Wolfie Walk

Yesterday I promised Wolvie that I would walk him today if it wasn't raining, so we went to the Greenway at 8:30. He knows when we are near and he gets so excited. We had a great walk and he drank twice out of his new collapsable bowl.
Yesterday they called me from the library to tell me Twilight was finally in, so I picked it up after our walk and put the next book, New Moon, on reserve. There is only one reserve ahead of me so I need to get busy. I'm in the middle of a book I must finish before I start Twilight. Ellen Crosby wrote this book...Bordeaux Betrayal..it takes place in the wine country of Virginia. Her other books are..The Merlot Murders, The Chardonnay Charade and Moscow Nights. I really like this book!
I'm not going to the gym this afternoon since I walked this morning. I'll spend the afternoon cooking...making minestrone and apple raisen muffins. I hope to get in a bunch of reading.
Thursday evening I made a great shrimp and orzo recipe that took all of about 15 minutes from start to finish. Here is the recipe...Richard loved it.
peel your shrimp..for the 2 of us I used 14 large shrimp. Salt and pepper them. Melt 1 Tbs. of butter and 1 Tbs. olive oil. Add 2 scallions and 2 minced garlic cloves. In the meantime boil 1/2 cup orzo. (It takes 6 minutes) then drain it. Add shrimp to onion and oils...when almost done add 2 lemon slices and 1/2 cup white wine. Reduce the wine, add the drained orzo top with chopped parsley and serve. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did. (I get bags of frozen peeled shrimp from Sam's and always have it on hand for things like this.
Last night was the opening of The Office..my favorite show. It was good, but not great...a little disappointing.
Well, I'm looking forward to the debate tonight between Obama and an empty chair. Seriously, I don't see how McCain can not do this. Come on...if he can't handle this during our crisis what else can he not handle? Later...Judy
Oh, while I was back here typing this I heard a big crash on Wildwood Rd. First I heard the screeching of tires and then the impace...BAM!!! Now I hear the sirens..so does Wolfie...he's being a wolf and howling.....

New Books

I picked up the latest Book Page at the library yesterday. Muir, Wally Lamb's new book is coming out in November...The Hour I First Believed. It follows a woman who moves from Colorado to Connecticut after the Columbine School Tragedy. Another book I look forward to reading is Nelson DeMille's Gate House. If you read the Gold Coast, this book follows the same characters (many of them) ten years later. It comes out in late October.
I attempted to plant my mums this morning, but the ground is too hard, so Richard is going to have to dig the holes for me. We stopped by this place yesterday to price pansies and their pansies aren't ready yet, but they are going to sell for $10. a flat...much cheaper than Walmart. These people have their own greenhouse and they have beautiful plants. Their mums are nicer and cheaper than Walmart and I'm going to pick up some ornamental cabbages. They also have pumpkins, gourds Indian corn, etc. I don't want to get my pumpkins and gourds yet. I'd like to get them to last through Thanksgiving.
Gas availability is becoming a problem once again. Our usual station was out as of yesterday. We'll see.....Later...Judy

Frustration!!

I just wrote a whole page and then lost it. How irritating!! Went to the library and got a bunch of new books then to Kroger's and Walmart. I was checking out pansies, but thought $24. for a flat was too expensive. I'll check elsewhere before buying any. I came home to cut up pita bread and bake the chips to serve with hummus tonight. Also having shrimp with orzo, lemon, wine, garlic and parsley for dinner.
Off to the gym soon. I'll have to change my workout a bit as my arm is still bothereing me and since I do a lot of arm stuff with weights I need to make a change until things get better. Later...Judy

Another Beautiful Day

Not much going on today...just enjoying the weather. The mornings are chilly, so hard to decided what to wear. I guess I'll do the shorts to get ready for the gym this afternoon. I need to finish my books today as tomorrow is library day and I have some errands to run. I want to get some mums to plant out front where our bushes once were. It is very bare-looking now.
Not anything to report...enjoy this beautiful day.

