Shug-Steps of Faith

Just a quick note!

2026-09-04T08:36:40.600-05:00

Sam is in the hospital so I most likely will not be posting for a couple of days.

prayers appreciated...

Much Love,

Shug....

We have Rain!!! For Real!!

2026-09-03T07:38:30.325-05:00

We have Rain ☔️

We even have Water standing...

Super excited is what we are.....and We are so very thankful for the Blessing of this sweet rain.

Thank you Lord!!

The pavers are looking GREAT!! They had to stop due to rain, but this is totally fine with me.

Hector will come back and do the cement work and it walk way will be finished.

________

News from my cardiologist.....He would not give clearance for me to have the colonoscopy.

He said I needed to wait at least 6 months after having the stent put in my heart, which was in June. So, NO drinking the horrible prep for now!!

_________

Going to be out and about today....Looking for a few golden items to add to my Fall decor!!

Wishing you all a day full of love...Enjoy your blessings of this day!!

Shug...

September 2nd

2026-09-02T08:40:03.958-05:00

🍂 Hello, September 2nd!

September has barely unpacked her bags, and she’s already keeping us busy!

There’s a chance we may get some rain later today or tonight from Edouard. I’m certainly not wishing for bad weather, but a nice, gentle rain? I’ll take it—especially if it saves me from dragging the water hose around the yard. ☔️

Meanwhile, there’s a little project happening outside. We’re having paving stones placed around the house to create a walkway, and I’m excited to see it finished. You know how one little outdoor project works, though. You start with, “Let’s just put a few stones here…” and before you know it, you’re standing outside dreaming up three more projects. 😂

This morning also brings something a little more bittersweet. We’re meeting with a realtor to get Sam’s dad’s house listed to sell. It’s another step in a season filled with changes, and some changes carry a few more memories with them than others. ❤️

Back at our house, I’m continuing to do a little fall decorating. 🍁 I say a little, but we all know how that goes. One pumpkin leads to another pumpkin, which leads to a basket, a throw, a few leaves…and suddenly autumn has taken over the house. 🎃😂

And before this busy September day gets away from me…

Happy Birthday to our son-in-law, Tom! 🎂🎉

We hope your day is filled with lots of happiness, plenty of good food, and all the things you enjoy most. We’re thankful you’re part of our crew!

So that’s September 2nd around here—paving stones, pumpkins, possible rain, a realtor, and a birthday!

I can already see that September didn’t get the memo that we were going to ease into fall. 🍂😂

Happy Wednesday, friends!

Shug.....

Whimmpydiddled

2026-08-31T17:21:11.858-05:00

Well friends, I had plans for the today. I wouldn't call them ordinary plans....it was a morning where I had mapped out in my head exactly what I wanted to get accomplished today.

In my mind I was thinking...."Finally a day to get some things done that I want to get done." Strong emphasis on the word I.

Then came 8:30 a.m.

By 8:30 my entire day had been completely

Whimmydiddled!!

Yes, I made that word up!! And I honestly believe it deserves a permanent place in the dictionary.

My morning took a sharp turn when I found myself on the phone for over 45 minutes on one phone call and another 25 minutes on the second call. What I thought were simple calls turned out to be complex.

I am having a small procedure done next week and due to the stent procedure that I had back in June, I have to have a clearance ahead of time. Well, not me...the doctor has to have it....

lol.... The Doctor's office scheduler called me to say that she has been requesting this clearance for 2 weeks with no results. If they could not get it, then I would have to reschedule my upcoming procedure.

Come to find out, my cardiologist and his nurse have been out for the past two weeks. They were back in the office this morning, so hopefully the information needed will reach who it needs to go to by Wednesday.

Do you see why I made up a new word? I feel that I have officially been Whimmydiddled today.

We wake up thinking we are in charge and that we have everything planned out according to how we want things to go... God already knew what my morning would look like before I ever made my list. I only hope I was able to deliver the attitude that was most pleasing to HIM.

So....after I finished my calls....gathered my thoughts, I straightened my crown, rearranged my plans and found something to smile about...I have carried on with my day. Not the day I planned, but the day God had planned for me.

Thought for the Day:

When life changes your plans, don't let it steal your joy. Sometimes you just have to laugh, make up a word.... adjust your sails, trust God with the detour, and keep going.

Happy Whimmydiddling Friends ❤️

Shug...

The Little Pink Door

2026-08-30T08:32:05.889-05:00

🌸 The Little Pink Door 🌸🌸

This sweet little house sits on a side street in our little town, and every time I pass it, I can’t help but notice how much personality has been tucked into one charming front porch.

The lady who lives here certainly has a knack for creating. You can tell this isn’t a porch that was decorated by simply buying a few things and setting them around. Her porch has personality. It looks collected and loved. I think that’s what makes it so special.

First, there’s that pretty pink front door. 💕 You know I’m going to notice a pink door!

A beautiful wreath hangs on the glass, carrying the pink theme right up to the entrance. But what really caught my eye is the unexpected black chandelier hanging right there on the porch.

Who says chandeliers belong only over dining room tables? I think they are adorable. I've even seen them hanging from tree limbs outdoors...So cute!!

