As of tomorrow after work, I am out of here to go see my bestie for a couple of days.  I can hardly wait!!  We always have so much fun together.  Her Momma is not going to be able to join us there because her husband is having some health issues.  That is a disappointment because we "womenfolk" were looking forward to seeing each other.  This would have been the last opportunity this summer for me to see her Momma.  Oh well.  We will just have to look for another opportunity to get together.

I will be taking the camera with me and my laptop.  However, I do not know how much, if any, I will be on here while I am gone.  If I don't get to post, I will catch you all up and post some pics when I get back.

In the meantime, have a happy hump day tomorrow and I will catch you all later!!

Hugs to you all!

BBB

That's what I told my hairdresser today.  My true hair color is what I would call a dirty blonde.  Not really super blonde, but not brown either.  The last time he colored my hair 6 weeks ago, it was a little more blonde than I cared for.  He has had to change the brands of hair color that he has used on me for a number of years.  The previous color was a nice blonde with just a HINT of red.  I do not like a "white" bleachy looking blonde.   Anywho, when I went in this morning to get my hair done, I told him I would like it just a LITTLE more red.  Not so blonde.  Folks.  I am now a FLAMING strawberry blonde heavy on the strawberry.  Really.  Heavy.  It has blonde in it.  But it is shockingly red.  Hubby has wanted me to do this for forEVER!!  He loves my hair being red.  But he likes blonde streaks in the red also.  SO.....next weekend when I get back from BFF's I am heading BACK to the hairdresser to get some blonde highlights or streaks in it.  Truthfully, I like it red.  But I think I will like it more with a LITTLE more blonde in it.

Oh, and I got a kicky new shorter do as well.  I got the thumbs up on the whole deal from hubby.  He likes it.  If he didn't, I would probably cry.  Because it is such a BIG change.  But hey.  It's just hair.  And it will grow.  And the color can be changed.  So.  I am just goin' with it and I am gonna have a little adventure.  I think that people who know me well are going to be surprised when they see me.  Heck.  I was surprised when I saw me.  hehehe

On a different note, hubby and I went to see the new *Bat-man* movie this evening.  I have one word to say about it.  AWESOME!!  I absolutely LOVED it.  I can see why there is all the buzz about Heath L.  He is SO ultra-believable in this role.  He just OOZES total insanity.  If you  haven't seen it, I highly recommend that you go, post haste and see it.

Well, I guess I am going to get off here for now.  I will check in later this weekend.  Ya'll have a good one!

Hugs!

BBB

Guess whose air conditioner has gone kaput....on a 100 degree day??  Yes.  You guessed!!  Aren't you smart??  Hubby just happened to be outside and figured out that the blower was not running on the air conditioner.  No one can come out until in the morning.  Oh boy!!  We are gonna have fun!!  A menopausal woman who is HOT all the time any way, and no air conditioning.  I have fans blowing full blast to at least move some air.

One bright spot would be that a couple of weeks ago, hubby ran new electric wiring to the cover for the new RV.  He can turn on the air conditioning out there and we can sleep out there if it is too hot in here.  I think that there is a good possibility we will be sleeping out there.

Other than that, it has been a really good weekend.  I took my Daddy to church and then out to *Ihop* for lunch.  He had been hankering for some blueberry pancakes that they have been advertising.  So, blueberry pancakes it was!!  Daddy's 86th birthday is this Thursday.  Pretty amazing isn't it?? And he is just a wonderful man, and an amazing Dad.  I feel so fortunate to still have him in my life.

Well, friends, wish us luck!!

Till next time...

