The Novocaine's wearing off....

What a fun day. (sarcasm intended here)

I had a ten o'clock dental appointment that didn't end until after 12.

Two old crowns were removed and there was a lot of crunching and drilling and probing and scraping and tapping and air-blowing and water spraying..and suctioning.....etc.....the dentist (who is also my friend!) did so much work that it felt like he was building a condominium in my mouth. But, he did a great job and I left there with two temporary crowns in my still-numb mouth.

Oh, to go back in time and take better care of my teeth as a youngster! Of course, we didn't have the benefits of flouride back then...and I loved sweets! Hopefully, my grandkids may never have to know what it is like to have fillings or crowns...How nice for them.

Even though I couldn't feel my mouth...I went out after my appointment to do a few errands. It was strange trying to talk with a numb tongue! When I tried to ask a saleperson a question, she looked at me oddly...probably wondering if I had been hitting the bottle for an early morning nip.

Of course, now that the Novocaine's wearing off, the throbbing is beginning.So, I will end here and go take a couple of Advil's and have myself a little personal pity party.

: )

The Path...

(partially finished pathway to the shed--note: the large piles of roots strewn on the side)

"Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence.” Henry David Thoreau

Ok. If you are thinking that this is going to be a spiritually deep and insightful post today...you are waaaay off.

This is the story of my new little pathway to my shed. (deep, eh?!)

Batting my eyes and speaking in the softest, most appealing voice that I could garner, I said to Dave yesterday: "Honey, how about if we make a path to my shed so that I can get to it without getting my shoes all dirty and muddy?"

Silence.

"It doesn't have to be anything fancy," I continued, "just a few of those little concrete squares placed here and there."

Well, I guess that the eye batting worked, because he agreed to do this "little" project with me.

So, off we went to Home Depot where I picked out 15 terra cotta concrete squares for my new path.

Now the fun began.

What I didn't realize was that laying a path wasn't just a matter of throwing them down on the dirt and voila! the path is made. Instead, Dave let me know that we needed to dig down into the dirt for each one and get it seated properly in the ground.

So, the digging commenced.

What neither of us had realized before starting this little project was that the chosen path was filled with a multitude of large, far-reaching ROOTS below the surface!

Dave used a hatchet (!) and began to chop away root by root. It was incredibly strenuous work trying to cut these roots away. If we didn't get them all out, the square wouldn't seat properly. I had the job of using the claw tool to get the dirt mixed up and level...and inevitably I continued to find more and more roots for Dave to chop.

There was also a huge sheet of strong black plastic that we had laid over the ground 25 years ago to keep the weeds from sprouting up. This, too, had to be cut away before we could get to some of the earth below...and, of course, this removal exposed more roots!

What I haven't mentioned is that we recently had a pretty good rain and the ground was still pretty soaked and muddy. So, there we were--- the two of us-grunting and groaning-and, getting totally covered with muddy dirt.

We worked until the sun went down and we could no longer see what we were doing out there...(thank heavens for the respite!!).

As we got into the garage, I closed the door, looked at the two of us covered from head to toe in mud and said, "OK, strip down before stepping into the house!". There was no way that all of that mess was going to be spread into my downstairs room. So, there we were, stripped down to our skivvies and laughing our weary heads off as I began to load the washing machine in hopes of reviving our mud-stained work clothes.

We tried to finish up this afternoon, but it ended up raining on us before we could get the job done...so, it will have to be put off until another time. I never imagined that this little project would become such a huge one with an exorbitant amount of work; leaving us both sore and achy today and realizing that we might be getting a bit too old for this kind of manual labor!

Something a bit disconcerting did occur to me a little bit ago. If we Dave chopped up all of those roots, does that mean that I will have killed off all of the shrubs in that area of my yard?

I guess that we will know more when Springtime arrives this year... : O

Chatter

Have you seen the commercial for the "Snuggie: The Blanket That Has Sleeves"? This wrap-around fleece blanket promises that you will stay warm from head to toe! It is "made of super-soft, thick, luxurious fleece with oversized loose fitting sleeves, so shoulders, arms and upper body remain protected from the cold but arms and hands are free to use your laptop, TV remote, read a book, talk on the phone, eat a snack and much more. Snuggie Fleece Throw won't slip and slide like a regular blanket and allows complete freedom of movement. As the temperature drops, you can keep your heating bill low and stay warm and comfy with your Snuggie Fleece Blanket. Ideal for staying toasty warm at sporting events or chilly outdoor evenings. " It shows men, women and children all wearing it while they are doing a myriad of things. The men look like Monks while they are wearing it...but, they all look so happy...and, one is tempted to say "Wow, how clever! I should run out and buy one!"...until you realize that a jacket or sweater could serve the same purpose and not be open in the back like this is! It makes me laugh every time that I see it on tv... Check it out!

