Fall is Finally Here!!

(almost!)

Three things I love the most about FALL...

ONE.  Cooler weather and cuter clothes.  I do believe that fall clothes are the cutest clothes.  Ashley and I went on a small shopping spree yesterday to Valdosta.  It was much needed since I have now given a good amount of clothes that I no longer do, or can, wear away.  There are a few more items that are left on my fall list of must-haves before I deem it complete...


Do you know how wealthy I would be know if I would have come up with this idea when I was little?!?  Do you know how many bullet ends I could have had my hands on between my dad, Jim, and Heath?  These bullet earrings are very intriguing to me they can be found at kevinscatalog.com



I don't know when I would ever wear them, but I am sure that I would find sometime to show off these kicks!  Again, they can be found at kevinscatalog.com





I absolutely adore these horse bit bracelets!  They can be found at kevinscatalog.com and of course I want one in every color!

So, obviously, I have a small obsession with Kevin's.  I also took a peek at the gun selection while I was looking on their web page.  I need a hobby, something to be totally consumed by...guns may be it.  Why not?  Plus, I shot skeet for the first time Saturday afternoon and absolutely loved it!  Kind of like my issues with horses when I was younger.  I wish I would have really pushed to have them because I really think I would have been good at barrel racing...I also think I could have been a great marksmen.  Guess life goes on...but here I am, 28 and no hobby...that needs to change.

TWO.  My Auburn Tigers!  I love college football.  Well, let me narrow that down...I love Auburn football.  Something to look forward to every weekend (except our "off" weekend) and a chance to spend extra time with your friends and family.   I have found a new website that features college boots.  I saw this girl last year at a game that had AU boots.  Hers were colored and very nicely sewn together.  They must have been custom made because I have been searching for a year now on line for those stupid boots.  However, I did find these at collegeboots.com

http://www.collegeboots.com/boots/auburn/LDAUB11

(something is wrong with the URL so I couldn't add the picture...click on the link to see them)

THREE.  Harvest season.  Nothing makes me happier than the smell of harvest season.  The smell of peanuts being dug, the beautiful cotton modules lining up along the road waiting to be picked up.  Wonderful memories and future moments that will stay with me forever. I am still thinking it over, but I still have 9 vacation days to use and I have to use them or I lose them and since I have 9 that means I have only taken 3 so I need a vacation!  I might take off the week after Thanksgiving and go home and enjoy harvest season with my dad and brother!

I'm Bacccckkkkkk!

That's right!  Benzo is BACK!!  Wuff! It has been a crazy week!  Last Friday, Privet and I went to see her parent and her brother (of whom I have affectionately named "Sidebuster").  Two major events were happening that weekend and of course, not to be out done, I had a few major events as well!

I guess to feed that shopping addiction that she has, Privet decided to go home via Destin.  She's been eyeing a watch since before her birthday and her cheap ass still hasn't bought it.  But Noooo...we have to drive almost two hours outta the way for her to leave me in the car (at least she let the windows down) to go to the store to look at it, try it on, and then leave WITH OUT IT!!  Geeze!  When someone finally figures her out, they should get some kind of award!  Then we had to go to Pet Smart because my cage is too heavy to carry up and down the stairs.  Now, everyone knows you can take your pet into this store, but did I get to go? Ummmm...let me think, NO!  She mumbled something about "unsocial" "marking territory" "I'm not dealing with you and your barking" so I guess she convinced herself that I should not go in. So again, I sat in the car.  By now we all know about her crazy hair.  If not, her co-worker so kindly put it..."You got that kind hair...the kind that's found on a dog's ass."  HAHAHA!  That's some funny stuff!  Anyway, she had to stop again and get something for it and of course it is something that is not easily found!  She can't buy it anywhere  in T-ville.  She's got some kinda taste!  I digress...

