June Hen Party

Last week, we had our monthly hen party. And y'all, I absolutely cherish those times. Sitting around the table gabbing with our dear friends? I love it.

This month, we had some littles. With Mrs. Pegi's granddaughters being on Summer break, they wanted to join in on the fun. Also, I got to babysit my dear friend Lanie's son, Justice.

These were the cards that we made this month. I got a little busy chasing Justice, but how cute were the ones that I finished? So pretty. Cynthia Kay always picks some of the prettiest cards for us to make. 

I've got to tell y'all this. Justice had found this tractor thingy in the play room. He had asked me early on what it was. Now, y'all know me…I know nothing about equipment. It looked like one of those log-picker-up things that I had seen on a logging show once. Well, upon getting an "I'm not sure" from me, and then making the rounds asking everyone at the hen party what it was, he made his way back to me that night. "Miss Weeta, what is this called?" I said "I think it's a log pincher, Justice."
Thinking that maybe any old answer would suffice. Then Justice says "I don't think that's what it's called." Lol. Well, okay. I think a four year old has called me out on my limited equipment knowledge. 

Sheffield Shenanigans: Granny, Get Your Gun!

Granny Doris, Photo Credit: Tammy Bierman

My Granny Doris, used to be an excellent shot.  She lives on the little cut off road right before you get into Cedar Key, she used to always have passerbyers leaving the bar, who would stop to pee on her flowers.  Being such an incredible gardener, and having such beautiful flowers...well, she didn't appreciate that too much.  Granny, being of sound mind, good aim, and quick temper, got sick of that and started scaring them off....by shooting (not AT them...).

Well, around the time she was 85, she was in the Walmart with my Aunt Tammy.  Aunt Tammy was busy in the grocery section when she heard her name over the loudspeaker being summoned to the sporting goods section.  Y'all, no lie, my Granny had bought herself a gun.  At 85.  Lord help.

This weeks little bit of Sheffield Shenaniganery...Cynthia Kay has put "getting concealed weapons permit" on her bucket list.  A dear friend of ours let us come out and shoot some of his guns to see what she'd like best.  I'll be honest here, I don't know if I should be proud or scared...

I learned a valuable lesson...I can't hit the broad side of a barn.  I did not inherit my Granny Doris' abilities.  Thank God for my tazer.  I swear, the "target" could be 2 feet in front of me, and somehow I'd miss.  After shooting my 4th gun, and still maybe hitting AT the target twice, I was reminded of Lonestar State of Mind, when the doctor says "You said he shot you point blank, son?  Well, that's some sorry damn shootin' if I ever saw it."

Meanwhile, my mother, aka "Cindy the Kid," after a few practice runs, shot one target in the eye, one in the cheek, one shot in the temple, and got in one throat shot.

....Was she a gun slinger in a past life??

Jennifer Gonzales

Artistic Soul of Chiefland

In the same building as That Place Salon in mid-Chiefland, sits a red door. Behind that red door is a sanctuary for the tattoo artist and local, Jennifer Gonzales.

Fun Aleta fact: I love tattoos.

I know, I know, around these parts you either hear “Ooooh, what tattoo did you get?” Or people shake their heads thinking you’re bound for Hell and eternal damnation. I’ll be frank, it’s just not even worth it for me to get into a discussion with a person believing the latter.

To me, tattoos are art. They are a permanent testament to the things that I love and/or hold dear. If questioned, most tattoo-bearing people would have some story behind each piece. A tattoo that they got with their best friend. A picture of a place that they love. A memorial tattoo. A special quote. Lyrics that have some meaning to them. To undergo the tattoo needle, for any length of time, there is typically a story there.

While I had often thought about getting a tattoo, my little sister wound up beating me to it. It’s almost laughable now. I vividly remember my mom asking her “it’s going to be a small one, right?...like 2 inches?” Rheba came home with a massive piece on her back. Okay, okay, admittedly mom may still not find it as funny as I do.

