Summertime!

It's Summer! I just LOVE summertime!
Summer officially begins on June 21st, but at my house....it officially begins when the kids get out of school. So at my household, we are celebrating! Let's CELEBRATE Summer!
Come party with me and share the LOVE for summer, summertime recipes, favorite summer vacations, favorite summer decor, activities, etc.!! If you have a summer post, be sure to leave the link in the comment section (since this party wasn't posted in advance and everyone prepared)
I already have my "summer music" on my sidebar. Turn it up and sing along as I take you on a "tour of summer".
I am celebrating with Photos.
Photos of what summer means to me....I am sure you will agree that these photos are all about "summer".
These photos are of when my children were "really" little ...so fun to look back on.

Be sure to check out my favorite summer dishes:

Greek Marinated Shrimp
Drunken Chicken
The Best Fish
LA Caviar
Picnic Fare
Tropical Salad
Cucumber & Tomato Salad
Starwberry Shortcake

And many more can be found at my recipe blog, Plates and Places.

Thanks for dropping by my Summer Kick off!
Leave me a "roadmap" and I will be certain to drop by your blog!

Thanks for dropping by Bloggeritaville. I appreciate it!

In the meantime-Enjoy your Summer! Thanks again for stopping by, my friend!

Tornado Fury

My Sweet Friends,

Thank you to those who have sent emails/messages regarding our family in Alabama and in particular Tuscaloosa (where my son, "Bama" goes to college and my brother in law -aka "The Artist" and sister in law live with their 2 boys)I am counting my blessings today. Everyone of my family is accounted for. This was Bama's second brush of a close call with a tornado.

Two weeks ago, the tornado hit his area, imagine a u shape-it being where the tornado hit, Bama's apartment sat inside the u, protected. No damage. He hid in a closet with his neighbors below (his apartment is on 2nd floor). Yesterday was even closer. He is a block and half from University Mall, this is the location of where many of you are seeing the images on television. There is a building next to his complex in which all windows were blown out, beyond that ...well...its what you are seeing on TV, complete devastation and destruction. At Bama's complex-there is debris from the EF5 tornado, but  as far as the tornado itself doing damage to his apartment....nothing. Not even windows were blown out, and yet a block away, nothing stands. NOTHING.  After the EF5 yet another tornado came through and literally went above his apartment, not ever touching down. He has spoken with most of his friends, all safe.

The video below was shot in the parking lot of the mall, behind the person shooting is a park, then Bama's apartment.




The others seen on the link below, many were what I saw live on the news. It was sickening.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/videos-of-the-tuscaloosa-tornado
 

God was truly with my son, "Bama" as well as many others. I am certain the presence of God was beside Bama and other students as they huddled together in the closet of a first floor neighbor.


Our local news stations were phenomenal in getting the message across early in the day! The forecast was for a severe outbreak, a forecast that is not commonly seen in Alabama. That was followed by all day and all night coverage of the tornado's and their aftermath. I cannot say enough for our local meteorologist and TV stations, who if not for them, the death toll would be even higher.

I am praising God and His divine grace today. I know others were not as fortunate my heart aches for them ...like my friend Kim's family, who lost their family home...their story is like so many, and even others who have lost so much more....lives. There are simply no words.....My heart aches for you.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families who have lost loved ones and property due to the devastation of this tremendous disaster. I plan to volunteer to help next week and do what I can, however small it might be. I can't just sit idle in this chaos.  I volunteered during Hurricanes Ivan and Hurricane Katrina, the images I am seeing are so similar, if not more. I am not trying to belittle anyone else's personal experience with disaster. Know that. I am just going by images (which I have been told do it no justice) and by my son's first hand account. It is as if so many of the areas simply "exploded". I am so very, very sad...but yet I celebrate for what was spared. Such bittersweet emotions.....But above all God is GREAT and I trust and put my faith in Him.

