Pegtales

2011-08-11T09:46:00.001-05:00

LATEST HEALTH REPORT

Several people have called to see how the genius is faring, so here is the update on his health: he's hanging in there. He was doing pretty well -- the pain in both his back and leg was abating -- and then he went back to work!!

Yesterday was his first day of inservice for teachers, so he had me drive him as close as possible to the building where most of his meetings were. He sat through all the morning meetings and then slowly walked to another building where he remained until 4:30 when he called me to come and get him. He didn't even go to lunch (which was free) but instead ate some trail mix he had carried with him in his briefcase. If you know him at all and how he loves to eat, you would realize what a departure from his usual behavior this was.

He had a rough night but seemed a little better by the time he went back this morning. At least he has a sandwich in his briefcase today. I doubt very seriously if he calls me to pick him up before all the meetings are over.

Tomorrow he has another meeting with the physical therapist and then potentially, he has five days off before his one class starts. I say "potentially" because I'm betting he will still go into work on Monday and Tuesday.

But we will see -- I'll keep you posted on his condition. And we both appreciate all your calls.

2011-08-08T17:20:00.000-05:00

THE STREAK

Those people who know the genius well are aware of the fact that he is a very goal-oriented man as well as a person who is interested in numbers. The two traits combined caused him to start riding a bike (indoors or out) everyday. For many years he had jogged almost daily, but his knees were beginning to deteriorate, so his doctor suggested the switch to a bicycle. And so he did.

As of Tuesday of last week he had ridden at least a mile, usually more like 12-15 miles per day. This unbroken streak lasted through two cataract operations and thyroid surgery. On those days he rode before the surgery, and then the next day he would pedal a mile, gradually building back up to more.

Well, I am very sad to report that the streak has been broken after 3778 days straight (that's 10 years and almost 4 months!). He just couldn't keep it going with the excruciating pain in his back and leg. In fact, he couldn't walk down to the exercise room of the hotel in Miami.

I am sooo sad for him, but very proud of him, too. To have that kind of persistence day after day during all kinds of colds and various other minor illnesses, to say nothing of just being tired after work is truly remarkable to me. On the best of days I don't like to exercise, and usually don't, but he has been so faithful to keep it up -- I just have to admire such perserverence!!!

So here's to my husband for his constant adherence to a principle he believed in and his dedication in carrying it out!!!

But please, Lord, let him get back to work!! I'm worn out fixing him three meals a day!!!!

2011-08-07T11:28:00.001-05:00

This is where I spent many calming moments -- the perfectly sized soaking tub!

2011-08-07T11:15:00.002-05:00

THE THIRD DAY

Day 3 began with the genius' waking me up at 6:00 a.m. saying he was in GREAT pain and could not straighten up. When I watched him walk with his upper body almost parallel to the floor, I realized he was indeed in very bad shape. The pain was shooting down his left leg and unbeknownst to him, the leg was also becoming very weak. We immediately contacted the hotel doctor on call who told us to come in to see him at his office.

That ride by taxi to and from the doctor's was a nightmare. He just couldn't get comfortable and walking was almost impossible. He finally made it in and got a couple of prescriptions for pain and relaxing the muscles; after filling them, it was back to the hotel.

From this time on, we were forced to depend on room service for our food, which in less expensive hotels is not so bad. But in this one, it was another story. At least we were in upgraded accomodations -- I can't imagine what a horror story it would have been if we had been in a single room with two queen beds. Here we had a nice round dining table on which to eat our meals.

I will say that the food was truly delicious! AND there were generous servings, so we learned to order one meal and split it -- that way it wasn't quite so hard on our pocketbooks, which were being emptied at an alarming rate. I did make a trip to the ATM in the lobby and it was $5.00 to withdraw $80.00 (the maximum).

This is about all I will report on this lovely excursion except that we spent Day 4 the same way, relaxing in the room and calling for room service. On the fifth day, we hobbled to the limo, rode to the airport, and this time checked our bags.

However, before we leave the subject of the Fontainebleau, below are pics to view of our place where we spent so much time.

Our Lovely Soft Bed

My Shower

View from Our Balcony

The Kitchen (the dining table is at the lower right)

to be cont'd

2011-08-06T08:53:00.002-05:00

MIAMI TRIP CONTINUED

I think I mentioned in yesterday's post that the genius had worked hard getting several jobs completed before we left. On the way down to Miami, he said that his lower back was a little sore from the yard work. (Later I discovered that moving out of his office had entailed lifting several heavy boxes of books and hefting them up to the top shelves in a closet.) Plus, what plane seat, on Southwest anyway, is ever comfortable? By the time we walked forever to catch our ride to the hotel, he was moving more slowly than usual.

I'll interject here that I didn't really think anything about his pains -- we both have bouts with pain throughout our old bodies, especially hips, knees, and backs. But with a little rest or Advil we go right on, and they get "well."

The first night we settled into our luxurious apartment and finally turned out the lights at a later than usual hour for us. As we sank down into the king-sized bed, I noticed that the mattress was quite soft and thought to myself< "That's not going to help a bad back!" But as I was really tired, I drifted off pretty quickly.

