end. Casey Dick ran the ball several times and made a real difference. Petrino coached a good game and I congratulate him on a great win.

Petrino has the hog fans fired up for an exciting football season. I say GO HOGS GO! Have a great season.

Meatloaf

Not the group, I made meatloaf. No big deal right except its been forever since I made this everyday staple. Many folks make it every week. Not me. Oh once a long time ago it was a fave in my household but not so much anymore.
So what spurred my need to make meatloaf. My daughter Stacy. At 21, Stacy still can't cook. Well no that's not true because she never has really tried to cook. So she is finding her domestic side. She's curious about how to make different dishes. So even though I had not made this in a long time she said she wanted to know how I make my goood meatloaf, that it tastes great. I told her how I make mine. Gave her different ways she could change it up. Told her you can take this basic recipe and go any direction you want. Mix up all kinds of things in it. Even went online to check how some of the celebrity cooks do theirs. I take a simple basic recipe that I got years ago from the Quaker Oats box. Through the years I to have gotten creative with my recipe.
All day long I could only think about coming home and making meatloaf. It sounds silly but it was the only thing I wanted for dinner. I got home and pulled out all the ingredients and mixed it all up. Got out my loaf pan, placed it in the pan and placed it in the oven. An hour later it was smelling great. Hot and delicious. With the mashed potatoes and the spinach with a little garlic and onion and some bacon to season it up man was it all good.
Tony and I had a great meal together and tomorrow I plan to take a meatloaf sandwich for my lunch. MMMMMMM Good! Simple and basic, sometimes you gotta go there. May all your days be great, and don't let life get you so caught up in more, more, more, sometimes we need to revisit simple and basic. Now where are those ice cream bars we bought, yum.
God Bless all, Debra

Arkansas Football

It's game day here in the "ville". Hog fans are back! SOOOOIE HOGS! Red shirts and hog hats abound in the wonderful city of Fayetteville. The campus is abuzz with tailgaters all the food you could want is cooking on someones grill. Drinks of all variety. Cars with flags, and magnet signs racing up and down the streets. Tickets at every street corner for the sold out game. Don't worry if you don't have a ticket someone that bought them all up is selling them out there on the street corner. The band is warming up and there is a great feeling of excitement in the air.

This year our new coach Bobby Petrino will lead the hogs to victory and with luck a national championship. Western Illinois beware! The hogs are about to root you into the ground.

Meanwhile on the west coast Mitch Mustain ready's hisself for leading the USC Trojans to battle. This one time Razorback may with any luck someday meet back up with his old alma mater, I'd love to see it. What a great loss of a talented young ball player. Congatulations Trojans.

Back to the RAZORBACKS though. The pep rally last night kicking off the season in a cool night air. What excitement, band playing pep squad cheering! WOW if that doesn't get your football juices flowing I don't know what will. Good Luck to the team! GO HOGS GO!

Congratulations Jessica and David

Their pregnant! That's right I said it their pregnant. Jess and David are expecting their first child in November. Jessica is straight forward and says she had used protection since her and David were married except once. It didn't happened that time so they tried again now and God willing she got pregnant and I know the divine on worked his wonders. These two have done so much in their 5 yrs of marriage and I'm very proud of them. They are kind and loving and have so much love to give. This child will be surrounded with love and affection. Jessica's mom Karen will be a fantastic grandma and Jess's grandma Joyce must be on cloud nine. She is one of the most loving people I have known. Did I mention how wonderful this family is. Oh yea, I guess I did, no really. That's why I am so excited for Jess and David. Love every minute of your pregnancy Jess and David. God has sent you a blessing for your love. God Bless you all three, Debra

A Place at the Lake

Sorry I haven't been blogging lots going on at work and I've been looking at lake property. Tony and I have always known that someday we want to live at the lake. We should have bought land years ago but didn't now we're getting serious and really trying to find something. Could be land could be a home we see it we'll know.
Saturday was a great day we set out to see some land we were told about and it was such a great area. We also went to Beaver Shores to see a couple of spots there also. What a wonderful sunny afternoon. We just had a great time wondering around. We stopped at a little store this side of Rocky Branch and picked up some snacks and sodas. We're having a great time searching. Anyway today we mow. The lawn is high and the weeds are higher.
I am off this week and have no real plans just relaxing and enjoying my days.
Hope you are all having a glorious time in whatever you are doing this weekend. Love to all and God Bless everyone, Debra

