HAPPY AT CAPE SAN BLAS
We have been here for a few days and I am happy to report two items of interest: 1) the condos where we are staying now have Wi-Fi, and 2) I didn’t forget anything on this trip!
We didn’t find out right away that we could get on the internet because we never have before and I didn’t see it advertised anywhere. But know that we know, I will be writing a little more.
We are having a blast, sunning on what beach is left here at the Cape, and eating fabulous seafood meals. The beach situation, particularly here at our condos has become critical with the erosion from the Gulf. They are trying to fix the situation even as I write by dredging sand from the bottom of the ocean floor and depositing it on the beaches, but I’m not sure they are going to be in time to save these particular condos. Since we have been here both sets of steps down to the sand have sunk and pulled away from the wall and are now unusable. The water at high tide comes halfway up the wall upon which the apartments are built. So far we haven’t fallen in, but we most certainly will unless something is done soon. We can see the beach repair going on from here but they are moving too slowly to suit me. I’ll definitely have to keep in touch with the rental people before leasing a place for November.
And the other big news is that Ashley, Mike, and two of their children (Bailey and Danny) have been through an earthquake. They were in California, house sitting for Mike’s father when the quake we have all been reading about hit. She called to reassure us that they were fine, but it was an interesting experience to say the least!
It’s about time to go bake a little while on the beach, so I’ll close. I’ll keep you posted as to our situation here.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
CAPE SAN BLAS
Well, here I go again, packing for another trip. My friend Larry emailed me in the spring and entitled it “Don’t Fence You In”. And that’s about the truth for this summer.
We will leave Sunday for our new favorite spot on the Gulf Coast --- Cape San Blas, Florida. Brenda and her two children are going too as well as Rufus. We are leaving Jesse to stay at her home this time, since Laurie has been gone and will want the dog at home with her.
I hope that THIS time I can remember everything. I always seem to leave something at home. One time it was my entire make-up/bath stuff kit. Six of us girls went for a tennis weekend in Kentucky and I had to stop and buy a toothbrush and other essentials on the way.
Another time I went to Gatlinburg with another teacher for a conference and left all of my hang up clothes. I had to run over to the outlets at Pigeon Forge and buy some clothes for the meetings (oh, darn!).
For my week in North Carolina I had to make do with a $2.00 comb and brush because I forgot to pack my old faithful steel comb I have had since the sixties. (The genius likes this comb so much he began using it when we shared a bathroom in our old house. I would come into the bathroom to comb my hair and find it wet, so we had to have a heart-to-heart about it.) Anyway, for some reason I forgot to pack it for NC.
I don’t want to blame the genius for all these omissions because I am to blame also, but I will say that in the incidents of the make up/bathroom stuff and hang up clothes I had them downstairs in the kitchen ready to go and somehow they never made it to the car. (And guess who packed the car. Not me!) Now I have learned to search the kitchen to make sure everything goes.
So what happened when I left my phone and purse last week when traveling to the mountains? I guess I’ll just blame it on OLD AGE!!
Well, here I go again, packing for another trip. My friend Larry emailed me in the spring and entitled it “Don’t Fence You In”. And that’s about the truth for this summer.
We will leave Sunday for our new favorite spot on the Gulf Coast --- Cape San Blas, Florida. Brenda and her two children are going too as well as Rufus. We are leaving Jesse to stay at her home this time, since Laurie has been gone and will want the dog at home with her.
I hope that THIS time I can remember everything. I always seem to leave something at home. One time it was my entire make-up/bath stuff kit. Six of us girls went for a tennis weekend in Kentucky and I had to stop and buy a toothbrush and other essentials on the way.
Another time I went to Gatlinburg with another teacher for a conference and left all of my hang up clothes. I had to run over to the outlets at Pigeon Forge and buy some clothes for the meetings (oh, darn!).
For my week in North Carolina I had to make do with a $2.00 comb and brush because I forgot to pack my old faithful steel comb I have had since the sixties. (The genius likes this comb so much he began using it when we shared a bathroom in our old house. I would come into the bathroom to comb my hair and find it wet, so we had to have a heart-to-heart about it.) Anyway, for some reason I forgot to pack it for NC.
I don’t want to blame the genius for all these omissions because I am to blame also, but I will say that in the incidents of the make up/bathroom stuff and hang up clothes I had them downstairs in the kitchen ready to go and somehow they never made it to the car. (And guess who packed the car. Not me!) Now I have learned to search the kitchen to make sure everything goes.
So what happened when I left my phone and purse last week when traveling to the mountains? I guess I’ll just blame it on OLD AGE!!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
RUFUS, A CAT?
I’ve decided that Rufus is part feline. Ever since he has been with us I have noticed certain characteristics that indicate somewhere in his past ancestry there has been a cat.
