A Heavy Heart

My heart is heavy for the families in Connecticut. Let's stay vigilant in prayer for them.

I Apologize

I don't know what shows up in your reader when I change any of my posts. If you received a lot of updates from my blog----I apologize! Also, the look of my posts will be somewhat drab until I can get out and get some new pictures on my own camera.----I apologize!

It seems as though you can't borrow just any picture from the internet. If you've been reading my blog for any length of time, you know that I like to use cartoon pictures to spice it up a bit. But according to a fellow blogger, a person can get sued for that kind of behavior. If you knew me personally, you would know that I tend to freak out at the very thought of doing anything wrong---no matter how big or small. I don't care if it's only something that can earn a dirty look from someone. So the very thought of being drawn into a legal dispute has sent me on a frenzy. I have edited some of my original posts and deleted all others. The results: 1/3 of my original posts are left. Those that are left are pretty drab and uninteresting.----I apologize!

We're A Little Bit Country!

When I was younger, my family moved a lot. When I say a lot, I don't mean 3 or 4 times. That would have been a piece of cake! No, I changed schools 7 different times. But I only went to 4 different schools. I won't even try to explain that one. (Some things should remain a mystery. It kind of makes it intriguing, don't you think?) Now before you think this is going to be some psychotic rage about how miserable my childhood was, let me assure you it is NOT! My childhood was fine. I have very loving parents. While I wouldn't advise parents to put their children through the constant readjustment that this can create. I will say it encouraged me to form my own personality and judgement. I didn't join the crowd and rebel against any establishment or persons of authority. So now that we've established that I am not harboring any deep resentment against my parents or society as a whole....let me say....it has NOTHING WHATSOEVER to do with this post. It's just a little background.

While I've lived a lot of places, I've never lived in a big city. I've visited various cities. But then again, I suppose it depends on your definition of city. Ok, so I've never been to New York, Chicago or LA. When I say I've been to the city, I'm referring to places like St. Louis, Nashville, Memphis, etc. Recently I was shocked to learn that most adults don't consider those places big. Nor do they consider them to be cities. Well folks, that's as big as it gets for me. And Chatty? She's been to less places than I've been. After about 11 months of marriage, Mr. Chat and I moved back to one of the towns that I consider my home town. When Chatty was born, we lived in a rented house. After 4 years, we built our house and we've lived here ever since.

The other day, Chatty and I were listening to Scotty McCreery singing "A Water Tower Town". Half way through the song, we both looked at each other at the same time. I said, "Oh wait! Doesn't everywhere have water towers?" I thought about the cities I've visited. I don't remember seeing a water tower. Chatty asked, "But where do they get their water?" Then it occurred to us and we both started laughing.

Yeah Scotty, you're our kind of guy. (But I bet you already knew that cities don't have water towers)!

Say "CHEESE"

We're trying to update family photos. Which is easier said than done. It's almost impossible to get everyone together at the same time. Each adult family member works a different schedule. On the rare times they have a day off together, the grandkids have tons of things that require their attention. Free time is precious and strategically planned. You know what they say? If you can't beat them, join them. Yesterday, the youngest twin and his wife had a day off together. Mr. Chat grabbed the bull by the horns and scheduled a day off to coincide with their day off. He made plans to take the kids to the river to splash around and have a play day before school starts. When Chatty and I finished our work day, we gathered at the house for a quick meal. Afterward, we headed to the park so Chatty could snap some quick pictures. Genius, huh?

Chatty thinks she could have taken better pictures. But I love them. The kids were wore out from their day at the river. It was close to 100 degrees outside and there was absolutely no air stirring around. It felt like being in a vacuum with an oven turned on. All in all, they turned out good and will grace the wall in our new family room. I'll share a few with you.

Aren't they cute? This is my youngest step-son and his wife.

Like mother like daughter!

He looks just like his dad at this age.

Happy little family.

Proud sister in middle.

This is the best part of being in the "GOLDEN YEARS".

