....hopelessly devoted to you....

Yes, this is my new love....or should I say,  my new sweet "additction"?

It is like eating smooth, creamy mint chocolate chip ice cream for only 100 calories a serving....and I love, love, love it!

Move aside  chocolate covered raisins...there's a new kid in town!
:  ) Mmmmmm.

Audrey!! Audrey!! Audrey!!

 

Today is your day to dance lightly with life,
sing wild songs of adventure,
invite rainbows and butterflies out to play,
soar your spirit, and unfurl your joy.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie


Dear Audrey,


How can it be that you turn THREE today????

Whether you are dressing up as Spiderman or all decked out as a Princess....you are uniquely YOU....and,   you make me smile, laugh, and feel incredible joy.


Word has it that Disney's Ariel is coming to your birthday party tomorrow!  I wish that I could see the look on your face when you see her.  I am hoping that Daddy will take lots of pictures!!


I miss you so very much and can't wait to fly up to visit soon! 


In the meantime, Happy, Happy Birthday to my precious, one-of-a-kind granddaughter.....wishing you all good things today and always.


I love you,
Grammie

You can't fight City Hall.....or, can you?

Last Friday huge trucks came rumbling down my street.  I watched as their machinery "chunked" up the existing road....getting it ready to be paved.  They left quite a mess of rocks and broken pieces of the street, but, knowing that it would soon be covered with fresh asphalt, I didn't get too concerned about it.

Driving on the street became quite hazardous to my car as I maneuvered my way through sharp rocks and debris.  This area of broken up road was pretty much my entire neighborhood. When I went out walking I heard many people express their dismay over this state of affairs.  Rumor had it that the new road would not be put into place until sometime next week.  The question was then.... why did they chunk it up so early in the process?

I finally decided to take matters into my own hands....and call up the "man in charge" of all of this at City Hall.  Of course, I got his answer machine and left a synopsis of my complaint.  I was kind, but firm....as I always go back to the saying: "You can catch more flies with sugar than you can with vinegar!".

I never really expected to hear back from him.

But, I did.

We had a lengthy conversation where he explained to me all of the reasons (excuses?) for the road not being paved until sometime later next week.  At one point my frustration level got a little high and I asked him if my city was going to pay for new tires for my car as well as an alignment?

After realizing that I wasn't really getting anywhere with this, I thanked him kindly for his time and for listening to my concerns. He apologized for the inconvenience and the call was ended.

A few hours later he called me back and let me know that he was working on getting the men out there before next week.  In my most "sugary" voice I thanked him and told him that would be wonderful.

Early this morning I was awakened to the "beep beep beep" sound of huge trucks making their way down my street.  I ran to the window and here is what I saw:

My road was being paved!!!!

I immediately called City Hall and left a glowing thank you message to the gentleman with whom I had spoken to yesterday!

Then, I went outside and personally thanked the men who were out there working and sweating to get this job done.

I never imagined that the sound of beeping would be so beautiful to my ears....

Free Hugs

While out shopping yesterday I came upon two young men (they looked to be about in their 20's) carrying a simple, handmade sign that said, "Free Hugs".

I had heard about this being done in other places so I approached them gingerly with arms outstretched to collect my hugs. (At this point, people who know me well are shaking their heads as they read this saying, "That sounds just like her to do that!")  : )  What can I tell you? I wouldn't ever pass up a chance for a free hug!

Anyway, I got my hugs.....we exchanged smiles....they thanked me....and, got ready to move on....when I noticed a small, worn cardboard box that one of the guys was holding.  It said "hugs for tornado victims" and there were a few bills and assorted amounts of change inside of it.

Being a (naive?) believer in the goodness in people...and, hoping that these funds were really going to the tornado victims, I reached for my wallet, pulled out a couple of dollars...and placed them in the box.

Small price to pay for a warm and friendly hug. : )

"Rainbow of Glazes" and some other stuff.

As I begin to make preparations for my Summer Pottery Classes, this is one of the projects on my "to do" list.  So that the women can see the variety of underglaze colors, I cut out clay circles, put a hole at the top (Thanks, Karen!), painted the underglaze on, fired it.....and finished up covering half of the circle with the clear, glossy overglaze.....firing it again...and, voila!  The names and numbers of each color are painted on the back.... I have strung them together with thin wire....and they are ready to go! Now ordering underglazes should be much easier!

As I laid them out, I had to go and get my camera as I thought that the beautiful shades of color made for a lovely rainbow.  It also made me think of all of the color choices that I now have as I get ready to get my hands in the clay again!   Ah.....