First of all, he is very agile and many times I have found him on the dining room table snooping around to see if there are any leftover crumbs lurking there. I have to be sure that all the chairs are pushed under the table to prevent this little maneuver.
Then where he rests is interesting. He prefers to perch on the backs of chairs or sofas so he can keep an eye on what’s going on. In North Carolina he went a step further by sitting or lying in the open window and watching the outside world. Of course, if anything moved outside he barked at it, even if it was a falling leaf.
His fur is soft and silky unlike any dog I have ever seen (but thank goodness he doesn’t shed like most cats do). And while he doesn’t really give himself a full bath with his tongue like a cat does, he does like to lick his feet and legs along with other places we won’t mention.
So I am fascinated by all these interesting features of his that make him seem catlike. If he starts rubbing up against my legs and purring I’ll know for sure there is kitty blood in him!
I’ve decided that Rufus is part feline. Ever since he has been with us I have noticed certain characteristics that indicate somewhere in his past ancestry there has been a cat.
First of all, he is very agile and many times I have found him on the dining room table snooping around to see if there are any leftover crumbs lurking there. I have to be sure that all the chairs are pushed under the table to prevent this little maneuver.
Then where he rests is interesting. He prefers to perch on the backs of chairs or sofas so he can keep an eye on what’s going on. In North Carolina he went a step further by sitting or lying in the open window and watching the outside world. Of course, if anything moved outside he barked at it, even if it was a falling leaf.
His fur is soft and silky unlike any dog I have ever seen (but thank goodness he doesn’t shed like most cats do). And while he doesn’t really give himself a full bath with his tongue like a cat does, he does like to lick his feet and legs along with other places we won’t mention.
So I am fascinated by all these interesting features of his that make him seem catlike. If he starts rubbing up against my legs and purring I’ll know for sure there is kitty blood in him!
Monday, July 21, 2008
DELLA’S APRON
The way I sat around and let my daughters do most of the work while we were in NC reminds me of one of the stories my mother-in-law used to tell about her grandmother, Delaware Olivia Vandalia Ellis Bailey.
This interesting woman, called Della for short, was married to the son of a chaplain in the Confederate Army and was raised in Kentucky. Her husband was a country doctor who made the rounds by horse and buggy from a farm outside of Bowling Green. They had nine children, three boys and six girls, one of whom was grandmother to the genius.
Like many of the women of her era, Della always called her husband Dr. Bailey. (It’s amazing to me that they ever got close enough to have children with a formality like that.) Anyway, one story I heard my mother-in-law tell many times was that when Della reached the ancient age of forty, she told her family that she had cooked and cleaned for them for all of her married years and it was now time for them to take care of her. So she took off her apron and sat down.
Now I don’t know if she continued to do this or if the tale was exaggerated or not, but I do know that Della’s apron, a long white one with no bib, hung in my mother-in-law’s kitchen, and she would occasionally wear it when washing dishes or cooking. It hung down to about mid-calf and certainly was adequate in protecting her other clothes.
But the fact that the apron was in very good condition lends credence to the story that she quit keeping house after her fortieth birthday. Incidentally, she lived to be in her eighties.
The way I sat around and let my daughters do most of the work while we were in NC reminds me of one of the stories my mother-in-law used to tell about her grandmother, Delaware Olivia Vandalia Ellis Bailey.
This interesting woman, called Della for short, was married to the son of a chaplain in the Confederate Army and was raised in Kentucky. Her husband was a country doctor who made the rounds by horse and buggy from a farm outside of Bowling Green. They had nine children, three boys and six girls, one of whom was grandmother to the genius.
Like many of the women of her era, Della always called her husband Dr. Bailey. (It’s amazing to me that they ever got close enough to have children with a formality like that.) Anyway, one story I heard my mother-in-law tell many times was that when Della reached the ancient age of forty, she told her family that she had cooked and cleaned for them for all of her married years and it was now time for them to take care of her. So she took off her apron and sat down.
Now I don’t know if she continued to do this or if the tale was exaggerated or not, but I do know that Della’s apron, a long white one with no bib, hung in my mother-in-law’s kitchen, and she would occasionally wear it when washing dishes or cooking. It hung down to about mid-calf and certainly was adequate in protecting her other clothes.
But the fact that the apron was in very good condition lends credence to the story that she quit keeping house after her fortieth birthday. Incidentally, she lived to be in her eighties.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
HOME SWEET HOME
Home again, home again, jiggity jig (well maybe not the jig part; I’d be sure to break something!). But it is nice to be home safe and sound after a great week in North Carolina.
