Thirty Years Later ~( Happy Anniversary)

Posted on May 28, 2012 by

This weekend is a pretty big milestone for my hubby and I.  When you are twenty-two years old and crazy in love and excited about the future…..well….let’s face it…you don’t really think that much about said future.  Oh sure you DO think about ~ buying houses and cars and furniture and vacuum cleaners and having babies and puppies and careers….but who really thinks, “Hmmmm….wonder where we’ll be in thirty years?”  But here we are….thirty years later.  A lot has happened.  MANY houses, states, moves, cars, furniture, babies, puppies, careers, ha~vacuums (!)….but none of it was exactly as we thought it would be.  I wasn’t always content…..neither was hubby.  If you are gasping and thinking, “I cannot believe she is saying this! What an anniversary tribute!” well then, you don’t really know me yet, or you haven’t been married long. ;)   A person doesn’t just wake up everyday, “happy”.  It’s a process….a mindset. A decision. And there are days that are sad and maddening or just plain gloomy.  Days you don’t wanna be you.   Days you don’t know who you partner is anymore! And most certainly, moments flash in your brain when you recall that someone once told you, “And you are marrying his family, too”.

But we never believed that our commitment to each other was disposable.  Even during the toughest of times, somehow we held on and stumbled through it.  We have had MANY really great moments.  And now, we try to laugh…and laugh a LOT! (our therapy!)

I tell my own married children that all marriages must be worked on daily.  There can be no complacency.  You will either grow closer together or slip farther away from each other. Period.  You cannot mark time.  I’ve been in both places. 

But enough with all of this reminicsing…..it is very difficult to find a “Hallmark card” for your spouse that can sum up thirty years.  I searched for one this week that would say, ‘We met, dated about two weeks, decided to get married, had little money or real plans, had some kids, they are grown, and here we are. I preferred it be written in an eloquent way, too! ;)  Plus, it needed to cover all the other “stuff”.  There is SOOO much in-between!

And to those acquaintances that said  we would never make it in our whirlwind relationship …..well, we did.  And we are.  Cause, somehow, out of all the guys out there, I picked the one that would: laugh at my jokes; take me to concerts he doesn’t  really like; (he slept thru a few!)listen to my made-up songs; hold me when I cry; leave me alone when I wanna be; teach me to dance; travel with me and eat at “dives“; respect me; go to garage sales; love my family most of them; be a nurturing & kind father  & provider; squish spiders; edge the yard; take me for snowcones and cherry cokes at Sonic; let me think I’m a better shot than him at the range ~ you just love me ~ I guess that pretty much makes you my hero, Marvin Blaxton.  I love you, too.  Happy 30th Anniversary ♥

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Memorial Day ~ An Observation

Posted on May 25, 2012 by

I recall when I was growing up that there was something extra special about Memorial Day.  While I wasn’t exactly certain why it was special, I would observe my dad, a United States Air Force Veteran, placing his American Flag outside our home at the start of this weekend.  I knew from simply observing, it was a day to be revered.  I grew up listening to his stories. I never tired hearing about the country”boy” that joined the armed forces at age seventeen. He did indeed see the world.  New York, France, Germany. He returned home a responsible, determined, and respectful young man.

Fast forward many years.  I married the love of my life.  I also married a man whose father was retired military, and whose big brother was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force.  The respect and the patriotism I’d grown up with, lived in this household, too.   Sadly, we lost hubby’s brother a few years ago.  He now rests at Arlington Cemetary.  Never does a day pass that we don’t think about Eldon or talk about him. But we do know he’s in very good company.

Don’t forget to pause this Memorial Day weekend and remember it for what it was intended.  Our lake adventures and time spent with friends and family is there only because of these men and women that committed and sacrificed to serve for us. Let’s not take that gift for granted.  Remember. Teach your children and grandchildren. Thank a Veteran.  Thank their family.  Be Respectful ~

And I cannot end this post without saying my own sincere Thank You to our veterans and to their families.  Words are not enough….but they are from my heart ♥ And as Colonel Blaxton would say ~ “Life is short, Peace is Sweet.”    Indeed.

My Dad ~ Garland L. SimsJoplin, Missouri ~ though tattered in the storm, the Flag was still there ~

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Favorite Summer Food & Drink Stuff! (oh so easy!)