Cyber World

Today has been a day of Myspace, Blogger, and Facebook. To much you think? Probably but we all have gotten so caught up in all the choices to contact each other or to send a message to the our worlds large and small. So much happened today in my virtual world from hearing some amazing news from blog friends to traveling to places once traveled and bringing back great memories. Many friends have come back from spring break having made their own special memories. The cyber world brings much happiness and occasionally some sorrow. I've learned new recipes that others have shared and have become some of my favorites now. My crafty friends have inspired me to try things and create some special gifts to loved ones. It has helped me in building a better understanding of the word of God and to share the love and blessings of God to others. Many worry that the computer is a road to ruin. As with anything care and caution should be taken, there are always people who try to destroy something good. Use good common sense, care about what you put out there, think of others first and everyone wins.
Till we blog again, God bless Here's Debra

Which came first the chicken or .....the EGG

Happy Easter! Click on the link below
http://home.att.net/~solos_holiday/2008/_011/egg.htm
Ya'll come back now ya hear!

My Friend Sam

Today I was reading my friend Sams blog he is a conservative who puts out a point of view. Keeping open the ability of the reader to gather information to make up the readers own mind by supplying links to sites for more info.
Sam has a wonderful link to a site about Desiring God. I have gone to the site many times and have found the answers to questions about our life here on earth and the bibles word on how we can live by the word of God in todays times. Sometimes this seems to many a hard and stressful thing to do. I would like to encourage you to check out Sam's blog for yourself http://conservativesam.blogspot.com . He is a wonderful person and has helped me through many a day at work with a word of encouragement, or direction to passages in the bible of Gods word that has helped me through a tough time. Maybe this message comes to you at a time of need in your life and maybe the links to the word of God will help you through you days as I hope it will. Love to all on this the day the Lord has made, God bless you, Debra

Suzette

How incredible! Suzette my new blog friend and a realtor by profession has just informed me that she rented her old home to my son. Much to both our amazement, and to the very unusual way in which we became aquintances. She was selling a house and I wanted to call about it. I did not get her number..but, did remember her name. I thought I would look up the company she worked for on the internet and see if she had a link as one of their associates, and I would contact her about the asking price. Before doing this however I was visiting one of my fav blogs Jessica and David McCash and noticed as one of her friends and favs Suzettes name. Knowing this was no coincidence that somehow God sent her my way I clicked on her name to go to her blog. I was reading her latest entry and felt a strong impulse, as if by God himself to give her encouragement. She was moving from her home, and into a new place, and lets face it the realty market is having a hard time of it, seemed like she needed to know that the Lord was with her and that if she kept his faith in him strong his blessings would surely come to her.
Suzette wrote me back and is helping me in trying to find a lake home or property for 2 to retire to. Someplace on Beaver Lake in NW Arkansas where my husband I love to be.
Suzette discovered in reading my blogpost of moving my son Robbie into their new home that we had just moved him into HER OLD HOME!! Incredible! The Lord truly is a master of all. Suzette and I have not met face to face but our worlds have connected through him. This is truly the work of God. No coincidence could have put two unknown people of this Hundreds of thousands of people in NW Arkansas together like this. My kids are enjoying Suzettes home and I pray their lives will be blessed their, as its previous owners was.
If you are reading this blog for the first time, you will find mine is a positive message. A message of love and faith. Belief in God is the focus. That we know our lives revolve around his word and belief and faith in him. How else could Suzette and I have found each other and our lives keep connecting as they have. I am here for her and all others as he has sent her to me. Thank God, may he bless all of you today and may you be special in someones life today! Reach out say God bless you to all you encounter and he will make life special each and every day.

