The Hoot-Owl Harangue

2011-06-24T17:16:00.000-07:00

"You can not get a refund. I've told you this twice" he heard the man say, in an irritated and raised voice. Automatically he glanced over to see a young, pimply faced boy say to the woman. The boy was no doubt the son or nephew of the small market's owner, throwing his clout around to seem important in a store that was well liked by it's customers. He thought immediately that this was probably the only place this little jerk felt any resemblence to authority or respect. His Adam's Apple was grossly pronounced, his mousy brown hair was greasy with large flakes of white at what was supposed to be a part and his complexion was too horrid for the largest case of Proactive.
"Ok, thank you for your help anyway" the woman sheepishly said as she backed her cart away from the small counter that served as the service desk and clearly embarrassed, she darted away from the beady eyes of Pimple Boy and into the produce isle.

Her voice had a familiarity to it.

He continued his mission for tonight's dinner. Steaks on the grill with some buddies--he was certainly looking forward to that after the tiring week of moving all of his belongings into the new rental house in the sleepy little town that was on the outskirts of the plastic factory he'd been working at for over 8 months now. As much hoopla that had been made over the quaint little market, he was not impressed. He grabbed 4 rib-eye steaks from the meat cooler that didn't quite measure up to what he was hoping for. And, they were not cheap! He headed towards the produce section looking for some decent baking potatoes and Romaine lettuce for a salad. He had already been given the first of the season's tomatoes and cucumbers out of his mother's garden two days prior. That's when he saw her again. This time a young boy of about eight or nine was rolling his eyes at her as she shook her head in disapproval of the 12 pack of bubble gum that he was poking at her. The boy reminded him of someone he once knew, too. Odd. The lad stomped off to return the sugary demon back to it's original spot, shaking his head and mumbling his disdain. From the potato bin, he could see her look toward the boy, watching him make it safely to the candy isle. Her hair was platinum blonde, she was short in stature and overweight. She was wearing denim shorts and a Barbie tee-shirt. He could tell she took time to look presentable for her excursion. He watched as she checked her shopping list, marked a line through something and grabbed a cellophane bag, most likely for the lemons she was standing in front of. That's when he recognized her.

The object of his affections some 20 plus years ago. He stood watching her, carefully but quickly grabbing lemons and chucking them into the bag before her son came back to rush her. Yes, that young boy was her son, he looked exactly like her husband. Her husband, she was involved with him when he wanted to be so much more than friends in high school. He had heard, a couple of years after he graduated, that she and he had gotten married in their small hometown--the town he was now calling home. He remembered how he felt when he saw the proof, the announcement in the Sunday newspaper, of the news he had heard only weeks before. He never could quite come up with the word that described exactly how he felt. There probably wasn't just one word for the gauntlet of emotions he went through on that Sunday afternoon. He was saddened mostly. She really was the only girl that really knew him, she was really the only girl he had loved. He had loved her. He had loved her passionately. That's what probably ruined everything for "them". Even though theirs' was a clandestine relationship, it was a real and powerful relationship, nonetheless.

He kept his head down as he watched her. He noticed how hurried her actions were. He noticed that she too kept her head down as she scurried from vegetable bin to refrigerator bin picking out the right vegetables and fruits to feed her family. He smiled inwardly. That had not changed. She always put everything and more importantly, everyone, before herself. Another reason, one she admitted to him numerous times, that "they" couldn't be together. Her son came running back, this time with an overpriced magazine. He demanded that he could not live without it. She sweetly told him that this time he would not be able to get it. The boy was livid at her response and began to berate her. He watched her take the magazine from the son that looked so much like his father and put it into the buggy. This of course pleased the boy and he skipped off to certainly find another "must-have". He watched her shoulders droop, he saw her mark a few more items off her shopping list and head out of the produce section.
She wheeled the cart, head down, toward the laundry isle.

He quickly followed, leaving his own cart and pathetic steaks right where they were. He found her pricing Tide, but settling for Cheer. He noticed a worried look on her face as she fumbled in her purse for the ringing cell phone. She answered, giving the caller a run down of the night's menu. That was her husband, he was sure of it. He heard her tell him she loved him and he must have asked how long she was going to be because he heard her give him a time. This expedited her trip. He felt like a creepy stalker following his long lost high school love from isle to isle. He hated himself for it, for watching her moves and not pitching in to help her out, but he could not bring himself to let her know he was there. He certainly didn't want her to see the disappointment in his eyes. This was not the girl he loved then, loved still. The feisty and peppy girl that he visited still in his dreams would never had let Pimple Boy off so easy. That girl would have gotten her refund and a couple of smart-alec comments in, in the process. The sweet but sturn young girl he had known would never had caved so quickly to a young boy (regardless) for anything. He had loved that so about her. She was so liked by everyone and that was important to her all those years ago, but she also stood firm in what she believed in and was sometimes disliked for that. She didn't let that keep her from walking through the halls of that school with her head held high. She never would have even contemplated going anywhere with her chin ducked. Again, he loved that about her. She was exhausting at times for him, but he never could be mad with her for she had immense strength and pride. She was by no means proud, she was strong. He had never found a woman with the strength of that girl. He didn't want her to see the soreness, still, in his eyes for the man--now her husband--who held so much power over her. It still hurt his heart to admit that. He didn't want her to see the sadness on his face at how she seemed to let her appearances go. Not that she wasn't still pretty, but her weight showed that she was at the very bottom of any totem pole in her life. The lines around her eyes revealed more than years of laughing. That hurt his heart as well.

He watched her gather up her precarious son and look for the shortest check out line. He watched her converse shyly with the cashier. Again, that wasn't the girl of his past. She would have been laughing and chatting with all she passed. He watched and listened as she thanked the young girl bagging her groceries and call her boy, "sweet-heart". His eyes followed her as she returned the shopping cart to it's spot and grab out the bags. His heart stopped for one brief, shining moment as she scanned the store before leaving and locked eyes with him. Then, for the first time since he'd seen her, he saw a glimpse of the girl he loved. She flashed the most amazing smile his way. He couldn't be for certain if she recognized him. All he did know for certain was that along with his girl, that woman walked out of the market.

--I got the idea for this from a prompt saying write something from an old bf/gf's point of view. First time using a writing prompt. Hope it's ok.

God is Love--Peace Out

Almost Back...

2011-05-08T21:28:00.000-07:00

I know, I know--this is UNACCEPTABLE! I haven't blogged in FOREVER! There is just NO sense in it.

Please bear with me as I slip back into blogging. I'm sure I'll be random and sporadic... I'm sure the first blogs I enter will sound like something from a distraught teen-agers' diary. My "writing" has suffered as has my creativity. I haven't written in so long--there's lots of stories to tell. Please, please accept this apology in advance. Sandi, if you're reading--please continue to read, I promise it won't be like this for long...

Ok, just incase you've been wondering where I've been and what I've been doing and why I have neglected The Hoot-Owl Harangue here's the skinny. The anorexic right now: 1. Winter Time Blues... dear God. I'm telling you--I need to be where the sun shines all the time. New Years' Eve (around 4am to be exact) kicked me into full fledged depression and sent my marriage into a tailspin.

2. Laziness... 'nuff said

3. Work has blossomed and I have thrived and I am very happy about that!

4. Feelings of inadequacy and a lack of creative thoughts. Did I mention the winter time blues?

Belated Birthday Love

2010-07-27T20:03:00.000-07:00

Mr. Peyton turned 43 on July 25th. Only my family and some of my friends (and of course the boys) wished him a happy birthday... sigh... Anyho, we rang in his special day doing... pretty much nothing! teehee! But he seemed to enjoy it.

In honor of my SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN, I wanted to share the lyrics to a song that always reminds me of him when I hear it.

Little words with love and understandin'

From a small town Southern man

And he bowed his head to Jesus
And he stood for Uncle Sam
And he only loved one woman
(He) was always proud of what he had
He said his greatest contribution
Is the ones you leave behind
Raised on the ways and gentle kindness
Of a small town Southern man

Callous hands told the story
For this small town Southern man
He gave it all to keep it all together
And keep his family on his land
Like his daddy, years wore out his body
Made it hard just to walk and stand
You can break the back
But you can't break the spirit
Of a small town Southern man

I love you Fu-Fu! Always have... Always will!

God is Love--Peace Out

July 17, 2010

2010-07-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

Bright and early on Saturday, July 17th, 2010 we rose, dressed and headed out for our family vacation. Pumping myself full of curiously strong coffee, I prepared myself for the day as we trekked down I64 towards the serene beauty of the Outer Banks and North Carolina. I was preparing to stare down "the BIG 4-0".

Surprisingly enough, I was full of enthusiasm. (or extra strong coffee? or excitement cuz I was heading to my favorite place, EVER) Nah, something was clicking inside my head about embracing this chapter, heading in full swing, happily.

We made great time getting to the beach and I was almost like a 8 year old (not a middle-aged woman) scrambling out of the 4Runner, gathering towels, chairs and sunscreen, and making a bee-line to the backdrop of my soul refreshing comfort.

A couple of years ago, we were in OBX for my birthday and a school of dolphins visited. I felt that was MY gift that year. It literally made my day. (Have I mentioned that I'm fascinated with dolphins--Flipper was 1 of my fave shows growing up--LOL) I wondered to myself if I'd get that gift this special year as well. The boys relayed that they hoped I'd get that precious gift. (aww--love them, this was before they got a little ungrateful... ugh) Well, guess what... THEY CAME! They frolicked. I know they wished me a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! AMAZING! Ahhh, yep, my final birthday wish came true! God is good!

We had lunch at the Pier Restaurant, delish. A grumpy local got irritated with me. UGH! We checked into the hotel and ended up back out on the beach that evening. BLISS!

God is Love--Peace Out

Closeness...

2010-07-21T19:23:00.000-07:00

Ok, I can't wait to blog about my birthday and our vaca to OBX. Sweet Outer Banks, North Carolina! Ahhhh! In my world, there's NO PLACE like that delicious little slice of Heaven!

Speaking of Heaven... I HAD to share my very 1st sunrise over the ocean. In all my 40 years, I've never experienced that mesmerizing peacefulness.

I'm sooo not a morning person, however I was determined I was going to see the sunrise over my beautiful Outer Banks ocean, this trip. It's strange, it was like I was almost pulled by some outside force to do this. Was it determination? Was it that I am now 40 years old and feel kinda like I HAVE to do certain bucket-list-type things? Did my soul need nourishing that bad? (I have told you that the beach is good for my soul, right?) Hmmm... I think it was God. God knew what witnessing His beauty would do for me!

As Mr. Peyton and I sat on the hotel's weather beaten deck, I got ready. Coffee? Check! Cig? Check! Camera ready? Check! Then Ean comes out to join in. I was speaking to him, when I hear my husband say, "Here it comes"...

That's when it started. (I don't know if I can get through this without crying) Just the slightest pink. (I couldn't speak) More pink, maybe a little orange? (Now I was completely in awe, feeling a closeness to the Lord) The sun is half way up now. The bright sky is a kaleidoscope of pinks, oranges and yellows. The waves are almost a whisper. No one is saying a word. I'm snapping photos without even looking at the camera screen. Again, I can't take my eyes off of the sun. (I begin to thank God for all my blessings, silently) The beautiful scene is now complete, as a gull swoops by. The sun is up, shining it's brightness on the sea. On myself and my family. (Evan is here now) Mr. Peyton ended up with the camera. I don't know when he got it, I was too enthralled with tranquil beauty. My soul was busy. My heart was overflowing with God's grace.

I will forever remember my very 1st sunrise over the ocean. An everyday miracle, I suppose.

God is Love--Peace Out

chasing youth?

2010-07-21T19:12:00.000-07:00

I'm sooooo not into the whole Zac Efron craze. I DO think he's cute as a button though! Anyho, I've been seeing the previews for his new movie, Charlie St. Cloud. I think I want to see it. Looks sweet. Looks sad... I love a good cry during a movie! Probably won't pay the theater prices to see it, guess I'll wait till it comes out on DVD.