Thank you again for your prayers and concern. Your friendship is truly a gift!
Another reason why blogging is wonderful.....YOU! Really. YOU.
(Truly) Live*Laugh*Love
XOXO,
Leigh

A Look Back at "Old Florida"

I sure hope you enjoyed the roadtrip of the Florida gulf coast, what we called the "Old Florida" roadtrip. We made it our mission to rediscover those old tourist dives that were once the hotspots back in the 40's- 60's. These were THE places to vacation before "the mouse" moved into Florida. Today these hotspots are charming little seaside villages, small on crowds but big on fun and adventure. We also made a vow NOT to eat at a single chain restaurant along the way. And we made it!!!! I wanted to include some fun little facts worth mentioning below.

*Our roadtrip was 1800 miles, translating to about 32 hours of driving. We stayed mainly on highways and bi ways, using routes that would have been traveled back in "the day", prior to interstates. The only time we took the interstate was from Venice Florida to Sanibel to maximize time on that day and from Birmingham to Montgomery. We loved traveling these roads, it gave us great opportunities to see things we wouldn't see otherwise. We found some state parks, old hotel/motels from the "Old Florida" era (LOVED the signs), beautiful farming communities and fruit stands.

* Of all the small towns/cities we went on our trip, our collective favorite was Homosassa Springs. We liked it because it was small, no crowds, no high rises, not allot of fast food places. This might be a reason someone else might not like it. But for us, that is where the charm is. It really epitomized the "Old Florida" feel. And wow! That moss in the trees!

* Our favorite activity we did (collectively): Swimming with the manatee in Crystal River.

*Our best meal. Well, that depends on who you ask. Big Daddy picked Bayport Inn & Restaurant in Weekee Wachee. My favorite was Doc Fords on Sanibel Island for my incredibly simple lettuce wedge of all things. I really cannot stop thinking about it. My children also picked Doc Fords for their panko crusted chicken tenders and cheeseburger. That being said, our FAVORITE meal (yes there is a difference) was in Homosassa Springs at the Monkey Bar. The food was good, but the atmosphere was unforgettable. We had a delicious meal, sat on a deck in the trees dripping with Spanish moss above the river. We listened to a great one man band play some of our family favorites as we watched the sun slip into the water......incredible!!!!!

I hope you will enjoy this last look at our roadtrip. Thank you for joining us along the way.
Click Here for any stops along the way you might have missed.
See you tomorrow!
LIVE*LOVE*LAUGH*LEIGH

A last look at our trip:

The House That Built Me

When I first heard this song by Miranda Lambert, The House that Built Me, I was driving down the road. And it was just one of those things....I became overcome with emotion. It was if she had read my thoughts about what I think of when I think of home.
My first thought was what I knew it as my Grandmother's home, though it was actually my Great grandparents home. Many families, children and grandchildren passed through its doors. In my family it is referred to as "the Collinsville House".
It's where so many members of my family (cousins, aunts, uncles, greats) have special memories that derived from that home.
I sent the song link below to my family members and asked if they would Please listen to the words of the song. But I also thought I would share it with you. It's a song that I think many can relate to, but in particular those who are raised in the south and have such a sentimentality to our roots and where "we came from". I know you will all relate to it too for your own special reason.


I also included 2 links to my blog with stories from the quilt walk. I think you may have seen it, but if not....
http://lbratina.blogspot.com/2008/09/grandmas-house.html
http://lbratina.blogspot.com/2008/10/scenes-from-collinsville-and-its-quilt.html

I'd love to hear about your "roots", share in the comments if you are so inclined.



The CSN Giveaway ends tonight. If you havent already, be sure to enter. Winner will be announced soon thereafter. Good luck!

New Year 2010 and 40th Birthday Party

New Year's Eve was a big night, not only did my friends and I ring in the new year together, but we also celebrated the 40th birthdays of High Mae, The Boss and Bassmaster (Diva's hubby), all of which received their "crowns" for the 40 Club. The ladies also received septers and sashes that read "Fabulous and 40". That they are! It was also the birthday of Sweetness who turned 38, so she didn't get her sash yet. In due time.
That night we had a great celebration. All of our children came too and we very well behaved I might add. We had karaokee, we danced, played pool, ate and ate and ate. Here is a look back at the evening...

