Usual Start for Monday

Got up and did laundry..still have to fold it.  I think we are going to take Richard out to lunch today.  I'm waiting to hear what his therapy schedule is.  After that we will just hang out and hope to make it to midnight.  We usually do so probably will this year.  My knees are feeling much better today so doing nothing for the past two days helped.  Tomorrow I will have the traditional northern New Year's meal...pork and sauerkraut.  Down here it is all about black-eyed peas and greens...Yuck!  Much too earthy a taste for me!  .....later....

Lazy Days

I have an excuse for being so lazy.  Both of my knees started hurting on Friday.  Yesterday I just sat and read all day anI I plan to do much of the same today.  I did get breakfast and will get dinner tonight, but think I need to stay off my feet as much as possible for a few days.  If they don't improve I'll see the doctor.  I will be making my pork and sauerkraut on New Year's Day.  We also will try to take in Les Mis this week.  I guess we had some flurries last night, but I didn't see them.  Just cold.....

Cleaning up for Anne and Steve

They'll be stopping here on their way home from one of the most exciting football games I have ever seen.  Talk about emotional!!  I gave up on Cincy a few times, and then they bounced back.  Anne and I were texting on and off throughout the game.  I'm worried about them leaving for cincy this afternoon.  Snow is expected and I'm not sure when it's supposed to start.  They can stay here if reports are bad.  I made chicken salad for lunch along with my pasta soup....later....

Enjoyment

I did next to nothing yesterday.  I finished a book and activated my Amazon gift card and put a book on my Kindle.  Last night we watched the Kennedy Awards...very entertaining.  Today we have a few errands to run.  We'll stop by to see Richard and I need to get a few things for lunch tomorrow.  Anne and Steve will stop by on their way back from Charlotte and on their way back to Cincy.  We got a beautiful gift basket from Muir and Jim which I will post.  Very cold today high about 42.

Total Relaxation Day

I'm so glad yesterday is over.  It was fine, but I was exhausted.  I came home from Richard's to start preparation for our dinner.  I got it all ready except the filets and sauces.  We decided to eat late and we sat down about 8 and neither of us was hungry.  I took a few bites...R did the same and we looked at each other and said we weren't hungry.  We covered it all and put it away to have tonight.  We shouldn't have even attempted to eat.  Anyway I'm going to do nothing today but read, watch a little tv and relax..oh I will spend a bit of time worrying about Maggie and family driving back to Columbus and Anne and Steve driving to Charlotte due to bad weather all around.  Here we just have rain and falling temperatures....later...

Merry Christmas!!!!!

Santa came to our house.  I got my bike, helmet and bike rack and basket early but this morning I also got Barefoot Contessa's newest book and mace in case I run into an unsavory on the bike trail!  R. got a capaccuni maker, coffee, a nice shirt and a CD.  We also got a Rafferty's gift card and killer slippers.  We're headed over to Richard's house where I will put a party together while R. goes to pick him up.  The car is loaded.  When we got back yesterday the UPS buy had been here and he couldn't leave it because it requires a signature of a 21 or over..must be alcohol.  I'll prepare our meal here this evening after R. takes Richard back....hope you all have a great day!!

Happy Christmas Eve!

I woke up around 4 and couldn't get back to sleep so finally got up at 5:30.  I did the laundry and that is finished now, made salted, buttered pecans and did the sausage that is for breakfast tomorrow.  I need to make sausage balls and salami roll ups to take to Richard's tomorrow.  We're also have pizza bite, shrimp and pigs in blanket.  It is pouring down here in Tennessee so Santa needs to put his rain poncho in his sleigh.  I have 1 gift to wrap that I didn't do yesterday.  R is making eggnog and we'll go to see Richard this afternoon....later....

Shoping Done

Went to Lowe's this morning for suet for the birds, then to Kroger's and I got everything on my list.  I was home by 11 and then R. and I worked on the puzzle.  I have yet to finish reading the papers.  R. is going to throw up wood and I have some wrapping and laundry to do. Tonight we're having baked ham, scalloped potatoes and spinach souffle for dinner.  Tomorrow I'll finish the laundry and do some preparation for food on Christmas and then we'll visit Richard.  Becky sent me a few pictures which I'll attempt to put on here.  Both are of Nicholas.  He just turned 26.  One is Mother holding him and the other is of me 25 years ago playing with him.  I think that was in Columbus when Jeff was in Medical School....I think Nicholas was 1 in these pictures.

Christmas is Coming......

Today is going to be a day of a bit of cleaning and a lot of reading and relaxing.  I don't plan on leaving the house, but tomorrow I do need to shop for Christmas dinner.  I think R. is going out to shop today and he also needs to throw wood up.  Last night we watched War Horse on Showtime.  I saw it in the theater, but R. hadn't seen it.  Again, I cried through much of it and didn't watch.  We have a few other movies dvrd and may watch one of them this evening.  Talked to Anne and she was out shoping but heading home.  They are going to be decorating and baking today as well as getting the new house in order.....later....

COLD!!!

Actually it's in the mid 30s but due to the wind it feels like 20.  We didn't get any of the high winds that were predicted.  Knoxville did get some of that.  Today is the first day of winter and it feels like it.  I guess there were some flurries this morning but so far I haven't seen any.  Yesterday was totally awful.  It rained most of the time I was out.  Richard went to his house with therapist to see what he could do.  Some changes will have to be made.  He has to get a hospital bed and get rid of the water bed.  He doesn't want to do that, but he has to face up to some realities.  Things aren't going to be the same.  He will also have to change bathrooms.  The one off his bedroom is much smaller and he can't manage that.  He will have to use the other one off the hall which is larger and more doable for him.  He also will not be able to transfer to his living room furniture.  The couch and chair are both too low and he no longer has arm strength to get up out of them.  He has had permanent nerve damage to his arms.  We will spend part of Christmas day at his house.  I'll make appetizers and we'll play some games, listen to music and then take him back.  Then we'll come home and have our Christmas dinner here...later.....

Miserable, Yukky Day

Raining cats and dogs and both R. and I have to go out.  I need to finish up a few things, but will do food shopping on Sunday.  This afternoon I plan to finish up making the sugar cookies and after that curl up with a book and read and this evening I'll have a nice fire in the fireplace.  Those are the plans for today.  Also..it's expected to be quite windy.  We may need to lower the awning.  Yesterday it was 63.  R. wore shorts and we sat outside when we visited Richard....later....

Life of Pihalf

.We finally saw it yesterday in 3D.  It was very good and I did like it, but some animal scenes were very tough to watch and so I didn't.  My eyes were covered as were my ears and I cried a several times during the movie.  I guess most people aren't as emotional about animals as I am so it is a good movie.  After the movie we had lunch at Longhorn Steak House.  We hadn't been to one of those in years.  I think they have a new concept now.  It was very good.  I had a shaved prime rib half sandwich and caesar salad and R. had the same sandwich with shrimp/lobster chowder.  We will go again.  We also stopped at Kroger's to get a few things and since we ate at about 3 that was lunch and dinner.  Today we go to the gym after lunch and R. has to go to Richard's house and start his car because tomorrow he picks him up to go to his house and see what he can do independently....later...

Movie Day

R. has got for his first acupuncture treatment.  When he gets home we're going to Knoxville to see Live of Pi and after that we will have lunch and then pick up a few things for dinner.  I went to the library and on my way home there was an accident so I had to turn around and go another way and they were doing repairs on that road, as well.  What a pain!  Sunny here today but chilly.  Tomorrow is supposed to be 61.  I don't like it to be so warm at Christmas.  I want fires in my fireplace!!...later..

Downton Abbey

It's going to be great..you won't be disappointed.  Now I can't wait for it to start.  Due to all that happened on Friday, it's put a huge damper on Christmas.  There is just this underlying sadness that is just there.  We watched the President and I know he feels it.  That being said, I have some pictures of our tree and some of the ornaments that I will post.  It's dreary again today, but not cold.....

