MICHIGAN

We finally arrived at our destination in Michigan after a few days of site seeing in Kentucky. Everyone will be arriving in the next two days for a family reunion.

Hubs and I got here early to help with all the preparations---and they're were plenty of them. lol

I woke up at 6:30 and came out side and said to my brother-in-law, "Good morning, saluted him and said, REPORTING FOR DUTY!" There were so many things to set up, cushions to put on, tablecloths to spread, tents to go up, coolers to get ready, food to prepare and on & on it went till bedtime.
Lots and lots of flowers to water and deadhead!

The families are arriving and the anticipation of seeing each other is building!

It's been very hot and dry in Mi. Notice the poor grass.

We haven't ALL been together in I can't remember when. There was always at least one missing.

We had a professional photographer coming at 10 for two hours and she stayed more like 3 hrs.

It was such a good time of fun, fellowship and food.

We all had our cameras ready and while she was snapping pics, so were we! lol

Here's my sweet mother with all her grand daughters. She'll be 85 this year. Still very active and healthy for the most part.

Here she is with 4 of her 5 children. I have one deceased brother.

Here she is again with her grandchildren. We let the guys in this one. lol

We couldn't let the occasion go by without getting the great grandchildren with her.

Sorry Cole we cut your head off!

Here's a better one. You can see the photographer's lens in this one.

Hubs had to get his grand girls in some cute poses.

Their cousins joined in the fun!

Peek-a-boo! I see you!

We had 30 acres to roam, run, 4-wheel, fish, swim, play horse shoes, etc. Great time was had by all!!

Stay tuned----I've got lots more pics.

Thanks for taking the time to visit. Love to hear from you!

Fried Chicken

Kentucky Fried Chicken--that is! It has been around a loooong time! On our way to MI we made two stops. One was to the original site of Kentucky Fried Chicken. It's in Corbin, KY. We planned it so we would be there by lunch time. It's a cute diner with some updates and with some oldies.

The history is very interesting. The Colonel did not start that particular business until 65. Some other business ventures left him broke. He took his first Social Security check and started KFC. I think it was around $450.00.

Here we are just passing time with the Colonel, himself. lol

They used to serve breakfast on real china. They are displayed in the lobby in a case.

They kept his office, desk and his office machines just as they were in 1940's. Check out the adding machine, phone and jute box.

It was sweltering in Kentucky, as much as it was in SC. We were taking the heat with us. We couldn't escape it. lol

Next stop was the Creation Museum near Florence, KY. We have heard about it for years and have seen it on a TV program. I have to say it was impressive.

It's a large facility and very well done. This dinosaur stands in the front outside.

They have botanical gardens and a petting Zoo.

They have many church and school tours. Being summer it was not that bad though.

They have movies, exhibits and a planetarium there.

We left there and went to the quaint little town of Waynesville full of cute shops---and did just that---SHOPPED.

I have lots of pictures of our MI trip so stay tuned.

Thanks for stopping by. Love to hear from you!

Where has Time Gone

Hello to everyone! We just got back from 3 weeks of vacation! I know, you didn't know I was gone! lol
We went to KY, and MI. We had two family reuions, one on each side while we were there. Got to see my Mom and brother from FL, daughter and family from CA and many extended family members. We also celebrated our 4oth wedding anniversary while there and took a trip to Mackinac Island. What a GORGEOUS ISLAND to visit!!
We are planning a special trip with just the two of us at the end of the year.

WARNING! I have many, many pictures to show in the coming weeks. lol
Here we are at my sister's beautiful backyard! But first I want to share how it all began....

Forty years ago, I changed my name to that of my best friend's and he became my husband.

It doesn't seem possible that that amount of time has gone by. We don't feel any older-- but the mirror on the wall says different. lol

When we took those vows we didn't realize what those words, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer really meant. We have experienced both, like many of you, yet we have clung to God and each other to sustain us through whatever the trial .

Here' s a few pictures taken that day.

A friend helped me make my gown. I borrowed my sister's veil. We did whatever we could to keep the cost down.

I was only 18 yrs. old when I walked down the isle in 1970.
This pic was taken in my parents living room.

A little memory booklet the church gave us.

It was an evening wedding with candlelight.


I always liked this passage in Ruth so I chose it for this photo of our rings. Here we are trying to escape without too much rice. lol Yes, back then it was usually rice that they threw. Now days it's rose petals. They're a lot softer, I can tell you ! lol





Our cake was cherry- nut and was really quite tasty for a wedding cake. They have come a long ways since 1970.


Do you think we've changed much? (smile)




Our guest book. I'm not sure why these pictures came out with the yellow tinge. I may have had the flash off. Sorry!

I still have the top to our cake. The only thing that is badly discolored is the bell.

My wedding shoes. Does anyone remember Thom McAn shoe stores?

We thank God for his goodness to us and look forward to the years he allows us to share in the future!

Thanks for going down memory lane with me and for visiting my blog today. Have a great day!

Dinner with Friends

When Hubby got more mobile after his surgery, our friends had us over for dinner. We were joined by a Missionary family that was returning to San Paulo, Brazil two days later. It was a special time of hearing their story, experiences and needs while ministering in a another country .

Here's hubby and our host Jim. Hubby had had his knee drained and was feeling so much better in this immobilizer.
They have a lovely patio and new awning that shielded us from the sun. With the fan blowing (notice it on the left) it was not that bad out.

We grilled, ate and ate some more!

She had the patio set up so cute!

She put two long tables together for the eight of us.

Have you seen these cute plant holders. These were bought at K-mart.

Just put a hanging pot in the middle and set it where you desire.

God painted a beautiful sky for us that evening.

Look at those tall pine trees. Isn't it awesome to view God's creation?

Here's our hostess, Regina. I told you all we did was eat and eat some more.

She made this Italian wedding cake per Paula Deen's book. All I can say is YUM!!

Thanks for stopping. Have a fun and safe week!

Lunch on the Patio

I'm growing fresh mint again this year. I grow it in a container to do just that--Contain It! lol It grows fast and can take over an area that you may not want it to very quickly.

My friend Regina started a shoot for me last year and I planted it. Thanks Regina!
I cut it to make fresh brewed mint tea. It taste s00000000 good!

Just wash it good and it's ready to use.

Add it to a pot of water and 3 family size tea bags and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let it brew for a while. Mix with sugar to sweeten according to your taste. I use almost a cup for a gallon. We LOVE sweet tea in the South!

One day recently, I decided to have a quick, simple lunch on the patio for hubby and me.

It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood, I can't believe I just said that. Mr. Rogers would be proud. lol

I quickly whipped up some chicken salad , sliced some carrots and tomatoes and voile.

I almost forgot to garnish my tea with a sprig of mint. There--just the right touch.

My dishes, place mats, napkins and glasses are JC Penny

Napkin rings are Pottery Barn

I'm joining Susan @ http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/for Outdoor Wednesday and

Susan @ http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ for Tablescape Thursday. Please pay them a visit for lots of beautiful posts!

Thanks for taking the time to visit today!