CHANGING MY WAYS AIN'T EASY

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

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

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

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

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

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

At my age, old habits die hard!!

H WEEK

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

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

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

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

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

Here's hoping he can pull it off!!

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

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

"It's a holiday!" I said.

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

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

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

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

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

GOING BACK TO SCHOOL

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

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

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

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

"You look beautiful!"

"You haven't aged a bit!"

"I love your necklace."

"Such cute shoes."

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

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

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

Vive le Retirement!!

THE TWIN BEDS

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

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

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

"Goodnight" "Goodnight"

"Sleep tight" "Sleep tight"

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

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

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

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

Ah, such memories!!

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

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

WELL AT LAST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOOD POISONING AGAIN

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

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

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

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

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

SEPHORA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SURPRISE

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

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

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

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

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

SUNNY ARIZONA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE FUTURE OF TARGET

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GROCERY STORE ENTERTAINMENT

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shopping at Walmart is not nearly as much fun!!

A TIME FOR REST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MA AND CHUN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NEW ME!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CELEBRATION TIME

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

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

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

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

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

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

I'VE SEEN BETTER WEEKS!!

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

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

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

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

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

LOOKING BACK ON THE WEEKEND

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

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

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

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

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

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

LUNCHEON

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anyway, the picture of the attendees is below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

BACK TO DECORATING

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

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

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

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

BREAK TIME IS OVER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SPRING BREAK

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

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

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

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

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

NEW PICTURES

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

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

THE YEARS FOLLOWING

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE AFTERMATH

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

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

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

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

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

Tomorrow I will discuss the years since my remarkable transformation.

MY ENCOUNTER

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

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

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

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

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

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

To be continued.

SEARCHING FOR THE TRUTH (CONT’D)

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

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

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

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

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

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

MY SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To be continued . . .

MARRIED TO A PACK RAT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OUR REMARKABLE SON

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MORE PICTURES

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

IMAGINATION RUNS AMOK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER

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

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

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

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

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

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

STUCK IN THE SEVENTIES

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

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

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

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

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

BACK TO WORK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

STILL GETTING ORDERED HOUSE

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

1) painted the downstairs bathroom

2) painted the downstairs den-turned-bedroom

3) shampooed carpet in new bedroom

4) sanded and painted the bed to go in there

5) moved said bed to the new bedroom

6) cleaned out bookcases and given away over 100 books

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

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

9) moved kingsized bed into other upstairs bedroom.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GETTING OUR HOUSE IN ORDER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WINTER IN NASHVILLE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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