a place for us

Wordless Wednesday: The Hills Are Alive

2012-02-08T14:46:00.000-05:00

Crazy Good

2012-02-07T19:00:00.001-05:00

This is the best drink! It's crazy that all you can taste is the yum of the fruit and all you can see is the green of the spinach. I make it in a Mason jar (so glad I learned that tip). It's a couple of handfuls of spinach, a banana, about a cup of frozen fruit (this one has pineapple and strawberries), a spoonful of honey and a little water. So good. You're probably skeptical; I was, too. Promise...it's delicious.

Weekend in Review

2012-02-05T20:49:00.001-05:00

What a splendid weekend. The weather was beautiful and best of all, we had two very special little girls at our house!

The weekend was a whirlwind!
(I have no idea why this picture turned out all swirly,
but I kinda like it!)

We biked and strolled around the 'hood and spent some time at the Womack's 'playground' - sadly it was a school and work day so they weren't home to join in the fun. After school, C came over from next door and was a huge help in the entertainment category! Ellie was fascinated to have a Big Girl playmate and Emma even warmed up to her, so it was all good. Plus, I got to indulge in a favorite activity: baby in the sink. Emma enjoyed it even more than I did!

Friday = Funday

Saturday morning Ellie went next door for a playdate with the Big Girls. After lunch and nap, we all went for another bike/stroll/walk around the corner for some more 'playground' action...and this time got into the sand box.

Saturday Scenes

I think Ellie had a good time. When her parents came to get her and I was explaining that C and MM (aka the Big Girls) were going back to their house, E.W. and I were staying at our house, and that she and Emma were going home, she asked me, "What am I going to do there?". When I told her she was going to hang out with mama and daddy, she looked sort of puzzled. I asked her if she wanted to stay here, she smiled and nodded yes. I don't kid myself; I know she was anticipating more fun with C and MM!

Hey, don't forget. I'm nine months old now!

We also celebrated Emma's nine month milestone Saturday. So serious, too. :)

Can't resist adding this nine seconds of video. Apparently Emma was happy when Ellie got up from her nap; I think these two sisters already have a bond!

Who knew Phyllis Diller was so far ahead of her time?

2012-02-02T19:15:00.002-05:00

When I was in junior high (yes, in the olden days there were junior high schools), my friends and I used to make such fun of "Phyllis Diller Boots" - who knew they would be in style one day and available in many styles and colors? Eeek.

Phyllis in the 60s and her 2012 counterpart

Wordless Wednesday: On the Fence

2012-02-01T21:13:00.000-05:00

Bowers Cemetery, Elizabethton, TN

Flashback Friday: Gold Medal

2012-01-27T15:51:00.000-05:00

My great-grandmother was born in 1880 and lived to be ninety. As a child, I adored her and the two of us spent many happy hours together.

I inherited a few of her possessions; the gold medal she earned for recitation when she was fifteen and her elocution textbook are an interesting pair of heirlooms.

Elocution textbook, published in 1889.
My great-grandmother's name penciled inside.

She attended school at the Piedmont Institute in Rockmart (here's a photo). Elocution lessons were an extra $3.00 a month but it looks like they paid off!

Her medal, earned in 1895.

She was quite proud of her medal, as evidenced by the fact that she's seen wearing it years later. In the photo below, she's wearing the dress she married in (I have the velvet belt and collar, saved all these years!) AND the medal.

Carrie and Luther Wright
Alma Kate Wright
January 18, 1903
Hughey Family Reunion

This photo of her with her daughter, Alma Kate (my paternal grandmother), was probably taken around 1914. Yep, still sporting the medal.

Alma Kate Wright ~ Carrie Lee Davis Wright

Now I wear the medal, but only on special occasions. It's a lovely piece of jewelry, but more than that, a cherished family heirloom.

Just for fun, here is a tintype of her as a child. Precious, huh?

Carrie Lee Davis c. 1885

Time for a Change

2012-01-26T02:21:00.000-05:00

I've been on a mission to scan some of our photos from the pre-digital era (I hope to finish before they come up with new technology!). In the process, I've come across some that show how our home looked in the past. This one of the mantel (and why is it spelled that way instead of 'mantle'?) from eleven years ago struck me because, frankly, it could have been taken very recently.

mantel 2001

The 2012 version is missing a few items; I put the silver baby cups away a few months ago and I think that blue and white plate on the right ended up in pieces. Seriously, I can't believe how little difference eleven years has made. I don't know if it makes it better or worse that all of this comes off each year to make room for Christmas garland and stockings only to go right back on after the holidays. I think worse!

mantel 2012

The day after I noticed my lack of changing-it-up, I read this post by Donna. I knew I had plenty of junk and had just cleaned up the antique scale, so it was a sign! I raised the tapestry a bit and started playing.

mantel 2012 junked, for now

Although unfinished, I'm liking what's up there so far. Also? I promise to change it before another eleven years go by and it's 2023 (is that right? eleven years from now will be 2023? yikes!).