Anything about brothers draws me in!

God is Love--Peace Out

Heroes

2010-07-15T18:28:00.000-07:00

Got my 1st 40th birthday card today from a sweet lil visitor...

It read:

40?

Don't freak out or start trippin...

"Old people don't use words like that anymore".

TEEHEE! Guess who it's from... Give up? My Dad!!!! Silly boy!

It was so great seeing him tonite! Although, he did look tired. Worn out--physically and emotionally...

I'm so happy to spend another birthday with him! Have I told you that I really like that man?

God is Love--Peace Out

(photo taken Homecoming 1987)

LORDY, LORDY...

2010-07-13T15:26:00.000-07:00

"Women are most fascinating between the ages of 35 and 40, after they have won a few races and know how to pace themselves. Since few women ever pass 40, maximum fascination can continue indefinitely." --Christian Dior

I read this today and absolutely LOVED it!!!! Heehee... I'm slowly, with the help of my friends (cuz you KNOW, I get by with a little help from them) convincing myself that 40 is fabulous. I'm trying to embrace the upcoming event!

God is Love--Peace Out

...Doors?...

2010-06-04T21:24:00.000-07:00

I just read these lyrics:

Seize the summer

In your pride

Take the winter

In your stride

I really love Jim "The Lizard King" Morrison

God is love--Peace Out

It's June...

2010-06-04T19:06:00.000-07:00

At the drive-thru of BOA today, I was writing the check for Allen's truck payment. I couldn't remember the date, so I looked towards the window and saw the square, large-print calendar. It said JUNE 4. Do what? Where did June come from?

I literally stared at the ugly little black square that stated it was June. I made it, I thought. Like trees growing in Brooklyn--well, maybe that's not the metaphor I'm wanting/meaning to use. Like a dandelion that grows in the crack on a busy, city sidewalk. I've emerged from another winter, alive and sane! The winter of 2009/2010 was the hardest yet! All the snow, lack of funds and problems with the hubs had me at the the depths of hell.

I've been feeling better. Thank you sun. Thank you God. Thank you June! I quickly wrote out the check, put it in the drawer and spoke to the teller. I then, rested my chin on the steering wheel and breathed in the humid June air. I made it.

God is love--Peace out

Love Notes

2010-03-02T20:52:00.000-08:00

(Front of page)
To Mom
from Evan Gods Girl
Mom

Cool Girl

(inside)
Dear mom I love you I miss you so much that I just feel home sick. I miss you so. I feel home sick, I JUST MISS YOU!
You are so nise you are gods girl.

(bottom)
Gods girl
MOM

This was given to me (and I've typed it exactly the way he wrote it) from my baby boy, Evan, today. It has some drawings on it as well--an angel which he labeled as God and a girl (me?) that he labeled as God's girl.

Have I told you lately how much I love him? This is 1 of the MANY reasons Mr. Evy has me so totally wrapped!

God is Love--Peace Out

Spread your tiny wings and fly away...

2010-01-31T08:17:00.000-08:00

For the past, hmmm, 6 years, I've called myself the "Old Bird Lady". Seriously, I'm like the old women who lives alone and lives to feed and watch the wild birds that come to the feeders in their yard. It's been almost an obsession with me. I lure in the pretty songbirds with over-priced seed and fancy feeders, strategically placed in my front and back yards. I have a fondness for cardinals (Red Jays, as Evy used to call them) and blue birds. I do everything I can, to make certain those 2 species, especially, have what they want and need to insure that they speckle my yards with their loveliness.

I haven't bought birdseed in months. Several feeders are in need of repair. Even more are either on the ground or broken, laying where they fell.

This morning, while I sipped coffee and had my first cigarette of the day on the carport a male and female cardinal fluttered around the remaining cat food on the carport wall. They flew from it to the fence, happy it seemed, to have something "special". I smiled, in spite of myself at their beauty. Then I had to snuff out my cig, unable to face their hunger.

I went out again, just a few moments ago for another cig and to hide my tears from my family. I stood at the far end of the carport looking out at the road and yard, all covered in whiteness. I looked again at the largest feeder in the front yard. It hung, empty, lonely I'm sure, for the birds that used to frequent it. Once again, I had to look away. Suddenly, a small snow bird flew onto the branch of a weeping cherry tree, directly in front of me. I made eye contact. It made eye contact. It cocked it's head, seemingly asking me if I was ok. Seemingly asking for his bounty. Then it flew away.

God, was that you? Are you showing me the beauty in life? Are you telling me that, even tho I don't feel like it, people and things depend on me? Are you telling me about the beauty and wonder in this world?

Or was it simply what it was? A hungry little bird...

Sad Angie

2010-01-30T20:47:00.000-08:00

Wow... it's been a long time. I wish I could write more often. Of course, I could. I wish I was up to writing more often. There, that's better. Keeping it real, like I try to do.

2010 is starting off pretty funky. January has never been a good month for me. Certainly this one is at the tip top of the CRAPPY List. Money sucks... I'm so freakin tired of worrying about that. My cleaning business is practically null and void right now. I've spoken with some folks about part-time jobs. I so don't wanna go back into that, but I feel as I have no other choice. ugh... You know, I shouldn't say I don't wanna go back to work. I think I need to. Not just cuz of money issues, but I'm slipping into a deeper depression and maybe the distraction will help. I flounder all day, when I'm at home, feeling sorry for myself and diverting my attention with Facebook, the telephone, the tv or books. My house is getting quite disgusting. As for cleaning it, the closet description I can us is "hitting the high spots"... And that's being liberal. I've got about 5 loads of clean, albeit wrinkly, laundry in baskets around the house. Dust of about 2 inches covers EVERY surface. My kitchen floor is so soiled with coffee stains and God knows what. I got a wonderful steam mop for Christmas from Chicken and I like using it--but what's the point... It's just gonna get filthy again... Not the regular Angie's way of thinking. This is "Sad Angie".

Oh, got off track there for a sec--I am so hoping and praying that a receptionist job that I submitted a resume for works out. It probably won't--I'm not trying to borrow trouble, that's just the funk I'm in. Shoot, who am I kidding... that's the way things tend to be working out for me right now.

I need sunshine. I need warm weather. I need someone to say nice things to me. I need someone to hold me and tell me everything's going to be ok. I need to get my meds, as tonite is the 2nd nite of being out of them... Stupid--I should have called in the refill earlier. I don't even had the gumption to do that... ugh

I had a fight with my cousin today. We're not close, never have been, but I'm pissed anyway. I kinda hate everybody right now. I wanna go on a sabbatical. Just me... nah, I'd cry because I know I'd miss Ean and Evan. Even tho I've been an absentee Mom these past couple of weeks. Another thing I'm so depressed about. I hate getting up every morning saying to myself "Today's gonna be better, different" "I'm gonna pull myself up by my boot straps, today" and of course, it NOT happening... sigh....

Mr. Peyton is not helping anything... period. Actually, the cause of most of this. That's all I'm going to say about that, for now. double sigh...

Well, if there's 1 thing I've done right it's been this dieting thing. I've lost 10 pounds in 2 weeks. It hasn't really been hard--I've been so blue, the hunger pains at least let me know I'm still alive...

God is Love--Peace Out

Many Blessings

2009-11-24T18:28:00.000-08:00

Omg, I can not believe I have not been on here for soooo long... PIT-TEE-FULLL! Anyway, Hello Yall!

In honor of the most laid back of all holidays, I wanna list some of the things I'm thankful for...

1. My new office! Love being in here! Facebooking, etc. w/ the lil tv on (watching local stuff, even) my GROOOVY green chair (thanks MawMaw), my funky lamp, Elvis (the Beta) twirling around in his toooo small bowl and my BFF's (Colby and Benny) snoring on the floor. It's quickly become my fave place in the house to be!

2. The new windows that Mr. Peyton put in the bathroom and the kitchen! Wow! It's unbelievable the difference a window can make! They are "double hung", what, what! Actually, that means that you can lean them towards you to clean. I didn't know that's what that meant--that's why I'm saying. I certainly am sure you know that! I've never been privy to such high falootin stuff! All the windows here and at the old home place were the oldies, w/ storm windows, from like the 50's! Now my kitchen windows won't look like the sink faucet has a continuous spraying problem!

3. That I have a hubster that can put in new windows and do all kinds of home improvements! He also just cut a hole (if you will) in the living room floor and put a beautiful cast iron grate over it so that the heat from the wood-stove can more evenly disperse upstairs! There's a lot to be said for a Jack of All Trades! xoxo

4. Discovering the tv series on AMC, Mad Men!

5. Having the BEST friend, who pushed me to get on the ball to discover that phenomenal show.

6. Evy having a WHOLE week of doing good on school-work and behavior! He's doing good this week too! Yay! (Wonder if it was the sign I got to put up for him this holiday season that says: "Dear Santa, I can explain..."

7. Ean knowing how to drive and maneuver the tractor so well! I'm quite impressed! He went out the other night in the pouring rain and filled up the bucket w/ wood and did great!

8. Joseph Jackson Birckhead, Jr has not smoked a cigarette since October 4th! HOLLA! Even though there's a rodent in his house that's steadily smoking, inside the house even... ugh!

9. A Good Life!

God is Love--Peace Out

2009-08-30T18:28:00.000-07:00

Ahhh!

This was taken at my friend's house in 2006. She raked all the leaves up and Evy, Dylan and Kennedy all jumped and played in them and had a blast! Fall days are the best!

This evening the boys, Mr. Peyton and Mom and Cary and I sat in their side yard with a small crackling fire burning in their little fire pit. The dogs ran around and Atticus jumped up at the sparks, desperately trying to catch them in his mouth. The smell of the fire and the coolness of the evening so put me in a Fall Mood! I so enjoy Fall! Both of the boys birthdays are in the Fall, so we have a lot of celebrating going on starting in September and not ending until around Super Bowl Sunday. It's probably my favorite time of the year, even though Summer is my favorite season... Doesn't make much sense, I know.

So, come on Autumn. I'm calling out to your crispness! I'm ready!

God is Love--Peace Out

A Lion Sleeps...

2009-08-30T06:02:00.000-07:00

With much awe, I watched his family put Ted Kennedy to rest yesterday.

I have always been so enthralled with the Kennedy's. I wish I was a Kennedy... Nah, not really, but I would like to have been maybe their neighbor, especially in the true Camelot days. I'm not a democrat and I don't agree with even a smidgen of what those Kennedy men did, still the Kennedy mystique is all encompassing to me! I just can't get enough!

Rest in peace, Senator Kennedy. I wonder who's hand he took into the afterlife? Jack? Bobby? John-John? Joe? Whoever, I'm sure they are all having a wonderful reunion.

God is Love--Peace Out

dogs, dogs and MORE dogs...

2009-08-26T18:16:00.000-07:00

As I was uploading the pictures of Colby, I saw this one of Atticus that Ean took! I just had to do a post of this one all by itself!

This is the look we get from ole Atti all the time... That sad, woe is me look! I tend to refer to him as "Sad Sack" cuz those eyes get me everytime! Ean was laying on his bed, which Atti thinks is HIS bed and Ean wouldn't let him up. This is what you get... No wonder Atticus gets his way all the time, huh????

Ahh, I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this dog!!!!!!!!

God is Love--Peace Out

Silly Puppy

2009-08-26T18:11:00.000-07:00

LOL! This is Colby's new thing... He jumps up on the chair to the patio table... Then he hops onto the table itself... Then he either sits there or sprawls out... Too hilarious!!!!!!!!!! Well, it's all fun and games till he does it IN THE HOUSE... yikes!

God is Love--Peace Out

The 2nd Grade!

2009-08-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

The lil man is now a BIG 2ND GRADER!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think his favorite part about the first day of school... The new duds!

