Best Buns In Town!

Today has been great and so has everyday since my last post. I've been very busy working, going on a couple of all day trips and writing.

This past Wednesday Tony and I went to visit our dear friend Jan, at her awesome horse rescue sanctuary, in Mountain Home and I fell in love with all of her beautiful rescued horses, cats, dogs, donkeys, and an adorable outlaw hog, etc.

Yesterday I went with Carol, to Bulverde, to visit one of my favorite people—her sweet sister Carla.

I loved getting to visit with Carla and her beautiful family. And while I was there I fell in love with their sweet cat, who dared anyone to remove him from Carla's lap.

I spent this morning writing non-stop and this afternoon, after lunch, I was writing and I thought my worldly travels were over, but we needed to go to Kerrville to pick up supplies at the big H-E-B store on Main Street. So I had to quit writing. Dang.

I didn't want to quit writing, because I only have about ten more pages to write before finishing my book.

Anyway, I had just written this scene where Tony, Chet and Randy rode the horses to the bottom of a butte, in Terlingua, in hopes of rescuing Carol and me, but instead they were captured by aliens. Here is a peak of what I had written:

"At 3:33 to be exact, this blinding light, high above the butte, beamed down on the three cowboys, from this huge flying saucer and it created a wide circle around the three men. The drenching rain instantly stopped, inside this brightly lit ring and neither Tony, Chet or Randy could talk or move. It was like they were paralyzed or frozen in time. Then the beam of light went out and the men were gone and so was the spaceship."

I was disappointed that I had to quit writing right then, because I was trying to decide if or when the men are returned to Earth and if they would be stripped of all of their cowboy clothes, except for their underwear and socks, because aliens LOVE everything cowboy—especially the cowboy hats, Wrangers, buckles, belts and cowboy boots.

So, I daydreamed all of the way to Kerrville, as Tony drove Trigger to the big H-E-B, but I still hadn't made a decision about what will happen to Tony and his search party. Will they return to Earth or not?

After we left the grocery store we went down Main Street and Tony parked Trigger in front of the Wild Birds Unlimited store, because we wanted to visit with our friends: Marguerite and Linda & Kevin Pillow, the friendly owners.

When we walked inside the store all of our dear friends greeted us and then sweet Marguerite ran over and gave me a big hug.

I love Marguerite so much and after the hugs she and I immediately started catching up with each others news. And we mainly talked about our dogs, cats and her birds and I did make a point to brag that Little Debbie and I are going to be actresses in Jay Pennington's and Gerry Olert's upcoming Short Western—Vinegar to Honey.

While Marguerite was telling me about one of her dogs that she had adopted from our rescue ranch, I couldn't help but notice that Linda had come away from the counter and she had started decorating a display near us. I teased Linda, and said, "Linda, you're not fooling me. You do this every time I come in here, because you know I will buy whatever you display."

And we had a good laugh about it and yes, I did end up buying one of the coolest bunnies on her newest display and I told Tony that it was his Valentine gift for me. Bottom   Line: This is the second bunny that I  have purchased from Linda & Kevin's awesome store, because I LOVE bunnies and they have the best buns in town!

When Tony and I got back home and after we had put up the groceries I pulled my bunny out of the Wild Birds Unlimited sack and I could not quit admiring it.

Here is a picture of the first bunny I purchased from Wild Birds Unlimited. It is made of wood and wrapped inside a metal strip. And it always gets noticed when we have friends over.

And here is Tony's shiny bunny Valentine gift for me that I LOVE so much!

As I finish writing this, because I love my new bunny so much, I've decided that Tony, Randy and Chet will definitely be returned to Earth, but that is all that I am saying about it. But wouldn't it be cool if these aliens that captured them—looked like rabbits? And that is all the men can remember about their abduction?

Y'all have a great day and keep on laughing!

Ghosts!

Today has been great. Early this afternoon Tony and I went to, Kerrville, to run a few errands.

Our first stop was at Gibson's, so we could buy Tony some new Wranglers. We bought two pair and right now they are, in our washing machine and being washed, in Carol's big barn.

But the most important stop we made, as far as I am concerned, was at Home Town Crafts, because I needed to buy more material and a few more pillow forms, to add to the Airstream's beds.

I already knew what colors I was looking for and I knew it would not take me long to shop, because I brought my color samples with me, but Tony did not believe me about the amount of time it would involve. So he dropped me off, at the craft store's front door, and then he drove across the parking lot, to Wild Birds Unlimited.

Well, I am proud to say that it only took me twenty minutes to pick the fabrics and for Tony to say hi to our good friends Kevin & Linda Pillow, the owners and Tricia the manager, before he purchased some super birdseed.

And when I left the craft store, carrying the two, sacks containing fabric and three pillow forms, I started walking, across the parking lot, to meet Tony, at Wild Birds Unlimited, and to say hi to our friends.

But that didn't happen, because as I was walking towards, Wild Birds Unlimited, I saw Tricia outside, helping Tony load piles of cardboard, into the back of Roy. Because Tony needed more cardboard for his new copy cat keyhole garden—like the ones Carol made.

And after a few more necessary stops, Roy brought us back home to Big Foot Ranch.

I was feeling nappy, but before I took another sleepless nap with all six of our dogs, I took this picture of the new fabric I had purchased, with my color swatch, placed in front of the fabrics.

But the most exciting news I have to tell is, thanks to my sleepless nap, is—I came up with the plot for my next Cowgirl Sisterhood novella and I am so excited about it! Because I have had writer's block on the novella I have been working on part-time, for the past few years.

Anyway, I am totally scrapping that novella and starting fresh with this one. And the only thing I can tell you is that it involves ghosts. 

So that is about it for tonight, because I plan to start writing the novella, outlining it, making up the quirky characters, which many of y'all already know or have read about them in my blog.

Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing!

Wrong Number!