Or is this better? The scale went back to the front hall along with a few other tweaks. See, I'm already making good on that promise to change it up before 2023!

the next day

Or this? I added my foiled box and bronzed ballet shoes (they are vintage now!).

and the day after that

And now for a somewhat unrelated close-up.

my well-worn ballet shoes, which my mama had bronzed

couldn't resist pointing how just how much I loved
these as a child; see that hole?

Really. I'm leaving the mantel alone for now and moving on to another project...

Foiled

2012-01-25T11:55:00.003-05:00

If you spend any time on Pinterest, you know there is so much inspiration. One idea really intrigued me; first I saw this. Then I saw this.

I didn't have a piece of furniture to cover, plus I didn't want to get too involved in case it was a disaster. I had this box and thought it would be perfect for a trial run.

I also had heavy duty foil, Mod Podge, and glaze, so why not? Love when a project does not require a supply run!

Ended up with this and it will be fun to find just the right spot for it.

I liked the effect so much (although it is SO hard to photograph) that I did another version. You can't really tell from the picture but the 'before' consisted of a framed photograph hanging in the center of an empty frame. The two frames didn't match and it was a temporary fix.

This one involved (besides the foil, Mod Podge, and glaze) the two frames, wallpaper border, foam board, and some other creative repurposing (because I was doing this without spending a dime). I'm not saying I'm completely through, but at least it's on the wall and not the kitchen island (my go-to workspace)!

after before

much better!

Edwin and Emma

2012-01-24T23:59:00.000-05:00

This side-by-side of my paternal grandfather and granddaughter Emma just makes me happy. Granddaddy was born just days before the end of the 19th century, more than 111 years before Emma arrived last May.

Edwin Fairbanks Cavaleri, Sr. Emma Wright Bowers

Flashback Friday: Shaw Family

2012-01-20T00:30:00.000-05:00

This somber group is the family headed up by Stephen Franklin Shaw and his wife, Elizabeth (Lizzie) Riley. The young girl in the white dress on the far right is my mama's mother, Susan Inez Shaw. I love this picture; it is one of just two that I have of her (the other and more about her can be found here).

Shaw Family c. 1898

Exploring

2012-01-18T23:30:00.000-05:00

Ooh, the steps!

What do you mean, I'm too little?

Completely innocent.

Flashback Friday

2012-01-13T00:15:00.010-05:00

Yeah, pretty sure we'd get hurt if we tried that now!

when you have no dining room furniture,
you have room for this
August 1975

Co-Pilot

2012-01-12T19:17:00.001-05:00

When we were nearly home from her well-kitty checkup, I let Miss Scarlett out of her carrier. Who needs a hula dancer when you have a co-pilot as cute as this?

Oh, and for those of you who have noticed how chunky she's become, she has more than doubled her weight since last March's homecoming!

"My tiny brain will not let me understand."

Wordless Wednesday: The Race

2012-01-11T23:32:00.002-05:00

Our Town

2012-01-07T14:03:00.000-05:00

Kate and Jay in

Our Town

This Side of the Border

2012-01-06T13:45:00.003-05:00

The border is gone and the last of paint applied (and I have to say that until now, I've never fully appreciated how impossible it is for wall paint to translate to a computer monitor)!

Wasabi by Valspar

Susan Inez Shaw and Olin Watson Minick
are back in place.

ah, much better

On to the next project...

On the Border

2012-01-04T16:36:00.004-05:00

This border in the powder room was put up shortly after we moved to our home at the end of December, 1990. I blame the lingering influence of the eighties for my bad taste. The fact that it was still there when 2012 rolled in, well, I have no excuse!

a border way beyond its expiration date

It gets worse. I let someone else have a say in the original paint color but I'm pretty sure his choice of dusty rose can be blamed on the eighties, too! At least I didn't let THAT linger; Monsoon by Sherwin Williams was a MUCH better look. I still like the color and that's probably what let me ignore this border for decades.

buh bye border

Just in case you want the full effect of the dusty rose...

ready for the rose to wither

I knew that I needed to prime to cover any residual wallpaper paste and to make sure that pink didn't come shining through. To be honest, I almost just painted the border area to match the moulding but I knew that would bother me, so....on to priming.

primer is NOT an exact science

primed!

