SPECIAL DAY

Forty-eight years ago today our oldest child was born. YIKES!! How did she get so OLD? How did I? How did the genius? It all just flew by, but I remember the day very well still.

We were living in Lawton, OK, while the genius served his two years in the Army at Fort Sill. It was a chilly morning on the 17th when he drove me to the hospital after I had been in hard (?) labor all night. I was sure I would deliver soon. But it was not to be! I had dilated only ONE centimeter, and I had to reach TEN before things really happened. I began to get an inkling about what I was in for.

But finally, after REALLY being in hard labor throughout the next night, Ashley made her appearance about 8:oo in the morning. She was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. She had a little fuzz of red hair and I immediately could see my sister MA in her face. I could also see why she took so long to arrive because she weighed in at 8 pounds and 13 and a half ounces!! She looked 3 months old!!

I told the hospital I wanted "rooming in" which meant I got a private room with her in the same room with me. Biiig mistake. I spent most of my time trying to feed her and she just wouldn't fill up. I went home from the hospital much more exhausted than I would have been if I had left her in the nursery. After three days, we paid our bill of $7.35 (cost of my food), and I went home with the genius.

Of course, we had no clue about what to do as parents. Again, I spent most of my time feeding her, not knowing if she were getting enough to eat since I was breast feeding her. (At her six weeks check-up, she had gained four pounds, so she was getting enough!) This routine went on for a week until the day after Christmas when my mother arrived. I have never been so glad to see anyone in my life!! The genius could go back to work and Mother, one of the most efficient people I've ever known, took over.

She stayed until Ashley was three weeks old and we both flew back to Nashville where the genius joined us a couple of weeks later. I had a good rest except for getting up every two hours at night feeding her. I'm happy to report that at six weeks she settled into a routine and from then on I had a good night's sleep. As you know, that's always important to me.

And you know the rest of the story: She grew up, married a wonderful man, with whom she had four children, and now has her first grandchild on the way.

To quote a line from the poem "Forgotten Language" by Shel Silverstein, "How did it go? How did it go?"

SHOPPING AT AMAZON

I know a lot of my stories are about the genius, but he's just such a unique man and livng with him is such an experience! Here's the latest one.

A couple of weeks ago we were having a nice chat and he said he had ordered some new books from Amazon. He said he really got a good deal and part of the deal was slow shipping so he could get it free, and looked at me pointedly. I said confidently, "What?! I always get free shipping and I get it in two days!"

He replies, "Then why are there always shipping charges on the bills?"

A little less confident now, I said, "Well, I'm almost positive it's one-click, two day, free shipping I use. But just to be sure I'll look it up right now."

So on to the "trusty" internet I went. Sure enough, there it was "one-click, two day free shipping."

He said he was still sure there were charges on the bill. When the next one came in, (I order frequently -- Amazon has found a gold mine in me.) I showed him and he was finally convinced.

So the net of it all is that his books still haven't arrived, and I've had at least five deliveries come since then, what with ordering Christmas gifts, etc.

I feel so bad for him that whenever any package does arrive I actually think of hiding them from him. At least he's quit asking if the box is for him!

LIFE WITH THE DOGS

Because we have had so much rain lately, I've been inside a lot with only the dogs to keep me company. For various reasons, we have kept Jesse more, so Rufus has been a happy camper, albeit a little jealous at times. But they both have such different personalities that they get along especially well together even after many days.

Jesse is female and acts like it. She is quieter and milder, and is content to sit or snooze for long periods. Rufus, on the other hand, is pure male, getting restless after a period of time and prowls and pokes his nose into things. I always get a little wary during these episodes because that's usually when he gets into trouble. If he's not going to the bathroom somewhere he is getting into the trash or dirty clothes. At times like these, Jesse just watches him but doesn't join in.

In the mornings before he goes to work, the genius takes them out for their first walk. Rufus has a routine that he adheres to every day regardless of whether Jesse is here. He goes out, does his business, and is rewarded with a "greenie" which he grabs and races back to my bed to eat it. Meanwhile, the genius gets his food prepared which is ready and waiting for him when he comes back downstairs. But sometimes the genius does something else like take the trash out, and Rufus thinks he has gone. That's when "the bark like no other" comes forth. It's a short angry yelp that sounds like he's saying, "What the hell!!" (Pardon my French, but it describes very well what I think he feels.)

I get so tickled at him that I almost have trouble going back to sleep. Almost -- but somehow I always manage to drift back off.

SURPRISE, SURPRISE!!!

That's the name of the town T Squared (oldest grandchild) and his wife Kirsten live in Arizona. I don't know where the name came from, but they lived up to it by calling to reveal their "surprise": The baby they are having in April is a girl! I wouldn't have been disappointed either way, but there are advantages to having a girl.

Number 1. Let's face it, girly baby clothes are much cuter than boys' and there seems to me to be a much bigger selection of them out there. And you can't go wrong on color either. How many boys wear pink, or men either for that matter? But a girl can wear any color and look cute.

Number 2. Girls are easier to potty train. I won't go into detail on that one, but trust me, I know.

Number 3. And the old adage is true: "A girl is a daughter for all of her life, but a boy is a son till he takes a wife."

Now don't think I'm complaining with that last one -- it's just a fact of life. And I wouldn't want it any other way. What kind of husband would a guy be if he stuck close to his mother?!? We parents raise the boys with that in mind and it's OKAY when that happens.

One thing I'm sure about is that Kirsten and T Squared will make wonderful parents of either sex. I can hardly wait for it all to begin!!

POST-THANKSGIVING REPORT

I hope that everyone had a nice Thanksgiving weekend. The day itself was spent by us at my uncle's lake house, as planned. There was a record number of people attending (53) ranging in ages 6 weeks to 80 years. You may wonder how that many people could be seated at one table. We were crammed in shoulder to shoulder around a table that stretched all across the back (or front) glassed-in porch overlooking the lake. Of course, the food was delicious and of course, there was plenty of it, and we all came away stuffed!!

My sister MA was there in spite of the fact that she was in pain. Her joints are acting up, swelling and hurting, so she wasn't her usual energetic self. My other sister BJ has also been in bad health lately, with this mysterious blood disorder she is fighting. It seems we are all falling apart. They both have told me to hang in there and stay healthy, and I'm trying, but age is catching up with me fast.

I'll keep you posted on their progress. Both have doctors' appointments this week and we should know more in a few days.

Right now it is a fight to get my rest. Last Wednesday I was looking forward to sleeping in since the genius was home on holiday and could look after the dogs. Alas, I had forgotten that the pest control man was coming at 8:oo. When the genius came into the bedroom, I just barely awoke and told him to just spray around me -- I wasn't budging!! (I tend to do things when I'm asleep I wouldn't dream of doing [no pun intended] when I'm awake and alert.) So the genius had a good time telling all the family at the lake house that I stayed in bed even with a relative stranger walkng around me with a spray can.

Oh, well! It probably gave that man a good story to tell at the Thanksgiving table -- they could all be thankful that their family members weren't so lazy!!

THANKSGIVING MEMORIES

So today is Thanksgiving. We will be making the trek out to Old Hickory Lake to my uncle's home (actually he has two houses next door to each other) and eating a huge midday dinner with about 40 or so others. Most everyone is related to someone else there, but there are a few people who are not. Of course, everyone brings something to eat (I always take my spinach casserole). One cute Chinese couple always brings homemade pork or chicken dumplings that are to die for. Then someone else brings a squash bisque and we all try not to overdo on those so we can enjoy the real deal. Sometimes when I get a hankeriing for it, I make oyster stuffing, but I didn't this year.

Last weekend we were at a dinner party and someone suggested we tell a story of a memorable Thanksgiving. The one that flashed into my mind was when I was in high school and we were all sitting at the table with the usual family (my grandfather, step-grandmother, their daughter, who was just two years older than MA, as well as my parents and sisters). But also at the table were two new faces.

One was Shirley Foley (daughter of Red and now long time wife of Pat Boone) and her current "boyfriend," Bill Kreitemeyer. (Hope I spelled that right.) Bill was the star of the Vandy football team that year and I was completely star-struck!! I was used to Shirley because she had been living with us for several months and I knew her sisters well from school. But here was this COLLEGE FOOTBALL STAR sitting at our table and I could hardly eat.

But in looking back, I realize how ironic my awe of Bill was when a few montHs later Shirley would begin dating Pat Boone and he would be a regular visitor for a while!!

TALK ABOUT STAR STRUCK!!!

IIIII'M BACK!!!

OK, OK, OK!!!! I've had enough phone calls, emails, Facebook messages, and verbal approaches. I give up!!! I'll start writing "Pegtales" again.

I've been asked if I have writer's block, if I'm ill, out of town, substituting Facebook for the blog, or DEAD!! But I was none of the above -- just tired of writing. I just got lazy. But I'm turning over a new leaf.

During the last few months I've been to Florida for two weeks with the sisters and hubbies (not mine of course -- he still works for a living!) I've watched tons of Gator football plus other college teams. And all the other things I like to do now that I've retired.

One of the people who called to check on me was my cousin Jane and we had a nice chat about Ole Miss football and Oxford, etc. She told me a funny story about visiting Aunt Faye who is now in a nursing home in Oxford. It seems she is not a happy camper.

Aunt Faye said, and I quote, "Bobby and Sue (her children) think this place is the best thing since sliced bread, but I say it STINKS!! The food is terrible and the coffee is ALWAYS COLD." She did admit that she likes the way the people at the home fix her hair.

Oh bless me!! If I live to be 108, or even 104 like another aunt, I hope I'm as clear in my mind to give everyone around me a hard time like she's doing.

FOOTBALL!!!

Is there anything better than college football? Especially in the SEC? What a Saturday!! Tennessee vs. Georgia, Auburn vs. Arkansas, Alabama vs. Mississippi, Gators vs. LSU!! It doesn't get much better than that!! Even Mississippi and Houston are having a good game as well as South Carolina vs. Kentucky.

The genius and I plan our whole day around watching the games. It's really too bad that this is the end of the quarter for him and he has so much work to do that he can't watch all of it. He just has to take breaks and check in every now and then.

Right now I'm watching the Ky-SC game and am pulling for the Wildcats, of all things. While I used to be a huge Spurrier fan (after all, he played AND coached at Florida) but since he has been at South Carolina I have learned to dislike him like the rest of America. (Except for SC, of course; I'm assuming they still love him.)

People say it's just a game, but tell that to the people in the South on a fall Saturday.

WHITE CHICKEN CHILI

OK I just discovered the best chicken white chili recipe! (Men, or women for that matter, if you don't cook, you can stop reading.) This is just soooo easy and it tastes like it did when I used to make it from scratch. I'm all about saving time in the kitchen.

Here's what I did: I found a white chili mix (McCormick) in the grocery and looked at the package directions and it looked like a breeze. I always have cooked chicken on hand because of Rufus so all I had to buy was a can of white beans and the mix.

The first time I made it, the chile was a little blah, so I tried it again and Presto! a great dish. This time I sauteed a little chopped onion and green pepper and then followed the directions by addihg the mix, the beans, and one cup of water. Wahlah-- chicken the Shackleford way.

I may just have to write a cook book or have a TV show like the Contessa!

WEATHER TALK

With all the rain we have had this fall, the mushrooms have been popping up all over the place. They are interesting to observe, coming up so fast and growing so rapidly. Sylvie Plath wrote a poem about them that we used to study when I taught eighth grade literature, amd I don't see a mushroom now that I don't think of that interesting little piece.

Mainly, the poem was about something that arose overnight and spread rapidly until it took over the world. And like all poetry, the mushrooms (which are not mentioned in the poem, only in the title) obviously symbolize something else. I had the bright idea that since the poet eventually committed suicide (why did so many writers do that?) that the mushrooms stood for depression.

Recently, I went online to read the poem again and read other folks' interpretaions. There were many.

One was that they stood for the women's liberation movement because Plath was a feminist. Another idea was that because she was pregnant at the time she wrote the poem to describe how that experience felt. That's a unique way to describe a new life growing inside of a mother!

The most unusual theory was that the mushrooms represented communism or maybe even China, which was the big enemy in the 60s when the poem was composed. Others thought that maybe it was war.

Not one mentioned depression. But I'm sticking to my belief anyway.

That's a nice aspect of poetry: Readers can interpret it any way they want!

OH, THE JOY OF BEING A GRANDMOTHER

For a week now I have had "issues" with our wireless box. Sometimes it would work and then go off while I was online. Other times I couldn't get on at all. Finally, I marched upstairs and jerked the plug, let it wait a few minutes, and plugged it back in. It WORKED!!! Sometimes you just have to show it who's boss!

Anyway, I haven't been able to write any blogs for a week.

The genius and I had a great weekend, eating out, going to Michael's varsity football games, etc. This afternoon we watched him play a junior varsity game, the first one we have been able to get to and boy, were we proud grandparents!!

He did a great job of blocking. Sometimes they put three guys on him just to keep him in his place, but most of the time he just bowled over his opposing lineman. He also recovered the other team's fumble, and near the end of the game when we were leading 8-0, he tackled the ball carrier and saved a touchdown. So they beat a team they hadn't beaten before!!

I remarked to Brenda toward the end, "This is definitely one of the highlights of being a grandmother. I have been looking forward to watching Michael play football since he was two years old -- NO, three months old!! It's his SPORT, and I love watching him.

Of course, I have enjoyed all my grandchildren, and I have sat through dance recitals, school pageants, basketball and baseball games of the others, and several graduations and been a proud grandmother at all of them.

But today was Michael's day.

VISITING COUSIN MONTY



I couldn't resist snapping this yesterday.

Both of them were asleep on top of the sofa, but of course woke up when I came in the room. We are keeping Jesse for a week because Laurie has a business trip to NYC, which seems to please both dogs.

Today I am taking them to BJ's; her dog Monty needs to have some play time and
Rufus will provide that. Jesse will probably just sit on the sofa and growl whenever Monty comes near. I think she feels above all that nonsense and ALSO SHE doesn't want to share Rufus. The combination of those two feelings makes her grouchy.

The main reason for going is to check on my sister and see how she is. I'll let you know!

HAPPY CAMPER

Now THIS is what I'm TALKING about!! Sunshine, mild temperatures, nice breeze, low humidity -- I could take this all year long!!

And yesterday it was the same so Brenda and I went to the Arts and Crafts show at Centennial Park. We THOUGHT it was perfect weather, and it was, but the place was a sea of muck and mud. I felt very sorry for the vendors. When I got home I just had to throw away my sandals -- they were ruined. But since I only paid $15.00 for them on a no sales tax day, I didn't feel too bad about it.

As usual, the place was full of all kinds of interesting items. I ended up getting a stained glass hanging for my bathroom window upstairs to match the blues that my friend Betty started last summer when she and her husband Larry came to visit. She gave me a gift of all kinds of bathroom stuff, various soaps, lotions, candles, soap dish, etc. that inspired me. I was just waiting to find the perfect stained glass ornament for the window to use them and I did. Today, that's my task: rearrange everything in that room to match.

So what with the weather and a little "retail" therapy, I am back on top of the world.

VARIOUS NEWS ITEMS

This WEATHER!!! Like Johnny Cash, "I ain't seen the sunshine since I don't know when." But I'm not stuck in a prison unless it's of my own making -- I tend to get depressed during gloomy days like this. I'll be glad when this cloud cover moves on!

The news from Mississippi is that our Aunt Faye (108 years old) is now in a nursing home. Her son Bobby could not continue to take care of her, and Sue, her daughter who lived close by, was also trying to nurse a sick husband. It just got too much for both of them. Aunt Faye is not a happy camper right now from all reports; she doesn't understand why she can't just go to sleep and not wake up. And I'm guessing that with her feisty personality that she is not a very cooperative patient. The good news is that there are several of my first cousins who are in the same home and they can visit with each other.

Speaking of illness, my sister BJ is at home recovering from some sort of infection that has attacked her red blood cells. After spending almost a week in the hospital when her blood count had dropped to a dangerously low level, she is taking it easy and trying to get her strength back. Since she has bounced around going from one activity to another all her life, this is an unusual state for her. She has always been on the giving end and is now being forced to receive (very graciously, I might add). It must not be easy for her to let people wait on her when she has always been such a servant to others. Her blood count is back up to normal now and she is slowly recovering her strength.

That's all my good, cheery news for the day. You can see what kind of mood I'm in!!

RETREAT CONTINUED

As I said on the last post, my first idea of what this trip was about was when I saw all the food Anne unloaded from her car. My second impression came when soon after we had unpacked the car she asked everone to pick a number between one and five and slapped the cards on one of the fourtop tables. Okaaaay, I thought, this is to be a bridge-playing, pigging-out trip.

And that's what it was. We began playing with one of us rotating out and continued all afternoon and after dinner as well. AND --- while we were busy playing, an assortment of snacks was placed all around us. I began to feel the pounds pile on my sedentary self.

We did stop for meals and what feasts they were! Anne (and the others as well from their conversation) was a Gourmet Cook. Just a few of the dishes we had were the following: an assortment of fruit breads and scones, (both homemade, of course) plus fresh fruit (strawberries, melons, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches all deliciously fresh), bacon and eggs for breakfast. For lunch we were served eggplants stacks (I got the recipe for this one), chicken salad, green salads with fresh homegrown vegetables grown by the Amish with a different homemade dressing each day. Sha had another lunch planned, but we insisted on leftovers that day.

Dinner consisted of parmesan chicken, barbequed chicken, and tilapia with a rum butter sauce to die for. I can't remember all the vegetables but a few were fried corn, turnip greens, roasted tomatoes, brussel sprouts, and grilled okra. To top off each meal, she had made and brought three scrumptious desserts: a rich, creamy chocolate-raspberry concoction that I had at least three pieces of, a lemon cake with butter cream frosting, and a blueberry pie. I rarely ever step on the scales so I don't know if I gained weight or not, but my clothes still fit, so I guess I didn't do too much damage.

An AC man came one morning and we had him take pictures of us on the deck overlooking the lake. I asked Anne to email them to me, but she hasn't yet. I'll post them when she does.

Thinking back, I realize that the picture-making session was the one and only time I stuck my nose outside during the whole stay. Needless to say, I had a wonderful time!!

RETREAT TO THE LAKE HOUSE

I mistitled Monday's entry -- it should have been Bridge Vacation instead of river vacation. Or maybe I could add "eating" to the title also. Whatever I name it, the time at Anne's cabin was FABULOUS.

The other four of us arrived first (Anne had stopped at the grocery store on the way down) so I was able to unpack my car and tour the house first. It is a rambling wooden one story structure that has been added onto four times. What you see when you first enter now is a huge kitchen with double everything (2 fridges, 2 dishwashers, ovens, cook tops, etc. Every drawer and cabinet in the room (and there are many) were labeled so that people would know where to store each item.

The kitchen is actually part of a very large glass-walled room that is filled with tables and chairs for eating (or playing games) that are scattered throughout the room, and there is a seating area in the corner. All of that overlooks Wheeler Lake which is formed by a damn on the Tennessee River. I estimate that perhaps 30 - 40 people could sit at tables in that room and eat at the same time.

And the same could be said for the numbers that could be bedded down. There are two small bedrooms that came with the original house, then two other immense ones that are lined up with small single beds in each one. (One is called the boys' room and the other the girls'.) On the back a sleeping porch was added to hold numerous other beds all lined up in two rows with plenty of room to spare. I didn't count the beds but again, my estimate is that the whole place sleeps 30-40. In addition to the rooms named, there are also a big living room with a fireplace, a laundry room with two of everything and three baths. Another one bedroom cabin sits beside the big one which I never even looked in.

I'm sure that on holidays and other special days the whole place is packed to the hilt because Anne has five children and fourteen grandchildren, most of whom are teenagers or older.

When she pulled up in her car at the cabin (house!), I began to get an inkling about what this trip was to be about. Her SUV was packed with coolers, boxes, and sacks all filled with either the groceries she had just bought or dishes she had already prepared. On a cabinet door in the kitchen was a typed copy of the menu she had planned for each day of our stay. I wish I had copied it for you (she had a copier there, of course) but I neglected to do that. I didn't want to seem too uncool.

But let me just sum it up by saying I was DAZZLED by all the preparations she had made for four of her friends.

I'll continue this tomorrow.

FOOTBALL AND RIVER VACATION

The genius and I had a great weekend filled with football among other things. We both enjoyed watching the Gators play (and win) and look forward to the Tennessee game this Saturday. They play in the "Swamp" which should certainly give them an advantage, but they have been known to lose important games there, too (i.e., the Mississippi game last year which my cousin Jane loved).

We also watched Michael warm the sidelines on Friday night. The one game he played in last week we didn't see. I'm sure we will see him knocking bodies about soon. By the way, he is the second biggest guy on the team, weight wise, and only in the 8th grade. He had to get his hair cut over the weekend, about which he is most unhappy, according to Facebook.

I'm not sure I'll be able to write any more blogs until Thursday because I will be spending the next few days at a cabin in Alabama on the Tennessee River. I use the term "cabin" loosely; I suspect it will be quite nice. My friend Anne whom I've known since the first grade has invited me and some other women to her place for a couple of days. I will take my trusty camera and take pics if I can.

And poor Rufus will have to do without his "mommy" for a while.

MORE NEWS

After yesterday's blog, I received a note from my sister MA that her granddaughter Morgan, who is the same age as Jordan, also became engaged over the weekend. That's kind of ironic because the two of them were good friends, especially when we went to Florida every summer. So congrats to that newly engaged couple as well.

I spent a wonderful weekend celebrating my birthday (it finally arrived!) and getting into the new season of college football. We watched our beloved Gators, of course, as well as other SEC teams. I even found myself watching Florida State and Miami until I looked at the genius and said, "Why am I watching two teams that I don't like and don't care who wins?" But we did have fun.

For months we have been saying to each other, "Only five more months" (or three, or two weeks, etc.) When I realized that my birthday fell on the opening day of the season, I began saying to the genius whenever he indicated he was counting down, "That's right! It will be my birthday; I've never known you to be so excited about it!" Of course, he was talking about football, but he went along with it. When the day finally arrived, I was excited about both.

And I must say, the genius came through big time for my day. Below is a picture of my hand holding his present to me -- sapphire and diamond earrings! I'm sorry it's so fuzzy, but I took so many photos that I finally decided to go with these two.

Hmmmm! I wonder what my present will be if I make it to seventy-five!!

NEWS, NEWS, NEWS!

Lots of news this week. I'll go out on a limb and say there should be several blogs in the next few days.

Today we will concentrate on Jordan, our second grandchild. She just graduated from Grand Canyon University in nursing in three years and has secured a job at a hospital in Phoenix. I believe she starts in October.

Jordan is two years younger than Tom (Tsquared) and several years ago became best friends with Mike, Tom's closest buddy. Mike is so close to us that he has seemed like a part of the family for some time. He began coming to Nashville (and Florida) when both boys were about 10 years old. Therefore, everyone was pleased when Jordan and Mike started dating.

Over the past weekend they took their annual trip to California where Jordan's grandfather lives. While they were at Disneyland, Mike proposed and presented a ring to Jordan. What an exciting time for them and for all of us as well. They truly seem perfect for each other and certainly it's what everyone was hoping for.

Below is a picture of the newly engaged couple.

COFFEE: THE DRINK OF CHOICE FOR ME

Ashley started quite a conversation on Facebook recently on drinking coffee. It seems that people either hate it or love it and like to express their preference. The discussion made me think back to when I first started drinking it.

My parents both liked it with no sugar, just real cream (no half 'n half for them!). Whenever I tried it like that it had no appeal to my taste buds. But sometime in my first year of college I sampled it with sugar in it and I liked it -- a lot! I believe I started off with both sugar and cream, then later switched to just sugar and that's what I stuck with for years. Later, when Sweet'n low came out, that was my sweetener of choice.

I think that one reason I began to drink it was because it tasted so good with that first cigarette of the day. I used to think that if I stopped one, I would have to quit them both. But it didn't work out that way -- I was able (FINALLY!) to stop smoking in my early thirties and I have continued coffee to this day.

The only times I didn't like coffee was when I was "in the family way." I knew right away when I was pregnant with Jim IV because I got up one morning, poured me a cup and immediately it tasted like it did when I was expecting Ashley. So I did without all through my pregnancies, but as soon as I woke up in the hospital after giving birth, that first cup was heavenly!

I still enjoy drinking coffee, but when I retired I came up with a new set of ingredients. Now I like it with sweetener, cream, and a scoop of Ghirardelli chocolate in it. That is usually my breakfast and it staves off the hunger pangs until lunchtime!

