16 May

Just a Blurrrrrrrr….

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I was fortunate enough Monday night to attend Layla’s performance from her gymnastics program.  It’s a good thing we have digital camera’s these day.  I sure would have wasted a lot of film otherwise.  Almost every picture I took was a blur.  Not necessarily from my camera….which I am still trying to decide if I like or not….but from the action of these little ones.  My mom used to say….I wish I could bottle some of that energy….I understand what she was talking about.

For Layla’s Birthday in February, her Aunt Nicole and her Great Grandma gave her a gift certificate to this little gym class.  I don’t believe they could have picked out a better gift!  Layla has LOVED going.  She has always been a little climber and jumper.  This provided a great way to burn all that energy up….just her style.  From the time she was able to pull up in her baby bed, she would raise both legs up and plop on her tail end from standing height…..then she would just giggle and giggle…and do it all over again.

So pardon the blur…but this was some of what they showed everyone they have been working on this season.

This is Layla and her Aunt Nicole….who is one of the teachers.  This was done to music.  Each activity teaches a variety of learning skills.

There are flips….

And balancing….which can be difficult when you are four….or Forty Nine…HA

Once you get it on the lower level…you get to step it up a notch……

Then you get to add a flip or roll to it…with help

It is a good program…The teachers are great at working with the children.  Here is one of the ways they rotate from one station to the other and not have kids on top or each other.  Kinda reminded me of SOUL TRAIN..HEE HEE.

They really do call this the train and they sing a song as they move to the next station…IT works!

Then there was more climbing…

Hey…you have to admire that….I’m not sure I can do that anymore….

The instructors show the kids what to do at each station.

Then it is the kids turn.

I’m sure it is rewarding for the teachers to see how much progress the children have made since the beginning of the program.

You’ve heard of kids climbing the wall……well

They really did.  This is where they practice a hand stand, by walking their feet up the wall.

At the end, they told the children they could join their families….this is the part of being a grandmother that just blesses your heart.  She runs to me smiling, calling my name with that sweet little voice.  AHHHH….be still my heart.

Now with great Anticipation we await the award ceremony…….

They received…a certificate and as Layla so proudly stated….”A Golden Medal”!

The graduating class….

A graduation gift of “PINK” ice cream was given.  Layla actually wanted to treat me to Ice Cream….she brought her little purse filled with pennies, nickles and dimes.  She said Me Me…I”ll buy it…I have enough money!  What a sweet gesture, makes all the other worries in life….disappear.

It is always fun to be with the little ones.  Layla’s talks are getting more and more interesting as we travel in the car.  She told me something that raised my brow.

About 30 minutes into class I heard her tell her Aunt Nicole the same thing…I waited to see the response on her Aunts face.  I suppose mine must have looked like hers….I had to chuckle to myself.  Aunt Nicole however manage to continue on with class.  When the program was over Layla went to hug Aunt Nicole.  It was then that Nicole looked up at me with that PRICELESS look and said…Layla told me that she was getting a baby sister?  I laughed and said …yeah…she told me that too on the over here.  I assured her that I would be asking about that one.  As we both gave a nervous giggle.

Garrett and Ashley both had to work so I couldn’t wait to inquire when we got home.  However on the way back to her house I began the process of questioning.  I asked if Mommy was going to have a baby?  She said NOOOOOO.  I said well, is Daddy going to have a baby? She said NOOOOOO.  Well then…I asked…where are you getting this baby sister?

And well…Silly me….I should have known the answer…

At the Baby Sister Store, she says.   WHEW!!!!! That’s all I needed to know.

Garrett laughed as I told him and I informed him he might want to ease Nicole’s mind as well!

It is always an adventure when kids are around!

15 May

Plants and Animals

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I’ve been watching a few of my plants lately, the ones that come back every year.  I tried to guess when it was that they were going to bloom.

I thought it was around this time last year, I happened to guess right.

I planted these several years ago.  They continue to produce more plants, so they are starting to really make a statement.

Same thing with these Hydrangea’s.  I think I mentioned before that I had moved this plant, it didn’t do much of anything last year.

While the plant itself is still small.  It is already giving me some beautiful flowers.

I love the different colors on the same plant.  I believe it likes it’s new place in this flower bed!

