Just The Two of Us

The Ultimate Blogging Party...Featuring ~ Photo Hunters

2007-03-03T00:59:00.000-01:00

Welcome
To
Tampa, Florida!

...It's

Party Time!

make yourselves comfortable, and grab a lei and a pair of flip flops, as we want you to enjoy the warm tropical breeze. While mingling with the guest, you may notice some wild tropical animals, not to worry, we have professional trainers to handle and provide for your safety.

So glad you came,party is in fu ll swing.

You may j oi n the ga me room or take a dip in t he pool

Feel free to stop by the refreshmen ts ta ble,course!

Hope you will join on the dance floor la t er!

Oh, I see we have some first time guest, let me introduce just the two of us, I am Pamela and this is my hubby Dennis. So nice to meet you!

Just the two of us have been happily married for going on 28 years this June. We have three grown children, two of which are married and then our son who has a sweet girl friend. You can read more about it in my sidebar.

We are so blessed and tickled that our oldest son Kevin and Renee just had our second grand baby last week, her name is Arianna Corrine. Her big brother Ben is only 14 months old but loves to give his sister many kisses, which is so cute! However, he has also been caught dive bombing her with a stuffed animal (seems I remember something similar when his Daddy was a baby) hehe! Kevin is a Supervisor with a large Cable co., and Renee is an incredible SAHM!

Terrence is going out with Jenny, a delightfully sweet and bright student at a private Christian University. He is a Meat Cutter with Publix and She is tackling finals this week with six classes!
Terry had two brand new kittens that are adorable and so entertaining and actually like to play with Jenny's Ferret that she brings over to visit every now and then from the dorms.

Our baby, Chrystal just married David and they will celebrate their 1st Anniversary on June 10th! They met at Oral Roberts University and married shortly after graduating. They both have been promoted to Manager of their respective restaurants, Chrystal at Mimi's Cafe, and David at AppleB's. They are currently house hunting and learning quickly the pitfalls of making an offer and negotiating.

As you can see our kids mean the world to us. We love meeting new people and appreciate life so very much as it has certainly been rocky at times but God has never given us more than we could ever handle. If anything, I feel I just appreciate everything so much more so and try really hard not to sweat the small stuff.

So go! Mingle have fun! I will catch up with you later as I am so eager to learn more about you too! *smile*

Feel up to a little Limbo? How low can you go! lol
I hear they are mixing up a mean Mai Tai over at the Tiki Hut, of course Dennis and I don't drink but we want our guest to enjoy themselves!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Grab a seat the Picture is just about to begin, featuring "The Photo Hunters"; today's theme is "SALTY". Well, let me tell you there is not many things I can think of that are saltier than the ocean. Which, by the way is my favorite place in the whole world! So for my guest of honor...The Photo Hunters...I present The Beach! A pretty girl, Chrystal, a little suspense, action and special effects! hehe! We enjoyed watching Chrystal and Bill parasail that day while my cousins were visiting from Oklahoma!
Photo Hunters is hosted by TNchick and if you would like to play click on the button on my sidebar.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey, if you are up to it, they are looking for players for a Volley Ball game on the beach!Nothing like a beach sunset for atmosphere!

Just the two of us are so glad you came!

I see some of you have been laughing at the comedian...lol He is funny!

Watch the hanky panky stuff, this party is being hosted by new gparents and Dennis frequently feels obligated to cover my eyes when he thinks I am being exposed to too much!

If you would like to join in on Karaoke, feel free to use one of the instruments, after all we all could use a good laugh! lol

Meet Padre, he is one of the professional trainers. He is keeping an eye on all the party animals! :)

We have Valet service that will gladly take you back to your beach condos!

There are oodles of bloggers you can visit through the Ultimate Blogging Party being hosted by Janice and Susan of 5 Minutes For Mom. So after you leave a comment hurry on over and party on! Thanks again to Susan and Janice, this was so much fun and next week I am looking forward to introducing a first time guest and blog about meeting them...so the fun continues!

Friday's Favorite Ingredients ~ Roast Beef

2007-03-02T01:43:00.000-01:00

Roast Beef with Vegetables
Total Ingredients: 10

There is nothing like a hearty
roast beef dinner served on
Sunday afternoon, right after church.
A special favorite of
our two boys, Kevin and Terrence
One serving of Roast Beef
provides all of your daily requirement
of vitamin B12

Ingredients:

1 boneless rump roast
1 sm pkg baby carrots
2 medium sweet onions
1/2 pkg celery stalks
1 32 oz box beef broth or
...dry white wine
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1 C chopped fresh basil
2 Lbs small red skinned potatoes
2 tsp cornstarch, dissolved in
2 T water
1 1/2 tsp salt & pepper

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 325*F.

Rub roast with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Sear in Dutch oven over medium-high heat until browned on all sides, 8 minutes. Transfer to 9 x 13 baking dish. Wash, clean and scrub vegetables, as needed, place all around sides of roast. Saute onions and garlic in pan drippings until onions are browned, about 8 minutes, stir in basil and remaining salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes, add beef broth, or dry red wine. Pour juices over roast and vegetables. Transfer to oven and roast 1 1/2 hours, turning roast once.

Add potatoes and remaining basil to pan, adding water if needed to come 1 1/2 inches up side of pan. Roast until meat and vegetables are tender, 1 hour longer. Slice meat and arrange on serving platter with vegetables. Strain braising liquid into saucepan and bring to a simmer. Whisk dissolved cornstarch into liquid and bring to a boil. Cook until gravy thickens, about 1 minute. Ladle over roast and vegetables.

Sending out a big *thank you* to Overwhelmed With Joy for letting me participate in her Favorite Ingredients Friday Super Bowl Sunday Edition recipe exchange that she is hosting. Click on the link to get more great recipes.

If you missed my recipes for:
Apple Crepes click here
Funny Cake click here
Backed Beans click here
Skewered Shrimp click here
Swiss Ham Ring Around click here
Cream Puffs click here
Cheesecake click here
Oatmeal Barley Soup click here
Holiday Recipe Blogger Style/Meringue Wreaths click here

Iced Pumpkin bars click here
Banana Pudding click here
Zesty Cheese Asparagus Quiche click here

It has been unusually hotter than normal here in Florida with temperatures reaching 86 degrees that last few days. Dennis had the day off and had called a repairman to come out and repair our television in the family room. It took the guy no more than 5 minutes to replace the vertical circuit breaker and collect his $170. fee. If only I would have studied electricity as a kid!

Later, we had a few tree companies give us estimates on cutting down our enormous Sycamore tree that has cracked our driveway. So far, we have received a bid for $1,700., and one for $1,500. Tomorrow, we have a third company coming to give us an estimate. Anyone willing to work for $150. an hour!

My hubby was dismayed to say the least when the second company tree cutter asked what kind of tree is it? Dennis said, "You would think a guy who is in the tree cutting business would be able to identify a Sycamore"! I agreed and we had a good laugh. Scary stuff!

Some of you may have heard about our famous Strawberry Festival that is going on right now in Plant City, Florida. Everyone who goes enjoys making their own strawberry shortcakes at a cost of $3.00 each., the proceeds go to St. Clements Catholic church and would you believe they turned in a profit of $165,000 last year. Now that's a fund raiser!

So, it's just the two of us enjoying watching the big TV, excited to be getting Cable for the first time in 10 years this Saturday, and checking off the "To Do's" on our list of things to do! Hoping you all are enjoy a wonderful weekend and that we see you at our blog party tomorrow!

A Camera Opens Up a Whole New World

2007-02-28T15:06:00.000-01:00

My laptop has been overheating and then shutting off for quite a while now. The internal fan appears to be on the blink, never the less, I will be stopping by Best Buy or Comp USA this week to get a jump drive so I can save everything on the hard drive to it, and then I won't lose any of my work.

I am looking forward to the Ultimate Blog party that Janice and Susan are hosting from 5 Minutes For Mom and hope to get through that, then I will most likely try to take in my laptop in to see if they can fix it.

It is hard to believe that before my daughter, Chrystal and I stood in line, the day after Thanksgiving, four years ago, to get these absolutely incredible buys on electronics, I didn't have a digital camera.

I got my camera for $99. It opened up a whole new world, I love the ease of taking pictures, and then using the one button upload feature the Kodak dock offers. I was shocked the other day when when I realized the number of pictures I actually had on the computer between Picasso, Kodak and Adobe, it's got to be over 2000 pictures. Since getting my camera several incredible camera's have come on the market and one day I hope to splurge and get one but for now mine does what I need it to do.

One day while leaving to go somewhere, I was shocked when I noticed a picture in our entryway that I had printed off two years ago had faded to the point where you no longer could see the faces. I was stunned when I realized it and learned that if the photos were exposed to air for too long, the digital prints would be ruined. Various shows have talked about this and for that reason, I am careful to retain my SD memory cards, disks and prints, so that I have many forms of backup to depend on.

To my surprise, my Mom gave me my Dad's 35 mm Minolta XG 1 camera. It has a flash attachment and a special lens, but she cannot find any instructions or books that go with it. When I look through the lens there are some black lines that seem to be on the inside of the lens where I can't get to. I wonder if someone would be able to take it apart and clean it. It comes in this fancy leather double case that snaps together. I don't have a lot of things that belonged to my Dad and would love to give his camera a shot. Do any of you have any suggestions?

So it's just the two of us hoping you all take care to backup your precious photos and documents as you never know when things are going to heat up and it could all go up in smoke. Hey, that would be a good name for my laptop...Smokey! hehe!

Tales to Treasure

2007-02-26T13:43:00.000-01:00

You're Full of Blarney

is a fiction writing contest designed for the Grand Opening of

The Open Window

Which is being hosted by Kathleen Marie, of Stranded By The Mountain
If you aren't sure what Blarney is, she has provided
a helpful dictionary explanation!

Blarney

1796, from Blarney Stone (which is said to make a persuasive
flatterer of any who kiss it), in a castle near Cork, Ireland;
reached wide currency through Lady Blarny,
the smooth-talking flatterer in Goldsmith's
"Vicar of Wakefield" (1766).

Smooth, flattering talk, often nonsensical or deceptive
or misleading talk; nonsense; hooey; baloney such as 'he is full of it'.

Kathleen Marie, of Stranded in the Mountains, is having a "Your Full of Blarney Fine Writing contest". If you are interested in the details you may check out the rules here.

