way to leave a comment.

Hello, friends. I thought this would be a great opportunity to explain how to leave a comment, which I would love, if you would. It's very confusing, but once you've done it a few times, it's kind of easy. I know, it's taken me many tries on other blogs. But here we go....

• leave your comment
• type in the word verification, just as you see it on the screen (if it shows on the screen)
• you'll see different options to use, such as blogger, open ID, annonymous...use the Name/Url option
• then hit publish

Hopefully, this little explanation has helped. PLEASE leave a comment if an entry has hit a chord with you. I need the attention. Let's face it, a person who will write about ironing definitely has some issues.

beary important message.

Hi, Red Bear! How are you? Sorry to hear that your cubs won't be able to come for a visit, but I totally understand! Orientation into the wild world of high school is a big thing. I wouldn't let them roam those halls without a little intro, either!

Perhaps one day we can roam NYC together again, and visit the hallowed toilets where together, we danced the day away. Because, you are...my Red Bear.

crazy obsessive addiction.

Why, oh why, oh why, why, why am I obsessed with ironing everything? Hmmmm? Could this be a genetic disorder? I think so, because Mom irons everything. Is it an environmental condition? Probably, because Mom ironed all our clothes as we grew, and boy, could she iron! Thanks, Mom! You can catch me on any given day, at any given time, hanging out with this iron, even on the hottest of days. When my last iron took its leave of me, I was beside myself, wondering what was I going to do without my iron? I ran to K-Mart the very next day to replace the beloved/hated dewrinkler. Oh, and K-Mart (you know what Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man thought of K-Mart...yes, he was correct!) naturally didn't have any more of my brand. So I had to wait yet another day to go to Wal Mart to see if my Black and Decker Classic was in stock. Yes! Sweet blessed relief, and it was $5.00 less than at that other worthless store. This is positively the best little iron. I know this because I've bought expensive, name-brand irons that were OK, but not worth the price I paid. And now I need to get a life. But (never start a sentence with a posterior word) just in case you're ever in need of a sweet little hottie, this is the one to buy. Adios.

delicious movie.

Mom and I went to see the movie, "Mamma Mia!" today. I have to say, I LOVED it! Do you remember all those ABBA songs? And how sometimes, they just didn't make a whole lot of sense? Well, to me they didn't. After seeing the movie, I understand it all now. OK, ABBA. You can come back now that I understand...

Meryl Streep and her fun-loving friends kind of remind me of someone else and her fun-loving friends (without our husbands...because let's face it, we're goofier without the men around). Sorry, boys, but those're the facts. They're dancing to "Dancing Queen" and it's such a cute scene. Anyhow, Meryl (Donna) cries and her face gets all distorted and her nose turns red. Ugly, just like in real-life. I loved it. Because I get all ugly when I cry and those girls in the movies just don't turn ugly. But Meryl's face was splotchy and red, which was charming.

Now the girls have found their sista' hood and are singing and dancing through the streets. The townswomen are joining them and they're all ordinary-looking women. Which I find charming.

Oh, this scene made me almost cry. You ladies with daughters, watch out. It also applies to sons, just imagine a boy not wearing a wedding dress. Same sentiments, different clothing. Yes, I almost cried. Hey Gail, mom, mother...did you cry? Because I am your daughter and it's a charming question.

My absolute favorite scene. And it pretty much explains the ABBA song in a way that I never understood before. I can't really tell you anything more, because I don't want to be a movie-spoiler and anything I say may help you to figure the scene out ahead of time. Which on my part, would not be so charming.

I am positively going to buy the soundtrack to the movie. The singing was lovely. Pierce Bronson sings and though he isn't much of a warbler, his performance was fine and believable. Because I know that when my Pierce Bronson, aka MacGyver sings, he's no Andrea Bocelli. But he's real and sweet and completely charming. More on him another time.

So, be the Dancing Queen I know that you are, and dance your way to this movie. You'll leave feeling happy...oh, stay for the credits, there's a little extra there for you.

kitchen accessory, Part I.

It is my humble opinion that every kitchen should have something like this...an olive oil cruet. Not only is it charming to look at, but it is very, very handy. I use extra virgin olive oil in all of my cooking. From marinades to potatoes (Dan Quayle, help?) to dressings, this stuff is it! Rather than attempting to pour it straight from the wide-mouth bottle, I use this nifty cafe to help drizzle, rather than pour, my olive oil. It's perfect for portion control. Love it! So if you ever run across a nifty looking accessory like this, definitely buy it. You'll love it.

happy purse.

