I decided to try something different for brunch today. Instead of Mimosas we made a similar drink but I don't know what to call them...pomegranate juice, orange juice and champagne. They Happy were good but the two colors mixed to look like muddy water...not appetizing looking. I also made Huevos Rancheros with Tomatillo Salsa. They were good and different from our usual Sunday fare.
Madison called me last night from the car on their way to Marquette and we talked about the Greatest American Dog. I knew she was dying to hear about it and she told me about their trip. Anne just called a while ago from the Marquette airport. They are due to get into Columbus at 2 something this afternoon. They really had a good time...a different vacation for them.
I'm not going to do much but sit around today because my back is acting up again. We'll watch golf and relax. Tomorrow I'm making my annual Eggplant Parmigiana. It is a big deal as I make 4 large casseroles of it. It takes a long time, but I love it and everyone who eats it does also. Happy Labor Day Everyone!! Judy

Saturday morning and I actually was able to stay in bed until 6:45! Richard got up early which is unusual for him. I'm usually first up.
I can't believe McCain chose an inexperienced woman and I can't think that women who were such supporters of Hillary will now vote for McCain because he has a woman running with him. She seems like a nice lady who is doing a good job in Alaska, but she can in no way be compared to Hillary Clinton who has been in politics and on the Washington scene forever. McCain is old...I can't even imagine Sarah Palin becoming president! Rush Limbaugh thinks she is perfect! That alone is enough for me to say HELP!!
I feel so bad for the people of New Orleans!! I hope Gustav doesn't do what it looks like it will be doing.
We're off to the gym shortly. Have a fun Saturday......Judy

Prejudice

The definition of prejudice is...for or against something before one knows the facts. I'm not sure I agree with the dictionary on that. How many of have heard someone say that they are not prejudiced. I firmly believe we all have our own set of prejudices. The song from South Pacific says that "you have to be taught to hate..." I also believe that our life experiences help us become prejudiced. What I can't accept are blanket prejudices....people who are prejudiced about all people of a certain color, religion, ethnic group, etc. Now, on a lighter side.....
Richard has gone to do the grocery shopping. I cut veggies for dip and am about to bake some savory walnut/rosemary wafers to go with our cheese and fruit this evening. I saw the recipe in Cooking Light and it appealed to me.
My back is a lot better so I will be going to the gym this afternoon. No plans for the weekend. I may go in to Knoxville to the Democratic Headquarters and pick up some info.
Have a fun and safe weekend!! Judy

Time Out at the Gym

After posting yesterday my back got worse so I stayed home a iced it down and did nothing but sit around. It is better today, but still achy and I decided to give it another day of rest before goi
ng back to exercise.
I'm late posting today because I had a morning dentist appointment. After getting my teeth cleaned I got a hair cut.
I was thinking of Tim Russert yesterday and how much I missed seeing him when his son, Luke care on TV with an interview of young people at the convention. It looks like he may just follow in his father's footsteps.
I enjoyed the convention last night. Bill came through with an excellent speech as did Joe Biden. I anxious to hear Obama's speech tonight!
I watched The Greatest American Dog last night and took notes. Usually Madison calls me after it is over and we discuss it, but she is on vacation and I know she'll call me when she gets home to find out what happened. Last night was one of the best episodes yet. Instead of having the dogs do something stupid like painting or dancing, they were tested for obedience and bravery. They had to remain in a small circle while an elephant charged up to them and picked up a banana with its trunk. The banana was inches away from the dog. Surprisingly, the Maltese and the Boxer stayed put while the Border Collies got out of the way. In the second half of the episode the dogs had to jump from a 30 foot platform. (They were harnessed). Only the one border collie and the boxer jumped. It was a good show.
Muir, it's time for skillet dinners, stir fry, etc. Call me if you need any suggestions. I'm sure you don't.

