Travel Lady

Exploring a Beaver Pond

2012-01-18T18:57:00.000-06:00

James and TravelLady drove from the South to Wyoming with J.D. and Toni during the Christmas holidays.
We stopped about every 3 hours for a bathroom break and to walk the dogs. They explored the banks of this pond in central Nebraska. These trees were perfectly carved away by beavers. Along side of these trees were 2 others already down and in the water. At first I thought of this as destruction of beautiful trees.
After some on-line research, I learned that beavers are a very important part of the ecosystem.
They help to create ponds and wetlands by building small beaver dams. These wetlands provide excellent habitat for many other small species - some endangered species. Beavers are vegetarians and their main food source is tree bark - especially willow and cottonwood trees. It is thought that they have no natural predators at this point in time.

never too old to learn.....

.....TravelLady

Tangerine Tango

2012-01-16T18:30:00.000-06:00

Tangerine Tango

Pantone color of 2012

I love this warm, bright color

.....TravelLady

JD

2012-01-12T16:34:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-01T08:37:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year

from James, Toni, and J.D.

God Bless.....

.....TravelLady

Sunrise

2011-12-28T15:11:00.000-06:00

Sunrise in North Platte, NE

Love this image of a semi in the sunrise!

We were leaving North Platte for Cheyenne on the third day of our travels.

The sky was clear and blue.

We love Nebraska.....

.....TravelLady

A Dog Game

2011-12-27T18:55:00.000-06:00

Toni and Blazer

Playing tug with the hedgehog....

.....TravelLady

Sweaters for Wyoming

2011-12-26T17:33:00.000-06:00

Toni and JD

In their new sweaters for the trip to Wyoming.

They had a great time playing with Blazer!.....

.....TravelLady

Christmas Memories

2011-12-25T18:32:00.000-06:00

Christmas Tree at Glen, Mariana, and Thomas' home

James and TravelLady had a nice Christmas dinner today at my brother's home.

I was about 6 or 7 years old in my earliest Christmas memories. I was in the Christmas program at the Assembly of God Church on Chelsea Avenue. All the girls wore white blouses with round collars and black or green skirts. I wore a santa pin on the round collar - borrowed from mother. We sang the old songs like Away in a Manger, The First Noel, Joy to the World. There was a box with a doll wrapped in a blanket and of course Mary and Joseph standing nearby along with some shepherds and the three wise men. (The older kids were picked for these parts.) Our program was always the Sunday night before the 25th.

On Christmas morning Sue and I always woke up early but had to stay in our rooms until mother and daddy awoke. We usually had 3 or 4 wrapped gifts and 1 or 2 unwrapped gifts from Santa. After eating a light breakfast and getting dressed in newly received clothes, we loaded in the car and traveled to Arkansas. Lepanto was 50 miles from the Mississippi River bridge at Memphis. We went to the home of Aunt Bettye and Uncle C.T. - C.T. was short for Charles Thomas - a good southern name!

C.T. was the cook in the family and boy could he cook!! We usually had a beef roast with all the vegetables and turkey and dressing. When my grandmother was still living, she made several pies and a coconut cake.

After lunch we would play Monopoly with my cousin David and a few of the willing adults. When Daddy played with us, I remember him folding the Monopoly money and putting it in his pocket like real money!

Thankful for Sweet Memories....

and the ability to make new ones.....

.....TravelLady

Suggestions, Please!

2011-11-19T19:00:00.000-06:00

This can happen when you own 2 pairs of black shoes!!!

We just spent 45 minutes looking for a work badge without success. We have installed shelves, drawers and all manner of helpful devices to keep up with keys, badges, etc. My theory is that after six decades on this earth, our brains are too full of useless information. We are not able to remember the important daily details.

All suggestions will be welcomed.....

.....a pleasantly confused TravelLady

A Day of Thanks for Our Veterans

2011-11-11T15:27:00.000-06:00

My father Gus and my son Billy

Thank you to all the veterans!

My list is too numerous to type them all but I must name a few!

Gus Wimpy U.S. Navy WW2

J.D. Roberts U.S. Army WW2

James Roberts Jr U.S. Marines

Adam Morris U.S. Marines (active duty)

Jerry Roberts U.S.Army

Thank you for your service and sacrifice to our great country!!

..TravelLady

The Plant Shelf

2011-10-30T16:06:00.000-05:00

I never knew exactly how to decorate this area. Since the shelf is so high, a bunch of little chotchkes will not work. I have discovered after eighteen years of living in this house that only big items need to be placed this high. That framed print was above the sofa and now it has a new home! I love it there.
The most attractive plant, I think, is the rabbit's foot fern - on the end near the watering can.

Thanks to James for providing the muscle to decorate this area...

I am so thankful that your back is better.....

.....TravelLady

#5 Fix Things or Build Stuff

2011-10-26T18:42:00.000-05:00

A view of the old brick and the early mantle.


We painted the brick with 2 colors.

The mantle is stained a dark walnut.

I have been reading the new cookbook from Southern Living. Heirloom Recipe Cookbook, the food we love from the times we treasure. Along with short essays about all things Southern, it contains recipes from the 50s and 60s with some recipe updates for the way we cook today.

One of the essays is titled, Fifteen Ways to Charm Her. #5 is Fix things or build stuff. The author Amy Bickers writes, "I once watched in awe as my step-father built a front porch on the house he shares with my mother. He knew just what to do, cutting every notch, hammering every nail. The project was complete by sunset."

I am married to just such a charming southern guy!

We were both unhappy ~~hating~~ the old mantle. It was the builder's mantle and we had removed the dentil molding several years ago. (An unfinished project.) James built and finished the new mantle - PERFECT!
He also helped me paint the brick on the fireplace. After much deliberation and 4 paint samples, we decided on 2 colors. A warm toasty brown and a medium caramel color transformed the brick to a pleasing palate that blends with the walnut of the mantle and the rest of the room.

I am in awe every day of how hard he works to make my decorating ideas come to life.

Thank you,

My wonderful southern guy!...

.....TravelLady

My Favorite Dreams Are Of Rooms and Spaces

2011-10-19T21:23:00.000-05:00

Pillows By Christi

My first memory of a "room" dream is from my teenage years. I went to a house that was new to me and explored the rooms and decorations. But there were always 2 or 3 rooms that I could not see or enter.

I have had a variation of this dream in my older years especially in my forties. I have often wondered if the rooms that I could not see represented my future. Am I anxious to know the rest of the story?

When I was about 15, my mother let me totally choose the colors and decorations for my bedroom. I chose light yellow walls, gold carpet and a yellow floral bedspread. I even had a yellow telephone in my room. This was the sixties and the phone company came out to the house and ran a phone line for my room. I had a glass vase and some other glass accessories that I painted black. This room was bright and cheerful to me.

Mother had green carpet in the rest of the house - this was over old oak hardwood flooring - such was the decade of the sixties!

Back to the new living room space. This room now reminds me of that first room that I decorated. It is bright, clean, and cheerful. James and I love it!

sweet dreams to all.....

.....TravelLady

Sweet Dreams

2011-10-15T16:58:00.000-05:00

New Living Room with JD

TravelLady

Summer Ribs

2011-08-20T09:45:00.000-05:00

Hannah and Elijah requested a trip to Corky's for ribs. We went after church services on Sunday.
David did not want ribs but he went with us. Billy and Melissa went to dinner and a movie - date escape.
Hannah and Elijah each ate a slab of wet ribs. David said, "that looks disgusting!" He ate mac and cheese and fries. We had a great time!!

making memories in Memphis.....