By the way, this scaffold is one of my favorite things, ever. It folds up and takes up about six inches of space and has made every project I've done since E.W. gave it to me so much easier.

from my Valentine!

Oh, the color is Wasabi, by Valspar. It's quite green when compared to the former color but I doubt anyone will even notice that it's a different color. Both are really such a neutral (I know it's hard to tell in a photograph, though; it's looking like a bright lime on my monitor!).

I love the moment when you are DONE painting and ready to get a room back together. I am sad to tell you that it won't be happening here until a second coat is applied. Boo.

Ugh. Did NOT want to do a second coat.

Yeah. That second coat is NOT going to happen tonight.

2012 in the Home

2012-01-01T13:58:00.001-05:00

2012 just might be the year for finally getting some things done (hoping to persevere in this, too). The zone concept worked outside (here and here), so maybe it will help with the inside, too. I'm hoping that by working in zones, my "ooh, there's something shiny" tendency won't get too out of control and I'll finish one area before starting on another.

This thing will hold
5000 pounds!

Some projects will have to wait for 'fundage' but others just need some time, commitment, and won't require breaking the bank. I have detailed lists of what needs to be done and have already crossed one biggie off, new shelving in the laundry room for all of my paints, tools, and crafting supplies!

Persevere

2012-01-01T12:06:00.004-05:00

So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.

Galatians 9-10

2011

2011-12-31T18:48:00.003-05:00

2011 was an eventful year for our family!

Merry Christmas...Whenever

2011-12-26T23:00:00.001-05:00

There have been a lot of years when we don't celebrate Christmas on the 25th and that's okay. Our goal is to get as many of us together as possible and that worked out to be today. So thankful for the ones who were here and for those of you who weren't...we missed you and we'll see you SOON!

Santa may have overestimated our skills.

2011-12-25T09:50:00.000-05:00

Although we're not celebrating Christmas until tomorrow when all the kiddos are here, Santa did stop by with a little something for E.W. and me. Should be interesting!

Eleventh Year

2011-12-23T20:23:00.001-05:00

Christmas 2001. Kate and some of her friends had graduated the previous May. More friends were halfway through their senior year. A Christmas gathering seemed like a good idea. By 2002, the girls were even more scattered, so it was decreed to be an annual event, a time for the girls to catch up.

Clicking through to last year will send you back in time, but you can imagine that a lot of life has happened for these girls since the first High School Girls Christmas Dinner!

Swingtown

2011-12-22T00:03:00.001-05:00

Yes, a tiara is necessary.

Junebug Christmas

2011-12-20T22:39:00.001-05:00

The four of us just work together. When we combine forces, it makes for laughter and bittersweet moments (we end up with a pretty good menu, too!). After twenty years or so, we've been together through a lot of life's ups and downs and my Christmas wish is that we'll still be 'jittering' for many years to come.

Friendships that stretch back for decades are the real gifts.

Star Light, Star Bright

2011-12-19T15:15:00.004-05:00

No, it's not The Star and I'm pretty sure no wise men are checking it out. However, it IS our new street light and we are no longer living in the dark. It only took us 21 years to get around to ordering it (those of you in the 'big city' may not be familiar with the concept of having to buy your own street light!).

Doesn't take much to make us happy. :)

new street light on luminary night

Saturday Night

2011-12-17T21:02:00.000-05:00

We missed Jay not being here but were delighted to spend time with the rest of the children (including our 'other' son and his wife) at Ivey's wedding. Good times with precious people...

32

2011-12-09T22:29:00.006-05:00

Worth spent his birthday working,
so Ashley arranged a celebration for tonight.
Here's the birthday boy with his favorite,
a (genuine - he's a connoisseur!) cookie cake.

The birthday season continues...

2011-12-08T01:05:00.001-05:00

...and today it's Worth's turn for happy birthday wishes.
Happy 32nd, boy!

Dr. Dawg - 1983

Reindeer Tunes

2011-12-07T20:32:00.001-05:00

The artist tunes her instrument.

The audience known as Freddie awaits patiently.

The concert begins!

Post-concert festivities include sharing
the reindeer crown with Ellie!