Just the two of us had a pleasant weekend. Our Son, Terrence invited us to have lunch with he and Jenny, his girlfriend. We had so much fun talking with them about Terry's kittens Maggie, and Autumn, and how playful they are to watch. Terry said he would have to figure out how to keep Maggie from clawing her way up his clothes to end up resting up around his neck. Because now he has little claw marks going all the way up his back! Ouch! lol Jenny, said she brought down her Ferret, Gismo, to play with the kittens. I was a gasp at first, somehow I had thought of a Ferret as being in the hamster/mouse family and couldn't imagine them getting along but they say they do so marvelously and if the cats should claw at the Ferret, he can outrun them.

Saturday, the folks popped over to let me know they had been to a garage sale that had some kitchen chairs. After getting directions, I hopped in the car and took a look the table and chairs were in pretty rough condition but the folks had informed me that the young guy having the sale had come down to $20. So I purposely walked past them as the guy spotted my steady gaze right away in their direction. On my return toward my vehicle I stopped and looked around for the forth chair as I rested my hand on the one. He said he was trying to get $35. I said, "humm". He said, "I'll take $15. I said, "sold"! When my hubby came home later that evening from work, I said, "these are not staying". hehe! These are just a "cheap Taco Bell meal when it comes to price, until I find something I love! I let the guy at the garage sale keep the table. My hubby laughed, and said alright.

So it's just the two of us, happy to have chairs around the kitchen table again and hoping you all take the opportunity to go garage sale shopping, as you just never, know what treasures you may find and what a wonderful tale you may treasure!

Saturday Photo Hunters ~ theme...SOFT

2007-02-24T01:22:00.000-01:00

It is fun to participate in the Saturday Photo Hunt that is hosted by tnchick. This week's photo hunt theme is: SOFT If you would like to play along click on the link below.

Just The Two of Us
would like to share a photo of our new little baby granddaughter
Arianna Corrine...
who was born on our son Kevin's birthday, Feb 20th.
Renee and Kevin brought her over yesterday
so we could hold her and drink in all her newness again.
Arianna is so soft and cuddly.
This photo was taken yesterday at 3 days old!


Grab the Scavenger Hunt code.

Photo Theme. Join the blogroll. Visit participants.

So it's just the two of us whispering softly in her ear,
amazed at how soft her newborn skin is to our touch.
May a soft breeze always be at your back
as you breath in all that life has to offer!

Friday Favorite Ingredients ~ Apple Crepes

2007-02-23T14:01:00.000-01:00

Apple Crepes
Total Ingredients: 9

These are light and decadent,
and easy to make.
You may substitute your
favorite fruit such as
peaches, apricots,
or strawberries.

Ingredients:

1 slice white bread
1 T low fat milk
1 egg
1/4 tsp rum extract
1/4 tsp vanilla
Sweetener to = 2 tsp sugar

Preparation:

Combine bread, milk, egg, extracts, and artificial sweetener in a blender. Blend on medium speed until smooth batter is formed. Pour into a hot non stick pan. Cook until bubbles appear on surface, turn and finish cooking other side. Keep warm. Spread with hot apple filling and roll. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and enjoy! 1 serving

Apple Filling:

1 medium apple peeled, cored and diced.
1 T water
Sweetener to = 4 T sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon

Combine ingredients in a saucepan. Cover and simmer slowly until apples are soft

Sending out a big *thank you* to Overwhelmed With Joy for letting me participate in her Favorite Ingredients Friday Super Bowl Sunday Edition recipe exchange that she is hosting. Click on the link to get more great recipes.

If you missed my recipes for:
Funny Cake click here
Backed Beans click here
Skewered Shrimp click here
Swiss Ham Ring Around click here
Cream Puffs click here
Cheesecake click here
Oatmeal Barley Soup click here
Holiday Recipe Blogger Style/Meringue Wreaths click here

Iced Pumpkin bars click here
Banana Pudding click here
Zesty Cheese Asparagus Quiche click here

Dennis and I had so much fun taking little Ben up to my Mom's lake house. He loves the outdoors and so we played peek-a-boo around the trees, chased each other giggling all the way, as his little legs took him running awkwardly through the grass. My Mom and I, sat him between us on the bench swing that looks out toward the lake that just twinkled and appeared to be dancing. He loved swinging and we loved spending the day with my Mom. She was delighted that we came up with him.

When we got home I warmed up the leftover roast beef, potatoes, carrots, onion and celery dinner I had made. He had a ferocious appetite and ate half of my dinner. It makes you feel good when they eat well and seem to be enjoying it. With each bite he took, he had darling little sound effects he would hum and bounce his head to.

Renee's Mom came over and picked up Ben after we visited for about an hour. So, we went up to hospital and spent a couple of hours with Kevin, Renee and their new baby Arianna. They had her dressed up in the brightest little stripped multi-pink colored outfit. They had her picture taken in it and she looked so angelic.

Kevin and Renee brought home baby Arianna late last night. They are all doing wonderful. Little Ben seems to be doing just fine with the addition of his new little sister.

So, it's just the two of us relishing life and breathing in each and every moment, as we try to hold on, so as to capture it all forever! Life is precious, hope you all capture a moment to cherish, as well.

A Precious Little Angel is Born!

2007-02-21T01:03:00.000-01:00

We have been riding high as it has been a whirlwind of activities! We told Kevin and Renee that being as the hospital called and told Renee she was to be induced in labor at 7:00 a.m., that we would be more than happy to let little Ben sleep over so they wouldn't have to wake him up so early...

What a blessing that turned out to be! Seemed like we no sooner than went to bed when the answering machine came on with Kevin's voice "wake up, wake up, wake up"! I opened one eye and thought that kid...he is never going to cut the jokes, he is absolutely relentless, the gull of him calling at 5:30 in the morning, when they aren't even inducing until 7:00 a.m.

Quickly falling back to sleep, only to tuck in another 5 minutes of blissful sleep, my other eye sprang open, with the realization that "Oh my word, he sounded like he was serious. I jumped out of bed and played the message back only to realize that after the first part of the message, he was saying that Renee was 8 center meters dilated AT 5:30! With a joyful sudden awareness, it dawned on me that Renee had gone into labor naturally sometime in the middle of the night! They didn't have to induce her after all!

Gently, I leaned over the pack n' play and sang Ben awake, he first stretched his little arms and legs out and then his sweet pink little lips curled up in a sweet smile, he quickly lifted his arms up and out toward me and I gingerly swooped him up into my arms. It was hard to imagine any child bringing as much joy and love into our lives, and yet, as the seconds ticked by, his little baby sister was being born.

We were on our way to the hospital, forgetting that we would be smack dab in the middle of rush hour traffic at 7:30 a.m., the beauty of the sunshine mixed with our rapidly rising adrenaline and excitement of witnessing yet, another miracle being born seem to somehow guide us in, as if time just stood still in anticipation.

So here is how it all unfolded, Renee and Kevin arrived at hospital at approximately 3:00 a.m., wondering and I emphasize, "wondering" if she was in labor! Renee was not only in labor, but was dilated 8 center meters. They barely had time to get her prepped, when three pushes later, their beautiful baby girl, Arianna was born. weighing in at 8 Lbs 2 oz., and measuring 20 1/2 inches. Renee looked wonderful and was exhausted. She just radiated love and admiration as she held her daughter. She was thrilled that Arianna quickly had taken to nursing and had already found her index fingers to suckle after only being in the word for less than 1 hour! Kevin was beaming with joy!
We were all astounded at the full dark curly head of hair she was born with. Big beautiful eyes, and a cute little button nose.

All I ask, is that you check out little Ben's expression as he looks at his little new born sister, Arianna for the first time!

...Renee and Kevin, you have a gorgeous sweet blessed family! We are so proud of you both! Renee, you did good! :) Thank you so very much for including us and letting us be an active part of your sweet, precious family! May God continue to cradle your young family with love and blessings beyond rapture! For just the two of us, it was love at first sight! A precious little angel was born! God be willing, may you too, be blessed to experience the miracle of birth and the intense sweet "love at first sight" you feel, penetrate through your heart and soul when holding your child or grandchild for the first time.

Blessed With a Baby on His Birthday!

2007-02-20T03:05:00.000-01:00

We love our son Kevin so very much! This being his 26th birthday, he is being blessed with an extra special little gift from God in Heaven. The hospital called yesterday, and Renee was being induced in labor at 7:00 a.m., this morning. So we will have a new grand baby girl very soon.

God couldn't have blessed him with a better gift than that of a child on his birthday! Although, I must admit, he did have us all giggling as he put on quite a show of pretend tears, and saying something like "I'll be put on the back burner", "I'll never have a birthday that is special and exclusively my own", (boo hoo) I told him it was nothing that a quick kick in the seat of the pants wouldn't solve and then a pinch to grow an inch, wouldn't hurt.

Pictured above, Kevin, 11; Chrystal, 9; Terrence, 10 years old. Second photo, Kevin's Senior picture.

The folks invited us over for dinner last night as Dennis' brother Jim, our nephew, Stephen, and a friend of Jim's, Dave were all visiting from Wisconsin. Hitting some of the area golf courses! Busch Garden's, the beach and so on. We had a great time visiting, of course, they all ended up getting a bit too much sun, and time always goes by so fast when you are having fun. Renee had stopped by and dropped off our 14 month old Grand Baby, little Ben, whom little does he know is getting a new baby sister! So we will have him overnight for a couple of days. He enjoyed the grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, and corn. that his Great-Grandma made for us!

Later, after we got home Kevin and Renee stopped by to visit and say "goodnight to their little Ben". As you can imagine, we were all giddy with excitement!

We saw a real feel good movie this weekend called Music and Lyrics, starring Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant! It was darling. Very funny and left you feeling good when you walked out together!

So, it's just the two of us, eagerly awaiting the arrival of our 2nd Grand Baby, a little girl this time and praying that all goes as well as possible, for Renee. As soon as Renee is wheeled into the delivery room, we will be heading up to hold our new little bundle of joy and hope you will join us in welcoming her tomorrow!

"These icon's were made by the Portrait Illustration Maker". If you get a chance then go and make an icon of yourself here. It was such a riot! We really got a kick out of it! However, being in cartoon form does shave a few years off! hehe! Nothing wrong with that! lol

Photo Hunt Theme...ANTIQUE

2007-02-17T02:09:00.000-01:00

It is fun to participate in the Saturday Photo Hunt that is hosted by tnchick. This week's photo hunt theme is: ANTIQUE. If you would like to play along click on the link below.

Just The Two of Us
set up a small display of some of the antiques items that
belonged to my Grandmother. Starting on the left is an
antique lady's head. Something interesting are the real silk stockings
which she treasured having in ever color under the rainbow during
World War II. These were especially a treasured item being that they
were silk and she owned them during the depression, silk was also
needed for parachutes during WWII. They are nearly
infallible to destruction. lol I draped the stockings off of the antique
hat boxes, as every hat back then came in it's own designer
box. Then I set out three hats that belonged to her mother
there on top of the hat boxes. One is made of feathers,
one is silk with a broach on the front, and a white real fur hat.