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I continue to wonder what exactly is in my Smart Balance spray butter? If you look on the back of the container is has zero fat, zero sodium, zero calories, zero cholesterol, zero carbs, zero protein.....zero anything. So what is it? Yellow water? I spray it on my food with reckless abandon...while having absolutely no idea what it actually is!?!?!

If I start 'glowing' one day, you all will know the reason...

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Talked to Mom yesterday. She really put me and my friends to shame on New Year's Eve. It seems that she had a few people over at the "Home" that night for a little party. While Dave, Sharon, Gary and I struggled to make it past 11 p.m.....they all stayed up past midnight! These are people in their mid to late 80's.

Maybe one gets renewed energy once they pass 80 year's old? Or, maybe they just can't sleep so staying up isn't really much of a stretch.

Whatever, I'm envious.

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I'm thinking "pink" this month as I prepare to head down to Florida at the end of the month to walk in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure with my youngest sister, who is a cancer survivor. I will be joined by my other two sisters and Mom... as we show our support and celebrate her 9 years of being a survivor.

The night of the race she is having a "Party in Pink" at the Country Club near her home....and, we are all supposed to wear (you got it...) pink. I'm so looking forward to this visit...it will be here before I know it....I better start looking for that pink outfit! : )

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Well, there are going to be a lot of unhappy people walking around Birmingham today. Alabama was defeated by Utah in the Sugar Bowl last night as the "Tide" got "Rolled". People were having Sugar Bowl parties all over this city in anticipation of Alabama having a big win.

Oh dear.

In case you didn't know...we take our football very seriously here in the South, Y'all...

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Oh no! The T.V. ears failed to work last night...which meant that we went to bed with the television sound on. Hopefully, they just weren't fully charged and they will work tonight....I have really gotten used to having Dave wear them as I drift off to a peaceful sleep...Cross your fingers...

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It's a rather gloomy, grey, rainy day here in Birmingham...but, have a bright and sunny one wherever you are! XOXO

Resolution Review

I decided to check out my 2008 New Year's Resolutions to see how many I had actually kept. It's not looking too good.

1. Laugh more. Yes, I am definitely doing that one! So far so good.... : )

2. Read more books and less magazines. Nope...can't seem to put those magazines down...and don't ever feel like I have the time for a whole book. Thus I have about seven books started....maybe 2009 will mean that I will finally find out the endings!

3. Attempt (again) to seriously learn signing for the deaf. Disappointedly, no.

4. Dance. Some...at a wedding or two.

5. Eat less chocolate. You have got to be kidding! Those of you who follow my blog know the answer to this one...not even close. *sigh*

6. Add some other exercises to my morning walking routine. Is eating an exercise?

7. Stop trying to "save the world from sadness". Still trying...

8. Do a better job in my backyard gardening come springtime. OK. An attempt was made on this one.

9. Entertain friends more often. Ummm....another 'nope' but the desire is still there....does that count?

10. Treat myself to some pampering now and then. ...and, another 'nope'.

11. Do more small random kindnesses for people that I don't know. Yes, I have done this one...

12. Stay in touch with out of town friends on a more regular basis. A little better regarding this one....

13. Try not to take things personally. Who me? Are you talking to little old sensitive ME? Fogetaboudit.

14. Eat smaller portions. HA HA

15. Do something that is out of my comfort zone. At my age, everything feels out of my comfort zone!

16. Increase my pottery income. Income? What income?

17. Be better organized with my paperwork. Yes, yes, yes.

18. Spend more time just "being". Another yes.

19. Learn how to meditate. OHMMmmmmmm......(nope)

20. Take time off from being a caretaker. Are you joking?

21. Continue to visit family every chance that I get. One look at my Visa account airline ticket charges and you will find out the answer to that one! Definitely, YES.

22. Learn more about the people running our government. With it being an election year, I would have to say, "yes"..I did that.

23. Only go to the grocery store once a week and follow a budget. What is a 'budget'?

24. Learn to bake homemade breads from scratch. nope....not yet....but, I still want to...!

25. Resolve to act on my resolutions... OK, stop laughing....at least I am being honest.

There's always 2009!!!!

What I really think about Resolutions...

