An Afternoon on River St

Several years ago, I was in Savannah, Ga on St Patrick's Day. If you don't know, this is one of the largest and longest running St Pat's celebrations in the States. It was neat. EVERYTHING was green!! Since, I've long wanted to have time to go back.

Recently, we were able to stop there for an afternoon. I'm so glad we did and can't wait to go back for hopefully a weekend. Savannah is a gorgeous city chalked full of history. Want to share a few highlights and also some thoughts on where I'll stop next time I'm in town.

To the left is a view of River St as we make a pass through in the car. I love all the levels on the buildings. When we were there for St Pat's, people were standing on the balconies dressed in green of course.

Notice the pineapples. A sign that you are welcome. I love Southern hospitality!!

This was a glance up a side street. There were architectural interests everywhere. Isn't the cobblestone gorgeous!?

The gentleman on the left was making beautiful hand crafted items out of palm fronds. I had to have the cross with the rose. Coincidentally, this was the Friday before Palm Sunday. He was very friendly but didn't have much time to talk, he was busy, busy. I could have watched him for an hour. There were several street vendors. I noticed they each had a business license/id around their neck. This appeared to be closely monitored by the local law enforcement.

River Street Sweets!!! This is a must! Their pralines are delish. You must stop by the kitchen and get a fresh, hot sample of one. When we were there, the gentleman was making chocolate pralines. They were good. But, the plain ones are the best in my book.



A praline from River St Sweets. My dessert after having lunch at One Eyed Lizzy's.

Several years ago, my oldest son started a pressed penny collection. This is our favorite memento when travelling. We stopped a couple of places and made one. This machine was inside River St. Sweets.

I always love neat signs. Found the Masonic Temple No. 1 cornerstone very interesting. First and oldest one in the Western Hemisphere. And the Mad Hatter sign...isn't he adorable?

This was taken in front of the open air market. Found lots of neat items there. I bought a beautiful hair clip made in So. Africa. There were many fun vendors and craftspeople.

This was just too pretty. Had to snap a photo. It was the front porch to one of the homes in downtown.

Wish I'd gotten a photo of the outside of this ice cream parlor.  Here's a link to their web page: www.leopoldsicecream.com/. It was a long line but passed by quickly. One of the proprietors brought a pitcher of water and cups around to all who were waiting. My brother had visited Leopold's last summer and said the kids would love it. Well, so did the adults. I tried Rum Bisque Ice Cream. One word...yum! We could also have eaten lunch here.

When I was there many years ago, we ate at a local restaurant named Love's. Wanted to go back, but it would have delayed our trip further. It was about a 20 minute drive South from River St. However, I highly recommend it. The outside of the restaurant was used in a scene from the movie Forrest Gump.

Two restaurants we noted to try next time are The Pink House and The Pirate House. Both were a couple blocks off River St. Would also, like to visit a couple of the older cemeteries. Not for any reason other than they are absolutely beautiful.

Hope you enjoyed the day with us!

Talk to you soon. Until then, enJoy!

The Alley Kat

Cottontails and Dyed Eggs

Easter is a most favorite holiday of my family. We celebrate the day with joyous hearts that we have been redeemed because HE is risen!! Wanted to share a few fun ideas with you.

Easter Sunday always starts with Sunrise Service. My family has been blessed with land in our small town. My Grandfather attended a Sunrise Service while in the Army in Greece. (Can you imagine that experience?!) He loved it and started holding Sunrise Service each Easter on the hill behind his home. This just happened to be the pasture in front of my childhood home. Each Easter, we'd wake and walk to the hill to gather for a celebration of resurection and worship. Since, I've married and now have children, it's a short drive there. However, my kids look forward to it!! It's one of the few days each year that it's easy to get them out of bed early.

One Easter we found ourselves at Satellite Beach, FL. This is the Sunrise over the water.

