Passions, Obsessions & Confessions

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2011-12-18T09:35:00.001-08:00

Haven't posted here in a while. Now it's nearly Christmas and the new grandbaby Brayleigh is nearly 10 months old. I still haven't made it out to NC to see her and wish I could post a picture of her on my blog, but I promised her parents I wouldn't.

Busy baking cookies today; packages shipped to NC and to Austin done yesterday. Most packages now wrapped except for Barb's and Fiona's.

Thinking about having brisket for Christmas dinner instead of the usual turkey or ham. Something different for a change.

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas, Nollaig Chridheil and Happy Hogmanay!!

New Grandbaby

2011-05-22T13:25:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated the blog lately. Latest news is I have a new granddaughter, born February 22, 2011. She was early and weighed only two pounds. She is now nearly 6lbs and is doing great. Her parents have asked me not to post pictures on the internet, so I am abiding by their wishes.

Her name is Brayleigh and she is beautiful!

Episode 5-All About Sweeteners

2011-05-06T16:04:00.000-07:00

Episode 5-All About Sweeteners

Rachel has a great podcast today on Sweetners!

Altern-e-fit

2011-02-20T09:46:00.000-08:00

My daughter Rachel is becoming an expert in health and nutrition. Check out and subscribe to her blog.

http://alternefit.wordpress.com/

February Pages

2011-02-05T09:03:00.001-08:00

for ACOT's Faithbooking Challenge

2011-02-02T13:12:00.000-08:00

Since I opted out of going into the office today (there was no heat or water), I got to scrap a little!

Sketch # 140 On Creative Scrappers

2011-01-23T16:02:00.000-08:00

2011 Scrapbook Pages

2011-01-22T12:10:00.000-08:00

These are my newest pages...The Sam pages are for my sister Cheryl and the Confederate Page was done for my new Son-in-law, Videobob!

FACTS ABOUT HOGMANAY

2010-12-31T09:10:00.000-08:00

What is Hogmanay?
Hogmanay is celebrated on New Year's Eve, every year, usually in a most exuberant fashion in Scotland as hundreds of thousands of revellers take to the streets to see in the New Year. In the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh it has become a huge ticketed festival. Celebrations start in the early evening and reach a crescendo by midnight. Minutes before the start of new year, a lone piper plays, then the bells of Big Ben chime at the turn of midnight, lots of kissing, and everyone sings Auld Lang Syne. And then there is more kissing. Elsewhere in Scotland, particularly in more remote parts, customary first footing and Scottish dances, or ceilidhs (pronounced "kayli"), take place. For centuries, fire ceremonies -- torch light processions, fireball swinging and lighting of New Year fires -- played an important part in the Hogmanay celebrations. And they still do.

Where did the word Hogmanay come from
Nobody knows for sure where the word "Hogmanay" came from. Opinions differ as to whether it originated from the Gaelic oge maidne ("New Morning"), Anglo-Saxon Haleg Monath ("Holy Month"), or Norman French word hoguinané, which was derived from the Old French anguillanneuf ("gift at New Year"). It's also been suggested that it came from the French au gui mener ("lead to the mistletoe") or a Flemish combo hoog ("high" or "great"), min ("love" or "affection") and dag ("day"). Take your pick.

What are the origins of Hogmanay?
Hogmanay's roots reach back to the anamistic practice of sun and fire worship in the deep mid-Winter. This evolved into the ancient Saturnalia, a great Roman Winter festival, where people celebrated completely free of restraint and inhibition. The Vikings celebrated Yule, which became the twelve days of christmas, or the "Daft Days" as they became known in Scotland. The Winter festival went underground with the Reformation and ensuing years, but re-emerged at the end of the 17th Century. Since then the customs have continued to evolve to the modern day. It is only in recent years that Hogmanay has been celebrated on such a large scale: the first event of its kind was at "Summit in the City" in 1992 when Edinburgh hosted the European Union Heads of State conference. Edinburgh's Hogmanay festival was so successful that it spawned similar events throughout Scotland for the millennium Hogmanay festivities. This year the big three Scottish Ne'er celebrations are Edinburgh's Hogmanay, Glasgow's Hogmanay and Stirling's Hogmanay.

How has Hogmanay changed?
The older generation will tell you that today's Hogmanay street party events are nothing like the Hogmanay celebrations they used to experience.

What is the symbolism of fire at Hogmanay?
The flame and fire at Hogmanay symbolises many things. The bringing of the light of knowledge from one year to the next, lighting the way into the next uncharted century, putting behind you the darkness past, but carrying forward its sacred flame of hope and enlightenment to a better parish, and in this day, a new fresh year,burning away of the old to make space for the new.

What is First Footing?
Traditionally, it has been held that your new year will be a prosperous one if, at the strike of midnight, a "tall, dark stranger" appears at your door with a lump of coal for the fire, or a cake or coin. In exchange, you offered him food, wine or a wee dram of whisky, or the traditional Het Pint, which is a combination of ale, nutmeg and whisky. It's been sugggested that the fear associated with blond strangers arose from the memory of blond-haired Viking’s raping and pillaging Scotland circa 4th to 12th centuries. What's more likely to happen these days is that groups of friends or family get together and do a tour of each others' houses. Each year, a household takes it in turn to provide a meal for the group. In many parts of Scotland gifts or "Hogmananys" are exchanged after the turn of midnight.