Something I remember, though, is the time Rheba put in contacting the tattoo artist, and the effort that Jennifer put into making sure Rheba’s tattoo was everything she wanted it to be. Even though Jenn’s husband was ultimately the one who did Rheba’s tattoo, I was so impressed with the time and effort they put into Rheba’s tattoo. Rheba could not have been happier with it, and it has always meant a lot to her.

I'm often nervous walking into a new interview with someone that I don't know so well. Upon knocking on the red door, Jennifer greeted me and put me immediately at ease. She is such a warm spirit.

Jennifer is both creative and quirky. A woman who's priorities go God, family, friends, then work; a rarity in this day and age. She is one of the most loving, giving, compassionate individuals you could ever happen upon.

Jennifer identifies as an empath. An extraordinary quality that only adds to exceptional artistry. Emotions effect her, overwhelm her. And if you are someone she knows really well, there is no sense hiding how you’re feeling, she will see right through it.

As I often am, I was incredibly blessed to have met Jenn; and in doing so, have made a new friend. I hope that you will enjoy her interview.

Jennifer Gonzales

If you could choose one fictional character that best embodies you, which one would it be?

"A combination: Phoebe from Friends, and Punky Brewster."

What has been your vacation?

"Orlando. We rented a big house for all of our family, our employees and their families. We stayed there for a week. We went to Disney, but it was great. There was just no stress. The greatest part was having everyone that I loved all in one place. We just had a really great week."

Jenn and her family at a Friday night football game.

From Chiefland, how did you wind up in Ormond Beach?

"When I was 18, I went to get my first tattoo. That was where I met my husband. We later moved to New Jersey, then we moved back to Gainesville. I actually worked at Bodytech for quite a while. Then, we decided to venture out on our own and since we had been to two cities, we decided to go to the beach!"

Jennifer and her mom

What is bringing you back to Chiefland?

"My daddy is bringing me back to Chiefland. He's my heart. He's my best friend. He has saved me. He is what has brought me back.  My mother passed away recently, and it really opened my eyes to the fact that we're never promised another day.  I just want to spend as much time as I can with my dad."

Jennifer and her dad

Tell me a little bit about the business and the upcoming changes. 

"We opened our shop in Ormond on December 8, 2007. The new Chiefland shop will be opening July 7th. It will be by appointment only. I am going to be traveling back and forth to Ormond every other week, because we are keeping that shop as well. I will have a new apprentice, Cheryl Langston Barron."

"This new shop is like my sanctuary. It has a red door, because every happy home should have a red door. It's like walking through love. Everything is love. The artwork that is on the walls…Every piece of artwork is from people who inspire me, every piece is custom, every piece was made for me."

"I am looking forward to a slower pace here. When you're growing up, you can't wait to get out of here, but once you have kids, you can't wait to be back home."

"We are now accepting appointments for the new shop!"

Do you have a favorite tattoo that you've ever done?

"I don't have a favorite. I literally put my heart into every tattoo. And I hide hearts in every tattoo I do."

Jenn and her family enjoying a movie night

How do you handle the role of wife, mother, and business owner?

Lanie: "Like a boss bitch."

Jenn: "I can't. I don't know that I can say I 'handle it.' Whatever I'm doing at the moment, that is what I'm focused on. I will say, my mind is always running. I am always over-thinking. But these are my priorities: God, family, friends, and then work. When I'm with my kids, I put my all into spending time with them. When I'm with my husband, I put my all into spending time with him. When I'm at work, I put my all into that."

"My husband is my saving grace. He is my rock. He balances me."

What is the best part of your job?

"Seeing people happy. Fixing a mistake. Some people think that memorial tattoos might be hard to do, but I love doing them. Giving someone something to remember someone by. It's like giving someone a chapter as closure to a book."

Brent's Rose

An example of this would be Brent Rose. 

"Brent had me do a very specific rose for him that was all the different colors in the rainbow.  I asked him the significance and it was that he loved life.  The colors represented life.  Because of all of the colors, and all of the blending, I joked that that specific rose would just be Brent's rose.  I wouldn't do another like it.  He laughed and said 'I think you'll do a few more.'  Literally the day after he called me to schedule his next appointment, he passed away.  He'd said I would do a few more, and I did.  I gave several of his family members that tattoo to remember Brent by.  I remember giving his fiancé that tattoo, and we were both weeping." 

