Shug-Steps of Faith

Sleep Test!!

2026-06-17T19:27:57.626-05:00

Not My hand but this is what the devise looks like!!

Last night was a little different around here. I completed a home sleep apnea test using one of those watch-style devices that monitors your sleep while you rest in your own bed. It was surprisingly simple to use, and now the waiting game begins. I’ve already mailed the device back to the company, and my doctor should have the results within the next few days.

One thing that made the night especially unusual was that I slept without my oscillating fan! Now, that may not sound like a big deal to some folks, but for me it’s almost unheard of. I’m so accustomed to the gentle hum and steady breeze that it feels like part of my bedtime routine. Yet there I was, sleeping in complete silence so the test could gather the most accurate information possible.

It’s amazing how attached we become to our little comforts and habits. The quiet room felt strange at first, but I eventually drifted off and made it through the entire night. Whether that helped or hurt my sleep remains to be seen, but at least the test is complete.

Now I’m looking forward to hearing what the results reveal. If there are answers hidden in those hours of sleep, perhaps they’ll explain why some mornings feel more refreshing than others. Until then, I’ll be patiently waiting for that phone call from my doctor—and yes, my faithful oscillating fan is back on duty tonight!

Have any of you ever taken a home sleep apnea test? Were you surprised by the results? My daughters said they could definitely testify to the fact that I snore!! (We shared a room on the Ireland trip)

Funny thing.....I have another 3 night trip planned with them the first week in September. Their words:

"MOM....you need to take a sleep study test before our trip or else you are going to have to get your own room for our trip in September!!"

How dare them!! 😂😳🤣🥰

Shug......

The bug is out the door..

2026-06-16T18:34:25.516-05:00

Hello Dear Friends!!

News from my part of the world. I finally feel good!!

Who knew that a little stomach bug could plant a person on the sofa for days? ✋🏻 Well, now I do! One minute I was making plans and feeling productive, and the next I was negotiating with a blanket and wondering if I could make it to the bed. The weakness that follows one of those bugs is no joke. I wasn't sure if I was wearing concrete shoes or wading through thick molasses.

Thank goodness the bug has moved out......I was beginning to think it had signed a long term lease around here...

One good thing is: I got caught up on plenty of sleep.

Here is a funny: About 2 weeks ago, my doctor ordered a HOME sleep apnea test for me. Guess what? It arrived last Wednesday!! You have a 10 day window of doing the test and getting the device sent back. It would have been nice if I had been able to connect the device during all the time I was sleeping on the sofa, but I did not even feel like hooking it up.

So....tonight, I will be sleeping in the guest bedroom (With NO FAN) and will be wearing the device. I have to have it sent back by Friday. 😳

Can I sleep without a FAN? I'm not sure, but we shall see.

Stayed tune.....

Shug.....

.Another Quiet Saturday

2026-06-13T07:21:26.525-05:00

It's going to be another quiet Saturday around this place...Why? The heat and the humidity has been playing havoc on our area this past week. It's best to stay indoors, maybe catch up on some TV programming......and drink plenty of fluids...

Speaking of fluids...I drank plenty of them yesterday.... A stomach bug snuck through our door and it landed on me!!

Have you ever tried to take an Imodium tablet out of it's sealed package? It is almost near impossible without using some kind of scissors or such, and it is especially difficult when you are weak.

....................

In other news: The Midland, Texas shooting!! I made necessary phone calls checking on all of my babies who live in the Midland-Odessa area. I needed to hear their voices and to know they were safe.

My heart aches for the families whose loved ones were injured and for the one family whose loved one died. I continue to pray for their comfort and healing for everyone affected by this tragedy.

.....................

This is a beautiful sight.....Grandson and great granddaughter fishing for trout...

Happy Weekend and Happy Thoughts:

Shug....

Garden Fresh

2026-06-12T00:22:38.206-05:00

I love everything about summer vegetables. The colors, the freshness, the flavor straight from the garden or even the farmers market… nothing in a can or frozen bag can ever compare. A ripe tomato still warm from the sunshine, crisp zucchini ready for the skillet, bright yellow squash piled high in a basket — it all feels like summer is feeding both the body and the soul. My grandfather was a farmer and I grew up eating fresh veggies....sometimes right there in the field. Nothing like taking your own salt shaker to the field with you....pulling a fresh ripe tomato and eating it right where you stand.

I truly believe our bodies know the difference when we eat fresh foods. Summer vegetables are full of goodness, vitamins, and natural energy that make us feel alive from the inside out. Tomatoes bursting with flavor, cucumbers with that cool crisp bite, okra fresh from the garden, green beans snapping in half, peppers in every beautiful color imaginable… I think it's nature’s way of reminding us to slow down and nourish our bodies.

Fresh vegetables just taste happier. A garden tomato sliced thick with a little salt and pepper can outshine the fanciest meal. I'm not a huge meat eater, so diving into a dish of fresh sliced tomatoes for me, is like a meat lover diving into a big Texas grilled sirloin. You want a great smell in your kitchen? Slice up some zucchini and squash and sauté them together with onions and your kitchen will smell like pure comfort.

I have so many summer memories of not only the tomato fields and the watermelon patches that my Papa farmed, but of the Pea fields and those long Pea sacks. And how about the many hours spent setting on the porch shelling peas....this had a way of connecting generations.....Lots of talking and a lot of sore fingers.

The older I get, the more I appreciate simple foods that come straight from the earth. No complicated ingredients. No fancy trends. Just fresh goodness that reminds us how beautiful healthy living can be.

Those were some good ol' days for sure...

Shug.....🍅

Succulents, Smiles, and a Hodgepodge

2026-06-10T06:29:03.282-05:00

Succulents, Smiles and a Hodgepodge

My newest plant purchase!! A beautiful pot of succulents.

I'm joining the Wednesday hodgepodge today....

Join the fun HERE!

Joyce asks the questions and we answer them...

