Public Service Announcement

According to a recent scientific study,

replacing the empty toilet paper roll

does NOT cause brain damage.

How does your garden grow?

Is this a weed? I think I'll leave it.

The hyacinths from Grace look like they may survive!

The birdbath flower bed Jennifer planted

Most of it came back :-)

In the flower bed in the front yard

Around the tree out front

Plants going in today

Our veggie garden spot

We bought this place because Buck liked having space (big yard). I enjoy mowing but I'm not crazy about weeding. The people who lived here before us had flower beds here and there in the yard ~ no pattern or system of planting ~ it looks like they said "this looks like a good place for a flowerbed and plopped one there". I have a complaint about them because they chose to encircle them with concrete edgers. BIG PAIN to mow around so I have to weed eat around them and I don't care for weeding (see above) I am in the process of combining some, getting rid of some, and planting some stuff of my own. I am going to have to replant one of my tomato planters. I think I damaged the plant when I put it in 'cause it doesn't look so good today. This year we are going to have a veggie garden. Last week we tilled, then Buck spread fertilizer and we tilled, hopefully it will rain some where over the next couple of days and then we will plant ~ HuRrAy!? Just hope I can stay ahead of the weeds.

It's not written in stone

I make a list of things I want to accomplish each day. Today's list was ~ walk with Teresa, fix Dad's lawn mower, work in the yard, do the laundry. My lists are "suggestions" if they don't all get done ~ I move them over to the next day. This morning it was raining ~ so no walking but I did get Daddy's mower fixed ~ he took it for a test drive around the yard. I got some planting done and burned some limbs I had stacked in the back AND the last load of laundry is in the washer even as I type. Lists (like people) should be flexible. I'll just have to walk twice as far tomorrow.
Have a pleasant evening. Muah!

All God's Children Got Feet

Tired feet
Feet in cleats
Painted feet

Gardening feet in Crocs

Hard working feet taking a break

Mismatched feet (in a hurry to play outside)

Sneakered feet

Little feet on tippy toes

Recently I wore a pair of shoes that gave me blisters on both heels. Since then I have worn backless shoes, flip flops, and Crocs without socks to allow healing. As you can see feet, come in a variety of sizes in our family. Jakob and Topher have a real problem keeping their shoes tied. Sarah and Claire don't worry about that cause they like barefeet. Buck wears hard toed boots (not pictured) and the dirt covered black shoes for gardening. I like shoes if they are comfortable, flip flops are nice if my nails are painted, and barefeet are great. Then you have the specialty shoes like cleats for baseball or painted on flip flops for fun. Whatever your size or choice ~ take care of your feet ~ they are the foundation that holds up the rest of your body.

Kiss Kiss * *

A new week

Out by the pool (which isn't uncovered yet) It will be interesting to see which does better.

Don't know how he does this with one hand.

We had a nice day yesterday. Saw a ballgame (Topher), worked in the yard, went out to lunch, and washed the dogs. Topher's team had two ballgames yesterday but we opted to only watch one. They lost one by a couple of points and . . . we won't discuss the other one. The girls gave me a couple of Topsy Turvy Tomato planters ~ excited to see if they work like on TV. Buck bought some plants and potting soil and I planted them while he washed all five dogs. I helped with the tilling wearing a pair of crocs and no socks (not recommended) my feet were filthy by the time we were done. I did manage a few minutes just laying in the sun which was relaxing. All in all, I had a good birthday. Thanks for all the cards and calls ~ I even heard from Will! That was a surprise.

In late breaking news. . .Jennifer, Sarah, and Claire will be coming for a visit next month. I'll be traveling to Nashville to pick them up on the 28th and we will have them with us until June 3rd.

I hear it's your birthday

Happy Birthday to me :-0

Happy Birthday to me :-)

Happy Birthday dear me :-}

Happy Birthday to me ;-)

Hurrah!

Buck and I went to the doctor today. He no longer has to take the Rhythmol! WooHoo and Hallelujah!

How was my day??

Christian and Jakob

(I know I should have faced the sun)

Doesn't that look tasty?????

The day started okay ~ I had breakfast, made lunch for Buck and Lisa, showered, went to the bank, and headed to Carbon Hill for Jakob's track meet. Good, right? I couldn't find the high school! I took the wrong exit going into Carbon Hill! Stopped for directions and still made it to the meet BEFORE the bus from Lupton got there, WHEW! It was a nice day for a track meet. Jakob ran in the 100 yard dash, 1600 meter relay, and the obstacle course. He didn't place in any of his events but that was okay ~ he didn't have to be in school and he was hangin' with his friends. After the meet I hustled to WalMart, came home and fed the dogs, checked the mail, and started supper (BIG MISTAKE) I was hurrying and left the chicken alone on the grill a "bit too long". Yikes! I thought I was only inside for 10 minutes but when I walked back out the garage was filled with smoke and the chicken was FLAMING! The lid was hot enough to burn my finger when I opened it ~ another BIG MISTAKE ~ I choked on the fumes. I quickly turned off the gas, opened the other side of the garage and turned on a fan to clear the air ~ P U! Buck was NOT amused when he came home to find charred (not char broiled) chicken sitting on the stove. Today? . . . .Salad ~ yeah! Can't burn that!