What is the hardest part of your job?

(She laughs) "Paying taxes. It's extremely hard to own your own business. Many people do not understand the struggles to owning your own business."

Jenn and her Mother-In-Law

What advice would you give to a young person interested in becoming a tattoo artist?

"My Mother-In-Law was the one that really pushed me to become a tattoo artist.  My husband taught me, but my Mother-In-Law was the one that pushed me to use it.  She told me once, 'Never rely on a man.  God forbid, if something were ever to happen to Mike, you would need to support yourself and your kids.'  She was what really drove me to start tattooing.  For that, I am forever thankful."

"It takes an immense amount of dedication. Do not give up. If one person tells you no, find another person. If that person tells you no, find another person. Never give up. And the old adage is true…practice makes perfect."

"You're only as good as your last tattoo. I still get shocked at people wanting me to tattoo them. I still get butterflies."

What is something that you wish more people understood?

"People don't always understand what goes into tattooing.  I spend hours either days before, or the night before, drawing up a tattoo.  Stretching someone's skin for hours on end is not easy.  There are nights I go home, and my hands are sore, and my eyes are nearly crossed.  It's harder than one might think."

Jenn's best friend, Jimmy Rogers, drew this for her.

What is something that most people don't know about you?

"I'm scared of dying.  I'm scared of roaches. I LOVE donuts….donuts, unicorns, and mermaids. I also love the smell of wood."

What is something that you're looking forward to in the future?

"Sunday dinners at my dad's house."

To see more of their artwork and to contact the shop, go to: https://www.facebook.com/ArtisticSoulTattoo

Thoughtful Tuesday

Image found on getchorus.com

Writing is not a science. And many times its an emotion-driven practice. Some days I can type 3,000 words easily, and some days, it's a struggle to string a sentence together. Or, at least, that's been my experience.

My aunt told me once that my cousin sets aside time every single day to write. It has become part of her routine, and she is very disciplined about it.

I've mentioned before that I struggle with follow through.

I started in the middle of January, trying to write every day and have a post every day. When I did one full month, I was so proud. Then the two month mark came. Then the 100 day mark. And now, we're coming up on the six month mark. I am extremely proud that I've been able to post every single day for nearly six months. I haven't come by that easily.

In fact, the last month I have struggled immensely to write. Some days I feel like I can find something easily to write about, and then other days I feel like I'm grasping at straws.

Thank you to those of you who have religiously read my posts. I hope to have some new interviews to post here shortly. And with summer in full throttle, there will surely be some new fodder on the horizon.

Here's to keeping on...

Mama Says Monday: Getting Old Sucks...

Photo Credit: Google Images

Getting old surely sucks. Everything starts to fail you. I had another reminder this afternoon. As I was in the sewing room, trying to make a couple of adjustments to two pair of capris for me and a blouse for Aleta, I begin to realize that my eyesight wasn’t what it use to be. The actual adjustments shouldn’t have taken 30 minutes, but…I had to change the color of my thread three times. Threading the needle is getting next to impossible. When your eye can’t see the eye of the needle, it’s probably time to visit the doctor and get a new pair of spectacles. “Don’t bother with the exam, Doc. I think I need the super-duper extra thick magnifier ones!!” Hmmm, wonder if they can just put magnifying glasses in a pair of frames to hang on my nose? At any rate, being nearly blind takes all the fun out of sewing. Not only was it hard to thread my machine, I also broke a needle and had to replace it, which meant removing a very tiny screw which holds in the needle. I promptly dropped the screw on the floor and had to have Aleta come find it. After replacing the needle, guess what? Another rethread!! Four hours later, I have those three items done. I still have a couple of pants to hem, but I gave it up after 4 hours. Getting old is not for wimps.

And then Aleta reminds me of our plans for Monday afternoon. “Glad you reminded me, I had already forgotten.” Aleta laughs and tells me that’s why I keep her around. I guess my memory is going as fast as my eyesight!