Dream Home

Ok tonight’s the night . It’s the Dream Home giveaway,. I have watched this event since the beginning and like millions get upset when it’s not me. Last year was the worst giveaway, apparently they gave it away a week or so before the broadcast. I’m sorry but the whole thing left me a whole lot disappointed. I know it’s live tv they need to make sure they can catch the winner and that they are not away somewhere, but if you signed up for the dream home I guarantee your at home waiting for it to be given away. So here I am in the office with the tv on and sitting at my computer . This home is lovely I love the water so I would love this home myself, but the home in the Blue Ridge Mts was beautiful, probably my favorite so far.
They are showing the green home which is a beautiful thing also. . I have vacation the first of April so I’d be ready to go to my new home and I work where I could transfer to llive there. I don’t expect to win but wouldn’t it be cool if I did.
It’s now 8:40 and cut to commercial, just 20 more minutes and Lauren is 5 minutes away from giving away the dream home all she says is she’s freezing, that lets me out we have cool but not cold temps right now, a light jacket is all that’s required not a coat and gloves. Well I’ll just sit back and watch the rest of the show .
Here it comes she’s opening the door, okay this lady looks bewildered and confused.. Is she mad. Wow how strange she’s blinded obviously but how about a little enthusiasm come on! Congratulation to the winner , long and happy life in Florida (if she decides to keep it and not sell it like a lot of the previous winners have done.
Time to settle down and get back to normal, maybe I need to work on making my own home more my Dream Home instead of trying to win one.

Chillin

That's right I'm chillin'! I know the slang I have 3 somewhat grown children (ha ha) we have lived through the high bangs of the 80's to the saggin pants of the 90's. We slept late after all the moving and no I did not go to church today, sorry lord, but I watched the service of one of the Church of Christs from Springdale. I love the word of God and to hear so many different spiritual leaders communicate in the one direction to our lord and his word is so comforting. Just thinking of how many share this world and his love is so beautiful.
We decided to go out for breakfast and then to Sears and look for some tools that Tony needed for work. They didn't have the tools and I got some new shoes BOGO at Payless, sorry Wal-Mart, we walked around the mall looking in the windows at the spring fashions. We saw our neice Rachel at the Cookie Factory and stopped to say hi. Then I got Tony energized by picking up our pace around the mall. See we both have put on a few extra pounds lately and we need to be more active. With our day yesterday I felt like today we should just make a quick walk around the mall hallways and out to the car. Then on to the house, a few hours of worthless TV viewing chillin on the couch with old movies and TV reruns we went to the market to get our groceries for the week. Our day is done, tomorrow back to work, meeting and greeting people and helping them find what they need. We love you and wish you the blessings of our lord to all, till next time, Debra

Its Moving Day

Not for me, for my son. Robbie and Tracy are moving from a little house they had in Rogers to a home in Lowell. Robbie has been promoted. He is in training for his new store assistant manager position. This will move him from his store in Rogers to the store in Fayetteville. Oh sorry, for those of you who don't know we work at Wal-Mart, it's been a great place for me and now my son has found his place in this company. He wants to someday become a store manager. But that will be a while off yet. So he needed to shorten his drive. Meanwhile our darling Tracy (the favorite) got her position in auditing at the Wal-Mart home office. They've been blessed to see their future and to set a goal and achieve it. I'm very proud. Both these young people have addressed their share of adversity along their way but stayed the course and overcome it.
Since Tracy's drive is to Bentonville and Robbie's to Fayetteville, they looked for someway to split the difference so the commute would not be so bad for either one. They spotted a little house in a cul-de-sac in Lowell. It is sweet and has a back yard for the dog Chloe a black Labrador they got last year. Still a pup but getting bigger everyday and needing a yard. She waited all day for them to get home before getting to go out. The old house had no fence and was close to a busy street so was not a good place to put her while they were gone. Now there is a beautiful grape vineyard behind their home.
We cleaned we straightend, we put away boxes. We stayed up late at the old house cleaning, and it seems the lord was with me. When I pulled the stove out to clean the floor under the stove and wipe down the wall I found an ink pen and a bandaid. I cleaned them off and laid them on the counter. Now the kids had moved everything out of the house. The only thing we had with us was the cleaning products, and I want you to know, about five minutes later after finding the bandaid I cut my finger on the metal of the stove. I looked at Tracy and said how weird is that? He knew I was going to cut my finger and he gave me the bandaid. There is too much coincidence for it to be coincidence. I know it was our lord who left it for me. It feels so good to know he is with us in everything we do. We continued for some time and finally called it an evening. We each went our own way, Tony and I went to sleep when we got home, it had been a long day and we were tired but fulfilled from the job we did helping our children move ahead in life.
Today we helped our daughter Stacy move the last of her stuff back to our home. This little one has been having a hard time leaving the nest. Once engaged, she broke it off. She felt something wasn't right. She then met someone and fell in love so fast. Her father and I were worried because we had seen her cry be upset and miserable with this guy. But she must have had other ideas. One day out of the blue and with no word to us she married this guy. We were shocked. We knew we had to have faith in the decision our daughter had made. In a couple weeks later our worst fears happened. Stacy called to tell us her husband threatened her life. We asked her exactly what happened and after some time going over everything that transpired we agreed with her she need to leave. Marriage should never be rushed into nor taken lightly. It is a blessing of our lord to match two peoples lives, that they may share this life together with a partner, a best friend, a companion that seems to know your next thought before you say it. She moved out and got a legal separtation, she stayed with us for a while then moved out with a girlfriend, the arrangement didn't work and now she's back home again. We talked over a plan with her that would eventually lead to her ability to move out on her own after paying off some debts she has. Blending her stuff with ours was a little tricky but I found a way to hide stuff out of the way for awhile until she'll move out and need it again. When once again Tony and I will put on wour moving clothes and houst the stuff out. Till we meet again have a blessed day. Love to all Debra

