Becca_Anne

okay. I still don't know what happened but I'm back to me now that I figured out where my emails were going. I was receiving the temporary passwords at an email address that I don't visit much anymore. What a goofball. so I have changed it for now. Gotta remember to keep everything updated........................

Happy anniversary! I apologize for not responding sooner. I have been without the computer/internet here at home for a couple of weeks. I planned to visit while at our public library but time did not permit. Hopefully all is well now here at home so I can visit often(as usual)! hehehe My plans for THIS week include deep cleaning and sorting. I have to find all our winter clothes...... and coats..... and boots..... and scarves...... and gloves.....................Time to get ready for winter! We've had a taste of cooler temps lately. I like the thoughts of a fairly clean and organized home if we're gonna be stuck inside so much. Don't you? Also, there's the fact of the holidays coming way too soon...........

Good mornin' everybody! My bunch is sleeping late today so we've not enjoyed breakfast yet. I'm planning a big ol' southern breakfast. Sausage, eggs, fried potates,biscuits, and sawmill gravy. (That would be the white breakfst gravy for you folks not familiar with the term. ) I'm hoping to enjoy a day outside in the cool weather. We don't have anything planned My husband is off from work this weekend so maybe we can spend some time together as a family. I hope to spend some time working on my Christmas ornaments this afternoon. I also have plans for some gifts to make. I have been battling major depression for the last couple of weeks and I haven't even started. I know that if I could just get started that I would feel better. For me, crafts are great therapy. Hope everyone has a wonderful day!!!

What a wonderful topic! Last year for Christmas, I gave the Grandparents framed pictures of our boys. Since they both play football, I used those pictures. I had Scrapbooking paper in my junk stash that I used as the background. I purchased a few football themed stickers, added dates and a heading and they were gorgeous! They were a big hit and are hanging on walls. I also gave my sister-in-law the same thing. She adores our children so she was thrilled. I have given gift baskets that I have put together myself. Wicker baskets are easy to find (used or new). Just pick a theme and go with it. One I've used is an inexpensive video, box of microwave popcorn, extra large popcorn bowl, and seasonings. That was a hit years ago with my neice and nephew. I purchased plain aprons at my favorite hobby store or Walmart, and used my fabric paints to decorate. I put "his' and "hers" on a set for my husband's sister and her husband. They both enjoy working in the kitchen. That went well. Also, candle collections seem to be a good idea. They can be as pricey as you want them to be. If you get a variety of similiar smells and put in a basket, they look like they came from a nice store in the mall. My neice loves cats. One year, I gave her a basket of cat stuff. Some magnets, picture frames in the shape of cats, a coffee cup with a cat picture, a calendar of cats, and a bag of treats for her cats. I like the idea of going with a theme. I've never used a gardening theme but always thought that was a good idea. Calendars are good, inexpensive gifts. They can even be personalized by writing down all the family birthdays and anniversaries in them before giving as a gift. I think of some more things while I'm at work today..................

snowmom,my boys are (1) almost 12 and (1) 16. They understand that money is tight. That is good but on the other hand if they were younger, the gifts would be less expensive! hehehe It's hard to go to the Dollar General Store or Walmart and buy a $5 toy and they be content. They like music, video games, etc. I like to get them books since I'm an advocate for reading. As they have gotten older, they have become very picky about their clothes. Not necessarily about name brand but colors and materials. I can't imagine having daughters would be any different! Boys are just as picky! Gift giving just takes advanced planning, I think. Don't you?