The black chandelier adds just the right touch of whimsy and old-fashioned charm. Along with the black lantern and decorative iron pieces, it stands out beautifully against the soft color of the house, the white porch railings, and all that pink.

And she didn’t stop there.

There’s a sweet angel watching over the porch, little decorative treasures tucked here and there, a white chair inviting you to sit for a spell, and plenty of greenery softening everything around it.

And of course, she has pink flowers. 🌷

She has pink blooms around the porch and more planted out front, carrying that same cheerful color from the front door right into the yard. It’s one of those little details that ties everything together without looking like it’s trying too hard.

Even the big tree stretching its branches over the porch seems to be part of the decorating plan, creating a leafy canopy over this darling little spot.

I think that’s what I love most about places like this.

It doesn’t have to be the biggest house on the street. It doesn’t need a professional designer.

It doesn’t need everything to be brand-new or perfectly matched.

All it takes is someone with a little imagination, a love for pretty things, and the courage to hang a chandelier on the front porch! 😊

This lady has taken her little corner of our town and made it completely her own.

And I have to say…

She has made her place simply adorable.

It’s cheerful. It’s welcoming. It’s feminine without being fussy. And it has just enough unexpected touches to make you wonder what other treasures she has tucked around the place.

I don’t know her decorating rules, but judging by this porch, I suspect they might be something like:

Plant the pink flowers.

Paint the door the pretty color.

Hang the chandelier.

And make your home a place that makes YOU smile.

I think those are pretty good rules to live by. 🌸💕

And the best thing for me is that her home sits at the corner of a four way stop. I love stopping at the stop sign...gives me enough time to admire the cuteness of her home.

Y'all enjoy your Blessings Today...

Shug... 💗🌸

3 days left

2026-08-28T20:03:57.208-05:00

🍂 Well, August… You’ve Got 3 Days Left! ☀️

Can you believe it? Only THREE days left in August!

Seriously, August, didn’t you just get here? And yet somehow you’ve managed to give us approximately 28 days of heat, packed into one month. 😂 3 more days of 101 degree temps.

We’ve survived the blazing sunshine, the humidity, the mosquitoes, and 28 afternoons when stepping outside feels exhausting with the first step out the door...

But here we are… August 28th.

Summer is slowly packing her bags. The days are getting just a tiny bit shorter. School is back in session, vacations are becoming memories, and somewhere—possibly in another state because it certainly doesn’t feel like it here yet—there’s a cool breeze blowing. 🍃😂

Meanwhile, I’m over here mentally decorating for fall while the thermometer is still yelling, “ABSOLUTELY NOT.” But September is coming! This gives me a positive attitude just knowing Sept. is rolling in. I've managed to add a few pieces of orange to the living room and it really does look good. The color orange symbolizes energy and enthusiasm...Woo Hoo!!! 🧡🧡🧡 This is just what I need...

And with September comes the promise of all the things I love about this time of year…

🍂 Cooler mornings — eventually.

🎃 Pumpkins everywhere.

☕ Coffee that somehow tastes better when there’s a pumpkin sitting nearby.

🍁 Fall decorations coming out of storage.

🏈 Football weekends.

🧡 And that wonderful feeling that a new season is just around the corner.

I am also very excited to think that in just a few days, I'll be turning the calendar page.

So, August, you have three days left.

Do something nice with them please!!

And September?

We’re waiting on you. ☔️

Preferably with temperatures below 90

degrees and a little rain!

Anyone else as excited as me about the month of September?

Shug.....

The Car Wash

2026-08-25T20:30:29.319-05:00

Life Through a Car Wash

Today, of all places, I found myself thinking about life while sitting in a car wash.

I had driven up onto that little ramp—which, by the way, always makes me a tiny bit nervous. You have to get your tires lined up just right, put the car in neutral, take your hands off the wheel, and trust that something you cannot control is going to carry you forward.

And maybe that was my first lesson. ❤️

Sometimes life asks us to let go of the wheel.

As my car began moving through the wash, I watched my windshield change right before my eyes.

First came the soap. Bright red covered the glass, and then suddenly it was blue. Colors swirled together until I could barely see what was in front of me.

Then came those huge blue brushes, beating and spinning against the windshield. For a few seconds, everything outside disappeared. It was dark, noisy, confusing, and even a little intimidating.

And I thought…

Isn’t that just like life?

There are seasons when everything is colorful and beautiful. Life feels good, the sun is shining, the people we love are near, and we can clearly see the road ahead.

Then, sometimes without warning, everything changes.

Something comes crashing against our world. We receive news we weren’t expecting. We lose someone we love. Plans change. Our hearts hurt. Fear creeps in. Suddenly, we can’t see very far ahead.

There are times when life feels a little like being inside that car wash—noisy, dark, messy, and completely out of our control.

But then came the water.

It poured over the windshield like heavy rain, washing away all those colors and all that soap. For another moment, my view was distorted. But little by little, the windshield became clearer.

And finally…

I could see again.

The darkness hadn’t lasted.

The pounding hadn’t lasted.

The confusion hadn’t lasted.

And neither do many of the difficult seasons of our lives.

Sometimes we have to travel through the darkness before we can appreciate the light. Sometimes we have to experience the rain before we notice how beautiful everything looks when the sun comes back out.

And sometimes we simply have to trust the One who knows where this journey is taking us.

