10 Years Ago...

I had the longest -&- hardest week of my life...
letting go is never easy
-but-
holding on wasn't an option...your fight was over
-&-
I knew it!?!

You had never really been what people would refer to as in "good health"
-but-
you usually dealt pretty well...I mean you had your days -but- we all do!?!

I knew the start of the week of June 25, 2001 that it had finally started to come to an end...
that you were making your final journey towards your
eternal resting place!?!

When Mom called me that night to tell me that they were taking you from the nursing home to the hospital - I knew it wouldn't be long...
it was a deep heart wrenching feeling that tore me apart -
telling me...this was it!?!

Then on Tuesday after spending time with you in the hospital it just reaffirmed what I already knew...
that you were finally ready to go HOME...
it was just matter of time!?!

I was so sure of it that I called in the family -&- friends on Tuesday night -
so they could come say their last goodbyes if they felt they wanted to!?!

By Wednesday -&- Thursday family was coming in -&- out from both sides
-&-
even friends you'd made from various paths life took you on came to visit
-&-
share stories...there were A LOT of stories!?!

On Friday I went I got my suit for your funeral - I knew it wouldn't be long -&-
I wanted to be prepared...because I knew once you were gone
I may not be able to hold it together long enough to do it!?!

By this time people were staying at the hospital
round the clock so you
didn't leave alone!?!

You even had a very close friend drive all the way from TN
to be there for you when you were freed from this Earth!?!

By Saturday we finally had a system with all the visitors -&- family...
we were pretty comfortable in the waiting room
(although I still hadn't located a warm shower)!?!

On that day various relatives were there to visit
-&-
I had a friend come to see me - who then took me to lunch...
just to get me out of the hospital for a while!?!

While we were out we stopped by
The Family Bookstore
to grab another copy of
"Who Want To Be A Millionaire" - Bible Trivia version book...
for an Uncle who wanted a copy since we had
spend a lot of time entertaining
ourselves with it while waiting...

While in the bookstore...I felt an overpowering sense of loss - so overpowering in fact that I fell to my knees in the bookstore
-&-
began to cry a heart wrenching cry in a way I'd never cried before...
I was overcome with an ache I'd never felt before -&- feeling of grief I'd never known before...
I looked at my watch -&- it was 6:26 PM!?!

We returned to the hospital to see all the family -&- friends sitting outside
...-&-...
as they approached me with arms out reached to tell me...
I told them that
I already knew...
that you were gone...
that God had another angel...!?!

The hospital graciously allowed me to come in -&- say my last goodbyes
-but-
I knew you weren't there...you were with God - you were finally
going to be alright!?!

I was happy in the fact that you were no longer in pain anymore - that your suffering -&- strife were finally over!?!
Even though my heart was shattering -&-my constant sense of security in all I knew was gone...
I still felt some relief knowing you were where you finally belonged!?!

YOU WERE FINALLY HOME!?!

It has been 10 years since you left this Earth...but...you have NEVER left my heart, my mind or my soul!?!
I love you as much now as I did then!?!
I miss you so much Daddy!?!

Rev. Larry Paul Knight
June 15, 1945 - June 30, 2001


I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2 Timothy 4:7


Today I am thankful for Larry Paul Knight!?!

Casey Anthony

Not much to share...just been following the Casey Anthony trial
-&-
when it is over I will share my complete thoughts with you!?!
Today I am thankful for just being alive!?!

Top Ten - Charlie Sheen

Today I am starting a new thing on the blog...it may be weekly, bi weekly or just whenever I decide to do -but- I hope you all enjoy
Top Ten List!?!

My husband is a big Charlie Sheen fan...-&-...as well all know he has had his fair share of issues recently!?! Well, the other day I was on YouTube -&- came across this gem about Charlie!?!





Today I am thankful for everything...my life is abundantly full!?!

Goodfellas

This has to be one of the best gangster movies around
-&-
it is my husbands all time favorite movie!?!
And, all -&- all I have to say it is pretty darn good!?!


The movie stars:
Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Henry Hill, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco -&- Paul Sorvino!?!
Here is a little about the movie:
Henry Hill is a small time gangster, who takes part in a robbery with Jimmy Conway and Tommy De Vito, two other gangsters who have set their sights a bit higher. His two partners kill off everyone else involved in the robbery, and slowly start to climb up through the hierarchy of the Mob. Henry, however, is badly affected by his partners success, but will he stoop low enough to bring about the downfall of Jimmy and Tommy?


