KIMblogery

"Yellow Crocus" Book Review

2012-02-09T07:54:00.002-05:00

At our other house, we had some crocus that would bloom very early in the Spring. I loved those little flowers, they just came up to remind me to hang in there, that sunshine and warm temps were on the way. Maybe that's why I was drawn to the cover of this book. It was one of the free books for the month for Amazon Prime members, and right after I chose it for this month's selection, it was offered free to anyone with a Kindle or Kindle app.

This just goes to show you, one should download those freebies when they become available, because the next thing you know, they are a hit and cost twelve bucks. I would not have been disappointed if I had paid for this one, though.

If you enjoyed "The Help," you will likely enjoy this story. There were some similarities, although it's set in a different time period.

I don't know why I'm fascinated with stories where slavery is the focus, but I have been ever since I saw ROOTS as a young girl living in Del Rio, TN, where no black people had ever lived, and no one was rich enough to have ever owned slaves. I would not have been a good plantation owner's daughter in the Old South. In "Yellow Crocus," I found myself rooting for Mattie, the slave who was appointed nursemaid to the daughter of the plantation owner, who basically raised her and loved her as her own daughter, but longed to be with her own children that she had to leave behind with the other slaves in the fields. I also enjoyed the underlying story of an "arranged marriage," and found myself hoping the daughter would marry for love and not status/money.

Someone's review said there was not enough "realism" in the story and that the true picture of slavery was not painted. I felt there were plenty of reminders of the dark side of this horrible time in history; slavery (being owned by another human) in itself, no matter how bad the punishments were, was punishment enough.

I read this book in less than 24 hours. Go get it, you won't be disappointed.

Sunday Best

2012-02-04T22:10:00.010-05:00

America the Beautiful
This picture was taken with my trusty old iPhone 3GS on our arrival in Washington, DC
Not much "rural" about it, but it sure is "purdy."

Linking up with A Rural Journal for Sunday Best photos. Click on the link to see others.

Time to Relax

2012-01-09T09:30:00.003-05:00

Thanksgiving, then Christmas and New Years has come and gone and we are finally settling down for a "long winters' nap" (I wish). It seems like there have been so many places to go, people to see, stockings to fill, and biscuits to make that we barely have time to enjoy the blessings we have been given.

The season started with Thanksgiving in the mountains with my parents...all the grandkids were there and we had a great time (me playing family photographer), the kids playing ball with a beach ball (you use what you can find when you are 30 minutes from the closest WalMart).

Bigger kids playing with guns and bows and arrows...every truly southern family has to practice up on their aim.

Christmas was celebrated early on the farm (well, it used to be a farm, now it's more like a large garden and apple orchard in the mountains). We all have different schedules and so many places/people to see and visit, that we decided to do it the week before Christmas so we could all be there at the same time.

Most of mom's side of the family came, and we exchanged gifts; aunt Delfi gave Zak the greatest gift for the cold weather, which everyone in the room had to try on, and as usual Mom was the star of the cat walk with her "mean face" pose here. LOL

We decided what better gift than to have all the kids spend the night and let mom make breakfast for us? It probably would have been a better gift if we had cooked for HER, but we can't cook, so she would have had to have Cheerios for breakfast. Instead, we had our traditional chocolate gravy with biscuits. And for those who don't know what they are missing, she made some sausage and eggs to go with the biscuits. Yum.

Check out the sunrise from the porch on Spicewood Flats! No white Christmas, but this made up for it.

After celebrating Christmas at home and with Jay's parents (and working through the whole thing), we decided to take advantage of Zak being home and expose him to some culture. He had never been on a vacation with us to anywhere other than a beach. And he hates the sun, so what better time to take him on a trip than during winter - and in the rain!

This was our first night in Washington, DC...it rained on us all the way there, but as soon as we got there, got our luggage unloaded, we decided we were going to brave the rain anyway, because we didn't have time to waste. We took a cab to the Museum of Natural History, and by the time we came out, the rain had stopped and we walked around, with this view in the backdrop. Beautiful.

I love the little popcorn trolley. I wish I had a better photo of the lady inside, she was really bundled up.

Epic Fail photo (he was supposed to be leaning on the Washington Monument). I really need to take that photography class, Patty .

You know you can't go anywhere with me and not get lost. We walked and walked at least 4 or 5 miles and later the next day we found out we were only a block from our hotel when we ate at Harriet's. Which is around the corner from Harry's. Which is part of the Harrington Hotel, and I'm sure they share the same kitchen, but the atmospheres are completely different. Food was amazing, servings were huge, and I gained 10 pounds just looking at the plate.

The next day, we toured the Mall area, and complained about our feet and the cold wind in our face. We must have walked (again) another 5 or 6 miles, at least. This is Jay and Zak behind the White House. The crowds were pretty bad at most of the museums and monuments. Not much different than when I was there in May. (But Traffic was fine, no offices were open the week after Christmas).

My favorite Memorial was the Korean War Memorial. Jay's dad was an MP in Korea, so this one seemed a bit special to us.

This was the World War II Memorial and this sign says there are 4048 gold stars on the wall (below) and each star represents 100 people who either died or are missing. That wall was huge, as you can imagine.

The last day, we saw more of the museums and had planned to eat at the American Indian Museum because I read online that even the locals eat there because of their interesting menu and fresh food. We skipped breakfast (big mistake) and after walking miles and miles (I'm sure it was at least 100 miles :) we went to the museum to find a VERY LONG LINE at the restaurant. We were so hungry we went back outside and got a pretzel from a street vendor, and sat on the steps of the Air and Space museum eating our pretzel without anything to drink. It's the little precious memories that mean so much! LOL (later on, we went back to the American Indian Museum and walked through the cafeteria. Of course we weren't hungry at that point, but we should have tried some buffalo anyway.)

This is near the end ...getting tired and this soft round couch inside the Smithsonian Castle looked so comfy...come on boys - boys, come on, let's go! Just like the dog at home, they think if they don't look at me, I won't see them.

The Holocaust Museum was on our "must see" list, so we had to get there before they closed, and it was our last day. We made it just in time, and still had the long walk back. We were so hungry, we ate at a food court (which turned out to be great...Jay had Five Guys, I had sushi, and Zak had Indian food again).

I forgot to mention Chef Geoff's...a great place for dinner. Would definitely go back there. The prices were reasonable, and the food was amazing. Jay had home made pizza, I had crab and shrimp ravioli, and Zak had some sort of sushi that he loved.

This was me, resting up inside the JW Marriott Hotel, near the White House. I do recommend this place if you are going to see the Mall area, everything is within walking distance, just don't do like us and walk in circles.

So here we are in January, just finished another 7 days of work, and am finally off for a week with no major plans, except catching up with some friends and maybe going to visit the Paula Deen Restaurant in Cherokee, NC. I'll keep you posted.

On a sad note, we lost a dear friend to cancer on New Year's Day. He loved life, was always a joy to talk to, and was an encourager. I hope people can say that about me someday...Keep track of all your memories, even those that seem mundane. Sitting on the steps of a museum sharing a pretzel may have a whole new meaning for you when those you were with are gone. Hugs to you all...and Happy New Year!

Biscuits and Gravy

2011-11-29T10:58:00.001-05:00

Warning: this is not a post about weight loss or health. Read at your own risk.

Flour, crisco and milk when mixed together and baked makes biscuits. Flour, grease and milk, when stirred in a pan makes liquid biscuits -also known as sawmill gravy...hmmm???

Is it "biscuits and gravy," or "gravy and biscuits?" I suppose the first one you say is the part of this delicious treat you love the most. For me, it's biscuits and gravy. Here in the south, it's a treat to have it for breakfast, but more often now-a-days, it's one of those "breakfast for dinner" meals we like to have. This used to only be possible for us by visiting my mom's house, Jay's mom's house, Hardees, or Cracker Barrell. (By the way, that list is in order from my favorite to my least favorite gravy).

Apparently, our family's relationship with biscuits and gravy goes way back. I'm sure if my Papaw Green were alive today, he would not be the greatest fan of this "treat." He told a story of how he and his cousin took their "bucket" of biscuits and gravy to school and they argued all the way about who was going to carry it. I don't remember if they both wanted to carry it, or if neither wanted to carry it. But either way, the next day, their aunt made them their own individual buckets of biscuits and gravy. This "bucket" was a lard bucket, like what we get Crisco in. And think about it, there were no microwaves in the 1920's...COLD GRAVY - YUCK. I can't imagine anything worse to eat.

Skipping ahead about 60 years, when I was about 13 or 14 years old, I decided I wanted to make breakfast for my dad. So I thought what would make him happier than biscuits and gravy? Nothin'. Well, turns out LAUGHING at my gravy has made him very happy for many years. It's been a running joke in the family that I made play dough to go on the biscuits. As you can guess, it was very thick and not even "fit for dogs." I can't remember what we had for breakfast that day, I think I lost my appetite. Probably toast and jelly...I make a mean toast. I won't even get into the biscuits/rocks story.

Well, as you probably know, the freezer section of the grocery stores are filled with all kinds of biscuits now that are just as good as home made (well, almost) and those are the only ones I buy now; usually the "thins," because they have less calories (and mom always pulls the middle out of her biscuits anyway because they are too "doughy" for her). But I'm the first to tell you, there's nothing like a big "cat head" biscuit, as my dad and brother call them. When mom makes her skinny biscuits, she always adds a big lump of dough to the side of the pan for my brother.

Anyway...mom and dad gave us some fresh spicy sausage when we visited last week, so I couldn't wait to cook some for supper one night. Well, the aromas of mountain mornings and grease and sausage frying obviously made me think of sausage gravy and I just couldn't imagine pouring all that fat in the garbage, and the dog can't eat it 'cause she gets pancreatitis, so here I go at another attempt to make gravy. I added my heaping spoonful of flour and immediately it started browing and clumping and I thought "so much for that, better luck next time," but decided to stick with it and added some milk, and stir stir stir stir...hmm it was starting to look a little like real gravy. I turned the heat down to low and kept whisking it about in the pan and Jay says "are you making gravy?" with a laugh in his voice. I responded "not sure." Well, to everyone's surprise, I whipped up the best breakfast that's ever come from my kitchen I do believe, except it was for dinner. I guess that counts.

p.s. I'm pretty sure if you add sugar to the ingredients and fry it, you get doughnuts!!

Mountain Memories Series Part One

2011-11-17T22:11:00.001-05:00

For a long time, I've thought of writing a book about my mountain heritage. I know there are many of those out there, and everyone thinks they have a story to tell, but I might just do it. I thought I'd start by blogging some random parts, and maybe someday I'll be able to combine all of those parts into something self-published.

My hometown is often the topic of conversation, because a town with a Spanish name in the hills of East Tennessee just seems strange. Then there's the country girl accent that I can't hide, no matter how hard I try. Del Rio, which means "from the river," was previously known as Big Creek, and that's a long story for another time. This little mountain community is surrounded by the Appalachian mountains and situated along the Cherokee National Forest; as a matter of fact, the "gov'ment" as the locals say, still owns a big part of our little mountain. They call our little spot in the world Spice Wood Flats. The origin of the name is still a mystery to me, my extensive Wikipedia research turns up nothing, although I did learn that spicewood is another name for sassafrass, which is a pesty little shrub that grows across certain regions of the state. I don't know if we are one of them, I'll have to ask the arborist in the family, my dad (now that he's recently retired, he spends a lot of time sitting on his back porch thinking about something, I'm pretty sure he's thinking about spicewood and sassafrass). I bet he's even making sassafras tea as I write this.

When giving directions to Mom and Pop's place, I tell everyone that they live "as far back as you can go until you just go in circles around the mountain." If I could draw a picture or map showing you how to get to our place, it would look like one of those trees you drew in kindergarten - you know, the ones with a trunk (that would be the main road, which wasn't paved until my grandmother was in her 60's) and the top of that big round tree (usually drawn like a circle with extra curves) would be the road we live on - in other words, you end up right where you started. You can't go any farther or you'll fall off the edge of the earth. Some who have driven there really believe that... If that tree were a clock, our land lies between two and four o'clock. Now, you should have no problems coming up for the holidays.

P.S. My brother and I (and the other 8 to 10 kids on the Spicewood Flats route) rode the short bus -because the long bus really would fall off the mountain in the curves if the roads were slick after a rain or snow. I learned all I ever needed to know and more about life on that short bus, so don't make fun!

Stay tuned.

Sunday Drives in East Tennessee

2011-11-06T16:45:00.000-05:00

What a pretty day for a drive. Destination: Rogersville, TN

Lunch: The Dairy Dream (not just any ol dream)

Order here

Or here

From here.

They do have a few rules, though, like:
-No smoking at the window.
-No cell phones at the window (is it because of all the gas-forming foods?)
-When ordering, please SPEAK UP so we can hear you!
-only ONE packet of sauce with chicken tenders (underlined and bold on the sign)
-and best of all :

Where it's fun to be hungry - as long as you're a rule-follower :)

Oh, I almost forgot!

The GOLDEN BURGER

I'd give it a half star above average. Not bad, but definitely have had better.

The drive and the entertainment was so worth it, though.

When we first arrived, we were the only ones there.

Then came 4 tables full of people, who chose to surround us instead of spreading out

to other areas. And they all

Watched

Eat.

Good Times!

