Fun Stuff

5 Is Such A Fun Age

Last week I was meeting my daughter, Emily, to hang out for a bit. She called me to tell me that she had to take her car by the dealership first, and asked me what store I wanted to go to. I told her I needed to go to Bed, Bath, and Beyond to look for some new pillows, and then I needed to get myself some new underwear. When I said underwear, my 15 year old grandson, Spencer, was heard groaning in the background.

Emily said, “MOM!” Spencer is in the car, you can’t talk about underwear, you are his grandmother.” So, of course, I had to say “I need to find some Granny Panties for me.” Little Parker, who is 5, laughed, and said “Granny Panties!”. I could tell it was going to be a good day.

I decided to go ahead to the mall and get my pillow shopping done first while I waited for my daughter and her boys. I can’t believe how many different levels of “firmness” there are in pillows on the market today. When I was a very young woman, barely out of my teens, I worked in a pillow factory, stuffing pillows. It was a very physical job, in a hot warehouse type of factory. When I got off work and went home, the first thing I wanted to do was take a shower. And I at the end of the day, I knew I had been to work. We made hundreds of pillows a day in that factory. And funny thing is, we stuffed the same stuffing into the same size casings, just different print of fabric, and put lables on them for all the different stores. You could buy the same pillows in a high end department store that you could buy at K-Mart or Zayre’s, if you remember that store.

I had already been to Walmart and Target on my quest for a new pillow. They did not have the type of pillow I was looking for. I wanted a memory foam pillow, that would support my neck, and not be too squishy. Fabgrandpa and I have bought two sets of pillows already in the last year, and I was not satisfied with either of them. I have a hard enough time sleeping without having to fight with a pillow all night trying to get comfortable. Anyway, at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, I found the pillow I was looking for. I’ve been sleeping on it for over a week, and for now I am happy with it. But jeez Louise, can you believe $39 for a pillow? That seems like a lot of money to me.

Before I was finished at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Emily and Parker caught up with me. Parker was so sweet, but he would not kiss me or hug me. I am not that Granny who makes them if they don’t want to so, we left it at that. After I paid for my purchase, Emily and I decided to put my pillows in the car so I wouldn’t have to lug them around the mall. Parker wanted to help, so he carried one of the pillows and put it in the trunk for me. He was so proud of himself!

We we walked back in the mall, Emily asked me where I wanted to go next. I told her I thought that Belks or Penney’s might have the kind of underwear I was looking for, and when Parker heard that, he said, very loudly, “we’re going to look for Granny Panties.” As we walked into each store, he announced just as loudly, “My granny is looking for Granny Panties!” Oh, my gosh! Everyone at the mall that knew I was shopping for underwear. I did not find what I wanted at any store at the mall, though. After all that walking around at the mall, I ordered them online.

We decided to go to the food court for lunch. While we were eating, I asked Parker if I could take a selfie with him, and he said NO! No pictures. I tried to get one anyway, but he decided to hide behind me. This is the picture I got:

Parker hiding from me when I tried to take a selfie. What a little stinker!

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That Time I Would Have Won A Race

Karen · 3 Comments

Many years ago, when my children were very young, they were members of a BMX Club. The club was sponsored by City Of Powder Springs For Youth. If the parents of the children who were members volunteered to work at the races, then the children received a full Van’s BMX racing uniform, including shoes; and a BMX bicycle. So, you know, of course I had to volunteer. (I wish I had pictures of them in those uniforms!)

Becca around the time of her BMX competition.

There were BMX races every week. The class that my oldest daughter raced in, 6 and Under Powder Puff, had very few entrants. So few, in fact, that on most race days, Becca had no competition. All she had to do was ride her bicycle around the track, cross the finish line, and she received a big first place trophy.

That year, 1980, I had decided to take the kids on a vacation to Florida. There was a race the Sunday that we were supposed to leave, so we went to that first. On this particular day, Becca had her very first race where she had competition, as another little girl showed up. Even at the tender age of 6, she knew this race was different. She pedaled her little heart out and won the race. She was beaming with pride as she came running up to me with her first place trophy that day, saying “Look, Mama! I got first place WITH COMPETITION!”