I couldn’t steer my car through that wash. I couldn’t hurry it along. I couldn’t skip the dark part and go straight to the sunshine.

All I could do was trust the process and keep moving forward.

Maybe that’s something I needed to be reminded of today.

We aren’t promised a life without scary ramps, dark places, pounding storms, or moments when we can’t see what is ahead.

But we are promised that we don’t have to travel through them alone.

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” — Psalm 56:3

So, if you’re in one of life’s darker places right now, remember this:

The windshield will not always look the way it does in this moment.

The rain will come. The washing will happen. The darkness will lift.

And one day, perhaps when you least expect it, you’ll look up and realize…

Hey....I can see the light again.

Who knew God could tuck a little life lesson inside something as ordinary as a trip through the car wash? ❤️

I made it out safely ✓ My Car is clean ✓ The Lord spoke to me through this short ride ✓

🤣 😂. I went to wash my car in hopes that it would rain!! This is usually what happens...but today, No rain!!

Y'all Enjoy Your Day...

Shug....

Not just one cake....but TWO!

2026-08-24T20:29:31.861-05:00

Another Trip Around the Sun… and TWO Cakes!

🎂🎂

Well, I have officially celebrated another birthday, and I have to say… this one was pretty fabulous! ❤️

I got to spend it exactly the way I love — surrounded by family, enjoying a wonderful dinner out, laughing, visiting, and simply being thankful for the people sitting around the table with me.

All four of our grandsons and their families live SIX hours away. Our oldest granddaughter lives about 40 miles away. Trista's husband works out of state and Mylee left for College last week. This just left the 5 of us (Sam, Trista, Shanda, Tom and myself) to celebrate with a very nice dinner.

And apparently one birthday cake just wasn’t enough for this birthday girl. 😂 There were TWO!

First up was a chocolate-on-chocolate cake — because if you’re going to have chocolate, you might as well fully commit! 🍫🎂

And then came one of my absolute favorites… Italian cream cheese cake. Oh mercy. That one never disappoints! I’m pretty sure birthday calories don’t count anyway, and if they do, I have decided I simply don’t want to know. 😂

But as wonderful as dinner and TWO cakes were, the sweetest part of my birthday was all the love I received. So many birthday wishes, cards, messages, phone calls and thoughtful gifts came my way. I read every single wish and thought about how very blessed I am to have so many wonderful people in my life.

Birthdays change us as we get older. We may not be quite as excited about adding another candle to the cake... (at this point, we might need a fire permit! 🔥😂)... but we become much more thankful for another year, another memory, another family dinner, another laugh and another chance to be with the people we love.

My heart is full, my sweet tooth is VERY happy, and I’m stepping into another year feeling incredibly loved and blessed.

Thank you to everyone who helped make my birthday so special. You truly blessed my heart. ❤️

And just for the record… if having two birthday cakes is a sign of how this next year is going to go, I think I’m going to like it! 🎂🎂🥰

Happy Tuesday!!

Shug...

55 Years Later

2026-08-23T17:24:55.351-05:00

55 Years Later… and We’re Still Showing Up! ❤️

This past Saturday night, Sam and I attended our 55th high school class reunion, and what a special evening it was! It’s hard to believe 55 years have passed since we walked across that graduation stage. Some things have certainly changed since then—our hairstyles, our waistlines, our eyesight, and possibly our ability to stay awake past 10:00! 😂 But one thing that hasn’t changed is how much fun it is to get together with people who share so many of the same memories.

Our graduating class had 68 members, and we were so happy to have 21 classmates in attendance. Considering it has been 55 years, I’d say we’re doing pretty darn good!

One of the most meaningful parts of the evening was our memorial table honoring the 19 classmates we have lost through the years. Seeing their pictures and remembering the young faces we once knew was a tender reminder of just how precious time really is. They may no longer be able to attend our reunions, but they will always be a part of our class and our memories.

Of course, you can’t have a proper reunion without food, and we certainly didn’t go hungry! We enjoyed a delicious BBQ dinner, followed by a sundae ice cream bar. At this age, we may be watching our cholesterol and sugar, but apparently all medical advice is temporarily suspended during a class reunion. 😂

We also had a silent auction to raise money for our class, which added a little friendly competition to the evening. Nothing brings out determination quite like seeing someone else write their name underneath yours on something you’ve already decided belongs to you! BTW...I won the bid on a nice basket of homemade sour dough bread, sour dough crackers, cookies and granola. I was happy to bring all these goodies home with me.

Then came BINGO—and I’m happy to report that all these years of experience paid off because I WON THE VERY FIRST GAME! 😂🏆 I may not remember where I put my phone five minutes ago, but I can certainly recognize B-12 when I hear it!

There was plenty of visiting, laughing, reminiscing, and probably a few stories that have gotten a little better with every reunion. We talked about the people we were back then, the lives we’ve lived since, our families, our adventures, and all the years that somehow passed much faster than any of us expected.

Sam has on the blue wig.... sitting next to me...

Not sure what he was doing...definitely not looking at the camera..lol

At our age, a class reunion isn’t just about remembering high school. It’s about being grateful that we are still here to gather, still able to laugh together, and still interested enough in one another’s lives to keep coming back.