12/5/82

2011-12-05T01:02:00.006-05:00

December 5, 1982

Kate and I came home from the hospital and Worth saw his sister for the first time. He was pretty crazy about her from the start. Despite her apparent lack of interest in him here, it did not take her long to develop a huge fondness for him as well. As an only child, I so enjoyed their dynamic growing up...and still do!

Note Sa's baby blanket; Worth came home from the hospital in it as did Ellie and Emma!

Birthday Flashback

2011-12-03T01:44:00.023-05:00

12-3-91
Kate is Nine

Notice that Katie, who served as her Matron of Honor last May, is right by her side here, too!

Disclaimer: I promise the beer did NOT belong to any of these litle girls!

Why you should ALWAYS have champagne chilling...

2011-12-02T19:26:00.002-05:00

It's a good idea to always have champagne chilling (and cranberries 'cause we're festive like that during the holidays). You never know when you'll have a celebration!

Oh. Why are we celebrating?

Tonight E.W. got a phone call.

Guess what?

The GACA Hall of Fame committee met this morning and he was selected for induction next June!

He is SO deserving and I am SO proud!

Merry & Bright

2011-12-01T20:15:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday!

2011-11-28T06:06:00.001-05:00

Happy birthday to my sweet mama; can't wait to tell her in person tomorrow!

Mama and Daddy made the LONG trip
to be a part of Emma's baptism in October!

Oh, Christmas Tree

2011-11-27T11:09:00.002-05:00

Kate and Jay arrived Friday for the post-Thanksgiving festivities. After the Dawgs buzzed the yellow jackets, it was time to get The Tree done.

Yes, it took Emmett and Jay on the floor,
Kate holding it steady,
and me checking the lean factor!

The angel Worth bought for Kate about
25 years ago makes her annual appearance.

Full of sentimental ornaments, this year's tree is up!

Miss Scarlett participated in a supervisory capacity.

31-17

2011-11-26T11:54:00.002-05:00

It's always good when the Dawgs OWN the state!

Thankful

2011-11-24T20:49:00.003-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving! E.W. and I rounded up Sa and Gramps and headed down to Dr. & Mrs. Dawg's for the turkey and trimmings. We missed being with my folks and the Berrymans, but spending time with our ~~very own turkeys~~ grandchildren was pretty wonderful.

Next up: tomorrow's arrival of the Berrymans and also The Tree!

Sister Time
(source)

E.W. helps Ellie practice for next weekend's parade!

Need to see more? HERE ya go!

Wordless Wednesday: Swing Time

2011-11-23T20:30:00.000-05:00

Birthday Boy

2011-11-14T23:24:00.000-05:00

UGA 45 - AU 7

2011-11-13T15:25:00.000-05:00

What a great day to be a Georgia Bulldog!

Six Months Ago

2011-11-07T07:20:00.003-05:00

5/7/11

Trick or Treat

2011-10-31T17:43:00.001-04:00

Sweetest girls in the 'hood!

The 'rents

2011-10-20T13:18:00.001-04:00

My parents are gorgeous, both inside and out, and such an inspiration.

photo dated 10-15-11

Wordless Wednesday: Sit Up and Take Notice

2011-10-19T22:05:00.001-04:00

this may be my favorite emma picture yet!

Little Girl In a Long White Dress

2011-10-09T19:02:00.071-04:00

Our family celebrated Emma's baptism this morning. She was, of course, joined at the altar by her parents and sister.

It will be some years before she realizes the miracle: her aunts, uncles, grandparents, and great-grandparents were all there. Every single one. That meant that there were so many of us that we didn't manage a group photo (you've heard comparisons to herding cats?). More on that later.

Wicked

2011-10-02T21:48:00.003-04:00

The Barbour girls and Bowers girls (although technically one is a Berryman now!) spent the afternoon at the Fox. Wow.

Brunch at the Flying Biscuit

Wicked Intermission

Wordless Wednesday: Chasing Red Bird

2011-09-28T21:11:00.000-04:00

Wedding Recap: Reception

2011-09-25T23:38:00.001-04:00

Ellie shows her daddy the alligator. Boo gator. :)

Love her.

photo sesh

Now Maggie has to see the alligator.

Sue and George

Tim and Worth share their expertise.

Through the window, we see that Dena and George
are on the deck for a few private moments.

Sarah and E.W. provide commentary.

Sorry, but Tim just cracks me up.

Kate and Sarah
(gorgeous)

Maggie gets a dance with her cuz...

...until little cuz Ellie cuts in...

...and snags the groom.

It's all good for Maggie, though. She found a dance partner!

Girls just wanna have fun.

Auntie Kate winds her up.