The 2nd photo are post cards, the Semi-Centennial of the
Lincoln-Douglas Debat Oct. 15 1908.
For President of U. S. A., Wm Jennings Bryan.
Then the 1904 St. Louis Fair post card is supposedly valuable,
so I thought you might enjoy a close up of these.

Lastly, my Grandmother's china. On the back it has a shield,
ADMIRATION, MYOTT, Staffordshire England. They are
numbered, and have a crown and under that
Myott Son & Co LTQ, made in England.


Grab the Scavenger Hunt code.

Photo Theme. Join the blogroll. Visit participants.

So it's just the two of us hoping that if you would like to share
anything about the ANTIQUES we have displayed please feel
free to enlighten us. Some day, I hope to do a little research
for myself. Hope you have little treasures around the house that
are meaningful to you!

Friday's Favorite Ingredients - Funny Cake

2007-02-16T00:56:00.000-01:00

Funny Cake
Total Ingredients: 14

The reason this cake is "funny", is because
first of all, it is made in a pastry shell.
Secondly, the sauce that you pour over
the top sinks to the bottom.
If you get a chance to make this I think
you will enjoy it.

Ingredients:

1 tsp baking powder
1 1/4 C cake flour
3/4 C sugar
1/4 C margarine or Crisco
1/2 C milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg (unbeaten)
1/2 tsp salt

Sauce:

Place 1 square unsweetened chocolate and 1/2 C water in sauce pan over low heat. stir while heating until chocolate is melted, add 2/3 C sugar stirring constantly, bring to boil. Remove at once from heat, add 1/4 C butter and 1 tsp vanilla, stir until blended. Set aside to cool till lukewarm before pouring over batter in pie pan.

Topping:

3 T chopped nuts
3 T coconut

Preheat oven to 355*

Preparation:

Into sifter mix dry ingredients. Place shortening in bowl; sift in dry ingredients, add milk and vanilla - mix well. Add egg and beat for no more than two minutes. Pour batter into pastry lined pie pan. Pour sauce gently over batter, sprinkle with nuts and coconut.

Bake: 50-55 minutes

Sending out a big *thank you* to Overwhelmed With Joy for letting me participate in her Favorite Ingredients Friday Super Bowl Sunday Edition recipe exchange that she is hosting. Click on the link to get more great recipes.

If you missed my recipes for:
Backed Beans click here
Skewered Shrimp click here
Swiss Ham Ring Around click here
Cream Puffs click here
Cheesecake click here
Oatmeal Barley Soup click here
Holiday Recipe Blogger Style/Meringue Wreaths click here

Iced Pumpkin bars click here
Banana Pudding click here
Zesty Cheese Asparagus Quiche click here

Valentine's Day was really nice. As it was, My Mom and I were working on a little project and asked Dennis if he could come help us. For whatever reason, Dennis called Kevin and Renee and they just happened to be at one of our favorite parks down the street. Now mind you, we are all 10 miles or so away from our homes, but only a mile away from each other. So, we drove down and met them at the park. We had so much fun watching little Ben interact with the other children and then play peek-a-boo, or go down the slide with him. Even I went down the slide with him. He thought that was so funny! The park is loaded with these massive Oak trees and has oodles of playground equipment, perfect for a toddler. My Mom took us all out to lunch where we discussed this business of why Renee hasn't gone into labor yet and why the Doctor isn't inducing until the 20th, if need be, which just happens to be Kevin's birthday! haha! Oh, well, patience is a virtue!

So, it's just the two of us spoiling ourselves with a Starbucks Coffee Frappuccino; glad that it is Friday, as Dennis is off the whole weekend again! Woohoo! Hope all is well with you and your loved ones and that if you get a chance, go to the park...you will love it, as it is so invigorating and refreshing.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2007-02-14T01:37:00.000-01:00

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you! It has been such a joy meeting and getting to know so many wonderful blogger friends. Hope you all have oodles of fun!

Hugs n' Kisses,

Pamela

Sharing the very last of the Valentines that belonged to my Grandmother Trudi.

Several of the Valentines were attached to sheets of paper so as, I could slip them into plastic sheet protectors for safe keeping. Therefore, I didn't want to disturb them too much, so if they opened up, I stood them up keeping the paper attached.

In this close up shot, you might notice the cute fan fold Valentine with the little girl. She is standing under what appears to be a parasol and behind that, (which doesn't show) is a harp with birds sitting atop of it. The Valentine on the left, along with some of the others up above open up 3-D.

The following was written on the back of it. "Don't say I'm cheap now - because this Valentine set me back a nickel. I love you, I love you, I love you, your sweet heart Glen.

So it is just the two of us, so very much in love, and blessed to be together and married for 27 years! Hoping you all are blessed to be with your loved ones.

Friends Help Us Stay on Track

2007-02-13T01:27:00.000-01:00

Just the two of us have been enjoying putting together a jig saw puzzle this week. It is called Crystals & Candlelight. The box says it glitters and glows. Scintille et rougeoie! I don't know about the glowing part but this puzzle has glitter all over it so it adds a whole new dimension and challenge, not to mention that the picture is very intricate. My hubby helped out for about an hour and then pretty much just cheered me on! haha!

Here it is all put together. It was really amazing to see all the hidden images come out such as little little bunnies, deer, goats, otters, and eagles. All hidden in the lower left hand corner.

Doing the puzzle was something we hadn't done in ages and it was a great way to take our minds off of this and that. Things we will sooner rather than later have to face.

Yesterday, I blogged about Pretty Lady blessing me with a little package in the mail.

Well, today, another sweet blogger friend, Kathleen Marie, sent me the cutest little Valentine card and a package of seeds, PINKS, also know as Dianthus Imperial, double mixed colors, for Valentine's Day! Kathleen Marie, of Stranded in The Mountains, is a sweet, thoughtful, and talented writer. Her hubby served our country well and is a Viet Nam Vet, they have four children and run a Christian camp nestled in the Black Hill Mountans. Kathleen Marie, has a darling little baby Granddaughter named Alexys, so if you get a chance drop by and say "Hey". Thanks for thinking of me friend, !

Oprah, featured childhood prodigies on her show yesterday. Perhaps some of you caught the show.

Well, I was in and out but did happen to catch the amazing little 7 (seven) year old boy from India. Oh my word, his name is Akrit and he has an IQ of 146. When he was just 2 years old he was writing, at 4 years old he was reading Shakespeare and understanding it. He then took an interest in Medical journals and read them front to back. He was allowed to observe live surgeries. At 7 years old, he preformed his first surgery, as parents of a young girl who was severely burned and tragically had her fingers melded together inside the palm of her hand, besieged Akrit to do the surgery, free of charge as they couldn't afford it any other way. He studied, got permission and successfully preformed the surgery when all the other sergeants said it couldn't be done. He is now in his 2nd year at Punjad University and is the youngest student to be accepted!

So, it is just the two of us puzzled at how life can throw you a curve, some good and some not so good but glad the Lord, He sees us through all, as he is so good! Hoping you are able to stay on track, and blessed with loved ones whom help you balance the load.

A Wedding, A Pretty Lady, and Hope

2007-02-12T02:07:00.000-01:00

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend! Just the two of us sure did! We got together with my Mom and brother, Duane. He treated us to dinner at Mimi's Restaurant. The service was good. the food was delicious and the company delightful!

Duane was in good spirits, as it won't be long now till his fiance, Maricel will be coming to the United States all the way from the Philippines the early part of March. They are planning on getting married the end of May if all goes according to plan. Just the two of us will be the Maid-of-Honor and Best Man in their wedding.

Both Valentines, I am sharing today are probably the most risque of all the Valentines that belonged to my grandmother. Of course, some of the wording didn't have the same condensation back in the 1920's, as they do now. Thanks so much for all your sweet comments regarding the Valentines. It is a pleasure sharing them with you.

This weekend my hubby, Dennis informed me I had received a package in the mail. Well, wouldn't you know that Pretty Lady, a.k.a. Carmen, of Strawberries and Champaigne sent me some of the prettiest dish towels I have ever seen. Thanks so very much Carmen, I love them and will always think of you when I use them.

Pretty Lady, sent them simply as a way of thanking me for particpating in her "Funky Sock Exchange", she hosted last week. I had been paired up with Marilyn, and thought you might like to see the card I made her to go with her package.

Pretty Lady, is such a dynamic, sweet and uplifting blogger. She and her hubby live in Southern California and have the cutest little girl who plays a great game of soccer and has a wonderful relationship with her Mom, making crafts, and just hanging out together. She posts some incredible recipes, she and her hubby make together, and lovely poems, and shares a love for gardening! So, if you get a chance drop by and say, "hey".

Made some delicious homemade Roasted Potato Soup yesterday, that was so good! I served it with some some skewered shrimp, and a bowl of fresh fruit. We will probably be enjoying leftovers for a couple of days, for lunch anyway. See it there cooking...slowly it thickened up to just the right consistency.

So it is just the two of us filled with hope, as he always is always there with us whenever we need Him. He is first in our lives. We are so glad to have new friends like Pretty Lady, who's lovely "Thank You" gifts, were such a sweet surprise. Looking forward to many new blessings this year, a new baby granddaughter, weddings, and moments to just be together as each day spent together is so meaningful! Hoping you treasure the moments you have together and that they are filled with blessings too!

Just wanted to share the verse that was
written on one of the towels,

Faith...
is being sure of
what you hope for and
certain of what
you do not see.

Hebrews 5:11

Photo Hunt ~ Theme: BROKEN

2007-02-10T03:53:00.000-01:00

It is fun to participate in the Saturday Photo Hunt that
is hosted by tnchick.
This week's photo hunt theme is: BROKEN
. If you would like to play along click on the link below.

Just The Two of Us
remember how broken up my Dad would be when
the squirrels would be able to get to his birdseed no
matter what he did to the pole, or what type of plate
he would attach under the feeder.
They are such smart little guys
and so flexible, if you or I would try some of those
stunts, we'd surely have broken our backs.
It almost looks like the squirrels have
broken the law of physics!


Grab the Scavenger Hunt code.

Photo Theme. Join the blogroll. Visit participants.

So it's just the two of us grateful that neither
one of us has ever broken a bone.

Looking forward to the arrival of our new
little baby granddaughter
who is now overdue and sure that no one would be
broken hearted
if she would decide to make an entrance
into the world anyday.

Hoping your hearts are filled with happiness
and that no one is left with a broken heart
this Valentine's Day!