Things You May Not Know About Pro Football Games

2011-11-05T20:18:00.000-04:00

Most people who know me, know that although I enjoy looking at the coaches, I'm not a huge fan of football. I tolerate it. Because the only other choice is sitting in the corner - alone - on my Saturdays off work, missing all activities related to Fall that I don't want to do alone...anyway, that's not why we're here. * Sniff.*

We are here so that I can tell you a few things you may not know about football, just in case you get the urge to buy some expensive tickets for your man for his birthday, and have an excuse to see your baby who moved thousands of miles away (ok, it's only a couple hundred, but it's just as bad).

Here's sweet child o'mine with his nachos his momma bought him...*sigh*

First of all, I want you to observe 2 things about this photo:

1. Those tall buildings in the background - one of those is the AT&T building. My "smart phone" is powered by their signal. I had none, the entire game. 'Nuff said.

2. Do not sit on the East side of the stadium if it's an afternoon game. Luckily the sun went down by kickoff, but it was close (and blinding). Next time, when I get tickets, I'll know - no wait, next time, I'll be in my living room, in my recliner, in the shade - with my own bathroom in case my bladder shrinks.

3. No matter how cool you think THE WAVE is, your man just might sit there and look at you like you have lost your mind (it's not church, it's a game, it's what we do)!

4. Speaking of church, there's more stand-up sit down than a Sunday morning Methodist church service. I'm pretty sure our row could have won the small bladder/big prostate NFL fan award.

5. Pearls are acceptable.

6. And/or thongs.

Now, don't you feel more prepared for your next football game? I'm so glad I could share these moments with you (oh - and if that's you in the thong, there's no charge for copies of the photo since you provided more entertainment for those around us than the game did).

Priceless Wedding Memories

2011-11-05T10:18:00.002-04:00

She was a tall slim hot grocery store cashier

With a tan (picture it, I know you can).

Admiring his baby blue eyes that matched his tie.

He was a grocery store "manager"

Admiring her tight blue polyester pants and

Her loose red plaid button front top as he placed the "milk in the bag, please"

For the grumpy old lady. Then another grumpy old lady

(on her way to the "I'm better than you are, you sinner who works on Sunday, church.")

Who fell down after she snapped "fine thank you" when he inquired "how are you today, Ma'am?"

( whatever makes your skirt fly up (it did))

They both laughed when she left (after helping her up of course);

Secretly at first, then out loud. And still, 23 years later,

That moment brings smiles.

Then there was Jennifer...

The Match-Maker!

She said to the lady "he wants your number,"

She said to the man, "here, she wanted you to have her number."

He called, finally. Multiple phone calls and letters led to

Afternoon date, pizza and a gazebo.

And Whitney Houston. "I Will Always Love You."

It was April. She drove 60 miles from her college dorm room

just to see him on his 30 minute break.

CRAZY LOVE!

July: she was 20. He was 20-something. A ring. A loan (from her to him).

December wedding (was the plan)

Couldn't wait, too many details = stress.

It was Tuesday, over Taco Bell takeout,

She was stressed, (too many cousins and friends needing parts in the play)

He decided "let's just do it Friday."

She frantically started looking for a place for their special day.

Found a chapel ($105 which included photos), returned a long dress with a train,

Exchanged for a more simple version with no bells or whistles,

A veil ($90) that cost more than her dress ($60).

Notes on the table with all the details

Got her Dad all worried, and he waited up (on Wednesday)

"What are you doing up?" She asked at midnight.

"Waiting to see if you came home, or if you got hitched."

"Oh, not yet, that's Friday, you're coming aren't you?" BUSTED!

He arrived first to prepare for the night at EconoLodge...$60

She rode over with her parents, pre-wedding dinner : Hardees $15

Small ceremony...parents, siblings and one aunt.

Friday night, 9 O'clock. Rod Run Weekend (had no idea, not big fans of loud redneck cars).

Home the next day, to their "trailer house." Parents waiting with wedding cake.

Who knew where they would be now.

How did they get from there to here?

Total Wedding Cost : Less than 400 bucks.

Crazy Love Memories: priceless.

Happy Anniversary to us! I wrote this long before our anniversary and forgot to post it on September 16th.

Girls...

2011-10-05T08:52:00.000-04:00

Please visit my friend, Patty, at Finding Serendipity and pass along the link to your friends who have girls...she has committed to 31 days of helping others find ways of nurturing the self esteem of a child.

Today's story about her mother's way of discipline brings back memories of my son when he was five years old. A dear friend of mine had allowed us to keep her son overnight while she worked. They boys decided they would make a trampoline of the living room sofa, and I had asked them more than once to stop (apparently they couldn't hear me over all the joyous laughter). Eventually, I became quite irritated and put them both in a corner for 5 minutes. I have never seen such HUGE crocodile tears or heard such sobbing from a five year old boy! I seriously broke his heart. And he broke mine that night, because I had to keep my promise that it would be a full five minutes. I don't think, as a five year old, that he had any concept of 5 minutes; might as well have told him 5 days. He thought he was going to have to stare at that corner until his mother came back the next day. My son, on the other hand, was used to the five minute time out and wasn't too worried about it because he remembered from recent events that it wasn't the end of the world.

All I can say is, it worked! They spent the next 15 years spending the night with each other, and he still calls me his second mom (and begs me not to put him in time out, LOL).

Inspiration of a Nurse

2011-09-08T10:57:00.008-04:00

You had no idea

When you came into the room

of the 21 year old new mom

that you were making a lasting

(and horrible)

impression.

Is that what caring is about? She thought.

No choices for the wounded,

Must get the work done

No matter how much it hurts her.

Oblivious to the pain,

Physical mostly, but now emotional, too.

All because you had to get it done "now,"

And clock out on time.

Little did you know,

the result of your ice cold exterior -

and her Horrible Patient Experience

Would take her from Patient

To Professional Caregiver

Who has never forgotten.

What Makes Me Happy

2011-08-06T14:49:00.012-04:00

1. Emotional Health. When I know the ones I love are content in their circumstances, I am at peace.

2. Time with friends and family. Nothing is better than having a gathering of friends who are comfortable to just sit and chat (and have a snack and a cold drink).

3. Trying new restaurants and new recipes. Those who know me, know I'm somewhat of a foodie. I type this as I eat an entire bag of Jelly Bellies and dream of trying out a new menu at an inn in Rogersville, TN, called The Hale Springs Inn. Check them out on Facebook. (free plug)

4. Reading. Anything and everything. Except cheesy romance novels. My latest favorite novel is "A Reliable Wife." Nothing like a good psycho-romance where the future wife, who is really a retired ho, tells her future husband she is a missionary (hence, a "reliable" wife).

5. Social media. See you on Facebook!

What makes YOU happy? Post a comment and/or link up with your blog here. Thanks for stopping by!

Getting the Photography Bug Again...

2011-08-05T16:58:00.001-04:00

For my friend, Patty, who encourages me even when she has no idea...

A few finds from my "manual mode" assignment that took place a few months ago while my camera cord was lost.

I have no idea what the settings were:) but not bad for lost and found category.

Things You Need to Know When you Leave Home (from personal experience)

2011-07-15T13:45:00.001-04:00

You will not starve. There are homeless shelters that will feed you if things get bad.

Your allowance will buy a truck load of Ramen Noodles.

You can burn the place down if you don't check the oven for pizza boxes before heating it up.

The oven is not a place to store red peppers.

Red peppers, when heated in the oven, will cause the house to fill up with smoke that will cause you to have to evacuate for hours.
Boiling water is harder than it looks, be sure to set a timer before you walk away, or the next thing you hear may be the fire alarm.

"just this once" never means that.

Nothing good ever comes from "do it, just this once."

Money does not grow on trees, but if you run out you can get money by cutting trees and selling the wood.

If you wear your jeans for a week, they stink.

If she doesn't think you hung the moon, she's not the one.

If your friends are always finding your faults and pointing them out to you, they might be better friends than you think they are.

If your "faults" that your friends find are illegal or immoral or are hurting you or others in some way - listen to your friends.

If your "faults" are because of your friends' bad influence, get new friends.

Being "quiet" is not a fault, but don't be afraid to talk to your close friends. Or parents. They don't bite. They love it when you share your feelings with them.

If you think you can't work and go to school and make good grades, you are mistaken. At any point, your parents could lose their 4 jobs or get sick and not be able to work or just get sick and tired of being sick and tired...

Appreciate what you have been given.

These are not the best years of your life. That is yet to come. And will, with hard work and determination.

Set goals. Write them down. Get there.

If you love someone, they should have similar goals for the future.

If your heart gets broken, it will heal.

Learn what's important and don't sweat the rest.

Be grateful - and show it.

Actions - actions - speak louder than words: that means don't just say "thanks," do something in return for what you are thankful for. It may not be money, or extravagant gifts, just a small act of kindness.

Study hard and keep your grades up. Your parents will feel like their hard work is paying off. And it's a way to show appreciation for all you are given.

The best way to make the right kind of friends is to be the right kind of friend.

That "do unto others" advice works pretty well.

Listen - really listen - to what others are saying to you. Repeat it back to yourself if you have to. Try to read body language and between the lines to understand what they are really saying.

Find out who's making straight A's in that class you hate and sit near them - not to cheat, but to make friends so they will study with you.

Call or text your mom just to say hi every night.

Pay if forward. Whatever is done for you, do for your child(ren) someday.

Someday your parents may be as dependent on you as you are on them. They will try to remember how kind you were to them and they will try not to abuse your kindness in their old age. They will try not use all your "play" money that you have worked so hard for. They will try to clean up after themselves, until they need diapers, that might be a problem. They will expect you to keep them fed (and they won't want Ramen Noodles, either, but understand you can call it a meal if you throw in some chicken).

Be a Quitter! Stop Smoking!

2011-07-03T09:35:00.000-04:00

I was inspired to post this because of some special people in my life who are trying to stop smoking, as well as all the patients I see on a daily basis in and out of the hospital who would so LOVE to throw those cigarettes away and never think of them again.

Although we do see a lot of lung cancer patients in our area, a large percentage of our hospital admissions are patients with advanced COPD (Congestive Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Many of these patients spend a majority of their days in the hospital just to get some "air," when their inhalers and home oxygen just doesn't seem to be enough. I've had ICU patients beg me to take them out to smoke while they were still attached to a ventilator (aka "life support" or "breathing machine.") What we do know is that when people stop smoking, lung function starts to improve and COPD can be controlled where it's at, so put those smokes down start QUITTING!

It's usually easy to be a quitter - but only if we are quitting something we hate. It's very difficult to quit something that brings us joy and satisfaction, even if it's killing us. No one has told me to stop caffeine...or sugar...or (be still my beating heart) - BREAD! But if they did tell me that if I didn't stop, these things were going to kill me (sooner rather than later), what are some steps I would take to stop? Good question because that's just something I cannot and do not want to think about, so I can see where tobacco users have issues (not to mention the physical effects of the nicotine addiction, and the habits that have to be broken in order to stop).

Here are some tips from the American Cancer Society (with some additions by me) for all involved in this journey:

Do smoke outside and if you smoke while someone else is trying to stop - please always smoke somewhere far away from the quitter.

Do keep your cigarettes, lighters, and matches out of sight. They might be triggers for you or your loved one to smoke (or for you to burn the house down around you when your "nerves" are shot).

Don't ever offer the quitter a smoke, even as a joke!Being a Quitter is a sensitive subject, and you might get a knuckle sandwich for supper.

Do join your loved one in his or her effort to quit. It's better for your health and might be easier to do with someone else who is trying to quit, too.

Call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 to find out what resources might be available to you for your quit attempt.

Friday Fives

2011-06-17T09:29:00.002-04:00

Linking up with EmptyNest and Five Crooked Halos for...

1. What is your favorite summer time activity? Reading and do-nothing days - preferably on a beach somewhere, but if not, anywhere it's sunny with some shade and an ice-cold drink.

2. Do you have one laundry soap you stick to, or do you buy whatever's on sale? No preference, but lately I've been using the Martha Stewart brand because it has a handy-dandy pump on the top of it and dispenses just the right amount in one step.

3. What is your favorite dinner to make in the summer? If I MUST cook, I'd have to say grilled chicken salads.

Now I have to make one so I'll have a photo to post...

4. Do you have any talents? I'm good at moving and rearranging furniture - and getting better at convincing my husband to help me. At least once a week, sometimes much more than that. Buy my house and you,too, can have fun rearranging the furniture in this sunroom!

5. If you could instantly be an expert in something, what would it be? Why? I'd find a cure for chronic pain that did not involve narcotics or instant death.

Happy Summer Y'all!

What's Up Besides the Temperatures?

2011-06-15T08:19:00.002-04:00

Blogging has taken a backseat to enjoying our new neighborhood.

COME ALONG WITH ME FOR A WALK

(gotta work off those burgers)

DON'T FORGET TO PLAY

AND COOL OFF

and RELAX!

HOPE YOU ENJOYED OUR WALK

See you soon!

Linking up with a Mellow Yellow Monday

2011-05-30T07:22:00.001-04:00

This vine/bush/tree? grows in our yard at the house we have for sale. What a treat in April when this thing starts to bloom and within days is a mass of yellow blooms. I have been unable to identify it, and no one else has been able to help me figure out what it is. The blooms look like tiny yellow roses and there are no thorns. The branches hang over like a weeping willow, and they wrap around each other like a grape vine. If you have any idea what this might be, let me know. My dad took some cuttings and will try to start one on the family land in the mountains since that's where it looks like it belongs anyway.

