Blue Monday/ Mosaic Monday

Masks and Mayhem.= Mardi Gras.

It's Mardi Gras time in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mobile Alabama
and all along the Gulf Coast..
Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler!
March on over to  Smiling Sally's for Blue Monday offerings...
and then on to Mary's Little Red House to see more Mosaics..

A wonderful giveaway from Low Tide High Style

The Queen's Dollmaker by Christine Trent
The storyline is about a woman's triumphs and tribulations ...
historically intertwined with the much maligned female figure, 
Marie Antoinette. Set in two of my favorite European countries,
 England and France,  look forward to reading this book 
and being transported to a different time and place.
Would you like an autographed copy of this beautiful book?
Easy as Pie..go visit Low Tide High Style to see how!
I've already entered so hurry up if you want a chance!!

A-Z Monday.B

B..is for...
B.L.T.
Bacon..several slices
Lettuce..iceberg or romaine
Tomato..Vine Ripe
Mayo..the real stuff
Onion, thinly sliced Vidalia
Toasted bread  white or wheat..
combine  all ingredients
and you have my FAVORITE sandwich!!!
serve with French Fries. or chips,and a dill pickle
Sweet iced tea..yummy!
the coolest of summertime / anytime eats..
Grab a sandwich, pour a glass of tea..
let's join Jen at Unglazed for more B stuff...

Sunday, Sunday memories..

Growing up in Florida, 
on Sunday afternoons I could be found at the beach.
One of the parents would take us to the beach
and another would pick us up at a designated time. 
Those memories still hold true all these years..
what fun we had, sunburned noses.
Exploring the waterside, 
dancing to the latest crazes..
music provided by the local radio station...
Today, I'll share my memories..
 of that magical place and time..
altho hurricanes have made dramatic changes,
some things are simply timeless:
miles of sugary white sands..
stretching endlessly along emerald green waters
where dolphins frolic..
where one can find solitude..
peace..
with the cross on the dune..
reminding us of of our protector..
during sunshine or storms..
another sunset..
memories of Paradise..

Memories..misty water color memories..

of the way we were...

Attention!!!!

Do I have your attention yet?

Like what you see?

All this..and more ..can be yours!

Visit  Tales from an O C Cottage..

Enter for more chances to win..

but hurry..time is running out!

linking with Beverly's Pink Saturday

go there to see more pink Fabulousness!

Thrifty Thursday, etc.

A LOVE Affair..
I have always LOVED shoes..
guess it all started in my formative years..
When school started in September..
I always had a new pair of INDESTRUCTIBLE..
saddle oxfords..which I hated..passionately

They were heavy,
rubbed my heels,
and were "too big"
I was expected to "grow into "them..
which I never did..
I secretly envied the girls with cute ballerina flats,

patent leather Mary Janes..

But my all time favorite was  the Penny Loafer.

remember those with the buckle on the heel..
buckled if you were going with someone..
unbuckled if you were available..
I digress..
I vowed if I ever survived and reached adulthood..
I would never, ever wear an uncomfortable shoe again!
when fortunate enough to find the perfect shoe..
I purchase one in every color available..
and if  RED..then I buy several pairs.. 
so.. when I found this comfy pair at Good Will..
of course they fit..check!
were 50% off,,
they are looking better and better!
yay! I contemplated..
put them into the buggy as I perused other sections..
and then..I found these purses..

Alas..no RED shoes..this time!

2 Pair of shoes @4.00 each..X 50% off=4.00

3 purses @3.99 each X 50% off = 6.00 

total $10.00

one tired, happy shopper..priceless!

Check out other Thrifty Treasures at 

Tales from Blogeritaville

Ole!

Another Lisa Leonard Giveaway!

Win her newest design!

Check out Our Suburban Cottage for details!

Mosaic Monday

Happy Birthday,Mary!!
Happy Mosaic Monday..

May you enjoy the enchantment ..
of Roses..all day long!!
Warm hugs...
Loui♥
Let's see who else has joined Mary at
The Little Red house for more Mosaics..
and Birthday Wishes!!

Barb's bella Vista Blogaversary giveaway!!!

