Life of a Southern Belle

Whatcha doing?

2012-01-22T11:27:00.000-05:00

Not doing much here but always busy!

1. After three long years, we have finally sold Mother's house back in Hometown. What a tremendous relief it is since we were just about to have to do some maintenance work. I'd much rather that the new owners do their own thing. It's hard to manage something like that from two hours away. It's a sweet house full of lovely memories, but Hometown is far from a booming center of commerce. Not a lot of new folks moving in. I understand that the buyers are retiring to the community.

2. We spent last weekend at the summerhouse, joined by Will and Meg. We were so sad that Louis and Sue couldn't join us. On Saturday, we ventured into Beaufort and ate lunch at our favorite place..Wren, before returning back to paradise where Hank built a fire out by the water. We sat laughing and talking until way after dark. Will and Meg's son is getting married in May so we talked about rehearsal party themes and will all be together again for a party out at Folly Beach on March 10.

3. Lorelai started her student teaching last week. I had to smile every afternoon when she called to tell me how TIRED she was. Yes indeed...five year olds can give a gal a run for her money, although one little boy did draw a picture of Miss Southern, the princess. She's happy that at least one of the children recognized her true inner princess.

4. We found out last week that Mother has diabetes. It isn't horrible and will be handled with "a pill" each day. Bless her, she does love sweets and we've noticed as the dementia worsens that she pushes regular food around on her plate, taking a bite here and a bite there. But sweets??!!!?? She loves them.

5. Now I have possible genetic predispositions to dementia AND diabetes to look forward to.

6. I told you I'm reading the Happiness Project...haven't read a chapter in three weeks. Maybe this afternoon since it's rainy and chilly. Where is Hank??? I need him to make a fire in the den. Let me go find him...

Hope everything is going well for you and yours.

Lorelai Update and Other Stuff

2012-01-07T11:23:00.002-05:00

THANK YOU...a million times THANK YOU for your kind words, prayers, and offers of assistance for our little Lorelai. At her appointment this week, the doctor told her that she should wait until after student teaching and graduation for the surgery on her foot. Student teaching in kindergarten, combined with the three flights of stairs to her apartment provided too may opportunities for her to injure herself worse during recovery. She is being fitted for a special insert for her right shoe which will give her extra support and she shouldn't have to endure any more discomfort than a couple of ibuprofen can handle. In the meantime, our prayers are that between now and mid-May, the problem may resolve itself. Wouldn't that be AWESOME?

I don't generally make new year's resolutions but I am setting out to try and improve upon a couple of points in my life.

#1- I consider myself to be a kind person...not that I don't employ tough love...that is a job requirement for a high school principal. BUT...tough love does not have to be mean-spirited, although from time to time I find myself making biting remarks that are unnecessary. In other words...my mouth gets ahead of my brain. I want to do better. When I'm nice and thoughtful, things just go better. When I'm not...karma likes to nip at my heels. For instance...for a first week back to school after winter break, this was a pretty good one. I kept calm and took one issue at a time...until Friday...when I got a little aggravated with somebody (outside my work) who was not cooperating with my time line and I kind of (sort of) implied (maybe...OK, I did) that I might possibly consider placing a call (OK..I name dropped and I HATE it when people do that) to somebody (with a lot of clout) who would solve my problem once and for all. My problem did get solved, but my day went downhill from there. I was mean and impatient and karma GOT ME for it. Lesson learned...here's to doing better this week.

#2- I'm on a two week gluten-free challenge. Turning 50 has made me acknowledge a number of things that I won't detail for you, but a fuzzy brain is a big one. I've always blamed sugar; however, it was suggested to me that I might want to consider gluten as the culprit (along with a good many extra pounds!)...not celiac or anything like that, just a sensitivity to gluten. I am at day 5 and maybe it is all in my mind, but I think I feel better...fuzzy head-wise. For sure, I haven't had to pop a Pepsid or Tums since Tuesday afternoon. We'll see.

#3- The Happiness Project
I'm reading the book and we'll see how it goes.

What has happened in the first week of YOUR new year???

Our New Year's Eve Celebration

2012-01-02T16:26:00.000-05:00

Legare and friends have headed back to Charlotte. All of the holiday decorations are put away and I'm trying to wrap my brain around going back to work tomorrow after eleven workdays off. Lorelai still has a couple of weeks at home...please continue to pray as we work toward the decision about the foot surgery now versus after student teaching.

We had a nice evening here with friends and family on New Year's Eve. My camera, when set for night photography, did some wild things with the giant sparklers. On New Year's Day, Hank and I were so pooped that we sent the young folks down to Peninsula Grill and we stayed home and watched TV. NUTS is what that was...but we were tired.

Hope that your first two days of 2012 have been fine and dandy. A post on my goals for the new year coming soon.

We thought we were missing a parade...

2011-12-31T16:31:00.000-05:00

Hank, Lorelai and I sitting around talking when Lor noticed that a "wagon full of people" were riding in front of our house. They meandered down the lane on the side of the house (and met a dead end). I grabbed my camera so that you could see what we saw as they made their way back.

We encounter all sorts of things in these parts. For one thing...we live in South Carolina...the lowcountry of South Carolina...Berkeley County in the lowcountry of South Carolina. I believe they were Episcopalians. I don't know what else I can tell you...other than a part of me wanted to go jump on that wagon with them. I know who was driving and I don't think he would have minded...

It kinda looked like fun!!

For your prayer list...

2011-12-30T10:04:00.000-05:00

Please put our Lorelai and her poor foot on your prayer list. As you may know, she's been in a "boot" for some time with a fractured sesamoid bone. From Wikipedia...In the foot - the first metatarsal bone usually has two sesamoid bones at its connection to the big toe (both within the tendon of flexor hallucis brevis).[2] In some people, only a single sesamoid is found on the first MCP.

She begins student teaching in kindergarten on January 17. To have surgery on January 12, or thereabouts, would only give her four days to get rested and back to Clemson. She would not be able to put weight on the foot for six weeks. She would likely have to depend on the kindness of others to drive her for six weeks. That is a lot to ask people who aren't family to do for you. In her apartment, she won't be able to count on but one of her roommates for any support at all and they aren't in the same major. Her apartment is on the third floor with no elevator. We live three and a half hours away.

I know she's tired...this has been going on since October. I know she's frustrated as can be about not being able to exercise...she loves to run and that option has been (and will be for awhile) off the table. This isn't how any of us envisioned her senior year of college. I have her an appointment this morning with a personal trainer and plan to engage one when she gets back to Clemson...hopefully they can design an exercise routine for her that will give her some relief and not hurt the foot.

Hank and I feel like it might be better to wait until after graduation in early May to have the surgery. Yes, she will have to endure some discomfort and prolong the exercise dilemma BUT that way she will be home for the recovery and able to completely stay off the foot. She wants to go ahead with it now because she is sick and tired of the whole mess.

We covet your prayers as we support Lorelai in making the right decision about what to do...

Thank you so much...

On the 4th Day after Christmas...

2011-12-29T17:40:00.000-05:00

1. Hank is with Lorelai at the orthopedist. We are praying that her foot has healed and she can take off that awful "boot." (Before I could post, Hank called and the broken foot has not healed...surgery scheduled for mid-January...Lor is a VERY unhappy camper right now.)

2. I'm paying bills...ICK and DOUBLE ICK.

3. On a brighter note, I have a hot stone massage at 2:30.

4. I declared that I would not be entertaining much during the holidays, but we've had SO much fun that we're throwing together a Saturday night shindig. Not a huge crowd...10-15 folks. Nothing like an oyster roast to ring in the New Year.

5. Since we're going out for New Year's Day dinner at Peninsula Grill, I'm keeping our good luck lunch simple. BBQ, Hoppin' John, Collard Greens, Hot Rolls, Artichoke Relish and Sweet Tea.
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...seems that I am having trouble completing this post. Have returned from my hot stone massage and after a glorious hot shower could just melt into a puddle....SO INCREDIBLE.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T16:31:00.000-05:00

We enjoyed a relaxing Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Gifts were opened on Christmas Eve and on Christmas morn, there was no rushing around. There were eight around our dining room table for a 1:00 pm dinner and I hope that our company enjoyed it as much as we did. Legare and Lorelai are real troopers when it comes to my picture taking. Hope you enjoy...cannot wait to see your photos.

In the above photo, Legare threw his first handful or oats so high that it came back down on top of his head.

The gift cards on top of the candle box are to Dean and Deluca and Brooks Brothers.

Since neither Legare no Lorelai wrote letters to Santa, they got ALL surprises.

Boy howdy...Santa sure does have good taste!

Hank and Legare were in charge of the roast.

Thankfully, I'm still on vacation...no work for me until January 3.

Hank and I could not ask for any greater Christmas treasure!

2011-12-26T10:27:00.000-05:00

Counting down...

2011-12-24T14:47:00.000-05:00

Hank and I spent some time with Mother and Ned yesterday. Legare stopped at Green Grove on his way home for the holiday weekend and we all went to Dukes BBQ for lunch. We adore Dukes.

Mother was in rare form. She had her little living room all decorated and we arrived loaded with gifts that she and Ned will open tonight when he spends the night with her. They will enjoy tomorrow with her sister Elizabeth and assorted nieces and nephews, while we entertain "Hank's people" here.

As we were riding to the restaurant, Mother kept telling me to look at the clouds, saying she'd never seen such a beautiful sky in her "whole entire life!!" After the 4th or 5th time, I said, "Really, in your WHOLE ENTIRE LIFE? Are you positive??"

"Well yes," she replied. "My whole entire life...at least what I can remember of it."

BAZINGA!!!!!!!!!!!        Mother = 1             Belle = 0

Last night, we went over to visit our friends Tom and Ann and have some dessert. Ann has not one, but TWO grand pianos. I don't have but one...BAZINGA!!!!!!!!!!!!   Ann = 2        Belle = 1

We played piano while our families oohed and ahhed over how wonderful we were. Lord love them...they love us!! Smarty pants Legare documented a few seconds of my rendition of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas...of course, I'm talking while I'm playing.

FOOD!!! For Christmas Eve supper, Hank's famous shrimp and grits.

Christmas Day!! Butternut squash soup, iceberg wedge w/ blue cheese, tomato and bacon, rib roast, roasted potatoes, sauteed brussel sprouts w/ caramelized onions and balsamic vinegar, a vegetable casserole (courtesy of Hank's aunt and uncle who will be joining us, along with Hank's mom and half-brother), hot yeast rolls, fruit cake, pecan pie, and ambrosia.

What does a high school principal do on the first morning of Christmas vacation?

2011-12-19T09:09:00.000-05:00

1. She sleeps until 8:00 a.m.
2. She is still in her pajamas at 9:00 a.m.
3. She catches up on reading her beloved blogs.
4. She realizes that she did not dream about work at ALL the night before...not one bit!! How awesome is that???
5. She plans her day.
6. The plan for the day is NOT to leave the house...maybe do a little baking...a little decorating...a little reading...a little napping...
7. Seriously...HOW AWESOME IS THAT?????

What are you doing today?

An itty bitty tour of my decorations...

2011-12-18T21:31:00.000-05:00

Goodness Gracious...I haven't posted since December 5. Getting school closed up for the holidays was time consuming to the max but I do have a bit of decorating done. I spent a lot of this afternoon in the dining room. Minimalism is the word of the year in the sunroom and living room. My lowcountry-themed tree is up and while I have a few up close photos of the ornaments, I couldn't seem to get a good one of the whole tree. The mantle isn't done yet so hopefully there will be additional photos later this week.

Lorelai is home...Legare, being a working man, won't be in until the end of the week. All of our gifts are purchased and the Christmas Day menu set...more on that later. Enjoy the photos...I've surely been enjoying yours. Off to happy hour across the street...best neighbors in the world!!

Wish I'd had my camera...

2011-12-05T07:00:00.001-05:00

So, last Friday night Hank and I went to a Christmas party at Ned's house. We picked up Mother to driver her across the street and she protested that she was NOT going because she was NOT invited. We played it cool...said, Oh well...you're welcome to go but if you don't want to, we'll see you later. Cool works...wish I could be that way with her more often. She promptly got up, combed her hair and got in the car.

She spent the next two hours thinking that it was Christmas Day. Hey...she was happy. Ned sat beside her and let her hold his hand. He's a good son. A new fellow moved in on Friday and I'm sure he was a bit overwhelmed with all of the merry making. Like Ned, he's lived at home with his mother his entire life. He's 52 and doesn't speak. Mother kept trying to ask the poor guy questions.

After supper, there was an sing along. One of the wonderful women who takes care of Ned and his buddies has a gorgeous voice...I contend that if given a chance, she could take on Susan Boyle. She sang White Christmas and Silent Night for us. When the group started with The Twelve Days of Christmas, Ned went to his room for his guitar. He's been "playing" guitar since he was very young and is never without one. Since everybody attending works at the home or has a relative living there, his performance was accepted with joy and love. Hank did his best to get a photo with his phone. You'll see Ned toward the back strumming along. What he lacks in playing the actual tune of a song, he makes up with steady rhythm and enthusiasm. Scott (in chair) was celebrating his birthday along with our holiday party which explans why his dad is wearing a birthday cake hat. We're QUITE a group...

We got our tree up yesterday...Lowcountry theme. Hope to finish up the decorating tonight and concentrate on being Merry and Bright! Have a good week..

And what a night it was!!!!

2011-12-04T11:30:00.000-05:00

Orange Bowl HERE WE COME!!!!!

It appears that they took my advice this week.

The Duke Building Bathed in Orange and Purple!!!

My Inquiring Mind Wants to Know...

2011-12-02T17:01:00.000-05:00

Where did the week go?

I'm finishing my Christmas shopping tomorrow. How 'bout you?

My brother Ned is supposed to take a HANDMADE gift to a Christmas party. I just hot-glued twine to three silver spray-painted pine cones. Is that bad?

When Hank came downstairs at 5:45 this morning, he walked into the kitchen to find me holding a cup of coffee in one hand and a bottle of bourbon in the other. Whatcha think about that???

In my defense, I was mixing up a sweet potato casserole for a dinner we're going to tonight...it called for 1/4 cup of bourbon. You didn't really think I was drinking bourbon, did you?

Ten more school days until Christmas vacation! Who's excited??

I need a good book to read...my "to read" shelf is bare. Any ideas?

Have a fabulous weekend...I know I deserve one. Don't you?