By the way, the house is still for sale and will go on the real estate market with an official sign in the yard this week. Wish us luck, and whoever gets this house has to let me come look at this beauty every spring :)

Go HERE to to see other splashes of MellowYellow...Happy Monday!

Simplify!

2011-05-22T08:07:00.002-04:00

Our garage is finally cleared out (somewhat) and boxes are folded up, and there is actually room for a car in the garage now. I didn't realize we had that much "junk" that we won't even miss. $400 worth to be exact. One dollar at a time. I'm still coming across stuff and thinking "I should have sold that!" My new motto is "Simplify!" Get rid of it if you don't use it or wear it. Unless it's pretty and too cute to give away, or your husband's aunt's mother-in-law made it for you in 1969. Some things are to be treasured. Now where did that hand-held fan go? You know, the one made in Japan "by hand by a little Japanese woman on the street" that was brought back by a friend as a souvenier to make you jealous that you didn't go. Precious memories. So precious you didn't even know you had it until you unpacked the boxes that had been packed up since your last move, 5 years ago.

Another Week Gone

2011-05-16T07:18:00.010-04:00

Lately it seems I've spent every waking moment preparing for the future (packing, unpacking, moving furniture, cleaning, etc...), and I stop and look around and realize we have to LIVE LIFE during all this work and chaos.

We did go to Mom's for Mother's Day, and that was the most relaxing time I've had lately. After sitting around in the shade on the wrap-around porch of their mountain home my dad built, we gathered some flowers from the yard and took them to the family cemetery and placed them on my grandmother's grave (my mom's mom, who passed away just last year). She loved flowers and I always think of her when they are in bloom. I've never been one to go to the cemetary (or the "grave yard" as they call it in the mountains). However, as I get older and people closer to me are passing away, I guess I see the importance of checking on the final resting place of the body. I don't feel a presence when I'm there, because I believe the soul is in Heaven.

I'm sure I won't care what kind of flowers are on my grave, or even if I'm in the grave; I'd prefer to be cremated actually, but Jay says that is a pagan ritual so maybe that's what I deserve. Just sayin', I'm far from perfect. One thing I can say about grave yards, if you are going to buy fake flowers, at least make them look like they are natural to the area; someone had put several "bouquets" of flowers on the graves, all in a perfect staight line, and it was the tackiest thing I've ever seen. At least Mom took a tasteful wreath to place on the grave, which looked nice.

So I guess I had no point to this post, just thought I needed to catch up on blogging. To tie the beginning to the end, I suppose I could say we need to stop and smell the roses (not the fake ones) and stop being so busy that our lives pass us by, and remember that life today is just as special as our life in a month, or two years from now; we are not promised tomorrow. If someone's been on your mind, make that phone call, or better yet, go visit. Have a great week!

Reposting from Last Year (new photo) - My Spring Haiku

2011-04-20T15:56:00.000-04:00

As Winter fades

My lazy bones are burried

Blooms emerge from the dirt

As my mood awakens with the Spring

Although I'm completely off topic today, and I have no idea what my little generic camera settings were on, I'm

Linking up with Patty at Finding Serendipity

Please join her for some excellent photography instruction -

or do like me, and just sit back and enjoy her beautiful work.

Condo - Day #1

2011-04-08T22:16:00.001-04:00

I won't bore you with posting another picture of the kitchen (yet), but we closed the loan on the condo today and, well, let's just say I'm wiped out!

Speaking of "wipe out," the water company came to turn the water on and when the gentleman turned the crank, water squirted out all over him, gave him a good face-washing. He said he needed to call in the troops. Water had been "disconnected" before. I thought it was hilarious...but then the laughter stopped.

I left to go to Lowe's (my new favorite hangout), and when I came back there was a note on the mailbox that I needed to call the water people because when they turned on the water, the meter was running in circles as if something major was happening inside with the water. I went in, found a couple of faucets open, closed them, and called the water man to come back. He was there within minutes, and once again, when he turned the crank to open the water supply to the house, his little gauge was going round and round. He said "you might want to hurry in there and see where the water is running, it's going real fast!"

So off I go to find the problem, and as soon as I open the front door I hear the ocean. I look over to my right, and water is being sprayed at a high force onto my cabinets from across the room - the water line to the refrigerator (no fridge in the spot yet) was wide open. Whew, turned that off. But wait. I still hear the ocean! Running to the back of the house, follow the sound, and find the laundry room (no washer hooked up yet) full of water and BOTH water lines are pouring water into the floor. You should have seen me trying to turn those off without getting soaked.

Not only this, but every faucet in the house was open. Not sure what that was about, unless the previous owner was upset that his water had been turned off when he was ejected from the house; or maybe he really was ejected - by a high pressure soaking.

After mopping and soaking up the water with a multitude of towels, I thought I was finished, but when Jay did his "hello condo" walk-through and opened the door to the utility room downstairs, the water had leaked from the laundry room and the floor was full of water down there, too! UGH! Back to the house we went to get more towels.

This is not what I meant when I said I wanted to live on the water. But it made a good blog story, huh?

A Book Worth Reviewing

2011-04-05T05:42:00.000-04:00

"The Same Kind of Different as Me"

by Ron Hall and Denver Moore

If you enjoy reading blogs or sneaking around and reading your sister's diary, you might enjoy reading this true story of a couple of very different men whose lives were brought together by some very interesting circumstances. Be prepared - bring Kleenex, because this story will have you crying tears of sadness, and the next page will have you laughing yourself to tears and well, it's just a good story. I don't want to give too much away, but let's just say it begins with a young black man who is living in the deep south on a farm (as a result of his family's history of slavery) and has no idea there is another world out there. His desperation leads him to hop a train and spend years on the streets. His life was changed forever because of a (for lack of a better word) rich lady who decided that she and her husband needed to volunteer at the local food ministry where homeless people were fed, somewhere in a large Texas town. The lady's husband had to "go along to get along," as the old saying goes. What happens next is a great story, although it has some very sad moments (facing death and dying), they are countered by a story of love for those who may be considered unlovable, and hope for those without a drop of hope. And on that note, I hope I've made you curious.

Ron Hall will be speaking in Morristown Saturday, April 30th, at Walters State Community College, and proceeds will go to feed the homeless. Go here for details.

Taking up Space

2011-03-30T21:33:00.001-04:00

Wanted to link up with a blog hop, but didn't have a blog post (or photo) ready. SO, I bring you THIS:


Somewhere over the Gulf of Mexico...taken by me, a true novice.

And THIS...be sure to listen to the words, some are quite entertaining.

And linking up here...let's go mingle!

Photography ....Send Food for the Squirrels

2011-03-23T08:17:00.000-04:00

ISO 80 f/2.8 The Lights are on but Nobody's Home

This photo was taken with a Kodak EasyShare camera. I have been playing around with this camera and reading up on basic photography terms before making the financial plunge for a "real camera." I've been doing a little research of my own and found a great deal on a used Cannon 20D something something ($400) which was well under half price, plus lens and other equipment, but when I checked it out, I just thought it was too heavy and bulky for me, and figured I'd end up leaving it at home (even though the sales person felt it was the best deal in the store). I like the feel of the Nikon (D3000?) and the entry level Cannon. They will have two more coming in on Thursday and I'm gonna check those out for "feel" and probably purchase one of them.

What's your preference - Nikon or Cannon?

Linking up with Patty for Photo a la Mode. If you are interested in photography, follow her blog for instruction, or just go there and follow her because she comes up with some amazing shots!

Mr. Turtle

2011-03-17T22:53:00.000-04:00

There's a story behind

this mess out back

Mr. Turtle, you see

Reminds me of Zak.

He cried for this creature

When he was a tot

So we got it for him...

How could we NOT?

Mr. Turtle has moved

From house to house

He's the best pet ever,

Quiet as a mouse.

So I am putting off buying that digital SLR camera and came across another digital camera (not fancy schmancy) that has been in my posession for some time (that I had no clue how to use). I figured if I couldn't even use the BASIC digital camera, maybe I was not ready for a REAL live camera. So I will attempt to amuse you with my talent. I am going out on a limb and posting on Patty's photo blog today. Please go to Photo a la Mode and see her amazing work. If you are into photography, join in and you just might win a PRIZE!

The settings used here were: ISO 80... f4.8 Aperture 2.8 . White Balance was set to "auto" and that's all I got to say about that. I know what ISO means now, and I only know this because Patty told me in this . I think it's too "light" at the top of the little rake where the bird is, but this was the best of the two I took.

Seeking Decorating Advice - First the Kitchen

2011-03-08T07:41:00.001-05:00

Paperwork is in progress for the purchase of a condo and lots of decorating and furniture buying is in our future. I am looking for blogs that are actively posting decorating ideas and fixes for decorating dilemmas. My first dilemma is going to be this kitchen. The white door belongs to the pantry (whew, I left out the R in the word pantry the first time I posted this) and the wall beside that is the entry way from the garage and beside it is the front door (use your imagination here). In other words, the kitchen is one of the first things you see when you walk in (dining room will be to the left and living room striaght ahead. The color of the kitchen walls is really not that hideous in person, it's more green than it appears here, but I will probably paint it. I tend to like pale yellow, blues, and cinnamon. The first dilemma I see is that there is nothing above the sink. I plan to change out the countertops and flooring, and the appliances will be black (since I just purchased those for this house, I am going to switch them out when we move). Give me your ideas!

Linking up here with Thrifty Decor Chick. Look at all these decorating ideas that are posted on her site! I may never get out of this recliner!!!

Climb That Mountain!

2011-03-07T00:18:00.004-05:00

As the crooked road winds

around the bend

so does love.

The way to happiness is never

easy or straight,

but it sure

is fun navigating those curves

and pulling those hills

of life.

And as you

continue the climb

to the top of

that mountain

just know

that every curve, pothole and

ditch that you encounter

along the way

has been and will be

a part of who you are

and who your children are

and their children after them.

And the view

Is Breathtaking at the top!

Happy 44th Anniversary

Mom and Dad

Love You

Chicken Tortilla Soup

2011-02-27T16:17:00.004-05:00

This is by far the best recipe I've tried for Chicken Tortilla Soup. It's not low fat, but if you substitute low fat cheese and milk, it will be. If you are looking for low carb, use about 1/4 cup of the mesa flour instead of 1 cup. I took some out before adding the flour, to make a lower carb version, and it was equally as good, just not as thick.

1 medium onion, diced
1 clove garlic or 1 tsp (or TBSP if you are in love with garlic like I am)
2 cups frozen corn
Jalapeno pepper, diced (I used the ones that are in a jar and just chopped it up a little more, about 8 slices)
salt - pepper to taste
2 TBSP oil for frying (I used coconut because it's the latest craze)
4 (15 oz) cans chicken broth
15 oz can diced tomatoes (petite are best)
10 oz rotel (original)
1 pack taco seasoning
10 small corn tortillas or 1 cup mesa flour (I've done it both ways, and it's less work with the flour; also, use less than a cup to start with, you might not want it as thick)
1 to 1 1/2 pounds of cooked chicken tenders (I diced them up and cooked them with salt, pepper and garlic in some oil)
1 cup milk
12 oz Mexican blend cheese

Saute onion, garlic, jalapeno and corn in oil, with salt and pepper
Add chicken broth, bring to boil. Add tomatoes, Rotel, taco seasoning and cooked chicken.
Add tortillas (cut into strips) or slowly add mesa flour, whisking in a little at a time)
Boil for 20 minutes until tortillas are dissolved. Reduce heat. Add 8 oz cheese, simmer 10 minutes. Add milk. Simmer 10 more minutes. Stir often or will stick.
Serve with chips and more cheese.

My Blog Post From One Year Ago...With Updates

2011-02-25T21:14:00.003-05:00

Ok, so my blogger friend says to set 3 reasonable goals. Specific goals, not generic ones like weight loss or getting healthy. Be specific. So I'll try. I'm so hesitant because I'm afraid of failure and here I am trying to set examples. Here goes.

1. 2010: " My primary goal is to lose at least 10 pounds by this time next year. That doesn't seem like a lot, but I want to build muscle and realistically on my tall frame, losing more than that while building muscle may not be possible for me. If more comes off in the meantime, fine with me."

2011: I am ten pounds lighter this February than I was last January. I was actually down about 12 pounds in November, then THE HOLIDAYS. You know the rest of the story.

2. 2010: In order to make number one happen, my diet has to change, and before my diet can change I have to make better choices. Before I can make better choices, I have to PLAN what I eat and not eat on the run so much. So this goal will be "to plan more of my meals and make a grocery list/menu weekly before sending hubby off to the store."

2011: The planning didn't happen. I did eat at home more, ate very little fast food this year. Would have lost more had I taken my lunch to work instead of eating the most unhealthy food there is (besides fast food) - hospital food. Most days I made a conscious effort to avoid sugar, some days were better than others. We never (ok rarely) buy Little Debbie Cakes, or ice cream, but we always have a box of pringles in the cabinet. They last all week between the two of us, so I guess that's not too bad, since I COULD eat the whole thing in a single absent-minded facebook session.

