I'm taking a break from the kitchen and linking up with Keely again for this week's GTKY. Stop over at her blog and visit the others too.  I think it's so interesting to do this!

The questions:

1. Have you ever snooped around someone else's house?
No, but I love to see other's homes.
2. Can guys and girls be friends? ( thanks Jen!)
I think so.  A lot of folks question this so perhaps it depends on the individuals involved. I feel like my male friends are like "other brothers".
3. Can you curl your tongue?
Nope!
4. Have you ever stolen anything?
A couple of ash trays from hotels eons ago...in my youth when this was supposedly "fun".
5. Would you rather talk on the phone or text?
I'm not one that likes to talk on the phone....texting a little bit is fine.
6. Memorial Day plans?
Attended a dinner party Friday night, nada yesterday, a bar-b-que later today and another tomorrow. This is why I've been in the kitchen so much!  :-)
7. What do you do to relax?
Watch mindless TV, read, nap, bake.
8. Do you do anything to honor those that have died fighting for our freedom?
Fly flags, send cards to VA hospitals and, since I'm a volunteer with Soldier's Angels, there are opportunites to assist the families of the fallen.  Please remember all of them this weekend, along with our active military. They are in harm's way to protect our freedom!
 
xoxo
Pat

~ A HUGE thank you to our Veterans & Active Military Personnel ~

The Land of the Free....because of the brave!

Please remember our active military personnel and all of our veterans this weekend.  Fly your flags, send thank you notes, do whatever you can to ensure they know how much their service means to each of us.

They are the true American Idols!

It's Wednesday and another opportunity to link up with Heidi at Heart and Home and share gratitude.  Go over and check out her beautiful blog and others that have linked up too. Today I want to express gratitude for ~
. a migraine that is going away  (wishful, positive thinking!)  :-)
. air conditioning ~ we are having temps in the 90's and very high humidity....kinda like being in Houston or New Orleans
. fresh fruits that are so delicious and cooling
. my family ~ always!
. my love bug, Forrester. Don't you hate it when fur babies have allergy problems too?
. a too short hair cut that is getting to the "perfect" stage now
. my health
. the incredible sophistication of eye surgeries and a reknowned Dr. I will have cataract surgery on 6/16 and again on 7/7.
. the wonder of the internet that links us with those near and far
. lavender
. great coffee
. flowers
. YOU!

Come on and join us and share your gratitude!
xoxo
Pat

~ Take a look at yourself! ~

....after you watch this video. I've seen others of this amazing young man, however, this one is new to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc4HGQHgeFE&sns=em

I've had a migraine off & on for a couple of days...this puts everything in perspective.
xoxo
Pat

~ Getting To Know You ~

Another Sunday and an opportunity to link up with  Keely at Mannland5 for more Getting To Know you.  Hop over there and check out her blog as well as other responders. Join in too, it's fun!

The questions...
1. Do you have a fetish?
Of course!  Leather, chains, etc.  ha ha   Nope, I don't.  I guess if you could call loving sandals, silver jewelry, sunglasses and a few other weaknesses a fetish...then I do!


2. Do you sing in the shower?
No ~ the glass door would crack.


3. Who was your first crush?
David


4. What do you think is the best manly trait a guy could have?
Honesty, integrity, being a gentleman....oops, that's more than 1 isn't it?  :-)


5. Do you sleep naked?
Nope


6. What do you do when (you think) no one is looking?
Well, since I live alone I don't usually have anyone around all the time.


7. What's the first thing you do when you go online?
Check email...


8. Summer is.....?
Too ding dang hot in Texas!  Anything over 85 degrees is too much for me and the humidity can be yucky.  I do have to say that after this past winter, warmer temps right now are ok.  :-)


xoxo
Pat

~ The Winner! ~

I have no idea what I did in trying to get the Random Generator thingy to post here....I'm totally NOT a techie person.  However, here are the results:

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1

Max: 15

Result:

4

Powered by RANDOM.ORG

The winner is comment #4 from Melanie ~ Southern Comfort In A Northern Life.  Congrats!!!
Please send me your address and I'll get the package in the mail. 