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As I sit posting today, I have a heating pad on my lower back and upper thigh.  I am "warming up" before getting on the treadmill for my morning walk.  Yes, my sciatica is certainly letting me know that it is there again!

Who said that getting older was all fun and games? : O

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Dave played in a "Scramble" Golf Tournament in Philadelphia, Mississippi  last weekend.(I am laughing to myself as I type out Mississippi while singing "M-I-double S---I---double S----I----double P----I"  the whole time! ....memories of childhood...).

Fortunately, his team of four came in first.

Unfortunately, his car didn't fare as well.

He ended up having to literally duct tape a crack in his radiator that was hissing as coolant made its way out causing the engine to overheat.

Duct tape??!?!

He also put in some kind of powder that he got at a gas station along the way home that supposedly would dissolve and adhere to the inside of the tank....stopping any leaks from the inside out.

Miraculously, he made it home safely without overheating his engine. 

Today it is in a Lexus shop being fixed.....but, as I sit here typing I can't help but wonder why he had duct tape in his car???? Hmmm.

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I am having so much fun buying some little "happy gifts" to take to Celia and Dylan when I head up there a week from this Thursday.  Dylan is having a little surgery and I am flying up to help out.

I cannnot wait to get up there and get my arms around those two.  I have only seen pictures of 6 month old Dylan....the last time I saw him was when he was just a few weeks old.....and, Celia and I Skype once in a while.....but, nothing is the same as being there up close and personal!!!

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Dave and I had the arduous task of opening up my backyard pool on Sunday afternoon.  This is a long process that takes a little skill and tons of  patience!

The first thing is to remove the cover, rinse it off, fold it up neatly....and, put it away until the weather begins to get cool again later on this year.  Dave has this part down to a science.  How he gets that huge, heavy duty cover into a small folded up rectangle is beyond me....but, he does! I am a lucky woman, aren't I?

The next step is to vacuum the debris that has collected throughout the fall and winter months.  This should be easy....but, is really isn't.

You have to connect the pieces and then (here is the hard part) lower the tubing into the pool and get all of the air out of it (this is called 'priming') as it fills with water. It is an important step in that you don't want to fool with air in the line. Sounds easy, eh?

Well, again this year, I sat and watched several instructional videos online of  in-ground pool vacuuming demonstrations.  Taking that "knowledge" with me and applying it to the task is a whole 'nother thing.

Dave held the telescoping pole in the deep end of the pool while I took the other end of the tubing and held it underwater where there is forceful water entering.  This should begin to fill the tubing while pushing all of the air out and through the head of the vacuum.  According to the videos, you know that this is working because you can see tons of bubbles starting to rise from the bottom of the pool where the head is sitting.

Well, we waiting and waited....no bubbles.

So, we switched positions and tried again.

No bubbles.

Dave even got the garden hose out and tried to fill it that way. 

No bubbles.

Bottom line is....we eventually just hooked everything up and began to vacuum and it worked just fine.

I'm still not sure what we did, but, bubbles or not, it worked.

Anybody want to come over and swim?  : )
 *******************************************************
OK.  The heat on my back has done the trick and I am ready to begin to move this body of mine on the treadmill.  I'll watch a little Regis and Kelly as I get my two mile walk completed in the cool air-conditioning.

This is a whole lot easier than vacuuming the pool.

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Have a nice day, all!

"So, what's new at "The Home"? I asked Mom yesterday....

"Oh, not much...." she answered.

And, then she began to tell me stories....and more stories....and more.....

I absolutely love hearing every little detail of her latest escapades...it always makes me laugh as her tales go in one direction and then quickly switch to another and another until I am now hearing 5 or 6 other little stories.....each of them a "spin-off" from the original.

"Now, what was I telling you?" she'll ask, as her own diverging stories have made her forget  where we started.

Sometimes she even throws in a "to make a long story short"....here and there....which really gets me chuckling....especially as the tales get longer and longer.

But, she has my complete attention.

For, as I listen to her share her world with me long distance....I continually count my blessings for having my mom in my life....and,  I put these stories away in my heart along with my other treasures.

xoxo

I had mixed feelings as I watched the men carrying my old bed to their truck today....

That bed carried a lot of old memories with it.  Some great....like having my grandkids jumping up and down on it the last time they visited....and, some, not as great....like having it there to remind me of my "aloneness" after my divorce was final........But, mostly, it is joyous as my grown kids always love getting all cozy in my bed when they come home.....as we watch tv together....or, just talk and laugh about everything and nothing.... : )

But, knowing that these men were going to be donating my mattress, box springs, and frame to a needy family affected by the recent tornado outbreak made my heart smile.