You guessed it -- when we woke up the next morning, the genius was in much more pain. He was still able to maneuver pretty well, though, and made a trip to the conference to register, etc. When he came back about lunch time, we walked (slowly) around the huge complex looking at the menus of the various restaurants until deciding upon a place to eat. Afterwards, we looked at the nine pools and interesting places within the hotel, again at a slow pace. We eventually ended up at a very quiet pool located on the 5th floor of our building overlooking the water, where we remained until time to get ready for dinner.

We took a cab to a seafood place named A Fish Called Avalon, and I must say the food was excellent. When we had finished our leisurely dinner, we had a taxi drop us at a Walgreen's about 6 blocks from the hotel so we could stock up on drinks, etc. for the refrigerator we hadn't expected to have. All this time, the genius was getting worse as we plodded on; the pain now extended down his leg to his bad knee. When we got back to our suite, he made the decision to sleep on the sofa in the living room rather than take a chance on the soft mattress again.

All of our actions, from the time we left Nashville until this second night, were contributing to a very bad situation, indeed!!

to be cont'd

2011-08-05T21:12:00.001-05:00

TRIP TO MIAMI BEACH -- SUMMER 2011

The discussion of what to do for summer vacation began early in the spring with several ideas being bandied around. We could return to our favorite vacation spot, Cape San Blas, Florida, for a week's visit. Another thought was to re-visit a place on the Panhandle that we frequented for many years with children and grandchildren: Perdido Key, FL But the one we ended up selecting was a trip to Miami Beach that coincided with a statistics meeting that the genius would attend. That was one memorable vacation we will never forget!

The first decision involved transportation. We ruled out the 24 hour drive (one-way) pretty quickly -- too time consuming and not much fun. Then came the choice on which airlines to fly -- we both like Southwest, but they only fly into Fort Lauderdale, which meant a 45 minute ride to Miami Beach. But American only had an Eagle flight to Miami, and even though the genius was ok with that, I wasn't -- I'd heard too much about how those little planes bounce around. So we decided to go for Fort Lauderdale (and how could we miss with a name like that?).

With that decision out of the way, we moved on to where we would stay. The convention listed 12 hotels, one of which was the Fontainebleau. I had heard much about that one and so researched it on line. It had recently undergone a one billion dollar renovation and although it was a little more than the others, we decided to go for it. So we were all set.

We worked feverishly to get all our chores done before we left. The genius worked for weeks moving out of his office at school, which he would no longer need next year due to his lighter work load. He also did some much needed yard work. I, on the other hand, had much more important tasks like getting my nails done and my hair colored and styled.

But the big day of departure finally came. Rufus was picked up by Jim IV and carted out to his house. The genius and I took off from Nashville and arrived in Fort Lauderdale about 9:30 p.m. We were able to get a car (much nicer than a cab) to the hotel for a pretty decent price, so the situation was looking good. And when we got to the hotel, because of the late hour and hotel overbooking, we were given a one bedroom suite!! with living/dining room!! and a full modern kitchen!! and best of all, 2 beautiful full baths decked out in marble!!!

This vacation was looking better and better!!!

to be con'd.

2010-12-26T09:47:00.003-06:00

Here are some pictures on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (snow pics)

2010-04-28T09:56:00.004-05:00

SAGA OF REDECORATING CONTINUES

Last year we did a lot of redecorating: painting bedrooms, bathrooms, new bathtub, rearranging rooms, swapping rooms, etc., etc., etc. Well the saga has continued, but it surely is WORK!!!

This winter and spring we have painted the kitchen and had bamboo floors laid in the entry way, hall, kitchen and pantry. We're currently in the process of getting bids for painting the living/dining room and stairwell. I've pretty well decided on which one to choose, so let the painting begin (or continue). Below are pictures of the flooring:

>THIS IS THE VIEW FROM THE KITCHEN TO THE FRONT DOOR

THIS IS A SHOT OF THE FLOORS FROM THE FRONT DOOR (Notice the paint samples on the wall).
Neither of the two photos shows the shininess and beauty of the wood, but hopefully, you get the picture.

Next after that will be to remove the carpeting on the first five steps, refinish them, and install a railing. Then . . . . we will have new carpeting installed all over the house.

I look forward to getting it all done!

2010-04-27T09:12:00.003-05:00

MISCELLANEOUS NEWS

The family is all excited about Chloe. I'm sure Ashley is spending many hours with her and enjoying the whole experience tremendously. I envy her.

Below is a photo of her in our "famous" bed that four generations of our family have used. The bed was customed made for our aunt and then MA was the one to start the tradition in our family. I have several pictures of myself sleeping in the bed. There's no telling how many babies have slept in it. It's a perfect size for keeping near the mother's own bed so that she doesn't have to go far to get the baby at night.

CHLOE IN "THE BED"

Meanwhile, things are about the same here. I am still staying on the diet most of the time. Last weekend we went to a party and someone whom I hadn't seen in a while complimented me on my weight loss. I was telling the genius about it later and commented that it was nice to have someone notice. He said, "I tell you all the time how proud I am of you for sticking to the diet!"

I replied, "Yes, but you never tell me that you can see that I have lost weight!"

Sweet Brenda who overheard the conversation told me about 10 minutes later that she could tell I have lost. And I chose to believe that she wasn't just trying to make me feel better -- she's too honest for that.

I will say that the genius does compliment me often on the way I look when we go out, etc. And I appreciate that very much!!