THE JOYS OF HAVING GRANDCHILDREN




We went to Michael's football game Friday night and I snapped his photo. He looks like --- a FOOTBALL PLAYER, which he has all his life, but he's finally doing it! He is #45. I'm a proud grandmother!

Well, here's my news of the week, (YEAR!!). I'm to be a great grandmother!! Wait a minute -- I'm already that! Don't I babysit, go to football games, dance recitals, graduations, etc.? That falls under the category of "great"! But all kidding aside, Tom and Kirstin are expecting sometime in April. I'd better get my plane ticket reserved.

Having a daughter who is a grandmother makes me feel older than just being a great grandmother!

DEPRESSING BIRTHDAY COMING UP

I don't know when I've celebrated a birthday so many times (and it's not even here yet!). First, it was with the classmates in July that we were all celebrating together; then it was when Nashville Electric Service called me about my one year old picture; and yesterday it was at the nails place with a free decoration for my toe! (see picture below) Why does the whole world want to know it's my seventieth?

The July Birthday Bash was really fun, but then a picture of us appeared in the paper to broadcast our age to the rest of Nashville!

Also I'll explain about the NES thing: when I was a year old a picture of me with a birthday cake appeared in the paper in a half page ad for NES because we had the same birthday. Apparently, the company had formed the year before on the day I was born and they searched the records for a such a baby to use with their ad. So this year we are both observing our 70th!!

I doubt very seriously if anything will come of it. I mean, who wants to know that either I or NES is seventy? Also, because of the high salaries of their top people recently published, the public is down on them. So they're probably going to keep a low profile, but if anything happens, I'll let you know.

And then yesterday the lady who does my nails (Rose) insisted on giving me a toe decoration because my big day was approaching. I resisted at first because of my (ahem) age, then I thought what the heck! The granddaughters will probably like it. She put a flower on each big toe, but when I got home, Rufus jumped on my right foot and messed it up!! Thus, only the left one was photographed.

UNCLE

Isn't that what you cry when you've had enough of something? OK, I'm crying it now; I've had enough excitement.

Yesterday I was shopping at Steinmart, my favorite store, and while I was trying on clothes in the fitting room I overheard two salespersons talking. One asked the other to cover for her because she had been called to the front of the store to hang out. Someone had robbed the bank down the street and all extra hands were asked to come to the front of the store.

I wasn't too concerned since I figured those robbers were long gone, but when I got to the checkout I heard that "they" were on foot. I said, "Is there a description of them?" The checkout girl said, "All we've heard is that one of them is an older white male wearing a baseball cap."

When she said that, I pictured a man in his sixties. Then she said, "He's in his forties." So I guess that makes me "elderly"! Anyway, I was extra alert looking all around when I went to the car, but I didn't see anyone the least bit suspicious.

But I am getting a little tired of being threatened by the presence of robbers!

INTERESTING WEEKEND

The genius and I had a good time with the grandkids this past weekend while their parents had a mini vacation. It actually started on Thursday afternoon when they got home from school.

That night I stayed at their house with them and we were going to decide on Friday where we would stay that night. Friday morning I got them off to school then rushed home to get ready for bridge club. Bridge club went longer than expected and I was a little late getting back to meet Jay at his house. I had warned him I might be late so he was prepared for this. What he and I were not prepared for was the excitement going on in his neighborhood!

It seems that some robbers who were being chased by police, had driven into a field and two of then had escaped by foot. The children's school had had a lockdown for a while before they let them go home. Jay called to tell me as I was on my way.

About two miles from the turnoff to his house there was a section on Hillsboro Road that was partially blocked by fifteen or twenty patrol cars. Plus I noticed as I went by that the TV news trucks were there.

I soon arrived at the house and we decided that we would pack up and come back to our house for the night as soon as Annie got home. I wasn't that worried, but I knew they would feel better.

So that's what we did and we passed by the patrol cars again as we came back into town. This time there were not as many but there were more news trucks.

As soon as we got home, I checked the online local news and the men had all been captured. So we were safe!

The rest of our weekend was fun, but not nearly as exciting, for which I am thankful!!

SOUTHERN WAYS

I love living in the South. Just this morning I was out walking the dogs and there was a repairman working on a house up the street. He came out to his truck that was parked almost in the back, saw me and said, "Good morning. How are you?" And I said something equally friendly and then went on my way -- feeling good. And that happens all the time in Nashville. Thank goodness the carpet baggers haven't completely taken over.

Speaking of the dogs, poor Rufus was terribly sick on Sunday night. He got up at 4:30 a.m. and I heard him in the bathroom throwing up. Sure enough, he had ruined the bathroom rugs and floor going at both ends. What a rude awakening!!! Just like having kids again. Anyway, at least I knew what it was -- I had fed him some leftover steak the night before. No more red meat for him!

He's fine now and we are getting ready for our nights at Jim IV's house, looking after Jay and Annie. Jay catches the school bus at 7:00 (what an ungodly hour!) so I will be getting up early Friday morning. I'm keeping them through Sunday, so we will have to decide whether to stay there or come back here for the weekend. Jim IV and Laurie will get some much deserved R and R.

And I will get to have quality time with grandchildren!!

IT'S FUN TO BE RIGHT ... ESPECIALLY IF I'VE BEEN UNJUSTLY ACCUSED

It's interesting how long it takes a person to realize certain situations. A friend of the genius once told us that when he was a teenager, he and his father used the same toothbrush for over a year before one of them discovered it. When he was relating it to us, he said, "I did wonder why my toothbrush was always WET when I used it, but it never occurred to me that I was sharing it with someone else!" A similar situation has happened in our kitchen, although not as gross as the toothbrush incident.

I keep a bottle of hand soap and another of lotion in a little basket right next to the sink in the kitchen. Very gradually, over a period of perhaps two years, I noticed that I always seemed to be moving it closer to the sink. Somehow, the basket was always pushed a distance of six inches to a foot away from where I thought I had left it. Finally, I became fully aware of the situation and asked the genius about it.

He said indeed he had been moving it because it was always wet under the basket and he had to keep mopping up the water. So I agreed to try to keep it dry underneath it if he would refrain from moving it. It was a nuisance to have to reach a foot away from the water to get the soap.

I also began to pay attention to how I washed my hands, thinking that I was getting my hands wet before I put them under the soap and thus dripping water across the counter. But no, my routine was to turn the water on with my left hand and reach with my dry right hand for the soap. I also began noticing how I rinsed things off (vegetables, dishes, etc.) and checking to see if these actions splashed water and left the counter damp. When I clean the kitchen I always wash, then dry with a paper towel all of the counter tops.

The other night the genius went into the kitchen, washed his hands, then called me in there to show me how wet it was. I told him I hadn't been in there since I had cleaned it up from dinner and had made sure that all the surfaces were dry!! So we both decided that he was the culprit. He was sticking his hands under the water, then dripping them to the soap.

I was expecting him to pull out the little credit card I gave him this summer that stated " I am right" because I know he is saving it for a time when there's no doubt that he's wrong, but he didn't. He's saving it for a time when I least expect it, I'm sure.

ME AND NICHOLAS SPARKS

OK!! I vowed that I would never read another Nicholas Sparks book --- and I haven't! But by mistake I bought a movie on sale that was BASED on one of his novels. Now I have a NEW vow: I'll never watch another movie taken from a Nicholas Sparks book!!

The man is obsessed with BAD ENDINGS!!!

First, I read The Notebook. That was a nice story that focused on a couple's love and ended when the wife became ill with Alzheimer's. That one wasn't too bad -- a little sad, especially if you've ever had a loved one with that disease. It hit too close to home for me.

Then I read The Promise. The plot in that book centered around two teenagers' falling in love, but the girl gets leukemia and dies in the end after barely making it down the aisle to marry her boyfriend.

Sparks also wrote Message in a Bottle, the ending of which is just as bad, if not worse than the others. So I said, "No more!"

I did actually read a nonfiction by him that chronicled a trip he and his brother made, and I must admit, it was good.

Then the disaster the other night in watching Nights in Rodanthe. I think the movie producer knew what he was doing when he put the author's name on the back of the DVD and hid it in the credits. He/she must have known there were people like me out there who had refused to have anything more to do with his works.

But -- I was trapped once I got into it. Here's the basic plot: a young mother of two children whose husband has left her for another woman, but now wants to come back to her, is stuck in a vacation beach house with another man. He is a handsome surgeon who is wrestling with a patient's unexpected death on the operating table. Lo and behold, a storm comes up and their fear for their safety draws them together. It gets worse!!

In a matter of a few days, they fall in love and make some life-changing decisions. HE decides to do mission work in Equador with his estranged son for a year, and SHE chooses to end it with her husband.

During the year the woman and her new love write "wonderful" letters to each other, vowing of course to remain faithful till he returns. Knowing Nicholas Sparks, I was ready for the ending.

The good doctor, who had of course reconciled with his son, was getting ready to return, and he was KILLED in another storm!! How sad is that?!?

I was so prepared for it, I didn't even cry -- instead, I laughed because it was sooo predictable!! He really needs to stick with nonfiction!!

MUSIC AND BACK TO SCHOOL

The genius and I both love music -- all kinds -- and frequently listen to it in the car while we are driving. Occasionally, we will find a program on TV, especially NPT, that will catch our fancy and we will stop our surfing to watch (and listen). Recently, we spent a very pleasant two hours enjoying a group from Ireland, called Celtic Thunder, who were recorded live in what looked like their native country.

The main stars of this group are five men, ranging in age from 16 to 41. They all had spectacular voices and harmonized very well. The rest of the stage was filled with an orchestra that highlighted the drummers and especially four lovely young ladies who played three violens and a cello and sang some also. These girls were all dressed similarly in satin dresses and were amazing as they played their instruments superbly and were able to dance around the stage at the same time.

We were so taken by this group that we promptly ordered the DVD and one of their CDs online. Now we can sit around at night and be entertained all over again. I'm telling you, my Irish blood is stirred everytime I hear them.

Otherwise in our lives, school is beginning for the genius and also for the grandchildren. Today is the last day I will have Jay and Annie (except for next week when I will keep them for a long weekend.) We went to the annual kickoff
picnic for the faculty last night and ended up eating outside --- in the RAIN!! I kept thinking we would move inside, but no! -- people just put up umbrellas and continued to eat. Granted, it wasn't raining hard, but I'm not one to sit around getting wet when I could be inside. Needless to say, the party didn't last long.

Now with school beginning again, I can look forward to some long, lazy days!!

TRYING TO WRITE

Somedays it's just hard to sit down and write. It's not necessarily writer's block either; it's just that there's too much going on around me. I think it will be much easier once the genius is back in school --- next week. Once that happens I will have whole days to myself and not be thinking about lunchtime or running joint errands, etc.

The grandkids will also be back in school and I won't get to see them as much as I do in summer. Below are some random pictures I have taken the last few weeks.



ANNIE AND I ARE EATING LUNCH AT FIVE GUYS



JAY ALSO AT FIVE GUYS



IN FLORIDA EATING FISH THE GUYS CAUGHT THAT DAY

ONE FRUSTRATING EXPERIENCE

There is one exercise in futility I have managed to avoid most of my life; it is frustrating and almost always ends in a feeling of failure for me. I'm talking about parallel parking.

The genius is a master at this. He pulls up even with the car in front of the empty space, begins backing and turning, and at just the right moment he shifts the steering wheel around and backs the car smoothly in.

On the other hand, I end up hitting the curb and having to rock forward and backward several times while impatient people waiting to go around me angrily honk their horns or at the least give me dirty looks. I'm exhausted when I get through, usually sweating and swearing, and I don't even want to get out of the car.

I cannot imagine how I was able to pass this part of my driver's test when I was sixteen. Then I had to use a car with a stick shift and no power steering!!

What made me think of this is that last week I had to go to two stores and I spotted a perfect place right halfway between where I wanted to go. The only problem was it was a parallel place, and to make matters worse, it was on the opposite side of the road from the way I was headed. Without bothering to think things through, I whipped across the road and headed in front first. That's always a mistake; I was doomed before I started. I must have gone up and back, up and back, sixteen times, trying to avoid hitting the Jaguar behind me and the Caddilac Escalade in front. Finally, I stopped when I thought I had done a reasonably good job and got out of the car. It was then I realized that I was about a yard and a half from the curb.

I quickly hurried into one of the stores before anyone connected me to the car.

BIG WEEKEND

The genius and I had such a great weekend that I've had a hard time putting it into words. But I can't go on postponing writing about it just because I'm at a loss as to how to describe such a fun time. The weekend was filled with activities that revolved around my classmates' seventieth birthday bash, and what a great time we had.

It started with Friday night at the club with the genius and me hosting the first night. We had drinks and appetizers from 5:00 to 7:00 to get the celebrating started. Because we had added the Friday night party as an afterthought, we didn't think many people would show up. But over sixty people came and saw and conquered -- the food, anyway. It was great seeing everyone.

Then on Saturday I had invited our new friends Larry and Betty along with another classmate, Gailya and her husband John to lunch. I call them new friends because although we were in the same high school class, we didn't really get to know them until after the 50th reunion two years ago. Now we correspond on a regular basis and have become fast friends. It was really pleasant and interesting to sit and talk with them without everyone else around. The genius and I have talked several times about how much we enjoyed that time.

Then it was on to Richland Club for another big night, the actual celebration. At this occasion over eighty people were gathered as we mingled, had a delicious dinner, and then sang "Happy Birthday" to each other. There was a huge cake that was not only attractive to look at but was really tasty as well. Finally, we all reluctantly said our good byes.

Later, I tried to remember how many came from out of town and where they were from. I recall the following places: Decatur, AL; Springfield, Houston, Indianapolis, several from Atlanta, St. Louis, Jacksonville, Tampa, and even San Fransisco. I appreciated everyone's efforts to get here and enjoyed seeing them all. These people have brought a new meaning to my life, especially Larry and Betty.

But -- I also enjoy getting together with the in-town folks and treasure my new-found relationship with them.

EATING OUT WITH BRENDA AND JIM IV

How I love living with the genius -- he really makes me laugh! Last night we were having dinner with Brenda and Jim IV (Laurie and the kids are out of town). We had a great time discussing all sorts of topics, one of which was movies.

Jim IV had brought over the Bourne series to watch and for three nights straight, we had watched them. Lots of mystery and action, and we were telling Brenda about it. She hadn't seen the movies, only read the books. We talked about how sometimes it got a little frantic with all the car chases, fighting, etc. Then the genius with a very straight face said, "I think all the noise and action really upset Rufus."

The three of us burst out laughing and he kept insisting, "No, I mean it, his personality changed; he just didn't act like himself."

Brenda gasped, "I can hardly wait to tell Ashley!"

We had barely recovered from that little episode when the genius announces, "I heard a song today, and I'm sure you all have heard it. But I never had, and it was the strangest song. I was riding the indoor bike at the rec center when it came on: 'Who Let the Dogs Out' must have been the title." We all started laughing all over again, and one of us started singing right there in the restaurant and the rest joined in, "Who let the dogs out, WHO... WHO-WHO."

He said, "YES, that's IT! What's the purpose of that song?" We all agreed it was a silly one.

I'm surprised the restaurant manager didn't come over and tell us to calm down, which has happened to us before (Remember, sisters?),

We had a great time, needless to say.

DAY AT HOME

My day at home yesterday didn't go as well as I would have liked. I did some things around the house, and some of them turned out well -- and some didn't.

I started out with the bright idea that I would try (again!) to get the spots out of the rug that my dear Rufus put in. I have tried so many different solutions that didn't work that I decided to get tough. So I mixed a strong concoction of carpet shampoo and bleach. I sprayed each spot with this and took a brush and scrubbed each area. Then I got out the shampooer and went over the whole area. This little exercise worked -- and it didn't work: I now have lighter brown spots with circles of white around them (whiter than the white carpet). Whether it looks better, I'll let everyone be his or her own judge. At least I know it is clean.

Then I decided to frame out the mirror in my bathroom. I had already painted the wood pieces to look like a wood frame and had gotten all the instructions and materials from Home Depot about how to glue it on, etc. So I started with one long side. It just didn't occur to me that I would have to paint the back side also, but the unfinished side shows in the mirror. So now I need to take it down and start over.

It would have been a lot easier to take the mirror down and get a new framed one, but I really like the size of this one, just not the way it looks around the edges.

One job that did go well was the cleaning out of the refrigerator, but how can you go wrong with that?

It's funny how things happen. I've been trying for months for a guy to stop by and work on my yard a little and yesterday I looked out the window and there he was, working away. This summer we had really let the yard go with all the traveling, etc. And when I did work on it, I killed the grass in spots, trying to fertilize it. So I was most appreciative that he showed up.

It still doesn't look great, by any means; I mean, the grass is still dead, but it's a good start. I would love it if he would come on a full time basis, but the genius would probably not like that at all. But it looks better than it did, and for that I'm grateful.

Today is a nice rainy day, fairly cool, and I have nothing specific on the agenda. No doctors' appointments, no shopping I have to do. I believe I'll use this opportunity to have some time to myself.

I've been reading a Maeve Binchey book, The Firefly Summer, for a while now, and it is really good. I thought I had read all of her books, which are set in Ireland, but I found this one. Like her others, it is long and involved and I'm really enjoying it.

We had a nice time eating with Brenda and her children last night at Ruby Tuesday's.

The problem I have now is that the only thing that makes me feel older than celebrating my birthday each year is for one of my children to have a birthday.

FUN TIMES

Well, I surely finked out last week on writing -- I suppose I was taking a vacation from everything. We had a really fun time, but I think all of us were glad to get back to normal again.

One of the highlights was that Mike, Tommy, Danny, and Kirstin went deep sea fishing and caught tons of red snapper which we promptly cooked that night and ate. It was yummmmmy!! That was a first for us and we really enjoyed it.

The genius and I were able to eat out at our favorite restaurants as well as enjoying Ashley's great cooking throughout the week.

At the beginning of the week (on Sunday night) I was in the dog house. I was sure that Papa Joe's restaurant was open and we drove the 28 miles there to eat without calling first. But guess what? It wasn't! And neither was anything else. We finally drove to a seafood market and brought a load of shrimp and grouper and took it home to cook. We had a late dinner that night but it was worth all the driving and wait.

I did take some pictures but they didn't turn out, so that was another reason I didn't get around to posting on the blog.

Big party plans this weekend: our classmates from high school are getting together to celebrate our 70th birthday. There will be two nights of partying and on Saturday some of them are coming to lunch at our house. I'm so excited!

And speaking of birthdays, today is Brenda's and we are celebrating with her tonight. The fun never ends !!

LIFE AT THE BEACH

We are having a wonderful time in Cape San Blas!! We arrived late Saturday afternoon following an uneventful trip in two cars. And our place is just right for us.

There's a bedroom and bath on the bottom floor right off the entry hall where Tom and Kirstin are staying. On the main floor are a huge living room, dining area and kitchen, all with a view of the beach, plus a half bath. And then upstairs are three bedrooms, two opening to a deck on the front, and 2 baths. We are right on the beach where we all spend a few hours a day usually at various times.

Rufus is loving all of it because he is getting so much attention. Yesterday I took him to the edge of the water where he played tag with the waves. Then I picked him up and took him out a few feet and let him swim some while I was holding on to him. He really seemed to like it. He loves walking on the beach until he sees another dog and then he's intimidated -- what a little chicken he is face to face -- but oh so fierce if he's behind a glass door.

Brenda and her friend Katie are staying down the road and they came by for a visit last night. We all gathered on the front porch and suddenly, a huge roach started across the floor right in the middle of us. The genius shot his foot out and crushed it and the sound was UNbelievable -- there was this indescribably LOUD pop as he squashed it, and we all went "Ewwwwwwwwwwww"!!!!

This morning Mike, Tom, and Danny went golfing and saw a baby aligator on the course.

I'll try to take some pictures today (not of the roach or gator) and post them tomorrow.

FAMILY'S HERE

Ashley and Danny have been here 2 days and the house has been rockin'. Wednesday night we all gathered here for dinner and then four of the grandkids stayed here to sleep over.

Yesterday we all gathered at Jim IV's club for a good tennis and swim time. Plus, we all had a delicious lunch. We were all back here for dinner again, then the boys spent the night at Jim IV's. Thereafter, things got very quiet and this morning Ashley and I have had fun hanging out.

This afternoon Mike, Tom, and KirstIn are arriving. We will eat Thai food for dinner and leave early tomorrow morning for our favorite vacation spot. We are all very excited.

I'll try to put some pictures online next week while we are there.

FAMILY'S COMIN'

Big day today!! Ashley and Danny arrive from Phoenix and on Friday Mike, Tom and Kirsten will get here. Then all of us, including Brenda and her two will take off for our favorite Florida spot, Cape San Blas.

So Thursday and Friday will be extremely busy having all of the family here trying to see "the Phoenix people." There will probably be lots of grandchildren sleeping over either here or at Jim's or Brenda's. I'll let them work that out, and try not to get too involved in the decisions made about that. I'll just be available with sheets, blankets and pillows in hand, if need be.

I've about got the inside of the house to my liking, just a few little items to finish until next year when hopefully, I will be able to think about new floors for the downstairs and get the stair railing built.

Then I'll concentrate on the outside. It's a real mess right now, especially since I killed a lot of the grass. I planted some grass in the spring and it was doing so nicely until I put weed and feed on it. Apparently, I used too much because we have big brown spots all over the yard. I even got some on the neighbors' yard when I made each turn with the spreader.

One of the ladies next door asked me, "What's up with these big brown spots all over the yard? Do you know anything about them?" I had to explain what had happened and apologize profusely. I'm sure they wonder what kind of neighbors they have who would not only kill my grass. but theirs too!

I'll wait until it's cooler and I have nothing else to do before I repair the damage. And they're ok with that.

Until then I'll sit back and enjoy the family!!

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Sometimes I get a little carried away when it comes to putting photos on the blog, so just bear with me. Yesterday an electrician installed some new lights for us and I thought I would share.




Kind of dark, but this is the fan/light installed in the master bedroom.





Track lighting over the kitchen sink





A shot with the light off in the dining area.





Dining room with the light on (notice the pattern on the ceiling)


We also got new ones in the bathroom and guest bedroom plus a closet light in the master. I'm very happy with the results.

LAST WEEK IS OVER, THANK GOODNESS!!

To say that last week was a rough one would be an understatement. What possessed me to make three doctors appointments in one week I don't know but I hope I have sense enough not to do that again.

On Monday I had my six months's check up where I was poked, stuck with needles, and donated four vials of blood to the cause. The reports from that visit were fine -- I'm doing well for a 69 year old.

On Tuesday I prepared for Wednesday, the endoscopy and colonscopy. Enough said about that. If you've ever been through that, you know what it's like.

Then on Wedneswday I went in for the tests -- waited two hours before I was actually rolled into the treatment room!! I was not too happy about that. Both tests were uneventful except for one thing: the endoscope scratched my throat and I'm still not over that part. It has caused me to have a tickly cough that has kept me awake nights. I'm not ever happy when I don't sleep well, as my family knows. Anyway, let's hope that passes soon.

Then on Thursday I went to the dermatologist to have a place on my chest frozen off. That's not so bad, but the place looks pretty nasty.

Oh well, I am being cheered up today because an electrician is coming today to install some light fixtures I bought over the weekend for the dining room, bathroom, kitchen, and 2 bedrooms. That should lift my spirits.

Nothing like spending a little money to improve my mood!!

SECRETS OF SUCCESS

So what has been the secret of the success of 49 years of marriage for the genius and me? I would say it is a combination of things.

First of all, we would both admit that our marriage has had many rocky places in it, some worse than others. But here we are still chugging along and not doing too badly.

We do disagree a lot and argue over unimportant things. Case in point: We pull into a parking place and realizing I have plenty of room on my side, I swing the door open wide. He says, "Look out! You're going to hit that other car! Boy, that was close!"

I can't let it go as I answer, "I had plenty of room!" and proceed to show him when he comes around the car. He grumbles "Ok, ok."

As we are walking toward the store, I ask, "Do all old couples squabble like this?"

He answers, "I don't know, but we've been doing it all along."

Then I burst out laughing and he joins in and there are no hard feelings.

That -- laughter -- is one of the keys to our success -- we make each other laugh a lot, even though we always want to be right. For Fathers' Day I gave him a card that had a little plastic credit card inside that gives him one privilige to be "right." It cannot be used in the presence of others and it's only good for one time. I'm waiting for the time when he will pull it out, probably when he knows I'm absolutely correct about something.