I am hopeful that it might be a small part of the beginning of someone's road to rebuilding after the tragic storms....and, a soft spot to land on when their days are tough....a beginning of new memories.

I wish all of the tornado survivors only good things as they put their lives back together piece by piece...

I know that it will take a lot more than just a bed....but, it is a start.

I couldn't wait to get into my bed last night!

Now that I have your attention......ha!

Actually, the truth is, I just bought a brand new bed and it was delivered yesterday.

All day long I was filled with the excitement and anticipation of having an incredibly wonderful night's sleep on my brand new Simmon's mattress and boxspring.  Ever since my sciatica has been acting up, I have come to the realization that my very old bed was just that....very old.  It was saggy where it shouldn't have been, and, even though it was certainly soft and squishy to sleep on...it probably wasn't doing much good for my back!

I did a little research and found out that a nice firm mattress would probably be the best bet....so, off I went to begin to test it all out.  I laid down on quite a few beds....and, then took Dave back with me to see what he thought.  Unfortunately, he seemed to like the "plush" side of the beds while I favored the "firmer" side.  Both had a pillow top so I figure that would help with the firmness.

So, the Simmon's firm /pillow top won out.

When I woke up this morning, I expected all of my aches and pains to be miraculously gone after sleeping on my brand new (and, expensive) mattress.

But, I still had my usual aches and pains when I woke up.  What was I thinking?

Anyway, I am now a bit concerned that the "firm" one may be a little too firm!!  I am questioning my decision and making myself crazy.  The store's policy is that I must keep it for at least 30 days....and, if I am still not happy with it I can exchange it for a different mattress.....pay for shipping costs, as well as a 15% re-stocking fee.

Yikes.

Stay tuned for my next 30 days on the brand new mattress.... :  )

Good night.

"That woman is so loved", I thought to myself.

Tears were streaming down my face this morning as I watched the Today Show's "Good-bye" to Meredith Viera....I was so moved by the outpouring of love being directed to her as she gets ready to retire from the program.

She has such a spirit about her and seems to have touched so many people in her career, most especially these last five years on the Today Show.  Her positive and fun-loving personality really makes her shine. It was a pretty amazing, as well as a heartwarming, display of sincere emotion from everyone on the set.

She will be missed.
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Sitting here at my computer, I can hear the loud motor of the pressure washer going outside my home.  This is the second attempt to get the job done.  The first one left my patio looking like someone had drawn graffiti on the patio.  The men must have gotten tired, so instead of cleaning all of the "winter dirt" off....they made wiggly lines and characters into the patio.....

Interesting.
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I was absolutely shocked today to read a letter from Blue Cross/Blue Shield stating that my bi-monthly fee had actually been reduced about $130.  How often does that happen?  It actually made me nervous that a mistake had been made and that I should keep the whole thing under wraps.  As I read more, it seems that the Maternity Care Benefits had been changed....so, I guess that was what caused the decrease.

Good thing.  I certainly have no intention of getting pregnant at 62.  : O
**********************************************************
Starting in July I will begin to teach pottery classes here in my home studio.  I have done this before and it was a lot of fun and a great way to make a little much needed money (!).  I am doing two adult classes and two children's classes. So far the kid's groups are all boys....that should be interesting!

As far as the adult classes, I always encourage them to bring a "drink of their choice".
Usually, it is wine. : ) It proves to be a great "confidence builder"! *hic*
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We have gone from severe storms to a HEAT WAVE here in the Deep South.  With temperatures hovering in the mid to high 90's, I am ever sooooo grateful for air-conditioning.
*********************************************************
Stay cool and have a nice day!

Now this is what I call relaxing and being cool all at the same time....

(Celia, May 2011)

Time flies when you are having fun.....

"The bad news is time flies.

The good news is you're the pilot."

- Michael Althsuler

We got home late yesterday after spending five fun, and exhausting days in S. Florida with the family!

When I got back home and settled in I realized that I hadn't blogged the entire time.....and, asked myself where did the time go??  It certainly seems to fly by these days! I wish that it would S-L-O-W down...

The main reason for the trip?  My nephew and his fiance' were being honored at an engagement party.  It was quite an affair.  My sister, Karen, did everything in her wonderfully special way, as usual.  She had about 100 people in her beautiful backyard with tables set around the pool and under a huge (20' X 40') tent on the grassy area.  She picked out gorgeous fabrics (completely assorted) and made bright, happy tablecloths for all of the tables.  The tent was decorated with lights and colorful lanterns....a combo played music on the patio, the bar was set up for anything at all that one would ever want to drink....but, the hit of the night was the champagne served over passion fruit "bubbles" that burst in your mouth and then the whole thing was topped with a dollop of sorbet.  I drank my usual wine, but heard that the champagne drink was out of this world!