A Five-Star Dinner

As usual, we headed over to Sharon and Gary's for our annual New Year's Eve celebration....."old people style". That means that we make it a goal to be able to stay up until 11 o'clock when the ball drops in New York on Eastern Time (we are on Central Time)! Believe me, it is a struggle!

Pitiful, eh?

Gary cooked us all a delicious meal and I overheard Dave telling a friend this morning that "...it was a five-star dinner"! And, it was.

After some hors d'eurves and select wines, Gary began to sear some jumbo scallops and shrimp. He placed them all on a bed of Basmati rice and drizzled it with a mixture of balsamic vinegar and blood-orange infused olive oil (try saying that ten times quickly) Mmmmmm...

The main course consisted of beef tenderloin with a dijon mustard rub, garlic mashed potatoes that I am still dreaming about, and white and green asparagus. Delish.

Red wine was now opened and consumed until we sat down for coffee and a homemade dessert that Gary concocted that was like a chocolate mousse with crushed chocolate mint cookies and sliced bananas. I'm not a "pudding" person...but this was a great taste sensation!

We then decided to play a game to help us stay awake (I told you that we were pitiful!)...so, we got out Upwords. It is like Scrabble but you can layer the tiles to make words on top of words. Things were going fine until Gary tried to do the word "oye" and questions arose as to whether it was a word or not. Sharon and I were sure that it was the word spoken at the beginning of a trial..."Oye, Oye (Hear Ye, Hear Ye), Court is now in session!". Dave hadn't ever heard of it....but, laughingly we let Gary have it because we were beginning to be ready for the game to end! On the way home, Sharon phoned me to let me know that Dave was right....and that the correct spelling was "Oyez". Live and learn, right?

Between the wine and the delish dinner...tiredness began to really set in and we began to get slap happy and giddy. The last ten minutes or so of the game seemed to be torturous go on forever as the clock began to wind down to 11 p.m. The countdown commenced....and the ball finally dropped! Happy New Year to all!!! Kisses and hugs for a wonderful 2009....and then off we went back home.

It really was a lovely and fun evening...filled with great laughs and friendship and delicious food.

Who knows? Maybe next year we will take naps earlier in the day and actually make it up to midnight!?!???!!!?

....Nah.... : )

1) Our Grand Chef.....Gary

2) My friend and partner in crime for over 30 years, Sharon..... and me

3) Gary wearing his glow-in-the-dark-teeth! Scary.

4) You wouldn't know it by the picture...but, these are glow-in-the-dark glasses on Sharon...!

Good-bye 2008 !!!!

Hello 2009 !!

"...Last year's words belong to last year's language And next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning." ~T.S. Eliot

Here's to new beginnings....unforeseen possibilities....endless dreams.....unlimited joy.....strength and foresight to deal with challenges....appreciation of life's blessings....optimism and hope for peace....compassion for those less fortunate....good health...love, love, love.....

...and, hugs galore.

These things...and so much more I wish to you all as 2009 begins.

XOXO,

Grammie

"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right." ~Oprah Winfrey

Missing Celia already...

How cute is she???? : )

I am back home from my ten days away...it feels like I was gone for a month!

I have a lot of blogging catching up to do....reading as well as writing.

Dave and I had a variety of experiences on this trip....Atlantic City was a step back in time for me as I lived there with relatives every summer for many years and worked in my uncle's grocery store.

I went back into the store...it seemed much smaller to me now than when I was younger! The bakery was where I had worked most of the time...it is now self serve. I have so many memories of standing behind that counter while shoppers would point to the items that they wanted by tapping on the glass front and pointing to the delicacies behind it. I also remember the smells of the warm sticky buns as they came out of the ovens. They would almost be too hot to handle at first with that warm syrup running down the doughy buns topped with walnuts or raisins. MMmmmm...sweet remembrances.

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We stayed at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in A.C. and had a good time there...although no jackpots were hit while we were gambling! I mostly played the penny and nickel slot machines while Dave lost played at black jack.The highlight of that part of the trip was the incredible dinner that we had at a restaurant called "Phillip's" at Caesar's. We shared a steamed seafood pot full of lobsters, crab legs, clams, shrimp, mussels, sweet Jersey corn and red potatoes. Oh my...it was so good.... and Dave and I finished up every bit of it with the exception of two little potatoes. *burp*

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The ending of our 10 day odyssey was a weekend visit in Maryland with my youngest son, Jeffrey and his wife, Janet...and three month old (adorable!!) Celia. I tried to teach her how to say "Grammie"...but, unfortunately, she isn't into speaking yet. But, she smiled at me countless times!!!! : ) Those smiles were worth the whole trip!