Uncle Joe and Sa join in.

Think she's a little confused by
Uncle Joe's moves?

The newlyweds sail off...

...their departure lit by fireworks.

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs George Bowers. We wish you a long and happy life together!

Wedding Recap: Saturday Mid Day

2011-09-25T23:03:00.001-04:00

With a win by the Dawgs on the books, it was time for the first shift to leave for the church. Scroll down to see how fabulous they looked!

Ellie's fascinated by Mia's necklace.

Emma. So serious.

The MOG! With a sippy cup!
Check out George back there...

The Groom, lookin' sharp!

Sa and George

walking into a new chapter

The FOG and MOG...

...aren't they gorgeous?

He's off!

Wedding Recap: Saturday Dawns

2011-09-25T22:26:00.045-04:00

Big day...we had a wedding. First things first, though...had to get in tailgate mode 'cause the Dawgs were playing.

Emma and Ellie wake up ready to roll!

Ellie and her bedhead love
Uncle Jay and his ipad.

Kinnick sports his trademark holy roller stance.

Emma does not miss a thing.

Kate sneaks upstairs...

...and finds George in HIS trademark stance.

father and son take in the game

Gramps and Tim are jealous of Kinnick's
tailgate style.

Ellie shares her princess book with 'Uncle George'
(easier to say than first cousin once removed George)

How presh is this face?

Apparently three is old enough to play the lottery!

E.W., Ellie, and the lion

Toes!

Sue wrangles her grandson and great-niece

E.W. has big shoes to fill!

Dawgs!

Auntie Kate holds Emma in HER trademark pose.

Sarah will never be too old to sit with her daddy.

Dawgs are on.

Please check out Emma's little face!

Wedding Recap: Rehearsal Dinner

2011-09-25T20:54:00.001-04:00

Sunset over the marsh, low country boil, friends, family, and a bride & groom made for a great evening on the island.

getting the party started

some of us

Sarah & Tim, with sis in the back making sure all is smooth

Love my girls!

and my guys (even Worth and 'his' purse)

The Colonel welcomes the masses.

Maggie and Groom George

George and Sa

a mother and daughter moment

George, Sue, and the rainbow

multiple conversations

Tim, one of the experts

The Marshes of Glynn

Bride & Groom

Jay takes a minute from his low country boil
to write a note to the happy couple.

Sue explains hair.

Gorgeous

Wedding Recap: Friday

2011-09-25T19:42:00.001-04:00

Sa, Sue, and Sarah at the bridesmaids' luncheon

Dena, the bride!

Sister Sue and her beautiful Sarah

the pros from dover arrive home after golf

Groom George and his nephew, Kinnick

some of the experts :)

Wedding Recap: Thursday

2011-09-25T18:51:00.003-04:00

Our headquarters for George, Jr. and Dena's wedding weekend was an awesome house on Sea Island (great job, George!)...seven bedrooms, each with private bath...more living rooms than we could use, and a great pub room right off the enormous kitchen. Most of us arrived on Thursday and immediately began bossing each other around. Here are a few photos taken before we went out to dinner. A clip of the action is at the end. Apparently we all like to talk at the same time and as Joe pointed out, we are all experts!

Brothers - awesome!

Yeah, they started the whole thing...
so this is how they got to spend their 60th anniversary!

Cynthia and Maggie

Sister Sue gives them instructions!

Scott hangin' with the guys.

Sad to say, the clip below was before we added four more adults, a toddler, and a baby to the mix. Oh, and Sarah, Tim and Kinnick, almost one, were out of the room. Just imagine the cacophony that we produced when nine more got in the mix. Yikes.

Cousins and Weddings

2011-09-20T00:01:00.001-04:00

They were born the same year, closer in age than any of the cousins. They share quite the history together (although I'm not real sure why they thought hanging out in a styrofoam ice chest was a good idea) so it seems appropriate that they marry in the same year, too. Those of you who've been following along know that Kate and Jay got hitched in May; this weekend George will tie the knot with Dena. Can't wait!

Kate and George 1987

Flashback

2011-09-19T01:16:00.009-04:00

After a middle-of-the-night trip to B'ham three years ago, we were rewarded with THIS!

Three!

2011-09-17T21:24:00.003-04:00

Ellie will be three on Monday; today we were invited to her pool princess party. Her parents gave her a 'playground', which has been in the yard for about a week, and she is obsessed with it. Among her gifts today: a princess set. The tiara, earrings (clip-ons, ouch!), bracelets and feathered heels were worn during the entire party and who knew you could go down a slide wearing heels?

