Saturday, March 17, 2012

Germs

We planned to leave for Nashville Friday. Taking the children. Picking up my Mother in Birmingham. Bunking with my brother David and his family. Tonight to attend a intimate venue fund raiser for the Linden Waldorf School at which Alison Krauss and Union Station are playing.

These particular plans were made in December.  

Our reality turned out to be a child diagnosed with strep and flu Thursday afternoon which has led to a weekend with both children on meds and quarantined at home in Selma. 

In lieu of Alison Krauss and Union Station, I now have spring/summer clothes in my closet with winter items stored.

The gift of this weekend really has been extra time to hang out with my children and husband while still accomplishing lots of to dos around the house.  The weather has been beautiful with Spring giving us a first true glance at her treasures of warm weather and colorful blooms.

Tonight while watching a mediocre movie with Paul, I answered Kristen's Questions. To know more, click the coffee talk button above.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!



Thursday, March 8, 2012

Alabama River Chili Cook Off

A wonderful event tonight in 

Downtown Selma

The Selma Dallas County Leadership Class hosted the first Alabama River Chili Cook Off the proceeds of which shall be donated to the local

Our own Paul Garner entertained the crowd
With a little help from Fairchild who sang several songs including Itsy Bitsy Spider
Other crowd pleasing entertainment included an impressive karate demonstration


Sponsors set up booths offering samples of their chili to all who attended. 


Some of my favorite sponsor booths:
Children's Dentistry of Central Alabama


Marion Bank & Trust Company

Selma City Council echoing the decor of The Grove
Mascots too....

Ranger of Tucker Family Dentistry


We saw some of our favorite peeps...

Lane as always offering up a big smile for his cousins

Fairchild informing classmate Bonnie Woodson where she can find the crackers

Selma Police Chief and Leadership Alum William T. Riley

Sam's classmate Claire Johnson

and her brother Patrick who along with Mickey had the best seat at the event!

Heard some great news. A new restaurant is opening this Monday in Selma. Check out the Side Porch...


Who won the Cook Off?

I don't know but in the morning will definitely be looking in 
to find out.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Modifications

Modifications to my blog pages complete today and I want to check them out. Therefore, a quick post to take a look. Can you spot the changes?

Hope everyone having a wonderful start to their week. Happy Monday!

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Persnickety & Miss Manners

With a weekend containing more free time for me than most, I have been blogging - reading others and posting myself.  Click Coffee Talk button above if you are interested in viewing my post about

Click Photography button above if you are interested in seeing photographs of

Miss Manners Wild and Wonderful Tea Party

Friday, March 2, 2012

Joy

This has been a week I did not have to try to be in a good mood. I just was. Joy.

Monday thru Friday - despite the fact that I did not win the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes!

Oh yes, it was my first time to enter. Several weeks ago, Paul (my husband) mentioned that he had not seen anything about PCH in years. 

What made him think of that? Who knows.  

A couple of hours later, a commercial advertising the sweepstakes. Next thing I know - sweepstakes entry form with my name on it arrives in the mail. First time I ever received the invitation to enter. So I did! My friends and I made plans for a trip with my winnings. Unfortunately for me, J.Clark of Arkansas won.

The week began Sunday with an inspirational sermon by Pastor Efell Williams at First Presbyterian Church's Blue Jean Service. 




That night Chris Hastings, Chef Owner Hot and Hot Fish Club in Birmingham won Iron Chef against Bobby Flay.





For those who don't know, I am a lawyer practicing family law and litigation (plaintiff and defense) at Reeves & Stewart, P.C .  A week of accomplishing a lot of work for clients always provides satisfaction.  In addition, I am working with Robert Armstrong to construct a web site for the firm.  Robert is doing an absolutely fabulous job and I can't wait until it is up and running. Of course, I will post the link when its operational.  Robert has completed some other web sites, one for Christ the King and another for Denmark Tree Services that show is expertise and versatility.

I've started the mornings on the right track with steaming hot coffee and bagels or hot cereal topped with sunbutter and honey. I was inspired by Peanut Butter Runner blog to experiment with different spreads topped with honey and fruit of your choice.  Peanut Butter Runner is authored by a personal trainer with a passion for healthy eating.  My friends and I are enjoying keeping up with her tips and are inspired by her exercise habits.  If you have the time, read it.