We finally made it to Wildflower's house.  I have yet to name her daddy...he still scares me a bit, but I have finally stopped barking at him every morning.  It may have something to do with the pistol laying at their back door.  Hey, to be smart in life you have to know which battles to fight and since I would lose that one, I think I will bow-wow out of that one!  Wildflower was so happy to see me!  She even bought me a present!! I was SO excited when she told me that as she was giving me a good scratch behind the ears!  She started down the hall so I pranced behind her!  I couldn't wait for my present!  Usually, Privet gets me something I can destroy within a day!  I love that challenge!  However, my mood quickly changed when she turned around and I saw what it was...socks!?!?  She said it's because I scratch up her hardwood floors throughout the house.  Hey Wildflower, I'm third generation "don't giva shit" about your floors! I personally like this feature because I have fun sliding around when I am running from everyone because I have gotten something of theirs...you know, the usual, socks, glasses, clothes...the usual!  Then Wildflower had the audacity to PUT ONE ON ME!!!  Oh no!  I did not like this!  I had it off my paw before she could get the next one out!  And to show her how I felt about it.....that's right...I used the bathroom in her hallway.  Take that Wildflower! Ugh! The next morning, I was still mad about the whole ordeal so I did it again on her nice rug in their living room...lets just say I did it at just the right angle that she could see it from the kitchen when she turned around from getting her coffee.  I know Privet was furious because I never do that at home, a few accidents, but this was completely intentional! I spent the rest of the morning in my new cage.  Actually, now that I think about it, Wildflower, I apologize, it looks like I DO actually give a shit!! hahah!!

Oh, my new cage! It's the travel kind, you can collapse it and everything.  Three ways to get out of it too.  One of which is on the top.  Wildflower felt sorry for me (she's a sucker for my sad puppy dog eyes) and opened the top part.  Of course, I had to chew on it so I had put a nice rip in my new $70 travel cage.  Again, Privet was not happy with me...oh well!

Sidebuster turned 31 on Sunday which was also Homecoming at church.  He had a great birthday, I mean, I was there and smiling for all the pictures, who wouldn't love me!?!?!

See my smile?

They never would drop a piece of cake though, so I just stole their shoes.  I took MawMaw's right off her foot!!  She thought it was funny!  Finally, someone who gets me!

Here is Sidebuster with his Mawmaw, mom and Aunt (I took all their shoes! It must be some kind of record!)

Anyway, we finally came back on Sunday and boy was I tired. See how cute I am when I am sleeping???

Come here you crazy cat!

 I must go now, there are people to growl and bark at on the balcony.  Y'all be good now, and if you can't be good, be good at it!

Barks and Bites,
Benzo

A Get-A-Way to Callaway

Last Wednesday through Friday I attended a conference at Callaway Gardens and my mother was able to come along.  I really didn't get to spend a lot of time with her since I had to be in sessions all day, but it was more that awesome to have her up there with me!  We were able to sneak away for a little bit on Thursday afternoon and get out and about for a few hours before I had to get back!

Last year this conference fell on her birthday, but this year it was a week later.  However, I did make sure that my mom had a slice of cake to eat as her "belated birthday cake" as well as having her a card and present to open!  I hope this made due mom!  So glad you came and I am so lucky to have you as my momma!  I love you!

Birthday Wishes

Tomorrow, July 17, 2011 is significant to me in two different ways.  The first way is that my cell phone payment is due.  The second one, which is WAY more important, is it is my Grandmother's birthday!

My grandmother, of whom I, and many others in my family, affectionately call "Link" will be celebrating another year younger.  I have so many memories with her that it is hard to pinpoint my favorite!  However, I am going to go with this one....When I was little, about 4 or 5, I loved going over to their house to play in the game room that Link had converted to a sewing/arts and crafts room.  The game room had a pool table in the middle of it and she had a platform made to fit over it so she could use the table as her work space.  I, being the way that I am/was when I was younger, saw this table as my own personal stage and I had my very own captive audience...my grandmother!  For hours I would stand on this table and sing and dance for my Link.  Occationally, I would have to stop and be quiet so that she could talk on the phone or to try on yet another itchy and scratchy dress that she had made for me!  Usually, it was her sister, Aunt Sharee, on the phone asking if I was there.  My aunt would not come visit if I was there because, as she so lovingly said "If shes not talking, she's singing!  Something is coming out of that mouth all the time! Call me when she goes home."  The irony of all this is that now Aunt Sharee has nothing but talkative grandchildren...I don't have anything on those girls!  I've gotten a little quieter as I have gotten older! Right, aunt???

From sewing and cooking to shopping and fishing in Dutch Bend, I love every minute I spend with her.  She has become one of my best friends.  She knows many things and many of our conversations have started with me saying "Well, don't tell anyone, but..."

Many years ago, I received an email about Grandmothers....

Grandma's Hands

Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. She
didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands.

When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence

and the longer I sat I wondered if she was OK.

Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her
at the same time, I asked her if she was OK.

She raised her head and looked at me and smiled.

"Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking,"

she said in a clear strong voice.
"I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here
staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK,"

I explained to her.
"Have you ever looked at your hands," she asked.

 "I mean really looked at your hands?"

I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them.

I turned them over, palms up and then palms down.

No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried

to figure out the point she was making.

Grandma smiled and related this story:
"Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have,

how they have served you well throughout your years.

These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled and weak

have been the tools I have used all my life to reach
out and grab and embrace life.

"They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the
floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back.

As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer.

They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots.

They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to
war.

"They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent.

They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.

They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I
buried my parents and spouse.

"They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand.

"They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed

and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much

of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up,

lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.

"These hands are the mark of where I've been and

the ruggedness of life.

But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ."

 

Happy Birthday, Link!!  I Love You!

Father's Day

Sorry for the delay in blogging!  I was having some internet problems and the technician just came today.

I have been home a lot over the past few weeks.  It has been SO great!  I went home the second weekend in July for my 10 year class reunion and for Fathers Day.

I will be frank and honest with you, I have the best dad!  I love him so much and he is my world!  There is a special bond that is between a  father and a daughter.  No one will ever understand it until they live it.

                                                                    What Makes A Dad 

God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree, 

The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea, 

The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night,

 The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle's flight, 

The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed, 

The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need, 

Then God combined these qualities, When there was nothing more to add, 

He knew His masterpiece was complete, And so, He called it ... Dad 

~ Author Unknown 

My dad seems to have all the patience in the world when it comes to me and my mother.  My friend Libbie will be quick to tell you that his whole demeanor changes when one of us is around or when we call him on the phone.  He does not use his normal scruffy bark of "HELLO" with us cause when I call I get a sweet "Hello Suzanne!" usually followed by "when are you coming home?"

I am still a little ticked about the gift I got him.  As far as I know, it still hasn't arrived.  After searching high and low, I finally found "Dawn at Socorro" on DVD.  The book is where my grandfather found the name "Brett Rutledge" so I thought it would be nice for daddy to have that since this was his first Father's Day without PawPaw.  I couldn't find the book, so the movie will have to do! Hopefully it will be delivered soon!!

Me and my Daddy!

Daddy with his kids

Daddy, I hope you had a great Fathers Day!  I love you!

-Suzanne

Shall We Gather at the River?

The beautiful, the beautiful river?  All good baptists should know that hymn!  I know that I have abandoned blogging for a few weeks now, but I am back!  Don't worry, nothing exciting has happened!

This past weekend I went to Blountstown and spent some family time and celebrate my aunt's birthday!  My mom came down as well!  The family life of a farming is not for the overly sensitive person.  I really miss my dad and brother, but completely understood why they couldn't be gone for a few days right now.

On Saturday, my mom, aunt, and I went to St George Island for a few hours.  We weren't there an hour and my aunt was getting hit on by an older gentleman that needed oil rubbed on his back.  No offense to my male Georgia friends, but I cannot stand it when they start off  "I'm just an ole Georgia Boy...." and that's exactly how he started his conversation.  I will not repeat the words my aunt used, my mother simply smiled and didn't respond and since the old fart was standing next to me and Ashley had just made comment a few hours back of how hateful I am at times, I decided to be nice and "rubbed the lotion on the skin" to quote the famous movie line.  Generally, I am not a touchy person to people I don't know.  He could have had a dormant flesh eating skin virus that he didn't know about and was not showing any evidence of and now I could have it!  I know that is far fetched but, you never know! After receiving much grief about it from my family, I think I will continue to the status-quo Stacey.  I know longer care if you get burnt! After he left my mom and aunt informed me that I did it to be nice, they did not do it because their husbands would not have liked it and my mother (who is quite the feisty one) continued to say "once you're over 50, you really just don't care any more if you piss someone off and I'd rather a stranger be pissed for me not doing it than your daddy being upset that I did."  While this may sound harsh, the woman has a point.

St George Island

On Sunday afternoon, I had a chance to spend some uncle/niece time.  I went fishing with my uncle on the Chipola River.  That was my first time on that river and it was prettier that I thought!  We were there a good while before I started catching anything.  I was determined to catch something...anything...with my bitsy minnow hook and was very determined to have better luck with it than Ashley!  For her story with the same type of lurer click here and by clicking here you can have a more detailed idea of what went down this weekend...I'm not feeling very detailed today...more of a cliff notes kinda day! Anyway, I never caught anything with that rod so my uncle too pity on my and took if off my hands and gave me another one.  As soon as he casted it, he caught something!  Thankfully my line started pulling shortly after that!  And no, I didn't catch myself like Ash!