Please note the photo in the lower left hand corner; looks like a teenage girl giving some boys the cold shoulder (she did tell E.W. she was thirteen - ha). I think they were jealous that she was a princess and they were just boys!

some of the action at ellie's princess pool party

As soon as the dust settled, they added more pictures on their blog.

Out with the old, in with the new.

2011-09-17T20:35:00.001-04:00

So long, tired, leggy, barely surviving summer plants.

Hello, fall beauties!

Sweet Sounds

2011-09-16T20:55:00.001-04:00

Emma was so happy Wednesday morning...and more than a little talkative!

Putter

2011-09-13T22:25:00.006-04:00

9/15 update: Putter returned this morning, a bit worse for wear. E.W. whisked him off to Quailwood (whisked might make it sound like this was easy...ever try to force a wounded cat into a carrier?) where he's being treated overnight for a high fever and his boo boos. So glad he'll be home tomorrow!

We hope this sweet boy comes back home soon; we are missing his sweet self. :(

Putter Davis, come home.

Sisters

2011-09-12T21:35:00.002-04:00

So glad I was able to help out by keeping these two sweeties today...

She's a Morning Person

2011-09-11T20:29:00.001-04:00

So happy...even without a cup of coffee!

It's All About the Tailgate

2011-09-10T23:09:00.003-04:00

After last Saturday's game against Boise, we figured that the tailgate for the Dawgs' home opener needed to be the highlight this weekend. Who knew the Dawgs would almost win the game, despite the mistakes that cost us SO MANY POINTS? Anyway, back to the tailgate. E.W. and I are always happy when we can spend time with our kids and their families, so that automatically made it awesome. Add in more family and friends, beautiful weather, and outstanding tailgate fare...what more could you want (other than a "W" at the end of it all)?

Mr. & Mrs. Berryman

Dr. & Mrs. Bowers

Oh, yeah, it was a happenin' place!

And for a live action shot, here are Ellie and Uncle Jay:

Long Ride, Ice Cream, and Three Men & a Baby

2011-09-09T18:52:00.002-04:00

Emma shares her displeasure at being trapped in her carseat for five hours. Auntie Kate commiserates.

Ellie helps Auntie Kate with the ice cream.

Keep churning!

Ellie takes a break to swing with E.W. Meanwhile...

Emma is swaddled and winding down in her swing.

Out like a light. So relaxed, in fact, that.....

she slid right on out...but is completely okay with it.

Three Men and a Baby - Jim, Worth, and Jay attempt to jailbreak "Go Baby" from her box. Patsy should know that once released, this doll was well-loved by her new mommy (shown below, still waiting for three men to get baby out of the package!)

96!

2011-09-07T01:21:00.000-04:00

It's been too long since I've seen my Aunt Maydee and I was so glad it worked out for me to be able to share in the celebration of her 96th birthday. If it weren't for her, my parents probably would never have met (it's a great story!). She was a big influence during my childhood AND the mother of my 'twin' cousin. Love her.

Mama and Maydee
Little Sister and Big Sister :)

Maydee and Mama with their daddy in between
My dad and grandfather
9/3/49

Cousins

Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-06T23:22:00.000-04:00

We spent a great couple of days with our opposite in-laws (surely there is a term that refers to the parents of your son-in-law but I don't know what it is) at their lovely lake home.

Digression: Both of our children are blessed with wonderful in-laws. The bonus? Their in-laws have turned out to be great friends for us!

Friday night the four of us, along with Kate and Jay, had an amazing meal at the Silver Moon and quite a few laughs. Saturday, more friends arrived and we were ready to watch the Dawgs take on Boise. It was not pretty. Let's just say that if every dawg has his day, Saturday was not it.

Now for a few snaps...

Kate and her cutie patootie goddaughter

Jay gets Wayne down to the boat

E.W. and I sport the windblown look

The Newlyweds

Jim & Co.

Double Trouble

The Grill Guys

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-31T19:16:00.000-04:00

I can be serious... but not for long!

Let the Season Begin!

2011-08-29T16:04:00.000-04:00

Stolen

2011-08-26T12:29:00.000-04:00

These two have stolen our hearts...

...and yes, this picture was stolen from their mama's facebook page!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-24T18:53:00.003-04:00

Now what?

Ch Ch Changes

2011-08-18T21:32:00.003-04:00

Putter is quite upset that the "forest" (as Ellie would say) next door has disappeared! Actually, it's the noise from the machinery that has really sent him over the edge and into exile. :) The rest of us down in our little corner are excited to welcome new neighbors to the 'hood!