Hmmmmm

2011-11-27T10:25:00.000-05:00

Looks like I might have to move to Clemson and become a FOOTBALL COACH!!!!!!!!

For PETE'S SAKE DABO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our Holiday in Review

2011-11-26T13:27:00.000-05:00

So much going on that I feel compelled to make a list...

1. We're thankful that Lorelai's foot is healing but it isn't quite there yet. Our Charleston orthopedist has her continuing to wear the "boot" for another month and has forbidden her to give Clemson tours, one of her favorite activities. Hopefully when the new semester starts in January, she'll be back at it.

2. Hank is on his way back to the Aldersgate House via the farm with my brother Ned. We're going to start calling him Prince Ned because he absolutely expects to be waited on hand and foot. I was drinking coffee and looking at the paper this morning when he came in from the guest house. He said "good morning" and walked on through the house. After about 10 minutes, Hank said, "He's sitting at the kitchen table...I think he's waiting on somebody to come serve him breakfast." So...I went on in there and made him some delicious cheese toast on my new Cuisinart griddle/grill. When I put it in front of him, his response was, "this'll do." The boy s ROTTEN, I tell you! :)

3. Legare picked up Mother and Ned on his way here Wednesday evening. We've decided that this will be the last time Mother leaves Green Grove to spend the night elsewhere. Our house is by NO means a mansion, yet she kept getting lost. When I took her back to Green Grove on Thursday afternoon, she told me at least 25 times (in an hour drive) that it was too much for us to come get her that morning and take her back in the afternoon, i.e., she did not remember that she'd spent the night. Every time we rode by a house with a bunch of cars parked around, she'd wonder out loud why there were so many people there. And every time, I'd tell her it was Thanksgiving Day and remind her that she'd just eaten turkey, dressing, and the works. As little as three minutes later, we'd pass another house and have the same conversation again. I honestly believe that at this point, we are not doing her any favors by disrupting her routine for holidays. She also asked me a number of questions about a COUSIN who I rarely see and don't know too much about. When I told her that I didn't know, she said, "You should be ashamed of yourself not knowing more about your grandchildren." She thought I was her sister, Elizabeth.

4. Mother and my aunts used to go shopping every year on the day after Thanksgiving, LONG before anybody coined the term "black Friday." It's not my cup of tea. I've found quite a few good deals online in the last 24 hours...all with free shipping. No traffic...no crowds...(in most cases no sales tax), all from the comfort of home sweet home. By the time I go back to work on Monday morning, I'll have all of my Christmas decorations out, with the exception of the tree, which will be next weekend's project.

5. Clemson vs. South Carolina state rivalry game tonight. I'm not feeling good about it...sad to admit, but for true.

6. Legare had to go back to Charlotte last night to work today and tomorrow. Ah...the life of a first year associate. He got his business cards last week...Legare Southern, Attorney at Law. SWEET!!

7. I got a little sad yesterday afternoon when I was packing up Legare's Christmas ornaments. We've collected at least one ornament every year for each of our children since they were born, with the idea that when they and had their own Christmas trees, they'd not have NAKED trees like Hank and I did the first few Christmas after we were "grown." This was the year for Legare to take ownership of his ornaments (which he returned to Charlotte without, as they are still sitting in the bags at the bottom of our stairs). I guess his tree will be naked until I can get them to him.

8. Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend. I know I intend to...

Thanksgiving Eve

2011-11-23T09:45:00.001-05:00

The fresh cranberry relish is cooling on the kitchen counter. The black walnut apple cake just went in the oven. I'm drinking my second cup of D&D Manhattan Blend. Lorelai made it home safely. Legare is going to collect Mother and Ned late this afternoon on his way down from Charlotte. It's a bit dreary outside...a bit warm and muggy, but tomorrow is supposed to be nice and clear and cool. I really don't mind a dreary day when I don't have to go anywhere. And today....TODAY...I do NOT have to go anywhere. I believe I hear a third cup of coffee calling my name...

Congratulations to my University of South Carolina Friends

2011-11-20T13:23:00.002-05:00

Congrats on your big win against state rival (and MY team) The Clemson Tigers.

Wait...the game isn't until NEXT Saturday???

Like I said, CONGRATULATIONS!!

Regarding Ned

2011-11-06T17:50:00.000-05:00

Hank wanted to do a little hunting Satuday morning so we headed over to the farm on Friday night, picking up some Duke's BBQ and Ned along the way. Ned loves going to the farm.

Ned also likes to talk to himself...sort of. He's done this since we were children. He doesn't talk too loud but when he thinks nobodyis listening, he sure enough talks to somebody. Sometimes it appears to be our daddy, who passed away in 1981. Other times, he seems to converse with our granddaddy, who died in 1967 and Ned wasn't born until 1968. In any event, he has a big ol' time and chuckles from time to time. Ned has a special way of seeing the world so shoot, who am I to judge who may or my not be there even if I can't see them. (We don't think he does this too much at Green Grove, but boy howdy does he get going when he's over at the farm or here with us.)

He can also get going when somebody makes him mad...usually that would be yours truly. We got up on Saturday morning and had a pancake breakfast (made on my new Cuisinart griddle/sandwich grill...I ADORE this new toy of mine). When I informed Ned that he was going to dry the dishes, he got disgruntled in a hurry...

Ned: Belle!!!!! I'm not drying dishes. Don't you know the rules??? At Green Grove, the STAFF washes the dishes.

Me: This is not Green Grove and I am not your staff. I cooked and I'm washing dishes. You're more than capable of drying dishes. Get busy!

Whew...he got a frown on his face like you wouldn't believe, but started drying nonetheless. He took his time and when I finished washing and started making beds, I could hear him talking...and answering back.

Ned: She's always telling me what to do...she can't tell me what to do. Just dry the dishes you can do it. She's not the boss of me. I'm not supposed to dry dishes, my job is to sweep the porch not dry the dishes. Nooooo, be nice now and dry the dishes. I wish she'd go home and leave me and Hank here at our farm. This place is not for girls. Be nice now, be nice.

I was saved from any further insult when Hank walked in and told Ned they'd go for a ride to check out the fields when he finished his chore. Hank is most definitely Ned's favorite.

Maybe I should move to Green Grove...I'd sure love to have "a staff!" How about you?

This and That

2011-10-30T14:56:00.000-04:00

1. I have a holiday from work tomorrow. First one since school started. Yippee!

2. It's nice and cool here and I'm in an organizing for the holidays frame of mind, much to Hank's dismay. On my day off tomorrow, I plan to run lots of errands, plan menus, and perhaps purchase a few Christmas gifts.

3. My Tigers played STUPID football last night against Georgia Tech. So...we're 8-1...surely not looking at any National Championship. Hopefully the ACC and a decent Bowl game.

4. Tune out now if you don't want to hear me whine for a minute or two. Along with planning for holiday fun, this is also the time of year that Hank and I have to start grappling with how in the world we are going to deal with our mothers. My mother is getting worse by the day. It's getting more and more difficult to be patient and harder to get her out of what I call "a loop"...i.e. when she asks the same question over and over (times 10) in an hour's time. Taking her away from Green Grove makes it worse. Our children drive 3-4 hours one way to get home and they don't want to run the roads when they only have two or three days here. Plus, Hank's mother, you may recall, left Green Grove after six months to go back home so she is 1.5 hours away from us one way while Mother is an hour in the opposite direction. Hank and I feel overwhelmed trying to accommodate everybody.

Last year, we went away for Thanksgiving and had a marvelous time. Just us and the children, while we relied on others to accommodate the little old ladies and Ned. We consequently ran up and down the roads between here and there and there and here over Christmas. I guess I'm selfish but I want one holiday at home. They can all come here...I'll cook and clean and all that...I'm a hard worker. The more the merrier. I love to entertain...especially during the holidays. Here's the dilemma with that. On said holiday morn, one of us has to drive 90 minutes to hometown to get Hank's mother...then 90 minutes back here. Another person has to drive 60 minutes the other way to get Mother and Ned (although he'll probably be here already)...60 minutes back here. THEN, the entire process has to be done AGAIN in the afternoon to take them back. That's what...ten hours of driving all total? Heaven help us...it's frustrating. Very very frustrating. I know...I'm a bad bad person.

5. OK, I'm done whining.

6. Did I mention that I have tomorrow off??? DOUBLE YIPPEE!!!

My brother Ned throws a Halloween party...

2011-10-29T18:57:00.003-04:00

Y'all remember my brother Ned, right? He and his buddies at the Aldersgate House threw (with a lot of help) a Halloween party last night. We stopped by last Sunday on our way home from Clemson to help him decorate his room. The pictures aren't great...he wanted it "spooky" and the light was so dim that the iPhone didn't get a good shot of all of the lights. Anyhow, it was a good time for all. We were supposed to dress up and good golly, I'm so beat on Friday afternoons that I wore my regular Clemson game Friday outfit straight from school, declaring myself to be Clemson's Number One Fan! Hank wore a Clemson shirt and cap, so we were quite a pair. Ned was a hunter...

The photos aren't great, but I hope you'll enjoy them. Ned is always "up." Never sad or depressed. We are so blessed that he has such a lovely home and so many wonderful people to care for him.

SO...how are you loving this last one. Mother told me to find her a costume and the little devil that sits on my left shoulder kept saying, "Buy the witch hat...buy the witch hat...buy the witch hat."

Hope you have a safe and happy Halloween.

Bliss...

2011-10-16T12:21:00.001-04:00

Bliss: "supreme happiness; utter joy or contentment"

Powerful. Yes?

I have to tell you...on the now rare occasions that our children visit, no matter what is going on, I have moments of absolute bliss.

Lorelai and I went out and about yesterday...shopping, talking. What a fabulous day we had in our favorite Charleston boutiques...clothes, shoes. We got home just in time to relax a little before the Clemson/Maryland game. Hank fried some fish and we "ate good" as my uncle used to say, while watching the game. HOLY COW...the boys scared us to death for better than half of the game but they brought it home in the end.
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In the words of Coach Dabo Swinney after the game...

“I love these guys – I’m so proud of them…Matthew 14 says ‘let your light shine’…That’s what I told ‘em, and that’s what they did – like a city on the mountaintop…I can’t wait to get back home to Clemson and celebrate once again…. To come from 18 behind, which I think is the second greatest comeback in the history of the school…that’s about the players…That’s the heart of our football team and the character of our football team and of our staff.”
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Hank, Lor, and I were exhausted from the roller coaster ride but happy...you might even say we enjoyed a moment of bliss in that our Clemson Tigers are now 7-0 for the season.

Now I know that a lot of the credit lies with quarterback Tajh Boyd, but at our house we're completely and utterly crushing on #2 Sammy Watkins and #23 Andre' Ellington, a hometown boy. Sammy is a true freshman and there is already Heisman talk. WHOO HOO!

Lorelai is getting ready to change from her Lilly to her camouflage and head to the farm with her daddy to sit in a deer stand. That's our little lowcountry gal (and a daddy who will be supremely happy, especially if she shoots well).

Clearly...

2011-10-15T11:22:00.000-04:00

Clearly, my idea that this school year would be different in that I'd have ALL kinds of time to blog and read blogs was flawed. This Tuesday will mark the end of the first quarter...life is good, but busy. Of course, Clemson football takes up a lot of our time, but not this weekend. It's fall break and Clemson is at Maryland tonight. Hank is hunting (deer) and Lorelai and I are going hunting (clothes, shoes, makeup).

Legare completed his pro bono hours at the public defender's office yesterday and starts at the FIRM on Monday morning.

Oop....Lor is hollering, "MAMA, I'm ready when you are..."

Better scoot...more later.

50 and 3 days Old

2011-10-04T11:36:00.000-04:00

Ah...the birthday surprises! Meg and Will arrived on schedule and as we sat watching the South Carolina/Auburn game, SUE walked in the back door. Are you believing that she let her daughter take the Florida/Alabama tickets? This, my friends, is how I know without a doubt that she loves me without reservation. Louis; however, was not with her...family reunion and all of that.

About an hour later Hank walked out of the den and, so I thought, opened the back door to let the dog out. A minute or so later, I felt a pat on the head and a deep voice saying, I heard somebody has a birthday. It was LOUIS! Here is what he did to get here for my birthday...

Last Wednesday, he flew from Jacksonville to Charleston. He rented a car and drove to Florence for meetings on Thursday. On Friday, he drove from there to Rocksboro, NC, to visit an aunt and uncle, cook Brunswick stew half the night, and go to the Saturday morning portion of the reunion....jumped back in the rental car after lunch and drove the five hours here. Sunday afternoon, he took the rental back to the Charleston airport and drove back to Florida with Sue.

Hank outdid himself in the planning and the keeping of two big secrets. I truly felt "celebrated" the entire weekend.

Dinner at Peninsula Grill is always a treat and was made even BETTER by sharing it with friends we love so dearly. Our waiter asked me if there was anything special he could do for me...my response was PLEASE...can you give me regular updates on the Clemson/Va Tech game? Not only did he do just that, he got other staff members involved and ultimately I got another big present...CLEMSON ROCKED VA TECH.

I was so excited about all of my surprises that I walked out of the house without my camera. Louis and Will both took photos of us Rowdy Girls but didn't send them to me. I'll have to get on them about that. Meanwhile, I'll just enjoy the memories of being celebrated...50 ain't half bad!

My Birthday Weekend

2011-10-01T10:30:00.000-04:00

I will be 50 years old tomorrow. 50!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There is a birthday surprise in the works and you know how I absolutely do NOT like NOT knowing what is going on.

Here is what I do know...Legare is in Boston having a big time. Lorelai is in Clemson having a big time. Their mother is in CRISIS and they are in other places having BIG OLD TIMES.

Here is what else I know...Meg and Will are coming in this afternoon. Another person or persons will also be arriving at some point to spend the night but I don't know who it is. It is not Sue and Louis because Louis has a family reunion. REALLY, Louis???? A family reunion?????

Sue has tickets to the Florida/Alabama game so I really can't blame her as I'd likely throw her under the bus for football as well.

I also believe that we are going to dinner at Peninsula Grill. That was my request.

About an hour ago, Hank said, Go pack an overnight bag. We're going to the airport and on to Virginia for the Clemson/Virginia Tech game tonight. I got ALL excited. My heart went pitty pat. He was making all that up.

So...what really happens when a belle turns 50??? Stay tuned!

