OLD YEAR OUT, NEW YEAR IN

I sit her reminiscing last week. There is no way to explain how much I enjoyed the week at the lakehouse. It was the 1st time I had spent more than a weekend in the new house since the inside had become reality. It was GREAT!!! So many things that I am enjoying that I have never had before. It is really hard to decide what my favorite feature of the house is. I will say that the extra space made for a much more enjoyable time with guest in and out all week.

1-The extra bathrooms are just wonderful and probably the most needed feature that I added, lol. I don't think anyone had to wait on an empty bathroom all week. However I did see a few folks go to where the old bathroom use to be which is no longer a bathroom, lol.

2-The front entry, I will say I sure have enjoyed having a front door and I am sure many others have too. It is really much easier and safer for Mom to get in and out of the house. It will probably be easier for me to unload groceries there even when the garage is completed. I do like the path of least resistance, lol.

3-The pantry, I have never ever had a walk in pantry and it only took me a short time to figure out that should be a requirement for every house. My daughter made a suggestion about putting all the grocery items in there and how easy it is to tell what you need when going to the grocery store. She has had a pantry for years and I feel sure she is right so I have headed in that direction. However one night I went to get some crackers out of a plastic bin that had bread, chips etc in it and a lil mouse jumped out of the bin on to my chest, needless to say I screamed, loudly and Pat came running... I shut him up in the pantry until he had taken care of the mouse. I guess the cold weather has run the mice in, so I had to move all the items that I felt a mouse could get into back to drawers where I have had no problems, at least until I get back and know there are no more. I sure did not want to be feeding the mice and have them inviting friends in while I was gone. The neatest thing about a pantry is there is a place to put all those things that are usually in the way at family gatherings, like purses, diaper bags and stuff that clutters the table or bar. I found it useful for keeping things that folks leave, like dishes or items you want to give to someone, or even things I want to remember to take to Mississippi. So if you leave something at the lakehouse remind me to look in the pantry for it, lol.

4-The xbox room ( has been called the mud room) it worked out well for the teenagers even if it is kinda small. They were able to get away from the adults, yet they were still among us. They were able to watch TV and had the Gardner's got there with all the right xbox stuff they could have played xbox games lol. They move to the den when Pat goes to bed, and watch movies with more space to spread out.

5-Computer/sewing room, I think that this will be a favorite room when I retire, I have started putting my sewing stuff in the closet. I even spent some time on the computer in there one night when I woke up and could not go back to sleep. It felt much more warm and cozy than that big den late at night.

6- Laundry area, It is so nice to do laundry and not have to listen to the noise. Now that the dryer is working right, I do like the washer and dryer and I washed many loads of towels and blankets and clothes that had been moved to the building during construction, seemed like everything smelled cleaner with a new washer, lol. I think the hall is the perfect place for them.

7-Bedrooms 3, so nice to have 3,

1) The Master bedroom is just wonderful, It is so roomy and kinda like our own little paradise. We could actually live in this room, all we need is a small refrigerator and we would be set. (What a Great idea!)

2) Tracy and her family have taken the new guest room for 2 reasons,

1) when Rusty comes he likes to bring his toys and all the kids like to play with him and his
toys and this new guest room is bigger than the other guest room. During the day they can hang out in there if adults are visiting or they are just plain too loud and the xbox room don't hold them all, lol.

2) Chris snores so loudly, the other room is actually further from my bedroom, lol. Yes its all about my sensitivity to noise, lol.

3) Rigsby's will take the smaller guest room. Blake was quiet content with the arrangement and did not hesitate to stake his claim during Christmas.

I had already decided that if someone moves in with me or is there for extended visit they will get the smaller guest room. Brooke already asked could she move in and have the big guest room, lol. I just found it much easier to talk about the rooms with them named, lol. How does Gardner Room sound instead of the new guest room or the big guest room, lol. Rigsby Room sounds better than the old guest room which it never was, lol or my old room, or the small guest room, I could referred to them as the tan room and the gold room, geeesh then when I paint we will all be confused. Maybe the left guest room and the right guest room, nah next thing I think is left is right and right is wrong, lol. Oh here is one more idea the Girl's room and the Boy's room, this might would work at times, but I would hate to give anyone a complex I am sure the time would come where it just would not be COOL for the guys to have to sleep in the Girl's room.