2010-04-18T19:25:00.006-05:00

LATEST MEMBER OF THE FAMILY

HERE SHE IS

OUR FIRST GREAT-GRANDCHILD, CHLOE ISABEL TRUEBLOOD

Born April 18, 2010. Weight 7 1/2 pounds, 19 inches long. Mother and baby doing fine!!

MOTHER KIRSTIE AND BABY CHLOE

GRANDPA MIKE

ASHLEY AND HER FIRST GRANDCHILD(Guy in the background is the doctor)

2010-04-15T15:16:00.007-05:00

THE BIG DAY

The most I remember about that day was getting ready. Everyone but the genius and I went to the wedding place about 3:00 to prepare tables, decorations, etc. We could see that there were plenty of helpers so we waited until later to go.

Both the service (held at 5:30) and the reception were outdoors. It was a beautiful sunny day with that heavenly citrus blossom aroma floating over everything while the birds sang a tune overhead. (Actually, sometimes they squawked but were not distracting.) Once the sun set it was a little chilly but most people came prepared with sweaters, etc.

The wedding and reception both went well without a hitch. The music was very pretty, especially Jordin's singing, the bridesmaids made a colorful backdrop for the bride in her beautiful white dress. She and Mike make a stunning couple.

Of course I have pictures to show:

JIM IV FAMILY

GROOM AND BEST MAN CLOWNING AROUND

BRENDA AND FAMILY

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE AND NEW SON-IN-LAW

BRIDE AND MAID OF HONOR

DANNY AND BAILEY

BRIDE AND MAIDS

WEDDING SINGER

PROUD GRANDPARENTS

CUTTING THE CAKE

BRIDESMAIDS

2010-04-13T09:09:00.007-05:00

WEDDING EVE

On Friday after a morning of lounging by the club pool, Laurie and I walked "home" and dressed for the bridesmaids' luncheon. It was held on the patio of the same club.

Phoenix weather can be very interesting. There is no humidity, of course, and the sun can be quite hot. But the patio was in the shade where it was chilly, so the club accomodated us with big heaters scattered around us. All the girls looked pretty and there are a few pictures below of the happenings.

GRANDMOTHER AND THE BRIDE

BRIDE AND MAID OF HONOR

TWO JORDIES

THE BRIDE AND HER MAIDS

2010-04-12T08:11:00.003-05:00

WEDDING DAY, MINUS TWO

Thursday before the big day was mostly a hang out or get last-minute-things-done-day for everyone. For me, I enjoyed life by the pool.

Jim IV, Laurie, Jay, Annie, and I stayed in a house that backed up to a beautiful golf course. Mike's company owns four of these all in a row. He had offered one to us before but we couldn't use it because we had Rufus with us, but this time we did. Now that I've been inside one of them, I think we'll leave Rufus at home so we can enjoy this luxury again.

The house has three bedrooms, two baths, roomy top-of-the-line kitchen, stocked with food, then a dining area, overlooking the large living room. The living room and master suite had a great view of the golf course. Laurie was in seventh heaven. She borrowed some clubs from Mike and played every morning on the small pitch and putt course that was right next to our house. One morning we walked down the street to the club house and had breakfast out by the pool. I felt very pampered.

Another new experience for me was the heavenly fragrance that was enveloping all of Phoenix at the time. The citrus trees were in bloom all over the city, and the wonderful scent followed us everywhere. Also, the refrigerator at our house was stocked with fresh picked oranges that were probably the sweetest, most delicious I have ever had.

Because the wedding was held outside, this very pleasant aroma drifted over us during the service and added a special ambiance.

The only picture I have for this day is one of the three cousins together again at last:

DANNY, MICHAEL, JAY

2010-04-10T10:40:00.008-05:00

PRE-WEDDING DAYS

Our second grandchild, Jordan Trueblood, was married on Saturday, March 27, in Phoenix. I arrived on Wednesday, the 24th, and was able to participate in a few of the pre-nuptial affairs.

The first one was the rehearsal dinner held on Wednesday night instead of the traditional night before the wedding. The place she was getting married had all their rehearsals for the week on Wednesdays, so the dinner was planned for that night also. It was held at a quaint German restaurant in the heart of downtown Glendale in a room at the back. Of course, I have a few pictures to display.

The bride and groom:

This is Mike and Jordan. I have mentioned before that Mike was a part of the family long before he and Jordan began dating. He was Tom's (Jordan's older brother) best friend since second grade and had many visits to Nashville in that role. They began dating soon after Tom and Kirstie married four years ago.

Here are some other shots:

TOM AND KIRSTIE (she's due on April 25)

BAILEY AND BOYFRIEND CHASE (she is maid of honor and Jordan's
sister)

ME WITH DANNY (youngest of the Truebloods) AND FAMOUS SINGER who was a bridesmaid and sang at the wedding

I will only add that the food was delicious and I didn't think I liked German food.

to be cont'd.

2010-04-09T12:25:00.003-05:00

REMAINDER OF CRUISE

OK, I think it's about time I wrapped this up. We spent Friday of the cruise visiting Grand Turk which quite frankly I don't think I had ever heard of before. And really there was not a whole lot to see.