.....TravelLady

Sixty Years

2011-08-18T18:38:00.007-05:00

Self Portrait
taken at the neighborhood pool

When I was about David's age, my mother always told me stories about myself when I was a baby. "You were a good baby; you never cried." "When you were two years old, I told you to move the stool (hassock) but to this very day the stool isn't moved." She would say.

I was born in a small country town in a poor southern state. We moved to the big city when I was about two. We lived in one bedroom duplex on Bodley Street in the part of town now called "South Memphis." My parents both wanted jobs and a better life for their family. With hard work and vocational educations they were able to achieve the lower middle class life for us.
They bought a house in the suburbs when I was about five; I lived there until I married and left home. It was the only home they ever owned and I loved my childhood home and neighborhood. It was the 50s and I could ride my bike and play outside all day - my parents had no fear for my safety. My early life was simple but oh so good!

A simple life well lived with family and friends
Fearless of the future.....
.....TravelLady

Birthday Week

2011-08-14T15:47:00.010-05:00

This week of August is very special - one of the days is David's birthday.
These photos were taken during his recent trip to Memphis with his family.
David is TravelLady's number 3 grandchild and he is very special to her and James.!

Outside of the Cracker Barrel. I hope the harmonica made it home.

Swimming at the neighborhood pool.
Love the goggles!

Love all the kids and grandkids.....
.....TravelLady

Happy Birthday Melissa

2011-07-09T20:08:00.010-05:00

We had a great time at Memphis Pizza!

May you have many more happy birthdays!

Love you lots.....

.....TravelLady

Happy Birthday Cindi

2011-06-29T19:38:00.005-05:00

The White House

Sinclair, WY

Happy Birthday to Cindi

James bought TravelLady a new desktop; so, I am unable to scan old photos because my printer is not connected to the new computer. (We are waiting for the geek from KY to visit and help us.) The photo above was transfered to the hard drive and after much hunting and pecking I was able to use it on my blog. This photo makes me feel cool and I need to feel cool today - hot temps and high humidity. This photo also makes me think of Cindi and her home in Wyoming.

We really miss that Southern Girl!

We wish for her the happiest Wyoming birthday ever!

we love you, Cindi.....

.....James and the TravelLady

Happy Birthday

2011-06-17T16:14:00.006-05:00

James, Toni and JD

Happy birthday to James!

This image was taken on our latest trip to northern KY. Our first stop was in Murfreesboro to pick up Chadwick now named JD (our rescue dog - not a pit bull as James had hoped for.) Then we traveled on to KY. We stopped at a beautiful rest area outside of Frankfort for a dog walk and a few snapshots.

more to come.....
.....TravelLady

Birthday Wishes

2011-06-12T12:08:00.002-05:00

Billy and James
Photo from 1983
Their birthdays are just 4 days apart.

love the guys and love the ties.....
.....TravelLady

Going Green

2011-06-12T06:47:00.007-05:00

My old stack washer/dryer was declining quickly. So, we decided to buy new energy efficient appliances. After much research, we decided on Lowes. Since it took 3 trips to Lowes to get the best and lowest price, we had time to walk the aisles and we found these solar walkway lights. I love the pattern of light that they leave on the front walkway!

Whirlpool Energy Star washer and dryer.

Since this photo was taken they have been installed on drawer pedestals. The laundry room has been repainted and the 1980's wallpaper has been removed. The new wall color is called cappuccino. I love it! I wash clothes every day!

saving the earth one purchase at a time.....
.....TravelLady

The Walther 22

2011-05-14T19:02:00.008-05:00

The grip fits my small fingers.

When one sees the S, the weapon is on "safety'. When one sees the F, the weapon will fire-ready or not! Today was the first time in my lifetime to shoot a gun. We went to RangeUSA in Bartlett. After signing a legal document affirming that I had not been deemed mentally ill or convicted of a felony by the courts, I was given permission to enter the life round range.

James taught me the basics and stood by my side as I took the first shots. He then praised my shooting ability. (I am sure in hopes that I will want to return and shoot another day.)

The carry permit classes are now half price at the range.....
.....I see a class in my future, TravelLady

I Am A Mom.....

2011-05-08T09:32:00.004-05:00

....to these two precious kids. (now grown) It was 1950 day at Oakland School.

I think they look cute - Don't You?
.....TravelLady

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-07T15:26:00.003-05:00

She was called "Great Memaw" by my grandkids.
I think of her every day!
I dream of her often.
She was not perfect but now that does not matter so much.

.....TravelLady

The Old Dell and the Hard Drive

2011-05-02T19:16:00.008-05:00

My desktop is getting old. Computer years are like dog years. In the most likely event that the Dell dies, all my photos need a backup. James has a Hitachi Hard Drive and we have started the transfer process. I don't really understand what I'm doing but I can follow directions. One of the rewards of the transfer process is the discovery of long forgotten photos of family. Guess who they are and guess where we are. James did not go but he sent us. From the looks on the faces we are not really having a good time. The kids may be too old to enjoy Disney with their mom; they need friends their own age to really have a good time. What was I thinking?? (I have no gray hair!)

This photo was taken in 1993. Glen and Christi look so young! Mother and Daddy look healthy and happy! I would love to go back in time and give them one more hug and tell them how much I love them! On a decorating sidebar, my living room is so WHITE and BLAND. Colorless walls, beige carpet and dig the navy blue loveseat. Once again, what was I thinking?

This my sweetie, James. The year is 1993 and we are posed in front of our new house. I love a man in a suit and tie. His hair is now short and gray; with the years he has developed much character and wisdom. Hopefully I have learned those same qualities from him.

And finally, what can I say? What was the occasion for the flower? I like the dark hair and the style, but what about those red glasses? They were the style - I SAY!

love the photo diving in the desktop.....
.....TravelLady

Last Day of April

2011-04-30T16:36:00.015-05:00

It started with a facebook post and a link to the song How Great Thou Art performed by Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill. I went to the site and listened - how beautiful to my ears!
I went to Itunes and looked but that performance was not available. But, I found this album by Randy Travis. Download. Love. Love.

Both my sister's birthday and my mother's birthday are in the month of April. (It was always a special month when my mother was living.) I made this tote bag for Christi for her birthday. We went to Johnsons Fabrics and she chose the check for the base of the bag and a blue print for the lining.
The cowboy print fabric was chosen by Cindi for pillows in Wyoming. The fabric was taken to Wyoming and was vetoed by the resident cowboy there. So the fabric was sent back to Tennessee. Christi and I both love the fabric. She chose it for her bag.

I applied batting and a thin lining fabric and the machine quilted around the design of the horse and cowboys. This photo does not show the quilted texture very well.

The Lining

I was very pleased at the finished product. Happy Birthday to Christi!
oh! for the mental energy (mood) for more sewing.....
.....TravelLady

Navigating to Oxford

2011-02-27T19:53:00.008-06:00

It was a stormy, rainy day with tornado watches and warnings. James had a CE class to teach in Oxford, Mississippi at the Hospital Wing hangar. He has no sense of direction - north/south or east/west; so, Toni and TravelLady traveled with him to Oxford. After careful planning with Google Maps, we left Memphis about 4 PM and arrived there about half past six.