8-Bathrooms 3 1/2,
1) The master bath is GREAT, I am really enjoying the closets in the bath. It's almost like having a dressing room instead of a closet. I have my clothes in there and after the showerI just go in there to get dressed, no dragging out clothes to be laying around on vanity etc. I think the chest of drawers in the bedroom will be used for out of season clothes. The tv will work out good I am thinking however I did not get to try the tv out this time, They had to disconnect the bath cable to hook up the guest bedroom tv for Blake, which I might add enjoyed the Rigsby guest room while he was there.
2) Guest bath, was used by guest and was determined that the shower faucet needed adjustingto be able to have warmer water. I guess these fancy smancy faucets all had to be adjusted after the 1st cold shower, lol. I took my share of cold ones getting these fine tuned, lol.

3) The Bama bathroom, well it is not as much Bama as i would like but dang that Bama stuff is pricey. I do like this bathroom even if it did not have Bama on it.

I finally have gotten all the bathrooms furnished with towels, garbage cans, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. hmm maybe I need a can in the guest bathroom, will have to check that.

4) The patio bathroom is not used much during the holiday but I am sure in the summer it will be. It seemed to pick up the name of the Auburn Bathroom, Susan will have to explain that one, lol. I have already had loads of fun with my Bama and Auburn bathrooms. I guess I need to get something Auburn to go in the Auburn bathroom, should be easy to do, they have to give the Auburn stuff away cause no one will buy it, lol. ( I am so bad I just can't seem to help myself)

9- My Kitchen, other than the pantry the only 3 changes for my kitchen may seem unimportant and small to most, but to me they rank pretty high on my list. 1) I added a phone on the bar which is so nice to be in there cooking and not have to walk so far to a phone. Actually they now have all the phone outlets turned on and I have phones in desired places, but the kitchen phone is my favorite. 2) I added a TV at the end of the bar which allows me to be able to watch TV while cooking and Pat has enjoyed it as well when eating his breakfast. 3) The added cabinet where the washer and dryer was is gonna be wonderful. The bar top should be in soon and once the sink is installed all the coffee, tea and drinks will be located in this area. Worked out well this week with a piece of paneling over the cabinet.

10- The garage, although not yet completed, I can now see the benefits of garage storage. I will be putting all my Christmas decorations in the storage above the garage where it is warmer to get out and put up rain or shine and Pat will have the storage building all to himself. I have determined I can not share a storage building with Pat in Alabama or Mississippi. The storage on the patio side is going to work out great once we get the extra refrigerator in there. My desire is to never have to enter Pat's storage building, lol. He probably has the same desire, lol.

Ok so I got carried away a bit on this post but it helped me sort out what I like most and if I had to vote on just 1 thing, I still don't know what it would be.

I hope you all have a Safe and Happy New Year.

Christmas Week

T'was the week of Christmas, and all thru the house, the excitement was building and the stress levels too. The kitchen was busy with making goodies to enjoy. The streets were crowded with shoppers, with so many last minute things to do. With traveling to do and airport flights to catch too, we packed up the van and grabbed Blake and Brooke too. We left out in time to make a few extra stops and to eat lunch too. With only a 45 min delay at the airport that we took Brooke to, we wished her farewell and may her Christmas wishes come true. Back in the van and away we went like a flash with Pat driving and me snoozing a few. Blake in the back with his ipod tunes and a few clues. We headed to Bama to continue Christmas with the Myhand crew. The weather was warm and the rain drops came thru, the visions of Christmas were on every corner we knew. We arrived late we had so much to do, thank goodness for Susan who helped me get ready for the Myhand crew. Saturday I woke with grocery shopping to do and many other things that I would like to do. Blake being my buddy is always a big help, even if it cost me a few. We made our Walmart run and even Home Depot too. Arriving back at the lake in time for the Gardner crew, who had some time to visit before they went to have Christmas with the Poppa and the Rigsby's., some which I never knew. Sunday was our day to sleep in a good few and then spring to our feet with much more to do to be ready to enjoy a few Christmas Joys with the Myhands and crew. The day was a success, filled with a main meal and many deserts, so many who could choose. With our belly's all full and some were in misery too, we sat and visited and watched the kids for a few. Emma and her brothers are so much entertainment for the party and Emma has the pictures to prove.