We're fair about it when we are wrong, though. We frequently have to say to each other, "You know when you said 'such and such'? Well, you were right."

Another reason we have lasted is that although he is left brained and I am right (there's that word again!), we enjoy intellectual conversations. We took a test once and each one of us found that to be the most appealing trait about the other. That was years ago, but it's still true today.

So that's how the genius and I made it this far, but please, tell me how we'll tolerate each other once he retires!

BOOKS AND MOVIES

What will the genius and I watch on TV now that the college baseball world series is over and the football season hasn't started yet? We just can't seem to get together anymore on what we like to watch.

We recently looked at the movie Gran Torino, which I thought I would really like. But the language was more than I could bear, and there was definitely too much violence. Now I realize the violent scenes were short and far apart, but I can't stand ANY, especially when torture is involved. The only way I can get through a movie like that is to be on the computer or read a book the same time it's going on so I don't get too emotionally involved.

And therein lies the difference between the genius and me. He can watch exciting, suspenseful, even violent movies and really enjoy them, whereas I get so drawn into the characters and their lives that I can hardly stand anything painful to occur to them. I get these horrible images in my mind and they don't go away. And sleep is impossible without medical help after I watch.

He and I are the same way with books. He is now reading some of Alexander Solzhenitsyn's books, describing the Siberian work camps, etc. I know he is a great writer and very influential in the fall of communism in Russia, but I'm content to read about him and leave his books to others. I guess I'm just a wimp but after all these years of my love affair with reading, I know what I like: feel good stories with happy endings. Just give me Jane Austen or Jan Karon and I'm fine.

I'll leave the violence and gore and misery to the macho types!

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Sometime during the spring the genius informed me that we had $2800 in our flex-spending account for medical expenses and we would lose it if we didn't spend it. So I have been diligent to make all the appointments I have been putting off.

I have set up times to see the dentist, the eye doctor, the dermatologist, my internist, and the gastrointerologist (groan!). I think that about covers it. The last one is a week from today and boy, am I dreading it. Not the appointment, but the preparation.

They sent out a huge set of instructions for getting ready for the exam. I have to cut out aspirin and Advil for a week beforehand and three days prior to the test, no fruits or vegetables. Then of course, the real prep begins -- fluids, and the dreaded medication that goes with it. I vowed five years ago I would never do this again, but here I am getting ready for it.

Needless to say, nothing else is on the calendar for next Tuesday!

On another subject, the genius and I have never really cared for baseball. Very occasionally we have watched some games when Vanderbilt or Florida games were televised, but even then we can't seem to get excited about it.

Now we are really into the college World Series games being played in Omaha. We don't really care who wins -- Texas is where our great-nieces attend, and LSU is an SEC team. But it is just fun to watch this exciting series. Every game seems to bring surprises, and the players are just so talented. So every night we have been parked in front of the TV watching the games and enduring the same old commercials.

And I'm sure we will be there for the final game tonight.

BUT --- only a little over two months and we will be completely immersed in our favorite pasttime of all -- GATOR FOOTBALL!!!!

TRIP TIDBITS

I promise that this will be the last blog about the trip West; I just had to record a few little items or incidents we saw that were interesting or amusing.

A couple of intriguing signs:

1) STATE PRISON! DO NOT PICK UP HITCHHIKERS (As if we ever would!)

2) FALLING ROCK EXISTS HERE Are they dead elsewhere? I just thought "exists" was a funny word to use.

And then there were the towns of stars that we passed through.

In Texas:

1) Roger Miller's hometown (wasn't that "King of the Road"?) (taught both of his children)

2) Astronaut Tom Stafford

In Oklahoma:

1) Garth Brooks
2) Troy Aikmann
3) Carrie Underwood

Then finally, when we were almost home, we passed a big truck with a Gator license plate. As we went by, I gave the Gator chomp with my arms, then did a thumbs up. He honked, then the genius honked and we went on, pleased to have made that small contact with another member of the Gator Nation.

Little things, but meaningful!

VIEWS FROM OUR SHANGRI LA



Here is the view we have out of the front of our house. Because the bamboo is an evergreen, it stays this way all winter.




This is another angle out of the front window.



A view from the side window. Essentially, we are surrounded by greenery until the leaves fall off the trees.





A bouquet of hydrangeas from the bush in the front yard. Both flowers are from the same bush.


These are some of the reasons we love living here. It's like being in the country even though we are in Green Hills, a section not far from the downtown. Very convenient to everything, including the interstate. But we have lots of privacy at the end of our little dead end street.

HOME, HOME, AT LAST

We arrived last night to our Shangri La, and it was great to be back. We had a wonderful time, but to quote Dorothy, "There's no place like home!" We had some glitches this morning (overflowing AC drain into the kitchen and no internet) but both are fixed now and all is well.

People have been emailing me wanting to know why we didn't get a ticket when we were pulled over last week, so here's the story: First, the trooper informed us that we were going 83 in a 70 mph zone, and asked to see the genius's license. As the genius was handing it over to him, he said (as he had been instructed to do}, "There's something I need to tell you. I have a right-to-carry license (and he whipped it out) and there's a loaded .38 in the glove compartment."

Immediately, the trooper's stern attitude relaxed and he said, "Oh, that's ok. I'll just give you a warning then. Just slow down." We were both flabbergasted! It was so obvious that he changed as soon as he heard about have the r-t-c license. We discussed it for a long time afterwards trying to figure it out. We never did work it out. If you have any ideas, please comment or email me.

Needless to say, we were very grateful. We also didn't speed (at least not much), especially after we got out of Tennessee.

We actually enjoyed our long ride, believe it or not. There was lots of scenery to see, we had some great music I had purchased for the trip, and we discovered a game to play that had us laughing a lot. We would take a name of a town (especially if it was a Native American name) and try to make up a sentence with it. Example: Tucumcari (New Mexico) -- "'two cum carry' a lot more than one." Very corny, I know, but we enjoyed it. The genius especially liked it because he would somehow work in the "peeing on foot" incident into his. We became very creative and it kept us from getting too cranky with each other. (I must admit, though, having that .38 in the glove compartment right in front of me tempted me a few times when he got testy.)

Overall, I highly recommend what we did, with the possible exception of taking a pet along. But even that was enjoyable because we could have the peace of mind that nothing could happen to our little darling. And I must admit he was a trooper on the road.

And --- by the way, it's our 49th anniversary today. Get ready for next year, everyone! There's no telling WHAT we'll do to celebrate!

PICTURES OF NEW MEXICO AND ARIZONA




This is a picture of the highest mountain in Socorro, NM, where we spent two nights on the way to Phoenix. The white speck on top of the mountain is a big M painted on each year by the freshman at New Mexico Tech. It stands for miners because it was originally a school for mining engineers (and still is a major, actually).





Here is a shot of the mountains on Arizona's "scenic route" which I loved and the genius hated.





We're pretty high up (almost 8000 ft.) in the "scenic" mountains of Arizona.





If you look across the valley to the left of the sign, you can see the road where we had just been. The genius was freaking out at this point.

We had a great visit with Ashley and are now on our way back. I'm sure all of that part of the family was glad when we left because of the disturbance Rufus caused several times either with the dogs or the cats. Ash said she had never seen her overweight kitty move so fast up the steps when Rufus chased her. And I never saw Rufus move so fast when the two big dogs chased him one afternoon!

Tonight we are in Albuquerque and plan to be home Wednesday night.

ON THE BACK ROAD TO PHOENIX

The following story is true, I'm ashamed to say. I don't know why I'm telling on myself this way, but the genius thought it was funny. So here goes.

On Friday we were tooling across Arizona after having driven through New Mexico. The road we were on was the "scenic route" which translated means winding two laner with many switch backs and sheer drop-offs on the side of the road. Of course, I thought it was beautiful, and of course, the genius was cursing the whole way, vowing never to take a back road again, no matter how short it was. "Enjoy it while you can because I will NEVER do this again."

So you get the idea what kind of mood he was in. We really needed to stop and let Rufus relieve himself, and there were NO rest areas or gas stations. So we pulled off at a scenic overlook to let him go do his business. As soon as I stood up, I realized that I couldn't wait either, so opted to go in a little ditch that was hidden from the road.

I got "in the position" and was starting to go when I felt my foot being splashed. I tried to maneuver around to get the appendage out of the way but to no avail. Modest as I am and considering the mood the genius was in, I decided not to say anything and just go straight to the car and get out the handy wipes. He was impatient and was standing behind me waiting to hand Rufus to me. So I finally said, "I peed on my foot and need to clean it up, okay?"

Incredulous, he asked me, "How did you manage to do?"

When I tried to explain, he was laughing so hard he couldn't hear me.

Oh well, at least I managed to cheer him up for a few miles. The things I do for that man!

WEST, DAY TWO

The genius and I made our way across the plains today and on into New Mexico by 5:30, Mtn. Time Zone. This was in spite of lots of construction and about an hour of rain in Texas. But we love the scenery of New Mexico and enjoyed our ride.

I was struck by the color of the sky as we rode and tried to capture it in the picture below. Near the earth it is a pale blue, almost turquoise, actually, and then it gets darker blue up above us. The clouds looked 3 dimensional and were really fascinating.

The second picture is of an overpass that is painted that same light blue and also a coral color. There were lots of other artistic touches everywhere: on water tanks, bridges, buildings, etc. I tried to get a shot of a storage tank that was covered in tiger stripes and then the front had the tiger's face on it, but I was too late. (The speed limit in New Mexico is 75 and the genius was going at least that.)

The third is Rufus who was not the least bit interested in all the scenery.

Tomorrow we will spend the day here and then go over to Phoenix on Friday.

DAY ONE OF THE WAY WEST

The first day was somewhat uneventful considering that we drove 693 miles. We did get stopped by a Highway Patrolman and the genius was able to get out of it. I can't tell you how until we get back, however. Right now it is a secret that will be revealed whenever we return next week.

We left early this morning -- well, early for the genius and me. He went out and took a ride on his bike, came back, showered, and finished packing. We were still able to get on the road by 7:20. (Brenda and I have been known to leave before 6:00 on our trips together.) About an hour out we were stopped by our friendly cop.

And speaking of them, they were patrolling the highway in great numbers from Nashville to Jackson. I don't know why or what was going on. After that town, we hardly saw any all the way to our final destination.

The genius heartily dislikes Arkansas and driving through it. He began complaining as soon as we crossed the river about the construction that started and made a bet with me that there would be at least seven more construction areas to go through before we reached the OK border. So I took him up on it. There were only two very minor places that we didn't even slow down for, so I won. Then when we hit OK, a state he likes, there were miles of one lane traffic in one place and several other spots as well. He actually tried to cheat on the bet by saying that this construction counted as Arkansas, but of course, he didn't get away with it.

Rufus has been a little nervous about the whole travel thing, beginning when we were packing the car. He was very afraid he was going to be left behind -- so much so that he got between me and the back door and wouldn't move. We finally made it and he has traveled pretty well. Every now and then he would get restless and move around the car, but eventually he became used to the moving and settled down. He is now on my bed happily gnawing on a bone.

Tomorrow we are hoping to reach Socorro, NM. The distance is also over 600 miles so it will be another long day of driving.

But then we will spend a day exploring that interesting little town!

GETTING READY TO GO WEST!!

OK, I admit I have been very remiss about keeping the blog up to date. I have a semi-good reason -- we are leaving tomorrow to drive out West. The genius, Rufus, and I will trek across the country, sight-seeing along the way and ending up in Phoenix to see Ashley and family.


Last week the sisters and I spent our night at Center Hill Lake together. This is an annual affair with each one of us supplying a meal. We had a great time getting caught up on our news and generally praising ourselves for living this long. I learned from MA that she knew from years ago one of the ladies in my bridge club (the five karat diamond one).

So today I went to bridge club and told the lady and of course, she remembered MA. She was very surprised to learn that we were sisters. But then she said that now that she knew she could see the resemblance. Lucky you, MA!

I've also been busy helping to plan our high school birthday bash to be held in July. We have decided on two nights instead of one and I offered our club for the first night. They took me up on it and I've had to go round and round trying to get it just right. Remember the time I spent so much money having my bridge club there? Well, I have become quite the bargainer and keep telling them to cut it down -- cut it down. I think we are finally there. I so look forward to seeing everyone again.

Since I have done very little packing, and it's almost 3:00, I must cut this short and get to it.

I'll try to send pictures along the way.

CHANGING MY WAYS AIN'T EASY

Yesterday I met with the high school buddies to finish planning our get-together in July. As mentioned earlier (I think), we are gathering to celebrate our 70th birthday. Acually, it's just an excuse for us all to see each other again because we know we're not getting any younger.

As I was getting dressed, I was contemplating why it takes me so much longer to get ready to go anywhere than it used to. When I worked, I arose every morning at 5:30, showered, dried my hair, dressed, and put makeup on. By 6:00 I was ready to have my morning coffee with the genius and at 6:30 we both left for work. Now it takes me at least 45 minutes and often longer to do the same routine. So I began looking at how I've changed since I retired.

One thing I do differently is that I make up the bed as soon as I get up. Also, I wipe down the shower walls after I've finished bathing and this takes at least five minutes. Then I have to decide what to wear. Often, I try on several different outfits before making a decision; before, I had laid out my clothes the night before. Another little exercise I do is to put my contact lens in every morning (before I was using extended wear lenses, but the doctor made me stop). So that takes time. And I'm sure that I take more time with my makeup due to the aging process.

So! That explains it, but I must say that I operated on the old schedule for quite a while before I caught on. I would allow for only thirty minutes and then realize I couldn't make it. The genius, meanwhile, would be pacing the floor downstairs, calling up every few minutes. Then he would get the car out and have it ready to go. I would grab whatever makeup and jewelry I still needed to do and fly out the door, trying to juggle everything.

On the way to wherever we were headed, I would attempt to put on mascara and lipstick in the car. I couldn't say a word when the genius hit a bump in the road and my lipstick would hit my nose or I got mascars in my hair. I was the one who had made us late, after all.

I finally caught on and allowed more time, but it hasn't been easy.

At my age, old habits die hard!!

H WEEK

I had forgotten how much I hate this week every year. Most schools are out -- the graduations were held last weekend -- but not so with the school where the genius teaches. What's more, they drag the ending of the year out for a week!

Almost every night something is scheduled at the school. On Tuesday night was 7th. 8th grades honors/graduation ceremony. As Math Department Head, the genius must be there to hand out math awards to the deserving recipients. On Wednesday night the upper school students are honored for academic/service/athletics awards. Again, the genius is present to hand out more medals. Tonight is graduation where he must sit in his robe and swelter in the heat and humidity (unless it rains) while the seniors get their diplomas. Of course, he loves every bit of it and must work hard during each day to get ready for all the ceremonies, etc.

Each afternoon he has to rush through his meal and get back over there. This year we came up for a solution to the parking situation. I take him over and drop him off and go back and get him when it is over. Since we live fairly close to the school, this has worked well.

After graduation tonight the boys will all gather at a designated place and have an all night casino party hosted by the parents and faculty. The party is not mandatory but 100% usually attend. This keeps them sober and off the street during the night and has been very successful. The genius used to attend and run the roulette wheel for half the night, but thank goodness he has not been asked in recent years.

So, one more night and it will be over -- almost. He will have to continue his end of year/getting ready for next year tasks. But this year he has a goal: he wants to get on the road to Phoenix in a couple of weeks with nothing hanging over his head.

Here's hoping he can pull it off!!

I hope everyone had a nice and restful "holiday" weekend. I put that word in quotes because for the genius it was work as usual.

I awoke at about 9:00 to find the house empty except for me and Rufus. And no note. Of course, I was pretty sure where he was so I called him on the cell. Sure enough -- he was at work.

"It's a holiday!" I said.

"But I have work to do and you were asleep," he explained.

Well, what could I say? Anyway, he was home by lunchtime. Jim IV and Jay and Annie came by that afternoon and we went to Chef Yang's for dinner. Everyone but me loves that place, a Chinese buffet that also features sushi and hibachi bars. I'm just not that in to Asian food anymore unless it's very unusual like PM, an Asian fusion restaurant that we have been visiting lately. But the company was nice so I enjoyed it.

The genius is trying to finish up all his work in the next two weeks so he can relax on our trip out West. I'm really looking forward to it. We are taking Rufus with us so we have to be careful to find pet friendly hotels with exercise rooms also. So far I have booked the first night in Oklahoma City and the second and third in Socorro, NM. That's where the genius's father attended school while his father's uncle was president of the college. It was called New Mexico School of Mines then but is now New Mexico Tech.

We will stay there a couple of days before driving on to Phoenix to visit Ashley and her family. The trip is open ended, so I'm not sure when we will be coming back or how long it will take us. Just what we need to unwind from what's been a very busy year for the genius.

And we'll have our "baby" with us so we won't be worrying about how he's doing without us!

GOING BACK TO SCHOOL

After several sunny days it's supposed to be overcast and perhaps storms here in Nashville. Oh well, it was nice while it lasted, and actually, since I sprinkled Weed and Feed on the yard yesterday, I would just as soon it rain.

I have a nice day at home after being on the go the last few days. Yesterday I went back to my old school because they were presenting the annual reading award named after yours truly and I like to go back and support that. I missed last year because of Bailey's graduation in Phoenix so I particularly wanted to be there this year.

That visit was what kept me busy the rest of the week. Of course, I had to look my best! So Monday was grocery day, but Tuesday and Wednesday were spent primping -- got the nails done and then a hair style. Then yesterday morning I spent an extra amount of time getting ready.

I must say it was worth it; got many compliments on how I looked.

"You look beautiful!"

"You haven't aged a bit!"

"I love your necklace."

"Such cute shoes."

So this is what happens when a person retires and relaxes. You look so rested."

And so on. Very satisfying to get strokes like that.

But going back to work didn't even enter my mind. I'm completely over it!

Vive le Retirement!!

THE TWIN BEDS

It seems I've come full circle in my life, at least as far as my sleeping arrangements go. I'm sleeping in the bed I first slept in as a child -- the first one I ever remember sleeping in, at least.

The twin beds I now have in the master bedroom are the very ones that BJ and I slept in from the time I was about two 1/2 or three until the upstairs were finished and they were moved into BJ's new room.

BJ and I bonded in these beds. Every night before we went to sleep we had a little ritual we went through. We had our prayers first -- our own version of "Now I Lay Me" and then there was a little chant that we recited with each of us alternating lines. It went like this:

"Goodnight" "Goodnight"

"Sleep tight" "Sleep tight"

"To wake up bright" "In the morning light"

"To do what's right" "With all our might"

And I think there was more but I can't remember it.

We whispered together every night but sometimes we were too loud. We would hear one of our parents call from the living room to settle down and go to sleep. When we didn't take heed after several warnings, we would hear Daddy's feet hit the floor from the rocking chair, and we knew we were in for it. A pop on the rear was likely. By the time he got in there, we were "fast asleep" with the covers pulled tight up to our necks. Of course, smart Daddy that he was, that didn't fool or deter him at all. That probably didn't happen more than once or twice in our entire life, but I remember it well. I wonder what they talked about after he went back in there.

Ah, such memories!!

Well, as I have said, I am back to where I started, sleeping in one of them -- with Rufus.

But we don't have our chant -- or maybe we do -- it's just in a different language.

WELL AT LAST

I am happy to report that I am feeling good again. 'Nuff said.

Sunday before last I received such a nice surprise. Tom, our eldest grandson, texted me to say that he was leading the singing at his church that morning and the service would be online. So at the proper time, I signed on and checked out the site he gave me and there he was -- on stage singing with three other people. This church is huge (about 15,000 members) and has a modern-type service where several people are on stage leading contemperary Christian songs. I could especially pick up his voice when he sang a duet with the girl next to him. I was one proud grandma!!

Who knew he could sing? He went all the way through high school and college without ever doing anything musical except saying that he would like to have my guitar if I didn't want it. I willingly handed it over to him and that's the last I heard until recently when Ash told me he was leading the singing in church. I had hoped he was going to be in that role when I was out there but he wasn't scheduled the Sunday I was there. So seeing him online was the next best thing.

Last week I played bridge twice, once with my own group and then with a group I often sub in. There are some very interesting women in each one. When I was asked to join the duplicate one, I should have had a clue about their wealth by the name of the club: Laurelbrooke. That is the name of a gated community in northern Williamson County where the houses start at a million dollars. I really didn't need that to tell -- their cars and clothes indicate money and lots of it.

Plus -- I have never seen such jewelry!!! The size of the diamonds on their hands is eye-boggling (I think I just made up a word). I finally got up the nerve to ask one of them how big hers was and she said five karats! Can you imagine toting that thing around all the time? She has two drop earrings at least 1 karat each and maybe bigger. She says she never takes it off (I tried to picture sleeping in it) except when she travels; then she locks all her jewelry safely away.

That lady is not the only one either. Several have these gy-normous rocks on their hands. But they are all very down-to-earth people and I really enjoy "hanging out" with them. And thankfully, I'm way beyond the stage in my life when I might be intimidated by such an obvious display of wealth. I just appreciate them as people and bridge players.

And since I don't have a house like the ones in Laurelbrooke that could host many foursomes of bridge, I'll just continue to have it at the club when it's my turn.

But I'll definitely bargain with the management beforehand!!

FOOD POISONING AGAIN

The genius and have spent a miserable 2 days getting over food poisoning (we think) after eating at our favorite meat and three on Tuesday night. We woke up early Wednesday sick as dogs and it lasted most of the day for both of us. Today we are both just weak and taking it easy. Or at least I am; the genius went to school for half a day to finish up his classes.

Today hasn't started off too well either. I put a load of wash in and there was no detergent left, not a drop. And I sure as heck don't feel like going to the store to get some. Then when I opened the lap top, I couldn't connect to the internet. I've had to resort to the slower computer upstairs.

I understand our own Jordin Sparks sang on TV last night. I didn't feel like going downstairs to watch but I thought I would try to find it online if I can figure out what's wrong with the laptop.

We've had great weather here until today. Sunny and 70's all week, but today it is rainy -- again! Oh, well, at least we got the grass cut last weekend and we won't have to worry about that until the weekend.

I can tell I'm rambling in my weakened state, so I'll stop!

SEPHORA

I first heard about this store several years ago when I was a chaperone for the 8th grade on a trip to NYC. The girls in my group kept saying, "Oh, we have to go to Sephora, it's right across the street!!" So one night about 11:00 (it seems nothing ever closes in New York) we ambled down the street to Sephora. (Actually, "ambled" is too strong a word for what I was doing that night due to the fact that I was exhausted after chasing after them all day,) But we entered this store that featured all types of beauty products to just browse.

I was a bit overwhelmed by all the merchandise, but the girls kept trying to get me to get a make-over. At first I resisted because I knew that I would end up buying whatever they put on my face, but I finally agreed to let someone "do over" my eyes. Sure enough, after it was over and I looked so great, I bought three different shades of eye shadow, all in similar tones of "neutral." I don't remember what I paid for them, but I know it was more than I usually pay for three outfits. But, to be truthful, I have used them throughout the years and still have some left. I don't know whether that's because I don't wear it often or a little goes a long way. I suspect it's both.

Well, now we have a Sephora in Nashville. So far I have only been in it once or twice to buy a facial cleanser (I now just order it online). But when I was in Phoenix, I had occasion to go again. I was shopping with Ashley and Jordan and they dragged me in. I was interested in a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen, so I began my search for one.

Of course, someone came up to me to assist and I told her what I was looking for. She steered me to a Christian Dior (I'm sure it was the most expensive one) and together we decided on a color. Then she asked me what I put my makeup on with and when I hesitated, she gasped, "You don't apply it with your fingers, do you? That spreads BACTERIA!" I sheepishly said that I did, and suggested that I should use a tissue.

"No, no, you must put it on with a brush!" she said as she dragged me over to a whole aisle of nothing but brushes (not for hair, you understand). We finally decided on one and she proceeded to tell me that I must have a special liquid with which to clean the brush. To the horror of my daughter and granddaughter, I agreed and ended up paying $83+ for these three items.

You can understand why I do my shopping online. Otherwise, I get talked into all sorts of items to buy.

But I have to tell you, when I got back home and tried applying the moisturizer with both methods, the brush won hands down. And the cleaner works very well, also.

So it wasn't a total loss, but I believe I will stay away from Sephora for a while.

The pictures below are taken in Ashley's backyard. Two are of the back of the house, but one has the dogs, and the other is of the pool.

I had a great time seeing everyone in Phoenix, but I'm home now and happy to be with the genius and Rufus. They both missed me very much --- or so they say.