The bride to be's mom is a well known caterer there and she and her crew did all of the incredible hors d'eurves.  There was everything from artichoke tarts to mini-lobster rolls (my favorite).  Many people thought that the appetizers were dinner and began to move to the dessert table.....until the real meal of bar-b-que brisket, ribs and chicken was spread out!  I ate way too much of this delicious food......

Mom was there with her sweet "boyfriend" and the two of them held hands and smiled at each other all night.   She looked beautiful and continues to giggle like a school girl when she is around him....a "teenager" again at the ripe old age of 88!  You've got to love it.

As we all sat around the lunch table Sunday afternoon before catching our flights back home, glasses were raised..... to young love, joyous occasions, and, most of all.....FAMILY.

*sigh*

:   )

Don't Go Shopping With a Man Unless It Is Absolutely Necessary!

Dave and I went shopping today.

Not a good idea.

Men are just missing that shopping gene.  That is all there is to it.

For most women, there is nothing more delightful than browsing around stores looking for that perfect item to purchase.  We may find it in a matter of minutes....or, several hours.  It doesn't really matter, because the hunt is part of the joy.  If it is clothing, we hold it up, touch the fabric, read the washing instructions, try it on, think about it.....think about it.....ask a girlfriend if they are with us.....if not, ask the salesgirl's opinion....and, then think about it some more.

Dave needed some pants to wear when we go out of town this week.  He reluctantly tried on several pairs that I found in his size.  As soon as he found one that fit comfortably...that was it! "Please go and find this in other colors" he said.

He happily clutched the light khaki, dark khaki, and black pants and he was done and ready to check out and leave the store! 

Done?

But, I was just getting started...

My Favorite Breakfast Sandwich

Slow day for news....so, I thought that I'd share my morning meal with you all.

It started with two egg whites.

 I decided to try and "flip" the egg in the air like I have seen the great chefs do on tv.

It actually worked without getting all over the stovetop as I have done in past attempts.

    Next, I added some of the claw meat from the leftover crab claws that we served at a dinner party for friends.

 I toasted the whole wheat bread and sprayed it with my "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter" stuff.....I'm not really sure exactly what it is.  It says that it has no calories, no fat, nothing!  Maybe it is just water with yellow food coloring it in?  Who knows.....but, I use it all of the time!

 Now, the special ingredient.....I spread some softened avacado on one side of the "buttered" bread.             Mmmm.

                              Cut it in half and dig in....and, there you have it!

Boy, I really need a life.... : o



Are you kidding me?

This is the peanut butter that I usually purchase at my local Publix store.
The one on the left is an older one that is almost empty.
The one on the right is new and was just purchased at the same price as the older one.

Do they not think that the consumer will notice the size difference?!?!?!?

I'd rather have them raise the price a bit than deceptively make the products smaller and smaller.
Agree?

What in the world is going on???

I am unable to sleep tonight as I watch the special tv report about the horrific tornado that wiped out more than 75% of Joplin, Missouri.

Unfathomable.

Frightening.

Shocking.

Sad.

The meteorologists are speaking about the conditions making these areas ripe for the formation of severe storms....colder than usual temperatures in the north colliding with warm, humid temperatures in the southern half of the country.

Horrendous.

Monstrous.

Alarming.

Confusing.

Most of us made light of the preacher's predictions of the end of the world occurring at 6:00 pm on Saturday.  Suddenly, people are beginning to wonder about what is happening all around us.

Dreadful.

Shocking.

Heartbreaking.

Desperate.

Search and rescue teams are still out hoping to find any survivors that might be trapped under the debris.
People are walking around dazed and confused.  It is more like a war zone....than a small town neighborhood.

As I turn off the tv and decide to go to bed, my heart is heavy.
I feel a sense of helplessness as I think about the tragedies that have occurred to innocent people in these last few months. People without homes, people who have lost loved ones, people whose lives will never be the same.
What can we possibly do? 

For now....

Pray that calmer times are ahead......

Unplugged

For several hours today I was without my cable television, my phone and the Internet. Charter was working on many of the storm damaged lines in Birmingham and all of the services were shut down.

Horrors?!

Not really. 