 

Easter Egg coloring is a must. Sometimes we buy the kits. Sometimes we just use the food coloring and vinegar method. Always have to have crayons to draw on the eggs first before dying them. This was a happy accident that my funny husband turned into a laugh. Sorry if it offends. When you are around boys as much as me, you learn to laugh!!

Corn flakes coated in chocolate shaped as nests in muffin tins filled with malted eggs. Have also used chow mein noodles in the past instead of the corn flakes. Yummy little festive treat.

 The dads and older kids hide the eggs. The younger kids hunt. Easter bunny ears are a must for the hiders. Isn't it fun?! We even got Buddy the dog to join in. :)

 I found this idea on MarthaStewart.com. They had a template. But, I found it easier to freehand cut out the ears. I used large card size, pastel colored envelopes, sealed the envelopes, cut the ears out, drew the face on freehand, glued a small pom pom nose on and filled with grass and treats for the kids.

 This was another MarthaStewart.com idea. It's a vanilla cupcake turned upside down, coated in a buttercream frosting and covered in toasted coconut. They had used some other candies for the comb and feet. I improvised with red licorice candies cut to size. The nose is an almond and the eyes are silver sprinkles.

I always love the Dogwood trees in our part of the country this time of year. I've shared below the Legend of the Dogwood. Whether true or not, I still think it's a neat story and Dogwood's remind me of how blessed I am to have Jesus in my life.

The Legend of the Dogwood

 
At the time of the crucifixion, the dogwood had reached the size of the mighty oak tree. So strong and firm was the wood that it was chosen as the timber for Jesus' cross.
 

     To be used for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the dogwood. While nailed upon it, Jesus sensed this, and in his compassion said. "Because of your pity for my suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used for a cross. Henceforth, it shall be slender, bent, and twisted, and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross–two long and two short petals.
 
     "In the center of the outer edge of each petal will be the print of nails. In the center of the flower, stained with blood, will be a crown of thorns so that all who see it will remember."
from "Sower's Seeds Aplenty: Fourth Planting," # 29, p. 22

Have a Happy Easter!!! Joy!!
The Alley Kat

So Busy!!!

Aren't we all, so busy?!?! You never hear anyone say, "I have nothing to do." Unless, they're a teenager and just bored or a lazy person. But, all of my friends in this family raising, middle age approaching, part of life are just busy!!!

There are days I sit down at the end of the day and think (very quickly think that is, before I involuntarily fall asleep/pass out) I've gotten everything done on my list today. And, if I'm still awake at that point, I think, have I enjoyed it? There are days that I absolutely rush, rush, rush to squeeze in every last thing. But, at the end of the day, I was so busy I can't remember actually living in the moment for most of it. And most days, I don't get any exercise in for myself.

My favorite part of my life is being a wife and mother. Followed very closely by my roles as granddaughter, daughter, sister, friend and aunt. There are a lot of people in my big wonderful extended family including my close friends that I just want more quality time with. So much of what we do each day just doesn't really matter to most people. Face it, it doesn't. So, why not take time to savor the moments with the most special people.

So, what's the plan of action? Find ways to spend time with my favorite people and enjoy doing what needs to be done. Examples:

1. Try to make family car rides lighthearted and fun. We are in the car a lot. No one wants to be stuck in the car with a pouty kid. Pick the battles and the times. Don't use it as a everyone's captivated let's hash it out moment.

2. Invite a friend or relative to family dinner sometime throughout the week.

3. Plan a weekend trip with my husband!!! We always spend time together. But, it's hard to find quality relationship growth time with life staring you in the face.

4. 15 Minute Pickups. Set the timer for 15 minutes. Have the whole family do a quick pick up of the house before bedtime so we all can relax together for 30 minutes or so.

5. Send cards!! Just take a second let someone know I'm thinking of them. Don't take them for granted. I have already stocked cards in my desk drawer and stamps in my wallet.

6. Declare Sundays as family time. Get everything accomplished the rest of the week. Plan Sunday dinner and a volleyball game or hike for example. Invite my brothers' families or friends to join us.