The Tree is Up

Jim and Tommie came over last night and we had a nice evening.  I had some appetizers that I got at Trader Joe's and then we had the hot ham and cheese sandwiches.  Tommie loves R's eggnog..me too!  Today it is raining  and Linda, Bev and I are going to Knoxville for a showing of the first episode of Season 3 of Downton Abbey.  We're supposed to wear hats, but my hat from London is a white straw and not exactly appropriate for a rainy winter day!  I'll take it because Linda insists, but I'll feel foolish wearing it.  We'll likely eat afterwards.  I loved the videos of Eva.  I'll have R. put pictures on the computer of the tree and some of my favorite ornaments....later....

It's Friday!

Left early this morning to go to Kroger's and the post office because I had to leave before David got here and block me in.  He was here when I got back.  They are doing the new ceiling which flooded...Thanks to Eric!  I mailed a package to Eva which was so light that the mail lady asked if there was anything in it.  There is.  She should get it Monday or Tuesday.  Speaking of Eva I'm expecting some good pictures from the "Cookie Baking Weekend" with Muir.  Bring them on!  They should finish the ceiling before long and I have things to do in the kitchen...make more cookies and put together ham and cheese sandwiches to have on hand.  Tomorrow is Tree decorating time....later...

Still in My PJs

I baked sugar cookies this morning and made up the batter for maple/pecan refrigerator cookies.  Then I iced the sugar cookies and did some of the cleaning up and next I need to prepare raw veggies for snacks tonight.  At some point I plan to get dressed..maybe hit the gym this afternoon.  It's going to be much warmer today..in the mid 50s.  If you're up at midnight there is going to be a significant meteor shower which should show up well as the moon is new.  I would love to stay up, but doubt if I can.  .....later.......

I Know, I Know....

...But it's Christmas and I have lots of running around to do.  If the computer wasn't in our bedroom I could post early because I'm usually up by 6, but I wait until R. is up and off the computer.  By that time I'm involved in something around here or I've already left the house.  Yesterday I got a haircut, went to the post office, got gas and picked up some things at Target and Kroger's.  This morning I went to the chiropractor and then finished up with the Christmas shopping in Knoxville.  I also had lunch at Five Guys and went to Publix.  When I got home R. was just leaving to pick up the tiles for our ceiling which will be fixed on Friday.  I had  DVRd the View because the cast of Downton Abbey was on and also the Chew because Curtis Stone was on.  I thought of making some of the sugar cookies because I already made the dough, but decided to leave that for tomorrow.  My dressing room is a disaster.  Things are piled on the day bed, cards are on the stand, etc.  later.....

Cards Done!

I finished the Christmas cards, but am still in my pjs.  R. has gone to do grocery shopping and I have laundry to fold and put away and I'm thinking that while he is gone I'll make up the batter for sugar cookies.  I wasn't going to do those, but hubby wanted them.  I really don't like to bake but I do it at christmas.  R. put some of my pictures on the computer so I'll see how they look...later...Oh..we didn't see the movie yesterday.  The paper had the wrong time, so we missed it, but had a nice lunch, went to The World Market, Trader Joe's, Publix, etc....

The Halls Are Decked

All that is left to do is the tree and that will be sometime at the end of the week.  I was on the phone with Maggie when the phone started to screech.  I thought maybe Eva did something, but Maggie didn't call back.  Then Anne called and when I answered it screeched.  I called her on  my cell.  We have no phone now except for my cell.  We're going to see Life of Pi this afternoon and then eat an early dinner or late lunch.  When we get home if the line is still down I'll call Charter.  Another nice day.  Yesterday it was 71 and I had the doors opened until we went to bed to watch SNL.  Rains and cooler weather coming after midnight tonight.  I have a lot to get done this week...shopping, baking, haircut, mailing, etc.....later.....

Decorating

I have kind of started.  First I took down things and put things away to make room for Christmas things.  That is done.  I also brought up 3 containers and I have dusted.  Now the fun begins.  It is very warm here close to 60 already.  R. has to bring up my collection of Santas and things from the trunk where we store a lot of things.  He is also in charge of making eggnog and putting music on.  Other than that he'll be my gofer and reacher and undoubtedly my critic.  Talked to Trip this morning about our new coach.  He feels that UT is too big of a job for him and that UT did this hunt for a coach all wrong.  I think Trip may be right, but hope he isn't.  We've had enough losers lately....later..

New Coach Hired

I know Cincinnatians aren't happy that the Bearcat's coach is coming to Tennessee and I don't blame them.  I hate to see coaches leave when they like where they are and I know it's hard on families.  That being said, it's the nature of a coach's life.  I hope he is super successful down here.  Just put on my Christmas/winter snowmen sheets.  I'm starting to get a bit of the christmas spirit and I have a lot to do in the next week.  I hadn't even thought about baking, but will spend one day next week doing that and a day of shopping.  I also have the cards to do and tomorrow I will decorate inside.  The tree will come up at the end of next week. We're finally seeing some sunshine.  Yesterday it was drizzly all day and chilly.  later.....

Christmas Shopping

I just shopped on line for Eva and J.J.  I'm sending Eva's to Muir but J.J.'s is being sent to his house.  I still have shopping to do and decorating to do.  I think I'll decorate inside on Saturday and also will get the Christmas cards out the first of the week.  At some point I'll need to do some baking and we want to spread pine needles in our back.  The weekend should be perfect for all of this.  It's supposed to be fairly warm today, but it is gray ou now with a bit of drizzle.  Stir fry pork and veggies for tonight....later...

Another Movie

Saw Lincoln yesterday...Excellent movie.  Tommy Lee Jones, Daniel Day Lewis, Sally Field all superb!  Not a boring moment, but I love history and Lincoln.  Unless you are a big time action movie fan you should like it.  There is a lot of debating about the 13th amendment which is what the movie is about but so interesting.  Anne said Madison and Max watned to see it...I'm sure Madison will like it..not sure about Max.  It is pretty long with political debating.  AT one point a lady in front of us answered her phone when it rang!!  I yelled out at her to shut off her phone...she did not and other people were shusshing her.  Finally she got up at left.  It's a rainy day here but supposed to end soon and be about 60.  Nothing else to report....later....

Another Lovely Warm Day

Even though it doesn't seem like Christmas I love it.  I really don't have the Christmas spirit yet anyway.  I think I'll decorate inside next weekend, but the tree won't go up until even later.  I get so tired of it even though I love it.  By January I just want my house back to normal.  R. has gone for an eye appointment and then to Walmart.  I'm doing laundry and after lunch we'll hit the gym.  The pot roast last night was delicious and tonight we'll have the leftovers of that.  Nothing else to report....later...

Gorgeous Day Here!

It has to be in the 70s!  I went to the car wash and wash R's car inside and out and then to Kroger's.  R. is throwing wood up for when it turns cold.  Later I'll be putting a pot roast together and tonight is the best night for TV.  I talked to Anne and she is so stressed about moving next Saturday.  I don't know how she's going to do it and I'm really pissed off that she has to move so Dan has time to relax before Christmas!!! She has no closing date on the house she is buying, she has a speech to give next Saturday as well as moving and doesn't know where her furniture will go .  It makes me crazy and don't anyone tell me not to worry...that is part of who I am.  Aside from all of that I'm hoping to get another movie or maybe even 2 in this week...lat..

Flight

We did go to the movies and to lunch.  Flight was excellent and Denzel Washington was superb!  There was not one dull moment in the film.  I would suggest that if you plan to fly anywhere soon you delay seeing this movie.  The first part of it was very tense and scary.  After the movie we had lunch at Rafferty's and then stopped at Publix to pick up a few things.  Muir asked me for my recipe for baked ham and cheese sandwiches and I decided I needed to make some for tonight and some for the freezer.  They are nice to have on hand and I hadn't made them in quite a while.  Today I'll be getting some Christmas things out and later we'll visit Richard.  Warm here today...62!