As soon as the races were over that day, I threw the bicycles in the back of my Chevrolet Impala station wagon, and headed out for Florida. About half way to our destination, I was pulled over by the Georgia State Patrol. As the patrolman walked up to my car, Becca was hanging out of the rear window with her first place trophy. She said in her proudest voice “Look, I won first place with competition!” The patrolman looked at her and said “Yes, Honey, and if your mother had been in a race she would have won first place, too!” I was so embarrassed!

What is your most embarrassing moment?

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My Time As A Hot Shot Delivery Driver

Karen · Leave a Comment

After spending twenty years and 31 days working at BellSouth, I accepted a buy out package. Suddenly, I was unemployed. I really had no idea what I was going to do. One day I went to breakfast with my oldest brother, Hank. He spent more than twenty years in the Navy, then became a truck driver. He told me that I needed to learn to drive a truck. I laughed and told him that I had trouble parking my Dodge Ram Pick-up truck, but that if someone would hire me to deliver freight with my truck, I would do it.

I laughed about that conversation for a couple of days. Then, I saw an ad in our local newspaper for someone with a pick up truck to make hot shot deliveries. I decided to call them and get more information about it. The phone call lead to an in person interview and inspection of my truck, and the next day I was making my first delivery!

The first hot shot delivery company I worked for handled food deliveries to restaurants. They either did not order enough of a product, or the product was left off the truck, or for a hundred other reasons, the item they needed was not on hand. It was hard work. I delivered 40 lb. boxes of hamburger patties, 50 lb. boxes of french fries, large boxes of plastic cups. Just about anything a fast food place would need, Fabgrandpa and I delivered it. One time we drove to Oklahoma to deliver two 50 lb. bags of chicken breading to a fried chicken restaurant. They were waiting for us to get there so they could open the store.

We worked with insulated blankets and dry ice to keep frozen things frozen during the hot summer days. I lost twenty pounds that summer. It was fun, though. We never knew where we would be going, or what we would be delivering on any given day. That first hot shot delivery job ended, though, when the boss asked me to go to traffic court for another female driver. We were driving for another company the next day.

What unusual jobs have you had over your lifetime?

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I’m Just Trying To Drive, Y’all

Karen · 2 Comments

I don’t think I told y’all, but last year in August Fabgrandpa and I traded in our 2010 Chevrolet Impala. We bought a 2015 Nissan Altima, which the cats, of course, think is theirs.

The cats playing King of the Hill on our new to us car.

In October, we were driving on I-20 when a truck kicked up a rock and cracked the windshield. I called our insurance company, who told me we have a $50 deductible for auto glass, and then called a well known auto glass replacement company. The well known auto glass replacement company came out to our house, in rural Haralson County, Georgia, and replaced the windshield. It was so easy to do–they even filed a claim with the insurance company for me.

In early February, when it started raining every day here in Georgia, we started noticing that water was condensing on the inside of the windshield. It did not occur to us in our old age stupor that the windshield could be leaking. It was only when I discovered about two inches of water in the floorboard of the car that it dawned on me that this was not normal.

See that water in the back floorboard of the car? It’s about two inches deep.

I finally got a chance to call the well known auto glass replacement company last week (yes, we have had many doctor appointments going on). I told them that the windshield that they replaced for me in November was leaking. They made an appointment to come out to our house in rural Haralson County to fix the problem. The day they were supposed to come out, the manager of the well known auto glass replacement company called me to tell me that I would need to bring my car to them, in Lithia Springs, Georgia, a 54 mile drive away from my home. I did not like that I had to go over there, but I did it. They repaired the windshield in just about an hour.

When they told me that the car was ready, I asked them if they were going to compensate me for my inconvenience. This sent the three employees into a conference mode. After about ten minutes, the manger came out and told me he could offer me a $25 gift card for my trouble. I accepted the offer, and was on my way.