Sunday Obsession: The Hannah Swensen Series by Joanne Fluke

Y'all know that I love to read.  However, I must say that in the past several years it has gone to the backburner.  Not that I wanted to give up reading, but I'm finding more and more that I struggle with adult ADD.  There have been times when I've read 3/4 of a book, and then set it down and never picked it up again.  To tell you how many times that has occurred would be embarrassing.  I've found it very hard to stay focused and interested in a book for very long.

I believe that I've mentioned before that I am a little obsessed with the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries channel.  Some of my favorite movies on there are the Murder She Baked movies.  A few months back, I found out that they were based on a series of books.  About a month ago, in looking forward to our upcoming vacation (where I will read probably more than anything), I bought the first few books to the series.  There are like 24 total in the series, as of right now.  I didn't want to buy them all given my failure to commit to anything for very long.

But y'all, I'm obsessed.  I have found myself reading during my lunch break, reading in the evenings, reading on weekends.  And while some of you may think this is sad, I feel like I've finally come back to a hobby that I so loved.  I'm thoroughly enjoying reading again.  And I love that.

So why is this series good?  It's set in a small town, and based around a local baker that keeps stumbling onto dead bodies.  They are fun reads, and actually include several recipes in each book, which is kind of cool.  After a while, you begin to feel like you know the people in the book.  The characters are endearing and lovable.

So, if you are looking for some summer reads, I would highly suggest this series.  It's written by Joanne Fluke, and you can find the "books in order" list here at https://www.fictiondb.com/author/joanne-fluke~series~a-hannah-swensen-mystery~613.htm

Saturday in the South

Rhett's Field

Rhett's Field, different angle/spot, different time of day.

Rhyna and Swayze.  Swayze is getting so big, and is so pretty.

This is an older photo I stumbled across this week from my Instagram, but it was taken in the field between our house and Uncle Gregg's Watermelon Shed.

Kickin' it Old School

As we have already firmly established...I, Miss Aleta Kaylee, am a lover of all things retro.

I posted a photo earlier in the year of the super cute polka-dotted bathing suit I had picked up at Lane Bryant.

Photo credit: lanebryant.com

Well, it must be what is just IN this year, because I have found two other swim suits at Torrid that I absolutely love.  Whatever it is, y'all, I am LOVING it.

I truly wasn't quite sure how I would feel about the chevron bathing suit, but when I tried it on this weekend I knew that I needed it.

Photo credit: torrid.com

See, I am hard to fit...even in something like a simple dress, many times I have to have things that I buy altered.  I am hopelessly pear-shaped.  And, like many women out there, I have certain areas that I am very self-conscious about.  So, when it comes down to bathing suit time, I sometimes have a very hard time finding one to fit right.

Photo credit: torrid.com

This year, I'm calling it a win.  Not only did I find bathing suits that fit well...BUT, I found some that are retro looking and just scream "Aleta."  I couldn't be more pleased!

Truthful Thursday

Photo Credit: Cartoonstock.com

I hate to clean. Like…I hate it. I would rather pay someone else to do that, because I absolutely loathe time spent cleaning. The idea of spending a perfectly good Saturday cleaning the house makes me cringe. There have been times where the idea has seriously passed through my head “Can’t we just burn it down and start fresh?” That’s awful…(and I wouldn’t wish that AT all) but that correctly depicts my hatred of cleaning. Domestic Goddess, I am not.

So, we have needed new flooring for years. For years. However, three things have kept us from getting it. First, there has been much debate on what kind of flooring we would get. Cynthia Kay has gone back and forth on what type she wanted. At the present, I still cannot say with absolute assurance that she knows what she wants. A typical woman for you. Secondly, I trust NO one in my house alone anymore. Our last home renovations ended with a phone call to the cops after the man working on the house stole a bunch of stuff from us. He also left the countertops for mom's craft room out in the rain...and they got warped.  So we ended up having to buy MORE countertops.  Not to mention, the job that was supposed to take a week took a month. To say it was a nightmare would be putting it mildly. And lastly, getting new flooring would, of course, mean cleaning our house and getting rid of some things. If I have not mentioned this previously, the Sheffield girls are a bunch of hoarders.