1. How would I define “the good life”? ........ ❣️❣️

To me, the good life is not about having the most money or the fanciest things. It’s waking up with peace in your heart, loving the people around you, enjoying simple moments, and finding beauty in everyday life. A good cup of coffee, fresh flowers, laughter, good health, faith, creativity, and meaningful connections all make life feel rich in the most important ways. ☕️✝️💐

2. What’s the most used app on your phone (and are you proud of that)? ...... G+📫

Gmail. Honestly, yes. It keeps me connected with family, blogging opportunities, conversations, and the little pieces of daily life that. It may not sound exciting, but staying connected means a lot.

3. Every rose has it's thorn, everything's coming up roses, looking through rose-colored glasses, it's no be of roses or stop and smell the roses. Which rose Idiom best relates to something in your life currently. Explain.

“Stop and smell the roses.” ✋🏻+👃🏻+🌹

Life moves quickly, and I think we can easily miss the beauty sitting right in front of us. Lately I’ve been trying to slow down and truly appreciate the little things — flowers blooming, quiet mornings, kind words, creative moments, and simply being present. Those small things often become the biggest blessings.

4. How do you feel about floral flavorings in food or drink?

I do not like floral scents or flavors in my food or drinks. Lavender coffee, rose tea, or floral desserts just aren’t for me. I’d much rather enjoy flowers in a vase or growing in the garden than floating around in my lemonade. 🌸 ❌ 🧋

5. Over the course of your life, what have you probably spent more time pondering than anything else?

Probably the meaning of connection and purpose. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about people, relationships, memories, creativity, faith, and how we leave kindness behind in this world. I think many of us quietly wonder if we are making a difference in the lives of others around us. ☺️

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Why is it that rearranging a room, buying a new rug, or placing fresh flowers somewhere can completely change your mood? Homes truly carry energy, and little touches of beauty can make ordinary days feel special. 💐🌸💐

Blog Fog and Blog Hops..

2026-06-08T16:13:34.899-05:00

Y'all....isn't she Beautiful? This lovely Yellow rose.

A wonderful friend brought me...Not only one...but a full dozen of these beauties! Oh Wow...how this made my day.

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get comfortable in our little circle of blogging friends? I absolutely adore my group and cherish each and every one of you. Your comments, encouragement, stories, and kindness have become such a beautiful part of my days. I was thinking the other day… there must be thousands of wonderful bloggers out there that I’ve never even crossed paths with before.

Do you all have a list of favorite bloggers you love reading? The kind you look forward to checking in on with your morning coffee? The ones whose writing style feels like a conversation with an old friend? I would honestly love to know who inspires you. Between life, responsibilities, and trying to keep up with my own blog, I rarely take the time to wander around and discover new spaces online. I hardly ever make it to "blog hops" or "weekly link parties"... even though I know there are so many creative voices out there waiting to be discovered.

And can we talk about blogging fog for a minute?

Please tell me I’m not alone in this. I feel like I may be standing right in the middle of it lately. You know the feeling… sitting down to write and wondering if you’ve already talked about the same subjects a hundred different ways. Wondering if readers are tired of hearing about your flowers, decorating projects, coffee thoughts, memories, or everyday life moments. I never want to bore any of you, and yet blogging comes from our real lives… and real life naturally circles back around to the things we love most.

The truth is, blogging isn’t always about creating something brand new and groundbreaking every single day. Sometimes it’s simply about connection. Familiarity. Comfort. A place where people gather because they enjoy your heart more than the topic itself.

Maybe blogging fog is just a gentle reminder that we need inspiration again. Maybe we need to explore new blogs, try a different writing style, take more photos, journal fresh ideas, or simply allow ourselves grace during quieter creative seasons.

One thing I do know is this — I’m thankful for all of you who continue showing up here. Even on the days I feel repetitive, uninspired, or unsure of what to write, your presence reminds me why I started blogging in the first place.

Now tell me… Do you have a list of bloggers who inspire you? My list is on my side bar!! And... have you ever experienced blogging fog too?

Happy Monday and to a day that is full of laundry, cleaning house, and all kinds of normal chores..

Shug.....💟

Hey Everyone..

2026-06-07T13:31:40.685-05:00

Hey Everyone❣️

Whew....I have missed all of you this past week... more than you will ever know.

As I have said many times, life has a way of sweeping us into unexpected adventures.....the kind that keep our bodies still, our hearts learning, and our minds wandering through places we never planned to go.

Now I'm back with lots of catching up to do, some stories to tell, a little coffee drinking on my schedule, and I am excited to be engaged in the beautiful moments of sharing again.

Adventures are not always grand and I will admit that my past week was certainly not what I would call grand....But wait, I must tell you that what I thought was not going to a grand adventure turned out to be just that.

As you all know, I had the heart Cath done on Thursday in Dallas. I was not expecting any issues to show during the catheterization....I was wrong!! While I was lying on that very skinny, hard table...my thoughts were everywhere. I kept saying to myself "You have this...you have many people praying for you." Yet...I could feel the very ends of my nerves vibrating. Soon though...I was in la, la, land.

I had No idea that a stent that was placed inside my artery just 5 years ago was collapsing. It was 80 percent collapsed. YIKES!! This is where the grand part of my week sneaks in.

The doctor removed the stent...used a medicated balloon to open the artery (and another type of medication inserted as well) ..and was able to fix this problem. The very thing that was needed to fix my artery was not available at our local hospital which is the reason my doctor sent me to Dallas in the first place. **I had NO test done prior to my doctor ordering this procedure. How many people go and have a heart catheterization done without previous test showing the possibility of a issue?

The journey this past week reminded me that life is made up of tiny wild moments. I can't help but stand in awe of how God works behind the scenes long before we understand why. What could have been overlooked was discovered right on time.

I love how Grace shows up quietly, favor appears unexpectedly and faith becomes very real when you realize you've been carried through something bigger than yourself.