The Tiger Roared LOUDLY

2011-09-18T13:18:00.000-04:00

(Just so you'll know, Lorelai had a little fender bender on the way to class on Friday morning...she ran into the person in front of her...everybody is OK...little damage to the other car...some to hers but repairs can wait until the Christmas holidays when she's home...)

What a fabulous day Saturday was in Clemson. The weather was gorgeous...cool and perfect for football. The Tigers knocked Auburn (the reigning national champions) right off their two year (17 game) winning streak. It was BEAUTIFUL to watch. The score-Clemson 38...Auburn 24. Looks like they're missing ol' Cam Newton. I'm trying to get used to pulling for him in his new role with the Carolina Panthers. Old habits die hard...

Since it was a noon game, we cooked breakfast. Eggs, bacon, bagels, muffins, crisp red apples, frappacino, and mimosas. We fed 11 hungry Clemson guys and gals and loved EVERY minute of it.

I'm working on a pot of French Onion soup. Lots of red wine in it and my new secret ingredient...truffle salt. (Don't tell anybody...) This is just the kind of Sunday afternoon I love...overcast and cool. I'll get a bunch done today and believe me, I need to.

Enjoy a couple of pictures from yesterday.

Shopping with Mother and Ned

2011-09-11T19:10:00.000-04:00

Ned was a great shopper yesterday. We got pajamas, socks, jeans, shirts...couldn't find any shoes he liked but he's OK for now.

Mother...a great shopper? NOT so much.

She didn't like anything....and she's going to be going barefoot soon if she doesn't get some everyday shoes. When a person will only wear ONE pair of shoes except on Sundays, the shoes wear out fast.

I get so tickled sometime. She always talks about how much she loves her sister's clothes. I pulled a lovely blouse off of a rack and told her she should try it on. "That's ugly," she said. Gotta love Ned, who spoke up saying, "Aunt Elizabeth wears one like that." Consequently, I couldn't resist adding, "Mother...he says that 'Lisabeth has a blouse like this. Are you implying that she wears ugly clothes?"

Mother didn't respond to my remark but came back with, "My ear hurts. Remember last time my ear hurt I fell into a wall."

We went back to Green Grove.

Pray For Me

2011-09-10T09:27:00.001-04:00

I'm headed out to take Mother and Ned shopping.

Enough said...

Clemson...Heat...Children...Ted...Husk...Cemetery...Bush Hog...Massage

2011-09-05T18:47:00.000-04:00

Confused much? The title summarizes all of the themes from our weekend.

1. Legare came home for the weekend with his pal Robert in tow, so Hank and I decided to make the ride up to Clemson and back a day trip. Have mercy...it was 4895 degrees up there, but thankfully the Tigers gave us a win. We agree; however, that we're just too old and creaky of bone to do it all in one day if we don't have to. Three and a half hours there, three hours of tailgate, three and a half hours of game, an hour of dinner, and three and a half hours back home. We got back on a wing and a prayer, took showers, and collapsed. It was great,though, to get to spend a little bit of time with Lorelai and her friends.

2. Sunday was worth having pushed our limits on Saturday. Hank, Legare, Robert, and I met our friend Ted at Husk for brunch. Chef Sean Brock is transitioning to his fall menu and it was delightful. I was particularly pleased about the new dessert menu. Ted, Legare and I tasted the peach cobbler, frozen chocolate peanut butter terrine, and oatmeal pie. Robert and Hank chose liquid dessert in the form of a second round of jalapeno-infused mimosas.

3. I may not have shared with you that Ted is an honest to goodness licensed tour guide for the City of Charleston. Even though he hasn't actually given tours in a number of years, he is a great resource. If he doesn't know an answer off the top of his head, he's got a book about it somewhere on his shelf. For some time now, we'd been talking about going out to Magnolia Cemetery. Hank and I have lived in the lowcountry our entire lives...the last 28 years in the Charleston area and neither of us had ever been there. Neither had Legare...and Robert...well, Robert ain't from 'round here anyhow. After brunch we headed spent some time communing with the dead with Ted in the lead. I have a bunch of great photos, including one of Robert trying to give Legare a $100 bill if he'll just hop down and lie on one of the "shelves" in a 6 foot deep open grave. Legare declined.

4. After we got back home on Sunday afternoon, Hank decided to collect Ned and stay over at the farm so that he could do some bush hogging of the roads today. He must be having fun because he's still at it.

5. DISCLAIMER: I am not being paid in any form or fashion for the following endorsement. While Hank "farmed" today, I went for a massage A couple of months ago, I went to Massage Envy on a whim. I filled out all of the paperwork for membership before I left that afternoon. I am a spa snob...I admit it...but...the Massage Envy location nearest me is INCREDIBLE! True, it isn't decorated like a spa. They don't offer hot tea or juice, but shoot, for $57 a month I get one massage. If I decided I want two, the second is only $39. That is two for the price of one "spa" massage and I've got to tell you, the last spa massage I had at Stella Nova a few weeks ago was a colossal disappointment. My friend Sue had one the same day and agreed with me wholeheartedly. I highly recommend that you go to Massage Envy and have the reduced-price introductory massage. If you know my real name, tell them that I sent you.

Pictures soon...Have a great week.

Legare Has PASSED the Bar Exam!!

2011-08-26T17:58:00.000-04:00

Life is good!

And so it begins...

2011-08-21T12:25:00.000-04:00

I suppose you can see that school has started since it's been two weeks since a blog post. I'm happy to report that open houses, orientations, and the first four days of the school year went smoothly. Only 176 students days left until summer vacation 2012. Oh, who am I kidding...I missed those little darlins' over the summer.

Legare is all moved into his new condo in Charlotte. Hank and I headed up there last weekend to do what we could to help. There was a little shopping and as always, a lot of eating. We need to find more healthy way to celebrate. While awaiting the bar results, he'll begin this week doing pro bono work for his firm until he is sworn in as a member of the NC Bar in late Sepember or early October.

Lorelai, who paid her dear sweet loving and generous parents VERY little attention over the summer unless we were facilitating her Grand Tour or throwing her 21st birthday jubilee, is back in Clemson and posting remarks on her FB page like, "home home home...I'm so happy to be home" and "I love this place with all my heart". She means CLEMSON...not her lowcountry home. She's about to hurt our feelings. I'm just sayin'...She'd better do less playing and more organizing to take the GRE so she can get into grad school next year. Our family rule...when you're no longer a student, the gravy train ENDS

Legare rolled home for the weekend to do some clothes shopping. In our family, lowcountry men do a lot of shopping at M. Dumas and Sons. Once you get accustomed to the quality clothing they carry and their incredible service, you don't want to shop anywhere else. His luck was "on" and he found three handsome suits which were on sale to boot. Here is a recap of our day.

Taco Boy...Dumas...Grady Erwin...Bob Ellis...JCrew...movie The Help...Whole Foods...Food Truck Rodeo. (Again with the food theme...we can't help it...). We actually happened upon the food truck event by accident. I stood in line for a solid HOUR for Diggity Donuts (they have a FB page if you're interested). As strange as it sounds, the strawberry and heirloom tomato donut was beyond delicious.

Have a great week...TWO WEEKS UNTIL CLEMSON FOOTBALL!!!

Summer Accomplishments

2011-08-07T15:22:00.000-04:00

Even summer is far from over and even though it is 789 degrees outside, this is the last day of summer for me. School officially starts tomorrow for our teachers. That means I'm back a DEFCON 1 every weekday, although Hank remarked this morning that he surely was glad that this year's start is not like last year's start. I'm so much more calm and collected, and here's the magical secret...I halfway know what I'm doing. Last year...not a clue! Oh, I thought I knew it ALL. How hard could the high school principal business be...I mean, REALLY! They say that ignorance is bliss and boy howdy was I an ignoramus of the highest order last year this time.

Summer 2011 has been quite a bit more laid back than that of 2010. Here are a few happenings in no particular order...

Lorelai went to Italy for a month AND turned 21. She's headed back to Clemson in another week or so for her SENIOR year. I can hardly believe it.

Legare graduated from law school at Chapel Hill and as of yesterday is a full time resident of Charlotte. The bar exam has been taken and he starts work in a week...an honest to goodness grown up person job in a tip top law firm. I'm pretty sure that I'm not supposed to be trying to run his life anymore. It's going to be hard. In case you didn't know, I'm a bossy individual.

While we didn't take a formal vacation, Hank and I spent some quality time at the summerhouse, enjoying the water and the boat. A little shopping here, a lot of eating there. The older we get, the more we appreciate the simple things.

I got a new refrigerator..not because we wanted one but because the old one died. LOVE the new one...Samsung French Door model.

I didn't accomplish my weight loss goals but will keep on trying...

I took it easy...A LOT! It was nice. I read books and cooked and tried to organize this, that and the other. Still a lot to organize...there's always next summer.

To end the summer on a positive note, my best friend Sue and her daughter Anna Lee spent the weekend with us. I made appointments for the two of them, Lorelai, and me to spend yesterday morning at Stella Nova, a wonderful Charleston spa. Sue and I laughed all afternoon long (and last night and this morning) about our massages. We had the same guy and he apparently had something against massaging feet...and he had no appreciation for symmetry. I want the same massage on my right arm that I get on my left arm...same on the right leg as the left leg. (OK...I know...you understand symmetry...) Somehow, I feel lopsided. The girls laughed and laughed at us.

Anyhow...back to serious business tomorrow morning bright and early. I hope you've had a wonderful summer...the best ever.

SO tell me...was it all you hoped it would be??

Analyze This...

2011-07-31T11:18:00.001-04:00

So...not only do Hank and I write checks (or make an online payment) for our own bills each month, but we also are responsible for making sure that the bills of the following people get paid each month...
1. My mother 2. Ned 3. Hank's mother.

Now before you go thinking that we're these wonderful generous people, we aren't paying their bills with our money...they have their own money. We just receive the bills and write the checks from their accounts. I deal with Mother and Ned, and Hank deals with his mother.

It can be time consuming, but I wouldn't go so far as to say that it's a burden. I'm thankful that they're all blessed with enough income to cover the bills...so many people struggle to get things taken care of for elderly or disabled relatives.

Here's the thing. I'm organized...I have everything in Quicken and payments go in the mail around the first of the month...everything except the Green Grove check and the pharmacy bill because I don't receive those until around the 10th. Easy peasy...right?

This is where you analyze...I get really ticked off when I go to address envelopes. No problem when an envelope is included or pre-addressed. Just the ones for Ned's house mostly... Isn't that odd? As a matter of fact, I'm feeling my blood pressure go up just typing this post about addressing the envelopes, which I did about 15 minutes ago. That's two blood pressure spikes within half an hour, which can't be good.

Lord have mercy...I'm TOUCHED in the head.

The Events of the Week

2011-07-28T12:38:00.000-04:00

Big Event #1- Lorelai's 21st Birthday

Big Event #2- Legare and the Bar Exam, North Carolina style.

Details: Hank and I took Lorelai and friends to Oku on upper King. The food was fabulous and our server appropriately interested and excited about the birthday celebration. After dinner, we moved our party down to Charleston Place, where we had a toast to the birthday girl and then presented Lorelai and her gal pals with keys to a room for the night at Charleston Place. We then proceeded to drive our tired "parents of the birthday girl" selves home and left the "young folks" (as my grandmama would say) downtown to enjoy the nightlife. By all accounts they had a wonderful time. Several handsome young men joined them through the pub crawl, which I'm told covered eight to ten city blocks, from the Market back to upper King. Her gift from Hank and me was the birthday celebration, along with her recent trip to Italy. Legare is providing her with tickets to the Hootie and the Blowfish concert over on Daniel Island in August. Mother and Ned gave her a gorgeous bag...I'll show you a photo in another post. You're gonna want one...I'm just saying...

Legare sat for the Bar Exam on Tuesday and Wednesday in Raleigh. He's relieved (and we're relieved) that the exam has finally come and gone. He worked diligently to prepare. Now the really hard part comes...the WAITING! Several of his friends who are already practicing have told me that the weeks between exam and results were torture and really played with their minds...second guessing and all that. Legare will be focusing this next week on getting packed and moved from Chapel Hill to Charlotte. After that, he'll sort of be at loose ends until he begins work in October. I think I'm going to make all of mother's doctor appointments and let him take her. THAT, my friends, will keep him busy (and will likely also play with his mind....)

I don't have any bar exam photos, as you surely understand; however, I have a few of Lorelai's special night. She's lucky to have such wonderful friends to share the fun with...

Hubba Hubba

2011-07-23T12:22:00.000-04:00

I was looking through some older posts and starting laughing out loud when I got to this one. Hope you enjoy this oldie but goodie from 2009.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ned's housemate Scott celebrated his birthday on Sunday afternoon, so Hank and I rode over to enjoy the fun. Scott's parents brought a few friends over and one of the young ladies in the group brought "the music." They all danced and laughed and had a ball to the likes of Beyonce and Kanye. Mother was feeling better, so Hank went and picked her up for the short ride across the street.

Let me tell you, you haven't lived (or been scarred for life) until you've seen your 81 year old mother dance around the room to the good old standard, "if you like it then you shoulda put a ring on it." She was so into it that I couldn't get a good photo. Sorry 'bout that.

We got a real charge out of watching Ned. Having spent his 20s and 30s at home with mother and mostly friends of her generation, he doesn't have much of an appreciation for some of today's party music or dance moves. Ned is a country music kind of guy. While mother was dancing, I asked Ned who he thought was singing the song. He replied, "I think it might be Barbara Mandrell." I wonder what Beyonce would think about that...or Barbara Mandrell for that matter. Barb might be up for it...I mean, she WAS country when country wasn't cool!!

I can safely say that a good time was had by all, although I might have had just a touch of a headache by the time we started back home. Ned topped it all off for me when he sat down to eat his pizza and said, "Hubba hubba."

And so it goes in the Land of Belle...

Here's a little slideshow for your viewing pleasure...

Summerhouse Weekend

2011-07-19T18:33:00.001-04:00

Last weekend, Hank and I left Lorelai in charge of house and home while we slipped away to the summerhouse. We were lazy lazy people most all weekend long. We meandered into Beaufort proper to run a couple of errands and have some lunch on Saturday. Otherwise, we we're doing one of the following: sitting in our lounge chairs on the dock, riding in the boat, reading, eating, or sleeping. When we felt especially energetic, we'd do two of those things at the same time. Like sitting in a lounge chair AND reading. Yes, indeedy, we're crazy adventurous like that sometimes.