Transcending

Today I am busy preparing a meal for my friends who have recently lost their father and for one that lost her husband. It has been a tough six months for my circle of friends, who we laughingly call ourselves the Clematis Club.

One has lost a mother, another a father, one lost a spouse, another a brother. In six months. Tough times.

But lucky for us we have one another.
We have seen one another through births, deaths, divorce, bad dates, bad jobs, surgeries, illness, to many margarita's, weightloss, weight gain, PMS, menopause and hotflashes and bad hair days....and that is just the beginning.

As I busily prepared the meal ,with the help of other members of our flock for the ones who were left bruised, I had a conversation with my friend, High Mae. High Mae:"I cannot imagine what she must be going through......but that being said, I love our group. How we rally when one is down. How no one needs to say anything of a need, it is just taken care of. I love that."

She's so right. We are truly blessed by one another and our friendships. They are relationships that cannot be explained, only understood.

I sat down to my computer, after not having a moment to read much of my emails last week. I found this email from my mother, who just happens to be another of my best friends. How I love her.
" Leigh, did you see this? Kind of reminds me of your friends. ILU, Mom"

And so I opened it up. And I related. And I cried. And I laughed. And I cried again. It was so reflective of just the last week. And of the many years that I have been blessed by their friendships. And how my heart swells when I think of how fortunate I am to be in the midst of them all. They are my calm (and dance partners) within many of life's rainstorms. How awesome. How truly awesome.
"Life is not about getting through the storms, But rather about learning to dance in the rain."

This is for my girlfriends....those pictured and those not pictured.
And this is for you.....because so many of us (women) can identify with this.

Life is short. Mend fences. Tell your friends and family that you love them. And rejoice. Always rejoice.

And remember, what God leads you to, he will lead you through.

Updated: My deepest condolences to these dear bloggers who have had recent losses. Please lifted up in prayer and add to prayer list, as well as my friends who have recently lost.:
sweet cottage dreams who lost her son.
The McClenahan's who lost their daughter, Cora
My friend, Tammy of Greek Grits shared her "storm".

May we all come together and pray for healing.

Video below.

Saban Through the Eyes of an Artist

Hey, this is for both Saban & art fans.... to see a short movie of my brother in law painting a portrait of Alabama Head Coach, Nick Saban. My brother in law, "the artist" is an artist for the Tuscaloosa News.
UPDATED: The News Moved the link. Here is the one with the painting that my brother in law did....http://www.tidesports.com/article/20081110/VIDEO/811100328
Sorry for any confusion.

Scenes From Collinsville and it's Quilt Walk

Here is one last look of the quilt walk in Collinsville, Alabama.

Portrait of a Small Town: Collinsville, Alabama

Picnic at the Mentone Cabin

Commercial

Remember that commercial I "talked" about a couple weeks ago? I called on some local friends to "talk"? Well, here is one of the commercials that is running on local ABC TV station ABC 33/40.
Among the "talkers", it features my mom ("I'm talking"), Helenaite Major Dundee and HPD Officer Rodney Prince (who came up with his own line-as did the guy that was pulled from the Depot wearing an Auburn t-shirt at the end of the commercial) and of course Susan of the Psych Ward (doing the hand gestures).
I am working on obtainging the other commercial spots that feature my son, J Smooth as well as T-Ray of Bama Bargains.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hudxtir-mqs

Exactly Why I am not an Olympian.....

Enough already (you might say) with my Olympic Fantasies (1, 2. 3). Though, I couldn't help but imagine myself or one of my family members participating in the Olympics. Then I came to the harsh realization why we have not made the team..... It would go something like this....

Leigh's Fantasies Revealed

I said I was going to Boycott the Olympics. But really, I am a proud American. And I support my team and country, contrary to my feelings on things of other political nature. My favorite events to watch are gymnastics and water sports. I really get into those. My gosh, did you see the US a couple night ago, in the relay? What a finish to trump France, who was favored!
I cannot help but get carried away, as I watch lying in bed watching with my Big Daddy.
I begin to drift off to sleep...... snorrrr
and have fantasies...... zzzzzzzz
Don't we all?

