Ruby

Ruby Opal Heath Boykin was my paternal grandmother. She was born prematurely and an only child. The doctor placed her in a box near the oven and somehow she survived. She was the center of her mother's universe, popular in school, painted in watercolor, and was deligent with her journaling... and would have been a fabulous blogger. She had so many funny sayings, my favorite one being that she felt like if her earrings were too large she said, "I look like the lead horse in a circus". She was a great cook with red beans and corn bread being two of her specialities. She married my grandfather, Cal Boykin, Sr. and they had three children, my father being the first born. I have worked on her family history off and on for several years. I love to read her journals and scrapbooks. She kept old school programs, pressed flowers, a piece of fabric from my grandfather's wedding shirt. They were a handsome couple and so much in love.

Another Beckham!

Watch out for this 16 month old wonder boy who is going to be the

next Beckham! My grandson loves "futball"... American soccer.

He kicks amazing hard and far. Yes.. I'm one proud "abuela".. which

is my name to my grandchildren.

Jean's Home

My parents stood in front of Jean's home the day after Jean's funeral. (Jean would have loved her funeral Mass... the priest sang all of it.. and had written the music. Just thought I would add that.) The right side of the house is lopped off in the picture. From what I understand, an attorney from Houston has bought it and is remodeling it. I had the chance to go inside and could not believe that even though the kitchen had been redone, it still smelled the same.

"Jean"

My grandmother, "Jean" (Giovaninni was her given name) was such a talented woman. She was a one-woman band - decorate a home, cook a huge Italian/Sicilian meal and run a dress shop while she juggled family duties and club work. She was a woman of tremendous energy. My father begged her at the age of 90 to sit and relax. Her reply to him was, "You sit; you die". She was a wild woman though with a can of gold spray paint. Mirrors, picture frames, furniture even would get a coat of gold paint to liven up a room. We always joked that if we stood still long enough she would spray paint us gold as well. I loved her home and even considered building a replica of it. I might have had a better floor arrangement had I done so. I'll post a picture of her home soon. I loved it.

Jan Karon and "fan"

I am switching topics for the moment as choosing between hardwood floors and "engineered" wood floors is making my head hurt. (Actually not making the decision... the problem seems to be a salesman who thinks he is going to "save" me by insisting upon engineered wood. The clincher today was him telling me that I will love it. "It's as hard as tile." THE very reason why I want hardwood floors... it is easier on my back and knees. Okay... back to a far, far different topic...)
Two years ago I flew to Blowing Rock, North Carolina to enjoy a few days with a group of readers who enjoy Jan Karon just as much as I do. I am pictured here with Ms. Karon. I can tell you she is absolutely wonderful. The next gathering of this group will be in 2011 in Ireland. I do hope to make that trip. Check out the Mitford series books if you want some enjoyable reads.

A project is about to unfold

After years of wanting hardwood floors I am finally on the verge of actually getting them. I've had these two samples to ponder over for two days now and have chosen the one on the left. Tomorrow someone from the business we are buying this from will come to measure. The carpet has been changed four times, however, I have stuck it out with the linoleum that was put in the house when we built it. I remember distintly stating that I would have it for a couple of years and then replace it with tile. The ONLY good thing about not replacing the linoleum was that had I put tile in my back and knees would be hurting far worse than they do now. I just wasn't thinking past 25 years when we built the home. So off we go on a different sort of adventure for me. No moving to another country or starting a new business... the adventure of home redecorating. ;-)