BACKYARD TALES

Beach Trip

2009-12-28T13:15:00.007-07:00

Broadway at the Beach! The birds have their own "island area"!

Nachos at Margaritaville.....enough for 4, we split this for lunch and had plenty left over..
The "Hurricane" at Margaritaville. Every hour it spins, and the huge bottle of tequlia comes down and fills a blender that is larger than you would believe, mixing a "hurricane" drink as "Margaritaville" plays on the loudspeakers. Jimmy Buffet would be proud!

The outside of Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville restaurant at Broadway at the Beach.

The gulls will eat out of your hands! As you can see, I was enthralled by this concept and took way too many pics of this, but I still think it's cool...

Outside of Tiki Jim's, a gift shop. Check out my bod!

Crab legs at Benjamen's!

One of many, many plates that crossed our table that night. We were there for two hours eating!

The inside of Benjamen's.

Outside Coastal Carolina Mall and Shoppes.

The outside of Benjamen's.

Horses on the beach, from our great accomodations on the 15th floor of the Sandcastle Hotel!

Playing around with the camera.....

"Guy With A Loaf Of Bread"

Looking for shells.

"Guy With A Loaf Of Bread 2"

Great day on the beach!

Happy Birthday John Curtis!!!!!!!

2009-07-28T18:23:00.005-06:00

Last Sunday evening, we all gathered at Maria's house to celebrate her father's 70th birthday. John is a super father and grandfather and has known me since I was six years old. My Dad is a wonderful man, and through the years he and John have been there to "supplement" each other in the raising of their only daughters. A challenging job, indeed! Maria loves Sherm as her own, and I feel the same about her Dad. Here's to you, John! Love you bunches!

Zachary made a brief appearance to enjoy dinner with us. Maria made salad and lasagna, and Phil grilled sausage dogs on the grill in honor of he and John's New York roots.

Aiden was all over the place! Backyard with ball and bat, helping Phil grill, playing tag with his sister.

Kaleigh and Seth on the back deck, with their hot rods!

...."she's got a little Sherri in her, somehow......"

Kaleigh was in charge of giving John all his birthday gifts. Grandma looks on.

The two "cookinest" women I know!!! Thank you Judy for teaching Maria your craft! You are a super mom and grandma and we love ya!

Uncle Mark with his nephews and niece...crazy kids!! All five of them! Love you Mark!

Aaaahhh, Philmaster the Grillmaster!

....since we were six.......

Maria made her world famous lasagna, complete with salad and great french bread. You go girl! Who taught you to cook like that?? Judy!!!

Maria cracking up at something Phil said.

Yummy lasagna!!!!

John modeled one of his new shirts for the crowd.

Clown cake for John! The kids split the clown into fourths.

Happy Birthday John!! Thanks for many, many years of laughs, advice, and giving me my best friend!

Maria Hosts a Fun Fourth!

2009-07-05T09:57:00.003-06:00

On Saturday, July 4th, we gathered at Maria's for some great food, fun, and fireworks! Maria's home is adjacent to Creekside Park, and her deck was the perfect place to watch the show after the sun went down. Many thanks to Maria and Phil (otherwise known as the grillmaster) for such a great evening. Seth, shown here with his mom, was my fireworks buddy as he sat in my lap during the entire show.

Maria's mom Judy, Kaleigh, and Phil, the master of the Baaa-baa-cue.

Aidan and I shot some hoops and got in a little baseball before our great supper. Zachary was attending a party at a friends house this year and also had a great time!

Cousin Brandon, who also attended, despite a bad case of poison oak that had his face swelled up like a balloon. Also pictured is John, Maria's Dad.

Kaleigh chose her star spangled bathing suit for the occasion.. she wore it all day and until the fireworks were over, when it was time for bed! Here she is "striking a pose". What a ham!

....not that I can say much....Kaleigh loves her little brother! (most of the time)

Phil took charge of the grill and we enjoyed burgers, hot dogs, kielbasa, potato and pasta salad, watermelon, and all the trimmings. Judy made one of her famous cheese balls and that was all Maria and I needed to make our 4th perfect!

The show from the deck was outstanding! Unfortunately, this was the time my camera batteries died, so I only got these two shots.

A great evening had by all!!! Thanks Maria, for another wonderful experience we shared, as we have so many over the last 35 years! I love ya sis!

Stainin' Statons!

2009-07-03T19:17:00.003-06:00

Two summers ago, as temperatures reached 100 degrees some days, my wonderful Dad labored hard and long to build a huge deck on the back of my house. This deck has been the scene of so many wonderful times for me, and a great place to sit and reflect, think things over, even cry when necessary. It is my favorite "room" of my home in the summertime! I cannot believe how talented my father is in that he can envision something, and then bring it to fruition. He is amazing! This summer the deck was due for a coat of stain, in order to protect the wood and enhance the color. So, on a beautiful and not so hot July 3rd, Sherm and Sherri set out to stain the deck! We had a ball and worked together all day long.

