Bath Day and Packing for Columbus

Our bird feeder right outside the kitchen window - we love it!

My beautiful girls.....

This is a "morning after" picture of a great St. Paddy's Day Party!

It was a beautiful day - 70 degrees and sunny. Now, tomorrow is suposed to be really rainy and cold - I love spring in Atlanta - one day spring and the next may be snow!! I feel a little better - getting over my "bad" day but still in pain. I haven't even attemped to paint any more this week - I'll start over next week after my MRI. So bath time for the girls and they both hid as soon as I get the shampoo and towels out. I had to go with the "Trick" - which means ringing the doorbell! They both came running out and I grabbed Tatiana. If I don't bathe her first she will realize what I'm doing and hide under the bed for hours! I don't know why because they feel so good after the bath. I groomed them on the deck which is nice because that means no mess in the house. We put our "St Patrick's Day" bows in and they look very festive! We're going to Columbus tomorrow and celebrating Brock's 5th birthday on saturday. That is Pat's son and we got him bunches of "trucks" - it should be a lot of fun. I did finally get my nails put back on yesterday and they look so nice. "Bright Red, of course". I tried to go without them but my nails just won't grow and my hands are ugly - so I figure I cut my own hair, color my own hair so I deserve the nails! Kenny got his Desktop Computer this week and he's setting it up on my dining room table until he can clean off his desk - ha - I'm going to give him one week then I'm going to pitch a fit for him to move it. I know this man - he would leave it there for years! Another thing we enjoy every day is the bird feeder and all the little birdie's that come to snack! Well, it's time for a nice "read" in the bed and hopefully a good night's sleep - a great weekend to all....

Best of My Day: Grooming Tatiana and Matilda Mae - our "Bonding" time...

Some Days just don't work

I went to the studio to paint early today. I had cooked a roast in the crockpot and cornbread so I was ready for a day of painting. Well, NOT going to happen. First, Tatiana was scared by the rain and thunder and wanted me to hold her. Matilda could care less about the rain and wanted me to throw Blue Elephant. So you can imagine what my concentration was like and also my painting. I tried working on my new still life which I did get some work done on but can't quite get the drape right. So, I decided to go back to Miss Donna - a commission for a friend in Columbus. She saw a painting of a woman in a hat (that sounds like something right up my alley) except - it was a water color on white paper. No depth, no demension, and white face and arms. NOT my style so I am trying to make an oil painting of it and I've already wasted too much time for what I'm charging her. I just hate days like this and it didn't get any better. I keep reading about every artist has to do bad paintings to get better but it frustrates the hell out of me. I'm in such a need for a "creative push" and I just can't find it. I'm in pain and I know that's part of it so I'll just have to keep trying. What I really need is about a 7 day sabactial somewhere by my myself. I've done that three times and it was amazing and the work I did always sold too. But now I have to work every weekend just to keep up and pay for the knee operation. I keep hoping this year will get better but so far it hasn't turned around. Ok, I'm going to try again and start a new painting. And it WILL be a master piece!!!

Best of My Day: I'm not sure......OK, the rain.....and both girls in bed with me now wanting to play so that's what I'm going to do.

Big Bad Elephant Tusks

The Great Elephant Tusks

Play Time with Matilda and Tatiana

I have seen Tatiana do this before but tonight I finally captured it on a picture because no one would really believe it. At the moment Blue Elephant is their favorite toy and Tatiana guards it with her life. But when she gets it just right in her mouth she looks like she has the tusks! Matilda just want to take it away and squeak it all over the house! And I'm still trying to get a good photo of them together - well, maybe another time. Well, I broke down and went to Dr. Ansari today - the pain is too much. The first thing he said was "the body parts just keep falling apart"! I don't have arthritis in my knee so I'm off for an MRI and then knee surgery again. It will be scoped so it won't be too bad. What WAS bad was a shot of cortisone right in the knee - OUCH!!! He froze where he put in the needle but what really hurt was the meds going in the knee. I hope it will be soon - he said he's booked months ahead but that he would work me in. I told him I needed my knee for gardening season which is right around the corner. I hope the shot will give me some relief - if not thank God for Vicoden - he gave me a script so at least I function (with my high heels on)! So I guess 57 is the magic number where your body really starts to fall apart!!! I'm just so ready to feel normal and without pain.