As we are going to have to do it in sections anyways, and because this seems like the least daunting of sections…I have begun cleaning out the kitchen, dining room, kitchen, and one bathroom. Although there are only a few things we will need to move/clear out in order to get the flooring for this section, it will require going through two big bookshelves, two hallway closets, two bathroom closets, as well as moving several items. You would be astounded at the amount of “stuff” three women can have.

Y’all, some prayers, gift cards to the liquor store, and an “Aleta needs bail money” fund would be much appreciated. Lawsy mercy.

Wordless Wednesday

This photo cracked me up the other day.  I think Jarrod and I were on a safari ride somewhere and we were not liking the smell too much. 

Travelin' Tuesday

Every year on Father's Day, rather than staying at home and feeling a little down, we load up in the car and take off.  This year was no different.  We really had no idea where we were going to go as of Saturday night.  Rheba had suggested two things: Barbara Jean's for lunch and St. Augustine.

Originally, I was thinking going from the house to Fernandina back down to St. Augustine and then back home--all in one day--would be a little much.  In looking up Barbara Jeans, I found that there was another location in Ponte Vedra, only 25 miles north of St. Augustine.  That seemed much more doable.

So, the Sheffield girls loaded up on Sunday morning and took off.  Our first stop was Barbara Jeans for lunch.  Y'all, the cheese grits were as good as I had remembered.  Oh. My. Word.  If y'all have never been, I encourage all of you cheese grits lovers out there to do so.  Now, in all reality, Fernandina's location is still my favorite.  The parking is easier, the seating is laid out a little better, and I like the scenery better in Fernandina.  But that's just me.  The food is still spectacular.

After lunch, we made the trek back to St. Augustine to do a little shopping at the outlets.  We won't discuss how much was spent.  Ahem.  I had put myself on a budget (with two upcoming vacations on the horizon), and that kind of went out the window.  But I digress.  I can say with absolute certainty that the Sheffield girls ARE "Beach-Ready."

Mom got some kind of peanut butter pie

After our little shopping spree, we decided to finish off our trip by stopping by the Village Inn Restaurant for some pie.  I'm going to add a little something here... Have you ever known those people who urge you to try something new, even if you KNOW exactly what you want?  Yeah, I hate those people.  Lol.  (Kidding, kind of).  Well, I am one of those people who don't have any problem figuring out what I want for dessert.  At the Village Inn Restaurant, I knew exactly what slice of pie I would be getting...the French Silk.  Y'all, it was incredible.  My tastebuds were oh-so-happy.

Aside from the shopping and wonderful food, what truly made the day was getting to spend it with my two most favorite people.  I love them dearly, and any day spent with them is a good day.

Macaroni and Cheese Monday

So, y'all...you're gonna have to forgive my mama.  She is up to her eyeballs making a special Coconut Cream Cheese Pound Cake for Mrs. Cindy Jo's birthday at the moment.  She's asked me to cover her "Mama Says Monday" post for her this week.

Now, I'm going to fill you in on a little Sheffield Household Secret...We like to make easy recipes. And we're all about the semi-homemade life.  These hoity toity "only from scratch-ers" may gasp in dismay, but honestly, we're just not about that life.  In fact, although I love reading Southern Living (for the Travel section, if I'm honest) if a recipe has more than 10 ingredients, my eyes just kind of glaze over.

I will also add here that my Mama is a sleuth when it comes to figuring out copy cat recipes for our favorite items at restaurants.  Her latest creations have been: the purple pepper sauce from Church's, the creamy jalapeno dip at Chuy's, and the raspberry pork from an old restaurant in Apalach.

Having all of that said, and knowing that some of y'all like a nice, easy dish to make for dinner or for Dinner of the Grounds at your church or what not....I've decided to share one of our tried and true recipes with y'all...This Macaroni and Cheese recipe reminds me a lot of the Ivy House Mac and Cheese.  Slightly different, but oh-so-delicious.

Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese

1lb. box macaroni (I prefer Penne)
1 stick butter, melted
1 can cheddar soup
1 tall can evaporated milk (16 oz)
2 eggs
1 lb. grated sharp cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Cook macaroni until done and drain. Mix butter, milk, eggs, cheddar soup, and cheese together. Add to macaroni. Mix well. Pour into crockpot. Turn crockpot on low temperature. Cook 1 1/2-2 hours.

Y'all enjoy!

And Cynthia Kay should be back to her sassy self next week!

The Legend wearing Liberty Overalls in Heaven

Y’all, I’ve said this time and time again. But I had the very best dad. He was attentive, loving, over-the-top. I loved that man more than he will ever know. And he loved us girls so very much.

He didn’t just want kids to say he had kids. When we were little, long before vinyl decals for your back glass was en vogue, he had our names painted on the side of his truck. He had us in every parade around.

When I was little, on his day off, I didn’t go to day care…No. He’d haul me to Cedar Key or wherever he was off to that day. In fact, as I sit typing this, I can almost smell the air freshener in his old truck. On every jaunt we made to Cedar Key when I was little, he’d stop at Raymond’s in Rosewood, and get me a bag of Funyuns, a Root beer, and a lollipop. Ol’ Raymond was one of my dad’s friends. And it never failed, those pickled pigs feet in a jar would always make me cringe.

Dad always saved up his time throughout the year, and would always take it during our Christmas break. During that break, he would take us to different State Parks almost daily. Dad, being a Park Ranger, wanted us to see all of it.

When I say he was over-the-top…he was over the top. He bought me a Shriner’s car with “Punky’s Putt-Putt” painted on the side the Christmas after I turned 2. Suitable gift. Lol. I wasn’t able to drive that thing confidently until I was 7 or 8. Even then, it was hit or miss. After seeing how much I enjoyed the wooden playground at Payne’s Prairie, he went against my mama’s will (who had desperately wanted a circle drive), and completely engulfed our front yard with a huge wooden playground…complete with the balance beam (2-levels), shaking bridge, 2-story fort, fireman’s pole, and swing set. When I was learning about Native Americans in school, he made me a huge teepee in the front yard.

You know…it’s funny, though…the things that once embarrassed you about your parents as kids become some of the fondest memories that you have of them as adults. For my daddy, I will always remember him in his overalls. In my younger days, I thought they made him look like a hillbilly. Now, that will forever be the image I hold in my heart. There is nothing sweeter.  I just know he's parading through the streets of gold in his Liberty overalls and his brogans.   

I want to share something I wrote a three or four years ago:

As a coworker and I were talking today, the subject of overalls came up. She told me that her uncle, who was notorious for always wearing overalls, once strolled into a Cadillac dealership. Now, he had the ability to pay, in cash, for any new Cadillac that he saw fit. The dealership salesman, noting his tattered overalls, and writing him off as some penniless hillbilly, told him that he didn’t think that they had anything that he could afford. Well, he went down the road and purchased a brand new vehicle, paying cash. Needless to say, that Cadillac dealer sure did miss out on some commission.

Y'all guessed correctly.  There's no denying those big brown eyes.  This would be me, donning my overalls.

I really liked that story, but it reminded me of one of my own. My daddy gave me an appreciation for a man in overalls. I don’t think there’s anything sweeter than a little baby boy, or a little rough and tumble boy, or an elderly man dressed in overalls. Heck, when we were little, my sister and I often wore overalls. Mama was just reminding me tonight of a pair of Hee-Haw overalls that were passed down from my cousin Billy (now in his mid-forties), down to his brother Chris, then down to Dale, Jarrod, Me then Rheba. Those Hee-Haw overalls were very loved and very, very worn. My dad, a lover of Liberty denim overalls, would wear those things everywhere. In fact, for a short while, when one or two of his pair got a little raggedy around the hem, he had Mama cut them off and make them into overall shorts. Well, thank you Jesus that phase didn’t last long. He looked awful funny sportin’ those overall shorts and brogans. It wasn’t exactly a trend that needed to take off, if you catch my drift.

