Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Larry the Cable Guy... Yummy!
Random I know. But I have to share my side dishes from supper tonight.
Just curious if this was on Larry the Cable Guy's Bucket List?
From one redneck to another.. I have to admit it was good. :).
Yea. I prolly shoulda kept it or sold it on eBay. But I'm Bucket List Living!!! Lol! Thanks Big Lots!!!
What's up? WHAT A MESS!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
More than 38 years later, making a memory...
From my trip to North Carolina.
My cousin,Donnie, had the reel-to-reel that belonged to my Grandpa Gil.
He also had a hidden gem in a tape that my Grandpa Gil made for his wife,
my Grandma (Gammy Margaret).
This was the first time my Sisser,
my Mom and I had ever heard his voice. It was nice to hear that although
he was one tough Marine, he was also a romantic... Like my Dad!
Hope you enjoy the listen...
Yea, the video is sideways... UGH, technology! 10 hours hands
on, 24 hours uploading, after 3 tries- it is what it is...
In the words of my Grandpa Gil - "That's the way the mop flops baby!" lol! Yes, we are related!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Reel-to-reel and a shout out to Lady Antebellum!
Have to share.. One interesting fact about my Grandpa Gil – he recorded music reel-to-reel. He had probably over 600 albums recorded. He had a 3 inch notebook filled with index pages on all of the songs and albums, color coded according to type/style… Wow, I thought I was something with my MIX tapes! Lol!
Too all the music lovers out there, keep on keeping on! To those who take the time to write our soundtracks, THANK YOU! To those who rock it out, I’m jealous, but don’t worry, I’m still cranking it UP while driving!!!
This one is dedicated to my sweet DH, this came on CMT over the weekend. Dean grabbed me and pulled me close to dance in our living room… Pajamas and all… I LOVE HIM! J
No, I didn't go to any dances with him... But I did ask him to my Sr. Prom... Instead I went with one of my besties Sherry... lol! Glad we finally got our dance.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
S.S. Saturday, my Cousin, Donnie
Today's Someone Special is dedicated
to my new-found cousin, Donnie.
When looking for info on my Grandpa Gil, my aunt gave me the e-mail address for our cousin Donnie. Poor Donnie! I am sure he was overwhelmed after my first e-mail... then we tried to connect, but that was during the time that my Granpa Billy died and life was so busy.
The first time we talked on the phone I was at my parents with my Mom and it was 2 weeks before our planned trip... He was so excited to hear about the visit and even offered to let us stay with him and his wife..
Let me just say, it was a weekend that was just meant to be from the beginning!! Donnie and his wife Linda were the most awesome hosts! Their home was beautiful and their hearts were warm. We laughed, we cried and while sharing old memories, we made lots of new ones.
When looking for info on my Grandpa Gil, my aunt gave me the e-mail address for our cousin Donnie. Poor Donnie! I am sure he was overwhelmed after my first e-mail... then we tried to connect, but that was during the time that my Granpa Billy died and life was so busy.
The first time we talked on the phone I was at my parents with my Mom and it was 2 weeks before our planned trip... He was so excited to hear about the visit and even offered to let us stay with him and his wife..
Let me just say, it was a weekend that was just meant to be from the beginning!! Donnie and his wife Linda were the most awesome hosts! Their home was beautiful and their hearts were warm. We laughed, we cried and while sharing old memories, we made lots of new ones.
I could sing the praises of all that Donnie shared with us and I can say you
will learn more as time goes on, but the most important thing is that he introduced
us to our Grandpa Gil. Grandpa Gil is no longer a stern military picture
my parent's room. He is a fun-loving, practical jokester too. He
knew how to work hard and seemed to play harder. Donnie was there over
the years and looked up to Grandpa Gil. They had common interests and the
opportunity to share space and time.
I can't Thank Donnie enough... He took us around, showed us pictures and set up the reel-to-reel (more on that Monday)... I think I may have taken a year or 2 off his life by leaving my purse at McDonald's, but I hope the laughs and tears make up for that.
Before we left their home on Saturday evening, Dad skyped in. Notice the minute I realize my iPad is ringing...