Movie Day

I need to take a whole week to see all the movies I want to see.  I'm thinking we'll see Flight today because it's been out awhile and may be the first to leave.  However, there are so many and I must see them all!  Not sure what else we'll do while in town, but maybe a bit of shopping and lunch.  The weather is looking really good from now until Wednesday.  I hope you all watched the Dust Bowl on PBS.  I knew about it and read and saw Grapes of Wrath, but I had no idea the enormity of it and how it impacted people...amazing!!  I'm reading the latest Sara Paresetsky crime novel.  She is one of the best and she isn't disappointing in this one...Breakdown.  She has many recurring characters in her books, so if you haven't read her you may want to read an earlier one although it isn't necessary.  I'll report tomorrow on the movie we see....later....

Sorry!!

I got busy and running around and didn't post and of all days!  It was my baby's 42nd birthday.  I did talk to her and we sang to her so that should count for something!!  We've been running around for one thing or another this week.  Today we pick up my bike and I'm not sure what else.  I really need to get a life...I have nothing of any interest to say.  Today I did some cleaning up but still haven't gotten into the Christmas spirit.  I did pull out some cds to put in the car of Christmas music.  That should help.  The mornings are really cold, but getting warmer all week.  I am bound and determined to get to a movie in the next few days.  There are so many I want to see that I should do a movie week and do one each day.....later....

Rainy Day

I think the rain is supposed to end by noon.  I was thinking about going to a movie today, but we have other things that take presedence over that plan.  Yesterday I got an early Christmas present from R.  He was going to get me a bike as a surprise, but I saw an ad for a Schwin that was a good price and we decided to do that even though not a surprise.  I had planned to wait until spring to get one.  We also got a helmet and a bike rack.  Today we need to pick it up and I have to go to the library and there are other things we have to do.  It's supposed to be near 70 by the end of the week.  I won't complain about that!!....later...

Taking Down Fall

All of our fall things are down and put away.  Yesterday R. put up the outside lights and we got some things out but I'm not putting anything up inside the house as it isn't even December yet.  It's been a chilly weekend and was cold this morning, but getting up to 60 this afternoon.  I'm very glad Thanksgiving is over.  It totally wore me out and I didn't do much of anything all weekend including cooking.  Thank goodness R. is fine with that.  Nothing else to report...later....

Company Gone

They just left and I plan to do as little as possible today.  I do have a load of  towels in the washer and will do a few more.  It was a stressful Thanksgiving as I thought it would likely be.  Getting Richard in and out was very difficult for Joel and R.  Unless he can transfer by Christmas he won't be able to be here because R. can't do it alone.  I'm not sure when we will put Christmas up, maybe the outside stuff will be next weekend.  I'll put all of the fall stuff away by Monday....later....

Men Drivers

We have 3 cars.  When I back my car out I have to back up 3-4 times to make sure I don't scrape anything.  I cringe when R. backs out because he is determined to make it in 1-2.  He always is just a hair from scraping against the brick column.  This morning I went to Kroger's early and when I came back to the car I saw a big white mark on the right front fender.  Yes, he scraped it trying to prove something...Why are men so stubborn!  Now he is making pies and as soon as he is finished I'll clean the kitchen, then shower and relax.  I hope everyone travelling is safe..I may not get to this tomorrow, so enjoy and have a happy Thanksgiving....later...

Prep Day

This morning I started prepping food for Thursday.  I'm making a green bean casserole, but not the one you see advertised everywhere.  I cut and fried shallots first and then blanched 2 pounds of fresh green beans and then made the sauce.  I will assemble it all Thursday morning.  After than I did the carrots for my carrot souffle and it is in the frig waiting for the topping which is also ready for Thursday and then I made the stuffing..regular and sausage.  One turkey will have sausage stuffing in it and the other turkey will have regular and there will also be regular stuffing in a casserole.  This afternoon I'll clean the great room.  Tomorrow morning R. will make the pies and I will run to Kroger's for the shrimp.  Joel, Jennifer and Eric should arrive around noon and they will all go to visit Richard while I make chili for the evening.  R. has already set the fire and brought wood in.  Richard has a 4 hour pass to come over for dinner so Joel and R. will get him about 4.  To everyone who reads this have a great Thanksgiving!!  It should be sunny and warm here.

Football!

Well, Va Tech did pull it off..finally.  W Va blew it again!  Cincinnati lost as well, but Ohio State and Notre Dame won so that's something.  WE watched 3 comedy shows from HBO on demand last night.  Lewis Black from 2008 or maybe earlier and Mel Brooks and Dick Cavett.  Both shows were great and that's all for Saturday.  Tonight Ken Burns' Dust Bowl is on PBS which I will dvr because I need to watch The Good Wife.  Busy tomorrow..R. will go to Walmart and get the rest of whatever we need for Thursday and I'll be doing this and that.  R. also has to get Richard's van running so we can get him over here on Thursday....later....

Pissed Off!

So R and I are planning to go to Knoxville today to shop for Thanksgiving stuff..we both take showers..I get out of the shower the lights all go off...I realize everything is off in the house.  R is in his shower..I go to the door and see that the big electiric truck is at the bottom of our street and a guy is up on the pole...Great!!  It's all about the house being built in what was part of our yard..I get dressed and go out and yell down to the guy and ask when we can expect our electric back on..he says in 30 minutes or so.  I put on my makeup by the front door..do the best that I can and am royally pissed...then we wait..30 minutes passes..no electric.  Could they not have come to the door and knocked to tell us what they were doing?  Anyway we finally leave and are in Knoxville all morning and half of the afternoon.  We come back at around 3 and every light, fans, tvs are all on in the house.  Anyway..another thorn in my side...No mail for 2 days because these bozos are in the way of our mail box.  We did get most of our Thanksgiving shopping done and we got 2 smaller turkeys instead of the huge one we usually get.  There are only going to be 6 of us but whatever!!  We went to Trader Joe's and got lots of fun stuff and then to Sam's and finally to Kroger's.  R. will do Walmart on Monday for the rest of what we need.  Richard got a 4 hour pass to be here for Thanksgiving....later...

I Have Nothing

I   haven't a thing of interest to say.  I am getting ready for Thanksgiving bit by bit.  Yesterday I dusted and vacuumed upstairs and did that bathroom.  R and I will do the shopping on Monday and I'm hoping to maybe fit in a movie between now and then.  R. had his crown put back in on Tuesday and it came out again last night!  David did all of the jobs around here yesterday and my new kitchen faucet is wonderful and quiet.  I'm still not used to it!....later....

Brrr!

Went to Kroger's early today because David is coming to do several jobs around here and I didn't want to get blocked in.  I got several things for Thanksgiving dinner.  When I got home I made this cranberry relish which has to sit several days.  I was skeptical about it because it called for the cranberries and a whole orange rind and all but sectioned put into the food processor along with 1 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup orange liquer.  It worked beautifuly and is now ready for turkey day.  Other than that I think I'll clean the upstairs bathroom and dust upstairs.  Yesterday I cleaned all of my garden windows along with all of the stuff I have in them so that is out of the way.Nothing else to report...later...

Sunshine, But Cold

A lot going on this morning.  I got up to see the light over the kitchen had been taken down.  It had been blinking on and off so that has to be dealt with today and R's crown fell out last night so he is going in at 11 to have that put back in and he can get the parts for the light while he is out.  I decided it was time to clean my kitchen cabinets so I have been doing that and cleaned the microwave and will do the fan and regrigerator later.  Also the lot between us and the neighbor below has been vacant forever and we should have bought it.  It is a small odd shaped lot and I couldn't believe anyone would ever build on it...well...I was wrong.  They are digging it up and that sucks!! Also..R. reconncected us to Skype yesterday.  I'm not sure how to navigate it, but we do have it.  I must get back to the chores...Beef Carbonara for dinner tonight....later...

Earthquake

Yesterday I forgot to tell you about the earthquake we felt on Saturday about noon.  I had just sat down at the computer when all of a sudden the house shook really hard.  I jumped up and asked R. what that was.  He felt it as well and thought it must be an earthquake.  Then yesterday morning when I was watching local news they confirmed that it was, indeed an earthquake.  It's center was on the Kentucky/Virginia border but was felt in 6 states..no damage..The nice weather is gone.  When I got up this morning the sky was bright red..sailors take warning, etc.  No rain yet, but it is on the Cumberland Plateau so we'll get it later.  The laundry is calling, I just took the cranberry bread out of the oven which I will freeze for Thanksgiving morning...I'm making corn chowder for dinner tonight..later..