Each part of the rail system had to be stained individually. I would roll the stain on, and Dad would come behind me with a paintbrush and fill in the gaps the roller would not get. It was a bit of a tedious process, but together we got 'er done and had some great father-daughter time in the process.

The master of Home Improvement at work. Tim Taylor's got nothing on my Dad! :)

We completed every part of the deck with the exception of the flat surface, which was to be the easiest part, since Dad's plan was to spray the stain on it. We decided that we would need one more gallon of stain but, alas, the paint store had closed for the holiday weekend and Lowes and Home Depot did not carry our brand.

Stay tuned!!! Pictures of the completed deck to follow!

Thank you, Dad, for all you have done to make my life better. You are an inspiration and I love you!

Staton Chics Hit Atlanta!

2009-06-30T18:07:00.002-06:00

On Saturday, June 27, Mom and I boarded a 6:25am flight to Atlanta, Georgia for a girls getaway weekend! We had a ball and some great Mother-Daughter time together. Many thanks to a very cool Sandy for making this trip possible. I love ya Mom!!

Marriot at Peachtree Plaza

2009-06-30T17:34:00.004-06:00

The awesome Marriot hotel at Peachtree Plaza, in the heart of downtown, was our home from Saturday until Monday. The hotel has 30 floors and Mom and I were on the 20th. The hotel itself is absolutely amazing, with glass elevators that speed up and down between floors, great restaurants, gift shops, and gorgeous architecture.

Mom in the cocktail area of "Sear", the main restaurant in the Marriot.

A shot from inside the hotel, from our breezeway on the 20th floor.

The front area of the hotel, which boasts a beautiful round fountain.

The view from our room of downtown Atlanta.

Centennial Olympic Park

2009-06-30T17:23:00.003-06:00

In 1996 Atlanta hosted the Olympics. This park is the site of many of the events, and is dedicated to the athletes, spectators, and all who contributed to the games. It is unreal.

The spurts of water are shot out of circles that form the olympic symbol. Many children and even some adults enjoyed the refreshing water as we walked through the park. Temperatures were in the 90s the entire time we were there!

This piece of art in the park is one of many. The three people represent the early Olympics, the later games, and the most modern of events. The sculpure is 3-D in that you can see the other side of each person if you walk to the other side of the sculpure.

Lots and lots of water in Centennial Olympic Park.

Coca-Cola Museum

2009-06-30T17:16:00.003-06:00

The Coca-Cola Museum was a blast! We learned about the history of Coke, how it is made, and the impact it has had all over the world for many years.

Mom and I with the Coke bear, the official mascot. He was so cute and a bit of a flirt!

Coca-Cola bottles from all around the world.

Memorabilia room.

At the end of the tour everyone gets a free Coke to take with them from this rotating sphere. Very refreshing on a hot day!

CNN

2009-06-30T16:52:00.002-06:00

Touring CNN was an awesome experience. We actually got to see inside the newsroom and watched the anchor doing the news. We learned about how CNN operates and when we got back to the hotel that afternoon and turned on the TV, we saw the anchor reporting on Michael Jackson's death and other news...the same anchor we had seen live! The closest I will ever get to Anderson Cooper, I guess. I love him!!

Flags from all over the world hang in the CNN building, which also houses some shops, the Omni Hotel, and a food court larger than I have ever seen.

The tour begins as you ride up this escalator and into the globe. The escalator is only attached at the top and bottom, with no supporting beams in between. Originally there was an amusement park inside this building, which was the Omni. Ted Turner purchased it as it was going downhill and the rest is history.

Atlanta Aquarium

2009-06-30T16:41:00.003-06:00

There are no words that will accurately describe the largest aquarium in the world. Anyone who gets the opportunity should pay a visit. The animals are amazing and there is an additional exhibit dedicated to the Titanic, with artifacts pulled from the wreckage and lots of interesting information.

Note the size of the visitors compared to the fish display.

Sea turtle waving to the crowd.

Dolphins. Need I say more?

Coral reef exhibit....pictures do not even begin to display the beauty.
My Mother is Awesome!!!! Thank you so much, Mom, for making this trip possible. All the attractions were great, but the time we spent together was the greatest part of our journey. I love you !

Mam-Maw

2009-06-26T09:53:00.003-06:00

There are really no words to express the wonderful woman Mam-Maw was. She taught us all about goodness, hard work, growing flowers and vegetables, and so much more. She will be so greatly missed in our family.

Mam-Maw's cooking was wonderful, but especially her desserts. She always had a smile and was dressed to the nines, no matter what the occasion.