We were once just a group of kids trying to make our way through school, with absolutely no idea where life would take us. Fifty-five years later, we’ve traveled many different roads, experienced joys and heartaches, raised families, lost people we loved, and collected a lifetime of stories along the way.

And for one Saturday night, we were classmates again.

Maybe a little grayer. Maybe a little slower. Maybe needing our glasses to read the Bingo cards. 😂

But still laughing.

Still remembering.

Still friends.

And very thankful for 55 years of memories. ❤️

Here’s hoping we all keep showing up for many more reunions to come!

Me...having a little fun while getting the event set-up on Saturday morning...

I am on the planning committee along with my dear friends Joyce, Vicki and Susan... For me, this was another BUSY weekend.

More of the decorating crew. ⬆️

Loves to you all...

Shug....

** Oh....and I must tell you....Not to brag or anything, but I was the youngest class member there!! Whoop Whoop!! 😂

Three Loaded Vehicles and One Dorm room..

2026-08-21T09:01:14.152-05:00

Well, it’s official—Mylee is moved into her dorm! ❤️ And apparently moving one girl into one dorm room requires approximately the contents of a small department store. 😂

Sam and I headed out with a car packed with just about everything you could possibly imagine. Her dad followed with his truck loaded down, and Mylee’s car was stuffed full too. Three vehicles. One girl. One dorm room. You do the math. 😂

Now, I should probably clarify Sam’s role in this little adventure.

Sam was my riding companion.

That was his job.

He rode there.

And once we arrived, he located himself a nice comfortable chair and settled in while the other four of us carried, unpacked, arranged, rearranged, organized and tried to figure out how everything from THREE vehicles was going to fit into ONE dorm room.

Apparently Sam had been promoted to Move-In Day Supervisor. 😂

And I have to give him credit—he supervised beautifully.

By the time we finished, Mylee’s little space had gone from dorm room to home away from home. Her bedding is soft and cozy, her pictures and colorful touches make it feel like her, and even the sweet fragrance from a plug-in made the whole room smell fresh and welcoming.

This girl came prepared right down to the smallest detail, too. Even her nails were painted in her school colors! 💜🤍⭐️ Now THAT is commitment!

Once everything was in place and we had admired our handiwork, it was time for Sam and me to head home.

Of course, a long day of supervising and decorating can make a person hungry—especially the supervising part—so we stopped for something to eat along the way.

And WOWZA.

The food was absolutely delicious!

But before we even got inside, we spotted something that definitely deserved a picture—a towering Christmas tree covered in PINK FLAMINGOS! 🦩🎄😂

Because apparently flamingos celebrate Christmas too. 🤷‍♀️

It was one of those funny little things that just made an already good day even better.

The best part for me, though, was having Sam along. He enjoyed getting out, taking the long ride—which almost made it feel like we were off on a little vacation—and getting to see exactly where Mylee will be living and beginning this new chapter of her life.

We are excited for everything that is ahead of Mylee, at the same time, we are wondering how in the world the years went by so quickly.

We left Mylee with a cozy room, pretty nails, plenty of belongings, prayers and, hopefully, everything she needs.

We came home with three much emptier vehicles, full stomachs, tired bodies and very full hearts. ❤️

It really was a good day.

And Sam?

Well, after all that supervising, I’m sure he was exhausted. 😂❤️

He was a trooper though...not one single complaint.

Moving Day....

2026-08-18T07:50:56.758-05:00

Saturday was kinda like a bittersweet day around here.

Back in 2006, after my mom passed away, we built a smaller home for my dad. It sits on the back side of my brother's property. This was the perfect location for us to be able to take care of him. He used the same drive way as my brothers, and there was a sidewalk going from dads house to my brother's house.

My dad passed away in 2017.

Both of the houses sit on about 13 acres of land, with a big pond out back... With all of the mowing and taking care of things around the place it had become more than my brother can take care of. He and my SIL are having some health issues and this was making things harder for David.

To make a long story short, my brother and sister-in-law listed the property and it has now sold. This place is the perfect set up for the buyers with having two homes on the same property. Their daughter and her family will live in my brother's home and the mom and dad will live in my dads home.

This past weekend was moving day. Not only did we move my brother and SIL, but we had to move all of the stuff out of my dad's house as well. I say we...but I only helped with packing and unpacking the boxes and smaller stuff.

My brother had movers come to move the furniture and the packed boxes.... It was so very bittersweet to see this part of life's journey come to an end. I have so many memories of the days I spent taking care of my dad in this house.

It will be okay though...Change happens and new memories are made in different places... One of the biggest things I will miss is the RED Christmas lights that lit up every year on his (my dad) house. He always had red lights on the house at Christmas...

Who knows....maybe the new owners will do the same.

And this my dear friends is the NEWS from my weekend...

Sweet Blessings!!

Shug....

Dog Days of Summer

2026-08-17T08:20:23.910-05:00

I know I have talked a lot about the Texas heat this summer, but I thought I might add one more post about "The Dog Days of August" — Texas Style 🤠☀️

Bless our hearts… we have officially entered the dog days of August right here in Texas. When I step outside it feels less like I'm just going outdoors or to the pool and more like I'm opening the oven door to check the biscuits. 😂

The grass is begging for mercy, and the cicadas are carrying on like they’re being paid by the decibel. The pool has the kind of visitors that I don't really like to welcome..WASP and YELLOW-JACKETS. They are thirsty and are in need of a drink.

