Making the Porch a Tranquil Place

I didn't have the boys today, they were with Mom at the swimming pool. Hubby and I have been so busy getting the gardens into shape that we had completely neglected the side porch. Today the man up the road stopped by to see if there were any odd jobs he could do for enough money to buy a pack of cigarettes. We had put a few things on the porch that needed to go to the dump...the old microwave and an old sewing machine that was beyond repair. So they loaded them into the car and away they went.

When they came back, I asked the man if he would carry my bird fountain up from the basement. It's rather heavy and hubby isn't to be lifting it. I didn't get it up last year and really wanted to be able to enjoy it. So up it came.

I'm a lover of bluebirds and when I saw this fountain a few years ago, I decided to give it a home where it would be well-loved. Hubby cleaned it up and installed the pump. I filled it with water and we got it running.

Here is a closer look. I really enjoy sitting on the side porch in the evening and listening to the tranquil sound of water. Now Dakota and I can sit outside in the evening and enjoy the fountain...the trickle of water is so soothing...balm for the soul.

Tackle it Tuesday

Today hubby took the boys to see a movie. That is a first. We usually all go, but I had no interest in Transformers and so sent the guys off to bond while watching it.

As soon as they left, I started going through my kitchen cupboards. I couldn't believe the stuff that was in there that I hadn't used for a long time. I put some in the recycling bin, some in the garbage and some in a bag for charity. Then I washed the insides of the cupboards down and reorganized everything.

I have very little counter space as it is and with the cupboards hoarding unnecessary things, I had no where to put anything. That left the counter full of clutter. Now the counter is clear of all clutter and the space is reclaimed. It's something that really needed doing.

When the guys got home, they told me what a great movie it was. I'm glad they enjoyed it. They thought the kitchen looked 100% better. They had asked me what I was going to do while they were gone and I told them I was going to take a nap. They sure were surprised to see I'd been working and reorganizing the entire time, and it feels great to have a clutter-free counter.

Do you have a project that you're tackling right now? If so, be sure to check out 5 minutes for Mom and join in the fun.

A Bit of an Update

Things have been pretty quiet around here. I had the boys all day Monday and Thursday and also onTuesday afternoon this past week. Friday, Saturday and today was spent catching up on household tasks and rest.

Tonight I watched the finals of the Calgary Stampede. It was quite entertaining. There are some very talented people that take part in the Stampede, which was founded in 1886. Since then there have been many changes. Thousands of people flock to Calgary, Alberta during the first half of July to attend.

I was truly touched by the brotherhood of the competitors. They wished each other good luck and cheered on their opponents. Winning brings in much needed cash but their first concern is their fellow cowboys/girls and their horses. These are young men who have been raised to have respect and good sportsmanship.

I was happy to see a 43 year-old lady from Texas, Tammy Key-Fischer, win the barrel racing competition. Two weeks ago, her 18 year-old son was killed, along with two of his friends, in a car accident. When she received her check, she dedicated her win to her son. She said that he always came with her every year and she always lost. This year she won for him. It was a very emotional moment for all concerned. Kudos to her. I'm sure her son was looking down and rooting Mom on.

Have a great week and remember to do a random act of kindness. It can make a big difference in the life of someone less fortunate.

Charley Pride Live in Concert

My friend JoAnn's son gave her two tickets to see Charley Pride Live in Concert for tonight and she so generously invited me to come along. I was ecstatic.
Here we are in her backyard just before traveling out of town to have dinner and take in the concert.

We enjoyed a beautiful dinner. I had chicken breast with a mushroom and onion sauce, baked potato, squash and carrots. JoAnn had penne with sundried tomatoes. For an appetizer we had garlic bread with cheese. They brought us a 10 inch plate that was overflowing. Neither of us have ever tasted such good garlic bread. Both of the meals were heartily enjoyed.

Then it was time for the show. The announcer came out to let us know we were in for a special treat. Dion Pride, Charley's son was opening for him.

Dion put on a fine show. He looks much like his father in his younger days.

If you have ever watched Charley in action, Dion's moves are much the same. He is a great singer and has just released a new CD.

Then it was time for Charley himself. He still looks much the same as he did in 1971, when I bought his first album.

He put on a terrific show. He has published a book. Pride tells the story of growing up in Mississippi, one of eleven children. His song Cotton Pickin' Delta Town tells a bit about his life. Yes, he did actually pick cotton when he was a child.

He spoke of his mother, who died when he was quite young. His book is dedicated to her.

He told of close friends in the music industry. Marty Robbins, Conway Twitty, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. He sang a tribute to them by incorporating each of their songs into a medley.

Charley's band is called, The Pride. One member has been with him 32 years and the lead guitarist 13 years.

There was lots of audience participation. Charley mentioned several people who were celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. A 90 year old man was in the audience. When his family asked him what he'd like for his birthday, the told them he wanted to go and see Charlie Pride.

Charley has been married to his wife for 52 years. His son, Dion, was born in Montana and is 43 years old.

I snapped the above photo as the concert was winding down. Everyone wanted to shake his hand and get his photo. This is when he came out to do an encore after finishing the show with Kiss An Angel Good Morning.