I'm no great photographer, but I did play around with my camera a bit. Enjoy...

This last photo is the view straight across the water from our lounge chairs on the dock.

The Wisdom of Preston

2011-07-18T19:32:00.001-04:00

Preston is a high school friend of our Lorelai. He's in the Air Force and not home very often these days. He wandered into town a couple of weeks ago and as usual, Lorelai landed over at his Nana's house for lunch one day. She adores his Nana but was also very excited about riding on his new motorcycle. Being Lorelai, she was dressed in a pair of cute JCrew shorts and her sparkle shoes...silver Toms. As they got ready to leave, Preston stated the following in no uncertain terms...

Lorelai, you need to go upstairs and change. You cannot ride on my motorcycle in shorts and those Wizard of Oz shoes.

Now, as you can see, they weren't exactly ruby slippers, but you can sort of see where he was coming from!!

Facebook wall exchange of the week...

2011-07-17T14:19:00.000-04:00

This between Legare and his friend Suzanne...

Suzanne: I managed to dilly dally half of the day today, knowing full well that the bar is only a week and a half away. Am I delusional?

Legare: Some people dilly dally. Other people drink half bottles of wine and fall asleep surrounded by a pile of flashcards. To each his own.

God bless these two and their friends...Apparently preparing for the bar exam does a number on one's sanity...

It's very hot...

2011-07-12T18:51:00.000-04:00

It must be 479 degrees outside. (OK...so I closed my eyes and hit random numbers.)

I came dragging in about 5:30 pm with groceries and apparently a perturbed expression on my face. Hank got the rest of the groceries while I changed from work clothes into sloppy clothes. (Sorry Miss Janice...I feel like I let you down!)

About ten minutes later, Hank yells from the back door. "Hurry...come see this...you've got to come see this." Now after 28 years, he ought to know that this ol' gal never hurries outside when it's 96589 degrees outside. He was persistent, "Come ON...you have to see it...you HAVE to." (I promise, he really is 53....) Surprising myself, I actually started walking toward the sunroom when he added, "There's the prettiest turtle in the pool. You have to see it...HURRY!" (Seriously, he IS 53...)

I felt kind of bad (for about 5 seconds) after I hollered, "I am NOT going outside in this heat to see a PRETTY TURTLE. CLOSE THE BACK DOOR!"

He went back out and I watched him as he got all of his nets and poles to fish the thing out. You see...Hank truly loves all God's creatures...you know, except the icky ones that few people like such as poisionous snakes and spiders and ants and palmetto bugs and noseeums. He's a good guy. That's one of the many reasons we've been married 28 years.

I, on the other hand, am OK with people (most of them) but not so much God's four-legged creatures.

God Bless my husband!

Weekends and Weddings

2011-07-10T13:38:00.002-04:00

We just had a wedding-themed weekend all around. Hank and I had a wonderful quiet dinner in celebration of our anniversary at Peninsula Grill, one of our absolute favorite (as in we are never ever disappointed) restaurants downtown.

Lorelai was a "plus one" at a wedding over on Sullivan's Island. I think the photo of her being "dipped" by her date at the party after the rehearsal is SO cute!! She looked adorable in her Lilly and Jack Rogers.

Hank was dozing in his chair when she called after the wedding reception to tell us that she'd caught the bouquet. He sat STRAIGHT UP. What a beautiful bouquet...

Legare was a plus one at a wedding in Winston-Salem. He says he has to go back "on the grid" at least once each weekend while studying for the bar, lest he lose his cotton picking mind. Six weeks of study down. Two weeks to go! Three weeks until the move from Chapel Hill to Charlotte.

My babies aren't babies anymore...

28 Years Later...

2011-07-09T07:45:00.000-04:00

Here we were...28 years ago this very day...

We've accomplished a lot since 1983...our two greatest accomplishments being...

Life Is Good

Turning something bad into something positive...

2011-07-06T18:20:00.000-04:00

There seem to be a whole lot of folks outraged (and that might not even be a strong enough word) at the outcome of the Anthony trial in Florida.

Here's what I wonder...What would happen if all of the upset people who are ranting and raving all over the place channeled that energy into doing something or a series of somethings for abused or neglected children in their own communities?

We can't do a thing about what just happened in Florida...but we surely can do something in our own hometowns.

The challenge...what can YOU do??

I think I might have the potential to be a lazy, good for nothing...

2011-07-04T10:25:00.001-04:00

So...Happy Independence Day. I haven't left the house since Saturday morning when we went to buy paint for the bedroom project. Don't get me wrong...I've been busy in a happy busy do exactly what I want to do sort of way.

I've almost finished reading a novel. I've cooked several delicious (not Weight Watchers) meals and made Barefoot Contessta German Chocolate Cupcakes. I've caught up on my Facebook stalking. I've supervised Hank while he painted the bedroom. I've played about three hours of some mindless connect the shapes and colors game on the iPad. And I'm working my way through 1000+ unread blog posts in Google Reader. Oh...and I did a bit of online shopping. I'm happier than a pig in slop right now.

Tomorrow I'm back to work at 7:30 AM sharp.

Today, I'm going to continue enjoying my potential to be a lazy, good for nothing...

I might be getting "mo" back...not quite got the "jo" yet.

2011-07-01T20:51:00.000-04:00

Sometime the brain just needs a rest. Yesterday marked the official end of my first year as principal. Today started year two. I'm feeling pretty good about that.

Had my yearly physical today. Apparently I'm strong as an ox but am feeling like I WEIGH as much as said ox. I have not been attentive to my Weight Watchers...haven't exercised a lick. Just walked around the outside of the house one time. Does that count?

NEW PROJECT--Master bedroom redo. I've even got Hank on board and it's a good thing because he is an excellent painter. He's got about three weeks before the new curtains are ready. I'm SO EXCITED!

Have you seen Toddlers and Tiaras? Don't get me wrong. I love a nice tiara...and big hair...but honest to goodness, some of those parents are living in CRAZYtown. Poor little girls...most of them of them look like drag queen Chuckie dolls. Lorelai was in her one and only pageant her senior year in high school. She was second runner up, most photogenic, and best essay. Sure...we were incredibly proud. Also exhausted...that was the most nerve wracking thing. We were very fortunate that once was enough for her as well. Look at the difference between a teenage contestant and a child. What say YOU?
(child photo from Google images)

Legare has gone off the grid as he prepares for the bar exam in about four weeks. He did take time to find a place to live in Charlotte so there will be a big move from Chapel Hill the first weekend in August and the firm is covering all of his relocation expenses. Being all young and hip, he's going to try urban high rise apartment living for a bit. Seventy hour work weeks won't leave much time for taking care of a house and yard.

Back soon...

Real Life Quote of the Week

2011-07-01T17:50:00.001-04:00

Lorelai's friend from high school, Preston, was here last week. He's in the Air Force and she doesn't get to see him often. She went over to eat lunch at his Nana's Saturday a week ago and was 'bout to die to ride on his new motorcycle. Being Lorelai, she had on her silver sparkly Toms and a cute pair of JCrew shorts. As she bounced around saying, "Let's go...let's go...let's go." Preston very matter-of-factly stated..."Go change...you can't ride on a motorcycle wearing shorts and those Wizard of Oz shoes."

While they're not exactly Ruby Slippers...you can kind of see his point, can't you?

I've lost my mojo...

2011-06-26T17:34:00.000-04:00

The blogger part of my brain is empty. Is my life SO boring that I cannot think of a clever nor entertaining post? Apparently!

Hank's mother has behaved so badly at Green Grove that he is moving her back to her house. That ain't helping my mojo, let me tell you. She has severe small vessel disease, which is worse that having mini-strokes but she doesn't understand that. Hank has bent over backward to try to please her and make her happy. Me...not so much. You already know a lot about how I deal with my mother. She knows the rules and will actually tell people, "I've given up on being in charge...Belle is in charge. It's just easier to do things her way." VICTORY! When she starts with the "poor pitiful me" stuff, I reply, "Stop complaining, you're fine...think about how blessed you are to be at Green Grove with Ned just across the street. Aren't you the luckiest person to be able to see him all the time." And she does (stop complaining) because she has been reminded that she is blessed and fortunate and living in a wonderful place.

Several years ago, Hank said, "You handle your mother your way and I'll deal with mine in my way." Since I agreed, I suppose I need to stop giving him advice...it's just so hard. I KNOW that I'm right!!!

Hank's much nicer that I am and my opinion is that he gets taken advantage of. Yes...his mother is crazy...LIKE A FOX. She needs less "oh you poor thing" and more tough love. On the occasion that he takes a more firm hand with her, she straightens up for awhile. Thinking that she has changed, Hank starts to slack off and the whole big vicious circle starts all over again.

If I hadn't used tough love on Mother, no telling what would have happened. One thing is for certain...She wouldn't be taking her medication like she should and Ned wouldn't be living large and finally enjoying the wonderful life that he deserves at "his house." I'm just a little worried that Mother might see this turn of events with Hank's mother as a way to harp on wanting to go back to her house. I AM READY. She can go...I'll find somebody to stay with her and it will certainly cost less each month; however, NED is NOT moving back to Hometown. He is one happy camper! She'll never leave him in a million years. It's called tough love folks....TOUGH love!

I know what you're thinking...for heaven's sake, Belle...stop complaining. You're so blessed. And you would be right. Thanks for listening. Here's to the blogging mojo reappearing sometime soon.

My Big Chill

2011-06-20T11:29:00.001-04:00

The Big Chill is my favorite movie of all time. When we get together with our oldest friends down at the summerhouse, we always say we're headed out for a Big Chill weekend (without the issue of the dead friend...that would just be creepy). This past weekend was one of our best, except that Meg couldn't be with us. Hank, Will, Louis, Sue and I had a terrific time. I took a couple of days vacation for an extra long "chill." Sitting on the dock...meandering around in the boat...music...laughter...eating shrimp, tomato pie, BBQ chicken...there is no greater way to relax than a Big Chill weekend. This morning, I'm enjoying my last vacation day, washing clothes, and planning to catch up on blog reading.

On Saturday morning, we larked out by water for Edisto Beach. Most people call it Edisto Island but those of us who grew up in the area and spent time there as children call it Edisto Beach....or THE beach, like there is no other. If we were in the market for a summerhouse change, Edisto would be my first choice. It's a special place with a lot of history...quiet...nice.

I didn't take my camera but it occured to me that I've never put a self-made video on my blog before. As you watch the 50 or so seconds below, it will be perfectly clear WHY! I'm not much good at it, especially on a boat. Nevertheless...here for your viewing pleasure...riding around the beach...narrated by the voice of Belle. Despite how it may appear, no drugs or alcohol were involved in this production!!

Friday Laugh

2011-06-10T20:07:00.000-04:00

Am sitting in the airport in Columbia waiting on Lorelai's flight to arrive from Milan via Atlanta. It's not much short of a two hour trip to here from home and I was already on the road before we knew that she was going to be delayed about 90 minutes. You know me, I can always kill time so I stopped in a Walgreens to pick up a few things then spotted a Hobby Lobby across the way.

Hank called to check on me so I said "I am in the checkout line at Hobby Lobby."

His response...serious as could be...

"What's a hobby lobby??????"

Good Grief!!

This and That...That and This

2011-06-08T18:16:00.001-04:00

I feel like rambling...

Lorelai Update: Milan, Reggio, Venice, Reggio, Verona, Reggio, Florence, Reggio, Milan, Paris, London, Milan. She'll be home on Friday night. We're really ready to see her sweet little face.

Mother celebrated her 83rd birthday on Monday, although she keeps telling us that she's really a year younger than that because she was never 78. You figure it out...I don't have the energy. She called one night last week to tell me the following..."A lady gave me a silk jacket. I don't know why she gave me a silk jacket. I guess I should wear it to church. What do you think?" (Seriously, I try NOT to think...)

I've finally settled on Weight Watchers Online to track my eating. I was running a few errands at lunch and decided to grab a Sonic Cherry Limeade...that confounded drink was 10 points!!! No more Sonic Cherry Limeade. Don't suggest that I go sugar free...I'd rather drink DITCH WATER than a diet drink. I cannot imagine know how people swallow them. Seriously!! Diet drinks, olives, liver, lamb, licorace. Can't abide even a taste of any of those four things.

Well...that was all very interesting, wasn't it?

Just curious...what kind of food/drink to you find repulsive?? Anybody else out there dieting? How's it going?

Graduation Went Off With Nary a Hitch

2011-06-01T18:53:00.000-04:00

The Class of 2011 has graduated. My first year as a high school principal is complete.

I'm happy...

I'm thrilled...

I'm proud...

I'm.........................................

TIRED

Random is the best I can do....

2011-05-30T18:23:00.001-04:00

1. We just got back from a wonderful weekend with our dear friends Sue and Louis in Jacksonville. Today is Sue's 50th birthday. Louis took Sue, their kids, Hank and me out to The Capital Grille for a delicious dinner on Saturday night. Sunday we took an evening boat ride. I wish I'd had a camera when we walked in their house on Saturday afternoon. Louis kept our visit a secret and Sue was absolutely stunned. Hank did have his iPhone at the ready when she opened her card from her family. For years, she's wanted season's tickets to see her Florida Gator's play. Those are HARD to come by but somehow, Louis managed to make magic happen. Look at her face...priceless.

2. Hank better get busy planning my party for October.

3. Graduation is tomorrow night. In 24 hours, we'll be lining those seniors up and trying to keep them calm as we all prepare to process into the auditorium. YIKES...I need to go pull my gown and M.ED. hood out of the closet and dust them off.

4. Wednesday, June 1....DIET DAY. I have been an absolute slug for exactly 17 months, ever since the night I was hired to be principal. Three years ago I lost 30 pounds in prep for Lorelai's high school graduation and Legare's college graduation. Guess where those 30 pounds are now? Yep...all 30 are showing back up on my scales. I'm not going to go overboard posting about my exercise and eating plan but I AM counting on blog friends to hold me accountable. Does anybody else want to join me in my quest to get fit? Just let me know and I'll feature your progress along with mine. We can share tips, trials, and tribulations.

5. In the spirit of a "last hurrah"....well...I've been eating like a crazy woman this holiday weekend. Wednesday, I'll be going cold turkey. Pray for poor Hank...

SO...what have you been up to?

