Drivin' 55

With the forecast of snow, yes I said snow, north of Atlanta area sometime tomorrow, I will be joined with 3 million of my closest friends all vying to “pick up a few things” at the grocery store.  Weather men will name this storm clever little names like “Snow Jam 2009” or “Blizzard of 09”.  It is due to this frenzy our local TV channels broadcast that turns a logical human being into well, a panicked Southerner.  You see, we Southerners panic with the mere forecast of snow anywhere in the state of Georgia.  I am sure this will be much ado about nothing, but one must be prepared.  What if the trucks cannot get into the area to restock the shelves?  That is the worry we all share and we are sticking to it! We fear not being able to have a sufficient supply of bread, milk, hot chocolate mix, fixin’s for chili and brownies.  No household in Georgia will be void of these items.  I believe it must be imbedded into our DNA even if some of us are...

I think I have absolutely zero blogging material for today. Let's see...I'm thinking....thinking...still thinking....nope. Nuttin'. Until tomorrow...am hoping the blogging fairy touches me on my shoulder with her magic wand for inspiration sometime today.

Why? Why when people say they are supportive, you think the opposite? Why do people lie when they say they left a message when you don’t have an answering machine? Why is it that when I use my $.01 coupon at the grocery store, the offer the same item 2 weeks in a row? Why don’t the weather men ever get it right? Why are Sunday coupons for items you really don’t buy? Why isn’t Bernie Madoof in jail where he belongs? Why is the world still obsessed with Anna Nicole and now her daughter? Why do people still care about American Idol? Why am I so lost when watching Lost? Why do people make fun of my second toe which is my big toe?

Look at those eyes. What is she thinking? What is she attempting to convey? I think she is thankful that we rescued her from the streets and gave her a loving home.  Visit your local shelter and adopt a furry child.   Atlanta Humane Organization  

Over yonder on Chronicles of a County Girl , my friend is having a give a way!  Yes…free stuff.  So you better get your little buns over to her blog and choose your favorite photo!

It’s Fat Tuesday today… time for one last hurrah before Lent begins… Although this looks more like a St. Patrick’s day celebration… What would you do for some beads???

FOR TODAY ... Outside my window... the dormant trees surround me but there is no tell tale sign of emerging buds I am thinking...of someday taking a fabulous vacation as we once experienced I am thankful for...waking to live another day to the best of my abilities by being kind and tender hearted   From the kitchen...I hear a quiet idleness.  The sink is clean, as always, and the counters are immaculate I am wearing... my black Gloria Vanderbilt jeans with my three quarter sleeve sweater I am creating...my mother’s birthday present but I am short photos of her in her younger days I am going...to make oatmeal raisin cookies today. I am reading...Deception Point by Dan Brown…this book was lost for about 6 months and it finally made its way I am hoping...the employment comes our way very soon I am hearing...noises from the living room as my hubby is rearranging the cords to the TV, recorder and other various electronic dev...

What can I say about my nephew that people don’t already know? He is silly and always finding ways to make people laugh. I have witnessed his talent for playing the trombone.  He literally will blow your socks off. Always the clown, it is difficult to get a family picture without seeing his lovely Jerry Lewis grin!       His love for animals is never ending and always shows his kind heart and concern. Let no garage sale go unturned when he is near as his negotiating skills are deadly. Pizza, cinnamon toast and weird snack combinations are his forte. When the basement of his house flooded a year ago, his only question was “did you save the Wii?” It seems as though it was yesterday that this little guy was born, so cute and cuddly. Now 14 years have passed in the blink of an eye.  Driving is not far off.  Gasp! Soon, college will be on his door step. Ah, such a fine young man…the apple of my eye! P.S.  and your pres...

There is always so much hype about the Oscars. Often, I find it to be an event that feeds self involved egos out of control. I don't often agree with the choices made by The Academy but sometimes they get it right. Do you watch the Oscars from opening bit to closing award? Are you one that loves the clothing, jewels, and the shoes? As for me, I could take it or leave it. Seriously.

Chester the cat Lived a short life He was loved by many Danny Human Dad Human Mom Human Grandma Sister Feline Charlotte Brother Canine Rocky His life may have been short But it was filled with happy cat times Chester (Chest of Drawers) will be greatly missed. ~~~ Chester was the beloved cat belonging to my sister's family.

