Mom's Back Porch

Everyone likes going to Nanny's. It is such a relaxing place to just hang out as you can see. Although this weekend we were working back there, not relaxing. We had a huge garage sale in Nanny's carport and actually had customers dropping by all day long. It was fun to visit with all the neighbors through out the day. The bonus was when we could actually get them to buy something. One really smart customer brought his FFA sales brochure and Nanny and I ended up buying a ham and fruit from the Zavalla FFA club. I think he made more money than we did that day. We did have plenty of stuff left over but we are NOT having another sale in the near future. We are hauling all the leftovers to the thrift shop so you will have to go there to get any more of our junk. Don't worry, we are professionals at accumulating so we will probably need to have another one with all new junk eventually. I like to think of myself as an "Acquisition Specialist". I seem to remember trying to sell many things that I had "acquired" in the past just knowing that I would use or be able to fix-up and resale. At the end of the day, even though we didn't make tons of money, the lessons learned were priceless. 1) Stop buying stuff and bringing it home 2) When no one else wants your old stuff, you end up not wanting it either!

Antiques in Warrington

LOADS OF ANTIQUES

FRIENDS, NOT ANTIQUES


AND FAMILY

Last weekend we loaded up Theta's truck and drove across Texas to Warrington, Tx for the semi-annual antiques market. We had a great time visiting and shopping. Jana had just finished a long shift at the hospital and was able to meet us for breakfast in Huntsville. The weather was perfect and we walked and shopped all day. I think I spent less than $10 on stuff (not counting food) and the others kept to a safe limit as well. There was a lot of rusty old barn stuff and I have plenty of that already so I wasn't even tempted. I did get a few good ideas, I just have to be able to remember them now. My favorite thing was the embellished clothing in the Junk Chic store. They had lots of t-shirts and jeans with the saying, "Don't Worry, Be Hippy"! I think I have that covered!! Oh yea, and there was that barbed wire, license plate covered, red neck guitar that I liked. I wonder who should get that for Christmas??

Something Stinks!

Imagine my dismay when mom called to say she was on her way over to show me her newly bloomed cactus flower. I thought it would be pretty; not! And it stinks really bad. Smells like something dead. Sure enough, we "googled it" (looked up cactus flower that stinks) and this is how it is suppose to look and smell. She tried to give it to me but I made her take it back home! I think she should stick to her roses. They are prettier and smell way better that this!

OOOOOHHH, Look What She Did!

If you remember the post a few weeks ago, I showed you Nanny working on her "chain" stitch. Very quickly she mastered that and moved on to this baby blanket. Isn't it lovely? It is for Kelton, her newest great grandson. He lives where it gets quite cold so this should come in handy soon. She mailed it off to him last week, so he can begin using before he gets too big. I hope he realizes what a special little boy he is. So far he has the first and only blanket crocheted by Nanny. I hope there are many more to follow. Better get your orders in!

We Forgot the Yellow Ribbon!

Michael got to come home for short visit from Afghanistan and we were so happy to see him. He is doing well and looks great. We went to mom's for chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy and green beans. We had such a good time talking and just looking at him. He has gotten a lot more "buff" too. Great for those aunt and nanny hugs! We wish him safety and good health as he finishes his tour there and we told him to come home soon! Don't' forget to write him a quick note any time you get a chance.

The Original Nanny's Place

This spring we took a road trip to visit our grandmother's sister-in-law. This is Wesley and Carryl and in the background the home where our Nanny lived when I knew her. It was amazing how little has changed since I have been there which is at least 35+ years. The house looks the same and the area around the creek is still undeveloped. I think on that day we had a century of decades represented. Aunts, Uncles, cousins from all ages were there for Aunt Nadine's birthday. Even Aunt Nadine's place looked the same. She still has cats and that is what I remember the most. Well, cats and chicken houses. The chicken houses were gone and that was sad, but the early spring weather and the break in the rain allowed for a sunny afternoon and we walked and reminisced about the past. Funny how we all had different memories of the same thing. Good to know nothing has changed in that regard!