Mam-Maw loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren like only a grandmother can.

Thank you, Mam-Maw, for all your love over the years. Everytime I water my flowers or pick a vegetable off the plants on my deck you will be with me. I am so blessed to have had you for 41 years.

Circa 1988, Boone NC

2009-05-21T10:05:00.002-06:00

Kathy Evans and I, at our beloved Murphy's, where we worked and played. I'm not sure why we are dressed alike, because we did not wear uniforms at Murphy's. I am 20 in this pic and Murphy's is no longer on this site. It is now in downtown Boone in the old Watauga Democrat building. Lotta memories in this pic.

Boone 2009

2009-05-21T09:01:00.007-06:00

On a sunny Tuesday morning in May, two cousins headed for the hills of NC for a quick road trip. Robbie is home on leave from the Air Force, and wanted to see our majestic mountains while he was home. Of course, I was happy to oblige him as hostess in this endeavor! Lots of memories of my days living in Boone flooded back and Rob and I made some new memories during our visit!

Rob and I stayed at The High Country Inn, locally owned and literally built in the side of the mountain. One thing that makes it original is the wildlife that lives on site. There are ducks and rabbits, a beautiful stream and nature area all along the parameter of the parking lot. Not your average Holiday Inn! Great rates too!

The stream that flows down the property ultimately ends up turning the water wheel at the base of the hill the hotel sits on. In the winter this wheel is beautiful as the water is frozen on it!

Rob in front of the waterwheel. Highway 105 is in the background.

The entrance to High Country Inn.

Rob and I spent most of the morning in downtown Boone, visiting various shops and walking around the town. Some things were just the same as when I left, some had changed. This is The Jones House, which sits in the center of town and has been here since 1926. It now serves as a community center and houses lots of old artifacts of the early days of Boone. All summer long there is music on the grounds.

Boone Drug, established in 1933. My first job during college was here, working at the lunch counter. The start of my restaurant era, I suppose!

I cannot say enough about Boone Bagelry!!! I worked there from the day they opened and we were all more than just co-workers and friends, we were family! Lots and Lots and Lots of great memories here, not just working, but also hanging out. Best breakfast in Boone! They are celebrating 21 years in business this year! Donna, one of the owners, said she and her husband, Tony, the other owner, are looking for someone to manage the place now that they are getting older. She told me to think about it if I ever moved back. Hmmmmm...... (just kidding Mom :)

Robbie and I had lunch at Our Daily Bread. They have remodeled since I was last there and the place looks great! Wonderful sandwiches and homemade potato salad!

I couldn't believe how traffic has increased on King Street. Boone has grown so much since I was there! At one point I lived in an apartment nestled in the mountain you see in this pic, almost at the top.

No visit to Boone would be complete without a stop at the Mast General Store. Rob and I splurged on a couple of things for ourselves, just like real tourists!

Another shot of Mast Store.

Howard's Knob

2009-05-21T08:39:00.002-06:00

I wanted Robbie to see Howard's Knob, where groups of us spent many afternoons hanging out when I was a student. You can see the entire town of Boone from the 3,333 foot elevation. The narrow road going up to "The Knob" is quite a climb, and you better have good brakes and put the car in low gear coming down!

Robbie exploring one of the many boulders on the trail to the lookout.

In the center of this pic you can see ASU's football stadium. Just to the left is the dorm I lived in during my first year.

This is pretty much the extent of my rock climbing these days.

Robbie atop a rock in the center of the park.

Blowing Rock

2009-05-21T07:50:00.005-06:00

Robbie and I spent the latter part of the afternoon in Blowing Rock walking the shops and enjoying the sunshine. We stopped at Glidewell's (formerly Tijuiana Fats in the old days) to get a cold drink and watch the little town's other guests enjoy themselves as they strolled by. Rob and I at Glidewell's. After relaxing a bit, we walked further down the street to the Blowing Rock Park.

Blowing Rock brings out the kid in all of us!

This is a statue at the edge of the park that honors gardeners. The flowers and landscaping at the park are beautiful, especially right now as everything is in full bloom.

Robbie in front of the Veterans Memorial at Blowing Rock Park.

Inside the Bob Timberlake Gallery...beautiful art and so much more!

We went to Canyons for dinner and "a show".....the sunset! The food was awesome and we ate out on the deck that overlooks Linville Gorge. The view is unbelievable from there! For all you old mountaineers, Canyons is in the building that used to house Holley's Tavern.

View from Canyon's Deck.

Another shot of my beloved mountains..

Robbie and I had a great time on our quick road trip! Thanks, Rob, for sharing this time with your ol' mountaineer cuz!

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-10T12:54:00.003-06:00

Happy Mother's Day to my great mom, known as Sandy to the rest of the world! She, Daddy and I started the day at my house with gifts, then headed to the Farmers Market for breakfast and a bit of flower shopping.