Book Review: Gone With a Handsomer Man by Michael Lee West

2011-05-27T06:00:00.002-04:00

It is my absolute pleasure to share this fabulous book with the blogosphere!

I am a pushover for books set in the South Carolina Lowcountry. LOVE THEM (!) and Michael Lee West does not disappoint with her newest release, Gone With a Handsomer Man.

Life of a Southern Belle says...GO BUY IT NOW!!! If you're a southern belle (or just a lover of a good mystery that will keep you on your toes) you'll not want to put this book down. We belles have a way of getting ourselves into a pickle and Teeny Templeton is no exception. There were moments in the book when I thought, Good heavens...that sounds like ME! (and we ALL know what an intriguing individual I am!!!)

Here's what others have said...

"GONE WITH A HANDSOMER MAN is hilarious, endearing, and tasty!"
--Diana Gabaldon, New York Times bestselling author of the Outlander series and Lord John books.

"West's diverting debut plays nice variations on several mystery subgenres—Southern, romantic, screwball, culinary… Readers will look forward to more helpings of Teeny Templeton." --Publishers Weekly

"Gone With a Handsomer Man is fun, funny, and fabulous."
--Janet Evanovich, NYT bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum series

"Michael Lee West fans rejoice! Gone With a Handsomer Man has a fresh, funny and delightfully flawed heroine that you'll fall in love with from the get go. Teeny is a trouble magnet, and it is wholly diverting to follow her tumbling joyride through bad men and good recipes. By turns sweet and surprising, it's a wonderful quirky escape." --Joshilyn Jackson, NYT bestselling author of Backseat Saints

"Great cook – thought reluctant detective – Teeny Templeton keeps the pot bubbling as she dishes out pathos, humor, and intrigue in equal measure. Gone With a Handsomer Man is a delicious debut to this new series." --Lee Smith, NYT bestselling author of The Last Girls

"Please tell me she is writing a sequel!! It was a wonderful read from beginning to end. And the last sentence only left me wanting more." --Wanda Jewell, Executive Director of SIBA

"Michael Lee West turns her considerable storytelling gifts and her keen wit toward Charleston, where a lovable Teeny Templeton must negotiate romance, murder, and mayhem, all in the midst of polished cotton, poison, and fine southern cuisine. Gone with a Handsomer Man is sometimes funny, sometimes frightening, and always absolutely delicious!" --Darnell Arnoult, author of Sufficient Grace

Venice and Verona

2011-05-22T11:58:00.000-04:00

Our Lowcountry Italian Feast was delicious last night if I do say so myself. My camera battery died but I did take one of the lovely antipasto platter with Hank's iPhone. Will upload later.

Lor had a fab time in Venice and Verona, and she may have the best "small world" story EVER. One of Lor's good growing up hometown friends is on the trip also. They were in Verona milling around looking at this and that. When Lorelai turned around from a jewelry vendor, the first person who caught her eye was ANOTHER good growing up hometown friend...NOT on the trip with Lor's group. What in the world are the chances that these three would be traveling seperately from the South Carolina Lowcountry and find themselves face to face in Italy? Here is a photo...undisputable proof...

...and just a few more photos for fun.

An Italian Feast...Lowcountry Style

2011-05-21T13:42:00.000-04:00

Is is bad to be completely and utterly envious of one's child? The child, Lorelai, who was in Venice yesterday and Verona today? Who will be in Paris and London in a couple of weeks? I mean...I've been there. Paris twice. (Actually, this will be her second trip to Paris too.) I'm jealous. It looks like she's having more fun than we did. (Maybe because the first time Hank and I were young and poor. The second time we took an 8 year old and 12 year old.)

We're having friends over tonight for an Italian Feast a la Lowcountry. This means pickled okra in the antipasto platter and sweet tea.

Hope you'll enjoy a few photos of Lorelai's trip so far. Hopefully tonight we'll see a few from Venice and Verona.

Guess What I'm Doing?...beside blogging

2011-05-17T17:17:00.000-04:00

Sit down...

I am COOKING SUPPER!!!!!!

On a Tuesday night.

I am NOT storyin'.....

Fried fish, red rice, and steamed cabbage.

I didn't bring home any work...nada...zilch...

Whoa...this feels strange!

Safe Arrival and The Umstead

2011-05-15T13:34:00.000-04:00

Lorelai has arrived safely in Milan. Keep those prayers coming...

I thought I knew all the best places to stay up in the Chapel Hill area. Last August, I decided it was not too early to make our reservations for Legare's graduation weekend. WRONG WRONG WRONG. It was too late!! I'm now told that it would have been too late if I'd called the very day after graduation in May 2010. All my favorite places in Chapel Hill were booked solid and I was not very happy until Legare's friend Robert suggested The Umstead in Cary.

Oh my stars...we stayed at the Umstead for three nights and it was divine...only about 15 minutes from Legare's apartment. It's just a skip off of I-40 but you'd never know it once you arrive. Far superior to The Carolina Inn, which has its own specialy ambiance to be sure; however, the rooms need an update. Much nicer and more peaceful than The Sienna. More clubby than The Franklin. Every moment was a delight. The soft colors and ambient lighting were so very soothing...

On Saturday afternoon, we watched the Kentucky Derby in the bar before going out to dinner. I made (yes, I forced them) each person choose a horse and make a $10 bet. Then, since Hank was the only one with cash, he sweetly put the $50 in the pot. As things would go, not a single horse picked by our crowd won and Hank got to put his $50 back in his wallet. It was fun anyhow!

Ignore "story later" in the next photo...I told you the story...

The view from our room...garden and pool. There was a wedding Saturday afternoon.

Lorelai will probably be upset about the photo above. It's revenge for her not moving quickly enough graduation morning and the two hours I've spent trying to straighten up her room and put her college things away. It will probably take two more hours before everything is in its proper place.

So...what did you think of the Umstead? Life of a Southern Belle (and her family) HIGHLY recommend it if you find yourself up around the Research Triangle.

LOST

2011-05-14T11:04:00.000-04:00

Lorelai is on her way, hopefully, to Milan. Her fight got cancelled yesterday. Hank is going to have to be medicated by the time she gets back home in just less than a month. How quickly do nerve pills kick in? When Legare left four years ago for THREE months, we put him in a rental car to drive from Charleston to Atlanta and didn't give it a second thought. There ARE; however, a couple of reasons that we should probably be a bit more concerned about our little tidbit Lorelai.

Primarily, is the fact that she got lost last weekend driving from Clemson to Chapel Hill. We called her Friday morning about 11:00 and she was still asleep. After giving strict orders for her to get up and be on the road by 12:30, we drove merrily on up I-95.

About 2:00, she called to tell us how distressed she was to be in traffic in Atlanta.

ATLANTA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now tell me...how many people typically drive through Georgia to get from Clemson, SC to Chapel Hilll, NC? Approximately four and a half hours after she left Clemson, she was back where she started from and still had to drive on to Chapel Hill. Legare yelled at her over the phone and made her cry (I was not there yet or I would have spanked him), so she stopped along the way at a mall to make herself feel better. (She is definitely her mother's daughter.)

She finally made it to us just before 9 PM and by that time we were ALL exhausted from wondering where she might end up or that she was going to get sleepy. Thank goodness for traffic in Atlanta, she could have made it all the way to ALABAMA!!

This photo was taken just after she walked in the door at Legare's apartment where there was a Beach Music and BBQ graduation party going on. Please ignore the bottle in her hand. Legare felt sorry for her (and probably guilty) and handed to her as she walked in. Hank's expression is priceless, don't you think?

The guy standing beside her gave her a hug and said quietly, "I know exactly how you feel... I ended up in Tennessee once when I should have been in West Virginia."

So...you can see why Hank may require some tranqualizing until she returns from her grand tour!

A Lawyer in the Family...

2011-05-09T19:58:00.000-04:00

I've got a lot of post material and great photos, but first things first...

CONGRATULATIONS to our wonderful, smart, handsome son on the occasion of his graduation from the University of North Carolina School of Law. We spent the weekend in Chapel Hill celebrating. Hope that you'll enjoy a few photos (despite the fact that my camera was acting up...)

Now...let's get started on Bar Review!!

Somebody....

2011-05-06T09:47:00.001-04:00

Somebody graduates from law school this weekend! Stay tuned,,,

Another Milestone

2011-05-01T12:19:00.000-04:00

Yes...I'm aware that there was a royal wedding but I had bigger fish to fry this week. We had to get ready for our school's FIRST EVER PROM! My first as a high school principal and the first since my very own high school prom MANY moons ago. My first prom THIS century. (OK...I know...you get it!)

While I can't show you photos of any of the students, I can share a few of the venue and one of me and my sweetie pie. Hank was a trooper...he was there from start to finish. Our friend Ted came to help too, thank goodness. Hank and Ted made sure that the punch bowl stayed full (and unspiked) while the staff and I made sure that the students stayed true to their "prom promise" to leave typical high school drama and other shenanigans out of this special night of celebration.

The students chose "An Evening in Paris" as the theme and while it was "prommy" as you would expect, I carried silver and crystal for the refreshment table. Many of our students don't have a lot of advantages...some have never eaten in a "sit down" restaurant from a real menu. They were over the moon when they saw, as one student said, "all the fancy stuff"! Each student received a goblet (a goblet that is NOT a wine glass) as a prom favor.

I'm so proud that the night was a success...proud and completely exhausted...my feet are still killing me this morning. I tried to participate in a group dance and lasted about three minutes. I'm old...old and out of shape. REALLY need to do something about that.

On another happy note...my grad classes are OVER....YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!!

Graduation is May 31...where did the year go??

Happy Easter...More later...

2011-04-24T18:22:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter...more to share later, but in the meantime I just had to share this gorgeous photo of our beautiful Lorelai. Hope you've had a joyful day!

Hank's 30th....

2011-04-17T13:03:00.000-04:00

No...not Hank's 30th birthday. His 30th COLLEGE REUNION!!! Glory Be!

We spent time on Saturday with old friends and had a marvelous time. The day began with lunch at Husk, our new go to place. We count the A clan among our oldest and dearest friends. Dr. A was a math professor at College of Charleston for many moons and his oldest son P was a college friend of Hank's and ultimately a wonderful friend of mine. You may remember that we traveled to see P a couple of years ago to celebrate his and Hank's 50th birthdays. BB (before blogging) we loaded up our kids and spent two weeks in Europe while P was living there. He was a very patient and gracious host and we love him and his family quite a lot. Our merry band was rounded out with Philip's sweet mother, brother, sister-in-law, and their kids. I hated that Legare and Lorelai couldn't be there. We had a grand old time.

Words cannot express the deliciousness (!!!) of the oyster appetizer that P and I shared...I ain't EVEN joking...Holy COW!

After lunch P, his niece, nephew, and I waited on the jogglin' board. It is new and needs to be broken in so that it joggles right. We did what we could...

After lunch, we strolled around for a bit looking in an art gallery or two (or eight...) then we all headed home to shower and change for the Alumni event back at the college in the evening. Unfortunately, it was disappointing. They oversold the event (apparently) and there were so many people that a body could hardly move around. It was poorly organized, but I won't waste your time whining about it.

Spending time with friends we don't see often enough made the day just perfect as far as we were concerned!

I missed my blogaversary...

2011-04-10T11:33:00.000-04:00

March 24 was my third blogaversary. I missed it. You missed it. How in the world did we let that happen? YAY ME!!!

In reflecting over the last three years, boy howdy, lots has happened. Not the least of which is that Legare graduated from Furman and graduates from UNC School of Law (Go HEELS!) on May 8, and Lorelai graduated from high school and just got her Clemson (Go TIGERS!) class ring, which indicates that she is a senior even though she is just finishing her third year.

I've taken on a new job since March 24, 2008. My brother Ned and both my mother and Hank's mother have moved from Hometown to Green Grove. I've lost and gained back about 25 pounds (BOO...I ain't proud of that...not one bit). Two personal trainers have been let go from their jobs because apparently I am the kiss of career death to a personal trainer...hence the regaining of the weight.

Hank turned 50 and I'm knocking on the door of 50. AND...I've made many many MANY wonderful new blogland friends.

I SALUTE YOU...my blog friends. Thanks for reading my nonsense and staying with me this last year when I've been swamped with the new job. I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel (rather than feeling like the train is about to run me over) and life is good!

Rejected! Roy Williams...watch where you're going!

2011-04-05T18:25:00.000-04:00

So...US District Court would not excuse me on my terms. I got strung along until just a few minutes ago when I called to get my reporting instructions for 9 AM tomorrow.

I've been REJECTED...my service is not required. On one hand, I'm very very happy. On the other hand, how DARE they reject me! Me...Queen of the Land of Belle. Was it because my son is almost a lawyer? Is it because my husband works for a public utility? Was it because I'm an educator? Was it because I said I could not be objective if selected for a case where a crime was allegedly committed with a firearm purchased illegally? (Yep...that's probably it...) They asked and I wasn't gonna lie...

I called Legare up in Chapel Hill to tell him I'd been rejected. He was driving through campus on his way to a Farm Law seminar. All of a sudden he said, "I can't find a parking place. Why can't I find a parking place? Oh shoot...I almost ran over Roy Williams." Roy was apparently jogging off some stress. I imagine he's still a little bummed about the Heels not playing ball last night.

Thankfully, Roy will live to see another day. I, on the other hand, am still REJECTED!

Beautiful Days and a Good Man

2011-04-02T12:36:00.001-04:00

So...what are y'all doing out there on this beautiful day? I'm putting together my final porfolio for a grad class and GLORY HALLELUJAH it is almost done. As of next week, I'll be done with one of the classes. Life is indeed good.

Hank likes to get out of the house when I'm doing schoolwork because he wants to talk to me and I get all snippy back at him when I'm trying to concentrate. It hurts his feelings. He packed up this morning and went to pick up Ned for a day at the farm. Ol' Ned recently reminded him that they'd not spent much time over there since Christmas so today will be a win win all the way around for everybody.

I've got to pay tribute to my wonderful husband. We talked long and hard before I took the principal position because I wanted him to understand what the first year would be like...particularly for a first year principal opening a new school. He said he understood and supported me and he has stayed true to his word...and I know it hasn't been easy because his job is demanding in its own right.