And the rains came

Is damp a good look for me?

I know there's an umbrella around here somewhere!

Hellooooo. . . We live in the South where the weather in the Spring is rain, some sun, rain, a thunderstorm, rain, maybe a tornado, and rain. Yesterday, like every other day lately, it rained. While I was out feeding the dogs and lighting the grill for some chicken and burgers, it started. Buck, being the caring father that he is, came out and asked "Have you heard from the girls?" Well, no, I had not ~ I was sort of busy. Needless to say (if it was truly needless I wouldn't be saying it now would I?) I checked on Kim and her family and Lisa. They were both safe and dry ~ not like me ~ taking my life in my hands for the dogs and a hamburger! And as you can see WET.

Cyclops

In Greek mythology a cyclops was a member of a primordial race of giants with a single eye in the middle of its forehead. This cyclops seems to be suffering from a 'drifting' eye ~ it isn't in the middle of its forehead. Maybe this is a baby cyclops and the oversized Alabama sweatshirt is a disguise? Also take note of the "bad boy" stance. . .arms folded across the chest. Who could this be? And why is he in my computer room? ;-)

Quick update for those of you interested:

Buck will be going to the cardiologist next week. Hopefully he will release him. It would be nice if he could do away with some of his medications but that probably won't happen for a while yet. We are going to plant a garden and that is going to be his after work project (wink wink) I'll let you know who does the hoeing.

Big hug **

Grandchildren

Jakob and Topher with their bunny pops

Claire does her tongue exercise

Sarah works her hair "magic"

Grandchidren are entertaining, aren't they? The boys were fun to travel with when we went to Colorado. They had their "set-up" in the backseat and played, watched movies, and as you can see from the photo acted silly. Part of being a grandparent is enjoying the silly without edit. Parents tend to say "don't" "stop" and "quit" but grandparents say "cool" "that's cute" and "let's see that again". (one of the advantages of being a grandparent)

Niebler/Nibler

We visited the family plot in Springfield. Olive and Charles were Buck's paternal grandparents and Laura was another aunt. On the other side of the plot are Corinne and Betty Jo (Buck's half sister) and a space for Grace. She has chosen not to have her name or birthdate inscribed there yet. She did not go to Corinne's funeral and has never visited her grave. She said she doesn't want to think about her being gone. Everyone deals with grief and lose in their own way. This is the way she chooses.

Corinne and Grace worked on the Nibler Family geneology for many years. She gave us her books with all the collected information. It is a daunting task to weed through histories and track down grandpa's uncle's sister's child. I will look into it but I'm afraid the quest to fill in all the gaps is over. The original name was Niebler. They thought it was important to put the family crest on the family gravestone.

The family crest

Wheat and shovels represent farmers/agriculture

Armor represents military

Cross represents Christianity

Key represents knowledge/intelligence

A blast from the past

Olive Green
Artificial Plants

Floral Bathroom

A few years back, well maybe 12? we visited Grace and Corinne in Springfield. Grace's house looks exactly the same as it did then. There is flocked wallpaper, artificial plants aplenty, and a green kitchen. The bathroom joining the bedroom where we slept was teeny tiny. Buck opted out of showering due to the size (miniscule) of the shower. Grace is a teeny tiny older woman so this house fits her perfectly and part of her is stuck in time with her memories so the decor is perfect for her.

Springfield

Grace Eleanora Nibler (97)

Ginger is the personification of Stank Breath

Buck and I had a whirlwind trip to Springfield, Missouri. We left around lunchtime on Friday and were back in our own beds Sunday night. Grace is the last of Buck's aunts and she is 97 years old. She lives alone and has friends who take care of her ~ or she would say they take care of each other. She has a valid driver's license but we are trying to encourage her to stop driving. Her reflexes aren't as good as they should be. She doesn't get out much except for trips to the doctor or to the beauty shop to get a perm. She had many stories to share and is VERY vocal with her political opinion (she is a hardcore Democrat). Bless her ~ she sleeps on the sofa to be close to Ginger and the thermostat in her house was set at 85. Buck and I spent Saturday night with her and we covered the vent and opened a window. . . it was STILL hot! I did not have a restful night and woke up with a BAD headache. We had breakfast at a Shoney's, something we haven't done in years since there are no Shoney's in Alabama that I know of. We also made a stop at the original Bass Pro Shop. It was a good trip for Buck. We visited the cemetery where his grandparents are buried. Grace gave him a framed photo of them and all of their children. He hopes to reproduce it for the brothers and grandchildren. Our drive back on Sunday was WET. It rained most of the way and the wind was horrid! It was a struggle to keep the EX between the lines. (Buck is a backseat driver from the passenger seat) 'Nough said :-)

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!