Best of My Day: Me and Kenny laughing at Tatiana and her "Tusks"!!

Painting and Cooking!

And the Beginnina of

"St Augustine Jug"

12 x 16

As you can see I have not put the handles on - maybe I will and maybe I won't!!!!!

My Still Life Set up

"Bond's Martini"

A Donation to the Cancer Research Center in Columbus for the Silent Auction

12 x 12 Oil on Canvas

Even though I signed it I've decided to work on this more ...

a commission for "Miss Donna"

Of course I'd rather paint but sometimes you have to cook too. I made a chili relino bake today with fresh salsa, guacamole and chips. It was very good and Kenny and I got to have a "late" lunch together. I painted some yesterday but only a couple of hours so I tried to get to the studio earlier today. I was hurting so bad on Tuesday I couldn't stand for very long. I broke down and called my surgeon so I have an appointment tomorrow. I know what he's going to say - get and MRI and we need to fix this knee. My right one did so well but this one is very swollen and I'm limping all the time now. So much for the old knee, I started working on a couple of things. My friend Donna in Columbus saw a print in watercolor of this abstract lady and wanted me to paint it. It's hard to convert a watercolor to oil but I'm trying. It's totally not my style but kinda fun to paint. And today I had a first: I sat up my own still life and started a painting from that. I normally paint from photos so this is exciting and different. I've got a lot of work to do on the painting but I'm loving it so far. I also started another figure painting of Lauren but gotta work on more before I can post it. It's very cold here today - in the 20's - and going to the Doc tomorrow so my painting for the week is probably over until next week. Still it was an inspiring day!









Best of My Day: Mexican lunch and painting!

Oh, the pain of Mondays!

Time for Myself this weekend

30 x 40 Oil on Canvas

SOLD!!!!!!

Tired and can't hardly walk with my knee but I got a lot done today. First the big news - I sold "Time for Myself" this weekend in Columbus for $2100.00 - yeah whoopie we needed that! And now I'm going to paint this week to celebrate! I did the grocery shopping, Walmart run (I hate that), to the library and by the time I got home my legs hurt really bad. This old age thing and almost 30 years of dancing in high heels is catching up with me fast. I'm just tired of all the pain. And oh how I love to dance! It was a beautiful almost spring like day but we're getting more rain tomorrow - yeah - and cold again tomorrow night - double yeah. I'm still not ready for winter to be over. Come on, one more little snow storm! We had a good weekend in Columbus and celebrated LeBron's (Bass Player) birthday. And we spent time with Brock, (Pat's son) and planning a 5th birthday party for him on the next trip down. My babies are all snuggled in the bed and I'm going to read my library book (James Patterson), my favorite author. I'm still trying to figure out how to set up some good still lifes - hope to work on that tomorrow too. Now, something for the pain and lie down!

Best of My Day: Cashing the check for the sell of a painting!!!!

A nice visit at Home

My Favorite!!!!

Celebrating 95 years and 5 weeks with a prime rib dinner!

Sharing a laugh after almost 63 years of marriage

Sami maybe wanting to play with Tatiana and Matilda

Got back today from South Carolina and a couple of really nice days with mother and daddy. It was really cold and windy both days and rained all the way home but that could dampen my mood. My Daddy is feeling pretty good and that makes Mother happy too. He was his funny self too. On Tuesday night we went to Steak and Ale - he's now celebrating 95 years and 5 weeks so he wanted a prime rib dinner. Of course, he dressed up in his black suit and tie to go to dinner. I took these photos after we had eaten and it's some of my favorites. Him and Mother laughing and I love the one of us too. Then we had gotten Matilda and Tatiana squeaky toys at Target and they played for 2 hours non stop. And Sammie watched from the stairs wanting to join them but still not sure about "dogs". She still hates me - I was going to take her picture and everytime she sees me she spits at me! Then Mother gave a great hair cut - NO boby can cut my hair like my mother and I told her I owed her $150.00! Of course, she really laughed at that as many times she has cut and colored my hair. She also hemmed my pants, gave me food, some silk poppies, a new pair of sweat pants and as I was leaving my Daddy put a jar of White House Apple Butter in my pocketbook! He knows how much I love it and I thought boy, my purse is heavy then I found it! I fixed Mother's hair and gave her some "product" to go in it. We laughed and giggled and it was so much fun. I just don't know how my life would be without them and I don't want to find out. Now, Tatiana decided to freak out on the way home - she hates the rain and big trucks on the highway and we had both. I've got to figure out a way to tranquilize her! She gets more like Chloe everyday! And Matilda just sleeps through it all! They were both glad to see their Daddy and me too. It's always nice to come home to Kenny. We are going to Columbus and pray we don't get the flu from Pat - he's still sick and the flu is raging around here. Speaking of Chloe, her little "mate" - we picked them up the same day - Mellie has gone to the Rainbow Bridge - she would have been 12 years old on March 5th. She had a wonderful life with her Mom, Debi and brought her so much happiness. We all send out love out to Debi tonight and will always remember Mellie and her wonderful stories. It's back to work tomorrow - I'm just grateful for a wonderful week.