Last night I stayed up late, because I could not quit reading Marie Bostwick's book From Here to Home. I love this book so much and I did not want it to end, but I kept reading it, because I had to know how it ended.

I absolutely loved the ending, but I was sad that I had finished the book, because I love all of the characters and felt like I knew them. So before going to bed I went and purchased a Kindle version of Marie Bostwick's book Between Heaven and Texas (Another Too Much Texas novel.) So I could start reading it tonight.

Too Much is the name of Marie Bostwick's imaginary, little town, in Texas and Between Heaven and Texas is a novel that first introduces the main characters Mary Dell and her son, Howard, that grew up and lived in, Too Much.

When I went to bed I could not quit thinking about this fabulous book and one thing led to another. And the last thing that I remember before falling asleep was wanting to make a quilt, because throughout this book Mary Dell is the expert quilter and she has a very popular, cable TV show about quilting.

Today has been great. This morning Tony did his chores early, so we could go early to the Wild Birds Unlimited store, in Kerrville, so we could meet Jim Carpenter, the founder of Wild Birds Unlimited. He is also the author of The Joy Of Bird Feeding: The Essential Guide To Attracting And Feeding Our Backyard Birds and we wanted to get him to sign our copy of his awesome book.

Omg! We arrived around 9:15 and the parking lot was full and the inside of Kevin & Linda Pillow's Wild Birds Unlimited store was packed with smiling customers, waiting in line, to get their books signed by Jim. So we got in the line.

It was so cool, because everyone there seemed to be so happy including us, because this store has some of the best vibes, in Kerrville. When it was Tony's and my turn to meet Jim Carpenter, I took this picture of him, before we shook hands with him.

When Jim asked us our names, I said, "Tony and Nancy." Then Kevin, wearing a big grin on his face, steps up to the table, and says, "Tell him your real name."

"Cousin Nancy," I said. Then Kevin tells Jim about us being the people who run the Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch with Kinky. And then Jim starts visiting with us and talking about animal rescue and their rescued dog while signing our book for us.

After we thanked Mr. Carpenter for signing our book I see Tricia and Jason, by the checkout counter and she was pointing her camera directly at us. So I quickly aimed my trusty iPhone camera at her and "shot" her while she "shot" us. And then we all started laughing just about the same time that our good friends Kris & Jim arrived to buy his book and get it signed.

While Kris was standing in line to get Jim Carpenter's autograph Tony and I stood around visiting with her and with Marguerite, Kevin & Linda, Jason and Tricia and Kris' husband, "The Mineral Man." And before we adios-ed everyone Tricia asked me for my phone number so she could send me the picture that she took of us. 

Then Tony and I went to the Save Inn Restaurant, which was packed with happy customers too, so we could eat breakfast. And to no one's surprise we ordered the exact same thing: Lisa's Sinker Taco Omelet, hash browns, biscuits & gravy and iced tea. And needless to say, "Our breakfast was totally delicious as it always is."

Then we made a quick stop, at the big H-E-B, on Main Street and came back home.

When we got home, I told Tony, "Since the rescue ranch is officially closed today I am going to go to that quilt shop, in Medina, because after reading that great book I want to make a quilt. I might be in there for thirty or forty minutes or so. Do you want to go with me?"

Five minutes later, we were headed to Medina. And on our way there, Tony asked, "What kind of quilt are you going to make?"

"I'm want to make one for Little Debbie." 

After Tony had chuckled, he said, "So you need two squares." Then he really started laughing and so did I. 

"I want to make a little one first to see if I can do it, because it actually is very hard to do."

"What if Little Debbie doesn't like it?"

"Then I'll make another one and we'll use them for place mats."

"You ought to call Carol and  ask her to meet you there."

"That's what I'm fixin' to do right now." Then I called Carol and left her a message about meeting me at the quilt store and us checking out the tiny house. 

Then Tony slowed down. "You can let me out right here and I'll walk down to the Old Timer when I am finished shopping." Then I more or less fell out of Trigger, but I didn't completely fall down, on the pavement, because I was still hanging onto Trigger's door. "Lucky me. I'll see you in a little bit."

Then I walked across the highway and went inside the Little Cottage Quilt Shop and was immediately greeted by the friendly owner, Donette Backlund. And while she and I were looking at her huge assortment of beautiful fabrics Carol called. "Nancy, it sounds fun. I'm leaving Bandera right now and will be there in just a few minutes."

About twelve minutes later, while I was talking to Donette about what I needed to get started quilting and the times of their quilting classes Carol arrived. And after I introduced Carol to Donette, Carol and I walked around admiring the beautiful fabrics while Donette talked to us about the art of quilting.

We stayed in this charming quilt shop for about twenty minutes, before I purchased a few necessary quilting supplies: a rotary wheel cutter, a cutting board and a giant plastic ruler. And before we left Donette gave me her business card.

Then Carol and I walked down Main Street aka Highway 16 to go check out that awesome Tiny House that was for sale. 

Then Carol and I walked back to her car and then she drove me down, to the Old Timer, so I could ride home with Tony.

On our way home I checked my phone, and said, "Hmm, I wonder why I haven't gotten Tricia's picture, yet?"

"What number did you give her?" Tony asked.

"Our rescue ranch number."

"That's why. Because you gave Tricia the wrong number. You should have given her your cell phone number."

"You're right. I forgot about that." 

So as soon as we got back home I called Wild Birds Unlimited and luckily Trisha answered the phone. And after I explained to her what I had done she asked me for my cell phone number and then she sent this picture to me.

And that's about it for now, because I am fixin' to start reading Between Heaven And Texas.

Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing.

Home Alone—Drones—Martian Watch— Wild Birds! Oh My!

Today has been great, but first I want to finish writing what I had planned to write yesterday, on my blog.

Several days ago (March 15th to be exact), I was doing some ranch paperwork while listening to The Talk, on the television. Anyway, near the end of the show "The Girls" introduced a new sponsor: morningsave.com. So I stopped what I was doing and watched it. And I was instantly hooked on their products for sale. So to say the least "I immediately went to morningsave.com and purchased three of those items.