A HUGE thanks to each of you that commented and for those that chose to follow.  I appreciate it more than you know!

xoxo
Pat

Last Call!

Today's the last day for a chance to win the giveaway! Winner will be announced tomorrow ~  

~ Message for Today ~

Today's message is...

Life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and NEVER regret anything that made you smile!

xoxo

Pat

~ Inspiration ~

Good Monday morning!
I'd like to encourage everyone to visit Laura Ingalls Gunn over at Decor To Adore for a truly awe inspiring story of tenacity and success.  I applaud her over & over ~ a truly amazing lady!

Also, please check out Kelee's inspiring post at The Katillac Shack regarding the oil spill and her plan for prayers.

Both ladies deserve kudos ~ please go over and visit them.  You will be so glad you did, I promise!

xoxo
Pat

~ A Giveaway! ~

I realized I had 100 posts the other day and began to think about what I might giveaway to you wonderful people! I chose a "Cupcake" theme ~ :-) There is a neat little cookbook entitled "Perfect Cupcakes", a book mark that says "Keep Calm and Have A Cupcake", Laura Ashley cupcake liners, an oven mitt, a 3 tier display that is white & lacy, a candle ~ Citrus Leaf & Nectar ~ and a favorite magazine, "Simply Southern"...cooking and entertaining ideas & recipes from Southern Lady. I think that those of you that do not live in the south will love it as much as we southern girls do! Please forgive the photography ~

You don't have to jump through hoops for this giveaway....you don't have to go somewhere and come back and post, no Facebook or Tweets, you don't have to send me your 1st child or pet. :-)   Just respond and let me know if you're interested!  Of course, I'd love new followers but that's not a requirement. This is for me to give back to you and for all to have fun!
I will keep this open until Saturday, 22nd.  I will have someone draw the lucky person's name and post it on Sunday, 23rd and in the mail on Mon, 24th.  Feel free to share with your friends & family.

xoxo
Pat

~ Getting To Know You ~

It's Sunday and time to link up with Keely for another version of Getting To Know You. Stop by her blog and check out the other responses!

The questions...
1. The most expensive thing hanging in my closet is.....?
Honestly, there's nothing really expensive in my closet. Predominantly casual clothes now ~


2. Have you ever played a team sport?
Not really unless you count a girl's football game while in high school.  ;-)
3. If you were a bug, what kind would you be?
Oh, I cannot stand any type of bug...guess if I had to choose, it would be a Lady Bug.


4. Where on your body is the worst place to get sunburned?
The worst burns I've had would be on my nose ~ San Diego and my lips & feet ~ Cancun.  Talk about looking weird!  I don't do sunburns anymore.


5. Are you happy?
Yes I am.


6. People are always abbreviating..are there any abbreviations that make your skin crawl when people use them?
Not really, although I dislike a lot of them.  Just don't give them any energy.


7. Do you love where you live..or could you live anywhere?
I'm a Native Texan and have great pride in my state.  IF I had tons of money, I'd love to have a home in northern CA, beach house in Destin, FL area and a getaway place on the side of a mountain, overlooking the beach in Costa Rica.


8. What, if any, extreme measures do you go to to keep yourself from overeating when you're full?
I try to share an entree with someone or take 1/2 home. Drink a lot of water or just throw it away if it's at home and tempting.

xoxo
Pat

~ Wednesday Gratitude ~

It's time to link up with Heidi again and reflect on gratitude.  There is so much to be grateful for but I have 1 HUGE thing to share this week.  One of my chemo buddies has completed her treatment and is graduating from Chemo Angels!!!  This is such a wonderful accomplishment for her ~ a huge blessing.  Makes you want to jump up and down, dance around the kitchen and sing in the shower.  I feel so honored to have been walking this path with her the past many months. She has had such an incredible attitude about healing and great support from her family. Please join me in saying a HUGE Thank you! to God for his shower of blessings for her.

xoxo
Pat

~ Random Dozen ~

Another opportunity to link up with Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee for this week's Random Dozen.
The questions:

1. Please share one memory of your high school graduation. Pics would be great!
It's been so long ago...but I know I was so excited to be out of school!
2. What is one "emergency use" item you keep in your vehicle at all times?
Flashlight
3. In your region, do you celebrate graduation open houses? Addendum: (If so,) how many open houses/bridal showers/weddings are on your upcoming events calendar?
I'm not sure if graduation open houses are the trend here...both of my kids are young adults so it seems we are past that type of celebration.  Now it seems to be wedding showers, weddings and new babies.
4. Tell me one truth you believe about motherhood.
I think it is the beginning of realizing what unconditional love is all about.
5. What was the last thing you broke?
An antique crystal bowl that I adored ~  :-(
6. On average, how many pieces of junk mail do you receive daily?
Seems there's always at least one...more on some days.  My #1 question is Why does this continue??? Way too many trees cut down, IMHO.
7. Do you like to shop by catalog?
Yes!
8. Is lawn maintenance at your house a "his job," a "her job" or "his/her job" or "that's why we have teenagers" job?
I live in an apt so it's "their" job!
9. Which room would you like to redecorate in your home?
My bedroom.
10. Do you read a newspaper regularly, or do you read most of your news on line?
Read on line.
11. Do you believe everything happens for a reason?
Yes
12. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?
Doing the right things!
 
Stop by Linda's blog and check out what others have to say. Join in!
xoxo
Pat

~ Getting To Know You ~

I'm linking up with Keely again for this week's Getting To Know You ~
The questions...
1. What has been your most memorable Mother's Day? (with your mom, as a mom, or with your wife)
I think it would be any Mother's Day spent with my kids ~ especially the first one after each birth.
2. Have you ever been pulled over for speeding and were you able to talk your way out of it?
Yes, but I wasn't able to talk my way out of it!  I did go to Court though as the officer asked some inappropriate questions when he was speaking with me and it was thrown out.
3. What's the oldest thing you have hanging in your closet?
Jeans....that I "think" I will get into one of these days.  ;-)
4. Do you whiten your teeth?
No, I use tooth whitening toothpaste though. I have a lot of crowns and the whiteners don't affect them.
5. Underwear or Panties..What do you call your "unmentionables"?
Panties
6. If you could go on vacation right now..today..where would you go?
I would LOVE to go to a beach, however, any place would do at the moment!
7. Do you get offended when people cuss on their blogs?
You know, I really haven't read any like that yet.  IMHO, it isn't worth it.
8. If you had to give up one luxury item, it would be....?
My bath tub.  I'm a shower person and love having a separate shower.

xoxo
Pat

~ Happy Mother's Day! ~

Wishing each of you, Mom to real children or fur babies or a caregiver, a very Happy Mother's Day!  

xoxo
Pat

~ Wednesday Gratitude ~

I am linking up with Heidi again today to count my many blessings!  I am focusing on all the good in my life right now ~ good health, my special family, dear friends, heartfelt conversations, laughter, a few tears, healthy food, clean water, my bed, hot showers, iced tea, adding flowers to my patio, wonderful music and books, safety, bright sunshine in blue skies and choices that we have daily.  Can you even imagine living in a place that these creature comforts are not available?  My prayers are with those in the flooded areas and for a swift clean-up of our coastal waters.  I haven't added pictures this week ~ I think our blessings come in all forms and colors so please use your imagination when thinking of yours!  :-)

xoxo

Pat

~ Random Dozen ~

I'm linking up with Linda again for this week's Random Dozen.  It's fun & interesting to find out more about others as well as share about me.  Like you really wanted to know!  ;-)

1. What was the last thing about which you procrastinated?
I'm in the midst of major procrastination about finishing unpacking.  I've hit the wall, so to speak.