I am so excited to catch up with each of you.

Shug...💜

Update on procedure

2026-06-05T10:12:02.900-05:00

Just a quick update on my procedure. I'll be coming home sometime today.

Very thankful that my regular cardiologist sent me to Dallas to Baylor Heart hospital. The stint that I had put in about 5 years ago was collapsing and during this procedure the doctor removed the old stent and used a balloon to clear the artery. Even though I was sedated, I was very uncomfortable with pain. They gave me more sedation at that time.

Since they did go through my groin, I am very sore.

Thank you all for your prayers!

Love,

Shug

Hodgepodge Questions and Answers from my phone

2026-06-03T08:07:51.449-05:00

It's Hodgepodge Wednesday with Joyce.. Again, I am posting from my phone and I am limited on what I can do.

join the party @

http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com

1. What’s something you find extremely difficult that most people would say is simple?

I can’t swim. Most people think swimming is something everyone naturally learns growing up, but for me it has always felt intimidating. I admire people who can jump into the water without a second thought while I’m over here clinging to the edge like it’s a life mission. It’s funny how the “simple things” in life aren’t always simple for everyone. We all have that one thing that makes us nervous while someone else does it with ease.

2. Does the season of summer make you feel like life is beginning over again? Elaborate.

Yes..... Summer has a way of making life feel lighter and brighter. The days stretch out longer, flowers bloom wildly, and everything feels full of possibility again. I love the sunshine pouring through the windows, the smell of sunscreen and fresh-cut grass, and hearing kids laugh outside. This makes my heart feel young again. Summer reminds me that life is always offering us another chance to start fresh, dream bigger, and slow down long enough to soak in the beauty around us.

3. Pickles. Love ’em or no thank you?

Oh, I absolutely love pickles… especially a good crunchy kosher pickle. But sweet pickles? They belong in my tuna salad right alongside grapes, apples, and pecans. That sweet-and-salty combination is pure comfort food happiness to me. And honestly, some foods just feel incomplete without a pickle on the side. A hamburger without pickles? That’s just bad decision-making.

4. Tis the season… do you know any June brides?

Actually, I was a June bride myself — June 16th. June offers something sweet and timeless when it comes to a wedding. I don’t know anyone getting married this June, but my granddaughter is getting married in November, and that makes my heart so happy. Watching the next generation begin their own love story is one of life’s greatest blessings. Weddings always remind me that no matter how crazy the world gets, love still keeps showing up beautifully.

5. National Say Something Nice Day — say something nice here.

To my blog friends:

Never underestimate the impact your words have. A simple comment, a kind message, or even showing up faithfully to read someone’s thoughts can brighten a day more than you realize. In a world that often rushes past people, kindness still stands out like sunshine after a storm. Thank you for being part of this little corner of the internet where laughter, stories, prayers, and friendship still matter. You are appreciated more than you know.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Random thought:
Why does folding a fitted sheet still feel like trying to solve a mystery designed by NASA? No matter how many tutorials exist, mine always ends up looking like a crumpled tortilla with commitment issues.

Printing and Cursive

2026-06-02T15:25:22.781-05:00

* I think it's time for me to invest in an iPad. I do have a laptop ...but I do not trust the wifi connections at hotels. It is hard to use it when I travel. Blogging from my phone is HARD too...and, I do have a few disabilities when blogging from my phone. I'm not able to post photos and Google will not allow me to make comments when I read your blogs!! There are a few of you that I can comment on your post and I'm trying hard to keep up. Just want you all to know that I am visiting you each day.. We will be home on Saturday.

Printing and Cursive!!

I realized something shocking the other day.

Cursive has officially become a foreign language.

Not Spanish.
Not French.
Not even Latin.

Nope.

A simple handwritten recipe card from Grandma now looks like an ancient treasure map to half the younger generation.

I watched a teenager stare at cursive writing recently like they were trying to decode Egyptian hieroglyphics. Their eyes narrowed. Their forehead wrinkled. At one point I honestly thought they might call for technical support.

“Wait… what letter is THAT?”

Honey… that is an “S.”

They could not read the graduation card I had given them.

And suddenly I felt 147 years old.

There was a time when learning cursive was serious business. We practiced loops and swirls until our hands cramped. Teachers walked the aisles correcting our slant like tiny handwriting coaches preparing us for the Olympics of penmanship.

Capital Q’s alone could humble a whole classroom.

And heaven help you if your lowercase “g” looked funny.

Back then, cursive meant you were growing up. It felt fancy. Important. Mature. We signed our names with pride like we were approving million-dollar business deals in third grade.

Now?

Kids text faster than lightning but cannot read the word “banana” written in cursive.

Their generation can edit videos, build gaming worlds, and type 94 words a minute with two thumbs… but hand them a birthday card written in cursive and suddenly we are starring in National Treasure.

Honestly, it is kind of adorable.

But also a little sad.

Because cursive carried personality.

You could recognize someone’s handwriting instantly. Messy. Fancy. Tiny. Dramatic. Every curl and swoop carried emotion. A handwritten letter felt personal in a way typed words never quite do.

There was magic in opening a card and seeing familiar handwriting across the envelope.

Even grocery lists had character back then.

Now everything arrives in identical fonts looking like it came from a robot with excellent organizational skills.

And can we talk about signatures for a minute?

Some younger folks are out here creating signatures that look like they accidentally dropped a spaghetti noodle onto paper. Just one confused squiggle and a dot.

Meanwhile our generation was trained to make signatures look presidential.

If you signed your name with flair, you were somebody.

I still believe cursive deserves a comeback. Not because technology is bad, but because there is something beautiful about words written by hand. Something warm. Human. Imperfect.

A handwritten recipe from your mother.
A note tucked inside a Bible.
A love letter folded soft with age.
A signature on an old photograph.

Those things matter.

Cursive is more than handwriting.

It is memory written in ink.