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

Nanny, with her granddaughter Brianna, and great-granddaugher (I do mean great) Bailey. I stopped in unannounced and found Brianna and her girls enjoying a glass of tea with Nanny on the back porch. Ok, it just doesn't get any better than that for me. I so love living here close to Nanny, and when the grandkids come to visit and bring their precious children, well there is nothing more special as far as I'm concerned. I had a few little kids with me for a visit so we borrowed Bailey for a while and went to "town" to get snowcones. She made quick friends with my little friends and we had a blast. It was sort of hard to order snowcones for 4 little kids plus me, as I recall, we had 2 grape, 2 rootbeer and 1 vanilla. When I asked them what they wanted they looked at me and said, "What is there?". I looked up at that list of 1,000 flavors and said what any experienced aunt would say, cherry, strawberry and grape. Pick one. One of my friends can read very well so he tried to start down the list, but as soon as he requested root beer I said great, and made him go sit down. The snow cone shack has picnic tables and shade, plus a big fan, so we sat right there and ate them. They wanted to take them with us in the car, but fun aunt or not, that's where I draw the line! NO snowcones in my car!! Except mine, which I knocked over as soon as I got in, and it was the grape one......

Funny Kid Story

So last weekend, my young nephew was watching me sew on the sewing machine. After he observed for a few minutes he told me that Nanny sews too, except she uses her hand, not a machine. Now, we all know that Nanny is a great seamstress, however, I know that she hasn't sewn anything in quite a while, so I quizzed him a little bit. "What do you mean, she sews with her hand, did you see her sewing?" "Yes", he replied, "She was making a croissant". I thought for a minute and asked him, "Was it blue?", and he said yes. (Ok, I can't do the quotes things anymore and finish story today). Then I told him, that is not croissant, that is crochet and she is making a blue baby blanket for new baby Kelton. Oh, he said and walked away. So, you say croissant, I say crochet, no big deal, just don't try to serve me crochet with my meal!

Carryl and Tommy on Vacation

How cool is this? Carryl and Tommy are only on day two of vacation and I am already posting a picture of the condo where they are staying. That's because I went there already in early May. It was absolutely gorgeous. I hope they have good weather and get lots of time on the beach. The sand there is like powdered sugar, very white and soft. They are in Gulf Shores, AL staying at one of my "Spa Girl" friend's condo. I don't think she will have much computer access while there so probably no danger of finding out that I have posted about her vacation before she even gets home. Consider it like getting a postcard from her. Right, like that's going to happen!!

You Can Teach a Nanny New Tricks!

Ok, most people know that you shouldn't complain to me about not having something to do! I always have lots of suggestions. So, when Nanny was complaining about her gardening almost being over, I sat her down and handed her a crochet needle and a ball of yarn. She is currently working on what my crochet group has dubbed the "king kong chain". I told her that she has to chain for 2 weeks and then I will teach her a new stitch. Carryl wants her to move on after just one day of chaining, but I said, "No!" "She has to be able to chain in the dark without her contacts, and in her sleep if necessary". When she reaches that point, or until her chain reaches my house (3 miles) she just can keep chaining. Basically, I am trying to convince her that all crochet is, is chaining. Before you know it she should be cranking out the grandma dollies. (She probably should spend some time teaching me to spell). I have lots of yarn that I will donate and have already decided that most of her Christmas gifts can be scarfs and hats. So, if you are in the family, you might want to pray for really cold weather and possibly even snow, because if she crochets you a hat, you WILL be wearing it!!!

Look What Our Cousin Made

Look at Linda's tomato garden. She bought the green planters and made her own version with stuff she already had at home ( the clay pot looking one). The greens ones are the ones "as seen on tv". I am sure that the one she made will work just as well. Great design and also great idea to encourage us to "use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without!" Great lesson in making do, Linda and I bet you even had fun making it, so if you have any other money saving tips for us please pass this way. I believe Linda also makes some other good stuff, so I will post some pictures here as soon as I get some! Hint hint to whoever is listening/reading!

Lisa

Our Prayers are Being Answered

Micheal emailed his dad on Wednesday of this week to tell him that he was ok. Then he described what had happened that day. This picture shows the vehicle he was riding in when it ran over an IED, (which is a hidden explosive device). There were no fatalities, but concussions, and lots of bangs and bruises. Michael also hurt his back pretty badly, but has stated that he will recover. This happened while we were sleeping here, but God took care of Michael and continues to watch over him and his group. Keep praying everyday, many times a day for Michael. He is facing things that we will most likely never have to worry about. He is also willing to pay a price for our freedom and comfort and I for one am guilty of forgetting how precious this freedom is and also how costly it is. I believe that Michael was actually sitting directly above where the explosion occurred. Michael, you are our miracle and we are thankful for you and what you do for us each and every day. Please let your group know that the Poland family from Texas is praying for them and that we love them all. Especially you.