Bless his heart, he hasn't complained that I've hardly cooked a meal on a weeknight in an entire year. Clean clothes just magically appear in the dresser drawers and closet. He's tended to Mother and Ned on weekends while I worked on "work work" and class work. When I start to teeter totter on the edge, he pulls me back. He's the best daddy who ever lived. Look at the smile on his face when he's with his little girl. I don't tell him enough what a blessing he is...not nearly enough.

Tell us a little bit about a wonderful person in your life!!

Thinking Back to the Good Old Days- Spring Break

2011-03-27T13:14:00.001-04:00

Spring Break was over a whole week ago. Hank just left for a visit at Green Grove and I'm waiting on Lorelai to get back on the road to Clemson before I start working on a paper for one of my grad classes.

Would you BELIEVE that I have been called to US District Court jury duty the day that I'm supposed to make my final presentation for one of the classes? I pulled out every possible idea from my bag of tricks to get excused but they denied my request. Don't know how I'd feel about having hostile ME on the jury if I was counsel on either side. Not that I am opposed to serving on a jury...I think I'd make an excellent juror. The timing is just bad...very very bad.

Hank and I really enjoyed our five days away for Spring Break and loved having a couple of days with Louis and Sue. We took our new boat into Beaufort on Saturday for a walk around and lunch. The water was smooth as glass...ON THE WAY IN!. We got caught in the incoming tide with that crazy super moon on our way back home and got soaked to the skin. When I stood up for a moment to try to figure out a way to save my camera from the incoming water, I got knocked flat on my you know what. There wasn't a dry thread on any of the four of us and I'll tell you...the being knocked around aside, getting soaked to the skin in my clothes always freaks me out just a little bit...even in the rain. Wonder why? A friend of mine who was in Vietnam has issues when he gets caught out in a rainstorm but I surely do not have that excuse. I'm baffled.

Though you might enjoy a few photos...Have a happy week!

Spring Break- Day 2.5

2011-03-18T15:59:00.000-04:00

Day.5- Trying not to cry tears of sheer unadulterated JOY at having a few days away from work.
Day 1.5- Getting things arranged for house/dog sitter and moving to the summer house. A little shopping a little eating...a little boat riding. JOY JOY JOY Beautiful weather...
Day 2.5- More boat riding, a bit of cooking, waiting on Sue and Louis to arrive.

Would love to show you some photos but to say that the house is low tech is quite an understatement. My mobile broadband isn't even cooperating well.

The upside...it is quiet and peaceful. I've got a stack of unread magazines and catalogs a foot high, not to mention a needlepoint project I've done about one square inch on in 6 weeks. Hank is on the dock reading. We're being quiet...and calm...and moving at a very slow pace. It's nice. It's better than nice. Except for the no-see-ums. Nasty little creatures. Hank just walked in and remarked, "those critters have teeth!"

Wishing you a happy weekend less the no-see-ums.

Joy in My Heart....High Cotton Ties Giveaway

2011-03-16T09:49:00.000-04:00

Well, my friends, as of yesterday at 1 PM, I am officially on Spring Break!!

Look for the headline
"Middle Age Woman Gone Wild!"

More on that later...

The wonderfully preppy folks over at High Cotton Ties (GO HEELS!!!!) are having a marvelous giveaway with a value of $250. No question that this southern belle with her love of the Tigers and the Tar Heels would have NO difficulty whatsoever making quick business if she won. PICK MEMEMEMEMEME! Jump on over and look at the gorgeous pictures of their photo shoot in the BEST city in the world...CHARLESTON...and buy youself something nice even if you don't win the giveaway. I know I certainly am...

You know, Lorelai would be a great model for them, wouldn't she? I think they need to go over to Clemson and do a photo shoot!

When I am always a winner...

2011-03-12T14:16:00.000-05:00

It's halftime at the Clemson vs UNC game. No matter who prevails, I'm a WINNER. Winner Winner Chicken Dinner. HA!

Though you'd enjoy this photograph. Lorelai's buddy is on the basketball team and getting some pretty decent play time in today's game. You'll notice that in the photo, BoBo, as he is affectionately known, is on his knees, while Lorelai is standing straight and tall at her full height of 5'1". His nickname for her is "Little One".

How CUTE is that??

Weekend Update

2011-03-06T19:21:00.000-05:00

I know, you're getting tired of reading "crazy week." Let me assure you that I'm weary of writing it. There WERE a few highlights that you might enjoy.

First...GO HEELS! Watching UNC wipe up the court with Duke last night for the ACC regular season championship was a beautiful thing to behold. Legare was THERE! Is it a bad to be jealous of one's child? I watched every minute on TV while Hank snoozed in his chair. I am nothing short of astounded by the athleticism of all of the young men who played.

This morning, I drove to Green Grove to pick up my mother, Hank's mother and Ned to bring them to our house for lunch. It was pleasant enough, except that mother was an absolute chatterbox. She can wear a body out. She did surprise the heck out of us by sitting down at the piano, opening a hymnbook and playing several songs...not perfectly but not bad either. She can't remember the pieces she used to be able to play from memory but apparently the ability to read music has not left her. Hank took them back while I wrote a paper for one of my grad classes. He says she talked ALL the way back.

Ned is still not budging on the issue of getting a job so I decided to push him on the subject of helping with chores at the group home. The ladies there spoil the guys rotten. The jeans he had on today had a crease that was so sharp you'd cut your hand. When I told him he should tell them he wants to help with the laundry, he said, "Well, they said we could if we wanted to, but there ARE rules and regulations."

Yep, I want to live in a world where there are rules and regulations against doing laundry. How about you?

I'm Falling Back into the Bad Blogger Category again...(heavy heavy sigh!)

2011-02-27T10:22:00.000-05:00

The past two weeks have been nothing short of the most frustrating work weeks I have ever experienced. I can't go into details...just let it suffice to say that it's all about every member of the "community" doing his or her part. When I have to put my tasks on hold to deal with things that I should never have to deal with...well...many of you have been there. Work takes over your life. The buck stops with me. Taking two graduate classes on top of a rigorous work schedule isn't helping. And I don't have anybody to vent to. Can only go so far on the blog. Hank listens just fine but since we don't work in the same field it's hard for him to sympathize, although he said at least three times last week, "I'm worried about you..."

New school with a lot to prove...you know me, I want to be superwoman.

Unfortunately, superwoman has trouble finding time to blog, much less read other blogs! Spring Break is coming up soon. I'm holding on...

This time it was fun...

2011-02-18T18:07:00.003-05:00

Sitting here paying bills and the phone rang with an unknown number. I decided to answer just for kicks....

Got another telemarketer on the line so I kept repeating,
Where you from? Where you from? Where you from? with a twangy kind of tone over and over until HE hung up on ME!!!

I know I'm no Florence Nightengale and other thoughts...

2011-02-13T18:05:00.000-05:00

I know I'm no Florence Nightingale, but... ...do not mess around with me with one of my children is sick. Lorelai is back in her apartment after 24 hours at the Mommy Hospital. Can you say "room service?" I left her with new pillows, clean sheets, a full can of Lysol spray, a fresh box of tissues, a new toothbrush, Gatorade, chips, ice cream, hummus and chips, granola bars, microwavable meals, cough drops, and two more days worth of TamiFlu and z-pack. No fever, thank goodness. I've made my way back to the lowcountry and have been decontaminated...shower, potentially germ carrying clothing in the washer...and am DONE for the day.

The other thoughts...
I stopped in Columbia at Barnes and Noble on my way to Clemson yesterday to grab a book. While in the store my cell phone rang. I don't even know why I answered it...I usually don't if I don't recognize the number but I was distracted. It was a telemarketer. Generally, if I do answer, I hang up on them but this time...oh my, THIS time. When the person on the other end with QUITE an accent asked, Is this Bell-lee?, I went TWINK...and that, my friends, ain't good. Right in Barnes and Noble I LOST my cool with a telemarketer.

I replied...NO, there is nobody in the world that I am aware of named BELL-LEE. Who are you and why are you calling me? The man started talking and I could not understand a word, so I got madder. You are making no sense at all...I cannot understand a word you are saying...SPEAK ENGLISH...get somebody on this phone who SPEAKS ENGLISH!!! Please hold...he replied.

By now, I'd wondered to the magazine section where a woman perusing Vanity Fair nodded and said, I know how you feel...

Long story short...I went through two more male voices and the best I could figure was that the call had something to do with my gym membership (which I haven't used in months). I don't know why I didn't hang up...I was SPEWING contempt and told the third one that I can't understand a bleep thing you're saying...what is WRONG WITH YOU????? I know you THINK you're speaking English but you are aren't. SPEAK ENGLISH...GET SOMEBODY ON THIS PHONE FROM AMERICA!! (Yes my friends...this southern belle said bleep...I never say bleep...) He said, Please hold...

The fourth guy had the audacity to say, I am from American, my name is Mark Jones from New Jersey. By now I am back in the car driving and am coming to realize that I must be losing my mind. I wheeled onto I-26 and said, Your name is NOT Mark Jones!! Do you think I'm an IDIOT...(crazy woman, maybe...idiot, certainly not).

Then I hung up. I sort of scared myself a little. I don't remember walking from the magazine section out to the car. I've had a lot of time to think about it and have come to what I believe is a reasonable explanation of why I would go AROUND the bend with a telemarketer...

I deal with unreasonable people on a regular basis. Some of them are extended family members. I have to try and solve their problems and comply with their requests. Parents may come into the building and be UGLY and I have to remain professional. People do not want to take responsibility for their actions. I am the "fixer." I get frustrated but swallow my irritation and do my job.

I'm reckoning that I can only swallow so much irritation...then comes TWINK! The proverbial straw that broke the camel's back, so to speak. So now we know my threshold...about six and a half months.

Woe unto the telemarketer who calls around the first of September.

Any thoughts?

Things

2011-02-11T22:17:00.000-05:00

Poor little Lorelai has the flu. She got doctored on today but I'm going up to Clemson in the morning to give her some mommy care. You need your mommy when you have the flu, don't you think?
Hank's mother likes Green Grove. She told Hank yesterday that she walked to the dining room for supper "with a man on each arm." OH my stars!!
Valentine's Day is upon us and I haven't put up the first decoration or bought the first card. How did it get to be the middle of February??
Less than three month's until Legare's graduation from law school.
I feel old.
Just a little more than three months until my first year as principal is over. I'm tired.

I haven't given you a student quote in awhile so here we go...

School Dance...as the dance begins, the principal goes to the microphone and says, "We want you to have a good time tonight but bear this in mind...you must remember to dance with decorum." From the floor a boy yells, "I want to dance with her first...where's Decorum?"

...and so it goes...

Points to Ponder- A Three Quotation Thursday Tuesday

2011-02-08T07:00:00.002-05:00

There are two ways to pass a hurdle: leaping over or plowing through... There needs to be a monster truck option. - Jeph Jacques

I'm loving this one today. I think that I actually use a monster truck option sometimes. It's just disguised as a "aren't you the nicest sweetest thing in the world and I am SO very sorry to bother you but I need your help more than you can EVER imagine and would be SO very GRATEFUL if you could find your way to assist me in finding a solution for this challenge." Then there IS the "I am a CRAZY woman and it would be in your best interest to fix this problem" approach.
----------------------------------------------------------------

Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.– Source Unknown

I need to ponder this one
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You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing that we call 'failure' is not the falling down, but the staying down. ~ Mary Pickford
I really do try to practice this philosophy. I do best with "fresh starts" on Monday mornings but try really hard everyday. Some days I get it right and some days I not so much. That's just how it goes!
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Y'all have a FABULOUS day now, ya hear?

Weekend Wrap Up

2011-02-06T09:56:00.000-05:00

So, I understand that there is some sort of big football game today. What's that all about?
I found myself in meetings three days this week. Three days OUT of my building. Thank goodness for staff members and substitute staff members who keep things going.
Two days of meetings were in Columbia, our state capitol. It's about an hour and forty five minutes away and I usually drive up and back but this time...I don't know...this time, I was TIRED. The thought of getting up at 5:30 a.m. (even though I usually get up at 6 anyhow) was just overwhelming to me, so I stayed up there, traveling up the night before the first meeting. What a BRILLIANT decision. I went to bed early, slept until 7:15 both mornings. Ate room service one night and with a colleague the other...good food...good conversation. If you're ever in Columbia, the relatively new Hilton at the convention center is better than fine and there is a Ruth's Chris in the lobby. Guess what I'm going to do when I go back for another round of meetings later in the spring??
Hank's mother got all moved in at Green Grove and seems quite satisfied. This is a VERY good thing.
I've let the Valentine season sneak up on me. Money for the kids and sweets for the mothers is the way we're going. Easy peasy.

Good grief...I'm boring myself.

Have a great week!

An Oldie but Goodie: What Do You Think?

2011-02-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

When you base your life on principle, 99 percent of your decisions are already made.
--Unknown

Isn't that the truth?
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Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.--Margaret Thatcher

Some things just speak for themselves. This is a good one to share with our daughters and their friends.
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Be a good example. If you can’t be a good example then you’ll just have to be a horrible warning.--Catherine Aird

As I was reflecting on this quote, I came to the conclusion that I've probably learned MORE about how to conduct myself by observing horrible warnings as I have from observing good examples. I guess that would be a "what NOT to do approach" to personal growth and professional development.

Musical Ned and Ned, the Clemson Fan

2011-01-30T21:53:00.000-05:00

My brother Ned has always loved music. When he was little he had a drum set.

Good times.

Later, he had any number of banjos and guitars and keyboards. He couldn't play any of them but he THOUGHT that he could and nobody ever told him any different. He'd play at it and sing to the top of his lungs. Trust me, if it's your birthday then you want Ned there to lead the singing. He harmonizes nicely up a major third on the last part of Happy Birthday to YOU!

Friends of one of his housemates stopped by the other day on their way home from a band competition. Ned felt compelled to show off his talent and the kids were fun loving and patient.

He's really concentrating...

Ned has NOT always been a Clemson fan. He's always been partial to the OTHERS from our state, although I can't for the life of me imagine why. Yesterday, he went to see Clemson beat the mud out of those Seminoles from Florida State. I watched on TV hoping that I'd see Hank and Ned but they must have been too good lookin' for the cameras. Hank got one picture...sort of...with his phone but it didn't turn out.

Lorelai met them after the game for ice cream at the student center. (If you've never had Clemson University's world famous student-produced ice cream then you've missed out on a BIG treat.) She said that Ned looked exhausted...getting up at 6 AM, riding three hours and going to his first college game EVER 'bout wore him slap out. He says he can't wait to go again....maybe I'll get to go next time. I felt kind of left out sitting here at home by myself.