It was wonderful being with them....

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The trip back to Birmingham yesterday had a pretty special moment.

While standing in the line to board our Southwest flight an announcement was made signaling "Jim and Sally Brown" (fake names used here in that I can't remember their real names of course!) asking them to come forward. After a few moments a young couple strolling a child approached. The flight captain shook "Jim's" hand and welcomed him back home from Iraq. He said that he wanted to personally escort them onto the plane...The people waiting in line all began to applaud. The captain then let us know that "Jim" has been overseas for a year and a half and was getting to see his new baby daughter for the first time. He also let us know that "Jim's" family was on the plane awaiting their arrival for a little family reunion.

At this point, there wasn't a dry eye in the place...it was quite a moment.

Dave and I took the seats directly in front of where this family was sitting and we were very touched as people walked by and personally thanked the soldier for his service to our country.

I had a smile on my face the rest of the way home...

The day after....

Christmas with Dave's family took on a whole different feeling this year.

There have been so many changes in one short year...

Everyone senses a big hole with the passing of Kaye, Dave's sister. She always handled all of the Christmas 'festivities' including the meals. Everything was held at her home in year's past...this year we gathered in Dave's mom's condominium even though she is currently living in the rehab home down the street. She said that it was so strange to be 'visiting' her own home on Christmas...Her depressed feelings were so evident to all of us as she used her walker with our assistance and got situated in her chair.

Eventually, the house began to fill with the grandchildren and great grandchildren...You could feel the mood changing a bit as the quiet was interrupted by sounds of the children's delight at this magical time.

Suddenly the newest great grandchild was in Grandma's arms cooing. "Isn't she beautiful?" she said to me with a look of pride on her slightly weary face.

Dave's sister-in-law gathered everyone together to say grace before the Christmas meal was going to be served. I looked around at the beautiful faces of this family that was having to face some new challenges this year...and I smiled as I hoped that they were temporarily forgetting the many things that lie ahead...(especially moving the Matriarch of the family into an assisted living home)...and enjoying this delicious meal before them: Turkey with dressing and gravy, creamed onions, string bean casserole, yum yum salad, a green salad this sugared walnuts and feta cheese, potato casserole with cheese topping, cranberry sauce and warm dinner rolls.

After dessert we all adjoined to the living room where the children began to enthusiastically tear apart the wrapping on their gifts and began to play with their newest treasures!

Then it was time for the adults to play Secret Santa. Laughter dominated the room as gifts were opened and exchanged or "stolen" from one another.

Soon tiredness set in...and everyone began to pack their babies and supplies and gifts, etc. and head for their homes.

But, before they left, we all gathered for a family group picture. Arms went around each other, moms held their babies...and Grandma sat right in the middle of her beautiful family.

So, while it might not have been the 'traditional' Christmas here in Delaware this year...the spirit and the love was there...and the family was together...

A Quickie

Here in Delaware with Dave's family...having to deal with the issues of aging and a move to assisted living for his mom. Tough situation.

Atlantic City was great fun...icy conditions as we drove there....no jackpots hit...but a good time nonetheless.

Christmas dinner tomorrow with the whole family...we have tried to keep the traditions alive even though the family has gone through many changes...

The main thing is...to be together...and, that is what we are trying to cling to as they face challenges ahead.

Happy Holidays to you all...I hope that you are surrounding yourselves with those you love.

xoxo

!!!

"Ya gotta do what ya gotta do." Sylvester Stallone

I thought of that quote this morning as I began my craziness of getting ready to leave town first thing in the morning.

Suddenly, there are a million things left to do....

So, with that being said....

Today's post will have to be short and quick.... I will try and get a post or two in while I am away for the next ten days....

But, I didn't want to leave without telling all of you that whatever it is that you will be celebrating this month...Christmas, Chanukah, or Kwanza....make it safe and joyous and full of love!

XOXO

Grammie

Avenue Q and other goings on....

Avenue Q, the Musical....I saw it last night....It is like a bawdy Sesame Street! The talent was great....the puppetry was so clever! Such fun to sit back, relax and get a good laugh at some of the truths that are exposed on a song list that includes: "It Sucks To Be Me", "The Internet is for Porn", "Everyone's A Little Bit Racist", and "I'm Not Wearing Underwear Today". Got the point?

Fun, fun, fun.....

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Heading out of town always entails so much preparation! I have a neverending list: stop newspapers, stop mail delivery, fill bird feeders, chemicalize pool outside, set up timers on inside lamps, update all bill payments, water plants, print out mapquest directions, let neighbors know that I am leaving, and, oh yeah, do my PACKING!

