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Because I wanted to sew for my dolls when I was a child, Mama taught me and turned me loose with her old pedal-type sewing machine. I made pajamas, dresses, rompers, coats, and hats and undoubtedly had the best-dressed dolls in Hazlehurst. We discovered that I had a flair for sewing and I enjoyed it. Soon I moved from sewing for my dolls to sewing for me—skirts and dresses galore. No pants, of course. No well-bred young lady of the ‘60s wore those. I made prom dresses and even a wedding gown for my sister. Mama’s early instruction paid off well because I made most of her clothes from the time I was twenty. I very much enjoyed my sewing talent until I did all the sewing for my sister’s wedding. The flower girl’s outfit was fun, but after the second bridesmaid’s dress, I was swearing. Fortunately, I’d done the wedding gown first. [Full Story »] 

There is something to do 24/7 aboard a luxury liner. Food is delicious and abundant. Because cruising is an international experience, the fare on the ship is an international experience. On the food bars and menus, cuisine from many countries is offered and prepared by some of the best chefs in the world. Whatever you have a taste for is probably available. You can dine casually in a relaxed atmosphere, eat hamburgers, hot dogs and pizza at poolside while listening to “hoedown” music, order in your stateroom, or dress up formal and be treated to fine dining in a stylish setting with a brass band to entertain while you enjoy a variety of delicately prepared dishes. [Full Story »] 

After a morning bird count, I decided it was time to call the shoot at a local field for that afternoon. It was short notice but I managed to get commitments from several avid bird hunters like myself. During all the flurry of calls, my daughter, Jesse, overheard and asked if she could go. I was delighted and readily agreed. She asked if she could call some of her boy pals and I agreed again. The texting began in earnest as her little fingers worked the keyboard of her iPhone to a hot lather letting her buds know there was to be a shoot. Since school was out, she had no trouble getting takers. I busied myself gathering the necessities; guns, shells, swivel buckets, blinds, camo, and warm clothing. I had to show Jesse how to work her Mom’s 20 gauge 1100 Remington, as she was used to the 410 pump I bought her several years ago when she was much younger. Of course, all this flurry of activity did not go unnoticed by Fox, the Chocolate wino Lab. He was beside himself with excitement and began barking to let me know to include his flask of antifreeze. I told him no, naturally, and reminded him that drinking and retrieving don’t mix. [Full Story »] 

March 5 through March 9 brought a busy legislative week where some innovative pieces of legislation were voted upon and passed for the people of Georgia. The culmination of the legislative week was on Wednesday, March 7. This is known as crossover day, which is the last opportunity that the Senate and House of Representatives have to send each other their own bills. The General Assembly is scheduled to recess on Wednesday of this week, March 15, and reconvene on Monday, March 19, for the 34th legislative day. This means that at the end of this week, only seven working days remain until the 2012 regular session concludes sine die. [Full Story »]