Style on Evy! You Rock!!!!!!!!!!!!

a letter to LCHS

2009-08-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

Dear LCHS,

I am writing to you to inform you that my son, Ean Cole Peyton, is now one of your students. I know, another ordinary day for you. As Ean's mother, it is a bittersweet accomplishment. I trust that he'll be fine in your care for the next 4 years, however I'd like to make you abreast of a few things. Please humor me. Thank you.

Ean is my oldest son, my firstborn. He was an only child for almost 7 years. He is extremely smart and extremely sensitive. He's a perfectionist, and a pleaser. He's an old soul who expects great things out of himself and out of those he loves. Ean will be the first to speak highly of someone and the first one I suggest you call on if someone needs a friend. He always pulls for those less fortunate than himself. He has already invited someone eating lunch by herself to sit at "his table". He's the one that I suspect will be voted "BEST ALL AROUND" during his Senior year.

I tell you all of this, in hopes that you will look out for him. I trust that he'll pretty much do the right thing the next 4 years. I trust that he'll try his hardest. I'm certain, as well, that he'll make mistakes and stumble along his path to adulthood. With those stumbles, he'll beat himself up. I will always do my best to reassure him that it's ok to fall sometimes and I'll help him to dust himself off and try again. Ean is what I've always called "too good for his own good" and I feel that I have to look out for him, a little more than most. I guess I'm just asking that you do the same. I know that's highly unlikely, as you have so many students to look out for, and that's ok. I just thought I'd ask...

Respectfully yours,

Angie Peyton****

Answered Prayers

2009-08-26T10:30:00.000-07:00

My Dad is doing so much better! When I spoke with him on the phone Sunday he was 99.5% back to himself! He's working some and driving some. He mowed his own grass over the weekend! I'm so happy and so relieved!

This is another chance for me to praise the Good Lord! Dad was very lucky. Dad is a pretty strong man. But, the Good Lord is the ultimate healer!

God is Love--Peace out!

it's just a Family Tradition...

2009-08-26T07:32:00.000-07:00

Monster Trucks! Holla! Redneck Hill! Holla! Yep, that's it... I'm sure you were expecting something a lot more sentimental. Maybe you were even expecting a Reunion in the mountains with everyone bringing lovely home-cooked dishes to share with all the loved ones. You might have even thought I was going to blog about a relaxing week long vaca to the beach. Nope... not the Peyton's! Our family tradition is to go to ExpoLand in Fishersville to see the Monster Truck Show!!!!!!! whoop whoop!

God is Love--Peace Out

ROSALIE

2009-08-26T07:06:00.000-07:00

SHE'S HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

...longest 2 months of my life!!!!!!!!!!

I love my Chicken!

God is Love--Peace Out

Gotta Lotta Catchin Up To Do...

2009-08-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been tooooo long! So sorry! I have just been super busy and super stressed and let's face it... Super Lazy... ugh! Anyway, I'm gonna try to keep up better! I just love blogging! I love reading everyone's blogs! And it's very therapeutic for me, so I SHOULD do this more!

Ok, First blog today is gonna be about our fabulouso camping trip to The Wilderness Presidential Resort in Spotsy. Mom, the boys and myself packed up the Tundra and headed out for the big adventure! Boy, I really had no idea how much junk you gotta have to survive a few days in a camper trailer... I'm sure we didn't need all the crap we took, but you know--it's better to be safe than sorry...

We went to all the fun pools at the resort and had a lot of fun splashing around and playing in them! I really enjoyed the water jets and mushrooms in 1 pool in particular, as did the boys! It was really nice too, because I spent time in the pool with them. At our pool, I usually socialize with my friends and lay out while the boys swim, so it was quality time with them, which sometimes I don't think I get near enough of. But, do we ever????

The boys had fun riding their bikes. I felt very comfortable allowing them to cruise around the campground area that we were at while Mom and I hung out by the firepit and chatted. I'm pretty certain Evy put about 300 miles on his bike during that trip!

We played mini-golf and I tore it up! HOLLA! lol I even got a hole in one! We took the paddle boats out too. Ean and I paddled...ugh... You find out real quick how outta shape you are when you are peddling a boat around w/ 3 other people in it with you! We tried to beat the heat by going out early one morning to do it, but by 10:00am it felt like it was already 100 degrees! But it was still so much fun! We had a flock of ducks following us and a Momma and Pappa swan and their baby! I still say the guy that rented us the boat had the hots for Mom! lol

Our camper was pretty nice. VERY SMALL, but nice nonetheless! We ate grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches every nite and the boys played X-Box. We did watch a few movies and many episodes of A Family Affair! We had to take super quick showers--as the hot water heater only heated 6 gallons of water at a time!

We had the whole bottom to ourselves except for a sweet woman and her 2 nieces. Evy made friends with the girls and they hung out some. Cerissa and I had fun chatting it up at night and are now friends on Facebook!

I was so proud of Mom! She hung with us like a CHAMP! It's so great to have this close and fun relationship with her now.

Anyho--we are totally looking forward to camping again soon!

God is Love--Peace Out

a little preview...

2009-07-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

Camping is fun! Especially when you're NOT in your backyard! Especially when you take Gramma! Espcially, when you're NOT in a tent!

We're Home!

2009-07-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome home! We had a great mini-vaca w/ Gramma at the Wilderness Presidential Resort! Story and pix to come soon!
Happy Wednesday to your home, from ours!

God is Love-Peace Out!

Back to the Same-Ole Grind! yay

2009-07-20T19:28:00.000-07:00
With all the drama from the last few days or has it been over a week now, I don't even know anymore, I am fighting the dark passenger, big time! But he will not prevail! I will! holla!

Today, we're pretty much back to normalcy here. Mr. Peyton went back to work after his week off. I felt bad for him, cuz I knew he hated that totally, but I was kinda grateful for it too. I love having him here, don't get me wrong. I was especially happy for him to have a week off and be able to do with his free time whatever he wanted, as that NEVER happens! (we aren't doing a beach vaca, thanks to the Goddess) But, I was ready to get back on track. So, the boys and I slept in a little this am and then I was able to get up and clean the house without too many interruptions. When I was here last week, Mr. P wanted me to sit outside and chat and so forth, so I was totally off any sort of schedule. I'm totally a schedule kinda gal. I've got to stick to something remotely close to one, because I think I may have some sorta adult ADD. I will hop from one thing to the other like a freak and never accomplish anything!

The Schewel's repair man came today to fix the broken recliner on the sectional in the family room. This makes it time #2. The correct parts weren't ordered to fix it, so they couldn't... Imagine that! ugh! At least the nasty little gnome that usually comes wasn't with them! (I told the 2 guys NOT to bring him w/ them when they come next time too) I hope the 3rd time will be the charm...

The boys had dentist appts this afternoon. Great reports were given by Dr. Stone! All of us were soooo pleased! We left there, in the pouring rain, hit the Harry Teet to pick up our groceries and headed home.

Nothing world shattering today--that was a FABULOUS thing!

God is Love--Peace Out

--this was taken at the bay while we were on our mini-vaca w/ Kimmy! I'll be bloggin about that soon!

Happy Birthday on the Table

2009-07-17T19:34:00.000-07:00

39 and holding! Big time!

Hmmmm---

39 random feelings/happenings/thoughts

1. I got the coolest freakin Montana Silversmith watch from my 3 delicious boys for my birthday! I love it so much--mentioned that I liked it at TS the other day and boom--it magically appeared for my special day! HOLLA

2. Ean, my aspiring chef fixed me the yummiest cake yesterday! It was a white cake with brownie on top w/ cream cheese icing! TO DIE FOR! I must say! Oh yeah, Evy helped!

3. Mom and Cary had us over for a fabuloooosoooo dinner! Her mac salad is the bomb--especially when the veggies in it are fresh from Cary's garden!

4. Instead of a cake, Mom fixed one of my faves--a PUNKIN PIE! Mr. Peyton doesn't like them, so I only get it when Mom fixes it for me! yummmm-ooooo

5. MawMaw called at 8:32am to wish me a happy bday. Needless to say, she left a message!

6. Kimmy came last nite to celebrate 39 years. She brought a squash casserole that was "off the chain" as she says. It had cream cheese and lemon zest in it! OMG!

7. Kimmy gave me a groovy photo collage she bought at the Farmers Market of Gordonsville! I love, love, love it! Now, where to put it????

8. The 1st thing Mr. Peyton said when he got up this morning was HAPPY BIRTHDAY, that's nothing new, but it's still so titillating to hear that after all these years!

9. Still half asleep, crawling into my bed this morning, Evy said Happy Birthday Mommy! ahhh

10. Mr. Peyton's card to me said: An Angel came to me one day --then you open it-- So I married her. I cried...

11. Dee called from Myrtle Beach to wish me a happy bday--today's her day too!

12. I called Dad around 1:00pm to check on him. He didn't remember it was my birthday. It hurt my heart.

13. Karen called and wished me a happy bday.

14. I haven't been to the mailbox--wonder if I have any cards????

14. I finished a quick-read, fun thriller today! I love when I finish a book and like it!

15. Brooke called to say happy bday, even though I forgot hers! I love her!

16. Dad remembered my birthday.

17. I was hoping that the RS would bring Dad to see me on my birthday, but she didn't.

18. Oh, the RS (rodent squirrel) didn't say anything about my birthday. ugh...

19. JoAnne left a message on my cell (why?) to wish me a happy birthday.

20. My great-aunt Ginny called to wish me a "happy birthday on the table"! Ahh, LOVE IT! When I was itty, I guess maybe my 2nd b'day, when everybody came to celebrate, I was so excited because I was having a happy birthday on the table! --it was my cake! lol I love that even though Ginny is my great-aunt and she has an ailing husband, she called me today! Love her!

21. I started getting happy birthday wishes last night!

22. So very many of my wonderful and faithful Facebook buddies sent sweet wishes to me today!

23. Ro Chicken called and made me laugh today! She can always do that! She'll be home in 2 weeks and I can't wait!

24. Ro and I planned a Grey Gardens Emmy party--complete w/ pate', corn and my stuffed raccoon! HOLLA! fun, fun, fun! lol

25. Debbie helped to bring me out of my funk last nite! Her and Barry have a way of doing that!

26. I called to check on Dad this evening. Found out he was thinking his "bar buddies" were coming down to see him tonite. They didn't show. Guess that's why Squirrel didn't bother to bring him here.

27. I was sort-of hoping that Joy would send me an email or something about my birthday. I was sort-of certain that wouldn't happen. Still kinda wished.

28. Walking back into the house, after having dinner at Mom's, my house smelled scrumptious! Nothing makes me happier than my house smelling good!

29. Ean and I had a short, but kinda deep conversation about friends today. I'm amazed at how clearly he sees things for as young as he is.

30. My dear husband gave me a foot massage, complete with scented lotion this afternoon. Talk about B-L-I-S-S!

31. I am so very blessed.

32. Thank you Lord, for 39 wonderful years!

33. Thank you Lord, for Mr. Peyton. He is truly my soul-mate and best friend. I don't know what I did to deserve such a wonderful man, but please know that I DO NOT take it/him for granted!

34. Thank you Lord, for Ean Cole. He is such a dream child! Please protect him, Lord, from the harshness of this world. He's a gentle soul and I think may need a little extra protection.

35. Thank you Lord, for Evan Caine. He has brought so much joy to our lives. Please protect his wild spirit. It's one of his most endearing qualities!

36. Please Lord, if it's your will, let me have about 39 more years! I promise to make the most of them!

37. I can't believe I'm almost 40! oh my...

38. I'm blogging tonite--man talk about cheap and good therapy! love it!

39. God is Love--Peace Out

Rodent Wednesday

2009-07-17T18:22:00.000-07:00

Wednesday and Thursday were very funky days for me... My dark passenger was riding with me both days... A friend of mine blogged about her dark passenger and so I'm stealing her phrase, I hope she doesn't mind!