Anyway, last week my morningsave.com orders started arriving and Tony was just as excited as me about getting them. And if you click on this link you can watch The Talk segment on these super cool products and then you'll know why I could not resist purchasing them.

I bought the ION Home Network Camera, so I can watch what our dogs do when they are home alone and I can talk to them. The retail price is $129.00 and I purchased it for $39.00!

Then I purchased Pulse Massager for Tony's bad back and shoulder. The retail price was $425.00 and it cost me only $29.00! And the best news is that Tony LOVES it.

And then I bought the Mota JETJAT ULTRA Drone. And its sales price was $130.00 and it only cost me $59.00. 

And this is just a picture of my drone and the home network camera so you can compare their sizes to my laptop and Bic pen.

Then I told Tony all about what I had bought and the big savings and then I went back to work: returning phone calls, e-mails, etc.

Two days ago, my brother Ronnie called me just to see how we were doing. While we were talking and laughing about life I told him about Morning Save. "Ronnie, the three things I bought would have cost me $684.00 retail and they only cost me $127.00 total!" And I knew that he was impressed even though he didn't say so.

Then Ronnie asked me, "How do you like the home network camera and the drone?" And there was an awkward moment of silence for me and then I laughed.

"Tony loves his pulse massager, but we haven't used the camera or the drone, yet."

"Why not, Nance?" I started chuckling again.

"Because I'm not that hi-tech-savvy anymore." Then we both started laughing. "I know it is not all that hard to do, but I'm just not ready to sit down and try to figure them all out." Then I hear him and Nita laughing, because he had put me on their Speakerphone. So I joined them in laughter.

"So when are you going to do it?" Ron asked, as sweet Nita listened and continued to chuckle, in the background.

"Soon. Ronnie. First I have to register my drone with the FCC to make it legal, before we can launch it and you know how much I hate filling out forms and doing paperwork." 

"Do it!" Nita remarked. "Do it, Nance!" Which then made Ron and me burst out laughing, because the three of us having a long running joke about Nita saying, "Do it! Do it!" 

"I think that I am going to wait until Chet comes visit us. He's a lot more smarter than Tony and me when it comes to these hi-tech gadgets and he should be visiting us in about ten days or so...." And this concludes my fascinating shopping spree story—sort of.

At lunch last Friday, after telling our good friends/dog-walking-volunteers all about my three super cool purchases and the incredible savings—I got all excited again. So when we got back home I went back Online to morningsave.com and made one more purchase. : )

I just had to have it and it was 78% off the retail price. So with the click of one button I purchased a MARTIAN Watch. Regular retail price on it was $129.99 and I got it for only $29.00. And I cannot wait for it to arrive.

I know that my beautiful red & black MARTIAN watch reads, "John Hello" on the dial, but I am sure that Chet will be able to set it up for me, so it will say "Nancy Hello." And now this really does conclude my spending spree story.

Now before I finish writing this tonight I have an important announcement to make. I want to let everyone know that next Saturday, April 1st, our rescue ranch will be closed all day, because Tony and I are going to be attending a very special book signing event, at the Wild Birds Unlimited store, in Kerrville.

A few days ago while we were shopping and visiting with our friends, Linda & Kevin Pillow, the Wild Birds Unlimited store owners, they told us that they were excited about hosting a book signing for their good friend, Jim Carpenter, founder of Wild Birds Unlimited. "We'll definitely be here for that!" I declared. Then they showed me Jim's book The Joy of Bird Feeding: The Essential Guide To Attracting And Feeding Our Backyard Birds. And we bought ourselves a copy, so we can meet Jim Carpenter and get him to sign our copy.

Then I noticed their life-size cardboard cutout of Jim Carpenter display with his new book, so I asked Tony to please take a picture of me standing next to Jim to make it look like we've been good friends for a long time. 

Then I stood next to Jim, who is paper thin, and said, "Now Tony, please don't make me look fat." Then I turned to Linda & Kevin and Tricia", and admitted, "I've gained some weight and I am trying to lose it. Wait Tony, let me turn sideways, next to Jim, because hopefully it will make me look a little slimmer." Click—it didn't work.

So, next Saturday from 9AM - Noon we will be, at the Wild Birds Unlimited store and our rescue ranch will be closed all day, because we're going to get to meet Jim Carpenter and get his awesome book signed. 

For more information about attending this awesome book signing event please click on Jim Carpenter Book Signing at Wild Birds Unlimited, in Kerrville. And I hope that y'all will all be there too, so I can stand behind y'all, to hide my enlarged muffin top, when I suggest that we all get a group picture taken with Jim.

And that is about it for tonight.

Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing!

Fay & Ian Welcome To Texas!

This past week has been great and a whole lot of fun and today our dear friends, Fay & Ian, from Toronto, arrived. But before I go any further I must fill y'all in on this past week.

First off, I've still been cooking us delicious FORKS OVER KNiVES' recipes and here are just a couple of pictures of what we've been eating.

But I must admit that we have been spotted eating, at Billy Gene's and Acapulco restaurants and the Apple Store, in Medina too.

Speaking of the Apple Store, in Medina, a while back when I was waiting to pay their friendly cashier for our delicious lunch I spotted some more beautiful, Looper, pot-holders for sale and they were just like the awesome, pretty, pink pot-holder that Jean and I had made. 

At first I was crushed seeing them for sale, because it proved to me that the Looper pot-holder market has been totally saturated, but then I felt good about Jean and me not investing every last penny that we have into that big-time, money-maker. 

Last week, Tony and I also went to the Wild Birds Unlimited store, because Tony needed to buy more seed and also because we wanted to visit with our good friends: Kevin, Linda, Marguerite, Tricia and Jason, because they always are upbeat and quickly put smiles on our faces. And before we adios-ed these nice folks I bought the cutest, carved bunny, before Tony made me turn around and showed me these adorable, funny dog toys. Which of course I loved and I bought one of each for our dogs. 