Breakfast at The Moose Cafe was wonderful! I couldn't resist taking a picture of Mom at this mural in the restaurant. If only those horses had been real....we would have been on them in a second!
Mom and Dad shopped for some things for their yard, while I looked for a pretty plant to put in my den.

A great morning with family!

Thank you, Mom, for all you do for our family all year long. You are not only my mother, but truly my best friend. I love you very much!!

Welcome Home Robbie!!

2009-05-09T18:24:00.008-06:00

On Friday, May 8th, I made a secret trip to PTI Airport to pick up my cousin Robbie, who shares my birthday and is in the Air Force. Robbie's plan was to surprise the family and especially his Mom for Mother's day. Upon his arrival we were so happy to see one another, but not so happy that American Airlines had lost all his luggage. Rob didn't even let that detail bother him and we started back to Archdale for a fun-filled day!

After a cure of Rob's craving for NC BBQ at Carter Brothers, we headed to Maria's house to visit with her and the gang. It didn't take long for a game of Bball to get started in the driveway!

Robbie and I went back to my house, where I was going to hide him out for a couple of days. We enjoyed sitting on the deck and catching up. At dinnertime, Angela and Kendall came over and brought Jordan and Savannah, Brandon's son and daughter. We ordered pizza and had a wonderful family visit. Brandon was still at work but was there in spirit!

Savannah, who is 14 and head of the JV cheerleading squad!

Jordan,16 entertaining us with some great guitar playing.

Robbie said he had been craving Sir Pizza for so long! Archdale is a long way from New Mexico and there is no Sir Pizza, BBQ, or Archdale Soda Shop there!

One of God's little blessings...

...who was getting a little tired by group photo time.

Savannah demonstrated some of her cheers and dance routines in the back yard.

Harley enjoyed all the company and had a nice evening as well! In the end, Robbie decided to go over to his parents' house that very night and surprise his mom. She was thrilled.

WELCOME HOME ROBBIE! LOVE YOU BUNCHES!

Love is Patient. Love is Kind.

2009-04-21T20:32:00.002-06:00

Please click the link....you will enjoy, I promise!

Love is Patient Love is Kind - Quotations

Lean On Me

2009-04-20T19:33:00.003-06:00

Take a close look at all the pictures, then click on the Bill Withers link at the bottom. Make your own connections with the song from 1973. Thank you so much to all those in my life who have said, "lean on me".

YouTube - Lean On Me (Live)

I found this old clip and think it speaks to each of us in a way that is individual to our life at the moment. Take it as you will.
Enjoy.

Turn up the volume and Enjoy!!!

2009-04-02T20:49:00.004-06:00

http://www.maniacworld.com/bird-loves-ray-charles.html

Click the link above to enjoy this great video provided by Buddy Bird, who lives in my sun room... He's evidentally been on the web while I'm at work.

Harley's Haircut

2009-03-31T15:08:00.001-06:00

Yesterday Harley still had her long winter coat to keep her warm.

She's a burly girl in the back yard with the catepiller squeaky toy....

But today Harley is liberated!!!! She got her annual spring haircut, complete with two little blue bows behind her ears that match the tag on her collar.

SSTB was thrilled.

Lots and lots of water to be lapped up as soon as we got home. I'm so sure there was no water provided at the beauty salon where she spent her day while I worked....yeah, right.

So glad to be back in the yard!!!

Wait 'til Boomer sees me!!!!!!

Kendall Turns Four!

2009-03-29T09:34:00.000-06:00

What could be better on a rainy Saturday afternoon than a party at McDonalds?? We all gathered for Kendall's fourth birthday and had a great time!

Note the birthday girl's outfit for her special day. She picked it out herself, of course.

Brandon and I got to see our old friend Sara, and her daughter Maya. When Sara first moved to NC about 5 years ago from up North, Brandon was her first friend here. She also worked for Ric at one point while she was getting settled here. I can't believe how much Maya has grown!

Me and Cuz, also known as "Brandondaddy", as Kendall calls him.

Lots of nourishment needed to hang at the McDonald's Playplace!

Mike and Peggy, Brandon's parents, also joined the party.

Kendall's grandmother, Michelle, striking a pose with Kendall's Bday crown.

Angela did a super job with the party. She is a great mom and a great girl!!

A feast for queens!!