I got about a mile and a half down the road from the well known auto glass replacement company’s location, when a truck in the lane of traffic going the other way kicked up a rock and cracked my dang windshield again!

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Perennials For The Flower Bed Around The Fountain

Karen · Leave a Comment

I was compensated for and received product from SmartPond last year. I have not received any more compensation from them, but I love talking about my pond and fountain.

I’ve been slowly getting a few flowers planted in the flower bed I made last year around the fountain. Some of the ones we planted last year came back and bloomed already this spring. I’ve had gardening fever for quite a while, but it seemed like it rained every day from the end of March until the first of June. The soil was definitely too soggy to dig. So, while we waited for the rain to stop and the ground to dry out, Fabgrandpa repotted his succulents that spent the winter on the enclosed back porch.

Fabgrandpa’s succulents were repotted and line the porch rails.

By the time we went to Home Depot to buy some flowers and some bags of soil, the annuals had already been picked over and looked scraggly. I did find one small pot of petunias and two larger pots of Impatiens which were the only annual flowers I bought. Basil, Curled Parsley, Oregano, a tomato plant and two sweet potato vines rounded out the rest of the annuals.

herb plants — A few herbs and a couple of sweet potato vines.

When I said I was s-l-o-w-l-y getting the plants in the ground, I really do mean slowly. I have managed to get one or two things planted a day. I am finally, after five years, getting in the mind set that I can not do it all in one day like I used to. Knowing that and accepting that about myself has made getting the garden in the ground this year much more pleasant for me. I have a small folding chair that I can sit on to work in the raised bed by the pond without hurting myself. So, here are some pictures of some of the things I planted last week.

black eyed susan — A beautiful Black Eyed Susan.

Impatiens to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

shasta daisy — This Shasta Daisy was planted last year and has really bloomed its heart out this spring.

coreopsis — I love Coreopsis! Once it gets established, it comes back every year and blooms all summer.

flower garden — We will add another side to the garden later this year. Eventually, the flower bed will circle the entire pond.

Eventually, the flower bed will circle the entire pond. There are two Knock Out Roses on the other side of the fountain, and two butterfly bushes in the back. I’m going to plant the Sweet Potato Vines in a large pot, and place it so that the vines will cover the support that the fish sits on, and hide the wires. I might be slow, but I do have a plan, and like the tortoise, I WILL win this race.

Here is a short video of the fountain in operation. Don’t you just love it?

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And Now For Your Viewing Pleasure: Wild Hunters

Karen · 3 Comments

Starring Rosie The Boy Cat and Morti The Shelter Cat in their debut film: Wild Hunters!

*****

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Farm Family Fun Around Laurel Mississippi

Karen · 1 Comment

Traveling with kids near Laurel, Mississippi and looking for outdoor activities just a short drive from town? You may want to get out of the car and check out some of these fun attractions for the preteen set. With a dairy farm, a replica homestead and village, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes, you’ll not only find places to stretch your legs, but some family fun and entertainment, too! Every year, some of the farms in the region open their doors and give eager visitors a chance to connect with local farmers and learn about and experience working farms. Most of these activities are seasonal so be sure to check with their websites for scheduled events. Also, please remember these are working farms so wear appropriate clothing, older shoes (not open toe), and maybe a change of clothes/shoes if it is muddy.

Lazy Acres Plantation

(596 Lazy Acres Road, Chunky, MS 39323): Lazy Acres has two main crops, Christmas trees and pumpkins. Like many farms their big season is fall with the harvest of the pumpkins and then later the cutting of Christmas trees. However, they also have an annual Easter egg hunt and Breakfast with the Bunny at the farm in the spring. Easter activities for children include field trips to the Bunny Patch, story time, Easter egg scavenger hunt with prizes, the previously mentioned Breakfast with the Bunny, and chances to learn about the farm and farm animals. During the fall there are wagon rides to the pumpkin patch to pick pumpkins, children’s educational talks about the pumpkin’s life cycle, giant jumping pillow and slide to play on, and a chance to visit with the farm animals. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas there are Christmas lights displays, Santa’s workshop, and a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Please see the Lazy Acres website for details about events and schedules