The last part of the week Brenda and the boys went tubing down the New River (which ironically is supposed to be the second oldest river in the world next to the Nile, according to the guide). They also went to get their gems cut and they came back looking very nice indeed (the gems, not the boys; they looked pretty grungy the whole time as they should on a vacation to the mountains.)
The last night we had dinner out to celebrate Brenda’s birthday a few days early. Then afterwards, we did what we do annually in the mountains --- shot off a few fireworks. They were really awesome this year; in fact, when we finished the last one, from somewhere way up the mountain we heard clapping and whistling. So I guess a few other people enjoyed it also.
Yesterday we had a pretty uneventful trip home. We decided to let the GPS have its way this time and there were no more wrong turns, etc. like on the way over. As a result, we cut thirty minutes off of the time.
We were all glad to get home, but I think Rufus was the happiest!!
Home again, home again, jiggity jig (well maybe not the jig part; I’d be sure to break something!). But it is nice to be home safe and sound after a great week in North Carolina.
The last part of the week Brenda and the boys went tubing down the New River (which ironically is supposed to be the second oldest river in the world next to the Nile, according to the guide). They also went to get their gems cut and they came back looking very nice indeed (the gems, not the boys; they looked pretty grungy the whole time as they should on a vacation to the mountains.)
The last night we had dinner out to celebrate Brenda’s birthday a few days early. Then afterwards, we did what we do annually in the mountains --- shot off a few fireworks. They were really awesome this year; in fact, when we finished the last one, from somewhere way up the mountain we heard clapping and whistling. So I guess a few other people enjoyed it also.
Yesterday we had a pretty uneventful trip home. We decided to let the GPS have its way this time and there were no more wrong turns, etc. like on the way over. As a result, we cut thirty minutes off of the time.
We were all glad to get home, but I think Rufus was the happiest!!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
VACATIONING TOGETHERNESS
When you vacation together and stay in one house or condo, you really learn lots of things about the people you’re with (sometimes more than you want to know and vise versa). This time I’m finding out things about my daughters that surprise me.
Brenda, for instance, has never liked exercising (who does?). But this trip, in spite of the fact that she hasn’t really felt good because she is fighting off some kind of virus, she has gone out every morning and run and walked these mountains. And this morning, probably because she has stuck with it, she feels better. So I have learned that she has a determination that I didn’t realize she had.
Ashley has also surprised me in a good way. She has always been the messiest one in the family and even though she is an excellent cook, in the past she has not been as good about cleaning the kitchen afterwards. It’s like she expended all her energies on the meal and it stopped there.
I take back everything I ever said about her messiness. She makes her bed every day, cooks the meals when we eat in, and is continually cleaning the kitchen. She’s also kept up with washing the clothes. This morning she was filling the dishwasher and wiping down the counter tops yet again. I said, “Ashley, are you cleaning the kitchen again?”
She answered that she was. And I said, “You’re making me feel guilty!”
Here was her reply: “Now we’re even!”
When you vacation together and stay in one house or condo, you really learn lots of things about the people you’re with (sometimes more than you want to know and vise versa). This time I’m finding out things about my daughters that surprise me.
Brenda, for instance, has never liked exercising (who does?). But this trip, in spite of the fact that she hasn’t really felt good because she is fighting off some kind of virus, she has gone out every morning and run and walked these mountains. And this morning, probably because she has stuck with it, she feels better. So I have learned that she has a determination that I didn’t realize she had.
Ashley has also surprised me in a good way. She has always been the messiest one in the family and even though she is an excellent cook, in the past she has not been as good about cleaning the kitchen afterwards. It’s like she expended all her energies on the meal and it stopped there.
I take back everything I ever said about her messiness. She makes her bed every day, cooks the meals when we eat in, and is continually cleaning the kitchen. She’s also kept up with washing the clothes. This morning she was filling the dishwasher and wiping down the counter tops yet again. I said, “Ashley, are you cleaning the kitchen again?”
She answered that she was. And I said, “You’re making me feel guilty!”
Here was her reply: “Now we’re even!”
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
MORE NC VACATION
I remember saying once that I loved having a boy, but the Lord knew what He was doing when He gave me only one. And now here I am vacationing in the same house with three of them!!
They are truly having a ball. One of the things they like best is playing pool; we can hear them down in the rec room hitting the balls and laughing over something that is hilarious to them. Once we detected a different sound and Ashley yelled down the steps to stop using the cues as swords. But that has been the only glitch in that game.
Yesterday they went out and played miniature golf; of course, Danny won that (his father works for Ping). And today they went back to the mines to hunt for more rare jewels. They also had a great time driving go carts.
Again, the weather is wonderful --- mild and sunny --- but later on in the week it is supposed to get hotter. Then I think they are planning to tube or raft down a river on that day.