Today I am thankful that most of the time I can watch my own stuff - lol :)

Oooey Gooey Cake

Have you ever had melt in your mouth - taste like heaven cake...well if not you wait is over...Paula Deen
makes a whole slew of different versions of Gooey Butter Cakes that delicious beyond words!?!
So good in fact that even Walmart sells them by the half cake - or in a lot of peoples opinion a piece!?! It is 6.7 oz of amazing goodness for a reasonable $2.98!?!
I must admit this cake is rich -but- it is oooooooooooo sooooooooo goooooooood!?!
My favorite of course is the Chocolate version -but- if you use google you can find recipes for all different kinds!?!

Here is a recipe for one of the versions - I hope you enjoy it:


Double Chocolate Gooey Butter Cakes


Ingredients
8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, melted, plus 8 more tablespoons (1 stick) butter,
melted, plus additional butter, for greasing pan
1 (18.25-ounce) package chocolate cake mix
1 egg, plus 2 eggs
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
3 to 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 (16-ounce) box powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Lightly grease a 13 by 9-inch baking pan.

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, 1 egg, and 1 stick melted butter, and stir until well blended. Pat
mixture into prepared pan and set aside.

In a stand mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs, and the
cocoa powder. Lower the speed of the mixer, and add the powdered sugar. Continue beating until ingredients are
well mixed. Slowly add the remaining 1 stick of melted butter, and the vanilla, continuing to beat the mixture
until smooth. Stir in nuts with a rubber spatula. Spread filling over cake mixture in pan. Bake for 40 to 50
minutes. Be careful not to overcook the cake; the center should still be a little gooey when finished baking.
Let cake partially cool on a wire rack before cutting into pieces.




Today I am thankful for Paula Deen -&- her amazing recipes!?!

Watermelon Crawl

When I was in my 20's I used to hang out
-&-
dance like most people my age!?!
That was the time when line dancing was very popular!?!
And, that Watermelon Crawl was one of the best songs
-&-
line dances around!?!
Have a look at home some professional dancers lay it down!?!



Today I am thankful for all the memories that I had from when I was younger!?!

Spinach -&- Strawberry Salad

Spinach & Strawberry Salad

Have you ever tried this delicious salad?!?
The first time I ever came into contact with delightful salad was on a
buffet in El Paso, TX
of all places!?!
Since I love both spinach & strawberries this salad became a fast favorite of mine!?!
I had to learn how to make it -&- now I want to share it with you!?!

Ingredients:

1/3 cup cider vinegar
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 small red onion, grated
1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 pounds fresh spinach, washed and torn into pieces
2 cups strawberries, stemmed and sliced
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions:

For the dressing, combine the vinegar, sugar, lemon juice, & salt in a small non-reactive saucepan & heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring frequently!?! Remove pan from heat & let cool to room temperature!?!
When cooled, whisk in the oil, onion, poppy seeds, dry mustard & paprika until thoroughly combined!?!
Set dressing aside!?!
In a salad bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, & walnuts or pecans!?!
When ready to serve, add some of the dressing, & toss gently!?!
Serve the remaining dressing alongside the salad so diners may add more, if desired!?!
(If you don't have the time or ingredients to make the dressing - a store bought Poppy Seed dressing will pair perfectly with this creation!?!)

This salad is also great as a meal -&- to make it even more substantial - just add a grilled chicken breast & some blue cheese crumbs - you can't go wrong!?!


Today I am thankful for Spinach -&- Strawberries...yummmmmmy!?!

Cabbage Patch Kids

I was a very lucky little girl when I was about 11 years old Cabbage Patch dolls were there "it" thing -&- my parents got me one that year for my birthday!?! And, to this day I still have -&- love that doll!?!

One day, a young boy named Xavier Roberts wandered into a magic cabbage patch hidden behind a beautiful waterfall. He discovered busy little Bunnybees sprinkling cabbages with magical crystals. Suddenly, all different kinds of kids and babies peeked out of the cabbages! Each one had his or her own special look, personality, name and birthday. “I’ll call you Cabbage Patch Kids!” he said as everyone cheered.

Cabbage Patch Kids are a doll line created by Debbie Morehead and Xavier Roberts in 1978 and originally called "Little People". The original dolls were all cloth and sold at local craft shows, then later at Babyland General Hospital in Cleveland, Georgia. The doll brand went on to become one of the most popular toy fads of the 80's and one of the longest-running doll franchises in America.
They were such great dolls because you could always find a CPK that looked like YOU. They had different hair, skin and eye colors. Straight hair, curly hair. Cute outfits. Boys and girls. Freckles, dimples, whatever!
They even came with little birth certificates that told you their birthdate and name.
The fact that the dolls came with a “history” made them seem like individuals.
I’m not sure how many were made with the same name but it sure did feel like you had a one of a kind baby.
You didn’t just buy a CPK, you adopted him/her.

They all came with Birth Certificates - how cool was that!?!

