Spa Day In France

You're Invited!

To A Spa Day In France


Hosted by Muse Swings

Join The Fun!

Everybody deserves a break now and then.

Orient Express Bloggyland Adventure

Welcome Aboard!
It’s time for the Orient Express Bloggyland Adventure hosted by Muse-Swings.
I'm all packed and ready for the transport.

I hope I brought enough clothing?

My good friend Hercule Poirot dropped by as I was packing my bags.


I asked him to travel along since I was carrying all my jewels and most particularly the ...
... Emerald Cross Pendant rumored to have been carried by St. Patrick himself when he was eradicating the snakes in my homeland of Ireland. It's a very, very precious piece of jewelry.

My travel outfit is this lovely little number by Christian Dior.
"Oh, this old thing?
Why this is what I wear to vacuum, dawlink."

And for those formal evenings aboard the train, I thought my 'Cygne Noir' (Black Swan) 1949 evening dress by Christian Dior would be just the ticket. It's made of silk satin and velvet. Oh la la. My good friend the Baroness Antoinette de Ginsbourg also has one but I specifically asked her not to wear hers this time.


So ring the bell for the Wagon Lits. We’re traveling into history. On June 5, 1883 the first 'Express d'Orient' left Paris for Vienna. Vienna remained the terminus until October 4, 1883. The train was officially renamed Orient Express in 1891. Source

Different Routes Available
So, join us in the dining room for tea and crumpets or a first class meal. The food is wonderful here. I’m there and waiting on y’all. Hope to see you there!

♥ ∞

Orient Express Blog Day Adventure

All Aboard!
The Orient Express is boarding in Paris on Monday, March 9th, and you are invited!

My blog buddy Muse Swings is hosting the event. Simply pop over to her blog and leave a message at the link above. That way we can all visit one another that day.

So pack your bags and join us for the fun! Everyone is invited.

Hope to see you there ...

♥ ∞

Bloggyland Inauguration Tour

Welcome To The Bloggyland Inauguration Tour

My favorite watermelon pink gown.
I'm all primped and dressed.
My ride has arrived so I won't be late for all the festivities.


The Pelosi Car
But first, a little history about the Inaugurations of years past.

1st President George Washington
Our beloved country became "a more perfect union" also known as the United States of America in 1776. Before that we were governed by the Articles of Confederation, which was agreed to by Congress November 15, 1777; ratified and in force, March 1, 1781. The Constitution was ratified in May 1787.

This week's 44th U.S. presidential Inauguration in Washington, District of Columbia, will involve a cast of thousands and an audience of millions.

At the beginning of the formation of our government, the populace had to hear the news through the written word and could take months. This inauguration will be televised and on the internet, ready to be viewed by billions in the blink of an eye.

What will happen today? There will be a church service, a procession by the President-elect to the Capitol Building, an oath of office administered by the chief justice, and a 21-gun salute. The newly sworn in President will give a speech and the members of Congress will host him at a formal lunch in the U.S. Capitol. The President will lead a parade of more than 10,000 people and dozens of floats back to the White House.

There will be nine official balls and nearly twice as many unofficial parties. The First Lady's inaugural gown will likely be presented to the National Museum of American History in Washington.

The National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., collects inaugural ball gowns worn by First Ladies. On the left is the gown worn by Lucretia Rudolph Garfield in 1881. Next to it is the gown worn by Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy in 1961. Source

The whole shebang will cost 40 million U.S. dollars, paid for by private donations solicited from President Barak Hussein Obama, Jr.'s supporters.

This one didn't come anywhere near that amount! In a mural of the first U.S. presidential inauguration to take place at the Capitol Building, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall administers the oath of office to Andrew Jackson in 1829. Source

The 20th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that the term of the President expires at noon on January 20. Other than the date and time—and the wording of the oath of office—the transfer-of-power protocol is based on traditions going back to George Washington.

How a few "firsts" in Inaugurations trivia? Are you up to the task? :o)

Some Noteworthy Inaugurations: Firsts and Other Facts

April 30, 1789: George Washington
On the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City, Washington was sworn in wearing a dark brown suit, steel-hilted sword, white silk stockings, and silver shoe buckles. During the oath of office he placed a hand on the Bible, beginning a tradition that nearly every U.S. President has repeated.

March 4, 1801: Thomas Jefferson
Jefferson is thought to have been the first and only president to walk to and from his Inauguration. Wanting to draw a distinction between royal events and simple, democratic ceremonies, he declined to ride in the customary carriage.
He was the first President to be inaugurated in Washington, D.C.
It was the first time a newspaper (the National Intelligencer) printed the inaugural address on the morning of the Inauguration.

March 4, 1861: Abraham Lincoln
The secession crisis required tight security for the new President and his parade. Army sharpshooters were on the rooftops overlooking the parade, and people complained that they could not see the President in his open carriage, as it was completely surrounded by cavalrymen. April 12, 1861 he led our nation into the War of Northern Aggression. His poor leadership led to a war of brother against brother.