Birthday Saturday for Sherri

2009-03-24T17:00:00.000-06:00

On March 21 I turned 41 and the day was fabulous! Ric decided the theme to my birthday this year would include the first verse of a Tanya Tucker song, "Delta Dawn". The first line goes, "...well she's 41 and her daddy still calls her baby..". Ric put this up on his sign at the restaurant as an announcement to all who passed by that I was a year older. He gave me a beautiful birdbath, two new tires for my car, and a surprise dinner as gifts. Mom and Dad gave me a bird feeder and several other things to make my yard look beautiful this spring. Aunt Mary Ann gave me a great popourri holder for my sunroom and Tammy left a bamboo plant on my back porch. Mam-Maw gave me some good ol' cash that I used to buy a hanging basket. Thanks so much to everyone who made my birthday so special! Love you all!

Saturday afternoon Maria, Kaleigh, and I went for a girls day of pedicures! We had a ball spending time together just being girly! A great big Thank You to Phil for making this possible as he stayed home with Maria's boys.

My little buddy Kaleigh, striking a pose for the camera with me. Note her pink fingernails. She got her fingers and toes polished!

Even Seth was partying with us when we got back from the salon.

One more shot of my little diva. Check out those blue eyes!! ...Little Maria.

Mahi's

2009-03-24T16:44:00.000-06:00

Ric had asked me to pick a place that I would like to go for dinner on Saturday night. I chose Mahi's, a wonderful seafood restaurant in Greensboro. Little did I know that after I said I'd like to go there, Ric arranged for Maria, Phil, and Ric's nephew, RJ, to join us! I was so surprised to have a crowd there, and we had wonderful food, service, and an all-around great time.

Me and my "sis" of 34 years, Maria.

During dinner we enjoyed the talents of Rick Allred. His music is wonderful...

..and so is his magic! He comes around to the tables in between sets and does the most amazing slight of hand tricks I have ever seen. Great entertainment!

Maria and Phil, enjoying a night of adult company.

Me, Ric, Phil, Maria, and RJ.

The guys were not quite up for dancing, so Maria and I took the floor and boogied like we have since we were six. Later we all danced, including RJ and our waitress, Heidi, who was great! Rick Allred took requests from the birthday table and played beautifully!

Maria and I leaving the dance floor and having as much fun as two girls can have. What's so funny, Maria? My awesome dance moves????

Speakeasy

2009-03-24T16:29:00.000-06:00

After dinner RJ, who lives in the area, suggested we go around the corner to a little place called "Speakeasy". It was less formal than Mahi's and RJ knew it had a pool table. I have known RJ since he was 14 years old and he is a great billiards player, as was his dad, Ric's brother Ron. We enjoyed listening to the music there and shooting pool. Thanks Dad, for teaching me the game and helping me to shoot a decent game of 8-ball!

Maria was the official photo taker for the rest of the night, so this is the only pic of us at Speakeasy.

Larry, Curly, and Moe.

Once the game got going it was a very serious affair....

RJ and I played against Ric and Phil in a game of 8-Ball. We won.

A great time had by all.

The fifth Beatle.

Birthday Backyard Tails

2009-03-24T16:09:00.000-06:00

Of course, my special day would not be complete without Harley and Boomer. Ric had gotten me this balloon that looks like a flower and it was attached to my birdbath. When we arrived home we had some cake and had some fun with the dogs and the balloon.

The flower balloon has a clip on the "stem" of the flower that is perfect for attaching to a collar! Harley and Boomer enjoyed running around Ric's big empty "playroom" taking turns wearing it.

The cake Ric got me was red velvet, not chocolate, so the dogs each had a little bite. Harley approved.

Boomer in party mode.

Harley having cake.

Harley posing for paparazzi...

Boomer giving me a birthday kiss.
THANK YOU to all who made my birthday so special!! Love you all!

Who's The Boss??

2009-03-19T18:18:00.000-06:00

After days of rain and gloom, the sun finally came out on Wednesday and Boomer spent the day with Harley in my backyard. As she lay in the shade with SSTB (SunShine Teddy Bear), Boomer found two of the plastic toys from the doggie Christmas stocking. A small one....

.....and a large one. He was perfectly happy with these toys and really enjoyed tossing them around the yard and then chasing after them.

...until Harley realized he had them.

This was the result of her deciding he could only have one of the two toys to play with. Note SSTB by her side and the small plastic toy between her paws. Kinda' bitchy.

In the end all was well as both dogs were happy with the toys they had.

Great Double Date

2009-03-19T16:50:00.000-06:00

As a Christmas gift, Ric and I gave Mom and Dad a gift certificate to Hampton's, a restaurant in the JH Adams Inn in High Point. Wednesday evening we all got together to use it. The inn is very old and has been a family's home, a YWCA, even a funeral home! Several years ago it was purchased and restored and now is very close to how it was originally when JH Adams built it for his family. There are many old pictures throughout the inn that show it as it was originally. It is on the list of historical places in NC. We had a great time, and the only thing better than the food was the company!

Sherm and I had a great time acting like two peas in a pod....

Mom and I got to spend some good mother/daughter time together.

Ric enjoyed being the customer and being treated to great food and good service.

