My Pal, Thea ♥

Yesterday was a GREAT day!

My best friend and I had lost touch with each other over the last 20 years or more. I can't really say how it happened... it just did. We met during our freshman year in high school through another friend and instantly bonded. We were 2 peas in a pod and everywhere one was... you would find the other.

Thea was born in Holland and moved to my town via Indiana. She was as "international" as anyone I had ever met and if her birthright wasn't impressive enough, she had 4 middle names! (she was named after every aunt in the family tree, I think - and when I would introduce her, it was always as my bff "Thea Corida Theadora Ingrid Jaqueline...."

This was high falutin' stuff for a small town midwest girl like me - and oh, the shenanigans we got into would make any mother's mouth drop. We graduated high school and went on to live together for several years until I met my future hubs and moved to Colorado. Even after that, she was living in Florida and moved to Colorado to live with us for a good amount of time.

I happened to be on facebook and did a search not knowing if she was going by her married name or maiden name or if she was on there at all. No "Thea" was found on the search - however her son popped up and through a course of messages, Thea and I connected and yesterday we finally were able to meet.

What a grand afternoon it was too - full of a gazillion "remember when we..." moments and the best thing of all ? Her boyfriend and she ride - so we not only got to sit around and reminisce, but we took a nice long ride in the country too!

I don't remember a day when I laughed so hard and smiled so wide. I probably looked like the village idiot to passersby, but I'm sure they would understand my joy if they were ever reunited with someone so dear.

And the icing on the cake was walking in our nice cool house after a long day in the sun to find my Tuck posed on the steps - just waiting for our arrival. Sorry, I really dont play favorites, but Nip was busy in the kitchen crying to be fed and would not sit still for a photo session!

Hereeeeeeeeeeeeeee's Johnny

Those words will always bring a smile for me!

I grew up with the Tonight Show - every night I would watch the latest antics of Johnny Carson and his faithful sidekick, Ed McMahon.

So when I found out late this afternoon that the greatest second banana in show biz history died Tuesday in Los Angeles, my heart was sorely grieved. It marks for me the end of the legend of late night entertainment.

I'm so glad I was able to be a part of the best out there - Johnny always thought of his guests first, showing such grace and kindness. And Ed was a true and trusted friend both on screen and off.

McMahon liked to say that he was "one of the very fortunate people who grew up to do exactly what I spent my whole childhood dreaming of doing -- even if no one is quite sure exactly what it is that I do."

Yes, we lost another great one folks - and Ed McMahan's death marks the end of a dynasty of late night greatness for me. If you have never taken the time to rent The Best of the Tonight Show (on 4 dvd's) I would highly recommend it... but be ready - they will have you rolling on the floor and laughing till you cry.

There will never be another Johnny and Ed ♥

Wheee, Its a Giveaway!

Blondie / Vintage Primitives is having a "Blogaversary Party" and to celebrate, she will be giving away a brand spanking new pattern she has come up with for the cutest prim dollies! Along with that, she's throwing in a cute lil pincushion -

and all you have to do is post on her blog to be in running!

Make tracks - there's plenty of fun to go around!

GoForth Creek

One day, we took a drive up to Bald River Falls, which had a winding road that followed the most awesome streams - and the view of the falls themselves were simply breathtaking.

But after we left there, we were driving along when our fearless leader literally pulled off the side of the road to show us this:

As I got off the bike and took a look from the street - I admit, it was not that impressive and began to wonder if Larry was teasing me a bit more about all the pictures I was taking. The view was very nice ... as pools of water go :)

But as we got closer to the stream, my curiousity was piqued and I began to climb the rock and follow the water deeper up the mountain.

With each new rock wall I scaled, the falls got more gorgeous and the surroundings became more serene. I was so glad Larry stopped to show us this jewel hidden from the street and all the cars whizzing past us. Many probably thought like I did that it was a nice little pool of water!

I was so captivated, I was lost in what each next turn brought and was suddenly brought back to the here and now by the sound of honking horns. I didn't realize exactly how far I had climbed into GoForth Creek until I had to navigate my way out. I thought I could sense a bit of relief from Larry when I emerged ... and he explained there had been several bear spotted back in the woods but no matter, it was an awesome experience for me!

