"BSC" Sunday!

I'm back, sorry my guest writer bailed on my for last week's "BSC" Sunday post. Thanks Brande, not! This "BSC" Sunday was so ever special. We also had all the streets in Old Towne Orange closed for the annual Orange Rotary Car Show. This "is" supposed to be for charity which I think is awesome, but none the less, it doesn't make doing business any easier when the streets surrounding your store are closed and customers are pissed off because they actually, are you ready for this, had to WALK!And before I go any further, please note that Brande took a couple of pictures with my ever so special handicapped camera and then came back yesterday and told me that my camera sucked. Then the battery died! And I looked at her and said, "duh, you think it sucks, I KNOW it sucks"! I try to be easy going on a day like yesterday. You come to open the store, the car dudes have their chairs and beer coolers blocking your front door, etc. But I do have to say they were cool about moving, but none the less it is a struggle. They have some really cool cars, which periodically during the day, a male owner of said cool cars is encouraged to turn on said car and rev up the engine as loud as they can go. No problem "dude", I will ask my customer that is begging to use my bathroom because they are going to pee their pants, right there, in my store, to just "hold on just a second". The City provided nice portables for the public but somehow the "special customers", well, they just couldn't "go there". Ours was closed for the day, with a note on the bathroom door and front door that I wrote. It said, "sorry, due to customer abuse of our bathroom it is closed for the day". So even though people have read the "sign", they stand in front of you either squeezing their legs together, doing the pee-pee dance, asking where you go to the bathroom (please), or begging to use yours anyway. Nope, I was NOT handing out that bright blue letter "B" key today!! And it was so nice not to have to repeat "bathroom directions" a hundred times a day! The day was a mixture of "pee-pee dancers" along with some really nice customers, to Brande scoring this awesome bike for $75! Hidea, you rock! Not too long into the day, IT happened. We have some very exceptional special customers. It's like you glance up and just say, "shit"! Then your strategy is to pass them off to one of your unexpecting co-workers. And when THAT happens, they say, "shit"! The first one that came in is draining. Brande had never worked with her before and said, "no, I think she is disabled, her hands shake". I said, "no" but knock yourself out to help her. It wasn't long before Brande knew what I meant. Then, I swear, within 30 minutes I look up and one of our other "special" customers came through the door. You can always identify her, she is the one with the black rain cloud over her head!! I knew we were screwed. This ONE will stay, and stay and the ONLY thing she ever, ever talks about is how bad she feels, how bad and awful her husband is, and about how awful life is and on, and on she goes. She is the poster child for www.my lifesucks.com!!! By then, let me tell you we were on a roll! We had a customer that spent over a half an hour trying to decide which doily she should buy. Seriously, if you give a doily that much thought, how do you get through the rest of your day? Of course we had the usual customers that tried to convince us they wanted the stuff they picked out for free, or it should be cheaper because it looks "old and used", you know, maybe as in vintage! On and on it went. It was a never ending day. I looked at the little bus across the street from us, pictured above that was all decked out. Did I see a bar in the back of it? And I was waaaaaay ready to board the "Over the Hill Gang" bus, as long as it would just get me the hell out of Country Roads and Old Towne Orange! And then you will never, ever believe what happened. It was like the clouds parted and an angel walked through our "door" and she came up to the counter to see me with a brown bag in hand. She smiled and said, "here"! I touched the bag, I felt the bag, I hugged the bag because I knew what was inside! My angel has a name, Sandy Kiwana. I'm hoping I spelled her name right. She brought me six, cold Coronas! Sandy has been a customer from the early days, as in when we first opened. She follows our "BSC" Sunday posts. I've got to tell you, I think that is the best gift I have ever, ever received on a "BSC" Sunday!! Seriously, you rock Sandy and thank you so very much. You made my day. It is nice to be appreciated by our customers, they are the best. So, with all that said, it's Monday and I have a whole new week ahead. Oh wait, Monday, damn, I have to go back to "the store" today! Let's hope for mellowness! And again, thank you Sandy!