BBB

When I was growing up, I cannot tell you how often I heard my Momma say "You need <insert whatEVER it was she did NOT want you to do or have> like a HOLE IN THE HEAD!!  Momma probably would be shaking her head, because I got TWO more holes in the head.  Yepper!!  I did, in fact, go and get new piercings in my ears.  I was really wanting to be able to wear more of my earrings.  When I got home from Affair of the Heart I mentioned to hubby that there was one thing I hadn't accomplished today that I wanted to.  Getting the new piercings.  He said "Yeah...I read about that on your blog!"  So he IS keeping up with this thing.  hehehe  SO, anywho, hubby actually TOOK me to the mall, watched as I picked out earrings, and got two new holes in my head.  And I didn't event CRY!!  ;)  The OTHER bonus???  He PAID for said piercings!!  Wooohooo!!  Can't beat a deal like that with a stick.  Now, for the next six weeks, I promised, cross-my-heart, that I would faithfully clean the new holes in my head with their antiseptic stuff.  I had to SIGN a paper PROMISING, that I would do that.  Actually, I signed this paper in NO less than six places.  Talk about covering yourself from liability.  The lady who did the piercing was a HOOT!  She had multiple tattoos and a NOSE RING.  She asked if I wanted one of those and I very politely, but firmly told her no.  With allergies like mine??  How fun would THAT be trying to blow my nose with a nose ring.  After the piercing, hubby and I had to wait a few minutes for them to ring up my "purchase."  I must look REALLY young today because the little sales clerk, who couldn't have been more than 16 or 17, didn't call me "ma'am".....she called me "sweetie."  I think I would have preferred "ma'am" coming from her, but I decided to take it as a compliment.

As I said above, I did make it out to Affair of the Heart.  My middle sister, my niece (her daughter) and her two daughters all met out there.  It was absolutely PACKED, which is great because the Heart Association is the beneficiary of this craft show.  Anywho, we had a great time.  We shopped till we were worn out and our dogs were barkin'.  I bought a couple of things; a new pair of flip flops and some of the Amish baked goods (a mini peach pie and snickerdoodles which are my faves).  Outside of that, I helped my great-niece purchase a really cute shirt and the other great niece a pair of shorts, a mini doll and a pair of flip flops.  I think I won't have to talk very persuasively to get my middle sister to go with me next time.  I do have to say that I cannot even remember the last time I ever went shopping with my middle sister.  I really enjoyed spending the time with her.

This evening, hubby and I went out to Riverwalk and ate at the Italian bistro there.  They have the best pizza with hand tossed crust and wonderful sauce and toppings.  So, it has been a wonderful day all-in-all.  Truly enjoyable, even if it was SO doggone hot and humid today that you could have fried an egg on the sidewalk!!  I have to keep reminding myself that it IS July in Oklahoma.  It is supposed to be hot.  Our thermometer on the patio said 100 degrees this afternoon.  Summer has really arrived for sure.

Well, my friends, I hope that you all are having a great weekend.  Take care!  Hugs to you!

BBB

This summer has just been flying by and there are a number of things I still want to do before the summer is over.

My friend, the Gypsy, is wanting us to go camping on the river like we did a couple of summers ago.  Gypsy is fun WHEREVER we go, so I would like to figure out a time to do this.  Also, if we go where she wants, there is a MAN she has been flirting with for a while now.  She is reluctant to introduce herself to him.  I was kinda thinkin' that I might just have to "facilitate" or "help along" this matter somehow.  First, I have to check this guy out and make sure he is worthy of the Gypsy.  Not just ANY man is.  She is a wonderful, beautiful, talented, funny lady who deserves to have a man who will treat her like a queen.  Has she EVER had this in her life?  NO!!  Not even once has a man treated her decently.  So, we need to check this new guy out a little.  A couple of summers ago we camped out on the river with Gypsy and it was a wonderful time.  I would like to do that again.

I am going to go to visit BFF the end of this month.  Her hubby is going to be gone so it will be a GIRLS ONLY weekend.  Woooohoooo!!  Don't get me wrong.  We love our hubbies, but we like to have girls only time whenever we can.  And, to make it even better, BFF's Momma is going to join us for a day or so.  This is my "other Mother" and I love her dearly.  It will be so wonderful to see her.  I told bestie that we are gonna lay around, watch movies, visit and eat bon bons!!  Oh, and we are gonna shop till we drop!!  I cannot wait!!

