P.S.

I forgot to tell you that another couple came to the lake. The guy works with Jim and his wife is from Akron so I asked her if she went to Put-IN-Bay and she said she did, but her family has a house on Middle Bass. She also worked at Blackberry Farms here in Townsend for 2 years. She was the horse trainer, etc. and she said she got to meet a lot of celebs while there. Oprah loves to go there, Jerry Seinfeld and she mentioned others...Brad Paisley and some other country stars. Later....

Fun Saturday

Yesterday was a busy day. First we went to the Farmer's Market and I got some leaf lettuce and summer squash and lo and behold home grown tomatoes. Tonight we're having wilted lettuce salad, fried squash and sliced tomatoes. I can't wait! After that we walked Wolfie at the Greenbelt for a bit and we did take him to the market. A golden retriever jumped him...he just stood there. After we came home we got ready to go to the lake. Jim got out the wave runners and we had fun doing that. When Richard got on it tipped over, but the second try was fine. It was a beautiful day with perfect weather.

This morning we got our Sunday NY Times and that is such an enjoyable paper to read. It will take us most of the week to get through it. I saw a few books that sound interesting in the book review. Look for Lisa See and Shanghai Girls or any of her other books. They sound very good. Also, look for Molly Wizenberg, Giulia Melucci and David Lebovitz all of whom write about life and food with recipes in the books. Richard is off to Walmart and I have to clean this house even though it is Sunday. Later....

Play Day

Today should be job day here because I didn't do my usual Friday clean-up yesterday, but it will still be there tomorrow. Today we're going to the Farmer's Market and taking Wolf and then to the park for a little walk with him. After that we'll come home and deal with our downed limbs before lunch and then heading to the lake with Jim and Tommie.
I actually stayed awake last night to see Jay Leno's last Tonight show. And..we finally desubscribed to our rag of a newspaper and are now getting the New York Times Weekend. I'm just hoping the Sunday edition is here when we get up tomorrow. I'm not sure how early it will arrive. Nothing much else.....Later

Mother's Day Hydrangia

It's gotten much fuller and more beautiful. It, at least likes all of this rain. It's supposed to be clearing up today, but I think I jinxed it. I got a car wash this morning. It was starting to get sunny, but is cloudy now and Cheyenne came in..she knows when bad weather is near.

Got a hair cut and ran a few other errands. To the gym this afternoon...tomorrow is the market and then we may go to Jim and Tommie's lake house for the afternoon. Later....By the way, Muir...how did you miss this day? It's "hug your cat day." Don't neglect that!

When Will It End???

I had decided last night that I would walk Wolfie early this morning before it got too humid. however...I was awakened by a big boom of thunder followed by Wolfie's bark. He was already outside. I got him in and went back to bed. It boomed on and off for awhile and finally the rains came. Maybe tomorrow, Wolfie. We've had another leak in our roof which showed up in the kitchen ceiling. I spotted it this morning. I'm not surprised...I've never seen so much rain down here. We also have a big branch of one of our pine trees split. We'll have to wait until it dries out to take care of it.
I'm making salmon cakes for dinner. I saw Barefoot Contessa do this the other day and since I have salmon in the freezer and Richard is always after me to have salmon...I'll do it. Time for me to get dressed. Later....

Wolfie

Wolfie had his yearly checkup at the vets. He so hates this and stresses to beat he band. We were thinking of getting him an x-ray, but his chest sounded good so that was not necessary. I was also going to get him an allergy shot as he has been itching more than usual, but Dr. Hall said that steroids are enemies of lung problems and he even changed his itchy pills to one with no steroid in it. He upped the dosage, so I hope this helps. Anyway, everything was fine and we are back home and he is so happy to be here. I'm going to try to walk him tomorrow morning before it gets too warm.
More showers and storms predicted today. Not much more to report. Later....

Books

I'm about to finish J.D. Robb's Salvation in Death. I like all of the Eve Dallas series and this is no exception. I have several books in my bag and am not sure which one I'll start next. I was going to get Loving Frank from the library but then read a review and decided it would be one I would start and then not like it and put aside. Other than finishing my book I have no plans or duties today. We'll go to the gym this afternoon and Richard comes in this evening so we'll pick him up at the airport. We had a nice thunderstorm last evening. I did get the ribs grilled before the storm. It actually started to rain a bit just when I put them on. I got an umbrella out and put on the deck, but it quit. It's sunny and beautiful now but more storms expected this evening...probably when R. is due in delaying his flight! Watched more war movies last night...The Longest Day, Patton, and Sgt. York. We'll likely watch The Reader sometime this week and we also have Grey Gardens to watch. Later....

