Friday, November 13, 2009
Getting Ready for the Holidays
Our holiday plans will be a bit different this year. For the first time in our 26 years of marriage, our families are not in the same town. Mother's move to Green Grove and Ned's to his house will change the complexion of our holiday plans from here on out. The question is this: How do we make sure that everybody feels like their got their due without losing our minds? I started getting twitchy about this as early as two months ago and made a proposal that, praise The Lord, Hank found agreeable.
His mother's family has a reunion on Thanksgiving Day at the American Legion Hut back in Hometown. I took tap dancing lessons from Ilona Hiers in that same hut for five years...first grade through fifth grade. I'm pretty sure that mother and daddy knew they were wasting their money but held on to hope that one day, I'd develop a sense of rhythm in my feet. Truth be told, Thanksgiving at the hut isn't my "scene" but it brings back fond memories for Hank, and Lorelai doesn't actually mind going so much because she says people ask her questions about herself and she likes being the center of attention...go figure! She's a novelty there, since 95% of the people who attend never left Hometown and see each other all the time. Mother and Ned have frequently been guests at the hut on Thanksgiving Day, but I don't think that taking them back to Hometown is a good idea. They're happy and I don't want to stir the pot.
So, Hank and Lor will go to Hometown for the midday meal. I'll be at the farm cooking a traditional holiday meal for supper. I'm going to send Legare over to Green Grove for Mother and Ned and probably have him help her get her Christmas decorations out. Then we'll all "gather together to ask The Lord's blessing" later in the day.
And we have been SO blessed this year. Mother and Ned are safe, settled, and happy. Hank's mother, who struggles with depression is doing better (I don't talk much about Hank's family...those are his stories to tell). Legare is doing well in law school and has secured a job for next summer. Lorelai is doing well in college and we have managed to find a way to get her into a new living situation for second semester. Have their been troubling times...sure, but the good FAR outweighs the bad and for that we are indeed thankful.
So...two weeks from today you can expect photos of Thanksgiving and my Christmas decorations. YIKES! I'd better get busy...
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Two Things People Asked About and One Miss Priss Story
4 cups blood orange juice
2 cups orange flavored vodka
1 cup triple sec (could maybe have used a little less)
Mix it up and drink it up. It is strong but suited me fine when over ice
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2. Roy...you can find him at East Shore Fitness in Moncks Corner, SC
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3. After a long long wait...we have a MISS PRISS story. You may remember that Miss Priss is the now five year old kindergarten daughter of my former assistant Lilly, and is quite precocious. The other day, our school district's chief human resources officer was out visiting schools and stuck his head in the door of Miss Priss's classroom. The teacher greeted him and when he turned to leave, Miss Priss said, "oooooooooooooooooooooooooooo" (like "hoot" without the "h" or the "t"). The teacher pulled Priss aside and asked her why she would do such a thing when they had a guest in the classroom. Priss replied, "Because you're such a great teacher that President Obama came to your classroom!" When Lilly asked later in the day, Priss further explained that "He had on a blue suit and a red tie....I thought he was President Obama!" Mr. Sanders might have a future as a body double for the president.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Oh Those Seminoles and Their Little War Chant--NOT


Friday, November 6, 2009
It Is Entirely Possible That I Have Met My Match
Roy...So how are you this afternoon?
Me...I'm cranky...VERY cranky!
Roy...Well, we'll work THAT right out of you!!
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Now I ask you...what kind of comeback was I supposed to have for that?
Monday, November 2, 2009
Whoo HOO!!
5 and a half pounds lost.
Roy is looking better and better!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Legare's Halloween

Memories
First, here is my brother Ned in his cowboy outfit. What a cutie pie!


Here are Lorelai as the beauty queen, and our next door neighbor getting ready to hit the neighborhood.
Friday, October 30, 2009
C.J. Spiller

He is AMAZING...really and truly! Lor has been stalking him around campus for going on two years now. Last year, a friend of hers literally ran into him as she walked out of a door. When she told her daddy about it, his first response was in the form of a question..."You didn't HURT him, did you???!!"

This is homecoming weekend and as Lor and her friends made their way to the 53rd annual Tigerama rally this evening, they found themselves smack dab behind the football team. Lor marked her prissy little self right up to C.J. and got the hug and photograph with him that she's been after. I'M JEALOUS!!! When she called to tell me about it, she was practically hyperventilating!

Clemson is playing Coastal Carolina tomorrow afternoon, and it should be a big win for the Tigers. Hank's mother has never been to Clemson and has been dropping hint after hint that she'd like to go and see where Lor goes to school, so Hank is taking her with him tomorrow. I'm staying home and getting my Christmas list in order. Mark my words...everything will be purchased and wrapped by December 1. YES IT WILL!!!
Have a good weekend...