Due to the impending bad weather, the helicopter was safely parked in the hangar. The pilots were gracious and welcomed me into their "home away from home." Their at work living quarters were clean and neat - much like a Marine Corp barracks. I spent about two hours chatting with the pilots and flight nurses while we watched the weather radar. They spoke of past bad weather days and those souls lost to weather related accidents. Many thanks to the pilots and nurses!!
We arrived back home safely about 10:15 PM. We are planning to go back to Oxford and spend a day in the downtown area visiting the shops and having dinner at one of the great southern restaurants.

Grateful for brave pilots and nurses of the Hospital Wing.....
.....TravelLady

Saturday Guests

2011-02-20T12:11:00.006-06:00

Thomas and Toni

Artwork on the Backdoor

Signed by the artist!

Last Saturday Thomas and Glen came to visit; we had a great time catching up on family news. Toni always likes to have guests that will play games with her. Then Thomas discovered my back door - many years back it was painted with chalkboard paint for the grandkids. I generally use the area for grocery lists; but now I have original artwork.

Thomas - come back soon
I love the artwork.....
.....TravelLady

Ste. Genevieve Part II

2011-02-14T14:00:00.009-06:00

Wow, has it been this many days since the last post of Ste. Genevieve. These are the flood gates and after passing through them we were driving downhill to the river.

Coming back from the river we saw this sign in the wooded area; possibly helpful to orient any lost souls disembarking from the ferry.
This drawing is in Missouri state archives. Ste Genevieve may have looked like this in 1735. The settlement was later moved about a mile away from the river due to flooding. A few of these original structures have survived to present times.

Old houses; Narrow streets

The first brick house to be built west of the Mississippi River.

always thankful for safe travels.....
.....TravelLady

Ste. Genevieve

2011-01-23T06:54:00.007-06:00

We had planned a stop in Saint Genevieve, Missouri on the way home from Wyoming. So, we left Warrenton, Missouri before sunrise on Sunday morning. The town of Ste. Genevieve was still asleep when we arrived with few cars about. We followed the signs and drove to the river/ferry landing. The ferry looked like a one or two car vessel; it traveled to the Illinois side of the Mississippi. We could not see a town or buildings on the other side and wondered if the ferry did enough business; but it may have been much busier on a workday.

NOTE: The ferry is mainly used to transport tourists across the Mississippi to other historical sites. (This fact learned after on-line research 1-24-11.)

Man and Dog

James has the "tired face" in this photo. He drove over 600 miles the previous day.
I wanted to see the town of Ste. Genevieve because it was settled in 1732 by the French.
The streets were narrow and the older buildings were quaint and beautiful. It seemed like the old houses were about a mile from the river on a bluff. I am guessing that the river floods at this area. (A flood gate of about 30 feet in height was present on the road to the river.)

more to come of Ste. Genevieve.....
.....TravelLady

Happy New Year - 2011

2011-01-01T19:13:00.001-06:00

She was new and fresh and cute - this is Toni at eight weeks old in the back of the CRV.

Our new year is much the same - new and fresh. In this fresh year, I will try to be a better, kinder person. I want to be kind to myself and take better care of myself. I want to be more generous with my time. I want to read my bible more. I want to make new friends but cherish my old friends even more than I do now.

I am grateful for my many blessings - both spiritual and material - AND especially my family.

always thankful for safe travels.....
.....TravelLady

Fond Memories

2010-12-25T07:10:00.001-06:00

It's Christmas morning and TravelLady is traveling down memory lane. I'm thinking of happy times past and hoping for happy times present and future. I chose Niagara Falls......

and my favorite image of my mother.....

Merry Christmas to all.....
May you spend a happy day with your family.....
.....TravelLady

Land of the Blowing Snow

2010-12-19T07:06:00.000-06:00

I-80 Westbound with Blowing Snow

We encountered no problems on the road from Cheyenne to Laramie. But about 2 miles west of Laramie the snow and ice appeared. With the speed limit down to 35 mph, it took 2 1/2 hours to go 100 miles. The eastbound lanes of I-80 were closed for several miles and the snow plows were out.
For James and the TravelLady, these snow scenes were new and amazing. They were both beautiful and a bit scary to drive on. When we have snow in Tennessee, our city shuts down for a day. On the next day after the snow has melted, we resume our normal lives. If we move to Wyoming for our retirement years, we will need to learn a new normal.....

.....TravelLady

Nebraska Ice Fog

2010-12-18T07:30:00.001-06:00

The starting location was North Platte, Nebraska and it was the beginning of our third travel day. The first two days were uneventful but our luck was about to change. When James took Toni out for her early morning bathroom time, he discovered that every surface was covered with a thin coating of ice. It was named Ice Fog by the LaQuinta front desk person.
Our usual custom is to get an early start - about 6-7 am but we waited until 9 to leave North Platte.

We could see traffic moving on I-80 so we decided to start out for Wyoming. The above image was taken from a rest area - one of many that we visited this morning. The ice in the trees was beautiful.
The temperature was about 28 degrees and by this time the skies were clear and blue.

These two semi trucks came from the other side of the road. They must have hit an icy spot at the top of the hill and jack-knifed and crossed into oncoming traffic. We counted a total of 5 cars and 3 semi trucks off the road in this area.

Our all wheel drive Honda did not skid or slide......
.....TravelLady

The Summit

2010-12-04T19:57:00.001-06:00

The Summit - Elevation 8,640 ft

Bronze on granite

These images were taken on our trip home from Thanksgiving with Cindi and Keith. Of all the photos taken, these are my favorite two. I have used the top image for my desktop background.
On our coldest day the temp was -7 with wind chill to -22. (Being from the south we did not have warm clothes or shoes for these temps.) My summer trips to Wyoming have been a pleasant respite from the hot, humid south. But the winter temps with wind chill were the coldest that I have ever experienced. The coldest temp that I remember in Tennessee was 14 degrees. (That is in my lifetime and memory.)
James and I were both short of breath at this altitude and temperature, but we quickly recovered by the time we reached Laramie and Cheyenne. I did some shopping with Cindi in Cheyenne. Then we all had lunch at the Olive Garden. After lunch James, Toni, and I headed for Nebraska and home.

more to come.....
.....TravelLady

Fall 2010 Part II

2010-11-17T12:06:00.001-06:00

TravelLady and James took a fall trip to Kentucky to visit kids and grandkids. I always take an extra camera for the little guy to use. He was taking a photo of me as I was taking a photo of him. There was much talk about Christmas wish lists. For the preteen - clothes, shoes and play make-up - made the list. For the middle guy - pants, shirts, marbles, etc - made the list. For the little guy - 3 Lego magazines appeared and about half of items in the magazines made the list. He really made me laugh!!

Also, Target cards will be greatly appreciated.

Front facade of the new rest area I-65 Tennessee.

When we traveled to Kentucky in the spring, this rest area was closed for repairs. Oh, what changes were made! I could just move into the place. It looks like a fancy cabin in the woods. It was a beautiful day to travel with blue skies and waving flags! God Bless America!

There is also a place for Toni.....
.....TravelLady

Fall 2010 Part I

2010-11-17T11:54:00.001-06:00

After saving for about a year, we finally had the funds for a new roof and garage door. Dealing with the roofing company had its ups and downs but we are extremely happy with the results.

The roofing is light gray in color and textured to look like wood shingles. It is also guaranteed for up to 80 mile per hour winds; we do have those winds in Memphis at times. The new garage door has an outside keypad and great inside lights. (No problems were had with the garage door; the men were very skilled and done in a day!)

