BACK IN THE SWING

We had a nice three day weekend and I am ready to get back on schedule with my writing.

I enjoyed the time with the genius plus grandchildren yesterday. Annie and I went to the nails place for pedicures while Jay and the genius spent their morning working on math problems and then picking out trophies for the upcoming math contest. (I know, I know -- doesn't sound too exciting to me either, but those two are two peas in a pod when it comes to math.)

I'm still plugging away on my diet. I have hit a plateau, but I was expecting it so am not disappointed. I've lost about 10 pounds and have just stopped. This is the point where I often get discouraged and give up (and of course, the 10 pounds come right back). So I'm just going to keep on keeping on and see if a few more won't roll off. I still feel really good and haven't had a nap for weeks.

I read a few good books over the holidays -- I found two Maeve Binchy books I hadn't read. One was a book of short stories that I didn't know she had written. And speaking of short stories, John Grisham's latest book was really good. At times I felt like I was reading Faulkner reborn -- the Mississippi settings and themes were so similar. With our Mississippi conection, all three of us sisters enjoyed reading it.

And I've actually been watching pro football these past couple of weekends. I got interested in the Arizona Cardinals because of our Phoenix connection, and now I'm hooked on all of it. I don't really have a favorite team now that the Cardinals are out, but I've enjoyed watching football played at that level; it really is amazing how well they play. Peyton Manning, especially, is amazing to see in action.

I really don't know why, as mild-mannered as I am now, that I like such a violent game. Guess I have some hidden aggressions that are coming out vicariously through this sport!!