I have heard the word “DUDE” mentioned many times in their address to each other, and like the beer commercial, with many different inflections. So far they haven’t called me that but if they do, I will have to remind them that "I am a 'dudette,' Dude"!
I remember saying once that I loved having a boy, but the Lord knew what He was doing when He gave me only one. And now here I am vacationing in the same house with three of them!!
They are truly having a ball. One of the things they like best is playing pool; we can hear them down in the rec room hitting the balls and laughing over something that is hilarious to them. Once we detected a different sound and Ashley yelled down the steps to stop using the cues as swords. But that has been the only glitch in that game.
Yesterday they went out and played miniature golf; of course, Danny won that (his father works for Ping). And today they went back to the mines to hunt for more rare jewels. They also had a great time driving go carts.
Again, the weather is wonderful --- mild and sunny --- but later on in the week it is supposed to get hotter. Then I think they are planning to tube or raft down a river on that day.
I have heard the word “DUDE” mentioned many times in their address to each other, and like the beer commercial, with many different inflections. So far they haven’t called me that but if they do, I will have to remind them that "I am a 'dudette,' Dude"!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
NC VACATION, FIRST DAY
Now this is my idea of a vacation: kicking back on the deck looking out at the views pictured below at the end of a dead end lane high up in the mountains. The weather is great; all the windows are open and we are perfectly comfortable.
The three boys have had a wonderful time, first fishing in a lake they could walk down the road to (the one in the pictures is impossible to get to from where we are), and then going to a gem mine to get all kinds of jewels in the raw (the jewels, I mean). They spend much time at the pool table and in front of the TV playing games both of which are in the rec room on the lowest floor. Then they don their suits and go into the hot tub which is on the lower deck.
And what am I doing? Just sitting on the deck enjoying the peace and quiet or watching one of several movies I brought with me, . Kind of like at home, except I am surrounded by family members in a gorgeous setting!!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS
We are now on our way to the North Carolina mountains to stay in a cabin near Boone. We’re packed to the gills in the genius’ SUV: Michael (13), Danny (13), and Jay (11) in the third row seats, Payton (14) and I are on the middle bench with Rufus and Jesse the two dogs, and Ashley, the driver, and Brenda the navigator in the front. Our luggage is in a very small space behind the third seat. As I said, to the gills.
We had a little “incident” at the beginning of the trip. We had gotten on I440 and had gone a few miles when Brenda’s phone rang and the genius informed us that “Mama forgot her phone.” So we said we would be back. It was then I realized that I had also forgotten my purse! So when we got back the genius was at the door to tell us that “Mama forgot her purse with her insurance card and AAA card in it.
Ashley leaned out the window and said, “You forgot about the most important card --- your credit card!”
LATER THAT DAY
We made it to our cabin after several wrong turns. Many hairpin curves later we arrived and saw our log house hanging off the side of the mountain and overlooking a lake. The view is spectacular and there is a two story porch from which to enjoy it. I brought the camera so maybe I can get a picture on for a later blog.
Meanwhile, we will begin to relax and enjoy!!
We are now on our way to the North Carolina mountains to stay in a cabin near Boone. We’re packed to the gills in the genius’ SUV: Michael (13), Danny (13), and Jay (11) in the third row seats, Payton (14) and I are on the middle bench with Rufus and Jesse the two dogs, and Ashley, the driver, and Brenda the navigator in the front. Our luggage is in a very small space behind the third seat. As I said, to the gills.
We had a little “incident” at the beginning of the trip. We had gotten on I440 and had gone a few miles when Brenda’s phone rang and the genius informed us that “Mama forgot her phone.” So we said we would be back. It was then I realized that I had also forgotten my purse! So when we got back the genius was at the door to tell us that “Mama forgot her purse with her insurance card and AAA card in it.
Ashley leaned out the window and said, “You forgot about the most important card --- your credit card!”
LATER THAT DAY
We made it to our cabin after several wrong turns. Many hairpin curves later we arrived and saw our log house hanging off the side of the mountain and overlooking a lake. The view is spectacular and there is a two story porch from which to enjoy it. I brought the camera so maybe I can get a picture on for a later blog.
Meanwhile, we will begin to relax and enjoy!!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
T² AND HIS NEW JOB
Most of you know that my oldest grandson Tommy (affectionally known as Tsquared) graduated at the top of his class at ASU in electrical engineering. Since that time he has been working on his Masters in EE at the same school while his wife, also an EE summa cum laude graduate, works for an engineering firm in Phoenix.
Without a doubt Tommy and his friend Mike (fiancé of Tommy’s sister Jordan) are the two best video game players I’ve ever seen. For years they have bought the latest systems and proceeded to master whatever levels they have. The latest purchase has been the Wii system and the games as they come on the market. They are very difficult to buy and in spite of the high price, people stand in line or get on waiting lists to get their copies as soon as they come to the stores.