Best of My Day: Kisses from Mother and Daddy....

Off to South Carolina

Going home tomorrow for a little visit with Mother and Daddy. I haven't been since Daddy's big 95th birthday in January so going for a couple of days. We had such a great busy weekend at Beluga and of course I'm tired. And we go to Columbus this weekend to play. But the housekeeper came today and my laundry is done and a casserole made for Kenny so we're set! The girls will be excited to go and the kitty's in SC will live in Terror for 2 days! Actually, we won't even see them because they hide when Tatiana and Matilda hit the door - except old Grey - he pays them no attention at all!
Best of My Day: A clean house and a Casserole!!!

I just had to take this picture - even though the painting is crooked! I thought that Matilda needed and orginal "Mommy" above her little bed so I hung "Doggie Nap" for her! I think she likes it.......

A Cold Winter Day!!!

"Lauren's Straw Hat"

"Joe's Brandy and Cigar"

Wow - the wind blowing and bending the trees as the temperature drops - just what I like except with snow! A few flurries today but that's all and going to be in the 50's tomorrow. So I put on double shirts, sweats, socks and took a heater to my studio and painted! It was a good day and I finished 2 paintings and started another one. I'm painting a Martini for the Cancer Gala in Columbus - it's the contribution from me and Belloo's Martini Bar so it had to be a Martini! I am painting this in honor of Kathy Morrow. Of course, Tatiana was snuggled in the Baby Bed (always when I paint) and Matilda wanted me to go outside and throw her "monkey"!! I kept telling her it was tooooo cold so she would bring it me in the studio for me to throw for her. She finally got tired and got in her little baby bed for a nap and I covered her up with a sweat shirt. We came up around 6 and I made a wonderful chicken corn chowder for dinner - just made up the receipe and it turned out great! Went back to the studio while Kenny went to the gym and did some more work then came up and had a wonderful fire in the fireplace. Before long the fire will be off and the air conditioning on so believe me I'm loving this. My knee is still really bad - not sure how to do this weekend except in PAIN! Tomorrow it's "Root" day as in Dye this Grey Hair out! And I'm trying to figure out a "photo box" for my studio to take still life shots. I have an idea and I have some black velvet so I may work on that tomorrow. I'm into still lifes right now and need to set up my own work. Ooh, I made have to build something in my shop - yeah! Well, here are the paintings.....

Best of My Day: A warm bowl of home made soup by the fire watching American Idol!!

Monday Monday

A song by the Mama's and Papa's - no one may remember it - oh, that makes me feel old - that and the pain in my leg and knee. I've worn a knee brace all weekend and performed in my high heels with the brace on and now I'm paying for it. My whole leg hurts now. Enjoy the dance while you can and kick your legs up high because some day it will hurt like hell! We had a nice weekend in Columbus and got home late Sunday night. Monday's are hard because the weekend hits me and I'm sleepy all day. But I did get all my laundry done and unpacked and my house put back together so that I can paint tomorrow. I even had Pat give me a B-12 shot in the butt so maybe I'll get some energy back. I'm going to get one every 2 weeks when we go to Columbus. Matilda and Tatiana played in the back yard today, then came in and took a nap in the bed - oh, to be a dog!!! There's really no more news so I'm going to bed with my book and read til 4 am!!!

