Brooksisms

At dinner my aunt Sybil ask who we were going to vote for in the presidential election.  I said, "I may not even bother to vote."  Someone said, "There is not a good choice."  Brooks says, "Why don't you just vote for George Washington!"  We agreed that would be the best choice!

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Brooks: "Nana, I ran into your car with the Gator, but I didn't rip it or anything."

five

On Wednesday, May 25th the Ponderosa Stinkbugs were five years old.  The celebrating started that day and the party continued for days!  Their birthday was the last day of school for them so they took donut holes to their classmates and after a half day of school they headed for Chuck E. Cheese.  This was Brynn's pick.  It was her wish to play all the games she wanted!

The next day we picked them up in Cookeville and they stayed until Saturday.  We had a cookout and party because all Brooks wanted for his birthday was to play football with his cousins!  He got his wish! An extra added bonus was an epic water balloon fight that also happened at the party!

On Monday they had another party at their house!  More cake, more water balloons and some slip and sliding!

Happy 5th Birthday to Brooks and Brynn!

driving around

It was a sunny day but too windy to work outside, so we went for a little Saturday afternoon drive.  Peanut took Mom and me to some places with a nice view!

saturday morning cooking

Fried apples. I once thought I did not like them--how foolish.  The fork is for taste testing. I must make sure they are perfect. It takes several tastes to be positive!

spring stroll

easter

We had our annual egg hunt and Easter picnic on the Ponderosa last week end.  There was some really delicious food, competitive egg hunting and perfect weather.

sad

Our hearts are broken.  On March 18 we lost our beloved Pa Lyle.  He made us all a better person.

it's me

We were in the Disney Store when Bailee began saying, "It's me,  It's me!"  A stack of princess dolls had caught her attention and one had red pig tails just like her!

Of course, her Nana made sure it went home with her!

strawberry pie

There was a little snow on the roof this morning and sleet fell earlier, but in my kitchen today its May! 

Strawberry Pie
Ingredients:
1 refrigerated or frozen Pie Crust
2 cups sliced strawberries
2 1/2 Tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1 box strawberry jello

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350.
Poke holes in bottom of pie crust and bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges are browned.
Allow crust to cool and place strawberries in the bottom
Stir together water sugar and cornstarch and bring to a boil.
Return mixture to simmer, stirring constantly until thickened.
Remove from heat, add Jello and stir until dissolved
Pour mixture over strawberries, and refrigerate until set.
Don't forget the whipped cream before serving.

leap day

I will take advantage of this extra day to recap February.  I have been failing miserably at keeping up the blog but I have made great progress in reaching my goal of de-cluttering and organizing the Ponderosa!  We are referring to it as the Great Purge of 2016.  It was my goal when I retired, five years ago but there was always something more exciting than cleaning to keep me entertained.  After a building project that forced me to pack up everything on the first floor of the house, I decided to lighten our load.  This project has consumed most of the month, but there was some fun!  It all began with a special birthday celebration for me!

We had a special week-end together with a big meal, lots of playing and 60 presents to open! 
And yes, the presents represent my age.

Ponderosa Princess Stephanie also got older and Bailee and I took her to lunch!
We also did some shopping and Bailee found a turtle she really liked.

There was more snow.

Parker participated in a program at his church called Young Soldiers.  He did a prayer and I went to see him do an excellent job.  He wore a bow tie and looked all handsome too!

The next day I went out with all the B's and we had a great day at Opry Mills!

When we picked the kids up at their school we got to see the sign announcing that their dad is Teacher of the Year.

 Way to go Jay!

 The building project is almost complete, hopefully this week it will be wrapped up.

And while all this was happening Gibson Tax Service has prepared 435 returns so far this year!