Keith Urban

Again it seems the lord is telling me he is here with me, with all of us. I was driving to work and thinking of a wonderful message one of my blogger friends sent me. It left me feeling so uplifted. So as I drove to work I told the lord thank you for his blessings on my life. Moments later But By the Grace of God sung by Keith Urban came on the radio. My heart rushed as I felt the love of God through this song. If you have never listened to it, it is so good. I had never heard this song before. A lot of things have changed in my life throughout the years and even my faith and spirituality has never been as strong as it is today, and I know he will continue to open my eyes to see the world as he sees it and as I am to teach and treat the world.
At work my friend Clarence, who has done much biblical education in his life, and I have had many discussions and prayer. He made hisself available to those who had a spiritual need. He preaches at many of the local churches. He saw the need for prayer for so many at our work that he got with the management and was able to start prayer time during the lunch breaks. He felt he was being called by the lord to minister in a new way to reach some that may not have felt they had anyone. His smile makes my heart lighter and he always says hello and have a blessed day. These simple words mean so much. So many could benefit if we all spread his blessing to each other.
My day started with my lord and as the evening falls he will stay with me and as I slumber through the night his love with never stray. I have my faith in my father. His will be done, and there by the grace of god go I.
Love to all and may your day be blessed.

A Terrible Shame

We are blessed in this world by those the lord brings into our lives. I am truly blessed to know a young woman named Jessica. Jessica is a lovely beautiful soul. The lord is truly in this child and she holds him close in her mind body and soul. She shows her love everyday, you can see it in her smile and the kindness she shows those who she is near.
My heart goes out to Jessica tonight and in the days to come. Jessica lost a dear friend a lovely young woman named Kiley. No one knows the pain that people hold within them sometimes. Kileys pain must have been tremendous as it consumed her and overcame her so much she took her life. A devastating tragedy that will be hard to recover from. Such a lovely young spirit, cut down at such a early stage in life.
Life is hard and we must live our lives for one another. Loving, caring, sharing, inspiring, giving, being there for one another. Reaching out with a kind word, a message of hope, the lords blessings. My prayers go out to all those who knew and loved Kiley. Have faith children our lord and saviour has a plan he did not let this soul leave this world without a reason or purpose. Though your hearts are heavy laden, take heart that in time healing will begin, stay close to one another and don't loose faith. For the lord is with you.
If I could take the pain away I would, but I can't, maybe the words I have written will help.
Love to all
Debra

Birthday Pics

This was such a good day. What fun!Love ya Denise!