The Staton clan...small but mighty!!

Ric and Dad both happened to wear their leather blazers....mom and I didn't get the memo to dress alike..

We enjoyed live music from this gentleman as we ate dinner. Mom could name every song he played as soon as he started it!

Billy, our waiter, who took great care of us and was lots of fun.

The girls ordered salmon, and the guys ordered steak. The inn prides itself on fancy presentation and the food was delicious!

And of course, dessert! This is a chocolate tort with strawberries, blueberries, and a scoop of vanilla walnut ice cream. I plan to walk and ride my bike as much as possible the next few days to work this off! Ric and I shared it and Mom and Dad got a creme brule'....Yummy!!!

"...and a little child shall lead them..."

2009-03-11T20:16:00.000-06:00

The Royals side of the family continues to be blessed with growth as Brandon and Angela plan their September wedding! We are so happy to welcome Angela and her daughter Kendall into our family. I have gained a sister and a special "little friend" ( as Granny would have put it) and we are all so happy they are a part of our lives.

Kendall and Belle share some special times together as Kendall teaches Belle how to read.

Silly Kendall, Silly Sherri, Silly Ric!!

Kendall and Sherm share a moment just to themselves.

God melds families in all sorts of ways. And it is good.

Welcome to our crazy brood, A and K!! Love you bunches!

Sunshine Teddy Bear

2009-03-07T17:14:00.000-07:00

At Christmas, I bought a large "doggie stocking" with numerous toys, balls, etc. in it. The stocking was intended to be a present shared between Harley and Boomer. Boomer loved the balls and squeaky toys, but Harley immediately latched on to this yellow bear. She has "cared" for it ever since, bringing it in at night and taking it out to the yard when I go to work each morning. She put it under the deck during last week's massive snowfall until the snow melted. The bear is dirty, but not torn or ripped at all. She cracks me up the way she treats it like her baby! When Boomer comes to visit she makes a point of letting him know he is not to get anywhere near her special friend.

Dogs.....you gotta love 'em!

Farewell Old Friend

2009-03-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, Feb.26, Archdale said goodbye to a friend and neighbor as Tim Terrell lost his battle with Leukemia at age 59. Tim owned and operated Twin Roads grocery just up the street from all of us, and his customers always felt like friends. Tim and his wife Linda were at the store all the time, and usually one or more of the family dogs would be waiting in the car. Sometimes when stray dogs would wander up to the store Tim would wind up taking them home with him. He used to let me cash checks there, instead of having to go to the ATM, earning the store the nickname "Bank of Tim". Every year for as long as I can remember he has employed high school boys to help out his longtime employees, Melvin and the gang. Both of Maria's brothers spent a summer working for Tim.

Tim was buried in his beloved Charleston, where he and Linda planned to retire and where his daughter lives. He served in Vietnam and his service included military honors. Thanks for all you did for our little end of Hwy. 62, Tim! In your words, "be good, and we'll see you soon!!"

In Like A Lion.....

2009-03-02T13:41:00.001-07:00

March 1st was a great day in that Archdale saw a significant amount of snow and it just happened to be my day off! The snow started Sunday evening and by morning we were in a true winter wonderland. I really enjoyed hanging around at home, drinking coffee, and getting some projects accomplished. I had to reschedule my lunch plans with Mam-Maw, but we know we will get together soon. Harley spent a little time outside, but for the most part she was a lazy dog all day and got no projects accomplished. This picture really doesn't show the true beauty of the bright red tulips from PawPaw's funeral. They are gorgeous, especially against the while windowsill and the white trees outside.

My front yard, covered with a blanket of winter.

View from the fence gate.

Two things I love; a pretty snow and a bright American flag.

Harley and I went out to play in the snow and for a while she was really excited and running all around, checking out all of her favorite spots in the yard.

Stopping to strike a pose....

Making sure the ground is actually still under there....

.....telling me when it is time to go back inside for another cup of coffee.

This is pretty much how she opted to spend the rest of her snow day.

My Guys

2009-03-02T13:27:00.000-07:00

When the roads cleared a bit we took some pics at Ric's house. I forgot how beautiful the neighborhood where I grew up is in the snow! We played outside for just a few minutes until the cold got to us. Ric and Boomer. Boomer wasn't feeling particularly photogenic in this shot.

Boomer exploring in the snow at his new home.

Ric's house on the corner with Boomer. Is he going to get the mail?

The view from Ric's backyard looking towards the end of the street where Mom and Dad live.

Maria's Munchkins

2009-03-02T13:02:00.001-07:00

Later in the day I went to Maria's to see her and the kids. They had been outside most of the day and were inside warming up when I got there. Halle, Kaleigh, and Seth. Check out Kaleigh's model pose.