The other thing that needs to be planned is a vacay for hubby and me.  We usually go camping for a week.  I am not sure where we are going to go or when (it will depend on when we get the new RV slide fixed), but I am sure we will get away somewhere during August before hubby's business gets really busy again.

This weekend, I plan on once again attending the *Affair of the Heart*, which is an arts and crafts show which benefits the Heart Association.  Over the years, I have gotten some great things at this show.  So, I look forward to wandering out and seeing what's there that I might not be able to live without.

Also, I am thinking about getting another piercing in my ears.  I only have one piercing in each ear.  I would like to get one more so I can wear some more of my fave earrings.  I might do that this weekend as well.

Other than that folks, my life is pretty quiet right now.  I hate to even say that lest all "you know WHAT" break loose again.  I will say that life is good and I am blessed.

You all take care!   Hugs to you!!

BBB

Yes.  The weekend did definitely improve.  I scored me a couple of books at the book fair for a buck apiece, and got ALL my watches in for repair/batteries.  In case I hadn't mentioned it.  I collect watches.  It is what I do and I have all kinds.  I had twelve watches to take in to the jeweler.  He needed to fix or replace two bands and put new batteries in ALL of them so they are all on the same page....i.e.....running.  I have my eye on a new watch over at Riverwalk.  I have hinted that it would be a good anniversary present....but I don't know if hubby is going to bite on that one..  It was FAIRLY expensive.  But I DO wear my watches a lot.  It is not like they sit in a drawer forever or something.

Anywho.  It is an absolutely gorgeous morning here.  We had rain and storms last night (not too severe here, but I heard they played havoc at Rocklahoma*).  When I stepped out on the patio this morning to let the critters out, it was cloudy and cool.  Just lovely!

Weimie dog is feeling better thank goodness.  The medicine seems to be helping.  I am SO glad because I cannot stand to see one of my babies in pain.  Since she isn't feeling too well, she has turned into a "Momma's dog."  She has hung near to my every move while most times, she is hubby's shadow.

I got to see my two beautiful granddaughters yesterday.  The four year old was SO excited to see us.  She is just such a happy, bubbly child.  And she is ALWAYS in a dress.  She will not wear pants or shorts.  It just isn't happening.  Even in winter, it's a dress and leggings, but always a dress.  She is just a girlie girl and I adore her.

The almost 14 year old is another story.  She will be fourteen in a couple of weeks.  And she looks at least 18 except in her height.  I am not sure if she has even reach 5 feet yet.  I kind of don't think so.  But she looks so much older, if you know what I mean.  Most girls in my day just weren't built like these young girls today.  She came out in short shorts and a tank top.  She looked cute, but SO grownup.  The cheer team has decided that K will be their "flyer" for all the cheers.  Since she is the littlest and quite agile, it is a logical move.  But it scares the crap outta me.  I have heard TOO many horror stories.  She will be attending a special camp to learn how to do all the stunts safely.   I know we will be attending some of her games come fall, but I am a little nervous about this.  I guess the best I can do is say a little prayer that she "flies" safely!

As usual, we didn't get to see my grandson.  He was at his Dad's.  He has been spending some extra time there because his Dad's younger sister passed away last week from cancer.  So our daughter is making sure T gets plenty of time with the family.  He's a really good kid and is really funny.  So I am sure they are glad to have him around.

We had a good visit with our daughter and SIL.  He is such a funny guy and tells a story like no one I have ever known.  He regaled us with stories about his growing up years and the adventures his family had in their motor home.  The stories were absolutely hilarious.  I did hit him up about my cabinets.  I figure if I do this often enough, he will eventually get them done.

We didn't sell the trailer yesterday, but we have a guy coming by shortly to look at it.  Hopefully, we will get it sold soon, but we shall see.