Highland Moon website

2010-12-18T10:32:00.000-08:00

Our Highland Moon website is currently down but we are still in business. We are having some issues with the registration of the domain. Please visit us on Facebook or our blog highlandmoon1.blogspot.com

Wow..it's been almost 6 months since...

2010-09-05T21:32:00.000-07:00

I've updated my blog! Guess I just don't think about it. I've been hanging out at "A Cherry on Top" and Facebook, so I sort of neglect this site.

So what's new? A new grandniece born to Russell & Cynthia Hurd. I'd post a picture, but my "image" icon isn't working.

Oh well..check it out on A Cherry on Top or on my FB page Highland Scrapper.

Later!!

Nothing much new here

2010-04-10T13:03:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted on my blog in a while. What with all our medical problems here, I just haven't taken the time. I've done a little bit of scrapbooking and now I'm doing some genealogy for a cousin, so it will probably be a while between posts here again.

meanwhile here are some of my most recent layouts.

Wow!! The heaviest snow I've ever seen in Texas!

2010-02-11T13:58:00.001-08:00

Our 1st White Christmas Ever!

2009-12-28T19:24:00.001-08:00

2009-12-27T11:25:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2009 is past

2009-12-27T09:33:00.000-08:00

and the New Year is upon us. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas full of family and friends and that you got everything you hoped for. Mine wasn't so full of family and friends but it was nice and snowy (unusual in Texas!) and Santa brought me the Cricut and lots of scrapbooking goodies as well as a Snuggie and a lovely cardigan sweater! I have already started playing with my Cricut and have done a few layouts with my new papers and diecuts.

Wishing all of you a Happy Hogmanay..may a handsome dark-haired laddie be the first at your door with a good bottle of Single Malt and coal for your fire.

Back to work soon

2009-11-01T07:33:00.000-08:00

I am now out of the Cami-boot and fully weight bearing, so looks like I'll be returning to work this week. Have to get the okay from the doc tomorrow. So how was everyone's Halloween? We had the usual...kids that attended the Trunk or Treating at the church across the street; they spread out to the neighborhood from there; so lots of little ones and a few older kids too. Neighbors invited us to their party, but we didn't go. My foot was hurting from being on it all day anyway.

Rachel sent pics of herself as Cindi Lauper:

One more week in the boot

2009-10-23T11:04:00.000-07:00

Doc says he wants me out of the boot next Thursday, so hopefully that will happen and I will probably return to work soon.

Been a while since I've posted on the blog. Have been scrapbooking the concerts I went to in the 60's and more pages for the Scotland 1999 album. You can check them out on various sb boards, including www.scrapbook.com; www.acherryontop; and www.scrapbookdreamer.com

Update

2009-10-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

Doc has me "weight bearing" now..so gradually I am learning to walk again with the help of a walker. It is slow going..it causes cramps in my left leg, but each day I am improving and putting a little more pressure on my right foot. Hopefully I will be out of the boot in 4 weeks. (That is my doc's goal for me).

(Subtitled) Obama is Scottish - a version for our English and overseas friends!

2009-09-23T09:18:00.001-07:00

2009-09-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

More photos from the 4th of July Parade

Royal Ancestry

2009-09-01T10:12:00.000-07:00

I've been tracing our family for about thirty-seven years now, and have put a lot of time and
work into it.

When I started it in 1972, with the help of information provided by my maternal grandmother, I never expected to find anyone famous or infamous in our family. The closest I came was knowing that somewhere Roone ARLEDGE was a member of our ARLEDGE clan, but still today, I'm not sure of his relationship. I've traced our CLARK line, the SHIPPY line from Canada, the ARLEDGES from the Carolinas to Texas, the THOMPSONS, the TILLINGS, the MOFFITTS, the MACLEISH family of Scotland and so many more.
I had previously discovered through my maternal THOMPSON line, that we were indirectly related to CLAN BRUCE and that MARGARET CARRICK was my 19th great grand-mother. Today, I found out that MATILDA BRUCE , also known as MAUD BRUCE was the daughter of ROBERT I and ELIZABETH de BURGH, which makes ROBERT I /aka ROBERT THE BRUCE my 20th great grand-father.
My grandmother always teased me and said since Prince Charles and I were born so close together, (he was born one week before I was) that we should have married. Guess she wanted a tie to the Monarchy.
How I wish now that my grandmother "Lady" who died in 1987, could know the fruits of our labour and that we really are related to "Royalty", but SCOTTISH not ENGLISH!
August 30, 2009

Congrats to Reno's on Making DC9 at Night!

2009-08-26T09:16:00.001-07:00

Grill At Reno's Honors Dimebag Darrell With Blacktooth Whiskey Burger
By Jesse Hughey in Rock-n-ChompTuesday, Aug. 25 2009 @ 3:00PM
"Videobob" Moseley, new owner of The Grill At Reno's (adjacent to Reno's Chop Shop, which, on Thursday, was approved for a three-year extension on its SUP), is introducing a new menu that includes a hamburger inspired by slain Pantera and Damageplan guitarist Darrell "Dimebag" Abbott.

