Happy 75th Birthday, Sam

This is Sam. I have known him for over 25 years, and we both worked for the Corps of Engineers. He is also a great dancer and hugger; we have danced so many times. He celebrated his 75 birthday yesterday in CA. He is originally from there but has been living most of his life in Vicksburg, MS. Recently, he and his wife moved permanently back to CA. No more dancing, but I have fond memories of our friendship and dancing and will miss him a lot. He quoted and is posted on my blog here...Like a fine wine, you got better over time. Sam Wong - Oct 2018. Wishing him many more birthdays to come.

Remembering My Early Hunting Days

I remember this picture taken after a morning hunt from George Joy's tripod stand. I was near the MS River at Browns Point on Kings Point Island, north of my hometown of Vicksburg, MS, probably in the early 90s. I still have that orange hunting hat.

This is a picture Bob (former husband) took of me in a tripod stand near the Mississippi River with our old Chevy Suburban on the road. I was in (George Joy's) tripod stand one morning at Brown's Point on Kings Point Island and got down to use the bathroom and left my gun up in the stand....guess what?....a doe walked no more than 20 yards to the right of me, about where Bob was standing to take this picture. I could not believe it...She was watching me, and I was watching her walk by. A true story!

Blessed

I recently received a picture of my Great-Grandson, Tidus David, who turned 17 on May 25 and lives in Montana. I have another Great-Grandson who will be 17 in November and a granddaughter 17 in July. I am so thankful and blessed to have lived this long to see and celebrate one of six granddaughters, three grandsons, and five great-grandsons' birthdays. <3

Tidus David Barnhart

Making A Home Out of a Plastic Wreath

I have a plastic wreath hanging on my utility door off my patio, and a bird has decided to build a nest in it again. I don't know if there are any eggs in it yet. This happened last year, and I could take care of it while it was being built. Here are a few pictures I took from inside my living room of the nest.

Squirrel Issues

While sitting on my patio the other day, I was fortunate to get some pictures of this squirrel stealing food from the bird feeder, which is supposed to be squirrel-proof. I don't think he knew I was taking pictures of him at first. Soon, he ran up a tree and continued to bark at me to leave.

Happy "Belated" 3rd Birthday, Asher!

My fifth great-grandson, Asher, lives in Ohio and celebrated his 3rd birthday recently.  Looks like he got a very nice toy to play with also.  I love and miss him so much.  Great Gran Gran

7 Layer Taco Dip

 Seven-Layer Taco Dip 

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:
 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
 1 packet of taco seasoning
 1 cup sour cream
 1 cup salsa
 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
 1 cup diced tomatoes
 1/2 cup sliced black olives
 1/4 cup chopped green onions
 1 cup shredded lettuce
 Tortilla chips for serving

Instructions:
1. Prepare the Refried Beans: Mix the refried beans with the taco seasoning until well combined.

2. Assemble the Layers:
Layer 1 - Refried Beans: Spread the seasoned refried beans evenly in the bottom of a serving dish.
Layer 2 - Sour Cream: Spread the sour cream over the beans.
Layer 3 - Salsa: Pour the salsa over the sour cream layer.
Layer 4 - Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the salsa.
Layer 5 - Diced Tomatoes: Scatter the diced tomatoes evenly.
Layer 6 - Lettuce: Add a layer of shredded lettuce.
Layer 7 - Toppings: Garnish with sliced black olives and chopped green onions.

3. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the dip for at least 1 hour to allow the flavours to meld.
Serve chilled with tortilla chips.
Enjoy this delightful Seven-Layer Taco Dip  

A Squirrel Trying to Get Seeds from Bird Feeder

I purchased a bird feeder a few weeks ago, and it took this squirrel a while to find it. The feeder is supposed to be squirrel-proof. While sitting on my living room couch, I took these pictures through my screened patio doorway. It was so hilarious watching him try so hard to figure out how to get the seeds. He climbed on a bamboo shoot, and his weight swung him over to the pole. He was so happy to at least accomplish this feat, but soon, he came down off the pole. Later, I saw him try again, and he was hanging desperately with both hands on the feeder and dropped to the ground. I wished I had my camera ready to take that, but it happened fast. I laughed my head off.