Anyone else thinking about David Bowie?

Wordless Wednesday: Sweet Morning

2011-08-17T17:58:00.000-04:00

The Help

2011-08-14T21:18:00.006-04:00

I read The Help when it came out in 2009 (recommended by Karin Gillespie) and was blown away. In 2010, it was a Bluestocking selection and I read it again, gladly. Hosting that meeting was so much fun: planning the menu, setting the table, and making everyone an apron! The Help was a unanimous favorite and we were delighted to learn that it was going to be a movie.

Read the book!

It's not often that a movie lives up to the book upon which it is based. To Kill A Mockingbird is one that does. The Help is another. The casting is brilliant, the set amazing, and the wardrobe perfect. Readers of the book will recognize all of the important scenes and will appreciate new ones that follow the spirit of the book. It's worth seeing at least once (twice so far for me).

Go see the movie!

I honestly believe that The Help, both book and movie, are future classics.

Side Notes:

Bryce Dallas Howard has acting chops to rival her dad's.
The sofa in Hilly's house is the same as the one in my mama's house, although with a different fabric.
Loved seeing the Fostoria American glasses on the tables at meal time.
Did anyone else notice that Nate Berkus was listed as an Executive Producer?

The Next Family Wedding

2011-07-31T09:51:00.003-04:00

George and Dena will be getting hitched this fall; last night we were invited to celebrate with friends and family! We missed the ones not there but tried to have enough fun for the whole group. :)

Sweet Saturday

2011-07-23T21:18:00.000-04:00

Little Girl on the Fourth of July

2011-07-22T22:00:00.002-04:00

Once before, I gave a photograph to my friend, who is an artist. Last week I gave her another photo because it reminded me of her work; it was of Ellie, taken by Kate. Not only did my amazing friend paint a watercolor right away, she gave* it to me! I am honored. Thanks, Mary Ann! (You can see more of her work HERE.)

*She offered it as barter for help with technology...I am SO getting the best end of that trade, so I consider it a gift!

Wordless Wednesday: Editing

2011-07-20T21:43:00.001-04:00

Little Girls in White Dresses

2011-07-10T10:50:00.003-04:00

A pair of Battenberg hand towels that I've had for years...

...were the perfect size for Emma's dress.

A well-worn pillowcase mama bought when we were in Panama in the fifties was just right for Ellie's.

It only took a little ironing and stitching...

...to end up with this!

Fourth

2011-07-09T20:49:00.002-04:00

We're home after one of the best weeks ever...more friends and family than I thought possible. Can't wait to do it again next year!

A long time ago, in a far away land, a little girl had her first birthday.

2011-07-07T00:08:00.008-04:00

It's been quite a few years since my first birthday in Germany. Check out the detail on the dress I'm wearing; my mama made it for me.

One thing that hasn't changed; I still get that look on my face when I see a yummy dessert!

Happy Fourth!

2011-07-04T11:56:00.002-04:00

Big Sister

Little Sister

Wedding Pictures - Sneak Peak!

2011-07-02T00:33:00.002-04:00

Some amazing images from Taproot...

Click photo for Taproot's slideshow!

Wordless Wednesday: Catching Rain Drops

2011-06-29T00:03:00.002-04:00

Moving Day!

2011-06-27T09:02:00.003-04:00

The B'ham crew is packed, loaded, and HEADED OUR WAY! Tomorrow they'll close on their new home just down the road, well about an hour away, but still. Much, much better than those five hours that have been between us for the last four years (and four hours in the years before that!).

Flashback Friday: Seven Weeks

2011-06-24T18:13:00.000-04:00

Junebugs

Got this picture today (thanks, Ellen!) of the Junebugs on the happy night. For those of you who'd rather see the bride and groom? Yeah, me, too...still waiting ~~restlessly~~ patiently on pictures.

In Between

2011-06-23T20:08:00.000-04:00

The Junebug beach trip was fun but I did suffer a still-lingering tent-related injury at the end of the week (and no one wants to hear about that.....so). At least it was for a good cause; the tent is the best thing ever on the beach and I never plan to be without (plus my beach chair and Kindle!).

In the time between then and now, there's been work, book club, our 36th anniversary, and a birthday celebration for Sa, so we've not been slacking in the keeping busy department.

However.

The next few days are going to bring something even better.