Sunbutter is made from sunflower seeds without any nut products so I highly suggest trying it out if you have any type of nut allergy. Do check out the label better than I did because I am not allergic so I believe the advertisement on the front of the jar without doing any further homework on the matter.  Tastes good!

Another food yummy for the week was my Elodie lunch on Thursday and Friday.  Sold at Carters. Lunches sold fresh Thursday in the back fridge ready to go. Very convenient and healthy. I like to pick up lunch and take it back to my office - enables me to eat at my desk and continue working.  Thursday I enjoyed homemade chicken salad with a few pita chips.  Today, Weavers Grove Salad: grilled chicken, mixed greens, fresh strawberries, feta, sugared pecans and balsamic vinaigrette. The sweet lover in me also enjoys the rich brownie bite for dessert that is included in the to go package.  Ann Murray is the creator of Elodie and is gracious enough to reserve your request if you call ahead.  A good thing to do because they run out fast.



Other than that, tennis clinics have been challenging and fun. Our group continues to gain skill making it even more fun to play.  Two services at Christ the King. A local church that holds Eucharist daily and gives prophetic words. At noon and lasts approximately 45 minutes.  A cherished way to experience God - the source of my JOY!

Next week, I am looking forward to yoga and date night with my husband. Also planning to attend the first annual Alabama River Chili Cookoff.  It is hosted by Leadership Selma. I was in Class XV. Such a beneficial program that educates you on all aspects of the community and challenges you to give back. This year's Class has chosen to hold the Chili Cookoff and give the proceeds to the local Salvation Army.  Major Roberts of the Salvation Army was in my Leadership Class.  By his invitation, I became involved in  the Salvation Army by serving on its Board.  I have not been able to participate much this year but am richly blessed when I do.  I think the Cookoff will enjoy a huge turnout - looking forward to posting about its success.


Thursday, March 1, 2012

Fun Functions: Angie's Birthday Paint Party


Angie's birthday was last week. To celebrate, Beth hosted a paint party directed by Montgomery artist Amanda Roberson.  Amanda is a wonderful person and artist. Several of us have Amanda's paintings hanging in our homes and all agree viewing them daily brings joy to our heart. If you would like to view some of her work, check out her web site and her blog

Beth always has fun party decor. A few examples:




Callen & Meredith 
Set up was ready upon our arrival.


Amanda's painting - our inspiration & ideal
Before beginning to paint, we enjoyed a little chat time and an appetizer dinner.

Angie, Kristin, Haley & Rayne


I am not naturally an artist. I do enjoy painting. However, the product is usually AWFUL!! Similar to the enjoying singing (rather loudly) in the shower or car does not a Grammy winner make.

Therefore, I leave paint gatherings (the only time I ever paint is in a group setting!) a little frustrated.  I expected the same at Angie's party and was simply looking forward to hanging out with my friends.  

Excited to report that this night was different.  Amanda is such a fabulous artist and paint party director. She "created" an atmosphere conducive to "creating". Very different than the paint by number while you drink too much wine and chat it up with friends I experienced in the past.  

In the end, I liked my painting. I am going to display it instead of hide it - miracle!  As Meredith said, everyone's painting on this night was "wall worthy".  We all knew we would have good time so the good product was definitely the surprise element of the night for most of us.

Meredith also ignited the fire of bringing out our closeted by the numbers paintings of the past. Meredith's inspired idea:"give" them at our annual Christmas gift exchange. Thank you for the idea Meredith - just hope I don't end up taking home your rooster!  

I digress. Enjoy a few pics of painting our first "wall worthy" Amanda Roberson inspired masterpieces.

Kea

Amanda providing Haley with a little more paint

Our hostess Beth

Kristin & Rayne

Callen - giving it some thought
My painting - beginnings

My painting - complete

Beth made us take this cheesy group photo with our paintings
(I'll admit I'm glad she did!)

Angie, Amanda & Beth
Can't thank y'all enough for a wonderful night!