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Random Thoughts on a Rainy Afternoon
Ned's housemate Scott has an IPhone and we've been wondering if Ned might like one too. Scott seems to enjoy the applications and uses some of the apps as communication tools as he isn't as verbal as Ned. On the other hand, Ned isn't much into gadgets and I fear that he would just set it aside. I've been trying for the longest to talk him into a digital camera but he always says no. Any thoughts?
I'm a tad bit hungry. We've started a five week "biggest loser" competition at work and are divided into two teams. I can get sucked into a competition in a heartbeat and REALLY want my team to win...(but I'm hungry!!!!)
Roy and I had to have a talk yesterday and for about 15 minutes I really thought he understood that he had been much too hard on me last week. Then he made me doing something called "planks." I'm not sure I like Roy. I had to give him my "look" a time or two...didn't seem to phase him. That look ALWAYS works. ROY ROY ROY...where do you come from that you are immune to the LOOK?
Gotta go put the work clothes back on...at least the rain has let up for a few minutes. Upward and onward!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
The Rowdy Girls at the Farm
We are incredibly casual and just sit around for hours at a time laughing and talking about everything under the sun. We interrupt the sitting and talking for eating and taking naps. I did take the girls over to visit mother and Ned for a little bit. Mother proudly walked them from one end of Green Grove to the other showing them everything about her new "home." She mentioned that she thought she ought to learn to play pool. Who KNOWS what that is all about! Can't you just see her with her personal pool cue in a little carrying case? LOL





Have a great week!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
In the Land of the Living
It's funny how getting sick goes. As an educator, one comes in contact with everything in the world. Even though I'm in an office now, I do get out in schools quite a bit. I'll have a bad year and catch everything that comes along, or so it seems. Then I'll have five or six years where I'm healthy as a horse...then another bad year. Yay for the good years.
I am terribly behind on my blog reading. I'm afraid to open google reader because I know the number of unread blogs is going to be ridiculous. The good news is that I don't have anything else to do today but sit around SO, I'm going to get on that reading right now.
Stay well out there in blogland!!
Monday, October 19, 2009
If you can't laugh at yourself...

Thursday, October 15, 2009
Taking Control...Poor Roy
I went off the rails when Todd the Trainer bailed on me last year about this time, so actually, considering that I haven't exercised worth a toot in the past year, I did pretty well to gain ONLY 20 pounds. Still and all, I'm disappointed in myself...very very disappointed. To make matters worse, I have absolutely no desire to exercise. I don't like it. I don't get the whole "oh I feel SO good after I exercise" thing. I don't feel good. I feel TIRED...and hot...and sweaty. Yuck!
SO...I told Hank this morning that my mission before I came home from work this afternoon was to engage a new trainer and that I did. It's sad that I need to employ a complete stranger to hold me accountable, but it is what it is! Only thing is his name doesn't start with a "T" so that's going to blow my alliteration thing. Roy...his name is Roy...what can I do with an "R"...
Roy Really Rocks...Roy Rules the Roost...Roy Rants and Raves (that one will probably be pretty close to the truth)...Roy's Ridiculous Routines...Roy Rubs me wRong...
Anyhow...we start on Tuesday afternoon right after work and will meet twice a week. Poor Roy...he has NO idea what he's in for.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Things About Me
Some of the most interesting posts I've read since I started blogging are the ones where folks write "7 Random Things About Myself" or "100 Things About Myself"...I can probably come up with more than seven but not likely up to 100. Let's see...
1. I have a Masters Degree in Educational Administration and am a district office administrator. I got there by way of being a music teacher and church musician. I play the piano, organ, and sing reasonably well.
2. I glom onto a new hobby and become obsessive, but only for awhile and then I move on to another new hobby and become obsessive about that. Lately, I've switched back and forth between interior design, quilting, scrapbooking, and now blogging. I read all the time...that really isn't a hobby for me, it's just a way of life.
3. I've been married to the same sweet, wonderful, patient man for 26 years.
4. I've lost 30 pounds since January 1 of this year. Since I originally wrote the post I've gained 20 of those pounds back. I'm very annoyed with myself.
5. I'm incredibly judgemental regarding the wearing of white shoes after Labor Day. Athletic-type shoes do not count. White skirts and pants need to be put away too. Seersucker can be worn until the first official day of fall.
6. I had the same college roommate for all four years and we remain close to this day.
7. I have serious control issues...that would be a whole other long list for another time.
8. I make the world's best pecan pie.
9. I adore Jimmy Carter. I know he's said some things recently that have put people off a little bit but nobody is perfect and I still maintain that he has served as a fine statesman since his term as POTUS.
10. If I could take an extended vacation, I'd choose to go on a road trip and visit as many southern main streets as I could. I'd visit the little shops, eat in the diners, and stay in the bed and breakfasts. I'd start in Oxford, MS and go to Rowan Oak, the home of William Faulkner.