By noon, the steering wheel is approximately 475 degrees, the seatbelt buckle is considered a branding iron, and nobody in their right mind is touching a black leather car seat wearing shorts. Thank goodness that my car seats are not black....

Truthfully, we don’t ask, “Is it hot outside?”

We ask, “How bad is it?”....😳

My grand-dog "Lucy" looks at me like, “You go ahead and go outside. I’ll hold the couch down.” 🐶

The sweet tea is flowing, the ceiling fans are working overtime, and the air conditioner has officially become the most respected member of the household. The thermostat stays on 72 and by the time the evening sun is straight above us, it is struggling to stay at 72. (I think it prefers the morning hours)

And the Texas humidity? Honey, you don’t walk through it—you wear it. Hairdos surrender. Somedays I just pull my hair up into a ponytail and thats it...Honestly, it's everyday during the summer. Makeup waves the white flag. And any plans involving the words “outdoor activity” are immediately reconsidered or rescheduled.

But somehow, we Texans survive it every year.

We complain about the heat, pray for rain, sit under the shade tree, swat mosquitoes big enough to have Social Security numbers, and remind ourselves that cooler days are coming.

Eventually.

Probably.

Maybe by Thanksgiving. 😂

August—when the sun is blazing, the tea is sweet, the AC is humming, and Texas is reminding us once again that she does absolutely nothing halfway.

Shug.... 🥵

*The dog days usually span from July 3rd to August 11th ..... however, this year they have decided to stay a while longer...

Not Just Any Ol' Light

2026-08-16T09:05:04.882-05:00

This is not just any ol’ light.

On Friday night, this light shined on 43 very special residents at BVT—and somehow, it seemed to shine a little brighter than most.

BVT is the home where my niece, Tammy, lives. It’s a home for adults with disabilities, but Friday night wasn’t about disabilities. It wasn’t about what someone could or couldn’t do.

Friday night was about TALENT. Courage. Joy. And having your moment in the spotlight. ❤️

They held their very own “Breckenridge Has Talent” show, and let me tell you, they definitely have talent!

One by one, the residents stepped into that beam of light and shared something special. There was music, laughter, applause, and plenty of moments that made your heart swell. Some may have been a little nervous, some a little shy—but when that spotlight found them, it was their time to shine.

And shine they did.

There were four judges, but you wouldn’t have found a Simon Cowell in the bunch. 😂 Every contestant received encouragement, praise, and the kind of positive reviews that made smiles stretch from ear to ear. There were no losers that night. Every single person who stepped onto that stage was already a winner.

And then came my Tammy. ❤️

She stepped into that light and sang “El Shaddai.” And yes, this aunt was proud.

But as I watched her—and all the others—I realized that beautiful beam of light represented something much bigger than a talent show.

For a few minutes, each person standing beneath it knew without question:

I am seen.

I am heard.

I am important.

And this is my moment.

Sometimes we spend so much time looking at what makes people different that we forget to notice all the wonderful things that make them extraordinary.

Friday night, there were 43 reminders.

Forty-three people with personalities, gifts, humor, courage, music in their hearts, and something worth sharing with the world.

So, no…this is not just any ol’ light.

It’s the light that shined on 43 stars at Breckenridge Has Talent. 🌟

And judging by those smiles, I have a feeling the people sitting in the audience walked away shining a little brighter, too. I know that I did!!

Happy Sunday,

Shug....

Riddle Answers

2026-08-14T08:20:30.347-05:00

Riddle Answers:

* A man shaves several times a day but still has a beard. Who is he? Answer: A Barber

* You see a boat filled with people, yet there isn't a single person on board. How is this possible?

Answer: Everyone on the boat is Married...no singles

* What five letter word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it?

Answer: Short. (Shorter)

* What comes once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years?

Answer: The Letter M

* Before Mount Everest was discovered, what was the highest mountain in the world?

Answer: Mount Everest...it just had not been discovered yet.

* What English word has three consecutive double letters?

Answer: Bookkeeper

Thanks for playing Y'all.

Lunch with Friends.....

Yesterday, I had lunch with my friends...

Joyce, Susie and Vicki.

We chose to eat at the Clubhouse, which was a smart idea.

This was our monthly lunch outing and since our 55th High School Class Reunion is coming up on the 22nd, we had much to discuss.

This makes the 11th Reunion we have all planned together. Hey, we are pro's at this now days....

Sadly, a few of our classmates said they were not going to be able to make it due to health issues.

Anyways...(I have to tell y'all...the word Anyways most likely will not ever be invited to a fancy grammar party, but it keeps showing up in MY vocabulary). 😂

Anyways....

Our meal was so good. As you can see from the picture above, I had a Patty melt with a side of sweet potato fries.

The other's had quesadilla's and Susie had a chicken sandwich with avocado dressing.

Sooooo Good!! 🩷

Oh....y'all are gonna love this!! We met at 11:00 A.M. and we finished up around 3:00 P.M. You might say we enjoyed a LONG lunch date. Many times we found ourselves discussing far off topics like where we plan to travel to next. Many places came up on our list:

A cruise

Ireland

Branson, Mo.