Moseley worked as the graphic artist and video producer for Vinnie Paul Abbott's post-Damageplan project HellYeah, but decided to open a restaurant when that band started to slow down.

Dimebag's Blacktooth Whiskey Burger includes the two ingredients of Dime's signature drink, the Blacktooth Grin, which consists of a chilled shot or two of Crown Royal with a splash of Coke. After the jump: The recipe, among other delicious nuggets.

"I start with a half pound of black angus chuck and grill it in WHISKEY, soaked in whiskey!" Moseley writes in an e-mail. "Then I grill sweet red onions in Coca-Cola to caramelize them. Topped with a thick slice of cheddar cheese, served with old fashioned crinkle cut fries with my own special seasoning."

Of course, one good Abbott brother deserves another, so the self-professed "greasy spoon" pays tribute to Vinnie Paul in the form of another hot beef sandwich. The Ribeye Philly Cheese Steak is Vinnie's own recipe, according to the menu, with sliced steak grilled over minced garlic with onions and bell peppers, served on a hoagie roll.

The Abbott brothers aren't the only rockers honored on the menu, but they are the only locals. Also inspiring a menu item is Tommy Lee, whose name graces the 12-inch corn dog. If you can fit the whole thing in your mouth and finish it in a single bite, it's free. You don't even have to honk the boat horn with it first.

If that's not a perfect first-date meal, I don't know what is.

Layouts from Today

2009-08-23T19:55:00.000-07:00

HELP SAVE THE GRILL AT RENO'S

2009-08-19T19:34:00.000-07:00

Patronage is down at the Grill; please keep the Grill at Reno's in Deep Ellum ALIVE!!
They need your support.

Check them out at http://www.renosgrill.com

CHECK OUT THE GRILL AT RENO'S CHOP SHOP

2009-08-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

Daughter Rachel & her BF Videobob have reopened The Grill at Reno's Chop Shop in Deep Ellum. They have a great menu and an ambiance perfect for the heavy metal crowd. Go check 'em out!!

Latest layouts

2009-08-18T12:35:00.001-07:00

Off work for 8 weeks!

2009-08-14T10:33:00.001-07:00

I had the surgery on my post tibial tendon last week and am now at home for about 8 weeks. I have to be off my foot and since I walk to work, that would be difficult to do on one foot. I'm getting around on knee walker, courtesy of a coworker. I don't like being helpless, though. Yes, I can scrapbook, read or watch tv, but not getting out much except for dr's appt and to have my hair washed.

TROPHY pics posted!!

2009-07-07T16:05:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos of our trophy from 4th of July Parade;

Arlington 4th of July Parade Winner!!

2009-07-05T17:23:00.000-07:00

Highland Moon along with the Fort Worth Scottish Pipes & Drums took home a trophy in the Arlington (Texas) 4th of July Parade. Our entry won 1st place in the "Unique Commercial" category. We are very excited as this was our 1st year in the parade.
Thanks to all the Scots who participated in making this a successful entry!!
Warren & Rebekah Sheffied with their kids: Wendall, Robert, Sarah, & Abigail, David Gressett, Royce Perry, Melvin Vinson, Ginger Bagley and the other members of the Fort Worth Scottish Pipes and Drums, and my Parade Marshall, Barbara McGowan.

You guys ROCK!!!!

GASC vs Texas Scottish Festival

2009-06-08T19:31:00.000-07:00

Well this past weekend was the weekend for both the Texas Scottish Festival and Great American Scrapbooking Convention. Normally when they fall on the same weekend, we will attend GASC one day (at least) and TSF one day. Because of wearing the awful "wonder boot" due to my post tibial tendon tear, I opted to just do one and that was GASC. We rented a wheel chair, so I wouldn't be walking the whole thing.
On solid service, the wheel chair is fine but I would not have wanted to take it out to TSF due to the uneven grounds. Barb would never have been able to push the thing without hurting her back more and I certainly wasn't going to chance throwing my back out like I did after Houston's Highland Games. So she went without me on Saturday and I stayed home and scrapbooked. I will try to post a few of those layouts here.

Just a little brag...

2009-05-30T15:06:00.001-07:00

Rachel received her transcript from Ashford University recently and found out she'd graduated "SUMMA CUM LAUDE".

Since she didn't have an actual ceremony (all her work was done online), she wasn't aware of the honour bestowed upon her.

When she gets her diploma, I will take a photo and post it on the blog.

Jon

2009-05-24T16:33:00.001-07:00

Another layout done this evening...grandson Jon

Zak's Art

2009-05-24T13:51:00.001-07:00

DGS Zak did this cool painting and I just had to use it on a layout in order to show it off!

Memory Makers Online Idea Gallery

2009-05-12T10:32:00.001-07:00

I'm pleased. I'm the featured artist on Memory Makers Online today..with this layout.