11. I'm fascinated with Washington, DC...the Capital and White House, the monuments and museums. I can feel the history.
12. I've never once entertained the thought of using an illegal substance.
13. We own a farm several counties over...the property came into our family through a land grant sometime around 1740, give or take.
14. I like my job, my boss, and the people I work with (mostly). OK ...so you know that things have been a little stressful in the last six months but I'm feeling better. All the "rules" are new but I'm beginning to get the hang of them.
15. I've never lived alone. I went from my parent's house to college. I graduated from college in May then moved back in with my mother for two months until I got married in July.
16. I love sweets and the sweeter the better. Potato chips and the like don't tempt me at all.
17. My most favorite pass time is telling other people what they should do to make their lives/situations better. Do as I SAY, not as I DO! LOL
18. I go through the same morning routine Monday through Friday unless something unusual is going on. Wake up, bathroom, shower, coffee, Today Show and blog surf until the first commercial break around 7:20 AM, brush teeth, make up, hair, drive to work eating protein bar on the way. Not so much with the protein bars anymore...hence the weight gain.
19. My most favorite movie in the whole world that was ever made is The Big Chill. The funeral home in my little hometown provided the hearse for the funeral scenes, and the florist in my little hometown where my mother-in-law used to work did all of the flowers. I was in a wedding one time in the church used for the funeral scene.
20. My daddy passed away when I was 19 during the summer between my sophomore and junior years in college. He was retired from the Army Reserve and was a Postmaster.
21. I helped coach Legare's high school mock trial team back in the day (OK, I didn't actually give legal-type advice....it was more a "room mother" type situation but it was an important role.)
22. My first car was a 1982 Buick Regal...burgundy with burgundy cloth interior and, get this...a state of the art 8 track tape player. I thought I was something in this world!
23. I was "Miss My Hometown" 1980
24. I worked in a bank during the summers during college doing whatever job was needed while people took vacations. I was everything from teller, to receptionist, to bookkeeper. I never got bored.
25. I took piano lessons for 14 years and tap dancing lessons for 5 years. Can't tap worth a darn.
26. I adore Dancing with the Stars and would take ballroom dancing lessons if I could talk Hank into it. I've sort of lost interest in Dancing with the Stars...but I'd still like to take ballroom dancing lessons.
27. If I won the lottery, I would hardly ever drive my own car again. Maybe a fun sporty convertible car for absolutely perfect weather for kicks, but for routine stuff I'd have a driver to put me out and pick me up at the door. Oddly, I don't think I'd want to quit my job but I wouldn't take a salary. I'd have a personal trainer come to my house instead of going to the gym and I'd have a massage and a facial at least once a week. I do so love a massage and a facial!
28. I hate yard work. Yet I want my yard to be "yard of the month" at all times. Thank goodness for Hank who LOVES to work in the yard.
29. I'm not terribly fond of housework either. Yet I want every room in my house to look like a feature in Architectural Digest. Thank goodness for Daisy, who comes to clean every Friday.
30. I don't really mind cooking if people will just TELL me what they want to eat. The menu planning is what I don't like.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Lorelai, the Flower Girl
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When Lorelai was two and a half, my cousin's fiance called to ask if she would be the flower girl in their wedding. Of course, I thought she'd make the cutest flower girl ever, but I was worried about her age...she would not be quite three and a half by the time of the wedding. We decided to give it a try. We read stories about being a flower girl, went to our church to practice...I'd sing "here comes the bride" and she would walk and pretend to drop flower petals.
The wedding weekend arrived and let me tell you, it was all about Lorelai. We were at her beck and call and she got her way about EVERYTHING because I was did not want her to get upset. That was certainly not my usual parenting style by any means, but this was somebody's WEDDING for pete's sake.
The rehearsal went well. She wasn't sure about walking down the aisle in front of all of the people until the organ began to play. She looked at me and said with a joyful look on her sweet little three year old face, "Beethoven???" I was stunned, but recovered quickly and replied, "Yes, BEETHOVEN...and they're playing it JUST for YOU so GO!!!" and off she went. (Legare had been watching a little video we had at home "Beethoven Lives Upstairs"...who knew Lor was paying attention? Never mind that it was Purcell the organist was playing and not good old Ludwig.)
The wedding went off without a hitch. She stood there like a big girl and the only unscripted thing she did was take off her little gold bracelet, sit it on the altar for about five minutes, then pick it up and put it back on.
We moved to the wedding reception. My mother, Hank and I were talking and visiting while watching Lor out of the corner of our collective eye. All of a sudden I looked over at the buffet table to see her reach up, feel around (even on tiptoe she could barely see what was on the table), grab a little cheesecake square, take a bite out of it, THEN reach up again and put it back on the table. OH MY STARS...I grabbed a plate and around the table I went, collecting half-eaten hors d'oerves and sweets from where she put them after having a taste. Funny now...NOT funny then...I was mortified!