Our Last Sunny Day

At least for a while.  We just got back from Knoxville.  We first went to the new Costco, but didn't sign up because the lines were way too long.  They had 3 tents ouside for signing up and then indoors a line as well.  We just walked around and looked at things and we're going to join even though we just paid up at Sam's for another year.  The prices look  very much the same and I think Costco has more to offer.  We saw some Kirkland fall beers for a good price..and Muir, we also got the Sam Adams winter mix.  So far I've just had the winter lager.  After Costco we stopped at Kroger's for a few things.  I'm going to make a cranberry loaf for Thanksgiving morning and I want to do that tomorrow and freeze it.  I'll also be making corn chowder for dinner tomorrow.  Nothing else to report except I was most happy for the Alabama loss yesterday!...later...

Nice Weekend

First...Happy Anniversary to Maggie and Charlie!!  I hope the weather in Columbus is as nice as down here where we're expecting a sunny 70.  I need to blow the leaves off the deck and fill the bird feeders.  I'm making scallop and shrimp burgers for dinner.  R. found the recipe on line and it looks pretty yummy.  Other than that we'll just hang out and enjoy the day....later....

Warm and Sunny Weekend

Not sure exactly what we'll do, but Costco is opening today in Knoxville and we plan to join and go there soon...maybe Sunday.  The new Bond movie opens today and the local reviewer gave it a great review.  I'm not really a bond fan, but I think I want to see this one.  I also want to see Flight with Denzel Washington.  The reviewer said this was the best of Denzel.  Other than that we'll see what happens.  I'm excited about there being 20 women senators now.  I feel that women are more open to compromise and want to spend less time on various things that waste time..such as endless and meaningless hearings!  We'll see, but I'm hopeful!  Have a great weekend!

Day After Letdown

So after being all hyped up on Tuesday, yesterday was a letdown..partly because I was tired (not enough sleep) and just felt kind of blah.  We went to the gym but neither of us had much energy and didn't want to be there.  Then we stopped by to see Richard and he was watching a stupid movie that was blasting..I left the room.  Today is much better.  I cleaned my bathroom this morning, the sun is shining and I'm feeling good.  Now a few thoughts on the election, etc.  Suck it up, Donald Trump.  He is supposed to be this big business tycoon and he was become a clown..a laughing stock and I can't stand to even look as his sorry face.  I'm feeling energetic, so may just tackle my dressing room next....later....

Winning Feels so Good!

I'm happy for myself and all of the obama supporters and happy for the country. We stayed up to the end.  I actually went to bed before Obama made his speech, but I knew I would hear it this morning.  I slept until almost 7 this morning.  I am glad that it is all over and glad we don't have to wait for days to hear the results.  It's dreary here this morning, but supposed to get nice later and a sunny and warm weekend is in store.  I was busy yesterday and went to the library and got 5 books so now I just have to find the time to read them all...later...

Cold Morning

Did  the usual..laundry, etc. Then we went to pick up the van and R. is now grocery shopping and I'm home.  Probably the gym this afternoon.  It is sunny but still chilly.  Election day tomorrow and I'm very nervous.  I just hope Obama pulls it out and I will be glad when it is all over...later....

Busy Weekend

Yesterday did a bunch of stuff around the house.  This morning we left shortly after breakfast to see Richard and then went to Lowe's.  Got home and am making soup and watching the Bengals and Broncos..What a game!  I texted Trip because I was pretty sure he was there..he is.  I told him I was torn because I love the Bengals but also love Peyton.  He replied I need to root for Bengals because Peyton has enough victories.  I agree, but now Bengals are losing.  Loving the Eva Pictures and the cute pont tails...I need to check on the soup...had fun last night watching election stuff.  I am cautiously optomistic!!...later...

Work Around the House Day

It's going to be a nice day and we will take advantage of that and do some outside work.  First we'll be getting a load of wood and we have some shrubs to trim and one boxwood to cut down.  It is dying from the middle out and needs to be taken out.  Time changes tonight so lots of clocks to change.  Other than that just relax a bit and maybe watch some football although none of our teams are doing squat this year which is depressing....later....

Another Nice Day

We have sun again today and tomorrow.  We'll take down the fountain tomorrow and we have a load of wood coming.  It's supposed to be nearly 70 tomorrow but I'm not sure about Sunday.  I know it's returning to chilly Monday with rain possible on Tuesday.  We have both voted so don't have to worry about that.  R. does have to go with Richard to a Drs. app on Tuesday afternoon.  We have no plans for the weekend..we'll see what comes up.  Today is a lazy day because I did everything yesterday.  We'll go to the gym this afternoon and then stop by to see Richard.  He has such little room and there was junk everywhere so yesterday I hung up clothes and we rearranged things.  I also took a garbage bag and we went through all of his mail and threw away a lot.  He likes to keep everything and he just doesn't have the room.  I'll have to keep after him for that.  That's all I have...love the Owl pictures of sweet Eva!....later...

Cold Morning, but Sunny Afternoon

Just did some minor cleaning this morning.  R. has gone to vote..last day to vote early.  As usual we had no trick or treaters.  Looking forward to a warm weekend...about 70 then a cool down the first of the week.  No weekend plans at this point.  Put my Halloween things away, but will keep all the fall decor up until after Thanksgiving....later...

Happy Halloween

We never get trick or treaters but I'm always afraid we will so I get some cany.  I got peppermint patties because we can eat them if nobody comes.  I'm late posting today because R. got up at 3 and couldn't sleep.  He was up still when I got up and went back to bed about 8 or so and just got up at 11:30.  Since the computer is at the desk in our bedroom I have to wait until he is up every morning.  I went to the library and to Kroger's.  I'm having Swiss steak for dinner.  We're not going to see Richard because they are having a party this afternoon and then trick or treaters are coming after dinner.  The rain has ended and it is sunny today and a bit warmer. It's supposed to be 70 by Saturday.  ....later...

What a Mess!!!!!

I can't imagine the mess in the East.  It's really sad.  Here it is just cold and rainy, but sunshine is supposed to return tomorrow.  I've just been doing this and that this morning and looking at recipes to decide about Thanksgiving menu.  I'm going to post a carrot souffle that I had at Linda's and it was very delicious.  It serves 10-12 and I'll give the full recipe, but I'm going to halve it. It is an Emeril recipe.  As you can see it isn't diet friendly, but it's Thanksgiving...time for a splurge!
Ingredients:
1/2 T. vegetable oil
6 large eggs
3 pound carrots
2 cups light brown sugar
2 sticks butter
1/2 c. all purpose flour
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 T. orange zest
1 1/2 t. baking powder
3/4 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. fresh grated nutmeg
pinch of salt
Topping:
1 c. packed light brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 c. all purpose flour
4 T . unsalted butter at room temp.
Directions  Preheat oven to 350  Grease 9 x 13 casserole with the oil and set aside. Bring pot of water to boil, add carrots and cook until tender.  Drain and combine with remaining .  in food processor and process until smooth and   Spoon into Casserole.  Combine topins in bowl and scatter over top.  Bake 55 min to 1 hour until topping is lightly brown.   Enjoy!

A Must See!

Yesterday we went to brunch at Mimi's and it was delicious.  I ordered a Quiche, but they were out of that so I got a blue cheese and walnut salad with dried cranberries, bacon and greens and it was really delicious, Jim got bacon and eggs, R. got a crab eggs benedict and Tommie got an omelett.  We will definitely go back there.  After that we saw Argo which was great...we all loved it!  When we got home we finished preparing for cold weather and then setteled in to a night of TV in front of a nice cozy fire.  This morning it is  cold.  R. just left to get a haircut and then to Walmart for some groceries.  We will be moving Richard this afternoon to Kindred....later.....