I had a new daylily I was trying out last year, but I noticed that Billy thought it was a weed and got it with the weedeater a couple of times.

Billy bought me a “just my size weedeater”.    It is easy to handle and  battery operated  (Billy laughs at it).   It is light weight enough for me and I don’t have to mix up the additives and pull on it…and pull on it…and pull on it, and beg it to start.   I just push my little button and off I go.  Granted the battery doesn’t  last a longtime, but does little jobs just fine.  So he did the big areas with his MANLY WEEDEATER.  And I did the little areas with my girly one.

All that to say…..my daylilies survived and actually bloomed this week!

Ah….now that’s pretty!

I love the water lilies in the gold fish pond. I have three different kinds.  Whenever I see this particular one…it takes me back to rowing a boat at my Grandma and Grandpa’s.

It was all around flowers like these that we would catch those big ole bull frogs that my grandma would fry up the legs for us.   We actually have quite a few frogs that like to hang out in our pond as well.  When you walk up to the pond they will jump in from the edge and sometimes they skip like a rock across the water.  Ellie loves to make them jump in.

This is another one I have.

It has not spread as much as the other one.  If you look to the right there is another bloom getting ready to surface.  Maybe this year it will do better.  The pads tend to be  purple unlike the green pads with the other lilies.

It was as if the yard was saying “Happy Mothers Day” to me.  I thought their blooming time was perfect!

I happened to catch some of the Mama animals with their babies this weekend and thought you would like to see them too.

Starting with our newest Mama and baby.  This is Zsa-Zsa and 3 week old baby girl…Joy.

This is Punkin and Toot.  Toot is about to two months old now, and growing like a weed.

This is Brandy and her 9 month old girl….Lee.  Lee is always loving up on her Mama, it is really sweet.

I couldn’t get a picture of Cupid and Chuck together.

He is a boy and you know how boys don’t really care for all that stuff.

But the baby girls decided to pose for me.

I am seeing them hang out together a good bit.  Lately when the cows are in the pasture the two of them are always together playing while the Mothers graze.  Joy is the one on the left and Toot is on the right.  I think they will be close.  I’ve noticed that Chuck and Lee tend to do that too, they are 3 weeks apart in age.  Toot is starting to turn more brown than she was.  It is fun to watch their markings develop as they grow.

These aren’t the greatest pictures of the goats, but when they see me they come running to the fence and picturing taking is all over at that point.  So this was taken as I zoomed in from behind a tree.  They looked right at me…they just think I’m a little bit nuts, hiding behind a tree.  I suppose I am…come think about it.

This is Pearl and Hoot n Nanny.  Hoot is really growing and Pearl is a good first time mother.

This is Violet and Jethro.  He is changing so much, he’s getting so tall and his horns are really growing.  He looks a lot like Pearl.  Violet is the mother to both of them….at different times of course.

The temperature has been a little cooler this week, they have all been enjoying it.

I hope it won’t be much longer before we welcome a new addition to the Farm.

I absolutely can’t wait to see this baby!

This is Zippy, she came into the pasture last May.  It takes about a year for them to carry their baby.  So hopefully…we are getting close.

I know Moses will be glad, Zippy is a  little grouchy toward him these days.  Poor Moses….he just tries to walk away.

It has been a really good week, watching all the new Mama’s and Mama’s to be.

I love getting to be around all the new life here on the Farm.

 

 

 

 

 

14 May

My Mom

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This is my mother when she was just a little girl.  Isn’t she a cutie.

She couldn’t wait to grow up, get married and become a Mother.

She dated a good bit…but she just couldn’t find Mr. Right.  UNTIL….she met…. HIM.

They both fell in love and within months they were married.   What a good looking couple.

They both wanted lots of children.

God gave them four.  This is where I come into the story!

Tommy, Charlotte, Sonya (me) and Debbie.

They were only married seven years when my daddy passed away, so Mom raised us by herself.  She did a great job and I know that my Dad would be so proud of her.

I forgot that all this digital stuff really became popular after she died.  I have a few scanned pictures, but I need to learn how to post them differently.

Meanwhile…I can tell you about her.

She loved God and she showed us how important He was in her life.

