Miss Lucy….A Different Kind of Christmas Tree

Every year I get so excited about decorating my house for Christmas.  I put a Christmas tree in most of the rooms with a different theme for each tree.  I have a traditional tree, a retro tree, a cowboy tree, a family tree, and a Miss Lucy tree.  Each tree has a special meaning and story behind it.  

Most people might think my Miss Lucy tree is Lucy from Charlie Brown or Lucy from I Love Lucy.  But my Miss Lucy tree has a very special meaning.  In August of 2000, Miss Lucy was working at Dunkin' Donuts on Garland Rd. in Garland, Texas.  Miss Lucy was in her 70's and loved her job because she got to meet so many people.  Early one hot August morning a very evil person walked in and shot Miss Lucy to death.  She was shot for no reason.  She was taken away too soon from her daughters, son, and grandchildren.

My husband, Bill, was the detective that received the call that morning to respond to a murder at Dunkin' Donuts.  It wasn't his first murder and it wouldn't be his last to work, but he never realized what a lasting impact it would have in our lives.  Bill always tried to work each murder as if it was a member of his own family.  That day he had the unfortunate job of telling Miss Lucy's family what happened.  What a sad, sad day for a family.

For many months after their first meeting, Bill and Miss Lucy's family spoke at least once a week getting updates and getting ready for the trial.  We shared dinners with Miss Lucy's family and her extended family.

In Dec. 2001, Bill went out to check the mail.  He found the typical stuff, Christmas cards, a magazine, some bills and a small package.  Inside that small package was a small angel Christmas ornament with the name Miss Lucy on it.  Every year in Dec. Miss Lucy's family sends us an angel ornament.  We cherish each one.   Even though Bill and I never met Miss Lucy she will be in our hearts forever.  Please say a prayer for Miss Lucy's family this holiday season.

There has been so much hate for police officers and police departments in the media this year.  This is the side of police work most people never think about.  Detectives and officers touching the lives of the victim's family and the victim's family touching the lives of the officers and detectives.

In My Humble Opinion…..Round Top or Canton?

I go to First Monday Trade Days in Canton, Texas every month and I've been to Round Top/ Warrenton Flea Market three times.  But I do have an opinion on which is the best.  Remember just my opinion…..tell me what you think!

Thrifty Tuesday

Kap and I headed out for our weekly Thrifty Tuesday adventure yesterday.  There is a city close by that has a thrift store on every corner.  We found a thrift store we had never seen before.  It was clean and no one was inside.  Kap went left and I went right.  We hadn't been in the store more than 3 minutes and I heard Kap say, "Come here, you have got to see this."  Well the last time she said those 8 words, she led me over to a 44 DD bra.  So I figured I was headed to look at a bigger bra but she was headed straight for the furniture.  As we walked down the isle, Kap's voice began to tremble as she said, "Look at this, I can't believe it's only $6.99."  We both thought maybe it was priced incorrectly.  Surely, it was really $69.00.  It was a vintage child's wicker rocker with a needle point seat.  It was shabby chic before shabby was chic.  Kathy got the deal of the year by paying $6.99.  It was such a wonderful day  hunting for treasures.  We found lots of treasures…..but that is another story for another day.

Kap holding her deal of the year!

I Wonder What Mamaw Would Think

Living in a small Texas town back in the early 60's, we headed down the storm cellar anytime a dark cloud would form.  It seemed like everyone back then had a storm cellar, but I wasn't even 5 years old so my "everyone" may be a little limited.  My Mamaw Michael, my Grandpapa Foster, and Minnie and Clarence Baker to name just a few all had cellars.  I can still remember the smell and feel of dampness as you walked down the steep steps of the concrete cellar.  The cellars were lined with wooden shelves filled with canning jars and spiders….lots of spiders.

Burlap & Lace Wedding

Remember last year when we didn't post for a few months?  Well it happened again.  But we sure have a good excuse.  Kathy's baby daughter, Ryleigh, got married.  She is beautiful, smart and precious just like her mother and older sister.

Ms. Sara's Easy German Cake

Two weeks ago Kap and I headed to Canton to shop.  We stopped at Paul Michaels' store to pick up some ribbon. If you have never been in the store you should go.  They are so friendly and offer free snacks and drinks. While we were shopping, we met the sweetest lady named Sara that worked at the store.  I don't know how the conversation started but before we knew it we were exchanging recipes.  Sara explained how sweet and easy it was to make….she had me at sweet.

Miss Sara's Easy German Cake

1 Box of German Chocolate Cake mix

1or 2 cans of German Chocolate Frosting

Mix the cake mix following the box instructions but add the frosting to the cake mix and stir.  

Yep, that's it!

I asked Sara if she frosted it, too.  She said no…it would make it too sweet.  I think next time I'll frost it.  

Remember she had me at sweet.

An AMAZING Artist….Tracy Carr

I have a friend………..she is a very talented friend. Her name is Tracy and she is an AMAZING artist. I am always in awe of the way she finds beauty in the most unusual objects. If you need a one of a kind gift for someone very special this would be a great keepsake!  This entry will be short and sweet because the pictures speak for themselves.  If you are interested in one of these unique pieces of art, she does custom orders. Contact her on her Facebook page…..Tracy Carr.   All your friends will be so envious.

Each one is hand carved with love by Tracy…..I love anything with a Texas star on it!

Baking Day in December…..A New Tradition

I know this is late but here it goes…..Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!  I always feel a little sad after the holidays are over.  It's so much fun decorating and getting together with the ones we love so much to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  I can't understand why so many people say they don't enjoy Christmas.  I just want to scream, "It's not about YOU….it's about JESUS."  Oh well, I said it and I feel much better.

Christmas is a time to start traditions and I sure hope this will be a new tradition with some of my favorite people!  Kathy invited her mom, sister, Brenda and myself over to her house on a cold, dreary December day to bake.  We all brought our own ingredients and the utensils we needed.  Kathy was so organized and her home was decorated so beautiful.  Here are the pics and some tips to help you if you decide to start this fun tradition next year!  I'm already planning my baking menu for next year!

The baking crew with our cute reindeer mugs.  Kathy's mom is in the middle.  She is the life of any party!