Other than the fact that I wanted to see who made the finals of American Idol (!) tonight, it was really kind of nice.....and, quiet...and, I liked it....for a while, anyway. 

I read every inch of the newspaper.
I went through a stack of papers on my desk.
I just "was".

Of course....when things began to work again....

I watched American Idol.
I got right back online reading emails, etc.
I phoned a couple of friends.

And, I sat down and posted this on my blog.

So much for being "unplugged".
:  )

He would have been 93 today....

Thinking of you, Dad.
xoxo


May 17, 1918-March 4, 2008

I stared at the three miniature muffins, the one large sticky bun, and the bagel on my plate....

...and, thought to myself...."What's with all of these carbs?  Do I think that I am training for a marathon???!"

Dave and I attended a friend's daughter's wedding over the weekend.  It was held at Reynold's Plantation on Lake Oconee (Georgia) and was quite beautiful....as well as a definite "eating fest".  My plate of food was from the Sunday brunch buffet which was quite delicious as well as highly caloric....and, I didn't let a thing go to waste.

OK. I did, at least, put some fruit on the plate....and, later got scrambled egg whites....so I got a little taste of some healthy food.  Very little. :  )
*groan*

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Ah, the next few weekends I will be staying home!  I have been traveling so very much that I am really going to relish these next few weeks without anywhere to go.

Maybe I can even get my hands back into the clay and be productive for a change...

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There is a road that I travel on almost all of the time that was hit hard by the bad storms a few weeks ago.  It is right near my home and the entire look of it has changed....huge trees are now cut up and lying on people's yards waiting to be picked up and taken away....roofs are covered with blue tarpe to protect the insides of the homes...electrical poles are slowly being put back in after so many of them were destroyed...etc. etc.

It is like the topography of the area is totally different.  It used to be this tree-lined drive and now all that you see is sky.

No matter how many times I drive down it....I  get upset every time that I see the destruction.
I just hope that the people who live in those houses are doing okay....so sad.

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More good news continues to come from Mom and "The Home".  She and her "steady" are still doing well and having fun.  In fact, I think that she is having more fun than I am these days!  "The Home" has so many events planned that it is nonstop entertainment....They recently celebrated Cinco de Mayo with Mexican food and a full blown Mariachi band.  Prior to that she dressed up with a hat, pearls and gloves to attend the "Mock Royal Wedding".  :  )

I can't wait to hear what is next!

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I'm not happy with American Idol these days.  I was quite disappointed that James Durbin was eliminated last week.

Having Turrett's Syndrome as well as mild Aspberger's made him a role model for so many people.  His story was inspiring and his singing was excellent as well as entertaining. I hated to see him go.

I enjoyed his extremely emotional performances.  He really sang from his heart.

Here's hoping for a successful future for this young man.  I can't wait to buy his first CD.

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Well, I see that my hummingbird feeder is empty....time to make some more red sugar water for them!

My two "grandgirlies" got together!

Last weekend, Adam and Audrey headed to MD to visit with Jeffrey's group....more specifically, to get the two girl cousins together.  Audrey and Celia are just a few months apart in age and don't get to see each other as often as they would like due to the distance between them.  So, this was a real treat.....not only for them, but, for me... as I have gone through the many photos time and time again.

Oh, how I miss them all!

...and, a few more pictures....

If I could just magically push MN, AL and MD together.....wouldn't that be great?!
*sigh*

One of us was a big winner at The Derby....

....and one of us was not....

The winner was Dave.....seen here studying the Derby information sheets.

Dave and his friend, Dean, pooled their money and bet on the main Derby race together.  They did a trifecta box with the following horses:  Animal Kingdom, Nehro, and Mucho Macho Man.  If you followed the race, you know that those three horses finished 1,2,and 3...making them the winners of $2000. !!!!
The winnings will be split two ways and then Uncle Sam will take out his share of the prize....so, they will both end up with over $800.  Not to bad for a day's fun!

I, on the other hand, made a $6 bet for Mucho Macho Man to win, place or show.
He came in third.
I won $7.

Maybe next time I should study the programs a little bit more.
:  ) 

Run for the Roses

Well, today I am going through my "going out of town" rituals.  You would think, that with all of the traveling I have been doing these last few years, I would have this down pat.

But, I don't.

I will still pack and unpack until the very final weather report on Louisville comes out.  Right now temperatures are going to be cooler than usual....soooo, I may have to throw in a jacket or two?

I saved doing my "roots" until today (I know that you thought that I was totally natural) as well as polishing my nails....as well as other routine "maintenance" things.