Alaska

The Blue Ridge Mountains

Kentucky to see the "Ark"

Train ride across the country

And....A River Cruise

It's fun to make plans even if they never happen or if trips have to be delayed. Are hearts are traveling diva's but our pocket books are like...still recovering from our last great idea.. By the way, did you know you can wander around google maps for FREE.

Other conversations consisted of what to wear to the reunion, or how to cover up wrinkles! LOL. And yes, we discussed our ailments.

It was a GREAT day...

One of my favorite things about the day was coming home to a very clean house. My house cleaner came and my house smelled so clean and looked so good.

Did I mention that it was a GREAT DAY?

Love and appreciate each of you...

Shug...

Fun Day!!

2026-08-13T07:22:00.176-05:00

If you're happy and you know it say AMEN...

Amen!!! 🌼

Lets have some fun today!!!..... Who enjoys solving riddles? ME!! I do...

Here are a few just for you!

* A man shaves several times a day but still has a beard. Who is he?

* You see a boat filled with people, yet there isn't a single person on board. How is this possible?

* What five letter word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it?

* What comes once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years?

* Before Mount Everest was discovered, what was the highest mountain in the world?

* What English word has three consecutive double letters?

Answers Tomorrow!!

Shug...😂

August Calendars

2026-08-11T09:32:49.934-05:00

Hmmm. what do I have to add for a post today?

Last evening, Sam and I compared our calendars. Remember when calendars were filled with vacations, dinner dates, ballgames and fun weekend plans?

Well, apparently we have entered a new season of life.

Our calendars are full alright, but mostly with doctors' appointments. 😂

"Not our REAL Calendar Schedule"

In just a matter of weeks, Sam will be making the grand medical tour: the eye doctor, the eye specialist in Dallas, the endocrinologist, the lung doctor and his oncologist.

At this point, I'm beginning to wonder if there's some sort of punch card we should be carrying. You know.....like visit five specialists and get the sixth appointment FREE!!

As for me....I'll be getting a machine for sleep apnea and the grand finale is ME having the dreaded colonoscopy. Hope you all will not be to Jealous that I get to do this!!...."The Colonoscopy"

Is this what aging folks do? Compare calendars and say things like:

"Can't do Tuesday. I've got the cardiologist."

"How about Thursday?"

"Nope...Bloodwork."

"Friday?"

"Perfect! We are completely free between 10:30 and Noon."

But you know what? There is actually something pretty wonderful hidden underneath our calendar full of appointments.

We are still here to fill it!!

We are still comparing schedules, still taking care of each other....STILL LAUGHING...still making plans.

Hopefully, our next appointment will involve a waiter, a menu, and a dessert.

God is Good!!

Shug......

Alaska or Bust:

2026-08-10T07:46:56.051-05:00

Alaska or Bust… Apparently We’re Still in Texas! 😂

I may have found one of the most entertaining gifts I’ve ever given Sam—and the best part is, he’s the entertainment!

Sam absolutely loves Alaska. He loves traveling there, talks about going back, and every so often starts talking like we should just pack everything up and move north. Meanwhile, we are still firmly planted in Texas. So naturally, his book needed the title “Alaska or Bust: Still in Texas.” I couldn’t have written a more accurate title if I tried.

This personalized book was created through a fun website where I answered what felt like a small interrogation about Sam—I wrote about his personality, his habits, his adventures, the funny things he does, and all those little details that make him Sam. Then I placed the order and waited about five weeks for his life story—slightly embellished for entertainment purposes—to arrive in book form.

And let me tell you, he has laughed and laughed! Every few pages I hear another chuckle because the stories hit a little too close to home. Apparently, reading about your own shenanigans is much funnier than having your wife point them out in real life. 😂

The book is completely centered around Sam, which makes it such a fun keepsake. Seeing his name on the cover, his personality worked into the story, and familiar pieces of his life turned into humor made it even better than I expected.

I’m already thinking this would make a great Christmas gift for that person who is impossible to shop for—especially the one who already has everything. Give them a book about themselves! They can officially prove that they are a "Character." 😂

If anyone is interested in the website I used, feel free to email me and I’ll be happy to share it.

As for Sam, he may not be living in Alaska yet…but at least he’s made it there in print.

And judging by how much he’s laughed at this book, I’d say this gift was a success.

Shug.....

Living in the Moment

2026-08-09T09:03:15.193-05:00

Early Yesterday morning, the girls (Trista and Shanda) and I, went into town early...We got there about 9:30. First stop was "Hobby Lobby"..(yes, I seem to go there a whole lot) ...We have Tori's wedding coming up in November, so stopping at HL is a regular stop since we are doing much of the wedding ourselves...

We also stopped at "Home Goods" and I was so happy to find a new cup to add to my collection.

Our third stop was "Longhorn Steakhouse!"

Mylee Jo joined us at this point and we enjoyed a very nice lunch together... There was only one issue. The restaurant ran out of baked potatoes and this was at 11:45 in the morning. 🤷‍♀️

______________

Do you see what I see? Y'all... rain came out of nowhere yesterday evening! Much needed rain for our area. I was so busy Thanking God for this refreshing rain, that I almost forgot where we had planned to go next....