Pictures are worth a million words, but I will highlight a few.

This is Pat, Blake and Brooke in front of Bass Pro Shop as we goofed off a bit on our way to the airport.
Blake liked the looks of this truck. He is probably hoping Santa will someday bring him one like this.

On Sunday before Christmas we gathered with the rest of the Myhand gang for good food and visit.

Grandmother Glenda and Walker visiting.
Everyone enjoying the Christmas meal.
Will eating cheese.
Emma and Walker checking out the tree.
Emma taking pictures with her cell phone... such a cutie.
Everyone being entertained with babies.
Susan and Rando enjoying the view.

The guys decided to eat on the deck.
Emma and her baby.

Randy and Mom just visiting with the rest of the gang.

Kids hiding from the camera in the xbox room.

Chloe braiding Tanners hair.

Jacy and Dustin joined us for Chritmas then later in the week took a flight to Houston.

With our Christmas gathering over and everyone went there busy way, Pat and I started getting some things in order at the lakehouse. We really did get a lot accomplished and even enjoyed some night time card playing. I think I got all the important things out of the storage building and washed and put in appropriate place. I still have many things to get out of the building but they are just items to be taken to the goodwill. We even got the storage building moved to its new location.


Christmas Day was kinda quiet for us, but we did have Mom and Dad over for lunch and grilled steaks and had a nice salad and bake potato to go with it. We all took a nap after lunch, lol. On Friday morning I woke up and Pat's snoring was unbearable so I just got up and went shopping, lol. That's the best excuse I have ever come up with for spending money, lol. I had a great shopping trip found some great buys. I went by to check on Mom and take her a sports coat she had wanted me to pick up for Dad.

I needed to hurry on home because I had things needed done before Bud and Rosemary got there to visit. Bud was really sick and we had been warned, so we were prepared to drop everything and go to the URGENT CARE or AFTER HOURS CLINIC. Pat went with Bud to the clinic just 3 miles from us and they fixed him right up with shots and meds. I was glad to hear that he got good service and care at the Urgent Care, just in case I ever need it. Rosemary and I had planned to go shopping for me a dining room rug so we did, but neither of us found one that was just what we wanted. We did more shopping and found some more great buys....its just real hard to pass up good buys. We returned to the lake to check on the men and Pat grilled us steak for supper. Elaine had sent us all gifts to be opened when we were together... We sure wish it had worked out where she could have joined us. We enjoyed the gifts and the laughs we had when opening them. Bud did get to feeling better and we even played some SHANGHI. Bud and Rose had to leave the next day and head on home to get Bud feeling better so they can continue on there travels for next week.

They got Monkey Butt Powder from Elaine. I am not sure who is the best monkey.

Saturday was kinda sad as I had to start thinking about heading back to Mississippi the next day. I got stuff together and took down some of the Christmas stuff and packed it away, even though I will keep it in the house until the storage in the garage is finished. Mom and Dad came to visit for a bit in the afternoon, after her trip to the After Hours Clinic with what we thought was sinus that the Doctor says is shingles... from what I can find out this is not good.....especially if it gets in her eyes... which I think it is already...Greg and Marcia came to visit later that night and we got a chance to play cards with them 2 nights in one week.

Sunday(today) we loaded and headed back to Mississippi after getting with the contractor on a few things.

I will say I thoroughly enjoyed this week in Bama. It was really nice to get to check out the new features in the house. Next post will include a list of all the things I liked about the lakehouse, now that I have had some time to check them out. They are still not finished, but most of what they like is outside and in the garage. So until next post Hope everyone had safe travels and a Merry Merry Christmas!!!!