Best of My Day: Cuddling with the girls and almost taking a nap with them except the dryer buzzer went off!!!

A tiny little painting

"Doggie Nap"

6 x 6 Oil on Canvas

I finished this today and I don't know why but I like it! It's only 6 x 6 (inches) and I think I'm going to hang it over the little doggie bed in the living room - after all Tatiana and Matilda need art work where they can view it too. And I'm sure it will inspire them to take a nap! I painted some today - nothing new just worked on in-progress paintings. Then both girls got their baths and grooming done. They look soooo beautiful - for about 5 minutes! I do need to point out something. I really could not sleep last night and finished one book at 2:30am - I made the mistake of starting a James Patterson book (my favorite author) and read the WHOLE book! I finally turned the light out at 6:30 AM! So, yes, I'm tired and I'm not going to do that tonight! I'm packed (almost) for Columbus so have a great weekend to everyone.

Best of My Day: Throwing the squeaky toy in the yard with Tatiana and Matilda Mae!

Wood Worm

Mini Easels for my Art Tiles

My Daddy gave me this name when I got my first saw and drill. I have always enjoyed my woodshop but the painting has kinda taken over the last few years. Well, today I got up, put my overalls on and went down to my shop. I put on my safety glasss (the ones Emma and Andrew gave me with rhinestones on them) and got to work. I wanted to make little easels for my art tiles so I took one apart that I bought for $1.50 and started creating! Of course, I screwed up a couple but finally got it right. Now, my cost is $.50 now not including my time but that's the fun part. They are not perfect either but that is also the art of "home made". It was a very warm day - 73 degrees - and even got a little rain which is always nice. Tatiana stayed downstairs and Matilda kept bringing her squeaky toy in the shop for my to throw. She's not afriad of the saws at all! It was just nice to do something I have missed and love to do. I'm going to make some more then make me 2 more bird feeders because those little stinking squirrels have torn my up! Oh, I like the squirrels too and Tatiana and Matilda love to chase them! So, even though my ankle is still sore, my knee still swollen and I'm always sleepy I had a good day!!!!!

The Best of my Day...Calling my Daddy and telling him about my easels!! Go Wood Worm....

Matilda all better

Me and Spiro

Me and Grayson

Thank goodness, Matilda is on the mend and we are back to normal - whatever that is! She was so sick and it was exhausting for all of us. She's still taking the meds and runs from me now when she hears the bottle open! Kenny saved the day by putting the pills in peanut butter and I just put it in her mouth! And she ate some today too and had a healthy "poo" - now that's a picture! And of course, we had a very busy weekend at Beluga and my knee is swelled up like an old lady - wait I AM an old lady! But the heels looked marvelous - I can never give up the heels! I finally met my email buddies Sprio and Grayson at Beluga - he is going to do a video project and wants me to be included which I an honored to do. They are great and I love having 2 new friends. Of course, by the time we took the pictures - after the second show - I was all sweaty and make up smeared but what the hell - it was a great night! Oh, and Danny Glover was in and I met him too - he's HOT! Hopefully this week will be without so much drama and I can get some painting done! Until then, it's just good to have my girls all well and playing!





Best of my Day: Matilda and Tatiana playing with squeaky toys in the bed!