2. How long does it take you to fall asleep, and do you sleep through the night?
It takes f-o-r-e-v-e-r...and no, I do not sleep through the night.  Occasionally, I do and it's such a surprise the next morning!  I need to have all my little rituals completed...wash face, moisturize, teeth flossed & brushed, something soft on, my feet clean (Honestly, if I don't take a 2nd shower at night, I have to have my feet clean before going to bed!) and cream on, hand cream & cuticle oil, ice water, thyroid pill sitting out so I take it while I'm still waking up, TV on something light or funny and the covers just so.  Are you exhausted yet?  LOL


3. Which decade would you choose to exemplify your favorite fashion styles?
Hmmmm, I love casual clothes the best!  I do like to dress up on occasion too.  Maybe the 40's & 50's as well as 60's & 70's casual, bohemian style.


4. What is your personal best dish to feed a crowd?
A pasta dish that I made up!  Sometimes I use chicken in it, other times spicy Italian sausage.  A great salad & garlic toast ~


5. Are you an impulse shopper? What was the last thing you bought on impulse?
I'm a great impulse shopper!  I do try to tone it down but it's difficult.  I went to Barnes & Noble for 1 item ~ came out with several.  Not sure why I think I could ever go in there or Target for just 1 thing!


6. What is one wish you have for your own funeral?
I don't really want a funeral. Perhaps a memorial service?  I prefer cremation and my ashes scattered over a beach. I want my kids to throw a huge party with tons of great music, flowers, balloons and champagne!  I just cannot stand the casket business, burial, etc.  NEVER an open casket, ever, ever.  NEVER a casket!


7. If it's true that joy is in found in the simple things in life, what does your joy look like today?
Sunshine, beautiful flowers, a great book and iced tea. 

8. What is your favorite type of bread?
Sourdough from San Francisco.....or any great french bread.  Hmmmmm.....good!

9. What trait do you fear developing the most? (Laziness, greediness, grumpiness, etc.)
Grumpiness....laughter is vital to me.


10. What trait would you like most to develop?
Discipline re: exercise
11. Which room in your house best reflects your personality? Why?
I live alone so I feel that every room reflects my love of color, warmth and comfort.


12. How do you maintain balance in your life regarding, work, family, church, other organizations and activities, and blogging?
I don't ~ I just figure it will all work out one way or another.  Of coure, I'm retired so that makes a huge difference.

xoxo
Pat

~ When Her Life is Better Than Mine ~

Take a look at today's post at (In)Courage. Kristen at We Are That Family contributed a very thought provoking post.  I think you will both enjoy and appreciate it!

xoxo
Pat

~ Living ~

One day I had lunch with some friends. Jim, a short, balding golfer type about 80 years old, came along with them---all in all, a pleasant bunch.


When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups,except for Jim who said, "Ice Cream, please. Two scoops, chocolate."


I wasn't sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast. "Along with heated apple pie," Jim added, completely unabashed.


We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time. But when our orders were brought out, I didn't enjoy mine.


I couldn't take my eyes off Jim as his pie a-la-mode went down. The other guys couldn't believe it. They ate their lunches silently and grinned.


The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Jim. I lunched on white meat tuna. He ordered a parfait.


I smiled. He asked if he amused me.
I answered, "Yes, you do, but also you confuse me."


"How come you order rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible?" He laughed and said "I'm tasting all that is possible.


I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should. But life's soshort, my friend, I hate missing out on something good.This year I realized how old I was. (He grinned) I haven't been this old
before."


So, before I die, I've got to try those things that for years I had ignored. I haven't smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many trout streams I haven't fished. There's more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead.


There are too many golf courses I haven't played. I've not laughed at all the jokes. I've missed a lot of sporting events and potato chips and cokes.


I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face. I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace.


I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast. I want un-timed long distance calls to the folks I love the most.


I haven't cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain. I need to feel wind on my face. I want to be in love again.


So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, then should I die before night fall, I'd say I died a winner, because I missed out on nothing.


I filled my heart's desire. I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired." With that, I called the waitress over. "I've changed my mind, " I said. "I want what he is having, only add some more whipped cream!"


This is my gift to you - We need an annual Friends Day!
Live well, love much & laugh often - Be happy!


Be mindful that happiness isn't based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with people we like and respect. Remember, that while money talks, CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM SINGS!

Personally, I think he should have added a cold beer! ;-)
xoxo
Pat