January 2012
The Eyes are a Window to the Soul (and the liver,...
There’s some information that’s been rattling around in my brain and I’m simply not going to be satisfied until I check it out for myself. It’s going to involve a road trip to Amish country and some uncomfortable staring, but it has to happen. You see, the other night when my friend and I were at The Art Mill painting roosters we started talking to the other women in...
Artsy Fartsy
What a fun night! My friend, Anita Martini (names have been changed to protect the innocent), had a great idea and I’m so glad she included me. I’ll make this brief (did you just roll your eyes?) because it’s late and I’m tired - but I’m feeling guilty because Anita suggested that I have neglected this blog. Anyway, her great idea was a visit to a spot called The...
Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig!
All I’ll say about our trip home yesterday is that we were due. Okay, you know that’s not really all I’ll say. What I mean is that things usually go so smoothly that sooner or later we were bound to run into a day with some hiccups in it. We went to bed on Friday night under a winter weather advisory. Late that evening it started to snow and this was what it looked like...
Day 5 - Been There, Done That
Tony Bennett may have left his heart in San Francisco, but I’ve left at least three toes in D.C. You guessed it, we covered more of the city today. We’ve been here several times, so we’ve got a plethora of pictures of each monument by sunlight and moonlight, we can probably give guided tours of the major museums, and we’ve become jaded Metro riders. Today we decided to...
Day Four - I Think He's Trying to Kill Me
Today’s schedule: Law Enforcement Memorial, then a quick hop two blocks over to their shop to buy t-shirts for Mickey (it’s a tradition)…
Then it was on and off trains to get to the Mall where we spent a bit more time at the National Gallery…
I needed a little more quality time with my home boys - Wyeth, Homer, Vermeer, Pissarro, Manet, and the gang.
Yep,...
Day 3, The Griswolds Take D.C.
I failed to update last night,mostly because it was all I could do to drag my exhausted carcass to the room and into bed. Okay, it’s not that bad. Let’s just say that we may be reaching that point in our lives where a vacation spent lounging poolside seems very appealing. We crammed a lot into our day yesterday with the last couple of hours spent at the Pentagon. We’d booked...
Griswolds in D.C. - Day Two
This Tuesday will go in my book of days as an exceptionally good one. We played tourist all day and it’s something that we’re good at…at which we’re good. Okay, we enjoy it. First, a tour of the White House never disappoints. To be able to stroll the same hallways, run your fingers along the same window sills, and take in the same views that so many presidents and...
Gypsies in the Palace
Sunday on the Pullen spread was spent taking care of last minute details in order to make our escape. The chicken sitter was tutored and our bags were packed, and the remainder of the day was spent in a marathon watching of Downton Abbey. I can’t get enough of that series. We had to catch up since the new season has started. We finished season one and watched the first two episodes of...
Better Late Than Never
As promised, here’s a photo of the evening gown that Miss Alabama wore on Saturday night. The internet is buzzing about that BOW. I swear, it was twice as big as is shown in this publicity shot. I’ll bet she thought “Go big or go home!” and fluffed that bow up til it was even with the top of her head. I’m pretty sure that on pageant night there were some sort of...
There She Is...
Miss America! Ahhh, once again the sequin and tiara craving beast that lives inside me has been satisfied. This year’s Miss America pageant was a dandy. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. You know I’m happy to give you a brief summary of the event. I’ll start with the parade of states, your first look at the contestants (unless you’re a weirdo fan like me and look...
It Worked!!
The traditional snow dance method of bringing flakes has worked again! Our world was (briefly)coated in sparkling white. Sure, it’s mostly gone now, but it was enough to get the kiddies a day off school. Monday is a holiday so those flurries provided a four day weekend for local teachers and students - that’s cause for celebration!
I met a sweet friend for lunch yesterday at a...
Soggy With a Chance of Snow
I woke up this morning to the sound of rain beating on the roof. As far as I’m concerned that’s a sign from above to pull the covers over my head and catch another thirty minutes of sleep. So that’s what I did. When I finally shuffled down the hall to release the hound, he was in no hurry either. I’ve never seen a dog so slow to start the day. He eventually made his way...
Monday,Monday
As damp, gray days go, this one was perfectly fine. No complaints. I kept the house quiet today and enjoyed getting a few things done around here. I spent some time in the hen house to make sure the girls are staying warm and dry. These Tennessee winters are goofy. We were just enjoying sunny 60 degree days, today was gloomy and damp, there’s a forecast for possible snow on Thursday...