Once again, sharing a few
Valentines that belonged
to my grandmother...

All the Valentines
throughout my
blog are
dated between
1915 ~ 1930

Some Pressing Issues

2007-02-08T02:04:00.000-01:00

Some of the nostalgic Valentines I am sharing with you that used to belong to my Grandmother, are so unique in that when you pull down on the two front hearts it opens up 3-D style. Therefore, either on Valentines or the day before I will take pictures of the one or two that fan fold open or open up 3-D style. As these scans just don't do that type justice.

Thanks so much for your sweet comments regarding how Renee can encourage her labor to begin. I plan on calling her and sharing. I am sure she will get a kick out of them too, and I think we will be safe in sharing with her as they don't have a motorcycle, Linda! hehe! If Renee doesn't have the baby by the eleventh, they are going to induce her.

Dennis and I enjoyed eating out last tonight. We then agreed we had gone long enough without an iron. So, we stopped by Wally World, and being as the last iron I purchased came from a specialty store, I decided to go cheap. (nothing new there)

At the same time, in looking at all the irons that Wally World offered, I realized the most expensive one on the shelf was half price of the last one I had, so the Black and Decker got to ride in my cart and all the way home, wee, wee, wee says the little piggy!

Half price and very fancy! It beeps when you plug it in and a blue digital light lights up when it turns on, it shuts off three different ways and has a self-cleaning mode with a non-stick plate. I filled up the water and closed the little trap door so I won't have to worry about water sloshing all over the fabric I am ironing. Woohoo! Did I mention, I don't get out much, and I forgot how much fun it is to get something new! hehe! Of course, I am just playing.

Enjoyed watching American Idol. Always nice to see that a few of the contestants really can belt it out but for the most part...I had to suppress the desire to mute the TV or put earplugs in, as a measure of survival where others were concerned. lol

Now I am off to go put batteries in the new shower radio, which comes complete with an anti-fog mirror that our son Terry gave us. It will be interesting to see what type of quality it offers. I love the idea of being able to listen to tunes while showering; most anything would beat American Idol at this stage. Hopefully, I won't get zapped in the process as that would be sequitur.

So, it's just the two of us looking forward to pressing nice crisp pleats in our clothes with our new digital iron so that we look our best, and hoping you are ironing out some of the wrinkles in your life too!

Keeping It Tidy Can be So Refreshing

2007-02-07T13:14:00.000-01:00

Just the two of us are relishing the beautiful weather we are having here in Florida. We are expecting a high of 71 or 72 degrees. It is just beautiful!

Would be a wonderful day to have a baby, alas we are still eagerly awaiting the arrival of our new little baby granddaughter. Renee is doing everything she can think of to encourage labor. Yesterday, she went up and down the stairs twenty or so times and she has been walking so much that she wore herself out. Poor girl, we can all sympathize with her.

Never the less, our son, Kevin, came over with Little Ben, who is now 14 months old. It is rare that I get to visit with Kevin all alone. We took Little Ben outside and Kevin showed me how he can kick a ball. Like a good Grandma, I oohed and awed and was really amazed he could kick the beach ball. Kevin explained that he wants to get him in Soccer first, as he feels, kids have about a three year attention span for a sport and then he will get him into something else like baseball or football. All three of our kids played sports and we just loved being together out on the field cheering and supporting one another. It made for great family unity!

My Mom came down and we met my hubby Dennis for lunch at Cheddars. We had such a delightful time. She and I found a great 50 - 75% off sale, so I got a cute light weight black sweater for $3.00. Then I went an found a pair of brown pants with draw strings on the side that resembled the pair I ruined when I was bleaching out our shower the other day.

Yesterday, and today Mom had to cook at the church. They planned on serving a delicious ham, broccoli, and cheddar casserole, with glazed carrots, and a salad bar for the Wednesday night supper they serve at her church. She and the other two ladies work so hard and usually feed about 125 people every week. She gave me the recipe for the casserole so I can try it this week.

It has been nice to dig in and do a bit of decluttering. This day and age they make so many wonderful storage containers and items for organizing that it just makes things so much easier. The plastic holds up so much better than cardboard boxes. I hope to eventually make labels for the containers so I can find my organized stuff! haha! Today, I will be tackling the laundry room. I keep all of my paint supplies, yarns for crocheting, scrap books, crayons, scissors, tape, glue and whatnots for crafting in plastic bins with draws. Although it is already neat and clean, it will be nice to reacquaint myself with my supplies and just tidy them up. It's funny whenever you start a project like this you feel like you've created a disaster area until you get it all put back.

We were surprised to learn that 92,000,000 people watched the Super Bowl this past weekend making it the second most viewed Super Bowl in history.

So, it's just the two of us keeping things tidy so that we can spend time together focusing on the things that mean the most to us, filled with the love for the Lord, laughing together as we watch the kids go through the same things we did, and grateful for each and everyday we have together, as life goes by so fast. Hoping you are able to find what you need, when you need it in a snap, and if not, you dig in and make it work too, as it is such a cleansing and refreshing feeling!

Grandmother's Fancy Footwork & Funky Socks

2007-02-06T01:36:00.000-01:00

Funky Sock Exchange

Pretty Lady, of Strawberries and Champagne hosted a funky sock exchange and Marilyn
was my partner.

So thought it might be fun to share the cute
Valentine socks she sent me. They couldn't have come at a better time, as we have finally been having a bit of cold weather and the socks will definitely keep my toes warm. Seriously, I love them Marilyn and look forward to wearing them! I adore the cute little hearts and will always think of you every time I wear them!

Thanks again, Pretty Lady for hosting such a fun little exchange! It was so much fun getting a little something in the mail and I am looking forward to getting to know Marilyn a little better!

February is a special time of the year for just the two of us. We had our first date, fell in love, and became engaged to be married all in the month of February. Two years later, shortly after Valentine's Day we had our first baby boy, Kevin.

So being a romantic at heart, I thought it would be fun to share some old Valentine's Day cards that belonged to my grandmother. Some of which, are so detailed and elaborate, others are just plain cute! Everyday, between now and Valentines, I will share a couple of nostalgic cards.

Grandmother was born in 1910, so it would be my guess, that most of these cards are from the 1920's and 1930's! They are so endearing and remind me of the lovely sweet, and dainty lady my dear grandmother was and how much she influenced my life.

Grandmother (Trudi) was born in 1910 and was the oldest of two children. She and her brother Fred grew up in a modest apartment located above the Barbershop her father owned and operated, in St. Louis, MO. Back in the day it was quite the gathering place.

As a young girl I can remember getting to visit her parents, Pop and Great Grandmother, I was amazed and astounded that they actually had a working player piano! It was fascinating and extremely entertaining to watch them load the cylinder, which looked like a tube with all the the musical notes either punched through or raised up, allowing the piano to play the selected melody to perfection. Sadly enough, the player piano was left in the apartment as they had no means of moving it out without fear of damaging it. Another memory I recall was that fact that my great grandmother drank her coffee so strong that there was literally a eighth of a cup of coffee grounds in the bottom of her cup, isn't that icky! My Mom quickly hushed me when I started to comment about it having read my expression, as I peer in her cup.

Grandmother was petite at 5 ft tall and never weighed over 90 Lbs she wore beautiful long ringlets nearly all of my life. She owned more than fifty formals as she loved to dance and attended many balls in her lifetime. I treasure the fact that I have several pairs of long white lady's gloves, hats, jewelery, dance cards, post cards and the sweet little Valentine's to remember her by.

She loved to dance and it was not uncommon for folks to clear the dance floor in honor of watching the fancy foot work this lady could kick up! It was a passion of her's and she usually went dancing every week. She continued to dance with her boyfriend years after my grandfather passed away, all the way through her late eighty's! She also played the piano beautifully and eloquently, the music would just reverberate throughout the house that would leave your heart spellbound. Her fingers would fly up and down the piano keyboard, she was so very talented and passed that talent onto her only son, my Dad, who had his first recital broadcast on radio.

She was a social butterfly, and a lady through and through. She and My grandfather, whom I never met, having passed when I was three years old, belonged to the Bethesda Golf and Country Club in Maryland. He was an incredible golfer and won numerous golf matches. So much so, that there is a Memorial tournament that they still hold to this day that is named after him in his honor. He is buried in National Arlington Cemetery.

Grandmother belonged the the Ladies Bridge Club and frequently hosted Bridge tournaments. She would usually serve ladies finger food and I love that she made little notes on the cover of the 100 or so cookbooks I have denoting which recipe she used and liked and referenced the page number so you didn't have to flip through the whole book.

I will always fondly remember the summer I spent living with my grandmother in her flat located in Saint Louis, Missouri. It was the summer I was 15, and while I was brought up with extremely good manors, I could be a bit particular. Okay, I may have been a bit of a handful for a lady who had never had a daughter. I remember getting especially upset when I learned we were actually going to make applesauce and cut around the worm holes. I felt we should just toss the apple all together. After all, coming that close to a worm hole was more than I wanted to share. My grandmother was quick to inform me that there were children that were starving and would love to have applesauce made with these apples. I still to this day cannot stomach the idea of eating applesauce.

My grandmother and I had so much fun together that summer, she wanted nothing more than to educate me in the fine arts. Every day we took in the sights, the arts, museums, elegant restaurants, and my favorite, season passes to 10 of the most incredible plays held at the St. Louis Outdoor Orpheum Theater. The plays were superbly done! Some were not at all appropriate for a young girl but I relished each and everyone! In our down time, we would create crossword puzzles for each other! It was a favorite past time of ours. I loved looking through her GB book. A little book that girls carried and had close friends autograph, write a favorite poem in, or draw a cute picture. I was enthralled with how elaborate every post would be, some were so detailed that I could just imagine her friends taking hours to complete.

Grandmother passed away in 2002 at 92 years of age. She was quite a lady, and had a vivacious outgoing personality, she livened up a room and filled it with color. I will always feel blessed that I was able to spend that summer with her as she shared so much and touched my life with such lasting and meaningful lady like ways. She impressed upon me the importance of manners and proper etiquette. I will always love and treasure her memory.

So it's just the two of us doing a little reminiscing while doing a super difficult jig saw puzzle that is loaded with glitter of all things, and hoping you all take a bit of time to remember those who meant so much to you, who touched you in ways you'll always remember fondly.

Photo Hunters...Theme ~ Gross

2007-02-03T02:56:00.000-01:00

It is fun to participate in the Saturday Photo Hunt that is hosted by tnchick. This week's photo hunt theme is: GROSS. If you would like to play along click on the link below.