Bad Scare

When your child is sick and you don't know what is wrong it is the most horrible thing in the world. Matilda and Tatiana are my children. Matilda had a bit of an upset tummy so I gave her some Pepto. I went to do a few errands and when I got back she was sooo sick and had very bad bloody stools. I've never seen anything like this. Of course, it was after hours so Kenny and I had to take her to an emergency vet clinic. They did x-rays and blood work and her vitals were good but so sick. This happened in a matter of 2 hours and they are so tiny and get dehydrated so easy. He thought she had a "bug" and don't know where she got it but he gave her shots and meds. We were going to leave her over night (to the tune of $1000) but then he said I'd have to pick her up by 7am and take her to my vet. I said I'll stay up all night and watch her which I did and could have gotten her back there in 15 minutes. So we left the clinic with only paying $533.00!!!! We brought her home and I went to bed with her. She had a couple more "bouts" but was just worn out. I kept my hand on her to make sure she was breathng and just watched my angel sleep. Tatiana was sweet but we tried to get her to stay with Kenny and she had no part of that. So I read a book and fought sleep and prayed for Matilda. At 7 am we got up and wet to our wonderful vet Dr. Aaron. We got in to see her about 9am and she thought she should stay the day with an IV and more meds. We are so blessed with this vet practice here - they have not taken any new patients since 2006 (that's how good they are) and Dr. Aaron is our favorite. I also noticed that Tatiana was a little sick too so she gave me medicine to give her at home. Of course, I could NOT get one of the pills down her - she fought me like a tiger then hid under the bed. So me and Tatiana (finally out from under the bed) tried to go to sleep after a cup of tea and sleeping pill at 10 am! I sorta slept until 3:30 - got up to go get Matilda. I'm still in a fog! Matilda was better and happy to see me. Oh, she is so sweet. We're all home now and I've split pills - got "liquid" meds for Tatiana and I made breakfast at 7 pm - I would my day has really been screwed up! Now it's time to put the make - up on and go to 2 shows. I'm not quite sure how to do this but I do know I am so thankful to God and Dr. Aaron for saving Matilda. Like I said they ARE my children and I love them with all my heart. Oh, and at our vet Matilda stayed all day on an IV, got meds,got Tatiana meds, got heart guard, dental chews and 2 packs of treats for only $98.00!!!!! That's a good vet! So, $633.00 later I have my angels right beside me and though tired and fuzzy I thank God for my babies. Hope your day was better!

Best of my Day: Matilda coming to my arms with a little smile on her face...

Another Day of Painting

How can I not throw her toy for this face???? It's Matilda wanting to play!

"Doggie Nap" is very wet and I could not work on it any more - This is so hard because it's a 6x 6 - yes, 6 inches square - That is really small for me!

This is no where near finished but I took this photo of "Joe's Hands" at Belloo's this weekend

He's a friend and good customer and I love the Cigar and Brandy!

Last minute touch ups and I signed this one....

I haven't painted this much in a long time and it feels so good. I don't know how much I'm really accomplishing but I feel like I'm learning something at least. I've dropped back to small paintings and trying to "see" the lights and shadows. Some of them turn out well and some not so but I'm not trying to create masterpieces to sell - just to learn and if I can sell a few that's great. We haven't started our art group back yet and I'm so realy to do that. Hopefully, next month. I've also stayed home more this week and that feels good too. Sometimes, there is just too much going on and I need a break from that. Kenny is working very hard and I'm not seeing much of him but it has to be done. So, a good day and there is suposed to be rain tomorrow which is a good thing. I may try and paint some more but my shoulder sure is sore tonight so we'll see. Tatiana is so sweet - when I paint she wants in the Baby Bed to sleep - now Matilda on the other hand wants me to throw her toy - she brings it to me and I have to stop and throw it - kinda breaks the concentration a little! And she kept wanting to go outside and it was cold! But how can you resist that face???? I also made my "Myrtle Beach" Italian soup tonight - I think it's my all time favorite and with cornbread - Yum....









Best of My Day: Watching Matilda chase her toy in the back yard.....

A very nice weekend

Kenny T on Drums!!

Pat Juneau on Guitar

Our friend Pat Juneau was in town to work with us this weekend in Columbus. It's so funny that after all these years it still feels like yesterday playing with him. His talent is amazing and I am always amazed at him. The people loved it too in Columbus so it was very nice. I went down on Thursday and Pat and I went to the Springer Opera House to see "To Kill a Mockingbird". It was a local performance with 3 professional actors in for the production. Not only is it a moving play but all the actors were great. I miss the theatre so much and still wish this is what I could do. I did get a surprise on Friday night that the 3 pro actors showed up at Belloo's and we had a great time! Then on Sunday we had our employee "Holiday Party" - everyone brought a dish and we got hams - there was so much food and so good. We had to leave to get Pat back to the airport but fun was had by all. I'm so very tired though and going to take a xanax and read a book and try to sleep about 10 hours! I want to get some rest because I need to paint this week and you just can't do that when you are so tired. Housekeeping comes tomorrow, I got my laundry done today so if I get some sleep I'll be ready to paint, paint, paint!





Best of My Day - Sleep!!!!