Actually, I was fine until I got a call from my Aunt JoAnne. As you know, I love this woman so very much and have been so close to her for soon long. Needless to say, if something's off with our relationship, it really bums me out. Anyho, she called me to "tell me some things before I went down to my Dad's". Ok, no biggie--or so I thought. A prelude to this story is that we (we meaning myself, Mr. Peyton, Ean, JoAnne, John David and Barry) were extremely upset that while Dad was stroking out, his live in girlfriend of more than 15 years left and went to pet-sit for her daughter in Richmond. Squirrel, as Dad so sickeningly refers to her as, is a very odd duck...opps, and odd rodent? Isn't that what a squirrel is? None of us have been overly fond of the infamous Squirrel. She's not a mean-spirited person (I don't think) but she's definitely weird! I think the icing on the squirrel feeder came when she moved out, bought a house in Richmond, lived there until my Dad almost finished building his house, then sold the place in Richmond and moved back in with him, professing her undying love for him... I've never trusted her again and quite frankly, seen her true colors. My Aunt and Uncles and I have had many conversations about this rodent, and are all on the same page about her, but have bitten our tongues. Actually, Dad and I have talked about my distrust of her, but he says (and I quote) "I'm staying true to my Squirrel"... BARF! Ok, prelude over, JoAnne proceeds to lecture, if you will, me on it not being the right time to say something to Squirrel about not being there for my Dad. It was a blow, I must say, but not earth shattering. I told JoAnne not to worry, mum was the word, while I couldn't help but think what does JoAnne think? Does she think I'm going to go down there and cause a huge scene? Especially as sick as Dad is? I've kept too quiet for 15 years, where is this coming from? So, we continue to chat, she called me from work mind you. Jody (short for JoAnne, duh) has only called me from work like 4 times in my whole life! Three of those times have been death situations... This dawned on me too...
"Gale (the Squirrel's proper name) doesn't know where you stand, she is worried because she knows the tension between yall, she doesn't want to step on your toes, but rightfully so, she's really worried about Jack's finances and stuff" Jody sheepishly begins. "You know, she can't do any of the paper work, because you are the next of kin and with them not getting married she has no legal rights. Angie, I know you're really put out with her for not coming back while your Dad was in the hospital and all, and I am too, but I do think she's worried about your Dad and I do think she's worried about you. I told her that yall should sit down and have a heart to heart talk" Jody added, a little too fast for my liking. "Well Jody, I don't understand, really, what you're getting at" I say, feeling an odd sinking in my stomach. JoAnne is our peacemaker, if you will. JoAnne is now the mother hen of our clan. JoAnne also tells each of us what she wants us to hear...until she's mad, I will add. All that being said, I've always thought Jody and I had no secrets. I thought she told me everything, good or bad, whether I wanted to hear it or not. Suddenly, I was feeling like maybe I didn't really know how she truly felt about things--mainly, me.
"Well, Gale's worried, basically, that you hold everything in your hands".
"Has she said that, what in the world, all I'm worried about right now is my Dad and she's already let him go without his meds for 1 nite and her and I both need to be concerned with his health. This other stuff is going to have to wait" I say, with a trembling voice.
"That's just it, it can't wait Angie. You know Gale can't take care of the things that need to be done, hell your Dad does her checkbook for her, YOU'RE going to have to do all this stuff Angie. Gale says she'll get a job in September to help bring in some money, but until then YOU'LL have to get him signed up for disability, etc."... JoAnne goes on.
I listen to my aunt ramble on about all the stuff I need to do and take care of. Of course, I've thought about these things, but again, Dad's health is at the top of my list of priorities right now. Furthermore, when did Jody become this advocate for the Squirrel? Jody ended the ramble on a note to the sound of "I really feel sorry for Gale right now, I just think yall really need to talk".

Poor Mr. Peyton was the first sounding board. To my surprise, he was more upset than I was!

About an hour and 1/2 later, I get to the farm to check on Dad. The squirrel greets me with a hug (sickening sweet) and Dad is this hollow stranger that I've been introduced to since Saturday. Squirrel quickly tells me under her breath that she's got some stuff to talk to me about. I bet you do. I begin to follow up with some drs that Dad talked to and made 2 appts for him. I bring up the financial aid papers that I filled out for him for the hospital bills and that kinda opens up Pandora's Box. "While we're on this subject, I want to tell you what I want" the hollow stranger that's shuffling around in my Dad's body slowly says. "You know Gale's behind the 8 ball, because we never got married and I need to look out for her". (ugh, behind the 8 ball, he totally regurgitated that from the rodent squirrel and never got married--duh!)
"Well Dad, I just assumed when Gale moved back after you built your house, she had life time rights" I got a little dig in.
"Yeah, that's what I want"
"Well, of course... I just can't believe you or anybody else would think I'd think or do anything different" I croak. Tears were stinging the back of my throat, hopefully it didn't show in my eyes. Although as out of it as Dad is, he wouldn't have noticed anyway. The rodent doesn't know me well enough to know if I was ready to burst into tears or not.
"Well, you're my contact and person, so I want you to know this and make sure she's taken care of"
"Of course Dad"
The conversation turns to other things, calls that need to be made, etc., all by me of course and I amble through. The entire time, I'm glaring at the rodent, wondering what all she's saying to my Dad. Where is all this coming from? I mean, of course he loves her and wants to make sure she's not thrown out on her butt (yeah, he said that too), but what are they saying? Have I ever given them a reason to think I'd do such a cruel thing? Yesterday I couldn't say NO, I HAVEN'T GIVEN THEM A REASON TO THINK THAT, today (Friday) I can! I can't believe my Dad didn't even say, I know you wouldn't Hoot Owl, I'm just voicing my wishes. I felt crushed.

Later on in the visit, Squirrel told me something that I didn't know. Something that made JoAnne's call kinda make sense. Squirrel Rodent told me that her, Dad and JoAnne talked "way before your Dad got sick" about if anything happened to him, what would Squirrel do. She has since talked to JoAnne (and Dad) and the plan is that if my Dad happens to die before a car hits the squirrel, JoAnne and the Squirrel will become roomies, at the farm and split the costs 50/50. "It's a win-win" the Squirrel grins, like rodent in a trash can full of yesterday's leftover meatloaf. Hmmm....

So, now I feel like Jody's call was as much for HER benefit as it was Rodent's. If I were to upset RS (rodent squirrel), then her marvy situation of getting away from her deadbeat boyfriend (of like 100 years) would be screwed. Hmmmm... funny, I have NEVER heard about this plan. Don't get me wrong, it's great if my aunt were to move into my Dad's house after he passed away (God forbid), but why have I been left "behind the 8 ball" about all this? Especially since JoAnne is so concerned w/ me being the one in charge of everything. See where I'm going with this?

My dark passenger rode back to Southern Comfort with me, jabbering away the whole time. Damn him... He was with me the rest of the day and all night and all day Thursday. I could do nothing but flounder around the house in a haze. He was there, distracting me from everything. I hate that Dark Passenger! I really do. But you know, I can't blame it all on him.

God is Love--Peace Out

luck...

2009-07-13T22:27:00.000-07:00

Today, sitting on my Dad's front porch I bit my tongue. While doing so, I had an epiphany. I am a very lucky gal!

I've never been the person to win a door prize. Never won at games and such--closest I'll ever come is 2nd. Dumb, freaky things happen to me constantly! I've always said that my life is like a daggone episode of Senfield! Seriously--it's uncanny how off the wall crap happens to me!

So, while we were talking about my Dad NOT winning the lottery ($1000.00 a week for life--and boy do I wish he would have won especially after what he's been thru) I almost said what I always say "With my luck, you can forget it"...

As soon as the thought came into my mind, I got a mini-slide show of the past few days as well. I saw the prayers answered that Evy was safe and ok at VA Beach and I saw (literally) my prayers answered that my Dad would be ok. I smiled, I'm sure a big ole cheesy smile when I realized this evening, for the 1st time in my life, just how dang LUCKY I am! My Lord has answered so very many of my prayers, a lot of which were desperate prayers (ie--the 2 above) and what does that make me? Blessed...Lucky--for sure!!!!!!!!!!

I will never, ever again say that if it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all. Never! I promise!

My father suffered a pretty bad stroke. I've been with him for days and I'm too tired to fill you in on all of it right now, but I will. For right now, I just wanna wallow in my luckiness!

God is Love--Peace Out

Butterflies!

2009-07-10T18:51:00.000-07:00

Butterflies have always been fascinating to me. I love em! I love their quiet beauty. I love that they always put a smile on my face and mostly everyone who sees them smile too. I love that they are free and fleeting. I also love that the butterfly is a representation of our Lord's love! So, when my cousin Tonya (who I refer to as Tilly) started going to a butterfly farm in Harrisonburg, I was all over it! She's invited me a couple of years to come with her and this year was the first that we got to go. It will definitely be on the agenda for many more years to come! The nursery/greenhouse they are housed in is beautiful enough, but then to see hundreds of colorful, graceful butterflies too, ahhh--bliss! As usual, Evan was the butterfly master--they LOVED him! (We dipped our fingers into sugar water so they'd land on us) Evan seemed to have a way (guess cuz he's so sweet) with the lovely creatures and he had them all over him! Ean even had one land on his butt! We all had a good laugh about that one! It was a great time! Shoot, everytime I'm with Tilly and her babies, it's a good time! The butterflies just made it over the top! Foohh Sho!

God is Love--Peace Out

VA Beach

2009-07-08T22:58:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhhh! The beach! My heart and soul is never as free as it is when I'm smelling the sweet, salty air, with my feet in the sand at any beach! This year, even though it was only for a day and 1/2, my heart and soul were free! Well, except that is, just before it just about stopped... my heart that is...

Kim (my sister, who's not really my sister--not even kin to me actually--ok, her Mom and my Dad were married for about 11 years, Kim and I met when she was 6 and I was 9 and we grew up together, so instead of going into the whole spiel, we just keep it as we're sisters) and I made plans a few weeks ago to take the boys to Va Beach. Kim lived there for a while, so she's obviously very familiar with it, as of course, I'm not (we always vacation in Nags Head, NC). Ean and I went to see her when she lived there a long time ago and I went with a friend, again, a long time ago. Since we aren't going on a family vaca, so to say, the boys and I wanted/needed to get to the beach. Long story short--we went! lol

I actually drove to the beach! HUGE deal there, as I don't drive anywhere other than my usual haunts! I was kinda proud of myself, actually! Did pretty good! HOLLA! We went straight to the boardwalk and hit the sand! It was awesome! Even though the weather was kinda overcast, it was wonderful! The boys played and had a blast! Kim and I chilled out in our chairs, taking it all in

We checked into our room and then we hit the pool! After that, we walked to the bay and the boys had a blast finding all the treasures that were washing up onto the beach from the bay waters! It was very lovely there, it was getting late in the afternoon and the sun was giving everything an orange glow! I was in a trance! Man, the waters do my soul sooooo good!