Today I Have A Birthday Girl

She's not a girl anymore she's a fantastic young lady and a wonderful friend to so many. Denise is exactly as I would have wanted her to be if I really had a choice in it. I know the lord gave me this beautiful young women. We seen some hardships as some of you who have known me a long time know. With God and time she has overcome the adversity and has become an even more wonderful individual than I could have imagined. She has love of a sweet man Michael. Love of her family both dads, her brother Robbie and sister Stacy. Lord truly blessed me with my children they help me know the diversity of the world as they each are so different. Denise and I are so much alike though we drive each other crazy. My children know God and family are the most important things in my life. They have I believe learned to treat others with love, honor, respect and dignity. This is a lesson I have said to them all of their lives.
So Denise turns 31 today. The party is at my house with some friends and family coming over. It will be a great time as we will all be together and that is so special. To have fellowship with others is truly a blessing. And 31 years ago the lord brought my first born and I together and she has been a blessing ever since. I love you Denise! Happy Birthday darling! Your momma

The Great Connector

Sunday Tony ( my wonderful husband of 24 years) and I went for a drive in the country. We headed out Hwy 16 East. Our drive took us through Baldwin and Elkins, past Brashears where we reminisced over 50cent haircuts at Dowell Collins with Tony's grandpa Dane Byrd. We always used to say grandpa it cost you just as much for a haircut at Dowells as it does in town by the time you figure in the gas to git there. Of which Dane would say yeah but I love the drive. How to you beat that kind of logic. It's about the quality of living your life and how you choose to do it. Dane had it figured out. We drove on and quickly we were passing through Combs. The little post office gas station town all in one. We made the decision not to go the Pig Trail and to circle round back through to Huntsville. We went through the little town of St. Paul and around Aurora. Over War Eagle Creek. The bridges and long curving roads and up and town the hills of our beloved Arkansas. Tony and I talked about how people ask us why we go for these drives. We both say its how we were raised. We love this country. Its beauty and its calming effects on us. We needed this drive. Away from TV and house chores and work. Just miles of country highway and lovely scenery.
Our journey ended as we traveled back on 412 toward Springdale. As we passed by Nob Hill and the turn off to War Eagle marina I thought of the lake houses at Blue Springs. The homes Tony and I love are the older ones that we can remember for years. We have wanted a house by the lake for years now. We would love to retire there.
Well I turned into Blue Springs just to take a look. A home we had looked at about 5 years ago but decided against was still occupied. We talked about how we should have bought the home when it was for sale. The back yard led right to the water and a small dock. Well we still had kids at home and we didn't want them to have to change schools. So we didn't buy. As we drove a little further ..bingo.. a lovely home for sale. Not one of the really old homes, but one that had been built more recent in between two of the older homes. I caught the name of the realtor who was on the sign but not her number nor the company name, but expected she probably had a website and I would plug in her name on the computer later and find the home and maybe the price.
Tony and I were very excited. We hoped this would be the place for us. We drove on home talking about the location how it was pefect and one of the areas we had always looked at. Later that day after we got back home, I got on the computer to check my email, myspace...debbyrd1... and read my favorite blogs. Much to my surprise as I am reading the blog of my brother in laws neice Jessica McCash I see on the side bar of some of her favorite blogs the name of the realtor I was going to look up. I quickly clicked over and even saw the house on one of her blog posts. She wrote of selling her own home and about how God was in her life. I truly believe that there are no coincidences that our lord guides our life I believe in our lord and saviour Jesus and that God is everywhere for us at all times. So I commented Suzette and she wrote back to me. I feel she will be instrumental in someday Tony and I finding the right home or property on the lake. Anyway I wanted to encourage her that the lord loves us and that he will provide for us what we need. That mostly what we need is his love and he gives it and he asks us to love each other and spread his word to others. My faith is strong and I will never loose faith. The is truly the great connector as the chance of finding this young lady on a friends blog is huge and yet it happened and I know he sent her to me. There may be more post on the lake house someday. Oh the house we saw was way to expensive and much larger than we thought from looking at it from the street. Give thanks to the lord every day, he loves us and we should praise him for all his blessings. Till next time