Here is the Newest Graduate

Here is our newest graduate. Jeff has graduated from high school and we are so proud. He is one of 60 graduates that received scholarships. That was out of over 700 students!!!! Did I mention we are proud? Mom, Carry, Steve and I were blessed to be able to travel to downtown Houston and meet Wesley, and his mother-in-law , sister and brother -in- law. We were sad that Jeff's grandfather was unable to attend the ceremony due to an unforeseen hospital stay. We are praying that he has a speedy recovery. Anyway, we watched the class of 2009 march in and struggled to identify our graduate. We took turns with the binoculars and then tried to point him out so that everyone in our group could see him. Who were we kidding, we could barely see him with the binoculars much less with the naked eye. You would have thought we were trying to get a look a famous rock star or something. It was as if we had never seen him before and we were so excited to finally spot him. (or some student that looked like him). Actually, from where I was sitting they all looked the same! I think his dad was just relieved that he really was in the line up and would get a chance to hear his name called and walk across the stage. Of course we yelled and screamed like lunatics when his name was called. The arena was so big he probably didn't even hear us! (The people around us did though!!!) We all met up afterward on the street outside and took turns hugging and taking pictures. I was amazed at how many people came up to Jeff and shook his hand. This guy has touched many people during his young life and apparantely made a very positive impact on many. We will wave goodbye to him this fall with sadness and pride as he goes off to fulfill his scholarship to Virginia Tech. So, here is one more of the Poland clan that has made it through high school. We have several more to follow with the youngest one just starting life 2 days ago. So, I guess we should just reserve the last weekend in May and first weekend in June from now on!!

First Fruits

If you look closely you can see my first tomato of the season, in my very own garden! I'm not sure how long before I can pick and eat it, but I am watching it everyday to be sure I pick it just in time. Ethan's garden is actually doing better than mine. He picked his first pepper last night and we shared it at dinner. I don't think he even likes it, but having grown it himself he was brave enough to try. He kept asking me if it was suppose to taste that way and was I sure it was ready? I think he probably prefers his produce in a jar of pickling juice or cooked on top of a pizza. He has peppers and tomatoes and I have cucumbers and tomatoes. We almost have enough stuff for a salad! Mom has tomatoes and squash so before long we should have a great summer meal! I realize that this post is not overly exciting, but alas, this is the big life in the country. Watching things grow and eating. I might go out and take my laundry off the line when I get up enough motivation to get dressed, are 3 days long enough for towels to dry??

This is Lisa, living the county life and loving it!

Boykin Springs

Boykin Springs is part of our family's history. When we were young we played there many times, as we got older and brought our kids there they too enjoyed the beautiful springs and lake, while we tripped, fell down, turned ankles, etc. We had many church and school function picnics there as well. I think Ethan will want to go camping with his Houston friends there later this summer. I am all for camping, can't wait! We can find us a shady camp spot in the forest, set up the tent, lawn chairs, hammock, etc. Bring lots of cool camp food, fishing and swimming gear, and last but not least..... I can go home to shower and sleep at the end of the day!!!! Who's in??

We Have Two Graduates

This is Bailey she is a recent graduate of the Kindergarten Class of 2009. Way to go Bailey, keep that smile and you will go far. (That sounds like a lame year book entry doesn't it??) Any, we are very proud of her and of her parents and sisters. She is the first one in that family to graduate from Kindergarten. If you blink really slow, the next picture will be of her high school graduation! Which brings me to the second graduate in the family. Jeffrey A. Poland is graduating from High School this week. Yea, class of 2009! We are so proud of Jeff. He will be attending college in the fall at Virginia Tech on a ROTC scholarship. He still needs lots of prayer and support as he heads out on his own. All major cash and checks accepted!

I need a Vacation

I so need a vacation. Actually I think I'd really like to retire and become a more devoted domestic engineer. Have to be careful talking about needing time away from work, last 2 times I prayed for time off, my prayers were answered and my time off was spent either totally in bed or in the hospital. Be specific when you ask God for things. He DOES answer.

