THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN....

 

Well, the boys are back from skiing.  Don't you think that they somewhat resemble Ole Miss frat boys since they are all dressed alike?

 

"The mountains are calling and I must go".- John Muir

 

Isn't that the truth?  Nothing quite like the beauty of a mountain.... in sunshine or snow!

 

 



BACKDOOR NEIGHBOR....

Once upon a time when I was a townie and lived on Chandler Avenue, William Faulkner was my backdoor neighbor.  Our backyard backed up to the cemetery, and I was always intrigued by the late night visitors that frequented his grave site and poured whiskey on his grave.  I thought that this was something that my precious foreign exchange students needed to see (I am blessed to spend 6 hours a week with these cute, bright gals who are taking my early childhood reading course), so we stopped by today after class to have a little visit with

Mr. Faulkner.

“You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore. ”
― William Faulkner

Cheers to you, Mr. Faulkner! I might just have a whiskey drink in your honor tonight!

GETAWAY... HIS VS. HERS

David's idea of a getaway......

 

So, David heads to Steamboat for a long weekend of skiing with these guys.....

And this is their view.....

All while I head to Birmingham for an overnight shopping trip with the ladies of my family.  This is my idea of a vacation......

 

 I could get lost in here for an entire day....

and in here....

 

And I even purchased a hot pink ruffled Betsy Johnson bikini.... first bikini that I have purchased in 10 years!  Don't worry, I am not going to share the picture for the entire Internet world to see.... I sent that pic to my husband instead!  Well, even though I am not skiing with the hubs, Kit, Susu, Mom and I had a BIG time in BIRMINGHAM!

I hope that all of you had a fabulous weekend! Cheers!

MY KIDS

All teachers should feel this way...

 

I taught 4th grade language arts for seven years in Water Valley- aka "The Valley".  My students and coworkers there warmed my heart every single day. But, it was time for a new adventure, and a phone call from one of my former professors at Ole Miss made me realize that it was time for something different.  This is my fourth semester to teach my "BIG" kids at the University of Mississippi, and although it has definitely been a learning curve, it has been so worth it.  My big kids need me, too.  As adjunct faculty for the School of Education Teacher Education department, each semester has been a little different.  Last semester I taught 4 classes- and they were all different classes which called for 4 different preps and keeping up with 100 college kids.  I chased my tail every day.  This semester, I teach 4 classes, but they are all the same class- an early childhood reading course- so I only have one prep.  I consider myself lucky to promote the love of reading in the classroom... it really is so much fun and my BIG kids amaze me everyday!

 

 

Yesterday we read The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.....

 

 

 

In my opinion, it is one of the very best read alouds for preschool children.

 

Here are my BIG kids participating in the read aloud experience....

 

 

 

And one of my students insisted that we needed a panoramic photo.... even I am doing some learning!

 

 

 

This semester, I am lucky enough to have three precious foreign exchange students from Norway.  I only hope that they understand my fast talking southern teaching style! Here they are participating in a read aloud lesson:

 

 

In January, we did a thematic unit on the history of Mardi Gras.  So many of my students had never tasted King Cake, so we sampled it and made our own Mardi Gras Masks.  Do you know that every person riding a Mardi Gras Float has to have on a mask?

 

 

 

My thoughts exactly.....

 

 

Happy Friday, friends!!

Enjoy the weekend!!

 

 

 

 



 

THROWBACK THURSDAY....

 

This is an oldie but a goodie!  Quin Breland and I were sitting pretty on Oak Avenue... circa 1983.  Our friendship spans three generations... our grandparents were friends, parents are friends, and Quin and I have been friends since birth.  Although he lives in New Orleans now and is a big wig attorney and I live in Oxford , we always manage to pick right back up. That is the sign of true friendship... the miles and distance do not make the memories and fun times fade.  Now, Quin and his lovely wife Martha Claire are expecting a baby and I can't wait to see "Boosie" as a daddy!

 

NATIONAL LOVE YOUR DOG DAY....

Today is National Love Your Dog Day! Do you think that this little guy is loved?

 

 

 

 

He came to live with us 10 years ago this Valentine's Day.

 

 

He does some relaxing here while we are away at work...

 

 

 

But of course his favorite place to snooze is here....

 

 

 

And in the pillows....

 

 

Some days he even accompanies me at work in the good old School of Education...

 

 

But his favorite place to be is outside....

 

 

 

Or on the lookout in the window....

 

 

 

Buster lives the life! Man's (or woman's) best friend, that's for sure!

 

 

 

 



The Fab Fridge

So, the FAB FRIDGE by Elizabeth Heiskell Catering has arrived at Oxford Floral.

 

TIM SHOWCASING YESTERDAY'S BIG ARRIVAL

 

 

 

Elizabeth has put together some of her yummy dishes that will be sold at Oxford Floral.  Each dish is made with only the best ingredients from Woodson Ridge farms where they pride themselves in growing and serving local, seasonal fresh foods.