Just The Two of Us
had so much fun taking pictures of our son Terry's new
12 week old kittens. I got such a chuckle of this one, Maggie
peering into his aquarium until I glanced at his little fish
and realized he was terrified and was literally gyrating in the
tank. It was so gross that I was amused at his bewilderment!
Who knew a fish would react to a kitten like this! lol

In the second photo, Maggie and Autumn are playing with a
huge toy mouse, and I thought to myself that it would be
gross if mice were bigger that cats in real life! lol


Grab the Scavenger Hunt code.

Photo Theme. Join the blogroll. Visit participants.

So it's just the two of us wishing you all wonderful
Super Bowl weekend! One of my favorite parts of the Super Bowl is
the 2 million dollar commercials! Now that is just gross that they
spend that much money on advertisement! lol

...Contest...Contest...Contest...

Janice and Susan of 5 Minutes For Mom are doing something kind
of fun before the Ultimate Blog Party they are throwing
takes place March 2nd ~ 9th.
They are having a contest and giving away some darling
jewelry. The contest is being sponsored by Alli, of Alli's Originals.
Cute stuff, and worth checking out!
So if you get a chance click here and join in on all the fun!

Favorite Ingredients Friday ~ Baked Beans

2007-02-02T01:39:00.000-01:00

Baked Beans
Total Ingredients: 9

This was a recipe that I talked my old boss out of when I worked
at City Hall. My hubby had just lost his job so we decided to
take advantage of the situation and move closer to family.
All of my Associates threw me a fantastic going away party
and this was one of my favorite side dishes!
This was 15 years ago and it was one of the best moves
we ever made, there is nothing better than living close to family
and we love Florida!

Ingredients:

1 pkg dried pinto beans
5 Nathan hot dogs
1 sweet onion (diced)
1/2 C maple syrup
1/2 C brown sugar
3 T mustard
2 1/2 C ketchup
1 Lb bacon precooked
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Optional:

salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Prepare dried beans of your choice according to package directions, cooking time varies due to altitude, but can be cut down considerably by soaking beans overnight. Thoroughly mix all ingredients crumbling bacon in small bite size pieces, and adding bite size hot dogs. Bake 1 1/2 hours @ 325 degrees.

Sending out a big *thank you* to Overwhelmed With Joy for letting me participate in her Favorite Ingredients Friday Super Bowl Sunday Edition recipe exchange that she is hosting. Click on the link to get more great recipes.

If you missed my recipes for:
Skewered Shrimp click here
Swiss Ham Ring Around click here
Cream Puffs click here
Cheesecake click here
Oatmeal Barley Soup click here
Holiday Recipe Blogger Style/Meringue Wreaths click here

Iced Pumpkin bars click here
Banana Pudding click here
Zesty Cheese Asparagus Quiche click here

Dennis and I had so much fun watching Little Ben while Kevin and Renee went to a movie and enjoyed a little time to themselves. Renee is itching to have that baby so she and Kevin went to the beach and walked! Being encouraged to do so, as this might help her labor come along. lol
She was quick to inform me it didn't work! I had to laugh as that was obvious! I sure can relate to how she feels, that last month of being pregnant is the worst! My hubby used to affectionately call me a beached whale! Do beached whales have teeth to snarl at hubby's with?

So, it's just the two of us hoping you have a wonderful time with family and friends this Super Bowl Sunday! Our son Terrence has invited us over for a Super Bowl party he is having, and this just thrills me to no end as I will enjoy playing with those cute little kittens of his. Remember, whether you are a Colts fan or a Bears fan. May the best team win! Woohoo! As for our house, we will be cheering for the Colts, as Tony Dungy used to be the Bucs coach and we still love him! So, for us it is "GO COLTS"!

New Kittens For Terrence

2007-01-30T12:44:00.000-01:00

The other day just the two of us went over to our son Terrence's apartment. He got a couple of new kittens and was eager for us to see them. Well, you didn't have to ask me twice!

Terry's girl friend Jenny, who is a Senior at the Christian University she attends about 45 minutes drive, came down and they drove all over trying to find a little kitten. He ended up with two, because the Humans Society assured him it was better for the kittens if they have a companion and not that much more expensive to have two, while, he works such busy schedule as a Meat Cutter.

We got such a tickle over the cute little girl kittens. They are tabby calico in their markings and are caramel, tawny brown, cocoa, and white. While, they are only 12 weeks old they seemed extremely leggy to me.

Because they are sisters, they look similar, however, the lighter one with more white was much more affectionate, and the darker one was a bit more coy and playful. So, I suggested perhaps he could name them Heckle and Jeckle, or Hop and Scotch. Chrystal called, and suggested Jackie and Jill. Terry said he really liked Autumn and Amber and would talk it over with Jenny, the next time they were together. They ended up naming them Maggie and Autumn.

It wasn't long after initially meeting them that they were racing through the room, batting at their little feather that was suspended from a spring atop of the scratching post, pouncing at anything that moved, climbing right over Dennis who was laying on the floor. It was purely sweet, adorable and very entertaining . Maggie has a rip roaring purr that just reverberates throughout the room while you cuddle with her.

We were so thrilled to see Terry beaming with pride, and looking content to have Maggie and Autumn his new kittens, to come home to rather than a silent apartment.

So, it's just the two of us glad to be home with our Shih Tzu, our spoiled baby, Shivan. Trying hard to stay warm as Florida is having the coldest weather we have had all year today, and hoping someone is there to greet you and keep you warm when you walk in the door! Of course, we are all here for each other in bloggityville! *smile*

A Christian Gospel Concert

2007-01-29T02:21:00.000-01:00

Had a wonderful fun filled weekend. Saturday evening I went to a Christian Gospel Concert, The Bill Gaither & Homecoming Friends~ Give It Away Tour 2007.

It turned out to be quite a challenge to get to the St Pete Times Forum where the concert was being held. The City of Tampa had their famous Gasparilla Parade. A fun tradition where pirates come in on their ships and kidnap the City Mayer Ms. Ioria, and the key to the City, and then they have a huge parade with 90 floats and 14 bands. The pirates ride up in boats or in the floats and throw
beaded necklaces to all the people.

We didn't attend this year, but have in the past and it is so very much fun! Pictured is Little Ben playing with some of the beads we have collected in past years.

Never the less, it turned the City of Tampa into an obstacle course trying to get to the concert and I ended up getting out and walking 7 or 8 blocks to meet up with my Mom and her church friends whom had called me and had already arrived.

Bill Gaither is a Grammy Award-winning gospel singer/songwriter who has written over 600 songs with his wife Gloria. Gaither was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1982. He may be 70, but he can still lay it down.

With their unique blend of powerful vocals and faith-filled entertainment, the guys offer a "Heavenly Parade" of southern gospel favorites! Including "Bread upon the Water," "Down from His Glory," "Worthy the Lamb," "I Can Only Imagine," "You're Looking at a Child Forgiven,". Give It Away includes performances from the Gaither Vocal Band, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Gordon Mote and others. They had a comedian, that for the life of me, I can't remember his name but oh my word, we laughed. The entire show is filled with comic relief, I couldn't believe how much we laughed! Bill's wife Gloria, used to ask "Where do you come up with these artist?", and Bill explained that he feels that all over in the Bible it refers to joy, happiness and laughter and so he surrounds himself with these characters that make him laugh!

The blind piano man touched my heart...accompanist for the Gaither Homecoming Tour and one of the most accomplished and sought-after recording studio session players in Nashville, TN. Gordon Mote, who was my absolute favorite!

Gordon, has played on recording sessions for the likes of Martina McBride, Trace Adkins, Randy Travis, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Mark Lowry, the Gaither Vocal Band, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, The Martins, and Alan Jackson, just to name a few. He may be blind but he is sensational on the ivory's. They showed clips of his beautiful wife and two children a boy and girl all while he shared a song he wrote for his wife titled, "If They Could See You Through My Eyes"! It was so endearing and brought tears to my eyes! Incredible!

Bill Gaither explains, "The "Give It Away Tour is an opportunity for us to "throw our hearts wide open" and share the things that are best enjoyed when we give them away, like faith, friendship and music." It was so powerfully uplifting and full of joy and happiness!

So, it's just the two of us delighted that Dennis was able to get me to the concert and that I was able to have experienced a cavalcade of singers, musicians and comedians, whose collective talents have been honored with countless awards, including Grammys, Doves, and many others. Hoping if you ever get a chance, Bill Gaither leaves you feeling lighthearted, hopeful and blessed to have heard one of the best Babara shop quartets with a fabulously talented Baritone, and are worth their weight in gold!

Photo Hunt ~ SILVER

2007-01-27T01:58:00.000-01:00

It is fun to participate in the Saturday Photo Hunt that is hosted by tnchick. This week's photo hunt theme is: SILVER. If you would like to play along click on the link below.

Just The Two of Us
will always hold the memory of our Son Kevin and Renee's
wedding close to our hearts and would
like to share the baby books we put together for the wedding.
Renee did hers and I did Kevin's and inside we scrap booked
baby pictures of each of them growing up through the years
and all the significant events that they experienced.
We displayed the books at the Rehearsal Dinner that
just the two of us hosted on the Dinner Cruise Ship. We had
such a wonderful time dinning, sight seeing, dancing and everyone
enjoyed flipping through the Scrapbooks which are reflected
in the silver mirror, sitting in front of the silver frames, and atop
the shimmery silver table cover.
The Lettering was also done up in silver.
Their wedding colors were silver and blue.


Grab the Scavenger Hunt code.

Photo Theme. Join the blogroll. Visit participants.So

So, it's just the two of us wishing
you all beautiful silver lined cloudy days
to reflect back on all of your treasured memories
you hold so close to your hearts!

Favorite Ingredients Friday~Super Bowl Edition

2007-01-26T02:36:00.000-01:00

Skewered Shrimp
Total Ingredients: 10

Scampi is shellfish native to the waters of the Adriatic but our jumpbo shrimp will do nicely for this. Many fin Italian restaurants feature these delicacies as appetizers. They're packed on skewers and broiled--basted simply with olive oil, then dashed with lemon juice and parsley when ready to serve.
These have a sauce and make an outstanding entree as well

Ingredients:

20 raw jumbo shrimp
Wafer thin slices Canadian bacon or Prosciutto
3 T olive oil
1 T Brandy
1/2 C light cream (or dry white wine)
1/3 C Beef broth (or consomme')
2 tsp lemon juice
2 tsp minced parsley
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Dash cayenne pepper

Optional:

salt to taste
cocktail sauce
lime

Preparation:

Shell and devein shrimp leaving tails intact. Rinse and pat dry on paper towels On each of 4 skewers thread 5 shrimp alternately with small squares bacon or ham, piercing shrimp so flat sides lie flat in pan. Brown lightly in hot olive oil on each side. Sprinkle with Brandy; add rest of ingredients. Cover lightly; simmer gently about 10 minutes. Remove to warm plates. Pour sauce over shrimp. Makes 4 servings. Nice with risotto (rice).