I tell you that first, because that is what molded and shaped her into the person I knew and loved.

She told us that after going through hard times, like losing  daddy, you either get bitter or better.

She chose to let God bring out the best in her through the situation.  She ran to God…not away from Him.  Trusting Him through the good times and the bad.

My mama had beautiful blue eyes, and velvety soft skin.

She taught us girls to be feminine, she dressed pretty and liked to wear high heels.  We grew up loving that too.  When I was a little girl I loved the way she would blot her lipstick with a tissue.  Often she would kiss my cheek and leave a lipstick kiss.   She was pretty and her perfume smelled good.

As a child she often woke us up for school with the song -“Rise and Shine, give God the Glory, Glory” .  It still echoes in my head and makes me smile. ( A sprinkle of water was next if you didn’t rise and shine!)

She loved to celebrate our birthday’s, it was our special day.  We didn’t have elaborate parties, but we had friends and neighbors over for homemade cake and Ice cream.

She read us bedtime stories, prayed with us, and tucked us in bed.

She gave us a million kisses and hugs and told us she loved us so many times I couldn’t even count them.  And she meant it… each and every time.

I have fond memories of home cooked meals, that began with prayer, thanking God for providing for us and allowing us to gather together as a family.  There was lots of laughter and conversation at the dinner table.  It was a time for us to share our day.   She was interested in the things that interested us.

She made sure we all did our homework and worked with us if we needed help.

Mom had three dishwashers, me and my two sisters.   We had a lot of fun working in the kitchen with her.  She taught us how to cook and clean.  We learned how to sort, wash, dry, fold and put clothes away.  We all helped with cutting the grass, edging the lawn and trimming the shrubs.  We swept the driveway and sidewalks and took out the trash, although that was mainly Tommy’s job.  We didn’t always like the chores at the time, but we were a family.  We worked together as a family.  It taught us responsibility.

She was a people person, she enjoyed having company. Growing up, our house was the house that everyone wanted to come to.  All our friends loved our mama.  Besides that she made the best sweet tea in the world.

She was talented and creative.  She made  pajamas, clothes, curtains, table cloths, embroidered pillow cases, crocheted purses and afghans!  Just to name a few.  If she wanted a room painted…she painted it.  Since we helped, we learned how to do it too.

She taught us how to change a tire on the car and check the oil.

She taught us manners and expected us to use them.

She took us to church as a family, and taught us God’s Word in our home.

She stayed up at night, preparing things for the next day.

She rose early, fixed breakfast, packed school lunch boxes and got us to school on time.

She was patient and kind with us.  But she also expected us to obey and disciplined us when we didn’t.

She spanked me when she thought I needed it, but not near as much as I deserved!

She took care of me when I was sick, kissed my boo boos, and wiped many tears from my eyes.

She showed us love and respect.

She couldn’t and wouldn’t go to sleep until we were all in for the night.

I could talk to her about anything…well almost…

As a teenager I remember sitting on the edge of her bed when I would get home.  We would laugh and talk about things that most people would find boring.

She encouraged me when I failed and walked with me through difficult times.  She mentored me and helped me become a better person.  When she didn’t approve, she corrected me, but loved me as I found my way.

She had a tender heart.  If we were happy, she was happy for us.  If one of us hurt….she hurt.

We were happy when she was happy and when she hurt….we hurt.

We all grew up, healthy and happy!

One by one we moved out.

It was hard leaving her in that house all by herself.  The home she and daddy had hoped to retire in.  She had devoted her whole life to us, guiding us, training us.  Giving us an awesome childhood.

It was hard for her too.  But she continued to show us where she got her strength, by relying on God to help her make the transitions.

I had the first grandchild.

Garrett was the only one for 10 years.  Needless to say…they were very close.  She thought he hung the moon!

Then my sisters started having children.

Mother loved each and every one of them dearly.  Showing each of them the same kind of love.  She kept the pictures they drew for her.  She saved their sweet voices on the answering machine.  She spent time with them and kissed them every chance she got.

She always looked forward to getting together.

The beach was a special place for her.   This was the last time we were all there together.  I am so glad we were able to spend that time with her.

I treasure this picture!

I couldn’t have asked for a better childhood.  Sure we had hard times and heartaches, every family does.

