U ~ Utterly Underwhelming

.... or at least that is how I'm feeling right now.

As we were going about our day today, Rosie Mae asked what I'll be writing for my 'U' blog post tonight.

"I was thinking I might talk about the Up and Down game," I said. I had just finished playing a round with Steven earlier and it was still fresh on my mind.

"That's a fun idea," she said and we went on with our day. She puttered around the kitchen happily working to invent a new recipe for cupcakes in hopes of creating one in the flavors one of her friends requested for her birthday.

I continued working on my project until it was time to prepare supper. After we ate I spent most of the evening on the phone, first with one of my brothers and then with my Mom. It was the first time, in a long time that I had talked with either of them so that was nice.

When I hung up the phone Rosie Mae informed me she had already made her blog post. I went to read it ..... hmm ... sneaky. She wrote about the Up and Down game, effectively using my idea.

I pawed through my idea books for other 'U' inspired blog posts, but they all feel underwhelming, so instead I'll direct you to her blog where you can read her version of my idea.

Mrs. Gore's Diary

Every once in a while I come across a blog that I really, really love.

I don't remember how many years ago it was that I was introduced to Mrs. Gore's Diary, or who did the introducing, but I have been a huge fan ever since. A big thank-you to who ever it was that pointed me in her direction.

What do I love about this blog? Everything.

I love her writing style. I love the posts that make me laugh, the ones that make me think. Seeing her adorable children growing up.

Visiting her blog feels like visiting with a good friend, though she doesn't even know me.

She had me laughing all the way through her adventures of helping her children play on a Slip and Slide.
Her story of a certain bath time episode had me in stitches as I relived similar happenings when our children were  toddlers.
And her post about Momnesia, while funny, was just a tad bit comforting. It let me know I'm not the only one afflicted, and maybe almost doing the laundry using mouthwash instead of detergent wasn't so strange and disturbing after all.

Her posts that make me think. Love them. She so eloquently writes the things I think and feel and yet have never been able to put to words.

Her post about how fast childhood passes, brought a lump to my throat. It was so real, and the day I first read it I had just finished packing away some clothes Buddy had outgrown so it was even more emotional for me.

Her post about motherhood, and how sometimes it is good to be reminded that you signed up for this. And then her follow up post of the flip side.

Several more of my favorite, make you think posts from her are The Dollhouse Effect and one on Child Safety.

She throws the most amazing parties for her children, and recently she shared their vow renewals. If you have a minute or ten, please go check her blog out. It may become one of your favorites as well.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. It's still May, right? When were you last in the middle of something that might be described as mayhem?

Only a few more rooms and I will officially be done with spring house cleaning. Yesterday we tackled the living room. It felt like a bit of a mayhem when everything was pulled apart.

A description I heard from a certain boy who apparently is tired of the whole housecleaning scene. "Housecleaning is the dumbest thing, you pull everything apart, make a huge mess, then put everything away and say it looks so much better now."

2. When did you last feel dismayed?

Nothing really serious, but I was a little dismayed when I went to pay some bills and discovered I was out of stamps.

3. What's a food combination you like, but other people may find strange?

Homemade bread slathered with butter and drowned in a heap of fresh peaches.

4. "It is never too late to be what you might have been." Do you think that's true? Why or why not?

I think it's both true and untrue. I think it's great to follow your dreams and live up to your potential even if you get a late start, but I do think there is a point in time when it is too late. This is why I like looking ahead and asking myself, "What will I consider to have been important once I'm eighty and looking back over my life?"

5. US News and World Report listed the best historic destinations in the US as follows-Washington D.C, Philadelphia PA, Williamsburg VA, Charleston SC, Boston MA, Richmond VA, Savannah, GA, Santa Fe NM, Yellowstone, San Antonio TX, San Francisco CA, New Orleans LA, and Charlottesville VA.

Of those listed how many have you seen in person? Which two sites on the list would you most like to see in person?

Been to:

Washington D.C.
Philadelphia PA
Charleston SC
Richmond VA
Charlottesville VA
Santa Fe NM

The two places I would like to see are:

Savannah GA
Yellowstone

6. May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. If you had to participate in a single fitness activity for the next half hour, which activity would you choose?

Probably go for a walk.

7. What did you like best about the city, town, or neighborhood where you grew up?

The people, the fresh mountain air, actually it's hard  thinking of something I didn't like about the area I grew up.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

It's that time of year when hiking on nearby trails is a fun way to spend a few hours every once in a while.

LV has been dreaming of hiking the entire Appalachian Trail since before we were married. I don't think he ever will, but we are both enjoying following the details one of LV's friends is sharing about hiking the trail. He and his wife started in Georgia a little over a month ago, and are hoping to hike the entire distance of over 2,000 mile.

Hop over to their blog, Appalachian Journey,  to see their latest adventures.

Resolutions

Do you make New Year's resolutions?   I usually don't spend a lot of time mapping out goals for an entire year it's enough for me to meet all my daily goals with out the extra pressure of having an entire year looming over me with high and lofty goals that probably won't be reached.