Finished these Paintings

"Window Sill Pears"

6 x 12

"Lane Thru the Gate"

8 x 10

"Garden Daisies"

I took this photo in my Garden this summer...

Finally a Painting Day

I hate painting grapes but here we go again!!!

"Bird Bath"

Not sure what to do with this one!!! The bird looks funny.

The Beginning of another one of Lauren

Not finished with this one but loving it!

It was really cold but Kenny put a little heater in my studio for me and off I go - to paint! It's been too long and I'm getting back into the swing of things. I'm doing smaller paintings right now for the learning experience and enjoyng it a lot. Some of the paintings are not my "usual" but like I said I'm trying to "learn" more right now. I will be glad when the art group starts back with Shane and I'll work on my "large" paintings then. Kenny and the boys left for Columbus last night and I'm going down on Thursday (not to work but going to the Springer Play House to see "To Kill a Mockingbird") then work friday and saturday night. Got errands to do today and pack. Looks like we are going from Winter back to Spring over the weekend so that means packing two kinds of clothes - yuk. I need Winter a little longer and perhaps some more snow! The girls say yeah to that. So, I'm off today to get things done......





Best of My Day - Painting in the studio with Tatiana and Matilda right there with Mommy.

Playing in the snow

More Snow!!!!!!

Wow - more snow and we love it! Saturday morning around 10 am it started snowing really big flakes. Kenny put the car at the top of the hill and of course I woke up and never went back to sleep because I was lying in bed and watching it fall. It was beautiful quiet snow fall. I got up in the afternoon, found my snow boots and took Tatiana and Matilda Mae out in the back yard. I'm not sure who enjoyed it more - they both went crazy and ran all over the yard. I would throw snowballs and they chased them but couldn't find them - it was pretty funny. And they both had great big snowballs on their fur. I had to use the hairdryer to melt them off. We all had a great time. Then Billy tried to cancel our gig but we said we would come in with a "reduced" band - the weather people scare everyone telling them to stay in - the SOUTH - Duh! There was no ice or snow on the roads and we had a great crowd! Not a usual Saturday night but enough to certainly make it worthwhile and they stayed until the end. Now it's really cold - 19 degrees tonight so we're all cuddled up in bed and there is still snow on the ground. This is the first snow we've had in 4 years (the day we moved in this house!) and I hope we get some more - just please not on the weekends! So let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

The Best of my Weekend: Playing in the snow with the babies!

Our First Snow!!!!!!

Tatiana
Matilda Mae

Yeah Whoopie Hot Dog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Richard Claiborne Hemphill January 14th, 1913

Kenny and Daddy

Remembering 95 years


Mother, Me and Daddy


Mother and Daddy

Birthday Cake

Lighting the Candles

Jane, Laura and Daddy

Daddy and Steve Hemphill

Patricia and Mick and Daddy

Laura and Daddy

How to do write about about a celebration that is so wonderful you are about to burst! We arrived in SC on Sunday night for Daddy's 95th birthday Celebration. On Monday morning we went to his favorite "Cracker Barrel" for the big birthday breakfast. My cousin Patricia and her husband Mick and my aunt Laura (Daddy's half-sister) met us there. Patricia and Mick had to drive back to Northern Virginia that day so this was our only chance to see them. I have not seen Patricia since the 70's and she has 3 (Identical triplets) who are now in college and 22 years old! We had a wonderful visit and of course a great big breakfast! We went back home to get ready for the next party! I actually tool a nap - we were going to leave at 4 PM so at 2:30 Daddy went upstairs and dressed - His black suit, new black shirt and black tie!!! He joked that we could drop him off at the mortuary after the party! We said NO way and told him he had too many more birthdays to celebrate! We went to Steak & Ale and got our big table in the room he loves. The family started to arrive, Laura and Jane, with her husband JT - Daddy's two half sisters and the only immediate family he has left. Then my cousin Karen who we have not seen in years and her friend Sharon who's father was a good friend of my Dad's. Finally, my cousin Steve and his wife Marcia. Karen is the daughter of my Dad's youngest brother Sam and Steve is the son of my Dad's brother, Milton. We dined and had some good wine - I read my poem and didn't cry! We all went back home for coffee and cake that mother had made. We had candles and sang - mother had a "95" candle on the cake and of course Daddy turned them around to say "59"!!! Then the fun began. We all talked (at the same time) and caught up and talked of old memories and family. Daddy really enjoyed this and brought our memento's from our great-grandfather Dr. Fielder and his mother, Lola Bays. We talked and laughed of Papa Hemphill and Mama Hemphill (Jane and Laura's mother). Karen's children are grown, April in Florida and Stephen in LA as a screenwriter and beginning to film his first feature with Richard Gere. Steve and Marcia have 4 grown children and 6 grandchildren!!! Both are retired (I the only one NOT retired) and enjoying life. Kenny said he sat back and watched as everyone was talking and my Daddy smiling and telling stories from his youth (yes, he remembers everything). His face told it all and he was happy to be surrounded by his loved ones. Everyone left around 11 PM and Daddy said we still have an hour to celebrate. At this time Kenny promptly fell asleep in Mother's chair. There is something about this chair (everyone falls asleep in it). At the end of the day all were happy and I am still bursting with pride and love for my Daddy. It could not have been better and having the family together was so heartwarming and wonderful. I am so very blessed to have my 95 year old Daddy and love him with all my heart. I thank God for both of my parents and to have them in my life at my age. Happy Birthday Daddy and many many more......