Mike and Tommy have bought each one as soon as they came off of the line and the last time I was in Phoenix visiting I watched them play Guitar Hero until they had won each level.
But this summer Tommy hasn’t had as much time to play his games because he began an internship for a well known engineering company in the same town. He hasn’t shared a lot about his new job because the company has defense contracts with the U. S. government. But yesterday he called to tell his mom that he officially had the coolest job in the world.
His boss is going on vacation for two weeks and he wants Tommy to get a Wii system (he actually asked him if he was familiar with Wii) and bring it in to work. His project is to “Just play with it and figure out how it works.”
When Tommy had picked up his jaw, he clarified the rules with his boss. “So, you want me to bring a Wii system into work and get paid to play it.”
His boss said, “You got it!”
Oh how I wish someone would pay me to play my computer games!!!
Most of you know that my oldest grandson Tommy (affectionally known as Tsquared) graduated at the top of his class at ASU in electrical engineering. Since that time he has been working on his Masters in EE at the same school while his wife, also an EE summa cum laude graduate, works for an engineering firm in Phoenix.
Without a doubt Tommy and his friend Mike (fiancé of Tommy’s sister Jordan) are the two best video game players I’ve ever seen. For years they have bought the latest systems and proceeded to master whatever levels they have. The latest purchase has been the Wii system and the games as they come on the market. They are very difficult to buy and in spite of the high price, people stand in line or get on waiting lists to get their copies as soon as they come to the stores.
Mike and Tommy have bought each one as soon as they came off of the line and the last time I was in Phoenix visiting I watched them play Guitar Hero until they had won each level.
But this summer Tommy hasn’t had as much time to play his games because he began an internship for a well known engineering company in the same town. He hasn’t shared a lot about his new job because the company has defense contracts with the U. S. government. But yesterday he called to tell his mom that he officially had the coolest job in the world.
His boss is going on vacation for two weeks and he wants Tommy to get a Wii system (he actually asked him if he was familiar with Wii) and bring it in to work. His project is to “Just play with it and figure out how it works.”
When Tommy had picked up his jaw, he clarified the rules with his boss. “So, you want me to bring a Wii system into work and get paid to play it.”
His boss said, “You got it!”
Oh how I wish someone would pay me to play my computer games!!!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
FAMILY VISITING!!
Well, I was certainly right about the cooking and the bedlam in our house. Last night we had eleven (six adults and five children) here for dinner and a lot of hilarity.
I cooked a pot roast with gravy, mashed potatoes, fresh corn, tomatoes, and crowder peas (the last three bought at the veggie stand around the corner) and hot rolls. There was a little meat, a handful of potatoes, and some peas left over. Silence reigned around the table for a few minutes while we all stuffed ourselves.
Later, we sat around and reminisced and told all our latest news. The kids had fun with a new video game that has a set of drums with it. The sound of the game is so annoying that Ashley has about decided not to buy it for her family.
But here’s one example of the pandemonium that took place. The dogs had been romping around with the kids so much that they were worn out and resting on the floor. The grandchildren were in the den playing something and Ashley was telling a story about her own dogs at home in Phoenix (two big labs). She began imitating her big white dog when he is unhappy about something and the imitation was so good that the dogs jumped straight up and began running around barking, and the kids came flying into the room to see what in the world was going on. We were all laughing so hard we were crying. So chaos was the rule once again.
But the good news is that everyone had a good night sleep and we’re ready to tackle another day full of good times.
Well, I was certainly right about the cooking and the bedlam in our house. Last night we had eleven (six adults and five children) here for dinner and a lot of hilarity.
I cooked a pot roast with gravy, mashed potatoes, fresh corn, tomatoes, and crowder peas (the last three bought at the veggie stand around the corner) and hot rolls. There was a little meat, a handful of potatoes, and some peas left over. Silence reigned around the table for a few minutes while we all stuffed ourselves.
Later, we sat around and reminisced and told all our latest news. The kids had fun with a new video game that has a set of drums with it. The sound of the game is so annoying that Ashley has about decided not to buy it for her family.
But here’s one example of the pandemonium that took place. The dogs had been romping around with the kids so much that they were worn out and resting on the floor. The grandchildren were in the den playing something and Ashley was telling a story about her own dogs at home in Phoenix (two big labs). She began imitating her big white dog when he is unhappy about something and the imitation was so good that the dogs jumped straight up and began running around barking, and the kids came flying into the room to see what in the world was going on. We were all laughing so hard we were crying. So chaos was the rule once again.