Let Charlotte Eat

It's fall and in case you haven't noticed, spider webs abound. We have a huge one spanned between the arms of our awning. I was going to sweep it down, but I realized that it wasn't in the way of our walking so I left if up. Yesterday morning when I got up I noticed it was full of bugs and Charlotte was eating away. Most spiders are good and they get rid of lots of nasty bugs, so....let Charlotte eat!
The Ryder Cup is over and the Americans won in a very exciting finish. I was plenty worried at one time yesterday, but then things started to fall into place.
Not much happening today...back to the gym after a few days off. My shoulder is bothering me again this morning. I thought, at first, I had slept on it wrong, but now I think it's that thing I had last week. Happy Autumn!

More Golf

Yesterday was sports day...golf and football. Our football teams (except for Va Tech) didn't do so well. UT, Auburn and Notre Dame all lost. Golf was good with Americans still ahead by 2 points. It comes on for the finals today at 12. We'll be watching.
Breakfast is over..I made a casserole of Polenta and Italian Sausage. It was very good. I'm making beef stew for dinner tonight and we'll likely feed on that most of the week and we have chili left from last night.
The New York Times puzzle in today's paper is very difficult. We haven't given up but we'll have to attack it later. Richard has gone off to find this dude who did some work for us and painted Richard's house. He had more work to do, but never showed up and he stole our shovel as well as taking a bunch of the paint that was left over. R. confronted him once and threatened to bust his ass. He promised he would finish at Richards...he never has, so R. is going to try and find him again. Oh well.....Later......

Americans Win First Day

Great golf yesterday...very exciting. We can only hope Americans pull it off again today.
For those of you who don't subscribe to Everyday Food...this month has a lot of very yummy-sounding recipes. You can pick it up at the grocery store. It is issue #56 and is a gold and orange cover and says...coziest one-pot comforts. I can't wait to try several of them. The pumpkin recipes look very interesting..especially the savory ones.
I'm going to make chili today and cut up a chuck roast to make beef stew tomorrow. Other than that I'll be mostly glued to the TV and gold although....UT, Va Tech and Notre Dame all play at 3:30 so we'll be going back and forth then. Auburn plays this evening. Go teams!!
Trip, Susan, J.J. and Mollie are at Maggie and Charlie's. Have fun, guys!! later....Mom

Ryder Cup Opening

Ryder Cup opening starts in 15 minutes...we are psyched about this. The Americans better come through this year! I will watch the morning match, then shower and hurry to Old Navy before the afternoon match starts. I have some things to return that didn't work out and they have 20 % off for 3 days and I hope to take advantage of this. Other than that not much else.
We got most of the yard work done yesterday....Later

Ryder Cup Opening

Ryder Cup opening starts in 15 minutes...we are psyched about this. The Americans better come through this year! I will watch the morning match, then shower and hurry to Old Navy before the afternoon match starts. I have some things to return that didn't work out and they have 20 % off for 3 days and I hope to take advantage of this. Other than that not much else.
We got most of the yard work done yesterday....Later

Strange Pains

We got hope from the gym yesterday afternoon...I had a really good workout...feeling great! Then, all of a sudden I started getting this pain radiating from my neck down to my rotor cuff in my left arm. It got worse and I finally took a pain pill. Several years ago I had rotator cuff issues, but nothing recently. I put heat on it and when I went to bed it was no better. I woke up this morning with no trace of the pain...go figure.
Today is "start the yard work day." We'll work all morning and Richard will go to the grocery store this afternoon...no gym. Tomorrow the Ryder Cup starts with tee-off at 8 a.m. It's going to be a great weekend of golf!
Yesterday Stephanie Meyers was on Ellen. In case you don't know her story (she wrote the Twilight Series)...she started writing this after having a dream and she expanded on this dream. She had never written before...she had no agent...she was a stay-at-home mom with 3 little ones and one was hanging onto her as she wrote. She sent the book to 15 agents. She got several rejections and a few who did not reply, but one who asked her to send the first 3 chapters. The rest is history. Muir, are you listening!?! Get busy. I'm off to do yard work.....Judy