For dinner Monday nite we went to a great pizza joint called Doughboys! Delish! And the waiter being a lil hottie, made our meal even MORE enjoyable! lol

The next day we checked out of our room and hit the beach (oceanside) again! The weather was super sunny and HOT! The boys fled to the water--Ean bobbing in the waves and Evy boogie boarding and making friends! The water was taking Evy, especially, down shore, so we kept telling him to come up to us, be mindful of where we were, etc. Our parking meter was quickly running out of time, so Ean came up with us to dry off. I decided to give Evy 5 more minutes of boogie boarding fun with his new buddy, Zachary. Ean was talking to me, I took my eyes off of Evan for 20 seconds (at the most). When I looked back to where he was, he was NOT THERE ANYMORE. The beach was very crowded, so I didn't panic right away. I got up, walked to where Zachary was and asked him where Evy was. Zachary didn't know. I began to call for Evan--no answer. I began to pace up and down the beach, scanning every child. I scanned the water for him, for his boogie board. No Evan. Ean had gotten up and come to the edge of the water, I looked up at him and he motioned for me to come to him. "Have you found him?" I asked, Ean shook his head no. I then flew into PANIC MODE. I screamed to him to start searching and I ran thru the crowds of people to the lifeguard station. "I can't find my little boy, he's 7" I croaked. The young, pretty lifeguard went into action immediately! She asked me his name, etc. I answered her questions and ran back to the water, screaming his name and praying to Jesus to let my baby be alright. All I could think was that he was drowning out in the water. OMG--that was the worst feeling of my life, EVER!!!!!!!!!!! There were people, caring and concerned parents (I'm sure) coming up to me, saying things. I don't recall what they were saying, asking his name I guess, I don't know if I even answered those sweet folks. All I could do was run up and down the beach, SCREAMING his name and searching frantically. Then the cute little lifeguard came down to me. "Ma'am, I need you to go stand by my station, because IF we find him, I need to know where to find you". That's when it hit me. When she said IF, I almost went to my knees. I almost vomited. But I didn't go back to the lifeguard station. I couldn't. How could I go stand somewhere and wait for someone else to find my baby. I don't really remember those few seconds/minutes. The next thing I remember is the lifeguard coming back telling me that they found him--he was 2 lifeguard stations up, he had found a man and told him that he couldn't find his Mom and that WONDERFUL man took him straight to another lifeguard. I thanked Jesus, then thanked the lifeguard and began to run to the station that housed my son! A middle-aged Hispanic woman grabbed my arm (this one I DO remember) and asked me my child's name. "His name is Evan, but they found him and he's ok" I yelled to her as I ran. I saw her put her hand to her heart and mouth "Thank God" as I kicked up sand all the way to Evan. When I saw him, I thanked God again. I didn't know if I wanted to hug him or spank him... I hugged him. Then I asked him why he was there! He said the water took him down, and when get got out, it was so crowded that he couldn't see/find us! I told him again, that's why we were telling him to stay close as he could. I was shaking, happy, sick, thankful and mad. I wouldn't let him take his hand out of mine. Needless to say, we packed up for the day.

As we were washing the sand off of our feet, I'm still holding his hand mind you, Evan tells me that he's embarrassed... I guess his mother running around like a lunatic looking for her child that she thought was either drowning or kidnapped just wasn't very cool for him...

God is Love--Peace Out

Picture of the Week

2009-07-08T22:44:00.000-07:00

Yeah, Yeah, I know I'm a little behind on this one, but it's been mad crazy around here! This is for last week and I'll do another for this week! I'm sorry!

This is little Evy, on top of Allen's truck on the 4th of July (by the way, HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY AMERICA). We have a little cheesy tradition for the country's birthday. We always go to Taco Bell on Pantops Mountain, take our super delicious tacos, burritos and/or nachos up to State Farm Blvd. and set up our chairs to watch the McIntire fireworks show. It's not a grand party, but it's something we've always done and always really enjoyed and looked forward to! Mom has gone with us the last 2 years and she loves it as well!

This year was exceptionally nice, because the weather was kinda cool and the night was lovely. The fireworks display was better than last year, which was bittersweet because rumor has it that this will be the last year for the McIntire show. Unbelievable...that show has been happening for the folks of Charlottesville and the surrounding areas for as long as I can remember. It's a shame, especially since Mr. Thomas Jefferson, was born here and resided here. My gosh, Charlottesville's claim to fame pretty much IS TJ... ugh... Anyho, Imma keep my fingers crossed that Charlottesville will remember it's roots and continue to show it's country a fabulous light display next year and many more years to come!

God is Love--Peace Out

quote, unquote...

2009-07-01T20:20:00.000-07:00

I have always been intrigued by Jim Morrison of The Doors. The Lizard King... I read a book about him when I was in college and ever since, I have felt a kinship, if you will, to him. I think he was a truly talented man, in many forms of art. I also think it was a very troubled man.

Anyway, I was surfing around a little last nite on the net and for some reason was lead to google him. I read a few things, then found this quote of his:

I see myself as an intelligent, sensitive human being, with a soul of a clown with forces me to blow it at any moment.

I was stunned. I know my mouth was gaped open. My heart kinda hurt. I almost cried. It was as though I was regurgitating my own words. Uncanny... freaky, even.

I've never been the smartest student or whatever, but I've always felt somewhat intelligent. Maybe even felt more intelligent than the majority of my family and friends. I certainly don't mean to say that in a boastful manner, because it's not in a book sense way of intelligence, it's in a ways of the world intelligence. Trust me, I would rather be book smart--unfortunately the hard knocks of life have made me intelligent, way beyond my years. Sometimes I feel that I don't really have an outlet for the things I'd like to talk about, discuss, debate. Maybe I'm not intelligent at all, maybe just weird... Wonder if Jim thought that too...

I am sensitive. I have no doubts at all about that.

Soul of a clown, wow! That's the part that I think got me the most! The most intimate of friends and family know that I call myself the Sad Clown. That's the actual tattoo that I wanted, but Allen made me feel real stupid about it when he said that he didn't get it. I'm always smiling on the outside. On the inside, well, not always smiling. My whole life I've fit this description. Even as a very young child, I learned to smile, act out, laugh, especially when I was crying on the inside. Now that life is pretty much on an even keel, I don't have to fake the smile as much. I don't have to force the laughter. Those come naturally, thanks to my blessings and my Lord. I still cry on the inside sometimes. Sometimes it's worse now, simply because I feel that I don't have those reasons to cry on the inside. Now I understand the chemical imbalances, the anxiety attacks, where before I was terrified of them--terrified I was losing my mind. I still felt though, that I wasn't too far gone, because I could slip into the clown mode when needed. I held onto some hope, because I thought if I was too far gone I wouldn't have been able to.

All the world's a stage, as Mr. Shakespeare said and now I don't mind playing Sad Clown as much. It's me, it's brought me this far.

God is Love--Peace Out

2009-07-01T20:01:00.000-07:00

Ok, so every once in a while I'll post on here a great book that I wanna suggest to you. Earlier I said, The Life of Pi. Now I wanna suggest to you, especially if you're a dog lover, The Art of Racing in the Rain. It's by Garth Stein and it is absolutely wonderful! Add this to your summer reading list!

Kittle-Cat

2009-06-30T19:42:00.000-07:00

I'm kinda upset tonite. Our kitty, Skittles, is under the weather... Well, I shouldn't say our kitty, he's really Ean's cat. Ean has always been a cat-lover! When he was 3, he wore me down and I caved (after seeing a mouse in our basement) and agreed to let him have a kitty. In a conversation with my cousin Tonya, I mentioned this. Tonya is the one to talk to about getting pets! She's helped me find not only Skittles but:

Kota--Mr. Peyton and my 1st dog together. He was a cinnamon colored pure-bred Chow Chow. He was the cutest puppy we've ever owned! He was definitely a 1 man dog and despite our best efforts to socialize him, he stayed true to the typical Chow personality. He was a sweetheart though and a big chicken! lol--scared to death of thunderstorms! He died less than a week after we had Evan, at 13 years old.

Tucker--MY BABY! My 1st baby! Ahhhh, Tucky D! He was my 1st Peke, and the apple of my eye! Tonya even helped me with his AKC registration, naming him Peyton's Tucker Boy. I will be forever thankful to Tonya for leading me his way, as he greatly enriched and blessed our lives for 13 years. (13 seems to be our UNLUCKY number)

I have to also give Tonya the props for Atticus too... Mr. Peyton and I wanted a Lab for years. Tonya had 2 prior to her Chocolate, Mocha, whom I absolutely fell in love with, thru pictures Tonya shared with me of her as a puppy. This and Dietz (one of my client's black Labs who was the sweetest goofball I'd ever met) pushed me over the edge and we made the plunge for Atti Christmas Eve about 5 years ago. Atticus is truly an amazing, wonderful dog. And the most beautiful chocolate Lab in the whole world! His personality (and eyes) will turn even the biggest animal-hater into a pile of mush! Thankfully, he's still with us, I don't even wanna think about the 13 year mark...

But back to Skittles... Tonya called me a couple of days after our conversation saying to me that she knew a guy that had some Himalayan-mixed kittens, that (quote) "I use for target practice, if the dogs don't get 'em". Yeah, nice huh... I often picture a toothless hillbilly in ratty bib overalls sitting on his porch, spitting Red-Man thru pickets shooting his sawed-off shotgun at defenseless kittens. Now that's a real man... ugh!!!!!!! So, needless to say, Tonya goes and gets all the kittens! I told her to save the cutest for us! One friday nite, after Mr. P gets off from work, with an over the top excited Ean in tow, we head across Afton mountain to Staunton to pick up this kitten.

I'll admit, when I get there, I was kinda disappointed. Tonya had told me that this kitten looked like Gizmo from The Gremlins. She said that he had a lot of Persian and/or Himalayan in him. I didn't see any of it... I know, I know, that's not important, but I was not a cat person at all at this time. I was getting this cat strictly for Ean (uh, and the mouse problem too, I won't lie). The least that could come from my graciousness, could be a pretty kitten. This kitten was skinny and not really cute at all. He did have blue eyes, that were crazed looking, but kinda pretty, but I figured he'd outgrow them. And as if his looks weren't bad enough, he was a SPAZ! Gosh, I don't even know if spaz covers it. Tonya had to run around the porch a few times to finally catch him, then he hissed and spit at her, while she informed us that he'd bitten her quite a few times in the couple of days since she'd rescued him. Nice...I thought. But, Ean was gone--hook, line and sinker! He couldn't have cared less that this mangy little thing was hissing and it's fur was sticking porcupine like all over it's body! All he knew was that this was a kitty, his own pet, that he'd been pining for, for a long time! (Especially to a 3 year old) So, into our mini-van we climb, yowling kitten and all and over the mountain we trek back to Orange.

Immediately, as soon as the drive home that nite, I could tell Skittles wasn't fond of me. Heck, who am I kidding, Skittles pretty much hated me. Still to this day, I'm his absolute least fave here. Anyway, the next day Skittles (who coined his name from Ean's fave candy at the time), hid and scampered all day. He ended up hiding underneath our hutch in the dining room and it took us a couple of hours to find him, then get him out. I must say, I was regretting my push-overness. But, Ean in all his youthful glory, was one proud cat owner! About a week after getting Skittles, we went to the beach for a week. He was alone, in his new home. Something miraculous happened this week--he decided we weren't that bad. Well, I guess Ean, Mr. Peyton and Tucker weren't that bad, he still hated me. We came home to a cat transformed. I was truly expecting to come home to a cat--4 feet up, but he greeted us with meows and rubs. Almost scaring me, I was expecting this demon cat to be fooling us into some sort of surprise death trap, but from our first day back from vacation after having him about 2 weeks, he was King of the House! He tolerated Ean and all his over-loving and began a tremendous keen-ness for Mr. Peyton! He still, to this day loves Daddy! And then came Evan, I remember the day we brought Evan home, Tucker and Skittles peering over into his Moses basket and us chuckling and snapping pics. Skittles, in his typical aloof way, didn't pay much attention to Evan at all, until about the past 2 years. Skittles prefers to sleep with Evy. If Evy's spending the nite at Gramma's, Skittles will meow in the hall, waiting for his bed-buddy. If it's time to go to sleep, and Evy's not already in the bed, Skittles will meow, "It's time, brother", and he's content, once they are both snug in Evy's bed. It's uncanny how he likes Evy, and typical that he still dislikes me! I tell him that I know he doesn't like me, but I like him anyway. I like him because he's turned into this beautiful lion of a cat! He's got long grey hair and he's kept those magnificent blue eyes! I like him because he's a "mean kitty" as I always call him. He's got a personality unlike any pet I've had. He's mean and bossy, making sure all the dogs (even Atti, who out weighs him by at least 110 pounds) know he's the King of this domain. He's funny, loving banana peels and soft dog treats. He's sweet, in still tolerating Ean's "over loving" and his loyal-ness to his master (Ean). I love him because he's made Ean very happy. I love him because he loves us. Yeah, I think he loves me, he may not like me, but he loves me...I think...