I like to leave my home nice and straight and clean whenever I leave town....so, that is on my list.

And, my plants certainly need to be heavily watered....not to mention the birds awaiting several days worth of bird seed in the feeder. 

I must reset the sprinkler system (it went out during the storms) so that it does not think that this is January, 1997!

Alarms-check.  Auto lights-check. Boarding pass-check. Mail stopped-check. Newspapers stopped-check. Neighbors alerted-check. Bills paid-check.

I'm  exhasuted and I haven't even gotten off of the ground yet...
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I have been asked what my favorite horse is this year in the Derby race.

Well, since my picking "system" is so very flawed I almost hesitate to share....but, I will.

You see, I always go on feel....or the sound of the name....or the color of the silks.  I rarely read the information on the horse and/or jockey.

So, my picks so far are:

Mucho Macho Man (takes me back to my disco days with the Village People!)
Pants on Fire (who can resist a name like that?)
Archarcharch (huh?)

and, possibly:
Watch Me Go
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Have a great weekend all!
:  )

I didn't win the Kentucky Derby Hat contest....

Oh well.

Kathie Lee and Hoda had a contest to see who could come up with the most creative hat. I was hoping that there was a slight chance that my homemade hat with the horses circling around the ribbon "eating flowers behind a white picket fence" would have caught the judges eyes. I made it a few years ago and it has stood the test of time....and Derby's (Derbies?).

The winner's hat was actually a horse's behind....tail and all.

Go figure.
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Speaking of The Derby, I am having fun with Owen and Audrey (and, hopefully, soon to include Celia) as I have had them pick the name of one horse running in the Derby that sounded good to them.  When I am at Churchill Downs I will place a $2 bet on each of their horses to 'win'.  I thought that might encourage them to watch the race and cheer for their individual favorite horse.

I have to start "training" them to do a little "gambling with Grammie"...so, that when I am old and cranky they can take me to the casino so that I can play my slot machines.  Good idea, eh?
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I lost my newspaper two days ago.

Now, while that doesn't sound like such a strange thing (or does it?)....the point is that I went out to get it....I remember taking the plastic cover off of it when I got inside the house....went to walk.....came home and it was nowhere to be seen.

I checked every square inch of my house....garbage cans, bathrooms, closets.....even inside the clothes dryer! 

I still have not been able to locate it.....and, it is driving me absolutely crazy.

I'll let you know if it ever shows up.
*sigh*
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Well, I guess that it is time for me to head out and take care of some "going out of town" errands....you know, prescriptions, money, etc. etc.

Then the fun begins when I start trying to pack 4 days worth of clothing into a small suitcase.

It will never happen.
: )

I couldn't have said it any better myself....thanks, Ralph!

"Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This day is all that is good and fair. It is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on yesterdays."~Ralph Waldo Emerson

As rough as yesterday might have been.....today holds new promise.
: )

Monday Blues?

One of my friends wrote on Facebook today that everything feels in turmoil right now....and, I can't agree with her more.

It is such a strange, and unsettling, feeling. 

Maybe it was the tornado?  Maybe it was my "having two floods in a year" situation?  Maybe it is my age? Maybe it is where the moon is situated right now (huh?)?  Maybe it is missing my family? Maybe it is the gut-wrenching photos of the damage all around the state? 

Or, maybe it is just "life".

The good still far outweighs the bad in life.......but, on this Monday afternoon, 2011, I am searching my soul for some answers...

Everything feels different since the tornadoes....

It is interesting.

One goes into a grocery store and suddenly finds themselves speaking with complete strangers....about...."The Storms".

People seem to need to talk about it.

We are all suddenly connected.

It doesn't matter whether you are young, old, black, white, Democrat, Republican, rich, poor, etc.....we are all in this together.

Everyone who was spared from these horrendous storms feels the need to reach out to those who weren't as fortunate.

Dave and I found ourselves at Costco today purchasing items....not for ourselves....but, for the storm victims who have been left without anything.  We dropped the items off at a local store that was taking donations.  It felt good....but, strangely....not enough.   What else can we do???  It is almost a helpless feeling...the destruction is so overwhelming. It is hard to get one's mind around it.

Life goes on all around me.

But, it feels significantly different.

It is almost as though you want to hug everyone you see.

Strange....but, wonderful, all at the same time.

A Tragic Day in Alabama

My heart is breaking over the loss of life and horrific destruction that has taken place here.

As mile long, dangerous tornadoes swirled in counties to the west and north of me, I watched the horror unfold on my television. ( I was one of just a few fortunate people who still had power!)  It was absolutely amazing to see and I couldn't seem to stop witnessing it all.