Martha Stewart

I wa s really ticked off on Monday when I realized that our local NBC sation had dropped The Martha Stewart Show. The new season started Monday and it was filmed at her farm in Westchester County. I called the station and complained, but that was just for me to vent. Then, yesterday as I was reading the TV paper I discovered that Family Living Network was airing it in the evening. We watched the opening last night and that farm is something to behold. She has 183 acres with riding trails, barns, a summer house, a winter house where she lives, a guest house, other dwellings, a green house and stables. Everything about it is impressive, but one of the most impressive is the stable. The floors are heated in the winter for her 4 Friesian horses and cooled in the summer. They get new shoes every 4 months and a 2 massages a week. How long has it been since I had a massage? I wish I got new shoes every 4 months!! They get the best of medical care...and teeth cleaning every 6 months. I want to come back as one of her horses.
Another exciting TV event this weekend is the Ryder Cup. We have been watching the preliminaries and they are fun. Kenny Perry is from Ky and he is so excited. Steve Flesch was commentating...Trip knows him. I can't wait for that to happen.
Cool mornings mean I'm back on coffee. I can't be bothered when it's hot. This weather puts a smile on my face and spring in my Step. bye for now....Judy

Recipe continued..

Cut chicken into strips. Dice onions and slice mushrooms.Heat 1 T. butter and olive oil in lg. frying pan and stir fry chicken then remove to warm plate. While chicken cooks melt 1 1/2 T butter in covered flame-prof0fcasserole. Add flour and whisk to make roux. Slowly add chicken broth and stir until smooth and thickened. Add sour cream and seasonings. stir well. Saute onions and mushrooms in chicken pan add a bit more butter and olive oil. When nicely browned add mixture to sauce. dredge pan with wine and add to sauce. Finally fold in chicken, cover and simmer. At this point dish may be brought to room temp. and refrigerated and reheated next day Serve over egg noodles and sprinkle with parsley.....Enjoy......

Venting

Just talked to Maggie...she has power back and she told me Anne does at well , but the kids still are out of school today. I forgot to ask if Muir has school. She still doesn't have her cable so can't blog.
I went to a new class at the gym today...Nia. I really liked it and will continue to go. It's just a 6 week class and when it's over there is no day class..only and evening one. I do my gym stuff during the day. Evening is for home, so I guess it will just be for awhile.
I'm so pissed off about the state of our economy and it's all because of the greed in this country. Everyone wants more than they can afford...bigger houses, bigger cars..more, more, more. And..the lenders were greedy enough to allow that to happen. The people who are responsible suffer...Another thing that makes me really disgusted is that when people are told to evacuate or face death, but refuse to comply. They put rescue workers at risk as well as causing the cost of this whole storm to sky rocket. I really don't feel sorry for them...well maybe a little bit.
Maggie wanted this recipe for Chicken Stroganoff. Trip and Susan are coming this weekend and she may make this. I hope they like it.
Chicken Stroganoff
2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken
1 T. butter
1 T. olive oil
1 med onion
1 1/2 T butter
1 T. flour
1 cup unsalted chicken broth
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 t. nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup dry white wine

I got on line to Cincy and discovered all of the damage and...all schools are closed. I'm wondering if Anne and Dan went to work and where are the kids? If I thought they were going to be out of school for awhile I could bring them down here. I'll see.....Judy

High Winds in Cincy

Madison called me yesterday afternoon to tell me they had high winds and had lost their power. Apparently Anne and Dan were at the grocery store when the power went out. Later Anne called me to say they may be without power for several Days and that Dayton and Columbus were also without power. I called Muir later but didn't get through. She called me later to tell me they had a tree down in the back and part of the fence down. Their neighborhood has trees everywhere and it's scary when it storms. I haven't had my usual Monday morning call from Maggie, so I'm assuming she is without power. I'll try to reach her later. I'm wondering if the kids have school.
Our weather down here was breezy and later it rained, but nothing bad. Today it is lovely with temperatures in the 60s.
Monday...laundry day and I just finished mine and straightened up around here. Later we'll go to the gym...thinking of all you powerless people...hope it's restored soon.....Judy

...Football Saturday

What a wacky day! Do you believe the Auburn score 3to 2. I couldn't believe it and then Ohio State got murdered. It was painful to watch. Va. Tech, however, did win in a very good game beating Ga. Tech. Tennessee also won. I've never gotten into Tennessee football. I do root for them to win most of the time..depending on who they are playing. Today the Titans play the Bengals and I, of course, will root for the Bengals and the Steelers play the Browns...I think that's tomorrow night...I hate the Steelers..just so you know.
Another day in the 90s down here and then things change...thank goodness. Rain and coolness tomorrow.
Just another lazy day down here. I'll read and do a craft project while I watch football. No golf this weekend and we miss it...Ryder cup next week. Go USA...have a peaceful Sunday...Judy