This & That at Country Roads

I was planning on posting more pictures of John's "Texas Treasures" today, but since many of those treasures are white, I thought I'd save it for "White Wednesday" this week. Here are a few pictures I had time to snap yesterday while trying to work, carry up merchandise and answer questions for our customers. And the number ONE question, as always, "do you have a bathroom"? My answer: "yes, the key is behind you, under the fire extinguisher, hanging on the "big bright blue letter "B", end of the aisle, follow the blue arrows on the floor, at the base of your stairs on your right". My favorite lady yesterday is searching all over the counter "in front of her", when the key is behind her. Finally, I can't handle it anymore (I want to grab her head and physically turn it around myself)and look at her and say, "STOP, turn around and it is in front of you". And then the next question is, "and where did you say the bathroom is"??? Sorry, I had to vent there for a second, can you tell? Here are the pictures I mentioned before I had to go on my "bathroom rant"!







The pictures above are just a small selection of what is in the store right now. There are so many good displays and cool stuff in the store I just don't have time to take enough pictures. I'm planning on doing a sideshow very soon. So, I hope my vendors that haven't been included for awhile will remember that my camera "WAS" the Target floor model (my new camera after a couple of months had jumped out of my hands and drowned itself in my pool)! That is WHY I have this piece of junk camera. Today it wouldn't turn off or take pictures. I have to take the battery out and start over. I'm saving money for a new one while researching what camera I want to buy in the future. And when that day comes, I am going to THROW this camera in my pool!!

The Last of the "Texas" Stuff

I've been off for a few days. Bryce was ever so kind to take some pictures for me. John, as in Cottage White" just brought his stuff in that he picked up at the shows in Texas. I can't wait to go to work this morning to get a good look at some of the architectural stuff and outdoor chairs. Those are the things I love, and those are also the things I don't need. I already have too much of both! I'm always amazed at how piles of "stuff" in our back driveway behind the store can suddenly look so damn good once it gets "inside" the store. As I said, these are only a few of the pictures of what John brought back with him. I've been off for a few days, and I know very, very well that each and every day at Country Roads there is something new to be found!! Speaking of that, go check out Johnnye Merle's Garden blog! Some great heirloom tomatoe plants and more have just arrived! Check back tomorrow morning, I'll have some pictures of what's new and exciting at Country Roads!!

Owning It, Week Two

It's Friday, and I'm tired today. Lots of reasons, but most of them are good. My post last Friday was about "owning it", and I happy to say this past week, I DID own it! Out of the seven mornings on the treadmill, I only missed one. And with good reason. We were so incredibly busy this past Saturday, that I couldn't drag my butt out of bed the following morning, especially since I had to work that day as well. The rest of the week though, I jumped into that sassy outfit above and off to my garage I went. I won't say it's easy. I'm a Gemini, throw in the blonde and left handed thing, and I've got it all going on for me. I wake up early and I sit in bed and stare. The good Gemini tells me, "come on, get going, it will be worth it"! The bad Gemini says, "oh, its cold, the garage will be colder, there is always tomorrow". Somehow I managed to get through my week, only missing that one day. I always do over two miles, but my challenge is to eventually be able to do a 12 minute mile! I did, however, end my week by finally getting in two miles right under 31 minutes. Not record speed, but it is a start and means for me to get to my goal. I'm not giving up, and hope to be able to write one day that I can now do a 12 minute mile! The other day there was an article in the newspaper about Shay Sorrell, from the Biggest Loser. She lives out here in Newport Beach. The first time she was on the show, she weighted like 476 pounds, being the biggest contestant ever. She got down to 304, and she is competing again. Shay was mentioning in the article how little changes you make can really add up. For example, park far away from wherever you are going and walk. Take the stairs whenever you can, just stuff like that. The article also said that women who walk two hours a week can cut their risk of a stroke 30%. And women that walk fast or run can cut that risk to 37%! I did over twelve miles last week. I've got my vitamin packs, I'm eating better and as I mentioned last week, I'm owning this, even if it may kill me in the beginning! Have a great week-end and get moving!!

Swimming Like Little Fish!