SURPRISE

Last night we made a visit to Surprise, AZ, where Tommy (oldest grandson) and his wife Kirstin live. They live in a very nice house in a new subdivision out there about thirty minutes from Ashley's house. We had a nice Mexican meal (my third in four days; I love it!) We had a very enjoyable visit.

I love this new generation. Tom and Kirsten's house has four bedrooms, 3 baths, den, bonus room, and living room. They have nice seating areas in the den and bonus where they hang out for conversation, etc. But in what we would call the living room they have a pool table and sofa. Isn't that unique? So I challenged Danny (14) to a game before dinner.

First, he had to show me how to hold that pole thingy which I think is called a cue stick. I have never done more than try a few shots so he had to tell me how to play, etc. Dan was the expert while it was feast or famine with me. I would either knock the white ball off the table altogether or just barely graze it, but then from out of nowhere would come this fantastic shot that amazed both of us.

Finally, we got down to one ball each plus the eight ball and Danny called the pocket where he would hit it. He smacked it and somehow it went up to the wrong hole and then just fell in. So I won!! That will definitely be the luckiest game I have ever won. Of course, now I love the game and want to buy a pool table, but if we did I would have to get rid of our living room furniture.

Somehow I don't think the genius would go for that!!

SUNNY ARIZONA

I hate to rub it in to all those folks back in Nashville where it has rained for several days, but it is beautiful out here in Phoenix. The temperatures are in the 80's, the sun is out, and there's a wonderful breeze. What a great place to be!!

I flew out on Friday, not a great flight until we got over Oklahoma, but the rest of the way was very smooth. It was a whirlwind from the time I arrived until today mostly because of Jordan's graduation, but also had a birthday celebration for my son-in-law's uncle. So I have seen all of his family as well as a few others.

The graduation was held in the Arizona Diamond Back baseball stadium, which is covered and cool thanks to the AC. Very pleasant. Plus there was the big screen so we could see each person clearly as he or she received the diploma. I've been to a lot of graduations, but this one was the best one ever. Of course, I took a book to read for the moments when things were a little "draggy."

I love Ashley's new house!! It is very roomy and comfortable even when there were thirty people here like on Saturday night. This morning I was able to spend an hour or two sunning by the pool which is set in a beautiful back yard. And then Ash and I went to a great lunch place called The Wildflower. Yummmm!

Ashley has two big labs, one chocolate and one Marley, named after two Mexican drinks. The former is Kahlua, and Marley is really named Horchata (a white drink and the "H" is silent). This morning Horchata lay down on his back for me to rub his tummy so I obliged with my bare foot. He promptly thanked me by peeing all over both feet. What a nice dog!!

They also have two cats who for some reason are very attached to me. One of them, Misty, leaves her usual place in Bailey's room and jumps in my lap. Everyone is very surprised to see her do that, and I am too when I look down at the fur she leaves behind on my lap. Oh well, there's plenty of room for all as long as they stay out of my room.

I'll keep you posted on my fun time here and maybe even put some pictures on!!

This has been a busy week. I'm getting ready to travel to Phoenix for yet anothr graduation. This time it is our second oldest grandchild Jordan who is graduating with a nursing degree from Grand Canyon University. So I'm spending a week with the family getting some quality time with them.

Yesterday I got my hair colored and cut; today or tomorrow I will get the nails done and then my body will be ready. All I have to do now is to pack and from what I read and hear, I will need summer clothes already. Good old Phoenix; what a hot place it can be.

We had a scary experience last night. It was about 9:00, and the genius and I had gone upstairs to start the process for bed. It was a little early for me but I planned to read my new book for an hour or two. I was passing by the window and noticed through the closed blinds some lights from a car outside. So I peeked through and there was a black pickup truck parked in front of our driveway, just sitting there with the motor running.

I called the genius and we doused the lights and watched. After what seemed like a very long time, a man got out from the driver's side and came to the mailbox and looked inside it. He was a very large man who walked with a limp, and when he started up the driveway toward the house we could see he was carrying something, but we couldn't see what it was.

The genius ran to get his pants on and I began turning off other lights so we could watch. By the time I got back to the window the man was back in the truck and was backing it up the street. But we didn't know if there had been anyone with him who might have gotten out.

The genius donned his clothes, turned the alarm off, and descended the stairs with a loaded pistol in his pocket. I stayed at the top watching the truck turn around in a driveway up the street and head out.

What we found on the front porch were two packages, both from Amazon, that I had ordered two days ago. They are usually sent UPS, which had been on our street late that afternoon and I was miffed that they hadn't delivered the books then (I had ordered them 2-day shipping and this was the second day). So our mystery was solved. Apparently, Amazon is committed to keeping their word even if it means the books are special-delivered by an unmarked pickup truck!

I don't know if the genius had trouble going to sleep, but I did. Especially since the new book is scary and suspenseful!!

THE FUTURE OF TARGET

I was reading in the news the other day an economic report on what to expect in the next few years. According to the article, there are several American companies that are likely to fold, but on the other hand, there are companies that are predicted to "pull" us out of the recession. I was particularly interested in those of the latter because it seems I am on board to help them out.

I thought surely Home Depot and Target would be on the list because I have personally been trying to help them show a profit, especially for the last few months. I wasn't disappointed with one of them: Target. I find that store above all others to be irresistible to me. It is virtually impossible for me to walk in there and walk out with nothing, or even just one or two items. (Unless the genius is with me, of course, and then it's straight to the item we're looking for and if they don't have it, straight back out again. The genius is not known for his shopping stamina.) When I am alone, however, it's a different story.

First of all, when shopping at Target, I try to find a parking place not only near the entrance, but also near the cart return. I can never go in there without coming out with a piled-to-overflowing cart of all sorts of things. There's just something so enticing about that store that gets me every time I go in. I really could spend hours just wandering up and down the aisles seeing things I've always wanted but didn't know I did until that moment.

I rarely ever buy anything to wear, but stuff for the house -- that's a different ballgame. I'm just a sucker for all sorts of things, from storage baskets to towels and sheets, and even whole sets of dishes. That long wall of kitchen gadgets can get me everytime; I just can't seem to walk away from them.

And then I nearly always stop by the makeup department for some little something (that ends up costing an arm and a leg). The CD and DVD sections are enticing as well as the latest books on display. And don't forget the pet department -- there's always something there to tempt me. And now that groceries are sold there, I can pick up something I forgot to get during my weekly stop at the grocery store.

It just goes on and on, and that's exactly what I do -- just go on and on until my cart is full and I realize I've been away from Rufus too long.

So I'm not at all surprised to see that Target is one of the stores that will pull America out of bad economic times. I'm certainly doing my part to help!!

GROCERY STORE ENTERTAINMENT

Usually I do my grocery shopping in one of two stores: Walmart or the neighborhood "market" Harris Teeter. The former is saved for days when I need to buy a lot and the latter for when I need just a few things to get through the weekend. Yesterday I chose Harris Teeter because it was Thursday (5% off for seniors) and because they had some good specials on. Shopping there is always an interesting experience.

This particular store is set right in the middle of the Hillsboro Village section of Nashville. It's an older "up and coming" neighborhood filled with all sorts of people. There are the elderly who have lived there for years, but more and more young-to-middle aged professionals are moving in, fixing up the houses (which were built in the early 1900's), and settling in. We live in between this area and Green Hills, a more affluent, established neighborhood that is about 30 years newer than the Hillsboro section. So shopping at this grocery store can be quite interesting if I'm in the proper frame of mind, and yesterday I was.

First thing I ran into were three college students blocking the entrance as several of us shoppers tried to enter. They were giggling over which oranges to pick out. Finally, they became aware of others and moved apologetically out of the way. They could have been students from Vanderbilt, Belmont, or Lipscomb, all of which are close by. And then there was the aging hippy woman with long gray hair who almost ran me down as I emerged from an aisle.

Then I really drew attention to myself (the kind you don't want!) when I knocked off a large bottle of crangrape juice. The top came off and that purple liquid squirted everywhere! So I reported it to the management and offered to pay, but they refused to let me.

As I was walking through the dairy department, a woman who was drawing the attention of all of us, especially the men, sauntered by. She was wearing white cowboy boots, extremely short denim shorts, a little yellow top that didn't quite reach the top of the shorts and a tight yellow and white polka dot sweater stretched over that. To top it off, she had on a pert little man's hat on her head. (I couldn't help but think of Stacy and Clinton on What Not to Wear and what a ball they would have with this one). I really got tickled at an elderly man who did a double take as she passed him. Then two men who worked at the store were laughing and talking about "looking only" as I went by them.

I finally made it to the checkout lane without spilling anything else and there was a basket full of groceries blocking the way. The cashier said, "I don't know where that lady went." And after a little wait, while I was wondering who could be so inconsiderate, here came cowboy boots, apologizing profusely, with an item she had forgotten. I just smiled and said I wasn't in a hurry. And I wasn't. Besides, I knew I would get 5% off whereas she wouldn't.

Shopping at Walmart is not nearly as much fun!!

A TIME FOR REST

The old bod is feeling its age today. It doesn't take much at this time of my life for the aches and pains to kick up a notch and I'm feeling them today!! A few days of physical labor has been enough to decide that today is a day of rest.

Sunday afternoon, taking advantage of some short periods of no rain, the genius and I did some trimming not only in our yard, but also in the areas across the street that were overgrowing to the point that we were having trouble getting the cars by them. As I've said before, that section of the street is part of the back yards of the houses on the next block and the owners don't really see what is going on back there. So we take it upon ourselves to keep it clear of the road.

So, although we did lots of cutting and hauling mostly huge pieces of dead bamboo and other junk, we were not able to cut the grass because it was too wet from all the rain. That little job I did the next day while the genius was at work.

Then yesterday I spent the day finishing up little chores around here. These involved sanding, priming, and painting some areas that needed finishing. I also went to Home Depot to get the framing for my bathroom mirror.

While there, I bought a small halogen lamp that took me hours to put together. It was obviously made in China because the English on the instructions was very poor, and it took me twice as long to straighten it all out. The lamp consisted of a round base, with a pole sticking up on it that held two lights that swivel around, if need be. What was so funny to me was that the directions called the globe that fits over each bulb a CONDOM! I was reading along and then I went back and said to myself, "Did that just say what I think it did?" And yes it did. So the Chinese have a sense of humor, or at least one does!

But today I have aches in places I didn't even know I had!!

The plan today is to take it easy and read a new book. MY BODY NEEDS REST!!

THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION

Usually, the genius and I are able to understand each other pretty well. We spend time each day talking about what we did during the day, local and world news, and the conversations can get pretty deep. But we had a definite glitch this past weekend.

Our daily routine begins with his taking the dog(s) out whenever they awaken each morning. About 5:30 a.m. Saturday morning I staggered into the genius's office with Rufus in my arms and handed him over. The genius surprised me by saying, "I guess the little girl (meaning Jesse) is still asleep."

The only words I could get out at that time of day (or night!) were, "She's not here."

So he took Rufus out and in a few minutes came into the bedroom and said, "I'm ready to take her out."

I mumbled again, "She's not here!"

He said, "I've looked all over the house for her and can't find her, so she must be in here."

Again I said, "SHE'S NOT HERE!" That was still all I could think of to say.

He was getting very frustrated, but the light finally came on in his mind. "Ooooh, you mean he's out at Jim's!"

"Yes," I gasped, and pulled the covers over my head.

He exited the room more than a little miffed that I coulcn't communicate any better to him.

But what does he expect at 5:30 a.m.?!!

MA AND CHUN

As I've said before, there are many ways in which my sisters and I are different. But while we make fun of each other, we still respect each other's points of view. We are also able to laugh at our differences and tease each other. Today it's my turn to tease one of my sisters.

As I mentioned last week, MA and Chun were in town on Palm Sunday so we went out to brunch together. We had a great time talking and laughing as we always do. Here are a couple of stories to tell on them after a little background info.

As I'm sure I've mentioned before, we have a Scottish heritage passed down through our father's line. MA's ability to squeeze the most out of a dollar is indicative of that inheritance. If it weren't for Chun, who is more like me in spending money, she would still have the first dollar she earned.

This trait of hers was especially revealed when we were talking about where we had eaten lunch the day before. The genius and I had eaten at our favorite Mexican restaurant as we often do on Saturday mornings. She and Chun on the other hand had eaten at Sam's.

When she told me I said, "I didn't know Sam's had a place to eat; do they have one like Costco's?"

She answered and said that she had gotten a notice in the mail that Sam's Club was having lots of samples out for tasting, so they decided to eat their lunch there!!!

I loved it!! I can just see the genius who loves to sit down to a good meal doing that.

The other funny story was about Chun. MA wrote and asked me where I had gotten a special soap that I had given them for Christmas one year. It was a special type shaped and colored to look like uncut gems, and since they are quite large, they last for about 2 years. She said theirs was almost gone and Chun really liked it.

So I got online and ordered her a bar. That's not what she intended me to do, but I knew if she saw the price, Chun would never see that soap. So she wrote me when it came and thanked me, etc. Then she said that Chun was trying it out and said, "I don't like this one as well as the other; this one doesn't lather."

MA replied, "Well, I'll bet it would if you would take the wrapping off of it!"

The genius and I really laughed over that and we'll have fun with these stories on New Year's Eve when we all get together!!

NEW ME!

My mother would be so proud of me! And my sisters,too! I'm actually keeping the house straight and clean and enjoying it!

The first thing I do every morning is to make the beds!! ME! The woman who liked to leave the bed unmade so I could crawl back in for a nap later in the day. That's pretty amazing, but here is the miracle to top that: each time I take a shower, I wipe down the walls and tub with a towel! I don't know what has gotten into me.

I keep the kitchen clean and uncluttered. Woe to anyone who puts anything that doesn't pertain to food on the kitchen peninsula where the genius and I eat.

I'm still not crazy about cooking for two, but I manage to cook an occassional meal or two for us. Looks like tonight may be the night since we ate at church last night and at Jim IV and Laurie's the night before that.

I'm almost through with the bathroom. Yesterday I sanded and painted some places left over from the vanity top installation. Then I painted the back panels of four unassembled cubes I ordered in the mail, after which I assembled said cubes. I stacked them on top of a big awkward tiled area in the bathroom that is in reality on top of the stairs to the second floor and thus can't be altered. But the cubes really fixed this area up; I stacked towels, etc. into them and now it looks great! Just a few things to hang and I will be through with that room!

I laughingly told the genius that I was ready to start on the kitchen next and you should have seen his face -- he looked apoplectic!! I hastily assured him I was teasing. Actually, my next project is to have an electrician out to change some lighting fixtures. That will have to wait until next month at least.

Eventually, it will come together; I just hope it is all at the same time, so we can enjoy every nook and cranny of our house!!

The renovations are continuing around here. The bathroom, while not complete, is shaping up. The new vanity top was installed along with the new toilet, and now all I have to do is touch up the paint, frame the mirror (or get a new one), and put together the cube shelves to hold the towels, etc. So there is still much to be done.

My handyman has gone on to greater things (like his new job), so it is now up to me. That always makes it a little slower as I tend to plod along. But it will get done.

Yesterday was bridge club and what a great day I had with the cards! My partner and I fit well together and ended up way out in front of everyone else. I don't know what happened exactly, but we just clicked somehow. So much of duplicate bridge can be luck, but not as much as regular contract bridge. Duplicate does not depend on the cards so much as what you do with each hand. It was fun to be caught up in the experience as the day wore on. We could see we were doing well.

We had a nice Easter weekend. Much was accomplished in the yard on Saturday and on Sunday Brenda had us out to her house for a brunch. She is so sweet to continue to invite us to her parties even though we must seem like old fogies to everyone else there. But the food was great and we had a good time.

I'm looking forward to my trip west in 2 weeks. I will be attending yet another graduation for one of the grandchildren. Jordan, the second grandchild, will be graduating from Grand Canyon University in nursing. I wasn't able to attend when she graduated from high school, so I'm happy to be seeing her in cap and gown.

A week after I leave, Tom, the oldest, will be getting his Master's in Electrical Engineering, and the speaker at the ceremony will be none other than President Obama. (Can you imagine all the security involved?) I'm sorry that I will not be there but I just can't stay away from the genius and Rufus that long.

But while I'm there I will enjoy seeing the family and bask in the Phoenix sunshine!

CELEBRATION TIME

This was a very good weekend, I'm happy to say, after the week of horrors for me. We had a couple of days celebrating our new sanctuary at our church, and they were very meaningful to both of us.

On Saturday night we gathered at the church to have a celebration dinner. What a great meal for only $10.00 each: prime rib, green beans, mixed veggies, baked potato, salad, rolls, and chocolate pie for dessert. You just can't beat that price! Afterwards, we had speakers and a video that told the history of our congregation (it started 14 years ago with 38 members!).

There was a time in my spiritual journey when I would not have wanted to put my money in nor rejoice over a new building. I would rather have spent it for missions, either local or foreign. But as I said before, I have changed.

Our neo-gothic styled sanctuary sits atop a hill overlooking Green Hills and is truly a beacon of light to me (and others I hope). The inside is indescribably beautiful with its magnificent stained glass windows, wood carvings, huge organ, and stone walls. Yesterday for our first ever service there was a full orchestra and wonderful music that was truly inspirational. I felt as I sat there that the building it was not an extravagance if people are drawn in by its beauty but stay to find a place to be inspired and transformed by the Spirit.

After the service I heard someone remark that they had never seen so many strange faces so my point was proven, at least to me.

We then had a great brunch with MA and Chun, but that's another blog.

I'VE SEEN BETTER WEEKS!!

Well, let's face it -- this hasn't been a great week. First, I have been nursing a cold all week, which is never fun. And then Rufus became ill, adding to my woes.

The cold really hasn't been such a bad one but for a day or two I felt like a person in an ad for a cold medicine. You know the ones: the man or woman comes onscreen and complains of runny nose, red eyes, scratchy throat, and hacking cough. Then they take some wonderful elixer and all their symptoms just disappear. Well, that didn't happen to me. Instead, I took a pill plus Advil and I still felt like someone had dumped me in a swimming pool and hung me out to dry.

Then on Wednesday Rufus began throwing up. After he had completely emptied his stomach (on the white carpet, of course), then the diahrrea began. And that was still happening this morning. I can't count the number of times I have cleaned that up (still on the white carpet). Last night I covered the bathroom floor with puppy pads, then got up with him four times during the night and changed them. If I didn't feel so sorry for him, I would be drowning in self-pity, but having suffered through the same thing last November in Florida (remember the raw oysters episode?) I could only have sympathy for him.

So it was off to the vet this morning before I had even had my coffee (I took it with me). They couldn't find anything majorly wrong -- just gave him some meds to stop the diahrrea and some special canned food that would be easy on his stomach. And of course charged me $163.00 for my trouble. Now he is sleeping peacefully beside me as I type.

Ah, what did we do before Rufus came into our lives? How boring it was and how restful! Sigh!!!

LOOKING BACK ON THE WEEKEND

Today I am in the second day of a cold: 'nuff said. We did have a pretty good weekend before it hit me, however. Now I'll just stay in and take it easy.

Every year the club hosts a Seafood dinner, which includes oyster stew, already peeled shrimp, and a whole Maine lobster, just to name a few items. We always take Jim IV and Laurie and this year Brenda and her friend Tony were able to join us, also. We had a great time, needless to say, all dressed in our plastic bibs and chowing down on a great meal. There was also some fancy dancing going on (obviously, some of the members spend a great deal of time and money at Arthur Murray), but we forewent it this time.

Then on Saturday morning we went to the funeral of a friend of ours from church. That's never a fun experience, but the service was upbeat. I also went to lunch afterwards with my first grade friends, Judy and Janice. I always enjoy getting caught up on their news.

Brenda came by this weekend and saw the house for the first time in a while. She said that it looks much better than the pictures I put online. So if you have seen only the pictures, just take it up a notch or two in your mind and you will have the real thing.

Interestingly enough, Brenda and I talk every morning for 20 - 30 minutes, and that's the first time I've seen her in ages. I'm grateful for our conversations so we can keep in touch.

NOW! I'm going to go to bed or maybe lie in the sun and try to dry out the cold.

LUNCHEON

As mentioned yesterday we had another high school lunch get-together today. Fourteen people attended and we all sat around a big square table. It was great because we could either talk to those around us or to the whole table at once. I enjoy these affairs so much and this one was no exception.

Patsy had been given another award -- she was added to the public school hall of fame -- and she told us all about her visit back to the school. Sounds like it is very run down and in need of fixing up.

One of us suggested that maybe somebody should burn the school down like it did 57 years ago and just build a new one. It's hard to believe that that happened that long ago. But the building there now is the one that was finished up in 1955 just in time for the genius and his class to graduate.

I'm not surprised that it is need of repair. First of all, the building is old, and secondly, there are a lot more students attending now. And thirdly, the problems with the present day kids are much worse than when we attended.

We all agreed that we had it made in the fifties. I threw out the question of anyone's ever seeing alcohol any time we were in high school. One or two of the boys said they did, but certainly not very much, and none of the girls had seen it. Drugs were unheard of except for nicotine and that we did see: many of us smoked every now and then. That was the biggest "sin" unless you count what went on in some of the parked cars on dates.

That was probably somewhat like today, except no one talked about it. The subject was strictly taboo in mixed company and even with our own sex!!

Anyway, the picture of the attendees is below.

Ah, a nice rainy day. (I can't believe I'm saying that.) There's something about spring rain that is different than any other time of the year. It's refreshing and cleansing, kind of like crying at a sad movie (like Marley and Me). I'll just plan to stay in enjoy myself.

I took the dogs to the groomers today. Of course, they didn't want to go in and I had to chase them all the car to get both of them. They were in dire need -- the groomer said Rufus looked like a "fluff ball."

Actually, I do have an inside job planned for me today: switching closets around. It's such a pain to do, and then no sooner do I get it done and the weather shifts and I'm back in the other closet digging out clothes to wear. But the time has come -- I've been in the off season closet too many times lately trying to decide what to put on. I'm about to run out of ideas for transition clothes, but I don't want it to get hot either. So I'm not complaining.

I do like living in an area where there are four seasons, especially when it's fall or spring. The daffodils have come and almost gone, but the redbud is in full bloom in the front yard. The dogwood will be next and then my gorgeous hydrangea bush. They have huge purplish pink blossoms that are just beautiful. Someone said at bridge club the other day that you should put a certain kind of fertilizer on them depending on whether you wanted pink or blue flowers. Since mine are in between, I guess I'll just leave them alone like I always have and enjoy the color.

Tomorrow is the Burro Babes luncheon and we've invited the men, too (Should we call them buddies or bubbas?) I always look forward to seeing them and catching up with their latest news.

I'll let you know how it turns out. And maybe even put a picture of us on the blog!!

BACK TO DECORATING

Yesterday I had a nice leisurely, "unstructured" day, doing what I wanted when I wanted. It was nice! I ended up going to Home Depot -- again -- and managed to spend an hour there.

I've never had to make so many decisions regarding color, texture, size, shape, etc. as I have these last two months. Yesterday was just another day of doing that. But I finally picked out the vanity top, sink color, towel racks, and a toilet paper holder for the bathroom. I have yet to decide on the new toilet, but I did a lot of looking and measuring. I have mixed emotions about giving up my old john that has a jet flush and switching to one that is water saving (but not if I have to flush it twice every time!). I also have to choose the faucets, but that looks fairly easy.

One thing this experience has taught me: you can spend a LOT of money if you want to (or even if you don't) on redecorating. I've really tried to be careful about that, but sometimes I have gotten caught up in wanting the best. Case in point was my selection of tub/shower installation: I elected to go the cheaper route of putting in the acrylic lining as opposed to tearing out and starting over, but I chose the "cadillac version" (according to the salesman) and I don't regret it. And I selected granite over laminate or fake marble for the vanity and don't regret that either. But I absolutely wouldn't let myself get carried away by brushed nickel or bronze or brass for the faucets -- chrome is fine. And so it has gone, over and over until I'm just about ready to stop and enjoy what we have. The kitchen will have to wait.

Besides, the next big thing I want to do is put hardwood in the living/dining room and kitchen. But that's for another day.

BREAK TIME IS OVER

Alas!! Spring break is over, but it was great while it lasted. Gone are the sleeping in, the genius in relaxed mode, and the delicious meals at night. But to look on the bright side: Gone are the "planned days" where every minute is accounted for!