March 4, 1865: Abraham Lincoln
His Inauguration was the first time blacks participated in the Inaugural Parade. Tragically, April 14, 1865 he was shot and killed. May 26, 1865 the War ended.

March 4, 1905: Theodore Roosevelt
He was President since 1901 due to Pres. William McKinley's assassination, Theodore Roosevelt did not have an inaugural parade until 1905. Veterans of Roosevelt's Spanish-American War Rough Riders charged along the parade route at full gallop. Some 35,000 people took part in the parade. [I'll bet that was a hoot to watch!]

January 20, 1949: Harry S. Truman
His was the first Inauguration to be televised

January 20, 1981: Ronald Reagan
His was the first Inauguration that was held on the west terrace of the Capitol.
It was the first closed-captioned TV broadcast for the hearing impaired.
It was also the warmest Inauguration on record (excluding President Ford's, which was on August 9, 1973, after President Nixon resigned).

January 20, 1985, and January 21, 1985: Ronald Reagan
As January 20 fell on a Sunday, festivities were held on Monday, January 21. Reagan did, however, take the oath of office on Sunday, January 20.
It was the first time a TV camera was placed inside the President's limousine.
It was also the coldest Inauguration on record.

January 20, 2005: George W. Bush
It was the first Inauguration since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
He had the tightest security of any Inauguration (more than a hundred square blocks closed off, 6,000 police officers and 7,000 U.S. troops deployed, fighter jet patrols, chemical sensors).
Source

There's a whole bunch more trivia at the Source link. I found it interesting that very nearly every President has a "first" on record.

That's enough history for now. Let's come back to the present.

Have a happy day folks!

Our prayers go with the new administration that for the good of our country they be the best representatives of US possible. That they be humble and seek God's wisdom in all things. That they love our country more than themselves, more than their family's and more than any 'religion'. May Jesus bless and keep America safe from harm under His care.
~ Amen.

♥ ∞

The North Pole Visit

Welcome To The North Pole!



I thought I’d make us all reservations for some First Class Hotel accommodations in case Santa‘s castle is full (he‘s so busy this time of year, you know?).

Well, at least the prices aren’t steep! [lol]
It’s a little hard to get to, so, I’ve provided a transportation.

It's the latest model. Me first! Me first! :o)

Or … there's the option of a ride with Santa’s reindeer.
Santa said they are equipped with their own personal GPS.
One person at a time please …



Well, here we are at the hotel.

There’s a place for your computer.

And a really cool place to lay one’s head.

Now let's drop over to visit with Santa.
[shhh] There he is now talking to the troops.

Looks like I'm employing a few of these little guys in my garden and didn't even know it!

In honor of the fact that I'm still a big kid at heart, I've posted a few links to help all of you track Santa and his reindeer after we leave here this Christmas Eve.

http://www.noradsanta.org/en/home.htm
(requires Google Earth download)
http://www.tracksanta.com/
http://liftoff.msfc.nasa.gov/home/seasonal/SantaTrack.html

Well, guess we’d better skeedadle home and hop in bed so we won’t miss Santa’s visit.
Um, watch out for the Polar Bear on your way out though.

Sometimes penguin are just a snack before the main course.


From the humble Bloggy home of My Thoughts Exactly and Wiregrass Musings
to all our wonderful friends out there in Bloggyland,
have a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous Happy New Year!
God bless!



♥ ∞

You Are Invited To The North Pole!

There was so much fun at the Muse-Swings Christmas In Bloggyland Tour, that one of my other wonderful bloggy buddies has decided to "host" her own bloggyland party. With all these festivities and delightful food, I'm never gonna lose weight! This one will last from December 22nd to December 24th (Christmas Eve). What a splendid idea!

These are the rules:
1. If you're interested, inform Linda by replying at her blog. Place this invitation on your blog .. so we can make sure you are visited also.
2. You may give the reindeer carrots and sugar cubes.
3. The elves are friendly, but please remember, they are very busy.
4. Finally, have fun! And remember to laugh and smile.

I don't know about you, but I'm bringing LOTS of vino [uh hum] again ... and, I guess, a little food. Don't want anyone keeling over in the snow from hunger. [tee hee] It's doubtful if Gregory (of Peck and Paw Tours) will be able to attend. He's probably off somewhere with LL and her *borrowed* credit cards. But I'll be sure to sequester Santa for a moment, as he is a special friend of mine, for a visit before he's off on his travels. Don't want to delay him too long though, he does have to bring me that dirt bike!

So, please sign up at Linda's Life's A Calling blog today! It's going to be fun, fun, FUN!!

♥ ∞

A Christmas In Bloggyland Tour

Welcome! To the 1st Annual Christmas In Bloggyland Tour! Hosted by the lovely and gracious MuseSwings.

Wahooo!! Y'all saddle up! I'm all set!
It's time for Christmas In Sparky Land.

Sweetie, and a few unemployed elves, helped me decorate our humble abode in preparation for your arrival ...