7. Get the family involved in exercising with me. We can do Zumba on the Wii or a Dance Game. Achieve fitness and quality time laughing at and with each other. ;-)

8. Have the family help with dinner prep. Creates conversations with all of us working as a team to get supper finished, the table set, etc. Plus, helps mom have more free time because I'm not doing it all by myself.

Some of these just take a second or two. But, I feel like they are going to let the important people in my life know I value them. What are your thoughts and ideas? I'd love to hear them!!

Joy,
Thee Alley Kat

All of this has reminded me of something I saw Tommy Lasorda say once to Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show. I'm "saying" this from memory. So, I'm sorry Tommy if I don't get it exactly right. 90% of the people could care less what you do. That leaves 10%. Of the 10%, 9 just want to talk about you. Find that 1% that really care about you and enjoy them!

Happy Birthday, Mr. President

A pretty vintage postcard I found online.

President's Day is a great time to remind everyone of what wonderful leaders we've had in America and reflect on history. They always have special little lessons at school especially the primary grades. As I think about this I chuckle. Not to be disrespectful. But, because BOTH of my sons (6 1/2 years apart age wise) tried to chop down a tree in my yard after hearing the "George Washington chopped down the cherry tree and could not tell a lie story."  This story whether historically accurate or not almost cost me TWO trees!! Both were caught in action and of course, did not tell a lie when confronted.

 I found some fun facts to share about two of our most loved forefathers, General George and Honest Abe. (Most of these came from Wikipedia and other such pages.) Hope you enjoy.

General George Washington (preferred this name to President)


A favorite Christmas story in our home is :

When Washington Crossed the Delaware by Lynne Cheney (wife of former VP Dick Cheney) She has written several wonderful children's books.

• Was considered a promising student. Taught business forms in school at age 9. (I like the thought of this because I think we should at the very least teach every child in public school how to balance a check book!!)
• The Gregorian Calendar that we use today was adopted during his lifetime.
• He was about 6'3"
• RED HAIR!!! (That surprised me.) Did not wear a wig but powdered his hair.
• He took his presidential oath on a Masonic Bible.
• He helped lay the cornerstone of the Capitol Building as mason
• One of his favorite horses was named-Nelson

"I can only say that there is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do to see a plan adopted for the abolition of slavery."~George Washington


President Abraham Lincoln

• He was Republican
• Born on Sinking Spring Farm in Hardin, KY
• Was considered lazy by some because he didn't like farm labor. (This gave me hope for my boys. ;-))
• Mostly self educated and loved to read
• Later became an avid axeman and fence builder
• Owned a general store
• Was County Postmaster
• Became a Lawyer teaching himself and studying alone
• Like General Washington one of his early careers was as county surveyor. Interesting common thread I thought.

"Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them? " ~ Abraham Lincoln

Here's a link to some cute president's day craft activities to do with the kids:
http://holidays.kaboose.com/presidents-day/presidents-day.html


Enjoy!

A Joyful Baby Blue Event

Wanted to share a baby boy shower collaboratively thrown by my talented family. We are fans of the eclectic and no one pulls together shabby chic better than my Mother who hosted at her home. This table was delightful. Don't you just love the ceramic baby booties!! The petit fors came from our favorite local baker. They are a shower staple. Uncle Mike made the baby blue and white chocolate covered coconut bon bons. Yum!!

I captured the photo to the left of this children's table before it was finished. But, I had to show you the little tea set as the centerpiece. Tres adorable.

To make the diapers/nut cups, cut a 5 inch square of a printed flannel. Fold once across the middle diagonally to make a triangle. Bring the 3 corners together and pin with a small safety pin. Using metal tongs dip in melted paraffin. (Be very safe. This is a hot procedure.) Set the "bottom" on a waxed paper lined cookie sheet to set up. You can use the tongs to open the top a little and shape if needed while still hot. Once they are set and the paraffin has stiffened, you can fill with peanuts. We always put a dollop of mustard in the bottom of one to dry before filling. Whoever gets the "dirty diaper" wins a prize. It's really cute and everyone gets a kick out of it. We've each taken a turn making these. However this batch was extra specially made by my Grandmother.