Mid December

I have been Naughty and I haven't been very Nice either... so I figured I better catch up a bit before the holidays got any closer. The week after Thanksgiving I spent in pain and agony with a swollen ankle... it was horrible but not nearly AS BAD AS STREP THROAT. I tried to see a Dr at work and it just could not happen, between me being busy and doctors not being there it just did not work out. By Friday I was sick of it and hoped a restful weekend would make it all better. I remembered about 5 am on Saturday morning that my Dr. office was open til noon on Saturday morning so I had Pat take me there at 8 am and I was the 1st patient. A shot in each hip and 2 perscriptions would work miracles by Monday or I was to come back... I figured I would be back on Monday. The shots were GREAT by the time the perscriptions were filled I felt better than I had in over a week. I figure when the meds wear off it may be back so I called to get the name of the shots just in case I have another ankle problem during Christmas vacation.

The kids have sure enjoyed my Wii, guess its a good thing I was not where I could use it.

December is always stressful for many folks and I am one of them. I don't know why but I seem to get stressed over things and can never figure out what causes the problem. Time is always short and so many things to do to be ready for Santa and then there is work hassle trying to get ahead to be off a week, when we are never caught up so why do we think we can get ahead. We have birthdays in December for Pat, Tyler and Rusty and try to fit them in for a gathering some where. The guys try to hunt some and of course there is the Christmas programs the kids have at school and this year Tracy is involved in more than ever before. I try to get the tree up here in Mississippi and then in Bama as well, which has been a real chore this year with the work going on at the lakehouse. I hope next year will be different, then I can blame all the stress all these years on work, lol. I think maybe I have maxed out as a SCROUGE this year. I almost feel like I am rushing the season to get to next year 2009.

I was sucessful in getting all together for the December birthdays and I did go to Tracy's play, which was very, very good. I got the trees up and even had Christmas in Mississippi. This year is different with Brooke living here. We have in the past waited for her to get here to have Christmas and now we are trying to have Christmas before she leaves on the 19th. You throw that in with Chris's work schedule and Tracy's busy schedule and there was 1 date open so we had it on the 11th. Chris will be having his Christmas with the kids tonight, because they are going to a concert on Wednesday night and then Chris will be on nights until after Brooke is gone.

So as the story goes shift workers and split parents never have Christnmas on Christmas.

Tyler checking out his birthday money.

Rusty checking out his cheese.

Tanner and his honor choir at school participated in the Christmas carol contest.





We had Christmas with all early and just did snacks, the pin sheels made a hit, once again.


Santa came to see the Rigsby kids early and brought pizza too.

That should catch everyone one up a bit, and hopefully I will do better..... Ummm maybe its time to make a list of all my New Year Resolutions, lol. I am looking forward to seeing everyone for Christmas so be extra careful and safe when out shopping and traveling.

THANKSGIVING

I am missing so may opportunities for photo's lately, however I do have a bunch to share. Our Thanksgiving started on Wednesday a week before Thanksgiving. It seems we have a hard time getting all together close to the holidays so we keep backing it up further and further, lol. I know I will have a hard time getting into Christmas in July so hopefully we won't have to back up that far. Pat was a big help to me as always but probably bigger than normal this Thanksgiving, because I had to work that day and I had him putting things in the oven and taking things out and turning on crock pots etc while I was at work, lol. Once our bellies were full we just sat and visited... I am really enjoying the visiting more and more every time we get together.

With Thanksgiving in Mississippi out of the way Pat, Chris, Kyle and Blake got all geared up for deer hunting. The weather turned off really cold and they all started later than planned. No one has shot a deer yet ... not even a lil buck that would cost them big bucks, lol. I figure one of them will get a deer at some point... but if not... oh well... they enjoy the hunting any way.

Tuesday before Thanksgiving Pat and I left headed to Bama and we detoured by the airport to put Brooke on a plane to North Carolina. Things were right on schedule and soon as Brooke was in the air we headed on to Bama. I could hardly wait to see what had been done... but knew I would be disappointed and it would not be enough, lol. The pictures will show you we have made progress and everything is looking GREAT.

See my arched doorways. The front door will be stained at some point and stand out more. Notice the dining room table is not in the center of the room and I think we will all enjoy that.