Posted on May 24, 2012 by

So yesterday I was digging in my freezer, and I saw this favorite treat.  Yoplait Smoothies are found in the freezer area at your store. They are just over $2 and are two servings to a package. But if you hide the package you don’t have to share! You throw into the blender with 1-1/2 cup fat-free milk (I choose organic), blend, pour into two glasses, and devour.  And only 110 calories! Even if you do not like yogurt, you will like these!  Refreshing~

I was shopping for a different type of dark chocolate(for my daily dose), but decided to try these.  They are almost too good to be true.Pardon the frosty pic as it was just outta the freezer, but this flat bread makes a quick and delicious little pizza!  I spray with olive oil spray, add a bit of garlic, pizza sauce (you could do alfredo), mushrooms, fresh tomatoes and some low-fat mozzarella. Pop into the oven until the cheese melts and enjoy. This is good just as a garlic cheese bread, also. Are you throwing together a quick naked burrito?  This is a great way to do it.  Smush the package, microwave for about 90 seconds.  It’s ready! There are several flavors, including a heart healthy brown rice and our favorite ~ Fiesta!  Throw on some black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and a sprinkle of cheese….you’ve got Qdoba in your own kitchen!Yay!  Our first seedless watermelon of the year and it is delicious!!!  This is one of my favorite summer treats!  So do you salt your watermelon?  YES!I LOVE this sweet Raspberry Wine from Summerside Vineyards ~Come on five o’clock!   ;)

Now it is YOUR turn. While I am out mowing the lawn, please share some of your quick and easy favorites for summertime! And have a great Thursday, friends. ♥ Be nice to people ~

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Joplin, Missouri ~ One Year Later

Posted on May 22, 2012 by

While we were in Joplin, Missouri on Saturday, we made a stop at the Boot Outlet Store.  Chi worked here while he was in undergraduate school and I love getting boots at a great price! As Angie (my daughter-in-law) and I were trying on boots, we had a heart felt visit with one of the employees.   We were discussing what a crazy windy day it was, and in Joplin, the subject of “the tornado” always comes into the conversation.  So I asked her, “Where were you during the storm?”  She explained that she was shopping at Wal-mart.  My head thought “WHOA ~ that was the one of the hardest hit places.” I had to know more, and so she shared the following story.  (paraphrased) ” The announcement came over the load speaker that customers should go to the back of the store near the lay away area.  Only I and another lady went there.  In a few minutes, another announcement said that this was an extremely serious and dangerous situation and that everyone needed to get to this area now.  More people joined then and we hunkered down.  We could hear the roof making loud awful noises and going up and down.  I knew that at anytime, it would collapse and I would die here, with a broken neck.  All I could do was pray hard for the safety of my family and those around us.  Nothing else mattered at that moment. Finally the roof did come down and those a few yards in front of us that had not yet made it to the back, were trapped.  Somehow, many of us were still alive.  It took about thirty minutes for a path to be cleared so that we could crawl out.  We were covered in a thick sand residue.  When we made it outside, and I looked to the east of the store, that’s when my heart dropped. Everything around me was gone.  But,when I looked to the east where I knew my teenage son was at his dad’s house, it was flattened as far as I could see.  I knew he was dead. My car was gone.  I was able to get a ride from another to drive as far as the debris would allow to look for him.  I kept trying to call my son’s cell phone, but no answer.  I then walked, trying to find the house.  I kept trying to call him on his cell phone.  Finally, I heard, “Hello, Mom?”  And then I lost him.  But at least I knew he was alive. It was a miracle.  His dad’s house was gone, but he and several others, were able to crawl out the pile that used to be a house.  My son sat holding an elderly neighbor lady that had taken cover with them.  She had a head injury and they were both covered in blood.  But he did not leave her until help arrived. I don’t have nightmares any longer.  My son still does.  I am just so grateful to be alive.  I know it is an absolute miracle that none of my family was killed.”