... and Santa stopped by to help decorate the 2 wheeled conveyances ...

I've even put the dogs in a spare room for the evening. They'll be happier in there anyway. TVLand is showing back-to-back Lassie reruns. That should placate them for awhile.

I've got my bestest togs on (note the new motorcycle in the background for quick getaways) ...

So, don't be shy.
Help yourself to the vino and chocolate treats while you're here.
I have Jury Duty and have to skedaddle,
but I don't think they'll mind if I have a little nip?? .... [hic - 'scuse me]

I drug out the extra sofa to crash on for those who imbibe in a little too much with the hair of the dog (I'm looking at you Linda … ha ha). [hic - pardon me AGAIN!] Pass a cordial would ya? Maybe that'll mask that happy odor on my breath.

And to pass the time, a little photo show of Christmas' past featuring Sparky and Wiregrass Steve. That's me above in 1961 (I was 5 years old). Look at that pose. Gosh, even then I was a little ham. "Pam the Ham" is what they called me. If the camera was on, I was in front of it! ...

... and Sweetie's photo was taken in 1952 (he was 4). He was cute even then. :o) His mom said he was telling Santa he didn't believe in him. Pretty nervy for a kid approaching the Zero Hour of Christmas I would say! [lol]

Y'all come back soon now! Thanks for stopping by! 'Bye 'Bye!
Have A Very Merry Christmas!!
♥ ∞

A Christmas In Bloggyland Tour

Our dear bloggy friend in the strange far off land of Florida is hosting a Christmas in Bloggyland Tour on Monday, December 15! Everyone - and that means you - is invited to participate and share your holiday spirit with your bloggyfriends - however you wish - on the 15th.

Show your decorations, your memories, stories, pictures, recipes, music, art, poetry, nature - anything - whatever you like on your Christmas in Bloggyland post for the 15th.

1. Leave a comment on the MuseSwings post saying you'll be there!
2. Make a copy of the invitation and post it on your blog!
3. Add the HTML back to this post or to MuseSwings.
4. Tell your bloggiebuddies and bring more friends! Party! Party! Party!

MuseSwings will post the names of all of the participants on the 15th so everyone can take the Bloggyland Tour and visit all of the wonderful Christmas in Bloggyland posts.

Travel from blog to blog to see what wonderful things our bloggyfriends have done to celebrate the holidays. Leave comments! Have a wonderful adventure.

As always, the tour lasts all day and evening and covers every time zone and country.

I personally will only be able to participate half a day as I have Jury Duty in the afternoon. I love having Jury Duty here, it's actually fun! I get to see who's doing what to whom and why. I enjoy that but I'm nosey. [tee hee]

So jump in! The water's fine (or snow, if the case may be). See ya there my friends! Hope you can make it.

♥ ∞

The Grape Escape

Here we go!! After much preparation and planning, The Grape Escape is here! Yay!



Reservations were made, packing was done, and I had my passport all ready as I wait for my special flight. This is my first passport, by the way. Except for visiting Canada, Mexico and Hawai'i I never been on foreign soil.




Greg showed up to fly me from my humble surroundings in Georgia to glamourous Italy. (Hubba Hubba)


Greg kinda messed up (he said I distracted him by looking in his eyes so much … aw well) and we ended up in Egypt!! Opps! My Bad! [blush]




So, we finally made it to Italy. Greg got in some reading and I caught up on some much needed rest …




... David Niven stopped by. So he and Greg squeezed in a little swimming while ....



… I took a little ride with a few of the locals … WAHOO!!!



Then y’all showed up …
OK, all these distractions had to stop and we stomped the grapes.
This is my first attempt at wine making.
Don’t worry, I washed my feet first, and it wasn’t even Saturday.



Hey, now that we’re done with the stomping, how about we tour the ruins?
Huh, can we? Huh?!
I want this to be my ride (those are Moto Guzzi‘s, by the way).



The always lovely and gracious Audrey showed up and said we had to get ready for the party … PARTY??!! OK!! There went my motorcycle tour.
Does anyone have a tiara I can borrow?
Mine is in the shop this week. (Along with my Lear Jet and Lamborghini ... yeaaaah, RIGHT!!)


I made the reservations for Vespas to convey all my bloggy friends.
Keep saying “Momentum is your friend …” and you’ll be fine.
I'll be in the rear where it's safer.

Hope you don’t mind, some of y’all may have to share.

Thought I’d better pop off a postcard to Sweetie back in the States. I already miss him so but he had to stay behind and babysit our three dogs.
(Thanks Vintage Postcards for the Picnik.com free on-line photo editing.)

Looks like this shindig has started! Might wanna hurry up ….

I’ll help pour the bubbly .. ! Let the unabashed imbibing begin!

Better keep Vodka Mom away from the bar. :o)

I haven't had this much fun since the world was young. Let’s do it again next year.

Thanks for inviting me Muse Swings.

Now if I can just find Greg so he can fly me home. I hope he doesn't take the long way around the barn again ....

♥ ∞