Thanks Jenn!!

One of my favorite blog (and message board) pals, Jenn of Bittersweet Prims had a birthday give-away on July 4th and I won!!! How exciting when I received my mail today...there it was! The box!

Anxiously I tore away the pretty paper and carefully opened the box. Inside was a wondrous plethora of deliciously gorgeous prim goodies, and not surprisingly, since she is a Yankee Doodle Girl, they're all wondrously patriotic prims! Here's a few pictures of the goodies I received from Jenn.

You'll see a cute prim doll, a bundle of prim fireworks, a cute plaque, a patriotic bag, and a hanging doll with sweet annie and a little twig doll with bells.

a close-up of the placque and fireworks...aren't they WONDERFUL!!!

Here's the dolls....just too cute!!

Thanks so much, Jenn. Now to find them just the right places.

The Name Change Game

We got married 9 years ago...well almost, on November 22 it will be 9 years. I never legally changed my last name because of some technecalities with my retirement benefits. I've since discovered that it wouldn't make any difference anyway now since my first husband has passed on, and so I'm on the journey to legally change my last name. Let me tell you..IT'S A PAIN IN THE NECK!!! The government never makes anything easy, simple, or convenient.
I suppose I really shouldn't complain. It's probably for my protection since identity theft is so prevalent and easy. Although why anyone would want to steal my identity is beyond me...it's not like I actually have anything worth stealing! All my valuables are living, breathing beings and not likely to sit still for being hijacked by an identity thief.
So I'm off to do my business today...joy, joy. I'll get to sit in line and wait for someone to begrudgingly help me....you'd think they'd be happy to do their job. But that's a topic for another day.

Surf City

I love the beach! There's just something about standing on the beach with the ocean waves splashing up over your feet and ankles, of looking out and seeing nothing but water, endless blue water than touches the sky. The power in the ocean, the depths, the mystery....it's almost like touching God. For me there's great spirituality in the ocean, I feel very close to God there. It's also where a bit of the child in me comes back to the surface. It's where you can play in the waves and squeal...act silly.

We recently vacationed at the Hammock Ocean Beach Resort in Palm Coast, Florida. It is posh luxury, literally. They pamper their guests like kings and queens. I enjoyed every moment of the trip, and was thrilled when I was able to spend my time on the beach.

233 YEARS OLD!!

We Americans are so fortunate to live in a country that is truly free. That freedom comes with a price. This 4th of July I pay tribute to those men and women who put their lives on the line every day, who wake up and put their boots on the ground to protect our rights. This July 4th I pay tribute to every man and woman who puts on the uniform of the United States Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard. All those in the reserves and National Guard. Thank You. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

A very special thank you to Spc Timothy Ridgeway. He's my son-in-law on his third tour in Iraq. I pray God keep you safe, Tim, you and all the men and women you serve with. Happy Independence Day.

So today, as you eat your hot dogs and hamburgers, as you watch the fireworks and parades think about the men and women who aren't getting to enjoy those things with their families. Think about the men and women whose fireworks are IED's exploding, who are suffering in 109 degree temperatures to keep us safe and free, and whisper a prayer for their safety and a thank you for their service to our nation.