My Aching Body

I really haven't done anything out of the ordinary, but my back is killing me! Actually, I pretty much just sat around yesterday and enjoyed the rain while reading. I did my usual 45 minutes on the treadmill and then 30 minutes in the pool. I'm dreading today because my Wednesday routine is 15 minutes warm-up on the rowing machine and then weights and agility ball for 30 minutes and 30 minutes in the pool. I detest the rowing machine and my back doesn't like it either. It's also boring!! I think I'll warm up on the elliptical today and see how that goes. Anyway, enough of my moaning. I talked to Maggie this morning and she is aching also from all of the weeding she has been doing in her new yard.
Hi
llary gave a great speech last night. Tonight Biden and Bill speak. I have to watch Greatest American Dog at 8..after that the convention.
The rain is gone. We could have used another nice day of it. Till next time....Judy

OkIay..here I go. I wasn't going to get into politics other than saying I'm for Obama. I just decided I need to say why I'm for him and what he stands for. I am not a registered Democrat, although I have never voted for a Republican for president. I have voted Republican for other offices.
George Bush has been the worst (in my opinion) president I have ever known. He has surrounded himself with like minds rather than those who could present different views. He has lied to us. He has made us hated around the world. He is arrogant and he has run the economy into the ground. We are conservative investors and yet have lost a lot of money in the past 8 years. I go to bed at night and worry about the future of my children, grandchildren and their children. Every generation since I have been born has bettered themselves...achieved more than their patents. I do not think our grandchildren have that in their future. Already the world has become a dangerous place. They don't have the childhood I or their parents had. . I feel very strongly that we must go in a new direction. I do not see McCain leading us there. Yes, Obama is somewhat of an unknown, but he offers hope and I, for one am counting on that. I do not think McCain is a bad person. He has been a valiant soldier and effective senator, but I believe voting for him will keep us in the downward spin we have been in for the past 8 years.
I'm willing to take that chance. We can't always be afraid to go out on a limb.
That's all I'm going to say about my views except I will be making comments from time to time but no more soap box goings on from me! God Bless America!!

It didn't rain much during the day yesterday, but it rained all night and is to continue today, tonight and tomorrow. It is lovely...a great day to curl up with my book. This book is okay..very light and I'll definitely finish it, but I want to hurry on to the next one. I have several choices and I'm not sure which one I'll choose.
I was glued to the TV last night watching the convention. Ted Kennedy was great and very inspiring. I certainly hope he makes it until January and will be there when Obama takes office!! Michelle Obama also gave a good speech. Tonight Hillary speaks. I'm sure she'll come through and bring her fans with her.
Nothing unusual going on today...gym after lunch...enjoy the wetness. Carry on...Judy

Rain, beautiful rain..finally. It last rained on July 7th and then for just about 2 hours. We have had an unusual summer down here. The last few weeks have been only in the 80s with very low humidity..unlike most of our summers. However, no rain but much better than last year. It's supposed to rain for the next 3 days...remnants of Fay.
I hope you all saw the closing of the Olympics last night. It was another unbelievable performance. Both the opening and closing will be difficult if not impossible to match. Now that Olympics are over I'll look forward to the convention.
Talked to Anne and Maggie this morning. Anne and family leave this afternoon for Isle Royale in Lake Superior.
Have a good Monday! Judy

We have a Sunday morning routine...watch Today and Meet the press, have brunch with mimosas, do the New York Times Puzzle together. That's all accomplished and I'm off to the kitchen to make 2 meat loaves. I'll freeze one and we'll have the other one tonight with mashed potatoes, green beans and slaw and we'll have enough for sandwiches most of the week and another meal at dinner. The rest of the day will be just relaxing..watching golf this afternoon and starting another book. I finishedI my Susan Conant book last evening. Ihis have 4 other books awaiting me in my book bag. I think I'll read an author I haven't read before..Meg Cabot. She wrote The Princess Diaries, but this book is classified as adult contemporary fiction. It should be light and humorous.
For anyone who reads Muir's blog..you must go to that and see the latest pictures of J.J. and also Madison and Max.
Have a relaxing weekend.....Judy

Yea!! Joe Biden is in! I'm thinking of volunteering at Democratic Hqs. if there is an office in Maryville. I really don't want to go into Knoxville. We'll see.
Muir's situation at school is so unbelievable!! She called me yesterday afternoon and I just sat there with my mouth hanging open as she related the whole thing to me. Since I also taught special ed, she knew I would get the whole thing. Fortunately, I had a great supervisor and principals who understood the law and totally saw to it that we all did as we should. I can't believe her principals are so ignorant. All I can say is they better be getting their resumes together because I don't see how they can't be fired or replaced.
We're off to the gym shortly and then just a lazy day. We'll watch golf and Obama's rally in Springfield.
have fun.....Judy

For anyone out there who remembers the late '50-early'60s...we got the best pizza in Morgantown, Unionwtown, Martins Ferry, wheeling. I really want to find the recipe for that!! it was sold by the piece and was unlike any we eat today. search the web and get me the recipe!! Stan, Muir...anyone?....... Judy...I'm hungry...