I can't Thank Donnie enough... He took us around, showed us pictures and set up the reel-to-reel (more on that Monday)... I think I may have taken a year or 2 off his life by leaving my purse at McDonald's, but I hope the laughs and tears make up for that.
Before we left their home on Saturday evening, Dad skyped in. Notice the minute I realize my iPad is ringing...
While we were on Skype Donnie presented Dad with Grandpa Gil's dog tags. It was a teary sweet moment... Bridged between North Carolina and Italy by Skype...
On the way back home we Skyped with Dad sharing all that happened on the trip. Dad said to me, "I sure do wish ya'll could have met him (Grandpa Gil) he was a really neat man." I replied back, "We met him this weekend, Dad."
Dad said wiping his tears, "Boo, I'm just thankful your bucket is big enough for all of us." -- That right there was the cherry on top of a perfect weekend. I am too Daddy, I am too!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
McDonald's with my family
This is the McDonalds my Grandpa Gil managed. Updated, expanded, but still a memorable stop.
This is just one of the pics. I have so many more to share. We visited the other McDonald's he managed, from my understanding he was one of the first that managed 2 McDonald's. I also understand that he managed like a Marine. And called out orders in Marine fashion his employees snapped to!
We left the McDonald's and visited the second location. It is now a Mexican restaurant. Next we ventured out to find the house they lived in.
My Aunt Harriet (HAP) lived with Grandpa Gil for a while, so we made a stop at her High School. The next stop was one, not for Grandpa Gil, but for the Pye Girls. You see we are beach babies. I have mentioned before that I am most at peace at the ocean. My spirit is at peace there always. Saturday was no exception.
When we got back in the car, I asked my Sisser to hand me my purse from the back seat. She said it wasn't there.
I was so excited and in the moment I left my purse in our booth at McDonald's. Hours before. My cousin's wife, my angel Linda, called them to see if anyone had turned in a Coach purse... Believe it or not someone had. Surely it would be emptied of the cash in the wallet, have a credit card missing, my ID stolen.. Or my whole Coach wallet... For those of you who may not understand the Coach connotation even on sale purses are over $100 and wallets almost as much. Usually frugal with purses I JUST bought this one in October when my Sisser got married.
Donnie rushed us back across town and would you believe that they indeed had my purse, gasp, could it be? I am shaking as I sit it down, the wallet is there, IDs are there. Credit cards are there. I get back in he car and count the cash - $180.
Thank you Grandpa Gil for taking care of your Granddaughter. And to whoever turned it in. Thank
Thank you Grandpa Gil for taking care of your Granddaughter. And to whoever turned it in. Thank
Sunday, February 19, 2012
What a dream!
The whole trip to North Carolina has been beyond AMAZING!! I don't even know where to begin... Here's a good place.
Completed Bucket List item - Found my Grandfather Gil's headstone.
The whole weekend I have been reminded if you wait, you won't.
I have met some wonderful people that lived near him. And were family of his wife my Gammy Margaret. I'm on my way back to Arkansas now, and thankful I have some new family members now too...
No, that's not the full recap. But I'm getting back to Bucket List Living NOW!!!
Completed Bucket List item - Found my Grandfather Gil's headstone.
The whole weekend I have been reminded if you wait, you won't.
I have met some wonderful people that lived near him. And were family of his wife my Gammy Margaret. I'm on my way back to Arkansas now, and thankful I have some new family members now too...
No, that's not the full recap. But I'm getting back to Bucket List Living NOW!!!
Topping off a wonderful Saturday!
More on Saturday and the 3 miracles of the day, here I am with my Cheesecake Factory pkg. Julia has been so helpful. I was able to add 2 more restaurants to my list of accomplishments and met some really happy Cheesecake Factory employees.
Blessed beyond measure! Just another reminder, if you wait, you WON'T!
Gotta go, I have a meeting with my Grandpa Gil today... Can't keep him waiting... 38 years is long enough... Heard his voice for the first time ever yesterday... This trip has been a dream come true.
Basically simple.. ;-)
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Basically, it doesn’t get more simple than that!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Jackelope?