Sam and I went into town to grab a bite to eat and while enjoying our meal, the sky opened up and down fell the most beautiful raindrops. We ended up having to stay in the restaurant about 20 minutes after we finished our meal to keep from getting drenched. We certainly would have not thought we would have needed an umbrella when we first went in. Coming out though... IT WAS POURING RAIN!! ☔️💧⛈️.

When I looked back to review my day last evening, I found that it was day of Living in the moment for me.... and it was good...

Great Big Hugs to each of you..

Shug....

It's Saturday...Smile

2026-08-08T07:25:43.806-05:00

Good morning!!

* It's Saturday

* You're Awake

* Coffee exists

* And Monday is still two days away..

You Ought to do this.....↓↓↓

A smile doesn't mean that everything in life is perfect. It simply says, "I'm going to enjoy the good that finds me today."

Smile at the sunshine...smile at the rain. Smile at the person who waves at you from their car even though you have absolutely no idea who they are..

I am hoping that we all have a Saturday filled with simple moments and plenty of reasons to smile...😁

Shug,....

Orange, Brown, and Gold

2026-08-07T07:54:06.423-05:00

Last evening, Sam and I decided to take a little ride out to the farm. Our mission? ALLIGATOR SPOTTING.🐊

Apparently, this is what passes for evening entertainment around here.

We drove around, looked across the water, stared into all the places where we had seen the gator in the past.....and NOTHING. I think he or she purposely hides from us when it hears the truck headed down the small incline to the lake.

While the gator was a no-show, something else caught my eye....FALL COLORS!!! 🍂 There were touches of orange and brown and little gold showing up among all the greenery. For half a second, I thought, Well, look at that! Maybe fall is trying to sneak into Texas a bit early... Of course, the air conditioning was on full blast in the truck, so at the time the heat wasn't a factor in my thoughts..

THEN... the biggest grasshopper I've ever seen flew onto the windshield and my mind came back to reality that it is AUGUST...the hottest month of the year. 🔥🔥

It's not FALL.. The leaves aren't changing, they are surrendering. They have simply had enough and I think they are basically saying..."We gave it our best but enough is enough."

So, no alligator sighting this time, and definitely no cool autumn breeze. Just Sam and me, a little country ride through the fields, some heat-stressed leaves and triple digit Texas temps..

Happy Friday...

Shug...

BEE'S - Thankful Thursday

2026-08-06T07:30:44.997-05:00

Thankful Thursday.....

Joining Michelle today @

It's A Small Town Life

Every now and then, it’s worth saying thank you to one of the hardest workers on the planet… the "BEE".

They don’t make a lot of noise about what they accomplish. They just simply go from flower to flower, doing the job they were created to do.

And what an important job it is.

Without bees, many of the fruits, vegetables, nuts, and flowers we enjoy would struggle to survive. I know in our business of growing all kinds of trees, the crops would struggle or fail.

Their tiny wings carry more than pollen—they help keep gardens blooming, fields producing, and nature in balance. It’s amazing to think that something so small has such a big impact on our world. It saddens me to think of how many of them are killed by the use of chemicals.

So today, I’m thankful for the bees—for their purpose, their persistence, and the beautiful reminder that even the smallest among us can make the biggest difference.

It’s easy to see why people often say that if bees thrive, so does the world.

Shug...🐝

An August Kind of Hodgepodge

2026-08-05T08:17:30.955-05:00

Wednesday Hodgepodge:

An August kind of Hodgepodge

Joining ...."From this side of the Pond".

Joyce Asks the Questions:

We Answer the Questions:

1. What's something on your August calendar you're looking forward to? Or dreading if that's easier to answer.

This is my Birthday month...I will be happy to be celebrated with a birthday dinner, but...at this point I'm thinking I might start going backwards on the years!! 😂 🤣

2. August 5th is National Oyster Day...do you partake? How do you feel about pearls?

I don't do oysters. I have tried one that was baked with parmesan cheese and it was okay...not anything that I can get excited about.

Pearls: I love them... Sam gave me a double stringed pearl necklace for our 30th anniversary. I honestly wouldn't mind wearing a string of pearls everyday!! Just call me June Cleaver!!!!

3. Tell us about a time when you felt like 'the world was your oyster'.

People often say, “The world is your oyster,” as if every road is open and every dream is just waiting to be claimed. I’ve heard that saying my whole life, but if I’m being truthful, I’m not sure I’ve ever really felt that way. Maybe it’s because life has always come with responsibilities, doubts, or the feeling that I needed to be practical instead of fearless. I don’t remember ever standing at the edge of possibility believing I could simply choose any path I wanted. But perhaps the beauty isn’t in believing the whole world belongs to us. Maybe it’s in realizing that no matter our age or where we’ve been, there are still unopened doors, unexpected adventures, and little pieces of life waiting to surprise us.

4. Trip Advisor lists seven islands in the US that require no passport (for US citizens). If you're answering today from outside the US you'll still need to produce yours. An-y-way, have you been to any of the seven? Let's pretend you get an all expense paid trip to one this month...which one do you choose and why?