Well, I am going to be a lazy woman today for the most part.  I have new books to read and a couple of new movies to watch.  I intend to stay in where it's cool and just relax. 

Till next time, my friends....

BBB

So far, the only way for the weekend to get...is better.  We have gotten off to a rocky start.  But I am determined that it shall not be a bad weekend.  I am positive.  It will.  Here's a run down on Friday.

1.  Weimy dog is not feeling well Fri. morning and whimpers when she moves.  Hubby took her to the vet and she must have pulled a muscle.  She is on meds for this, which we started last night.  She is already better today.

2.  At lunchtime, I walk out back with the dogs and find a dead mole that Sambo has killed.  I call hubby and tell him I AM NOT touching it.

3.  I screwed up a deed for a closing, which deed I sent and had pre-signed by the party who could not attend the closing.  They didn't call and tell me so I could e-mail them another.   Oh no.  They sign it as is and bring it to the closing.  It wasn't an unfixable error, but was embarrassing.  In my defense, the part I screwed up?  I used what was in the title opinion that was rendered by one of our attorneys.  You would figure that was correct.  Right??

3.5.  I forgot this one.  When I got home hubby informs me that he got the Waverunners* out of the shop.  He said that the one he was trying to have fixed is still NOT running and he doesn't want to talk about it.  My take on this??  We have a couple thousand dollar BOAT ANCHOR sitting in the back yard.

4.  We went camping.  Notice that past tense??  We get ALL the way to the campground.  First thing off the bat, hubby is going to camp at the PULL through pad that he camped in ALL BY HIMSELF two weeks ago.  Usually, you just PULL THROUGH.  But not last night.  After about a dozen tries, during which time he had to stop and have a "discussion" with me about how he couldn't see me directing him in his mirrors, ALL witnessed by a family of 8 or so campers trying to have a nice quiet dinner, he gets the RV where he wants it.

5.  Push the button for the slide which opens up the living area...and nothing happens.  NADA.  Hubs says try again.  Nothing.  Electric is hooked up properly.  Try again.  Nothing.  He sets to work trying to fix it.  In the process he cut his hand pretty badly on a screw that was sticking out, and bled profusely.  He tried the hand crank that you are supposed to be able to use if the electric button fails.  NADA.  Hubby breaks something in the hand crank mechanism while trying to get that to work.  Since the living area is NOT livable without the slide out, we pack up the dogs and head home.

6.  On the way home, a truck pulls up next to us and I thought he said we lost a gas can.  (We were pulling the Waverunners* behind the RV.  We may as well use the one the runs.  Right?)  Anywho, hubby pulls off the BUSY highway onto the shoulder.  It seems that the trailer on which the Waverunners* set has COME LOOSE from the RV hitch!!!  We are so lucky nothing happened.  Hubby secured them and we went on home.

Needless to say, it was VERY disappointing as we had looked forward to camping ALL WEEK.  But, we made it home pretty much intact except for hubby's hand which he informed me a few minutes ago is THROBBING.  The new RV is sitting in my front yard (bet the neighbors LOVE that) and when hubs gets around, it is being taken to the dealership for repair.  Thank GOODNESS it is under the warranty we bought when we got it.

Oh.  And this.

7.  This morning Weimie dog finds where hubby didn't pick up the dead mole.....and ROLLS AROUND IN IT!!  Can you say EEEWWWWWWW!!!  I had to bathe her with baby shampoo.

On a GOOD note.  We MAY have the old camper sold.  I am hoping so because it is sitting in my driveway until it finds a new home.

I am BOUND and DETERMINED that the rest of the weekend is gonna be good though.  First up?  I am going to fix my "camping" breakfast.   Coffee with french vanilla cappucino, orange juice, and hubby's famous scrambled eggs.  THEN, I am going to go to a book fair.  THEN, I hope to see my grandkids (who I haven't seen in WAY WAY too long).  I'll keep you posted.