Saturday was an incredibly great day, because sweet Gus got adopted to the nicest family. And Gus now happily lives with this wonderful family and their other sweet dog. Here are his adoption pictures that I took, before he went to his new, super-loving home, in the country. 

I spent yesterday cleaning our trailer from top to bottom, because I didn't want our good friends, Fay & Ian, being scared to come inside, The Cabin, to visit with us. 

There I was scrubbing this and that, putting up things and I was nearly finished with all of the cleaning when Hazel died, in my hands. Seriously, one minute she was sucking away, at the tall piles of dirt, hair, cobwebs, etc. and then the next minute she sucked in her last breathe. And to say the least—I was completely devastated, so I let go of her, and half-hollered, "Tony!" To deaf ears, because I had forgotten that Tony had gone off to take some more great pictures, so there I was all alone when she had literally bit-the-dust. 

I know that I was in shock, because I started thinking about her life always sucking and all that she had done for me and what I should write for Hazel's epitaph. And this is all that I could come up with for my beloved, lavender-colored, Dyson Animal vacuum:

Hazel Parker-Simons

2006 - 2017

Ashes to Ashes

Dust to Dust

Rest In Peace

I was so distraught about Hazel's passing I decided to go outside, to the front porch, to get some fresh air, but that didn't work. Because when I went outside I saw that Henry had just finished removing (destroying) another important porch-piece, so he could now easily rest his head, while he and Lori Darlin' enjoyed watching the birds and squirrels flit about.

When I came back inside, The Cabin, I decided to revive Hazel, because there was still too much dust, dirt, hair, etc. on the floor. So I started Googling and thank goodness I did, because I watched an educational YouTube video on how to bring her back to life.

I followed the instructions carefully and before you knew it I had disassembled Hazel. Sort of like an autopsy. She was here, there and everywhere—all over the kitchen. Then I removed her air filter (which the factory highly recommends that you clean at least every 6 months, even though I never have done that, because I never read any maintenance instructions.)

Anyway—it worked after several hours of soaking and cleaning her filthy filter. Hazel came back to life and she sucked just like she used to do—so many years ago. I was so happy about reviving the old girl when Tony came back home, I bragged, "Hazel died. But I brought her back to life! Isn't that great!" Tony smiled and said nothing. Then he showed me some awesome pictures that he had taken.  

Today has been more than great, because Fay & Ian arrived. Tony and I met them for lunch, in Kerrville and this evening, they came back over and we went over to the Lodge and had a fun time with Kinky. And during our visit with Kinky he got out his guitar and in his kitchen he sang us his two latest songs that he has written. And they were incredibly great.

That is about it for tonight, because I don't want this past week to turn into a book. But I do want to tell you that for my Valentine's gift Tony bought me the most beautiful, banjo, from The Melody Corner. And I love playing it so much—I took my first banjo lesson this past Thursday.

Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing! 

Tangled Up, Too!

Well, I sure hope that all of y'all had a wonderful Christmas, because we sure did and so did our fabulous four-legged rescued dogs.

After we cooked and served our rescued dogs their annual, delicious Christmas dinner and I had cleaned up the kitchen I cooked our Christmas dinner. And promptly, at 1:00, Kinky arrived, so he could eat Christmas dinner with our good friend Jim Keaveny and us. Bottom Line___It was delicious and we had a lot of fun enjoying Kinky's and Jim's hilarious tales about some of their musician friends.

Later on in the evening, Jim let us listen to his new CD, which is due to come out, in March and we can't wait to buy a copy, because it is totally fabulous. And if you want to check out Jim Keaveny, please click here: jimkeaveny.com and make sure to check out his Music & Videos and you can sample more of his music at: cdbaby.

We really enjoyed having Jim spend his Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with us. And Monday morning after Tony and I had done both of our chores, Kinky invited the three of us to come over, to the Lodge, for a visit and to drink some coffee with him.

When we went over to the Lodge, Kinky greeted us and then he immediately poured us coffees and Tony and I had a great time, sitting around the kitchen table, listening to more of their tales about some of the famous people they have known. There was a long discussion about Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Minnie Pearl & her husband, Jimi Hendrix, Keith Richards, Muddy Waters, June Carter and Bob Dylan just to name a few and that is why we spent over two hours over at Kinky's. And before we left, the Lodge, to come back over here, I took this picture of Jim & Kinky.

Sadly, late yesterday afternoon, Jim and us adios-ed each other and then he took off to go visit a few more friends, before returning home, to Terlingua.

Today has been great even though I overslept and missed Big G's phone call, to do his morning radio show.

Around 10:00, Kinky called me and invited us to come over for a visit, I went, but Tony didn't, because he wanted to go take some pictures.

My visit with Kinky was a lot of fun and it lasted for over an hour. And before we adios-ed each other, he and I made a pact aka New Year's resolutions: for the three of us to start drinking coffee together every morning and for him and me to take two, twenty-minute, daily hikes together. And lastly, for Tony and me to meet him for lunch today, at 2:00, at Buzzi's BBQ, because we both had errands to run, in Kerrville.

Lunch was delicious and a lot of fun and we got to visit with Buzzi. And before we adios-ed each other, in the parking lot, I showed Kinky my pink, leash that connects two leashes to it, so I can walk Little Debbie & Big Al(ice) and the reason that I showed it to him was, because earlier, during our morning visit, I had suggested that we try using it on Sophie & Mr. P when we start doing our daily hikes, because Sophie is blind and Mr. P is deaf.

After we adios-ed Kink, Tony and I went to Wild Birds Unlimited, so I could buy a gift and we could check out Kevin & Linda's on sale items. Unfortunately, Marguerite wasn't there, but we did have a fun visit with Linda and Tricia. And I did buy a gift, but I also bought one for myself, because I loved the gift that I was going to be giving. And the only clue I will give you is—mine is pink.