To celebrate my first year of blogging..
 and one of my very favorite memories from it…
The Rooster Party….I am having a giveaway. 
The giveaway consists of A Rooster Casserole,
 that would also be perfect for soups and stews.
 It also makes a delightful centerpiece! 
The giveaway also includes four little adorable rooster bowls.
 These are so cute placed on side tables when not in actual use.  
By the way, the Rooster Party will return this summer! :-)
Barb at Bella Vista is having a Blogaversary giveaway.
Just click on Bella Vista for a direct link to all the details!!
Good Luck!

A-Z Foods on Monday

A....is for Apple....

....Apple Butter, that is!

While having breakfast out on Saturday morning, 

I noticed a different condiment in the Jelly tray....

Apple Butter...yummy, cinnamon..ummmm! 

childhood memories emerged..

and were quickly discussed.

At my house,apple butter was special, 

a treat reserved for Sunday  breakfast..

tasting so good..

 on top of my Mom's hot,buttered biscuits,

Special...just as her Southern Fried Chicken..

 would be the Main dish for Sunday Dinner!.

There was no rhyme or reason..

 for the elevation in status,

other than perhaps because it was Store-bought..

and the others were homemade.

This recipe is one I have used.

 There are other versions, such as CrockPot Apple Butter,

 which is very time consuming..something I do NOT have enough of!  

Apple Butter

(Makes about 10 ½-pint jars)

• 4 pounds apples
• 1 1/2 cups apple cider
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 1/8 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Sterilize jars and lids in boiling water for 10 minutes. 
(Prepare lids according to manufacturer directions.) 
Remove stems from apples..
cut into quarters (without peeling).
In large pot, combine apples, cider, and vinegar. 
Bring to boil and cook until fruit is soft. 
Press fruit through colander or strainer. 
Cook pulp with sugars and spices for about 20 minutes, 
stirring frequently. 
To test if it’s done, remove a spoonful of butter mixture..
and set aside to cool for 2 minutes. 
If butter remains mounded on the spoon, it’s done. 
Pour hot apple butter into jars. 
Leave ¼ inch space at top. 
Place screw bands and lids on jars ..
and process jars ..
in boiling water bath canner for 5 minutes. 
Remove jars and cool. 
Label and date each jar. 
Jars can be stored up to one year..
 in cool area, out of sunlight.

Now grab a hot buttered biscuit,
smear on a grand amount of Apple Butter..
pour a cup of hot, steaming coffee..
and Let's visit Jen at Unglazed 
for more A-Z foods Monday

Favorites in Silver

Although I've only recently become an afficianado of Silver jewelery in the last  twenty years, I am finding it more to my  my taste.
I do have one piece, a bracelet given to me in September of 1975 by a very special person in my life. I wore it continually until The fastening bar finally broke a few days ago. The history of the bracelet..it was a graduation gift to him before starting college.

My next favorite piece is only fifteen years old..but it too has a story.
the necklace is a simple yet flexible band of silver with a hook clasp.
I first noticed it when my best friend was wearing it..and she let me try it on..
of course I loved it! and Surprise..surprise..a few months later I was proudly wearing one of my own..a gift from her.. what makes this necklace so unique an special is  that attachments can be worn on it.. for momentous occasions or celebratory events.. or for "just because"..we exchange pendants with each other throughout the year. Whatever we find, we buy two.. one for ourself..and one for the other.. it is a way  we keep our friendship fresh and alive even tho we are thousands of miles apart.. No matter where I wear it with what ever pendant attached, compliments galore are received.

 We each have a box of pendant attachments exchanged over the years.
This could be a graduation gift, a bridesmaid gift..so many possibilities.

endless choices  can be worn with either elegant or casual attire..
But my MOST favorite piece is  this necklace..
silver beads on a silver chain, lobster claw fastener..
this was an "I love me" gift to myself for my 50th birthday!!!
and I do wear it often!

It looks heavy..but is rather light in weight..

and again, can be worn with any attire.

there are matching drop earrings.. 

but I prefer wearing the hoops shown below:

 Head on over to The Gypsy Fish for more Silver Sunday treats..

Blue Monday

Blue Monday..
seems I've been in a blue funk for the past week!
Here's hoping this week to be filled with sunshine..
and gorgeous blue skies..
I know..my heart is longing for springtime..
colorful Tulips Irises,and Daffodils..

lifting their showy heads to kiss the sunshine..
or in my dreams for a while longer..
instead..
I'll be dreaming under my latest find ..
from Chez Goode Wille..
that is if I can keep Bubba off of it..