But the good news is that everyone had a good night sleep and we’re ready to tackle another day full of good times.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
PEACE AND QUIET GONE
Today is a big day at our house. Bedlam will reign, kids will be running through, dogs will romp, much cooking will be taking place (a real change). Today Ashley is coming with only one of her brood from Phoenix. She is bringing Danny, 13 years old, and everyone will gather at our house for the next few days for play and meals, etc.
There are two other cousins who are approximately Danny's age, Jay and Michael, and they are all products of each of our children. These three cousins have always been close and get along extremely well together. For that reason Brenda, Ashley, the three boys, Payton (14), the two dogs and I will be traveling to Boone, NC in a few days to spend a week in the mountains.
So after the onslaught the genius will have a week to relax and get some work done without all the pandemonium of the days before.
Meanwhile, I will take my trusty laptop and keep the readers informed of our vacation time in the mountains.
Aren't computers wonderful!?!
Today is a big day at our house. Bedlam will reign, kids will be running through, dogs will romp, much cooking will be taking place (a real change). Today Ashley is coming with only one of her brood from Phoenix. She is bringing Danny, 13 years old, and everyone will gather at our house for the next few days for play and meals, etc.
There are two other cousins who are approximately Danny's age, Jay and Michael, and they are all products of each of our children. These three cousins have always been close and get along extremely well together. For that reason Brenda, Ashley, the three boys, Payton (14), the two dogs and I will be traveling to Boone, NC in a few days to spend a week in the mountains.
So after the onslaught the genius will have a week to relax and get some work done without all the pandemonium of the days before.
Meanwhile, I will take my trusty laptop and keep the readers informed of our vacation time in the mountains.
Aren't computers wonderful!?!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
SOFTER SIDE OF THE GENIUS
Sometime before I retired I began to wish for a little lap dog as a means of keeping me company when I was at home all the time. So I began my campaign to get one about two years before I was to hang up the whiteboard markers.
As was expected, the genius was adamantly opposed to the idea and came up with all the negative reasons he could to dissuade me. 1) Who would keep him when we traveled? 2) He would mess up the house. 3) He would be so much trouble for me and I would get tired of him. 4) I would have to take him outside in all kinds of weather. 5) It would be expensive. And a few more I have forgotten.
When he saw all his talking couldn’t do any good, he began to say things like, “OK, but the care of it is all yours!” “I’m not going to take it outside for walks.” “I’m not going to clean up after it.” “The expense is all yours!” And on and on.
So we went to “just see” about this Maltese in Springfield. “We’re not committed to it.” “We don’t have to get the first one we see.” Then I saw my little Rufus and my heart was lost. We had to wait two weeks for it, but the genius resigned himself to a new dog.
How long did it take him to love that little feller? A few hours, a few minutes? How about a few seconds? He was hooked as soon as we got in the car and Rufus threw up on me. His sympathies were all with the dog! Never mind about my white blouse.
He is so crazy about that dog that when he comes home after being gone all day, he greets Rufus first!! And of course, he has long since taken over the expense of grooming, vet care, and all other expenditures. He takes him for walks, feeds him, and even sleeps with him on occasion.
While we were in New Orleans, he mentioned the dog several times and wanted me to call and check on him. AND here is the real proof. As soon as we arrived home and unloaded the car, instead of going to do his workout and bike ride, he wanted to go get the dog. If the sisters and husbands hadn’t been in the car, I’m sure he would have gone by there first.
Anyway, he loves that little dog, independent cuss that Rufus is. And I look back at all those months of his objecting to the idea and just smile!!!
Sometime before I retired I began to wish for a little lap dog as a means of keeping me company when I was at home all the time. So I began my campaign to get one about two years before I was to hang up the whiteboard markers.
As was expected, the genius was adamantly opposed to the idea and came up with all the negative reasons he could to dissuade me. 1) Who would keep him when we traveled? 2) He would mess up the house. 3) He would be so much trouble for me and I would get tired of him. 4) I would have to take him outside in all kinds of weather. 5) It would be expensive. And a few more I have forgotten.
When he saw all his talking couldn’t do any good, he began to say things like, “OK, but the care of it is all yours!” “I’m not going to take it outside for walks.” “I’m not going to clean up after it.” “The expense is all yours!” And on and on.
So we went to “just see” about this Maltese in Springfield. “We’re not committed to it.” “We don’t have to get the first one we see.” Then I saw my little Rufus and my heart was lost. We had to wait two weeks for it, but the genius resigned himself to a new dog.
How long did it take him to love that little feller? A few hours, a few minutes? How about a few seconds? He was hooked as soon as we got in the car and Rufus threw up on me. His sympathies were all with the dog! Never mind about my white blouse.