Raining and Chilly

Today we're going to brunch in Knoxville with Jim and Tommie and then going to see Argo.  When we get home R. has to bring in my large house plants and disconnect the hoses.  On Monday Richard is moving to a different facility so we need to gather his belongings and go with him to get him settled.  I'm hoping he is okay with this placement because it's a step down from where he is which is A-One but he has no other choice.  He isn't making any discernable progress which is sad.  Now off to get ready to go.....later....d

A Stay In Day

 Much cooler with some rain today...a good day to stay inside.  I'm also putting the flannel sheets on our bed and got our down comforter out.  I'm also making chicken noodle soup for dinner along with garlic/cheddar cheese biscuits.  I think we'll have a fire tonight and watch a movie.  Jim and Tommie came over last night and I put a firelog in.  It was a cozy evening.  I got a package yesterday from Maggie, Charlie and Eva thanking me for being up there and watching Eva.  Believe me I don't need any gift to spend time with them.  I do love the  herb wreath, however.  It is hanging in my kitchen and I cut off a bay leaf and put it in my soup.  It also has rosemary, sage and marjoram on it.  What a great gift for anyone who likes to cook.  Well just be hanging out here today and I'll probably finish by book.  .....later...;

Last Nice Day

At least for awhile.  I ran to Target and Kroger's this morning and we'll be heading to the gym soon.  I haven't been there since I got back but I have gotten a lot done around here.  Nothing on TV tonight until Bill Maher, but we have tons of stuff to catch up on as well as a few movies to watch on Demand.  I'm thinking we may go to the movies tomorrow..we'll see.   If its nasty out I may just want to hang around here.  I'll post a few more pictures....The picture with her Daddy as one of the Blue's Brothers for their party.

Another Busy Morning

I got up at 4 because I couldn't sleep and R. was snoring but I did get the kitchen cleaned and did some other dusting.  When it got light I went out and pulled down the morning glories from the trellis and pruned a few bushes.  Then R. said we needed to go to Knoxville to get some wine that was on sale so we did that and also went to Krogers.  We're home now and lunch is over.  I'm about to proceed to put things away from the deck into the shed.  I'll post a few more pictures from Columbus trip..probably the zoo....

Busy Morning

I had an appointment with the chiropractor and then came home to call the 3 nursing homes for appointments to check them out for places for Richard, Jr. to go.  R. couldn't go because he is taking Richard for an MRI of his brain this afternoon.  I checked out all 3 and then voted on the way home.  R. put the pictures on the computer of my trip to Ohio so I will post a few each day.  This afternoon I'm going to start taking down things that go in the shed for winter and emptying and cleaning my flower pots.  This needs to be done before the weekend because it's going to be cold and rainy.

Back Home

My trip back home was uneventful which is a good thing.  Everything was on time and went smoothly.  When I got back and in the car I told R. I wanted to eat as I had eaten nothing much all day.  We went to McDonalds and as we got up to leave R. saw Linda outside.  She was there with Bev and a dog so we all sat down and caught up with what was going on in our lives.  While sitting there Linda saw Vic at the stop light across from us.  She called him and told him to turn around and come sit with us.  It was a happy coincidence and a fun thing.  At home I unpacked and then we just hung out all evening.  R. made us grilled cheese and tomato soup for dinner and we watched one of the Boardwalk Empires we had missed and then the debate.  I thought Obama did fine, but I am very worried!  As I told Charlie..if Romney is elected I don't think my life will be affected much, but I'm voting for Obama because I care about my children and grandchildren and the country in general.  Now I must say that I am missing my sweet Eva and her cute smiles.  I loved being with her and Maggie and Charlie for the week.  It was a great time!

Plans Almost Thwarted

We headed down toward campus but got stopped by the marathon.  Every way we tried to turn we couldn't get.  We were trying to get to North Star for brunch so headed to the other location which was quite a way away.  When we got there it was so crowded that they were out on the street.  Plan B took effect and we decided to go somewhere else.  Then Maggie suggested we go to the Grandview Cafe which is owned by the same people.  It took awhile to get there, but that was fine because Eva had fallen asleep and it gave her more nap time.  This was a great decision as many of the same things were on the menu and it was an upscale version of North Star.  They also had a combo playing jazz which was icing on the cake.  The food was delicious!  From there we went back to campus to the art show of Annie Leibovitz and that was wonderful!  It was quite extensive and I loved every bit of it.  I know R. would have loved this whole day..the restaurant and the art show.  There were two pictures I know he would have loved and I went to the book store to see if they had any post cards on these pictures, but they didn't have the ones I wanted...Louis Armstrong just before he died and a sexy pictures of Linda Rondstat.  Sorry, honey....later in Tennessee.

An Evening With Eva

All went well after the initial crying for Mama and Daddy.  She stood by the door to the garage and just cried.  It was very sad, but I picked her up and we went to her room, got her binky out of her crib (which she only used in bed) and I rocked her.  She stopped crying and I sang her a bunch of songs and then she was ready to put her binky back in its place and we were fine.  She played with her letters and then had her dinner.  After dinner she played with her cups and then we played in the living room and I turned on Sponge Bob.  She really liked it and would point and laugh at the characters.  Maggie doesn't turn on anything like that for her, but I thought she would like it.  She was great in her bath and went to bed like the trooper that she is.  Today we're going to an art exhibit of Annie Libowitz drawings and to lunch at North Star.  Maggie and I are making butternut soup for tonight and having that with leftovers.  I'll be flying out of here tomorrow morning so this will be my last post.  See you back in Tennessee.....laterr...

Cool Day in Columbus

The morning started out gloomy with rain, but now the sun is peeking out now and then.  Charlie got his costume ready for tonight as one of the Blues Brothers.  Maggie will dress at where the party is.  I told them to be sure and take pictures.  One of the girls coming is coming as a box of wine.  I want to see that!  We went to The Lizard for lunch and now Charlie is sweeping leaves, Eva is napping and Maggie is watching football.  Not much else to report.  I'm hoping Eva will be fine tonight.  Maggie is worried about me, but I don't know why...I'll survive even if Eva is unhappy.  I'm hoping she will be fine....later.....

Chilly in columbus

Today Charlie got in trouble first thing in the morning...first by waking Maggie up with the light and tv and then went into Eva's room to get something and woke her up way before her get-up time.  She was a bit cranky.  We went to Maggie's friends to finalize her costume for tomorrow night's party.  She's getting dressed over there so I won't have a chance to see her as Honey Boo's mother.  Nothing planned for the rest of the day.  It's a gloomy day here....later....

Columbus Zoo

We had a great time at the zoo.  It's a great zoo and the weather was great as well.  The only disappointment was the the orangs weren't out and I really love them.  Other than that is was a fine day.  Eva napped when we came home and after that we went to the park again.  When Charlie got home he blew leaves from the deck in anticipation of rain expected today.  I think we're going out to lunch and Maggie needs to pick up a few items for her costume this weekend.  I took tons of pictures, but those will have to wait until I get home....later....

Happy Birthday, Trip!

Even though he doesn't read this I'll still send a birthday wish.  Last night we celebrated Maggie's birthday at Bone Fish.  Eva wasn't her usual good girl at a restaurant so after Maggie and Charlie had both taken her outside to cool it, I took her to the car so they could enjoy their meal.  She was good at first and then didn't want any part of me and cried for awhile, but then settled down again.  We came home and she had her bath and was one happy girl again.  She goes to bed so easily!  I loved the debate because Obama killed it!  Romney is such as ass and that's all I'll say.  Today we go to the zoo.  I can't wait!..later....

Second Post of the Day

We just got back from a lovely time in the park which is just 2 doors down from Maggie's.  It's a great park with a playground, tennis courts and soccer fields as ball fields as well as great walking and biking trails.  We first did the mile and a half walk and then went to the playground where Eva had a grand time and then we did the walk home and sat on the front stoop for a bit.  The sad thing is that many trees in this area were ash trees and were attacked by the ash borer.  Tree people were busy cutting down trees in the park.  Maggie and Charlie lost just one.  This is a neighborhood with tons on trees and some houses lost a lot...lunch time....