But you know, she was still the cutest little flower girl ever in my book.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The Lee Majors Rechargeable Bionic Hearing Aid

I guess the Six Million Dollar ears ain't what they used to be.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Don't Want to Repeat This...
Sunday, October 4, 2009
A Beautiful Afternoon
Hank is on a shrimping expedition, so Lorelai and I larked out for King Street this afternoon for a little shopping. Retail therapy aside, it was one of the most beautiful afternoons weather-wise that we have had in ages. Sunny, no humidity, a light breeze blowing...a real blessing after some of the wretched hot and humid days in recent memory.I learned the hard way that if shopping for myself, I need to go it alone. If Lor goes, then it is a given that it is going to be all about her...don't tell her, but it's fun for me either way. We walked and talked and she found a couple of outfits and a pair of shoes. Afterwards, we enjoyed an early dinner at High Cotton and headed back home. Since she managed to work the Clemson system to her advantage this semester, she doesn't have any Monday OR Friday classes, so she gets to enjoy a long weekends EVERY weekend. I'm deeply and profoundly jealous.
Hope that your weekend was a good one...
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Birthdays
Mother called early in the evening to say "Happy Birthday" then she got wound up. It seems that she'd called Ned's house yesterday afternoon to see if he wanted to come over to visit and he DECLINED!! He told Miss Vernelle to tell mother that he'd "see her tomorrow afternoon." She was SORT of laughing about it and saying how glad she is that he's so content, but I think it hurt her feelings a little bit. I hated to tell her but he's BETTER than content. He is deliriously happy, loving every moment of this new found freedom. That boy...I swanee...he's something else.
Hmmm...Hank and Ned are at the farm...Lorelai is eating dinner out with a friend. What's a mom to do when she's home alone??? I'm thinking leftovers, the sofa, and the television. See you later, my friends...
Friday, October 2, 2009
Happy Birthday to ME!!!

Thursday, October 1, 2009
Three Quotation Thursday
If all the world's a stage, I want to operate the trap door." - Paul BeattyBe honest! Who among us wouldn't like to take that giant walking cane and yank a few people off of our "stage" every now and again? Right now and without hesitation, I can think of three people. I don't wish them ill. I just wish they'd go spread their special brands of "joy and sunshine" somewhere else.
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"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one!'" -- C.S. Lewis
It's kind of amazing when you think about it...the things that bring us together into new friendships.
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"If you think education is expensive, Try Ignorance!!!"
Andy McIntyre
This is for the people who keep cutting our education budget...another 4% cut just this week. Make a BIGGER investment in education, then your costs for welfare programs and jailhouses will be a lot less. Seems like a no-brainer to me, but what do I know...oh WAIT...I am an educator.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Mother is Cracking Me Up
She's ALL excited over Ned's birthday. The phone calls have started. Does he KNOW? (Yes) Is it a surprise party? (No) Am I getting a cake? (Yes) Am I getting presents? (Yes) Does he KNOW? (Yes) Is it a surprise party? (No) Am I getting a cake? (Yes) Am I getting presents? (Yes) Does he KNOW? (Yes) Is it a surprise party? (No) Am I getting a cake? (Yes) Am I getting presents? (Yes) Does he KNOW? (Yes) Is it a surprise party? (No) Am I getting a cake? (Yes) Am I getting presents? (Yes) Does he KNOW? (Yes) Is it a surprise party? (No) Am I getting a cake? (Yes) Am I getting presents? (Yes) Does he KNOW? (Yes) Is it a surprise party? (No) Am I getting a cake? (Yes) Am I getting presents? (Yes) Does he KNOW? (Yes) Is it a surprise party? (No) Am I getting a cake? (Yes) Am I getting presents? (Yes) Does he KNOW? (Yes) Is it a surprise party? (No) Am I getting a cake? (Yes) Am I getting presents? (Yes) Does he KNOW? (Yes) Is it a surprise party? (No) Am I getting a cake? (Yes) Am I getting presents? (Yes) Does he KNOW? (Yes) Is it a surprise party? (No) Am I getting a cake? (Yes) Am I getting presents? (Yes) Does he KNOW? (Yes) Is it a surprise party? (No) Am I getting a cake? (Yes) Am I getting presents? (Yes) Does he KNOW? (Yes) Is it a surprise party? (No) Am I getting a cake? (Yes) Am I getting presents? (Yes) Does he KNOW? (Yes) Is it a surprise party? (No) Am I getting a cake? (Yes) Am I getting presents? (Yes) Does he KNOW? (Yes) Is it a surprise party? (No) Am I getting a cake? (Yes) Am I getting presents? (Yes) Does he KNOW? (Yes) Is it a surprise party? (No) Am I getting a cake? (Yes) Am I getting presents? (Yes) Does he KNOW? (Yes) Is it a surprise party? (No) Am I getting a cake? (Yes) Am I getting presents? (Yes) Does he KNOW? (Yes) Is it a surprise party? (No) Am I getting a cake? (Yes) Am I getting presents? (Yes)