Here’s why our health care doesn’t work… A Medicare Summary Notice (that is not a bill) arrived for services provided for my MIL while in the nursing home the end of last year. The service was a pedicure. It goes down like this…. Amount Charged $51.00 Medicare Approved $38.40 Medicare Paid $19.20 Amount May Owe $16.32 Now I don’t know about you, but when I can afford a pedicure at my local salon, the works sets me back $38.00 plus tip. I have the benefit of the luscious massage chair, my favorite beverage provided to me, all the trashy magazines I can read in an hour, the color of my choice for my pink little toes, a leg massage with wonderful exfoliating scrub, hot wax treatment and fantastic alone time with myself. For a sum of $30.00, I can get less frills but still have pretty little toes. Why not have the local salons do this work for half the price? My feeling is they would jump at the chance to provide pedicures for the elderly for $20 bucks a shot....

I tried to stay away. Really, I did. But I love to change things up a bit. I’ve fallen back into my Cutest Blog on the Block hole. Just because I can, here’s a photo of Niagara Falls. Can you hear the thunderous one million gallons per second falling below? Just know that you have been warned!!!

After sleeping almost 10 hours last night, I woke up with no headache. That's right, no headache! I am ecstatic. Thanks to all of you who sent loving thoughts my way. And...I got a response on a job I applied for... will wonders never cease!

FOR TODAY ... Outside my window... The sun is shining but it is a mere 39 degrees.  We are expected to reach the mid 50’s today. I am thinking... that when my grandson goes down for his nap, I will read a bit more of my book. I am thankful for... the beautiful sunshine today.  It is glorious, bright and invigorating.   From the kitchen... I smell absolutely nothing except for the almost empty pot of coffee a few minutes away from burning. I am wearing... my comfortable blue suede slipper, dark blue jeans and my long sleeve green top with black stripes down the arms. I am creating... nothing at the moment but getting ready to work on a present for my mother’s upcoming birthday I am going...to make baked ziti tonight for dinner…using the last of my pomodora sauce I made over the weekend. I am reading...Water for Elephants.  My goal is to have it finished by Thursday. I am hoping... that my headache goes away soon bec...

The weather has been so lovely that I've managed to take the little guy to the park. Jack, a multi tasker, enjoyed swinging and clapping with delight! My heart is full of love. Enjoy the warmth of spring peaking around the corner!

My funny valentine Sweet comic valentine You make me smile with my heart Your looks are laughable Unphotographable Yet you're my favorite work of art Is your figure less than Greek Is your mouth a little weak When you open it to speak Are you smart? But don't change a hair for me Not if you care for me Stay little valentine stay Each day is valentines day Is your figure less than Greek Is your mouth a little weak When you open it to speak Are you smart? But don't you change one hair for me Not if you care for me Stay little valentine stay Each day is valentines day   Writer(s): Rodgers/Hart

Do you have a collection of your favorite books close by to draw from at will?  I think we all have our favorites.  I discovered that if I really love an author, I will buy all his or her books in hard cover.  Once a hard cover novelist, always a hard cover novelist.  There are exceptions to this rule, although somewhat ambiguous.  But I’ll get to that later.  Let’s discuss my selection of authors.   First of all, those of you that know me, know that I tend to lean a little to the left, politically speaking, of course.  There is no explanation that I can think of as to why Deliver Us From Evil by Sean Hannity is in my bookcase.  Perhaps I fainted at the bookstore and this book broke my fall.  Honestly, I wanted to give Sean a try, however, since I attest his talk show, my mind wasn’t completely open. Next…Dr Oz!  How could anyone not love Dr. Oz?  My sister gave me this book.  Honestly, I don’t think I opened….y...

Georgia Bloggers Unite! ARE YOU A GEORGIA BLOGGER? Do you live in the Metro Atlanta area? Would you love to meet and get to know one another? We are planning a lunch on March 2, 2009, 11:00 AM until ?  at La Madeleine French Bakery and Restaurant 4101 Roswell Road, Suite 812 Marietta, GA 30062 770-579-3040 Website:  La Madeleine directions/map Please RSVP by Monday, February 23rd at confessionsofaplateaddict@yahoo.com Please be sure to include your email address so Debbie at Confessions of a Plate Addict can send out a reminder closer to the date! Can't wait to meet you all face to face!

I love to create.  Period.  Give me paper, a little glue, something sparkly and I’m a happy camper. Since I was a child, I would say that I was one of those people tagged as crafty.  I firmly believe that this craftiness is not necessarily learned, but injected into a tiny piece of DNA.  By no means do I consider myself an expert.  Oh No!  There is always something to learn, stamp, ink, glue or embellish. Here are a few cards I managed to create.  In my mind, there is a subtle ramp to my creativeness.  Perhaps it would be referred to as “being in the Zone”.      With this card, I wasn’t in the zone.  Not at all, but I was getting my creative juices flowing.     Inside, a clever little mirror for the recipient to see their likeness.  Yeah, it’s hokey, but it is going to a young person.   A little better, in my mind, of course.  I began to use some of my tools and ...

