Thankful

On this Sunday before Thanksgiving, I am feeling grateful.  I have so many things to be thankful for. Where shall I start? 

I am thankful for my best friend Betsy, aka Fat Friend, or according to Sanders "Fiend". Thank you BFF for having Ali, Sanders and me to the Hill.  Going home is filled with so 

many emotions. You see, all of my family is celebrating at the ultimate Thanksgiving table in heaven, along with some special Angels that briefly touched our lives.   So when I go home, my BFF opens her home to me, so I do get to go home. Thank you BFF.

The Baby Grand helped put the flowers at the cemetery.  

Thank you to my friend Linda Dean, who lets us use her football tickets, so 3 of us can go to the game and sit together.

I am thankful for another fun football season in the memory books.  You see, my Daddy graduated from Auburn University so Auburn football is our family tradition. I have been going to Auburn football games since I was a little girl.  My girls started out going to football games when they were little girls.  Kennedy Jane and Kallie have gone to football games.  Kati and I went to two games this year.  Ali, Baby Grand and I went for Sander's first game yesterday. We had a grand time. I am thankful for Kati and Ryan and Ali, and my 3 Grands.

I am thankful for my favorite son-in-law, Ryan, who is already working on the Thanksgiving turkey. He never disappoints. I missed the good cooking family gene.  My sweet Mama was a great cook, and so was my sister. They spoiled me in so many ways.  Thanksgiving meals are not quite the same, but nonetheless are filled with love and memories.  

I am thankful for my favorite quilt, Christmas Hallmark movies on a rainy Sunday afternoon. 

#lifeisgrandatcampgane

#staycalmandboomon 

To Blinker or Not to Blinker?

In a time of doubt or confusion, use your blinker.  And when you use your blinker, turn in the direction the blinker indicates.  Just saying.

Traffic is a part of life, but it astounds me at the heinously bad drivers that inhabit my area.  Congestion is a mild understatement.  However, when one uses a modicum of common sense, a splash of common courtesy, and use a blinker, some of the congestion can be avoided.

So to blinker or not to blinker?  Blinker!

What are some of your pet peeves of drivers?

Keep the thankful in Thanksgiving.  I am thankful that I am out of traffic for today.

#staycalmandboomon
#lifeisgrandatcampgane

A Pot of Soup

A pot of soup cooking on my stove is an extremely uncommon occurrence. I seldom cook, and soup is certainly not my speciality.

I was inspired by a friend to try lentils.  To my knowledge, I have never eaten lentils.  I didn't even know what they looked like.  This friend changed her diet to exclude all meats and sugars.  She looks amazing and is extremely healthy these days.  She eats a lot of lentils.

Not sure my lentil soup passed the healthy test.  It didn't exclude meats. Oh no...my lentil soup has Conecuh sausage and chicken broth.  It also included rotel, which adds the hot and spicy flavor.  I like hot and spicy.

It was actually very good, which is a really good thing.  There is enough lentil soup to feed the ten thousands.  I am 999 thousand short of the ten thousands.

It may not pass the meatless test, but it does pass the first time test.  Try something new.  There are many new things, even if you are a 'Boomer".

Can you think of something new to try.  Try hard, even when it is hard to try.  Who knew about lentils!

Add cornbread muffins compliments of Cracker Barrell and I am all set.  

#lifeisgrandatcampgane

Keeping Up with the Reids

A great birthday celebration tonight with the family. Ryan and I always choose the Mariner on Dog River for our birthday supper. Food certainly didn't disappoint tonight. Fried crab claws and shrimp....yummy.

The Grands were very gracious in helping the birthday boy with birthday pie.  Happy birthday Big Guy.

While waiting for supper the Grands and I waited on the outside deck over the river.  The Big Grands were performing various dance moves and some of their favorite tunes.  Baby Grand was doing her very best to keep up with the big girls.  It warms my heart to watch my 3 Grands dancing and singing and being children.

I love my 3 Grands.
#lifeisgrandatcampgane

This Little Light of Mine

Baby Grand went on her first CIF field trip to the Pratt Turner Center.  The Pratt Turner Center is a favorite of mine.  I was part of the team that built that center.

   Some of my most treasured memories of my career are working with Ms Joy at the Pratt Turner Center.  Ms Joy's little light shines brightly in the forest.  So much to learn from Ms. Joy.