And honestly, I may start randomly leaving cursive notes around just to keep younger people alert and mentally stimulated.

Nothing dangerous.

Just enough to make them wonder if they have discovered pirate clues hidden in the kitchen drawer.

When I went to Business School.. I had to take a whole semester of penmanship....kids these days would flip out if they had to sit in class and perfect their penmanship.

And what about signing checks?? Oops...I forgot! Everything is now done on the net! lol.. 😬😂🫢🤣🤓

Shug....

June and the Halfway Mark

2026-06-01T09:40:24.565-05:00

This is us (Sam and I) early this morning... At our first doctor's visit of the week.

(well...that didn't work...I'm posting from my phone and I was unable to access my photos )

June and the Halfway Mark of the Year

Can you believe we are nearly halfway through the year already?
Somewhere between New Year’s resolutions and Spring sunsets, life kept moving while we were busy living it.

I can feel the gentle pause in the middle of the calendar.
A place where I can catch my breath, look behind me for a moment, and realize just how much I've carried, survived, celebrated, and learned.

Maybe this year hasn't been everything I hoped it would be.
Maybe it’s looked nothing like I could have imagined. 🤷‍♀️🩷

I know that for me there have been some ordinary Mondays that I will never remember… and there have been moments that have quietly changed me forever.

The beautiful thing about June is this:
it reminds me there is still time and lots of Hope.

Time to forgive myself for the goals I abandoned in February. 😂

Time to dream new dreams that fits the person I am now... not the person I was in January.

yes.. Life changes just this fast...in a matter of months life can quietly begin to make changes.

In the past five months, I have read books that softened my heart and opened my mind in ways that I never expected. I have experienced situations that I knew nothing about and not only did I learn, I survived.

We can learn lessons we didn’t know we needed.
We can experience joy, heartbreak, healing, laughter, new beginnings, and unexpected strength.

In five months, I have collected pieces of myself that I didn't even know existed. .

There have been Conversations that stayed with me.
There have been Songs tied to certain afternoons.
Tears that watered growth I couldn’t yet see.
Moments that reminded me that I'm still becoming.

Five months ago, I was not exactly who I am today. I'm better, I'm stronger and I'm content.

And five months from now, I will have grown again.

This is the gift of living❣️❣️

In just 4 weeks, we will be at the halfway mark of 2026. Are you ready?

Happy 1st day of June!!

Shug.. 👍🏻❣️⭐️🌻🤷‍♀️

Bye, Bye to May

2026-05-31T07:29:24.869-05:00

May 31st....The LAST page of May.

This day has quietly slipped in without much attention. It's the final page of a beautiful 2026 chapter. It's not quiet Spring anymore...but it's not officially summer yet.

Around here May carried a lot with it. Graduation caps tossed into a warm evening air, Memorial Day flags that waved with a slight (very slight) wind, and lots of happiness that school is now out for the summer.

And now suddenly, the curtain is closing on the 5th month of the year. It's time to flip another Calendar page and reflect on the treasures of the past 31 days.

We celebrated two amazing birthdays and best of all.....we shared JOY in the announcement of a little one coming in October. Our grandson Trey and his wife Savannah are expecting. This will be mine and Sam's 4th great grand-baby.

As May closes its doors tonight, I am thankful for the memories....the growth...and the lessons learned. "June" stands knocking at the door like an old friend carrying lots of sunshine. Are you ready? I am!!

Shug...

Saturday's Best...

2026-05-30T10:27:40.513-05:00

Well… it has already been one of those mornings around here. 😊

The new flower bed around the pool is finally coming together, and our yard guy has been out there early finishing everything up. Dirt, flowers, hoses, tools… the whole yard looks like it has been busy making itself pretty.

We spend a lot of time in the back yard during the Spring and Summer months and I want it to look my own resort.

Then SIL came over and has been working in Sam’s greenhouse repotting his lemon, lime, and grapefruit trees. Those little trees are truly Sam’s babies. Bless his heart, he barely has the strength to water them much these days, so we just step in and do it together as a family. Honestly, that is what families are for. Love shows up with potting soil on its hands and dirt under its fingernails.

And as I mentioned over on my sidebar in the Sam update, we will be heading to Dallas tomorrow. Sam has another appointment with the eye specialist, and then Thursday morning I will be at the hospital for a heart Cath. After all of that, we decided we are taking a couple of extra days just to breathe a little. No rushing. No schedules. Maybe just sitting by the hotel pool and soaking up a little peace. I think we both need that more than we realize.

Meanwhile… I am packing. Or at least pretending to pack. I have officially accepted the fact that I was not created to travel light. I pack like I may end up stranded for three months with three outfit changes a day. Will I ever learn? Doubtful. 😂

The kids will be coming over to swim while we are gone, and thankfully they will also keep an eye on my plants. Priorities, y’all. The flowers must survive.

Anyway, that is the latest from this busy little corner of life. I hope your weekend holds a few good surprises, a little laughter, and maybe a moment or two that reminds you life is still full of sweetness… even in the middle of the busy days.

Because honestly, we never really know what a day is going to bring, do we?

Shug....💛

Lasso The Moon...

2026-05-29T07:10:11.553-05:00

Happy Friday Y'all....It's a good day to have a really good day!!

Devotional thought for today.

There's a phrase that has always stirred something deep in me.....

"Lasso the moon."

It sounds a little wild, doesn't it? A little impossible. Like something only dreamers would dare to say out loud.

But maybe that's exactly the point.

Somewhere along the way, many of us quietly stop reaching. We trade wide-eyed wonder for safe choices. We tuck our dreams neatly into the corners of our hearts and tell ourselves, "That's just not for me."

But what if it is?

What if that dream, that nudge, that whisper in your spirit....was placed there on purpose?

Lassoing the moon isn't really about capturing something unreachable. It's about the courage to try. It's about lifting your eyes, stretching your faith, and daring to believe that God can meet you in the middle of your reaching.