Hello, Sue's purse! Sue ordered a special purse. The rubia (me) thinks this is one of the most beautiful fabrics on the market. Amy Butler, for you curious folks. On as to why Sue's purse is truly one-of-a-kind. Sue is very petite, but I still love her. She's short, small-framed, and very slender. Not to mention that she has a smile that lights up any room she walks into. Anyway, Sue needed a purse to fit her dimensions. Which makes a lot of sense, as a big purse would swallow poor Sue up! "Hey, where's Sue?" "Oh, she's in her handbag, she tripped and in she fell!" Or, "Why is Sue hooked up to that purse?" "Because the straps are too darned long!" You get the picture. So we shortened the basic strap a few inches, to ensure the drop isn't below Sue's hip. She also requested an inside zipped pocket-very good thinking, Sue. The bag measures 9-inches wide by 9-inches tall. It was important not to cut any additional fabric off of that brown base, as you would lose a lot of that glorious design. I then added that coordinating yummy green polka dot, which just pops the bag. OK, Sue, I hope you like your new purse. If anyone is interested, please pop on over to the rubia for a looksie at her other stuff. New bags will be appearing in August, along with some other new accessories. Now, I can't promise that I won't post some of my new creations here...I'm so shameless!

crazy show.

What's so disturbing and yet so funny about this show, is that you've probably worked with someone in real life who resembles a character from "The Office." I've been known to bug away from a girl's night out to make it home just in time for the opening credits of the show. I never miss it. Never. OK, I did have to attend a high school thingamajg for our son, but my mind was totally focused on the show I was missing. I can't wait for "The Office" to come back. My Thursday evenings have been so empty without it.

day to be a girl!

Do you remember this sweet creature's bath from last week? I mean, she's cute, but no AKC beauty contestant. Oh, and by the way...she doesn't fall when she walks!

We're at the beauty salon, ready to see Yvonne. B.B. is crying, because she doesn't want me to take her picture with her hair, I mean, fur all raggedy. I understand girl, I don't want my picture taken when my fur, I mean hair, is looking raggedy and dingy.

Uh-oh, could be trouble. B.B.'s arch-nemesis is waiting for her, taunting her. You know how catty these creatures can be! Word's goin' out in the hood about this mangy mutt. Nosey cat! Sorry, girl.

But wait! Is this the same bad-hair-day, I mean, fur-day pooch? Why, she's beautiful! And I swear, she looks 10 lbs. lighter. Hey Yvonne, do you have time to cut my fur, I mean, hair?

A day at the beauty parlor sure can be exhausting. It isn't easy being glamorous! I think a cat-nap, (oh, sorry) doggie-doze is in order. Go to sleep girl, you look absolutely amazing!

sweet old church.

This is the beautiful church I attended when I was a girl. I have always loved this church and to me, it is as beautiful a church as St. Patrick's Cathedral. So many lovely memories of my childhood reside in this church. Someday, I'll go back for a visit...I'll see my grandmother and grandfathers and all the other relatives that now rest behind this little old church. I think I'll just sit here and look at it awhile. It's so pretty...

ode to a friend.

My friend, Terri, left me high and dry this summer. No floating in the pool, no barbs back and forth. No nothin'. Not only has she left me feeling lonely and blue, she also took her boys with her, leaving my boy without his buddy. All for an old house in Louisianna. Geez, thanks Terri! Don't get me wrong, I have plenty of other dear and lovely friends. Everyone knows that Terri is unique, sassy, bold...she has that certain "tude" about her that makes me laugh. Here's to you, Terri. I haven't forgotten that your birthday is at the end of July. Just so you don't forget, you'll always be older than me. Now go and have a martini (or four) to celebrate your oldness.

nightmare.

Hi Mom. We've decided that the gleaming new workshop is, well, just too...new. So rather than have to look at it nestled in the back corner of the yard, we've decided to do away with it and bring back the old, reliable school house. It has so much more character, don't you agree? Come on over and take a look. Oh, how we've missed it!

"...don't worry about it."