On Monday, Memorial Day, I spent it on Chipola River again!  This time with my cousins.  We sent up camp on a sand bar and relaxed and played in the water for hours!  I had an absolute great time!  Well..until the snake joined us!  People move quickly when a snake joins you!  Barrett and I were outta there!  Poor kid, at the beginning of the day when he was spraying me water and I had repeatedly told him no and to stop. I finally got to the point where I got in his face and proceeded to lecture him that we do not spray people without asking and that cousin Stacey spanks.  Then, for some reason he was still around me when the snake came.  I figured by now he didn't care for me anymore, especially after that last lecture. To escape the path of the snake,  I dragged him and his floaty to the boat...I am surprised I didn't drown him in the process!  Thank goodness he still loves me (I hope!)  

The snake!

Always time for a little fishing!

Brad baiting up!

That's Barrett in the middle...just having a great ole time!

Our Captain for the day!

Chipola

The cutest little boater!

The only other thing that is going on is trying to plan a vacation.  Jeff and I have deemed each other as vacation buddies, so we are going to try and make it to Canada this fall and I'll get to see my friend Alisha.  I have been up there twice and love it more every time I go!! Depending on if plane tickets increase too much more before then we are contemplating October...but we will see...maybe somewhere inside the states!

Fishy Weekend

"What the hell just happened?" is exactly what I asked Bentley on Friday night, about 10:00pm while we were out in the very back corner of my parents yard.  We were out in the yard walking around after being couped up in the car for four hours on our little journey from GA when ALL the outside lights went out.  Country dark is very different from city dark.  You still have some light in the city, in the country you have to wait for your eyes to adjust to the pitch black dark before you can see by moonlight and knowing what creatures lurk in the dark around home I wasn't going to be waiting around for that moment in time!  I am not scared of the dark, I'm just scared of what is in the dark!! I always like to see "things" before they see me!  As Bentley and I finally walked back to the house and stumbled across the deck we found that not only had the lights been turned off on us, my parents had also locked the door!  I had to ring the doorbell to let them know that they had forgot about me.  I had been home 10 minutes and they had already forgot I was there!!  They both answered the door laughing (which I was too) saying that they are just use to two people being in the house and so out of habit they closed up for the night!  Nothing says "Welcome Home" like "Oops, we forgot you were here!" does.  It will be a long time before they live that one down!

Saturday, my friend Jacob and I went to Mobile for a wedding.  It was so beautiful and so great to see some old classmates!  So many memories!  Jacob and I took a walk down memory lane on the drive over there and when we met up with more people from home, we all rehashed some old stories from high school.  Absolute great time!

Sunday, after church, my parents, cousin Jim, and I went fishing.  I caught the most...a whopping TWO fish!  It took some talent to fish in this creek.  It took me a few casts to get the hang of dodging the overgrowth!

This is where we were fishing

Jim and his catfish

Dad and his bream

My first cast that went in the tree....

...still trying to get it out of the tree...that's my seriously fishing face!  Na, actually it's my "please don't pop me in the face" face!

Me and my cute little stumpknocker!

I had an appointment in Pensacola today (Monday) so I stayed an extra day and I had breakfast with my grandmother this morning.  Of all the times I didn't have my camera with me, I missed out on capturing quite the breakfast setting!  I walked in and she had a table cloth over her breakfast table, gold chargers, fine china,  complete silverware setting, crystal goblets and crystal mugs and our napkins were sprayed neatly in our goblet.  She is a riot because our breakfast consisted of....two honeybuns still in the wrapper sitting on the dinner plate!  I started laughing as soon as I saw it!  She is where I get my silly-ness from!  But, I got to hand it to her...she knows me well because she saw that I honed in on the clear mugs.  She told me not to worry and handed me a regular ceramic mug...I can not stand to see coffee in a clear mug! 

Great weekend at home and after my appointment, I could have easily went down to the beach because it was beautiful in Pensacola today!  Unfortunately, work called me back here...on a good note, Canada may be in my future around Oct this year.  We still have a few details to work out, but its a possibility and a great opportunity to see my oldest bestie, Alisha!

Hope you all have a great week and I will leave you with a few more pictures from home...

Don't know what they have done to the water, but that's the prettiest color I've ever seen it!

Corn, anyone?