Have a good week, my friends. It's a topsy turvey one for me...three full days of meetings outside of my building and two of the days in Columbia AND Hank is moving his mother to Green Grove on Tuesday. I should have a bunch of new blog material by next weekend. See you then, if not before.

Musings...and Restaurant Reviews

2011-01-29T08:43:00.001-05:00

1. Last Sunday we had lunch at Husk, the newest restaurant jewel in the crown of one of the BEST food cities in the world...Charleston. I am in awe of Chef Sean Brock and his commitment to fresh local ingredients. I do believe Husk may be our new "go to" place.

2. On the flip side...New Year's Eve EVE, we went to The Woodlands. Located in Summerville, we've been there at least 25 times over the last ten or so years...always a treat...until New Year's Eve Eve. New owner, new chef. Kudos to the chef. To the owner, DUDE, you'd better do something fast. The service was beyond awful. The female wait person was without a doubt the rudest wait person we have ever encountered...there or anywhere. I called the next day to complain. The dining room manager was apologetic and asked me to send him an e-mail because he wanted to be able to communicate with us and would be extending us an invitation to be his guests at Sunday brunch. I sent the e-mail. NO response...no invitation...

My advice to you if you're in the area...don't go to The Woodlands. I'm sad to say that we will not ever darken the door there again. Sad for The Woodlands that I'm going to tell everybody I know since the restaurant manager declined to follow through as he said he would.

3. Hank and Ned are on their way to Clemson for the basketball game against Florida State. They hopped a ride with Ned's housemate Bryant and his dad. I'm sure Ned will be exhausted as he usually gets up about 9 AM and this morning had to get up about 6 AM. It will be well worth it. Lunch at the Esso Club...ball game...ice cream (the BEST in the world) at the student center, then back toward home. I'm jealous...and I'm kicking myself for not putting a camera in Hank's hand. This will be Ned's first EVER trip to a college basketball game.

4. My Saturday...coffee and blogging for awhile this morning. I have some work to do for a class I'm taking but I just might save that for tomorrow...fiddle dee dee and all that...and go out and shop some. It's looking like it's going to be a beautiful day here in the lowcountry.

What are you up to?

Quiet Saturdays

2011-01-22T15:41:00.000-05:00

When Hank and I were first married, I 'bout drove him crazy on Saturday mornings. I wanted to go...go shopping, go to the market, go to the movies, go out to eat. When the children came along, I could still keep up a pretty good pace. Early on, they learned to appreciate the wonderful culinary experiences of Charleston as well as the King Street shopping scene. I guess we ought not complain about their fondness for the high life, at least in South Carolina Lowcountry terms. No question...our kids like to live large...but that's beside the point.

The point is that these days, I want to stay home on Saturdays...except during football season. We're crazy busy during the week...but no more crazy busy than when we were working and raising children, running the road almost every afternoon to lessons and practices and games and competitions. I guess we're just getting old. Last night as Hank was kicked back in his chair and I collapsed on the sofa, I remarked, "Lordy...I don't know why I'm so tired." Hank confirmed my suspicions by replying, "You're almost 50."

THIS from the man who is almost 53!

I threw a pillow at him. Then I feel asleep by 8:15 while we were watching The Mentalist on DVR.

In my defense, he started snoring before I fell asleep.

Today has been a quiet Saturday. Hank went to Hometown to start cleaning out things in his mother's house as she prepares to move to Green Grove in a couple of weeks. I stayed home and wrote two article reviews and created a promotional PowerPoint for a grad course I'm taking. It's been a busy day...but a quiet day. I worked in sweats and didn't put on any makeup. I didn't leave the house. I loved it....except for the writing and creating part, but that's all done.

Sofa...movie...

Life is good...

What's going on....

2011-01-19T00:43:00.000-05:00

Not much...back at work after the exciting winter weather last week. New semester...new challenges. Clearly, not much to report so I give you a few random thoughts.

#1: A fairly high profile individual in our region decided to leave his post last week. Not sure why exactly. This afternoon, somebody made mention about some of the comments left online in response to a newspaper article. I never read the paper online but just logged on to take a look. There are a multitude of opinions. Nearly every single commenter thinks that he or she is THE expert and most imply that they are "in the know" in some super secret sort of way. Nary a one owns up to a real identity. I wouldn't either if I didn't have any better grasp on spelling, grammar, or punctuation...

#2: I hosted the Kappa Kappa Iota meeting this afternoon. I do so enjoy getting together each month with our little group of ladies.

#3: Glory HALLELUJAH! Hank's mother has finally agreed to move to Green Grove. You have NO IDEA how much easier this is going to make our lives. She will be four doors down from my mother.

#4: Legare has posted on his facebook page that he wants "to be a lawyer and gentleman farmer." All very Jeffersonian, isn't it? I'm thinking it's not such a reach...he graduates from law school in May and we have a farm. He could be a country lawyer and live off of the land instead of moving to Charlotte.

#5: UNC 75 Clemson 65 Go HEELS! You know we never take sides when these two teams play each other. Clemson has lost to UNC in Chapel Hill 55 times in a row...an NCAA record for the most consecutive wins at home against a single opponant.

#6: I know...you're astounded by my knowledge of sports trivia.

What I Did...

2011-01-11T08:23:00.000-05:00

Looky here...I find myself not able to report to work until around 11:00 AM because of a weather delay. I write "not able to report" rather than "not reporting" because I WANT to be at work. Crazy isn't it, but I've done all that I can do from home. I need to be in my office. If I had a mac daddy copy machine here at home it wouldn't be so bad...an assistant wouldn't hurt any either. Most of my fellow principals are probably in their offices already this morning. Because my school is located on the campus of the community college, I don't have a key to the building.

Yesterday, I was looking for things to do. Don't get me wrong, I could have cleaned out closets and cabinets but, well...NO! I had the news on all morning and there were at least two segments on the number that stress hormones do on our bodies. It freaked me out just a little bit. So, I ended up:

Taking a nap;
Reading blogs;
Downloading IPad apps;
Making a delicious crab quiche; and,
Watching most of the BIG game...WAAAAAAAAAR EEEEEEEEEGLE!!!

The power went out while the quiche was in the oven but it was almost done so no harm, no foul. Hank built a lovely fire to keep us warm until the lights came back on.

I believe I'll go get myself together and just check to see if the building is unlocked...if not, I can run a few errands.

Hope that you have a nice, warm, LOW stress hormone kind of day! Thanks for those good wishes on my 500 post milestone.

My 500th Post....What Say You??

2011-01-10T11:15:00.001-05:00

I missed having a jubilant moment yesterday afternoon. Not for a moment did I realize that my post about the devil dog was my 500th post.

MY 500TH POST!!!!!

I feel like I should have a party.

As it stands...I am home during a "winter storm." Many of you would laugh but here in the South Carolina Lowcountry, a little sleet and some freezing rain shuts us down almost completely.

I'm not complaining...although I did have a full agenda planned for the day and in anticipation of said full agenda, worked about nine hours over the course of the weekend.

What to do...what to do?

Perhaps a movie? Maybe I should pull out that quilt I haven't worked on in two years.

But I digress...

I've Written 500 Posts!!!

What say you, my dear blog friends?

The Two Sides of Precious

2011-01-09T16:55:00.000-05:00

Precious is our dog. The little maltese we got for Lorelai back when she was about ten. Precious is getting on up there and she is cranky. Come to think of it, she's always been cranky. She loves Hank and Lorelai. Hank is her best friend...the one who caters to her every whim. Lorelai loves on her a bunch. Precious does not love Legare or me, and we do not love her. We tolerate her and she tolerates us.

I did a post last week showing you the painting of our first dog, Hampton. Legare's friend, Robert, who gave him the painting, knows that there are two sides of Precious and brought Hank and me gifts of our own, courtesy of his very own paintbrush.

Guess which one was for me??

Yes indeed...the DEVIL DOG version. Wonderful, aren't they??

A New Blog: Sweet Tea with Cindy

2011-01-09T16:43:00.000-05:00

Hop on over to see new blogger Cindy at her place...Sweet Tea with Cindy. She's a good ol' southern gal transplanted up yonder to Yankeeland. Tell her I sent you!

My Son Has a Thing for Crooks

2011-01-04T06:36:00.012-05:00

Crook's Corner, that is. Are you familiar?

Crook's Corner is a wonderful restaurant in Chapel Hill, a veritable institution. Legare talks about it ALL the time and loves to try to replicate the recipes. New Year's Eve, his friend Robert was here and another friend, Katherine, from back in the Furman days came to eat supper with us.

Cheese Pork was the dish of the day...along with braised leeks and cabbage and mashed rutabegas and french bread. It was tasty..very very tasty.

Think boneless pork chops from Whole Foods dredged in flour and swiss cheese and pan fried, then topped off with a madeira sauce.

I made Cranberry Lime Margarita-tinis and the boys did the cooking.

I got tickled because they used their smartphones and the laptop as recipe books.

At one point, we had the IPod playing music and the TV going with the Chick-fil-A Bowl all at the same time.

And then there was the mess in the kitchen. They have no clue how to clean as they go. Hank would say that Legare gets that particular genetic flaw from moi.

Uh Oh...Since they did such a good job with the meal, Hank and I did the cleaning up. It was WELL worth the effort.

The Preppy Possum Christmas Present

2011-01-02T17:55:00.000-05:00

Legare's pal Robert came up with a very creative gift this year. He had his good friend and Asheboro, North Carolina artist Nikki Cherry of The Preppy Possum create a painting of the dog that we had when Legare was little...Legare's first pet...a big old droopy bassett hound named Hampton. Hank and I were in on the surprise as we had to provide a photo of Hampton. Robert came to spend a few days with us so Nikki drove him down and presented the painting to Legare in person. Go over to her website and clink on her Facebook link. If you do that, you'll get updates on her latest work and where she's having shows. Nikki is cute as a button, so if you're aware of any shows happening in your area, I know she'd love to know about them so that she could wrangle herself an invitation...or just show up!! That's how we roll here in the Land of Belle.

Go visit Nikki...I'm counting on you!!!

The King's Speech - GO NOW

2011-01-01T19:05:00.000-05:00

Stop what you're doing and go see The King's Speech.

Colin Firth is magnificent...if there isn't an Academy Award nomination in his future then I just don't know who will be more deserving.

This is without a doubt the performance of his career and hands down...the BEST movie I have seen in years.

Thank You...and Happy 2011

2010-12-31T16:12:00.000-05:00

In March of 2011, I'll celebrate my 3rd Blog-iversary. I started blogging as a way to channel my angst as Lorelai graduated from high school and Legare graduated from college. I didn't know that I'd do much with it afterwards. Well...look at us now. Hundreds of posts and 431 friends (that I know about) later, I'm still plugging along.

2010 was a wild year with the new job and I didn't get to post as often as I wanted. Thank you for not forsaking my blog during the lulls. I'm going to do better. If you're a blogger, you know what I mean when I say that the act of chronicling the collective life of our family is SUCH a joyful activity. On the occasions when everything is decidedly NOT joyful, it is a cathartic activity. Win Win all the way.

I have some great stories and photos to share, but for now...

Thank you for your friendship via the blog...and HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and yours!

Easing Back Into Reality

2010-12-27T12:02:00.000-05:00

Christmas Day is always a big old hullabaloo with mother and Ned, and Hank's mother and difficult half brother. Every year we hope it will be different but for the last five or so years, it hasn't. We hope. We pray. We survive.
On a positive note, I began my strategic maneuvers to move Christmas Day to our house next year. Hosting the family here would in and of itself, I believe, decrease the hullabaloo factor tremendously. I'm not entirely sure, but I think I made progress and may have an ally in my cousin Elizabeth, who 'bout died doing everything by herself this year. I don't see that changing for her and even if we could alternate years, I would be so happy! When I spoke to her on the phone Christmas night, I said, We enjoyed today, you really did work hard. She replied...Yes, I DID. I countered with, You know I'm ready to take over Christmas anytime you say the word. She came back with, We'll talk. Her mother, my aunt, was standing beside her or we might have sealed the deal right then. What do you think...should I be hopeful??
December 26 was a big old fairy tale day. It snowed all day long. Even though the snow didn't stick, it was beautiful to watch as Legare and I sat around by the fire drinking coffee and hot chocolate while reading and watching movies. Lorelai, who finds it nearly impossible to just sit around, went out and about in the snow with our next door neighbors. Hank rolled out toward Hometown about 8 AM and got back about 5 PM. Everybody did just what they wanted to do and that does NOT happen often around here.
Today, we're trying to do a little straightening up and putting away. I have to go back to work tomorrow and Wednesday from 8 AM to 1 PM. We have a friend (or two) of Legare's coming in on Wednesday through the New Year. They'll head down to the Beaufort house sometime around New Years Day to round out their holiday. Hank and I will stay home, watch a bowl game or two and put away the Christmas decorations. I will feel compelled to fix collard greens and hoppin' john even if it's just the two of us. Never can be too careful.
We, Hank, Legare, Lorelai, and I, all agree without hesitation that we are tired of eating. Isn't that sinful to say when there are so many hungry people in the world...and right here in our own community? I put two pound cake gifts and a few other sweets in the freezer this very morning. (They're delicious...we tasted them even thought we're tired of eating.) Another sin and shame is that sometime next fall, I'll notice them still sitting there in the freezer and we'll end up throwing them out.
I leave you with a photograph. Rarely, are photos of me taken because I'm always the photographer. Hank snapped this of Legare and me as we left on Christmas morning (because we always have take two cars due to anticipated hullabaloo...)

Christmas Day 2010

2010-12-25T21:12:00.000-05:00

There are many good things about children growing up. One is that Santa can start coming on Christmas Eve. No more early mornings up at the crack of dawn. Legare was always pretty easy, as a matter of fact we had to wake him up to open his presents. Lorelai was another story all together. We tried telling her that Santa's rule was that you couldn't get up before the baby Jesus, i.e. the sun had to be up. She was willing to take the risk and could often be found standing by our bed staring us well before daylight.

Last year, at the ripe old age of 19, we finally talked her into opening gifts on Christmas Eve. The minute Santa got the good word he started out for the lowcountry and SUDDENLY, gifts appeared under our tree about dark. It was nice...we weren't rushed and nobody was half asleep or cranky. It wasn't a hard sell to get her to agree again this year, and glory hallelujah, a new tradition is born!