Happy Birthday, Maggie!

Even though I'm with her and already told her Happy Birthday.  It is quite chilly here this morning.  Miss Eva woke up early and we've had breakfast.  We plan to go to the park after showers and after it warms up a bit.  Other than that we'll just hang out and go out to dinner at Bone Fish.  Charlie is going to come home early.  We'll be back in time for the debate tonight.  Yesterday was a cold and dreary day with rain on and off.  The sun came out a few times, but just as we started talking about walking to the park it would disappear so we never got there.  Eva finally started smiling and accepting me after her afternoon nap.  She seems fine this morning....later....

Fun Weekend

It was a busy and fun weekend and the fun continues for me.  We arrived at Trip and Susann's on Friday afternoon and first we picked up J.J. at his school and then went to the Pumpkin Patch where we saw the animals and went on a hayride, came back and got a bunch of pumpkins for carving on Saturday.  Saturday, Trip, J.J., Richard and I went to Max's soccer game and they won!  Then back to the house for the rest of the gang to arrive and have lots of fun and good eats...Susan's delicious Chili!  I'll post pictures when I get home.  On Sunday Richard drove me to Muir's house and from there Maggie, Eva and I headed to Columbus where I will be all week.  Eva was a bit grumpy as she hadn't had much sleep on Saturday night.  When we got here we met up with Charlie and went to Champs for lunch and then home.  We played with Eva and then it was time for her bath and bed.  She went right to sleep and is still asleep.  We ordered Pizzas for dinner last night.  Charlie had to leave very early this morning for work, but Maggie and I slept until a bit after 7.  Maggie has had her showere and we're waiting for Eva to wake up and we'll eat and then I'll shower.  I think this morning we'll go food shopping and then do some stuff around here.  It's supposed to be cool with no sun today after last night's rain and high winds.  It's going to be a fun week with celebrating Maggie's birthday tomorrow, but really all week.  I think Wednesday will be zoo day as it looks like the best weather.  I forgot my camera in our car, but will use Maggie's and post pictures when I get home next week....later....

Come On Reds!

I'm not sure I want to watch the game after last night.  Maybe I'm bringing them bad luck.  We'll see.  I've made 2 different cookie bars to take to Trip and Susan's and am cleaning house so R. will come home to a clean house and packing, doing laundry, etc.  We will leave tomorrow around 8 or 9.  I'm finally seeing some sunshine and the rest of the weekend should be nice.  I'll be in Columbus with Maggie, Charlie and Eva for the following week and will return on the 22nd.  I'm hoping the weather there will be nice.  I really want to go to the zoo and I'll be there for Maggie's birthday on the 16th.  I need to get busy....later....

Damn the Giants

We watched to the bitter end hoping that something good would happen, but it didn't.  I won't get in at the beginning, but will be able to watch most of it.  I had errands today so left at 8 and went to Walmart, Target, Kroger's and the library.  It's supposed to be nice today, but so far no sunshine.  I'm going to clean tomorrow so that R. will have a clean house when he comes back from Ohio.  I'll also make some cookies to take for Saturday night's pumpkin carving party...later...

Rain is Gone

It was a miserable day yesterday, but after we got back from the meeting at Transitional Care we stayed in.  It was a great afternoon to read which is what I did.  I have finished all of my library books so will return them tomorrow.  This morning I put a pot of vegetable soup in the crock pot and am about to iron.  We'll go to the gym after lunch.  It's supposed to get into the mid 60s today, but so far no sun.  We had a great fire last night.  Time for ironing....later....

Rainy and Cold Monday

We met with Richard's care givers to get an update on his progress.  It was pretty much as we suspected.  He has hit a plateau and isn't making further progress.  He is unable to transfer alone and needs the help of 2 people to do so.  He also cannot sit up alone as he hasn't the strength to keep his balance.  We have asked that a neurologist be called to see if he has any insights.  It doesn't look like he'll be able to go home any time soon, if at all.  He has 50 more days available to him at this place, but with no progress being made it may be time to search for another facility.  Other than that it is a dreary day and we decided not to go to the gym today, but tomorrow instead.  I'm looking forward to sunshine for the rest of the week and I'm hoping the weekend will be beautiful.  It's supposed to be lovely here and I hope it will be the same in Kentucky and Ohio for the weeke nd and following week when I'll be in columbus....later....

Fun Saturday

Yesterday was a fun day.  I slept in a bit and then we decided to try out the Mexican restaurant in Knoxville that is advertised a lot.  It was very good and we loved the inside decor.  Everything was so colorful!  All of the tables and chairs were painted in different Mexican designs with a lot to look at all around.  After that and before the movie we went to Home Goods and just looked around.  We did get on fall decoration and then  headed to the movie.  We saw a very strange movie...Beasts of the Southern Wilds.  We couldn't decided if we liked it or not, but decided we did.  It was very different but good acting and all in all enjoyable.  We stopped at publix on the way home and then came home to watch some football.  I thought both W VA and Ohio State would lose but both won.  W VA has no defense at all and it's surprising that they pulled it off.  In between football we did watch a few things that I had DVRd.  We also put a fire log in last night and had a nice fire for the very cool evening.  Today looks dreary and it is chilly as well.  Tonight is a big TV night so we'll have a fire tonight as well.  Tomorrow morning we meet at the Transition place where Richard is to talk with his doctors and therapists.  We're very concerned about his lack of progress....later....

Out and About Early

I a left as soon as it got light this morning to make a few stops.  First I went to Walmart to get some new ear buds.  My cheapo ones were not working well so I picked up new ones, got 2 place mats for J.J....U.S. Map and Solar System which were .94 cents apiece.  Then I went to Kroger's and gassed up at 3.32 a gallon and went inside to pick up a few things.  Last I stopped at Salvation Army to drop off clothes that I no longer wear and I'm home and it isn't 9 yet.  I need to make something for dinner and I think it will be tuna rollups.  Then I plan to finish the book I'm reading and start another.  The afternoon we'll go to the gym.  I got everything done yesterday and while I was really tired and my back and knees were feeling it, I felt a great sense of accomplishment and relief.  ....later...

Debate Comments

On the debate..very disappointed in Obama.  He just appeared flat.  There were some many issues he should have brought up and didn't.  Romney did very well. Now to Leher...he was ineffective..actually awful.  He allowed to Romney to constantly interrupt him and talk over him.  He certainly didn't take command of the evening as a moderator should.  Now to events in my life today...cleaning the bedroom.  I got up and made us breakfast which I usually don't do during the week.  It's every man for himself during the week for breakfast and lunch.  It's a nice sunny day so we'll try to make this chore as painless as possible....later....

Cutest Owl I've Ever Seen!

I just saw the picture of Miss Eva in her owl costume for Halloween and it's the cutest owl I've ever seen.  I can't wait for her to model it for me when I'm up there.  I'll teach her to say, "Hoo, hoo" if she doesn't know it already.  When Muir was little she called owls Hoo-Hoos.  Now I have nothing else to say.  I just went to the post office to mail a care package to Hayden and I'm hoping they arrive whole instead of in crumbs.  Nothing else going on.  Tomorrow is the big bedroom clean and I mean everything is being cleaned and moved and blinds are coming down, windows washed, etc..later...

Dismal and Rainy Day Here

It rained this morning but more is expected this afternoon with some bad storms to come.  I'm slow getting started this morning and still have the laundry to fold and put away.  Hoda and Kathy Lee are in Knoxville this morning for the last hour of the Today Show and I have been watching, reading, and doing puzzles this morning.  I was going to bake cookies to send to Hayden today, but will delay that until tomorrow when I have more time.  I'll also make a Banana Nut Bread.  That's about it except to rant about the outcome of the Ryder Cup.  What a huge disappointment!!....later....