I have checked the 10 day weather reports for the three cities that we will be visiting....and in one chilly word....it is going to be "cold". So, that means gloves, scarves, heavy sweaters, boots, jackets, etc. etc...and it all has to be under 50 lb limit per suitcase. It looks like I have a challenging day ahead of me.

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Mom continues to keep me laughing with her stories from the "Home". The latest one is with a gentleman named George. It seems that every night when Mom is heading to dinner (always the same time), there is George always getting on the elevator as she is getting off.

"He must be eating during the early shift" she said. That means that he is probably eating dinner around 4 in the afternoon! For Mom this is a ridiculously early time to eat....as she has slowly and begrudgingly gotten used to going a little before 5. She says that now that she has to eat so early she is starving by around 8 o'clock and ends up having another "dinner" then. (Then she is surprised when none of her pants fit her anymore!)

Anyway, as she told me of these little two-minute encounters with George, she said that she thinks that he is trying to flirt with her.

I told her to just enjoy this little rendezvous and to feel flattered! Now, I do believe that I heard a faint groan on her end of the phone after that comment...

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The baby shower that I was planning to be a hostess for unfortunately had to be cancelled due to a death in the family of the girl being honored. We were all so sorry about the family's, and the community's loss. There is always something so spiritual about a new baby entering a family after they have suffered a loss of a loved one. I know that the arrival of Stacy's baby in a few weeks will be such a special time...

I had already baked about 80 unfrosted cupcakes for the planned Shower and these were staring me in the face every time that I went to my freezer. Every now and then I would sneak one out, defrost it, and devour it quickly...(my willpower went right out the window)....However, tomorrow I am going to ice the rest of them and send them with a friend to take to a homeless shelter next week while I am away. That will be a good thing, not only for the people at the shelter, but for my ever expanding waistline.... : )

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Off to (ugh) pack....!

Yesterday.

The day didn't start out very well.

I was awakened by a phone call early in the morning. It was my dentist's receptionist letting me know that there was an opening for a teeth cleaning...

...in an hour!

I stumbled out of bed and got myself as presentable as I could in my 'just awakened' haze. (If I had known then what I know now....I would have stayed in bed!) : 0

After cleaning my teeth, the hygienist asked me if my diet had changed since my last cleaning 6 months earlier. She was concerned by some spots that seemed like cavities...and, I hadn't had a cavity in many, many years.

After some discussion, it seems that the one thing that had changed was the gum that I was chewing. Some of the meds that I am on cause me to have a very dry mouth....and I find that frequently chewing gum helps that situation. I had switched from a sugarless gum to Juicy Fruit since my last cleaning.

Not a good idea!

What I learned today was that I had actually been "bathing" my teeth in sugar every day...and this had caused cavities to form under some of my crowns...a susceptible area for this to occur.

I also learned that sugarless gum with Xylitol as an ingredient was actually great for your teeth. My dentist recommends it.

Who knew?

Anyway, I left there with another appointment for when I return back home in January...and lots of costly dental work ahead for me. **aagh**

I decided to pass this info on to my readers in hopes that it might be helpful and money-saving for some of you out there.

Go out and buy some sugarless gum with Xylitol and start chewing!

And, who said that blogs couldn't be educational??? : )

Twinkle, Twinkle?

Owen attempted to sing while busily playing with magnetic snowmen at the MN library! I couldn't resist getting a quick video... : )

Car chases, chicken casserole and Clementines....

As Dave and I were heading to pay our respects to our friend who recently lost his father, a car whizzed by us in the middle of a small neighborhood street zigzagging to avoid hitting the other cars. In this 30mph zone, it was probably traveling at over 70 mph. It was immediately being followed by a police car with its sirens blaring. A half a block up the road we saw that the car being chased had crashed into a stone wall at a residence nearby. The police car was right there at the scene.

Dave thought that it was kind of 'cool' being witnesses to such a thing..... I thought that it was much more excitement than what I needed right now!

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Dave cooked a 'secret' casserole the other day at his house and snuck it into my refrigerator yesterday. It was to be our Sunday supper. All I could tell from it was that it had a cheese and panko crumb topping...but, that was hiding the rest of the ingredients inside.

After baking in the oven for 30 minutes, out came this creamy, delicious casserole named: 'Chicken Confetti Spaghetti' (try saying that 10 times!)