I continued to think about her words and try to put myself in her place. EVERYONE in that town or associated in any way with Joplin, was effected.  The physical rebuilding is going strong, but what about the mental and emotional recovery?  How on earth do the Joplin residents go from day-to-day and not be taken back to that horrific day? There is no escaping the reminders.  They are at every turn.  The following pics give you an example:As you enter Joplin on I-44 East, this is the new building site of St. John’s Hospital.On 20th Street ~ This is where the Catholic Church and school used to be.  I love that the cross is still standing.As I was snapping a pic of the above “colorful” tree, in the distant field of what used to be houses, this park bench caught my eye.  From what I read, friends of sixteen year old, Lantz Hare, constructed this memorial in his honor. This hallowed ground is where he was found, after much searching last year.  Lantz should have graduated last night.  Lantz Hare is still remembered, missed, and loved by all that ever knew him. ♥ This pile of rubble is what used to be the Joplin High School. They say that in about two years, it will be rebuilt.  For now, the kids are having school at North Park Mall.Encouraging messages and memorials are found in many places around town.Joplin’s Home Depot was destroyed on May 22.  The building has been reconstructed and this memorial placed at the entrance.This is one of the many neighborhoods destroyed near the hospital.  This house belongs to friends of ours and they should be in it this summer!Mural on Main Street ~

Each time we go to Joplin now, I am amazed at the progress they are making, but I also leave with a sadness in my soul.  Sad for all that they have been through, for the many losses, for the lives and things that will never be the same.  Joplin~ on your one year anniversary of this devastation, may you always remember, but may the pain lessen, and may you continue to grow stronger and better, day by day. May the Lord truly bless and keep each of you. ♥

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Graduation Day ~

Posted on May 21, 2012 by

Saturday morning, bright and early, we got up, dressed and headed down the highway a couple of hours to Joplin, Missouri.  On this morning our youngest son, Chi, would graduate with his Masters.  We would not miss this celebration! And any opportunity to spend the day with both of our boys is always exciting. Hello All!  And thanks for saving our seats!So Dad and Brother, Madison, sported bow ties in support of the graduate’s awesome bow tie. I love my boys ~Chi and mentor Dr. Moos, before the ceremony.  They traveled to China together a few years ago, and remain close.This gymnasium holds many memories and has worn many “hats”.  Chi’s and Angie’s Bachelor graduations; the visit from President Bush several years ago; it became home for many tornado victims just a year ago, and this evening, President Obama will address the Joplin High School Class of 2012. I wondered what was going through the minds of others seated in this place.  A person does have plenty of “thinking” time at graduations! I’m so hungry, why do I have to wait for all these other people to walk!

Since out last name is a “B”, Chi would lead off the graduation.  Since he and Angie live four hours away in Enid, he was not present for the rehearsal.  Here we go…….finally, the moment he’s worked so hard for…..camera ready, set…..And just at the perfect time, the school photographer steps up and in front to block the shot.  But take a good look at the man in this photo.  This is Dr. Speck, MSSU president.  He and Chi have always had a “special” relationship. In fact, below is a picture of the two of them two years ago~

Chi had a throw-away camera hidden up his sleeve until it was his time to cross the stage, “Smile, Dr. Speck!”

May I introduce to you, Master Malachi~Yay!  I Did It! ;)

Congratulations to my Chi and to his lovely bride, Angie ~ We are very proud of you.  Now just keep on trying to make this world a better place. ♥

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Visiting Small Town America ~ Leadville, Colorado

Posted on May 18, 2012 by

This is a view through the window of an old miner’s cabin.  We climbed via four-wheeler.

A couple of years ago  I was talked into going to Colorado, Leadville, to be exact, on a “girls” trip.  My aunts, my mom, my sister, and my Cuzzin’ Gina, make great attempts to get together at least once a year.  Since we are a bit spread out, it takes some real effort to pull this together.  I do believe that Cuzzin’ Gina can talk me into about anything.  Because the next thing I knew, I was on an airplane (and I really HATE flying!) just a couple of weeks after an unexpected knee surgery and in route to Leadville.  We flew out of Oklahoma City and soon but it seemed like forever landed in Denver, Colorado.  From there we drove on UP to the two-mile high village of Leadville.  It was mid-October and it wasn’t long into our journey before the snow began to fall. The beauty was breath-taking.We arrived at our temporary abode, Cooper Mountain Home.  A quaint two-story mountain home that made you feel right at home.  I think the owner, Curt Cooper, had a lot to do with that feeling too, though.Cooper Mountain Home, “Second Trip” pic ~Golden Burro Cafe, aka Brass Ass….yep…they even have the t-shirt! Wonderful Food!