3. 2010: " The third thing that must happen is consistent exercise. My goal here is to increase strength and flexibility (and to look better in jeans wouldn't hurt either). I will start with weight training two times a week and at least one day of swimming (because I enjoy it, and I don't enjoy much other stuff). This is the realistic goal. Now for the unrealistic part, I hope to incorporate occasional pilates/yoga in there. I have some home workouts I can do and hopefully on my weeks off I can make it to the gym to a class or two. See that sounds vague, but based on my history, I don't know how to commit."

2011: Didn't happen. I am not stronger and definitely not more flexible. My workouts this year were very random, unplanned, too short, too far between, and very little sweat was lost. I would say I averaged once or twice a week, and that's only some weeks. Granted, there were periods of time in there where I was consistent for a few weeks but then something would happen and I'd fall off the wagon again. I have started putting exercise on a to-do list on my iPhone and it seems to be helping, because I hate to have things left on my list at the end of the day. I get bored easily, and have to mix it up. In January,I discovered that I really can/do sweat. I've been pushing myself harder when I do work out, because I know it's likely to be a while before I get around to again. And I like exercising at home because I can work out in my pajamas and not worry about fixing my hair. Sometimes, on my days off, I am still in my pj's after lunch. So sue me.

Looking back, I have to say that diet is so important, because honestly, that's the only thing that has consistently been better than the year before.
New goal for 2011: Repeat #1, 2, and 3, and get them right this time.

2011-02-09T08:36:00.001-05:00

I'm linking up to Take It From Me for a Wednesday blog hop. Just a way to meet other bloggers and see what's going on in their worlds. A great way to get some traffic on your blog, too. Just follow the directions on her site and see who shows up. Have a great Wednesday!

Meet Me on Monday!

2011-02-07T08:16:00.001-05:00

Linking up from Never Growing Old for "Meet Me on Monday," so happy you could join me here on my first day off of seven. What better way to start than by making a few new online friends? Join me.

1. Did you watch the Superbowl?

"Watch" would not be a word I would use. The game was playing in the same room, on a big screen TV, while I reclined on the couch by the fireplace surrounded by the comforts of home, my laptop, my iPhone, and my Kindle. My mind unable to concentrate on either one, for the possiblity of what I might be missing on the other two at any given moment. I am so addicted to social media that I am feeling disconnected from the "real world." (My husband and I talk to each other on Facebook and entertain the masses with our banter back and forth).

2. What is the last book that you read? I read "The Book Thief." A friend recommended this, and I read the sample on my Kindle and thought I didn't want to pay for something so dark and depressing. Then I couldn't stop wondering what happened to the main characters in this book narrated by "DEATH." As Death carried a child away from his family, with the sister watching and being the main character of the story, I was haunted with wondering what happens next. I give this book 4.5 stars.

3. What is your favorite kind of cake? No question - German Chocolate Upside Down Cake .

(Can someone please tell me if I can steal images from Google without getting busted? This would be a great spot for a photo).

4. Do you snore? No, but I carry on interesting conversations with myself and others in my sleep (or so they say). My husband does enough snoring for both of us, so much that I have my own room to escape to when it gets too bad.

5. Do you play an instrument? I play the piano, but only gospel music. My piano teacher taught me to play out of the "Red Book," also known as the Hymnal. Any good Southern Appalachian will know the one I'm referring to. I can play by ear, but not very well. I have taught myself a few basic chords and notes on the mandolin as well. I get discouraged because I can't play well enough to perform for others, so I quit. I'm a quitter at most things I do if I can't do them really well. Probably should quit blogging, too, huh? Just kidding.

German Chocolate Upside Down Cake

2011-02-07T08:01:00.001-05:00

•1 cup flaked sweetened coconut

•1 cup chopped pecans

•1 package German chocolate cake mix

•eggs, water, and oil as directed on package

•8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

•1/2 cup butter or margarine, room temperature

•1 pound confectioners' sugar, about 3 3/4 cups, unsifted

Preparation:

Grease and flour a 9x13x2-inch baking pan. Heat oven to 350°.

Sprinkle coconut and pecans evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan. Prepare cake mix with the appropriate measurements of water, oil, and eggs, following the package directions. Pour the cake batter over the coconut and pecans. Beat together the cream cheese, butter and confectioners' sugar; drop by spoonfuls over the top of cake batter. Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center of the cake portion

Low Carb

2011-01-02T13:13:00.001-05:00

Since it's the beginning of a new year, I usually try to start out by making some healthy changes. I'm happy to say I stuck to a healthier diet for the most part last year, more than previous years. UNTIL the last couple of weeks of December, then I ate everything in sight it seemed. Diabetes runs in my family, so since I am not getting any younger or thinner as each year passes, I am trying to ward it off as long as I can.

If you or someone you know is diabetic, I'm sure you have seen all the conflicting information out there regarding diabetes. As a nurse practitioner, conversations with diabetics or pre-diabetics are a part of my day - every day. What I have found is:

1. diabetics are confused

2. too much information is bad sometimes

3. due to time constraints, there is no way to get into all the "details" of dieting.

How do I know who to believe, what to read, what to eat/not to eat? If you will follow a few simple rules, whether you are diabetic or just want to lose a few pounds, glucose levels will come down; and, even if they are not "normal," I'm sure you will see a major improvement in your energy level and lab results.

When I have 5 minutes to share with someone, I advise them to follow the "No White Diet" In other words, if it starts out white and powdery (cocaine doesn't count), it will "run your sugar up" and cause you to deposit fat around your abdominal area. So what's considered "white?"

*flour

*sugar

*corn meal

*pasta

*rice

*potatoes (ok, they are not powdery but they ARE EVIL)

Remember, if it CONTAINS any of these ingredients, it's high-carb.

That means NO SODAS unless diet

No JUICE unless tomato or V8 vegetable (not the fruity kind) - fresh fruit is ok in moderation, but avoid over-doing it with the bananas. No canned fruit.

If you eat bread, limit it to one or two slices of very high fiber bread : I like this one:

(http://www.naturesownbread.com/NAT_Varieties/Variety.cfm?CategoryID=100&ProductID=16

The good news: EGGS are white and they are ok - eat up! Try an omelet made with your favorite cheese and salsa, or do what I did and stuff it with your left-over New Year's Eve Spinach Artichoke dip - Amazing!

I will post more of these notes and low carb ideas if anyone is interested. Feedback is welcome.

Here's a link to a reputable medical journal research study in case you are interested:

http://www.annals.org/content/153/3/147.abstract

*Pink shirt above is available HERE

Christmas Future

2010-12-27T17:42:00.001-05:00

My blogging seems to be going the way of my diet...and exercise...I just can't seem to be consistent at anything I do. How in the world have I stayed married for 22 years (to the same person-yes)?

I would like to blog about our Christmas and share all of our fun with you, but there are two reasons I can't do that yet:

1. I lost my cord that allows me to upload my pictures from my camera ( the one time I didn't take many with my iPhone).

2. I'm still waiting for the rest of Christmas.

You see, I'm from the sticks -aka STIX. Del Rio is a beautiful little place in the far-east (East Tennessee, that is), not far from Hot Springs, NC. I lived there until 5th grade, and my parents moved back there a few years ago. The road they live on is wide enough for one car, mostly gravel mixed with a little mud, and makes a circle at the top of the mountain; so in other words, its at the end of the road, the top o' the world, TIMBUKTU. It's also part of the Cherokee National Forest.

So what's the problem, you ask. The problem is getting there in 10 inches of snow!!! Waiting for the big meltdown.

Merry Christmas - Better Late Than Never!
Kim

Fall in Greenville, SC

2010-10-29T16:23:00.001-04:00

We looked for somewhere along the way to visit for a couple of nights since our Charleston reservations weren't until Sunday. An Internet search of southern towns to visit brought us to Greenville, SC. I have relatives in the area but have never visited...definitely a mistake. This town is beautiful. Since we have so many pics to share, this will be more of a photo blog, with a few notes thrown in.
So, what better place to start than Coffee Street. Notice the sign in the picture above? That's how the downtown area looks, very nice signs and trees, light posts, etc.

We were excited to see the Saturday morning market on Main Street... Right outside our door.

Peter Piper was here.

Real Italian women selling fresh made pasta and pizza dough-ready to cook or freeze by the pound.

Shrimp n grits... Enjoyed this while sitting in the morning sun at some sidewalk tables.

Don't forget this!!

A trip to the Mast General Store... Love that place! Had to pick up this shirt for some fellow coffee drinkers I know.

Lunch in (ok at) Guadalajara was really good.

This girl and her boots were getting some looks...remember it was a bit cool for bare legs -unless if you got it flaunt it ( while you still can).

Fish Tacos

Crab quesadilla -one of the best things I ate all week. And I ate a lot.

Suspension bridge... You can feel it sway as you walk across it.

It's huge!

Mr. Sexy -how did I get him?

This is the Hampton Inn where I want to stay next time, it's in the park area.

Ride the trolley from one end of Main street to the other -free.

Nothing like a little bongo drums and break dancing in the streets...

Cure for cold feet.

Beautiful night stroll through the park.

I definitely want to go back for the food tour. Who wants to go with me?

Crab Cakes

2010-09-28T19:36:00.001-04:00

Ok, friends, it's time to share another boring cooking blog with you. Who knows, maybe you will venture out and try something new.

Crab cakes are a favorite around here, but I've been looking for the perfect mixture of ingredients. I think I've found it.
I'll bore you with a few details:

Start with 3 cans lump crab meat that you can find near the tuna in the grocery store. You will get two crab cakes per can. Do your own math and adjust as necessary. (Of course REAL
fresh crab meat is better but hard to come by in Morristown, Tennessee). I tried two kinds and I like the Bumble Bee brand better, it just looks better right out of the can. Besides, has anyone ever determined if that other brand is really chicken? If anyone knows Jessica
Simpson, ask her for me.

Strain the crab meat, if you don't they will be wet and nasty.

Add two green onions finely chopped. By the way, I bought four of these nifty little chopping mats at TJ Maxx for six bucks and I love them!

I like the flavor of this mix but if you use the whole thing it's too much breading, so use
only 1/4 cup ( or crush up some crackers instead.)

Add 2 tablespoons of this but if you are watching your sodium, use half or get low sodium, or leave it out, no big deal, it's just food.

I added a teaspoon (or three) of this to give it some kick. This is also a favorite of my guys.

And finally, add one incredible edible egg. If it is not edible I'm guessing this dish won't be very incredible.
Ok -mix all that together in a bowl and shape into patties. Pan fry over medium heat in a couple tbsp of peanut oil, about five minutes each side.

Now I'm not a fan of tartar sauce but I tried my own -pretty dang good: chop one green onion and one pickle -equal amounts and add DUKES mayo ( 2-3 tbsp) and CRYSTALS hot sauce( 1-2 tsp). This stuff is wonderful with these crab cakes or as a dip for Oreos . Just kidding, checking to see if you're still awake.
So add a couple veggies and there you have it ---

Those little lumpy balls are drop biscuits made from biscuit mix-great to have on hand and only takes ten minutes.

Enjoy!

Another Pig Chase

2010-08-28T14:28:00.001-04:00

This is Jays {big} birthday weekend. We have plans today, I'll blog about that later, but for now let me tell you about our little trip to find some good BBQ.

I don't know what the big deal is, but it seems that BBQ joints are the destination of many "foodies," and "roadies." I assume I would fit into at least one of those categories, maybe both. I love food ( duh) and according to my dad, I love to keep the roads hot (this has worsened since we bought Pearl-our Mazda Miata).

So off we go! Heading north on 25E through Tazewell to Harrogate, TN. Turned right just on the other side of the Powell River Bridge. I believe it's the Powell River. Would only make sense.

Once we turned onto Powell River Road, the scenery went from wide open spaces (love those Dixie Chick songs, not so much in love with their politics, that's why they need to stick to music) to a narrow one lane paved road. The weeds and bushes could use some trimming-apparently the county workers don't get out this way much. Jay took care of a few branches when they whacked him upside the head as we had to get over in order to pass another vehicle ( or a goat).

In five miles or so ( after staying to the right every time the road splits) we saw the sign pointing the way to our destination:

Again, took a right. And less than a mile down a one lane dirt/gravel road I began to hear banjo music. Really.

The river views were beautiful when you could get a peek through the tall weeds. But
I'm thinking yes, I do know how to swim. But can I swim faster than a banjo player? Jay's not a very good swimmer, sorry honey, you've had a full and beautiful life.

There it is, coming into view. Stately, historical, authentic, classical. The aroma of roasted swine fills the air.

Heavy's BBQ and Canoe-good for escaping the banjo man.

We were greeted by a very playful slobbery dog who stuck his head inside the Miata to make sure we were ok for killin before he would let us exit the car.

(too freaked out to think about taking a picture until later).

So we went on in to the "lobby" area and the nice lady smiled and handed us a menu and two stirofoam cups and turned away. There was one other family sitting outside, so I asked " just sit anywhere?" she replied "yes." all this conversation was killing me!!
This other family was quite entertaining as their teen daughter decided she was going to play with the sweet puppy and he was so thrilled he started dragging her around by her arm! He thought he hit the bone jackpot!!

While waiting for our food and wondering if someone is going to put something in these cups, the river view was very nice. I don't think I've ever seen a river this calm. And stagnate/green.

So Sweetness comes to take our order and wonders why we have empty cups. I say something like we don't know the system here, and she brightens up and says " oh! You've never been here before?" apparently the don't get many new people out this way.
Anyhoo. The sweet tea (awesome) and other drinks were up front at a self-serve station. The food came and was above average BBQ with a sweet mild sauce. I prefer a little less sweet but it worth the drive and the immaculate surroundings. And the company of my sweet handsome husband. (had to say that since he's about to go down the river.)