You all have a GREAT day!!  I plan on doing so for sure!

BBB

I have been tagged by my dear friend Pat.  It seems she wants to know a little more about me.  So, Pat, this is for you, my friend!!

WHAT WERE YOU DOING 10 YEARS AGO:

(Scratching my head and thinking really hard)...As best I remember (and it is a little foggy here) I was just about two years into a new marriage.  Yes.  I was a newly wed.  I was working the same job that I am now and wondering how in the world I ended up with such a measly paycheck.  I didn't like the pay, but I loved the people I was working with.  So I stayed.  And I am still staying.  I learned that pay is NOT everything.  It's nice when it is higher, but if it is higher and you work with buttheads, well, what's the use in a big paycheck.  It truly does not buy happiness.  I know that's not six things....but it's all I've got.

WHAT SIX THINGS ARE ON MY TO-DO LIST FOR TODAY:

Well I really don't do "to-do" lists or any other kinds of lists.  I am a notorious un-list making, unorganized person.  On my tombstone someday it might read:  "She shoulda made a list!!"  But my plans today were as follows:

Make French Toast.  I know.  What the heck is that about?  We got this really nice THICK cut bread last night with our barbeque and we don't ever eat it.  But my first thought upon pulling it out of the sack was....EUREKA!! FRENCH TOAST in the morning baby!!  And I did do that and it was YUMMMMMYYYYYY!!

Veg and take it easy.

Go see my Dad.

Veg and take a nap.

ummm.....Do anything possible to keep from cooking today.

Unload the dishwasher.     Now isn't that just too exciting??

Here's one Pat forgot:

SNACKS I ENJOY:

Chips and queso.

Chips and guacamole.

Chips and hot sauce.

Cake.  Any kind of cake.  Give Me Cake!!

New Milky Way Midnight (dark chocolate) candy bar.  (Have you had one of these???  They are TO DIE FOR GOOD!!!)

Chips and dip.  (Are we seeing a pattern here??)

THINGS I WOULD DO IF I WERE A BILLIONAIRE:

I would make sure all my family members and friends were taken care of (houses, cars that run, trust funds, etc).

I would buy as many thousands of acres of woodlands as I could afford and not let ONE single person build on them, or cut down a tree.  Ever!!  It would be a sanctuary for wildlife.

I would donate money to causes that help battered and abused women and children, and homeless people, and animals, and stem cell research.

I would buy me a big, huge yacht and live on that and travel around the world as many times as I wanted.  I would travel, travel, travel!!

I know that's not six things either....but I really don't know what else I would like to do.

PLACES I HAVE LIVED:

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Skiatook, Oklahoma

Bixby, Oklahoma

I have never lived out of this state.  Isn't that sad???  I have traveled to third world countries, but never lived out of this state.

HOW DID YOU NAME YOUR BLOG:

I named my blog for two things:

1.   One of my childhood "nicknames".....i.e. bbubblesbest.  and

2.   For the time in which I find myself in life...i.e. the other side of fifty.   I really wanted to give a glimpse into the life of a person who has hit the big Five-Oh!!  I am not sure if I have done that.  But I have tried.

WHO AM I TAGGING?:

I think pretty much everyone has been tagged by now.  But if not, consider yourself tagged and get to it!!  hehehe

Cya later folks!

BBB

Yes.  It is a lazy holiday Saturday morning around the BBB household.  We had a nice, although admittedly quiet fourth.  We didn't get to see the kids and grandkids as they had other plans.  So hubby and I just did a few things around here in the way of straightening and tidying up the place.  We are having the couple who introduced us over for the evening this evening.  We had lunch at Ruby*Tuesdays* which is one of my fave places.  If you haven't ever eaten there, they have the most wonderful salad bar EVER.  And I got their marvelous chicken pot pie. 