Little touches are the best! These paci mints are always a favorite too! Large Lifesavers, a dab of the white icing in the tube, and a jelly belly of your color choice(s).  

Isn't the umbrella a cute centerpiece on the gift table!?

There was a little robot motif mixed in as well in some of the labels and place cards. The new baby's nursery has a robot theme but a much brighter color pallet so these were used for fun.

Every time you celebrate, you should have a little joy!!   

One of my contributions to our Italian style lunch buffet, mini caprese salads on the cutest little appetizer forks that I accidentally found looking for toothpicks.

I just love the way everything came together! P.S. Etiquette aficionados, we did scoot the silverware to the proper place before the guests arrived. ;-)

Mimi Brenda's Secret Lasagne Recipe.

Tulips wrapped in a variety of papers found in the scrap booking aisle were guest favors.

Little Boy Blue come blow your horn,
The sheep's in the meadow the cow's in the corn.
But where's the boy who looks after the sheep?
He's under a haystack fast asleep. ~ Nursery Rhyme

Joy!

Red Delicious Memories

It's strange how something so simple can trigger a flood of wonderful memories. Last week, driving down the road I passed a guy selling 8 lb bags of apples for $5. I had the natural reaction that anyone would, I'll stop, buy two bags and make apple butter. That WAS your first thought right? :-) 

Anyway, I bought two bags. They were nice apples. They weren't the kind of pumped up, glossy, Supermen of apples that you find in the grocery store. They were the smaller, apples that real people grow on real trees in a backyard type setting. Even though I know that wasn't where these "guys" came from, it still reminded me of the apple tree that my Mammaw has growing on the hillside in the middle of the horse pasture: REAL apples.

When I was younger and lived at home, I would walk through the pasture to Pappaw and Mammaw's and pass that tree on the way. I might pet the horses, pick an apple, feed them one, feed me one. If it was that time of year when they were falling, we'd take a bag and pick them up, trying to avoid the bees and take the bag to Mammaw. Where she made the best stuff happen with those apples...Mammaw's Apple Pie!!

Pappaw and I would sit on the carport peeling the apples. You had to have the right set up. We had the bag of apples turned on it's side on the table so we could reach in and grab one, round cake pans for the scraps and a big bowl for the apple slices. He had a way of turning work into a fun time. I would listen to his stories and he was always interested in whatever I had to say. If I cut a little too much of the meat of the apple away with the peeling, he'd say, "Now, I thought we were peeling apples not slicing them." That was always followed by his little chuckle. He'd patiently show me how to get the knife just right to peel the apple.

The biggest challenge was to peel the apple keeping the whole peeling in tact. This was important!! My cousins and brothers and I would throw the peeling over our shoulder and let it land on the ground. Whatever letter the peeling made, that was the first initial of the person we were going to marry. Now, this obviously is an old wives tale. If we had married someone with every initial that popped up, we'd be in trouble. But, it was fun. The peel would land and we'd say, "Hmmmm, S I bet their name is Stephen or Samuel." We found the silliest things to entertain ourselves.

Fun memories. Now, let's get back to the apple butter I was going to make. My great grandmother always made apple butter. Of course, the best. She made it in a copper kettle outside over an open flame. She always put a silver dollar in the pot to keep the apple butter from sticking. My grandmother then carried on the tradition baking hers in a roasting pan in the oven for 4 hours. My mother then carried on the tradition using a crock pot. (Aren't crock pots the grandest invention?) This is also the method I used just this past weekend. It was finished last night just in time to have some warm apple butter on our dinner rolls.

Just a simple stop to buy apples turned in to such a stream of reminiscence. Thanks for stopping by to "listen." Hope to post again soon!

Until then, EnJOY!
Thee Alley Kat