Ghosts and Ghouls and Scary Stuff

Heading out in a bit with the twins for tricks and treats. Here's Kaitlyn dressed as a kitty cat with her college roommate Carly. She turns 19 tomorrow. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KAITLYN!!!!!! LOVE YA!!!!! Will post pics of the twins tomorrow! HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL!

Beginning Over

What a month it's been.... My marriage has ended and my ex has finally relocated after almost four months of denial. I know in my heart it's the right decision not only for me but for him as well. I've been his momma way too long and we haven't made one another happy in years. There's only so much grappling with issues that can be done. It's funny but blogging has helped me reach that decision. Seeing couples working together to realize their dreams through home improvement projects and vacations has made me realize that I need that and want that in my life. I love keeping a nice home and shouldn't have to be made to feel guilty for that. Enough said. Here are my beautiful twin grands on their last "sleepover." Brooke........... And Haylee..... They started preschool this year and absolutely LOVE it. They're good lil girls and are bringing home happy faces every day.

Thanks, my friends, for being here during these lonely times.....

Look Out, World!

She moved in on Saturday........ We loaded up her stuff and moved her in on one of the hottest days of the summer. Sorority rush began today and runs through the week. She's sorta on the fence about pledging.... says she will wait and see and pledge only if a sorority really impresses her.... The university that I felt was cold and impersonal when I started there way back in 1973 had this sign displayed on the outside of the dorm. My, how things seem to have changed.... Sorry, the pictures got loaded in reverse order. This shot was taken after MUCH furniture shuffling and seems to be the best use of the available space with lots of room underneath the bed for storage... The view out of the window is so serene and peaceful; it overlooks the lake and there were squirrels climbing in the trees.

Here's the "before" shot.......

Good luck, my sweet daughter! Don't forget lil old mom back at home...... I love you! ;-)

Another French Chef Tablescape

The very day after I posted my last French chef tablescape, I stopped in at Tuesday Morning and found some beautiful chef themed salad plates. Wow, what a find! They came four plates to a set and each plate portrays a different chef. Sorry for the washed out look of the photos.... I think it's time for a new camera with higher megapixels. You can click on the photos to see more detail. The plates coordinate well with my brown and cream striped Fitz and Floyd china and the black glass chargers that I snapped up for $1.50 each on clearance at Hobby Lobby, don't you think? Please excuse the box of teacher stuff on the floor in the background that needs to go to school with me. Today was my first day back and my 32nd "first day of school." It's hard to believe I've been working that many years...

These chefs must moonlight as jugglers.....

Here's another one.............

Anyone up for a cup of coffee after dinner?

A little wine keeps the whining at bay............

Stay tuned for next week............... I'm going to do a little research and bring out my great aunt's silverplate to share with you. Happy Tablescape Thursday!

Outdoor Wednesday

Susan over at A Southern Daydreamer is hosting Outdoor Wednesday. Hop on over and visit her blog for other outdoor photos..... http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/

My sister-in-law offered me a cutting of this plant that she had planted some time ago. I brought it home and it's multiplied over the years. As it's grown, I've divided it and it's beginning to take over my flower beds! I've searched in my gardening books of the name or other identifying information but haven't found much of anything. The blooms don't last more than a day or two (might it be some type of day lily?) but they sure are gorgeous when they burst forth, aren't they?

And the Countdown Begins......

Dear daughter is gleefully posting on facebook that she's 12 days away from the big dorm move as mom remembers how those years have flown by..... She always made us proud with her social self, great grades, cheerleading and dancing skills, and genuinely warm heart. We are just about ready. First, the towels.... ...and then the bedding from Pottery Barn. She and her roommate ordered matching bedding but will personalize the room with different sheet colors. Kait went for a powdery blue and Carly picked lavender.

And we didn't forget the shower tote, laundry basket, mattress pad, and that extremely essential thing on a large college campus, an UMBRELLA! She laughed at me but she won't be laughing the first day it pours!!!!

And a sweet decorative pillow monogrammed with her initial...... She won a microwave at her school's senior all-night celebration and is borrowing a mini frig.... Any ideas for a window treatment? Or what we forgot to buy? I'm gonna miss you, KK!

Sniff, sniff......

Another Tablescape Thursday Post....

Be sure to check out Susan's blog over at Between Naps on the Porch for other tablescape Thursday ideas.

Are you hungry for a bite of breakfast before you head out for a busy day of work? I've set this table for two using my French cook accessories. Down here in south Louisiana, the word "French" is a synonym for rich, spicy homecooking. A chubby cook stands at attention with salt and pepper shakers ready....... The candle tart in the warmer makes the kitchen smell of cinnamon.... And a hot cup of Community Coffee jolts the sleepy-eyed one awake........Would you prefer a delicious cheesy egg omelet or some sweet, melt-in-your-mouth French market beignets sprinkled with powdered sugar? Hungry, anyone?

Hope you have a great Thursday! Thanks for visiting!