Update from Augusta, GA
Our journey took 15 hours yesterday/this morning. We stopped at 4 a.m. this morning, note the 4 a.m. time was Eastern time, Arkansas is central. The journey included a "Look Kids, Big Ben, Parliament" moment - truthfully a few.. Most memorable was when we discovered my camera didn't have a memory card going over the Greenville Bridge.. We made the most of the turn around with the photo shoot to remember. We went through some unexpected construction zones before reaching Birmingham, happy Cheesecake Factory memory. After a sit down meal we traveled on to Atlanta...
By the time we got to Atlanta all I can say is that we were clearly not thinking straight, someone had an extreme need for a potty break, my check engine light came one. We visited 3 gas stations. One gas station had interesting characters, we sped out on to the next. Gas station #2 was a nice one... But we didn't stay long enough to get coffee b/c of the other 1 a.m. customers. Finally at the 3rd station - COFFEE! As we pull out I realize the check engine light is on - UGH!! We pull back in station #3, not happy but making do... Laura had walked in the customer cat calls, but we were thankful to go back b/c it was well lit AND had a gas station attendant... The only thing I could see wrong was a low level of power steering fluid... Had to go to Wal-Mart... Yes, I figure the 3rd gas station had what we needed, but for some reason I felt the need to go to Wal-Mart... In the same neighborhood as gas stations 1, 2 and 3 - 1 a.m. at this point you can imagine the customers... Roaming the isles I am quite certain I could have found some people of Wal-Mart, but I kept my head down focused on the task at hand... Got to the car, refilled, OVERFILLED- CRAP the power steering fluid and back on the road we went...
Finally coming to a hotel at North Augusta - we first tried the Hampton Inn, my personal 1st choice - Ummm... The doors opened to the outside from the room - 3 women, NOOOO way! Next stop Holiday Inn Express, North Augusta... Thankfully they had the government rate, the room and hotel are really nice! If you are traveling through or have the need for a vacation hotel, I would most certainly stay here again. The staff was most helpful checking in, on the way back down to the car I passed a housekeeper, as she walked by the elevator she punched the down button for me - Good JOB! Great customer service in focusing on the little things...
Now, on the road again... Excited about what the day holds!
More later! Got to get to BUCKET LIST LIVING! If you wait, you WON'T!!!
Progress in Progress!
In October, the day before my Granpa Billy died; I found out some family information and located a cousin, Donnie that has information on my Grandpa Gil, memories to share. Today, we will meet Donnie and hopefully visit the McDonald’s locations in Wilmington. Oh, I am sure my hand will get tired of writing all of the information I find and clicking the bazillion pictures… I’m giddy with excitement! Can’t wait to share!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Thanks Birmingham, AL Staff!
Once again, thanks for everything Cheesecake Factory! You didn't disappoint!!!
Birmingham, AL Cheesecake Factory
Greenville Bridge
Cheesecake Factory shout-out!
Road Trip Update
We left White Hall at 12:20. We are almost into Alabama right now- woo-hoo!! Not that it means we are almost there, but we are making progress!!!
Sent from my iPad
Great North Carolina or Bust Road Trip!
Today just after lunch myself and 2 other Pye girls will be making the journey to North Carolina. We are headed to complete a Bucket List item of 52. Finding my Grandfather’s headstone – but in the process we will be doing so much more!!! Grandpa Gil - I'm COMING!!!!
Other Bucket List Items that will make progress this weekend as well – I’ve never been to North Carolina – take that state off the list!
I hope to visit a few Cheesecake Factories 99. Visit every Cheesecake Factory!
J Although we won’t be in England, I FULLY expect to- 46. Do the scene from European Vacation – Look kid’s Big Ben, Parliament!
Maybe along the way I will- 120. Start something that goes viral. I would like to get a picture from Mississippi to document the progress on
11. Visit every state in the United States…
**Reminder – Visit Every Cheesecake Factory and visit all 50 states list itmes have their own page listed above to track the progress.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Let's get ready to.... ROAD TRIP!