You could get your dolls all sorts of cool clothes
-&-
accessories!?!


Today I am thankful for parents that loved me enough to bless me with awesome toys!?!

Strawberry Lemon Slush

Oh, lawd...this is soooooo good!?!
Below is the recipe for the non-alcoholic version
-but-
I am sure if you wanted to you could splash some vodka or rum
in there for an excellent adult beverage!?!

3 c. water
1 c. sugar
Dash red food coloring
1 c. lemon juice
2 c. fresh strawberries, sliced
Crushed ice

Put into blender 3 cups water, 1 cup lemon juice, 1 cup sugar, 2 cups fresh strawberries, dash of food coloring, crushed ice cubes.

Today I am thankful for refreshing summer drinks...ah!?!

Happy 1st Day of Summer!?!

Today I am happy Summer has finally arrived - that means
I am that much closer to Fall!?!

Drama Free Zone

I am so sick of people who put there drama out there -&- want everyone to get involved -&- then just get pissed when they do!?! The only drama I want to see is the drama that is portrayed on TV!?!

Today I am thankful for a mostly drama free life!?!

Happy Father's Day

Dear Dad, This is the 9th Father's Day I have had to spend without you -&- let me tell you that it doesn't get any easier...
I still love you as much today as I did when you were here!?!
I still treasure our relationship...friendship -&- the special bond we shared!?! You were an amazing Father, Mentor -&- Friend to me...I could have never asked for anyone better!?!
God knew when he placed us together we'd be the perfect fit!?!
I can still remember many of the Father's Day's gone by...from the Homemade Cards -&- Gifts...Little miscellaneous trinkets -&- the TIES...all the ties...my favorite one had to be the Mickey Mouse Tie - I bought you because I was in love with Mickey Mouse...-&-...you wore it...not because you loved it (we both know you didn't)
-but-
because you knew how much it meant to me!?!
You gave me so much...you believed in me...when even I didn't believe in myself...-&-...that belief never faltered!?!
I have so many great memories that I could go on for hours
...but...
I just wanted you to know that even though you are no long here on Earth you are ALWAYS in my heart!?!
I love you Daddy!?!

Dad -&- Me 1976

Today I am thankful for my amazing Dad!?!

8 Seconds

My Dad love the rodeo -&- bull riding!?!
I, along with a friend were able to take him to a live event once
-&-
it was great!?!
Another way my Dad -&- I shared his love for the rodeo
was watching the movie
8 Seconds
together!?!



For those who don't know, 8 Seconds is the length of time one has to remain on the back of bucking bull in the bull riding event at a rodeo. I'm sure that those cowboys feel that those 8 seconds are like an eternity.

This picture is about one of the very best at his profession, Lane Frost. The three principal players at the time this film was made, Luke Perry(Beverly Hills 90210), Stephen Baldwin(The Young Riders) and Cynthia Geary(Northern Exposure) were all at the height of exposure from popular television series' and brought a built in audience to the show.

It helps by the way that Luke Perry bears an absolutely uncanny resemblance to the real Lane Frost. During the end credits there is some interview footage with the real Lane Frost so I'm sure there were a lot of oohs and aahs from the audience as the movie ended.

I remember reading about Luke Perry and that his background before he became a teen heart throb was from a really tiny Ohio town. I'm sure that Perry understood the character of Lane Frost very well who hailed from a small town in Oklahoma.

This film now joins other good movies about the rodeo scene, like The Lusty Men and Junior Bonner. Only difference is this one had an actual rodeo champion as a hero/protagonist.

The portrayal of Lane Frost was as genuinely nice young man who rose to the top of his chosen profession through, skill, hard work, and dedication. He was doing as so few of us are privileged to do, actually make money doing what he loved. He gained a celebrity status in his field and was prey to the temptations that accompany fame. The Lane Frost, Perry gives us is a man who was very human. Doesn't detract in the least from his accomplishments.

Cynthia Geary is fine as the wife who wins, loses, and wins Perry back ultimately. She's also rodeo people, the real Mrs. Frost was a barrel racing champion.

And Stephen Baldwin as Tuff Hedeman who was Frost's best friend and eventual successor as bull riding champion registers well in his role.

In 1994 the very year that 8 Seconds came out, professional bull riding spun out on its own as a sport with the formation of the Professional Bull Riders. It's champion in 1995 was none other than Tuff Hedeman. And in 1996 Tuff Hedeman and Lane Frost with both inducted in the PBR Ring of Honor, the equivalent of their Hall of Fame.

It's a good biographical picture and should have gotten much more attention than it did.



Today I am thankful for great movies we can share memories with loved ones over!?!

Color Alert

Will all the color alert warnings in America - we should really only be concerned with these 3 colors...Red, White -&- Blue!?!