Lost

It's back, oh my gosh, I can't believe how long they drug this out. The high anticipation, the hours, days, months. What is it? What's back? LOST oh I know some of you are saying that's the most ridiculous frustrating show, but I can't help myself. I love all the guys, the confusion of the story, trying to figure out where they are going next. I feel like these guys are really dead. Spirits if you will stuck on the island by some unusual phenomonon. Maybe the smoke creature on behind the magnetic wall. And Benjamin, evil Benjamin who plays with alls emotions. So the cavalry has arrived. Or has it. Who are these people who flew in with their helicopter, and what's on the boat that's so scary? Who's the tall slender black man that's so mysterious. What's his connection to this rescue group, and how does he know Benjamin.
Charlie died, poor Charlie... what a sweet character, I'll miss him.
John Lock- friend or foe to our group? Seems evil and yet we somehow know this guy is not the bad guy, he's just very curious and suspicious of what's going on, and out to find out.
What's with the scary old house and the opening door that wouldn't go away?
All these questions and many more and now you know my reasons for my love of this show.
I can't wait for next week.

Stormy weather

Its Fat Tuesday, I should be on Dickson having a green beer ( ha ha Jason)or something, but alas I'm letting the weather be my excuse for not going out. My intent tonight was to leave work, go vote, get ready and go out with Tony to the celebration of Mardi Gras on Dickson Street. That's Fayetteville's version of Bourbon Street. In fact its our everything street. If its going on in my home town it's happening on Dickson. Well I did go vote. Came home, let the dog in ( Joxer was so happy to come inside), and instead of getting ready I but on some burgers. See the weather got me a little soggy. I decided not to deal. I would just stay home with my sweetie and watch home shows or Terminator or something. We did drink a beer and I cooked us burgers on the ol George Forman. They were delicious. Now I'm blogging and the TV in the office is on HGTV. Tony's watching One Tree Hill, so much for our celebrating. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and for some the onset of lent. We should remember and celebrate our lord and saviour Jesus Christ in our lives daily.
All in all he helped make my decision for me. We are truly blessed.

Aaaawwwwmm.... ok the game way outdid the commercials this year. Not in the very many years of watching the Super Bowl game do I think I remember such a dull time. But how bout those Giants huh? Pulled it out right at the end. Im a Steelers fan so last year was the epitamy for me. Ben and the Bus and my old school commentator Terry Bradshaw (former quarterback Pittsburgh Steelers).So this year we almost made it, but almost doesn't count. So I'm no fan of the Manning boys, but I couldn't feel there was something wrong with the whole viideo taping that went on in the opposing teams dressing room when at the Patriots stadium. So I had to go with New York. So I did enjoy the game and I think if I were to pick a commercial I liked the most it was the Budweiser one where the dog trained the horse and he wins a spot on the next years team. That one gave me a good feeling inside. That's my feeling about it. Till next time , bye bye

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL......

Or are you ready for some ingenious commercials.. My husband is in it for the football of course he is a man and the testostorone is building up . I however love the commercials I ready myself for them every year. My soda in one hand my chips on the table, I sit patiently waiting to see whose add will generate the most emotion. Not laughter only but adds in the past have made me cry to, and that can make it just as good as any funny add does. So the hours are nearing and the teams are warming up and the network is prepping. I'll have my reviews tomorrow. Till we meet again.

Mardi Gras!

Hey hey hey its Mardi Gras time again! Last year Stacy and I went down on Dickson street and watched the parade. This year however she had to work. Stacy works overnight and so she sleeps in the day. I could have gone alone but part of the whole fun is she has so much fun and I enjoy watching her.
The floats are pretty amateur but show thought. And all in all they come out giving everyone a smile. Last year a lady through her beads directly at my camera. Since I didn't want it to hit the lens I lowered it from my face just in time to get hit in the nose and eye by the necklace. The lady probably thought it would make a great shot to have the beads coming right at me but it could have cost me a lot of money in repairs to my camera and it did hurt my face. The experience pretty much ended my day at the parade.
The floats will go down Dickson St. again on Fat Tuesday and Tony and I will go down and watch it then this year. Till we meet again, Debra