Around 4:45, I went over to the Lodge, so Kinky and I could hike with The Friedmans and I took my stopwatch and my pink leash, so we could try it on Sophie and Mr. P.

Before we took off to go hiking for our first, twenty minute hike, Kinky suggested that we extend the length of the two pink leashes and that was a big mistake, because I was getting tangled up with it, inside The Lodge and when he took over, outside—he got tangled up, too. And we both had a good laugh about it and tonight before I adios-ed Kink, we agreed that the next time we hike (tomorrow) we will not extend the length of the two leashes for our own safety.

And that's about it for tonight, because I am planning to watch the Kennedy Honors, in just a few minutes.

Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing!

Fifteen Potholders!

Today has been great. This afternoon when we went to Kerrville, to get Balser's Northside Automotive to change Trigger's oil for us, I brought along my framed painting and the famous, hermetically-sealed, pink potholder, because I wanted to show it to our good friends, Jon & Sandy, the owners of Wolfmueller's Books and to Marguerite and Linda, at Wild Birds Unlimited.

While the nice people, at Balser's Northside Automotive, changed the oil Tony and I ate lunch, at the Acapulco restaurant, which is right next door to Balser's.

After we got Trigger back we went to see the Wolfmuellers, on Earl Garrett Street and we had so much fun visiting with them and Kinky and Dylan. We didn't know that Kinky and Dylan would be at the bookstore—it was just a coincidence.

Anyway, when we walked inside the best book store, in Texas, everyone was hanging out, at the checkout counter and they were laughing and Kinky and Dylan were just as shocked to see us as we were to see them there, even though it actually happens quite often.

Halfway through the fun we were having with our friends, I adios-ed our friends and declared, "Y'all, I need to go next door, to Bad Girlz of Texas, to buy a few hilarious cards and to shop around. Is Andie over there?"

"Yes," Sandy said. "I'll be over there in just a minute, because I want to show you her super-cute cat coin purses."

I had a fun, but short visit with my friend Andie, in between her helping her customers find things. Her store was packed with customers and because she was so busy I went to check out her hilarious, large assortment of off-the-wall cards for all occasions.

The cards kept me laughing and I chuckled several other times when I would hear a customer burst out loud laughing at something they had found. It was sort of like doing "the wave" at a football game, because there was non-stop people laughing.

After I had picked out four or five hilarious birthday cards to buy, Sandy walked into the store and then she found me. "Nancy, come over here. You've got to see these cat purses." So I followed Sandy.

"Omg! I love these cat coin purses. They are too cute," I said.

"I know," Sandy said. "Andie told me the other day that she just got in a new shipment of these, because they keep flying off the shelf." So, I decided to buy one of each to give to my cat-loving friends, before they were all gone. And when Andie was checking me out, I lined them up, on the counter and took this picture of them, before she sacked them up for me.

When Sandy and I returned to Wolfmueller's Books, I showed her and Jon my painting and the potholder, in the box. "I love Jean," I said. "She truly saved the day for me, because for the life of me I could not figure out how to tie off those stupid loopers. And she is so much fun...."

"Oh, before I forget," Jon said. "Here's your premium metal hook that Jean found after y'all left the other day." After I thanked them for giving me my hook back I started laughing, as I told them about the hilarious comments that Jean and Fay have made on my blog, about the pink potholder.

Then Sandy picks up her phone and says, "Nancy, you really should think about making doggie mats, because they are really cool. Then she held up her phone and showed me this picture of a beautiful potholder doggie mat, that Jean had sent to her to show to me.

And as I was admiring the doggie mat photo I tried to figure out how many years it would take for Jean and me to make just one. "Good grief," I joked. "Fifteen potholders! That could take us years to make and we would have to charge at least $1,000.00 to make that thing, as long as Jean will work for free. Maybe we could just make them for real small Chihuahuas. Omg, Little Debbie has gained a few extra ounces and she might need six potholders or more. Now I'm not so sure that this potholder moneymaker will be a financial pleasure after all. Jean and I need to have a business meeting to discuss this some more...."

Our last stop before going home was at Wild Birds Unlimited. When we walked inside Linda and Marguerite greeted us. "We just dropped in, so I can show y'all my painting and the hermetically-sealed pink potholder.

First, I showed them the one-of-a-kind potholder and it made them laugh. Perfect, that was what I wanted them to do. Then I showed them my painting and they complimented me on it, which was what I also wanted them to do, to help give me confidence in my art. Then we had a short, fun visit talking about their upcoming doggie adoption day that we will be participating in, at their store.

Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing!

A Time Capsule!

Today has been so great. This morning our good friend, Linda called me. She and her husband Kevin are good friends of ours and they own the Wild Birds Unlimited store, in Kerrville, where Marguerite and Tricia work.

Anyway, I was outside when she called, at 10:23, and she left a message for me. About five minutes later, when I came back inside, The Cabin and listened to her exciting message, so I immediately called her back, at the store, to thank her for inviting us to participate in their Doggie Adoption Day, on Saturday, December 3rd, at their Wild Birds Unlimited store.

Marguerite answered the phone and within seconds I was talking ,on the phone, to Linda. "Linda, we would love to participate and...." After we had discussed this upcoming event, I thanked her for inviting us and before we adios-ed each other, she told me that she was also going to contact, another great animal shelter, in Kerrville and as soon as she got an answer back from them—the wheels would be set in motion. And I am not sure who was more excited about their upcoming Wild Birds Unlimited dog adoption day event, but it doesn't really matter, because I can't wait to do it and I know that our dogs will have so much fun. Anyway, as soon as I know more about this super-cool event I will post it hear and also spread the word,  by talking about it on Big G's and Harley Belew's radio shows.

