A Little Destruction

It's been awhile since I bored you with a kitchen remodel update. Does this project seem like it's taking forever to you? Because it sure does to me. We have entered a most exciting phase this week - removal of old laminate and countertops and installing granite! I'm really excited about how this is going to change the entire look of what we've done so far. Jeff pulled off the laminate from the backsplash yesterday. I freaked a little bit when I saw the old wallpaper underneath one side. After I started whimpering Jeff assured me it would be tiled over and I would not have to remove it. Whew...

What you can't tell from these photos is that the countertops have been removed too. They are just sitting on top of the cabinets. Tomorrow Julio will come out and level the cabinets, because they are crooked. I could have told him that because every time I sit out an egg on the counter it rolls forward and tries to crash to the floor.

Today we go to the granite yard and pick out our slab and the installers will arrive on Thursday to put on the new countertops. So excited!

When I Am An Old Woman, I Shall Wear Purple...

Flowers are still abounding here in the Holmes' yard...and lots of purple, I just noticed today. Everyone who knows me well knows how much I love purple. Always have. It has so many beautiful shades -- lavender, violet, royal, orchid...and all of them quite lovely.

And so one of my favorite poems must be "When I Am An Old Woman." Here's a sample...

When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple

With a red hat that doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.

And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves

and satin candles, and say we've no money for butter.

In other words, I'll be just as feisty as I am now. Probably more so. Sorry.

Summer Flowers

I am the first to admit that I do not have a green thumb. In fact, I've probably admitted to such on this blog several times. Anyone want to go through the history and see? Nah. Me either. My biggest plan for this summer, garden-wise, was to do as little work as possible. I enjoy the fruits, but not the labor, right? Thankfully with our mild winter most of the red begonias from last summer returned a few weeks ago and have been growing steadily ever since. 

I love how they all end up growing together and making one big carpet of flowers.

Just planted these flowers this week. They are supposed to attract butterflies.

Purple Petunias that popped up in my front porch pot. (Say that fast three times.) What's not to love about that?

Knockout Roses - best Texas flower ever! They are gorgeous in color, heat resistant and drought resistant, along with self-cleaning - a really good choice for those of us in hellfire summer temps who don't want to worry about our flower beds. (Thank you, Nanny!!)

Lots of peaches on the tree this year...shhhh.....no one tell the squirrels. I don't think they've discovered them yet, hence "lots of peaches on the tree this year."

Love Impatiens and found these especially pretty.

This year's new discovery - Tuberous Begonias. I really have no idea what that means, but aren't they beautiful? You can see I tend towards pinks and purples in flower choices and I thought these added a little touch of sunshine to my backyard.

And no summer planting would be complete without one pot of Patio Tomatoes. My mouth is watering thinking of picking one of these and eating it right from the plant, with salt of course!

Praise the Lord and Pass the Snowcones

If ever there were a school year that I was glad to see go it's this one. Between me being the freshman sponsor and Rebecca's last 3 weeks, I've been ready to go turn myself in to the crazy farm. As of a few minutes ago, the last project rolled off the printer and I am calling it done! Yes, the girls both have 3 finals tomorrow, but what does that have to do with me? Nothing, I tell you. Nothing! And I can assure you we are all the better for no one relying on me for a good grade on a biology or government test.

So now I'm feeling a little like this...

...and a lot like this.

SUMMER HERE WE COME!!!!!

Photo of the Day with Question of the Day: Why?

And, We're Back...

After a three-week long hiatus, I am back to work on the kitchen. I spent two days this week beginning to paint the cabinets. What. A. Job. Thankfully I've had little sanding to do and that has helped not get bogged down in dust and sneezing.  Initially I wasn't going to paint the inside of the cabinets, but after I saw the difference in color I just couldn't leave them yucky and yellowy. Shout out here to my super painting helper and screwdriver user, Abigail!

Comparison shot: new painted doors in front of old doors/knobs

Love the freshness!

Freshly painted drawers with new drawer liner

BEFORE

AFTER

One half of the kitchen cabinets are done. Tomorrow I will start on the other side, if I can move! Is there anyone else out there who gets sore when they paint a lot? Anyone? Anyone?

What Were They Thinking?: Edition - Brink of Insanity

O.K., O.K., shoe designers have finally lost it! Every single time I go to Ross the heels on the shoes are higher! (Yes, I know. Maybe I should stop going to Ross.)  These are beyond the bounds of common sense. I would love to see someone walking in this top shoe. I wished for a ruler to measure the heel. That's at least, what, eight inches? Nine? 13? Unbelievable.

These third and fourth shoes almost look tame in comparison to the top two. And to think, just a few weeks ago I would have said these were the highest ones. Reminds me of something I heard on a movie once, that probably my mother and Aunt Sylvia will be the only ones to recognize..."It jist ain't fittin'...ain't fittin', no suh..."

Grace Prep Prom - 2012

Rebecca was the most gorgeous girl at the prom. Of course I could be a little biased. Here are a few of the many photos taken at our "Pre-Prom Parent Paparazzi" event!

Sisters

Melissa and Jocie, Becca's dates

Part of the Junior Class

Love this bridge shot...

Rebecca was so excited to travel to the prom in a Mini Cooper.

Psalm 68

As I mentioned in the previous post, I'm currently studying the Psalms in a Precept Bible study. It's amazing the truths you learn from marking important words and phrases and really picking apart the Scriptures. One day this week the assignment for Psalm 68 was to make note of God's nature and His works. Wow! All of this in just one little psalm. : )

God:
a father of the fatherless
a judge for the widows
makes a home for the lonely
leads out prisoners into prosperity
causes heavens to drop rain
provides for the poor
daily bears our burden
is our salvation
a God of deliverance
shatters the head of His enemies
acts on our behalf
scatters people who delight in war
rides upon the highest heavens
speaks forth with His mighty voice
His majesty is over Israel
His strength is in the skies
awesome from His sanctuary
gives strength and power to the people

Yes. That's God. Who can comprehend?

Favorites of Mine

Here are a few things that I've really enjoyed the last few months or so. Why, yes, this is completely random and, in most cases, irrelevant to your life.  (Remember: All blog posts are for the preservation of memories for "yours truly" because I am in very few family pictures and this is the only way my grandchildren and great grandchildren will know who I was -- an utterly random individual who occasionally blogged about things she liked. Anyhoo...moving right along.

Cuties! I love eating these little clementines. They are a perfect snack.

 Egyptian Cotton Linen Spray

I occasionally spray my sheets with this. So fresh!

Kay Arthur's Bible Study of The Psalms

I look forward to this every morning.

Keurig K-Cups (Half Lemonade/Half Tea)

Or as we call them at our house...Arnold Palmers.

Delish!

This will be one of my favorite drinks this summer, if not year round.

Corky's Sandals

My friend, Melissa, introduced me to these super comfortable flip flops.

These have a little too much bling on them for my taste, but you get the idea.

Would love to know some of your favorite things!