Sometimes, the miracle isn't in catching the moon....

It's in becoming someone who still reaches for it.

And maybe...God is smiling at the effort, the gentle guiding of the rope, reminding us that nothing placed in His hands is ever wasted.

Today, or whenever your heart feels that quiet pull again. Go ahead and throw the rope.

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see...." Hebrews 11:1

Shug.....

* How many times do we hold back from something because it feels to big or too late?

Thankful Thursday

2026-05-28T08:36:24.211-05:00

Thankful Thursday.....

Today I’m thankful for the people who can laugh at themselves.

The ones who burn the toast, forget why they walked into the room, wave at strangers thinking they know them, and still manage to make life feel lighter.

I’m thankful for conversations that make absolutely no sense to outsiders.

For refrigerators covered in magnets, receipts, and chaos.

For pajamas worn entirely too early in the evening.

For ice cream eaten straight from the carton while standing at the kitchen counter.

And honestly?

I’m thankful I’ve reached the age where I no longer feel the need to pretend I have everything figured out.

Some days are productive.

Some days are simply survival with lipstick and coffee.

Both count.

Here’s to real life… the messy, funny, beautifully imperfect version of it. 🧡

Shug....

Joining Michelle

@ It's a Small Town Life

HERE

May Be a Hodgepodge

2026-05-27T07:23:10.406-05:00

Looks like I "MAY" have made it just in time to join the Hodgepodge!!

How many of these things on my May bucket list did I get done? SIX... including ice cream, planting, photos, surprising someone, swinging, making Lemonade.

Join Joyce at the hodgepodge

HERE

1. Do you like your name? Are you named after someone (grandparent, etc)? If you have children how did you choose their names?

I have always liked my name. I am SHUG....many people do not even know that I have a given name. My parents gave me the name .... Anita Lynn, but I have not been called Anita in 30 years. My grandkids began calling me "Sugar" and this soon turned into Shug....sometimes Sugar Booger. When I was the Librarian at our local school...All of the kids called me Shug the same as my grandkids. Even the Principle and the teachers called me Shug.

Our entire community knows me as Shug. I'm even known by Shug at my doctor's office!!

🌺 My mother actually chose our daughters names...

Trista and Shanda. 🩷🩷

2. A piece of red velvet cake, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of blueberry pie? You can only have one...which will you choose? If you could pick any red, white, or blue dessert other than those listed here, what would you choose?

Blueberry pie for sure....

I would choose strawberry Pretzel salad with a few blueberries. 🫐

3. What's a job you'd like to try for just one day?

Well....if I'm going to choose a job for one day, I might as well dream big. I would like to try my hand at being a food journalist. Fly to Italy...try all kinds of foods and write about them. 🍜🥗

4. Any patriotic decor in your home currently or coming up this summer?

I have even surprised myself this year... NO, red, white and Blue decorations in our home this year. I'm content with how things look in our home and for this reason PLUS the busyness of my life right now helped me make the decision to sit this one out. 🇺🇸

5. It's the end of May, so let's exercise our brains. Sum up your month with an acrostic using the word MAY. We can do it!!

Music playing through open windows... 🎼🎤

A little more laughter than worry.... 🤣😂

Yes to simple joys and peaceful hearts... 💛🌸💛

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Isn't it funny how certain smells or songs can take you back to a moment in life...much faster than a photograph ever could?

One old song on the radio can suddenly bring back people, places and good ol' memories that you haven't thought about in years.

And I love how the smell of fresh cut grass always takes me back to childhood evenings when my dad was cutting the grass..

Hearing an old worship song can bring back memories of seasons in my life when my faith carried me through the hard days.

Rain on a hot pavement is a smell that makes me think of my trips to "Six Flags over TEXAS."

The scent of homemade biscuits takes me right back to my mom's kitchen...The best biscuits ever made...

May you have sunshine and Good vibes all day long..

Shug...

A Zippity Day...

2026-05-25T17:50:54.515-05:00

Well...we did have a little Zippity- Doo-Dah in our day! It kinda snuck in and changed the rhythm of the day for us.

The kids (those that live around here) came for lunch today... We (Sam and I) boiled the corn on the cob and made the baked beans...We already had a pulled pork and some ribs cooked. Everything else was furnished by the kids.... (daughters and son-in-laws)

They even brought a watermelon and it went straight into the pool. It didn't fall in there, it was placed in the pool. Since the pool water is kinda cold....what better way to keep a melon chilled than to let it float in the pool.

Not my actual picture of the melon floating in the pool, because I forgot to take one..... I found this one on the net, so evidently this is something other people do as well..

Today felt like a dancing kind of day...I did not dance, but the spirit has sure been here. It was a day that had some sparkle in it and I DO LOVE ME SOME SPARKLE.

Right now, I have my feet propped up, and I'm listening to the sound of Sam snoozing nearby. Honestly, this in itself feels like such a sweet little blessing of peace. For me it is a comforting sound of someone I love resting so easy.... a sound I never tire of. Just the simple gift of being present in a cozy moment that asks nothing from you except for me to enjoy it.

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My Calendar for the week is not overly full, and I am actually thankful for this. I'm hoping to catch up on things around here, finish a few projects and maybe even listen to some good ol' Southern Gospel music.

This sure sounds good to me!!

Blessings and Love...

Shug...

Sunday Reflections..

2026-05-24T18:24:22.748-05:00

Hard to believe that it is already Sunday evening of this 3 day weekend.

Sam and I began our morning with Worship and Praise playing softly through the television.

The kids came over this morning and one of the sweetest parts of day was my son-in-law trimming back our trees. He recently finished his job out in California and is finally back home...He has always been such a huge help to us. Our kids are so good about showing up and helping.

This is the last load of limbs that needs to be hauled off. I sure was sad about having to trim limbs that had the beautiful mimosa flowers on them....But..it had to be done.