This afternoon after lunch, Tony and I took off, for Kerrville, to run a few errands. First, we went to get our eyes examined, but that didn't happen, because we needed to make an appointment first. After we made our appointments, we left the eye doctor and then we went to Gibson's to buy Tony some new Wrangler jeans.

While Tony was hunting blue jeans, I wandered around the store and I about fainted, because on the front of an isle, Gibson's had a leaning stack of about ten, multi-colored woven potholders for sale, just like the pretty pink one that Jean and I made yesterday. And the price tags on them were $4.99 each. And to say the least, that got me all excited about making potholders, again.

Since I was inspired by seeing that people actually bought those kind of potholders, at Gibson's and after I told Tony about Gibson's selling the potholders for $4.99, we went down the Junction Highway, for a few blocks, so Tony could drop me off, at the Home Town Craft store, while he drove over to the Wild Birds Unlimited store, in the same shopping center.

As you can guess, my hopes were high about buying a bag of pink loopers and a bag of white loopers, but unfortunately all of the loopers they had in stock were those gigantic filled bags of multi-colored loopers, just like the one I bought the other day. And that's when my smile turned upside down.

But fortunately it went back up real quick, when I heard a familiar woman's voice, say, "Nancy!" Omg, it was our good friend Daneshu, so I took off to go visit with her. While we were catching up with each others news, she told me that she was having one of her paintings framed, at River Oaks Framing Co., to give as a gift and that was why she was hanging around the craft, because they told her it would only take a few minutes for them to frame it for her.

"Daneshu, I didn't know you were an artist, too!...." And a few minutes later, she opened up her large art folder and showed me one of her most recent landscape paintings and I about fainted when I saw it, because it was absolutely beautiful.

When our dear artist friend changed the subject she asked me what I was shopping for and I was too embarrassed to tell her pink and white potholder loopers, because I was hooked on weaving potholders. So, I told her the other thing that I was shopping for. "I'm looking for a small, inexpensive shadow box frame to put something I made inside it."

"Oh, what did you make, Nancy?" she inquired. And right then and there I knew that I was busted, so I took a deep breath, and nonchalantly said, "A potholder." Daneshu, tried to hide the puzzled look on her face, because she is a sweet woman. So, I added, "I wove it and it's pink and white, but I had to have our friend Jean tie it off for me. So, actually Jean and I made it and it's real pretty."

"Daneshu, your picture is ready to be picked up, at River Oaks Framing. Please come back to the counter."

"Well, I need to go pick up my painting. It was great seeing you, Nancy, and please tell Tony that I said hello." Then she rushed off, like she was fleeing from an insane person.

And a few minutes later, I found the perfect shadow box and a pink-glittered backing and bought them. Then I walked across the parking lot to go to, Wild Birds Unlimited, to get Tony.

When I walked inside Wild Birds Unlimited, Linda, Tricia and Marguerite greeted me, from the counter. Then I had a fun visit with them and I even showed them my shadow box and pink backing for it, because they follow my blog and know all about the pretty pink potholder that Jean and I made.

"Well, I want to see your painting," Marguerite said. "When can I see it?"

"Soon," I said. "It's a gift and I can't put it up on my blog, yet...." Then we started talking about the upcoming doggie adoption day. Bottom line: We're all excited about the fun event and Marguerite even told me that she would be glad to volunteer to help transport our dogs or do anything else to help make it easier on us. And before we adios-ed each other and left this super-cool store, I purchased one of their greeting cards that has a real Fender guitar pick, on the front of it and the message inside the card is: "YOU ROCK!" And I know exactly who I am going to give it to.

Early this evening, I "hermetically" sealed the pink and white potholder, inside the shadow box and now I have to decide where to put it on display. I want it to be in the kitchen, but I am also thinking about possibly burying it outside, in a secret location, sort of like a time capsule that they put on the moon. But, the only thing bad about that idea, I would have to unseal it and leave a note about it saying something like, "Two old women made this potholder, in two days—not a 5 year old kid." Anyway, I'm hoping to make my final decision by tomorrow, after I talk to Jean about it and get her professional opinion on it.

Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing!

Mayo! Mayo!

Today has been great. Late this afternoon Tony and I took off for Kerrville, because Tony needed to pick up some more birdseed, at Wild Birds Unlimited and I needed to go to the big H-E-B to buy a few more groceries.

In fact, the main reason why I wanted to go to H-E-B was to buy a loaf of healthy, organic, NON GMO, Eureka "Seeds The Day" Bread, H-E-B's Classic Havarti Single Sliced Cheese and a small jar of Kraft mayonnaise, because last night I stumbled upon this very interesting website: TIPHERO.com about how to cook the best grilled cheese sandwich the correct way, without using any butter. And that got me excited, because all of my life I discovered that I've been doing it the wrong way all along with my mother, my sister and my grandmothers.

Yes, I know that by admitting this it proves to you just how exciting my night life really is. Anyway, I could not wait to go to the grocery store today, so I could buy the mayo, cheese and bread.

First, we went to Wild Birds Unlimited and we found Kevin "holding down the fort" all by himself. So while Tony shopped around this super cool store, that has the best of vibes and of course, the best birdseed, I had a fun conversation with Kevin, in between him helping customers find what they needed.

After we adios-ed our good friend, Kevin, we went down the street to shop at the big H-E-B and then we came back home.

As soon as we had put up the groceries Tony went outside to fill up his bird feeders, while I anxiously got out the three ingredients needed to make the best grilled cheese sandwiches, on our Planet and then I cooked us our grilled cheese sandwiches the correct way, without using any butter.

Trust me, I had my fingers crossed, when I placed the mayo-covered piece of bread face up and then put it face down into my non-stick skillet and then I topped it with the cheese, and then I placed the other mayo-covered piece of bread face up too, before flipping it, because I have always done it the opposite way, by placing the mayo sides on the inside touching the cheese, like my grandmothers and mother had taught me.