Get the picture??? That's the "loop" this week. The last two weeks have been BIG for her, what with Raylrode Daze and now birthdays. She hasn't had this much excitement since she moved to Green Grove. You should hear Hank on the phone with her..."Yes ma'am, No ma'am, Yes ma'am, Yes ma'am, Belle has it ALL under control..." ..."Yes ma'am, No ma'am, Yes ma'am, Yes ma'am, Belle has it ALL under control..." ..."Yes ma'am, No ma'am, Yes ma'am, Yes ma'am, Belle has it ALL under control..." ..."Yes ma'am, No ma'am, Yes ma'am, Yes ma'am, Belle has it ALL under control..." ..."Yes ma'am, No ma'am, Yes ma'am, Yes ma'am, Belle has it ALL under control..." ..."Yes ma'am, No ma'am, Yes ma'am, Yes ma'am, Belle has it ALL under control..." ..."Yes ma'am, No ma'am, Yes ma'am, Yes ma'am, Belle has it ALL under control..." ..."Yes ma'am, No ma'am, Yes ma'am, Yes ma'am, Belle has it ALL under control..." ..."Yes ma'am, No ma'am, Yes ma'am, Yes ma'am, Belle has it ALL under control..." ..."Yes ma'am, No ma'am, Yes ma'am, Yes ma'am, Belle has it ALL under control..." ..."Yes ma'am, No ma'am, Yes ma'am, Yes ma'am, Belle has it ALL under control..."
Lawsamercy, that man must love me A LOT!!!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Since you couldn't be at Raylrode Daze, Raylrode Daze is coming to you!
Next weekend is BIRTHDAY weekend. Mine on Friday and Ned's on Saturday. We'll be 48 and 41 respectively. On Saturday we'll go over to Ned's house and have a birthday party. He wants a white cake with his name written on it and a "bean bag game." I hope that means a Toss Across game, which I didn't even know they still made until I found one online. Just got to get that cake baked and we'll be in business.
Here's a slide show of our day. I wrote comments on some of the photos so you might want to move from slide to slide manually so that you don't miss ANY of the excitement.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Retreating from the Wits End
In a cryptic message to those who read the private post, the weather is improving but until the season changes, there continues to be a chance of storms. (I crack myself up sometimes...does that make ANY sense to anybody??)
We're sitting out the Clemson game this weekend. Lor has friends going up to visit and Hank and I are going to be taking care of some things with mother and Ned over at the farm. I expect to have some interesting pictures for you as this is the weekend of the Raylrode Daze Festivul in a small town near the farm. Ned LOVES the Raylrode Daze Festivul. Remember the Hell Hole Swamp Festival I wrote about back in May? Raylrode Daze is another variation on the same theme. Never can tell what you might come across.
Mother is distressed because Ned wants to go to the parade with his new friends instead of with her. My aunt has invited everybody, including Ned and his friends to her house for lunch after the parade...isn't that just the most thoughtful thing?? That isn't good enough for mother...she wants him to sit by her at the parade. She called six times last night and we finally told a fib. OK...it was a complete and utter untruth, but she wasn't going to stop calling or ever go to bed if we didn't tell her that we'd make Ned change his plans. Ned has NOT changed his plans...he'll see us at lunch. I'm so proud of him. In six short months, he has become so much more confident and independent. It's just a joy to behold.
Pictures on Sunday night!! Have a great weekend.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wits End
I'm just about there, my friends. JUST about THERE!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
A Little Experiment in Posting
I've written a post on notepad (why I haven't taken time to put Word on this computer I'm not certain) and if you're interested in reading it just send me an e-mail and I'll send it to you as an attachment. I felt the need to vent a little so if you're not in the mood for that, you won't want to read it.
No anonymous requests or non-bloggers please. I'll report in a few days on how this experiment went.
lifeofasouthernbelle@gmail.com
Monday, September 21, 2009
Hurrican Hugo-Part II
As the storm subsided around 5:00 AM and dawn started to break, we got up off of the powder room floor (Legare was STILL asleep tucked up in one corner) and held our breath as we walked through the house. We had no flooding, but the hardwood floor in the foyer was wet where water had blown under the front door. Shingles had apparently blown off and there were wet spots on the ceiling upstairs. The guest bath window was broken. We'd pushed the kitchen table up against the double doors in the kitchen. It had been moved about 6 inches back into the middle of the room by the wind. All in all though, the house had come through it right well.