Memorial Day Memories

When I was growing up Memorial Day was called Decoration Day. It was always on May 31st and it signaled the start of summer. School was out just before that day and point Marion held a parade from downtown ending at the cemetery where there was a small ceremony honoring the veterans. However, it wasn't just a day for veterans...we honored all who had died and the Decoration Day came because we decorated the graves with flowers. After that it was usually time for the first picnic of the year. In later years as I was a mother it was the opening of the pool and often a rainy or at least chilly swim.
Last night Richard and I watched the ceremony on The Mall in D. C. It was very moving and I was surprised to see Erick Kunzel because he is dying of cancer. Although I have never been to the Mall on Memorial Day, we were often there on the Fourth of July and I thought of Jeff and Becky and the fun times there. Today I'm thankful for all of the men and women who have fought in American Wars to keep us free.
On a lighter note..we had a lovely day yesterday at World's Fair Park. We started out at Jim and Tommie's for brunch and then went to the park. It was a perfect day with nice music and a cool breeze. We got home at 7: Today I'll attempt to grill ribs (it's supposed to rain around the time I need to be grilling). I made potato salad this morning and I'll be making guacamole for an appetizer this afternoon. Hope you all have a nice day. Later....

Bob Dylan Birthday Bash

I got up early and put the rub on the ribs for tomorrow. I'll make potato salad tomorrow morning. I made the dogs their Sunday brunch, but Richard and I are going to have brunch at Jim and Tommie's and then go to the concert. We had showers this morning and they may reappear on and off today, but the music is under cover in the amphitheater. It will be cloudy and that's a good thing. I don't have to worry with a hat and sunscreen.
We had the pulled pork sandwiches last night and enjoyed them. I made a lot so am freezing some and have enough for more sandwiches in the frig. Later....

Plans for the Day

I've already got my pork loin simmering....it better be good, Muir. I'm going to the Farmer's Market this morning and then stop at Target. I need to weed the front bed and then clean the deck. Jack is coming to cut the grass. Tomorrow we are going to the Bob Dylan birthday Bash at World's Fair Park with Jim and Tommie. There is a 60% chance of showers...wouldn't you know!
I don't know what's up with my hair. All of a sudden I have these waves...and I feel like I'm living with a teenager. I get up to find food not put away and graham cracker crumbs all over the counter. Oh well....Later....

Lots To Do

We're off in a few to take Richard's car to be repaired. Then back home to get the house cleaned and I'm making cookies. I made these lemon sugar cookies with a lemon glaze on them a few weeks ago and they were yummy. Today I'm making the same recipe except with orange zest and orange glaze. Not much else going on. I just need to give Richard a big nudge and get him moving. Later....

I'm Over Idol

I'm not going to watch ever again!!!!! I was beyond pissed last night. The American people have no sense of taste. They wouldn't know talent if it bit them on the nose. At any rate I know that Adam is going to be very famous and maybe even better off without the win. So there!!
Taking Richard to the airport this afternoon and from there to the gym. Nothing else going on.
J.J. gave us all a scare yesterday, but seems to be fine and on the mend now. A congratulations to Madison for winning the Social Studies award at school and to Max for having a great soccer game last night. Way to go!! Later....

Idol Results

All I have to say is that Adam better win. I wouldn't have wanted to follow him and Chris chose to do that. He sounded so weak after hearing Adam. And....I did vote several times so I did my part!
Yesterday we were eating lunch and Richard said that it would be a good day to go to the mountains and that's what we did. The river is very rapid and there were several nice water falls. I'm sorry I didn't take my camera...next time. We took Wolfie along and stopped at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area. It was quite busy. Maybe we'll take a picnic up next week or so. We also went by the Pottery and it still isn't open. The fire was in December.
Today...Richard is going grocery shopping and I'm going to feed my plants...the gym this afternoon. Another beautiful day. Later.....

Sunshine Makes Me Happy

Even though it is really chilly it will warm up...it did yesterday. We're off this morning to drop off the van for some work and then to the library. I'm anxious to get a new supply of books and hope I find some really good ones. Other than that I have to do some work on the deck. The fountain needs cleaning since the rain left so much debris. Later....

Rain Gone...Snow??