The ships have been going there for four years and I'm sure that has helped their economy, but they still have a long way to go. The taxi driver told us that the politicians were very crooked and were keeping all the money for themselves. (So what else is new?)

To make matters worse, it was lightly raining all day, so we made a quick retreat to the ship where we were attacked by pirates!!

The last day we spent on board mainly lounging by the pool and eating. As I said, the food was delicious, and I even found a way to check out the dinner menu for the day on the TV ship channel. That way we could look forward to it all day.

We docked early Sunday morning and after spending time in the art deco area of South Miami Beach, we went to the airport. We were very glad to get back to Tennessee that night.

Tomorrow, I will begin on Jordan's wedding.

2010-04-08T08:35:00.006-05:00

DAY 5 ON THE CRUISE

Brenda and I left the ship on Day 5 for a quick trip around San Juan. This was one of my favorite ports with its colorful buildings and pretty brick streets. Below is a shot of me in front of the cathedral we visited that shows the blue bricks on the street.

Inside the cathedral was the tomb of Juan Ponce de Leon, which I thought was kind of cool.

We had a great time roaming the city on foot and we found a few trinkets to bring back. When we got back to the boat, we were met by a leprechan for a photo op since it was St. Patrick's Day:

(Actually, this pic was shot the day before.)

2010-04-07T08:14:00.006-05:00

CRUISE, DAY 4

This day we docked at St. Martin's Island for a day at the beach. Both St. Martin and St. John have beaches that rate in the top 10 in the world. We decided to ferry over to St. John to that beach in the hope it wouldn't be so crowded. Below is a picture of this gorgeous place.

The water was a beautiful blue and it wasn't too crowded. So I decided to get my feet wet. (Brenda had been in and assured me it wasn't too cold.) So I waded out a few yards -- up to my thighs -- and it felt very pleasant. I noticed that the waves seem to be getting bigger though, so I turned around to start back in. The next thing I knew I was on the bottom of the ocean floor flailing my arms and legs. I finally got my footing and another one hit. By that time, Brenda was beside me holding on to me. I have never seen her move so fast. She was across the beach and in the water like a flash. Anyway, I was more upset about losing my Raybans than anything else. We both looked for them but they were long gone. Some fish is protecting its eyes from the sun with MY expensive sunglasses.

Here I am after being dunked!! Those are my reading sun glasses. I bought some more Raybans in San Juan.

The two islands were really pretty -- I can see why so many Americans have opted to live down there.

2010-04-05T09:15:00.002-05:00

Day three was spent on the boat with no stops. Brenda and I just mostly hung out around one of the pools along with 3500 or so others. It was pretty crowded, but we just read our books and ignored most everyone else.

Brenda and I read seven books each during the week. When I saw how fast I was reading, I began looking for other reading material. I never did see a bookstore on land, and the boat just had a very limited selection. I finally was able to find an acceptable book in the general store on board.

That particular night was dress-up night for dinner. So we put on our "elegant" clothes and made our appearance in the dining room. Of course, the photographer was there to snap us and the result is below.

CRUISE, DAY 3

2010-04-03T10:06:00.003-05:00

CRUISE DAY 2

Our first stop in the Caribbean was at the Bahamas (Nassau). Brenda and I first took a horse and buggy ride around the small city to get the lay of the land, so to speak, and then we could decide what to do.

After wandering around, we found the market for local wares of the natives and had a ball browsing through that. This was the spot for bargaining and because I have had many years of doing just that in Chinatown, NY, on my many 8th grade trips, I was in my element. I ended up buying a miniature box for my collection, a picture frame, and a Coach purse. The purse was much reduced from an original, of course; instead of $400, I paid $35.00. I don't know whether it's a copy or stolen goods, but it looks like the real thing to me.

Then it was back onto the boat for more fun in the sun and more gorging on the food fest.

DISEMBARKING

SEEING NASSAU FROM A CARRIAGE

GETTING BACK ON BOARD

2010-04-01T09:00:00.004-05:00

CRUISING THE OCEAN BLUE

Brenda has been trying for years to get me to go on a Caribbean cruise with her, so this year I finally agreed to accompany her. We embarked from Miami on Sunday, March 14, and returned on the 21st. There were so many things I enjoyed that I wanted to write them down.

Getting 3500 people aboard the huge ship was a task that took several hours, but we made it on finally and went to our cabin on the seventh floor. It was a cute little room with two single beds and a very small bathroom. The use of space was very efficient, but I didn't get a feeling of claustrophobia at all. I felt quite comfortable in it.

The first thing we did was to eat lunch; then we began to explore all the decks to get the best view of the launching. We discovered a top deck that was adults only so we perched ourselves up there to watch Miami disappear. I was a little uneasy about how I would feel once we were out, but I must say that I never experienced any seasickness at all. In fact, the rocking of the boat put me to sleep every night.

That night we dined at 8:15, which was nice because there were no children that I saw at all in the dining room. Not that I have anything against little ones, but I do prefer to eat without them at dinner. Of course, the food was as good as I had heard it would be. And the service was superb.

For most of the week we ordered room service for breakfast, ate lunch in the main day restaurant, and dined in our dining room at night. I did try to stick to the diet and did a fairly good job -- I just added desserts to it, so I'm sure I gained back about five pounds of the fifteen or so I had lost.

Below is a picture of us just before boarding the ship.