New Place for Lunch

We went to Knoxville yesterday and stopped in at a bakery that had great bread. We ought a loaf of bread from this place about a year ago when Sam's handled some of their breads. Sam's only did this for awhile and we didn't know where the bakery was located. We found it yesterday and a cafe is attached to the bakery so we had lunch there. It was really good. I had a Black and Brie sandwich which was roast beef and brie pannini style. Richard had a roast beef at cheddar on red cheddar bread also pannini style. We also bought 3 loaves of bread. All of their sandwiches look great and different. Soups and salads and quiche are also on the menu.
While in K-ville we noticed that gas was really high and we wondered why. We drove back to Maryville to our gas station where, on Friday, they lower premium to mid-grade prices. As we approached we were stunned to discover our station was closed..no gas. We went to another station and did get gas, but we're not going to be doing much driving until the price goes down.
I watched Charlie Gibson's interview of Sarah Palin last night. On the negative side..she skirted around answering his direct questions about their solutions to the economy mess. She went off on some tangent but never answered those questions (most politicians do this when they either don't want to answer or can't). On other questions which he asked for specifics she also skirted
around the answer. On a positive side I liked her answer about Roe v. Wade. She is pro life and while I am pro choice I only agree with abortion in dire cases. She did say this was her personal opinion and when asked about homosexuality she said she was in no position to judge. She is a member of the NRA and explained that it is a way of life in Alaska.
Today, in spite of the gas prices, we are going to the gym and then home where I hope to get a lot of reading done. It's very hot here..another over 90 degree day, but rain and cooler weather predicted by Monday. Have a fun weekend....Judy

A Day Off

We decided to take today off from the gym and go to Knoxville for lunch and some shopping. We need some things at Sam's. Nothing much else is going on.
I'm sorry, the few of you who asked me to lay off the politics, but this is my blog and I can't contain myself. As you know, I have very strong opinions and I don't feel like stifling them...so there! That being said, Sarah Palin really rubs me the wrong way. It's obvious that McCain chose her in order to get the white women's vote. I just hope white women don't believe everything they hear. I'm confident (kind of) that they will look very closely at the issues that are important and not at the personality. I, for one, am very concerned about the state of our economy, health care, the environment, and our national image.
Enough of that...have a nice weekend...go Auburn, go Va Tech, Go Notre Dame...that one may be tough. And....Congratulations, Maggie...she passed her written test to get SCUBA certified. She beings her pool stuff on Monday. bye-bye Judy

Final Greatest American Dog

There were 3 dogs left...a Border Collie, a Boxer and a Maltese. I wanted them all to win. I thought the Border collie was the best trained, but his owner was a bit of a Nazi. The Maltese was SO devoted and attached to his owner and the Boxer was only 18 months old and still acting puppy-like. I knew Madison wanted Presley, the boxer to win. I really loved him, but I didn't want the others to lose. If Kristyn was watching I knew she was for the Boxer and yes, the Boxer did it! called Madison and she was so excited.
After that we turned to PBS and watch a program on Pavarotti which reminded us how much we liked opera. We decided to try and rent the cds of many of the operas we have never seen. I'm assuming they are available...I hope so.
The chlorinator in the pool at the gym went out yesterday. I just had gotten into the pool and Richard wasn't in yet when we had to get out. I'm sure it won't be ready today, so that will shorten our workout. We're also dropping off the car to have the front brakes done while we're at the gym.
Talked to Maggie...she's becoming quite the gardener! Later....Judy

PBS

Last night we watched Appalachia on PBS. It went from 8 past 11 but was really excellent. Since we live in Appalachia and many of our roots were in the area, we found it so interesting. It talked about the Cherokee, the miners, the music, the Scotch-Irish, the feuds, etc. And...I love watching other shows on PBS. I'm addicted to Test Kitchen which airs here on Saturday afternoon.
Going to the gym a bit later today. Richard has a session with a trainer at 2. He is bored with his routine and is going to change part of it. Other than that, just a bit of clean-up around the house. Greatest American Dog tonight! Later....Judy

Storms at Last!