Baby Grand was very impressed with Ms Joy.

God's light was shinning down on that sweet baby.

Walking along the nature trail was great fun. So much to see and do.

The highlight of my day was Fluff and pimento cheese.  Ms Joy makes the most delicious treats.  

It was a beautiful day to be outside.  Having that Baby Grand along for her first Classroom in the Forrst Field trip, made this a memorable day for me. 

My Little Light shines brightly when I spend time with My 3 Grands.  Where does your Little Light Shine brightly? Find that special Little Light and let God's love shine through you.  Now go SHINE!!!

#lifeisgrandatcampganpe 

Something new

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Off to the Races

Camp Gane was busy today.

Off to the races on this brisk morning.  These girls and guys are fast.  I was waiting at the finish line to cheer them on.

Next up fun for all at the fair. Sanders wanted "more".  Sweet baby girl loved the rides. She got a good look at the pigs.  She had a grand time. 

The big girls had a blast.  Kennedy Jane says this is the best day ever.  Got to love those two. They are fearless.  The faster the better for those two.  

Now watching good Auburn football.  

#lifeisgrandatcampgane

29 of 31 Days of Writers' Challenge

Another grand day at Camp Gane.

Winding down on the 31 day writers' challenge.  I have read many bloggers comments about this challenge.  For me, I write from the perspective of ordinary days in an extradionaryly amazing life as Gane to my 3 Grands.

Every day is a new day. Watching life through the eyes of my 3 Grands, brings an element of surprise in the little things. There are far more little things, than big things (both good and bad).  I encourage you not to waste the everyday things waiting for the big things to come along.   Grab each day with the excitement of a child.  It's alot more fun.

Matthew 19: 13-15 .  Then children were brought to him that he may lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven".

My 3 Grands share a little bit of that promise each day.  Every opportunity you have to love those closest to you, do it.  Be kind, and do nice things just because you can.  Love makes the world go round.

The puny Grands are on the mend. I am ready for my Grands to be well.

I love my 3 Grands
# lifeisgrandatcampgane

Grand Day

It was another stellar day at Camp Gane.

Ribbon cutting at the South Alabama Agriculture and Forestry Museum was held today. It was a grand affair.  I managed to slide in from a doctor's appointment as it was wrapping up.  However, my daughters were there and got a video that I can watch over and over.  A very proud day.  Baby Grand was there and had a grand time driving a tractor.  I am pictured with Mrs. Bea Williams, the wife of the late Milton Williams. Milton was remembered today for his passion for the agricultural community. Thank a farmer today .

On another note, today was teacher conference for the other 2 Grands. Kallie's (kindergarten) lowest score was 95 and Kennedy Jane's lowest score was 98. So very proud of these two smart pretty big girls. They celebrated with supper and a large bowl of yummy desert.

I love my 3 Grands.

#lifeisgrandatcapmgane

Ribbon Cutting

Some days are just better than others. Being appreciated feels amazing. I meet most days feeling appreciated by those closest to me, but occasionally I unexpectedly receive words of gratitude. Today was that day. 

I serve as a Board Member for the South Alabama Agriculture and Forestry Museum.  Ribbon cutting for the museum is set for tomorrow morning.  The process for getting these doors opened has been long and laborious over the last 10 years.  

The gentleman who carried the torch for this effort died in 2010.  He served as President of the Foundation from the very beginning.   At the ribbon cutting, his picture will be unveiled and a tribute 
to him will be a part of the opening ceremony.  

Here comes the unexpected appreciation.  His wife will be cutting the ribbon.  He has an adult son and daughter.  Because of distance, work, family, and life, the adult children will be unable to attend the ribbon cutting and the tribute to their dad.  Each of them sent me the most amazing emails today, thanking me for  remembering their dad.  The appreciation for their Dad, and the legacy he left is so heart felt and warm. All of us should strive to leave that legacy with our loved ones. 

It felt so good to receive those messages of appreciation.  

How will you be remembered? 

#lifeisgrandatcampgane

Great read by Joan Malone

My friend Joan Malone authored this great book.

Joan will be receiving the proof copy this week, and then first edition  copies will be available. Sensational Living after 60, is a practical guide for living a sensational life from here to eternity, filled with the promises of God for love, peace and joy.  

I am honored to call Joan Malone my friend.  She is an inspiration to me in my everyday life.  I am very excited about receiving my signed copy of Sensational Living after 60.  If you would like a copy of this must have book, please leave me a message.  I will make sure you get a first edition copy. 