You can see the pantry door and the arched doorway to the kids room( xbox room, mud room, seems we can't settle on a name for it.

Thursday Pat and I drove Mom and Dad to Adamsville to the Spears for Thanksgiving dinner. The crowd was smaller than normal but the food was great. Faye can make some good dressing. Again I did not get many pictures here but will post a few. Seems I only got pictures of the kids, I have got to work on that. I am sure I missed some good shots of women cooking etc.

With our bellies all full we traveled back to the lakehouse where Randy and his family would all drop by so we could see all Brandon's children.

The house still has lots of evidence that construction is still in progress so we had to keep close tabs on the kids. Emma got her head banged on the coffee table but we managed to prevent any major injuries.

This is the 1st time I have see the twins since they started walking and they really enjoyed the extra room I have, running and playing chase with their dad.

Walker was my buddy for the visit, even if he was a lil skiddish to start with.

This area is where the dining table use to be and I hope to put a round table and 4 chairs there for playing cards, but will be awhile. This sofa will be moved into the xbox room when they finish the crown molding there.

Notice how quickly the men took to the table in its new location.

I thought this was a good picture of Mom and Dad. They were so tired, they missed their nap, but I did get a smile out of them.

The rest of the weekend was spent getting up early and going shopping looking for those hard to find items that I thought I had to have. I really had not planned to go shopping but I just could not help it... something I have always done. I was pooped each night and in bed by 7 or 8 and would wake raring to go at 3, lol.

Saturday, was the IRON BOWL and we worked on our closets until time for the game. Marcia joined us for the game, Greg preferred to watch the game alone in his favorite spot at home. Its a real test for friendship when you get together with friends that are fans of the opponents for the IRON BOWL. Marcia and Greg are Auburn fans and we forgive them on most occasions. My sister Susan and Rando are also Auburn Fans, but we just offer our sympathy and ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!lol. Nothing like friendly ragging on ball game days.

We returned to Mississippi on Sunday and picked up Brooke from her Uncle Tony, since he had picked her up at the airport.

Have I told ya lately its 6 months and 29 days until I retire? See ya soon.

Mid November

The last week has been a big blur. I started getting sick on Monday at work just a sinus headache but by Tuesday morning I had a very sore throat. The kids had sore throat the week before and Josh also when in Bama so I thought no biggy I will stay home Tuesday and get better so I can be sure to be well to go to Bama on the weekend to help Mom. Well I tried to get better but failed and by Thursday I was in tears with throat pain and in the Dr office to get my shot. I had strep throat and the worst I could ever imagine. I could not even swallow water without tears. As I write this I am still not 100% but so much better. Needless to say I did not go to Bama the weekend and pretty much hibernated in my bedroom, staying away for everyone as much as possible. That's really about all I have to say for the week.



Mom seems better over the phone and I am hoping to make a trip there for Thanksgiving. Speaking of Thanksgiving, I am trying to have Thanksgiving here this week before deer season starts and the men folk run off and before Brooke flies to North Carolina. We will see if I fit it in... probably won;t be the spread I normally do, but will have the basics covered. The sweets will be lacking just because I can't do it all and work.... just ain't as young as I use to be lol. I am sure I can play catchup on the sweets over the weekend while the guys are hunting and they will still enjoy them.

November Begins

This week Pat has been a Go GETHER, he carried me to work and picked me up all week long so he could take the van to the shop for minor maintenance stuff, fuel pump problem and leak, shocks, automatic leveler problem, and problem with lights pulsing. We have had the light pulsing for forever that this mechanic knew what to do. I told ya'll earlier about my parking spot, well I took a picture, mainly for a souvenir, but posted for ya to see. looks like I am really important???

Tuesday I had the honor of taking my oldest grandson with me to vote. We ran into Tracy there as well. This was also the Tuesday that I cook for all so we ate a good meal and watched the election returns for a while. I know it had to be a good meal because Tanner "Thanked me " many times.