After the tree trimming was finished, we all gathered out on the back porch and enjoyed buckets of good conversations..and snacks!! It's as if everyone was daring each other to be the first one in the pool this year. Water is still a bit chilly though, so for this reason, there were no takers.

A few cone flowers, Marmalades, and Lantana.

Later in the afternoon, I drove Sam over to see his dad at the Nursing Home. While he was spending time there, I wandered over to the garden center where I may or may not have purchased a few more things than I had intended. Apparently Memorial Day weekend is the time to shop for plants. The place was not crowed at all.

(Some Mexican Petunias and a few Zinnias, along with some grasses and rose moss.)

After I picked Sam up, we grabbed a quick bite to eat. Nothing fancy...just something he can easily eat. You would be surprised by what he can actually eat that does not hurt his stomach and liver. Cheese Enchiladas!!. I am shocked that he is able to eat this, but it's one of the few things that he can eat without having pain.

💛💛💛

Now, I'm expecting to have a slower evening.. I'll be spending part of my evening catching up on blogs and working on my computer. I am designing a "Save the date - invitation" all combined into one for our 55th Class reunion. Fifty-five years feels almost impossible to say out Loud.

This was the 50th reunion...way back in 2021.

For whatever reason....RED POPPIES...always makes me think of Memorial Day. I honestly do not know why they touch my heart the way they do, but they always have. Maybe it's their deep red color that feels both beautiful and sacred at the same time. They seem to whisper to me....Remembrance, sacrifice, honor and gratitude...

Tonight...the skies are hinting at the possibility of rain. I just heard it thunder, so it might be earlier than I thought.

Oh how wonderful this day has been and I thank the Lord for all of His goodness.

Shug... or as William says: Shuggy!

Little Moments that Matter Most

2026-05-23T20:47:58.389-05:00

Although I had planned to do absolutely nothing today, I did manage to enjoy a morning brunch.

My daughter (Trista)...granddaughter (tori)...granddaughter-in-law (Emily)...and our great grandson (William) gathered at La Madeleine for a very nice brunch. While it might not be my favorite brunch spot, I found myself smiling over a yogurt parfait and soaking in something far more nourishing than food....GREAT COMPANY AND WONDERFUL CONVERSATION..

As you can see...I also enjoyed a nice glass of Southern Sweet Tea.

William kept us on our toes as we sat out on the patio. He was wanting to explore everything that there was to explore. The birds, the stones and even the world outside of the gate....these things were sure keeping him busy.

Truthfully, I had not even intended to go anywhere today. I had planned a quiet day at home. But life has a fun way of placing unexpected gifts right in the middle of ordinary moments. If I had stayed home, I would have missed the sweetness of the morning.

Not every meaningful moment arrives with a fanfare. My day began simple.....A breakfast outing, A baby's smile, and a family gathered around coffee cups and conversation. You just can't beat this kind of goodness.

The rest of my day was beautifully ordinary. Laundry hummed in the background while I worked in the backyard, tending to things growing beneath the sunshine. I love the healing favor from God in the little things that I do each day. Caring for my flowers and tending to our home.

This memorial day weekend, I have found myself thinking about how quickly seasons change. How important it is to say yes to time together with family, even when we did not plan it. One day, the brunches, the backyard chores, the tiny hands reaching across the table, will become the memories that soften our hearts the most.

As far as tomorrows plans go?

Online Church....and maybe a trip to the garden center. I am needing some ornamental grass and perhaps a few more flowering plants.

Wherever this weekend finds you, I hope you find many pockets of happiness...

Hugs to ALL

Shug..

A Quiet Memorial Weekend.

2026-05-22T19:59:25.498-05:00

Memorial weekend always seems to arrive with a little shift in the air. The days stretch a bit longer, the smell of barbecue drifts through the neighborhoods, swimming pools begin to sparkle under the patio lights, and calendars often fill with cookouts, lake trips and family gatherings. For many, it quietly marks the unofficial beginning of summer....a season of sunshine, FLIP FLOPS, watermelon slices, and staying outside a little longer.

This year...our plans are a very light. In fact, we really have no plans at all. And honestly...This sounds pretty wonderful to me. I believe that sometimes the sweetest weekends are the ones without a packed schedule. Around here it will most likely be slow mornings and simple meals. This is our schedule...if you want to call it a schedule. I plan to just enjoy the gift of an unhurried weekend.

Still, Memorial weekend carries a much deeper meaning beyond the food and the festivities. While many people celebrate the arrival of summer, others spend these days remembering loved ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Behind every flag placed at a cemetery, every folded banner, and every moment of silence is a story of courage and one of sacrifice.

FREEDOM HAS NEVER BEEN FREE!!

Whether your weekend includes traveling, grilling burgers, gathering with your families or simply resting at home (like we plan to do)...may we all pause long enough to remember the brave men and women who made freedoms possible. Their sacrifice deserves more than a passing thought. It deserves gratitude carried in our hearts long after the holiday weekend ends.

"Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of every soldier who dies protecting it." unknown

Here are a few food ideas!!

* Backyard Burger Sliders 🍔

* Loaded Ranch Potato Salad 🥔

* Sweet and Smoky Baked Beans 🫘

* Watermelon Feta Salad 🍉

* BBQ Chicken Kabobs 🍗

* Strawberry Pretzel Salad 🍓

* Patriotic Berry Board 🍒

* Peach Tea Punch 🍑

Good food, grateful hearts!

Prayers for everyone's safety!!

Shug....(((Big Hugs)))

A Mix of Good Things...

2026-05-21T17:44:39.765-05:00

This has been a full week of doctor's appointments. I am so far behind on my blogging....but my heart knows you all understand.

The warm evenings that we have been having slowed my evenings down. We have been enjoying the quieter moments more than ever.