Not really any snow, but it feels cold enough. I had to turn up the heat this morning. It's going to hit 58 this afternoon. Now it's in the 40s. This is called a "blackberry winter". Laundry is in process, house cleaned up. We are going to use the free KFC coupon from Oprah's show for dinner tonight. Last night I made chicken stir fry and my arugula/pear salad. Richard wasn't sure if he would like arugula, but he really did like it. I think I'll make the pork that Muir gave on her blog sometime this week. I'll be doing ribs on Monday. I need to make the rub for it this week. I make a lot at a time and save it in a jar to use throughout the grilling season. Nothing more going on. Later.....

Nothing but Rain

It started raining yesterday afternoon and hasn't stopped. It's cold to boot. I'm about to put on sweats and just hunker down for the day. Well, not quite. I'm defrosting my freezer downstairs. It's not a great day to do it, but it really needs it and I'll be home all day and that is an all day job.
I got some bok choy at the farmer's market yesterday. It had just been picked. That decided my dinner for tonight...stir fry. I'm also making an arugula/pear/walnut salad. Not much else to report...Later....

Foggy saturday

It rained a lot last night but none so far this morning...just foggy...rain later. We're going to the farmer's market and then the gym and after that we're meeting Richard at Ruby Tuesday's for lunch. No other plans...boring.....later

Swim Time Soon

With summer just around the corner I thought you all would like to think about swimming and relaxing by the pool as this polar bear is doing. I actually got another new bathing suit yesterday and will be wearing it this afternoon when I swim at the gym.

My morning chores are almost finished. I have the kitchen floor to mop yet but am waiting for Richard to finish his breakfast.

I'm making shrimp burgers for dinner tonight. They looked so yummy in the magazine. You mix shrimp that you have cut into smaller pieces with a mixture of mayo, lemon juice, egg, celery, onion, spices, parsley and cracker crumbs. Make into patties and refrigerate for several hours. A sauce goes with them which I haven't made yet. Grill and serve on buns with bibb lettuce. Nothing else going on...rained last night and Cheyenne wasn't in. It started thundering and I tried to find her but couldn't. This morning she came in wet and muddy. I think she probably was under the back deck. Poor baby...we'll bathe her this afternoon. Later......

We just got back from Knoxville. We went to Sam's and I got another cute bathing suit. After that we checked out the dog park. It's nice, but kind of far for us. There is another one that is closer that we will check out sometime. We then had lunch at Rafferty's and on home. I have a whole basket of ironing so I'll be getting to that this afternoon.
I was really surprised that Danny was voted off Idol. I was sure it would be Chris. I know Anne and kids are disappointed. They had money on Danny. Later....

Where is Muir?

If I have time in the morning I first check my email and then Muir's blog and then I blog. Today to blog from Muir...hmmm. I've already been out front spreading mulch and weeding. I have to do it in spurts as it kills my knees and back. I'm going to try to get most of the mulch down this morning...Richard is going to help me. I have a dentist appointment at 2 and from there will run a few errands. Last night the guys doing our terrace returned and spent a few hours working. Today more railroad ties are being delivered. I'm hoping this job will soon end.
Tomorrow Richard has an appointment in Knoxville. I wasn't planning to go with him because I wanted to clean the house. He said we can do that anytime and he wants me to go along and then have lunch at Rafferty's. We may also check out the new dog park. It's supposed to be really something. I need to get on with my mulching. Later....

Insurance companies!

In January I got a new insurance and it covers dentists, glasses, etc. However, my dentist that I have had for 20 years and really like was not part of the formulary, so I had to change. My appointment with the new dentist was this morning. I got there and gave them my insurance card and they informed me they didn't take this insurance. I left to run other errands and as soon as I got home I called my insurance company and screamed at the poor girl, but apologized to her because I knew she had nothing to do with it. At the end she asked me which plan I had. When I told her I had the Diamond plan she informed me I could go to any dentist and they would reimburse him up to 250. a year. Now I ask you...why wasn't I told that when I signed up for this plan? Anyway I called my old dentist and they have a cancellation for tomorrow. Now I'm happy and in addition to that news...the sun is shining!!! later....

Yep, You guessed it

That would be rain! I woke up to showers this morning which just gave the grass another good shower. If it dries out he should be able to cut tomorrow. Right now no rain and the sun comes in and out.
A regular Monday. The laundry is nearly finished, I'm showered and tended to some other chores. I'm ready to start a new book and later to the gym. Richard got my mulch yesterday but I haven't finished weeding. I was going to finish this morning, but didn't feel like doing it in the rain. Now I'm clean and don't want to get all grubby so it will wait. Later....