He is so crazy about that dog that when he comes home after being gone all day, he greets Rufus first!! And of course, he has long since taken over the expense of grooming, vet care, and all other expenditures. He takes him for walks, feeds him, and even sleeps with him on occasion.
While we were in New Orleans, he mentioned the dog several times and wanted me to call and check on him. AND here is the real proof. As soon as we arrived home and unloaded the car, instead of going to do his workout and bike ride, he wanted to go get the dog. If the sisters and husbands hadn’t been in the car, I’m sure he would have gone by there first.
Anyway, he loves that little dog, independent cuss that Rufus is. And I look back at all those months of his objecting to the idea and just smile!!!
Friday, July 4, 2008
FINAL NEW ORLEANS TALE
While we were returning home we realized we were going to hit Tuscaloosa, AL about lunch time. So when the genius announced that to the carload, Jerry said there was supposed to be a good barbeque place there. Paul spoke up and said he had seen it featured on national TV on a special about BBQ places in the South. So I looked it up in the AAA tour guide and sure enough, there was a write up on Dreamland BBQ.
It wasn’t but a little way off the Interstate, and that worried the genius because he is tied to whatever highway he is on with an umbilical chord and doesn’t like to get too far away. He likes to be close enough to see it. But we talked him into it.
We followed the directions in the guide book and we seemed to be going to the boonies even though we were still only 1.3 miles off of I59. We passed it up the first time because it’s located behind a church, but a couple of us saw a big sign announcing the location. So we turned around and went to the parking lot.
The restaurant itself looked like a rundown shack from the outside, but since there were other cars there, we elected to enter. Besides, it smelled heavenly! Inside there were several long tables in the middle of a fairly small room and some smaller ones scattered around the sides. We seated ourselves at one of the long tables and this rather large African American man came over to take our drink orders.
We had time to look around the room. There were no windows and the walls were covered with mostly license plates and a few pictures of people, none of whom I recognized. There was a door over which said “Restrooms” but it looked like it led outside. We were afraid it was an out house, so we opted for the hand sanitizer instead.
Then without waiting for us to order, our server put some plates that were stacked up with white bread (just ordinary bread you buy at the store, but was very fresh) and cups of red sauce to go with them.
Then he came back and slapped three plates piled high with barbequed ribs. And that was it --- no fries, no slaw, no beans, nothing! Just ribs and bread and drink. I can tell you this, though; those ribs were yummy!! We ate until we were stuffed and then some.
So if you’re ever passing through Tuscaloosa at meal time, and want to try something different, but delicious, stop at Dreamland Barbeque!!
While we were returning home we realized we were going to hit Tuscaloosa, AL about lunch time. So when the genius announced that to the carload, Jerry said there was supposed to be a good barbeque place there. Paul spoke up and said he had seen it featured on national TV on a special about BBQ places in the South. So I looked it up in the AAA tour guide and sure enough, there was a write up on Dreamland BBQ.
It wasn’t but a little way off the Interstate, and that worried the genius because he is tied to whatever highway he is on with an umbilical chord and doesn’t like to get too far away. He likes to be close enough to see it. But we talked him into it.
We followed the directions in the guide book and we seemed to be going to the boonies even though we were still only 1.3 miles off of I59. We passed it up the first time because it’s located behind a church, but a couple of us saw a big sign announcing the location. So we turned around and went to the parking lot.
The restaurant itself looked like a rundown shack from the outside, but since there were other cars there, we elected to enter. Besides, it smelled heavenly! Inside there were several long tables in the middle of a fairly small room and some smaller ones scattered around the sides. We seated ourselves at one of the long tables and this rather large African American man came over to take our drink orders.
We had time to look around the room. There were no windows and the walls were covered with mostly license plates and a few pictures of people, none of whom I recognized. There was a door over which said “Restrooms” but it looked like it led outside. We were afraid it was an out house, so we opted for the hand sanitizer instead.
Then without waiting for us to order, our server put some plates that were stacked up with white bread (just ordinary bread you buy at the store, but was very fresh) and cups of red sauce to go with them.
Then he came back and slapped three plates piled high with barbequed ribs. And that was it --- no fries, no slaw, no beans, nothing! Just ribs and bread and drink. I can tell you this, though; those ribs were yummy!! We ate until we were stuffed and then some.
So if you’re ever passing through Tuscaloosa at meal time, and want to try something different, but delicious, stop at Dreamland Barbeque!!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
NEW ORLEANS, CONT’D
In some ways I understand the term “Big Easy” for New Orleans, but at times things seem kind of frantic to me. The noise of people yelling, car horns and loud radios blaring, and heavy trucks rumbling continues throughout the night. Thank heavens for my sleep machine to drown most of it out.