Sending out a big *thank you* to Overwhelmed With Joy for letting me participate in her Favorite Ingredients Friday Super Bowl Sunday Edition recipe exchange that she is hosting. Click on the link to get more great recipes.

If you missed my recipes for:
Swiss Ham Ring Around click here
Cream Puffs click here
Cheesecake click here
Oatmeal Barley Soup click here
Holiday Recipe Blogger Style/Meringue Wreaths click here

Iced Pumpkin bars click here
Banana Pudding click here
Zesty Cheese Asparagus Quiche click here

So, it's just the two of us hoping you have a wonderful time with family and friends this Super Bowl Sunday! Remember, whether you are a Colts fan or a Bears fan. May the best team win! Woohoo!

Pamela's Practically Pleasant Publication

2007-01-24T01:59:00.000-01:00

Scattegories

I saw this at Gail's of More Than a Song, and thought it looked like fun so I swiped it to do! We enjoy playing Scattegories; this was a little harder than I first thought it might be.

Rules: Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following…They must be REAL places, names, things…NOTHING made up! If you can’t think of anything, skip it. Try to use different answers if the person in front of you had the same 1st initial. You CAN’T use your name for the boy/girl name question.

Your name:

1. Famous Athlete: Phil Mickelson
2. 4 letter word: post, pail, pear, peek,
3. Street name: Park Place
4. Color: pink
5. Gifts/presents: Photos
6. Vehicles: Porsche'
7. Tropical Locations: Paradise Island
8. College Majors: Photography
9. Dairy Products: Philadelphia Cream Cheese
10. Things in a Souvenir Shop: plates
11. Boy Name: Paul, Peter
12. Girl Name: Princess, Penelope
13. Movie Titles: Pride and Prejudice
14. Alcohol: Purified ethanol
15. Occupations: Physician, Physcologist
16. Flowers: Pansy, Petunia
17. Celebrities: Patricia Keaton, Paul Newman,
18. Magazines: People Magazine
19. U.S. Cities: Phoenix
20. Pro Sports Teams: Philadelphia Eagles
21. Something Found in a kitchen: pitcher, processor
22. Reason for Being Late: pressed for time, putting on make-up
23. Something You Throw Away: potato peels
24 Things You Shout: Please
25. Cartoon Character: Pepé Le Pew

I won’t tag anyone specifically but I hope some of you will play along! Let me know so I can come read your answers.

So it's just the two of us proud & particularly pleased, playing & practicing polite phrases, picking petals, preparing plans plus...puzzled people prance pointedly past Pamela's prominent published post.

Today is a sweet blogger friend's Birthday. We'd like to wish a very Blessed andHappy Birthday to Tammy of Family Doin's. She is a wife and mother of two cute little girls. She is so sweet and very uplifting, she loves musicals so on that note... if you get a chance drop by and wish her a Happy Birthday!

Leaping Lizards and a Baby Shower

2007-01-22T05:15:00.000-01:00

Today, is my sweet Sister-in-law, Debbie's birthday! She and her hubby Noel have three beautiful and well mannered children, our nephews and niece and are named Samuel, Sawyer and Victoria. We miss them all and we'd like to wish her a wonderful birthday filled with blessings to last the whole year through!

The weekend was filled with all kinds of fun! My Mom came down early on Saturday so that we could visit before going over to Heather's for Renee's baby shower. Mom and I have been so busy that it has been hard to get together once a week like we usually do. It was fun to see her and show her my new blog design, well, it was new to her since she hasn't been over for about a month.

We all had a good time playing the new Monopoly game again. She brought over a Christmas gift that had evidentially been overlooked, and was for me! He He! It was kind of funny opening it here in late January. It was a darling Gingerbread boy riding on a sleigh. Very cute!

We both had agreed to bring a side item of finger food. Mom made homemade cream puffs stuffed with homemade chicken salad. I made three dozen deviled eggs. Luckily, Barb came over shortly before we were ready to leave and gave me better directions, cause let me tell you when they say go past the red barn and then take two curvy "S's" in the road and look for the tree that has berries on it...you get the point. Yikes! This city girl and country roads don't do that well together! lol Now my hubby he is a whiz on a dirt road!

The baby shower was fun! We played all the typical games but the funnest one to me was Pictionary using baby sayings. However, as much as I like to draw, we only got 60 seconds and my word was "infant". So, I drew four characters starting with an infant and going up. Someone said, "the stages of life", and I tried to egg her on but all they would say is "baby". We weren't allowed to use jesters.

Mom won a lovely basket full of lotions and potions from "Body Works". She was tickled and tried hard to give it to me but I wouldn't let her. I know she is going to enjoy that. We had to leave the party early as it seemed like it was going to go on forever and Mom had an hour and a half drive home with going back to my house first.

Therefore, we didn't get to see my DIL, Renee open the cute gifts I gave her. I had more fun getting her the cutest little pink frilly sundress that said "Princess" on it with a matching blanket, bibs and booties, and then I also got her the same type of things in lavender. I couldn't leave my little grand baby Ben out so I got him a little Dinosaur bib overall outfit so he would have something new too.

So, it's just the two of us letting you know that the little rubber ducky that you all said you liked by our pool in the previous post... is actually used to hold the chlorine tablets that slowly dissolve and keep the water clean. lol Someone asked about seeing something that looked like a lizard crawling on the tree in the background and yes, there were actually two lizards and they were crawling on the pool cage screen. My hubby and I couldn't believe how observant you all were! lol Lizards are everywhere here in Florida. Hope you all have a wonderful Monday!

Photo Hunters ~ Wild

2007-01-20T02:04:00.000-01:00

It is fun to participate in the Saturday Photo Hunt that is hosted by tnchick. This week's photo hunt theme is: WILD. If you would like to play along click on the link below, or on the button on my sidebar where you will also find the blogroll.

Just The Two of Us
Wish we had a picture of a wild Crocodile
as they are fairly common here in Florida.
However, we hope you will settle for some
tropical birds.
This is a family of Egrets
that I captured in our backyard.


Grab the Scavenger Hunt code.

Photo Theme. Join the blogroll. Visit participants.

So it's just the two of us wishing
some wildlife passes through your yard
so you can have a wild but pleasant weekend !

The Ultimate Blog Party

2007-01-19T04:23:00.000-01:00

T h e U l t i m a t e B l o g P a r t y

...and you are invited!

Who: All Bloggers and/or Store Owners

When: March 2, 2007 ~ March 9, 2007
Link before March 8th @ 12:00 am and invite guest, then
just add the button to your sidebar to be eligible to win prizes!
Woohoo!

Where: Janice and Susan's place over at 5 Minutes For Mom
Everyone who signs up through Mr Linky is a host!

It is to be a week long bash!

(Janice and Susan have always loved BIG parties – the bigger the better. They dislike being exclusive – so EVERYONE is invited!)

So if you would like to join in on all the fun simply click on the button on my sidebar, and get all the details. You can then copy and paste the code into your sidebar and send out your own invites.
Come on over to the party
It will be a week long bash starting March 2, 2007 and ending with the big prize giveaway on March 9, 2007.
All party guests who sign the Mr. Linky by 12pm Eastern on March 8, 2007 and who invited guests (invited friends via a post and have an Invitation Button on their blog) are eligible for our random draw prizes. Prizes will be announced at 5 Minutes for Mom at 7pm Eastern on March 9, 2007.

Note: Please use only the central Mr. Linky at 5 Minutes for Mom. Since only bloggers listed on this Linky will be eligible for prizes, we don’t want anyone to miss out by adding their name to another Linky. Please link directly to your Ultimate Blog Party post or have your Ultimate Blog Party post as a sticky at the top of your home page.
We are all hosting!
This Blog Party is all about meeting people – so put out some food, turn up the music and tell us a bit about yourself.
Yes – what would a party be without small talk? Be as funny, creative or straight forward as you like. Include a recipe or two, stream some music or videos, add a voice post or video of yourself, decorate your place – whatever will put you in a party mood. Be creative and have fun!
You can sign up to host a free prize for the random drawing they are having too!
They are encouraging us to get out there and MINGLE!
Don’t sit in a corner and only chat with people you know! Search the Linky and look for names you don’t recognize and head on over to their place to meet some new people.
And Then… and this is so fun we are just so excited…
The week after the Blog Party, they want you to write a post and introduce some of the new bloggers you meet at the party.

Edited to add: Just to clarify, everyone is invited, regardless of parental status, gender, religious affiliations, etc. This party is about having fun with friends and meeting new people.

My goodness, but technology is just soaring to new heights! I know I keep going on about the new Mac computer my daughter got for Christmas but today, she made my heart happy again by sharing one more little feature on her computer. It came with a built in video camera so today, while we were instant messaging each other she connected us and I was able to see her interact with the two baby's she was sitting. Watch her make them lunch, Mac and Cheese, and just had more fun listening to her talk and laugh while I typed away, (no camera on my end)! lol Living 23 hours away from each other can be really hard and today it felt like I was right there with her. I can't tell you how much this meant. *smile*

Apple has recently announced that they are coming out with the i phone. Friends, let me tell you this is like a mini computer, i pod, and a traveling map...all in one. No keyboard, unless you pull it up. Everything is available via the touch screen...watch the keynote. Check it out here !

So, it is just the two of us looking forward to having oodles of fun at the blog party and hoping you will be there too!

The Business of Life

2007-01-18T02:50:00.000-01:00

Today was just a sweet day! It was the first day since my surgery that I felt like a breath of fresh air. Like the feeling you have when fresh fallen dew drops on a soft petal and life just feels good again. I got a little of my spunk and my laugh back. He He!

Have to admit that between the surgery and not being able to be around some of my favorite people because of colds or viruses that have been going around, my hubby and I realized that with the coming of the new year, we have been taking care of a lot of business and not much play.
Hopefully, we will be turning that little dilemma around!

So, tonight we watched American Idol again. Where do they get those people!!! Ha Ha! Do they really think they can sing. If I have to listen to that song one more time "Don't You Wish Your Girl Friend Was Hot Like Me", I think I'm going to croak! lol Thank goodness, for that sweet girl Jordan at the end, she saved the day! I hope she goes far!