In the days ahead the tragic, heart wrenching stories of survival and loss will begin to unfold.  People will come together to help one another.  Funds will be set up to take care of those who were left with nothing but the clothing on their backs.

We, humans, do this in the face of adversity....and, it always touches me to observe it.

My heart and prayers go out to those people who are searching through rubble to find pieces of their lives.

May the healing begin.
xoxo

Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore....

I am sitting here at the computer as I am one of the few lucky ones in the area who still has power.  It is very dark and oppressive outside with occasional strong gusts of wind as we are preparing for possible strong storms and tornadoes this afternoon and evening.

It is an eerie feeling as I listen to the weathermen (on every channel) reporting that large and dangerous tornadoes that are all around Birmingham.  So far, most of them are a bit north of us...but, they are saying that that will change soon.

Reports of destruction in cities to the north of me are pretty frightening.  I know that there have already been 5 fatalities in Alabama.  Hopefully, this number will not grow.

I have pillows, a blanket, a flashlight, bottled water, cell phone, my ipad (!), and some magazines down in my basement where I will head if the sirens begin to go off in my county.  I am thinking that I should maybe add some wine to my list of "supplies"!

There go the sirens as the tornado seems to be heading to Jefferson County which is where I live.

So, I will end for now.  Head downstairs....and, who knows? I might even see "The Wizard"!

Be safe everyone.

The laundry is done....the guest beds are re-made....the dishes are put away.....

...but, the memories remain....what a wonderful week!

Thanks for making the trip, Mom, Karen and Marty! : )

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More severe storms are headed our way today and tomorrow!  It looks like it is going to

be a "memorable" spring....not the kind of memories that one wants, however!

You can actually feel it in the weather today...that heavy, oppressive feeling right before a front

moves in and churns things up.

Time to batten down the hatches, I guess.

**********************************************************

As part of the never-ending post-flood work being done on my house, today I had my ducts cleaned out.  This is an interesting (!) process as their humongous machinery is set up in my garage to begin vacuuming

out dust and other debris.

Then, once their machine got going... they kept blowing a fuse causing my phones to stop working and the lights downstairs to go out.

After they "sucked" out the stuff in the ducts, they began to show me how very dangerous dirty ducts can be.

By the time that they were finished giving me their "song and dance" about what else I needed to have done.... I was almost afraid to breathe in my own home.

I told you that it was an interesting process!  : O

*******************************************************

A week from Friday, Dave and I will be taking our annual trip to the Kentucky Derby.

He got tickets for the Oaks which is the Ladies Race on Friday.  We land in Louisville early Friday and will head right to Churchill Downs. We head to Lexington for the actual Derby on Saturday where we will stay with his friends....sip mint juleps and bet on the horses at the Lexington Track.

Always lots of fun.....just hoping that the weather holds out this year for all of these outdoor events.

More on all of that later.

****************************************************

Doorbell is ringing.

It must be the alarm system technician.

Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention that my alarm system is on the fritz....

and, did I mention that my ice maker decided to stop making ice cubes all of a sudden....

and......



Hating good-byes...

With every "hello" comes a "good-bye".... and today was no exception. 

Mom and Karen left at noon to head back to Florida and I miss them already.

I miss the laughter, the spontaneous singing, seeing them come down the stairs every morning, staying in our pj's all morning, eating, eating, eating!, playing Mah Jongg together, toasting each other with our glasses of wine every night, sitting outside and just talking about anything and everything, shopping, and just "being"..........together. 

I am counting the days until I fly down there the first of June for Karen's son's engagement party...

Love you both!

Me and Mom

Having my mom here for a week is such a joy for me...and yesterday I was able to spend some one on one time with her.

My sister was visiting her son at the U of Alabama in Tuscaloosa....and, my brother-in-law had flown back to Florida....so, the day was ours.

First stop was the nail place where I treated Mom to a pedicure.  I watched her slowly relax as she got comfortable in the cushioned seat and placed her feet in the warm, fragrant water. It gave me such pleasure to be able to do this little thing for her.

We talked and laughed as I "teased" her about life in "The Home" and all of the male admirers that she has accrued since living there. Her "one special friend" (very special!!) makes her act like a silly schoolgirl once again and I love it!  When he calls her at night  I can hear her giggling on the phone as he makes her laugh.  What a gift this little "later-in-life" romance is for them both.  She is 88 and he is 90....both lost spouses with whom they shared a long, and happy marriage.  How lucky they are to have found warm companionship in each other...