Cleaning and Laundry

Tony is at the Razorback basketball game and I'm home vacumming and doing laundry. Aaah the glomarous life. Just me and my faithful companion Joxer the boxer. I have actually thought of attaching a saddlebag type gadget on this dog to hold stuff I need when I'm running around the house doing chores. He's always beside me. But that's the nature of the breed. A few weeks ago I was so angry with him getting out of the backyard and running all over the neighborhood that I honestly said I was going to find him a new home. Joxer is not originally my dog. He was my sons dog. My son left him with us when he moved out, because his girlfriend didn't want the dog. So he's mine. And I love him. But folks he doesn't know what a street is, so he just bolts across them. I knew he was going to get hit by a car. He finally saw another dog who was out also. I feared it was a doberman at least that's what it looked like at first. This frightened me that they were going to fight. They both however liked each other very much. Yeah I was trying to get control of my dog to take him home and he and the other dog kept trying to have intercourse. Now that's embarassing. Your neighbors are going by and see you trying to break up two dogs. Finally under control we headed back to the house. For 2 days I asked many people if they needed a dog. We've had him 7 years, so he's old and his life expectancy is not many more years. After much thought, the realization was that I could never get rid of Joxer. So he helps me around the house. But he better not get out of the yard again.

Sales

Take a look. I found these today while out shopping. After Christmas sales woo hoo gotta love em! I haven't gone overboard this year. In fact until this weekend I haven't done any shopping. Working in retail makes it hard sometimes to want to think about going out shopping. But its a good idea to open up to what other shops have. So I went to Cato who always has great clothing values. Their everyday prices are amazing. While in their store I found some housewares which I thought would look adorable in my kitchen. Then I was shopping in Dilliards and found this fantastic bargain on silverware. My 65 piece International stainless only cost me $20. I couldn't believe it. Do you know how long I've looked for a great deal on this stuff, and this was amazing. Yes, I'm very happy about my finds.

Christmas

I haven't really been able to do much blogging so much going on to get back to normal (whatever that is). But here's a recap of Christmas. Grandpa Harold was here. We invited all the family over to our house for Christmas day. Only one of Tony's brothers did not come. Two of our neices were not present either,(they were missed). The focus became our nephew Brian who told us to save the date. Yes, he's getting married to a women he met on an internet dating service. I guess it really works, my son talked to someone a few days before and that guy had met his bride the same way. Just a note I would recommend any one who uses these types of services to check credentials of the site and spend some real time finding out about the other person, I'm sure for all the success stories there are probably some horror stories. We got on the computer and he showed us some photos of her. Lovely. The weddings in Seattle (her home) as you know we live in Arkansas so it will be quite a trip. He took addresses so the invites could be sent.

We also spent time taking pics of grandpa and the grandkids. I had them printed out so he could put them in the RV. He seemed to enjoy himself and so did every one else. All in all a good Christmas.

Bringing In The New Year

Yes here we are 3 freezing fools at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas on New Years Day. We live in Fayetteville, Arkansas which is of course home of the Arkansas Razorbacks football team. This year our team got to play against the Missouri Tigers. We froze as we kept hoping for something to change the mostly discouraging game we were watching. To no avail. The only thing that changed was the direction of the wind, blowing right in our faces. We were the home team and were located on the side of the press box. Which is the west side and not a ray of sunshine shed of course. We froze. I hate to say after 3 minutes into the 3rd quarter and a 28 to 7 score, Stacy and I went back to the RV, where we continued to watch the downfall of our team on national TV. So sad. We love our HOGS. We hoped they would win. But it's been many years since Missouri played at the Cotton Bowl so I guess they just brought it that day. Anyway HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

It's Christmas Day!
God Bless Everyone!
Have a very Merry Christmas!

Tony and I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

Santa's Coming Soon!

8 Days till Christmas

Deck the Halls, ya'll!

9 Days till Christmas

Santa's checking his list.
Have you been naughty,
or nice?

13 days till Christmas!

14 Days till Christmas

Egg Nog

After our watch party of The Hills Tony came into the office with me and started watching news the evening news. Meanwhile I was reading several blogs I love to visit, and many of them had egg nog and recipes on them. Tony noticed one and said "Um, wouldn't eggnog be good right now?" I said yes and told him to run down to the corner store when suddenly I realized we use to make it ourself many times. Just not in a while. I jumped up and headed for the kitchen. In a couple of minutes it was done. Nutmeg and all. Tony and I ended our evening with a delicious cup of eggnog. My husband was right it would be good, and it was.