I ordered the cutest little lights from Amazon and I have placed them all around the pool.. I even added clear balls that float on the water. The soft sparkle of the lights and the sound of the water bubbling creates a "Stillness" and definitely some relaxing moments. Don't you think that nighttime always feels a tad bit softer?

And then....My Mimosa Trees!! Absolutely Stunning!! Every year they bloom, but this year they are really showing out. The fluffy pink/red blooms are for sure calling in many of the hummingbirds. I have been enjoying watching the blooms sway in the evening breeze and what makes this even more magnificent is the sunset behind them. A beautiful masterpiece right here in my yard.

Switching gears.....I wanted to share one of my favorite things.... Crème Brûlée This dessert has my heart! That crisp caramelized sugar on the top with the creamy custard underneath, and fruit on top.....WOW!!

No matter how full I am...if a restaurant has Crème Brûlée on their menu....I'm ordering it. The truth is, I had rather have (2 TWO) of this dessert as to have a meal and only one of this delicious sweet treat.

In my mind, I see a pretty good recipe for life with the three things I have talked about here.

🌸 The sweet smell of Mimosa blooms

💡The glowing lights that keep on reflecting off of the pool water

🍮The BEST dessert around...Crème Brûlée

I think God gives us these little reminders every single day....moments that whisper for us to breath deeper. This is the real secret to joy. Leaning to hold tightly to the good while it is here. To sit outside...to order the dessert..to admire what God has created....To cherish the people around us and... to enjoy the sweetest ordinary moments that we almost didn't notice at all... HOPE finds a way to show up in the smallest things. ❤️

Shug...🌸🌴

My weekly Porch Story!!

2026-05-19T06:53:44.346-05:00

Another Porch Story:

When folks talk about "the good old days," I sometimes wonder if they have ever sat on a creaky front porch in the middle of July, sweating through their clothes, cranking an old ice cream machine like their very life depended on it?

Let me tell you, as a kid, that job felt like a punishment disguised as a treat. Dad would bring out the ice cream maker on special occasions such as birthdays, 4th of July... or sometimes just on a particularly hot day when he felt like spoiling us.

It was one of those old-fashioned wooden bucket machines with the metal crank on the side (much like the one shown above) ...This machine was never in a hurry... slow and easy is the only level it knew. You didn't just plug it in and wait, no sir! You had to earn that sweetness.

We would haul the ice cream maker out to the front porch along with the box of rock salt and blocks of ice. First came Dad's special recipe that he guarded like it was the nation's gold reserve. Cream, sugar, vanilla, eggs, milk and the SECRET ingredients that he never would tell us about, but we all knew it was love that made it magic. Then would come the ice and the salt and it had to be layered in a certain way. Adding the ice and the salt was our favorite part, but dad always made sure we didn't get any of the salt too close to lid.

Next was the dreaded part, the cranking!

"Oh, it's easy," Dad would say, flashing a grin that made you suspicious. "Just keep it turning till it gets stiff." Stiff? Ha! It started out like a casual arm workout and ended up like a full-body military drill. One by one, we'd take our turns: me, my sister and my two brothers, all of us groaning, trading off like a team of sweaty, short tempered kids. One would turn the crank while another one of us would sit on the towel...on top of the machine. I guess the extra weight added to the churning and it sure added extra work for the one doing the cranking... Our Mom enjoyed having a break from the kitchen, so she would sit and just enjoy the evening...and of course, the jokes that dad was always playing on us....

"I think it's ready," one of us would plead after only five minutes. "Nope," Dad would say, poking at the top and quickly announcing that it was still soupy. He knew all along that the ice cream wasn't ready after five minutes of churning...He just enjoyed playing around with us....Kinda like getting our hopes up a little early. Soupy was the one word that seemed to crush our dreams. We were ready for that silver can full of goodness to get firm...... ICE CREAM. 🍨

We would all sit back down in a criss cross apple-sauce style, trying to ignore that it would soon be our time to take over the cranking. Then, finally, finally, Dad would nod and say the magic words: "She's ready."

And just like that, all the pain, sweat and drama would disappear. We would crowd around like little greedy puppies, watching as he opened the lid and cold fog swirling out like a cloud from heaven. No other ice cream in the world has ever tasted better than his. It was cold and creamy, with a small hint of magic that was mixed with some vanilla dreams.

We each would get one bowl. After we all got a big bowl, there were NO seconds available. BUT... Here was the deal, the dasher in the middle of the tub went to the person who did the most cranking. Dad would be the one to announce who would get the honors of licking that thing clean. I think he always kept up with it and knew before the ice cream making even begun, who had the pleasure last time and the time before. He knew exactly who was next in line to enjoy the last bites of the yumminess.

That ice cream disappeared faster than you could say "brain freeze." Hours to make (it seemed like) and minutes to devour, but that was the beauty of it. The waiting made it sweeter. The cranking made it memorable, and Dad's love made it unforgettable.

Yes, the old front porch was the perfect place for making ice cream and creating memories. This is just one of the reasons I have great memories of not only my grandmother's porch, but my family's gray painted porch as well....

I do love my "Porch" stories....They are sweet memories in my heart.

Shug....🍦

Cookies and A Cake

2026-05-18T08:14:09.619-05:00

Whew....I have so much catching up to do for me to know what is happening in each of your lives...I will get there...I promise.

Today....I want to talk about the cookies and the cake that I was in charge of picking up for Mylee's grad party...

I ordered these cookies a few weeks ago... This lady makes the best tasting decorated sugar cookies which is just one reason she stays booked all the time. I've ordered decorated cookies from her many times and she always does and excellent job.

I went to pick them up on Friday morning around 10:15..... She and I had talked about the timing and she told me that they would be in the (cutest) little cooler on her front porch by 10:00. I looked in the cooler and there were two different orders...One was for SFA and the other was for a different college with different colors.

I knew I had the right cookies because they were purple and white...SFA colors. This I could see through the clear plastic on the top of the box. After I had picked them up....For some unknown reason, I decided to pull over and take a look at them. Sure enough...inside the box was several cookies that read "Congratulations Maggie."