On to Target to get a few things.  Mom had forgotten her cane, so she used the shopping cart to help steady herself as she walked.  It is sometimes difficult for me to see how the aging process has taken away some of her physical abilities...but, she doesn't let that get in her way.  You would never know that this woman can barely see (because of her macular degeneration) or hear (she is in the process of getting some much-needed hearing aids).

In fact, Mom played several rounds of Mah Jongg with me and my sister....and, one day, a friend.  With a huge magnifying glass in her hand and thick magnifying glasses on...she kept up with us.  Actually, she put us all to shame as she won one of the games on a very difficult (closed) hand.  We all cheered when she did that remarkable feat.  It was a great moment.

I am finding out how very stubborn Mom is.  I wanted nothing more than to treat her to a few things while we were shopping...but, she did not want me paying for anything so she clutched her "items" to her chest as she went to a different check out counter than me.  Unfortunately, she dropped half of her things en route...so I was able to "admonish" her as I went and found her dropped "treasures" all over the produce department. Then I paid for them.

My sister and I have introduced my mom to the world of Internet games on our i-pads.  The bright screens are easier for her to see and she was able to play Boggle quite proficiently.  Of course, her generation is still not really comfortable with computers so one time when I walked in on her playing the game the screen was black....and she looked up at me and said, "I think that I killed it!".  I assured her that she hadn't and play continued as I got her Boggle screen back. : )

Walking Mom out of the nail place yesterday with her newly-painted pink toenails.... several of the women patrons watched the two of us go out hand in hand.  One of the ladies said to me how very lucky I was to still have my mother around to spend time with.  The others all nodded their heads affirming her statement.

And, believe me, I couldn't agree more......

If you are wondering why I haven't been posting much this week....

...it is because my mom, sister and bro-in-law are here visiting until Monday.

Such fun.

But, little time for blogging.  : (

My first-born turns 37 today!!!!!!

                                                        (Adam and Jenny-2010)

My dear Adam,

I'm not sure where the years have gone...but, today you are actually turning 37 years old!!! How did that happen so quickly?

You epitomize JOY with that huge smile that is always on your face.

You are an incredible father to Owen and Audrey and I see you passing all of your good traits down to them. How lucky they are.

Your optimistic, kind, and enthusiastic personality makes you beloved to all who are fortunate enough to know you...

I wish you all good things as you celebrate your special day!!

Happy, happy birthday, Sweetie....have a big piece of cake on me!  : )

I love you,
Mom

Good-bye beach....hello real world....

                                                                              *sigh*

Relaxing is so exhausting....!!!

(one of the Girlies relaxing on the beach)

Another lazy day at the beach with the Girlies....
The weather is absolutely gorgeous here in Destin. 
Low humidity...temps in the high 70's....lovely breezes.
The first night was shrimp and crabmeat.
Last night was pizza.
Tonight is bar-b-que.
And, in between is "Dancing with the Stars" and "American Idol".
Staying in bed for as long as we want.
It's pure heaven.

I may never go home.

Leaving the stress behind....

There is something magical about being here at the beach.
It is hard to explain....but, it happens every time that I am here.
The warmth of the sun.
The pleasant breezes.
The ability to take deep breaths while letting go of the stresses in the past.
Being with the Girlies....laughing, talking, sharing.....being in the moment.

If this is a dream....please don't wake me up...

It's 'Girlie Time' again! : )

I have been so looking forward to Monday getting here in that I am going away on another beach trip with the Girlies!!!!

This much needed break from the craziness of the house will be so wonderful....I can't wait to get my toes on that beautiful white sand....and toast the sundown with a cool glass of wine!

Talking, playing Mah Jongg, eating, eating, eating, wine drinking, laughing, reading, relaxing, breathing, etc. etc.

....just what the doctor ordered!  : )

(I will post from there when I can....xoxo)

Done!

Home Sweet "Repaired" Home!

: )

The view from here?

Notice anything in this photo that I took today?

Yep.  It is one of the painters working here today in an effort to get things finished up sooner rather than later. This has been a "beat the clock" effort as I am trying to get my house back together before leaving town in eight days.  When I return, some of my family will be arriving for a week as soon as I return..... : )

The painters drove in from Athens, Georgia, and have done an amazing job....but, there is soooo much more to do.  Shoe molding. Doors painted. Second coats on the walls. Etc. Etc.

Dust needs to be cleaned out in every nook and cranny....furniture and rugs moved back in....pictures hung back on the walls....all items returned to the shelves, etc. etc.

Will all of the etceteras ever get done?????

: O