Pork dinner.

There was no live music, but there were some old oldies -country music-that reminded me of childhood-there were songs I know my mom had on 8 track back in the 70s but I couldn't tell you who it was or song titles. As we were leaving (and hubs was checking out the restroom /marking his territory-as he always does), I asked her what CD was playing? She had no idea, it was Sirius Radio, but the song was called "Ten Little Bottles" by Johnny Bond; we stood there and giggled at the lyrics and the slurred speech of the singer as he sang "I don't like your bartenders here in Nashville, I'll tell you that; I sez to this guy 'give me something cold and full of gin;' he says 'take my wife.'"

At this point we end our conversation by talking about some locals that I know -and she knows both of them.So we headed back out to the parking lot, hoping we could find our car amongst all the others.

(actually this was taken before the other family left:))

The miniature goats had a parade just for us and told us to come back soon. That black one looks a lot like my schnauzer. Just sayin'.

Cherokee Lake welcomed us back with no questions asked.

Rating for Heavy's
Food 3.5 out of 5
Atmosphere 2
Friendliness of staff 4 ( eventually)
Go back? Yes -but only with a group.

August Miata Drive

2010-08-07T21:20:00.001-04:00

Headed down the highway without breakfast, only a Weigels coffee, Kona blend for me. Dark Roast for Jay.

A quick bath followed ( for Pearl, not me, I prefer a liitle more privacy)at the car wash.

We headed down 11E to the John Sevier Highway, then a left on 129. Once through Alcoa, we turned left onto The Dragon.
A very twisty road with lots of switchbacks, where lots of motorcyclists spend their weekends, attempting to "slay the dragon."
We were successful I suppose since it didn't slay us first.

There were these photographers along the road taking pictures to post on the Internet for sale. I haven't looked yet to see if we are out there in cyberspace somewhere.

It didn't take us long to figure out we needed sunscreen, it was getting hot by 1030.
This shot was taken on 129 before the twisties started.

This is Jay looking for some flowers...

To water. :)

This was a beautiful part of the drive ( not me, the lake).

I'm assuming this was one of the rockslides that kept the Dragon closed for so long.

Another shot by the lake. I love this man. He makes me look like I have some class, but we all know the truth.

This is the Daily Bread Cafe and Bakery in Robbinsville, NC.

Just look at all those delicious choices. I'm pretty sure this is a low carb bakery.

It took us a while to get seated, there was such a crowd, as you can see from all the busi-ness.

After our order had been placed, we sat in the room with the floor that was slightly uneven

And waited for the grill to warm up. It was only 1230 after all, they were not sure what was wrong. I suggested the "on" button, but they weren't taking suggestions today, that was yesterday.

I'm pretty sure this burger was the entertainment in the kitchen since I heard the cook say " hey-catch!" while she was cooking.

We gave thanks for the five second rule.

It's hard to mess up a fried bologna (baloney) sandwich. But the home fries were a little too potato-like as in raw.
Must rush taters since baloney is so quick. Who knew there was an art to timing foods to get done at the same time?

Ok so we left our cozy little cafe and admired the special touch on one of the front porch tables-a can of Rave hairspray. They thought of everything because the wind can sure mess your hair up when you're waiting on the grill to heat up.

From here we headed down the Cherahala Skyway from Robbinsville, NC to Tellico Plains, TN.

The view from this 100 million dollar (yes that much) highway is blocked by overgrown foilage most of the way but we managed to take a photo or two that really do it more justice than it appeared on the drive.

One thing we did find was this uncanny likeness of Jay as a statue along the roadway. Amazing isn't it?

Does it get any bluer than this?

This is Bald River (yes, Jay I said RIver) Falls...view from the car (hence the reason for the attractive mirror in the photo).

Ok, without the mirror, a more professional version of the iPhone photography genious.

Finally back in Morristown, with daylight left to spare. I left out the Olive Garden dinner but you've all seen that.

Almost 22 years later, we are still laughing. It all started with a hoitie-toitie lady and her doughnuts falling in the store where we both worked and the laughing has never stopped. Proof that God does use our shortcomings for good sometimes...bet that snobby lady on her way to church that Sunday morning who was rude and crude to us had no idea that busting her arse on the grocery store floor would be the reason for the development of this relationship.

Chuck Norris Was Here

2010-08-01T13:16:00.002-04:00

Is there something
I should know?
Are we in danger?

All around me
Are signs of impending danger

And words of ancient
Fighting styles

Advice on the best
Killing techniques.

Heroes in nooks and crannies
( what's a cranny?)

This is where it all started

But what worries me most
Is that somewhere out there

Is Chuck Norris

Naked.
But Chuck doesn't need clothes
Clothes go Chuck shopping.

I feel safe, don't you?
Kim

Separation Anxiety

2010-07-28T08:17:00.001-04:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Drove my son and friend four hours each way.
Visited the university.
Nice campus if you like flat land, beautiful trees,
State-of-the-art media centers,
Activity centers on every corner.
Burger 'n fries $3.99 at local sports bar.
Tell me they won't drink the beer.
Or smoke the grass.
Expensive housing, but it's walking distance to classes,
And clean, and safer than other options.
Safety... Security... Priceless, right?

I've spent years preparing him to be self-sufficient, and
Encouraging him to go anywhere
In the world,
Do anything he wants to do...
But no one was preparing me.
My little boy is officially all grown up now.
Leaving the nest.
New adventures are so exciting,
Can't wait to see him soar.

Another Trip to Maud's

2010-06-27T09:13:00.003-04:00

Just a couple of the pretty views you will see along the way to Maud's Red Roof Restaurant in Mosheim, TN...

I need to crop this... No pun intended Mr. Farmer

I love this pretty little church.

I thought my view was pretty good, but imagine all this from his perspective....

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:McFarland St,Morristown,United States

Another Trip to Maud's

2010-06-27T09:13:00.001-04:00

Location:McFarland St,Morristown,United States

Panama City 2010

2010-06-14T15:36:00.000-04:00

Well here I sit on the balcony of this half million dollar condo, day two.

How was I to know that this bird

was not the noise-maker that woke me up at 5 am on day one? Sure sounded like an owl to me; after being told " no ma'am there is no off switch on the owl because it is just hollow plastic and doesn't make noise." ok so who knew owls and ?pigeons sound similar? I've never been awakened by a bird ( other than a rooster-maybe this was a pigeon rooster)??

And how was I supposed to know there were not humidity detectors in the room-they went off every time we left the balcony door open for more than two seconds. Got to be very annoying so I called the lovely owner and once again she informed my blond self that they do not have humidity detectors. Turns out we had two defective smoke detectors.( It's my hotness that was setting them off):).

No oil here, water was beautiful until today when we were slimed (algae?)!

Blog Hopping Again

2010-05-22T09:52:00.000-04:00

Hop on over to Southern Inspiration and join her Friday Fives. I know it's Saturday now, but it's still fun. She posts five questions and here are my answers. Let me know what your answers would be.

1. What's your favorite perfume? My favorite perfume is Bob Mackie. I don't even know if they make it anymore because I rarely wear it. I do have a 20 year old bottle of Poison that I still love. That's how often I wear it. It probably really IS poison by now.

2. What's your favorite purse? I've been into Vera Bradley purses lately. I have 3, but can't say I'm in love with any of them. I think I've spend my last dollar on Vera. Why didn't I come up with that idea? I can make a suit and sew a zipper. I can quilt. Instead, I get paid to take care of sick people. Seems purse design would be much less stress.

3. Favorite place to read? My favorite place to read is my new sunroom. Haven't started a new book yet, can't seem to stop reading blogs like this.

4. What's your favorite voice to hear on the phone? My favorite voice to hear on the phone? Mom or dad - Dad is usually a cheerful "WHAT's going on?" without a hello. LOL
He answers the phone by saying "yeah?"
Of course I love to hear Zak's voice but he's usually wanting to know what's for dinner. If you are not listed here, call me and I'll change my answer.

5. My favorite pair of shoes I own right now? That's a close one. I love my Adidas running shoes (I don't run but they make me walk faster I'm sure). They have been a big help to my foot pain. They look great with my Easter frock.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Room finished, accessories are pending

2010-05-19T07:56:00.001-04:00

Kim:)

New room update

2010-05-12T06:48:00.001-04:00

Having coffee in the almost finished room. I need suggestions for curtains. I think I want something light that I can slide all the way to the sides out of the way. I also have a beautiful elm floor that we still have to do.

I also need ideas for this wall...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Let There Be Light!!

2010-05-07T22:30:00.001-04:00

Before... Tiny extra good for nothing room

Now a bright open sunroom ...

With a view...

I'll post more when complete:)

Hidden (or not-so-hidden) Talent

2010-04-30T08:32:00.000-04:00

So my son, Zak, is at a critical point in his life where he needs to decide on a major or Momma is going to decide for him. The other choice is K-Mart. I just wanted to remind him of his talent and that most people who use their talent in their careers are happy with the choice they made. Maybe it's just me, but I think his creativity leaves him with many career possibilities.

This last one is my favorite photo of the week. Please join Patty for her Friday photo hop, she has some really cool bees on her page today.

Doors

2010-04-23T09:44:00.000-04:00

I'm linking up with Patty at Finding Serendipity for her Friday photo hop, with today's theme being "doors". Please visit her there, she has a beautiful picture posted. I searched through all my photos on the computer and this is the best I could come up with ...as simple as it is, I think it says "PEACE, REST, CALM." I need to go there. Soon.

Photography is Not Our Greatest Talent

2010-04-23T08:57:00.000-04:00

While driving the Sequoyah Hills Dogwood Trail, I asked Jay to take a picture of the beautiful home and trees to my left. Hmmm...do you think it occurred to him to wait until we passed and take the picture BEHIND my head? This is where some of those photoshop tricks would help me, huh?

East Tennessee Road Trip

2010-04-10T08:52:00.003-04:00

They say if you don't like the weather

in Tennessee,

hang around because it will

change.

The same goes for the scenery along some of our roads...

This might inspire

some Spring Cleaning:

and just around the bend...

Linking up with Patty at Finding Serendipity

Please visit her and join in...

Change of Scenery

2010-04-10T08:52:00.001-04:00

They say if you don't like the weather

in Tennessee,

hang around because it will

change.

The same goes for the scenery along some of our roads...

This might inspire

some Spring Cleaning:

and just around the bend...

Linking up with Patty at Finding Serendipity

Please visit her and join in...

Top Down Road Trip

2010-04-07T19:52:00.003-04:00

We have been discussing motorcycles for a few years now. One year he wants one, the next year I want one, and this year we both did. We even went to the motorcycle store and "tried some on." Fear of the other drivers won out, probably somewhat due to my experience working in the ER, and we decided against it.

Then one day, I was just minding my own business, driving down the highway on one of those nice warm Spring days we had in March, and there she was, shiny, clean and calling me to "come back, just take a look, what could it hurt?"

TWO DAYS LATER:

Our first trip of Spring

started in Morristown (me, Jay and Pearl)

Drove up 25E then 11W north to

Rogersville

Then took 70 N

to Eidson, TN

Pressman's Home

For you HOME SCHOOL MOMS, this would be a great educational trip, just Google "Pressman's Home, TN" to get some history behind this place.

On to

Sneedville, TN

then for some reason

I failed to take any pictures

in Thorn Hill and

Washburn
(as you can see many of my pics are blurry, taken on iPhone because bringing a better camera never crossed my mind).

By this time, my forehead was getting sunburned, so where on earth in the middle of nowhere do you stop to buy a sun visor? Why, the Clinch Mountain Winery of course.

And yes, I bought a bottle of

Plum Sweet Prissy
Plum Wine.

Still unopened.
Just waiting for someone to share it with.
(I bet it's "plum" good)

Visited my friend

Cindy on the way, who lives on a hill

in Washburn and has a magnificent view. I am inserting a photo here that she took, because I knew she had one

(or twenty-seven million)...and I'll just post her picture here too while I'm at it.

We made our last stop

at the top of Clinch Mountain on

25E

2 hot dogs $3

Days like this are what I work for. Knowing my family is healthy and happy - I'm so blessed and thankful for what I have been given. I hope you enjoyed the trip, and take one of your own soon. Call me, I'll lead the way.

Spring - it's Official!

2010-04-07T19:52:00.001-04:00

TWO DAYS LATER:

Our first trip of Spring

started in Morristown (me, Jay and Pearl)

Drove up 25E then 11W north to

Rogersville

Then took 70 N

to Eidson, TN

Pressman's Home

For you HOME SCHOOL MOMS, this would be a great educational trip, just Google "Pressman's Home, TN" to get some history behind this place.

On to

Sneedville, TN

then for some reason

I failed to take any pictures

in Thorn Hill and

Washburn
(as you can see many of my pics are blurry, taken on iPhone because bringing a better camera never crossed my mind).

By this time, my forehead was getting sunburned, so where on earth in the middle of nowhere do you stop to buy a sun visor? Why, the Clinch Mountain Winery of course.

And yes, I bought a bottle of

Plum Sweet Prissy
Plum Wine.

Still unopened.
Just waiting for someone to share it with.
(I bet it's "plum" good)

Visited my friend

Cindy on the way, who lives on a hill

in Washburn and has a magnificent view. I am inserting a photo here that she took, because I knew she had one

(or twenty-seven million)...and I'll just post her picture here too while I'm at it.

