Tragedy Hits Home

Good  Evening Friends,

It is with heavy heart that I write this post today...
  Saturday morning there was a huge horrific house fire at our family home where my eldest daughter lived with her daughter and husband Willie, my son-in-law. Willie  died in that fire!  We are devastated...

  My daughter tried to run into the house to save him, then had to be restrained when flames burst from a closed door...thankfully she wasn't harmed because someone pulled her back.
  I am numb with pain and grief as I suspect all my family members are. It was such a massive destructive fire and I lost everything that I had in the house...she also lost everything! They didn't have insurance so our family will have to find a way to put him away. 
Please pray that we find a solution and for my family...this has rocked us to the core...

  My mother is trying so hard to be strong, but I can see this has really shaken her! I am so afraid for her because of her age-84...we have gone through one crisis after another the past year with no let up in site! 

  We would really appreciate your prays and words of encouragement! Thank You so much...

A Fellow Blogger & Friend,
Loretta

Weather-Who Knew?

Good Morning Friends...

It has been roller coaster weather here in Louisiana...who knew with all of this bitter cold rainy and icy weather we would get snow also!

                                                          Snowing In Natchitoches         
This picture was taken outside my sister's house in Natchitoches LA Tuesday night. In some areas it was ankle deep. For us, that is a lot! I still can't believe how quiet and still everything is after it snows. 

  On the way back home the interstate still had patches of ice and drivers were driving too fast...I guess trying to get where they were going before the interstate was closed.
  
  Suddenly just in front of me one car started to slide and before I knew it there was a bad pile-up! I had the presence of mind to slow down almost to a stop rather than brake which saved me from sliding into the pile... 

 This delayed us two more hours. I was terribly shaken because of seeing the victims etc. being pulled from those cars. Two 18 wheeler's were in it too and there were fatalities. It was  very distressing and I was still shaking after arriving home. I was so thankful to be there in the warmth and safety of home and to see my fur-babies. They were comforting after that harrowing day!

 You hear of accidents like this but actually witnessing it is altogether different. I know many of you have to drive in this type of weather more often and I certainly don't envy you one bit...but I do want to say... please be careful...drive for yourself and the other person too! 

  Taking risks is for hot-heads and speed demons! Those same ones that were driving too fast in that accident were the ones who caused others to lose their lives and their lives too! Be Safe, drive safe...the life you save may be your own!!

We Sure Hope You Have A Lovely Weekend...

Love & Best Wishes To All,
Loretta & Family

Wake Up Your Bookshelves

Dear Friends... Good Afternoon To You...
Welcome to Our House...

  We sure hope your Wednesday has been a delightful one. I don't know if I've mentioned to you how much I love bookshelves. Every home that we've owner I've always had built- ins. Of course, that didn't mean I didn't create one of my own.
                                Picture from BH & Garden

  An impressive way to wake up your bookshelf is to incorporate a few favorite objects from throughout your house into your display. First, either paint or paper the back wall of your bookshelf with a fave color or pattern. Then, from your founded items, maybe a nice coordinated serving platter you love but never use. A fave figurine... I think something equine, this always look nice.
  How about things with different shapes or designs... look for items that have commonalities... such as white finishes to create a more unified display. Look at the shelves above... the dark blue with the white is striking!
  
  Don't overdo...resist the urge to add just one more piece... keep the display balances! If you have a large collection rotate your items in and out from time to time, rather than displaying too many pieces at one time. 

  Keeping my shelves this way guest are constantly asking when or where did I get that piece. When I tell them it was in the shelves a month ago...they don't remember seeing it!  
  Remember... displaying too much at one time makes your bookshelf look cluttered, and you certainly do not want this look...do you?  

Thanks for stopping by today...we always love having you near. We wish You a Lovely Evening...Until the next time...

Big Hugs & Warm Regards...
Loretta                 

Salad As A Meal

Good  Sunday Morning Dear Friends...

                                       
                                Buffalo Chicken Cobb

                                            

 I love looking for recipes that I can prepare and work into my diet. What better way than having a salad that includes all food groups... Importantly, simple and quick to prepare. 

   
  Most of the ingredients are in your well stocked pantry...check out this simple recipe below...

Buffalo Chicken Cobb

Ingredients

1

25 1/2 ounce frozen buffalo-style boneless chicken wings

2

hearts of romaine lettuce, halved or quartered

1 1/2

cups sliced celery and/or carrots

1/2

cup light mayonnaise

1/4

cup crumbled blue cheese

1/4

teaspoon ground black pepper

2

small lemons

Directions

1. Prepare chicken wings according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, line a platter or individual plates with romaine. Top with celery and/or carrots; set aside. In a small bowl stir together mayonnaise, blue cheese, and pepper. Squeeze juice from 1/2 of a lemon (1-1/2 tablespoons) into mayonnaise mixture; stir to combine.
3. Slice chicken. Arrange heated chicken over romaine mixture. Cut remaining lemon into halves or wedge and serve with salad. Pass dressing. Makes 4 servings.

Simple and ohhh so good!  

We sure hope your Sunday's a sunny and relaxing one... 

Importantly, Worship...

 

Warmest Regards,

Loretta & Family

What's The Difference

Dear Bloggers, welcome to our home...

I baked these cakes below and used the identical recipe for both down to the frosting.

If you look closely you will see the frosting is different in color, although...

the pics were taken behind the other without movement or change in lighting etc...
What is the difference? Can you tell... 
 The cakes are spiced raisin pecan with cream cheese frosting...