                                In the meantime, I'll have this find to keep me warm.

                                             Brand new,,never worn!!

This cute little doll could be the perfect ad for Old Navy, couldn't he?

And OH BY THE WAY...

It was 50% off for everything in the entire store!!!
The Ralph Lauren  King size reversible Quilt..was marked $ 8.50..

my price $4.25.

Pillow Shams 1.99 each

my price $1.00 each

the U S Navy sweat suit..$8.50

my price 4.25
My total..$10.50!

The cutie..priceless!

maybe my Monday won't be so blue after all!!

Head on over to Smiling Sally's for more Blue Monday offerings!
and to dearlittleredhouse for Mosaic Monday
Loui♥

Please..Help

Today..

I've lost my best friends..
all of you blogging buddies..
somehow... 
all of my blogging followers are gone!!!..
will you PLEASE begin re-following me?
I truly LOVE seeing your smiling faces there..
each and every time I log in..
please ..come back..
warm hugs..
Loui♥

PS...Oops!..
must've had a Blonde Moment!!!
You're all BACK! 
Yay!!!

GIVEAWAY @ Lisa Leonard designs

www.lisaleonardonline.com

Ladies..
Meet Lisa Leonard!

You've gotta go see her wonderful stamped jewelry!
..so sweet and simple..something for everyone!
and guess what?
She's having a $75.00 giveaway!
Go to Traci's Beneath My Heart for details on how to enter!
hurry.. time is running out!
I would LOVE being the LUCKY winner..
but if not me..then YOU!
now GO..what are you waiting for?
warm hugs and GOOD LUCK!
Loui♥