Kittle Cat has been sniffing and sneezing for a couple of weeks. He's been shaking his head, as if he's got mites. I got some OTC drops for his (and Atti's) ears and we put those in a couple of nites ago--to HIS dismay, I may LOUDLY add. Well, he's been pretty lethargic for the past 2 days. I didn't think a whole lot of it, until this evening when I noticed I hadn't really seen him all day. Ean found him sleeping outside by the front porch and brought him onto the carport where I was reading. I could almost tell, just by his fur, that he wasn't up to par. Skittles is very particular about his appearance, and has always, always kept himself in pristine condition--well, he was looking a little scruffy. Then when Ean turned him around to face me as I cooed at him, I saw his eye. It looks almost like he's blind out of it. It's swollen underneath. I don't know if he's gotten into a fight with the neighborhood alley cats or if God forbid, he's gotten hit by something. Anyway, I'm worried, as is Ean. I will call the vet, first thing in the morning and hopefully get him in, ASAP!

Please pray that "ole mean kitty" will be ok!

God is Love--Peace Out

Picture of the week

2009-06-25T18:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, this should be fun! I've decided to dedicate to my blog, one day a week, as PICTURE OF THE WEEK day... I'm going to pick a picture out of the masses and post it and write a little something about it. Sooooo, here goes

This is Evy in the ER at the Martha Jefferson Hospital. He had swallowed a penny. The saga goes as follows:

Ean started his 1st day of 6th grade at Louisa County Middle School. I was very jittery about this new stage in his life. Not because he was starting middle school, but because of the bus ride he will endure the rest of his school days. He was boarding the school bus at 6:40am that morning and not getting off that un-airconditioned bus until 4:20pm. That's a long day for my little guy. And if that wasn't bad enough, it's the same route I took from 6th grade on, and it wasn't that long ago that I don't remember all the trouble we stirred up to and fro. Gladly enough, Ean survived his 1st day of middle school and actually enjoyed the bus, the driver and the ride! Thank you God!

Allen was into his 4th or so week of training for Embarq, in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He would be gone for 12 weeks... Even though he was able to come home on weekends, that didn't lighten the load or help with the daily goings on here... I had chatted with him about 4:30pm, when he got back to the hotel from class.

It was about 8:00pm and I was on the patio, chatting on the phone. Out runs Evan, eyes bugging out of his head, look of horror on his face, crying hysterically.

"What's wrong"? I practically scream.

"I got a penny stuck in my throat", he is barely understandable. He's sweating, drooling and just plain out freaking! I couldn't believe what I was hearing or seeing! I pick him up and take him into the kitchen and try water, maybe it'll go down. Nope. I try a small crust of bread, I remember getting choked on an ice cube when I was 8 and did the bread thing and it worked. Not this time. I quick call Mom, she runs over. Evan is totally panicking now. I call 911, they tell me to take him myself to the ER because by the time the squad gets here, I could have him up there already. So, out we go...

I tried and tried to get in touch with Allen in NC. I know, there was NOTHING he could do, but I needed to hear his voice. I needed to hear him tell me our baby boy was going to be ok. I couldn't get him. I ended up calling one of his co-worker's spouse to tell her to tell Allen to call me. I knew they were all out together eating. Needless to say, by this point I was ballistic! When he called, and said they were at a Chinese restaurant in Raleigh I lost it! I know he couldn't help it, but I just felt so alone and needless to say, SCARED to death! As I was pretty much cussing him out, into the ER entrance we skidded.

I got out and went to the carseat to get Evy. His shirt was soaked from drool, he had said NOTHING all the way to the hospital. He was terrified, as were Mom and I! Mom parked the truck as I ran in with him whimpering in my arms. In triage, they asked all the regular questions, then took his blood pressure, then ushered us VERY swiftly into a room in the ER.

I had put Evan down so the nurse could check him over and then she went out to get the doctor. As Evan climbed onto the bed...He looked up at me and said the sweetest (and 1st words since he swallowed the penny). "Mommy, that penny went down into my tummy"... Mom and I both, finally breathed! As he was climbing into the bed and was flipping over from his knees onto his backside, I guess he jarred himself enough to jar the penny out of his throat! Sure enough, the doctor x-rayed him and there it was, big as life, in his tummy!

Whew...what an evening! The doctor said it would pass... I couldn't help but think of the old saying--THIS TOO SHALL PASS. I thanked God for all His marvelous and plentiful blessings on my family and most importantly for saving my precious baby boy! Then I called Allen and told him the good news...and apologized...

God is Love--Peace Out

Father's Day

2009-06-24T21:47:00.000-07:00

">OMG! I can't believe I didn't even mention Father's Day or Fu-Fu or anything about it in my last post! It took me a couple of days to write it and by now it's very early Thursday morning, so Sunday seems like a month ago! Anyway, Allen's Father's Day gift for at least the next 3 years is the GODDESS! But Ean and Evy fixed him breakfast on Sunday morning and we all got him cards. We had celebrated w/ my Dad the weekend before, but I did call him and told him that I love him and I hoped he had a wonderful day! Allen enjoyed playing on the Goddess and then like I said in my prior blog, we went to Mark and T's for WAFFLE NITE. We all enjoy that, Mark fixes yummy waffles and we all bring a bunch of toppings and just eat like pigs! Loads of fun (and calories)!

Happy June

2009-06-24T19:40:00.001-07:00

What is one to say about June, the time of perfect young summer, the fulfillment of the promise of the earlier months, and with as yet, no sign to remind one that its fresh, young beauty will ever fade.
--Gertrude Jekyll

Hootie Happenings

2009-06-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, I haven't blogged in a bit, so I'll fill ya in on what's been going on here at Southern Comfort.

Saturday Evy started to complain about his tummy hurting. I didn't think a whole lot of it. Ean is my complainer, my melodramatic one. His headaches are always migraines, his tummy aches are always the flu, he stubbs his toe--it's broken. See where I'm going with this? Evy is the tough one (like his Dad). He seldom complains about stuff, but he does have somewhat of a tender tummy, which his horrible eating habits don't cater to! So, when he said his tummy was hurting, I just figured the 5th chocolate pop tart of the day was the culprit. Well, he got into his bed and took a nap and woke smoking hot with a fever. I gave him Tylenol and about and hour later he was feeling better, but that only lasted till the meds wore off. So went the remainder of the weekend.

We did go to Mark and T's at Stumblinn Farm for dinner on both Saturday and Sunday nites. Saturday night was a lot of fun, we cooked out and sat at the pond and caught up. It had been a long time since we'd spent any time with them. Mark is Mr. Peyton's BFF--and a total trip! The boys, Evan especially love going to their place. There's 91 acres of land to romp and run. There's 2 ponds to fish in and look for for frogs. There's farm animals, turkeys and 2 dogs and a very cool cat. Speaking of the animals there, I have never seen animals love a child that's not "theirs" like the ones inhabiting Stumblinn! Tocoa is Mark and T's border collie. He acts like Evy's protector! It's uncanny! He plays with Evan the entire time we are there and if Evy gets out of his sight, you can bet he's not settle until he finds him! Once when Evy was still in diapers, he was heading out toward the horses, well Tocoa grabbed Evy by the seat of his pants and would not let him go any further! So cute! Evy didn't think so! lol And the horses! OMG, they have 3, 2 of which have more personality than any horse and most dogs I've ever known! Rush (Brush, as Evan used to call him) and Paxton absolutely love Evan and Evan loves them! He's never been shy of them (as is Ean) and I guess they know that he loves them. It's hilarious, when we get there, if we don't "speak" to them in their field, they will neigh until we do! Sometimes speaking isn't enough, and Evy will traipse over and give them the rub on the nose that they are waiting for. As much of a haven as Stumblinn Farm is for us, it holds one of the saddest and most horrible memories of my life. That's for another time though.

As I said, Evy was funky feeling the whole weekend, then as it usually is, the dreaded bug musta hit me Sunday night. I got into the bed and was FREEZING! I snuggled up the the hot potato (hubster) to no avail. I had to ask him to snuggle, as by this time was I actually shivering. I didn't feel bad though. However, when I got up Monday morning to go help out one of my fave clients I felt bad... ugh! The remainder of the day was pretty much spent in bed. I couldn't take it any longer, so in the late afternoon I willed myself better and by Monday night I was pretty much up to snuff. So on Tuesday we went to the pool with my friend Lisa and her Evan as planned. Lisa and I met when she was Evy's pre-k teacher and my Evan and her Evan hit it off right away! It was awesome hanging out with them at the Hollymead pool. (sidenote--when Mom and I lived in Hollymead, when I was 9, I swam in that same pool) Evy (my Evy that is) had a blast and as he's famous for, sought out a "cool guy" (teenager) and was trying to do the same double and triple flips off the diving board. This sweet teenager, Brian, was even helping Evy learn to dive. Evy hasn't mastered that yet, and boy does it chap him to no end!

Unfortunately today, Evan was suffering with a terrible ear ache! ugh! I hate that, because I know how painful those stupid things are! I guess it was water in his ear, but he's better after pumping him full of Tylenol and Motrin and sweet oil in his ear. We aren't gonna do the pool for a few days.

For some reason, Ean's been exceptionally helpful today! THERE IS A GOD! lol I'm loving it, and hoping it lasts for a little while, at the very least! He helped me cook dinner, even! He must be really bored...

Now for the best happening lately... Harris Teeter Online shopping!!!!!!!!! OMG! I have a smile on my face that can't be slapped off! I ordered my groceries online late last night, paid for them and Mr. Peyton picked them up on his way home from work today! BLISS, I tell you! I don't know if I can put into words how much I completely and utterly DESPISE going grocery shopping... I'd scrub funky, crap stained toilets all day before I'd go to the grocery store. Enough said... So, lemme tell you, this is like a dream come true for me! Where has this been all my life? LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!! And if all that's not wonderful enough, Mark's niece (Mr. Peyton's BFF is Mark, remember) works at Teet and told him she can get us a DISCOUNT! OMG! What have I done to deserve all this??? Thank you Lord!

God is Love--Peace Out

Jingles!

2009-06-19T19:13:00.000-07:00

I've said before that we are the nickname family! Yeah, well we're the singing family too! Actually, let me quit lying, I'm the singer in my little family, but if you've got Birckhead blood in ya, you're gonna sing! Especially when you're the least bit happy. We sing while we work, we sing in the car, we sing a lot! I think my favorite thing about singing is making up fun songs about "us"! The absolute best ones are when we replace the words of real songs with our own words!

For example: Remember the song Peggy Sue by the Hollies? Well, I changed up a few words and sing it to Atticus...it goes a little something like this...

Atti Boo, Atti Boo, Atti, Atti, Atti, Atti, Atti Boo

My Atti, my Atti Boo (oooo)

Well I love you Atti, I love you Atti Boo!

Remember the Muffin Man from your childhood? Well, before I cut Allen's hair I always serenade him with my rendition of that fave...

Do you know the Mullet Man, the Mullet Man, the Mullet Man

Do you know the Mullet Man that lives on Klockner Road

--for some reason that's not one of Hubster's faves

Of course there's always silly songs that I make up, usually as I go.

His name is Rascal, they call him Rascal, his name is Rascal, they call him Rascal

(this is for Evy, of course)

I've been belting out, E, E goes to school, school, since Ean started Pre-School.

I have boys, as you know, and my oldest has to be told to brush his teeth, constantly. So just to torture him for having to be told, I scream out:

Brush your teeth, round and round, circle small, gums and all! --doing the motions too--that really disgusts them! HOLLA! I love it! The brush your teeth song started with Barry though! Gramma Birckhead used to have to scream at him to brush his teeth too, so I would make fun of him getting in trouble about it and sing it while he scrubbed his fangs! Of course, I'd have to hide before he finished!