CRUISE DAYS

to be continued

2010-01-30T09:54:00.002-06:00

BATTLING THE SNOW

We have about six inches of the white stuff. It's beautiful, but poor Rufus, who used to like snow, is having a very tough time.

There's a crust on top of the snow and he can walk on it for a while and then he sinks down into it. There's no place to sniff, which means nowhere to relive himself.

Then he comes back in with ice imbedded in his fur.

I've resorted to putting pads down everywhere, which he is using, I'm happy to report.

I'm thinking about getting bundled up and clearing a path for him in the yard, but that would mess up the beauty of it!!

It's just not easy to be a little dog!!

2010-01-29T09:31:00.003-06:00

SNOWBOUND!!

The snow is falling fast and furious -- 3-9 inches expected!! If it keeps up like it is now it will be a lot! And here is the real shocker: the genius's school is closed! That's the first time in my memory that that has happened! Wonders will never cease!!

Of course, he was already there when the decision was made so he's staying on and working out, etc. Thank goodness he has four wheel drive and no big hills between the school and here.

Right now as I write, a man has braved the weather to come and measure for an estimate for hardwood floors. Another man came yesterday; I'll be glad when we can make a decision and start on it. I really look forward to getting this Rufus-stained carpet out of here and get something new down, be it hardwood or carpet.

At least I'm ready for this snow. I went to the grocery yesterday and got enough to last a few days. In Nashville, when the weatherman announces snow coming, all the elderly (like me) run to the store. But it wasn't too bad and I'm ready to be a hermit.

I like the estimate for the floors for the kitchen, pantry, and foyer this man gave me, so that might be my choice. And -- he had a carpet man for me to call. I love getting into this network of people who fix up houses. That way I can be my own contractor and save money.

I'll keep you posted on the saga of redecorating. Who knows? There may be more photographs to come!!

2010-01-27T09:30:00.002-06:00

LIVING WITH THE DIET

OK, it's time to buy a new set of bathroom scales. The one we have is digital and it flies all over the place. I can step on it three times and get three different weights and yesterday it showed me losing 22 pounds! I know I haven't lost that much so as I said, time to hit the stores for a new one.

I'm still having fun with the diet. I'm doing so much cooking and trying so many new things that I guess I'll have to think about getting rid of my "I only have a kitchen because it came with the house" sign.

Last night I tried something called "Chicken Au Gratin", a chicken-spaghetti affair that was really delicious. Monday night it was "Beef Burgundy Casserole" except I didn't have any burgundy so used merlot instead. That too was a success.

The genius is beside himself coming home each night to these meals. Tonight it is chili, a tried and true favorite of ours. I may have to cheat a little and add cornbread, haven't decided yet.

So what has been the result? Who knows with scales like ours? I suspect I have lost about 12-15 pounds and the genius about 10. (He has to face that lunch line everyday and I don't, thank goodness.)

All I know is I was able to wear a pair of jeans last weekend that I hadn't been able to get into in ages.

That's the best sign of all!

2010-01-25T09:52:00.002-06:00

P.S. TO FRIDAY'S BLOG

No sooner did I have Friday's blog posted when I received a call from the genius at school. "Guess who has been here working out all week?" he said. Right away I knew who it was. our guy Tim! The fact that he was on campus was a deep dark secret so he didn't get to see him and didn't even hear about it until he was gone. Oh, well, what would either one of us say to him if we did meet him? I'm not the type to approach a star and I've had plenty of opportunities here in Nashville.

THE NEW WALK

As I have mentioned, I'm trying to exersize more these days in the form of a brisk walk on one of the times I take Rufus out. The genius measured our street to be 1/10 of a mile one way, so if one goes up and down it 5 times, he/she has walked a mile. So I have been building up gradually until I at least do a mile a day.

I would take off and go on other streets to make the walk more interesting, but Rufus is so uncomfortable off of our little dead end that I just stick to this one. In fact, everytime we get to the part that runs into another street, his tail goes down, he starts looking at the cars in a panicky way, and tries to turn back.

I'll let him tell his side:

Y'Mommy has a different way to walk these days and I don't know what to make of it. First, we turn right at the end of the driveway and go to the end of the street. Them she turns around and tears up the street like a bat out of hell; I don't even have time to sniff, much less pee. Eventually, she slows down and I grab that time to do some smelling around, but if I tarry at all, she takes off again! I have to do my business really fast if I need to and I usually do.

She takes me all the way up to where the cars are whizzing by at breakneck speed, and just when I think I will have a heart attack, she whirls around and starts back.

Then, of all the crazy things, when we get to our house we keep right on going and do it all over again! She really must enjoy it because every time we go out she wants to increase the number of times we make this walk.

By the time we finally do turn in at our driveway, I am exhausted and barely have the strength to eat my treat!! But I finally do and then collapse in a heap on the back of the sofa where I can still keep guard of the house. If I can only stay awake!

Why do I get the idea that wearing me out is part of her plan?

2010-01-22T10:14:00.004-06:00

OUR MAN

The genius and I have a new newspaper that we read online everyday: The Gainesville Sun. Not only does it have good coverage on national and local news, it also has the best coverage of our all time favorite football player. Of course, I'm talking about Tim Tebow.

