Good News

11 days 'till Derby

The Courier-Journal reported today that "Uncle Mo may have his mojo back"

I'm sure that that is the news you have been waiting for. I'm putting all of my money on him.

Uncle Mo was the heavy Kentucky Derby favorite until he lost a race because of a gastrointestinal inflammation. Poor guy, I hate when that happens. Anyway, he seems to have recovered and is eating and working out like the old Mo.

Have a great Wednesday. It's still pouring buckets and buckets here. We could get another 4-7 inches of rain TODAY!

Sally

Accurate Information

12 Days 'till Derby!

I just want you to know that the Derby information that I'm sharing with you is legit.

My sources are real. Some comes from Louisville natives, some from the TV and a lot from the local paper. I don't want to sound like an expert or anything, because this is my first official Derby.

The newspaper really takes the whole event seriously. As you can see the actual Derby Festival started April 15th and will end May 6th, which I think is weird because the Derby is on the 7th.

The BIG news as of yesterday is that the Chow Wagon has been moved due to the flooding of the Ohio river. The Chow Wagon is what they call the huge food/drink and entertainment Fest-a-Ville that is usually set up along the waterfront. Everyone that I have talked to makes at least one trip to the Chow Wagon during Derby. If the rain every stops I'm hoping that Alan and I can check it out. It may be as close as we get to the actual Derby. Maybe I should wear my hat.

Sally

It's All About the Hat

13 days until Derby, and things are really starting to hop around Louisville.

First things first though.

Can you guess what's in the big white box?

Can you guess what's in the BIG WHITE "HAT" BOX?

If you guessed a hat, then you are the big winner!

It's not just any old hat though. It's my first Kentucky Derby hat.

Everything that you have ever heard about Kentucky woman and their derby hats is true.

It's all about the HAT.

Most ladies start shopping for next years hat before this years race has even been run.

It is a must that you find your hat first and then look for your dress, shoes, purse, etc...

Here is my hat story:

First off, I should let you know that I don't like hats. I don't even wear hats when it's freezing outside. I just don't have the right kind of hair. If I put on a hat I'd have to wear it for the entire day, because my doo would by done.

A few weeks ago I was in a shoe store looking for shoes.

I didn't find what I was looking for, but the store had a huge display of Derby Hats and I was curious. The first hat that I picked up cost $379.00. I put it back fast. I know I was in shock.

Who pays that much for a hat? YIKES!!! A hat you wear once. It's kind of like a prom dress. You can't wear the same derby hat twice. Stupid.

Thank goodness there was a sale bin. Probably last years models, but who cares?

I found my hat in the bin. It was originally $119.00 but on sale for $20.00 what a bargain.

Even if I never actually wear it, I own a derby hat and like I said, "It's all about the hat".

Sally

Happy Birthday David!

This little Easter Bunny turns 23 today. This picture was taken almost 19 years ago when he was just about to turn 4. What a happy little boy. He's still a happy camper, just not so little.


Happy Birthday and Happy Easter David

Sally

15 Days to Go!

And they're off! Those three little words ignite what's been called the most exciting two minutes in sports. This year the 137th Kentucky Derby, the "run for the roses", will be held on Saturday, May 7th, 2011

The partying in Louisville during the two weeks leading up to the Derby is similar to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. It's a community-wide celebration with steamboat races, fireworks, a hot-air-balloon race and lots and lots of parties. It seems to me that the race is just an excuse for the parties to take place.

Since this will be my first derby ( I have been called a derby virgin by some of my local friends) I'm going to use this little blog to hit the highlights and help you and me count down the next 2 weeks to DERBY.

I will share my opinion on such things as: hats, Mint Juleps, Kentucky Derby Pie, tea sandwiches, My Old Kentucky Home and I might even give you a few betting tips, if you happen to be a betting kind of person. I wish I could share the the excitement in the air. Everyone is happy. That could just be that spring is finally here, but I think it has a lot more to to with Derby Time!
Sally

Check Out My Chickens

Time is short today. I just thought you might like to check out my chickens. click on the Projects tab at the top of this page and let me know what you think. Have a great day. Tomorrow I will begin a 2 week countdown to the Derby series, so stay tuned.

Sally

More of My Favorite Things

I've been eyeing these colorful knives for weeks at the local Kroger. Last week they went on sale and I came home with two. I don't have one of those fancy knife sets. I've always just used what we had. Sometimes they are sharp and sometimes they are dull as dull can be.

These new knives were not very expensive, so I'm not sure just how long they will last, but the touch of color that they bring to my kitchen is making me happy, and that's what it's all about.

Right?

Sally

Happy 80th Birthday!

My Dad turned 80 on Saturday and we celebrated with family and friends in Greensboro NC. It was such a joyful occasion and everyone had a fabulous time. As you have probably heard, NC was hit with horrible storms and tornados on Saturday. We had serious rain, but by party time the sun had come out and we couldn't have asked for a more perfect afternoon. We are all looking forward to the next party, when Dad turns 90!

Sally

Timber!!!!