Landrum’s Homestead & Village

(1356 Highway 15 South, Laurel, MS 39443): The Landrum’s Homestead and Village is only a few miles from downtown and has many great opportunities for family style events. The village is a replica of a late 1800s settlement with over 60-buildings including a restored cabin, chapel, schoolhouse, general store, smokehouse, trading post, and a small replica Indian village. The site is open year round (Monday through Saturday) and welcomes walk-in visitors, however they do have special events scheduled throughout the year. During the spring they have Spring Heritage field trips (reservations needed) with demonstrations of some of the everyday tasks for early settlers, wagon rides, nature trails, and tours of the buildings. One of their largest events is the annual Christmas at the Village with visit with Santa, food vendors (kettle corn, smokehouse, and homemade ice cream), hand-made craft vendors, civil war re-enactments, a chance to meet and pet some of the farm animals, and lots of live entertainment. For a list of events and schedules please see their calendar on their website

Ard’s Dairy Farm

(3479 Orchard Lane SE, Ruth, MS 39662): Ard’s Dairy Farm is a working family run dairy farm near Ruth, MS, about a 1.5 hour drive west of downtown Laurel. They offer year round tours of the farm (with reservations) and a chance to learn about dairy farming and “how your milk, butter, cheese, and cream magically appear on your grocery store shelves”. Fall is their biggest time of the year with their Fall Festival in October. Every Saturday in October they have tours, wagon rides, a chance to pet and feed baby calves, and their annual corn maze. At night they have a bonfire, with bring your own marshmallows and hot dog cooking (they do have food available for purchase), and flashlight maze adventures. Please see their website for updated information and schedules.

Mitchell Farms

(650 Leaf River Church Road, Collins, MS 39428): Just half an hour drive from Laurel is another great fall opportunity to learn about daily life on a working 1,500 acre farm. Every fall (2017: September 30 – November 5) Mitchell Farms opens its door to visitors for their annual farm event. Every weekend (also weekday school tours) they have tours of historic log cabins, antique tractors, wagon rides, pumpkin patch, chance to meet some of their “furry farm friends”, corn maze, and many other family fun activities. More information can be found on their website

A Stroka Gene-Us Alpacas

(383 County Road 155, Stringer, MS 39481): Every year the A Stroka Gene-Us Alpacas open up their farm to the public and host the annual Alpaca Festival on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. For groups of 10 or more they do have tours at other times of the year (with reservations) and they also host birthday parties (petting alpacas on your birthday is a must do!). During the annual festival, families will have a chance to learn about these wonderful creatures along with the other farm animals (goats, Scottish highland cow, and four Great White Pyrenees) and the daily workings of the farm. For more information about Alpaca Festival and tours please see their website .

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Walk Among Nature Within A Short Drive Of Cape May, New Jersey

Karen · Leave a Comment

I am pleased to introduce my son-in-law, Ken McCarron, who is an enviromental consultant, and the author of this post. He lives in Denver, Colorado with my daughter, Becca. They have two dogs, Konza and Lexi.
The wind it blew from Sou’sou’east,
It blew a pleasant breeze
And the man upon the lookout cried:
“A Light upon the lee!”
They reported to the Captain and
these words did he say –
“Cheer up my sailor lads,
Its the light on old Cape May.
(Traditional sea shanty from late 1800’s to early 1900’s)

Cape May, New Jersey is well known as one of the country’s oldest vacation resort destinations and claims to be America’s first seaside resort. Known for its rich maritime history, Victorian style architecture, restaurants, and beautiful beaches, Cape May attracts visitors from all over the world. In a county with only about 95,000 permanent residents, but with summer weekends where the population can grow to 800,000, finding places to escape and walk among the wetlands and trees and enjoy solace from the crowds can be difficult. However, Cape May is also a favorite destination for many birdwatchers and there are many natural hideaways just a short drive from downtown that can help soothe the weary vacationer. The locations that are presented here are ones with easy access and well marked hiking trails, with the farthest being only about 25 minutes travel time from the beaches, with most much closer.