We've been busy on the Poland and Seale ranches lately. Weekend before last Lisa, Mom & I (well Aunt Iris mostly) hosted a baby shower for our little Leah who is expecting the newest baby girl to our family. Had quite a turn out, way more than I expected. It was nice just to visit with everyone.

Then my new sister in town, Lisa, hosted lunch for Mother's Day. That was really nice and probably more so for Mom. She has always cooked lunch at her house on Mother's Day. I always considered that kind of an oxymoron due to the fact it was "her" day and she was the one doing all the work. Doesn't make sense to me. I'd just as soon go out somewhere. I'm not going to be the mother who cooks on Mother's Day, shoot I don't want to cook anyday. I'm a good cook I just don't enjoy it.

Haven't heard from our soldier in Afghanistan for a while now. I think he's talked to his dad. Last time I talked with him he had gotten so many packages from us that he told us not to send him anymore for awhile. That must be really bad when a soldier gets too much. Just continue to pray that he and other serving with him will be protected by God's hand and stay out of harms way.

I'm being paid to work so better get back at it.

Let Freedom Ring!

We can enjoy the sweet sound of freedom in part due to this young man. Our very own personal hero. Michael is very busy serving our country and we are so proud of him. We pray for him every day and send letters and packages. It will be one of our sweetest reunions when he gets to come back home. Until then, put his picture, name or any other reminder where you can see it often throughout your day, and pray, pray, and pray everytime you see it. Pray for his dad and brother as well as they have to be apart from him during this time.

Sisters

This is mom and Aunt Iris. She has been spending lots of time with mom helping her as she recovers from her hip, pelvic, tail bone breaks. We have enjoyed her cooking and getting together for coffee and visits. This picture was taken this week at Lisa's mom-in-law's 80th birthday party. They looked so pretty all dressed up and smiling. In a few weeks we will all get together again for their aunt's birthday. Mom is almost recovered and is anxious to get out to the garden. She is currently growing berries, lemons and grapefruit and is planning to plant tomatos and more berry plants. We will post pictures as soon as all starts producing.

Be Praying for Michael

This was taken in Alaska, but Michael is now in Afganistan so everyone keep praying for him daily. For his safety and his work with the other soldiers there. He is a front line medic and jumper so he is right in the mix of action. We are so proud of Michael and all that he has accomplished in a short amount of time. All notes and care packages are greatly welcomed. Wesley or I can get you the address info. You can get free boxes from the post office that cost 11.99 to mail and they hold a lot of stuff. This is a great deal so I hope all of you will take the time to pick up a couple and send them off. Include extras because Michael will be sharing with his buddies.

Is Anyone Looking?

This was taken the evening after Thanksgiving. She was resting so peacefully I just couldn't wake her up for a picture. Oh well, if she asks me to take this off the blog, I'll think about it but first she has to prove that she is reading the blog. She tried to tell me a story about Bailey last week and I had already blogged about it!

So, if you have any news or info for the blog, send me an email and I will get it posted. I could use some new pictures too, obviously!

Happenings at Home

This is Bailey trying to help Nanny get on her earrings. I'm pretty sure Nanny doesn't need help but I did overhear Bailey suggesting that since she couldn't get it in she could just make a new hole! Nanny took over from there. Anyway, Nanny aka mom, Betty, etc... is recovering from a couple of falls that caused her to break her tail bone and pelvic bone and maybe even her hip bone. I bet she knows what they are all connected to now! Her nerve bone!! Anyway, she has been going through a very long and uncomfortable recovery. Her 2 sisters have been coming to stay and help take care of her. Actually, they help take care of all of us as we seem to be staying there a lot.


For example, today, Aunt Iris cooked a huge Sunday lunch and they invited all the family currently in town as well as a few church friends. Too bad I (Lisa) can't be there until later tonight. I hope they leave a few leftovers for me!


This is why I will be going up there tonight:

Steve, Ethan and I are moving to the farm. Yes, that's right, we are relocating to the country to enjoy a slower pace and more wide open spaces. Ethan is excited about going to school in a much smaller town. I am looking forward to spending a lot of time in the rocking chair on the front porch. Of course, we will be bringing all of our animals and at least one of Erin's with us. At last count that makes 1 dog, 3 cats and 1 bird. Josie has already been up there and she loves it. Of course she likes to go anywhere that I go so as long as I am within her sight/smell she seems content. We are looking forward to being closer to family and being able to help out our moms.