We also dog sat for Winston. WOW! Toni was very happy to see him. (We didn't tell her that he was coming so it was a total surprise.) Christi and Jeff made a trip to Nashville to see Aaron and the grandkitty.

more to come.....
.....TravelLady

A Luncheon With Laura Bush

2010-11-14T13:28:00.001-06:00

The event was the 9th Annual Cancer Center Luncheon with Former First Lady Laura W. Bush. My sweet husband bought two tickets for the event using his PTO hours. Christi and I were at table 43 - about three tables out from the podium. These were great seats. The Grand Ballroom at the Peabody Hotel was packed.

The Soulsville Charter School Orchestra provided music - a selection of soul songs from the sixties and seventies. This charter school opened in 2005 and will have its first graduation in May 2012.

The former first lady wore a bright red wool two-piece suit.

This beautiful bouquet included her favorite flowers - yellow roses.

Mrs. Bush spoke about her family, current events, Sept 11, and her current projects. After her talk, there was a question and answer session with written questions sent to the front from each table. Several questions were answered but not enough for me!! I could have listened to her talk for a much longer time. She was delightful with a great sense of humor; she read some of the tabloid headlines reported about her during the time she was First Lady.

Each of the round banquet tables had an arrangement such as this and they were for sale. Christi bought one! She plans to redo it for Christmas.

Christi and TravelLady.....
.....we had a great day!!

The Spot Card

2010-09-18T15:35:00.001-05:00

Perfect to the last detail - even a dog stamp.

Very Creative - by Hannah.

TravelLady received in the mail today a most perfect card. It was handmade by Hannah.
Thanks so very much, sweet Hannah!!

I am blessed to report that my cataract surgery went well! I did not realize how bad my sight was until I regained my sight in my right eye.

A cataract is defined as a clouding of the lens of the eye. This clouding causes a decrease in the amount of light reaching the retina. Also, it causes a decrease in the brightness of colors especially blue. There are many causes; old age, environment, and the one cause for me - genetic factors. My father had cataract surgery at age 48; I am 59. Most of the patients in the MD office were 70ish.

in the future - surgery for my left eye.....
.....TravelLady

Buffalo Valley Ranch

2010-09-12T06:42:00.000-05:00

After leaving Teton National Park, our caravan of 2 vehicles decided to proceed at different speeds; Billy and family wanted to get back to Rawlins and get supplies for their trip back to Kentucky. Keith, Cindi, Christi and TravelLady decided to stop at the Buffalo Valley Ranch for a hamburger and milkshake. We were greeted with these beautiful vistas of the ranch with the Tetons in the background. I failed to get a photo of the sign face on......

Buffalo Valley Ranch
Cafe - Cabins
Fly Shop.

There was a screened porch on the front of the cabin; and this sign over the door.

Tetons in the background.

Another view of the Tetons. Breathtaking!

the food was good but the scenery was better.....
.....TravelLady

The Shadow

2010-08-22T08:17:00.001-05:00

"Memaw - Look at my shadow!"

"Memaw - Take a picture of my shadow."

"You don't see that everyday."

It was our last day in Yellowstone; we stopped at the Black Sand Basin. David was with me while the group walked and took photos. The morning sun was bright and David enjoyed seeing his shadow. The bottom image is of a boiling, gurgling opening in the rock and sand and David's statement was priceless.

Booknote: I am currently reading Dracula by Bram Stoker on my Nook. It was a free book and I thought that I would try it; so far, it has been interesting.

.....TravelLady

The Nook

2010-08-14T21:02:00.001-05:00

The Nook
With Pink Leather Case

A package arrived today from Wyoming. I knew it was coming; and I was patiently waiting.
It was a Nook and it came with the cute leather case and a $25 Barnes and Noble gift card.
Also important and greatly appreciated was the Hoops and Yoyo birthday card.

With the letters set on the extra large size, it is easy to read my first Nook book - a Walt Longmire mystery. It is love at first site and first book.

thanks to Cindi and Keith.....
.....TravelLady

August Book Review

2010-08-14T13:57:00.000-05:00

We did our errands early this morning due to the extreme heat and humidity; 100 degrees and 77% humidity. WOW. It just about takes my breath away!

We went to Lowe's to buy every incandescent 3 way bulb that they had after deciding that we are finished with fluorescent bulbs. They may be good for the environment but they are not good for reading with old, cataract laden eyes.

Then it was on to Barnes and Noble for a new stash of hardback books. Since I am no longer safe to drive, James takes me to work and I have about an hour to wait for him in the afternoon. (By the way my eye appointment is on Wednesday.) I spend this extra hour reading and I finished the Craig Johnson book last week. Junkyard dogs is set in Wyoming during the winter. I really enjoyed reading this book with the description of the snow, zero degrees, and wind. The main character of the book says that his words are blown to Nebraska in the winter.

I may have already reviewed Every Last One. My advice is do not read if you have any problems with depression. It is very intense and sad!

Heart of the Matter - HO HUM. It is bland; don't waste your time.

State Fair - I loved this book! It was like a cool watermelon or refreshing glass of iced tea after reading the Mary Sutter book.

In line for reading are Foreign Body, Death's Half Acre, and Made in the U.S.A.

not in the mood for Laura Bush just yet.....
.....TravelLady

Hannah in Yellowstone

2010-08-13T12:22:00.001-05:00

Christi the "Warden"
I believe that this image was captured by Hannah.

Old Pen windows in Rawlins, WY.

Hannah in Yellowstone
Image by TravelLady

Using the Kodak camera.

Hannah's image of the landscape at the Paint Pots.

TravelLady could usually tell who had taken the picture by the height and perspective of the image. Hannah did not do a self portrait; I will try to get a self portrait the next time we travel to see the family. About a month has passed since the Wyoming/Yellowstone vacation and I can still enjoy the memories of the trip every day.

thankful for vacations and family.....
.....TravelLady

Elijah In Yellowstone

2010-08-02T17:26:00.000-05:00

Elijah using the Kodak camera.
Image by TravelLady.

Elijah's image of the bison. Very good!

Self portrait. Always a must.

Old Faithful. By Elijah.

At the sleep over. In Sinclair at the gray house.

What a great time we had in Wyoming; these are just a few of the hundreds of images taken.
TravelLady loved the time spent with her grandkids on vacation!

thankful for grandkids and vacations.....
.....TravelLady

The New Juicer

2010-07-28T19:00:00.000-05:00

New Juicer from Wyoming

I have fond memories of my grandmother using a juicer just like the one pictured above.
For breakfast this popular appliance was used for orange juice - fresh squeezed! The grocery stores in the 1950's did not have the variety of fresh juices that one can find today. Orange juice concentrate was found in the freezer case and reconstituted with 3 cans of water to make juice,
Grandmother Wimpy also used her juicer for lemons; she made delicious lemonade and lemon ice box pies.
These juicers were made in the 1920s and 1930's hence the name depression glass. They were manufactured from colored molded molten glass and were probably used every day by the home cooks of that era.
Cindi bought this juicer and another smaller one at a yard sale in Sinclair, Wyoming. She then mailed them to me. Thank you Cindi! (I would also love a juicer in pink.)