But we had more good times….than bad ones.

I’m not sure that we fully realize the impact our parents have on us until we are grown.

I miss her everyday, especially on Mothers Day.

As I reflect on her though, I smile, because I have so much to be thankful for.

I DO love my Mama!

13 May

Mothers

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Today is Mothers Day…and I am so thankful for two young mothers in our family.

This is our daughter Lindsay.

She is Andy and Riley’s mother.  Without Lindsay…we wouldn’t have Andy and Riley.

This is Ashley

She is Layla’s mother.

Without Ashley…we wouldn’t have Layla.

Meaning, I might have had other grandchildren by other people, but the personalities would not be the same.

I am so thankful for these two moms.  They have blessed my life tremendously.  I have loved watching them grow into their roles as mothers.

Motherhood is a hard  job, but it is also the most rewarding job you will ever do.

Now that I am on this side of child rearing, I suppose I see things differently than I did when I was younger.  I realize what an influence a mother and father have on their children.  I also realize that time goes by so quick, that you need to seize the days.  And you can’t go back and do it over.

I am glad that you stop and smell the flowers along the way, spending time doing things together.  You talk with them, sing with them, laugh with them.

Listen to them, discipline them, teach them, pray for them and with them.

I still pray for my children everyday, even though they are grown.  I also pray for their partners and all those precious grandchildren that have come into our family

Most of all, I pray that my grandchildren will grow up to love the Lord with all their heart, mind and soul.

Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it.

I have always loved this verse.

Happy Mothers Day Lindsay and Ashley.

Happy Mothers Day to every Mother of every age.

12 May

Motherhood

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Almost 27 years ago……I was blessed with this little fellow, Garrett.

Sometimes it seems like yesterday

Sometimes it seems like it was all a dream.

But then I look at these pictures and all the memories flood back quickly.

The things that were just day to day normal activities…changed little by little year after year.

When Garrett was about 10….Billy and I married.  I gained two more children.  Holly12 and Lindsay 10.

I always wanted more children…now I had them!

And before I knew it….they were all grown.

This is even an old picture…everyone’s lives are so busy, I never get a picture of just the three of them anymore.  But that’s alright, because now they have brought more people into our family to love.

Funny how when kids are young, you really think these days are a long way away, but they aren’t.  The years go by so quick.

I miss those days.  The days that drove me crazy way back then.  The noise, the dirty clothes, the dirty dishes, the tea pitcher ALWAYS being empty, the temper tantrums and mood swings in the teenage years.

I miss them at meal time. I miss them watching television with the family or going for a walk together.  I miss them on vacations, I miss being able to kiss their forehead when I would check on them before I went to bed at night.

I miss it…..but I am thankful for all the years we had with each and every one of them.  I am so glad that they now have their own homes, and now are making some of these same memories with their families.  And yes, they will miss it when their children grow up too.

When Garrett was little I tried to always enjoy each and every stage he was in at the time.  Looking forward to the milestones, I tried not to miss infancy, the cuddly stage, the crawling stage etc.

So… I will have to say that now I am really enjoying this stage of having grown children .  I love to watch them be parents.  I am so happy for them, because I know how special it is.

And although I miss all that…… I am glad that I don’t have to cook much anymore, It is a little quieter but Billy and I can watch whatever we want on the television, or go for a walk and not tell anyone where we are going, we get to take more vacations and don’t have to plan around school schedules, I kiss Ellie on the head before bed, and I like having ALL my clothes caught up.  I have very few dirty dishes and a pitcher of tea last several days!  So there are some perks to this stage after all.

I love being a mother and I love being a grandmother.

I thank God for the precious lives HE allowed me to share my life with for all these years.

I am blessed!

11 May

The Race

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Since I have been sharing this week on going to the races, I have heard from my Aunt and my Uncle on my fathers side of the family.  I love to hear what they have to say.  Thank you Aunt Janet and Uncle Fritz for taking the time to read this silly little blog.  Thank you for sharing with me things from the past and present that helps me know what makes me….me.