 

This week's menu  includes:

 

Roasted Red Pepper and Pecan Pimento Cheese

Chinese Chicken Salad with Asparagus

Crab Butter Spread

Spinach, Chicken,  and Artichoke Casserole with Wild Rice

Creamy Crawfish Penne Pasta

Pot Roast with Roasted Woodson Ridge Farm Root Veggies and Mashed Potatoes

 

Are you hungry yet?

 

Well, today it is being stocked!

 

 

 

And we will happily deliver! Perfect for a college kid, family with a new baby, elderly friend, or a change up from eating out or cooking yourself!

 

What would you like to see in the FAB FRIDGE?

Catfish Craving....

The Narons had a catfish craving on Sunday evening. And a bad one at that... so bad that we left at 4:45 just to beat the crowd at Taylor Grocery.  And we had an hour wait... in the cold.  That is some catfish love, folks.

We were so ready to order from this....

 

And then we did some of this...

 



 

My mom and our "street over" neighbors the Crain's joined us. Kennedy is always ready to pose for a pic!

 

And then Kennedy wanted to take a pic of us.....

 

 

 

And then we finally had our catfish....

 

 

 

Big Daddy had the whole catfish....

 

 

I had the small catfish plate... you must be thinking, Katie, there is nothing small about that! Please note the LOADED baked potato and rotel cheese fries.  OINK!!

 

We were all tucked in our beds fat, full, and happy by 8:30.

 

What is your favorite place to satisfy your catfish craving?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just Make Yourself at Home....

THE "BUST" TAKING A REST ON THE "GOVERNOR"....AKA DAN LOWERY

 

We look forward to Sundays all week long at the Naron household.  During football season on Sundays, you will find our house packed full of boys watching NFL football and cursing cheering their team on. My motto is "make yourself at home". Buster certainly does.

 

Speaking of football, we can't wait for Rebel Football 2013.  With an amazing  Rebel recruiting class, we anticipate all of the fun that fall has to bring in Oxford. Believe it or not, we are ready to open back up Hotel Naron.

 

 

 

GROVING WITH OUR FAMILY

 

 

 

RED SOLO CUP.... WE LIFT YOU UP.... PROCEED TO PARTY!

 

 

 We also hope to bring another bowl trophy home.

 

 

COMPASS BOWL GAME TROPHY

 

 

And of course it would be nice to keep this in Oxford.... permanently!

 

 

HOTTY TODDY EVERYBODY!!



Sunday's Words of Wisdom

 

Enjoy your Sunday and remember to do all the good you can......

Hello from Handsome!

 

 

Our little handsome has been to the beauty shop recently and knows that he looks good! Kellie Owens, the owner of Homeward Bound, a traveling grooming and pet service, snapped this pic of the Bust and he will be featured on their website soon.  Who knew that Buster had a a career of being a model, especially since he has a pirate eye?! Check out Kellie and her fantastic staff at www.homewardboundoxford.com.

First Blog Post Ever: We Survived VDAY 2013

ROSES HAVE TAKEN OVER THE COOLER......

 



I love a holiday.... Christmas, Halloween, Easter, Fourth of July, Valentine's Day, what ever holiday it may be, I love to celebrate.  And today I am celebrating that the Oxford Floral Crew survived VDAY 2013.

 

It was quite a day....three lines ringing off the hook, flowers everywhere, frantic men trying to surprise their honey with flowers, candy, and gifts. I was fading fast on VDAY, so I snuck out unannounced in the middle of the day for a quick trip to the doctor.  I returned an hour later and felt really good thanks to a Decadron shot, antibiotic, breathing treatment, and cough syrup with codine. Yep, I was flying high!



JUST A FEW OF THE DELIVERIES TO BE MADE....

 



David and the Oxford Floral crew really amaze me.  Our team of delivery boys arrived bright and early at 6:00 A.M. to load up the vans for a day full of deliveries. They were going strong until 8:30 P. M.  The floral designers had pulled an all nighter in order to fill all of the orders. And again, they rose to the occassion and pulled it ALL off.



The lovely Elizabeth Heiskell arrived to peddle her yummy chocolate covered strawberries. They were a hit!

 

PERFECT COMBO: HEART PAINTINGS BY NICOLE LAMAR AND MARY ROSE YOUNG POTTERY

 

Some lucky sweethearts were treated to hearts and pottery.  Aren't the vivid colors just fabulous?

 

 

 

 

SHE FOUND HER PASSION

 



Not to brag or anything, but I have the most thoughtful honey in the entire world. Nothing like getting a special delivery!!  It sums me up perfectly... I have found my passion in life: teaching and being the hired help at Oxford Floral.

 

 

 

 

BUSTER CIRA 2003

 

And let's don't forget this handsome little fellow.  Buster came to live with us ten years ago on Valentine's Day.  He was the surprise of my life and has added much joy and laughter to the Naron household... along with some ruined furniture and stained carpet.

 

 

 

 

THE BEST TEACHERS TEACH FROM THE HEART

 

 

Of course I didn't want to forget my "BIG" college kids.... they needed a Valentine from their teacher, too! I love a happy, so I spread the love to them with a box of conversation hearts.

 

I hope that all of you had a lovely Valentine's Day!