My daddy once told me, when I had big dreams of a wedding, that he was going to walk me down the aisle in his overalls. At the time, I was appalled, and said “You most certainly won’t.” What I would give for that man to walk me down the aisle now. I’d even let him wear his most-favorite, tattered pair of Liberty overalls.

One thing that I will always remember about my daddy was the fact that he always made it a point to wear his overalls to church every Easter. He did this as a bit of a protest. See, while all the ladies were primpin', putting on their very finest new dress, and the men were sprucing up and putting on their Sunday best, Daddy just didn’t see the point. He always felt that it didn’t matter what you wore to the House of the Lord; just as long as you went. You didn’t have to be all gussied up to go in and worship and pray.

Well about five years ago, there it was…Easter. Mama and Rheba were done up, and there dad was…walking into church in his overalls. Behind him were a group of young ladies. One of the girls said “Can you believe what that man has on??” Then they all started snickering. Well that just grated Daddy’s nerves. I remember him coming home telling me all about it, as we had driven separately.

“That girl hurt my feelings!... It doesn’t matter what you wear to church!... You don’t have to be dressed all snazzy to pray!...”

And then he continued with, “And that girl’s sittin’ there talking about my overalls…Look at her! She’s so ugly, you’d have to tie a damn pork chop around her neck to get the dog to play with her!”

Real nice coming from a man that just got out of church, right? I sure did love that man.

Lawsy, I do love a man in overalls.

A Good Man

This was a post I'd written in 2009, but in honor of Father's Day, I thought I'd share it. 

Dad and Mrs. Patty at his retirement party

A Good Man

Well, this won’t exactly be a typical post, so prepare yourself. Tonight I had the pleasure of attending the retirement party that my dad’s coworkers threw for him. There is no other way to put it, other than it blessed my heart. Truthfully, I don’t think that I can quite find the words to express all that I felt tonight.

See, Dad went there thinking that not many people would show up, but actually forty-two people gathered around to celebrate this time with him. Some of his coworkers at Ichetucknee had contacted many of the people that he had worked with over the years (at the other state parks that he had worked at), and almost all of them showed up for the party. Needless to say, my dad was pleasantly surprised. He was totally the masculine form of the ‘belle of the ball.’ As he sat talking with all of his good friends, I could tell that he was truly happy.

After dinner, they started a very nice presentation, and gave gifts. All of the gifts were so thoughtful and sweet…dad even got choked up at one point. I honestly believe that he didn’t think that that many people cared. They gave him two beautiful plaques (one that has pictures of 3 of the main parks that he worked at…it’s beautiful), a watch, a bunch of Skoal (go figure…hahah) and several other things. After opening the gifts, Mrs. Patty asked people to stand up and say some things about him. I will try to write some of the comments that people said. One man said “He was one of the hardest workers that I ever had the privilege of working with.” Another lady said “It didn’t matter if you were having the worst day, a few minutes of talking with Jackie and your day would turn around. He always kept us in stitches.” Another said “He really taught the inmates how to work. But he found ways of making them work (like having competitions between themselves) without yelling at them. He worked with them, he didn’t just stand back and let them do all of the work. He worked right beside them. And he always made them feel like human beings…not prisoners. By the time they left his crew, they knew how to work and support themselves.” And the one that stood out to me was “He was a very hard worker. If we had more people in America that had his work ethic, we wouldn’t be in the predicament that we’re in now.” My dad is a very hard worker. He has always been that way…in whatever he was doing.

Well after the presentation, people began sharing stories. This went on for an hour and a half. Everyone was laughing and having a good time. Almost everyone in the room had a story to tell about dad. It was such a good fellowship time. There were a lot of memories shared, and once again my dad was SO happy.

As the party was coming to a close, I had many people come up and speak to my mom, Rheba and me. Everyone kept saying “You don’t know how lucky you are to have a dad like him.” “This man has touched my life.” “Take care of Jackie in his retirement, he is very near and dear to my heart.” My heart was filled with pride for him. He has meant so much to so many people and I don’t think that he will ever realize how much. But hopefully he got a glimpse of a small portion of it tonight.