Aunt Janet brought up the fact that my Daddy’s side of the family camped a good bit.  I didn’t know that.  I do remember very clearly another one of my Daddy’s sister, Aunt Pat and Uncle Dick took us camping while we were visiting with them one summer.  It was fun!  Interesting, even as I reflect on that memory, one of the things that sticks out is the smell of that bacon wafting through the air.  I am not a true sleep in a tent and enjoy it person.  I like a camper of some sort, but whatever way one chooses to camp it surely offers a lot of fun.

I remember my brother watching the races when I was younger.  I thought…OH MY GOODNESS…..that is the most boring thing in the world!  Why would someone sit and watch cars go around in a circle?   One day, many years later, I started getting a little more interested.  I went to a short track race, it was loud but fun.  A few years later I was able to attend a race in Talladega.  WOW…that was on another level.  I preferred that kind of racing.

Being a girly girl…I pick out things that interest me probably different than what some would.  I LOVE the colors of the cars.  You may think that is silly, but if you ever get a chance to see the cars lined up in person,  you will understand what I am saying.  They are beautiful.

This is an older picture…but it gives you an idea of what the cars look like.  I didn’t take any of them in line this time.  Notice the drivers name is above the window of the car.  My Billy is a HUGE….. Bill ELLIOTT fan. Awesome Bill from Dawsonville or Million Dollar Bill.  He ran this week, but only for a little while.  He isn’t in the races for the long haul these days, and you won’t see him race very often any more, but we always cheer for him.   He won NASCAR’S most popular driver award like some 16 times or so.  He even withdrew his name one year.   I think he still holds the track record in Talladega for a qualifying speed of 212 mph.  and in Daytona at 210 mph both were back in the late 80’s.  Bill Elliott was a Ford man.  I personally always liked that about him.

There are many drivers that Billy and I like.  Matter of fact there aren’t many we don’t care for.  And we definitely admire all of them.

Then there is the ROAR of the engines.  When they say GENTLEMEN….START…. YOUR…. ENGINES.  There is a tingle that runs through your whole body when those engines crank up.  I usually am not impressed with a loud engine at a stop light or wherever, but this is different.

They bring the flag around the track and chills run up your spine.  I know the flag is touching the ground here, but trust me…they are very patriotic and I don’t think this is the norm.  Great respect for God and Country is found at the track.

National Anthems and Prayer is said over the loud speakers.  It is very moving.  I am so proud that they still pray…they don’t just have a moment of silence.  They pray for the safety of the drivers and for the people who have come to watch.  They pray in Jesus’ name.  That is very rare these days.  I am always humbled that this still takes place and pray that it never changes.

There is the FLY OVER.

That brings the Patriotic chills to a tear in the eye.  It makes you so proud of the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.  WOW.

For some it is time to put on some ear protection.

For the rest of us it is time to hear the ROAR…..as Darrell Waltrip always says….Boogity Boogity Boogity….let’s go racing boys!

I caught one complete lap on video.  There is no way to really capture the sights, sounds and smells as the cars circle the track.

My Uncle Fritz shared with me this week about how he has followed Nascar since the 50’s.  He worked with Ford Motor Co., and had the opportunity to work on an experimental engine that Ford only made two of.  It was installed in a 1964 Ford race car, that was driven by Ford’s Driver on the Nascar Circuit at that time, Fred Lorenzen.

How exciting is that, for two reasons.  One because that was MY UNCLE who worked on that project!  The second is that I didn’t know that…maybe that is part of the reason why I love the roar of the engines!  It must be in my genes.  My Uncle was involved with a lot of things that took place with Ford Motor Co., in various areas.  I am very proud of him.

I have to show this picture because this is one of the laps where we were able to see Bill Elliott race.  He is in the 97 here….GO BILL!!!!!!

Sometimes we sit in front of the pits which is very exciting.  I am amazed at how quick they gas up, change tires and do all they need to do on the cars in seconds flat.  This race we sat in a different section on the back stretch.  We have tried different areas through the years.  Every seat has been a good seat.  You just get different views.

I haven’t experienced the infield yet.   That is where you can literally camp and/or watch the race from inside the field.

These campers are in the infield.

This was a bad wreck that took place in turn three.  The driver had to be cut from the car

and a helicopter flew him out for medical attention.