My New Book

After James got home from work, we went to Starbucks for coffee and tea. Then we went to the book store. We took Toni; so, we took turns going into the book store. Earlene Fowler is one of my favorite authors; I hope her new book does not disappoint.

thinking of Cindi and Wyoming.....
.....TravelLady

Images by David

2010-07-25T13:33:00.001-05:00

Sad Faces

Happy Faces

Happy Self Portrait

While we were waiting for Old Faithful to erupt the second time, David took these images with the Kodak C613 digital camera. All three of the grandkids used the camera during the trip and TravelLady has some priceless images!

Remembering our happy times together.....
.....TravelLady

Grandkids in Yellowstone

2010-07-13T19:37:00.000-05:00

Hello to Pepaw.....
.....TravelLady

Yellowstone 2010

2010-07-10T19:20:00.001-05:00

Black Sand Basin

This image was taken on our last day in Yellowstone; we were headed for the Tetons.

loving Wyoming and Yellowstone.....
.....TravelLady

We Have Arrived

2010-07-07T11:33:00.000-05:00

After a two hour flight to Denver and then a three hour drive to Wyoming, we arrived tired but happy to see family. My son and his family drove from Kentucky, stopped in South Dakota to see the sites and arrived in Wyoming the day before Christi and me. We are staying in houses owned by my son-in-law. My daughter has been the perfect hostess for her 'bed and breakfast.'
The temp in Memphis was in the 90's; now I am loving the 50's.

The above image is of the Wind River Range. We will be traveling to Thermopolis thru this range on our way to Yellowstone.

I miss James and Toni.....
.....TravelLady

Wyoming - Here I Come

2010-07-05T20:30:00.000-05:00

The Blessings of My Life
1983

Traveling west.....
.....TravelLady

Zinnia

2010-07-04T19:58:00.000-05:00

How beautiful!

July 2010

2010-07-03T10:57:00.000-05:00

Happy Independence Day

Blue Hydrangea

Wild Day Lily

Oakleaf Hydrangea

A thankful spirit can replace fear with faith and worry with peace. "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Col. 4:2 NIV

I am ever thankful for my life and my family.....

.....TravelLady

Baby Geese

2010-07-02T19:35:00.000-05:00

It is always fun every spring to watch baby geese grow into full grown geese. Are baby geese called goslings? Our lake has had a great number this year due to the dam failure of the other two lakes during the Mayday Flood 2010. We received about 10 inches of rain in two days.

Book Note: I finished the Mary Sutter book in about a week; I couldn't put it down. It is a very good read but not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach. The setting is during the Civil War and Mary wants to be a surgeon. At the beginning of the book, Mary is working as a midwife in Albany, New York. She moves to Washington City (now D.C.) to be close to the wounded of the war and possibly to learn the skills of a surgeon......

.....TravelLady

Happy Birthday Cindi

2010-06-30T06:53:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday
Cindi

with a blessed and happy heart.....
.....TravelLady

Images of Europe - 2007

2010-06-26T19:43:00.001-05:00

Swiss Alps in the background

Majestic Building in London

TravelLady has had enough of the hot weather pics!

My desktop has been having slow running problems. So I decided to clean off the emails from 2007, 2008, and 2009; this took about two hours. I discovered some neat old images that were new to me; the above are of Aaron on his senior trip to Europe. Being the TravelLady, I always love to see travel pics. Ten countries in about as many days probably made a blur of travel memories for Aaron and Jeff.

I will soon be making new travel memories.....
.....TravelLady

Memories of the Heat 2009

2010-06-16T08:34:00.001-05:00

Cookout 2009

It was just about this time last year that James and TravelLady hosted a hamburger cookout for out of town guests. Keith's family from Wyoming and Oregon were in Memphis for the wedding of Keith and Cindi on June 20, 2009. Memphis had a week of hot, sticky, unbearable heat and humidity! The cookout had been planned since May when the temps were in the bearable 80 degree range. We bought a canopy for the patio and umbrellas for the tables. Drinks and watermelons were iced in large containers. But all the preparation in the world could not offset the heat and the flies. Extra fans and the central air inside the house gave much needed relief.

103 Degrees

2010-06-14T18:04:00.001-05:00

"I can stay outside about 5 minutes."

"Then my people let me inside and turn on two fans!"

too hot to think.....
.....TravelLady

Summer Reading

2010-06-13T16:11:00.001-05:00

I am currently reading the Joel Osteen devotion book and the historical fiction My Name is Mary Sutter. The other three are patiently waiting their turn.
With the setting of Washington City (now D.C.) at the beginning of the Civil War, My Name is Mary Sutter promises to be a great book. I will want to continue reading it until finished!

reading on hot summer days.....

.....TravelLady

Happy Birthday Billy

2010-06-12T15:20:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday!
Billy - one year old.

My heart feels happy when I think of you - 33 years of happy thoughts!

.....TravelLady

The Nikon Coolpix

2010-06-06T16:25:00.000-05:00

Mr "I will buy you any kind of gadget."

Up Close

Toni's New Pool

Toni in her pool.

James' quest for a better camera started two weeks ago. He wanted to surprise me! My current camera, a Kodak, has a viewing screen that I can not see in bright daylight. (As previously mentioned, I have decreased vision especially in bright light.)
So, after much Internet research, he decided to take me to Costco. They had ten digital cameras on display and in stock. Without success, I looked for a camera that was not made in China. (My regular readers will know my love for American made products - or products from any country other than China.)
We decided on the Nikon Coolpix S8000. The display screen was very bright and easy to see in the store. There was a choice of 3 different colored metal fronts - red, silver, black. I said, "Which one would you have chosen for me?" He said, "The red one." So, red we bought.
It comes with a quick guide and a large complicated instruction book for all the different features. I plan to point and click and hopefully capture some great moments from the upcoming Wyoming trip.
About the swimming pool for Toni - We know that she needs a bigger size but only the smaller size would fit in the back of the Honda. We may take the truck back to Kroger for the bigger size if and when Toni plans a pool party for Winston and herself.
These are Sunday afternoon ramblings while James is at the Sisterhood Showcase!

learning to use my camera for Wyoming.....
.....TravelLady

Son and Grandsons

2010-05-27T19:22:00.000-05:00

They look alike!

Instruction from the marksman!

More images from our trip to Kentucky.

Love these guys.....
.....TravelLady

"Little Armored One"

2010-05-26T17:25:00.001-05:00

Number 1

Number 2
The Nine Banded Armadillo

On Monday of this week, my neighborhood received 2 inches of rain in about 1 hour. It was a rogue summertime cloud that did not cover the city - it just flooded certain areas.
James discovered these armadillos while walking Toni. He hurried home to get the camera. We drove back to the first lake in our neighborhood and snapped these photos. Several cars stopped with the occupants asking (1) what the animals were and (2) did he own them?
James and TravelLady have only seen armadillos as road kill. So it was a great surprise to see them alive and running around. They build burrows in the moist soils of streams and creeks. (Did the rain flood their burrows and force them out on the banks of the lake?)
According to my Internet research, they are most common to Texas but have been known to live in all the southeastern states.

Calling Tennessee home
.....two little armored ones and
TravelLady.....

The Rifleman

2010-05-22T19:14:00.000-05:00

James really likes this image; it was taken by Billy last Saturday in Kentucky. They gathered up all their handguns, rifles, and shotguns and went shooting. A great time was had by all!