#lifeisgrandatcampgane 

Day 20---BFF

There are friends and then there are Bffs.  Betsy and I have been friends since grade school.  That has been more than a few years ago.  We fondly call each other Thick and Thin, or Fatty and Skinny.  I long ago outgrew my nickname, but some good habits never die.  There are a lot of sayings about good friends and lifelong friends.  Add all you have ever heard about Bffs and you get a picture of our friendship.

Thick is an avid supporter of Camp Gane. Love my BFF

#lifeisgrandatcampgane

Coming Around the Mountain

We've been coming around the mountain today. Took a stroll back in time today at Cade's Cove, along with the rest of the people in bumper to bumper traffic.   It was quite lovely to see the turkey and deer in the fields. The old churches and buildings are reminders of life as an early settler.  Quite a contrast from today.

I love listening to the white water mountain streams. There has been quite a bit of rain, so the waters are rushing over the rocks. Miles and miles of travel watching and listening to the sounds of the water. 

#lifeisgrandatcampgane

Love the Smoky Mountains 

Smoky Mountains

What a day in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Started the day well with a delicious mountain breakfast at the Inn at Christmas Place.

Then s stroll through the most amazing Christmas Store. Bought a new Santa to add to Christmas
decorations at the box.

A drive through Smokey Mountains National Park was a display of the most amazing palet of colors, just as far as the eye could see.  Over the mountain and through the woods to Cherokee, North Carolina.  A stroll back in time to when I was a child.  The stores still have the cedar trinket boxes I got on a family trip many years ago.  Such fond childhood memories.

Supper tonight at the Dixie Stampede was absolutely delightful. A few winks and off on another adventure tomorrow.
#lifeisgrandatcampgane

Pigeon Forge

A few hundred miles, 549 to be exact, we have arrived in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.  The trip was mostly uneventful, which I consider a good thing. Only a couple of breath taking moments when other cars traveling at high speeds either drift or outright pull over into my lane. Close but no crashing metal. Uneventful.

Conversation with my dear friend Joan was very pleasant. Supper at Calhouns Bar b Q, touting the best ribs in the world. Can't verify that claim, but the food was
delicious.

Checked into The Inn at Christmas Place. Lovely hotel, and beds and pillows are delightful. Tomorrow holds a chance for new adventures as Camp Gane goes on a road trip. 

#lifeisgrandatcampgane

Monday....

Kati and Scott returned from their Jamacian vacation in the wee hours of the morning. Kati brought back a very upset stomach. She is feeling better after a day of rest. With a little grace she will be fine.

We got the girls out the door to school and me to get crowned at the dentist all by 7:30 a.m.  A small victory for our not so good morning family,  except for the little girls who have lots to say at 6:15 a.m.

Next stop, shade tree mechanic to make sure my vehicle, now marking 250,000 + miles, is ready for a road trip.  I am very excited about a trip to the Smokey Mountains. I leave tomorrow. Hooray for me!

Ali called to say she found the baby's pacifier and Guiness (the dog)was headed to surgery to remove said pacifier. That explains why the dog has been sick for weeks now.   In the 16 months of baby grand's life, Guiness has eaten several pacifiers, bottle nipples, sippy cup tops, etc., however this time the pacifier got stuck. There will be a hefty veterinarian bill.  Yikes.

I stopped by my old office to help get the fair exhibits registered. A short 4 hours later, I was ready to head home. Makes retirement shine like a new penny, when I stop by the office.

Got my clothes packed and ready to head toward cooler weather. Today I think the high was around 84  or something like that in mid October.  Welcome to south Alabama.

Going to miss my 3 grands, but I am looking forward to a brief road trip.  I will post pictures and updates as Camp Gane hits the road.

#lifeisgrandatcampgane

Happy Halloween

Rearranged a corner of the box so I could easily see the witch bubble light. I love bubble lights.

The big girls did a grand job decorating the windows with Halloween decor.

 Pumpkin and witches are the table setting. Looks like ghosts, witches and gobblins are taking up roost in the box. I love fall and Halloween decorations. Reminds me of harvest time, although I get harvest only in the grocery store these days.  Thank you farmers for feeding me and clothing me. Cotton is the fabric of my life for sure.
#lifeisgrandatcampgane