Being 14

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Okay, so I didn't post a picture of KJ's birthday which was November 18th. He had a great time with his friends, had his favorite Mexican meal catered (Don Pablo's) and got mullah and gift cards to spend for the next year!!! But, I didn't put anything about it on my blog. So, here it is...

Creating

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So, this is where I'm at with my quilt. Now, I have to add the border strips and then layer with the batting and then finish the edges. I hope to have it finished by January. I want to get started on another one. I watch Simply Quilts now and really enjoy all the quilters on there.

Namaste...

Me and my shadow...

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Simba follows me around whereever I go. He meows when I'm not home and hopelessly follows everyone else until I get home, jumping on them and wanting full attention. But, who could pass up this cute face and Paul Newman eyes?!!!

The OHS 2006 Homecoming Queen

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I have the honor of personally knowing the 2006 Oviedo High School Homecoming Queen and with the Queen Mum's permission, I am happy to post her picture. So, ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce to you, the

Oviedo High School

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2006 Homecoming Queen...

Samantha Abelman...

and my son, Karl and his girlfriend, Teagan! (This is the part where they start playing "Isn't She Lovely...")
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OHS Homecoming 2006

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Here are Karl and his girlfriend Teagan by the pool before going to dinner and Homecoming. Don't they look stunning together?!!! (Okay, I'm biased, I'll admit it!!!)
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The Old Man and the C

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Today was senior citizen's day. Karl used his brother's suspenders and wore a baseball cap from his uncle's campground in TN. You know, the one all the old geezers like to wear?!!! LOL (Uncle Wilbur's gonna kill me for that!!!)

Happy Homecoming Lions!

For Those About to Rock

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we salute you!

Coming home...

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or homecoming which is the week we are in at Oviedo High School. I have three days of pictures so far. Karl as a nerd...Karl as a celebrity and.....Karl as Teagan (opposite day). He has been a trooper to participate in the dress ups !



















Check out the Chanel earring..

Oh the weather outside is frightful...

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ly wonderful!!! And that leads me to my dilemma. I have lots to do but don't know where to start. And, I think this will only last two days. Well, making my secret recipe chili is priority one. Then I can see about working in the garage and/or hedging/weeding. It's 50 degrees here at 8:15 am...a great day in the neighborhood!

Woo-Hoo!!!!! Look out on the road...

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Yessiree Bob! He finally got the go ahead and passed the driving test. Now, look out world...Karl Banks is on the road!

If you see him driving, and see a problem, don't hesitate to call....

1-800-mom-&dad

Namaste

You can't be too rich or too thin...

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We visited Biltmore Estates today. WOW! It blows you away. There are 255 rooms in the main house and 31 guest quarters!!! 4 stories tall with north and south towers. My favorite bedroom was the south tower bedroom which had a spectacular view of the grounds and neighboring mountaintops. Plus a nice afternoon sun.

We ate at the Stable Cafe for lunch. The food was great. I had a beef tenderloin and broccoli quiche and it was fantastic!

Walking around the grounds, we were able to see many different varieties of trees, shrubs and plants. Some in their autumn glory. I was able to take pictures at the Conservatory of many types of palms, a huge staghorn fern and other exotic plants. It was a great day!!!

Karmelkorn, fudge and taffy, oh my.....

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Today we indulged in sweets and lots of it! We had pancakes for breakfast...



Apple pancakes, Parisienne Pancakes (strawberry crepes), Wild Blueberry Pancakes...mmmmmm!!! And who could pass up an order of bacon to go along with it?!!! We returned to Sevierville to do a bit of shopping at the Tanger Outlet Mall and the Scrapbook Superstore. Then we went to play laser tag.

Finally, we drove home in under 2 hours, late in the afternoon...just in time for Grandma Bank's baked steak and hashbrown casserole. I tell ya', this is heaven! After dinner, KJ chauffeured Karl and Teagan around the property for a little southern hayride - John Deere style!!!

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Now, it's time for bed and then onto a day in Asheville, NC at the Biltmore Estate.

Visiting Gatlinburg

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Yesterday we drove to The Great Smoky Mountains for an overnight stay in Gatlinburg and stops in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.



We spent the night in Gatlinburg on the strip at the Greystone Lodge. It was quick and fun. Lots of good food and fun times. We walked down the strip to eat dinner at Calhoun's and then came back to the hotel stopping for Karmelcorn and Kilwin's fudge on the way. It was great weather and a yummy day!!!

The John Deere Picture

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Everyone has to have their picture on grandpa's John Deere! Teagan is no exception! She did a fine job and even said she would like to have one to mow the lawn back home!!!

The trip beginnings...

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We left for TN on Saturday at 7:51 am. (I specifically looked at the clock because I have been known to "make everyone wait" for much longer than that.) Well, because the male Banks are ever-so-primed to pace while I prepare to leave, KJ forgot his toiletry bag and more importantly, his retainer!!! So, I had my brother overnight the retainer by taking it to the airport USPS office Sunday night at 10 pm (thank goodness for him!). What are vactions for? Timed arrangements? Pacing and fretting? Worked up attitudes?

Today, Monday, we are having a slow start relaxing at home, having a leisure lunch, lounging and chatting. Now that is what vacations are for. Relax in the moment.

Namaste...

An afternoon walk by the creek

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We went for a walk by the creek and stopped for a group picture. The glare makes us look somewhat dreamy, doesn't it?!!!

First Day in TN

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There's nothing like spending the first day in TN lounging around the house and eating breakfast at noon!!! We all slept in...it felt good.

Sausage gravy, biscuits, scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, beefsteak tomato slices, toast, homemade applesauce, strawberries and banana slices, OJ, coffee, milk...need I say more?!!!

Long Time, No See

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I haven't been able to walk for a month since I pulled something on my right knee. So, I've gained some weight back...bummer. But, I am in TN with 60 degree weather for a week. I'm lovin' it.

Pictures tomorrow. I need to sleep...11 hour drive.

Oh, BTW, I'm an affluent suburban woman!!!

Namaste...

Lavender

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I wanted to say something about Lavender. It is my favorite scent when I am in a less than desirable state of mind. I bought a lavender roll-on which I can apply on my wrists anytime and just fold my hands and lay them across my forehead and take deep breaths as I meditate to relax. It really works. Give it a try.

Namaste...

5 miles in 1 hour 14 minutes

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Good day. I am running half of the time. Sore legs but I've been soaking them and massaging as well. All good stuff!

Namaste