Another Mother's Day ...here and gone

2009-05-10T19:29:00.000-07:00

Not much to report. Had a phone call and an e-card from Josh. Rachel has been at a wake all day, so is just now going with her bf to take his mom out to dinner. They are going to try to stop by when they're done. Considering the restaurant closes at 10:00 and it's now 9:36, I really don't expect them to make it. We'll be turning in for the night by 10:00 anyway.

Oh, well...it's just another day and always has been. I should be happy they at least call. That's more than some moms get.

On a positive note: Rachel is now a college graduate; even though she won't get her diploma for 6-8 weeks, she has completed her courses for her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Ashford University.

Her happiness was marred though by the death/homicide of her friend Gillian on Thursday.

National Scrapbooking Day was Saturday

2009-05-05T16:39:00.000-07:00

I managed to get a Mother's Day Card for Barb's mom done and then on Sunday, I did two layouts.

No Cinco de Mayo layouts this year; the celebration at El Chico didn't take place due to the Swine (H1N1) Flu scare. Seemed really weird to be in there Friday and NOO decorations at all!

More Easter Scrapbooking

2009-04-12T19:38:00.001-07:00

Easter Day Scrapbooking

2009-04-12T19:32:00.001-07:00

I got 8 pages done today...!

Easter is almost here!

2009-04-10T11:34:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and Easter Sunday is day after tomorrow...and I'm stuck in an ugly velcro orthopedic boot! I have a Posterior Tibial Tendon tear and will eventually have surgery. In the meantime I'm stuck wearing this ugly thing. The doc wanted to put me in an Arizona Brace (boot) which is much slimmer and looks a lot better, but NOOOOO..insurance won't pay for that and it's $1000.00 otherwise. Insurance may not even pay for this one but at least they'll bill BCBS and what they don't pay, I will have to. It's $220 which is bad enough but at least I can pay it out if I have to.
What is it with insurance companies? They don't think your feet aren't important? BCBS wouldn't pay for Cheryl's orthodics or boot either a few years back! Doesn't make sense!

Gorgeous day outside

2009-03-22T15:34:00.001-07:00

So why am inside? Did a little reading (very little) and a little scrapbooking but mostly just playing on the 'net

Newest Scrapbook pages

2009-03-21T20:42:00.000-07:00

Disney and Grandchildren scrapbooked

2009-03-08T19:22:00.000-07:00

Highland Moon Website updated!

2009-02-28T16:39:00.000-08:00

We just added ghillie brogues and Scottish country and highland pumps. Check out the site at www.highlandmoon.com

We also have a Facebook page for the company, so please stop by and visit there as well.

What's with everyone googling "Newest layouts"

2009-02-27T20:38:00.000-08:00

I get more hits on my blog from people googling "newest layouts". Are they really searching for scrapbook pages or something else. Tell me people, why you're googling my site. Curious minds want to know!! Post your comments here!!

Look who's featured today on Memory Makers Idea Gallery

2009-02-21T09:27:00.001-08:00

Memories: WWII

I love reading and rereading letters from my parents & grandparents during the War years. This letter from my grandmother to another relative gave me names of two of my Dad's aircraft during the war and showed how proud she was of her son-in-law. The photos of my parents with my older sister Carolyn are not the greatest (one had poor lighting and one was mildewed from being in the attic) but they are precious and timely to the letter. Supplies include: Karen Foster Nostalgique Government stickers Diecut from Scrapyourtrip cut out items from patterned paper "Rainboworld by Masterpiece Studio" cardstock by World Win Adhesive gems by Brenda Walton for K&Co.
Charlene McGowan
Arlington, TX, USA

http://www.memorymakersmagazine.com/page_ideas.aspx

Valentine's Day Contest

2009-02-12T05:51:00.000-08:00

We're having a contest at work and I made these two mailboxes for it. I made the mailbox, and then decided to do something with the Build-a-Bear box. The winner of the contest gets lunch paid for by management!

What a delightful surprise this morning

2009-02-08T19:11:00.001-08:00

to find this note in my "in box"

Your page titled, "Pictures of You" on Feb. 7, 2009 was chosen as Layout Of The Week Winner Congratulations!

As a small thank you token for your participation, K-Joi Studios is giving you a gift Certificate to the shop in the amount of $5.00. The certificate is good on any item(s) in the store up to and including the $5.00 price. To redeem your coupon, simply copy the code below and paste it into the redemption box on check out in the store.

xxxxxxxxxx

Congratulations, once again. We would also like to feature your LO in the newsletter with your permission. If you would let me know by Sunday I can let the editor know. If you will reply to this message with you answer it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and again congratulations.

Foggy January Day

2009-01-31T20:57:00.001-08:00

Icy January Day

2009-01-31T20:54:00.000-08:00

Brrr....

2009-01-25T19:47:00.000-08:00

It's going to be a chilly night! Our heater has finally "bit the dust" and gone out. Our heater repairman will be out tomorrow and he has been holding a motor for us, so hopefully it will get replaced tomorrow. Unfortunately that means coming up with the money to replace it! Uggh!!