If you adjust to the lack of oxygen, as I never quite seemed to do you can enjoy walking the downtown area where we found unique shops and some great food and coffee/sweet shops!  The history in this mining town of Leadville is very intriguing and the locals are genuinely happy to share stories AND maybe even embellish a little?!  They definitely make you feel at home. We loved the no smoking ordinance of Colorado!Drive just a few miles, and you are shopping in Vail, Colorado.Since hubby had never been to Colorado, we went together last August. This time via car. We left the triple digit heat of Oklahoma and the next morning woke up to temps in the thirties. Can you say REFRESHING! It did take me about half a day to overcome the oxygen deprivation, but once I got a handle on that, our delightful host and friend, Curt, took us to explore new places.  Leadville simply does not disappoint!

Beautiful Leadville, from the four-wheeler ~Trout at the Hatchery~Bears and their bird friends hang out at the local dump. (and the locals bring their tourist friends to view them….there was quite a crowd gathered! ZOOM lens highly recommended!)This mountain is the morning view from Curt’s  Mountain Home…..I cannot imagine waking up to this every single morning.  It never did seem real! (remember ~ I live in Oklahoma!)

Thanks for allowing me to share a little about our experience in Leadville, Colorado! ( I have 500 more pics if you’d like to see more!  ;) )  This post barely touches on all there is to see and do in the area. (like SKI COOPER, if you are so inclined) So if you are looking for a relaxing getaway, literally away from it all (no Wal-Mart, no Sonic)….you might wanna think about this place~ ♥ We are sure glad we did.  Both times! (and fyi ~ if you are interested in renting Cooper Mountain Home, let me know and I’ll get you the contact info ~ and NO ~ I am not part owner! ;) )

Have a great weekend, people!  I’m off to celebrate my son’s college graduation (MBA! Woo-hoo!), but I will be back again SOON! Be Nice to each other! ♥

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Cool Clear Water (well, maybe a little murky)

Posted on May 17, 2012 by

Do you ever watch Dr. Oz?  I don’t watch it as often as I’d like (my son says it scares him….Dr. Oz makes him think he has some strange disease…lol), but a couple of days ago there was an episode on that caught my interest.  A young lady named Kim Lyon share her Ten Day Plan to Trim Fat. What I reaped from this “plan” was step one, Kim’s recipe for Fat Flush Water.  The ingredients are simple and inexpensive, it is healthy AND it’s tasty!

So for those of you who may have missed it, here goes:

1 slice of grapefruit (too much grapefruit adds a bit of bitter taste to the water….I learned!)

a tangerine (sliced)

1/2 sliced cucumber

2 peppermint leaves

water

That’s it!  Place in a pitcher and chill or serve over ice.  Here is Kim’s breakdown of what this can do for you: Grapefruit ~ Vitamin C which turns fat to fuel; Tangerine ~ increases your sensitivity to insulin, stabilizes blood sugar and stimulates genes to burn fat. Cucumber ~ helps you feel full and acts as a diuretic, which means less bloating and water retention.  Peppermint ~ promotes better digestion and calms the stomach.

Kim suggests making a pitcher each morning and drinking an 8 ounce glass three times a day before each meal.  Do this for ten days straight, if you are doing the ten-day program.  She also said though, since it’s good, you can just drink it to drink it!

Personally, I like it.  I cannot testify to the benefits yet, but it is filling and tasty.  It is also “hubby” approved.  So let me know if you try it~  and I hope you find some “good” in your Thursday! ♥

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Like a Kid in a Candy Store ~

Posted on May 16, 2012 by

This is where it all began, forty-something years ago, in Duncan, Oklahoma.  While the sign now reads Cedar Grill, it used to be the little corner candy store. “Brooks” to be exact.  I discovered three of my life long passions at five years old, while living in this town.  1. I liked money 2. Garage Sales, and 3.  Candy.  It was at this time also, when my big sister became a negotiator…and for ME.  You always want her on YOUR side, I discovered early. No wonder she is such an awesome realtor today!  You see, my dad said the time had come for us to begin getting allowances.  I didn’t know what that was, but Renae quickly explained.  MONEY.  Then my dad said he would give me quarter a week.  To which Renae replied, “No, Paula, that’s not enough!” (She also explained to me about this same time that I shouldn’t like liverworst….that it was gross.)  She was able to get me .40 a week!  She got more because she was older (!), but I was thrilled with my quarter, dime and nickel.  I could buy so much candy at Brook’s Store with my allowance.  I also made some pretty nifty garage sale purchases! (I learned that blond-haired, blue-eyed little girls could smile and be polite and get more “stuff”)

So when Renae and I discovered a very unique store in downtown Branson, Missouri, a few weeks ago,  there was no doubt that we were sisters.  First we spotted the old screen door entry to the store.  Then we stepped inside and we were taken back to Brooks Store in Duncan.  We were two kids in a candy store.  And we did some damage!No, this is not candy.  But what a great display of old fishing lures in this place!