A typical day during the break began with my sleeping till 8:00 or 9:00 while the genius took care of Rufus's needs. Then by the time I got up he was "starving" and wanting his breakfast. So as soon as my feet hit the floor it was to go to the kitchen and prepare sausage, biscuits, toast, eggs, etc. Coffee came later many times. You can imagine my efforts of trying not to be too grouchy during this hour; after all, he had allowed me to sleep while he fed, walked, played with Rufus. But, as most of you know, this is not my best hour of the day.

But I tried and most of the time was able to carry it off with a minimum of dropping things as I stumbled around the kitchen.

Then I would sit and have my coffee while we "planned the day." Quite frankly, this was difficult to do before a caffeine shot, so I usually just yielded to whatever he wanted to do. One day it was get new tires for the Accord, on another it was go to Costco, or grocery shopping at Walmart, etc. Just mundane things that have to be done in life. But every night was topped off by a fabulous meal usually at a new restaurant we hadn't tried before.

Whenever I mentioned how much we were spending, the genius's reply was, "Well, we are saving on motel bills and plane fare or gas money by staying here, and we still have the good meals!"

And then last night we topped off the whole vacation by going to TPAC and watching Jersey Boys, the story of The Four Seasons, a group that was popular in the 60's. We enjoyed it thoroughly and it was a good way to end our ten days of "vacationing."

But I must admit to a sigh of relief this morning when I arose and could get used to being awake by degrees and let the day plan itself!!

SPRING BREAK

The genius and I have once again been eating our way through his spring break. Every night we try out a new restaurant so we can have a memorable experience and also so we can have a new list to fall back on. We have several to add to the list.

Last night we tried City House, an Italian place in Germantown. First we started with their homemade pizza as an appetizer, then went on to the main course. The genius had steak with a delicious sauce and I had a pasta dish. Then I also had a dessert that was a kind of a tart made with a cornmeal based crust and filled with dried blood red oranges with homemade whipped cream on top. It was really unusual and really good!

We have sampled Italian twice, Asian fusion, global fusion, seafood, ecclectic, and Mexican. By far the best one for me was the global one -- Mambu's -- on Hayes Street in the midtown section. I know a lot depends on what a person orders on a particular night, but I hit a winner that night. We will definitely go back there.
They've all been good, though, I haven't had anything I didn't like.

We've also progressed on the house, although much more slowly than before because of the weather. When it is good, Jim IV is on the court, teaching; only when it is raining does he come over to work. He now has the bathroom painted and the walls of the bedroom done. He still has the woodwork to do in the bedroom and some little odd jobs left. He's done a great job and I am very happy with our "new house."

And we're ready for company, so bring it on!!! Come visit and stay in one of the new suites!

NEW PICTURES

Everyone in the family has been after me to put some pictures of the new tub/shower on the blog so here they are. I love taking a shower now, especially with the curved shower rod that makes it feel so roomy. The problem now is that everything else looks shabby. I feel the urge to spend more money coming on so I can replace the toilet and vanity top. Will it never end???

BJ and Jerry came for dinner on Saturday night and of course, brought Monty. So I stuck a picture of Rufus and him on here, too.

THE YEARS FOLLOWING

When I look back at all this and count the years, I can scarcely believe that it occurred almost 40 years ago. The vision is still just as real to me today as it was the morning after. But the years since then have been filled with other experiences, both negative and positive.

In the first place, the genius’s walk was much different from mine, as you might imagine. He didn’t have any “Road to Damascus” experience, and while he thought it was great for me, he had to find his own way on the spiritual path. So little by little, in an intellectual way, he began his own search. And over the years he has developed a solid faith that is dependable and meaningful for him and comforting for me. Someone once compared women and men in their spiritual walks by saying women are the kindling of a fire and men are the back logs. I don’t know about all couples, but that analogy is pretty accurate for us. The genius is just so steady and I am sometimes on an emotional roller coaster.

Secondly, finding a church over the years has been a real challenge for us. Good preaching and music are the two things we looked for, but what pleased me didn’t necessarily appeal to the genius. I didn’t care if the service was unstructured and had contemporary music, whereas he wanted a traditional service and the hymns he had grown up with. I liked the hymns, too, but didn’t particularly want to be tied to the same old cold services with opera-type singers in the choir.

We visited and/or joined Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Episcopal, even Nazarene churches all over the city, but all of them left something to be desired for one or both of us. Finally, a few years ago, the genius attended a funeral for a former IBMer and came home raving about the preacher who did the service. I agreed to visit the church with him and we did so some weeks later.

From the very first, we both felt like we had at last found a place we really loved. We already knew many of the people, some we had grown up with and hadn’t seen for years, and others, as well. So, after 33 years of searching, we had finally found a church for both of us. It is mostly traditional, but not frozen in the past, so I can enjoy the services and other weekly events also. Our minister and the choir are just what we like and enjoy each week.

I trust that we have both grown spiritually over the years through thick and thin; I am certainly not the giddy believer I first was, nor is the genius the doubter he was at one time. We have both matured over the years and are learning to rely on each other spiritually as well as intellectually, as we always have done.

I’m not saying we have arrived, but we are much farther along than we were some 40 years ago,

THE AFTERMATH

When I awoke the morning after I had my “encounter,” I had much to contemplate. I was struck by the fact that I didn’t know Who my visitor had been – was the person Jesus, as I suspected? I thought he had died and gone to heaven, so this didn’t seem likely. Was it an angel? No, I thought, it was too much like a divine Being. I didn’t believe that it was a dream nor a figment of my imagination --- the whole experience was the most “real” thing that had ever happened to me. But I had many questions, so I decided to turn to the Bible and see if I could find answers.

My pastor had recently suggested that I get a modern version of the Bible and start reading it, and I had. But the words didn’t mean much to me; it was like reading a history book that was not really very interesting. I couldn’t understand that something that had happened 2000 years ago could hold much meaning for me. But that morning I decided to try again.

An astonishing thing happened: the words almost jumped off the page at me! I started at Matthew and began reading and suddenly it all began to make sense. I think this experience amazed me as much as the night before! And over the next few weeks I couldn’t get enough; I read straight through the New Testament and started over again, underlining and writing notes in the margin. The more I read, the more excited I became.

Of course, I discussed the entire episode with my pastor, who was very encouraging and helpful. He helped me to see that Jesus is still alive and well and what’s more, very active in the world through His Spirit. The Holy Spirit was something (Someone, I now saw) that I had never thought much about, but now I began to look for references in Scripture and there He was – all throughout the books, both Old and New Testaments. The Book of Acts, particularly, explained His place and purpose in our lives, but I had never seen it. He was (is) the power behind the throne, so to speak.

My family began to notice a real change in me. Who was this joyful, peaceful person who had replaced the old sometimes depressed, sometimes irritable wife and mother? Of course, I told the genius about my experiences and also talked to the children about God and began to pray with them. And for a few weeks or months all was rosy in our household.

Tomorrow I will discuss the years since my remarkable transformation.

MY ENCOUNTER

As I mentioned yesterday, I had begun to explore the venue of prayer as a means of communicating with God, Whom I now believe existed. The first area in which I saw an answer was in my effort to quit smoking.

For years I had tried to quit to no avail. I had even smoked during my three pregnancies, although I did cut back. I can still remember the wonderful taste of coffee (which had tasted awful during the nine months) and a cigarette after giving birth. And yes, I smoked even though I breast fed all three of my babies. I hated myself for being so controlled by a drug, but I couldn’t seem to break the power it had over me. So I was very willing to pray about this with my pastor.

I quit cold turkey, suffered physical withdrawals for about a week, all the time praying that this time I would be successful. And the good news is that I was able to kick the habit, although I must say that I miss it to this day. Cigarettes were my good friend and now they were gone out of my life.

When I saw an actual answer to prayer, my tiny little mustard seed of faith began to grow, and prayer in bed at night became a ritual before I fell asleep. I had begun to “feel” something when I prayed -- an elation, a peace, I’m not sure what to call it – actually, a warm fuzzy feeling is pretty accurate. So each night I fell asleep praying for family members, friends, etc.

On November 18, 1970, I was following my routine of prayer, when an amazing incident occurred. When I describe the next few seconds (minutes?), I will relate it one thing at a time, but everything occurred simultaneously. I was as usual experiencing the warm fuzzies, but suddenly that feeling intensified and spread over my entire body. I immediately became aware of the fact that there was a “Presence” at the foot of the bed and I had the impression of “white.” (White robe? White light? I don’t know.) And the last impression was that the word JESUS was stamped (seared) into my mind across my forehead. As I said, this all happened at the same time.

My initial reaction was FEAR – a lot of it. What in the world had just happened? But as I mulled it over, my fear was replaced by a strange peace and amazingly, I drifted off to sleep. But my life had been changed forever; I would never be the same again.

To be continued.

SEARCHING FOR THE TRUTH (CONT’D)

The next step in my spiritual journey was when I was sixteen years old. I found a book of Mother’s lying around and began to read it. The book was entitled The Wall and was about the plight of Warsaw Jews during World War II. Essentially, the events that occurred in this book opened my eyes to the evil that existed in the world and I began to have my first real questions about God and His purposes.

My thoughts ran like this: if there is a God, how could He allow such horrible things to occur, especially to a group of people who were “His chosen”? These doubts continued to be present in my thoughts for many years. I remember once asking for an appointment with my minister to discuss some of my uncertainties, but for some reason, he kept putting me off, thus making me even more unsure. I finally sought advice from Mother’s former boss, a minister who worked for the denomination but didn’t actually pastor a church. He told me to pray about it, a suggestion I didn’t find particularly helpful; how could I pray when I didn’t believe in a God to pray to? So I continued to flounder in a sea of doubts for several years.

In my mid twenties I became interested in the supernatural world of the occult. I read a book about a man who by going into a trance could picture a person in his mind and could tell what was physically wrong with him/her. He would then describe a cure that usually involved some kind of natural solution. There were many testimonials written about him and his healing techniques. What got my attention was the fact that here was something that could happen outside of natural forces. To me that indicated the possibility, perhaps even probability, that there was some sort of higher power in charge, causing these supernatural events. So for several years I explored the concepts of these “new age” ideas, from healing to astrology to reincarnation and many types of “paranormal” experiences..

The importance of all this is that I began to believe in God, but I still had many questions that needed answers. I was not receiving any in the church I belonged to so began attending another one a little farther from our house. The children liked this much better and we all began to go on a regular basis.

The minister of this church was very likeable and we quickly became friends. I volunteered to help him with some secretarial work once a week and our friendship deepened. His influence on my spiritual beliefs gradually grew and I began to see that the “supernatural” existed within the Christian realm, as well. I admitted this to myself even though I didn’t really embrace orthodox Christian beliefs. I just couldn’t deny that prayers were being answered in this small church.

I began to pray seriously myself for the first time since I was a child. Tomorrow we shall see what the result was.

MY SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH

Several months ago I was writing about my spiritual journey in life and mentioned an incident that changed my life dramatically. I said at the time that if I reported it, it would be the “blog of all blogs.” Well, at the encouragement of a reader, and I hope inspiration from God, I am ready to write about it.

Actually, in thinking and praying about it, I’ve decided to divide it into at least three parts: 1) my search for the truth, 2) my encounter, and 3) the aftermath. Today I will begin at the beginning and see how far I get.

As most of you know, I was raised in a Christian home. Even though my parents went to two different churches and were never able to solve their differences in beliefs, we girls were “brought up in the church.” Unless we were sick, or out of town, we never missed going to Sunday school and church on Sunday mornings. Additionally, we attended vacation Bible school in the summers and any other special events held. Although we mostly went to and ultimately joined Mother’s church, we had plenty of occasions to attend Daddy’s church, as well. And we felt comfortable in both because we had friends at our church and many relatives at Daddy’s.

There came a time, and I’m not sure at what age, when I began to seek God on my own apart from my parents. I had a few meaningful moments as a child and in my early teens, but one significant event stands out. When I was fourteen, Billy Graham came to town and held a series of services in Vanderbilt football stadium. Interestingly enough, the ministers of both Daddy’s and Mother’s churches were opposed to his coming to Nashville. Our minister actually preached against it and tried to discourage us from hearing him because he was “too emotional” and whatever experience we had from it would be temporary.

But Mother and we girls went anyway to at least two meetings and maybe more. The one that I recall was “Youth Night,” and what I remember the most was that at the end of the sermon, I felt an unmistakable need, almost a compulsion, to “answer the call.” So even though it was very difficult, I went down those steps and prayed with the thousands of other teens who had also come forth.

At the time I was not at all sure what I had done; to my knowledge I had never been presented with “the plan of salvation through Jesus’ sacrifice” before. Certainly, our church leaders didn’t teach it and Daddy’s touched on it but added other things to it. Consequently, it may appear at first that the incident didn’t have much meaning, especially in view of my subsequent behavior for years afterward.

But I never forgot that feeling that “Something or Someone” outside of myself was trying to influence me that night.

To be continued . . .

MARRIED TO A PACK RAT

Another really great thing that is taking place during this re-do time is that closets are getting cleaned out and many items are being given away for tax purposes. So far I have had to have people come out for pickup four times, twice the ARC, and the Salvation Army the other two times. And while I am thrilled to get rid of all the clutter, it has thrown the genius into a panic.

All the family knows what the genius's father, Jimmie, was like --- he was the biggest pack rat of all time. First, he filled up their basement with his stuff; then the delightful screened in back porch that ran the entire width across the back of their house became crammed with all sorts of things. I remember that the seating area got smaller and smaller and was at last squeezed out. And finally, the little room off of the living room that was Jimmie's office eventually overflowed with still more items.

When the genius's parents moved out, there was the monumental task of sorting through and selling, giving, or throwing away all of the accumulated array of Jimmie's belongings. This job fell to the genius's sister and me. We had to be very careful when sifting through all of it because there were some hidden gems, (old coins, stamp collections, guns, old books, etc.) buried in all the piles of stuff. And we also had to be careful that Jimmie was not around because he wouldn't let anything go. But eventually, we got it done and moved on.

Over the years I have discovered that the apple didn't fall very far. The genius has been showing signs for years of having inherited the same tendencies. He still has every engineering and math book he used in college 50 years ago. And through the years has acquired many more. He now has five bookcases (big ones) in his little office upstairs along with six filing cabinets, all filled to the brim. And I won't even go into what our attic looks like. Let me just say that I'm sure we have every cancelled check that has been written since we married.

So you can understand his anxiety over my cleaning out closets. Everytime I do it, he asks in a shaky voice, "You didn't throw out anything of mine, did you?" And he usually goes through the stack of items for giving away. The only thing I really tried to give away that he balked about was a bookcase (what else?). Instead, he moved it into his room and made a "space" for it and of course filled it up to the brim. Where the books came from, I don't know. I have a sneaking suspicion he went to the attic and found some more!!

So let me go on record now to the rest of the family as to our possessions. I am trying my best to pare down, but I'm afraid I'm fighting a losing battle. I guess you will have to get one of those rented dumpsters out to clean this place out.

But I want you to know that I have tried to keep it under control.

OUR REMARKABLE SON

If there's one thing I have learned throughout this house redoing stuff it is how amazing our son Jim IV is. I just didn't know how talented he is in the role of handyman. And he'll tackle anything!! It's been a real pleasure watching him work and figure things out.

For instance, I bought two sets of wireless headphones for the TV, got instructions from the salespeople at Electronic Express, and came home prepared to get them to work. I couldn't even get one set to work. So I asked the genius to help, and he couldn't do it either. Then I called on Jay, our 11 year old genius grandson, and he almost did it, but not quite. Then Jim IV came on the scene.

He was able to get one set working right away but had to think about the double set. Eventually, he got both working, rigged up a place on the back of the TV to hang the headphones, and taped all the wires so that they don't show from the front.

And what a fast worker he is!! He can get more done in an an hour than I can imagine mainly because he has all the right tools. I've never seen such an array. When he's not sure about how to do something, he reads up on it thoroughly and then dives right in. And the finished product is great!!!

I had no idea he was so clever. I knew he was intelligent like the genius but had no clue he could do this sort of work. Knowing he didn't learn this from his father, who hates doing any kind of handyman jobs, I asked him where he gained this knowledge. He said he taught himself over the years.

Since we've lived in the same town for most of his life minus his college years, I had to ask myself why I didn't know this about him! I think the answer is that he is modest about himself and just never thought to show off his work. I have found out that he did and does numerous odd jobs around his house and I just assumed they had hired someone to do it. WRONG!! He's an expert and I'm convinced he could make a living doing it if he so desired.

But he doesn't; his first love is tennis and that's what he will be doing from now on.

But I'm truly grateful to know whom to call on when I need help!!!

MORE PICTURES

The first two are opposite sides of the formerly "dead space" we had between the living and dining areas of our great room, and the next three are pictures of the new downstairs bedroom.

IMAGINATION RUNS AMOK

I think it is time to revisit the Obits! From time to time I have jotted down some info I have gleaned from daily reading this section. Most of it just sets my active imagination hopping even more than usual.

First, there is the subject of nicknames. I noticed that an elderly woman had passed on who had the interesting nickname of "Onion." Where in the world would that come from? Did she like onions? Did someone see her peeling one and crying? I was intrigued, to say the least. Then I noticed that her "real" name was Vivian and I could just see some little grandchild trying to say that and having it sound like "Onion." So that could explain the unusual moniker.

Another one was called "Doll Baby." That one I could visualize for a woman who called everyone else that and so people in return stuck the name on her. We had a friend in the Army who was like that. He called everyone "Charlie" so naturally the name "Charlie" was given to him.

But what about "Q Ball"? Was this a man who liked to play pool and so was thus named after one of the balls? And how about the interesting spelling of it?

There was a nickname I noticed the other day that was given to an elderly man: "Rail Head"! What's up with that? Maybe he worked for the railroad, or just liked trains. Or it could be a haircut he had at one time. I guess we'll never know.

I've also been intrigued by given names. One man had a last name of Fudge. My mind went crazy over that one, and I decided it would have been great if he had been a judge. No one could have been serious in his court room when he made his entrance and they called out "All rise for Judge Fudge."

But the last one is great and so help me, it's true. I noticed that one of the pallbearers listed in the paper for a funeral was actually named Arch Bishop. What were his parents thinking?!?

So you can see what my life has been reduced to: getting my kicks reading the Obituaries. But I'm still not in there and that's a good thing!!

I thought you might like to see the historical bench in its new place. I also tried to include the two tables and the portrait of Anelka (paternal grandmother of the genius).

I'm almost ready to begin making photos of the rest of the new arrangements, but I'm waiting to hang pictures, etc. When the finishing touches are in place, I will snap some and publish.

ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER

I've always observed that when you start one project around the house, big or small, it always seems to lead to another ... and another ... etc. I'm certainly finding that to be true this time around.

The other night the genius asked me why I was changing the furniture around so much. It was difficult to come up with an answer that wouldn't cause hurt feelings. I guess I could have said that I have helping me a male who is young and not worried about hurting his back, and that he is -- ahem! -- patient. Jim IV is so kind that he didn't utter a word of protest when I asked him to move something and then liked it better the original way.

And also sometimes I get ideas about what would look better when I add to or change an area. That happened when I put the two new TV watching chairs on a wall and I thought things would look better if I moved the china cabinet from said wall. So I took everything out of it, Jim IV moved it to the opposite corner, and I washed the stuff and put it all back in. I had had an old artificial ficus plant there and because I hated having anything artificial, have long wanted to be rid of it. So that was settled.

On the other hand, the genius had not liked a big basket that I kept magazines in so I took it out of the living area and took the beautiful large brass planter that had held the plant, filled it with books and magazines in place of the basket. Also, I took twinkle lights I had had on the plant and put a string throughout the inside of the china cabinet to make the glassware shine. Now everyone is happy.

One really funny thing: the genius is threatening to "plant" the artificial ficus tree because it looks so good by the garbage can where we placed it temporarily.

Do you see what I mean? One thing just leads to another!!

STUCK IN THE SEVENTIES

Our house was built in the 70s right during the time when brightly colored bathroom fixtures were popular. The former owner had "redecorated" the two upstairs bathrooms by glazing or painting the tubs and/or the vanities. Of course, what happened was that the paint began to peel off and look awful.

Once before I called out a bath fixing company to see what could be done. The salesman came out, took measurements, and showed us ways to cover up our tubs and walls. I just wasn't pleased with what he showed us and decided against it. However, when we began this redecorating project I decided to revisit the issue.

I went through the process of calling several companies and chose one that would meet with just me. The others wanted to have both the genius and me here, and I wanted to be able to explore what they had on my own without worrying about the questions he was sure to ask, etc. This time I liked what I saw, even though it was a bit more expensive than I expected.

Today I had the salesman back out again and after some wheeling and dealing I signed up for it. I'm really excited about what I picked out and what it will look like. The salesman took pictures and said it was the worst case of peeling he had ever seen. I wonder if they will put the before and after pictures on their website.

Who knows? Maybe I'll take some and put them on the blog!!

BACK TO WORK

Well, I guess it's a work day today; I assume that Jim IV and Jay are back in town from their skiing trip and that the former is ready to get started again. Of course, I was busy yesterday getting ready for the events that are happening today.

First, I moved the old antique upholstered bench from the "dead" area of the living/dining room to under the front window. Like many of our pieces of furniture, this bench has a history:

The genius's grandfather was a bachelor until he was 43 years old, whereupon he married a 19 year old girl named Brenda Bailey (for whom our daughter Brenda and grandaughter Bailey are named). He owned a clothing store in Bowling Green, Kentucky, in the late 1900's, in which sat our upholstered bench with a tall upright floor mirror to match. Both pieces have beautifully carved wood with inlays in them. I can just imagine the women in bustles and corsets that must have sat on this bench while their husbands tried out their clothes in front of the mirror, or vise-versa.

For years these two pieces abided in the living room of the genius's parents. When
they moved into an apartment in their later years, we took the bench and his sister took the mirror. We have enjoyed that stately piece ever since.

Today the two chairs and ottoman that will sit where the bench was are being delivered. I guess that space will be dead no more because we will now use it to watch TV. (The new TV stand will also make its appearance today.) And the good news is that I will be able to watch TV while I am in the kitchen!

So there are many changes going on here. The downstairs bedroom is almost complete, the TV area will be finished today, and we have a little more seating space in the "living" area of the living room, all grouped around the fireplace.

Then it will be onwards and upwards to the second floor!!

I took a short break from all the work going on around here to go to bridge club today. I didn't win --- but I didn't lose either; I didn't play at all because I was the hostess. I elected to have it meet at the University Club in one of the private rooms instead of in our home because of lack of space both inside and also outside for the parking .

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves; in fact, I may have started a new trend. Several people said that they wanted to have it at their club or even at mine and let them pay for it. I must say the chef did a very nice job of having plenty of food and coffee, etc. to start with and then served up a good lunch as well. And it was certainly a lot easier for me not having to fix all the food.

The genius and I enjoyed a good meal Friday night in the lounge at the club with two other couples. One couple we see on a regular basis but the other twosome not so often. During the night I looked at the female half of that couple and noticed something different about her. At first I thought she had lost weight, then I decided she had on a top that didn't fit her very well; it was a little loose. All of this just flashed through my mind but I didn't think anymore about it.

As we were leaving, she told the other lady and me that over the holidays she had had a breast reduction. I have never been able to understand the problem of having too much, but it was interesting to listen to her experience. And she feels much better now -- her shoulders and upper back don't hurt anymore. It made me wonder about Dolly Parton and how she handles that.

Ah well, that's a decision I'll never have to make!!

Jim IV and Jay have gone to North Carolina for a three day skiing trip, so I guess the work will begin again on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, I think I will kick back tomorrow and take a much needed rest!!

STILL GETTING ORDERED HOUSE

Jim IV and I are certainly getting a ton done in "this old house." So far here's what we've done:

1) painted the downstairs bathroom

2) painted the downstairs den-turned-bedroom

3) shampooed carpet in new bedroom

4) sanded and painted the bed to go in there

5) moved said bed to the new bedroom

6) cleaned out bookcases and given away over 100 books

7) called the Salvation Army out twice to give away all unnecessary items

8) moved twin beds into the master bedroom, bought new mattress and springs for the one that didn't have any

9) moved kingsized bed into other upstairs bedroom.

10) got estimate for new bath and shower in the master bath (yikes!)

11) picked out two chairs and ottoman plus TV stand for the living room and hopefully we will buy them today.

Whew!!! I think that's all so far.

What we have left to do is get the bathroom done, get chair in the living room re-upholstered, put bed together, move the rest of the furniture around, and hang curtains for two bedrooms.

On the back burner for now is to buy bedspreads and curtains for the master bedroom.

Then when pretty weather comes, we'll start outside on the yard.