A to Z backwards Monday A

Alternative to Abortion :Adoption
The year was 1962.
Middle class family..suburbia..
Father blue collar worker, stay at home Mom..
She was a sixteen year old recent High School drop-out.
She worked as a Car hop at a local drive in hamburger joint.
He was handsome in a Jeffrey Hunter way..beautiful blue eyes and a winning smile.
They dated,'fell in Love" and before long, she missed a period.
When confronted, he denied everything.and left the picture..
Thin naturally,she did not outwardly show more than a slight weight gain..
But by September when she had promised to enroll in Adult High School she had to tell her parents of her situation. They were not thrilled at this news in the least. Her Father consulted friends as to how to handle the dilema .One suggested Abortion which was Illegal at the time.Roe vs Wade had not even been considered.
Finally a solution was found. The wayward daughter would be sent to a home for unwed mothers in a neighboring city. Her disappearance would be she was attending shool while assisting her grandparents who lived far, far away.
In that October, she was driven to the Florence Crittendon School which would be her home until the child was born .
The Home was a rambling two story Victorian farm house  situated on several acres,Various outbuildings housed the school building, the laundry facility and the kitchen and dining hall.Another building housed the clinic where health matters were closely monitored. A physician was on call for monthly checkups.Routine weight checks,prenatal vitamins were administered by the resident Nurse. Fresh air and exercise was the norm and highly encouraged.Gardens were planted, attended and harvested assuring an abundance of fresh vegetables and flowers for the dining hall and chapel..
She was one of 25..  the youngest being 13 the oldest being 28. Each had a different story to tell of how they ended up pregnant in a home for unwed mothers. While there, those in the earliest stages were housed in the upstairs quarters two to a room.Only in the last month did a move to the lower floor occur. Chores were assigned, the hardest of course going to those in the earliest stages,easier ones to those in the final stages.
One girl,studying dietary college courses became the assistant Dietician assuring all meals provided the required nutrients as well as watching calories. Anyone possessing skills  or natural abilities were utiliized in that capacity.Extra curricular activities such as art classes were provided. Sewing machines, and supplies were readily available.At one point, one hundred baby dolls were brought by the local  women's club to be dressed and given to needy children at Christmas.
No one was allowed to use their last name for privacy reasons, and once delivered, the mother immediately departed the premises. Altho friendships were formed, contact afterwards was frowned upon. Some girls kept their babies, but for the most part,this time was for making the decision of a lifetime.. for two people.
In early February, her labor pains began. The resident housemother, a registered nurse timed the pains and whisked her away to the hospital at the appropriate time..There she was alone,now 17 years old, in a hospital  far from home delivering a child which had been a part of her for nine months. In those months, she had formed a bond of love,knowing she had to be strong for the day when she would make her final decision.
She awoke, painfully sore, hurting in her heart and soul, knowing her baby was no longer a physical part of her..but now a separate entity ..living and breathing without her.
The nurse approached with a bundle, placing it into her arms for a few moments..the moments of a lifetime.
Peeling the blanket away, she saw the delicate black lashes on rosy pink cheeks, ..a headfull of dark hair..
a rosebud mouth..further investigation found chubby pink toes and fingers..and finally her eyes opened..mysterious and dark.. .. connected..mother and child.. As swiftly as she was placed, just as swiftly was she taken away.Mother never saw the child again..until the finalization signing of papers relinquishing custody and all parental rights.The next day she was released from the hospital, with prescriptions to dry her milk from aching breasts,and spent two more days at the home recuperating in order to travel. Four days after the birth,her father picked her up for the drive home.
A very long and quiet drive, other times lectures of not ever to do this again.
Three weeks after the birth, the new mother was taken to The Children's Home Society to meet with the adoption lawyer..By this time,her parents were begging her to change her mind, let THEM bring the baby, their first grandchild, home and raise it as their own! This would present an entirely new set of problems..not only for the family, the younger teenage sister.. but the child herself. The answer was NO..the best she could do for her  child was to allow her to be adopted, praying into a family who could provide all the love and necessities which she , sadly, could not do. So with the stroke of a pen, she totally relinquished all rights to the child she had carried  and birthed. And in her heart..she cried..and prayed.
Her emotional toll was disregarded..moodiness finally passed and she returned to a somewhat normal life of a teenager while inside she had become an adult.. The following year at age 18, she would marry and later at age 22 had her final child. But she never forgot her daughter,her firstborn, her first love.. every year on her birthday, she said a prayer  for hope of one day seeing her again.
On may 19, 2005 she received an email..saying Could you possibly be my mother? All the mother' pertinent facts were there..and her prayers were finally answered..YES!
a frenzy of emails were exchanged, telephone calls for hours on end and so many questions answered.
Later that summer, the two met at the airport in a distant city, and had dinner with the adoptive mother, the husband and grandkids.The grandson was fearful his grandmother's place would be taken by this interloper..instead, he learned no, the new "birth mother" was not trying to gain entry into the family, but would remain on the periphery..the Grandaughter so joyful was so happy that she had someone else to love  in her life.
Adoption today is a viable alternative to abortion. There are all sorts of options, ranging from surrogacy, to international and open adoption. It all boils down to someone caring enough to carry a child to term in order that  someone else can have a child and make a family.
This is a true story..
I know ..because it is Mine..the story of me, Lisa my daughter and of her making the journey to find me..
At dinner that night, I felt at home as I answered any and all questions with honesty and candor.Ty asked me pointedly if I would be another Grandmother..said I ..only if you want and need one..mostly I'd like to be your friend..Mac was just so happy to learn where I lived and could she come at Christmas break to play in the snow. I left that dinner feeling elated, having met Joy.. I knew I could never have picked such a perfect mother for my daughter. I said many many prayers of thanks to her for making , guiding and loving  Lisa ito becoming the well adjusted, beautiful lady  and mother she is today. And I thank God then and now for giving me the strength to give Lisa every available chance in life that could only be gained  by Adoption.
She has met Keith, her half brother, quickly forming a tight bond of siblings. Meeting my sister for the first time, she stated" you have my legs!! They too have formed a neat bond..I think one of the funniest comparisons came at that first dinner When Ty noticed my eyes were like his in color ..but it was my nose that he commented on..our noses are just alike..he had never seen one like it before..until seeing me that first time.
Today, the kids and I easily communicate on Facebook, via telephone and even email..They all call me MYLou..which is just fine and dandy with me!

                                                          Lou..back then..
Lisa first birthday

Keith first birthday

                                                                   siblings Keith and Lisa

                                                        Lisa, Mac, Keith and Lou

Joy Mac Lisa and Ty

Now go on over to Jen's Unglazed for more A actions..