When I got home from work last week this giant tree limb was laying in the grass in our front yard. Alan said that he found it on our driveway right where my car would have been parked. I think I was a little bit shocked by the whole thing. If I had been home it would have smashed my car for sure. Worse, what if I had been in the car, or getting into the car? I just can't think about that. I was being watched over for sure and for that I'm extremely grateful. I am also extremely grateful for our wonderful neighbor who chopped the whole thing up and cleaned up the yard while we were out of town for the weekend.

Where my car could have been.

Another smaller branch that landed in the back yard.

Sally

The Prettiest Tulips Ever

I love a good surprise. and these regular old grocery store tulips sure have been a pleasant one. I thought I was getting plain old white ones. That's how they looked all closed up tight. but when they started to open, I realized that they were not just the regular variety, but a kind of frilly, pinky, delicate type that are perfect for Easter.

Have a beautiful weekend. Sally

Spring Doo

Another trip to the Groom Room and boy did this stinky dog need it. Last weekend we filled what will be our vegetable garden with some new organic dirt. From the smell of it I'm guessing it was half cow poop. Maggie couldn't get enough of it. It was all we could do to keep her from rolling in it and eating it. I know. YUCK! We tried washing her off, but the lovely ladies at the Groom Room really took care of the situation. Now she's back to her sweet smelling self and by the time you read this I'm sure she will be looking more Maggie like without the bows and bandanna.

Sally

A Mutant In Our Midst

I know it's hard to tell from these pictures, but when I came downstairs the other morning I noticed that one of my St. Patrick's Day Shamrock plants leaves was fuchsia. All of the others have a pink tinge, but this one is like shockingly pink. I'm just wondering if that means something. Am I over watering, under watering? I can't figure it out. It would be really cool if more "pink" leaves would grow, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

I might have to just Google it and see what I can find out.

Sally

Dinner on the Deck

Well, so much for spring. Summer popped in for a little visit this weekend. High temperatures in the mid 80's. We took full advantage of it and did some major yard work (pictures to come). We also ate dinner on the deck both Friday and Saturday nights. It was perfect. A gentle breeze and no bugs. Sunday after even more work in the yard Alan fired up his grill for the first time this season. There is just no stopping us now. Except that the weather is going to change today, storms and cooler temps. It was lovely while it lasted. Hope you had a wonderful weekend too.

Sally

Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail

Who knew that so many bunnies were hiding out in the basement, just waiting for spring to arrive? They come in all shapes and sizes and I'm only showing you some of them. Probably a bit much, but they sure do add a little bit of "springyness" to the place. I can't believe that Easter is just a few weeks away. It actually fall on David's 23 rd Birthday. I really can't believe that my little baby boy will be turning 23. How can that be?

Sally

Something New

Shopping with Grace at Kroger last weekend, we found ourselves in the popcorn aile I haven't been in need of popcorn for some time, so I was pretty surprised by all of the new choices. Since I'm going through a little citrus phases, this box proclaiming "Lime and Salt" caught my eye. I don't know who comes up with these flavors, but I wouldn't mind having the job. Really? Lime and Salt popcorn. Amazing. I wish I had a margarita to go with it.

Sally

Daisy Delights

I guess I'm just a sucker for "cute". While shopping at the mall last week I found these

adorable little egg shapers at Williams-Sonoma.

I think it's going to take some practice to make my eggs look like the eggs on the package, but you have to agree that daisy shaped eggs are a great way to start the day.

Sally

For the Birds

We took our first ZOO walk on Saturday. It was pretty chilly, but the sun was out. Not so many of our furry friends were out, I guess they opted to stay warm and snuggly in their little buildings. Lucky for us the birds did decide to get up early and entertain us with their antics.

Sally

C-A-T-S CATS, CATS, CATS!

UPDATE: So, so close. It was down to the final buzzer, but it just wasn't meant to be. Final score Wildcats 55 UCOn 56. Maybe next year...

Just in case you haven't heard the Kentucky Wildcats have made it to the Final 4. Just in case you forgot, we have a Kentucky Wildcat in the family. Tonight we will be cheering on the young basketball team from Lexington, that no one really thought stood a chance of making it this far.

GO CATS GO!

Sally

Happy April Fools Day

Really, just happy April. I don't know about you, but I'm glad that March is finally over. What a loooong month. The whole in like a lion, out like a lamb thing did not work here this year. March 1st was miserable, and March 31st just as much. Bring on some sunshine.

Alan did move the deck furniture out of our cute little out building, I think just to make some space in there, or maybe so that he could get to the lawn mower because we sure are not planning to sit outside relaxing anytime soon. After a closer look, I'm wondering if I should try painting the wicker. It really wasn't meant to be outside and it took a bit of a beating last summer. Little white paint flecks all over the deck.

I bought a magazine the other day all about "square foot gardening" Have you tried it? I think I'm going to plan out my vegetable garden using that method this year. We already have the raised bed we just need to add a little more dirt and nutrients and figure out a way to keep the dog out of it.

See, I'm trying to get the spring feeling going, I just need a little help from Mother Nature.

Sally