Talladega is known for “the big one”  there is usually a wreck that takes out a big part of the race cars.  I have seen tires pop off, hoods fly, cars roll end over end and amazingly enough the drivers usually drop their window net, signaling that they are alright.

It is scary and exciting at the same time.  We always hate to see a driver injured, thankfully that doesn’t happen very often.

I like to see a real battle for the finish in the end.

It doesn’t always end that way, but all in all it is usually a very good race.

I still don’t really like to sit and watch it on television, but being there is a different story!

9 May

YUM!

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A big part of camping is cooking.  Ahhhh….a cup of coffee and the smell of bacon, eggs, and biscuits wafting through the crisp morning air.

I usually start my day with a cup of coffee and then have a cup of yogurt and a granola bar for breakfast.

BUT….while camping….well…..I will just say that it was all good….. including the fresh cantaloupe!

Some fixed Chicken Quesadillas …and they were smelling good at lunch one day!

That is when I was introduced to this new handy dandy little plate.

It is flat plastic that looks like a sheet of paper, you snap the corners into place and….

just like that you have a container to eat out of.  Wash and reuse.  Pretty nifty!

When night time came, we turned on the monkey lights.   I do not know why we call them that…but we always have.  This is a string of lights that are little cars and old campers.  They make it look so homey.

After dinner it was time for some dessert in the dutch oven.  Pineapple upside down cake.

Of course you have to have lots of butter…..

Brown sugar too….

Pineapple and marachino cherries….

yellow cake batter…..

Put the top on and let her cook.

We visited with each other while it cooked.

And visited some more…..

Now, here is where it can be a little tricky.  Our coals were left over from cooking our dinner, so they were not as hot as they needed to be.  But the good thing about camping at Talladega is that you are not the only one cooking….so I borrowed some hot coals from a neighboring camper.

Billy watched it carefully and it turned out so pretty.

We served it up…. then…of course we took two pieces to the guys who let us borrow the hot coals.  They were pretty excited about getting homemade cake…and so were we!

I think it is fun to watch the men….rustle up their meals.

Here the guys were fixing breakfast for their little women.  They are good cooks!

After breakfast this man was driving by in his recliner….yeah…a recliner.

He came over and visited with us for a few minutes.  We all had to check out his “ride”.

I told Billy when he drove off that the chair sure looked like the one Billy had in his bachelor’s pad when we first married.  Hmmmm…..I wonder…no…surely not!?!?!?

We headed to the track with some of our friends…..

only to find more food…. this is a funnel cake.  We DID NOT eat one.  But it sure was tempting.

Billy did find room for this circus peanut.  He loves those things.  I passed on those but I did  help eat pretzel sticks, cutie oranges,  red licorice sticks…a few bite sized snickers and…well you get the point.

And I wonder why my hips are getting bigger.   Hmmm…. I remember this saying…..A minute on the lips….forever on the hips!  If I could just remember it BEFORE I consume it all!

Meanwhile….after the race.

One family had hobo’s for dinner….I have always loved these.  They smell heavenly!

There was also roasted corn on the cob and pots of Taco soup! YUM!

It must be made complete with cheese and sour cream….

And a skillet of corn bread!  Oh my…..I DO LOVE CORNBREAD!!!!!!!!

Isn’t she a thing a beauty!  There have been many times that I have chosen cornbread over cake….now that is how much I love it!

Of course no camping trip is worth the trip if you don’t have hot dogs somewhere  along the way.

Why does a hot dog taste better cooked outside?   I don’t know….I guess the same reason everything seems too.   It’s just GOOD!

It seemed like we were all able to make happy plates all weekend….no matter what it was we were eating.

If you know what I mean!

8 May

Fashion Accessories

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I have always been a people watcher.  I do not know why.  If we are sitting in a restaurant…I like to be able to see the people…not a wall.  I just like to look at people.  Everyone is unique and yet alike, news flash…. I know.  I truly get amazed that God hasn’t run out of nose, eye and face shapes.  I am being serious.  Don’t you think it is weird when you DO find someone who looks like someone you know.  It is pretty rare.

So it seems to be with personalities too.  People act and dress in so many different ways.