Last night, we loaded up Piper and our folding chairs and headed out to RiverWalk*.  Our guys, G-Note* were playing their usual good music, and there was to be a fireworks display over the river.  There was actually a nice breeze going for most of the evening and the temps didn't feel like the 90's that they were.  Let me say that NOTHING stopped the crowds from streaming in.  The only complaint I ever have about RiverWalk* is their lack of adequate parking, and ways in and out.  It is a NIGHTMARE!!  As I was watching all these people stream in, I knew it was going to be a headache getting out.  No doubt about it.  But, we were enjoying ourselves, so I just put that thought in my back pocket and rocked on.

The fireworks display was WONDERFUL!!  The owners of RiverWalk evidently didn't get the bulletin that there was a shortage of fireworks (it was even reported on the world wide web*), or that fireworks were WAY expensive this year because of that.  Nope.  They put on a 30 minute, spectacular display which was even more beautiful given the reflection of the fireworks in the river.

Getting home was the nightmare I knew it would be.  It took us almost an hour just to get out of the parking area.  Can you say....aaarrrrggghhhh!!  But, I was glad that we went anyway.  We just sat in the car waiting our turn and watched the crazy people.  hehehe

This morning has been a lazy one.  Both hubby and I slept in a little.  I got up a little while ago, put on a pot of coffee, and then went out on our beautiful patio that hubby built me.  He cleaned it off yesterday.  I have some pictures.  Here we go:

These are my hydrangeas, which are very happy right now.  They were a start from some my Momma had had in her garden since I was about 13.

Here are some pics of our only remaining outside dog, Sambo.  She is ALL body.  She is rather lonely right now, which I hate.  She's such a sweetie.

Here are pictures of my flower baskets and my new plant I got for my birthday (it is in the metal trike plant holder).  The concrete planters and the watering can were my MIL's.  She would be proud that we are using them.

The rest of the pictures are just showing our lovely patio.  I think hubby did a good job of making this an inviting space.  It is a little hot right now, so we don't use it quite as much.  But as the weather cools a little, we use it a lot.  We have a chiminea and a little fireplace.  The hubby has moved the fireplace (it's portable) and I don't know where he is going to put it.  But they are both nice as the weather cools.

So there you have our little haven.  We do love it!

I hope everyone had a lovely 4th! 

Till next time....

Hugs!

BBB

I hope all of my blog buddies, and those you love most, have a safe and happy 4th!  Someone eat a hotdog for me.  We aren't spending time with our kids like we usually do and they are the ones who usually cook the hotdogs.  Seems they are headed out to the river today with some friends.  I just hope they are careful.  Where I went to school was on the lovely river....and I know their dangers when they are running as high as they are now.  I just hope they will be careful with the young ones.  I promise myself I won't worry....but who am I kidding.  I will worry.

So,  hubs and I are on our own.  I am not sure what we are going to do yet.  Whatever we do, I know in my heart I am thankful for all the men and women who gave ALL so that I might enjoy freedom on this day.

God bless America!!

Hugs!

BBB

Okay folks.  I am going to try and see if I can do this.  Hang with me here.

Pictures of the new RV:

Well that went okay as far as I can tell.  Next trip out, I will take some inside shots and post them.

Let's try some more.  Here is a picture of one of my cousins, with my favorite t-shirt in the world.  I WANT one of these t-shirts!  Read it and you'll know why.

Now, let us do an updated picture of my little Piper.  Here goes:

See how much she has grown??  Here is one of her new bandana with her name on it:

Isn't that just the CUTEST??  (And you'd better have the right answer here....hehehehe)

Here are Piper and little Mia.  Mia does not have a summer cut bless her heart.  See how much smaller she is?

Here is Mia by herself:

She's a sweetie.  Now Jasmine had to put up with these two little pip-squeaks for 4 days.  Here is how she felt about that:

Well, those are the pictures for now.  I am considering putting some of my reunion pics on here.  Haven't decided on that yet though.  We shall see.

Now, let's see if this will publish.  Here we go!  Enjoy (I hope)!

BBB