Last night we were settled in our chairs watching Jeopardy when I heard a distant clap of thunder and then some lightning. We were supposed to get rain today, but it sounded like it m
ight get to us early and....wow...did it ever. We started watching what (I hear) old people love to watch...Antiques Road Show and the sky opened up. It rained harder than I can ever remember around here. Then, the electricity went out. I scrambled around to get flashlight and then lit some candles. At first a great breeze was coming into the room but then the wind died down and it got pretty warm, so we went out on the deck and sat for awhile. I got out my booklite and we tried to do a puzzle, but I wasn't really into it. We gave it up about 10 and went to bed. Sometime in the middle of the night I woke up with no covers and was cold. The electricity was back on and the fans were going. Richard said we had another storm in the middle of the night and we're supposed to get more this afternoon. Bring it on!!
I'm headed to the gym for yoga this morning and a few errands.
I got an email from Becky Russo and Lisa's mother-in-law passed away. I'll contact her soon.
To answer you Muir about the pizza...I bake mine on 450 because we like a crispy crust. If you do it at 350 the crust won't be crispy, but it will be done and okay.
I'm off to get my errands done. Judy

Another Monday...same old.....

Sorry for posting late today. I had trouble getting into this today. Did my usual Monday laundry and then cleaned my kitchen. Richard went to the grocery store today and did the weekly shopping. We're headed to the gym in a few minutes.
I've recently been thinking of how much I miss watching Imus in the morning. Before he was booted off we would wake up at 6 and turn him on. He had such interesting guests, both political and others. Also great musicians. He did irk me at times, but he was unique and there is no one like him on TV now. He would be especially interesting during this election time. Oh, well, his mouth got him in trouble. I don't agree that he should have been let go. I believe people overreacted to the situation. Have a good rest of the day....Judy

Sunday Brunch, Chores

Watched a lot of golf and football yesterday...more golf today. Tech and Notre Dame won..W.Va lost. After brunch of a baked omelet we are in the midst of working on the NY Times puzzle. After we finish that we have outdoor chores to do. I'm going to empty my outdoor pots and clean them. Most of my plants are tired and want to be put out of their misery. some are still okay and I may keep them for awhile. When it cools down we have some major work to do. We need to cut down the boxwoods that flank our front entrance. We hope to put it something more cylincrical rather than bushy. The big chore is going to be digging out those roots.
Even though I have been asked to nix the political comments (not all of my readers appreciate my slant on things) I must ask you...why are they keeping sarah Palin from the National Press and...are you aware of her stance on the environment?
I leave you with best wishes for a pleasant Sunday and a good week to come....Judy

Books and Authors

a usual Saturday in hot, dry Tennessee. Apparently we're not getting any of the rain from Hanna. After the gym I'll curl up with my book and finally make some headway.
I have a whole list of favorite authors, so thought I'd share them with you in case you get stuck looking for a book. These are authors I have read time and again and get frustrated when I have gone through all of their books and they don't write another quickly enough.
Conant,Susan...dogs and mystery
Barr, Nevada..mystery in National Parks
Landvik,Lorna...modern humor
Perry, Anne...Victorian mysteries
Grafton, Sue...alphabet mysteries
Picoult, Jodi...current topics
Scottolini, Lisa...mystery
Reichs, Kathy...forensic mystery
Robb, J.D....futuristic mystery
Binchy. Maeve..Ireland..relationships..
Clarke, Mary Jane...mystery
Fairstein. Linda..former D.A. in NYC...mystery
Weiner, Jennifer...humorous, contemporary women's issues
Schnur, L....The Dog Walker....I LOVED this book!
Henry, Sue...Alaskan mysteries with dogs
Pick up one of these authors if you get in a rut.
Have a nice Saturday....Judy
Benton, Dorthea...the beach..relationships