Saturday Night
It’s been a happily busy couple of days around the homestead. No complaints. Mickey made it in Thursday evening and brought some of the Arizona sunshine and warmth with him. Friday was bright and beautiful. I was out the door early to run a few errands. The proof is in a text I sent to my sister.
Pardon the typo - I’m a terrible texter. There really is a story behind that...
Happy Hump Day!
It’s been a mighty fine day here on the Pullen spread. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and I made it through a whole day without baking. The garbage men arrived bright and early to haul away the stinky stuff with a wave and a smile and the day pretty much stayed on that happy path.
Scenes from a delightful Wednesday:
The remainder of the day was spent dancing my way...
Hairum Scarum
I’ve received a couple of emails asking how my hair turned out. Interestingly enough, not long after I posted that scary photo of the back of my head the salon called and left a message that Ray was unavailable. I’ve been rescheduled for Friday afternoon. Raise your hand if you think that Ray is packing up his scissors and heading for Mexico.
It's C-C-C-Cold!
I get it. It’s winter. I just happen to think that if temperatures are going to be below freezing all day that there should be beautiful snow-covered landscapes as a side dish. Nope, it’s just cold and ugly.
I had to get out the door and into the cold early today for yet another mammogram. I think I mentioned before that there was an area of concern and they bumped me up to...
January Evening
It’s been a chilly, blustery day - made magical by some itty bitty flurries. I would have missed them if I hadn’t been outside tossing sticks for the hound. Even though nothing stuck to the ground and the little snow shower was brief, I loved it. It’s about time winter starting acting like winter! Two days ago it was sunny and sixty degrees, which was absolutely lovely, but...
Happy 20-Dozen!
Well here it is folks - a brand spanking new year! You have a sparkling clean slate waiting for you to write your story for 2012. You have 8,765 hours at your disposal, so use them wisely. An old wives’ tale says the weather of the first 12 days of the year is said to be indicative of the following 12 months. Why not use your first twelve days the same way? Spend the next dozen days doing what...
December 2011
The Eve of the Eve
It’s been a busy two days around the Pullen homestead. We’ve been out and about and here and there. Mickey and I went out bed testing due to the fact that our old mattress could be used to get information from terrorists. I guess when you can actually hear the springs every time you roll over, it’s time to shop. We found what we wanted and it was delivered yesterday. We...
Praying For Snow
I’m ready to be snowbound. It’s past time for a big pot of soup, thick socks, and an afternoon watching snowflakes turn the world white. Sadly, there’s none in sight for us. I admit, my reasons are selfish. I do love snow, and I especially love it when it breaks up the normally gray and brown Tennessee winter. But this year I’m crossing my fingers for a blizzard so I...
Deeeeep Breath
Ladies, we did it. We made it through Thanksgiving and Christmas with no casualties. That was me you heard singing mid-day yesterday, “Joy to the world, the meal is done!” Don’t get me wrong, I’ve loved every minute of this holiday season, but I embrace these quiet days after the fact. Our Christmas was one of joy - sweet family time, laughter, cheerfully wrapped...
“I heard the bells, on Christmas Day,
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild...”
– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
He Sees You When You're Sleeping
Every year I anxiously await the day when a neighbor just down the street puts out his Christmas decor. He strings lights, puts a wreath on the door, and then puts out the piece de resistance - his “Santa, stop here!” sign. I’ve mentioned it here before, and even shared a photo here because I love it so much. Well, I love it once the sun sets. You see, when darkness falls...
A Noisy Kind of Peace
I’m excited today. All is merry and bright here at the Pullen homestead and we’re as prepared for Christmas as we can possibly be. Matt made it in a few days ago and Tyler is just an hour away. It’s true that the best gifts arrive via interstate. Tonight a noisy kind of peace will descend upon our little house. I know that the Pullen brothers will challenge each other to...
OH BOY!!!!
Tyler called around 6pm to let us know that he had left work and that he and the lovely Miss Smith have pointed the car toward Tennessee! Since they got such a late start they’ll drive halfway tonight and be up and on the road again in the morning. Yipppeeee! All I know is that this time tomorrow I’ll have all of the Pullen boys under one roof and my heart will be full! There will...
Soup o' the Day!
When the weather is cold and wet I crave soup. Soup in all of its wonderful forms - thick chowders, clear broth noodle soups, and hearty tomato based veggie types. Gimme soup. It fills you up and warms you from the inside out. This recipe is handy for the holiday season because you just toss a bunch of stuff into a crock pot and forget it for hours while you wrap gifts, bake cookies, or just...