Underneath the crispy topping was a blend of chicken, pasta, onions, bell peppers, celery, Cream of Mushroom soup, and chicken broth. It was yummy....and my ever-thoughtful man 'healthified' the recipe for me and made it low sodium and low fat.

What a guy.

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Speaking of Dave, the two of us are heading out of town this Saturday for 10 days. Our first stop will be Wilmington, DE, where his family is....then on to Atlantic City where we will stay at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino for two nights (my belated birthday celebration!)...see some of my family that lives there...then, back to Delaward for Christmas with Dave's family....and ending the whole trip with a visit to Maryland and Jeffrey, Janet, and Celia!

All good things.....

but...'whew'!!!

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Along with my other already mentioned addictions-- (Raisinettes, M & M's, Reality Shows, etc.) I have a new one to add to my list: Clementines! These wonderfully sweet cousins to the mandarin orange are plentiful right now and I can eat several a day! I love them....especially the fact that they are so sweet and have no seeds. I throw a couple of them in the car when I head out to do errands....great snack.

Did I just sound like a commercial?!?!

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I watched the Survivor finale last night. The physics professor won. They kept calling him 'old' and he is three years younger than me! What is with that???

He has the distinction of being the oldest winner on the Show...and, I might add, the only contestant to ever wear a bowtie the entire time on the island! Way to go professor...think of all of the bowties you can now purchase with your newly won million dollars....

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I am off to walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes....take a shower and then take on the stores for some errands today. Wish me luck as I fight the holiday crowds! : 0

: )

My conversation with Mom this morning

Mom: "Regina and I had a talk yesterday out in the hallway. [Regina is the 97 year old woman who lives across the hall from Mom at the 'Home'). The conversation got around to being widowed and whether there was a need for male companionship in our lives. Regina decided that we needed to meet some men."

Regina: "You know, we really need to begin to look for some available men, Bette."

Having already seen most of the 'eligible' men around the 'Home', Mom says: "Well, we aren't going to find any around here, Regina!"

Regina: "What we really need are some younger men." (Now considering that Regina is 97, a younger man could be someone in their late 80's or early 90's!) : )

Mom: "OH?" (skeptically, I'm sure!)

Regina: "Yes, that's what we should do. We can both find a younger man and then we can double date."

Mom: (beginning to laugh)"Double date? Why would we do that?".

Regina: "For protection."

They both walked back into their own apartments hysterically laughing...

My "boys" and their "girls"...

"Certain is it that there is no kind of affection so purely angelic as of a father to a daughter. In love to our wives, there is desire; to our sons, ambition; but to our daughters there is something which there are no words to express." Joseph Addison

Out of all of the many pictures that the boys sent me from their recent visit....this one really touched me so deeply.

It is certainly not the 'best' photograph of the bunch by any means...but, seeing my two boys sitting on the couch together being dads to their daughters really got to me.

Wasn't it just the other day that they were my babies...sitting on my lap?

Then, before I knew it, they became toddlers full of energy and mischief...but, always so dear.

I turned around and suddenly there were two young teenagers trying to find their identity as they went through those awkward years. I wasn't quite as popular with my boys during some of those years...but we made it through with patience and love.

College, marriage....and then.....

...they both brought precious lives into this world. First, Owen, an incredible son for Adam and Jenny....followed by beautiful Audrey. A few months later came Celia, an adorable daughter for Jeffrey and Janet. They all found their way into our lives...and our hearts.

So, today, as I looked through the pictures of their 'father and daughter weekend' in Maryland I was overwhelmed with emotion. I had tears in my eyes when I looked closely at this beautiful picture of two dads and their daughters caught in a moment in time.

I saw that my two little boys had grown into remarkable young men who are happily falling in love with their two little girls...proudly nurturing them as they are watching them grow...delighting in their little triumphs...soothing them when they are crying....taking care of them through all of lifes ups and downs....being sensitive and gentle men learning about being daddies...

As I thought about the amazing experiences that they are yet to have together....I suddenly found myself smiling knowingly...

Maybe it is because I already can sense the beautiful journey they are now embarking on as parents...and I know that the joy that they have brought into my life will now be passed on to their children....

....and I feel complete.

: )

Craziness abounds...

Dear President-elect Obama,

I have a request.

Could you please make the standard 24 hour day-- 28 hours?

There just isn't enough time to do all that I need to do in one day.

I believe that I speak for most Americans when I express this.

Thank you very much for your consideration in this matter.

Happy Holidays to you and your family... Good luck with the new dog hunt and the giving-up-smoking attempt!