Happygirl, I know what you mean about $ being tight for gifts. I have been thinking about this a lot lately. Last year was hard during the holidays. Having a financial strain is a pain. This year doesn't look to be improved.( We were just told that our rent is going up $300 per month starting in October.) Last year I did the baking mixes in a jar. It was great. I used our computer and printer to type the recipe. There are great sites on the web with different recipes. I chose the tastiest recipe that contained the most economical ingredients. I have quart jars so there was no extra expence there. I have craft scraps that I've accumulated over the years so I had ribbon that I tied around the scrap of Christmas fabric that I used to decorate the top of the jar. It was great. I made sure there were enough ingredients so we could have some cookies, too! This year, I am going homemade once again. I am trying to sort and clean out all my years of accumulated stuff/junk. I've located lots of craft kits (and some are partially finished) to celebrate Christmas. Our families have been blessed that they do not "need" anything. So pretty decorations and trinkiets are appreciated in lieu of socks and undies. I am tying up some lose ends and getting organized. When I start working on my Christmas ornaments this weekend for our exchange , I will also start working on the gifts for family and friends. I plan to spend my money on things for my children. My boys really need clothes and a few fun things thrown in. Times like these really get those creative juices flowing!!! Don't forget to visit your local library for books on crafts, recipes, decorations, etc.

Oooooohhhh.............Dumplins'.............Great idea!!!!!

So .........the number of exchanges depends on the number of sign ups. That way every one gets one from everyone. Right? Cool! Sign me up!!!

I've never participated in the exchange before. How many ornaments do we make and send out? I've got a cutie in mind that I really enjoy making but I'm still undecided on participating. I don't mean to sound so dense but I can't help it!

Hey lowlander, I feel the same way about soup. My husband and older son aren't too crazy about it. They are both big eaters and claim they can't get full! Even with sandwiches added. Yesterday, I made a big pot of homemade potato soup. It was delicious! We like to add grated cheeses and bacon bits to the top. Chopped green onion is always a tasty plus if we have it. My 16 yo ds made the comment that I didn't let the weather cool off very long before making soup. hehehe I didn't tell him that I've got chili planned for Saturday! hehehehe Soup is a healthy and cheap meal. I love soup too!

Yesterday was great. The weather was really cool and breezy. The music was great and there were food vendors set up everywhere. Craft booths were everywhere. Momo, have you ever been to Fall Creek Falls State Park in Van Buren county TN? That's where the Fall Folk Festival was held. This was the 25th year. I'm definitely making plans to attend next year. Thanks for the well wishes for my mother inlaw. She's 76. She is in poor health but she is doing great! She's mobile twice a day with the therapist. She also gets up and goes to the bathroom now. I've noticed that she has a wonderful glow about her again. The pain in her hip was really bad. This surgery seems to have been a good thing. Have a lovely week...................

Good Mornin' Ladies! It's nice and cool here too. The mornings and evenings are sooo pleasant now. I worked yesterday so was inside but it was a bit humid during the day. Since my hubby has been gone for the past 8 weeks we haven't really been able to enjoy the summer. We're having withdrawal symptoms from no fishing or camping. His mom has had hip replacement surgery( this past wed. )and we go visit her at the hospital every day. He has to mow her yard today but we are going to treat ourselves anyway. A state park not too far away is having a Fall Festival this weekend. Today is the last day. There will be blue grass music, crafts, all that fun stuff. I went to the grocery last night after work and picked up sandwich stuff (and treats, of course!) so we can have a picnic supper. We really need this stress reliever right now. I know our 11 yo ds will go with us but I'm not sure about the 16yo ds. I just love the fall!!!!!! It's my favorite time of year!!! Lisa

Hey Caveman! They are working okay so far and with no odors!!! Yay!!!

Thanks for the suggestions Caveman. We have replaced the filters regularly over the years. I think the filth goes beyond that. My husband and I discussed cleaning them more extensively. We are going to try this within the next couple of days. I'll let you know how it goes.

Yay!! Someone has read my post!!!! hahahaha My little grandma never met a stranger and was ever so polite to everyone. She would have enjoyed the friendship here but she would never have understood the computer. I have also been drying clothes outside. I run the dishwasher early in the morning. I do wish we had more trees.