STM#68 Pictures of You Challenge

2009-01-17T17:11:00.000-08:00

This is my take on the challenge this week on Scrapping the Music. Photos are of my father during WWII, flight school in 1941-42 and the picture with my mother in 1944 after he got home from the War.

Our Office Souper Bowl

2009-01-11T14:40:00.000-08:00

We held our 2nd annual Souper Bowl Contest at the office Friday. There were 8 great contenders, from chili to broccoli-cheese to jerk turkey and gumbo. After all the votes were in, the winners were #1 Patsy with her tomato based spicy soup, #2 Pat with Cajun gumbo and Kelicia with #3 Chili. Each winner received a bag of goodies from the Dollar Store.

EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER AWARD!!

2009-01-09T13:46:00.000-08:00

When I went into the conference room for lunch today (we had the annual Souper bowl luncheon), Priscilla (our regional mgr) and a group of people from some of the other offices (the Awards Committe) were there and presented me with a certificate and award for "EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER" of Region 9. Now that's not just from our office...it means that my peers from 5 different offices nominated me and I was chosen for the 1st quarter of the year! Talk about a surprise!!

The award is a crystal eagle on a wooden stand with Office of the Attorney General Child Support Division engraved on the stand.
Of course, as usual they mispelled my last name on the certificate!

I hope everyone had a Happy New Year

2009-01-03T20:10:00.000-08:00

and will have a great upcoming year. Looking forward to changes after the 20th when Obama is sworn in as President.

Newest Layouts

2009-01-01T19:33:00.000-08:00

The last of 2008 and the first of 2009

Finally! I got to Scrapbook again!

2008-12-29T14:22:00.000-08:00

The first time in nearly a month that I've scrapbooked!

My Sweet Kayla

2008-12-28T10:11:00.000-08:00

My little skater dude

2008-12-28T08:17:00.000-08:00

One of the best Christmases in a very long time!

2008-12-27T08:19:00.000-08:00

Having 3 of the 4 kids here with 5 out of the 8 grandchildren was so wonderful. It was the first time in 5 years that we'd had any of the grandchildren here. Since Josh and family moved to North Carolina in February of 2004 and Andrew & family were living in South Texas we'd not had anyone but Rachel to share Christmas with. The grandchildren have really grown. We had a wonderful morning with Josh, Sandra, Kayla & Collin unwrapping gifts from under the tree; then Andrew & Dallas with Devon,Jarreth & Zack arrived around 5 and they opened gifts. Dinner was around 6 with turkey, ham, dressing, salad, potatoes and pumpkin,pecan, chocolate & coconut cream pies for dessert. Rachel arrived around 7:30 and opened her gifts and ate some dinner. It was a Christmas to remember.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas

2008-12-21T10:07:00.001-08:00

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season. Josh & family will be in on Tuesday and Andrew and Family will be over sometime Christmas Day, so we will have a houseful! For the first time in several years, we will have grandkids here for Christmas!! Yay..I am so looking forward to having them here!!

I know things will be crazy and there will probably be the normal arguments that happen with extended family in the house, but hopefully it will be a Christmas with happy memories.

Wishing all of you a memorable holiday season.

Highland Moon is back up!!

2008-12-12T17:58:00.000-08:00

Finally got in touch with Tucows and they were able to correct the problem and get us renewed, despite The Planet not contacting them!!

Temporary downtime for Highland Moon website

2008-12-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

Sorry but our Highland Moon website is down right now due to the incompetence of the company that holds our domain. We asked them last year to get the email changed so we could renew it when it's time and they didn't, so now it's come up for renewal this year and we weren't notified. Barbara is working on contacting them and going through the whole thing we did last year in order to get it corrected. Please bear with us. This also affects our email as well.

Thanks.

2008-11-23T12:02:00.000-08:00

Celtic Thunder was fantastic!! We really enjoyed the show. We were not allowed to take cameras in, so I snuck a few pics with my phone. None of them were really any good; but at least it proves I was there!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!`

2008-11-20T09:43:00.001-08:00

Wow..I can't believe I am 60 years old today!! Really is a time to reflect.
I may do that later today.

No big birthday celebration planned; I went to the dentist this morning and had a wisdom tooth and the tooth next to it pulled. I was tired of being in pain from the swelling around the tooth so had it done. Hopefully after the numbness wears off, I will be in good shape to go have a birthday dinner tonight.

Tomorrow, we have tickets for Celtic Thunder in concert and we are SOOO looking forward to that!!!

Veterans Day

2008-11-15T20:02:00.000-08:00

Veterans Day Ceremony & presentation for Colonel Neel Kearby, fighter pilot from WWII
1st photo is of the Medal of Honour; the 2nd a tribute to the Col. with the other medals he obtained in his service. 3rd photo is Brigadier General Thomas Coon and yours truly.

WWII Waxahachie Weekend

2008-11-08T21:04:00.000-08:00

These are a few of the many photos I took this weekend at the WWII Reenactment in Waxahachie. The Veterans Day Ceremony took place at the civic center at 10am, then the aircraft flyover at 11:30 just after the laying of the wreath on the Veterans memorial in front of the center. The reenactment took place around 3pm near the railroad depot not far from the town square. This is the 2nd year we've attended both events and we look forward to next years' event as well.