Both of my boys were huge Barney fans when they were little, so you can only imagine all the fun I had with those songs! I remember one in particular that Ean and I would sing and it would piss Evan off soooo bad! I have no idea why it made him soooo mad when Ean and I would harmonize to:

There's cats in the jungle and cats in the city

Some are really big and some are itty bitty

but it would and of course that only made Ean and I sing even louder! And laugh our butts off as Evan would swing his fist at us or kick and scream in the car seat as we sang it coming home from the pool to try to keep him awake! ahhh, good times! lol

So now to the new song I came up with just a few minutes ago! I think it's awesome! Hubster rolled his eyes... This one's for Fat Girl (our #2 cat) and I think it fits her well! See if you can recognize this one.

Fat Girl in the city, running wild and looking pretty

Fat Girl in the city, Fat Girl's a pretty kitty

If you guessed Hot Child in the City by Nick Glider (from the late 70's I think) you're today's winner!!!!!

God is love--Peace Out!

Loyalties

2009-06-18T20:27:00.000-07:00

So, I get a call from my MawMaw yesterday... what a bummer of a call it was...

When my Mom and I were over there last week, I asked MawMaw if she'd like to do a trade. She has this groovy, funky green velveteen chair in her tv room. Her tv room is blue. I have a nice blue chair in my bedroom. I love the funky green chair. It would be super in my new office. So, I suggested that I give her my blue chair for her green one. She was on board! Yippee--I was stoked!

My aunt was in for a little visit with my MawMaw and the rest of the crew for a few days. This aunt and I have never been remotely close. This aunt has a major chip on her shoulder toward me. Truly, I have never figured it out. The only iota of a clue that I have about that is that she knows that JoAnne (my paternal aunt) and I are extremely close and that must bother her. Mind you, this aunt has never attempted to have any sort of relationship with me. One of the most vivid memories I have of her, is at Christmas one year when I was probably 12 or 13, her looking at my cousins and I in utter disgust saying "I hope my kids don't turn out like yall"... (I'm kinda smiling right now, cuz poetic justice hit hard with her 2 kids) Anyho, this aunt is the family "pot stirrer", among other things.

Back to the 2 minute long phone call with MawMaw.
me--HELLO
MawMaw--ANGIE???? WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
me--NOTHING, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
MawMaw--LAYING IN BED, LISTEN, I HATE TO BE THE ONE TO TELL YOU THIS, BUT I CAN'T GIVE YOU THAT CHAIR.
me--OK
MawMaw--DALTON'S GONNA BE ON THE RADIO TOMORROW.
me--UH HUH
MawMaw--WHAT'S THE BOYS DOING?
me--THEY ARE DOWNSTAIRS.
MawMaw--WELL, LIKE I SAID, I CAN'T GIVE YOU THAT CHAIR.
me--WHAT'S GOING ON? WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?
MawMaw--SOMEBODY TOLD ME THAT I CAN'T GIVE ANYTHING AWAY, CUZ THAT'S WHAT JOHN SAID, HE SAID AFTER HE DIES NOTHING IS LEAVING THIS HOUSE, IF SOMEBODY WANTS SOMETHING THEY'VE GOTTA BUY IT AT THE SALE. SO, DON'T BE MAD AT ME.
me--WHATEVER
MawMaw--OK, BYE

I sat there looking at the phone in disbelief. I know you're probably wondering about this "sale". See, in my Mom's family, they have a big auction when someone dies. Nothing is ever left to anyone. If someone wants a family heirloom they have to purchase it at this auction. Then the proceeds from the auction is split between the surviving children of the deceased. Not the grandchildren, either! (let's keep that straight) So, for example, my mother has to BUY items that she's grown up with from an auctioneer after MawMaw passes away, but I guess in someones mind that's all good, cuz Mom will get a 1/3 of that money back... I think it's the most shameful and greedy thing ever. Of course, like in a lot of families, there's favored ones. Needless to say, I'm NOT a favored one in this clan! One of my cousins has my grandfather's easy chair, a stereo and a rad kitchen cabinet from MawMaw--just given to her! I can't even do a tradesy... ugh! I'm so chapped! I'm also hurt! I'm certain the aunt, you know the one with the BIG WART on the end of her nose, has something to do with MawMaw's change of heart. Everything was a-ok, till she came in, wart and all!

So what to do... I wanted to call MawMaw back and say, "hey, you aren't GIVING me anything, we're trading, remember", I wanted to call warty aunt and tell her to stick the chair up her skinny butt sideways. Instead, I've done nothing. I did call my 1 cousin (Tonya), the only family member from my Mom's clan that I am close to and tell her about it and bitch to her about the unfairness and ridiculousness of it all (and felt better too). I, of course, called Mom and raised cain about it! I'm not sure what to do or say, if anything, from here on out to MawMaw. ugh...

My sweet, thoughtful and protective hubster told me tonight that he'd buy me a green chair for my office! Man, I love that boy!

Oh, I asked Mom again, Do you see why my loyalties lie with the Birckheads? Do you see why they always have?

God is Love--Peace Out

Ramblin...

2009-06-16T10:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I just remembered what I forgot to write about yesterday! ugh! I started rambling a little and totally forgot to say what I wanted to about Dad's lack of emotion... Remember when I was saying how we were reminiscing so much about stories of our loved ones. Well, Dad was extremely sentimental. I saw tears well up in his eyes on quite a few times. I was kinda shocked about it. I know that my Dad can get very nostalgic. I also know that my father misses the times of his childhood. My Dad was lucky, he got the Camelot years. My 2 younger uncles (one of which is Barry and he's only 5 years older than me and we're more like brother/sister than uncle/niece) weren't as lucky. My Dad is the oldest of the children. He was a youngster when Birckhead Electric was in it's prime. My Dad was lucky enough to have a new car (a 1965 Ford Mustang, no less) given to him, along with the best years of Gramma and Grandpa's marriage. Unfortunately, trust was put into the wrong person and my Grandpa's business suffered, tremendously. At the same time, my grandparents' marriage fell apart (as did my Mom and Dad's--but for unrelated reasons). John David, my uncle, started having behavior and drug problems, of which my grandfather could not and would not tolerate. (I am the offspring of EXTREMELY CONSERVATIVE southern folk, remember and disrespect (in any and all forms) was NOT acceptable) Needless to say, Grandpa Birckhead and John David's relationship was practically null and void, which sparked problems with the entire family. It was a volatile and sad time. My father, of course, had started his life with my mother and me, so he wasn't as much in the thick of the family drama as the rest of the children. However, he did deal with his own drama with my grandfather, as he was the vice-president (in his very early 20's) of Birckhead Electric. It was extremely devastating to my father to see his father, this larger than life man, slowly break and then eventually turn into basically a hermit. I know that Dad battles a lot of demons about being the one to care for my grandfather in the end. He doesn't think he did as good a job as he should have, as he was going thru yet another divorce. He did the best he could--I've told him so, but I guess you never think you do enough. Especially for someone you love and idolize as much as Dad did Grandpa. I guess that's why he can get very melancholy when speaks of "the past" lately. At one point, he was telling me about my Great Uncle Eddie (Grandpa Birckhead's brother) losing a child only a couple of days after child birth. Another story I didn't know, by the way. The baby was a boy... It took my father a couple of times to say "I remember Uncle Eddie always saying he wished he had a little Jack"... I didn't know what hurt my heart more, the fact that Uncle Eddie lost and longed for his baby son or that my Dad choked up and couldn't hardly tell us that story and how much he misses those days.

God is Love--Peace Out

Tap Dancing and Hand Grenades

2009-06-15T11:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the boys and I went to Dad's house to celebrate his upcoming birthday--it's a biggie, 6-0 and Fathers Day. We had a very nice time, we grilled out and had cake and presented him with some presents. All in typical celebration fashion. And we reminised-- that's in typical Birckhead fashion too! We always love to talk about funny memories we all have of each other. You know me, always wanting to hear a story! Seems like my Dads' people have the best stories! Most are hilarious, some are heartwarming, a few are really sad. But I love them all, just the same.

In chatting around the kitchen table yesterday, amidst a fog of cigarette smoke and bottomless cups of coffee, I heard a few stories that I didn't know. Two brought me to tears. JoAnne (my Dad's sister and my FAVORITE aunt) was there as well, and as we usually do, we started reminiscing about Gramma Birckhead. We all miss her terribly. The first year or so after her death, I kinda felt like Dad couldn't really talk about her or maybe I should say I felt like he didn't want to talk about her. I don't think he did this out of callous, he just has a really hard time dealing with emotions. I can't believe during my whole 38 years I've never seen him cry. I've seen him tear up, but never cry. I remember standing on the other side of the vestibule in the Church before he walked me down the isle on my wedding day because I was scared to death that he may start to cry. If he had of, I don't know what I would have done! My father is a private man in so many ways, but he's also extremely prideful, so I guess both of those play a part in his lack of showing those kinds of emotions. However, he's always been the first to say he loves me, even to this day. I am like that with my boys, I don't think you can ever tell your children enough how much you love them. So anyway, JoAnne started talking about a trunk that my Great Gramma Taylor had that held Gramma Birckhead's tap shoes... Tap Shoes? Gramma Birckhead tap danced? Of course she did, piped up Dad and JoAnne, she even tap danced on a radio show when she was a little girl! I tell you, I almost fell outta the chair. I immediately teared up and a lump formed in my throat at the thought of my Gramma, as a little girl with her platinum curls tapping away in front of an old timey microphone for the whole Albemarle/Charlottesville area to hear! I can see her now, with those brilliant blue eyes beaming, as she stole the heart of everyone on set--I'm sure! I can't believe I didn't know that until yesterday! I did know how much she loved Shirley Temple and my Dad said that he felt like she loved her so much, because Shirley reminded Gramma of herself when she was young... ahhhh...

So, as if that wasn't enough, we somehow happened upon solider stories. None of the Birckheads, really, were veterans. My Mom's family holds those ranks. My PawPaw Halterman (Mom's father) and my uncle Johnny (Mom's brother) were both in wars. PawPaw was in WWII, parachuting into the Battle of the Bulge and fighting in Normandy and Johnny got a purple heart for his courage in the Vietnam war. My father (well, EVERYONE that knew him) loved my PawPaw. When the preacher described him as a GENTLE MAN, he pegged PawPaw in every sense of the word! Dad proceeded to tell me that one time PawPaw told him that he threw a hand grenade into a snipers hole and took it out, while the snipers' gun was pointed right at him. "The best throw of my life", PawPaw told Dad... Again, the waterworks began. Another amazing story that I didn't know. Heck, I didn't know that PawPaw was in the Battle of the Bulge until after his death. PawPaw was a quiet soul, and WWII was something he didn't speak of much at all. I can't tell you how proud I am to be his grand-daughter.

It's amazing to me, to hear these AWESOME stories about my people. What's even more amazing to me is to hear them from others. My Gramma and PawPaw could have drilled these things into our memories. Instead, they let us make our own memories. They didn't have to do these things, of course, and I would have still idolized them because of the people they were to me! Unreal...just when you think you know pretty much all there is to know about someone, 38 years later, you find out more! I love it! And boy, do I miss those 2 important people in my life!

God is Love--Peace out

Life is full of Blessings

2009-06-11T18:58:00.000-07:00

I took a little break from blogging, not really cuz I wanted to, but because for one; I was so dang frustrated w/ the "photo editing" deal last time (a huge thank you again to the awesome SANDI) and for two; I've been pretty busy. Busy in the random sorta way, you know, just life stuff... and too tired to feel even a wee bit creative (or whatever).