TGIF
doesn't mean much to me since I'm retired, but it still kinda does. Richard has gone to do the weekly grocery shopping and I'm just doing a few chores around here before settling down to get to my book. Nothing planned for this weekend...we'll see. I'm sorry to see the Olympics end. We have really enjoyed them, but now I look forward to the Democratic Convention. I'm hoping Obama chooses Joe Biden as a running mate...I think he will.
Have a fun and relaxing weekend! Judy

First, I must appologize to "C C". I was just trying to give your name a French flair! Next I must talk about Cheyenne. She is technically the neighbor's dog, but she mostly spends her time with us. She originally belonged to the parents of the now residents. when they moved, the young couple inherited her. She eventually had 3 beautiful litters of puppies. At that time she was very shy and wouldn't let us pet her. They had young children and didn't give her much attention although they did have her spayed. Little by little she warmed us to us and began hanging around here. She is now between 16 and 17, but very spry and young looking. We groom her and bathe her and she eats and sleeps here. When we go away I leave food with her owners with instructions to give her lots of love while we're gone. Max and Madison really love her and give her lots of attention when they are here...Max is especially attached to her.
So last night I watched The Greatest American Dog. The right dog got sent home. Actually, I like all of the dogs but some of their owners are whacko! Madison called me after it was over to see what I thought. We both agreed on the outcome.
This morning I went to the library and got a new supply of books. I knew I couldn't get Twilight, but I did put a hold on it. I don't usually do that, but she is so hot right now that none of her books were in and I knew it would be awhile. The gal who checked me out is reading it now due to her daughter's recommendation.
After that I went to Hobby Lobby to get some supplies for a craft project I'm doing which I can't talk about. Then to the store for some cod which I will bake tonight with zucchini fritters and Vidalia corn muffins. Yum!
Muir needs to take a leave of absence from her joy and come down here to tutor me on the ins and outs of blogging. I'm sure she'll do that!!!
Till next time...I'm going to grate zucchini and then make lunch. Judy

So I tried to stay in bed until 5:30 but Wolfie went out at about 5 and I couldn't get back to sleep so got up had my usual breakfast while watching the news and doing a crossword puzzle. Then it was off to finish my kitchen. I have finally finished and it makes me feel so good!
The rest of the morning will be spent watering my flowers..(I'm getting tired of summer and so are my plants). They are looking leggy and tired. I hope to finish my book today as all of them are due tomorrow and I'll go to my favorite place....the library. Our library here in Maryville is new and beautiful. I love spending time there. They also have a cafe and all sorts of programs in the evening...music, lectures, etc. It goes without saying that we will hit the gym after lunch.
Till next time....judy

So I've had a ho-hum day so far. I started the odious job of cleaning my kitchen. My cabinets are dark and old and I hate them, but anyway I cleaned them all and cleaned out my cabinets. I stopped there and will do the counters, appliances and floor tomorrow.
I subscribe to Everyday Food magazine and was glad mine came today because I couldn't think of what to have for dinner. There is a recipe in there for stir fry pork tenderloin with broccoli. I have all of the ingredients so that answers my dilemna.
While I really like to cook, cooking for 2 isn't that easy. We end up having a lot of leftovers and that isn't all bad because Richard is really fine with that. Tonight that tenderloin will serve us at least 2 meals. I'll cut it in half for the stir fry and grill the other half another night.
I'm off to read for awhile before going to the gym. I'm currently reading Kathy Reichs lastest book...Bones and Ashes. She is a forensic anthropologist in real life and in her books. Her books are the basis for the TV show..Bones. I finished The Art of Racing in the Rain. It was very tough for me to get through, but the writing was good. I just don't like to cry and think about sad things. Maggie started it, but it was too soon after Ci Ci's demise so she'll delay that read.
Have a nice day anyone who reads this. Judy

All about me

I have just decided to start a blog. I won't be as good about posting every day like my daughter, but I'll do my best.
Everyone who might read this already knows all about me so I won't bore you with those details. I don't have crazy dreams like Muir but I'll do my best.
Today was Richard's 70th birthday. We went to see The Dark Knight which I really hated!!! After that we ate at Bone Fish. I'm going to have to think of interesting things to do...tomorrow will be a usual day...morning chores followed by going to the gym.