Maggie?? Where did that come from. I looked back at my messages to confirm that I had told her MYLEE. Yes....I had. I sent her a message and explained that the cookies had the wrong name... I told her that the cookies were beautiful and that we would work with just having the other cookies. By the time I received her reply, I was completely across town.

Her message read..."Your order is still in my house." She had put the wrong order out in the cooler. Truthfully, I was very surprised that she would have not just two, but three orders for SFA cookies. I turned around...drove back across town to exchange the cookies. This moment of panic was resolved...

I then head out to pick up the cake...I get to the bakery and they tell me it's not ready yet....could I give them about 30 minutes. I leave to go run another errand and when I come back to pick up the cake....THEY CAN NOT FIND IT!! what? you were just working on it.

Panic was on the verge of coming back....a couple of the employees went to the back to try to locate it. Seems that when they put it in the cooler, it was placed on a different shelf due to the extra height that was on the cake. FOUND!! They found it and I was soon headed home.

This was a delicious red velvet cake...and you can see that it was decorated with two of the decorated cookies as well as flowers.

By the end of the day....I needed a dip in the pool....for sure!!

No matter how well you think you have things planned out....you need to always be ready for a few hiccups!! It was truly a great evening...

*** I wanted to add about a very special moment for Mylee. Sam's mother...Mylee's great grandmother passed away in 2023. About a month before she passed, she gave Mylee her graduation card. She wanted Mylee to wait until her graduation to open it. She opened it at the party and not only was there a monetary gift, but a sweet message that Mylee will always hold dear to her heart. There were a few tears!!

Have a Blessed Day sweet Friends..

Shug

TEST, BUSY WEEKEND, GRADUATION

2026-05-17T13:31:07.719-05:00

The past four days have felt like someone hit the fast-forward button on my life. 😂

Thursday started bright and early with multiple test and scans at the hospital for Sam. This turned into an all-day event. By the time I got home, I felt like I deserved a trophy, a nap, and a cheeseburger.

Friday rolled around with an oncologist appointment followed by running errands for Mylee’s graduation party.

Balloons, last-minute shopping, and trying to remember everything on my list had me circling town like I was training for a marathon. Picking up a beautiful cake as well as decorated cookies. The cake and the cookies will be a story of their own.. A post for sure for later in the week. (Photos tomorrow… if I survive the weekend.) 😂

Mylee and Tori....

our two granddaughters...

Saturday? Whew. Full speed ahead getting everything ready for graduation festivities. Clothes laid out, enjoying family from out of town, and tending to the little details that somehow multiply overnight. It was one of those beautiful, busy days where when you finally get home, you collapse into bed wondering if your feet are still attached to your body.

She ↓↓ Graduated...

Mylee Jo.. aka...Sassy, MJ, Baby Shug

And today?

Church online, stretchy pants, and REST. Amen and hallelujah. 🙌

It has been a beautiful weekend filled with family, celebration, and memories in the making… but mercy, this Shug needs a recharge button and about three naps. ☀️💛

Honestly....I may be tired, but right now, it's the busyness of the days that are helping me. No real complaints coming from having an over stimulated weekend...I wouldn't change one thing about it....

See y'all tomorrow...

Shug...🪫

Waterfall Whispers and a Hodgepodge

2026-05-13T08:37:44.400-05:00

Waterfall Whispers and a Hodgepodge

Joining Joyce at:

here

1. What's one piece of advice you would you give a recent or soon-to-be graduate?

You do not have to have your whole life figured out the minute you walk across that stage. Many people think graduation means you are suddenly supposed to know exactly who you are, what career you want, where you will live, and what comes next. Real life rarely works this way.. Give yourself permission to grow into your future.

2. May 15th marks the birth date of L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. At this point in time are you more in need of brains, courage, heart, or a trip back home? Explain.

Oh...the cowardly lion!! He spent the entire journey believing he lacked courage, when in truth, courage had been inside him all along. I know that I already have the courage to walk the road I am now on.... Courage is choosing to move forward even when fear is sitting beside you.

3. "There's no place like home" is an oft repeated line from Baum's book. When was the last time you felt the truth of that statement?

Honestly, anytime I return home after being gone for several days, I feel it. I may enjoy the trip, the restaurants, the visiting, and all the excitement, but there is something comforting about pulling into my own driveway. Home is where my favorite chair sits, where familiar smells linger, and where I can completely exhale. Nothing quite compares to sleeping in your own bed and waking up surrounded by the little everyday things you love most.

4. May is National BBQ Month...do you own a grill? Who does the grilling at your house? What's your favorite thing to throw on the grill? What's the last thing you grilled?

Oh yes...we own a grill, a smoker, and a pellet grill. These are all NEW since last year, and have never been used. Sam has always done the outdoor cooking but has not felt well enough to do so. I enjoy burgers as well as ribs and brisket. HMMM... not sure I can remember the last thing that was cooked on the old grills.

5. What's a memory you replay in your head when you need a little joy?

One memory I replay often is the sound of my grandkids laughing and playing outdoors. These moments still warm my heart. I have a digital picture frame that rotates photos (all day long)...Goodness...each time I walk past it and I see the old photos of the kids growing up, memories pop up. I sometimes carry those memories with me for the rest of the day.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

My random thought this morning is about a picture that I recently took. The sound of the water tumbling over the rocks made the world fill a little less loud while I was standing there enjoying the fall and the roses. Places like this are so peaceful and as I watched the water flowing over the rocks without hurrying, I couldn't help but think how the rocks themselves, have sat there through storms and all kinds of seasons that change over and over again. They just are!! Yet...everyday, they bring smiles to faces over and over again.

This little corner of beauty feels like a reminder to me that life does not always have to be at full-speed. Just keep a smile on your face and keep moving.

Happy Hodgepodge Day....

Shug....