Hater Chore Out of the Way

My closets are nice and neat and the job is finished.  It's never as bad as I think it's going to be.  I take m y time, watch tv while doing it, etc.  After that I showered and just hung out and watched football and the Ryder Cup.  More of that today and at some point we'll visit Richard.  It started out looking gloomy, but the sun has come out.  It's supposed to rain tomorrow which is too bad because The Today Show will be in Knoxville for the last hour with Hoda and Kathy Lee.  It will be on the UT Campus and in tents outdoors.  Maybe the rain will hold off or come early.  We've been doing our usual Sunday morning routine..reading the 2 papers, doing the NY Times puzzle a...nd brunch.  I just put bean soup on in the crock pot for tonight and will make corn bread later.  Time to get myself together.....later...

Today I will be doing a chore I really hate!  Moving my spring and summer things down to the cedar closet and bringing up my fall and winter ones.  It may be just a tad early to do it, but I want to get it over with.  We're going to Big Lots in a few minutes and then i'll get on the clothes change.  I've already started pulling out and folding my clothes to go down.  Other than that we'll be watching The Ryder Cup.  I like watching that more than any of the other tournaments.  So far the US is in the lead.  Baxter was here yesterday for the first time in almost 2 weeks.  He left when it got dark but was back this morning bright and early.  I'm thinking he didn't go home in fear of being locked up again.  We left our door open last night so he could come in if he wanted.  I don't know if he did or not.  It's raining a bit now, but isn't supposed to amount to much....later....

From Spring/Summer to Fall/winter

Looks Like Rain

I'm not sure we're going to get any.  It was sunny awhile ago, but cloudy now.  I cleaned the kitchen this morning and was going to go to Kroger's but R. said he would go.  That will give me a chance to get some reading in.  Nothing planned for the weekend.  I made beef stew yesterday and there is enough left for tonight so I don't have to cook again.  I'll make some bean soup tomorrow, watch the Ryder Cup and some football and get in a lot of reading!....later....

New Novel to Read

Just read that J.K. Rowling has her first adult novel out.  It's called Casual Vacancy.  I heard the very end of a review on NPR yesterday.  I guess it's somewhat about her former life when she was struggling to survive.  I'll be anxious to read it.  Right now I'm kind of stuck and haven't been reading much.  It seems like I've been busy in the mornings and then go to the gym in the afternoons and then to visit Richard and come home to watch Chris Matthews and get dinner.  I have the Cronkite book on my Kindle and haven't done much with that in a while and got 5 books from the library last week and have barely started one!  This is not like me.  Today I put a beef stew together in the crock pot for tonight and have been cleaning house.  This afternoon we need to catch up on our budget stuff on the computer and then it will be time to visit Richard.  I think I'm going to designate one day this weekend for nothing but reading!  Saturday it's supposed to rain so that may be the day!...later....

The Ladies Who Lunch

Yesterday was a fun day.  We had a long and leisurly lunch and then did a bit of shopping before heading back to Linda's to sit on her deck, drink tea and just gab.  She also has a very sweer Boxer dog who showed up at her house on Sunday and seems perfectly happy to spend the rest of her days there.  Linda is trying to find her owners because she is trained, had a collar on and very gentle.  She had no tag and no chip.  They can't keep her because they have 4 cats.  The vet tech thought she was about 3 years old.  Linda very much wanted me to take her home, but I can't at this time.  I hope they find her people.  Today I have an appointment with the chiropractor and following that I have an hour massage.  I'm not sure why I scheduled them together like that...later....

Lunch with the Girls

We're celebrating Linda's birthday a month late.  I was in Colorado when it was her birthday and then things were going on for all 3 of us, so today is the day.  I'm looking forward to a change of routine and girl talk.  R. is headed for the store and also to get his flu shot.  I'm looking forward to seeing all of the grandkids in a few weeks when we go to Trip's for the annual pumpkin getting and carving.  I'll be going home with Maggie for a week after that.  It's been way too long since I've seen Eva!  I'm hoping to go to the Columbus Zoo while there.  Maggie takes Eva frequently.  The last time I was there it was the 90s and Ameriflora was in Columbus.  We took Richard's mom and sister up for that. That's alll I have for today....later....

Very Chilly Morning!

I could have flipped on the furnace, but I didn't.  It's going to be another beautiful day.  I'm not really complaining and it will be warming up this week.  I watched the Emmys until 9 and then switched to Boardwalk Empire and after that I went to bed.  R. stayed up for a bit longer.  This morning David is here doing some work under the house and I just finished folding all of the laundry.  I don't have to worry about dinner tonight because R. and I will split the rest of my meal from yesterday.  It was way more that I could ever eat, but R. also brought some of his seafood portofino home and will have that for lunch.  It's to the gym this afternoon....later....

Stink Bug Wars and Movie

Stink bugs were everywhere yesterday and trying to get into my house.  I finally resorted to getting out the vacuum and sucking them up.  I got tons of them.  The fall stuff is up and it looks so pretty.  Today we went to lunch with jim and Tommie and then to a movie..saw The Last Watch..very good.  About 2 cops, their relationship and the bottom of the barrel of society that the LAPD deals with to protect us and to risk their lives daily.  it was very emotional.  Now I'm going to watch the end of the PGA anc catch up on some football scores..hoping the Bengals pull one off today!....later...

Acorns

I have never seen so many acorns in my life!  We have oak trees all around, but last year there were hardly any.  I blew off the deck on Thursday and it is just as bad now.  The squirrels should be fat this year.  However, I know they prefer our birdseed so when we start putting that out they will abandon the acorns.  I just started getting out my fall stuff.  I have the door wreath up and have taken some other things down to the storage closet.  R. will be throwing up wood in a bit and putting up the fall wreath on the chimney outside.  It's nice and warm today, but it's going down to 42 tonight with a high of only 70 tomorrow.  I'm not sure what games we get, but I know Va Tech plays Cincinnati and I am torn.  Auburn plays LSU and the Vols play Akron.  That should be a win for TN, but who knows?  To Muir...I expect to see lots of pictures of Miss Eva!!....later...

Late Today Because....

I left shortly after 8 to go to our medical office to 1) /get my 6 month lab work done and 2) get my flu shot.  Usually I'm in an out in less that 15 minutes but waited 1 hour today.  It was crazy busy.  After that I went to the library and then to Sears to return a top I ordered from Lands End and it is easier to return there than go to the UPS store, etc.  Then to Lowe's for a few things and home.  I had planned to go to breakfast after my lab work, but it took so long I skipped that.  I got home and had lunch and will soon be going to the gym.  So much for my morning.  That's all I have today.  Busy getting the house to look like fall tomorrow and putting summer away.  Sunday will be a movie and brunch with Jim and Tommie..maybe seeing the Clint Eastwood movie if everyone agrees....later....

Beautiful Day

Another beautiful day.  On Saturday I'm going to put away my summer decor and get out the fall  stuff.  R. will put the fall wreath up on the chimney and help with the other stuff.  Sunday we're going to brunch and then to a movie with Jim and Tommie.  Not much going on today.  I made a banana bread (in the oven now) that was in Cooking Light.  The flavoring was rum and you sauteed the banannas in butter and brown sugar.  How could that not be delicious?!?  It also calls for a drizzle to be put on the top after it comes out of the oven.  I also need to call our wood guy and order 2 ricks.  It will soon be that time....later....

My Day Alone

Yesterday I chose to run some errands all by myself.  It was raining cats and dogs, but I just wanted to get out and about.  I went to Hobby Lobby and got some Christmas ornaments to paint for the grandkids and also got a pumpkin carving kit to take to Trip and Susan's.  I think I have a few tools left from last year, but we pretty much wore them out.  I only got 1 kit so maybe someone else will get another.  After that I went to Hallmark to look for a good jigsaw puzzle.  I used to get some fun ones there to take to school when I was teaching.  Next was Target where I picked up a Halloween book for Eva and J.J.  I hope J.J. is over being scared by things.  Then I went to lunch at Aubrey's which is a local restaurant that has delicious lunches.  I got a chicken salad salad over greens.  (I couldn't eat all of that so will have the remainder for lunch today).  Then I went to Kroger's and then home.  I know that doesn't sound exciting, but it was a good day.  ...it just reappeared.  I was ready to sign out and the blog popped up.  Go figure!

Damn!!!