It's Election Day!

2008-11-04T04:41:00.000-08:00

So get out and VOTE!!

Halloween at the office

2008-10-31T10:15:00.000-07:00

We haven't had permission to dress up for Halloween at the office in years. Now with Shannon as our manager he encouraged us to dress up. Only 4 people in the office actually did today. So here are photos of Jimmy, Robert, Angie and Shannon.

Update on Elaine & Guy (Hurricane Ike)

2008-10-29T10:27:00.000-07:00

I received a note from Elaine today; this is what she said, "It appears that we will get enough help from FEMA to replace the washer, dryer, refrigerator and stove if we stay with low end appliances and/or can find them on sale. I am so pleased with the way FEMA worked for us. It is a long and tedious process but they have so many people to help and many of them have no way to be reached with questions or requests for more information.

I think we may be able to be back in the house before Christmas, maybe before Thanksgiving. We got the permits to repair pretty quickly because of historical significance."

Now to find out the latest from David & Sarah.

Haunted Tearoom at British Emporium

2008-10-26T16:36:00.001-07:00

The British Emporium had their British Car Show today and along with it their Haunted Tearoom. It was a great turnout of cars and the tearoom and it's inhabitants were delightfully eerie!!

Region 9 Attorney General of Texas Picnic

2008-10-18T20:58:00.000-07:00

The new region 9 of the Texas Attorney General's office held their first fall picnic today at Veteran's Park in Arlington. The new region was created when the Dallas and Tarrant County Region 4 split. Dallas stayed as Region 4 (with the exception of the Plano office) and the Tarrant county offices plus the Plano office became Region 9.
Priscilla Rendon-Rodriguez is the Regional Manager of Region 9. Employees and their families gathered at the park around 11 this morning and cooked brisket, hamburgers and hot dogs. We had a good turn out despite Priscilla & family getting lost and not getting there till 1:00 or so. Those who didn't make the picnic missed out on a good time.

Celtic Festival

2008-10-14T10:31:00.000-07:00

We did the Celtic Festival in Bedford this weekend; attendance was really down. Only 800 people came through the gate. We might have broken even after figuring what we spent on booth fees and the little bit of stock we bought prior to the event. The good thing was that it was great weather albeit a little warm, but the winds/breeze were nice and kept it from being too hot.

I didn't take any photos as I have so many from festivals that it's nothing new.

On another note, I did do a layout this weekend. One of Cheryl & Eric in 1973 at Knotts Berry Farm.

Only a few weeks left till the General Election

2008-10-06T13:06:00.000-07:00

Barb & I have been activally involved in the election this year; first cheering on Hillary in the primaries and now campaigning for Barack Obama and for the local candidates in the Senate & District elections. Barb was elected Precinct Chairman on September 30th and now has been appointed Election Judge for 2210 in Arlington.

So I guess she will spend a lot of time at the polls beginning on the 20th of October.

JUST ONE THING TO EMPHASIZE TODAY!!

2008-10-02T05:45:00.000-07:00

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE??? DEADLINE IN MOST STATES IS THIS SATURDAY!!

Latest Update

2008-09-19T14:01:00.000-07:00

Andrew & family have transferred to a shelter in Tarrant county; FEMA has approved a move to the area for them, so guess next week, they'll be looking for a house.

Have had emails from high school friends, Brenda who now has electricity, Charlie who is still without power, ex-hubby Paul who has power.

Damage from Ike at Lone Star Flight Museum

2008-09-18T13:44:00.000-07:00

The Lone Star Flight Museum was a place my Daddy loved to visit. They were hit hard by Ike. Fortunately they did get some of the planes out before the hurricane hit.
The B25 and B17 were flown out as were some others. Here are some shots borrowed from the internet: more can be seen at Lone Star's website. "The entire contents of the gift ship are lost. Every exhibit in the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame was destroyed although some artifacts may be able to be saved.. How many is yet to be determined."

More on Hurricane Ike

2008-09-17T09:12:00.001-07:00

Well, Ike came and went and left a trail of destruction in his path.
Even today, four days after he struck the heart of Galveston, millions in the greater Houston, Galveston & surrounding areas are without power and/or water.

Those in my family affected were/are: Elaine and Guy, whose home is a loss in Galveston, David & Sarah, lost their home in Kemah, Andrew & Dallas & family are still without power and I don’t know the extent of the damage to their home. Renee was without power for several days as was cousin Craig Baumbach. Both are now restored. Haven’t yet heard from my kids’ dad, Paul; I suspect he is without power still. Also waiting to hear on Scottie’s property in Dayton. He did lose cattle that wandered off.

Had an email from high school friend, Charlie who is still without power in New Caney. He is going to send out a newsletter to the class of ’67 to see how everyone fared. Considering there are still many classmates living in or near Deer Park and the Houston area, there are no doubt many who have suffered losses.

Friends Ros & Paul lost power for several days and had some water in their home, but they are up and running now and offering hospitality (of course, they’re Scottish!) to others.