Okay.. Since no one has responded, I assume I'm the only one around without air conditioning in my house. How about this-How did your GRANDPARENTS deal with the heat? When we would eat with my grandma in the summer, she cooked on a wood stove and it got hot in the little kitchen. We would carry the table outside under the big shade tree and enjoy the breeze if there was one. Also, we'd carry our plates to the porch swing and lawn chairs on her big wrap around porch. Think Waltons with one story and smaller! I know a few common knowledge ideas...........do baking, gardening, other chores early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day. Wear light colored clothing, etc. I was just hoping there might be some other ideas that my family hadn't thought of over the years. (I sure miss my grandma. She was the typical grandma. She was not quite 5 feet tall. Her long gray hair was always in a bun when you saw her. She had a pot belly . Probably from carrying 13 children! She always wore dresses, bobby socks and comfortable shoes. She carried a handkerchief all the time to keep her mouth cleaned from her snuff habit! hahahaha She also loved to listen to Billy Graham.)

okay........I've read the first 5 chapters and I can't get interested in the book. I'm assuming it's because I have so much going on that I'm easily distracted but I'm not sure that's it. Usually I can read a large book in a couple of days no matter how busy I am . Oh well. I tried. I'm returning it to the library tomorrow. I will attempt it again sometime in the future.

It is starting to warm up here in east tn. We live in an older house with no central heat and air system. For the past few years we have used 2 window air conditioners to help keep us cool. The window units we have are now old and yucky. I could smell the must/mold /mildew/whatever at the end of the season last year and I don't want to use them anymore. Our family has allergy problems. We do not have the funds to purchase new units at this time. What are some low cost/simple ways we can keep cool? Yesterday afternoon my DS and I replaced 2 screens on windows at the back of the house. We now can add them to our fresh air indoors. This is the house I lived in as a child so I wasn't raised with air conditioning. I'm used to the concept of raising windows. The cool morning air is so refreshing this morning! (I really LIKE air conditioning!)

Our library does not have this book but they have other titles by Earlene Fowler. She is not familiar to me. Is this a mystery writer that I'm unaware of? Should I become familiar with this author? Give me some feedback Dee!!!! hehehehe

reci, does this mean you will continue with this forum and the wonderful service you provide? I hope..........I hope......I hope.......I hope...........I hope............I hope...........I hope............

Well, I just finished the third one- The Mammoth Hunters. The remaining 2 are out on loan at our library. Dee, that would be seldiesgirl that made reference to the wheel invention. I like the idea that a woman changed the world-inventions, breaking the discrimination barrier,etc. Great story line! I'll be glad to get finally the last 2 in the series to read.

I got "The Ladies of Covington Send Their Love" yesterday at our library. Can anyone write the titles and order of these books? Did I get the first one? I do like reading series books in order.........................

Someone here had made a suggestion to me privately a while back to read this and I can't remember who it was-sorry! Anyway, I decided to try the first of the series. It did not look like my type of reading. I enjoy mysteries and now I'm enjoying those trashy romance novels again! hehehe Anyways, I LOVED this book. I can't quite pinpoint what is so appealing about this story except that it is written in such a manner as to keep you entralled at all times. I'm now on the third book of this series and I'm still enjoying myself! Thanks to whoever suggested this series.

We have numerous friends graduating from high school in about 3 weeks. Some of these kids we've known since they were tots. I can't afford to hand each of them a $20 bill as a gift. Do any of you have any ideas for something special but inexpensive? Some years ago, I gave our nephew a special teddy bear decorated as a gift. For the life of me, I can't remember the details. Anyway, I woulds appreciate any ideas this week. If we come up with a craft idea, I can spend all next weekend working on the gifts. I'm talking approximately 20 items. Whew!!

Mary, I've read 2 this past week by Julie Garwood (For the Roses and Prince Charming). I am saving my last one- The Clayborne Brides- for Monday and Tuesday when I have to wait for my 11 yo ds while he's testing (achievement tests). The Clayborne Brides is a combination of 3 novels. They are One Pink Rose, One White Rose, and One Red Rose. Our library had each of these books but I found the combined paperback of the 3 and got it. It is much easier to tote around. I'm sure you'll notice that she uses some of the same words/phrases in all of her books. They'll stand out when you read them.