.....TravelLady

Reading List

2010-04-24T19:51:00.000-05:00

The TravelLady has read five books since my last post about books on March 3, 2010. For a person with one good eye, that is a lot of reading. (I have a cataract in my right eye and will need surgery soon.) What? You say that there are six books in the stack. That's correct.
Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton was so bad that I read about twenty pages and decided not to waste my time.
Going Rogue by Sarah Palin was excellent and I loved every minute of reading it. I loved the description of life in Alaska and I could sense the beauty of the state.
R is for Ricochet by Sue Grafton had a stupid plot and unbelievable characters. At the end of the book, I wished that I had not wasted my time!
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini was another excellent book that I greatly enjoyed reading. It is a book of fiction and the setting is Afghanistan.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett is the best of the six books. The setting is Jackson, Mississippi during the decade of the 1960's. It gets two thumbs up!!
Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts was read in one day. It contains many photos and projects that the beginner could complete. It will be a reference book in my sewing library.

taking a break from reading
making a scrapbook of my youngest grandchild.....
.....TravelLady

Toni's New Bed

2010-04-24T19:48:00.001-05:00

Toni says, "Thanks Blazer. I love my new bed."

The Grand Canyon

2010-04-17T19:41:00.001-05:00

The Grand Canyon is on my to-see list before I die. Cindi sent this image per e-mail. It was taken today during a flight from Denver to San Diego.

Dreaming and Planning.....
.....TravelLady

Signs of Spring

2010-03-31T17:20:00.000-05:00

Because the back yard willow tree will shade the new garden, James had plans to take it down. But he made a beautiful discovery on Sunday - a nest in the Y-shaped trunk. The tree has been spared from the chain saw for now.

I grabbed the camera on Sunday and recorded this image. This nest is so low to the ground that I could take the photo. The nest is a beautiful structure with the green branches of the willow worked into it.

Today I looked and now there are three eggs.

Loving the color...robin's egg blue.....
.....TravelLady

Happy Birthday Glen

2010-03-31T16:48:00.001-05:00

Glen and Carey

I want to wish my baby brother a happy birthday today. He had a hard task in life to be the baby brother and have three older sisters. We sure did mother him and boss him around.
This photo was taken in 1976 and was found in some of my father's papers. I believe that Glen was about thirteen years old. The little guy is my nephew Carey; he was about three at the time.
Glen started taking piano lessons last year and plays pretty well for an old guy. I heard that he got a new piano for his birthday. Christi and I will soon be summoned for a recital.

Happy Birthday to Glen.....
.....TravelLady

Back to the Present

2010-03-30T16:04:00.001-05:00

Toni and Winston had a play date last Saturday. They love to get out in Christi and Jeff's back yard and run. Of course, Winston can run about 10 times faster than Toni. But Toni is lower to the ground and can turn on a 'dime'.

Winston has a happy look on his face when running. He is such a kind, gentle dog. He patiently endures all the jumping and hyperactivity that is Toni.

Toni in Winston's sandbox. Panting.

Thinking of happy times.....
.....TravelLady

Brothers

2010-03-28T18:37:00.001-05:00

Howard, Gus, John

On my second day of upstairs closet cleaning, I discovered yet another large package of letters, photos, and cards that my father had saved. Christi and I think that he never discarded a piece of paper. The above image is of my father and his brothers, Howard and John.
John and Daddy have passed away. I am unsure of the status of Howard. He is a retired Navy veteran and was living in the Seattle, Washington area at the time that Daddy died. This image was taken in 2ooo in the driveway of Daddy's home in Memphis.
Daddy did not live to meet Thomas his grandson or Elijah and David his great-grandsons. I feel sad.
I am reminded of the verses in Ecclesiastes 3:11,12. "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from the beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live."

Pondering the puzzle of life.....
.....TravelLady

Fathers

2010-03-17T20:46:00.001-05:00

Gus Wimpy

James, Cindi, Billy

Gus Wimpy was my father. He passed away in December, 2000. Christi and I found this slide of him today while looking through a box of his papers. He looks to be about forty years old at the time that the slide was taken. I sure do miss him!

James loves to fish. This image is from 1979 at a lake in Jackson, TN. Cindi had just fallen in the lake and James is comforting her. Billy is looking on. The time flies and the children grow up so fast. I sure do miss these little guys! (Now they are grown and married.)

Thinking of times past.....
.....TravelLady

Herb Parsons Lake

2010-03-07T11:36:00.001-06:00

A Full Lake

I Love This Quote!

Toni was feeling much better.

After the snow and ice episodes of the past two months, we finally had a cloudy, mild day. So we loaded Toni and our cameras in the DTM and went to Herb Parsons. The water has been extremely low for the past few seasons due to drought like conditions. This past summer and fall were the wettest on record in several years and the water level is up to the spill way.
James bought his Tennessee fishing license and is now dreaming of the perfect morning for fishing. Toni and I plan to go and enjoy being outdoors......

.....TravelLady

Gone - February 2010

2010-03-03T18:32:00.000-06:00

Toni was sick with gastroenteritis.

February 2010 will forever be remembered by me. Memphis had a month of cold weather with two snow events. Most nights the low was in the twenties! For a southern state this is a continued cold snap!! Also, Toni had a two week illness with nausea, vomiting, anorexia. The vet called it gastroenteritis and prescribed medications for infection and nausea and other gastric upsets. Food and water were restricted for three days to let her gut rest. Then we slowly introduced sips of ice water and ice chips. When we were allowed to give food, she would not eat.

James spent a few nights on the sofa with her. We prayed for her and us. We did not want her to suffer. (Are prayers for a dog appropriate?) She has recovered to about 90% of her former energy and personality.

Petey the rescue dog.

Pete was rescued. A home health nurse found him wondering a South Memphis street during the extreme freezing weather in January. He was hairless, skin and bones. He spent a month at the vet being treated for heart worms, the mange, and malnutrition. He is at the home of Deborah the nurse who rescued him. She brought him to our home for a "meet and greet".
It did not go well. Toni was not friendly and I did not want him. (I am being totally honest.)
James hopes to get a puppy soon - he could easily be a hoarder of anything living!

I finished reading this book about the life of Abigail Adams. She lived in the Boston area during the time of the American Revolution. Abigail was the first woman to be both the wife and mother of a US President. It was a great book and I was truly sad when I finished. I will miss traveling back to those times! Thanks, Melissa.
This book was a gift to James for Christmas by a doctor at MUH. It was written by a neurologist and is a great medical thriller. The action takes place in New York City and Ukraine. Another book that I am sorry to finish. I loved the locations. Thanks, Dr. W.

Several other events occurred during February 2010. The month is gone but the memory remains.......

.....TravelLady

He Loves His Truck

2010-02-02T18:18:00.000-06:00

James and his beloved truck

It was purchased used from Serra Chevrolet in 1996. It was a match made in heaven for the 1994 Chevy S-10 and a truck loving southern man. A pick-up is essential equipment for those of us who love home improvement projects and gardening.
In 1996, this truck had about 36,000 thousand miles on it - just getting broken in.
In 2010, the mileage is up to over 225,000 miles. It made many trips over the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina to the coast to see our son and family. It has been loaded with all types of furniture, dirt, firewood, luggage, dogs, and Goodwill donations.

Many attempts have been made to steal this truck from our driveway. During our latest police report we were advised to buy a club and park the truck in the garage. And so the ritual began. It is driven into the garage at night and out in the morning for the commute downtown. No snow and ice has touched the paint this winter. On our cold January mornings it cranks quickly.