I was surprised at the interest that the kids showed in the election results. You can tell they are relaxed and a room full, lol. I guess we did all we could since Mississippi went our way however, the overall election did not. :(

Monday, Mom got really sick and spent hours at the out patient clinic and then went to Emergency Room and was admitted, she had almost pneumonia. She stayed several days and was much better. I think it was Wednesday when she got out of the hospital. Saturday I talked to Dad and he said Mom was fussing at him about not wearing his hearing aid and he was telling me that he could hear fine if she did not slur her words...Well "WE ALL KNOW" he can not hear, I just figured she was tired of repeating stuff to him and both sick.After the ballgame Dad calls after the ball game and tells me Mom just told him that she lost control of her left arm and it went numb around 3 or 4 but was Ok now. Well we agreed that she needed to go to the hospital, it sounded like a stroke to us. Randy was called and went over to check it out and I got dressed made a few calls and got kids situated and headed to pick up Mom's sister to go with me to Bham to the hospital. Mom was carried in an ambulance. She was admitted and I stayed the night with her. She improved as the hours went by. They did some test, and from what we have heard from the stroke was confirmed and was very, very, mild. They are keeping her to get her stronger and on some blood thinner. She was really mad at Dad for calling us and Wanted to be contrary about going to the hospital, but I think she was glad we insisted. When the Dr came in today I felt much better about leaving her, so I did and headed on back to Mississippi, I needed a hospital GPS to get out of the hospital. Do they make them?

I think Mom is going to have to make some changes and accept help from all when it comes to the household chores. This lung disease she has really makes it difficult for her to do these things and she insist on doing them. I am not sure how we will handle this but I do know she had no business sweeping and mopping her floors on Friday, I was there and could have, and would have had I known she thought it had to be done.

We carried Tyler and Brooke with us on Thursday Night to Bama, they had made plans to have Chloe over on Friday night to watch scary movies. Friday morning I got up early to go get my hair trimmed then back to get the kids to go shopping. Tyler really was only interested in shopping for food but he went with us to shop for Brooke some pants for school,but he did stay in the van ( smart guy). We had good luck with the pants and then went to get the food, I let them pick out whatever they wanted to eat and Tyler found a book he wanted as well. Blockbuster was the next stop and we got the movies for the night. I will say I thoroughly enjoyed the extra space in the house. Pat and I watched TV in our bedroom in the love seat while the kids watched their scary movies AND WE NEVER HEARD A WORD OUT OF THEM. It was great to sit and watch TV and be comfy and not have to yell at kids to be quiet etc.

On Saturday we had Hannah and Ali join us about ballgame time and I did have to run them out of the den for doing the girly chat thing and disturbing our ballgame watching.... but that was GREAT too, to actually have a place to run them off to. They went to the guest bedroom and all piled on the king size bed to do their chatting. It was great except no food was allowed in there. They did not suffer cause they raided the kitchen soon as the game was over. I should have took a picture of Tyler surrounded by the 4 girls on the king size bed.

We moved the reclining love seat to our bedroom and it is going to work out very good for us. there is still little things to be finished in the bedroom end, due to the workers getting mud man is suppose to do his mudding this week and its going to rain so I expect that they will truly get all the bedroom end complete doors and knobs included. I was going to try out the shower this weekend since they installed the water heater, but guess what theses fancy dancy faucets are preset for temperature ad it was too cold to enjoy the shower so I decided I would try out the bath tub. Well they had run water in it and left it there to have some weight to make the tub settle in good so I was going to drain it clean the tub and check out the whirlpool bath..... Well I could not figure out how to let the water out!!!!! I had Pat try and he was no better... We figured there was a trick...updated drain that we just did not know about but it did not turn or prop or anything we could try. We checked out the water and as luck would have it the cold and hot are reversed... no biggy but 3 reasons to call Larry and ask questions and let him know from me that I am getting impatient. He answered all my questions and assured me that he will finish bedroom end this week while the mud man is mudding and its raining outside. I will probably go back on Friday to see about Mom and see the finished product or put pressure on Larry.

The FALL leaves in Bama are just gorgeous. I do need a tree with red fall leaves in my yard front and back. I swear they are much prettier than the ones in Mississippi.

Thats all I can remember for now