I know, I know, some of you are very tired of hearing about the too-good-to-be-true young man. But you can't deny that so far he has have proven to be a great quarterback if not the greatest all time college football player. And his leadership abilities and the example he sets both on and off the field are first rate. So what's ahead for him?

Apparently, there are doubts about him as to whether or not he can make it in the pros as a quarterback. I can just see all those defensive NFL players itching to get their hands on him and thinking to themselves "I'll show you what football is all about!"

So it will be interesting to see first of all, who drafts him, and secondly, how he holds up to the tremendous pressure he will be under next year.

I do know this: whichever team gets him will have two new fans next year!!

2010-01-21T09:26:00.004-06:00

WEATHER RAMBLINGS, ETC.

The weather has been a real test to me the last few days, which have been very dark and dreary, but I'm doing well, thank you, in spite of it. The diet, some short brisk walks, plus my new mental attitude are all still working.

Ever since we acquired our precious Rufus, I have wanted some ear muffs. I have a nice Angora tam that keeps my head warm in really cold weather, but my ears are frozen by the time I get back from my walk with the dog. I have periodically looked for something to cover my ears, (usually during the really cold weather) and haven't been able to find them anywhere. Finally, I did what I should have done all along -- went online and ordered some. I kept waiting for them to come during those days a few weeks ago when the temperature didn't get above freezing.

You guessed it. The first day that actually felt like a heat wave (in the 40s) my package arrived. Now my new cheetah ear muffs are sitting on the dining room table waiting for another cold spell. I've had to my rescue them from Rufus a time or two, but so far they are still in one piece.

Speaking of the darling dog, I heard that Winston Churchill had two poodles that he was very fond of. He liked the name "Rufus" so much that he named them Rufus I and Rufus II. He treated them just like children, covering their eyes if something came on TV they shouldn't see. One of them got away from from a servant while she was walking them and he reportedly never spoke to that person again!

I KNEW there was a reason I liked that man!!

2010-01-19T08:52:00.003-06:00

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!!

2010-01-15T08:58:00.002-06:00

ANOTHER BIG D

Ever since I can remember I have suffered from SADS,(season activated disorder, or winter blues) during the cold months. Mine is not critical, but I do tend to get "down", sleep more, have less energy, gain weight, withdraw socially, all symptoms of the disorder.

What I want to do when it occurs is to just give in to it and go to bed or hang out around the house in my pjs. But that is exactly what I shouldn't do. So I have tried a number of ways to combat it. I plan, if possible, to take a winter trip to a warm, sunny place; I take extra Vitamin D, and have even tried antidepressants. Nothing has really worked effectively. When I get it, I have it and have to live with it.

Last month when I went to the doctor for my biannual check up, I mentioned the problem . My symptoms seem to have increased this year and started earlier than usual. She told me exactly what I did not want to hear: 1) Get outside more to get whatever light is available and 2) Exercise!!! Of course, both can be accomplished at the same time by taking a brisk walk.

I have accidentally happened upon a method that brings relief from it: the diet that I wrote about yesterday. So I will pass on what I am doing in the hope of helping others.

For breakfast I have fruit, any kind, and as much as I want. Since I rarely eat breakfast, this is new to me. Usually I eat an orange, but I have strawberries, bananas, grapes, cherries, and apples on hand if I would rather have that.

For lunch I have some sort of vegetable(s), often a huge salad filled with lots of things in it. I have always considered a salad as a side dish, so I have had to learn to make it large and have various combinations of ingredients.

At night I eat meat and vegetables, no bread or dessert. Afterwards I often eat some more fruit. If I get hungry between meals, I eat more fruit or a handful of nuts. One of the secrets for success has been to have a large variety of everything.

So what have been the results? The first week I lost 8 pounds, and over the last four days, two more have been shed. I know the loss will slow down and be more gradual, but here is the kicker: I feel great and I haven't even begun exercising yet!

2010-01-14T08:42:00.002-06:00

THE BIG D

No, I don't mean Dallas, or Divorce -- today the subject is diet. The genius and I are on one TOGETHER! At LAST!

Dieting is one thing I haven't done much of in my life. (Duhhhh, all you have to do is look at me.) But what was the point if I tried to do it myself without the genius on board? Besides, we have eaten out a lot and if the food is before my face, I will eat it.

To give you some history, I was skinny when I was little and on into my teenage years. I weighed between 100 and 105 for years. I ate anything I wanted, but I just couldn't eat a lot at one time. Even after we married, the genius would many times eat half of what was on my plate because I was full.

But then I got pregnant and that's when it all started: My appetite exploded. But even then I stayed pretty small. I remember weighing 108 when Brenda (the youngest) was a baby. And of course, when I was playing tennis everyday, I easily kept my weight to a reasonable number.

During my teaching years, however, my struggle with pounds really escalated. I was getting no exercise and still eating pretty much what I wanted. The cafeteria with its teenaged-type food was certainly no help. So the extra weight piled on. NOW I'm finally doing something about it.

Tomorrow I will reveal the diet and results, which have been somewhat surprising!!

2010-01-13T09:21:00.003-06:00

MORE REDECORATING

I mentioned a few days ago that we are having another house project. We've decided that we don't want to live with this stained white carpet anymore, so today a man is coming out to measure for several options in re-flooring our house. We are looking at hardwood flooring and carpet plus something in the kitchen.