When we walked into the sun room and looked out the back door the FIRST thing I noticed was that I could see the sky lightening up. That was strange, because we couldn't ordinarily see the sky because of the row of trees across the back of our property. You guess it...huge trees..all over the back yard on top of each other like pick-up sticks...pulled up and over by the roots. Huge holes. Putting the house smack dab in the middle of the lot turned out to have been a very smart thing to do.
When we walked out of the back door, it looked like we'd landed in a war zone or on a different planet. Nothing looked right and the smell of pine almost hurt our noses it was so strong. We began to walk around, trying to see if our neighbors houses were still standing. They were, but one neighbor's metal roof was a twisted mess in our front yard. A friend down the road escaped tragedy by a hair...she had just gotten up off of the bed when a tree crashed through the roof right ON the bed. Their house couldn't be salvaged.
By the following morning, the road out of our little community (there's one way in and one way out) was cleared so that I could drive the 90 mile's to mother's house to take Legare and stock up on water and supplies (we were ultimately without power for almost two weeks). I came back home to help with the relief effort at the church, checking back in at mother's every couple of days. Hank had to immediately get back to work (power company) My aunt and uncle came with a generator and propane stove. Friends came from Savannah to help us start on the yard. Friends in town got power back with in a couple of days and were gracious enough to allow us to come take hot showers. People emptied their freezers and brought all of the food to the church so that we could cook for the lineman and others coming in to help.
To say we were stunned would be an understatement. I remember the beloved local news reporter Charlie Hall breaking down and crying on the air when someone told him that his house was still standing. It was quite some time before I didn't get the heebie jeebies during windy weather if it occured at night. I don't particularly enjoy rehashing the event every year, but as this was the 20th anniversary, decided to write about it so that Legare would have an account of what he slept through. God showed us an extraordinary amount of mercy and grace during that dark dark night. We are extraordinarily thankful.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Hurricane Hugo-Part 1
Here we are at the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Hugo, which hit Charleston "like an atom bomb." At the time, it was the most damaging hurricane ever recorded. It was later surpassed by Hurricane Andrew and then Andrew was surpassed Hurricane Katrina.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Three Quotation Thursday
I'm loving this one today. I think that I actually use a monster truck option sometimes. It's just disguised as a "aren't you the nicest sweetest thing in the world and I am SO very sorry to bother you but I need your help more than you can EVER imagine and would be SO very GRATEFUL if you could find your way to assist me in finding a solution for this challenge." Then there IS the "I am a CRAZY woman and it would be in your best interest to fix this problem" approach.
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Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.– Source Unknown
I need to ponder this one
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You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing that we call 'failure' is not the falling down, but the staying down. ~ Mary Pickford
I really do try to practice this philosophy. I do best with "fresh starts" on Monday mornings but try really hard everyday. Some days I get it right and some days I not so much. That's just how it goes!
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Y'all have a FABULOUS day now, ya hear?
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Strategic Plans and PowerPoint Presentations
The main issue is communication. We have a lot of new processes and protocols and it takes a lot longer than it used to get an answer or to provide someone WITH an answer. I'm no dummy (contrary to popular belief) and have always been smart enough to know when to NOT answer a question or give advice. In other words, I'm pretty savvy about knowing what I DON'T know, but when I make an error, I'm the first to step up and accept the consequences. Furthermore, I'm a "company girl"....nobody is or ever will be more loyal. That's the southern belle way!Sunday, September 13, 2009
My Future Career in the US Armed Forces
Still trying to make Hank comfortable. He was supposed to be going out of town today for a few days on business but has had to cancel. I picked up some plain old chicken noodle soup this morning and some apple juice to make up for the orange juice incident from yesterday afternoon.Saturday, September 12, 2009
When Husbands Don't Feel Well...

Thursday, September 10, 2009
I'm a WINNER...I'm a WINNER
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
AAARRRGGGGHHHHHH!
And that's all I have to say about that!
-----------------------------An evening edit...just wanted to clarify that the bully isn't related to anything "bloggy." I've been really fortunate that I've never received a rude comment...folks haven't always agreed with me but the discourse has always been civil, thank goodness!!
Monday, September 7, 2009
It's almost like you were there with us...
First...An ensemble from the Tiger Band serenades us while we eat. I couldn't help but get a couple of shots of the young men tailgating across from us. They enjoyed LOTS of shots, if you get my drift!
Finally...a few photographs of our tailgate. Don't the fruit tarts look yummy? You'll recognize some of the girls from Lorelai's birthday extravaganza. OH...Citadel Friends...so sorry that my Tar Heels whooped up on your boys so badly. Mason represented the family in Chapel Hill. Oh shoot...what am I saying...we're not sorry...but you know I love your Dogs as long as they aren't playing one of MY teams.
Better late...