Today I am thankful for the colors Red, White -&- Blue!?!

Easy Pasta Salad

This is an easy pasta salad recipe that anyone can make...
I have even been able to make it on the road!?!





1box Betty Crocker® Suddenly Salad® classic pasta salad mix

1/2cup Hidden Valley® The Original Ranch® dressing

1tablespoon fresh lemon juice

2cups baby spinach leaves or small broccoli florets

3/4cup grape tomatoes, halved

1/2cup sliced cucumber, halved

1/2cup julienne (matchstick-cut) carrots

2tablespoons chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves

1. Empty contents of pasta mix (from Suddenly Salad box) into 3-quart saucepan 2/3 full of boiling water. Gently boil uncovered 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Drain pasta; rinse with cold water. Shake to drain well.
3. In medium bowl, stir contents of seasoning mix (from Suddenly Salad box), the dressing and lemon juice until blended. Stir in pasta and remaining ingredients. Cover; refrigerate until ready to serve.
   
4. Store any remaining salad covered in the refrigerator.

Today I am thankful I have been able to adjust recipes so we can have them on the road!?!

~Happy 66th Birthday Daddy...

66 Years ago today...God graced this Earth with an amazing man...
my Dad -
Larry Paul Knight...
-&-
...although he is no longer with us - he still holds my heart in his hands...
Happy Birthday in heaven Daddy...I love -&- miss you!?!



Today I am thankful I was able to have my Dad around as long as I did - I know some people do to various circumstances weren't given that opportunity!?!

Happy Flag Day

Today I am happy just like everyday to be an American!?!
God Bless the USA!?!

Flag Cake

Since tomorrow is Flag Day...what would be a better
desert to serve than a beautiful Flag Cake!?!
With an easy to follow recipe what could be easier!?!

What You Need

4 cups fresh strawberries

1 pkg. (12 oz.) frozen prepared pound cake, thawed, cut into 14 slices

1-1/3 cups blueberries, divided

1 tub (12 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed

Make It

SLICE 1 cup strawberries; halve remaining strawberries.

COVER bottom of 13x9-inch dish with cake slices; top with sliced strawberries and 1 cup blueberries. Spread COOL WHIP over berries.

ARRANGE strawberry halves and remaining blueberries on COOL WHIP to resemble a US flag. Keep refrigerated.

Today I am thankful for mmmmmm cake!?!

Wall Quotes!?!

Travelin all over like we do - we stop at a lot of different
places for a lot of different reasons
-&-
have been in a lot of different restrooms!?!
And, all of them seem to have some different kind of writing on
the walls!?!

*Language May Be Offensive To Some*


HERE ARE SOME RESTROOM WALL GRAFFITI QUOTES:

Do you have some to share too?!?

You can learn a lot from reading the graffiti in a bathroom, library or other public area...

The best way to a man's heart is to saw his breast plate open?!?
* Women's rest room, Murphy's, Champaign, Ill.

If you voted for Obama in the last election, you can't take a dump here -
Your asshole is in Washington!?!
* Men's rest room, Outback Steakhouse, Tacoma, Wash.

Beauty is only a light switch away!?!
* Perkins Library, Duke University, Durham, N.C.

If life is a waste of time, and time is a waste of life,
then let's all get wasted and have the time of our lives!?!
* Armand's Pizza, Washington, D.C.

Remember, it's not "How high are you?", it's "Hi, how are you?"
* Rest stop off Route 81, W. VA.

God made pot. Man made beer. Who do you trust?!?
* The Irish Times, Washington, D.C.

Fighting for peace is like screwing for virginity!?!
* The Bayou, Baton Rouge, La.

No matter how good she looks, some other guy is sick and tired of putting
up with her crap!?!
* Men's rest room, Linda's Bar and Grill, Chapel Hill, N.C.

It's hard to make a comeback when you haven't been anywhere!?!
* Written in the dust on the back of a bus, Wickenburg, Ariz.

A woman's rule of thumb: If it has tires or testicles, you're going to
have trouble with it!?!
* Women's rest room, Dick's Last Resort, Dallas, Tex.

Watch out for gay limbo dancers!?!
* Inside toilet stall door, men's rest room?

Express Lane: Five beers or less!?!
* Sign over one of the urinals, Ed Debevic's, Phoenix, Ariz.

You're too good for him!?!
* Sign over mirror in women's rest room, Ed Debevic's, Beverly Hills, CA

No wonder you always go home alone!?!
* Sign over mirror in men's rest room, Ed Debevic's,Beverly Hills, CA

What are you looking up on the wall for? The joke is in your hands!?!
* Men's rest room, Lynagh's, Lexington, KY


Today I am thankful for a diverse group of people that I love!?!