Thank you, Lord, for bringing Rudy home. Thank you for the comfort you left Rudy's girls, thank you for their faith and love of their family. Laurie told of how the church bells were beautiful, as was the smile on Rudy's lips. Lord, thank you for hearing the prayers of Rudy's family and friends and though we don't always understand, in our hearts we know that your timing is perfect. So Lord, please bless this family and help them in the coming days to laugh through their tears and to find comfort in their innumerable stories of Rudy. And if Rudy is true to form, he's up there saying, "...don't worry about it."

reminder of joy and cheer.

Oh, come now. You know that it's right around the corner. Yes, it is! My all-time favorite season, days of good cheer and happiness! Gently falling snow, a fire roaring in the fireplace and mama in her jammies, wrapped in a cozy quilt. Oh, I forgot...I'm not living in the North. In my mind I will be. YES, I WILL! Last year, we were with my brother and his family in Pennsylvania, and they were able to arrange a snowstorm for me. Isn't that the most hospitable thing you've ever heard of? I know! These people have connections! I was so happy...I made all the boys get their shoes and jackets on and go outside with me at 11 PM. It was glorious! They didn't seem as thrilled as I, but I ask you, did I care? That's right. NO! That up there is a piece of fabric, soon to be purse. That's just a little peek. More on my purses later. But don't you want to jump into that picture and grab a cookie right off the table? What? I don't know if there's really a cookie on the table, don't get technical with me! In my reality, there's a cookie on the table and everyone is off to the side (sitting on a couch) nibbling on a cookie, so that's all that matters. Now I've given you attitude and well, that's not me. Sorry. I just wanted to share my little old-fashioned Christmas with you and to remind you all that good cheer and mistletoe will be here before you know it. Have a great weekend, dear family and friends.

reason for an adult beverage.

No, I'm not really having a drink at 8:30 in the morning. Come on! BUT...that pink paper is enough to make a parent swill that Crown until their kid turns 30! That hideous pink paper, my friends, is the waiver for a driver's license. Oh, the absurdity of it all! The child just disembarked from his Little Tikes scooter, for goodness' sake! Do his feet even reach the pedals of an automobile? Did he check his side-view and rear-view mirrors three-and-a-half times prior to leaving the driving range? Were his shoes tied? Was the instructor state-certified, federally inspected and stamped, mother-approved and sealed by Good Housekeeping? These are the burning questions a mother asks herself. I mean, who in the name of all that is sacred gives a piece of pink paper to a sixteen year-old? I don't know, I don't know! Next thing I know, he'll be wanting to turn that paper into a hard plastic license! Then what?!!! He'll be expecting us to let him drive without a parent! Yikes! It's a good thing that he waited until September to get his permit...now it'll be September before he can turn that pink into plastic. Besides, Crown Royal isn't my beverage. I think a nice bottle of Chardonnay will suffice.

time for a prayer.

Rudy is a very special guy. He's a WWII veteran, of which his family is very proud; he is a husband who lost his Love just a few months ago; he is a father to a brood of girls; he is a beloved father and father-in-law; he is "Pops" to his grandchildren, whom he loves beyond measure; he is the reincarnation of Frank Moran, another beloved soul; he is a friend and neighbor to all in his town. Rudy is very ill and his girls are valiantly taking care of him in his home, tending to his every need. It is a difficult time for all in their family and they could use some prayers for their daily lives. So this is for Rudy. And his daughters. And their families. Please know that you are in our prayers. You have been called to take part in a great work. To paraphrase Cardinal Newman, "...my sickeness, or perplexity, or sorrow may be necessary causes of some great end, which is quite beyond us. He does nothing in vain...He knows what He is about." We love you, we are with you in spirit, your labor of love will comfort you in your sorrow.

day for a bath!

I personally prefer a shower over a bath. AND I shower everyday, whether

I stink or not. But not so with this little doggie.

Don't you just have the urge to hug the bejeebies out of her?

OK, it's time for feelin' good! No self-respecting female would be caught dead

without having her hair, I mean fur, dried and styled!

Oooh, ahhhhh, that feels so good, Yvonne. Oops, I mean, Mom.

(Yvonne is this doggie's hair, I mean, fur stylist. She just loves Yvonne).

Don't stop, please keep drying....there's a damp spot on my
left-rear foot, I mean, paw.

All clean and dry...

See, that wasn't so bad, was it girlie?
I guess her smile speaks for itself!

beginning.

This is my sweet nephew Robert, with his beloved bride, Sheila. I just love this picture. When I look at it, I see the little boy who stole our hearts, and I see a young groom very much in love with his beautiful wife. God bless and keep you...here's to new beginnings.