Just makes "this old house" tired to see what all we've done!!

GETTING OUR HOUSE IN ORDER

Yikes!!!! Here it is Thursday night and I've only written one blog this week. That's a good way to lose readers fast. Jim IV and I are working hard to get everything done, but we have lots more to do.

What we've done so far is to get the downstairs bathroom painted and are almost finished doing the same with the adjoining den, which we are turning into a bedroom. We've had to hit Home Depot several times and are doing our best to see that they stay in business. We are changing furniture around, cleaning out closets, calling out Salvation Army to pick up our castoffs, etc., etc.

We still have to take a sofa and recliner out to Brenda's in Franklin, then pick up two twin beds BJ and I slept in as children (Brenda has been storing them for us in her attic). Those will go in the master bedroom on the second floor, and the bed in there will go into the other room we use as a bedroom upstairs.

(In reading over the above, I noticed that I used the first person plural in describing the work, making it seem that I am doing half of it. Not so; Jim IV is doing most of it, while I am cheering him on.)

Then I plan to refinish the bed we are moving into the downstairs bedroom after we finish the painting in there. I have made plans, shopped accordingly, and then changed my mind several times. But I am happy as a lark, getting my nest in order.

Of course, the genius is a little concerned about the many bills we are running up, so I have to slow down on the purchases for a while. But he seems pleased with the changes also.

The major change we will have is that the big screen will be in the large area of space between the living and dining areas of our big front room. We will buy two comfortable chairs for viewing, but the big drawback is that when the kids want to watch TV, we will be in the living area and will be disturbed by the noise. The answer I have found for that is to buy wireless headphones so the sound will be muted. Or they can go upstairs to one of the bedrooms to watch.

After all is said and done, we should have plenty of room to bed down folks when they visit. That's what started all the work in the first place.

But meanwhile, the place is a mess, so if you come before we're finished, you may not find a bed available.

WINTER IN NASHVILLE

I'm afraid I'm getting a little erratic about writing these days. I've been working too hard around the house to get much else done. When Jim IV gets here early each morning, we get started and go all day.

It's a good thing I have plenty to do inside because I'm surely not going to go out in the weather we've been having. It has been cloudy and cold (a typical winter day in Nashville) and today it's pourihg rain to boot.

People who live outside the South make fun of us when we say it's cold. But believe me, with the humidity the way it is down here it feels much colder than it is. And when that wind comes barreling in from the North, it cuts right through anything you have on in the way of clothing.

In order for me to stay warm during these cold days I have to put on hose, socks, jeans and boots on the bottom half of my body. And on the top I have to have a tight camisole, turtleneck shirt, and sweater or sweatshirt, etc. I know I sound like a wimp, but if I don't dress that way, I get chilled, especially if I have to walk the dogs several times a day. Then I add coat, scarf, gloves, and sometimes a hat.

I remember one of the coldest winters I ever spent was in Gainesville, Florida. The people in that part of the state ignore the fact that it gets cold in the winter and the house where we lived had inadequate heating. There was a big propane heater in the hall and that was it. I was always afraid that it was a fire hazard, in the first place, and it didn't come close to heating the entire house. Thank goodness, the winters were short, really only about 2 months.

I will say one thing about Nashville winters though. Sometimes we have a day where the temperature reaches into the 60's or even 70's. And we really enjoy those days, but then it's back to business as usual, freezing days and nights.

It got down to five degrees a week or two ago and that's when we have to be really careful. We have to leave the water dripping in the kitchen and bathrooms or we could have a mess on our hands. We learned that the hard way in our last house with broken pipes several times. Doing without water when it's freezing outside is no fun, believe me.

For now, I'll just keep busy on the house and try not to keep thinking about how I could be in Arizona where it's nice and warm.

GETTING THINGS DONE, AND HOW!!

I'm a very happy camper right now. I have an almost full time handyman getting things done that have been put off for years. Don't get me wrong; the genius has many fabulous qualities, but doing major projects around the house is not one of them. He doesn't like doing them so they often tend to get put on the back burner, and as a result, a few jobs have stacked up around the house.

Now with Jim IV to help out for a few weeks, I am scurrying around finding all sorts of things for him to do. Right now the living room is full of items to go to the Salvation Army as soon as I get them added up for tax purposes. So our living arrangements will be a little cramped for a while.

One of the best things about working with my own son is that we are very compatible, so it is pleasant spending so much time together. And I don't know why but it seems like when the genius and I work together we can't agree on how to do each project. But Jim IV and I are doing just fine.

The genius likes all this too because 1) he doen't have to do them, and 2) they get done anyway, and 3) my nagging will stop (at least for a while).

Of course, there was a time when I did all this myself. In our old house I painted all the rooms at least once and several more than once. I cleaned out closets regularly and hauled all kinds of stuff up and down stairs. I even moved the furniture around by myself.

But those days are long gone what with my arthritic back, knees, and hips. So it's nice to tell someone that I need this piece moved here, or that carried there, etc.

The only "downside" is that my days of lounging around all day are over. I find myself working much harder than I've been used to.

But, as I keep telling myself as I fall into bed at night exhausted, "A LITTLE WORK NEVER HURTS ANYONE!"

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF RUFUS
(As Told by Rufus)

This morning I awoke at 5:45 ready to get up and start my day. I first began to wiggle a little to see how Y’mommy would react. All I got was a moan. So I began to stretch and lick myself hoping the movement would wake her up more fully. I knew Y’daddy was already awake and I NEEDED to go OUT!

My stirring around worked; she got up, picked me up and took me into Y’daddy’s study where he was working hard on his preps. At least HE was glad to see me. He said to Y’mommy, “You look grouchy.” She ALWAYS looks grouchy in the mornings. Anyway, he took me outside for my morning’s business and I felt much better.

I grabbed my Greenie and ran back upstairs to eat it on Y’mommy’s bed just so she won’t get her feelings hurt that I wanted to leave her. Then when I finished I returned to the kitchen to eat my breakfast. At first I thought Y’daddy was already gone, so I howled my disapproval, but he appeared and calmed me down with some turkey meat leftover from Christmas.

Again I snatched my after-breakfast bone and raced back to be with Y’mommy. This time she actually awoke enough to try to grab my bone away, but as usual I was too quick. Only after “the morning routine” was I able to settle back down while she finished her nap.

This morning turned out to be a better day than usual because Jesse came to spend the day. After we romped around the rooms and chased each other all over the downstairs, we were both ready for our walk.

I love my walk because I love to sniff along the side of the street to see who has been visiting our street. First, I buried my face in a pile of leaves to smell where Hulk had been; then, I definitely found a spot where Mr. Fox had been last night. Finally, I discovered that that black dog from the other street had passed by and left his markings. None of this suited my fancy to leave my own scent.

Jesse, meanwhile, likes to trot down the street occasionally leaving her own mark, and Y’mommy is caught in the middle of us, me dawdling and Jesse hurrying along, with her arms stretched out each holding a leash. Finally, she reminds me that I have a treat waiting for me if I would only get down to business, so I reluctantly finish and turn around to go back.

Then Jesse and I could get down to the real business of the day, alternately guarding the house and napping.

NEVER TOO OLD TO CHANGE

We're have a nice holiday here with snow pouring down outside while we are snuggling up inside. Both dogs are sitting on my lap while I'm writing this (Jessie is trying to lick my hand) and I am making innumerable errors trying to type. So far it is sticking only to the grass, but if this keeps up, we could have a real snow. I always like one good one a year and then I'm done.

I've had a change of plans for my winter months. I was going to Phoenix for several weeks in February, but I'm going to postpone the trip until May when two of our grandkids are graduating (again!). Jordan will get her degree from Grand Canyon University in nursing while Tom will get his Masters in Electrical Engineering. There were several reasons for the postponement.

One is that Ashley's father-in-law had heart surgery in California and Mike, her husband has been there for over a week helping out. It looks as if he will be spending quite a bit of time there over the next few months. So my visit would only complicate matters.

Another is that Jim IV has signed a contract to be the tennis pro at a local country club and is waiting for that job to begin in March. So he is available to help the genius and me get some major things accomplished around the house. And I really need to be here for that. So my plans have changed, but I am looking forward to getting this place in shape here.

We are all happy for Jim's switch in jobs; he's always loved tennis and excelled at teaching. The club where he will be is about a mile from his house, so things just couldn't have worked out any better for him.

And meanwhile, I will have a great handyman for a while!!

MY BUSY WEEK

This is my full week that I wrote about a few blogs ago, and so far it is going well.

Monday was bridge club and I was back in the winners' column after finishing at the bottom last month. My partner and I tied for first place this time. I had a delightful time and I also discovered another woman who is interested in pistol target shooting. So we took each other's phone numbers and we'll see if anything comes of it.

Tuesday was my coffee at a church friend's house. I arrived at 9:35, thinking I was five minutes late and realized I was early since there were no cars. So I just sat in the car for a while talking on the phone to BJ. I had gotten the time wrong, of course -- it started at 10:00, but I had a great time talking to old friends and meeting new faces also.

Yesterday I went shopping and got my hair cut, so today is the first day I am spending at home. It is verrrrry cold outside and I don't look forward to walking the dogs. But tonight it is supposed to get down to 5 degrees; I definitely don't look forward to that. Makes me want to go on to Phoenix now!!

Just took a break to walk the dogs because Rufus was making signs he couldn't wait. I was so bundled up that I was actually starting to break a sweat --- until I stepped outside. Rufus and Jesse didn't like the cold either; they did their business quickly and came back in, thank goodness. I looked at the thermometer and it was 17!! For Nashville that is COLD!!

Tomorrow is Burro Babes day and that's worth braving single digit temperatures!!!

BLOG STATS

I've been writing this blog now about a year and a half and have enjoyed it immensely. I have a way to look on Google Analytics and tell how many people are reading the blog and where they are reading it from. Today I want to report on what the numbers are.

Most of my readers come from the Nashville area, and that it to be expected since most of my family lives here. The other big numbers area is in and around Phoenix, where my daughter and family live. That too is understandable. The surprise has been that apparently I have some people who check in regularly from different parts of the country.

One is in California. Right now West Hollywood is currently number three on the list of places who have opened the blog for the past month. I thought for a while that this was my son-in-law's father because they live in that area, but he didn't even know I was writing a blog. So it must be someone who just happened onto the column one day and stayed. Whoever it is is certainly welcome especially since he/she has been a visitor now for some months.

Another one is Knoxville, and I assumed that was MA, my sister. But then I see Crab Orchard on there and know that is her address. So I don't know who Knoxville is. Others who regularly show up are Antioch, Tennessee, and Grayson, Georgia. I'm sure that Grayson are my friends Larry and Betty, but I have no idea who Antioch is.

And of course, there are the one hit wonders (or maybe I should say wanders), the ones who are just passing through. I get those from all over the world. They just happen into the blog, don't like what they see and keep going never to return. Or maybe they do, I've had three hits from a city in the Philippines. And Manchester, England has visited a few times. In the last month, I have had visits from five different countries, most of them in the U.S. of course. The total visits have been 235 for the last 30 days.

Maybe I should start marketing the blog and see if I can make some money out of this space. I'M KIDDING!!! That's the last thing I would want to do, bring pressure on myself to get a blog out on a regular basis. No, I think I'll keep writing for pleasure and hope that everyone who reads it will get a laugh or two or get a whiff of what life in the South is like.

Or what life is like for an old grandmother of eight!!

AND THEN THERE WAS ONE

I've been thinking about friendships and how important they have been in my own life. There have been many people, both male and female, who have been very meaningful to me throughout the years. Some I still have, but I especially remember three friends I had in my twenties on into my forties: Sylvia, Terry, and Julie.

The four of us met in our mid twenties and all of us had a connection of some kind to each other. Three of us had husbands who worked for IBM; a different three had boys the same age who played together once a week. Sylvia, Julie, and I played tennis together, while Terry and her husband attended the same church the genius and I did. We were all about the same ages and we all played bridge together in a group with our spouses. We spent many happy hours together, sometimes taking vacations, other times just visiting with each other.

The first thing that happened to splinter our little group was that Terry and her husband moved to a town about 2 hours away. The genius and I still kept in touch with them, traveling up to see them often or vise-versa. Several times Sylvia and I went to stay with Terry and played in a tennis tournament held in a nearby town. We still had many happy times together, just not as frequently.

Then Sylvia and her husband began to have troubles and eventually they separated and divorced. She moved away to pursue a career in nursing and the genius and I lost touch with both of them, much to our sorrow.

About the same time as all this was taking place, Julie became lost while driving home one day. She was eventually diagnosed with a brain tumor and her prognosis was bleak. Sylvia, who had finished her degree and had moved back to town, helped care for Julie until her death.

As the years went by, Sylvia moved to Florida and about five years ago I read in the paper that she too had died. The genius and I attended her memorial service where we saw Terry and her husband. We had still kept in touch but our paths had gone in different directions and we rarely saw each other.

A few weeks ago the genius and I drove to Terry's small town to attend the visitation with her family; she, too, had passed on.

It's a strange feeling to be the last one left; I can't really describe it. I'm sad about the losses, of course, and the end of happy times. But I can't help but be realistic about my situation either: I'm almost seventy and the grim reaper could be close. (Of course, any of us could go at any time.)

Still, it's very sobering to dwell on these things, but since there's not a thing I can do about it, I will just enjoy whatever time I have left.

And keep writing my blog!!

SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE VS. THE REST OF THE WORLD

It's a great day here at our house. The Gators did it again. It wasn't pretty, but hey! we're satisfied to be the national champs for the second time in three years. We had a wonderful time watching Superman and his teammates hold on and win!!

I guess I'll get out the car flags today when I go out. Might as well show my colors to the world, even though I run the risk of car damage with all the U. of Tennessee fans around. Surely not!! They've got to be happy that the SEC held up so well in the bowl games. Final record was SEC 8 wins and 2 losses.

Oklahoma was a good team -- they had a very precise passer as a quarterback -- but let's face it; the Big 12 just doesn't have the depth of the SEC and that's why they were able to come into this game with such a high scoring average. The SEC teams, on the other hand, beat each other up week after week and the scores are lower.

A great case in point is Ole Miss (the announcer, obviously not a Southerner, actually called them "Old Miss" last night). They had some losses (one to Vandy) but they beat Florida and then in the Cotton Bowl beat Texas Tech, a highly touted team. We just don't get the respect here in the South we deserve.

Oh, I know; most of the South is conservative and the media is not. But records tell the story and it's an accurate story. So, I hope the news people will come around. But I won't hold my breath!!

So, how do you all like this soap box, dear Readers? Some of you are not interested in football at all, and I promise not to belabor the point.

BUT WHAT WILL THE GENIUS AND I DO ON SATURDAYS FOR THE NEXT EIGHT MONTHS??!

THE TEMPORARY STATE OF CLEANLINESS

Ahhhhh, a nice clean carpet!! Whoever thought that putting in ivory colored carpets would be a good thing must have been off his rocker! Or it could be that they weren't going to live on it, just put it in to sell the house. It was new when we moved in 14 years ago, and it lasted all of a few weeks in that pristine condition. And then later Rufus came on the scene and you can imagine what kind of state it is in now.

I have fought the battle with sprays especially made to "remove" dog stains until my hand is limp from pushing that button. I even purchased a rug shampooer and keep it out to go over the spots as they occur. Today I had the professionals in and it looks great -- for now. Until the genius tracks in leaves and mud, or until Rufus does his thing. And he will; the only way to keep him from ruining this rug is to move.

Maybe a better way would be to put in hardwood floors. That's certainly something I'm going to investigate in the next few months (I have to hurry before the genius retires). I'm tired of fighting it!! And besides, putting in new floors would be much less trouble than moving.

On another subject, have you ever noticed that certain things seem to occur at one time? I sit at home for weeks at a time, even on the weekends, and don't go anywhere. Just listen to my schedule next week:

On Monday I play bridge, Tuesday attend a coffee at a friend's house, and Friday have lunch with the Burro Babes (my high school classmates). Then the next weekend we have parties on two consecutive nights after being idle for several weeks. Why does it always happen that like that? I'll be exhausted!!

I can hear my sister MA chuckling as she reads this. She does this every week!!

DREARY DAY THOUGHTS

Oh, what a wet, rainy day it is here; it has been raining steadily since yesterday morning. I had visions of going to Walmart today to grocery shop (Annie and I ran out of time yesterday), but that has been put on the back burner. I'll just have to use regular milk for the cornbread for supper instead of buttermilk. Just can't see getting out in this stuff.

On the real back burner of my stove top is that good old Southern favorite, a pot of white beans, simmering away. I hate to do this to the genius because he is on a diet and can't eat bread, but he is being very brave about it. He loves the beans so much that he told me to fix it anyway. Obviously, I can't eat a whole pan of cornbread, so I'll have to have something to go with it again tomorrow night.

Jim IV and the genius are in a contest to see who can lose the most weight by April 1. This little challenge will spur them both on because I don't know anyone more competitive than those two. The winner will treat the other one to a "blow it all out" dinner, and thus negate three months of dieting! I'll be in Phoenix for three and a half weeks during part of this starving process so will miss out on any moans and groans about hunger pains, etc. Oh, darn!!

And speaking of Phoenix, or more specifically Glendale, what a great game that was last night between Texas and Ohio State. I was pulling for Texas all the way because I believe that the Big 10 is so overrated, but that was an exciting finish. Now on to the REALLY important game, Florida vs. Oklahoma. The genius and I have waited for this one all year!! I hope we can pull another one out for the SEC whose current bowl record is 7 and 2.

And then we will begin the long dry spell of waiting for the 2009 season to begin!!

THE END OF A GOOD YEAR

Soooo, I took a little vacation from the blog. With the genius home, and me scuttling around trying to keep him busy with "house stuff," I decided to take a break from writing. But now I'm back with itchy fingers.

Today Annie is spending the day with me (she doesn't go back to school until tomorrow) and we will take time for some pampering. The nails place is calling to us for some attention to our fingers and toes, so we will do that first. Then it's on to Walmart (my new best friend for groceries).

I also need to go to PetSmart for a doggie backpack for me and Rufus. I plan to use that to take him on the plane to Phoenix in February and I want him to get used to it first. That should be an interesting experiment, his being bundled up on my back like that. I'm sure he won't like it at first, and maybe not ever, but he will have to do it anyway.

We had a great New Year's Eve celebration with the sisters and husbands in Fairfield Glade this year. The "girls" all went shopping during the day while the men worked out and/or watched football. Since we were so close to the Eastern Time Zone we celebrated at midnight their time instead of ours so we could go on to bed. (I don't know what our excuse will be next year when we are back in Nashville!)

MA fixed us an excellent lunch on New Year's Day of pork roast, turnip greens (freshly picked and frozen last summer), black eyed peas (of course! You have to eat at least one for each month of the new year, but we all ate lots more than that!), BJ's sweet potato and corn casseroles and her delicious cornbread. There was red velvet cake and boiled custard for dessert.

You may wonder what my contribution was to this wonderful feast. I was the drink fixer, the dish washer, and general flunky. I know better than to try to compete with my sisters in the cooking department. And oh yes, I bought the roast.

We had a great time, but maybe not as good as the Phoenix side of the family who were vacationing in Hawaii at the time!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU!!!!

WHAT IS THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT?

When I became a Christian about thirty-eight years ago, a strange feeling came upon mne. I began to dislike Christmas and all the busy-ness that went with it. I wanted to concentrate on the spiritual side of the holidays and somehow couldn't because of all the activities that went with them.

I had so much more to do then than I do now: shopping for tons of people, baking all types of goodies to give as gifts, sending out Christmas cards, picking out and decorating the tree, decorating the rest of the house, wrapping presents, going to tons of parties and on and on. No matter how hard I tried to get that mysterious undefinable feeling that is called the Christmas spirit back, I just couldn't and haven't for a long time.

Over the years I just learned to accept it and somehow get through all the tasks, occasionally experiencing little glimpses of the magic I used to associate with Chrstmas. I still collected my manger scenes and enjoyed setting them out each year.

This year is different, however, and I don't know why. Maybe it was the rest in Florida for a month, maybe it's because my life is not as hectic. Whatever it is, I'm enjoying it thoroughly. I brought out my manger scenes and the little artificial fiber optic Christmas trees and stuck them in the front windows, both upstairs and down. I adorned the front porch and three holly bushes in front of the house with lots and lots of tiny colored lights. And I turned on the white lights that stay year round on the ficus tree in the dining room.

I wouldn't say that I've gone all out in decorating, but it's just enough to suit me. Tomorrow (the 23rd) is going to be my day for cooking. I'm cooking a turkey, then cutting it off of the bone and putting it in chicken stock to store in the refrig. Then all I have to do is heat it up and make the gravy. I'll make all the other stuff, dressing, squash casserole, bread and have it all ready to heat'n'serve Christmas Eve night, when the Nashville family all gathers at our house. (Because of my recent battle with oysters, I'm ommiting the scalloped oysters this year.) Brenda and Laurie will bring two other dishes each.

So once again we will be well fed and excited to open presents after dinner. And I won't be so tired from spending all day in the kitchen; I can really enjoy the gift openings.

To all my readers out there, I hope you all have a very merry Christmas, and will truly enjoy it. Maybe we will even turn off all the lights except for the Christmas ones and play inspiring music.

Actually, that will probably have to occur on Christmas night when everyone is gone. I can't see the grandchildren getting into that scene!

BAD COLDS

When I came home from Florida the latter part of November, the genius had been in the middle of a bad cold. I was very compassionate and tried to be patient when he moaned and groaned. Then just about the time he was getting over that, he came down with a fresh cold and cough. (Of course that's what happens when you burn the candle at both ends.)

Still, I tried to commiserate with him and to be as sympathetic as I could. I pampered him with delicious hot meals. In fact, I believe I could have gotten a good angel award for my admirable behavior.

Thursday afternoon I began to feel somewhat under the weather myself -- my throat began to itch, my chest felt tight, and the sneezes started. I was not a happy camper, to say the least.

After a sleepless night of coughing, I was not feeling too hot Friday morning, but I was trying to be my happy cheerful self. As we were driving out in the car that morning, a little moan escaped from my lips, and he snarled, "Oh boy, I can see that this is going to be a great weekend."

I said, Wait a minute!! Hold on!!! I'm not allowed to say I feel bad when I have a cold??? I have listened to you for weeks about how bad you felt and how hard it was to keep going, etc., etc., etc. I've tried my best to be a good wife to you while you were trudging through the mess, and you have the gall to growl at me because I groaned a little???

Actually, I didn't say all that, just a short version of it. But I got my point across. Ever since then he has been very sweet and helpful. But I sincerely hope that we will get back to good health soon.

It's definitely not fun to be sick anytime, but especially at Christmas!!!!

ALL TIME FAVORITE BOOKS

Every now and then I come across a passage out of a book I'm reading and I'm captivated with the message, the way it is written, and how it hits me where I live. The following quote from The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield is an example of what I'm talking about.

There is something about words. In expert hands, maniputated deftly, they take you prisoner. Wind themselves around your limbs like spider silk, and you are so enthralled you cannot move, they pierce your skin, enter your blood, numb your thoughts. Inside you they work their magic.

This one paragraph describes how I feel so many times when I'm reading the Scriptures, for instance. The words indeed "work their magic" in me as I ponder what I've just read. And what better hands could the words be manipulated by than the Spirit of God? No wonder the Bible is still the #1 bestseller!

But I also feel this way when I read an excellent novel. I get so caught up in reading it that I think about it while I go about my business during the day and when I'm falling asleep at night. Sometimes I even dream about certain aspects of the book.

If I'm really taken with the author, I will try to get all the books he/she has written and read them all. And these I don't rush through so I can savor the experience for as long as possible. I'm doing that very thing now with James Herriot, the Yorkshire vet who wrote hilariously about his adventures treating animals. I recently ordered five of his books and started at the beginning (All Creatures Great and Small). I'm taking my time going through it so I can admire and appreciate his "way with words." He was a genius at using just enough exaggeration of an incident to make it really funny.

I think it would be interesting to hear from readers about what books have given you the most enjoyment over the years. Like we did with movies. And it doesn't have to be just fiction.

I'll go first: my favorite all time book is Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, which I read the first time in 1960 when I was 21.

Let's see how you do with this assignment!!

LEARNING TO BE A HOUSEWIFE

When I was in Florida during the month of November, I had plenty of opportunities to work in the kitchen. Sometimes it was cleaning up after one of the sisters had cooked, sometimes I did the cooking myself. But the most interesting times for me were when all three of us sisters were cooking at the same time.