Ok, so I'll start with yesterday--pretty normal (in the Southern Comfort kinda way--if we even have a normal here) until the afternoon. The Rascal (one of Evy's many nicknames--we are BIG nicknamers in this house) was in a lovey-dovey mood. Ahhhh! I love it! Those moods are coming less and less now that he's the ripe old age of seven, so I totally relish them when they do hit! So he was really huggy and kissy and I was eating it up--sniffing the back of his neck (one of my fave things ever to do and my favorite smell in the whole world). I can still smell a faint hint of baby there and I'm dreading the day when I can't! I was in the office, which is right next to his bedroom when he yelled for me to come quick! I went in to see the biggest, toothless smile coming from THAT FACE--"Look, I can tie my own shoes now"! I had to have him untie and show me again--we are both so proud! Then he was in the tub after dinner and he was talking to himself and I hear him say "It's not good to be rude"...ahhh! Joyous! Then at tuck in time, he planted the best 7 year old kiss on my lips and literally hung onto my neck, laughing the whole time. I swear, it's times like this that I just wanna freeze everything and keep it this way!

Ok, so today was a lonnnng one! Mom was taking MawMaw to the doctor in Fishersville at 9:00am and I offered to drive. My Mom and MawMaw (my maternal grandmother)have a funky relationship. I won't go into that today, but I kinda keep things to a low growl, so I go as much as I can when they are gonna be together. MawMaw lives in Churchville, Va. Boy I love it over there! It's in the Shenendoah Valley and absolutely serene! I feel like when you start heading down the other side of Afton mountain, you begin to go back in time at least 20 years. Churchville is my second home. When Mom left Dad the summer before I started 3rd grade, her and I moved in with MawMaw and PawPaw and I lived there until the end of that school year. I always spent 2 to 3 weeks a summer there thru-out my childhood. All of my Mom's family is from Augusta county, all of them practically live within 5 miles of one another. Churchville is a very small town, but the amount of heart that resides there is bigger than any New York city! So, while there I get to visit with my great aunt and uncle (who has Alzheimers) and MawMaw's neighbors (of course the same neighbors she's had since the late 60's) and it was so nice! My peeps in Churchville never cease to make me feel as much a part of there town as always! Lots of hugs--lots of memories! Ean loves Churchville as well! I'm glad they get to experience that little town (I imagine Churchville whenever I read To Kill a Mockingbird) and all our family and friends there!

(this is Ean and MawMaw about 3 years ago at Wright's in Staunton)

After the doctor appt. and visiting we left and headed to my new favorite joint, Sonic! Lawd--I'm addicted to the Cherry Lime-ade. We also did a little shopping at this awesome store in Stuarts Draft called Country Connections! I could get into soooo much trouble there... I did good today though and even bought Dad one of his birthday/Fathers day gifts!

Needless to say, when we got home--the boys headed to their rooms and I to mine. We were pooped! While napping, my great friend Patti (also known as Chicken, Rosalie or Ro) called. Of course, I was z'ing, so I didn't get to chat with her till just a few minutes ago. Her and her whole family were in a car accident up in Maine today! OMG! Thank God, everyone is ok! She thinks her van is totalled though... ugh! I'm sitting here thinking how fleeting everything is. Also, I'm thinking how special Ro and her family are to me. Ro is truly my soul-mate friend. I don't know if I connect with anyone (other than the hubster of course)as much as I do her. It's almost uncanny how alike we are and how alike our minds work! She's been my friend for a long time and we've been thru a lot. I love her so very much and the most important part is that I know she loves me. I can't say that about all of my friends, but I surely can say that about my Ro Chicken--she's proven that to me over and over again! As for her family--Bill, William, Ray and my love-bucket Brigid, they might as well be of my own flesh and blood. I can not imagine my life without them--thank you again, God, for being with them today and please continue to bless them, all. We need to remember all of our blessings, all the time, not just when we realize how fast something can be taken away from us!

God is Love--Peace Out...

2009-06-10T14:40:00.000-07:00

You are looking at the face of one happy Mr. Peyton! Sunday she arrived! The girl of his dreams! I'm referring to her as the Goddess!

Allen's been wanting a tractor for so long! The Goddess has a belly mower, 4wheel drive and wait for it...A BUCKET (for lifting and pushing--ohh, ahh)! Definately, the girl of his dreams... He was so thrilled, he had a little "drink" to celebrate the occasion! Let me tell ya--Mr. Peyton very rarely ever drinks! I guess he had to calm his nerves...

The whole neighborhood came out to rejoice the Goddess.

Grandaddy couldn't stand it any longer--he had to take her for a spin! I did too, Mr. Peyton insisited! I will admit, she drives like a caddy!

So, I have to say that I am so very happy for the hubster! I'll share him with the Goddess for a little while... In case you're wondering...yeah, I DO think his tractors' sexy!

fyi--sorry this blog is boring--especially for such an event, but this is like the 5th time I've try to post this. I'm having MAJOR difficulties trying to download pics in a sequence order... and if they are not, it's cuz I couldn't do it again! ugh!

*another point of interest today--Evy tied his shoes all on his own! Big deals here! Yeah, he's 7...took a while...

A Grrrrrreat Read

2009-06-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

In all my ranting I forgot to add something! I have been hearing and reading that this book, The Life of Pi is soooooo good. Well I just finished it up after supper and boy, it's worth a read!!!!!!!!!! I give it 2 fat thumbs up!

Temper Tantrums and such...

2009-06-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

I should be blogging about Mr. Peyton's new John Deere tractor! He's so excited about it and I have pics too! Heck, we're all excited about it!

Unforunately, I can't do that today.

I hate to admit this, but I'm gonna--I've never, ever said I was perfect, not even close! But I have said that I LOVE being Mommy and Wife-ster! I have said that I love being the glue that holds EVERYTHING around here together. And I really do! I do! Especially now that I've calmed down...

I have always openly admitted that I have about 2 major melt-downs a year. I used to have way more! So, in my mind, 2 a year ain't that bad! I'm sure though, if you spoke to my family they would totally disagree! Anyho, about twice a year I wig out and show my butt and end up feeling like the scum at the bottom of the lowliest life form's feet at the bottom of the deepest, crungiest pond... Today was #1 for this year. I won't go into a lot of details, trust me they are horrid and I'm ashamed of myself, but it started by coming home to a wrecked house, no left-over pizza and Ean dropping a whole gallon of unopened milk, it busting open and he just standing there looking at it--then of course in his teen-age way, getting crappy about it to me. I was tired from cleaning the biggest house of them all, hot and hungry. No excuses, but dang, cut a gal a break here... Anyway, I went completely bonkers on him, then on Evan (because his room looked like a hurricane spinned around in there for about an hour) and the rage didn't stop till I called Mr. Peyton at work and went off on him. He wasn't happy. I didn't care, I wasn't either. Then I calmed down. Then I cried. I cried for a lot of reasons. I could cry now for being such a freak! I hate it when this happens... Anyway, apologies have been made. I hope everybody knows that I'm sorry! I also hope they know they need to help me out some around here. I kinda doubt that though--old habits are hard to break...

So there you have it. It was a funky afternoon! I have a slamming headache--guess I deserve it for being so ugly! I hope and pray tomorrow is better!

God is love--Peace out!

Rainy Daze

2009-06-05T19:52:00.000-07:00

Wow...it's been raining for like 3 days... ugh! I've had enough! Don't get me wrong, it's Gods' work and I'm always thankful for His doings, but man, can I get any lazier? Here's what my day consisted of:

--woke up by Allen at about 7:00am "Good-bye, see ya later", me--hardly remember

--woke up again by Evan--"You said you're gonna order those Goosebump books off of Ebay for me today, right"?, me--grrrrr

--woke up again by phone ringing "Wake up, I've been working for over 2 hours and you're still sleeping"? me--"Nah, I've been up"... *winky, wink

--after wallowing in the bed for about another hour, I get up to go get coffee and a cig. I stare intently at the rain. I think, dang, I need to shave my legs! I need to brush and floss! (yuck, breath was KICKIN) I'm not gonna be a bum today!

--go inside to the melody of Ean and Evan screaming at each other. I also see the sink pleading w/ me to get the dirty dishes out of it! I smile sadly at the kitchen sink...poor lil guy! He's not used to that! But to make him happy means I'd have to unload the dishwasher... Nah, I'll do that later.

--get on Facebook and nose around on there for about an hour and a half.

--get back into the bed, cuz Ean has already treated himself and Evan to lunch by this point and cut on Remember the Night w/ Barbara Stynwick. (great movie, btw). Decide I have the warm fuzzies--nap till around 5:00pm.

--around 5:00pm, Colby and Bentley are in my bed barking their fool heads off! I whack them both off the bed and roll over, cover my head w/ the body pillow.

--still shrill yappy dog barks...WHAT THE... open my eyes to see the kid that lives down the road standing in my hall staring at me. WHAT THE...

--cover head w/ body pillow again, hoping I'm dreaming...

--pretend to be asleep for another 20 minutes.

--get up-more coffee-call Mr. P and ask can we order out.

Now readers--that is a serious case of RAINY DAZE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ugh!!!!!!!!! I can not have another day like this! I feel like a daggone slug! Who am I kidding, I AM a slug!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, so I am finally pulling myself together about 8:00pm. (that's a start, right?) We eat the dinner I agreed to at least ride w/ Mr. Peyton to go pick up and get back on FB--yeah, I'm an addict. I email a friend from high school that lives across country from me and ask can I call her sometime. She says OF COURSE (yay) and she says I can call her tonite to boot! SWEET--so you know me, being the phone bug I am, I quick dial her up! And we talk...sooooo awesome! I ask her all kinds of weird (I'm sure that's what she was thinking--she did a lot of giggling) questions and she humored me by answering and elaborating! It was bliss! Even more blissful--not even a week ago, I went out w/ 2 great friends from HS to a concert! One of which, I hadn't hung out w/ since we graduated! FABULOUSOOO! I'm feeling soooo blessed right now! We've grown up--not apart! What a gift!

So, now I don't feel as bad--I didn't waste this day--I was saving all my energy for my chat w/ a sweet friend! (and maybe this blog)

But, I surely do hope the sun comes out tomorrow--Mr. Kitchen Sink is gonna be really chapped! Heck, maybe I'll go help him out now...

God is Love--Peace out!

Just gettin started--cut me some slack...

2009-06-04T21:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, so here I go! My first blog entry... what to say... what to write about... hmmm... Welp, already it's boring! lol I guess I'll start w/ a little bit about me: I'm a Mom of 2 boys and Wife! I am happily consumed w/ the title of just those 2 things! Allen, my dear hubster, or Fu-Fu, or Mr. Peyton (as I'm sure he'll be referred to the majority of the time on my blogspot is my high school sweetheart! Yep--we're one of the few who made it! And you can trust me on this--not a lot of folks thought we would! I was 13 when the Fu and I started dating (in 1984--yeah, I'm old--38). We got married in 1992 on our 8 year anniversary in a small ceremony in our hometown of Gordonsville, VA. He's my rock, my best friend and my soul-mate! I am very lucky and blessed to have him! Oh no, it's not always a walk in the park--but I love him so very much! Then in November of 1994 we had our first son, Ean Cole! The Fu didn't want kids... But with the grace of God, I convienced him! Ean has always been a great child! Sleeping thru the night by the time he was 8 weeks old, etc. etc.! Mr. Ean is very smart and very senstive! I am very proud of him! After a short time (almost 7 years), Evan Caine was born in September of 2001. The baby! Different in every way possible from his older brother, but absolutely scrumcious! Very wild--very loveable! He's got me so totally wrapped, it's pathetic!

So now we're back in G'town, living right beside my Mom and Step-dad and it's great! *well, 99% of the time anyway My kids are going to LCPS and it's so wild to be kinda walking down memory lane whenever we go to football games and stuff! I figured we'd stay in Orange (our "adopted" home town) but we're again Greasers from Louiser--and lovin it!

So, that's a little bit for now! I'll post soon about Allen's new tractor he's getting this weekend, Evan's riding lessons, the pool and hanging this summer w/ my OC Gurls and all the goings on w/ us! I wanna post some pics on here too--once I learn how too... very, very computer illiterate! ugh! Sorry about this boring one--hopefully there will be something worth reading!

God is love--Peace Out!