Our grandchildren are moving to Georgia! Oh, they're bringing Worth and Ashley with them and that's a bonus, but I have to tell you, Emma and Ellie have four very happy grandparents.

And you know I'll have more to say about all of this later on...

19

2011-06-11T23:22:00.000-04:00

Junebugs 2011

Our ideas about how to have fun at the beach may have changed, but after 19 years, we are still having plenty of it!

Evidence...

2011-06-07T01:24:00.000-04:00

...that exactly one month ago, some folks were having a LARGE time. Who deserves the dance trophy? You be the judge!

One Month Old

2011-06-04T01:30:00.000-04:00

First, Finest, Forever

2011-06-01T18:53:00.001-04:00

In the early seventies, some young girls pledged ADPi. They've aged a bit but still know how to make each other laugh.

Last year we didn't make to the lake, but this year we did. Thanks so much, B, for opening your home. Some of my favorite comments...Ba saying that she thought we could move right back into the ADPi house and just pick up where we left off and Bryna's "I look like a wildebeest" (I will most certainly be using that one again).

The Many Faces of Putz

2011-05-30T00:23:00.005-04:00

Although Putter Davis is not the One True Cat, for a walk-on, he's done quite nicely. When E.W. found him in the yard after the stormy Memorial Day weekend in 2007, he weighed 1 lb. 3 oz. and required bottle feeding. Since then, he's had many different looks, most notably his teenage rebel phase in the lower left corner. We're just glad he showed up, punk hair and all, four years ago today.

Sisters on the Move

2011-05-29T15:33:00.003-04:00

This is what we've had going on this weekend....and THIS. Congratulations to Ashley and Worth on their new abode! These girls have four grandparents who are pretty thrilled that they'll soon be back in Georgia and just a short ride away.

Now What?

2011-05-26T00:01:00.001-04:00

Despite the fact that Ellie is crazy about her baby sister, this picture from a couple of weeks ago reminded me of Freddie's reaction when Ellie arrived. Pretty sure that Ellie is really just ready for Emma to stop all that lounging around and start playing and wearing dress up clothes. These girls are going to have so much fun together!

Wordless Wednesday: Bunk Bench

2011-05-25T00:01:00.000-04:00

Kindle Me

2011-05-23T21:33:00.000-04:00

I've resisted the Kindle, despite glowing recommendations from some of the Bluestockings and my general love of technology. THIS was the tipping point and even though there's a wait involved, yeah, my early birthday gift arrived today. :)

Kickin' Back

2011-05-16T14:38:00.000-04:00

Emma's a pretty chill baby...

...and seems to enjoy just kicking back.

5/14

2011-05-16T14:30:00.000-04:00

drive
wait
compassion
ambulance
tile
calm
kindness
fear
humor
grace
remembering
humanity
dignity

Emma's Name

2011-05-11T00:07:00.008-04:00

She's a week old today...and here's a bit about her name. Her daddy's given name is Emmett. He was named after his father, who had been named after his...so...we've had three Emmett Wadsworth Bowers in a row. Probably enough, right? Except now, with a daughter, Worth and Ashley were able to change it up a bit. Emma's a lucky little girl to be the namesake of those three Emmetts; I have every confidence she'll make them proud.

Three Emmetts 12-26-90

My beloved grandmother's maiden name was Wright, so of course I am touched that Worth and Ashley chose it for her middle name. Sweet Emma...blessed with the love of family before she even knows it!

The Wright Family, January 1903
Carrie, Luther, and Kate (age 2)

Emilio Ernesto Cavaleri
1823-1906

Side note...I'm counting her name as a nod to my dad's family, too. His great-grandfather, Emilio Ernesto Cavaleri, immigrated from Milan in 1853 at the age of thirty.

Rev. Emilio Ernesto Cavaleri
1876-1958

That immigrant's only child was my paternal great-grandfather, Emilio Ernesto Cavaleri. After an unorthodox childhood, he married Maggie Fairbanks with whom he had thirteen children. He was a Methodist minister and retired in Birmingham. What a coincidence that Emma was born there (especially if you skim his Life Story and see the number of places where he could have landed)! There are two more Emilios (my grandfather's brother and nephew) but now we're getting into another branch of the family tree (but how cool is it that they ARE Birmingham people, too?)!

The Aftermath

2011-05-10T14:22:00.001-04:00

Hovering Around the House

The First of Many

2011-05-09T14:51:00.000-04:00

Kate, Jay, Ellie, and Jake

I'm guessing that eventually, there will be many photos from the big day. This just happens to be the first one I've seen (thanks, Beth!).