Your prizes are going in the mail tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. Everything is all packaged and addressed and ready to go. YIPPEE
I still need to hear from BLONDIE'S JOURNAL (Starbucks Card) and blueviolet (Mrs. Meyers Clean Day). Send me your addresses so that I can get your prizes to you. (If you already sent them please send again...my Blackberry hasn't been playing nice with my e-mail accounts).
Thursday, September 3, 2009
I Have a Confession to Make...
Here it is...I am not a good traveler. OH, don't get me wrong, I pack efficiently and have all my ducks in a row. I can get to the airport, to the hotel, around and about, and back home again all by myself, generally without incident. But, I don't like it...I really don't like it.
It isn't so bad when Hank is with me, but that is rare when I travel on business. Traveling alone, or even with colleagues, always makes me feel like I'm working 24 hours a day while I'm away. Meetings all day...eating meals with people who are attending the meetings, going back to the hotel room and thinking about the meetings, dreaming about the meetings. In between, checking work e-mail and voicemail and returning messages. I realized Monday night as I was writing an e-mail at 11:59 pm that I probably needed some kind of intervention. See my dilemma??
I am home but am exhausted and cranky! Poor Hank! I don't want to be a bad traveler...I want to be a GOOD traveler.
I'm taking a vacation day tomorrow. Monday is a holiday. CLEMSON FOOTBALL on Saturday.
I think I'll be OK...I travel JUST fine for Clemson football!!!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Greetings from Washington
You know that I don't just love flying by any stretch...I'm not scared...it's a control issue thing. The flying pills take the edge off , but I still need to be distracted. I turn to magazines...gossipy ones with lots of pictures. I can generally make it to DC with the latest issue of PEOPLE Magazine and an In Touch Weekly or the like.
Anyhow...I had just taken my seat on the plane Sunday morning and was thumbing through a magazine when a lady sat down beside me and mentioned that she and her husband were not seated together. Being the nice southern belle that I am (and noticing that he had an aisle seat which I much preferred anyhow), I volunteered to switch. I ended up having the nicest conversation with the fellow sitting beside me. He'd been at Kiawah and in Charleston for a few days with his wife, who stayed on for business. We talked kids, travel, politics, education, and Clemson football. Before I knew it we were touching down at Reagan National. It was quite an unexpected pleasure.
Here's to unexpected pleasure!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
And the Winners Are.....
Pat Conroy Book #1--- BAREFOOT IN THE PARK
Pat Conroy Book #2---KERI
Scarf---SUBURBAN PREP
Candle Holder -----JULES
Starbucks Card-----BLONDIE'S JOURNAL
and...I chose three additional prizes that weren't originally posted about...
Cute Pink Photo Album---JESSICA from Life and Times of a Dietetic Intern
Atomic Cocktails Recipe Book-----COCO
Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Peppermint Liquid Soap and Hand Lotion----(I love this stuff and it will be perfect for the holidays...I know it sounds like a wacky gift but it's great)---BLUEVIOLET
Ladies: Send your mailing address to lifeofasouthernbelle@gmail.com and I'll get your prizes out to you at the end of the week when I return from my trip to DC (work NOT pleasure, let me assure you!)
This was FUN....Thanks for playing along everybody. Stay tuned because you never know when the giveaway mood might strike. I'll be posting some gently read books in the next few weeks.
Friday, August 28, 2009
High Noon
Thanks SO much for the good thoughts and prayers....Legare has received a call back. YAY
Still working on the in-state tuition issue.
Oh...Woman Who has Called Here from Discover for the Last Ten Days in a Row....IF you're reading...I'm sorry for getting all scrappy with you yesterday. I know you're just doing your job and I really shouldn't have lost my temper but GOOD GRIEF, how many days in row do I have to say "take me off of your list and do not call me again" ???? I don't want your card...I don't want your insurance or protection plan. I was nice to everybody I came across ALL day yesterday and trust me....some of those people pushed me to the limit. You, Woman Who has Called Here from Discover for the Last Ten Days in a Row, were the Tipping Point that sent me over into my dark side.
If you call today, I will try to not insult your intelligence again...the economy is bad...you might actually be a VERY intelligent person who just can't find a better job.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Legare is Having a Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
I don't like it very much when either of my children has a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. I want to fix things, and the older they get the harder it is to do that. In this case, there's nothing I can do but listen and encourage patience.
Darn this economy...UNC denied his application for in-state tuition for this year. He did everything they said to do, including working in-state this summer for not a lot of money. He has 14 days to appeal so that will be taken care of first thing tomorrow morning.
Darn this economy AGAIN...the job market for law students is severely depressed. He's had some good interviews with top notch firms but the wait for call backs has him sitting on pins and needles. This is the kid for whom everything has always fallen into place pretty easily. Learning the life lesson that we can't always control everything and that things don't always happen the way we want when we want is a tough one.
Say a prayer for my sweet baby boy that he'll be able to dig deep for patience (and for the in-state tuition AND a job!!!).
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Don't Forget...