Morgan had her first swim lesson this week at ten months old! She is going to the same swim school that Riley goes to. I've mentioned before that I have a pool, and that is one of the BIG reasons I want my babies to know how to swim. Plus, being a kid that is "water safe" is important. What they teach the babies and toddlers to start is how to get their faces wet, and float. They put them on their backs, helping them, and even at Morgan's age, the teachers start counting so the little one's know eventually how long they have to float by the counting. That is what Morgan's teacher is doing above.


Justine went in the pool for Morgan's first lesson. Morgan actually was pretty good. Of course she screamed like all the rest of the babies and little kids do, but not really that much. The main focus that the swim school teaches, is this. If a kid accidentally falls into a pool fully clothed with shoes, they learn and KNOW how to get to the side of the pool! How do they do this, you may ask? They give them a survival test. I did NOT attend Riley's test that day. They have the little one stand by the edge fully clothed with their shoes on talking to their parents or something like that. Then someone from swim school walks by and kind of pushes them in! To this day, I think Riley still HATES the guy that pushed her in!! But, you know she passed the test with flying colors! I wanted to find some younger pictures of Riley at swim school, but couldn't find them on my computer. These were taken a little over a year ago with her instructor Brianna. I was "going" to take pictures today when I took her for her lesson. But, apparently Brianna had enough of the swim school owners, or "something" and had just gotten out of the pool and QUIT & LEFT right before Riley's lesson. As I was helping get Riley in her suit to swim, they let me know. Of course Riley wants no other teacher, she is a bit attached to Brianna. Unfortunately, life doesn't always work out the way we wish. So, she will have a brand new teacher next week! I really hope she likes this teacher in the beginning. Keep your fingers crossed. Let's hope Riley warms up to her fast!! Before I close, the moral to this post goes like this: "MAKE YOUR KIDS WATER SAFE"! It's that simple. Too many kids drown each year because they are NOT water safe!!

White Wednesday

On this "White Wednesday" I wanted to introduce you to a member of my Country Roads family, Loretta. I have to let you know, she does some incredible things with her "whites"! Above is a picture of her dining room at her house. I remember when she emailed me a photo of the architectural base that she was planning on using for her table. It is truly an amazing piece!! Below you will find a small sampling of what Loretta currently has "in stock" at Country Roads. I have to say, the displays may not look "perfect" since I took the pictures on a very busy Saturday!




What some of you may not know about Loretta is that she has a pretty amazing blog! I promise you that you will love each and every photo she has posted on her blog. And, Loretta writes pretty well too! You might want to stop by for a visit, and if you do, which believe me you DO want to do, could you leave her a comment telling her I sent you? Thanks. Also, thanks to Kathleen who continues to host all of our wonderful "White Wednesdays"! You rock and I appreciate your efforts.

War, What is it Good For?

Remember that old song, "War, What is it Good For", from the seventies? I was reading through a few blogs this morning and saw this poem below on The Winged Muse blog post. Fantasia. . .
"I dream of giving birth. . .to a child. . .who will ask. . ."Mother, what was war"?
I remember Vietnam and how back then I thought it was so stupid. I hate violence with a passion, and will never be able to understand what is wrong with peace? I was looking at my garden this morning, the garden that needs much work after all the rain we've had this year. But it reminded me of the wonderment of Spring. Year after year, my flowers return. They remind me of the simple & kind things in life. A garden, peace, and the baby birds chirping in my birdhouses. Sadly, not everyone has this little corner of "peace" that I have in my world. Especially, little kids in the countries that are at war. Remember John Lennon's lyrics to "Imagine"?
You may say that I'm a dreamer, But I'm not the only one, I hope someday you'll join us, And the world will live as one." Riley should be here shortly, I think her and I may spend sometime working in the garden. After all it's peaceful there. And I too hope to hear one of my grankids ask their Mom, "Mother what was war"?

A Leonard Update!

I thought Brande did this update for me someplace on my blog, but I'm not sure where. Well, Leonard decided he would stay for awhile for another round or two of his Corona's! You know, I said good-bye to him on Saturday, and the vet's office closed. I said good-bye again this morning. The vet seemed to think he needed a shot and has arthritis! After all, the cat is 20 plus years old!! Time will tell, but for now, Riley's "little buddy" is still with us!!