Sincerely,

an Alabama Grammie

**Oh, and while I have your attention...could you throw in a little World Peace while you are at it? Thanks...

: )

Audrey goes to visit her cousin, Celia in Maryland

"Cousins are different beautiful flowers in the same garden." Author: Unknown

"Daddy and I headed to Maryland and he got me this first class seat on the plane!"

"I like it."

: )

We played, we shopped and we read "Goodnight Moon"

We had such a good time together!

But, soon it was time for me to go home....

Bye, Celia!

I will miss her very much.

"Bye, Celia, I had so much fun with you!"

"Bye Audrey.... I wish that we lived closer!"

Lights Out!

"Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” Chinese Proverb

After a full day of shopping and gumdrop searching yesterday, I arrived back home tired, hungry, and a bit grumpy.... but ready to get some much-needed things done at my house.

Suddenly there was a loud explosion and all of my power went out! (This occurs around this wooded neighborhood every once in while when an unsuspecting squirrel finds its demise in a power station!)

What to do now?

After calling the power company to report the outage, I began to collect some flashlights, batteries, and candles in preparation for the darkness that was just an hour or so away.

The house began to feel quite chilly, so I turned on my gas fireplace in hopes of warming things up a bit and slipped on another sweatshirt.

None of this was making me very happy in that I was on a mission to get so many things accomplished. In my frustration, I began to realize how much we depend on our electricity and don't really appreciate it until it is gone.

Deciding that I might as well give in to the situation, I went into the kitchen pantry to see what I could eat without having to open the refrigerator....and settled on some peanut butter that I spread on some slightly stale crackers. I was so hungry at this point that it tasted like a delicious feast to me! I then got a stack of magazines and catalogs that I hadn't had time to read, put new batteries into my flashlights, and settled in near the fireplace.

As I sat there on the floor trying to read by flashlight, I found myself taking some deep breaths as I began to relax...

Suddenly, the light went out on the flashlight and I was surrounded by darkness- only partly illuminated by my flickering candles.

I got up off of the floor near the fireplace and cuddled up on my couch, stretched out...and, enjoyed the peace and quiet. It was actually quite nice lying there watching the fireplace flames dancing around and seeing the room in the glow of the many candles that were lit nearby.

I tried to move my racing mind away from all of the hubbub of the holiday season...and, instead began to smile as I thought about all of the good things in my life. Trips to visit family coming up...beautiful and healthy grandbabies....dear friends....a home that I love....etc. etc. etc.

It was really a 'forced' respite for me....and I found myself feeling conflicted when the power came back on over four hours later.........

"I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars." Og Mandino

The Great Gumdrop Search

Strange title, eh?

I was on a quest to find some large gumdrops today. These are for the cupcake rattles that I am making for a baby shower this weekend.

I went to store after store searching for these chewy little morsels...only to be disappointed time and time again. They had miniature gumdrops (aka 'spice'drops)...but, these would be way too small to fit onto the lollipop sticks that I had purchased.

They also had a myriad of gummy, gooey things in all shapes and sizes...but these were too sticky to use on the cupcake 'rattles'. I've never seen such a large collection of "gummy" things..

But, where are all of the large gumdrops hiding out????

I called my friend, Sharon, to vent my frustration and she said to me: "I sense a blog post coming on about gumdrops."

She was right.

Inspirational....

Well, the lump is still in my throat as I feel moved to write something on the blog tonight before going to bed.

I thought that the movie about Brad Cohen was so tastefully done and beautifully produced.

I almost gasped during the scene in the Junior High because-- as the actor who played Brad as a child was walking to the stage--there were the real Brad and his wife standing over on the side! I guess that he wanted to have a little cameo in the movie about his life... : ) ...and, deservedly so.

I'm so proud that he is a good friend of Adam and Jenny's. I still remember him sitting near the back of the room 10 years ago when the two of them got married. Yes, he made his noises...and, yes, maybe some people there didn't understand...but, we were all so glad that he was there....and Adam and Jenny wouldn't have had it any other way....

I hope that you were all able to see the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie tonight.

What a guy....what a story....what an inspiration to us all.....

Stuff.

Dave and I braved the shopping crowd this afternoon as we headed to Costco. (Crazy, eh?)There was an incredible sale on a plasma, flat screen tv, and we wanted to check it out before the sale was over.

We have been talking about replacing my dinosaur of a tv in my great room for some time now and have been looking out for good deals. Dave had done some research...so we were ready to go.

The old tv in there now is starting to look like it is 'raining' on certain channels. It is one of those ancient televisions that is deeper than it is wide. It probably weighs 300 lbs. as compared with the newer flat screens that are nice and lightweight.