I saw this hat and it made me smile…then I saw another interesting hat…..

this sombrero and I thought….hmmm…that’s unusual…even for Talladega.   Most people wear the typical racing attire.  Usually it is a shirt………

or a hat that sports the name of your favorite driver.  (Go KASEY KAHNE….)

Pam decorated her hat by putting the numbers in bling bling of her favorite driver.  It gave it that feminine touch.  Earphones are often used to listen to the drivers while they are racing.

So while I was people watching I saw this one and you know I really like chickens…so I had to get a picture……

Tooooo funny.  So then I got one of my bright ideas…and started looking around for unusual hats, so I could share them with all you who weren’t there to see them yourselves.

They handed out these fans one day, this girl got creative and used it as a visor.  Seemed to work well.  I will have to remember this for future use…if I do not have a hat handy.

Is this not the cutest little hat you have ever seen!

Thanks to these sweet girls for modeling their hats for me.

And to these guys….with hair hats!

they were great sports about having their picture made.

These were matching “reed hats”

These four guys had matching hats….two with black bands…two with green bands.  It reminded me of when we were little, if we went to a theme park, Mom would put the same style shirt on all 4 of us kids in case we got separated…then she could say… they look like this…and point to one of the other kids.  Funny now…but it worked.

The hotter it got…the more people improvised.

I can relate to this wet cloth.  I used my pink bandanna around my neck to do a quick cool down.  WHEW it sure felt good!

There are other things that are stylish too such as

pants that match your shirt and support your driver.

And toenails that turn into art work.

Billy and I were styling as well……

Gotta love the polka dot glasses and Billy’s “do rag” and straw hat.

You get to see all the latest fashion accessories at the races!

7 May

Happy Campers

Posted by ivegonecountry in Uncategorized. Tagged: .

This weekend we went camping! We went to see a race, and so we camped for the weekend at the track.

O.K……so we don’t really rough it…but we still enjoy the great outdoors.   Through the years we have been able to visit several different race tracks.  Hands down Talladega has the most camping space of the ones we have visited.  They are constantly improving and beautifying the surroundings.  Since it is a Super Speedway…people from all over the country come to this track.  In Talladega there is plenty of green grass for everyone.

I love to pull up and see all the different ways people camp.

Some people have converted buses into campers.

Some people rent a camper.

Some campers have slides like this one.  The wall slides out to allow for more space once you are parked.

This is a little pop up camper.  I think it is the smallest pop up I have ever seen.  The cool thing about pop ups…is that they do just that….they pop up.  When it is time to close them up they look almost flat.  Pretty ingenious idea.

I think this was the CUTEST little camper I saw the entire weekend!  It is a pop up as well.

It is small and probably would be considered one step up from a tent.

There are the true “hard core” campers…..

I think it helps to be in Scouts.  In a matter of minutes, the tent was up.  His gear was together and organized.  Very prepared.  Good Job!

I think this is pretty creative.  A tent in the back of a truck, under another canopy in case it rains…which it did.  Later the truck was moved and chairs were under the canopy, providing much needed shade.   The other little tent was a kitchen….pretty cool.

There were matching tents.

Tents with air mattress comfort.

Some tents now look like they have cute little windows, complete with screened in porches.

Apparently a little family was tent camping here.  Mama, Papa and two toddler chairs.  How cute.

Precious memories being made.

There were lots of porta potties provided.  These things have come a long way.  They are much more pleasant than they used to be.

This looks like an outdoor shower.  Years ago you would see these a lot.  The sun heats up the water and then you have your own shower stall.  However, the track now provides really nice bath houses.

There are a few places that charge a fee for camping, but most of the space is free.  It makes it very affordable for families or groups to be able to come and camp for the whole weekend.

The weather was great.  We had some rain move in the last day, but even after that it cleared up beautifully.

Roughing it or not there is just something special about being outdoors.

If it is pulling up a chair for just a little rest in the middle of the day or……

……taking the time to enjoy the moon at night.

Yep, there is just something special about it.

3 May

Break Time

Posted by ivegonecountry in Uncategorized.

We are going to take a break….I probably won’t post for several days.

If you really want to read something….you are welcome to scroll through the older post from when I first started, if you haven’t read them.

Meanwhile, I plan to take lots of pics the next few days.

Have a great weekend.

 

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