Mine, they begin to come........into play...... snort

(Sorry about the misspellings....spell check doesn't work in my dream sequence)


zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...............................


(a voice on the loud speaker)
Here we are in Beijing, at the Olympics about to take in a poo poo platter and the women's diving competition. About to take the high dive board for the United States is Leigh of Bloggeritaville. She has been relently practising in the tropical waters, just off of the Island of Bloggeritaville for the competition. Tonight, she is hoping to secure her fifth gold olympic metal .
Shhhhhh....
She's about to take the ladder, lets watch and listen......

1988 Reunion Snapshots on 8-8-08

Here is the Reunion Slideshow from Pub 261.It was great to see everyone last night. I only wish it were not as loud so everyone could have chatted more. I am a bit hard of hearing (uggg. aging sucks) so I struggled. But it was seeing the familiar faces of old friends (the best kind) that pulled at my heartstrings all night. It was like we didn't skip a beat in picking up where we left off. It only made me realize how much I missed everyone. I hope that we can all remain in contact and get together more often. Lets do this annually!
We really MUST stay in touch!

Leighlapooluza 2008-Part 2 Pooluza!

Hello World, It's Me!

The newest addition to the family (making me an aunt again!)

A Baby Girl
Born June 5th, 2008
7 lbs. 1 oz
20 inches long
red hair
welcomed by proud big sisters and peaceful parents.

Sledge Jives her Way to the Dance Floor

Yesterday I met Zinnia, Princess Warrior at Fabian and Jackie's Dance Studio (Fred Astaire). She and I enrolled our children in a dance class for the summer. There the kids will learn several different types/forms of dance. Today the kids focused on the waltz and the jive. They did a great job paying attention and behaving themselves. They really seemed to understand what was being taught (bravo to Jackie and Taylor). After the class Sledge volunteered that she really enjoyed it. I talked to Freddy on the phone and boasted that we both may be raising future Dancing with the Star performers. He said, "Whoa! Let's not get ahead of ourselves.". You be the judge. Here is a glimpse at their class. Sledge is in the middle in black, her partner in aqua shirt is Freddy's son, "A".

Oh! If you look closely on the left, you will see that Fabian was in town. He was at the studio practising for an upcoming charity performance, the One Man Mambo Show, to be held in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. Marlee Matlin will be joining Fabian in some up and coming charity events. Check your local calendar of events to see if they will be coming to a venue near you.

Low-Our Newest Dance in Hip Hop Dance Class

This is Chesney, my cute as a button dance teacher, demonstrating a small piece of our new dance to the song, "Low". I think there might be a small glimmer of hope in me getting this dance down. It doesn't seem as complicated as the other. Hey, join us if you can at the Adult Hip Hop Class on Thursday nights at Dance Et Cetera at 8:45-9:45PM, class is $15.00 per class.
Fabian, you need not be intimidated by me....or perhaps you should? Hmmmm

The Rockers of Now

Sledge is practising on this video with her girl band, "The Rockers" (since then the name and changed and members added-that play instuments. Sledge is also taking guitar lessons). Excuse the quality. I do not have a video camera and didnt know how to work what I had-hense the turned camera. But lets pretned it is some crazy video shots to lend to the effects. Oh,and its dark. LOL! Sledge wrote this song. Ahh, to be 9 again.....then again when I was 9 I was playing with Barbies and they were the ones "singing" when I would cue up my record player and put on a 45 by Olivia Newton John.....

Sister Sledge Sings

My daughter, Sledge, has always had a passion for singing. She was speaking sentences at 6 months. Singing songs was followed closely behind. This is a video that her Gandma T took when she was 3 years old. Sledge loved Faith Hill. I cherish this video. I look back and see how small she was singing such a big song, word for word. It is just to cute for words.
Tomorrow I plan to post her singing some of her own material.