We made our last stop

at the top of Clinch Mountain on

25E

2 hot dogs $3

2010-03-29T08:40:00.001-04:00

Dare to be Different...

You never know, someone might join you

Linking up from Cate's Blog

meant to INSPIRE you :)

"Easter" Fairytales

2010-03-21T20:41:00.001-04:00

I am joining (late) the blog hop from Patty's Blessed Moon, and the topic this week is "Fairy Tales." She has a beautiful story to share, so please go by and visit, leave a comment, and join in, it's not too late.

I had trouble coming up with a fairy tale, because honestly I only remember a few; but what did come to mind is fitting for the season: The Easter Bunny.

As a child, I remember growing up looking forward to all the hoopla of Easter...the Easter Bunny would come and leave me a huge basket filled with sugar coated sugar and chocolate covered chocolate bunny droppings. There were usually coloring books, crayons, and sometimes even money. Of course this meant I had to put on a new frilly dress and sleep with rollers in my hair all night, so I could look like a perfect replica of Nellie Olsen (from Little House on the Prarie).

I do remember we always heard the story of the resurrection at church, complete with flannelgraphs, my favorite part of Sunday School. That was high tech in Del Rio in the early 70's (see example, lifted from Google Images, sorry they did teach me it's wrong to steal in Sunday School, but patience is not my gift, and haven't received permission yet). Don't tell. I will give a plug to the site that sells these though: The Felt Source.

I never gave the Easter Bunny nor her eggs a second thought. Hey wait, she didn't lay those eggs did she? See, again - not thinking. Then one day, as I shopped for my son's Easter Basket and Easter suit (bless his heart), I decided to research the history of the bunny and what she/he had to do with Easter as I was taught in Sunday School (why didn't they ever have him/her on flannelgraph, why was he being left out of the lessons all those years)?

The Easter bunny, as a symbol, was first mentioned in German writings in the 1600's. To make a long story short, rabbits and eggs are symbols of fertility and the Easter holiday was originally a celebration of a fertility goddess and spring equinox. If you are not into history and just want the bottom line, just stop reading right here.

Ok, I knew you wanted to know, so please follow along, hang in there, this gets Hare-y (no pun intended). Pre-Historic Disclaimer: I am no historian, so if you find some of my facts are screwy, blame the internet because depending on which historian you read, you can find some minor details are different.

The origin of this ancient goddess goes all the way back to the tower of Babel (in other lands she is called Eostre, Astarte, Ashtoraf, Ashtoref, Wife of Baal, Queen of Heaven). All or most are mentioned in the Bible and all refer back to the same woman: Semiramis, the mother and wife of Nimrod (yes, she was BOTH-mother AND wife). Long story short, (I know, I already said that) he was a bad guy who was mighty throughout the earth. He became a god-man to the people and his wife/mother became the powerful queen of ancient Babylon. Nimrod was eventually killed and his body was sent in parts to various parts of the kingdom; all the parts were gathered and found except his reproductive organ (yes, his penis was lost). Without this part, he was thought to be unable now to come back to life and she claimed he had ascended to the sun and was now to be called Baal the sun god. Simaramis claimed that she came to earth in a moon egg which became known as Ishtar's Egg. All this took place in Spring and Simiramis became known as Ishtar (pronounced EASTER). She soon became pregnant and claimed it was the rays of the sun god Baal that caused her to conceive. She gave birth to a son named Tammuz. Tammuz was noted to be especially fond of rabbits and they became sacred in ancient religion. He was later killed by a wild pig (there's more to this story because his mother later declared a pig was to be eaten every spring in honor of Tammuz. Ishtar was referred to as the " mother of god" and "queen of heaven "and continued to build her religious following. Every year on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox, it was called Ishtar Sunday and was celebrated with rabbits and eggs.

Well, that took longer than expected, and the story of how we got from there to where we are now, combining what should be a holy celebration of our Lord Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead with pagan rituals is for another blog.

Wondering what you think about all that???

Words...

2010-03-17T21:09:00.000-04:00

photo borrowed from google images...could not find copyright info (sorry but too cute to leave there)

We all know I'm not great with words. I do a little better in print than I do with speaking. But I hope when people think of me, they can remember something nice. A smile, a kind word, or a good deed. I know, I know...I'm not a great motivator, I'm not a "hugger," (sorry Edie), but I strive to be kind to people. If you know me, you know that's a stretch because I can be pretty harsh and sarcastic, and humor often flows out of me at the most inconvenient times. Somewhere in there, though, there's a benevolent bone in my body, that acts up occasionally and something nice comes out.

Which brings me to the story behind this blog post. My mom is a mail carrier in a small town (aka job that's even harder than raising a goober like me). On her route, there's a man who is in the hospital fighting for his life. She knows his name (only because it's printed on the mail, duh), and she knows where he lives and that's about all she knows about him. BUT she knows he's kind. He's friendly. Stops to speak and ask her about the weather often when she goes by. She is sending word to him that the weather's clearing up, going to be nice for a few days. Sorry to hear he's "under the weather," and hoping the sun shines for him soon.

We really never know what we mean to others. I may be the only person to speak to someone in an entire day or to listen (REALLY LISTEN) to their concerns. May we all stop and take the time to spread some chear.

Reposting...A Spring Kimku (because I don't know how to Haiku)

2010-03-17T08:00:00.003-04:00

As Winter fades

My lazy bones are burried

Blooms emerge from the dirt

As my mood awakens with the Spring

Motherhood...

2010-03-13T21:31:00.001-05:00

4 Generations of strong women

And now there are 3

If there wasn't a YOU

We wouldn't have ME.

In memory of my grandmother, Vestoria Elizabeth Moore Green

(see other stories of Motherhood at Blessed Moon and join the blog hop by posting your link there as well)

I'm SO Behind...

2010-03-13T21:16:00.000-05:00

I'm getting so BEHIND...on blogging, on reading, on cleaning, on life. I'll be back soon, I promise. Please don't forget me.

Cincinnati Chili with Cheesey Garlic Naan Bread In Less than 20 Minutes - SERIOUSLY!

2010-03-02T17:50:00.001-05:00

This is one of Jay's favorites (of course if he gets a meal that is warm and not topped with milk, he's pretty impressed). I prefer the chili ("Cincinnati style") that I made from scratch but since he says he can't tell the difference, and that I make it too "thick," I figured why bother? So, even though I am not a big fan of the chili, I am a huge (ok, no pun intended) fan of cheese, pasta and this awesome cheese bread that I came up with from some items I had on hand. Hope you enjoy!

First, prepare the bread because it takes the longest:

Start with

Notice it's the "Garlic" one (saves you more work)

place on a pan and smear with

then add some cheese of your choice, I happened to have some

leftover mozarella, parmesean and cheddar...

now sling this into the toaster/convection oven (is there any other kind of oven?) at 350 degrees for about 12 minutes

While this is cooking,

do the spaghetti (hey now, you know what I mean)

Start by boiling a pan full of water and once it's boiling, toss in some spaghetti, I used

Cook until al dente (about 6 to 7 minutes) because it will continue to cook after you take it off the stove (nothing worse than a floppy noodle).

During this same 7 minutes, place this

in the microwave for 7 minutes (yes it's THAT simple) and I don't know why it has to take a whole SEVEN minutes! I'm starving here!

Now, look at the bread, it should be nice and toasty and melty like this

Now put it all together,

pasta, topped with chili, topped with cheese

and

bread on the side

If you really want to feel better about this meal, please add a green salad. I did. Then I finished off the bread (in my opinion, the best part of any meal).

Apple Something

2010-03-01T12:24:00.004-05:00

Today's McLinky Blog Hop is "Recipes," which is pretty fun. Click on the links below to see many different blogs and recipes. You can enter your blog site as well, add a recipe for others to see and meet new people - it's fun! Don't forget to comment on those blogs you find interesting or recipes you plan to try.
Happy Eating!!

This is a recipe I had saved on my computer, so must have been good :) I chose it because of it's ingredients - only 4! I'm all for easy and quick and of course the better it is, the less will be left for me to eat.

I do not have a picture of an "Apple Something" or of an Apple, although I did find some pretty nice ones online, but due to copyright issues I thought I'd just skip it.

Maybe I'll go take a picture of an apple later, but until then, you can join in the blog hop and add your recipe by clicking here at McLinky Recipes

Apple Something

1 Lg can & 1 Sm Can Hungry Jack Flaky Biscuits
1 16oz Apple Pie Filling
½ C Brown Sugar
½ Stick Butter
Cut biscuits with kitchen shears into 4’s. Place in bottom of 8”x15” baking dish. In skillet melt butter & brown sugar and pour over biscuits to coat. Top with the can of apple pie filling and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

In mixing bowl combine:
½ Stick Butter (room temperature)
8 oz Cream Cheese (room temperature)
Cream together.
2 C Powdered Sugar sifted
Add the powdered sugar to the creamed butter/cream cheese to form a thick icing. Spread over the top of the warm biscuit mixture and serve.

Caregivers...often the forgotten ones

2010-02-28T11:47:00.003-05:00

Link up to Cate's Sunday Share

The Thoughtful Caregiver Website...

I post this today for my mom, who has become the primary caregiver for my grandmother while juggling a home and full time job...she is one of the strongest women I have ever known.

As you go through the day

often tired yet bored

Needing to be at home

with the love of your life...

Just know

Everything you do

appreciated and I'll be there soon:)

Oh, Spring, Please Come!

2010-02-26T15:59:00.001-05:00

Please click here to join in the Friday McLinkey Party, http://blessedmoon.squarespace.com/? and hop around to some other blog photos today. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!!!!

Read All About It!!!

2010-02-26T08:21:00.001-05:00

Reading is one my favorite things to do. I sit in front of the TV with my laptop or a book just about all the time if I'm home. If the weather is nice, I'm outside with a book in my lap (when I'm awake). When I go to bed, I have a book or my iPhone with me, where I have Kindle for iPhone and somehow seem to come across free offers on Amazon that I download just to see if they are any good and typically they turn out to be best-sellers. I have more than paid for my iPhone in free book downloads. The only problem I see with e-books is that I cannot share them with you. I have posted my WeRead list here and will attempt to keep it updated.

My next post will be a review of the book, The Crossroads Cafe. Maybe.

Almost Priceless

2010-02-21T11:33:00.002-05:00

Once up a time

a friend found a size ten dress

on the rack

that she thought

would look beautiful on her sister

at her daughter's wedding.

Unfortunately, the sister was a size 18.

The dress - a 10.

So she said to me,

"Would you wear this dress

to my daughter's wedding?"

I tried it on

perfect fit :)

and I was the most over-dressed

person at the wedding.

She said I added "class"

to her shindig by wearing the

dress.

Three years later

the

Heart Gala...

Buy a new dress? Na

Lose the jacket that came

with the dress
(my 20 year old son, who only wear t-shirts, recommended losing the "mamaw jacket")

and buy a wrap for 20 bucks

at Belk.

Shoes - found in closet

Purse

$6 clearance

at Belk.

Jewelry - on sale

at Belk.

Makeup - free

at Belk.

Hair -

growing out (oh yes, again)

probably overdone and

OH SO BIG

(can't take the southern or the 80's out of this blonde)

Put it all together and

this is what you

get...

total cost

less than

$50.

By the way, the dress

cost my friend

$10

and

I've never returned it.

Ok, Phyllis,

I think you can have it back now :)

(well maybe AFTER my cruise)
THANKS!

Mamaw (86.5 years old)

2010-02-14T08:30:00.000-05:00

She is in the hospital after a broken patella had to be repaired; it may be the end of her independence. Yesterday, when up for the first time trying to walk on her "bad leg," the therapist, whom I refer to as SARGE, was encouraging her (firmly) to take another step. I said "Mamaw, she's a seargeant, we need to send her to Iraq." Mamaw responded, despite her severe pain (and not intending to be funny I'm sure), "If I don't get any better than this, just send ME to Iraq!"

We had to laugh, followed by "bless her heart."

Homeschool? Really?

2010-02-07T11:17:00.001-05:00

As I blog hop around this blog party, I find there are a lot of home school moms out there who blog. I feel like an outsider looking in, kinda like the weird girl who can't sit with the cool girls in the lunch room. Since my son is 20 this month, I think my home-schooling days have passed me by. I would not have been a good home-schooler because my first thoughts are : WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD SOMEONE DO THAT? LOL
I have several reasons for this line of thinking:

1. I had one child, we bored each other to tears - I was not into Ninja Turtles and could not convince him the Young and the Restless was an educational program.

2. If I'd had more than one child, I would definitely want to send them packing somewhere on a daily basis.

So to all you home school moms out there, just remember: once upon a time, there was a mother who had 16 kids and was praying her heart out to God every day that somehow He would provide a teacher and a building somewhere far away from her house that she could send these little creatures to every day so she could get a break and perhaps a job away from home, where she could have conversations with adults. Lo and Behold, PUBLIC SCHOOLS were formed by grandparents who wanted to see their grandchildren and then send them home in the afternoons.

Party ON!!!!!

2010-02-06T19:43:00.008-05:00

Disclaimer: this is not me, but it is a fellow blogger whose name I will not disclose for fear of losing my life.