TGIF

Not much going on this weekend. Richard wanted to see Leon Russell who was in Maryville last night, but tickets were 30 bucks a piece and we decided that was too much. Instead we watched a movie on charter cable...an old Jodie Foster. It was pretty good although slow at first.
This morning I cut up pita bread into chips and toasted them to serve with hummus, made my energy bars which I haven't made in a long time because summer activities got in my way.
I'm hoping we'll get some rain from the hurricane which is coming up the east coast. It is supposed to get cooler and the mornings have been really nice.
We are having such a time with bees at out humming bird feeder. This never happened to this degree. The hummers have the feeders to themselves in the early morning and again in the late afternoon and evening, but in the heat of the day there are swarms of bees at the feeders and the birds can't get near. Oh well, I guess the bees have to eat also. Soon the humming birds will be heading south.
I'm off to get dressed and then get in some reading. Happy weekend.....Judy

TV Dilemna

So is this little fur ball cute or what? I love these puppies. Maggie especially loved yesterday's dog since they also have an English Bull Dog. I'm sure Max was every bit as cute when he was a pup. Speaking of dogs...that was part of my dilemma last evening. The Greatest American Dog was on opposite the season premier of Bones...one of my favorite shows. I was telling Madison of my problem and she told me I could google Greatest....for the show today and that is what I'm going to do although I switched back and forth on commercials and know how it ended and Madison called me with further details after it was over. You see, the title of the show is Greatest American Dog and the dogs are ALL great. It's their owners who are not so great. The dog who had to leave is a Border Collie and SO good and smart, but the owner is pushy. I wish all of the dogs could win.
I'm really getting into my book...Careless in Red. I don't have much going on this morning so will get a good chunk of it read before going to the gym. I take the book with me there because after the pool I shower and wait in the lobby for my slowpoke husband. He takes longer in the hot tub than I and then showers and shampoos and who knows what else because I could take a nice nap in the time he takes to finish. Anyway, I get some reading done and chat with people while waiting. Good Thursday....Judy

News from the library

The last time I went to the library I was less than thrilled with my selections. I was determined this time to get enough books to last me the three weeks before they are due. I came home with 7 books, so should be kept busy with them. Both Jody Picoult and Emily Giffin's books are all checked out, but I did get Careless in Red by Elizabeth George and a Catherine Coulter that I hadn't previously read. I picked up 5 books from the " new book" section. One, in particular looks very interesting...Owl Island by Randy Sue Coburn. Jimmy Buffett's book Swine Not was there so I grabbed that. I can't wait to get started!!

Wednesday morning and I'm off to the library and a few other errands. Last night we watched Crimson Tide with Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman. It was really good.
I talked to Anne and Max yesterday afternoon...first day of school went well. Madison likes her schedule except for gym every day.
Here's a hint I heard yesterday for those of you who have glass shower doors. This removes spots as well as protecting for future spots. Coat inside of shower door with turtle wax. Then buff off.
Maggie, do you think Max looked like this pup when he was a little pup?
I'm hoping to get a bunch of good books today. I didn't do well last time. Later....Judy

I just read Muir's blog about starting a book and not liking it. I went to the library last week and got 5 books. I read 2 of them right away but couldn't get into the next ones. I started one and it was okay, but finally put it down to start another. I left that one after the first few pages and started the next one. It was okay, but wasn't grabbing me so I put that away and had nothing to read. I went to my own stash of books and picked one I know a read many moons ago, but knew I would like it....Except for Thee and Me by Jessymin West. It's about a Quaker family at the beginning of the Civil War. I liked it as I had the first time and I'll polish that off today, so tomorrow I must go to the library!! I hate so-so books. I want every book I read to be one I can't wait to get back to and that isn't always the case.
Back to my same old same old. Doing laundry this morning, going to the gym this afternoon. Maggie called this morning and she had lots of depressing news about acquaintances of theirs with fatal illnesses. Other than that just chit chat about sweet J.J. and her doggies.
I'm off to fold laundry....Happy Day everyone....Judy

Happy Labor Day Everyone! I hope you're not laboring. The biggest part of my laboring is almost finished. I have peeled, sliced, salted, floured, dredged in egg and flour and sauted all of the eggplant. The marinara sauce is made and simmering on the stove. Now all I have to do is assemble these lovely smelling dishes. I used 6 large eggplants and I'm hoping I'll have enough for 2 small and 2 large pans. The rest of this day will be relaxing. The gym closed today at noon so we decided to skip that.
Have fun today...if you're driving, be safe. Judy