Catalina Island California~Martha's Vineyard Massachusetts~Mackinac Island Michigan~Key West Florida~South Padre Island Texas~or Kauai Hawaii

From the ones listed above, I would choose Mackinac Island Michigan!! A place that is on my bucket list...

I have been to South Padre Island Texas and I have been to Kauai Hawaii

5. Sylvia Plath is credited with the following-

"August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time."

Agree or disagree? In other words, how do you feel about this month?

Hmmm... right now I would have to disagree..

a. No rain in sight around here...

b. Summer is still in full force here and most likely will be until the end of September.

c. Only Fall that could possibly be seen in August is the dead leaves because it is so hot and dry..

d. unsettled? Yes!!

August is not my favorite month... It's way too hot! My kiddos are all going back to teaching or college, and the utilities are a lot more expensive!!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Somewhere, pumpkins are showing up in stores while I'm still trying to survive triple -digit temperatures.... Hey August...I'm still buying watermelons!!!

Shug....🍉

Butterfly Reflections

2026-08-04T07:52:37.035-05:00

I looked out and spotted this beautiful Eastern Tiger Swallowtail enjoying one of my flowers. It stayed just long enough for me to grab a picture before fluttering off to its next stop.

Isn’t it amazing how something so small can make you stop what you’re doing and just smile?

I love that these little visitors never send a text to say they’re coming. lol... 😂 They just show up, brighten my day for a few minutes, and leave me hoping they’ll stop by again tomorrow.

_______

A few photos from the backporch.....

We have a cooler morning happening right here in East Texas.. But...the sun popped up and in just a few hours the thermometer will read in the upper 90's or the low 100's. 😬🌞🕶️.

Turk's Caps blooming....

I've already seen several hummingbirds this morning and a red bird. Guess I need to mention some crows as well.

My Banana trees are doing great this year...

How sweet it is to be able to sit on the porch and enjoy the beauty.

Now....if only the butterfly could teach the squirrels and hummingbirds to pose for

pictures....this would make for a fun day...

Y'all have a great day!!

Shug......🦋

A Whistledown Story

2026-08-03T08:04:29.697-05:00

Lady Whistledowns Society Paper....

This weekend, we stepped into the pages of Bridgerton to celebrate our sweet bride-to-be, Tori, with the most enchanting tea party bridal shower.

Daughter Shanda painted the mirror..she did a fabulous job!

The Beautiful Bride to be "Tori" and her mom "Trista"

From the moment we walked in, it felt as though Lady Whistledown herself had planned the afternoon. Delicate pearls were a gift for each attendee along with elegant hats and lovely gloves that all added the perfect touch of sophistication, vintage teacups were filled with steaming hot tea, and every detail whispered timeless charm.

The tables were absolutely breathtaking. Soft pink florals, sparkling glassware, golden accents, and beautiful place setting created a setting fit for royalty. Every tea cup and saucer looked like a work of art, making it almost too pretty to disturb… almost!

And then there was the food! An entire table overflowed with the most delicious assortment of miniature finger sandwiches, savory bites, sweet treats, and delightful little desserts that disappeared almost as quickly as they were admired. I was so thankful for my very dear friend "Stacie" who prepared all of the food.

Each guest was surprised to be given their vintage tea cup and saucer as a gift to take home.

But as beautiful as the decorations were, the greatest beauty of the day was the love that filled the room. Friends and family gathered to laugh, share stories, celebrate Tori, and shower her with blessings as she prepares for one of life’s greatest adventures.

Some days become memories the moment they happen. This was one of those days—filled with elegance, laughter, friendship, and love… with just a little Bridgerton magic sprinkled in.

Congratulations, Tori! May your happily ever after be every bit as beautiful as the day we celebrated you. 💕☕👒🌸💍

Shug....

Lettter of Life

2026-08-02T10:38:12.959-05:00

Good Sunday morning!!

I’m so thankful to finally be feeling a little better. I’m still dealing with some dizziness, so I’m taking things slow and giving my body the time it needs to heal. It hasn’t been easy for someone who always likes to stay busy, but I’m learning that sometimes resting is part of God’s plan too. My Sam has been so sweet, and my daughters have been wonderful, making sure I’m taking care of myself and not overdoing it. I am incredibly blessed by their love and care.

This morning I heard something that has filled my thoughts..

“What if your life is a letter from God to the world?”

That thought really made me stop and reflect. Every day we are writing something with the way we live. Our words become sentences. Our actions become paragraphs. Our kindness, patience, forgiveness, and faith tell a story that someone else may desperately need to read.

None of us writes a perfect letter. There are crossed-out words, smudged pages, and chapters we’d rather rewrite. But God doesn’t ask us to be perfect—He asks us to let Him continue writing our story. His grace fills in what we lack, and His love shines through even our imperfections.

So today I’m asking myself, If someone “read” my life, what would they discover about God? Would they see hope in difficult seasons? Peace in the middle of uncertainty? Compassion when it’s least expected? A heart that trusts Him, even when life doesn’t make sense?

It’s a beautiful reminder that every conversation, every act of kindness, every prayer, and every moment of faith becomes part of the message we’re sending to the world.

May my life point others to Him—not because I have it all together, but because I know the One who does. And may the letter I’m writing each day tell the story of His goodness, His mercy, and His unfailing love. ❤️

Shug....