Things are quiet here on the home front, aside from all of the busyness going on in our places of employment. Legare is in Law Review orientation this week, while anxiously awaiting the arrival of his new sofa and callbacks from his recent interviews. He's like his mama...he likes to have a plan and isn't very patient.
Lorelai is full steam ahead into her new semester. I'm in Washington, DC for a few days next week on business. Hank will be on his own here at home with the dog and cat. I'll also leave him a honey-do list, but I have a feeling he already has a plan that involves deer hunting, since he missed opening day on the 15th and hasn't had time to go since. Personally, I think it's still too hot, but the deer stand is calling his name.
Hope you're having a good week. I haven't forgotten that I still owe you answers to a few more questions, not the least of which is what I believe to be the single most important challenge/biggest issue in education today. I'm having trouble narrowing it down...
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Soon I'll Be Posting Number 300! Let's do a GIVEAWAY!
A comment equals one entry
If you are a follower or become a follower you get two more entries.
Post about it and there are another two entries in it for you.
Total possible entries = 5 per person
Just let me know what you decide to go for.
Here are SOME of the prizes... I'm giving away TWO copies of my favorite author's new book...

A pretty blue cashmere scarf that I picked up in New York City...
This nifty wrought iron candelabra that fits into a wine bottle....wine bottle included if you do not have your own...
...AND...a $20 Starbucks gift card
SO....start entering NOW...The window of opportunity for entering closes at noon on Friday coming, that would be the 28th, I believe. Who knows...I might add a few additional prizes as the week goes on so SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS!!!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
God Bless the Teachers!
I always have flashbacks to my kids' days in school and for some reason a particular memory resurfaced of Lorelai's first day in first grade. Her teacher was a neighbor and our pastor's wife. As we wrapped up supper that night, the phone rang and it was, you guessed it, the teacher.
She was calling to tell me about Lor's day. It seems that around 10:00 AM, Lor came up to her desk and inquired as to what time they would be having their morning snack. Teacher had to explain that there were no snacks in first grade. Lor replied that she was very hungry and really did need something right then. Teacher sympathized, saying that while she, herself, was also hungry, they would just have to wait another hour or so until time for lunch.
They both managed not to starve to death before lunchtime rolled around and after lunch, went out to the playground. It was hot and humid, as it generally is here this time of year. After about 10 minutes, Lor ran over and announced that it was much TOO hot and they really should go on back inside. I can just see Teacher holding Lor's little hands and explaining, yet again, why she would have to be patient and wait until it was time to go back inside. Lor did...it was hard for her I'm sure because she IS her mother's daughter when it comes to the creature comforts.
May God bless all of the good, kind, patient teachers in our school systems. If you get the chance, do something NICE for a teacher this week!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Three Quotation Thursday
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If you're not confused, you're not paying attention. ~ Tom Peters
You know what...this quote sums up practically the past month in my workplace.
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Why is this thus? What is the reason for this thusness? - Artemus Ward
I refer you back to the second quote. What IS the reason for this thusness??
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
No Peace in My Valley...
So...Hank answers and I hear him say...well, I'm pretty sure it's alright. I don't know why it wouldn't be. And then he walks over to the sofa where I'm all comfortable watching an episode of House Hunters and hands me the phone.
Me: Hello
Mother: I didn't think that I had an account at Hometown Bank anymore.
Me: You don't (Technically, this isn't true...don't judge me...I pay her bills from that account and we opened a spending money account for her in a different bank.)
Mother: But my Visa card has Hometown Bank written across the top of it. I can't use that card if I don't have any money in that bank.
SO...I try to assure her that the name of the bank on the card makes no difference at all. The bill comes to me and I send a check (actually I pay it online but that WOULD blow her mind) to the Visa people somewhere in Delaware...not Hometown Bank.
Mother: But that doesn't make any sense...Does that make sense? The card SAYS Hometown Bank!!!! We have to pay Hometown Bank and I don't have any money in Hometown Bank.
Me: Well, it makes sense to me. It isn't a debit card...it's a credit card. We pay Visa, not Hometown Bank. (Why I felt compelled to mention a debit card is beyond me...)
Mother: It DOES NOT MAKE SENSE. I cannot use this card. Can I?? Ask Hank if that makes any sense. I'm not letting you get me in trouble.
I hand the phone to Hank, saying, TELL HER IT MAKES SENSE!!! He didn't convince her either. We'll give it a couple of days and see if she forgets about it. Otherwise, I guess I'll go the new bank and get another card for her. Lawsamercy!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Sometimes you just want to cry...
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Here we go again...CLEMSON!

Finally...something for ME!!! Look at the cute skirt I just got for the first game! I also got Hank a pair of shorts like my skirt but I doubt he'll want to wear them at the same time. HORROR or horrors if anybody ever thought that his wife told him what he should wear!