Final preparations for the North Carolina or Bust road trip are under way. I am making a map so that I can update ya’ll on the progress as we go. We will be driving the Hyundai Santa Fe, my WannaBEE! I have some magnetic signs for the website that I will use to decorate it up… WE are jumping in Bucket List Living NOW!!!! Maybe I can increase my blog readership along the way! J
Just so you know - Cheesecake Factory, I was serious! Here is my Cheesecake Factory trip map! lol! (a HUGE THANK YOU TO MAPQUEST!)
No one has recommended any tunes yet, so I’ll just go with my CD collection. My new Adele… Also another album of the year – Lady Antebellum – We Own the Night… Of course I’ll have my Rascal Flatts and Kenny Chesney.. My WannaBEE doesn’t have any new MP3 or iPod connectivity, but we will make do.
Progress 86. Buy a Bumble Bee Car– DH’s truck will be paid off this spring. Once we have a few more bills taken care of, maybe later this year I can take the car payment plunge again! Lol!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy Valentine's Day!
As you may remember, I celebrated an early Valentine’s with my DH on Friday… He surprised me with a limo ride, which was romantical AND it was a Bucket List item!!! Good job babe!
Today is the big day (according to Hallmark) and I’m still all heart eyed – so here’s a Tune-In Tuesday shout out to one of the great romantic movies – The Notebook –
Do you have a Bucket List? I'm thankful my DH is supporting my dream in accomplishing my list items! Where do you start to compile your bucket list? There is no HOW TO make a bucket list that is all inclusive... Think about the things you always wanted to do! Write them down, share them and DO IT! May your day be filled with Love, may your life be blessed beyond your imagination! It’s never too late to start living your DREAMS! If you wait, you WON’T!!!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Don't tell the Grammy's I forgot them! I NEED MUSIC!!!
After watching the Grammy’s last night, I’m musically inspired… I do have a few musical items on my list…
17. Be on a music video shoot
35. Be in a recording studio while a song is being recorded
60. Attend the CMA’s
90. Hang out with Kenny Chesney on a boat in the Caribbean
92. Tell Rascal Flatts in person that they have recorded the soundtrack of my life
100. Play the Big piano at FAO Schwartz
Ohhhh MY! I thought the Grammy’s were on my list!
Now they are!
132. Attend the Grammy Awards
I remembered some other things that didn’t make my list, but should have… Guess I should have written them down b/c for the life of me I can’t remember… UGH!
Okay, here’s a shout out to Music Monday – I have a road trip this weekend and need some tunes for the ride… Nothing makes a road trip more fun than the sing sings! Lol! If you have a suggestion, PLEASE share! In the spirit of the Grammy's I have already got the Adele CD ready and LOADED!!!!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Watching the Grammys - LL Cool J gives opening prayer to Whitney
Tonight
is the Grammy awards... Yes, as an all-time lover of music this is on my
bucket list... Seriously, one night, all the artists in one
place!!! Bruce Springsteen kicked off the show and there was Paul
McCartney rocking out in the front row. Next up, the host for the night-
LL Cool J comes out for the opening remarks. Of course, the loss of Whitney
Houston is on top of the music industry and musicians minds. Arguably,
Whitney Houston was the first Pop Diva. In a move I have never in all my
years seen before, LL opens up with a word of prayer in her memory.
My DH looks at me and says, you know, music is healing at times.... Yes, honey, music is healing. And the beauty of it, with radio, it was always available and free. I don't know how many times I have turned to music for comfort. I have said that Rascal Flatts has written and recorded the soundtrack of my life. Kenny Chesney takes me to my happy place, Def Leopard, Bon Jovi and Chicago got me through my teenage years. Garth Brooks showed me how to live outside the box and to make my own rules. Tim McGraw gave me hope for my "next 30 years." Hillsong has opened my heart for fellowship with the Lord.
Yea, I may be a preacher's wife, but my itunes has everything from Boys to Men to Nickleback to Journey to Jason Aldean and Rhianna on it. Music breaks down barriers in our lives. LL, thank you for reminding the music industry and musicians what we all have in common.... Dear Lord, please be with Whitney's family as they grieve the loss of their Mom, Daughter and Sister. I pray that out of her loss everyone is reminded that NO ONE is guaranteed a tomorrow. In Jesus' name. Amen
Now back to the Grammy's!!!!