Finally, Sunshine

Yesterday started to be nice and we did have sunshine, but then all of a sudden...More rain! Today is very lovely and I finally got my deck cleaned. It really looks nice at last. I also did a bit of weeding and I need to do some more later.
I had a yummy breakfast casserole this morning and am going to grill filets and have baked potatoes for dinner. I have some leftover veggies in the refrigerator and I really need to use them. I need to clean out the frig as it is jam packed. I've heard from all of my sweet children and received nice greeting from them. I talked to Joel and Tim yesterday. I'm off to read...Later

Farmers Market

Just got back from our market. It is really cool. They had music and lots of neat stuff. I bought a coffee cake and a loaf of bread as well as some tarragon, onions, honey and hens and chicks. As the season warms up there will be lots of goodies. There were tons of plants and spring veggies, but I really didn't need much. I'll be going there often this year. Later.....

Good Reads

I just finished a good read...Baker Towers by Jennifer Haigh. It began around WWII and went into the fifties through the 60s...my time and also in Pennsylvania Coal Country. While it didn't relate to my life it did relate to many around me...a little before. Well written and very interesting. I'm not sure what I'll read next, but I have several options.
A crazy afternoon and evening around here...weather wise. We seem to be protected by our proximity to the mountains, but the counties surrounding us have had extreme weather and the tv has only been dealing with that so no regular programing. I read all evening after an evening of brie with fruit and bread. We're hoping to go to the market tomorrow morning and then to see our friend's Model A cars. After that we'll come home to watch la crosse on ESPN2 and after that we need to get mulch and put it down.. Hope the weather will agree with our plan. Later....

Christian the Lion

This isn't Christian...it's a Cincinnati Zoo white lion, but Christian's story is on Animal Planet tonight at 10 p m. Another program you might want to watch is ESPN and ESPN2 tomorrow at noon. Becky emailed me that Nicolas will be playing la crosse then.

Yesterday we actually got no rain, but this morning it's raining wild animals. Our grass is going to me knee high if it doesn't dry out.

I'm hoping to go to the Farmer's Market tomorrow morning if it isn't raining. Later....

Dodging Raindrops

We're off to Knoxville in a bit. Richard has an appointment this morning and then it's to Sam's, lunch and the Fresh Market and home again to watch the Player's golf match.

My eggplant lasagna was really good except I should have peeled the eggplant. I don't know why I didn't...I always peel it. Blame Rachel. She said she likes to leave the peel on.

Yesterday while in the pool I was talking to my friend Linda. They have 6 Model A's. They have 12 cars altogether. She invited us over to see them. They have 2 large garages to house all of these. Nothing else to add....Later....

Monsoon Season

This was Saturday at the zoo. I'm wishing for a nice sunny day like that was. It's been raining ever since I got home and today it's supposed to rain all day with no letup.

Richard has gone to do the grocery shopping and I've been baking lemon cookies and then I grilled eggplant to make eggplant lasagna ala Rachel Ray for dinner tonight. I need to go clean up the mess I made in the kitchen. Not much else to add except I'm anxious to see the results of last night's Idol. Adam was fabulous! Later....

Birthday Pictures

Here are some pictures of J.J's first birthday. I must say these 3 guys are some of my favorite people in the world. I'll send along more later...I have tons of pictures. I did have a great weekend and thought the surprise of me being there would be appreciated, but apparently someone who shall remain unnamed wasn't happy with the surprise. Someday I'll surprise that someone with tulips!

I guess it really rained a lot while I was away and it rained all night last night with more expected in the next few days. I finished the laundry and then cleaned up the kitchen and great room. I was going to mop the kitchen, but with rain happening there is no use. Doggie prints will be messing it up so I just vacuumed the floor.

Happy Cinco de Mayo
I'll be making tacos for dinner. I couldn't come up with anything more inventive and we haven't had tacos for a long time and we like them, so there. Later.....

Back Again

On Thursday evening I lamented to Richard that I was feeling guilty about not going to cincy for J.J's birthday on Sunday and he told me I should just go. I called Anne and told her I was thinking of coming up and she said, "Great" and it was all set. I told her not to tell anyone as it would be a surprise. I left Friday morning and had a great time. Anne, the kids and I went to the zoo on Saturday and then to Trip's for the party on Sunday. It was great to see everyone and I did surprise them. I'll post pictures of the party and of the zoo. I forgot my camera, but Anne took lots and made me a disc, so as soon as Richard gets them on the computer I'll post them.
I think I'll stay put at home for awhile. I did have a great time, though and so glad I went. Later....