Friend Mick Stewart, still without power, but has ammunition in his .357 to keep the looters away! His reenactment gear survived.

I wish everyone who was in the path of this powerful storm, from Texas to Ohio, all the best and my heart goes out to all of you who suffered losses of lives and/or property.

Hurricane Ike to hit the coast in the next few hours..

2008-09-12T20:31:00.000-07:00

We have been glued to the tv the last few days, watching as Hurricane Ike comes into the gulf and heads towards Galveston & Houston. I've gone through many a hurricane in my nearly 60 years, most of it having been in the Houston area. It's old hat for me and always exciting to track the storm. Daddy always tracked them. We would tape the windows with masking tape and have plenty of batteries ready for the flashlights. These days, everyone is much more prepared and there are more evacuees then I can ever remember there being. We stuck it out during Carla in 1961 and in Alicia in 83.

The more we see of Ike, the less we see of any severe weather we'll get in the Arlington area. Maybe some rain, wind...but looks like it will be to the East of us.
I've talked with my brother, in Crockett and he is prepared. Andrew & Dallas & family have evacuated their home and gone to a shelter in Cleveland. Paul is staying put in his home in that city. Elaine & Guy left Galveston a couple days ago and I suspect Harriett and Robert left Friendswood although I don't know for sure. Mommy B, Mike & Laura were going to leave Rockport, but when Ike took a different path, they decided to stick it out.

Guess we'll know more tomorrow and throughout the weekend what this storm will bring.

Other news to share: Josh is in town. His company sent him to Dallas earlier this week for some mainsaver training and he's staying over till Sunday to spend some time with us. We'll take him to the airport on Sunday; hopefully the storm will have gone through and his flight will be able to leave on time.

I did some scrapbooking done earlier this week and will post those layouts. Don't know if I'll get anymore done this weekend.

Cousins!

2008-08-26T05:48:00.000-07:00

My cousin Harriett sent me a couple of layouts she did for me. They are of my siblings and the oldest cousins. She did such a lovely job of them and I'm so pleased to have them.

Friday at work was "Food Day"

2008-08-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

Scrapping this weekend

2008-08-10T18:57:00.000-07:00

I got a few layouts done this weekend..a couple of my mom during her high school years and a couple of grandson Collin playing baseball.

I love this layout!

2008-07-27T17:40:00.001-07:00

I've been waiting for the paper to get here from SYT in order to do it and when the package came Friday, I couldn't wait! Alas, one sheet of paper was missing! The one with the "ONCE UPON A TIME" on it!! The invoice stated it was shipped but it was NOT!
So Saturday we went to Jo-Ann's where I'd seen it, and picked up a sheet. It cost me $2.14 and I'd only paid $.65 at SYT for the same sheet! Oh well! I didn't get to work on it until today, since we had the Scottish Invasion. Robert emailed me and said he "had tears in his eyes" and that it was "fantastic". He even shared it with some friends who also know/knew Jim and Jodie.

Here is the journaling in case you can't read it on the page.
ONCE UPON A TIME……

There were two TOY SOLDIERS named Jodie and Jim. They were from the HOUSE OF THOMPSON in the province of Texas, west of Bavaria.

Jodie and Jim were a familiar and formidable presence at nearly every German, Scottish and Folk event in the great province of Texas. Children would point excitedly at the two soldiers and many a photograph was taken of the two.

The two soldiers had several different uniforms and depending on the event, they would wear one appropriate to the occasion. They have presented the Colours, acted as official escorts and performed other official duties at the activities they attend. As a result of their dedication to the promotion of the history and traditions of the Bavarian Royal family, Jim and Jodie received commendations from the Commissioner of Polizei of Trier, Germany and from the Commissioner of the Bavarian State Police.

From 1987 till 2005, the two soldiers enjoyed their involvement in these activities. In 2005, though, the tallest soldier, Jodie, became sick and, despite the efforts of the doctors of the Province, died.
The people of the Province were devastated that one of their beloved toy soldiers was gone.

Now the duties of these two soldiers fall on the shoulders of the one soldier. Jim continues the legacy of the Bavarian soldiers and honours the Royal Family of Wittelsbach by promoting their history at the events he attends, while Jodie watches from above and smiles down on his brother.

Now…..
ONE TOY SOLDIER stands alone.

Scottish Invasion

2008-07-26T20:58:00.000-07:00

It was time for the Scots to gather at Posado's Mexican Restaurant in Bedford. Lots of kilts, tartans, food and good friends.

Monty Python Madness

2008-07-21T19:46:00.000-07:00

Saturday, we were up bright and early and headed out to Grapevine to watch and photograph the Monty Python Madness and charity walk down Main Street. I created a three page layout from the photos we took of the event.

Taisho Japanese Restaurant

2008-07-13T16:57:00.000-07:00

After the Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games last month, some of the members of Clans Maclellen and MacDuff and others went to Taisho Japanese Restaurant for dinner.
I took tons of photos, but when it came to doing the layouts for the event, I could only find 19 of them! None of the photos of friends from the 2nd table are anywhere on the computer! So sorry, Jill, David, Robert, Bill and friends..your mugs don't show up in these scrapbook pages!