Oh, I see the update! I have to say, Leonard is probably the most "popular" cat I have ever had!! Thanks for all of your kind words. Animal lovers are special people, you know?

Farewell to My Furry Friend

Today, my guest writer, Brande, will do my "BSC Sundays" post. I was off yesterday. Today is one of those things for those of us that love our pets go through. As I get ready to leave for "the store" here in the next hour or so, I'm also getting ready to say my last good-bye to Leonard. It is never easy to make the decision that it is time to say good-bye when our furry friends are old and not doing too well. But, unlike with people, we have that option with our pets. Leonard is just old and worn out, actually as old as dirt! Lately he has begun to show his age. He went from jumping on my desk from the floor, to jumping to a foot stool next to my desk, to a few days ago a pillow on the floor next to me. For those of you that I have cats, you know the look in their eyes as their bodies begin to fail. They are telling you it's time to let them go.I'm guessing Leonard is around 20 years old in people life. He showed up right after my divorce from Mr.Wonderful. I always said I got the better deal on that one! He was old when he magically became our new cat. He was a tomcat through and through. Pieces of his ear missing, always looking for a fight, and leaving me wonderful gifts on my doormat such as dead rats, birds, and such. When I sold the "not so wonderful" house, and moved to my current home, Leonard came with me. Everyone knew Leonard and they would stop and greet him on their walks. He would stand head to head with any dog without fear. And I'm sure Brande will never forget the cat fight she broke up one early morning. She knew better than to try and break up Leonard in the middle of a fight and made a trip to Urgent Care immediately after the fight. Leonard was fine, Brande not so fine.Not long after that, retirement made Leonard a house cat, and he adjusted to that life very easily. What he liked best, or at least most of the time was his buddy, Riley. These pictures of Riley & Leonard were taken a couple of years ago. When Riley started talking more, she would call Leonard her "little buddy". Riley could do just about anything to him and he would allow it. I think there were only a handful of times that he nipped at her. And she would cry and cry! Not so much because it hurt, but because her feelings were hurt that her little buddy was mad at her.Riley and Leonard truly have shared a love affair. And because of that, when she comes over tomorrow to stay with me for the day, if she asks where her little buddy is, I'm going to tell her that he went to live with my sister. I could never break her little heart and see her heartbroken. So, Gramma is telling a big, fat white lie! You know, some of our pets we always remember, they always hold a special place in our hearts. As I get ready to say my final good-bye to Leonard in a little bit, I think he knows that he will always remain on the top of my favorite cats list. I'll miss you "little buddy"! And "thank you" Bryce for taking Leonard to the Vet this morning, I couldn't do it this time!

***Breaking update: Leonard is back from the dead!!!! Sue is at Country Roads working, and I called to get the 'morning updates' (ie: did the store flood from the rain last night? Is the roof leaking? Is the garden blown to pieces? Did Bryce take Leonard on his final car trip?) and she wanted me to share the news that Leonard was taken to the vet this am for his 'goodbye', and the vet informed Bryce that he 'probably just needs a shot and some medicine'. Bryce called to share this news - a fight ensued when Sue asked 'did you take him to the right vet???' - and yes, it was our friendly vet who knows when the time is up, and apparently, despite his old age, he is convinced that Leonard in fact has more time left. To her defense, my mom was not trying to put the cat down unnecessarily, he kinda looks like death warmed over, but the mighty Leonard has risen! Stay tuned for more updates....
-Brande

When Tim Says He's Been Creative?

Yesterday Tim & Lisa pulled up to Country Roads with their van packed, stuff on top, and Tim said to me, "I've been creative this week, I think I brought too much stuff in". Yes, Tim was quite creative last week. Check out these pictures and you will see what I mean.






And believe me, my photos don't do justice to what has been created in this part of Country Roads by Tim & Lisa. I'll have some more pictures up in a couple of days or so. But, I have to tell you one more thing, when that creative light bulb flicks to "on" in Tim's head, you should check out his hair then!