I love the look of hardwood on floors, but the more I have thought about it, the more I think I want carpet just for the sake of comfort. I was raised in a house that had the former and we sooooo wanted our parents to put in carpeting. Finally, they did and it just felt so nice and warm to me.

I've never been one to do something to a house just for its resale value -- I always redecorate (the precious little I have done) for US to live in it, not for the next person. I know that wood floors would increase the value, but I have to think about living here, and how long that will be only God knows.

When we were looking at carpet/flooring in the store, the salesman commented that one sample was guaranteed for 25 years. I just looked at him and said, "I won't BE here in 25 years, I would be 95!" He looked a little taken aback, and then went on to suggest another type that was a step down from that.

Meanwhile, Jim IV during his less busy period from tennis is painting the cabinets in the kitchen. It is a nice creamy color that has already brightened up the room.

I'll keep you posted. Who knows? I may dream up another major project -- does a woman's nesting instinct ever diminish?!?

2010-01-12T09:00:00.003-06:00

LEARNING THE FADS

During the holidays the genius and I were having dinner with Brenda at one of our favorite restaurants. He was puzzled about something and put a question to us.

"What do you do when a person does this to you?" and he held out a fist with the thumb down.

One of us or maybe both said, "You make a fist back and knock against his/her fist." Brenda said, "It's called a fist bump."

Then he related two incidents where it had happened to him. One was with another teacher in assembly (meaning at least some students witnessed it). The teacher across the aisle held out her fist and he didn't know what to do, "So I just reached over and shook it."

At this statement, Brenda and I just put our heads in our hands and moaned, "Oh, noooo!"

Then he said a student made the gesture to him later and he just waved to him. By this time Brenda and I were crying we were laughing so hard.

So, to all the genius's students who read this (and I would die of shock if any did), the math professor has learned the fist bump, so feel free to use it on him. Be careful of his ring, though -- that could be painful.

2010-01-11T09:44:00.002-06:00

ANOTHER HOLIDAY SEASON -- GONE!

Where does the time go? It seemed like yesterday we were looking forward to the genius's getting out for Christmas break, and now he's gone back to school already!! We had a very nice three weeks though and things are a little more back to normal now, i.e., I am back on schedule writing the blog.

So much happened over the break I don't know where to start, probably with Christmas. It was a very quiet one this year since Jim IV and his family were visiting with Ashley and her clan out in Phoenix. But we enjoyed Brenda and her two spending it with us. The genius, as usual, was very generous with his gift to me and I now have started on another house project, but I'm getting ahead of myself.

We spent New Year's Eve at BJ's this year (next year it's my turn) and we had fun with the two sisters and spouses. It was a little hectic to say the least because we had FOUR dogs in the same house, that's right FOUR!!! I took Jesse because I was keeping her while her family was gone, and BJ had one of her daughter's, a little fireball named Rocky, in addition to our own, Rufus and Monty.

Poor MA and Chun, who don't have any dogs and don't want any, had to put up with all the stir that these four animals caused. Chun would look at one of the dog's antics and say, "That's reason number 11, -- or 18, etc. why I don't want a dog." I'm reasonably certain that after those few days he will never want one. But we had lots of laughs, as usual.

That's all I'll write about today; I need to save some for later.

Hope everyone had a wonderful, restful holiday and are ready for what 2010 brings. May it be a blessed and happy year!

2009-12-25T10:54:00.003-06:00

THE CHRISTMAS MY FAMILY REMEMBERS MOST

It all began on Tuesday, December 23 sometime in the 1970's, when we gathered at my cousin Jane's house to celebrate Christmas with my father's side of the family. Present were Preston, Jane's husband, and three children, my sisters and their husbands and children, and my aunt and uncle (Jane's parents) and my parents as well. We had a wonderful time eating and making merry and enjoying each others' company.

The next day, Wednesday, was spent doing all the last minute shopping and cooking. Then that night the genius, our three children and I all celebrated with the genius' side of the family. We gathered at my in-laws' house for a superb feast consisting of turkey, dressing, scalloped oysters, cranberry sauce, etc. We were quite satisfyingly full when we started for home.

Once home, we saw the children off to bed fully intending to be awakened by them before dawn once again. However, some of us didn't make it through the night. Ashley and I were in the bathroom losing the delicious meal we had downed the night before. We were up most of the rest of the night and by morning Brenda and the genius were joining in. Jim IV felt queasy and got worse throughout the day, but I'm getting ahead of myself.

We made the decision to camp out on the king-sized bed and open our presents. We proceeded to do so, but periodically, one or the other of us would have to interrupt to run to the bathroom. This went on throughout the gift opening process, and to some extent, throughout the day.

Meanwhile, my parents and my sisters' families were experiencing the same thing. We were supposed to meet at my maternal aunt's and uncle's lakehouse to have our big dinner, etc. as we had for several years, but no one could come! My aunt and uncle, their children, and my step-grandmother all waited in vain for us to arrive, but we were all sick! Out of seventeen of us who had eaten at Jane's house, fourteen were ill.

We checked it out with Jane and they admitted to having had a stomach virus earlier but were well over it by the time we came to their dinner. It must have been a very potent and stubborn virus because we all caught it!!