I am a 40-something, wife-to-one, mom-to-one and everything to everybody, at least that's how it feels most days. I often find myself torn between guilt and selfishness, which makes for a pretty good type A personality. I would love to blog more, I think it could be a passion of mine; the problem is that the things that bug me the most are what I want to blog about - and the people who read my blog might be what bugs me the most and I don't want to hurt their feelings, thus the "guilt" thing strikes again.

I am posting this link to my friend Patty's Blog Party, hoping to help her make it a big success, since she nor I (and apparently a lot of others) were not able to attend Blissdom, (which I just found out is the mother of all blog paries). The link to her blog (and blog party) is HERE,or you can also see it here on my space, to the right of this note, just look for Blessed Moon. Follow her instructions to join in. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. She has a beautiful blog and I'm excited to spend my do-nothing day this week checking out all the other party-goers.

And may I give some credit to this wonderful website for helping me figure out how to do a hyperlink: Dummies Guide to Blogger

Still here...sorta

2010-01-24T21:33:00.002-05:00

Still alive, just in case you're wondering. Working too much. Be back in the Spring.

Strive for the Prize...

2010-01-13T22:19:00.001-05:00

(Zak's first place prize in art contest at Rose Center last year. )

Tomorrow is my last morning of leisure at home for a while. I was pretty useless today except for making dinner, which was good by the way, Tuscan Chicken. I'll post the recipe soon. It's become one of our favorites.

I did not set any goals this morning or blog anything, so I think it made me less accountable. My workout was emptying the dishwasher and walking the dog down the street and back. I did well with diet again, actually had some grapes (fruit) and peas (green vegetable). It may not ever turn me back into a size 8, but I feel healthier on the inside. Patience and persistence, right? RIIIIIGHT.

Tomorrow I work out. There I said it. Now I have to be accountable to you, whoever you are and wherever you may be.

Blogging as Therapy...

2010-01-11T11:38:00.000-05:00

I have discovered the blogging world and it's almost as addicting as Facebook. I don't know when I'll have time to do any housework, there's so much to read. LOL

I have several blogs I'm following, some are funny, some are pretty, and some are unfortunately very sad. Many people are using blogging as a way to share their experiences and thoughts with others and I think it's wonderful. Writing is therapeutic because you can erase things you didn't mean to say and "perfect" the sentence before you put it out there for others to see, while promoting thoughts and conversations - and friendships.

I must say it's not all fun and games. A couple of the blogs I'm following are very sobering, "Here and Far," and "Riding the Throat Cancer Road." One of them is a relative of a friend who is writing from Afghanistan ; the other is an acquaintance/now friend who is going through treatments for throat cancer. Each time I read these blogs, I am reminded of how precious life is and how thankful I am for what I have. We never know what God has in store for us, but it's how we go about enduring it that people will remember.

Please take time to read some of these blogs when you get time.

Baby it's Cold Outside!

2010-01-10T13:10:00.000-05:00

You thought YOUR side of the bed was cold...

We ventured out to church this morning, still some ice on the side roads. The temperature on our way back home was all the way up to 26 degrees! The sun is out and it looks much warmer than that. We heard a good sermon this morning regarding false teachers. I'm sure it will be available for listening soon at faithbaptist.net.

Today's Goals

2010-01-09T09:43:00.005-05:00

New Shoes always help...

It's early, so let's list the goal and at the end of the day, I'll let you know if I met them.
First goal: make a list of groceries that does not entirely consist of carbs. (update, made a list, got the grub).

Goal number two: make it to the gym. This is the challenging part. It's soooo cold outside and Jay, who is usually the one who works out all the time without a problem, is giving me excuses already today. Guess I'm on my own. (update: no gym but did work out at home with Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga, best DVD ever!)

Goal number three: to go out to dinner and not blow my calorie intake goal for the day : 1500. (update: not going out but we are having a nice steak and salad, my treat for hubby since he went to the grocery store). I finished the day just under 1300 calories, per my estimate and my Livestrong app for iPhone. This is the greatest little gadget. The other one, sparkpeople, is pretty good too but a little too "busy" for what I need.

Sometimes even when you don't meet your daily goals the way you intended, you can still meet your long term goals.

What Happened to My Size 8?

2010-01-08T16:16:00.004-05:00

Caution: things behind you may be larger than they appear...or not!

Biscuits are forever has a new meaning now...

Today is a snow day and my first day home after 7 days of intense work, so I'm pretty much embarassed to even post, but we gotta report the bad with the good so here goes.
Diet recall for today - you guessed it, biscuits with butter and syrup! I know, Patty, all I could think of after eating them was sugar covered DOUGH. LOL. I did stop at 2, that's a plus. And I had fruit with one of them, AKA apple butter, the home made kind (made in the microwave, it's awesome!)

Lunch, nothing really, except a few bagel chips with a tablespoon or so of pimento cheese.

Dinner, very lean hamburger with smidgen of mayo and some sweet potato fries (baked).

Drink of the day: sweet tea (made with an excellent brand- PG TIPS with splenda)

Dessert will be my nightly mocha.

The only exercise I got today was playing the mandolin, my fingers are regaining their youthful shape. Oh, maybe scrubbing the large tub counts for some exercise - good for the arms.

Today's Update

2010-01-07T20:57:00.006-05:00

I will start with a picture of my husband who is much more flexible than me. Sickening, I know.

To reach goal number one, I have to meet goals 2 and 3.

Ok, so I started out better today, by having a protein bar instead of 2 biscuits. For lunch, I had a subway tuna sandwich, but I had to have mayo (or thought I did), so I skipped the chips. That's a start on goal number 2.

To fulfill today's part of goal number 3, I worked out, with Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga, 30 minutes. And that was after a full day of work.

Not bad if I say so myself.

Setting Goals

2010-01-07T07:40:00.003-05:00

2010-01-06T22:35:00.002-05:00

Breakfast - biscuits with butter and syrup. Doesn't get more high carb than that! Lunch was better- canned soup, only 220 calories. Plus some pringles and cookies (100 cal packs). Dinner- didn't care, hubby brought home baked chicken dinner from kfc. Could be worse I guess. No workout today but I took the stair several times, does that count? I worked till 8, stressful day. Ok no more excuses so I'll just go to bed:)

Challenges...

2010-01-05T20:58:00.002-05:00

Today, I decided to take my lunch to work because what they offer at the hospital is less than healthy. I took a fairly decent lunch with me, carried it around all day, then ended up going to a meeting at lunch where food was provided. Well guess what it was - Mexican food! I could not pass it up of course, and ended up having a plate of steak fajitas and some type of chicken dish that was primarily shredded chicken. I also had some guacamole and a few chips. Oh and don't forget the fried tortilla thingy with the sugar all over it. Ho Hum. I tried. The road to health is paved with good intentions, but has Mexican food and biscuits at the rest stops.

I did manage to work out tonight at home, I did YRG (yoga for regular guys)...I did the easy one since it's been a while, but I"ll crank it up soon and do more.

Thanks, Patty, for motivation.

By the way, please check out my friend Patty's new blog listed here, Healthy Life.

Long Lost Posts...

2009-12-31T18:47:00.001-05:00

Here are some snippets from a past blog that I found on my computer today...

Today I had to schedule a patient to come in so I can tell him he has lung cancer.

Within 5 minutes, I had a note on the computer from the daughter of a patient threatening to sue me if I can't get a sitter for her mother. I thought I'd just pull one out of my pocket and give it to her for free.

Then I had a lady with no prior medical problems that came in with swelling all over her body, sudden onset 10 days ago. She initially refused to go to the hospital, said she's ready to die (she's 50 years old). Said nobody loves her anyway and wouldn't miss her. She finally agreed to go when the doctor came in behind me and helped her put her shoes on and agreed to let her smoke a cigarette.

The next lady was crying and shaking saying her neighbor beat her up and it all started because the neighbor's son was driving a car through her muddy yard...whatever - get a grip!

I did a pap smear on a 65 year old lady who had never heard of pap smears...interesting....

I did a rectal exam on a man who enjoyed it way too much - giggled the whole time...

I had a patient who told me his nosebleeds stopped when he got his hair cut and if his hair grows back out, his nose will bleed.

Not tonight I have a headache.

True Story.

A lady came to the front desk and asked for an order for her screamin' mannogram - she received a letter saying it was time for her yearly screening mammogram.

Here are couple of stories from a friend of mine who was married to a doctor: he told her that a man brought his wife's urine specimen in his office and gave it to the nurse for testing in the lab. His wife was standing beside him as he handed it to the nurse. The nurse ask. Is this urine? He said. No it is her'n.

When he was in med school he was doing rotations in clinical's. A huge black woman came into the clinic. She had broken ribs. The med student on call mummy wrapped her in 2 1/2 " white tape. When she came back for a check up the doctor took the tape off with acetone. She was wearing a polyester dress and panties. She did not take the dress off. It was pulled down around her waist. My x-husband forgot about her dress. He squirted more than enough acetone on the tape. It ran down her back and stomach onto her dress. Her dress and panties melted. He panicked. He went running back to the nurses station and began to tell his story. They took up a collection to buy her a new dress and a taxi fare home. They pinned two sheets together to get her out of the building. They gave her the money. She was supposed to wait for the taxi in the waiting room. She left the building with the sheets flapping in the breeze, her hinnie showing and flapping like the sheets. She refused to wait on the taxi she rode the city bus home. A few weeks later this woman was back with other problems. Guess who was on rotation that day? Doc. He stuck his head in the room and said. Haven't I seen you before. She said. Yo show Gawd has!!!

A man came in with an infected penis. He said the type of piercing was a "Prince Albert." I think he should have left Prince Albert in the can...what is WRONG with people???

When I worked ER, a man came in with a vibrator stuck in his rectum. When I listened to his lungs, all I could hear was "HUMMMMM". It was still on. He started rubbing his belly and grimacing and I asked him "are you in pain?" and he said "hell no, I'm trying to turn the d___ thing off." Then he said "I know one thing, I'm not messing from anybody from this town anymore." He refused to give us the phone number of a nearest relative; he said "if I die, I don't want you to call anybody - how embarassing to die from this."

A patient asked me if hypnosis would keep him from getting ingrown toenails. I thought no but it might keep you from asking stupid questions.

The nurse gave a patient a cup to collect a urine specimen and sent him into the bathroom with it. She told him to put it in the metal box behind the commode. After he had been there a while, she opened the box on the other side of the wall, in the lab, there he was with his penis in the box, trying to pee in the cup. This was definitely strange since he had to be standing on the toilet in order to reach that high. Sometimes you have to spell it out for people.

No Habits Here

2009-12-02T08:14:00.004-05:00

Ok, so I've once again fallen off the exercise wagon. I don't know what I blame it on, except laziness. But really that's not it either, I'm not lazy when it comes to other activities like house work , yard work, or working at my job. I just hate exercise. Actually I hate to get started, but once I'm in the middle of the activity, I don't mind at all. This should be no excuse, because I see the results it can bring - longevity, better heart and bone health. Less depression.
Developing and keeping good habits has always been a problem for me. I have had good intentions when it comes to eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, reading my Bible every morning, doing continuing education on a routine basis, practicing the piano or mandolin. All of these things began with a full set of good intentions. It's like I can only do one thing at a time, this week I've done better with devotions and Bible reading. I've done a bit of piano. I can't remember the last fruit I ate. The last vegetables I had were cole slaw and fried corn! LOL
That's so sad, that someone in my position of giving others advice cannot stick to that advice herself.
Maybe I need to be one of those people that puts everything on a calendar and stick to it. Problem is, I choose to ignore the calendar :)
Today, I will put exercise on my calendar for 3 days over the next week. Daily exercise does not seem to work for me, I get burned out too easily. I will also put Bible study on my morning calendar, and maybe an email reminder from a site or two that has devotionals will get me back into the habit.

Update: I have worked out today and put "workout" on my calendar for every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. We'll see how long it lasts. LOL

Next Chapter...

2009-11-16T07:49:00.002-05:00

Another week off is almost half gone and I don't feel like I've been off yet because life is so busy on on the weekends. We had our Thanksgiving dinner at mom's early so that everyone could be there. What a joy it was to see my brother so happy with his new wife, Michelle, and their kids so happy and getting along as if they've always been together. We spent the evening eating (a lot) and watching mixed martial arts fights on TV (well I spent the evening saying what a strange sport that is, but the boys and Michelle are really into it). So our family has gone from 3 grandchildren to 7 in one year! What a blessing, that's what makes Christmas so much fun, I always wanted to be a part of a large family. Funny, you wouldn't know that by my house, it seems so quiet and deserted here - even when we're all 3 at home :)
I do have a wonderful family; our parents taught us the value of hard work and Christian values. Can't ask for more than that.

If nutrition is everything, I got nothin'

2009-11-02T10:52:00.002-05:00

This is the first day of week 3 on the diet, and I am down a little over 5 pounds. The disappointing part is that those 5 pounds came off the first week (which is too much to lose in one week) and none came off this week. However, I am pretty sure I know what happened. I did keep track of my calories, but I was eating closer to 1200 that first week using livestrong.com app on my iPhone. Then someone turned me on to SparkPeople.com and I liked that app better, because it's prettier and has a few more features, like a water tracker (I hate water so this is a good reminder for me), and it suggests how many calories I should burn 3 times a week. It also gave me a few more calories a day, a range from 1450 to 1800. I think this is a little lenient for someone seriously trying to drop some weight. That's probably an ok number on days that involve exercise.
Another problem I had was working those 7 long days in a row. I found myself getting to work and not eating any breakfast and then was really hungry by lunchtime. This leads to eating more at lunch and dinner. Also, the choices were either fried (which I was able to avoid) or pasta (which I did not avoid). Somehow I think I may have underestimated my serving sizes on that - hey, don't judge me!
I missed several days of working out also. I have got to get a plan together for those work days, either before work or after, I have to do it. Especially now that I've been challenged to walk 90 miles in 30 days...I better get started, the challenger is already 7 miles ahead of me.