And oh my goodness (or Mayo! Mayo!), our sandwiches looked so delicious I totally forgot to take a picture first, before we ate them. Anyway,Tony and I both agreed that they were the very best grilled cheese sandwiches that we have ever eaten. And once again, here is the tiphero.com that taught me how to correctly cook a grilled cheese sandwich. And please note: that you can use any favorite cheese that you like.

Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing!

Life Is Good!

Today has been great. Late this morning Tony and I took off, for Kerrville, to a few errands. Our first stop was the Save Inn, because we had not eaten breakfast.

So, when we got there, just before noon, we beat the restaurant's rush hour traffic and found a vacant table. And as fate would have it Tony and I ordered the exact same thing—Sinker Omelet, because it is our all time favorite. And needless to say, it was absolutely delicious as always.

Our next stop was at the big H-E-B, because I needed to pick up some ingredients that I didn't have to make Kris' famous, delicious Fruit Pancakes recipe, so I can cook some up tomorrow, because Jim raved about it when we met them for lunch, on Monday.

Our last stop was at one of our favorite stores, in Kerrville—Wild Birds Unlimited, so Tony could pick up some more of their choice birdseed blends.

When we walked inside this amazing store, with great vibes, Linda and Marguerite, behind the counter, greeted us. While Tony checked out the birdseed selections, etc. I started talking to Marguerite about her dogs, especially Scout, who Henry Standing Bear has a huge crush on.

While Marguerite was giving us updates on her four legged family, that she had adopted from us, she chuckled, and said, "When our great customers come in here, a lot of them know me and they want to talk to me about their dogs and pets. And I am always telling them about y'all's rescue ranch, too. So the other day I decided to make this, so I can show it to them." Then she went to the back of the store and returned with the pictures of the four dogs that she has adopted from us, over the years.

Tony and I loved her pictures, because we love seeing our dogs, in their forever homes, after being adopted from us. On this side of her card stock was Mini-Marguerite and sweet Enzo.

As we looked at these dogs Marguerite chuckled, and said, "I tell them I adopted Mini Marguerite, because Nancy had named her after me, in hopes of getting me to adopt her. And I adopted Enzo, because when I went into Hoegemeyer's to pick something up, Susan knew that I could not resist German Shepherds and in front of everybody, in their lobby, suggested that I go meet Enzo."

On the backside of the sheet were adorable pictures of Scout and Odi.

Then Marguerite continued on, and said, "I tell them I adopted Scout, when once again, I walked into Hoegemeyer Animal Clinic and there stood you and Tony holding that adorable puppy in your arms, and you told me she had been deserted, in a park, that some kids had found her. And then Nancy tells me, "This pup is part German Shepherd and she is so sweet...." Then we all started laughing, because it was so obvious that there is absolutely no German Shepherd in her.

"And then I tell them sweet Odi's story, that you had blogged about. So after reading your blog about the one-eyed pup, I went to check him out, at the clinic and I immediately fell in love with him."

So, I asked Marguerite if I could take pictures of her dogs, so I could blog about it tonight. So you can guess what her answer was.

When Tony and I got back home, Carlton was flashing, on top of the breakfast bar, again. So after we put up the groceries, we listened to several new messages. 

Two of the messages were from our dear friend Garnet and Tony and I were thrilled with what we heard, because she and her husband Sandy wanted to come and take sweet Lola back home! 

I called Garnet immediately to tell her that we would love for her and Sandy to come get their lovable Lola. 

So tomorrow morning, Garnet and Sandy are coming out to get their sweet Lola!  So once again, life is good. (Knock-on-wood.)

Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing!

Give The Dog A Bone!

Today has been great. After Tony and I ate lunch we grabbed Henry Standing Bear and took off for Kerrville to run a few errands.

Our first stop was at Hoegemeyer Animal Clinic, where we dropped off Henry to get his stitches removed and his nails clipped, while we ran a few more errands.

Our next stop was at Wild Birds Unlimited, so Tony could buy more birdseed, suet, etc. Marguerite and Tricia greeted us when we walked inside one of our favorite stores, in Kerrville. While Tony started shopping, Marguerite and I started talking about Scout and Henry and that's when I thanked her for buying Henry a blue, chew bone, Online, given to him from his pal Scout.

"We're going to Wolfmueller's Books next, so we can pick up Henry's bone," I said. "That you dropped off last week. Henry is going to love it..." Marguerite told us about Scout's latest adventures and then the four of us started talking about Bees, because I had asked about this really cool-looking  house made for Bees.

While we were talking about all kinds of bees and scorpions Tony and Marguerite started talking about these giant "Assasin Bees" that go around killing innocent Tarantulas. And these mean-spirited, assassins then drag their dead Tarantula trophies, back into their Bee-domed nest, so they can lay their eggs on top of the Tarantula carcass, so when their baby sniper-bees hatch, they will get to eat the poor, dead tarantulas. Until they are old enough and ready to go out and start hunting for innocent Tarantulas to kill.

Then Tony changed the subject and started telling them about five, sneaky raccoons that have been raiding his bird feeders. "The other day I set up my game-camera and it took over a 1,000 photographs, one night, between two and four o'clock, in the morning, of five raccoons taking turns climbing up the pole and scratching out the birdseed for the others to eat down below. It was pretty funny, too, because each coon took his turn climbing up the pole..."

After we adios-ed our friends and Marguerite had helped Tony load up the heavy sack of choice birdseed, we took off for Wolfmueller's Books.

After we had a fun visit with Sandy & Jon, Sandy and I adios-ed Tony and Jon and then went next door, to shop, at Bad Girlz of Texas, because I wanted to buy one of their funny birthday cards for The Mineral Man's upcoming birthday party, that we and the volunteers are celebrating this coming Friday.

Unfortunately, Andie wasn't there, but Sadie was, so she helped Sandy and me shop. Sandy and Sadie helped me pick out some of the cutest costume jewelry. At only $2.00 per item, which included the $2.00 bracelets, $2.00 rings and $2.00 a piece, themed tops, that you snap into the rings and bracelets to go with your outfit or theme of the day. And I had a total blast picking out the. tops for my rings and bracelets. And I also found the perfect birthday card for us to give to Jim.