Chevrolet no longer manufactures the S-10; so it is all the more precious to us. Last fall we bought 4 new tires and a new spare. The person at Gateway said, "You're buying 5 tires for that truck? The tires are worth more than the truck!" We both laughed. We have history with that truck!

James loves his truck...
...TravelLady loves James

Ice Storm 2010

2010-01-31T20:08:00.001-06:00

Oak trees on Oak Springs Drive

Willow tree limbs on the fence

Icy drive at the Wolfchase Mall

Monkey grass and Oakleaf Hydrangea

Spring buds on the maple tree

Toni and James playing a game of tug.

After a week of predictions by the weatherman, we finally got our ice and snow. One and one-half inches of sleet, snow, and freezing rain was just enough to ice the roads, overpasses, lawns and trees. Most of the usual weekend activities such as shopping and attending church services did not happen. The above images were taken Sunday morning under a beautiful azure sky surrounded by glistening trees and a coating of clear ice on all surfaces.

Thankful for the beauty of the day......
.....TravelLady

Visitors From Romania

2010-01-20T18:44:00.000-06:00

Brother, Mom, Mariana

Christi and I went to Glen and Mariana's home on Monday to meet her mother and brother from Romania. They arrived in Memphis earlier this month.
We did a lot of smiling and Mariana did the talking and interpreting for us. During Glen's last trip to Romania, he took home videos of the countryside, trains, and the village. Anytime that we go to Glen's, we must watch home videos and Monday was no exception. The summer countryside of Romania looked green and beautiful.
Mom will visit in the US about two and one half months. Her brother will stay about two weeks and then will return home to work.

Thinking of Romania......
.....TravelLady

Love Mercy

2010-01-18T19:07:00.001-06:00

My first completed read of 2010, Love Mercy, left me feeling just OK. This book was written by Earlene Fowler of the Bennie Harper mystery series. Some of the characters of the Bennie Harper series are mentioned and play small parts.
I love that the name of the author is in large letters on this cover and the title of the book is much smaller.
The setting is on the California central coast - this I love - in fictional San Celina County. The fictional town is Morro Bay and the main character, Love Mercy Johnson, is recently widowed and lives in a small house with views of the Pacific Ocean.
Love's granddaughter, Rett, arrives in Morro Bay unannounced at Christmastime.......
The characters believe in God and the Bible in different degrees, prayer is mentioned and specific Bible verses are also quoted. (This is probably the reason that I finished this book.)

Quoting from the book. "She sang the last song by heart - "Blessed Assurance." She was surprised that Rocky closed with such a traditional hymn. His final prayer surprised her even more, because he prayed first in Spanish, then in English."

My next book will be non-fiction......
.....TravelLady

Dogs and Dots

2010-01-05T15:51:00.001-06:00

It was love at first sight.

"Man's Best Friend"

Cindi was home in Memphis for Christmas. Her home and husband and dog are in Wyoming. But I hope that part of her will always call Memphis home. Since she needs fabrics for window treatments and pillows, I suggested that we go to Johnson's Fabrics in Bartlett. (Christi, Cindi and I were out for a day of shopping and lunch.)
It was love at first sight for me - dogs and dots - in neutral colors that I love. I bought 2 yards of each. The design is named "Man's Best Friend" by Prestigious Textiles; 100% cotton; printed in the UK. The dots measure 2 inches in diameter and the dog with the brown sweater measures about 6x5 inches. The background color is a warm off-white with yellow undertones.

I am formulating a plan for new pillows in the living room, recovering my 2 armless chairs with a coordinating fabric, painting the walls, etc.....This fabric find will lead to an all new space!

I hope to be sewing soon......
.....TravelLady

Christmas Trip To Northern Kentucky

2010-01-03T19:29:00.000-06:00

Icy shrubs outside the front door

Snow on the Honda

Tired Grandchildren After Swimming

On the day after Christmas we took a road trip to see my grandkids, son, and daughter-in-law.
Cindi, James, Toni-the pit bull and I made the trip in about nine hours. We exchanged our gifts and I really enjoyed seeing the faces of the little ones as the gifts were unwrapped.
Our Sunday was filled with activities including church, eating out, and swimming in the hotel pool. Mother nature provided wind, cold temperatures and snow.

The last trip of 2009.....
.....the TravelLady

Thoughts On the New Year

2010-01-01T18:25:00.000-06:00

Family and Friends
Christmas 2009
Christi and Jeff's Home

After Cindi's plane landed from Denver, we had a lovely Christmas dinner at the home of Christi and Jeff. A few gifts were exchanged, photos were taken, and old stories remembered. It was a happy time together. Thanks Christi for all your hard work!

I have been pondering and planning for the new year and new decade. What types of actions and activities will I place on my "to do" list for 2010?
1. Being the TravelLady, I want to travel this year. Maybe the Grand Canyon, more western states, some eastern states, the Biltmore again. James and I are in the planning and saving stage.
2. Because I can sew and have that listed as a hobby, I would like to do a project this year. I have two slipper chairs and would love to sew slipcovers for them. Coordinating pillows are also in the planning stage. I have new fabric from a wonderful fabric store in Bartlett named Johnson's Fabrics.
3. Because I start a new diet once or twice a year, this year should be no different. I will always have extra weight to lose. Along with diet must go EXERCISE!! (I have all the equipment, I just need to use it.)
4. Because I am am a Bible-Believer, I plan to spend more time in study and prayer. A 2010 prayer journal will be started. (I kept prayer journals in the 1990's and I love to go back and read them. To the best of my human understanding, many of my prayers were answered.)
5. Being with family and friends will always be important to me. For 2010, I desire to connect with others - family, friends, strangers, and co-workers.

Ever thankful for all my blessings......
.....TravelLady

Thanksgiving Part II

2009-12-31T19:25:00.000-06:00

The Four Siblings

This image was taken by Jeff, my brother-in-law. Thank you Jeff for such a great photo!

Happy New Year to all.....
.....TravelLady

Thomas and Winston at Thanksgiving

2009-12-31T16:19:00.000-06:00

Thomas had a great time playing with Winston.

Winston was gentle and patient with Thomas.

Thanksgiving was celebrated at the TravelLady and James' home this year.
James and I did not have our children or grandchildren home, but we had a houseful of guests.
The Morris family - Christi, Jeff, Aaron, Noah, and Winston. My sister's family.
The Wimpy family - Glen, Mariana, and Thomas. My brother's family.
And my other sister, Janice Sue. We had a great afternoon of family and fellowship.

So thankful for all her family....
TravelLady

The Martin House

2009-11-14T10:24:00.000-06:00

Free plans found on-line

12 inside compartments

Finished Details

Finished House - Beautiful!

This past summer had many rainy days and mild temperatures, the mosquitoes were plentiful, large, and to be avoided at dusk and after dark. So, James decided to build a martin house to attract martins next summer. They love to eat mosquitoes especially at dusk!
I found this plan on line at the Missouri Department of Conservation site.

For the body James used 1/2 sheet of 1/4 inch outdoor grade plywood and 2 1x12x8 foot pine boards for the ends, bottom, and roof. We chose 3/8 inch cooper tubing for the roost above the roof line.

James now plans to buy a 15-18 foot pole and erect the birdhouse in February 2010 when the scouts come to Tennessee.