While dad was driving home tonight he said, “You know, I didn’t take on the inmates because I wanted an ego trip or anything. It was still really hard work. I took them on because I knew that if I did, I would always have weekends off. I just wanted to be able to spend time with you girls. I wanted to be able to spend time with my family…that’s why I did it.” Well, I’m not one for emotion, but I have to say that I got a little teary-eyed. See, a lot of people like to crack jokes about the way my dad dresses, or snub him because they think that they’re above him. But let me tell you something, those that snub him are just missing out on knowing a great person. He will never dress fancy. He will never be a millionaire…but my dad is DEFINITELY worth knowing. And my dad is as hard-working as they come. He has been a wonderful father to me and my sister, and been a great role model for so many people. He means more to us than he will ever know. I now think back on the times that I’ve taken him for granted, not really seeing him for what he is…and I hate that.

So…to sum this all up, tonight was a good night. No better than that, it was a GREAT night. Dad really got to see how much he meant to a lot of people. So, I am very happy…and blessed because of it.

A little bit of Friday nostalgia

I don't know what's gotten into me lately, but I've been struggling to write this past week.  So today, I hope that y'all will enjoy some old photos of my daddy. 

Aunt Mary Jane, Daddy, and Aunt Linda

Junkin' with Cynthia Kay and "Jo Curls"

Y'all, I've been strugglin' lately.  I think I'm just caught in the Summer in-betweens.  It's past Memorial Day, not quite Fourth of July.  Not quite time for my vacation.  I've got a case of the in-between blues.

So, the week before last, when I was REALLY struggling, I sent my boss an email requesting a day off.  I needed something to look forward to.  I told my mom, "We need to plan something."  So we started planning a "junkin'" trip.  Nothing major.  Mom had told me that Mrs. Jo Carol had been gunnin' to go with us on one of our little trips, so I knew she would add to the fun.  (Side note:  My sister used to refer to her as "Mrs. Jo Curls," so I still want to call her that).

We left and headed on our way towards Crystal River.  Upon finding out that Cynthia Kay had never been in the Rural King, we were on a mission to make that happen.  Let me just say here, my mom was impressed at the sheer amount of stuff at the Rural King.

After Rural King, we headed towards Inverness.  We went to the Square, and went in the bookstore where I found one of my Joanne Fluke books.  We went into a few little shops along the square.  This was actually a very neat little area, I may make another trip back there soon.

The Hernando Farmer's Market

 Then, we set our sights on Dunnellon.  On the way, we stopped at a Farmer's Market.

The Front Porch in Dunnellon

We went to "The Front Porch" for lunch.  Y'all, if you're looking for some down-home cookin', this little place is where you will find it.  I had fried chicken, mashed potatoes and zipper peas.  Then, the piece de resistance was the pie.  Y'all.....the pie was incredible.  I got lemon meringue (as did Mom and Jo Curls), it was out of this world.  I now fully understand the term "mile-high meringue."  The pie was reminiscent of "Grandma" Merle's in Carrabelle.  If you are ever in the area, you be sure to stop by.

The pie was to die for...

Then, we went into Dunnellon.  Now, we went into several little shops, and I can't even begin to remember the names.

I did not buy this, but y'all know my affection for an old typewriter.

Mom found herself a juicer.

But I think I was the lucky winner of the day...I wound up buying:  a glass trifle bowl (finding nice glass bowls at thrift stores for cheap is so nice, because I never feel bad about letting those go at the cake auction), I found a set of three old Pyrex bowls (Mrs. Jo Carol, got them down to $15 for me), a beautiful scarf for pictures next month, a birthday card for my best friend (...not from a thrift store.  Lol.  But even though her birthday is in January, the card was perfect...yes, I am that person.  I've already gotten half of her gift already), and...this stuff.  I had bought some previously in Warm Springs, GA, and fell slap in love with the stuff.  It is incredible on toast or a waffle.

This "Stuff" is incredible.  I've had it before, but I was on cloud nine upon finding it again.

Overall, it was such a wonderful, pretty day.  I had the very best time with these ladies!  It was exactly what I needed!

Mrs. Jo Carol and Cynthia Kay