My DH looks at me and says, you know, music is healing at times.... Yes, honey, music is healing. And the beauty of it, with radio, it was always available and free. I don't know how many times I have turned to music for comfort. I have said that Rascal Flatts has written and recorded the soundtrack of my life. Kenny Chesney takes me to my happy place, Def Leopard, Bon Jovi and Chicago got me through my teenage years. Garth Brooks showed me how to live outside the box and to make my own rules. Tim McGraw gave me hope for my "next 30 years." Hillsong has opened my heart for fellowship with the Lord.
Yea, I may be a preacher's wife, but my itunes has everything from Boys to Men to Nickleback to Journey to Jason Aldean and Rhianna on it. Music breaks down barriers in our lives. LL, thank you for reminding the music industry and musicians what we all have in common.... Dear Lord, please be with Whitney's family as they grieve the loss of their Mom, Daughter and Sister. I pray that out of her loss everyone is reminded that NO ONE is guaranteed a tomorrow. In Jesus' name. Amen
Now back to the Grammy's!!!!
If you wait, you WON'T! (or might not have the chance)
James
4:14 (KJV)
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
Reminder from Bucket List Living Now - Take a moment to work on your list - either start writing it down, share it with someone or complete an item on it... You will be amazed at how wonderful it feels... No, it's not that every item has to be glamorous, I have milking a cow on mine... It just needs to have meaning for YOU! Remember - If you wait, you WON'T!
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
Reminder from Bucket List Living Now - Take a moment to work on your list - either start writing it down, share it with someone or complete an item on it... You will be amazed at how wonderful it feels... No, it's not that every item has to be glamorous, I have milking a cow on mine... It just needs to have meaning for YOU! Remember - If you wait, you WON'T!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
SS Sweet Hubby - Dean
Today's
Someone Special is my SWEET Hubby!!!
We have been married for more than 19 years. I dare say we have had our share of ups and downs... In our 19+ years together we have seen a lot of changes in our lives - we have a handsome 17 year old son, two precious fur babies, he encouraged me to go back to school and I had the opportunity to receive my bachelors and masters degrees, we opened a new salon, he surrendered to the ministry, WE surrendered to the ministry, we built two houses, remodeled one house and boy have we made some memories!!!!
He has taken me to Disney World - TWICE! He introduced me to the ocean... He drove with me down to the Florida Keys... Whisked me away to San Francisco, Chicago, Savannah and Charleston, just to name a few interesting locales.. He allows me to follow my dreams, no matter how crazy they are or how far out of the way they make him go.... Because he knows they make me happy.
The one thing he doesn't do too well is gift buying... I can't tell you the number of holidays/birthdays I have spent in tears over house shoes, cappuccino maker (at the time I didn't drink coffee), huge stuffed bears, multiple watches, TONS of candy for my January bday (come on everyone knows you don't buy candy in January - it's diet season!) and no one can ever forget the card of a life time - To a Great GUY! Though I think he threw it away a few years ago while we were cleaning... I remember and have witnesses...
We have been married for more than 19 years. I dare say we have had our share of ups and downs... In our 19+ years together we have seen a lot of changes in our lives - we have a handsome 17 year old son, two precious fur babies, he encouraged me to go back to school and I had the opportunity to receive my bachelors and masters degrees, we opened a new salon, he surrendered to the ministry, WE surrendered to the ministry, we built two houses, remodeled one house and boy have we made some memories!!!!
He has taken me to Disney World - TWICE! He introduced me to the ocean... He drove with me down to the Florida Keys... Whisked me away to San Francisco, Chicago, Savannah and Charleston, just to name a few interesting locales.. He allows me to follow my dreams, no matter how crazy they are or how far out of the way they make him go.... Because he knows they make me happy.
The one thing he doesn't do too well is gift buying... I can't tell you the number of holidays/birthdays I have spent in tears over house shoes, cappuccino maker (at the time I didn't drink coffee), huge stuffed bears, multiple watches, TONS of candy for my January bday (come on everyone knows you don't buy candy in January - it's diet season!) and no one can ever forget the card of a life time - To a Great GUY! Though I think he threw it away a few years ago while we were cleaning... I remember and have witnesses...