Buck and I should be on our way back to Alabama today.

Lisa, bless her, had to work this weekend.

Maybe the Easter Bunny came by and left her a little something?

I mailed a few Easter cards.

To those of you who I missed

HAPPY EASTER!

Beware of brown jelly beans found in the grass.

They may not be JELLY BEANS

Ewwwww!

Somewhere in Missouri

Buck and I are somewhere in Missouri. After he gets up and has breakfast we will finish our trek to Grace's house. I think we are spending the night with her ~ so no computer. Hope all of you are having a peaceful Easter weekend.
Lisa got her state refund yesterday!!!! YEA!!!! Maybe ours is on its way.
(Arie did you get yours filed yet?)
Big hug ~ lotsa little kisses!

I think I've found my Easter Bonnet!

I could always add a flower or a bow?
And it's versatile!
Guess I'll keep it as my mowing hat ;-)

When Wanda and I were younger we dressed alike one Easter in pink suits with pink purses, white gloves, the required black patent leather shoes, and white ankle socks. That was pre-hot curlers so we probably slept the night before with those crazy spongy rollers in our hair. Then a few years later Teresa and I dressed alike in polka dot dresses! I should find those pictures to share with you! Now NO ONE wants to dress like me LOL (Think it could be my choice in hats??) Women used to wear hats to church every service. I'm sure we had an Easter hat or two along the way. I remember Mother had a white rabbit fur hat among her collection. I've been told I have a 'hat' face ~ does that mean I look good in one because part of my face is covered?! I still like hats. I may just go out and buy myself a new one!

Hopping Down the Bunny Trail?

WHO is Peter?

WHY does he have a cotton tail?

WHY does he bring eggs?

WHO thought up that idea to begin with?

EGGS ?! boiled eggs, plastic eggs,

chocolate eggs, and golden eggs?

Bunnies DO NOT lay eggs!

Does Peter steal them from the chickens?

Do they work together?

The chicken provides the product

Peter is the distributor?

WHAT kind of chicken lays

plastic, boiled, chocolate,

or golden eggs anyway?

Hey Jennifer!

In answer to your comment on the "pharmacy"

I’ll have a caffe mocha valium latte

to go please!

April Showers and the weather radio

April Showers
Scanning the skies

Buck's weather radio

Yesterday was a typical Southern weather day. The afternoon brought thunderstorms, threats of tornadoes, and rain . . . lots and lots of rain. Lisa works in Trussville and she called after work to see if it was safe for her to drive home. If you know me ~ you know I would have driven home storm or no storm but ... I digress. We couldn't get ahold of Buck so she said I should make the call ~ I'm all "come on home". But then I had an epiphany ~ I should call another dad and ask his opinion. "Tell her to stay there until it is safe" he said. Thanks ;-) That was what she wanted to hear.

I learned something during all of this. The weather radio that the girls gave their dad for his birthday works much better when it is on. I checked the tv stations, I went outside and scanned the skies and waited for the thing to shriek at me to let me know there was an alert. Upon closer examination I found out it wasn't even activated!!!!!

Welcome to the pharmacy

Buck's heart is still doing well. We went to the doctor yesterday to learn what is going on with his thyroid! Thankfully, no cancer. He has a hypothyroid which means his isn't doing its job. So, we add another pill to the arsensal. Maybe this one will help him with his energy level and jump start his weight lose. I've been to CVS Pharmacy so much that they know me by name ~ which is kind of nice....but what a way to meet people, right?

Since we have passed that hurdle, we are planning a trip to Springfield, Missouri to visit his aunt (who is ninety-something) and I've only met once. Maybe we can make a side trip to the Bass Pro Shop? You know the camera will be traveling with us so I will be posting photos of her. Her name is Grace Nibler ~ never married ~ the last of the brother and sisters.

Later.....

Let's stay in touch

At a recent family gathering, brought about by a funeral, the cousins were gracious and kind to each other. "It's been too long" we said. "We should get together" we said. "Let's stay in touch" we said. To them I send this "ode".

I called out to you

But you did not answer

You were too busy

Busy with your own life

Your own problems, your own sadness

I just wanted a minute

A minute of your time

To stay connected

To voice my concerns

To share your pain

Answer your phone

I may need you

Answer your phone

You may need me

But not even know

Until you answer your phone