Last night we started out for Galatoire’s Restaurant 2½ short blocks from our hotel. It was sprinkling a little, but we decided we could make it by walking close to the buildings and keeping under the balconies. Well, you can guess what happened: the bottom fell out in typical New Orleans fashion and only one of us had an umbrella. So we took refuge under a balcony close to Arnoud’s, a famous and very old eating place.
In fact, BJ and I had been there fifty-three years ago. Our father had brought us with him on a business trip to New Orleans when I was sixteen and she was nineteen, and we had eaten a memorably delicious meal at Arnoud’s. Daddy used to talk about it for years. So when the rain didn’t let up, we made our way into the restaurant and eventually were seated and had a very fine meal. Galatoire’s could not have been any better.
NEXT MORNING
We had another wonderful meal at Brennan’s on Monday morning. Just before we left to come down here I discovered online that the famous breakfast restaurant had reopened on June 2, so of course, we made reservations for a brunch. It was just as good as I remembered. Then the genius and I left to do some math exploring.
We rode out to Chalmette, which is only six miles from our hotel, but in another parish (county). We had lived here in the spring of ’61 when he was an engineer overseeing the building of a reservoir. He wanted to photograph it and report on the math aspects of the construction. But alas, that was not to be; the parish had decided after Katrina hit to use the opportunity to build one twice as large. The old one was torn down in 2004 and the new one replaced it. A trailer park housing employees who work for the parish was established over the foundation of the old tank, so as the genius said, there is certainly no danger of their sinking because they are held up by 1365 piles with reinforced concrete.
We were disappointed, of course, but we also got to see some of the devastation of Katrina since Chalmette was hit hard by the storm.
And today we had an even more in depth view of the damage as we took a guided tour to several other locations. We saw the levees that were breached and also the lower ninth ward that took the worst hit in the area. It was very sobering to learn and to see first hand what the hurricane did to New Orleans; I have a much better idea of what they went through here and also can marvel at all of the reconstruction efforts that have been made in a little over 2½ years.
Tonight the genius and I will eat our last delicious meal in the Crescent City and then we will be on our way home early tomorrow. We have certainly had a great time.
I can hardly wait to get back to writing about the genius and his idiosyncrasies; I’ve learned a few more down here!!
In some ways I understand the term “Big Easy” for New Orleans, but at times things seem kind of frantic to me. The noise of people yelling, car horns and loud radios blaring, and heavy trucks rumbling continues throughout the night. Thank heavens for my sleep machine to drown most of it out.
Last night we started out for Galatoire’s Restaurant 2½ short blocks from our hotel. It was sprinkling a little, but we decided we could make it by walking close to the buildings and keeping under the balconies. Well, you can guess what happened: the bottom fell out in typical New Orleans fashion and only one of us had an umbrella. So we took refuge under a balcony close to Arnoud’s, a famous and very old eating place.
In fact, BJ and I had been there fifty-three years ago. Our father had brought us with him on a business trip to New Orleans when I was sixteen and she was nineteen, and we had eaten a memorably delicious meal at Arnoud’s. Daddy used to talk about it for years. So when the rain didn’t let up, we made our way into the restaurant and eventually were seated and had a very fine meal. Galatoire’s could not have been any better.
NEXT MORNING
We had another wonderful meal at Brennan’s on Monday morning. Just before we left to come down here I discovered online that the famous breakfast restaurant had reopened on June 2, so of course, we made reservations for a brunch. It was just as good as I remembered. Then the genius and I left to do some math exploring.
We rode out to Chalmette, which is only six miles from our hotel, but in another parish (county). We had lived here in the spring of ’61 when he was an engineer overseeing the building of a reservoir. He wanted to photograph it and report on the math aspects of the construction. But alas, that was not to be; the parish had decided after Katrina hit to use the opportunity to build one twice as large. The old one was torn down in 2004 and the new one replaced it. A trailer park housing employees who work for the parish was established over the foundation of the old tank, so as the genius said, there is certainly no danger of their sinking because they are held up by 1365 piles with reinforced concrete.
We were disappointed, of course, but we also got to see some of the devastation of Katrina since Chalmette was hit hard by the storm.
And today we had an even more in depth view of the damage as we took a guided tour to several other locations. We saw the levees that were breached and also the lower ninth ward that took the worst hit in the area. It was very sobering to learn and to see first hand what the hurricane did to New Orleans; I have a much better idea of what they went through here and also can marvel at all of the reconstruction efforts that have been made in a little over 2½ years.
Tonight the genius and I will eat our last delicious meal in the Crescent City and then we will be on our way home early tomorrow. We have certainly had a great time.
I can hardly wait to get back to writing about the genius and his idiosyncrasies; I’ve learned a few more down here!!
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