Don't Forget To Enjoy It
Today I spoke with a friend who was in the throes of Christmas preparations. She was listing all that she still had to do,from the shopping and cooking and wrapping to the social commitments she’d made. She was stressed. Then she started bemoaning the fact that she didn’t have anything to wear to her husband’s company party. I asked her if there’d be dancing. She paused for a minute and then...
Today's Unnecessary Calories....
Pinwheel Cookies! These are simply sugar cookies with a twist. Divide your dough in half and give one of those halves a splash of food coloring. I love the gel colors because they’ve got some pop. Wrap those halves and stick them in the frig while you do a few chores , then take ‘em out and roll them into rectangles. Place one rectangle on top of the other, trim the edges with a...
The Monday Before Christmas
I admit it. I’m ready. Christmas needs to come on already. I’ve baked, I’ve wrapped, I’ve gifted, and I’ve partied. What’s taking so long?? There are gaily wrapped packages under the tree with my name on them and it’s driving me crazy. I’m a peeker and a shaker and I’m not getting anywhere with it this year. I haven’t been able to...
Watch
Sunday!
What a happy day! Matt made it home last night and it’s been fun and games ever since. Matt always brings a lot of happy with him when he comes. He’s been burning the candle at both ends, so he’s embracing this chance to catch up on sleep and just relax. I’m mothering him as much as he’ll allow, most of it coming straight from the kitchen. Food issues?...
Let Me Explain...
If you have received one of our Christmas cards you’ve probably held it in your hand and thought, “What the heck….?” It’s not the prettiest card you’ll ever receive, and I can explain….sort of. You see, I usually buy my cards right after Christmas when they’re on sale, then I tuck them away with the ornaments and other decorations to sleep for...
Happy Birthday, Cathryn Ann!
A long, long time ago (as determined by a much younger sister) when our flag had just 48 stars, something special happened. Under a cold, December sky of dancing aurora, Cathryn Ann McGlaughn made her appearance. The Territory of Alaska was celebrating its admission to the union and a bouncing baby girl arrived amidst the fanfare. I think that may have been a harbinger for the next few...
Craft-stravaganza!
I just had the BEST night! It’s late (my definition of late) so I’ll provide a quick run down and a few pictures before hitting the hay. Please allow for errors due to the late hour and my sugar consumption.
I happen to have some pretty darn wonderful friends and this evening one of them hosted CRAFTSTRAVAGANZA.
Side note: I don’t know why on Earth these women hang around...
Merry Monday!
Today was chilly and gray, but the sparkle of the season can’t be dimmed! I’ve checked the last items off of my Christmas “to do” list and from here on out it’s all FUN. Seems like fate was determined to slow me down this year, everything from printer issues (the world might stop turning if I don’t send a Christmas letter) and normally available ingredients...
A Dickens of a Christmas!!!
Oh, I simply don’t have the words to describe how perfectly DELIGHTFUL this day was! We toodled down the road to beautiful Franklin, Tennessee (30-ish miles) and soaked up their annual “Dickens of a Christmas” celebration. We parked the car about a block from the town square and walked right into Victorian England! The streets were bustling with folks in the most beautiful...
Breakfast of Champions
Check out this CUTE breakfast idea. I saw this on Pinterest (yes,I’m addicted) and thought I’d try it. These little egg cups would be perfect on a brunch menu with some fresh fruit. Best of all it was easy and required minimal clean up - just a muffin pan! Since this was a trial run, I made just two - but these would be a breeze even if you’re making a dozen.
Here’s...
More On That Brazilian Peel
Okay,so I’m beginning to think that it may be an allergic reaction. I do have sensitive skin, for all of it’s leathery appearance. It’s really more of a hide. Anyway, as Thursday progressed my face became more and more itchy and yes, swollen. The redness hasn’t gotten any worse, in fact I dare say it may be fading a bit - or maybe I’ve become accustomed to it and...
Jolene
Poor Jolene, she’s dropped her basket again. She’s gone ‘round the bend. Taken a trip to Flip City. CooCoo for Cocoa Puffs. Her bread ain’t baked. Bonkers. Looney. Bahhhh-nanas! She’s gone broody and is determined to hatch something. Anything! Oh, it’snot the broodiness that I’m calling crazy. Bless her heart ,she’s just trying to do what...
On Second Thought...
I’d like to retract my statement that the Brazilian Peel I smeared on my face yesterday was ineffective. Around noon today I realized that my face felt noticeably tighter - I peeked in a mirror and whaddayaknow, my normally very visible pores were hardly there. Two thumbs up. I sent my sister a text with a snarky comment like “of course it works, it’s stupid expensive”....