After coming home and googling it, I discovered that GoForth becomes a kayakers paradise in the spring when it fills with rushing white water! I'll take the low tide, thank you very much ♥

Sweet Fellowship

We had guests this weekend and our fellowship couldn't have been sweeter!
A young man moved next door to us when he was going into 8th grade and became like a son to us we never had. What joy George Wayne (GW) has been to us over the years - we couldn't love him more if he was our own flesh and blood and now he has a family that we so enjoy spending time with.

GW just came home from Iraq for the 2nd time - this stint had him serving a year in Baghdad. It was so very good to spend time together and we love his wife and daughter as much as we love him. He is full of joy and you can see that same light in his daughter - she is so precious.

I wasn't sure how Eliza would like Nip and Tuck - or how they would take to her, but I had nothing at all to worry about.

Eliza paid extra special attention to both of them and was so sweet and gentle - she even made Tuck a little bed to sleep on!

In an instant, you see how Ona has taught her well while Dad was off defending our country. She is smart as a whip - and just as sweet and silly as can be. She can imitate any animal and I had such fun watching her walk around my house, pointing out the prim cats, dogs, horsies, elephants and more.

Love you, sweet Girl ♥

10 MINUTE STRAWBERRY CREAM PIE

I ran across this recipe and thought it was perfect for sharing! Best if made the night before so it sets up well, this is a no-bake pie featuring peak-season berries pureed into a pudding. This easy, breezy pie takes 10 min to prepare plus 30 min. fridge time.

You will need:

2 quarts strawberries (be sure to save out 4 nice berries for top)
1 1/4 cups milk
3/4 cup sugar
5 tbsp cornstarch
1 lemon freshly squeezed into juice
1 deep dish graham cracker pie crust
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp confectioner's sugar

Stem the strawberries, place in blender and blend on high until pureed, about 10 seconds. Do in 2 batches if necessary.

Combine milk, sugar and cornstarch in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, and whisk until dissolved.

Add the strawberry puree and lemon juice.

Cook on high heat, whisking frequently, until the mixture is thick and bubbling (about 7 minutes)

Remover from heat. Pour into crust and let cool completely (about 30 min)

Cover & refrigerate overnight.

Just before serving, place cream in a mixing bowl and with an electric mixer, blend on high until stiff peaks form. Add confectioner's sugar and blend another 10 seconds. Using a spatula, spread the whipped cream over the filling. Slice reserved strawberries on top and serve.

Your house will smell like a berry patch!

Enjoy ♥

Our journeys took us...

down many roads and highways,

past so many deserted homes and dilapidated farm houses and outbuildings -

so I thought today would be fun to just share a little picture trail

with you of some of my favorites.

Along the way, we ran into some road construction
and the highway workers were always friendly enough to flash some "cheese" my way ♥

(hehehe... notice his tshirt says "rise and shine" - what a cutie!)

Look close .... you can barely see this - maybe it was an old chicken coop?

If I would have blinked, I'd have missed it!

I don't think words are necessary for the following -

just sit back, relax and enjoy the view :)

And Last but certainly not least: My Dream Home!

Off to Helen, GA

On Monday morning of our Tennessee trip, we woke up early and headed toward a quaint town called Helen, GA. On the way there, we passed some awesome deserted buildings, barns and farmhouses and my kin affectionately nicknamed me "Miss Fuji" for all the pics I snapped along the way :)

I'm so drawn to ramshackle buildings and stream filled mountains - they seem to catch my eye and tug at my heart. Such character exudes from these old abandoned buildings and I often think about the hustle and bustle that once surrounded the business within.

As we made our way from Tennessee, we passed through North Carolina briefly and then entered Georgia, we were greeted with gorgeous hills of the Chattahoochie National Forest.

Helen, GA. is a wonderful re-creation of an alpine village complete with cobblestone alleys and old-world towers. The town is packed with beauty and grandeur and much history!

As we pulled into town, hubs remarked that it was like taking a step back in time to 1975 when he traveled to Germany on reforger w/ the army.

I wish the window display would have drawn me into Jigglin' Georges because the sign sure seemed like something I could fall for - but alas, they need a new marketing person to spruce up the place!

We tried to eat at the Old Heidelberg restaurant - but it was closed until supper time and we were starving ... so we settled on the Troll tavern. It was good food and everyone had some German fare except me - I stuck to my diet and had grilled chicken salad, but even so - it was delicious.

The funnest thing of all was the fact that a stream ran beside the restaurant and it was laced with pink tubes carrying folks of all ages, sizes and sorts!

I could have sat there all day watching folks float by, giggling with delight!