Seth, 1/2 of Maria's face, Kaleigh, and Kaleigh's BFF Halle.

Seth showing off his muscles.

Zachary chillin' on the sofa.

Aidan with a great smile for the camera.

Kaleigh and her very best friend and neighbor, Halle. These two crack Maria and me up all the time. We were just a little older than them when we became best friends at the age of six!

Tiny Divas striking a pose in the driveway.

Grandfathers

2009-02-20T18:23:00.000-07:00

Last summer we all gathered at Mom and Dad's in June. Both my grandfathers came and seemed to have the same sense of fashion that day! I am so lucky to be blessed with grandparents for so many years of my life. On the left is Pa Paw, on the right is Grandaddy. Pa- Paw passed away today. He was 90 years old. Grandaddy is 87 and living with Alzheimers. "....surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life......."

And I know it will. Love to these two special men, those who gave me the heritage of Staton and Royals.

Couch Potatoes

2009-02-18T15:06:00.000-07:00

Ric and I took a quick trip earlier in the week. Boomer was due for some shots, so he was boarded at the vet while we were gone. Harley stayed home and was cared for by her grand-humans. (THANK YOU MOM AND DAD!!!) When we got home Boomer came to stay with Harley and me while Ric took care of business as usual. This is how they spent the entire day after we arrived back from our trip. Thank goodness for the doggie blanket I have for my sofa!!!

...hope no one turns me in to the ASPCA........................

Road Trip to Asheville!

2009-02-18T14:24:00.001-07:00

On Sunday, Ric and I traveled to Asheville for a food show sponsered by one of his distributors, Sysco foods. We stayed at the marvelous Grove Park Inn. The inn was built in 1914 and has all kinds of historical significance. The rocks that comprise the hotel were rolled up the mountain by a team of 200 men, mules, and horses. You really have to see it to believe it! We enjoyed Sunday evening and Monday exploring the hotel and learning about its history before attending the show on Tuesday.

The view just off of the main lobby, also called the "Grand Hall" overlooking the mountain and downtown Asheville.

I was especially amused with the old-timey phones in one of the wings of the hotel.

Sunday at the Grove Park

2009-02-18T13:51:00.000-07:00

After getting settled in at the beautiful resort, we enjoyed a great dinner in the Inn's main restaurant. It can seat up to 400 people and has an incredible view! We were lucky enough to get a window seat and the food, service, and company was wonderful.

I decided to revisit my old hobby of rock-climbing, which I learned in Boone many years ago. Ric is a great photographer; I am not up nearly as high as this pic seems. This is one of many beautiful columns at the entrance to the Inn.

The wagon behind Ric holds the wood used to keep the fire burning in the huge fireplace in the lobby.

Monday Night Dress-Up

2009-02-18T09:52:00.001-07:00

Monday evening we got dressed up for the "Welcome Party" for all Sysco customers. The event was held at "Elaine's", a dueling piano lounge. It was so much fun and we saw several people we know who also have local restaurants. It was fun for Ric and the other restauranteers to cut loose and be customers for a change. The two guys at the pianos could play anything an audience member requested and everyone in the place would sing-along! We had a great time and stayed out until midnight!
The billiards table has been in the Inn since 1928...It is very old fashioned with leather pockets. My dad would have loved it!

The fireplace in the lobby, also known as the "Grand Hall". Very cozy with live jazz in the evenings.

These guys could play anything! It was amazing and everyone had a wonderful time.

Josh

2009-02-05T19:39:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post a tribute to my friend Josh Sweitzer. Josh worked for me for a while and I am still not sure who taught who more. He was a wonderful young man with kid-like attributes, yet he had all the heart and soul of a grown gentleman. He loved his family, his friends, and his future. He aspired to become a police officer. Josh was born three days after I turned eighteen. Often when we worked together he would ask me about "The 80's". I enjoyed being a co-worker and big sister to this fine young man.
Josh died on Halloween night, 2007. I am blessed to have known him.

Buddy Bird

2009-02-03T20:55:00.000-07:00

Not all creatures on Ashland Street live in the backyard.

Buddy Bird has lived here since 1995. He is a zebra finch, a small bird that is very easy to care for. The average life expectancy for these finches is 5-9 years. This little bird has been a sideboard pet of mine for FOURTEEN YEARS!!! He sings a beautiful song in the mornings while I get ready for work, loves to be out on the deck in the summer, and is a great part of the decor of my home.

Bud likes to hang out on top of his nest.. he has outlived his mate, so now his companion is "Patty Plastic"...a fake bird that sits on the perch below him. He nestles next to her at night before retireing to his nest.

Superbowl Sunday

2009-02-01T20:38:00.000-07:00

Budweiser "circus" video - Google Search

My favorite part of the superbowl is the commercials, although this year's game was great! Go Steelers!
Click the link above to see a wonderful Clydesdales commericial from Budweiser. It will touch your heart!