Newport Harbor

Season Finale

The hills ended its season tonight. Tony and I got a little caught up in the drama of Lauren, Heidi, Spencer, Whitney, Audrina, Brody. My guess was that Lauren would go to Paris, and sure enough she's going.

Tony and I also are goofy for Newport Harbor the real OC. He and I went out to Newport Beach this summer and let me tell you it is one of my favorite places. Something about that area. Balboa Island, and Ruby on the Pier. The Fun Zone and the rental boats of all variety. The Ferry crossing, so romantic on a warm summer evening. Everyone lined up to pull on to the ferry in their cars, or my favorite just walking and sitting on the benches. Take a ride on the ferry yourself, you can check it out on the web site http://www.talesofbalboa.com


Here are some of my memories of Newport Harbor....

15 Days till Christmas

The Girls Have A Tree

Saturday Tony took Stacy's car to get the tires replaced at Sears. Meanwhile I went over to the girls apartment with the intention of getting these girls in the Christmas spirit. They've had some tough times lately and it seemed to me a tree might just perk them up a bit. I pulled out some ribbon and told them what I had in mind.There was some orange ribbon in the bag I brought over, and I tied it around some candles the Marissa had, to give them a little flair. It sort of started getting them excited about the tree. Marissa was going to see if her mom would bring Marissa's tree over to the apartment, but she lives quite a distance from them and declined the task. I decided to just go to Wal-Mart and buy these girls a tree. Prelit so it's easy to put up. We found some adorable cubed decorations for the treeat the dollar tree. They were aqua or robin egg blue little glass squares, with a white snowflake on each side, sooo cute. Then Stacy loved these golden yellow feathered balls so we got some of them. We also got some little silver balls, and a big star to top the tree. We headed back to the apartment and the girls started decorating. It came out great. I can only hope they feel more like Christmas now. MERRY CHRISTMAS GIRLS I LOVE YOU!

Our Christmas Tree

This week we decorated the Christmas tree. Tony pulled down all the ornaments and decorations. After sorting through things a plan started developing, and I saw how I wanted the tree to look this year. Red and gold ornaments in several sizes, with lots of ribbon. Strings of beads draped daintily around the tree. Some poinsettas and berries placed here and there for a little drama. The result.... excellent! Exactly what I wanted. My husband Tony said he thought it was my best tree ever. My youngest daughter said it looks gooood. I think that's a compliment. I told her that her momma has "skills". She laughed. My mantle is the proud display space for the hand made Santa and Mrs. Claus that belonged to my mother-in-law Connie. They are made from antique bowling pins. That's right under there cute clothing is a wooden bowling pin. I think they're adorable. We have two beautiful white angels on the dining table they each hold two six inch red candles. We have lots of lovely Christmas wreaths and some lovely garland for the mantle and over our French doors in the dining room area.
Hope all of you have as much fun, joy and love as we do when decorating your home this holiday season. Let us not forget the true meaning of the season. The birth of our lord and saviour Jesus. God gave his only son for us who he loved so much. Give thanks for what you have, faith in God, love of family and friends, and may you and all have peace this Christmas holiday.
With love me

Cotton Bowl Bound

Arkansas Razorbacks are Cotton Bowl Bound!

The University of Arkansas pulled out the season and now they are headed for dallas and the Cotton Bowl.

We planned to go to the big bowl game in Dallas. I immediately got on the computer and looked for tickets. Me and every other Arkansas football fan must have been scrambling for tickets for I couldn't pull up any tickets until the day after they announced the BCS decisions.

Finally I was able to purchase 4 tickets, I only needed 3 but no one would sell 3 I could get 2 or 4 but not 3. My father in law owns a motorhome and he's going to meet us in Dallas. We'll stay with him at the stadium with all the tailgators. This game is on New Year's Day so New Year's Eve in Dallas will be great. We like to go to the Hard Rock Cafe there and enjoy the bands and bring in the New Year.

Razorback fans love their HOGS we love them so much we devise all sorts of Hog creations like the Hog mobile. I've included a few photos of this vehicle.