Cemetery Sleuths

2008-07-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we attempted to find some graves that were requested on www.findagrave.com but were unsuccessful. I will have to call someone on Monday, to get an idea of where the four graves might be so that we can go back out and get photos for the requestors on the board. We did, however take pictures of the cemetery and of each other so that I could at least do a layout of our most recent hobby.

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-04T21:34:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a great Independence Day. We didn't get out of the house, except for one excursion to Krogers for a few groceries and a RX 'scrip. Mostly we sat and watched "What Not to Wear" (marthon) all day. I did manage to organize my scrapbook albums and separate layouts i.e. grandchildren into 4 albums, heritage 2 or 3 albums,
book of me: 3 albums, etc. Got a birthday card done but no other scrapping. Tomorrow, we're going "graving" to fulfill a few requests for pics from a Grand Prairie cemetery.

Maybe when we get back, I can get some scrapping done.

X Marks the Scot meet-up

2008-07-03T22:03:00.000-07:00

We met up with X-Markers, Cynthia and Christopher at J. Gilligans Tuesday evening. There are usually a group of Celtic musicians that get together and jam once a week.
It was nice putting names to faces finally!!

What a nice surprise!

2008-07-03T21:59:00.000-07:00

Tonight an old friend stopped by! We were so surprised when the doorbell rang this evening and it was Cyrus!! He and his little guy, Manning were in the area and stopped by for a visit. The last time Cyrus had come by, Manning was just a wee bairn. Now he's a big 3 year old!

Flowers Family Photo

2008-06-22T18:30:00.001-07:00

Daughter-in-law Sandra send new photos of the kids and of the entire family. I scrapped the family portrait right away and will scrap the others later in the week or next weekend. I love these papers I picked up at GASC; they are from Quick Quote and they're reversible. The yellow side with the wording is one side and the blue floral is the other side.

Navy Album

2008-06-22T18:26:00.000-07:00

I did some more layouts for Paul's Navy Album. My "ex" was in the Navy during the Vietnam era. He was aboard the USS Midway and then the USS Jouett. We were stationed in San Diego for a brief time and in Alameda, CA.

Viewers

2008-06-13T05:42:00.000-07:00

I love that people are viewing my blog from all over! I do wish you'd introduce yourselves, though; comment, whatever. It's exciting to know I've had visitors from all over the globe and even several in my "own backyard". Do say "hi" in a post or comment. I'd love to know how you found my site and what you like or don't like about it.

Thanks,

June Contest Winner on Cropjunkie.com!

2008-06-11T15:15:00.000-07:00

Wow..what a nice surprise to see this!
Congratulations to Charlene McGowan of Arlington, TX - right here in our own backyard - and our June design gallery contest winner! Charlene says it best in her own words:

“To help motivate me to stick with my healthy plan for eating this year and to lose this excess weight, I created a journal to record my weight and measurements as well as my thoughts on a “Journey to a Brand New Me”. I also created some tags with encouraging words & quotes to go with it.”

Charlene used a notebook from Staples, paper is Fancy Pants Design “Abigail” and misc ribbons, chipboard, rub on letters and eyelets

As this months design contest winner, Charlene receives $10 in store credit from CropJunkie.com.

2008-06-09T17:10:00.000-07:00

I got some more scrapping done today; my last day off for now. I had taken five vacation days in order to attend the Great American Scrapbooking Convention and the Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games. It's over now and tomorrow I go back to work.

The layout of Cayleigh "Climbing" got Page of the Week on Scrapitude last week! Thanks so much Kimmy!

My newest layouts

2008-06-07T18:20:00.000-07:00

The wee ballerina is Carolyn's (my older sis) great granddaughter Emma. Isn't she adorable?

The other two, of course, are my grandchildren, Collin and Kayla.

Purchases at GASC

2008-06-06T08:46:00.001-07:00

Today was the first day for the Great American Scrapbooking Convention

2008-06-05T15:32:00.001-07:00

in Arlington. We decided to go on Thursday this year and opted out of any classes and even the crop. Would rather have the money to spend on stash instead. Glad we picked Thursday 'cause that's the day Charrie decided to come down from Oklahoma to go. Barb and I met up with her this morning about 11:40. She and her friend Opal joined us for lunch and we took photos to post on Scrapitude.

There weren't as many vendors this year as in the past; a lot of major ones missing i.e. Fiskars & Xyron. Guess the gas prices are getting to everyone. I didn't buy a lot, mostly paper and a few embellies. We did buy some new Corel Software, the new version of Paint Shop Pro. It will be mailed to us.

I will take photos of my stash and post it later, but here is a photo of Charrie and me.

Hotel Visitor

2008-05-20T13:10:00.001-07:00

Check out our visitor outside our hotel room this past weekend in Houston

It was an American Black Vulture!

Houston Highland Games

2008-05-15T16:08:00.000-07:00

Well, we're off in the morning for Houston for the Scottish festival and games.
The truck is loaded and suitcase packed pretty much. Shortbread is made. I will post photos when we get back.