My DIL Renee's sister, Heather, called and is having a baby shower for Renee. I was surprised they are having a baby shower for the second baby. I didn't think people usually had showers for the second or third baby's. After all, they already have all the big stuff and all she really needs is the newborn stuff in "pink". Where is "Miss Manners " when you need her? We had a fun conversation and I agreed to bring deviled eggs. I just hope we don't have to wrap each other up in diapers made out of toilet paper. *sigh*

Can you believe it, Renee is due in the next two weeks! Originally it was to be Feb 7th, however, the Doctor said she was ready to go anytime now! I will taking care of Little Ben when she goes into labor. I am so excited! This Friday, just the two of us are going to take him to the park and maybe out to dinner with us. Dennis and I just love this Grandma and Grandpa business!

So, it's just the two of us waiting eagerly for the arrival of our second little grand baby to arrive. As we are so excited it is a little girl and just happy things are going so well and hope they are going your way too!

Here & Now...

2007-01-16T01:34:00.000-01:00

Amazing that in 1935 an unemployed Charles B. Darrow of Germantown, PA changed history. While the Depression was hovering over peoples lives and slowly draining their dreams and assets. It was then that Darrow invented the game Monopoly. In order to make it appealing he centered the game in Atlantic City using street names and such as this was the popular place to go on vacation back in the day. Now, more than 70 years later, they have created a new version.

Just the two of us had more fun playing Monopoly ~ Here & Now edition. It was a hoot! Hasbro, Parker Brothers and Monopoly, basically let the public vote and the cities and attractions that got the most votes were placed on the game board. It sports 22 of today's most popular traveling destinations across America, all selected by online votes back in May 2006.

The cities or locations that got the most votes: Disney World, The Gateway Arch, and Johnson's Space Center. Some of the Landmarks were much the same, with the exclusion of Jacobs Field, which won by a small percentage of points; Pioneer Square in Seattle. The railroads have been replaced with airports. The Utilities have been replaced with Cell phone service and Internet service. The tokens include a laptop, and McDonald's fries for some, we really had fun! One of my chance cards said I had sold something on E bay and collect $450,000. lol

Ironically, my hubby didn't really want to play at first. It was only with my incessant pleading that he agreed. Then, wouldn't you know he won! Yes, this was a real ego boaster for him. I tend to win more times than not whenever we play anything. We both are so competitive! When I realized how happy it made him, and I am talking a state of EUPHORIA, I thought perhaps, I should let him win more often...poor guy. However, the thought, quickly fleeted, silly me it must have been a moment of weakness! lol

We also saw the movie "The Painted Veil". An independent movie that we caught down at Channel Side, and upscale and modern Shopping Center loaded with night clubs, live music, Nostalgic shops, gourmet candy stores, and a unique bowling alley called Splitsville. Splitsville s has lanes set up in a 3-D fashion. Lanes that criss cross and angle in different directions over each other. They have live entertainment and a game room that is just plain cool! You can watch the ships out on the Bay and at night the place just comes alive with huge romantic white lights that light up the place that dangle from the trees in the courtyard around the fountains. It is so lovely! We enjoyed delicious Mexican food and had so much fun talking, laughing and teasing one another. It is one of the few places that people really dress up in Tampa.

So it's just the two of us feeling oh so glad to have been able to steal a few dreamy moments together and hoping that you all are taking a few minutes for yourselves, as well.

For Kelli, a sweet blogger, needs a kidney transplant. Desperately. She is currently on daily dialysis, though she can’t continue with it indefinitely. She has made her way through the bulk of the process to become an organ transplant candidate, and on the medical end of things, the prospects look pretty good. She needs a donor, of course, but in terms of her being a suitable candidate, everything looks fine. She’s been poked, prodded, questioned and tested - and she’s passed with flying colors.

Boo Mama has set up a special account through Amazon. Please click on the button on my sidebar, for Kelli and contribute what you can to help. Being as she had to quit her job she is in jeopardy of loosing her expensive health insurance through Cobra. It is urgent that she keeps this insurance, as she has qualified for the transplant. Through God all things are possible.

Maxillary Facial Oral Surgery

2007-01-13T01:28:00.000-01:00

* Sorry, No Photo Hunt Picture...recovering from Oral Surgery*
See you next Saturday...Photo Hunters.

My oral surgery was quite something, but was apparently, considered an emergency after the infection went up to just under my eye and into my sinus'. Rather than taking 2 1/2 - 3 hours it took 5 hours, actually 10 minutes shy of 5 hours. There was a complication in that they had to cut bone out of my face and then in turn, sand it down. I received 10 stitches. The Doctor worked through her lunch. They were teasing me saying, "it's Pamela exclusive day".

Immediately, I felt intense pain and throbbing. With my purse on my shoulder the Doctor gave me another shot for the pain. I don't know how I got to the Pharmacy but did, and when I got home my hubby was right there waiting for me. The pain was excruciating at first but all of your sweet prayers and well wishes must have worked. I am so much better.

The swelling in my cheek is still there but is going down. I do still have a fever, but I feel so much better. Dr. M, cancelled so many of her patients just to take care of me and I am so grateful. The pain meds knock me out, however, I have a thing about taking pain meds. If I can, I would rather not take them, I have a fear of addictions.

So it is just the two of us thanking you all for your well wishes and much appreciated prayers. We are in good hands as He takes such good care of us. Hoping to catch up with all of you, here and there, when I can and no need to comment, I know you all care! ((hugs of gratitude))

* Middle and lateral facial edema (swelling)

o Buccal space infection is typically indicated by cheek edema and is due to infection of posterior teeth, usually premolar or molar.

o Canine space infection is evidenced by anterior cheek swelling with loss of the nasolabial fold and possible extension to the infraorbital region. This is due to infection of the maxillary canine and potentially may spread to the cavernous sinus.

Cellulitis may follow apical periodontitis if the infection spreads into the surrounding tissues. Diffuse, tense, painful swelling of the affected tissues occurs. Regional lymphadenopathy is common, and fever may be present. The infection can spread into the major fascial spaces of the head and neck, with the attendant risk of airway compromise. Maxillary infection also may spread to the periorbital area, increasing the risk of serious complications that include loss of vision, cavernous sinus thrombosis, and central nervous system involvement.

Happy Birthday to a Sweet Blogger Friend!

2007-01-11T03:04:00.000-01:00

Today is Larae's Birthday! She is a very kind, thoughtful, and uplifting blogger friend. She always makes me smile. She's the kind of person that just brightens your day! She is such an incredible and talented young lady and often offers helpful hints that make life so much easier on her blog, The Everyday Ramblings of a Northern Southerner. She never ceases to amaze me! The word has it that there might be wedding plans in the near future, as well. Woo hoo! So if you get a chance please go over and help make her day by wishing her a Happy Birthday!

Today, I will be having oral surgery! This is my third visit this week, as I have been having nerve pain in my cheek so today they have blocked out three hours to take care of it! I told them that is enough time to play a good game of Monopoly if they all just wanted to come over to my house, however, they are very determined and focused so I don't expect to get out of this one. They are a very head strong group. *whimper*

The good news is that my hubby's Assistant Manager is coming back from Columbia today after a three week vacation. Never the less, my hubby hasn't had a day off in three weeks and has worked an average of 10 hours a day! Oh it will be soooo good to have him home over the weekend! Woohoo!

So, it's just the two of us looking forward to being together and soaking up a little sun out on the beach this weekend and maybe catching a movie, and perhaps enjoying some Mexican food! Woohoo! We hope the sun is shining down where you are so you can bask in it, and if you have snow, you can just throw caution to the wind, jump in and make a beautiful snow angel! If it is cold you have someone who you canl cuddle up with so you so you stay warm. Everyone needs to pray that our friends in Australia, like our blogger friend Merle, of Third Try, gets some much needed rain as they have been fighting off brush fires, with temperatures up over 102 degrees and have even had to call in help from New Zealand and Canada, just to give the firefighters a break. So if you will, go see Larae and say "Happy Birthday"!

WFMW ~ Crispy Tuna Steaks in Citrus Sauce

2007-01-10T02:33:00.000-01:00

Shannon of Rocks In My Dryer is hosting a special themed ~
Works For Me Wednesday, WFMW,
where she would like us to list a healthy low-fat recipe for the
New Year 2007.
It's the healthy eating edition!

This is the first time I have participated in WFMW, so
get your weight-loss-friendly recipes ready to share with the rest of us,
I am looking forward to reading your recipes!
If you would like to join in click on the link or the button.

Crispy... Tuna... Steaks
in... Citrus... Sauce

Everyone knows fish is a good choice for heart-healthy eating...it's lower in saturated fat than meat and poultry. Their beefy texture makes tuna steaks a favorite with affirmed meat eaters. The seasonal cornmeal seals in its juicy flavor. Who could resist! lol

338 calories; serves 4
prep time: 15 minutes; cook time: 9 minutes

Ingredients:

2 large oranges
1 1/2 c orange juice
2 Tbs dry white wine (optional)
2 Tbs cornstarch
2 Tbs chopped fresh cilantro
2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
4 tuna steaks (1/2 inch thick, 6 ounces ea)
4 tsp olive oil

Preparation:

Peel and section oranges, eliminating seeds. Whisk orange juice, wine (if using), and cornstarch in small saucepan until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook, stirring, until sauce boils and thickens, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in orange sections. Keep warm.

Mix cilantro, cornmeal, salt, and pepper in pie plate. Coat both sides of tuna steaks with cornmeal mixture, pressing firmly so crust mixture adheres.

Heat 2 tsp oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Sear tuna until done to taste, 2 to 3 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Add remaining oil just before turning fish. Serve with the sauce.

Tip: When purchasing tuna, I use yellowfin. It's a good choice for this recipe because it holds its shape and is flavorful. I also make this recipe with salmon.

Health hint: Tuna is a member of the mackerel family. It is high in heart-protecting omega-3 acids (canned albacore tuna has the highest levels) Omega-3s are special fats that help prevent artery disease. Like most fish, tuna is especially rich in B vitamins, including niacin, thiamin, and vitamin B6.

Blogger would not let me on my blog or anyone else's blog today! he he! In fact, blogger said I was not authorized to even visit my blog! lol Too Funny! So, in the midst of it all, I upgraded to the new version of Firefox and finally tonight it is working! The new Firefox has it's own built in spell check! woohoo! I think I like it!

Hope you all enjoy this tasty and healthy little number as much as we do. lol I will be in and out of the Dental office this week while they fix me up and make me look pretty. he he! I am so out of my comfort zone whenever I have to go to the Dentist so I tend to joke and tease with them and today, I just had them all in stitches, my way of dealing with it! So, it's just the two of us hoping you remember to keep it lite, and eat healthy!

Is Your Computer a Girl or Boy...