"That's what my Daddy means to me"........

A man who read books to me before I could talk
A man who carried me before I could walk
That’s what my Daddy is to me

A man who took me to his home
A land called Virginia where we would roam
That’s what my Daddy is to me

A man who brought me a dog in his pocket
And Taught me a love I’ve never forgotten
That’s what my Daddy is to me.

A man who built me a house in a tree
Gave me a bike and let me fly free
That’s what my Daddy is to me.

A man who would search for rocks in New River
And carry them home so I could remember
That’s what my Daddy is to me.

A man who wanted me to play trumpet in the band
But instead let me march with a baton in my hand
That’s what my Daddy is to me

A man who taught me all people were the same
No matter who they were or from where they came
That’s what my Daddy is to me.

A man who really didn’t want me to date
But gave me the freedom to make my mistakes
That’s what my Daddy is to me

A man who watched not what he had planned
But followed my band throughout this land
That’s what my Daddy is to me

A man who taught me to work with my hands
A hammer, a saw: to create what I can
That’s what my Daddy is to me.

A man who supported my dreams all along
Maybe gave up his so I could sing my songs
That’s what my Daddy is to me.

A man who said you can do anything
A song, a paintbrush, a hammer, a dream
That’s what my Daddy is to me

Today here’s a man at 95 years old
Has given me more than my heart could hold
That’s what my Daddy is to me.

Today here’s a man that I love more than life
And together with the woman he calls his wife
Have given me more than any child could ask
Today and Tomorrow, the future, the past.

A very Special Day

I'm finally over the flu and feeling better - except I'm walking in a boot! And not the fashion kind. I have a torn ligament in my ankle - back to the Doc next friday so I'm only taking one shoe (well, several but on the right ones) this weekend. Kenny rescued me yesterday for an escape and what a great one it was. We went to the High Museum of Art for the Impressionist Exhibit from Paris. There were Monets, Manets, Sisleys, Moriesett's and more but best of all Renoir's. Oh, how I love Renoir and I almost cried when I saw some of them. They were all beautiful and we both enjoyed our tour. I hobbled around and sat down a few times but it wasn't bad. I came away very inspired and can't wait to get back to painting. Then we went to Hal's for Dinner and that also was wonderful. We saw a bunch of friends from Beluga but we got to sit at a table in the corner and be by ourselves for a while. We were home around 8:00 and the girls were glad to see us but it was finally a great way to start off 2008. Going to Columbus this weekend then to SC for Daddy's big 95th birthday!

Best of my Day: Renoir's and Hal's Bread Pudding

The Flu

Now I've got it and feel pretty bad. Kenny did just make me tomato soup and fresh oranges and Gatorade. So I'm in the bed and may just stay here all weekend. I don't think I'll be able to work tomorrow night either. I used to push myself but I don't think it's worth it any more at 57 years old. So it's bed rest and sleep for me!

2008

Ah, I' m going to sleep for a month!!!!!!