We all have different styles and ideas about cooking and we are all pretty strong minded women. So, while we all tolerated each other extremely well, it was obvious at least to me that this was just another area in which we are different.

BJ and MA are more alike in their "kitchen views" but they cook most of their meals at home whereas the genius and I are likely to eat out several times a week. Both sisters are excellent cooks, but at the same time, they are very smart shoppers, buying sale items, etc. Also, they don't waste a thing, saving leftovers, recycling ziplock backs, and washing and reusing disposable cups. Everything they do in the kitchen is designed to be tasty and healthy and doing so with the least expenditure.

And then I step into the picture. My cooking philosophy is to make the food taste as delicious as I can and I do it lavishly. My grocery basket is always filled with real butter, real cream, meats straight from the butcher, extra thick paper towels, and nothing low fat. (The other day we ran out of butter at home and the genius asked me if I had any other "spreads" in the refrigerator. I said, "Absolutely not!") So my grocery bill is always higher than theirs.

After 48 years of cooking for the genius, I have also learned to make plenty of whatever I'm making. That's another way I am different from my sisters. BJ and MA tend to cut back on the servings for their husbands because they don't "need" it, while my feeling is to give them as much as they want. Chun laughingly says that MA is "always telling me what I need!" If I don't give the genius as much as he wants he just goes to the pantry and eats something else in addition to the meal.

Well, I am happy to report that I learned something from them while watching them cook in Florida. For one thing, I save the leftovers and have them for lunch the next day. Also, I have begun to buy my groceries from Walmart and am saving a bundle. And I'm cooking more and eating out less. And best of all, I finally learned from BJ how to whip up good cornbread. I've probably cooked it 4 or 5 times since I've been back. The genius loves all these changes!

I may yet become a good house frau!!

CHANGES, CHANGES

Whew!!! I finally get a day to myself at home. It's been a busy weekend and yesterday was a day of going to the doctor and later picking up grandchildren. So today is definitely braless and at home (sorry, Tsquared, for the mental image).

Today is also math exam day for the genius, so I definitely won't see much of him. He will be grading, calculating grades, and writing comments to each set of parents for the rest of the week. THEN, we can relax and enjoy the holidays while he has a little spare time. We get somewhat of a preview of what it will be like when he retires (if he ever does!).

Life is full of adjustments. First, I had a very busy career as a mother for twenty some odd years, then I had to adjust to a life of balancing school and tennis, then on to 18 years of teaching. Adjusting to retirement when my life suddenly became slower and more peaceful was not difficult. What I wonder is if I can as easily get used to having the genius around full time. I've become somewhat accustomed to keeping my own schedule so I'm sure there will be some compromises for both of us. But my adjustment will be nothing compared to his. To stop working after so many years of putting in 16-18 hour days will be quite a change for him!

And speaking of changes, my body has had some interesting temperature shifts over the years. First, as a child and most of my adult life, I was freezing all the time except in the heat of summer. Then I began to be hotter natured than almost everyone around me, which I attributed to women problems and the gaining of weight. Then in September, when I stopped drinking, an amazing phenomenom occurred. I am now back to being cold again. I've had to raise the temp in the house and also put on layers of clothes to keep warm this winter. It's amazing that alcohol and the lack of it could make such a difference.

I would go back to Florida this winter, but instead I have opted for a month in Phoenix where I can be with my family.

Besides, IT'S FREE!

NOw I KNOW HOW TO RELAX!!

Now that I've retired my days are divided into two different types: bra and bra-less. I know, I know, that's more than you wanted to know about a grandmother of eight, but I'm spilling the beans anyway (no pun intended).

It's great to kick back when I'm at home and not to be "bound up" all day; I just never realized how much freedom I would feel in this little state of "undress," but I recommend it highly. It makes me appreciate all the burning of bras in the sixties. At last I can fully understand what that was about.

Anyway, I don't subject myself to the public (or vise-versa) without a bra on. If I'm going anywhere, even running to the store, I am fully "trussed up." But it sure is nice on the days I stay home all day.

You may wonder what the reaction of the genius is to this, but I can tell you he is the master of not noticing what I look like. In fact, he is almost completely unobservant when it comes to seeing what women are wearing. A girl I played tennis with once told me a story that proves my point.

She was working for IBM and it just happened that the genius was her manager. He assigned her to a very active account, and she was having to work long hours. She was so upset with him that she decided to try to make a point and wore the same dress three days in a row, hoping he would think she hadn't even had time to change clothes. Alas, it fell flat; he never picked up on it.

When she told me about the incident years later, I had a hearty laugh because I knew the plan would never have worked on the genius.

My writing was just interrupted by a call from the man himself and when he heard what the subject was, he said, "Omigosh! Now remember, this goes out to the world, I don't want hordes of people coming to our door!"

Isn't that fabulous?!? He believes that I could draw in a multitude just by saying I don't wear a bra at home.

Love truly is blind. BLESS HIM!!

A NEW JOURNEY ON A WAGON

Sometime in September I decided to quit drinking. People naturally ask why, and it's difficult to answer that question. What I tell them is that wine was becoming too important in my life -- i.e. it was controlling me instead of the other way around. But what has been very interesting to me is others' reaction to this news.

Most people have been very supportive. My family, in particular, has been wonderful and encouraging in this endeavor. I tell them to continue drinking in my presence --it really doesn't bother me, and most do. I still have a great time at parties, and lo and behold, the next day I remember what happened at them.

On the other hand, there have been those who are uncomfortable with my decision and have avoided me like the Plague. One couple whom we used to see almost every weekend has quit calling us. The last three times we were with them the husband said several times, "You're just no fun anymore." So it looks like we have actually lost friends over this.

The other night we dropped by the club for a sandwich in the lounge and ran into another couple we hadn't seen in a while. The wife for some reason always announces to whomever she is with that she is only having one glass of wine because she is driving. She refers to it several time during the conversation throughout the evening. I was used to that, but this time when I announced that I had quit, both of them were very interested. The husband, who drinks quite a bit himself, was very supportive, but the wife couldn't let it go.

She continued to ask me about my decision, plying me with questions. Finally, she said, "You just have to make up your mind ahead of time and have only one glass!"

I felt like saying, "Been there, done that, my dear; it just doesn't work!" But instead, I said, "I would really like to do that, but once I have one, I relax and my resistance goes south and before I know it, I've had three!"

With that, she tapped her head and replied, "It's all up here."

How do you answer that?!!

I graciously decided to let it drop and enjoy my meal!!

LOUNGING AT HOME

Ahhh, a day at home. Well, at least most of it. This afternoon I pick up Jay after basketball practice, then get Annie, take them to their house and wait for Jim IV to arrive (with dinner, I hope). But the rest of the day I will lounge at home and enjoy myself.

Yesterday I had bridge club at a gorgeous home about ten miles away from my house. In fact, it was on the same road that my parents built a house about 40 years ago. They had several enjoyable years there until Daddy had what they thought was a stroke (it was actually the onset of a brain tumor). Then they moved back into town so they could be closer to doctors, etc.

But this house I went to yesterday was built on the top of a hill overlooking a valley. Most of the valley has built up now, but there are still enough farms left to make you feel you are in a rural area.

There was a deck all across the back of the house and the great room where we played had a wall of windows overlooking the valley. I could hardly play bridge for looking at the view; maybe that's why my partner and I finished near the bottom. Oh well, my winning streak was bound to end at some point.

We had a delicious lunch of creamed chicken over cornbread, cranberry congealed salad, and peppermint ice cream over a brownie for dessert. I really wanted to nap afterwards.

The weather has turned warmer; maybe I will get some outside decorating done today. I do like it when the house looks festive for Christmas.

WONDERFUL THREE DAYS

Sometimes weekends turn out to be so-so and other times they are fabulous! The latter was the case for us this past weekend -- it was GREAT!!

It began on Friday night with my cousin David and his wife Betty who surprised us with a visit from Memphis. He was one of my "town" Mississippi cousins who grew up in Oxford, so of course we saw him every summer. We even stayed with them some when we were not "roughing it" out in the country with our other relatives. We loved to walk the 2-3 blocks to the square and have sundaes at his father's drugstore. (The store is there still, but it's a bookstore now.)

He did his undergrad work here at Vanderbilt and we grew closer during that time, going out a few times for a beer, if I remember correctly. He calls me occasionally when he comes to town on "lawyer" business. When he called this time, I quickly gathered up the sisters and husbands and we all convened at Sperry's, our favorite restaurant in Nashville. We really had a great time, laughing until we cried. David is sooo funny -- has that Lauderdale quick wit.

Then what can I say about Saturday? The genius and I were ecstatic over the Gator-Bama game. Now it's on to the National Championship bowl vs. Oklahoma.

Last night we attended a wonderful Christmas faculty party at the genius's school. It's always good to see everyone and have excellent food. We were somewhat anxious about the BCS selection and I finally called my cousin Jane who was monitoring the situation at home, and got the word that the Gators were definitely in the finals. She of course was interested in Ole Miss and where they were playing, but she gave me the news about Florida and we could relax and enjoy the party.

So a good time was had by us all weekend. I love seeing people I haven't seen in a while and partying with them.

Christmastime is great!!! If it just weren't sooooo COLD!!

NEW FRIEND (COUSIN?)

I finally got out to Hendersonville to visit BJ and Jerry and their new dog Monty. He is half Pomeranian and half Shih Tzu. What a little ball of fur he is. And so aggressive.

He chased Rufus around and around while Jesse sat on the sofa and watched. She was definitely above all the male antics!! Every time Monty would put his paws on the sofa where she was, she would growl at him. She, who is usually so mild. But Rufus and he had a blast. I'm sure he must be sleeping and resting now (Rufus is!) because all they did while I was there was run around and play.

Below are two pictures of them.

SELF-DIAGNOSING MY ILLNESS

Several people have questioned me about my illness in Florida. If it were a virus, why didn't anyone else get it? If it were food poisoning, why did it last so long? If it were salmonella-caused, it would have lasted longer, according to three medical people in my family. So I set out to do some research.

These are the facts in the case: 1) I ate raw oysters on Tuesday and Wednesday nights at two different restaurants. 2) On Saturday morning I woke up to diarrhea and fever. 3) The illness lasted five days.

According to my calculations, 86 hours passed between eating the first batch of oysters and the onset of symptoms. The second batch was eaten 62 hours before Saturday morning. The second restaurant was definitely not very clean; Brenda and I noticed some unsanitary practices when we ate there another night.

Now on to the research. I looked up salmonellosis (the virus caused by the salmonella germ) and it is caused from eating raw foods, such as eggs or oysters. The incubation period is anywhere from 12 - 72 hours. And it lasts from 4-7 days.

I'm convinced if anyone else isn't.

No more raw oysters (sob!!) for me!!

ANOTHER GENIUS TALE

While I was in Florida, the genius had lunch with his sister and her husband. She reminded him about an experience he had with his first BB gun when he was a child. I knew that he had always been a stickler for doing the right thing, and this story proves it.

He was about eight years old when he got his first BB gun, an event that occurred to many boys his age growing up in the South in the forties and fifties. His father told him he could shoot at starlings and sparrows, but killing any other kind of bird was illegal. So he set out to bag his first bird.

The problem was that sparrows were too small to hit and the feathers on a starling deflected any BB so effectively that it was almost impossible to bring one down. The only way to do it was to hit it right between the eyes.

One day he was trying yet again, and he got so discouraged he just turned his gun on a bright red cardinal and shot. You guessed it -- he hit it right between the eyes and he fell over instantly dead.

Before that bird even hit the ground the genius was crying hysterically. He knew he had done a terrible thing. When his father came home that night, of course he confessed his sin right away.

The genius suspects that his father was getting ready to tell him that he had done wrong, but had learned a good lesson when his son broke in with, "Daddy, I broke the law, and we have to report it!"

So the wise father took his son by the hand down the street to a neighbor who just happened to be a game warden. The man told him he would let him off this time, but not to do it again.

Then they went back home and buried the cardinal.

This little story shows the side of the genius's personality that is still very prevelant today: wrong behavior has consequences.

Just ask any student he has ever had!!

RAMBLING THOUGHTS ON A GRAY DAY

Well, back to the same old, same old. No more walks on the beach, sunning on the deck, eating fresh seafood (not fresh enough, apparently), and watching gorgeous sunsets over the Gulf. In fact, no sun at all. The last two days we've been socked in by heavy clouds, rain, and cold. How soon can I pack to go back??

I did sneak a peek at the 10 day forecast at the Cape and it's mostly sunny days in the 60's. I wish I could have brought a little of that back with me.

But let's face it; it's just not Christmas-y in that kind of weather. So I'll be content to stay here and get ready for the holidays and enjoy the Christmas lights and colors that show up so much better on dark days than on sunny ones.

Jesse is back with us today. Boy, has Rufus missed her and apparently, vice versa. My daughter-in-law tells me that she has been depressed since Rufus left. You would never know it now. Even though I never said a word to Rufus, he got up on his perch this morning, looking and watching, as if he knew that she would be here soon. Of course, he's in for a very rude awakening because he has to go to the groomers today and Jesse is not going. Oh well, it's just for a few hours and then they can play to their hearts' content.

Ah, a dog's life. My niece tells me she wants to come back in the next life as my dog. Come to think of it, I don't lead a life very different from his -- eat, sleep, play, bathe, have friends over, etc.

As I've said before, RETIREMENT IS GREAT!!!

I'M BACK!!

I sincerely hope that everyone had a happy Thanksgiving yesterday; I know the genius and I did. We spent it with my cousins at their lake house plus 45 of their nearest and dearest friends. This is a family tradition that dates back probably thirty years when my aunt and uncle hosted it. Now it has been taken over by the next generation and the numbers have really grown.

Brenda and I made it back Wednesday night from the Cape. Unfortunately, I had spent my last several days there in bed, sick with food poisoning that started on Saturday. At my age it takes a while to snap back from something like that, and I'm still feeling somewhat rocky. But I refuse to let the illness spoil my memories of a great few weeks at the Cape!!

The good news is I lost some weight!! The bad news is that I'm sure that it will come back easily as soon as my appetite is restored.

The genius told us a funny story that happened to him while I was gone. He went to the grocery and because he was hungry, he stopped by the deli and picked up a reuben sandwich, which he ate before checking out. He had decided to just give the empty container with the bar code on it to the checkout lady.

When he went to check out, there were long lines and he, never being one to wait in line for anything, decided to do the self check out thingy. So he meandered over and started scanning his items. He came to the empty carton and scanned it and put it in the bag, as the voice directed him. But because the weight was gone the "voice lady" couldn't pick it up. So he put his finger in the bag and pushed down what he thought a sandwich would weigh. That was fine, but when he removed his hand, the voice came back on -- "Put the item in the bag!"

So what was he to do? Keep one hand in the bag and try to check out and pay, etc. with it still there? He asked for help but they were busy and couldn't. Finally, I guess he timed out or whatever, but at last his purchase was accepted. But I can see him now trying to keep one finger pushed down and frantically doing all the other tasks with his other hand.

Wouldn't that make a great skit for Mr. Bean?!?

JIM'S LAST DAY

Well, here it us Wednesday. Jim leaves tomorrow and Brenda comes on Friday afternoon, so Rufus and I will have the place to ourselves for a couple of days and one night. As much as I enjoy company, I look forward to having some time to myself and doing just what I want when I want. Of course, I will have no car, so I have to make sure I have all the food I need.

Jim and I have had some great meals out and we are now hanging out in Cafe La Leche where they have wireless. We just had a great lunch at Papa Joe's Oyster Bar and tonight we will have one more seafood meal at an oyster bar up the street from us at the Cape. (Have I ever mentioned that Appalachicola is the oyster capitol of the South?)

Yesterday we found a Family Dollar store in Appalachicola that had the most incredible bargains. We bought a DVD player for $30, a toaster oven for $10, and an Ipod for $15.00. We also loaded up on ear phones, which were $2.00 each. We always seem to need them for trips with the kids so we don't have to listen to their music or movies.

Then we went to a Movie Gallery and rented 6 movies. Last night we watched two of them. And we'll probably watch 2 more tonight. I'm going to donate the oven to the house down here and probably the DVD player also. They knocked a bunch of money off of the rent for November because of our condo situation, so this is my way of thanking them.

And maybe they'll knock off some next year if I decide to come back to the same place!!

THE NEXT INSTALLMENT OF GUESTS

Sooooo, Jim IV arrived today, BJ and Jerry are leaving early in the morning, and Brenda will come down on Friday. I hate to see BJ and Jerry leave; we have had a lot of fun. But they will be looking forward to getting home to their new puppy, Monty.

Jerry doesn't like sudden loud noises and he has had to put up with plenty of that down here. In the first place, jets go over from Tyndall Air Force Base all the time, sometimes breaking the sound barrier. The boom shakes the whole house and startles us all, but especially Jerry. Also, the other night we were eating dinner with Rufus under the table going for the crumbs. All of a sudden, he came forth with one of his loud shrill barks and Jerry's fork flew straight up in the air and landed on the floor. BJ and I laughed so hard we could hardly eat.

Changing the subject, remember when I talked the other day about Intruder in the Dust, the movie made from a book of William Faulkner's that featured our uncle's house in it? Well, I found a copy online and ordered it. I can hardly wait to watch it and relive those memories of when we used to visit Oxford and stay in that house.

I sincerely hope the movie is better than the book. Faulkner is not one of my favorite authors. I read Intruder at some point in my life and the main thing that stands out was that one sentence of his went on for seven pages!! I'm serious!!

That could be one reason I don't particularly like his books!

THE SEARCH FOR ICE CREAM

Well, MA and Chun left this morning; I hated to see them go because we had such a good time together.

Last night we had our last meal here. I'll have to say that I have really been pampered by my two sisters. They have planned and cooked every meal since we have been here except for the ones we ate out. Also, I did bring down a chicken casserole I had made and frozen, but other than that, that's the extent of the cooking I have done. I have cleaned up the dishes several times, but the kitchen is so close to the dining area that I almost feel like I'm still at the table with them while they sit around it and talk. Altogether, it's been very enjoyable.

Last night I was loading the dishwasher and I asked, "Who wants ice cream?"

Someone said we didn't have enough, and I answered, "I wasn't talking about here; I'm talking about going to the little store for some cones."

Well, we jumped into the car and drove over to the store only to arrive just as it was closing. So we turned around and started back. Then someone suggested we drive into Port St. Joe and get some at the Piggly Wiggly. So we all agreed this was a good idea and proceeded to drive the 10 miles over there, even though it was raining.

Of course, while we were in the store, we had to stock up on some other things (56.00 worth). And then we came back and had some great pralines and cream ice cream. What started out to be a little jaunt to get ice cream cones turned into a major shopping spree!

Oh, Well, it's little spur of the moment ideas that can be so much fun. We laughed and joked all the way over there and back.

And Rufus enjoyed the ride, too!

MEMORIES IN MISSISSIPPI

I mentioned yesterday that the sisters and I have been discussing a lot of memories and one of them that came up was the house that belonged to one of our uncles. Uncle Andrew (pronounced Andra, I don't know why) at one time lived in Oxford just off the square in a very interesting house. We three girls were fascinated because of its unusual qualities.

From the outside it looked like a two story mansion with columns and a front porch. Then when you walked inside there was a big hall that went all the way to the back. On each side of the hall were big rooms and as I recall the kitchen was at the back of the house. The house was nice and roomy and airy too with the breeze coming in the tall windows and blowing through the house.

It was the upstairs that was so unlike other houses because it housed the town jail. Enclosed steps led up off of the back porch up to the second level and there you could walk in and see the cells. I barely remember that, but the sisters both had more memories than I and could supply more details.

They remember when our aunt would take up plates full of food to the prisoners three times a day. Sometimes she would even let them help!! Virtually all of the prisoners were men and they were usually brought in for being drunk. MA also recalled playing in the yard and looking up and seeing faces at the window watching them. She said it was a creepy feeling.

We realized at the time what a novelty it was to visit someone who lived in a jailhouse, but amazingly we were never afraid. We probably realized that the prisoners were pretty harmless or Uncle Andrew wouldn't have let us stay.

In the fifties Hollywood made a movie from one of William Falkner's books entitled Intruder in the Dust. In it the house was featured because someone was arrested and brought to the jailhouse. We all went to see it, of course, and were enthralled to see our uncle's house shown off in such a prominent way. The movie also starred Nashville's own Claude Jarman when he was a teenager so that added to the excitement. As I recall, Intruder was not that big a hit and I don't remember being all that enthralled with the plot. But I do remember the thrill of seeing the familiar places that we knew so well in Oxford being shown on the big screen for all the world to see.

I've been trying and trying to imagine this sort of thing taking place today, but those were the fifties (before drugs came on the scene) and the worst crime in a small town like that was usually having one too many in a back alley.

MORE FROM THE CAPE

We're still having a great time down here. MA and Chun arrived about 5:00 on Saturday afternoon after an uneventful trip down. (Except in Dothan they got stuck in the Peanut Festival traffic.) I keep thinking I'll take a picture of the three of us and post it, but so far I've been too lazy.

We've had some good home cooked meals (by MA and BJ; I'm not into cooking on vacation). We've sunned and read books and talked a lot about old times. We have some good memories, I will say that.

Last night we went to our old favorite, Papa Joe's Oyster Bar in Appalachacola and it did not disappoint us. Their fried oysters were as good as ever. I even bought myself another one of their T shirts to sleep in. They are very soft and comfortable for wearing anytime.

Then we came back here and drove out to see some of the damage to the cape from the water surge from Ike. Even though Ike hit in Texas, the surge from it damaged both the road and some of the houses (including the condos where we were to stay). We could also look down the beach and see how close they are to said condos to pumping in more sand for the beach in front of them. We then bought some ice cream cones to finish off our meal.

This morning we went to Port St. Joe for breakfast at Sisters so MA and Chun could have that great experience. One of the owners is a Tennessee fan and one is a Florida State supporter, so I made sure to wear one of my many Gator shirts. I told Chun beforehand that the proprietor was for Tennessee and he said, "Don't tell her I am; I'm too embarassed this year."

We had a good breakfast and were back here in time for some good sunning on the deck. The wind was a little cool, but it felt good to me.

We're all getting brown as berries and soooo healthy looking!!

SUN TIME IS FUN TIME

We've settled into a regular schedule here at the Cape. We get up about 7:00 or 7:30(except for Jerry who arises much earlier and is usually walking the beach by the time we get up). Then we take it easy drinking coffee and lounging around planning our day. Everyone is on his/her own for breakfast unless we fix a big fattening one and then about 10:00 BJ and Jerry head for the beach.

I stay on the back deck because I can hear the phone and Rufus can stay with me. Of course, I am getting too much sun, but it sure feels good to soak it up. Think of all the endorphins and Vitamin D I am getting! There's usually a nice breeze and it is very comfortable. This is definitely the best time of year to come down here.

In the afternoon we read or go to the store in Port St. Joe. Then we have a delicious dinner that BJ has usually fixed for us.

At night it's in the fifties, so I just don my Gator windbreaker when I take Rufus outside for the nightly walk. And speaking of the Gators, the fans around here were very happy over the Georgia game. Everyone I talked to was ecstatic.

Jim IV told me that Jesse seems a little depressed without Rufus to play with. Now I feel bad that I didn't bring her too. But he is enjoying himself walking the beach, etc.

Tomorrow MA and Chun are coming down. There's no telling what we three sisters can get into!!

FUN IN THE SUN AT CAPE SAN BLAS

OK, folks, it's back to the Dark Ages!! We don't have wireless here at the beach house, so the other day BJ and I took our laptops to the parking lot of a real estate office and got on. That's how I was able to post a message the other day. Then we remembered DIAL UP!! Why didn't I think of that before? Anyway, BJ can get it on hers; I can't because the week before I came down my computer got a virus and in order to fix it, we had to erase the hard drive and start over. AOL, my dial up connection, wasn't put back on. So I'm using hers to check mail, obits, etc.

I had forgotten the awful sound the dial up connection makes. AND the long waits between web addresses, etc. I remember I used to read a book while I was on the computer when we had it on dial up and would read while I waited for things to load. Ah well, it's amazing how it all comes back and how appreciative I am to have any connection to the outside world via the internet.

We are still having great weather here. Today there was not a cloud anywhere and the temp was supposed to reach 80 degrees. It was certainly hot here on the front deck, where I get my vitamin D. I stay here rather than go to the beach with BJ and Jerry because that way I can have Rufus with me. I just block off the opening to the steps with some upended chairs and he stays right on the porch with me or when he gets too hot, he goes inside and watches me.