2007-01-08T01:51:00.000-01:00

So many of us in bloggityville use our laptops or computers on a daily basis and it just boggles my mind that I have never given my computer a pet name. After all, I call my car "Chile Pepper"...lol. Never the less, I thought you all might enjoy this.

A Spanish teacher was explaining to her class that in Spanish, unlike English, nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine. "House," for instance, is feminine: "la casa." "Pencil", however, is masculine; "el la'piz."

A student asked, "What gender is 'computer'"? Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two groups, male and female, and asked them to decide for themselves whether "computer" should be a masculine or a feminine noun. Each group was asked to give four reasons for its recommendation.

The men's group decided that "computer" should definitely be of the feminine gender ("la computadora") because of the following:

1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic.

2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else.

3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long-term memory for possible later retrieval.

4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half your paycheck on accessories for it.

The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be masculine ("el computador"), because of these reasons:

1. In Order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on.

2. They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves.

3. They are suppose to help you solve problems, but half the time they are the problem.

4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model.

The women won...(Guys, that's a joke!)

So, it's just the two of us doing a little reading, talking about possible vacation plans and squeezing in every precious moment we can fit in together, which, have been far and few between these days. Hoping you all are making a few plans for yourselves so you all have something to look forward to.

Photo Hunt ~ MEMORY

2007-01-06T02:26:00.000-01:00

It is fun to participate in the Saturday Photo Hunt that is hosted by tnchick. This week's photo hunt theme is: MEMORY. If you would like to play along click on the link below.

Just the two of us
realize a memory is precious, especially when it is
a memory that has been past down through our family
heritage using photos.

The first photo is of my
Great Grandmother, Grace Edith H...with
my Grandmother, Gertrude Vivian B...
looking over her shoulder at her baby brother. Yes, that
little girl is my Grandmother.

She grew up to become a lovely young woman in the 1920's
also referred to as the roaring twenty's. While, it was popular
for young women to wear their hair in a fashionable Bob,
she preferred to keep her hair in long ringlets
as you can see in the second photo of her
at about 19 years of age.

  
Grab the Scavenger Hunt code.

Photo Theme. Join the blogroll. Visit participants.

So it's just the two of us realizing that these photos I took last week
of the framed originals are extremely dark. However,
the memory is perserved as someone took the time to pass it on,
and now I have a new photo of the originals, and may be able to
have some restoration work done before it's too late. It's up to us
to pass on a treasured memory
before the names, dates, times and places fade.

Somethings Remain The Same

2007-01-05T02:11:00.000-01:00

Whenever I make one of our favorite family dishes. I usually make one up to serve and one to freeze for a later date. That way, whenever we have unexpected company or we are rushed for time or just feeling plain lazy, as was the case today. I just take the dish out, throw it in the microwave; thaw it, then toss it in the oven and ooh la la! Lasagna!

Last night Kevin and Renee brought over our sweet Little Ben. They got his picture taken at the Mall and wanted to drop one by for us.

The little Elmo outfit is one of his gifts from just the two of us that they had his picture taken in. He seemed a little out of sorts when he walked in and I realized all the pretty lights, the singing moose and the train that he liked to play with were all gone, put away til next Christmas. Needless to say, it was as if he came prepared with radar and honed right in on our Shih Tzu, Shivan! Before you knew it we were playing a game of block and tackle. He is at that cute age where he just giggles and jabbers nonstop but rarely uses words that mean anything. Without being factitious, it makes me wonder when he does start talking and using meaningful words is he going to be like a politician and never stop talking!

Today, we would like to wish our Son, Kevin and Renee a Happy 2nd Anniversary! May God bless you with continued love, laughter, happiness and a healthy little baby sister next month for Little Ben! We are so proud of you both and all of your early accomplishments. Kevin, we know it hasn't been easy, raising a young family, holding down a demanding job and attending college full-time...and Renee, he wouldn't be sucessful without your love and support. While change is imminent and things rarely stay the same one thing that will always remain steadfast and true is our heartfelt love for you two. Keep God first in your marriage and all things are possible!

So, it's just the two of us enjoying this 80 degree weather and hoping you are enjoying your spring like weather, as well.

Hopes, Dreams and Goals...With God's Blessings!

2007-01-04T01:46:00.000-01:00

Laurel Wreath would like us to post about our hopes, dreams, goals, for the next year. What would we like to see God do in our life? If you would like to join in, click on the button on my sidebar!

HOPES...One of my dearest hopes is to lead by example. Those who are closest to me and whom I cherish most are my family and dear friends. I have and always will feel it is my awesome responsibility that if I am to have any moral influence, I must try to lead by example. Joshua was that way. He knew the way because God had told him to be strong and courageous, to obey all of God's laws and to remember that God is always with us. He was obedient to the Lord and he showed the way by providing servant-leadership.

Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love,
in spirit, in faith, in purity. ~1 Timothy 4:12

DREAMS...It has always been a dream of mine to be able to touch others. I like to think of each of us being represented as one link in a continuous chain, that forms a circle. Each touching and looking out for their neighbor, knowing full well we are only as strong as our weakest link. In order for the circle to go unbroken we must look out for one another, even when it seems we have nothing to offer or to give, just that little bit of encouragement, or hug, or support or reading from the word, may be all that is needed to sustain life, to bridge the gap, or to offer hope. In that way, I might lead my friend just far enough, so that God may shed a bit of light to get them through the darkness, and the circle will go on.

He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but
have the light of life. ~ John 9:12

GOALS...My goal to better myself. To learn from my mistakes. To be more forgiving of others. To start each day off with his Word. To try to care more about the other person because by giving I receive. My goal this year is to get back into volunteer work maybe see if there is an opportunity to work with children. Most of all I want to always show my appreciation to God and to all my family and friends. I never want take one's kindness for granted but to always show my appreciation. Lastly, there is so much beauty in nature; his gifts that are so easy to take for granted...His blessings are a work of art, a gorgeous sunset, a precious little animal, a babbling brook or a swaying Palm tree, not to meantion my favorite...the ocean. hehe! I want to remember to acknowledge our Creators beautiful masterpieces, as they mean so much to me.

Again, now that 2007 is upon us, I will look forward to whatever God may have in store for us with the same optimistic hope and eager anticipation. I know whatever challenges face us we will meet them head on, and together. We always have, as we trust Him with all our hearts.

Update: My goodness, let me just thank you all so much! You prayers and kind words are dearly appreciated. I apparently have an infection in the left side of my face, which, is swollen and draining puss and blood into my mouth and is causing huge blister...I know, I know, I am sorry, it is disgusting but never the less, the Doctor has put me on a stronger antibiotic than Penicillin, called Augmentin and a stronger pain killer that is suppose to knock me out. I am doing fine. I may not post for a day or two, but I am fine. Then I have to go to the Micro Facial Sergent, even I don't know what that is exactly! lol

So, it's just the two of us kicking back, mending and feeling blessed to have friends like you and hoping He has wonderful joys in store for you and your loved ones! Blessings to all of you!

The Very Best in 2007

2007-01-01T14:58:00.000-01:00

Keeping this short, as I have been on antibiotics and pain killers for an infection that started in my mouth and went up to just below my eye and has got the whole nerve upset. We are between Dental insurance plans so, I just hope there isn't any unforseen complications.
They are sending me to a micro facial sergeant and I am sure all will work out perfectly. :)

Hope you all enjoyed bringing in the New Year in style! In style for just the two of us was snuggled up right here, watching a little of TV , listening to a little music, and enjoying each other's conversation.

We enjoyed reflecting on the past year and all that 2006 had brought us. Mainly, our Daughter Chrystal and new Son-in-law David's, wedding. I loved helping Chrystal's with her wedding and I love that she trusted me enough to do the whole Reception...long distance, I might add.

The internet brought us together in ways that were miraculous! She would see something she liked or vice versa and instantaneously we would be sharing and laughing about the possibilities.

Yesterday, was her birthday and she had to work all day so when she came home she was delighted that she had some birthday wishes from friends that were kind enough to go over to her new sight. Thank You, so much, it really brightened her day!

When I started blogging in August, I never realized what wonderful and inspirational friends I would meet. I have laughed with you cried with you and been moved in ways that truly have been uplifting and inspirational. You have taught me new things, and I now have recipes enough to last well, I guess there is always room for one more recipe! hehe!

Now that 2007 is upon us, I will look forward to whatever God may have in store for us with the same optimistic hope and eager anticipation. I know whatever challenges face us we will meet them head on, and together. We always have, as we trust Him with all our hearts.
So, it's just the two of us wishing you the very best in 2007!

Happy 23rd B-day to Our Daughter!

2006-12-31T14:44:00.000-01:00

For Our Lovely Sweet Daughter
on her birthday...

Holding you, cradling you, admiring all that made you so precious,
with a love that welled up inside of us and was infectious.
You melted into our hearts,
right from the very start.

We dreamed of you for oh, so long,
and when you were born it filled our hearts with sweet song.
A lovely melody to last our whole life through,
like the sweet morning dew that completes you.

You are the bright ray of sunshine that lights up our days,
your smile, your giggle, is what we crave in so many ways.

Watching you grow up and seeing all of your talents unfold,
Piano, softball fastpitcher, journalist, your competitive spirit,
a confident, beautiful young Christian woman to behold.

My darling sweet baby girl, although there were times I called you a pistol,
You will always remain our sweet angel... Chrystal.
Your Father and I couldn't be more proud
let our voices ring out "we love you", and very loud.

by, Pamela

So, it's just the two of us wishing a
Happy 23rd Birthday
to our lovely sweet Daughter, Chrystal!
...and wishing you all a Happy and Joyous New Year 2007!

Chrystal got a new Mac laptop for Christmas and created a new blog called Life's a Dance, she would love it if you would drop by and wish her a Happy Birthday!

Photo Hunters ~ NEW

2006-12-30T02:03:00.000-01:00

It is fun to participate in the Saturday Photo Hunt that is hosted by tnchick. This week's photo hunt theme is: NEW. If you would like to play along click on the link below.

Just The Two of Us
are looking forward to the New Year
2007!
As the old saying goes...
Out with the Old and in with the New!

Pamela, fondly remembers this sweet, but old childhood Santa.
His eyes used to light up and twinkle and
he was just a merry old soul.
He represents memories I will always cherish!

This year,
my hubby blessed me with a NEW favorite...
A Willow Tree nativity scene.
It adds gentle grace to our home and will always
hold a special place in my heart!
As Mother Mary cradles her
new baby Jesus
in her arms!



Grab the Scavenger Hunt code.

Photo Theme. Join the blogroll. Visit participants.

So it's just the two of us wishing
you all
memories to cherish,
with an abundance of joy and happiness
for each and everyday of the New Year

2007!