Guilt Free Do Nothing Days...

2009-11-01T17:21:00.005-05:00

So thankful for do-nothing days. Spending time at home with Jay (and sometimes Zak), sitting in the sun surrounded by the beautiful fall colors of leaves - literally falling on my head and on my porch - that I need to sweep. Inside, I'm chillin' in my recliner, surrounded by all the nice dust bunnies that I need to remove...oh well. I am resolved to do nothing, just this one day.
Our lives are so full of activity, and I spent the first 17 years of our marriage working 3 or 4 jobs, attending school and trying to be a mom and wife, never mind all the activities of school, church and finding time for friends and family. Maybe that's why I am so attached to my down-time now.

Finally, for once in my life, I am finding time to be me, instead of planning for who I want to be. Of course I want to be a better wife, a better mom, a better daughter, sister, friend and nurse practitioner - that's a given. Most of all, I should try to be a better Christian and the rest would take care of itself.

2009-11-01T17:15:00.003-05:00

Friday, October 30, 2009

Here I sit in my living room with my laptop watching the Today Show and decided to update my blog. I have been at work for 7 days straight and am beginning another week off. I love this schedule.
I have been dieting for 11 days now and have managed to stay within my calorie goals almost every day; but while working this week, I have not made enough efforts to work out like I should. This week contained some long days and I found plenty of excuses. I tried to work out in the mornings but the one day I did that I only made it 15 minutes, I was so weak and sluggish every move seemed like a chore. I could blame my facebook addiction, but if it weren't that, I'd find another excuse. I just hate exercise. I don't mind it so bad while I'm doing it, it's the getting started part that's hard. I did make it one time in the evening and did 40 minutes of weight loss yoga, and that felt great. The last week before I went back to work, I made it to a class at the gym and Patty, the awesome instructor, was kind enough to stay and do the workout even though I was the only one who showed up. In my heart I was hoping she would just cancel it and I could get on the treadmill, but NO! It was a step aerobics class and she wore me out - even though I spent half the time marching in place. She did cut it short, THANK GOODNESS, but I still had a great workout and my calves were sore for days.
I am trying to put together a hiking club of sorts. Most of the clubs that are out there are hard core hikers who go every weekend and backpack and I just don't feel like I'd be up to their standards. I am recruiting some facebook friends and acquaintances to join me on an occasional hike, which will likely involve a picnic, so not sure how much weight loss will occur as a result of these hikes, but building friendships and fellowship will surely be worth it. Our first one is planned for Tuesday to Clingman's Dome and I think Selina mentioned the Chimneys. Sounds like a good day to me, and I hope you can join us.
I'm still pondering the church thing. Currently not going at all. I've heard and considered all the arguments for and against. I finally don't feel guilty for not going, I guess because there is not a core group of friends anymore that are meeting anywhere, and to me that's the purpose - to meet with like minded believers for true Bible study and fellowship/worship. It's kinda like a divorce when your core group is no longer meeting, nothing else seems to fill that spot so you just avoid it altogether to keep from comparing and complaining about what and how others do things.
Hope you have a wonderful day!
p.s. please check out the blogs I am following on the left side of the page. The first one at the top is a cousin of my friend, Vivian. He is in the army in Afghanistan and his blog is much more interesting than mine...

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Spending the day in medical offices with my mamaw causes me to realize that 40 is young. She is 86 and still lives alone, does her own housekeeping and takes care of various plants and animals. Some mild memory loss has set in but at 86 that's to be expected.
As we pass the nursing home she says she has no plans to go one of those, hopes to just keel over one day.
Referring to one of the nurses she says " I wonder where he finds little slim girls like that , most of them don't look that good."
She was fixated on weight today for some reason; when the doctor at the first office left the room, she said "boy he sure has got fat!" He was no more than I'm guessing, 180 pounds. LOL. Then at the second office as the doctor walked by the room she said "boy if that's my doctor he sure did get fat." He was even smaller than the first guy! As a matter of fact, she probably weighs more than both of them.
What a blessing to get to spend time with her though. You never know when it will be the last.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Wow, I actually forgot about this blog I had going last year. I moved to another site, which I don't really like, so I think I'll try this one for a while. Let's see, what's new with me? I guess the most life-changing event has been that I changed jobs again. I know, you're shocked. I am now on my 8th job since graduating from NP school in 2001. That's a lot of jobs. It's hard to believe I was at MHHS for 7 + years before that without even a thought of changing jobs. Well, guess what, I am back where I started - MHHS! And I love it. Let me start by saying I wanted to stay at MHHS back then but they were not paying much more for NPs than I made as an RN, and I was looking for the big bucks... Let's back up. I know you're thinking I must be hard to please, but apparently becoming a nurse practitioner was not all it was cracked up to be. Each job I've had, I left for a reason. Let's see if I can remember...
The first job was with an urgent care clinic/primary care clinic. My hours were 2p to 10p. Hours that I knew up front would not work for me long term but I wanted the experience and they needed me, so it worked for a while until they decided to have a company Christmas party and not close the urgent care office (every other department was closed). Chalk that one up to not feeling appreciated...and besides that, I hated working evening shift on the weekends.
The next job was working for an agency that places NPs in nursing homes doing rounds and seeing patients for acute problems. This was one of my favorite jobs but it had it's problems because the company was pushing NPs to do visits that were not really necessary to meet "quotas," and I started to see big red medicare flags and got out of there quickly. (I was contacted by the FBI and asked to testify against them for possible fraud several months after I left, and they went belly up soon after). See, another good choice. I learned a lot in that position. Nursing home patients are very sick and don't want to be shipped off to the hospital for every little thing, so I learned to look things up and get them well without sending them out.

Job number 3 was in a clinic that was fairly new in Newport, TN. My friend Tina had been working there as an NP and had let me know a position would be open when she left to come back to MHHS as an NP, closer to home for her with her newly expanding family. So I took this job which was a dream (except for all those drug seekers,) providing primary care to all ages. I made some great friends while at that job, one of them who would become my greatest fan and my favorite patient. He knows who he is and I'm sure he's reading this blog. :) He came across like a gumpy old man initially when he came in with his high blood pressure and some other issues that needed to be addressed. But what really made my day was the day I sent him to the cardiologist and he stopped by to ask me if it was ok to take the meds the cardiologist has prescribed. UH, well, YES, I guess it will be ok. :)....That's when I knew I had arrived~LOL. This job ended when Tenncare made some cuts and it was a loss for the hospital so they closed the clinic. Tenncare was our primary income and we carried a large uninsured population as well. The hospital proceeded to close several other departments that year as well.

Job number 4: I made a direct transfer in the emergency room at that hospital, working for an agency that I already had a contract with to work some weekend hours. You see, I had seen the writing on the wall and I always was inching my way back into acute care, my first love. I worked a pretty good schedule, had pretty good pay, working about 3 twelve hour shifts a week. But then the ER needed another person for the busy hours which meant they added another shift, 6p to 1 am. Who wants those hours? It meant I had to work more days per month to get my hours in, and I was working Thurs-Monday every week. Again, I saw that I was going to have to look at other options if I ever wanted to spend any time with my family. And I really liked this job. I stayed and worked occasional weekends after I left full time.
I got a call one night while working the ER, from Dr. Maran. Great hours, decent pay, no weekends or holidays. Sign me up. Another great job, couldn't have a better boss - sent me on trips for continuing education all the time, nice trips and set me up in nice hotels. Chicago. Baltimore. Boca Raton (la di da). Very nice. BUT (no pun intended)...I got a little bored after a while with rectal exams and hepatitis patients whom I would pour a lot of time into treatment and teaching and they would turn around use IV drugs again, start drinking again, etc...I was also feeling a little worried that I would be stuck in this profession, losing my general knowledge in primary care and acute care. Despite this, I wasn't looking for a job. I felt a sense of comfort there and a sense of owing this doctor something for taking such good care of me for 2 + years.
The next job came hunting for me. A new doctor in town had been asking around apparently and somewhere he got my name and he called and called the office - I should have known that was inappropriate behavior. LOL. So finally I went to talk to him and he swept me off my feet with his presentation of the job and his "niceness." I got a lot of good experience there, worked mostly in the nursing home doing rounds and taking care of acute problems, so they didn't have to be sent to the hospital in the big white bus. This was not a good fit for me. I needed more security than a single-physician office could give me. I was looking for something larger to be a part of, something with long-term stability. More of a challenge. I wasn't feeling it here.
I went to a continuing education day in Knoxville and ran into my next job.

My previous blogs have mentioned this next job, working in a community health setting taking care of a large behavioral health population (primary care), uninsured, and Hispanics. I don't say that to sound like I'm profiling the population, but they have grants to take care of migrant workers. Unfortunately most of them weren't documented workers, many didn't work at all and were here illegally. This bothered me. I didn't share "the mission" where that was concerned. But otherwise this was a good job until some management changed and kept the nursing staff "tore up." When the nurses are training their boss for over a year it causes some animosity. There's so much to tell here, I can't even begin to say in this blog post. I'll have to come back to that later.
So anyway, now I'm back at MHHS as a hospitalist NP and I love it. Best thing about it? No paps! LOL. I work 7 days on and get 7 off. The pay is good. Can't beat that schedule. If you don't know what a hospitalist does - we are the ones who come see you in the hospital when your primary care doctor doesn't do hospital rounds. We write your orders throughout your stay, decide when you are ready to go home and hopefully help keep you informed of what's going on with your body. I am loving being back "home" in acute care.
So you see, every job I've had has prepared me for this one. It was all a part of the big plan. Now I hope to be with this hospitalist program for many years to come. I'll keep you posted. :)

2009-10-30T08:46:00.002-04:00

Here I sit in my living room with my laptop watching the Today Show and decided to update my blog. I have been at work for 7 days straight and am beginning another week off. I love this schedule.
I have been dieting for 11 days now and have managed to stay within my calorie goals almost every day; but while working this week, I have not made enough efforts to work out like I should. This week contained some long days and I found plenty of excuses. I tried to work out in the mornings but the one day I did that I only made it 15 minutes, I was so weak and sluggish every move seemed like a chore. I could blame my facebook addiction, but if it weren't that, I'd find another excuse. I just hate exercise. I don't mind it so bad while I'm doing it, it's the getting started part that's hard. I did make it one time in the evening and did 40 minutes of weight loss yoga, and that felt great. The last week before I went back to work, I made it to a class at the gym and Patty, the awesome instructor, was kind enough to stay and do the workout even though I was the only one who showed up. In my heart I was hoping she would just cancel it and I could get on the treadmill, but NO! It was a step aerobics class and she wore me out - even though I spent half the time marching in place. She did cut it short, THANK GOODNESS, but I still had a great workout and my calves were sore for days.
I am trying to put together a hiking club of sorts. Most of the clubs that are out there are hard core hikers who go every weekend and backpack and I just don't feel like I'd be up to their standards. I am recruiting some facebook friends and acquaintances to join me on an occasional hike, which will likely involve a picnic, so not sure how much weight loss will occur as a result of these hikes, but building friendships and fellowship will surely be worth it. Our first one is planned for Tuesday to Clingman's Dome and I think Selina mentioned the Chimneys. Sounds like a good day to me, and I hope you can join us.

Hope you have a wonderful day!
p.s. please check out the blogs I am following on the left side of the page. The first one at the top is a cousin of my friend, Vivian. He is in the army in Afghanistan and his blog is much more interesting than mine...

Easy Believism

2008-02-10T13:06:00.001-05:00

Telling people to "come to Jesus and he will make your life wonderful", is not exactly true. Any true Christian knows that life can get far from wonderful, but there is hope for those who know HIM. What Jesus called us to do was BELIEVE in HIM, that's it. Any other requirement (sinner's prayer, baptism, etc...) is adding to His Word. He simply said to believe. He said Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness. Belief is revealed through our actions and our relationship with HIM.
I could go on an on, but I won't. Not today. Maybe later...

Teenagers

2008-02-10T07:58:00.000-05:00

Zak had his first check from his new job today and was taking his girlfriend to a movie. He called about 430pm (on a Saturday) and wanted to know where there was a bank that was open. He was so shocked to see there was noone at the bank. Mind you, his dad has worked in banking as long as Zak has been alive...some things we just assume our kids know...

Illegal Aliens

2008-02-03T14:53:00.001-05:00

I find it interesting how many Hispanics are in our community, and how many are using illegal ID to get services like healthcare. I had my own opinons already formed until I saw that people are dealing with diabetes, cancer, extremely high blood pressure, etc...and if we don't give them the care they need, who will? I'm beginning to agree with the amnesty idea - at least then they will be legal and will be paying taxes. Although, some of them are carrying illegal ID which belongs to someone else, so if they do work a "real job," the tax is coming out of their checks, but what happens on April 15th when taxes are due or there's a refund check? I'm curious about all that.