That being said, there are a few things I would like to do this year. One of them is take a lot more pictures  and the other one is to lose all the baby weight I had gained.

I'm off to a good start. Having a baby in the house seems to provide a lot of photo opportunities. Like this one:

And the second goal.... oh wait, I reached it already! For the first time ever those extra pounds didn't hang around long after the baby arrived. I think I'll do a happy dance!

I enjoy reading every one's New Year's resolutions on the blogs I visit but my favorite so far belongs to my friend Cherie. You can hop on over and read her post here.

Wranglers and Ribbons

Don't you simply love that title? I do! Wranglers and Ribbons, I love both and only wish I would have been the one to think of that catchy title.

Wranglers and Ribbons is actually the name of one of my all time favorite blogs, written by a friend who lives on a ranch in Arizona with her husband and three children. She has a great way with words and quite a talent for writing that keeps me coming back again and again.

Picture borrowed from Wranglers and Ribbons with Lynell's permission.

Her post about A Tragic Fish Story had me in stitches. When I read it I knew we must be kindred spirits. Her post about Paybacks confirmed it even more.

She also owns a cat. But shh, don't tell anyone. Find out why here.

Her post about their beloved dog had me misty eyed.

I hope you visit her blog and especially the links I shared. I think you will be hooked and want to become a follower and if you have time leave her a comment or two while you are there.

Thursday Share

Spring is definitely on the way which means violets should be starting to bloom in several weeks. I'm looking forward to that for more than one reason this year. I love violets and when I found the recipe for Violet Syrup on a lovely blog that I like to visit I knew immediately that I want to try making it.

You can find the recipe here.

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Another blog that I enjoy visiting is The Wordsmith. In this post she relates one of her earliest adventures in hairdressing. The sweet gentle way she has of relating her memories from her childhood and life have brought me back to visit often.

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And any time you need a chuckle head over to Nezzy at Cow Patty Surprise where she writes about her life as a farm wife in the Ozarks. This post was one of the first ones I read on her blog. The next post was a satisfying conclusion to this story so you won't want to miss it either.

Sailor's Accomplishment

One of our all time favorite desserts is Hot Fudge Pudding Cake.  As a child it used to be a weekly treat during the summer when ever there was fresh fruit available. Mashed strawberries, or peaches used to be perfect when spooned on top of this delightfully gooey chocolaty yumminess.

Today when I checked in at my friend Kathie's blog she had posted the recipe and I knew I had to make it for dinner tonight. As I was ready to start Sailor asked if he could make it by himself. I found the recipe for him, tied a cooking apron on him and surveyed my nice clean kitchen as I gave him the go ahead.

I worked on the rest of supper while he carefully followed the instructions. The kitchen showed signs of a beginning baker once he was done but it was oh so worth it. The dessert was every bit as good as it always is and my little man was as pleased as could be with his accomplishment.

Be sure to check Kathie's blog to get the recipe.

Tuesday Introduction

Since the day I started with my little blog I have met many great people. But this morning it was pleasant surprise to find an email waiting for me from an old friend that I had lost contact with over the years.

Thanks to a blog post I did back in April she was able to find me. After exchanging several email Sue has generously allowed me to borrow a picture from her website where she shares her experiences of traveling across America with a horse and buggy and later a team of oxen.

Her website Horsehairs is filled with many great photos and short stories to go with them. Please visit her site I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Thursday Introduction

Recently I was at a grocery store doing my weekly shopping. My cart was filling up fast when I remembered I still need eggs. When I got to the egg section I noticed a lady checking for cracked eggs but I didn't pay much attention to her as I started getting the eggs I needed.

I put several dozen in the cart when she said "Hi, how are you today?" I glanced at her thinking she is probably talking on a cell phone, but I didn't see anything and she was looking at me so I answered. "I'm doing great. How about you?" But that only made her glare at me, as she said "I'm here at the store. Is there anything else you need for tonight?"

It was then that I noticed she was wearing a Bluetooth. I hurriedly finished my shopping and went my way more resolved than ever not to use a Bluetooth. It's not that have anything against anyone who does use one, which includes my husband. But I personally find them to be a nuisance. Which brings to mind a well written hilarious post, "Toothache and Technology" by one of my favorite bloggers, Robynn's Ravings. You can go read it for yourself, I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Tuesday Introduction

Soon after I discovered the blogging world I found a lovely blog that I like to visit regularly. I would like to introduce you to it too.

Janie and her husband enjoy riding their horses almost everyday. They take lots of pictures on their treks into the wilderness and then share them on their blog. Reading it and enjoying all the gorgeous photography is almost like taking a mini vacation yourself.



Janie graciously gave me permission to borrow a picture from her blog " Janie & Steve's Utah Trails " to share with you. Anyone who enjoys the outdoors and the beauty of nature is sure to enjoy her blog.