That said, I still have one AWESOME husband... And thanks to this blog - he has a list of can't miss ideas!!!! YAY! Last night, for Valentine's Day, he surprised me with a limo!!! Yep, he got a limo for the night to take us to eat in Little Rock. We even made a stop at Krispy Kreme on the way home for a friend in the hospital... It was sooooo cool to sit in a limo at Krispy Kreme! I know it sounds crazy, but I had not ever ridden in a limo... At first I was bummed because I didn't have more people to share the experience with, but then I realized I had the MOST important person to share the experience with. My first ride in a limo was with my soul mate... He knocked that one out of the park!!!! We were two giddy grown ups...
I told him on the way home that it was the best Valentine's ever... He said plus it was the best New Years Ever! We are working on the best YEAR ever!!!!! Rounding the bases to a 20th wedding anniversary in November - he still makes my heart happy!
I told him on the way home that it was the best Valentine's ever... He said plus it was the best New Years Ever! We are working on the best YEAR ever!!!!! Rounding the bases to a 20th wedding anniversary in November - he still makes my heart happy!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Let them eat.... CHEESECAKE!!!
On
Thursday, I posted on the Cheesecake Factory facebook page about my quest… Today they replied!! This is sooo awesome!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Grandpa Gil and North Carolina! Wo-hoo!
I’m excited to have a long weekend coming in a few weeks. In years past, we have gone snow skiing for President’s Day weekend… I’m not a good skier. Plus our friends have had life happen to prevent company on our annual trip… So, I am planning on taking advantage of a long weekend and making a long drive to North Carolina. What’s in North Carolina?
That’s where my Grandpa Gil is, well, where he was laid to rest… He spent his last years there and I found a cousin who is willing to host a few Pye Girls as we come to gather some information and history of a man none of us met. The cherry on top would be to share the experience with my Dad… However since he is in Italy, that makes it difficult… I have debated on waiting until he was home to make the trip, but just today I was reminded – IF you wait, you WON’T! There is always something that will be important… You have to make time to learn where you came from so you know better where you are going!
ROAD TRIP! Boy the stories that I will have to share when we come back! Departing in 7 days!!!!
Monday, February 6, 2012
My Mad singing some Adele... Happy me!
As much as I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE music, I can’t sing… I love the instruments, the composition, the words. When I was younger I thought I could sing and remember hours out on the swing set singing my heart out. When I got older I learned how I really sound… I don’t even make a joyful noise! Needless to say nowhere on my bucket list does American Idol, the Voice, X-Factor – none of that shows up… And one day you will thank me for that, especially if we get stuck in a car for hours… That said, my young friend Madison would LOVE to be on any of those shows… And WOW! At the age of 14, if I had this much talent I could be singing with my favs… Today’s Music Monday is dedicated to the bucket list of a young’en. My buddy, crazy lady in training – Madison – sing it Mad! Love ya girl!!! And for those who are concerned over the bottles in the background - those are sparkling cider for a church Valentine's Banquet...
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Boston and couldn't resist some beachy moments too!!
Not
much to report today, other than the fact that I did get tickets to Boston
secured!!! Wo-hoo!!! I do know of 2 people that aren't excited
about a trip - my fur babies! They don't like it when we are gone.
Olive and Lucy do have wonderful neighbors and family that step in to love and
care for them, but they love their momma!
Our family has taken beach trips over the last several years. By choice we like to find locations that allow our fur babies to vacation with us. Our Olive hasn't been able to go to the beach yet, but I know she would enjoy the experience. Here are a few family beach shots -
Our family has taken beach trips over the last several years. By choice we like to find locations that allow our fur babies to vacation with us. Our Olive hasn't been able to go to the beach yet, but I know she would enjoy the experience. Here are a few family beach shots -
don't you think they
are fur-fect?
Totally weiners!
That's the long and the short of
it.
Do you take your fur-babies with you on trips? Well, Olive says it's time for bed! Look at this face, could you say no?
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