Whenever anyone in our family is asked to name his/her most MEMORABLE Christmas, everyone names this one. I don't know why but we always seem to define events by the negative aspects of it. I wonder why.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE, AND MAY YOU ALL REMAIN WELL TODAY!!!

2009-12-24T09:10:00.002-06:00

MEMORIES OF TWO CHRISTMASES

Writing about Ashley's birth made me remember our first Christmas with her when she was but one week old. We were in Lawton, OK, as I said, living in a little 2 bedroom furnished duplex in town as opposed to on the base at Fort Sill which was full. I was still recovering from the long labor and birth and the genius was doing his duties as a husband and new father.

Our meals consisted of mostly frozen dinners or sandwiches which he prepared, while I was busy taking care of our new baby. When Christmas Eve rolled around both of us were getting pretty tired of the routine, not to say the frozen dinners. (I've never really gotten over my initial impression of them.)

Ashley was the third grandchild on my side of the family, but she was the first on the paternal side. My in-laws were ecstatic over her arrival and had sent a mountain of presents to her for her first Christmas. In addition, there were many gifts from other friends of the family all wrapped and sitting under the tree for Christmas. Of course, we had quite a few gifts ourselves because this was our first Christmas away from home.

That night after dinner (thankfully, I don't remember what it was) we were sitting in the living room ready to collapse for yet another sleepless night when we made the momentous decision to open just ONE present. The delight of "breaking the rules" was so great that we decided to open just ONE more. Of course, you can guess what happened: By the time we were through, every gift was opened and the floor was covered with wrapping paper from one end to the other.

We were NOT sorry the next morning and once our three children were grown, we have done the same thing with them. Every Christmas Eve we get together with whoever is in town to eat a big meal and afterwards open our gifts.

That means that Christmas Day is one of rest and relaxation and eating leftovers.

Tomorrow I will share everyone's MOST memorable Christmas!

2009-12-18T11:23:00.003-06:00

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?"

2009-12-10T10:07:00.002-06:00

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!

2009-12-08T20:10:00.002-06:00

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.

2009-12-02T13:32:00.002-06:00

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!!

2009-12-01T10:16:00.003-06:00

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!!

2009-11-26T10:07:00.002-06:00

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!!!

2009-11-24T14:59:00.002-06:00

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.

2009-10-10T14:06:00.003-05:00

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.

2009-10-09T09:21:00.003-05:00

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!

2009-10-08T09:24:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-10-05T19:27:00.002-05:00

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.

2009-09-29T09:03:00.003-05:00

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!

2009-09-28T11:31:00.002-05:00

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.

2009-09-22T09:24:00.002-05:00

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!!

2009-09-21T09:12:00.003-05:00

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!!

2009-09-18T09:59:00.002-05:00

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.

2009-09-14T07:15:00.002-05:00

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.

2009-09-09T12:30:00.003-05:00

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!!

2009-09-08T09:43:00.003-05:00

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.

2009-09-01T10:12:00.003-05:00

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!

2009-08-30T17:29:00.003-05:00

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!

2009-08-27T10:30:00.003-05:00

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.

2009-08-26T10:05:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-08-25T08:54:00.002-05:00

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!!

2009-08-20T10:20:00.002-05:00

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!!

2009-08-18T16:06:00.002-05:00

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.

2009-08-17T10:11:00.002-05:00

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!!

2009-08-12T08:11:00.002-05:00

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!!

2009-08-06T12:39:00.005-05:00

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

2009-07-31T12:46:00.002-05:00

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.

2009-07-29T17:23:00.004-05:00

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.

2009-07-24T08:13:00.002-05:00

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.

2009-07-23T10:23:00.004-05:00

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?

2009-07-22T09:49:00.002-05:00

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.

2009-07-21T12:27:00.002-05:00

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 !!

2009-07-13T12:32:00.002-05:00

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.

2009-07-10T10:58:00.002-05:00

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.

2009-07-08T08:57:00.003-05:00

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!!

2009-07-07T09:38:00.005-05:00

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.

2009-07-06T08:03:00.002-05:00

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!!

2009-07-02T12:10:00.003-05:00

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!

2009-06-25T08:12:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-06-24T09:12:00.002-05:00

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!!!!

2009-06-23T09:34:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-06-19T10:38:00.005-05:00

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.

2009-06-18T11:58:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-06-15T21:05:00.007-05:00

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.

2009-06-14T13:25:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-06-10T21:02:00.003-05:00

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.

2009-06-09T19:42:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-06-08T14:34:00.003-05:00

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.

2009-05-29T09:39:00.002-05:00

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!!

2009-05-28T08:27:00.002-05:00

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!!

2009-05-26T07:18:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-05-22T08:59:00.002-05:00

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!!

2009-05-20T09:23:00.002-05:00

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.

2009-05-18T08:41:00.003-05:00

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!!

2009-05-14T09:42:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-05-10T21:25:00.003-05:00

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.

2009-05-09T14:29:00.002-05:00

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.

2009-05-05T12:36:00.002-05:00

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!!

2009-05-04T16:14:00.002-05:00

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!!

2009-04-29T08:56:00.002-05:00

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!!

2009-04-27T09:12:00.004-05:00

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!!

2009-04-24T09:06:00.002-05:00

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!!

2009-04-22T07:55:00.002-05:00

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!!