Ric had a great gathering for the game, with a buffet of football foods and balloons all over the place representing both teams. They even had 3-D glasses for one commercial.

I went for the first half and watched the second at home with Harley and Boomer.

Grandparents

2009-01-28T19:22:00.000-07:00

A picture for Granny. "As long as you know where you are, that's all that matters.."

"
"Our grandchildren accept us for ourselves,

without rebuke or effort to change us, as no one in our entire lives has ever done,

not our parents, siblings, spouses, friends- and hardly ever our own grown children."

--Ruth Goode

Chillin' At Ric's

2009-01-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

Until the furniture arrives, "the family" makes do stretched out on the living room floor. Harley is still a little unsure when she visits, and Boomer, as you can see, it very excited. He really doesn't care where he is as long as he is with Ric. They are both obsessed with the large yard surrounding the house and can't get enough of going outside to explore.

2009-01-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

Ric in the kitchen...somewhere he is very comfortable and talented!

New Digs for Ric

2009-01-27T17:26:00.000-07:00

A few more pics of the house...

Ric's New Home

2009-01-25T18:10:00.000-07:00

Boomer is happy on my sofa, or.....

......Ric is now officially my neighbor! He purchased Maria's parents' former home, on the same street as Sandy and Sherman. He now lives literally, "through the woods and 'cross the creek from me!

A Night With The Eagles

2009-01-22T17:30:00.000-07:00

Saturday, Jan. 17th my best bud Maria and I went to see The Eagles in Greensboro at the colesium. As usual, they were wonderful! Maria and I have been friends for 34 years and Eagles fans since we were pre-teens. The show was out of this world, a mix of new songs and old favorites, mostly the latter. Before the concert we had dinner at Rixster, and hung out with Ric, Phil, and Angela and Kendall. It was an evening to remember.

Snow Day

2009-01-21T15:28:00.000-07:00

January 20, 2008, was a day of many happenings! Our new president took the oath of office, Belk took our annual year-end inventory, and Harley and I awoke to a beautiful snowfall. I didn't have to report for inventory until noon, so we enjoyed the snowy morning, watching the inauguaral events and drinking coffee. I hated to leave our cozy home, but Harley didn't seem to mind spending the day in her back yard and in her doghouse under the deck with all her play toys! She loves to be outside and I am thankful for her thick hair..she needed it that day, as the temps did not get above twenty degrees all day! The inventory went well and our new prez partied. Now it is time for him to get to work!

Somewhere Under the Rainbow

2009-01-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

Today I picked up Harley from the groomers on my way home from work. She had a bath, brush-out, and they even sent her home with a special bandana! As we arrived home the wind was whipping and it was raining sideways. In a matter of minutes the rain stopped and a beautiful rainbow appeared that stretched from highway 62, through my front yard, and to my neighbor's home. These pics really don't do justice to the glorious show in the sky. Within five minutes this gift from above was gone.

Happy Birthday Sherman!

2009-01-03T18:14:00.000-07:00

Today is my Daddy's 66th Birthday! Happy Birthday to The Sherminator! My dad is a great man who has taught me so much over the years. He has been hard on me when necessary and hugged me when I needed it. He has educated me in knowledge to get through life and laughed with me over all kinds of things. He has been a good husband to my mother and together they have been a team for over 40 years. He has shown me what a good man is and I have learned to settle for nothing less because of him. He has improved my home in so many ways with the "know how" that amazes me. He can envision something and make it happen. He has survived Vietnam as a young man and a stroke as an older one, and many things in between. Here's to you, Sherm! Thanks for being not just a father, but a dad. Love you!

Little People New Year

2009-01-01T12:27:00.000-07:00

In between dinner at Rixster's and ringing in the new year there, I left for a little while and went to visit Maria and Phil and the kids. My cousin Brandon was there with Angela and her daughter, Kendall. Brandon and Angela are planning a September wedding and asked me to be a bridesmaid! Kendall enjoyed playing with Zachary, Aidan, Kaleigh, and Seth. Times Square is a quiet place compared to this house!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

Ringing in 2009 was a blast! Ric hosted a dinner at The Rixster and it was crowded. A ticket covered prime rib, roasted potatoes, vegetables, lobster bisque, salad, and an array of other wonderful foods. All guests got party favors like hats, beads, horns, etc. The restaurant was decorated in black and silver and looked great! A good time had by all.

2008-12-28T21:25:00.000-07:00

Boomer is excited that he is finally "on the web"!

2008-12-28T21:16:00.000-07:00

So, I have finally set up my blog! Bear with me as I learn the ins and outs of posting and decide how to format my thoughts. New Year's Eve 2008 is 3 days away!