Being the old goat, grey haired, not a spring chicken anymore woman, I found myself watching the Grammy's this evening. Much to my surprise, I was entertained. Let me confess to you that my main focus this evening was to watch Desperate Housewives, so my husband hijacked the remote and channel surfed during commercials. Luckily, my trusty ole Tivo recorded the show for my full viewing pleasure sometime on Monday. First, I was impressed with the courage and strength of Jennifer Hudson. No one could have endured her pain and suffering regarding her recent tragedy. As she proclaimed, faith and God guided her. Secondly, and rather conversely, there was Kid Rock. Singing a melody of three songs off his latest release (and I knew them all)! What does that man have that attracts women of all ages? Is it that bad boy image? Next memorable moment was Smokey Robinson and the Temptations with Jamie Fox and someone I don't know. OK, there...I am not hip! The Temptations have...

I found a great big grey hair Well, several of them... this is what I get when I do not highlight my hair... I am going to suck my thumb and take to my bed... And oh...this is what my mother told me yesterday... "You're not a spring chicken anymore, you know." Mommmmm (said in a whiny voice)

After rising a bit late this morning, my husband brought me a delicious cup of coffee and sat it on my night stand.  “Stay in bed and watch TV”  he said.  He grabbed the remote and turned on the Saturday morning news.  As I rubbed my eyes, I looked outside and saw a brightly glowing shiny ball in the distance.  The sun was out!  I just knew it was going to be a glorious day.  Surprisingly, I was motivated to clean.  Vacuum.  Dust.  Polish.  Shine.  Beds.  Disinfect.  Presto!  Clean. After a quick trip to the store, I made the perfect sandwich for lunch.  Two slices of Boar’s Head Black Forest Ham One slice of Boar’s Head Imported Swiss Amazingly fresh rye bread Low fat mayonnaise smothered on one slice of bread A little horseradish for a kick Sheer delight! My dinner is already in the crock pot, a lovely pork loin roast sautéed in balsamic vinaigrette with roaste...

There are just some things that cannot be wasted. I will go to great lengths to conserve my favorite body lotion. . Philosophy Body Emulsion Amazing Grace has magical powers. This is the only body lotion I’ve used that actually makes a difference. After showering, apply to dry skin, and your body feels silky soft. The key to this product's popularity is its lasting power. From shower to shower, my skin feels fabulous. With all that said, it is good till the last drop! PS....you can purchase Philosophy line on QVC, Philosophy stores or online. Use the link.

It’s been a little over a week since I began using Windows Live Writer and I must say, I am loving it. Some of the crazy things you can do is add a map to your blog. Select anywhere in the world and just plop it right in the middle of your post. Now, why you would want to inject a map into a blog is beyond my comprehension. I do love the ease of adding hyper links. This was one area I felt challenged. After all, my brain is 50+ years old and I don’t process things with ease as I once did. Listing multiple photos either individually or in an album is so very easy. Also, you can increase the size of your photos very easily. You can easily add a table to your post, but again, the purpose is not clear to me. I do not record any pertinent data for business purposes, but if I did, I would surely use the table function. No. of Posts Per Day No. of Posts Per Month 1,564 23.005 Adding videos is easy as pie. However, I am too lazy to actually record video and Lord knows I would never attempt to ...

As the dim light made its appearance through the plantation blinds, I rubbed away the sleep from my eyes.  I can hear the constant hum of the heat running.  Just how cold did it get last night? My morning temperatures began at a shivering, bone chilling at 16 degrees.  Did I wake up in Minneapolis?  No, I was in the Atlanta burbs and definitely not on the beach in Maui sipping the perfect Mai Tai. No, I wasn’t at the black beach with my family thinking I died and gone to heaven. And no, I wasn’t at the top of the world at Haleakala in awe of this sight before me. Sadly, I was at home…freezing.  Since I look for the good in every situation, I found a small tidbit to hold on to this morning. At least I don’t have to shovel any snow!

There are days we all experience bloating. We wish our love handles would just melt away. Well, alas! Here is the solution! Thanks to Kate at Chronicles of a Country Girl she revealed this site for my viewing pleasure. Here is Lipo-In-A-Box ! All your indiscretions will disappear… but somehow, I imagine I would feel like a stuffed sausage! PS...Do you think we can get a group rate?????

Does anybody think it's crazy that seeing your shadow means 6 MORE weeks of winter? It is just backwards silly to me. ~~~~~ Will someone tell me why I drink margaritas on Super Bowl Sunday? Or for that matter... Why I drink margaritas at all??? It tastes so good but is so evil.

...no matter where you go...