When Tony came in to tell me that we needed to go pick up Henry and get back to the ranch, he found the funniest dish towel and started laughing as he held it up for me to look at. "Nance, this has your name written all over it. You've got to buy this." So I did. And this is what I purchased not counting the adorable silver paw print ring that I am wearing right now.

When we got back home, we immediately gave Henry his present from Scout and he totally loves it and the only bad thing is Henry won't share it with Roy. But luckily for Henry Standing Bear, Roy is so old and so sweet, and so laid back he just looks at Henry and wags his tail and walks away laughing. Because everyone know when dogs wag their tails they are laughing.

Y'all have a great evening!

Scout Is Coming Out!

Yesterday was uneventful even though we are in F.M.T. (Full Moon Time) again. And the reason that I didn't write anything last night was because we spent the entire day mowing and weed-eating. I push-mowed ten dog pens, two alleys and our backyard and Tony mowed our front yard, the pink cabin's front yard and then he spent the rest of his time weed-eating, because our weed-eater is too big and weighs too much for me to handle.

When we finished up yesterday evening both of our backs were aching and I was just too tired to write anything about my day, because in my opinion, mowing and weed-eating isn't all that interesting.

Today has been great, because this morning I only mowed one alley, because we had to take off, for Kerrville, to run a few errands. Our first stop was at Wild Birds Unlimited, so Tony could buy some more birdseed. While we were at this super, good-vibes store we had a fun visit with Marguerite and Kevin.

And before we adios-ed our good friends to go run some more errands, Marguerite and I made an official play-date,  scheduled for tomorrow morning, so she can bring her Scout out to play with our Henry Standing Bear, because both of our puppies are so full of energy.

I know that Henry will have a blast playing with Scout, because Roy, Belle, Beau, Little Debbie and Big Al(ice) don't like to play with Henry very long, because he can be a little too rambunctious with them and he still doesn't realize that it hurts when he bites them with his super-sharp puppy teeth.

Anyway, it will be good for Henry to socialize with someone outside his family and so close to his own age and it will be good for Tony and me to socialize with someone close to our own age, too. And the best part is that Marguerite is so sweet—we know that she doesn't bite anyone.

So tomorrow morning is going to be a lot of fun, because Marguerite and Scout will be here, along with our many dear friends/volunteers. And I am hoping that Marguerite and I will have enough time to get to take Henry and Scout for a stroll, down to the creek, so our pups can play in the cool, clear water. And that's about it for tonight.

Y'all have a great evening!

Like A Rock! or Oh Henry!

The last few days have been great. Yesterday afternoon Kinky hitched a ride with us to Kerrville, because Mr. Green Jeans was in the shop. "They told me that they think it's the transmission," Kinky said, as the three of us ate lunch at the Acapulco Restaurant.

After a fun lunch, we dropped Kinky off, in the little H-E-B's parking lot. "Thanks for taking me to Kerrville," Kinky said, as he climbed out of Trigger. "I've got to mail some things and then buy a few groceries, before Dylan comes to pick me up and take me back to the ranch."

Then Tony and I took off for the big H-E-B, so Tony could fill up Trigger while I bought a few groceries. Then we came back home.

This morning our good friends Charlie & Ellen came over to drink coffee with us and to give me a present. "Sorry Tony," Charlie teased. "We didn't get you anything because you don't deserve one." Then Charlie reached into his jacket's pocket and handed me the coolest rock. "We got it from our West Texas ranch and it had Cousin Nancy written all over it. It looks like martians decorated it..." Then he gave me the most beautiful rock.

I love collecting rocks and I thanked them for the unique rock. Now this is where y'all come in to play. Can anyone tell me something about what kind of rock this is, because I don't have a clue. If you do please leave me a comment.

Late this morning Tony and I decided to take Trigger to Balser's Northside Automotive, to get him his state inspection, while we ate lunch, next door, at Acapulco, again. So, Tony called our dear friends Kris & Jim to see if they wanted to meet us for lunch, at 12:30.

After we dropped off Trigger, we walked across the parking lot and spotted our friend's car, already parked in Acapulco's parking lot. So when the friendly waiter asked us how many were in our party, we told him that we were meeting friends. Then we looked up and saw Kris & The Mineral Man waving at us, near the back of the restaurant.

As always, Tony and I had a blast eating lunch with Kris & Jim. In fact, we never stopped talking or laughing throughout our delicious meal. And Tony and I did not order the exact same thing.

An hour and a half later, we adios-ed our friends and walked back over to Balser's to pick up Trigger. And we had a pleasant surprise awaiting us. "Your truck doesn't need to be inspected," the friendly woman explained. "They've passed a new law....You don't need to renew the inspection until August when your license plates are due..."

Before we came back home, we made a quick stop at Wild Birds Unlimited, because Tony needed to buy more birdseed. And before we adios-ed Marguerite and Linda we had a fun visit with them. We mainly talked about birds and laughed about our dogs latest antics. "I think I am going to rename Big Foot aka Big Daddy to Henry," I stated. "After Lou Diamond Phillips' character he plays, in Longmire."

"I love Henry," Marguerite said.

Then Tony said, "No, he's my dog and I like Big Foot."

We chuckled, and then I said, "Oh Henry is a much better name for him than Big Foot and besides that he's our dog, Tony..." Then we left the store with Marguerite and Linda laughing about our "what to name him" discussion.

When we got back home Carlton was flashing, on the breakfast bar. We had four new messages. Sandy left one of the messages, "Nancy, Tony. There's a new show on Netflix called Branded and Jon and I love it and y'all are going to love it, too...."

So that's about it for tonight, because I am fixin' to go sit down and watch Branded, while Henry and the rest of our dogs sleep.

Y'all have a great evening!