A peak inside my candy sack ~ I LOVE Brach’s Neapolitan Coconut!

Renae has always love the Brach’s Jelly Nougats ~ :)

So now it is time for a smoke break after all that candy shopping!

Oh….I think at this point I had already eaten the end off of mine~ Candy cigs, of course! ;)

Isn’t it interesting how a store full of candy can bring back so many memories?  Like penny candy and summertime and how I would eat all of mine immediately and Renae would save hers.  Sweaty palms and tents made over the clothes-line, digging to China and catching horned toads.  Playing with earth worms and chasing our pet Duck-Duck.  Riding  bikes through puddles after a good rain and looking for that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. We always made sure to be in just in time for Gunsmoke.  Ya just can’t make this stuff up ~

HaPPy Wednesday to ALL!  Remember to be kind to people♥

(So go ahead….share the memory this brought to mind for you ~)

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Visiting Small Town America ~ Bella Vista, Arkansas

Posted on May 15, 2012 by

Our first visit to Bella Vista, Arkansas, was probably  fifteen years ago.  Our dear friends were vacationing there and invited us to join them for a weekend.  I recall thinking the trees, the lakes and the cliffs were breath-taking.  Never would I have guessed that we would end up living in Bella Vista about five years later.  We only lived there a year and a half, and while my hubby didn’t get to enjoy and take it in because of his job demands, the boys and I certainly did. Our house was tucked away in the woods, and just a few yards behind it was Missouri.  No matter how stressful the day, living in Bella Vista made it always feel like a treat to be living there.  Our boys started learning golf here, as there are many beautiful courses, not to mention all of the fishing and canoeing opportunities. No one was “from” Bella Vista, we learned, as most were like us and simply transplanted.  I think this is part of the reason it was such a friendly place.

Hubby and I had the pleasure of a short visit to Bella Vista on our journey a few weeks ago.  It has grown since we lived here. It has also become incorporated, but still has the appearance and feel of a village.

We made a stop at one of my favorite places,  Wishing Spring Arts and Crafts Gallery. Many local artists are members of this gallery, displaying and selling their art here.

You never know what great finds will be tucked inside the barn. One of the bests finds is the barn itself, not to mention the host and/or hostess of the day.  Two more stories to check out!Art on the side of the barn ~I was in the road….so this was a quick shot! ;) The gallery sits right on this clear creek.

During our visit,  I purchased a beautiful bracelet and several cards from various artists of the gallery.  My hubby and I enjoyed a delightful visit with the retired couple that were hosting on this particular day.  After being home a few days, I noticed a Facebook message from a name I did not recognize.  It seems that while I was there, a small error was made on a price, and the hostess went to the trouble of looking me up on Facebook to make me aware and then sent me a refund for the difference.  Wow….talk about a surprise and a Gallery of Character.  I truly appreciate their honesty.  If you ever find yourself in NW Arkansas, stop by for a visit!  And if you happen to be there in October, there is a huge festival that never disappoints!

There are many more treasures to be found in this area. The above picture is the Mildred B Cooper Memorial Chapel.  As long as a wedding is not in progress, you may enter this unbelievable chapel or walk the trails along the lake that surrounds it.  I find it rather ironic that this became one of the favorite places for my boys to canoe when we lived there.  (they would canoe, I sat and read books!) A few years later, my oldest son and his bride returned to this chapel and were married.  Life is certainly full of surprises ♥

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The Moral of This Story is????

Posted on May 14, 2012 by

Our neighborhood Mama Duck is watchful ~The dog behind the fence barks ~He barks AGAIN ~Off to the water they go ~ And the moral of this story is???  I really don’t know!  You tell me what YOU think?                                                                            HaPPy MoNdAy to All ♥

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