As usual, he is having a ball on his vacation, but I'm sure he misses Jesse. Maybe next time I can manage both.

Actually, BJ and Jerry have acquired a little dog themselves: one that is half shihtzu and half pomeranian. The little feller was too young to make the trip (only 6 weeks) so he is staying with one of her daughters until she returns. So next year Rufus can play with Monty (short for Montana).

MA and Chun are coming down this Saturday, so we will have the whole family here. What fun we will have!!

I just hope we can behave and not be called down by the restaurant personel for being too loud like we were once in Vicksburg, MS!! THREE TIMES!

AT THE CAPE

Well, we are here and loving it. The house is great -- one bedroom and bath on the main floor and 2 more of the same on the top floor. This place is actually much nicer than the condos where we stayed before but the location is not as good. It faces the beach, but is a little walk to it. The others were right on it, but that's also the reason they are not available anymore. They were washed away.

Jerry, BJ, Rufus and I made it down in record time. We only stopped for gas and at rest areas. At one of the rest areas we spread out a nice picnic lunch of fried chicken, potato salad, stuffed eggs, and fresh fruit salad. I had put it all together the day before and it tasted very good. But then picnic food always does.

I'll try to get a picture downloaded to my computer so you can see what the place looks like. Rufus has adjusted to it nicely.

On another subject, we had a ball at the luncheon on Friday and came up with a name for our group: Burro Babes. (The burro was our high school mascot.) We all had a great time telling funny stories, and finally one of the others said, "When did you all get so funny? I don't remember y'all being this way."

We laughed and decided that we were too uptight in high school to be witty. We were too busy trying to get dates and that was a serious business.

We're much more relaxed and happy now and can say what's on our minds.

ANSWERING COMMENTS

Yesterday’s blog brought some comments from T², our eldest grandson, who lives in Surprise, AZ (isn’t that a cool name?). He’s the genius electrical engineer who’s married to another genius electrical engineer. His comments always make me laugh, but this time they were particularly funny and deserve an answer.

Tom, I think I’ll pass on the suggestion for the costumes; I just don’t have the time or energy since I’m leaving for Florida tomorrow. By the way, I have remembered the last time I dressed up and it was kind of lame. The genius (senior) and I had sweat shirts that said on them “I’d Rather Fight Than Switch” (a reference to an ad for Tareyton cigarettes) and painted black eyes on ourselves. As I said, pretty bad. That was probably about 40 years ago.

I don’t know how to take the second comment about my senility (or lack of). There seems to be a veiled suggestion that I have always acted a little senile. And of course, that would be true. Or maybe airhead is a better term.

As for your dad taking care of Rufus, I observed the two together while he was visiting with us in September and your father didn’t seem all that enamored with my precious baby. So I think I will pass on that suggestion, also. Of course, once I’m gone, I’ll have very little say in the matter.

Then you thanked me for NOT talking about politics in the blog. Believe me, I wouldn’t waste any more cyberspace talking about that subject. Is everyone else as tired of this election as I am? I feel like it’s been years instead of months that we’ve been bombarded with every little detail. I’ll just be glad when Tuesday comes. And please, Lord, don’t let it be strung out like it was in 2000.

To switch subjects, I’d like to explain who Horchada is for those who might have read Miktrue’s comments yesterday. Mike and Ashley have two labs: the first (a chocolate one) they named Kahlua because of his color. Then when Horchada (I thought it was Orchada because they don’t pronounce the H) came along, he was white so they named him for a white Mexican drink. Only my son-in-law who doesn’t imbibe would name their two dogs after alcoholic beverages.

One more note: Horchada is a Marley (a dog in a book entitled Marley and Me. I highly recommend reading it, or you may want to just wait and see the movie). He is huge and hyper and gets into all kinds of trouble. Just a few weeks ago he and Kahlua got into a big bag of chocolate chips and made themselves so sick they had to spend the night at the vet’s with IV’s etc. That little trick set the family back $800. And that’s just the beginning. I could spend a few blogs talking about the antics of that dog. Can you imagine what it will be like when Rufus gets into the mix in February when I take him to visit?

Well, this is a long blog today, but it is the last one for a while. I may be able to get wireless occasionally when I’m in Florida, but I’m not sure. If so, I’ll try to write a few times and maybe put some pictures online.

Until then, ADIOS!!

RANDOM RAMBLINGS

OK, I'm over it. I grew tired of looking at the gray temples and decided to have another go at the coloring of my hair. I'm not greatly pleased at the outcome, but at least I don't have to look at the gray temples anymore.

And besides, the high school girls are meeting for lunch tomorrow (I think we need a "name"; I'm tired of calling us the high school girls) and I surely want to look my best for that!

I love meeting with them; I feel we are getting closer each time we get together. It's really strange because before the 50th reunion I didn't think about them very much. Now I really look forward to each gathering.

Wanda (an appropriate name for Halloween) has agreed to host a Halloween luncheon at her house in Franklin. We can dress in costume if we wish, but I think I'll just go in jeans. Maybe I'll purchase a mask of some kind. It's been years since I've done anything like this; do you suppose it's a sign of senility that we would revert back to childhood games?

Speaking of age, when I took Rufus for his annual checkup, the vet said he could live to be 15 or 20 years of age. At first I didn't think anything of it, but then I begAn to do the math, and it now seems very possible that Rufus could outlive one or both of us. That's a scary thought to the other members of the family!!

Take good care of him, kids, or I will come back to haunt you!!

TOO OLD TO RUN

This morning I had made an appointment to have Rufus and Jesse groomed and drove them to PetSmart in Hundred Oaks Shopping Center. The area is full of trucks and heavy equipment due to a complete renovation of the mall. It's always a pain to maneuver around all of that, but this morning it was particularly harrowing.

I had managed to get both dogs into the car, dragging Rufus because he is always suspicious when we go anywhere in the early mornings. He knows it's either to the vet or to the groomers, both of which he dislikes intensely. This morning he refused to get into the car, period.

Jesse, on the other hand, was excited and jumped right in. So when we arrived at our destination, I picked Rufus up and got Jesse out of the car on her leash. But she saw where we were and didn't want to budge. I made the mistake of pulling her and the collar slid right over her head. Then she took off.

I threw Rufus back in the car and took out after her running and calling her, praying that no car or truck would hit her. Finally I cornered her at a fence and was able to pick her up. When I turned around there were three others behind me, all from PetSmart, chasing along with me. They had seen through the window what had happened and were ready to help out.

Whew!! What a scary experience!! But I learned a couple of things in the process: 1) pick Jesse up next time, and 2) I'M TOO OLD TO RUN!!!

FOOTBALL AND MORE FOOTBALL

College football! How we love it!! It's been an interesting season thus far. The Gators really piled it on Kentucky on Saturday, Ohio State got beat (I still really question Penn State's ranking, I mean LOOK at their schedule!), and Alabama is still rolling, Tide, rolling. The genius and I anxiously await the rankings each week.

But then there's Vanderbilt. ONCE AGAIN, we got our hopes up for them. For the last three years they have won five games and have had a chance to make it six and go to a bowl. They haven't been in years and usually don't even come close. Then they lose that game they SHOULD win and stay home at bowl time --- again. This year they started out at 5 and 0 and we were sure it was the year. They were ranked 13th in the nation!! They had Mississippi State and Duke coming up, so surely they would win one of those. But no, it's just another year so far. I think they decided this year they would see how many hopes they could raise by winning the first five and then stop. And now if they do win I won't even be here to celebrate; the season will be about over when I get back from Florida.

And speaking of football and the vacation, there's a little oyster bar near where we will be staying this year that is Gatorland all the way. The floor is a checkerboard of orange and blue squares and there are Gator signs everywhere. When we were there this summer the proprietor told us that they have big turnouts to watch the Gators play. So maybe I can talk some of the relatives staying with us to go there and watch on Saturdays at least for a while.

It won't be long now and we will be starting down I-65. I will be away from the computer for almost the whole month of November, so don't look for any Pegtales during that time. I may get online at the Realtors just to catch up on my email, but I probably won't start up again on the Tales until I get back.

But this week I'm still here!

RAINY DAY

Such a dreary day today, and I have learned something: The genius is a fair weather friend. This morning I awoke at 6:30 and realized he had gone for the day; the place was dark. I knew when he had gotten up because I had stirred enough to look at the clock. But he was gone now.

So I dozed about twenty more minutes until I knew I had to take care of Rufus. I dragged myself out of the sack (I always have to drag in the mornings) and then I saw why he had left without taking Rufus outside. It was raining!! What a beginning to a gray day.

Now, unless you think I am a spoiled brat, I must hasten to say that I am exaggerating. I really do appreciate the genius and his willingness to take the dog out first thing each day. I know there are not many husbands who would do that, especially when he goes to work each day and I don’t. So I don’t really begrudge his not doing it today. I just wish it weren’t raining!!

In an effort to cheer myself up I looked at the weather forecast for Port Saint Joe where I will be soon and guess what? It’s raining there, too. But the day we arrive it is supposed to be nice.

So today I’ll do what I’ve wanted to do all morning: go back to bed and sleep!!

TRIP TO FAIRFIELD GLADE

Well, I’m back from my delightful trip to Fairfield Glade. I had a great time with my sister, MA and her husband, Chun. And I enjoyed meeting and playing bridge with her friends. I finished third, but of course, I can blame it on the cards since this was party bridge, not duplicate.

When I first walked into the house where they were playing, I noticed that all the ladies had little coin purses in their hands. I soon found out why.

They had some unique rules to keep the game interesting. First, they all put fifty cents in the pot for the first and second place finishers. Then on each table was a little dish in which people put a nickel every time they didn’t make what they bid. Lastly, if anyone had a hand without a face card, she went around and collected a dime from everyone as compensation for such a bad hand. After the scores were tallied, the person to finish last won all the nickels. MA won last AND had a faceless hand once, so she really racked up.

I enjoyed all the playing and talking and the good snack food to boot.

Now I’m starting to get ready for my next trip which will be a week from Saturday. BJ, her husband, Jerry, and I plus dog(s) (I haven’t decided whether I’m taking Jesse or not) will leave on November 1 for Cape San Blas, FL. They will stay two weeks, then Jim IV will arrive for a few days to coincide with a tennis tournament he will be playing in and to be followed by Brenda and her clan that last week. And while I was visiting in Fairfield I talked MA and Chun into coming down the second week. So it will be a full house but not all at the same time.

I really look forward to basking in the sun, walking the beaches and watching the sunsets each night. And best of all, sharing it with various members of my family!!

BRIDGE EXPERT (?)

My eldest grandson made fun of me the other day, calling me “old” because I have excelled at that great card game of bridge. I’m used to his insults so let me just say right now that I challenge him to learn the game before I get out there (Phoenix) in February. Or maybe he is correct because it is such a complicated game that maybe it does take a life time of learning to be come an expert.

Whatever, my prowess at the game has spread far and wide and I have been invited to substitute in a game in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee. So on Sunday afternoon I will drive the two hours to that town of mostly Social Security recipients, spend the night with MA, and on Monday will play all day (or a few hours) to broaden my experience.

Actually, all kidding aside, I am visiting MA and her husband and the bridge club just happens to be during that visit and they just happen to need a sub. I’m looking forward to meeting MA’s friends and playing a little bridge with them.

So, T², at least I did turn down a trip on a bridge cruise to Mexico in February. Mainly so I could come out and harass you.

GATOR STORY

Yesterday my cousin Jane asked me to remind her of the Gator connection, so I decided to talk about that today. I was sure I had mentioned it before but I can’t find the original in any of my files. So here goes with the Gator story.

The genius and I married in 1960 and after nine months, we trekked off to Fort Sill, OK, so that he could fulfill his obligation to Uncle Sam and serve his time as a Lieutenant in the U. S. Army. While we were there, he decided he wanted to continue his education after he finished out his two years. So he applied to several universities. The one that came up with the best offer was the University of Florida. So in August of 1963 we took off for that great campus with one child in a car seat and another still in the nest waiting to be born.

At first because we couldn’t get on-campus housing, we lived in a little two bedroom clapboard house right on the main highway. We were soon accepted, however, into the married student housing, an apartment I would put into the category of a government housing project, if that good. For this hovel we paid $25.00/month so we really couldn’t complain. On the $200/month salary the genius received $25.00 looked pretty good.

But let’s face it, the place was wretched. It was a two story building that had been converted from old Army barracks into eight tiny roach-infested apartments. But the good (?) news was that everyone else around us was in the same boat. And we made some good friends while we were there.

We also became interested in Gator sports, particularly football. There was this spectacular quarterback at the time racking up all kinds of points for the team and he was fun to watch. The year after we left he was named the Heisman Trophy winner. I’m talking about everyone’s favorite coach, Steve Spurrier. We became big fans of his both as a player and later as a coach. Whatever you say about him, he put the Gators on the map of college football.

So that is a part of the story of our U of F history. We are still Vanderbilt fans also, but we’ve been let down so many times rooting for them that we usually just stick with the Gators. And over the years we haven’t often been disappointed.

EXCEPT WHEN THEY LOST TO OLE MISS A FEW WEEKS AGO!!

RANDOM THOUGHTS

I didn’t realize my little blog on “hair” yesterday would illicit so many comments. I should have known, however, since an entire musical was written in the sixties on the subject and even entitled “Hair.” It’s always been a great topic of conversation from Bible times until now. So I was amused to read them all, and I hope you get a chance to have a chuckle about them too.

At first I did a double take at the alwaysaRebel person but soon figured out that it was my cousin Jane whom I haven’t talked to for a while. I must say that although I haven’t mentioned it on the blog, I’m still smarting from the whuppin’ we Gators took from the Rebels a few weeks ago. There’s no doubt we would be #1 in the football rankings at this point if it weren’t for “them Rebels.” Ah well, the LSU game almost made up for the loss.

Yesterday I went to bridge club and I’m almost embarrassed to say that I won again. This time I played with a woman who is very unsure of herself about her playing ability but is always eager to learn from her mistakes. Yesterday she told me after we found out we were the winners, “Peggy, you don’t understand; I always finish at the bottom. We really communicated well today and fit together.” She was really happy about the win and was high-fiving me all over the place.

Well, I can’t take credit and that’s not false modesty. I really believe it must be a God thing because there’s still an element of luck even in duplicate bridge.

And speaking of God, I have received a new Bible I ordered from Amazon and it is amazing. I highly recommend it to everyone, believers or not. It is most unusual in that it is entirely chronological. I have started with the New Testament and all the gospels are mixed together in the order of how the story of Christ unfolds. That may mean a repetition of the same story three or even four times, but it’s not boring at all. In fact, it’s interesting to compare the various viewpoints to each other. There is an historical timeline plus background information on each page, so the reading is slow. The Book of Acts is interspersed with Paul’s letters throughout. I look forward to reading that as well.

Hopefully, all of the Bible study will play out spiritually in my own life, but the Spirit has a very stubborn subject to work with and on!!

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE HAIR SALON

About fifteen or twenty years ago I noticed that I was beginning to get some gray hair at my temples. So I quickly made the decision to get a head start on “beating the age thing” by having my hair highlighted with blonde streaks. The only problem was that it was really mainly blonde instead of highlighted, but no stylist could ever seem to get it right.

What I disliked most about the business was that I had to keep doing it because it always showed dark at the roots and had to be continued. That was both expensive and time consuming.

Recently, I was finally able to convince my hair stylist that I wanted darker hair with blonde highlights. So she put a light brown at the roots and highlighted it just like I wanted. It took a little getting used to because it was a little darker than I had been wearing it, but it grew on me (no pun intended).

As my hair grew out and the color along with it, I began to look more closely at the roots. I discovered that I really have very little gray except for the tiny bit at the temples that I have had all along. My first thought was, “All this time I’ve been spending all that money and time covering up gray that wasn’t even there?!!”

Well, better to find out now and at least I will have a choice. So I’ve made the big decision to let all the highlights grow out and see what’s really there. Then if I want, I can still go back and get it done all over again.

Time is not so much of a factor now, but think of the money I’ll save!! I’ll keep you readers posted as to the final outcome.

ONE MORE COMMUNICATION STORY

I have one more story about Rufus and communicating. Then I’ll move on to other more interesting topics. Unless he really surprises me again.

I never knew a dog could pitch a tantrum, but I definitely witnessed one the other day.

The morning routine goes like this: the genius

1) gets Rufus out of bed before setting off for work,
2) takes him out for one or both “jobs,”
3) gives him a Greenie (a green toothbrush-shaped treat that he loves almost as much as he does his IAM bone), which he always eats on the bed with me
4) feeds him dog food and a tiny bit of chicken,
5) gives him an IAM bone which he also eats on the bed and then goes back to sleep until I arise.

The other morning when Rufus threw up during the night, (he has a delicate stomach and does that about once a month) I told the genius to withhold the bone and just give him the Greenie. So that’s what he did. He left his chicken and dog food downstairs and left him eating his Greenie on the bed with me. He then turned off the lights and left (it was still dark).

Well!! …. When Rufus heard him leave, he leapt off the bed and raced downstairs, howling his rage at the top of his lungs. He then proceeded to run around downstairs for 20-30 minutes, barking constantly. Thank goodness for the noise maker – I could doze through it all until he finally quieted down and came back to bed.

This is so reminiscent of the times when our own toddlers would pitch a fit. I laughed at them then (Jim IV still remembers my laughing at him once when he was having a fit of temper) and I still laugh at them.

Some things just don’t change!

THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION

We’ve all heard about how much communication can help relationships. Every good marriage therapist learns that fact in Counseling 101. I agree with its importance, and that’s why after 2½ years of trying to understand Rufus and vice versa, I’m pleased to announce that we have finally learned what each one wants. Well, almost.

Here’s a typical scenario: I’m sitting in my favorite red chair in the living room either reading or working (or playing) on the laptop and he approaches and puts his paws on the seat cushion. It can be one of several things he wants, and a lot depends on the circumstances. Is it time for him to eat? Has he been outside in the last 2-3 hours? If so, was the “big job” accomplished for the day? Does he want to come up in the chair with me? Or does he just want me to play with him? You can see how complex life can be when one of the communicants can’t talk.

So it’s up to me to figure it out. I know better than to try to pick him up. That’s a definite no, no in his book. If it’s been a while since he’s been out I ask if he wants to “go outside.” He knows what that means. So I go to the door with his leash and stand there looking out. If he decides that’s what he wants to do, he will saunter up to the door and get in front of me. Then and only then can I put the leash on. If I try to do it before he gets to the door he runs away.

If he wants to play, he runs and gets a toy and wags his tail to let me know that that’s what he wants. If he wants to get in the chair, he just jumps up with me. And the eating is easy; if it’s late afternoon, I feed him. So the one that’s very important to understand is that he needs to go out. Otherwise, there are dire consequences.

The very last resort he uses to communicate is that he runs up on the fifth step of the stairs and gives me “THE LOOK.” That’s when I know he’s desperate, and I will respond to that. If I don’t, he goes upstairs in the hall to do his “business.”

So you can see that this is a complicated affair, this learning to communicate when one of us can’t speak the language. It’s almost as difficult as learning to read what your spouse really wants.

COMMUNICATION (OR LACK OF)

OK, I’m ready to write again. When I have readers calling me to find out what’s wrong, it’s time to get back into it. Actually, I had a good reason for taking some time off: I’ve been “down in the back” as they say in the South.

It started last week when I thought I would be clever (and green) and I chose paper over plastic sacks at the grocery store. I am already beginning to think about my month in Florida in November, and I thought I could use a few more paper sacks to pack items in for the trip. What I didn’t notice was how much the sacker was putting into each bag.

So off I go to the car, refusing any help, of course, like the stubborn old woman that I am. When I began to load the groceries into the trunk, I realized that they were much heavier than usual. To make a long story short, I pulled a muscle loading the food into the car. And I’ve been paying for it ever since.

I have a history of back problems, so I know what to do: take muscle relaxants and go to bed. Usually, I’m up and about in a couple of days. Not this time!! It’s been a week since I went to the store and I’m just now feeling a little better. Ah, well, what else do I have to do except lie around all day?

Anyway, I’m glad to be back on the mend and medication free. When I take those pills, I can’t think straight and I also feel depressed.

So now you know why I was so lax. I hope to do better from now on.

A TEACHER REVISITED

The other day the genius came home with a story about one of his students who wanted to take an important test early. When asked why he was going to miss class, the young man said he was going to get his driver’s license! Of course, the genius said No and the boy would have to take a make up test instead which would be harder than the original. The rules had been set at the beginning of the year so there was no argument. Needless to say, the genius was appalled that a member of an AP class would even consider such a thing.

This incident made me remember a teacher I had in high school whom I was terrified of and whose class I wouldn’t have dreamed of missing unless I was deathly ill. I have described her before, but she is worth describing again.

Her name was Jim Lee Allen and she taught upper level math courses like the genius does now. The first day of class she told us all that her name was Missss Allen with the accent on the s. “Not Mrs. nor Mizz, but Misssss Allen,” she declared. Actually that little lesson has stayed with me for a lifetime or at least until “Ms” came into being.

Miss Allen didn’t walk, she marched into the classroom each day with a steely smile on her face. (Everything about her was steely, even her hair was “iron” gray.) When she would call on me to recite and prove a theorem, I would stumble over something I had had down cold the night before. Occasionally, she would help me out by saying the next word, a fact that used to infuriate Nancy, a friend of mine. (“She never helps me out when I hesitate!”) Afterwards, I would almost cry with relief that it was over.

For years I wouldn’t have thought that she could do any wrong whatsoever, but after I became a teacher myself, I did begin to question why my grade was always lower than the average I thought I deserved. When I was a senior and a new letter grading system had come into being, I kept up with all my grades in Trigonometry. I had a 99+ average one six weeks and thought I deserved an A+ (97-100). Instead, I had to be satisfied with an A (90-96). Nowadays the students and parents would put up a fuss and demand to see the grades. But neither my parents nor I would have dared to do such a thing. That was back in the days when the teacher was always right and especially Jim Lee Allen!

I won’t say that she was my favorite teacher of grades 1-12; that honor is reserved for Miss Knight, my seventh grade teacher. But I will have to say that she was the best teacher I had because she “inspired” me to work so hard in her classes.

SLEEPING

I don’t think there’s anyone alive who enjoys sleeping as much as I do. At least, I never hear anybody else say so. All I know is that I love it and take pleasure in all the different phases of it, night or day.

I walk by an unmade bed and look longingly at it, just counting the hours I can get back into it and rest. The answer to that, of course, is to make it up, and I do most of the time, but that doesn’t keep me from lying back down either on it or in it later on during the day.

I love the time where I am drifting off thinking pleasant thoughts and then have them turn into dreaming about them. I love waking in the night and mulling over the good dream I just had and slowly go back into that la-la land. Then in the morning the twilight sleep that I have an hour or two before I get up is great! When I do finally rouse myself to face the day, I think about the interesting dreams I have and wonder why I would dream about the subjects I do.

Then in spite of all the interesting things I do during the day, after I eat lunch, I like to crawl back into the bed and start the process all over again. It doesn’t matter what time I eat, and often it can be as early as 10:30 or as late as 1:30, I usually creep back into the sack for a nap.

The genius says I will make a wonderful nursing home patient. Just give me a laptop, an endless supply of books, and a cell phone, all for use between times of sleep, he maintains, and I would be perfectly happy!!

HOTEL CALIFORNIA

I mentioned on my last blog how much I like the Eagles’ song “Hotel California.” Both the genius and I have liked the song for years, but he has put a twist on it and incorporated it into his classroom at school.

If you’re familiar with the lyrics of the song, you know that the singer wanders into a hotel and discovers it to be a strange place with all kinds of weird goings on going on there. When he tries to leave, he hears

“Relax!” said the night man, “We are programmed to receive.
You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave!”

It truly sounds like a picture of Hell.

So here’s what the genius did with it. He gives homework everyday and many days takes it up and grades it. He tells the students that they can get help from each other or come to see him early in the morning before school if they feel the need. He almost always has several boys come to him for help on their homework because they know that there is a possibility it will be graded.

He gives each student one chance to miss his homework and take a 0, but if he does it the second time, he automatically goes into Hotel California for the rest of the semester. What this means is that from that point on, his homework will be taken up and graded everyday.

When a student gains this “honor” a big deal is made of it. The video of the Eagles’ singing the song flashes up on the wall and the guy is “inducted” into the hotel. As you can imagine, not very many boys make it into the “club”; the ones who do must be on their toes every day to keep from getting more 0’s.

Now that’s an ingenious (or genius) idea!!