South Cape May Meadows

A very short drive (1.4 miles/2.25 km) from downtown off of Sunset Blvd, is The Nature Conservancy’s 212 acre (0.86 Km2) South Cape May Meadows. With an estimated 90,000 visitors a year and the close proximity to town, this may not be the least crowded location, but the ease of access and convenience allows for a nice easy side trip from shopping. There are two miles of trails, scenic overlooks, observation platforms, and other places to relax and explore the nature of the Cape May Peninsula. However, this is a preserve for wildlife and not a park, so there are no provisions for picnicking or recreational activities (no swimming, bikes, or pets) other than observing nature. Information about the refuge area and a trail map can be found at the Nature Conservancy website

Garrett Family Preserve at Cape Island Creek

Another short drive from downtown is another The Nature Conservancy site, the Garrett Family Preserve at Cape Island Creek. Located about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from downtown, take Seashore Rd north until you come to Wilson St and take a left. There is a parking area just over the railroad tracks on the west side of the property. Unlike South Cape May Meadows, this preserve does have provisions for picnicking and recreational activities such as biking, although trash containers are not provided so please carry out what you carry in. This 180 acre (0.73 km2) area of recovering farm fields (now wildflower meadows), upland forests, and wetlands was originally slated to be developed but was protect in 2013 through the generosity of the Garrett family. There are about 4 miles (6.4 km) of hiking trails that take you through the different ecosystems to picnic tables and shelters, bird blinds, arbors, and wildflowers, to help you escape and relax from a day at the beach or shopping. Information about the refuge area and a trail map can be found at the Nature Conservancy website

Cape May National Wildlife Refuge Office photo credit Damon Noe and the TNC

Cape May National Wildlife Refuge (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)

Part of the national wildlife refuge system for the United States, Cape May NWR was set aside to preserve key habitats for wildlife, but they also provide an opportunity for recreational use such as hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, environmental education, photography, and hunting. The Cape May NWR system is made of up of multiple land tracts broken up into three units and encompassing over 21,200 acres (86 km2): the Delaware Bay Division, the Great Cedar Swamp Division, and the Two Mile Beach Unit. The Two Mile Beach Unit is located just a short drive east (5.4 miles / 8.7 km) from downtown near Diamond Beach. This is a nice place to spend an afternoon, especially on weekends during the summer when the Friends of Cape May National Wildlife Refuge often present Free Family Nature Walks including special walks to observe the ghost crabs and mole crab beach habitats. Information can be found on the Friends of Cape May National Wildlife webpage along with other activities
The headquarters office and visitor contact station Cape May NWR is a longer drive from Cap May, about 14 miles (22.5 km), however, there are more opportunities for longer hikes and a chance to see more of the county as you drive some of the less traveled roads. The Cape May NWR website provides details about hiking trails and activities within the three units. In addition, the Friends of Cape May National Wildlife Refuge also present some activities and walks at Kimbles Beach near the visitor contact station
Directions to Two Mile Beach Unit: Go north on Lafayette St (109) and turn right at Ocean Dr., then in about 4.7 miles (7.6 km) turn right at USCG Entrance St. and follow this road until you see the Two Mile Beach Visitor Center on the left; the parking lot is on Two Mile Beach Access Rd. Watch your speed as you travel on Ocean Dr. towards Diamond Beach, the police like to park just before the entrance to the preserve.
Directions to Cape May NWR headquarters office and visitor contact station: It’s about a 14 mile (22.5 km) drive from Cape May to the visitor contact station (24 Kimbles Beach Road, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210); take Seashore Rd north for about 7 miles (11.2 km) and turn left at South Delsea Dr., go another 6.6 miles (10.6 km) and turn left at Kimbles Beach Rd. and the headquarters will be on the left in a few 100 feet.

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