Well, we ended up getting it... and, then the 'fun' began. Between the box and the fact that it was a 42 inch screen....it was quite awkward maneuvering it into the car. And, getting it into the house was even more challenging.

But, we did it...and got it working just in time to see the Alabama vs. Florida game. Dave was giddy with delight watching football in the HD mode...

Now, if we could just figure out what to do with the dinosaur...

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Talking about that game....having graduated from the University of Florida but having lived in Alabama for the last 30 some years of my life....I was in a bit of a quandary. Which team to root for? I chose Alabama....

They lost.... : (

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Why is it that whenever I return from being out of town the first thing that I do is rush to the grocery store and stock up on every vegetable in the place? Maybe it is because while I am away I tend to not eat as healthily (is that a word?) as I do at home...so to make up for it....I go a little crazy.

I also bought a turkey breast...came home, made cornbread stuffing (MMMmmmmm) and cooked it. I know, you are saying, "Didn't you just have a huge turkey dinner while in Minneapolis?". Yes, I did....but, there is something about making it in your own home and filling the house with that wonderful turkey fragrance. Dave and I enjoyed it Thursday night....and we will be enjoying it again tomorrow night. Ah, Thanksgiving...the holiday that just keeps on going...

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My sons, Jeffrey and Adam decided to get their baby girls together for a visit....so, this weekend, Adam and Audrey (Owen was home with Mommy Jenny!) flew in to MD to visit. The earlier reports say that they like each other....but, haven't really 'done' much yet. Since they are both under 6 months of age, I guess that is to be expected! I can't wait to take the two of them shopping and for manicures one day. After all, I am a mom to two boys....girls have become a bit of a rarity between me and my sisters! (They have promised me pictures of the two cousins together...and I can't wait!)

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Watching the American Music Awards last week, I realized that I am older than dirt. The kids are 16 years old and they have incredible singing careers already.

Dave and I watched a little of the red carpet show before the awards and learned two new words: "fly" and "stellar"...both of which mean very good. What happened to "cool" and "groovy"???

Dating myself, aren't I?

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Mom is really becoming quite the 'angel of the home' down in Florida. It seems that she continues to rescue people who have lost their way...steering them in the right direction. You see, the 'home' has several numbered buildings...but, once inside, the apartments are numbered the same in each building. This causes a lot of confusion amongst the residents as you can imagine.

She told me that the other day there was a loud knock at her door. She looked out the peephole but didn't see anyone there. The knock occurred again so she slowly opened the door to find a very jovial gentleman in a wheelchair looking at her with a puzzled look on his face.

"What are you doing in my apartment?" he said.

She explained that it wasn't his apartment and then found out that he was in the apartment with the same number...BUT, in a different building. She is determined to get this confusing situation worked out with the bigwigs in the 'home' when she goes to her next "Welcome Committee" meeting.

Watch out world! Mom is on a mission!! : )

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I am drowning in catalogs these days! Anyone else having this issue? I get about 5-8 a day. I enjoy looking through some of them...but, this is getting a bit out of hand. They must have a secret club where the word gets out if you purchase something from one of them....I may have to go into a witness protection program if this gets any worse.

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Have a nice rest of the weekend everyone! XOXO

Celia at Thanksgiving ....

...in Princeton with her other grandparents! I will be seeing her at the end of this month....can't wait! xoxo

Front of the Class

Adam and Jenny have a good friend named Brad Cohen.

Adam was one of the groomsmen in Brad's wedding a couple of years ago.

Brad is an Elementary school teacher in Atlanta and a motivational speaker all over the U.S..

None of this would be out of the ordinary...except that Brad has Tourette's syndrome and never dreamt that these things would be a possibility in his lifetime. All of his life he has had to deal with people's ignorance of what Tourette's is all about with it's tics and loud uncontrollable outbursts.

With unbelievable motivation and drive, this young man has succeeded in ways that many of us could only dream about!

It is with great pride that I invite all of my fellow bloggers to tune in this Sunday night, December 7, on CBS, for the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie about Brad's journey.

It will be time well spent.

...I promise.

To read more about Brad go here.

A few more pictures from T'giving week in Minnie

Walking in his Daddy's shoes while wearing his "Roll Tide" Alabama shirt from Grammie!

Why is Papa Dave giving Audrey a beer?

...she's teething and the cold bottle felt good! Not to worry...she didn't drink any! : )

Bertha, the Butterball

Before and After!

and, finally....some SNOW to play in....

BRRRRRrrrrrrrr!