A Beautiful Home by James....
.....TravelLady

Book Report

2009-10-31T16:01:00.000-05:00

With a total of 535 pages, this book has taken me quite some time to read. It is full of geography and adventure. Henry Morton Stanley was hired by James Gordon Bennett of the 'New York Herald' to find Dr. David Livingstone, a Scottish missionary and traveler-explorer.
No letters had been received from the Dr. for several months and he had been reported as deceased.
Stanley arrived in Zanzibar on January 6, 1871. He bought supplies and hired porters for the journey. He departed Zanzibar on March 21, 1871 for the east coast of Africa and sailed to a town named Bagamoyo. The journey from Bagamoyo to Ujiji took eight months. Ujiji is a village on the eastern side of Lake Tanganika. At the sight of Livingstone, Stanley wanted to run and embrace him but did not. He was unsure of how "he would be received."

Quoting from the book--So I did what moral cowardice and false pride suggested was the best thing-walked deliberately to him, took off my hat, and said: "Dr. Livingstone, I presume?"
"Yes", said he, with a kind, cordial smile, lifting his cap slightly. (end quote)

I became interested in this subject after watching the History Channel series "Expedition Africa" and found the book on Amazon. Loving to read about travels and adventure.......

.....TravelLady

My Gift From Jeff

2009-10-29T19:43:00.000-05:00

Precious Faces

Jeff, my brother-in-law, went to a yard sale and bought two pretty glass frames for Christi and me.
The frame has a curved shape with silver accents. It looks great with the photos James printed.

So thankful for Jeff.....
.....TravelLady

Nature Image

2009-10-26T19:01:00.000-05:00

When James trimmed the crepe myrtles beside the garage, he found this growth on a dead limb. I rescued it from the brush pile at the side of the road and placed it in my pottery crock on the front porch. I thought that it was too pretty to destroy. It is about three inches round and has a flat plate-like form. Does anyone know the name? Ever amazed at God's creations.......

.....TravelLady

Fall Images

2009-10-24T16:43:00.000-05:00

The Front Flower Bed

Closer View

Yellow Mums

Beautiful Maple

As some of you may know, autumn is my favorite time of the year. I love the colors, cool weather and clear air. The above images can be seen from my living room. James planted the mums - he truly has a green thumb and can make anything grow. After two days of rain and clouds, we had a beautiful blue sky and sunshine today. Loving fall.......

.....TravelLady

Toni's Raincoat

2009-10-17T18:22:00.001-05:00

We have had too much rain for the months of August, September and October. Toni loves to walk and splash in the rain - so James requested that I sew a raincoat. We went to Hancocks and chose the fabric and pattern. We found a plastic/vinyl bonded to brushed cotton - so the inside is very soft.

Simplicity 9520

There are multiple patterns for dogs and cats in the pattern books. Who knew? But this one looked the most like what James wanted. With the outside temp at 45 degrees today, he now has requested a coat for Toni.

James loves the coat!

Toni needs a rainy day to decide if she likes the coat......
......TravelLady

Bookcase Redo

2009-09-30T18:20:00.001-05:00

My Refreshed Bookcase

Birthday Gift from Melissa, Billy and family

Today was my off day from work. So, Christi and I met at Panera Bread for lunch then she came to my home for a bookcase redo. (Last week James took everything out of both bookcases and cleaned and dusted.)
The idea for a redo came to me when I received the beautiful wedding photos from Melissa and family. The double silver frame is beautiful and the images capture both couples at their wedding cakes.
Christi and I bought more silver frames to match and blend with the birthday frame. Then we transferred photos to the new frames. I had several orange accessories that seem to blend with the colors of the room.
Then Christi did the arranging and editing. Several old frames and accessories will go to the Goodwill. Christi took the black frames and some items that she could use for her bedroom redo.
Thanks to Melissa!! Thanks to Christi!!....

.....Travellady

Glen and Thomas

2009-09-26T17:50:00.001-05:00

If you live in Memphis or the Mid-South area and have tree cutting needs, Glen's Tree Service can be counted on to do a great job! He is my baby brother and I am proud of him. Glen sent this image today via e-mail........TravelLady

The Dogwalker

2009-09-21T20:34:00.001-05:00

Spot, Hannah, Toni

On our recent trip to Kentucky, we of course took Toni. Hannah loved walking both the dogs!!

....TravelLady

Images by Elijah

2009-09-20T19:31:00.000-05:00

Mount Rushmore Shirt

Elijah took great pains to focus and center this image of David's Mount Rushmore shirt. What fun we had!!

...TravelLady

Images by David

2009-09-20T19:13:00.001-05:00

Light Sabre and Rifle

Dog Fence

Precious Moments

David loves to take photos with my Kodak digital camera. These are three of the best images. I love looking at my camera when I get home and seeing the great images taken by the grandkids.

Indiana Jones

taken by TravelLady.......

Sewing Part II

2009-09-20T17:11:00.001-05:00

Bible Book Bag

Elijah chose the fabric with printed squares. TravelLady also loved this fabric. He wanted to make a draw-string bag to fit his bible. We then attached a loop of soft rope making it possible to carry the bag like a backpack. He learned the concept of folding the fabric with right sides together to sew; then, when the bag is turned, the pretty side of the fabric will show. He also learned the basics of the drawstring placement. I had a great time......

.....TravelLady

Sewing Lessons

2009-09-20T16:27:00.001-05:00

Cover for Spot's pillow

The Travellady and James recently took a trip to Kentucky (with Toni of course.) On the way to our destination, we stopped at Mammoth Caves and James took the Historic Tour - 2 hours. He loved it.
During my time at the grandkids home, I planned a sewing lesson for them. I researched the subject on line and learned that it is best to teach the basics of hand sewing first. Some of the basics are threading a needle, knot tying, putting the right sides of the fabric together, and simple stitches. I bought online a fat quarter bundle with bright prints that coordinate.
Both Hannah and Elijah loved looking at the prints. They each had specific likes and dislikes for color and print. (David at 5 years old was not very interested. More later.)
Elijah sewed for about 1/2 hour and Hannah sewed for about an hour. I hope we can do sewing again......

......TravelLady

Winston

2009-09-19T20:39:00.000-05:00

We recently hosted Winston for the weekend. He is a rescue greyhound who belongs to my sister, Christi. Winston is five years old and recently retired from racing - he won about 1/3 of his races.
James was able to capture these images of Winston "smiling" using a Nikon D-60.
A sweeter, quieter dog could not be had on the face of the earth! Toni, the pit bull, wanted to engage Winston in play, but he would have none of that.

September

2009-09-01T19:26:00.001-05:00

Since today is the first day of September, I wanted to display another fall image. Traditionally fall has been my favorite season. But, since we had such a mild summer, I have not been yearning for fall as much as in past years.
This past summer was one of long trips, great sites and a gigantic life change for the TravelLady.

It was my first and only time to be the Mother of the Bride. (I have been the Mother of the Groom once.) Hopefully, I will live long enough to be the Grandmother of the Bride.

Always thankful for the blessings of life...I am the
TravelLady

Lambert's

2009-08-26T20:55:00.000-05:00

On our recent journey home from Wyoming, we stopped for lunch at Lambert's in Sikeston, Missouri. Oh my goodness, the amount of food was amazing. In addition to your meal, there are waiters walking the aisles with pans of fried okra, peas, fried potatoes, and buckets of molasses for your 'throwed' rolls.
This was our first time to visit Lambert's. We arrived at 11:00 am - opening time. By 11:15 the place was full of diners. We had food left over to fill 2 takeout dishes. The food was tasty, southern, and plentiful.

Lambert's is recommended by the...
TravelLady!