This weekend the oldest twin will be here. I'm hoping the weather will be more cooperative. Hopefully, we won't come home feeling like a piece of wilted lettuce.

Going for the Gold

When Mr. Chat and Chatty are home from work, they are avid watchers of the Olympics. They like all of the sports. It's sort of a father/daughter bonding time. I'm not that dedicated. Oh sure. As I'm passing through the living room on my way to the computer, I may sit down and watch a segment. I spot the USA competitors and keep a watchful eye on them. I may even do a fist-pump up in the air and say, "GO Team USA!" But then I'm up and moving on to other projects.

Yesterday, Mr. Chat had to leave for work early in the afternoon. As I made my usual pass through the living room, there sat Chatty and the two dogs----all alone---watching the Olympics. How pitiful is that??? We all know that the Olympics is at least a two person spectator sport. Otherwise, there is one person in a room talking to and cheering at a TV screen. That seems a little unbalanced to me. To save my only daughter from looking like she was needing to be fitted for one of those fancy, white jackets; I sat down and watched the girls gymnastics and the male swimming competition.

Of course, gymnastics is my favorite Summer Olympic sport. But as I mentioned above, I root for the USA as a whole team. Yesterday, I gained a whole new perspective and appreciation for the event. I listened as the commentator gave a little background history on each competitor. I realized how much personal sacrifice each team member and their families have made and invested to advance to the Olympics. Suddenly, I was not just rooting for my country. I was rooting for an individual who earned the right to be there. At that moment, I felt like I was rooting for a young person from my hometown, my neighborhood or a young person who went to school with Chatty. Now I get it!!

That being said: there was a portion of the show that was thoroughly entertaining to me.  As a parent, I completely understand the emotions that these parents exhibited.  I'm sure this will be showed  many, many times. And depending on who will be showing it, there will be different spins, opinions and remarks. I'm sure David Letterman, or someone like him, will say something sort of humiliating about these people. But I, for one, found it to be upliftin


As far as the swim team. It was what it was. I don't know. All I kept thinking during their performance was I needed to call my mom and see if she could make a quick trip to England. She could teach those boys a thing or two about pulling up their drawers!

Chat Projects

A lot of things have been going on in the Chat House the year of 2012. I've been going "antiquing", web-surfing and browsing trying to finish my kitchen coffee displays. Chatty is re-doing the basement. She's making it more entertainment friendly. We've painted the deck. Mr. Chat finished the patio. I finally cleaned out my closets and dresser drawers. Mr. Chat just finished putting faux stone around the bar in the kitchen. I call it a bar for lack of a better name. It's a thing that sticks out from the wall at the end of our cabinet. We eat at it some times. I think it's too small to qualify as a bar. If I call it a bar, it makes it sound all fancy-schmancy. Which it's not. But calling it that "sticky-outie thing" sounds tacky. So until I can figure out the proper name for it, you'll have to put up with the bar reference. (Remember those last statements when we're finished and pictures are posted. You were forewarned. I did not mislead you).

This next week, if I get motivated enough, I want to paint the banisters on the front porch. We'll see. It takes me awhile to get started. Once I start, it doesn't take long. But I've noticed this year, ....if I take a break, it might be a week or two before I get back on the job. (Note to self:  NO BREAKS ALLOWED!!!!)

I guess my post is missing visual aids, huh? Our projects are far from being finished. But what is a story without pictures? I know! Let me introduce you to Chatty and some of what she's doing.

This is my daughter, Chatty

One of the walls displays Chatty is working on in the basement.

A start of another basement wall display.

Chatty found this table at an antique store for $5.00. She stained it. She bought a very cheap lamp at Wal-Mart, added material, buttons and lace. She glued sticks to an old coffee can, tied string around it and stuck some artificial flowers in them. I purchased the doily several months ago. All-in-all, this display probably cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $20.00 (more or less).

OK...off the subject...Not a project. This is Chatty's purse and shoes. Just another dimension of her personality.



That concludes my Sunday update. I hope everyone is having a blessed Sunday!!!!