Most of the photos will speak for themselves...Santa found a really good deal on the BumpIt and couldn't resist it as a gag gift. Oh...and the fancy wrapped gift from Legare...pottery by Ben Owen, III, one of North Carolina's greatest. Lor is in her pajamas because she came home from work and promptly got into bed for a long winter's nap. We had to wake her up to eat supper.

You can have a bag like this too...www.basementbags.com

Merry Christmas to All...and to All a Good Night!

Yes indeed...I believe in Santa Claus.

2010-12-21T19:47:00.000-05:00

I am loving the time off from work. Legare got home last night and he and I spent the day in Charleston picking up a few last minute things. In the past year or so, he's taken a shine to cooking and really enjoys himself when he's home and we're paying for the groceries. Hank and I enjoy the fact the Legare enjoys cooking. During the work week, we lead a dull existence from a culinary perspective. So...in the spirit of everybody enjoying the holidays in their own way, we wrapped up our afternoon at Whole Foods. As I sit here nursing a tibble of Maker's Mark, Legare is making a Beef Bourguignon for dinner. The house smells divine...and on a Tuesday night!!! Amazing.

Tomorrow morning, I'm meeting my friend Ted at Starbucks then he and I are going out for lunch. Since Ted and I don't work in the same office anymore, we have loads to catch up on. Who said what to whom when and all manner of "he/she did WHAT??" will be the gist of the conversation. I'll spend tomorrow afternoon getting "santa" ready for mother and Ned.

Mother is obsessed with "does Ned really believe in Santa Claus?" He's never said the words, "Santa is not real," so nobody is going to burst his bubble on my watch...including mother, I do hope and pray. A year ago, she never would have entertained the thought but these days, who in the world knows what she might say. I'll tell you this much...while Legare and Lorelai know what's what, both of them will tell you in a heartbeat that they believe.

When Legare hit the age of questioning, Lorelai was still little. Our response to him was this..."as long as you believe, you get toys and gifts from Santa. When you say you don't believe, Santa will stop coming and you'll just get a present from mommy and daddy." He never mentioned it again. When Lorelai posed the question a few years later, Legare was quick to tell her exactly what we'd told him, almost word for word.

All these years later, we still have so much fun...letters to Santa and the whole nine yards. It makes me smile.

What's making you smile??

Christmas with Mother and Ned

2010-12-19T10:21:00.000-05:00

Oh, you know Ned...he goes along with just about anything as long as he's got plenty to eat and doesn't have to deal with dogs and cats. Mother.....HA! hahahahahahahahahahhahhahahahaha
(in case you are wondering...that is hysterical laughter)

Mother called early this morning from Green Grove...Hank is out of town...she woke me up. Before you go judging, the following is the basic framework of a conversation that she and I have had three times in the past week (minus the waking up part). She and Hank have had the same conversation three times. We'll have the same conversation probably ten more times before Christmas Day.

M: Are you awake?
B: No ma'am.
M: Why not...it's time to go to church.

At this point, I sat straight up in the bed and looked at the clock. Trust me...NOT time to go to church in these parts unless you are a monk (and yes...we do have a monastery in our community for real.)

B: It is not time to go to church.
M: What time is it? (She apparently looks at her watch.) Goodness, why am I up and dressed so early?
B: No idea...I promise...NO idea.
M: What are we doing on Christmas Day?

Here we go...

B: We will come by for you and Ned and go to Mary Elizabeth's. (her sister...until I was eight, Christmas Day was at my grandmother's. When my grandmother moved from the farm to live next door to ME in town, she began to host the family.)
M: Are you sure? I don't think I've been invited.
B: You're invited.
M: How do you know?
B: OK...maybe you're not invited. ( I do this...I get sarcastic. Not proud of it, but it does usually knock her into reality for a bit.)
M: Of COURSE I'm invited. What else would I do on Christmas Day? What do I need to do? Have you bought all of the presents? (By this, she means the presents that SHE is giving to people. I have purchased, wrapped, and delivered all of her Christmas presents for the last ten years, including what she gives to us.)
B: I will by Friday.
M: Why are you waiting until the last minute?
B: Because I work very long days and have not had time to shop. I have this entire week off. I'll bring everything over to you no later than Thursday afternoon.
M: Why in the world would you have to work long days. You work in a school for heaven's sake. The children go home at 3:00. (I let that one go...) Why don't you all come and stay here at Green Grove for the holidays? (Hmmmm this is new...not a part of the previous conversations.)
B: Who? Me?
M: All of you. They have rooms with cots.

I couldn't help it...I started to giggle. I couldn't help it. I started to giggle and tears started streaming down my face.

M: What are you laughing about?
B: Nothing
M: Stop laughing! I'm going to hitch hike to your house.

The hitch hiking idea is a new twist too.

B: Feel free.
M: Good...Now... I called to find out where we're going for Christmas...Did you just get up? It's time for church...

I'm tired now...will save the conversation about whether or not Ned believes in Santa for another day.

OH...and if you see a little old lady hitch hiking down I-26 between Orangeburg and Charleston, please drop her off at Exit 194.

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap

2010-12-18T15:21:00.000-05:00

I've not been able to find my usual holiday Peppermint Dish Soap...not from Williams Sonoma nor Mrs. Meyers Clean Day. Ran across Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap/Peppermint the other day in Target and decided to give it a try. It smells heavenly...not sure about using it full strength or diluting it.

Does anybody have any experience with Dr. Bronner's?

I Survived...and I've got to get a few things off of my chest so I can enjoy my vacation!

2010-12-18T11:23:00.000-05:00

After this post, I promise nothing but Holly Jolly and Fa La La La La for the rest of the holiday season!!

FAIR WARNING...this is a preachy post...if you aren't in the mood, I completely understand. Just move along without reading...

I've made it to the halfway point of my first year as principal. On Thursday afternoon, I hosted a staff Christmas drop-in here at home. I am priviledged to lead an amazing group of kind and caring educators! Hank joined us for a bit and I think that he started to develop a better understanding of what I do and why it's difficult to leave work AT work. He constantly tries to "one up" me as to whose job is more stressful. Shoot, everybody's job is stressful these days but the difference between what he does and what I do is the emotion factor.

Hank deals with business people all day and while there are difficult business people (what say you, all you business people out there?), in a school system if you're an educator with a heart, that heart breaks several times a day because of the unbelievable burdens many students carry. We want to "fix" everything, but a lot of the hurt has been happening a long time and is too deep. We can try to make them better and help them learn to be more resilient but...

I had to deal with my first truly irrational parent on Thursday afternoon. Irrational in the sense that I wasn't entirely sure that I wouldn't have to call campus security for assistance. It didn't take half a minute before I realized exactly why the child is the way the child is. The child has tremendous academic potential but it may never be realized because I cannot FIX what goes on at home when I only have access to that child six hours a day for 180 days. (Although that doesn't mean I'll stop trying...) The parent was more calm by the end of the meeting and I don't imagine we will meet again, at least not on the same issue. The incident did; however, make me realize that I probably need to take my blood pressure medicine in the mornings, rather than at night.

For people out there who think that they know what a school principal does...unless you've BEEN one, you have absolutely positively no idea the magnitude of the responsibility that falls on our shoulders. There...I said it!!! Teachers don't know...central office people don't know...state department people don't know. Nobody knows unless they've walked in those shoes.
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OK...if you made it this far, I appreciate your support. Your reward is that you don't have to read the just deleted four paragraphs of ranting and raving about know-it-alls and people who'd rather complain than go out and help make things better in the world. Writing and deleting can be cathartic in and of itself.

I'm better now...thanks for listening. A Holly Jolly post...coming your way SOON!

This and That

2010-12-12T16:23:00.001-05:00

1. Hank is on his way over to the farm. Some idiot or idiots got past the camera system AND the alarm system...broke in a window and stole the central heat/air unit. I may be more annoyed at the camera and alarm companies than I am the thieves. Hard to say just this minute...(Edit @ 10:32 PM...once Hank got there, he found that they'd also taken the refrigerator, stove, washer, dryer, microwave, and his hunting clothes. They opened every closet and drawer and left everything all over the floor....AARRRGGGHHHH!!!)

2. Is anybody else out there in a funk? I sent Lorelai with Hank to a wedding last night...one I'd been looking forward to attending...because I just couldn't get myself together. I made a nest on the sofa and watched "Eclipse." Felt better this morning but now the funk has returned. I believe the source of the funk to be an interaction on Friday afternoon which left me feeling that I'd been insulted ever so slightly from a professional perspective. The rational side of me keeps saying "it was nothing," and it WAS nothing in the big scheme of things but I just cannot let it go...I'm not proud of this...I'm just saying...

3. I need to take a chocolate chess pie. out of the oven. I am home alone. Hmmmmm

GOTTA GO!

My Buddy Dook

2010-12-10T20:05:00.001-05:00

Dook is a senior in our high school. He's a character...a good old boy with a big old heart. He's a hard worker if you hand him a set of tools, but NOT so much when it comes to academic endeavors. Dook and I have an interesting relationship. Most mornings, if I'm out and about when he walks in, he throws his arm around my shoulder and says, Good morning, Mrs. Southern...I love ya. Sometimes he growls at me like a bear. I growl back.

Since Dook is 18, he can sign himself in and out of school. For the first few weeks, he played fast and loose with the coming and going and got behind in his work. At that point, I started laying down the law and giving him a hard time. We had a few rocky weeks. Finally one morning I was OVER it...worn slap out. Dook loves coming to the office and that particular day he stuck his head in my door about 9 a.m. and declared, Mrs. S...I'm signing out at 1:30. It was time for some tough love, so I turned in my chair and replied, You know what Dook, why don't you go on and sign out now. If you don't care, I just GIVE UP. You're not a child. You're practically a grown man and if you don't WANT to do what it takes to graduate in May, I apparently can't make you.

He went back to class.

Two days later, my door was closed, so he went to my secretary and said, Will you please go tell Mrs. S. that I'm signing out at 1:00? She came around the back way to tell me and I replied, Go back and tell him that I said "whatEVer." I heard a growling sound through the door, but he went back to class and we had four really good weeks.

Around noon today, Dook was at my door. He started with, Mrs. S...you know I've been working really hard on my school work and I haven't signed out a single time lately. I'm going to leave now.

Dook, I said, I know you've been working hard and I am VERY proud of you, but it's Friday and school is out at 3:00. What in the world do you have to do between now and 3:00 that is so important?

Well, he countered pointing to his lower left jaw, these teeth have been bothering me when I eat anything hot or cold so I'm going to the dentist.

(Dook is not a good actor...)

Belle: What time is your appointment?

Dook: Well (pause) I don't exactly have an appointment. I need to call.

Belle: Come on over here and use my phone. I don't think you're going to get a last minute appointment on a Friday afternoon but if you CAN get one, I won't give you any grief about leaving. I wouldn't want you to suffer with a toothache all weekend. That would be TERRIBLE!!! I'd worry about you ALL weekend long.

(I, on the other hand CAN act...)

Dook: Well (pause) I don't have the number...it's at home.

Belle (getting tired of the "wells"): For pete's sake Dook, what's the dentist's name...I'll look up the number for you.

Dook (putting his hand on the jaw again): Mrs. S...I know it's hard to believe (he looks up at the ceiling) but I can't remember the name of the dentist. Besides, I need to make sure it's OK with my mama if I go.

ME: Come on and call her. She'll know the name of the dentist. Get the good word from her and we'll call for that appointment.

Dook: MRS. S....OK...PLEEEZE let me leave early because I've REALLY BEEN WORKING HARD!!!

Belle (all shocked like): Dook, are you telling me that you do NOT have a toothache????

Dook (looking at the floor): No ma'am.

ME: You almost had me there, pal. Tell you what...let's split the difference. You can sign out at 1:30.

He growled.

I growled back, but I was really smiling inside. Apparently, Dook has forgotten that I can't MAKE him stay if he really takes a mind to leave.

At 1:30, I was standing in the hall as he blazed by on his way out of the door.

Dook: Love ya, Mrs. S

ME: Right back atcha, Dook.

That boy is going to get a high school diploma on May 31, and I'm going to be the one handing it to him, probably through tears. The only person in that room who'll be more proud will be his mama.

Student Quote of the Week

2010-12-03T18:36:00.001-05:00

Two of my more rambunctious lads at school REALLY disappointed me one day this week. I quite often take such offenders into the office and sit quietly and give them "the look." The look...especially when combined with the silent treatment can be a tremendously effective disciplinary tool. It only takes a few minutes and they start confessing and saying their sorry. Lots of times girls will start crying. Getting mad just makes the troublemakers defensive. "The look" makes them feel ashamed.

Student Quote of the Week: "Mrs. Southern!!!! PULEEEEEZE stop looking at me with those EYES!"

Lordy, you'd a thought I was this guy...

...or maybe this one...

In short order, the two boys apologized to the young lady whose feelings they'd hurt AND to the teacher whose class they'd disrupted.

Dang....I'm GOOD!

Thanksgiving 2010 in Asheville and a MOST Unfortunate Football Game Ever

2010-11-28T17:44:00.000-05:00

We took a few days over Thanksgiving and headed to the Biltmore Inn in Asheville. We collected Lorelai along the way and Legare motored in from Chapel Hill. Delicious food...quality time with our children...a little shopping...a massage and facial at the Inn spa. On Saturday, we headed to Clemson for the state rivalry game, USC vs. Clemson.

Tailgating = FUN

Game = NOT ONE SINGLE BIT OF FUN

And that is all I'm going to say about that...

How about some fun photos? Yes, I thought you'd like that. Hope that your holiday was the best ever. Two slideshows...one of Asheville and the second of the tailgate...

GOBBLE GOBBLE

2010-11-25T07:00:00.003-05:00

Another Thanksgiving, another year of blessings. The family is happy and healthy. Legare, upon his graduation from law school next May will be gainfully employed in a VERY fine law firm. Lorelai is still loving life and doing beautifully in college. Hank is great. I'm loving my new job. Ned and all of the little old ladies are doing well. Our dear friend Will came through his bypass surgery with flying colors.

THANKS be to God for all of His mercies and miracles.

I can't let Thanksgiving go by without two of my favorite video clips of all time.

Enjoy...Taking a few days off for rest and relaxation. Hope that you're able to do the same with the ones you love.