I just was writing my blog from my day yesterday and suddenly it went back to my home page and I couldn't get it back.  It was a pretty long blog and I refuse to write it all again.  Anyway I had a good day.  Anyone who reads this and is going to Trip and Susan's might want to go to Hobby Lobby or some such place and get another pumpkin carving kit.  I got one and think I have a few tools that may still be good from last year. Muir...I will be happy to post those questions on my blog if you will telll me in detail how to cut and paste.  It's a beautiful day today after 2 days for rain.  It is, however, quite chilly this morning....later...

Rainy Monday

It's a lovely rain.  We haven't had rain in a while so this is welcome.  I did my usual this Monday morning..laundry.  It's not finished yet, but getting there.  I'll make chili tonight..I've been waiting for a cool, rainy day to do this.  Going to the gym after lunch and will stop by after that to see Richard.  Nothing else on the horizon....later...

Planted Pansies

We went to Lowe's yesterday to get pansies and then I came home and planted them.  Before that I told R. that the "check coolant" light came on in my car.  He went down to add a bit and guess what he did?!?  Put it in where you add oil!! When he realized what he did I just came upstairs to let him figure out what to do.  What he did was call Jim.  Of course Jim knew what to do...he and Tommie came over later and he and R. drained everything all out.  While they did that I made some brie with bread, veggies and fruit and we sat around and caught up on the past few weeks.  Thank God for Jim and Tommie!  We were just doing the puzzle, but I gave up because R. was on me for questioning some of his answers.  He can do it by himself and put in stupid answers without anyone saying anything.  I'm making Taco Salad for dinner since I have all of the ingredients.  It's nice here today, but rain coming tomorrow and Tuesday.  Football Saturday didn't turn out so well for us.  Va. Tech lost to Pitt...I couldn't believe it.  Joel was watching and said they looked awful.  Also, the Vols lost to Florida.  They looked good the first half, but fell apart in the second.  Auburn did manage to win as did Ohio State, .Cincinnati and W VA.....Boardwalk Empire returns tonight!!.....

Vol Fever

Vol fever all over East Tennessee.  I guess I should be wearing orange today.  I'll be in the minority if I don't.  I guess I'll change before I go to the gym.   The Vol navy is already docking at Volunteer Landing.  As of this morning there were more than 50 boats already.  I really do hope they can beat the Gators!  They haven't beat them in 7 years.  Other than that I have no real weekend plans.  I'm thinking of maybe getting some pansies and other fall flowers and doing some planting this weekend.  It's supposed to be nice tomorrow and Sunday with rain coming the first of the week.  Safe and happy weekend at PIB to Maggie, Charlie and Eva!!....later

This and That

Yesterday morning R. cut back the Rose of Sharon and then trimmed the ivy around the back deck.  I was clean-up man, but haven't yet blown off the rest of the debris on that  bacon that we got in separate packages and the stew beef in packages as well.  I also drove to town to get gas and pick up a rx.  The beautiful weather continues but may get some rain tomorrow evening.  The big game between the Vols and Florida has everyone around here abuzz.  It's the ESPN game of the week.  You couldn't pay me to go near Knoxville on Saturday!  The sun has finally come out so I'm off to blow off the decks....later....

New Shows

Yesterday we went to the gym, but needed to leave earlier because we had a stop to make first.  I always watch The Chew while on the treadmill and Katie Couric was on yesterday.  I also DVRd Katie's new show and Anderson.  After the gym we stopped by to see Richard and then went by his house to get his mail and a few other things.  We got home in time to watch Hardball while I got dinner.  After Jeopardy we watched the tape of Anderson and then it was time for Major Crimes.  Can  anyone tell that I am a tv freak?  That was pretty much it for our evening.  This morning I watched the tape of Katie's new show.  It was good.  She had Sheriyl Crow and Jessica Simpson on.  R. has gone to the store for groceries and I need to iron a few things and then do some dusting....later..

Yea, Peyton!!

He got the job done!!  That made me and my kids  very happy!  Got a fair amount done yesterday and the day ended on a high not with the Bronco win.  Today I've already cleaned the kitchen and the last load of laundry is in the dryer now.  I'll shower and fold the clothes and then read a bit before time for lunch and then the gym.  I guess we'll stop by to see Richard on our way home from gym .  The Bengals play the Ravens tonight, but not sure I'll watch the whole game..probably go back and forth.  I'm not expecting the Bengals to win.  Another chilly morning and it feels great!!  Bring on fall....later..

Sunday NY Times

The paper was huge today and took a while to get through.  It was fashion week in NY, so lots of fashion plus 3 sections for the arts.  One was just for Broadway shows, one for movies and tv and one for art exhibits, ballet, etc.  The puzzle is impossible , but we don't like to give up so will keep at it.  It's a beautiful sunny day after a rainy Saturday.  High today will be high 70s and I'm going to do yard work.  I've been holding off until it got cooler.  Watched some football and golf yesterday..nothing too exciting.  Go Broncos!!!....later...

Baxter

We were getting worried about not seeing Baxter since we got home.  We figured he thought we abandoned him, but yesterday as were were coming home from seeing Richard we saw this dog in the driveway that resembled him, but looked smaller.  Then I saw the green collar and I knew it was him.  I jumped out of the car and yelled for him, but he disappeared.  I went in the house and looked out front, but no Baxter.  Then, all of a sudden he was at the deck door, but just standing there.  He wouldn't come in.  I finally convinced him to come in and gave him a treat.  We made over him and all was fine.  He was here for the evening.  I put him out just before dark.  This morning at 7:30 he was back and has been in and out all morning.  We're supposed to get rain but none yet.  It's so good to have him back.  At some point this afternoon we'll go to see Richard.  Yesterday he was in the community room doing crafts when we got there.  He was very groggy..almost zombie-like.  Nothing much else going on.....later.....

Not Much to Say

If I don't post I guess some wonder why and usually the reason is that I have nothing to say.  Yesterday was uneventful.  We did go to the viewing of Tommie's mother.  She was 101 and she looked about 70.  It was amazing.  It was good to see Tommie's sister and her grandchildren. Joanna is a freshman in college.  The last time I saw her she was about 4 and sitting on Santa Claus' lap aka Richard playing Santa.  Last night we just watched the DNC.  I have really enjoyed it.  R. called me a political junkie.  He did watch it all last night, but he only watched the main speeches the other nights.  Today..made tuna salad for dinner, went to the store so I could make guacamole and needed a few things for that.  I'm waiting for R. to drink his breakfast smoothie so I can clean the kitchen...later...

Favorite Activity of Late

Yes, we're lame.  Going to the grocery store seems to be a favorite activity for us.  Yesterday after lunch at Olive Garden we went to Trader Joe's which just recently opened in Knoxville.  It's fun to go there because it is a different type of store.  After that we stopped at Kroger's for a few things and to return a digital instant read thermometer which didn't work, then got a new one and from there we went to the new Publix to see what they were all about. Doesn't that sound exciting?!?  Last night I watched the convention from 5 until after Clinton's speech.  I loved it!  R copped out on me but came back for Bill's speech.  Today I made my energy bars which I hadn't made in quite a while and am about to do a bit of cleaning.  This evening we will be going to Knoxville for the viewing of Tommie's mother.  It's supposed to cool down Sunday and Monday and I'm hoping to get a bunch of weeding done...later...

Not Much to Say

I didn't bloyesterday because I really had nothing to say and I still don't have much.  I do need to say how much I'm enjoying the DNC as opposed to the RNC which was Boring!  It seemed more like a business confention with no pizzaz at all.  Everyone at the DNC is all pepped up and enthusiastic!  I'm looking forward to more tonight and tomorrow night.  Today we're going to lunch in K-ville and then are going to check out a few new stores that opened while we were away...Publix and Trader Joe's.  Also a new Super Target opened as well.  Nothing more exciting to report except that Va Tech did win on Monday night.  It was a nail-biter.  I'm also looking forwar.d to some decent weather this weekend...much cooler.  Soon I need to get to Columbus or maybe they will honor us with a visit down here.  It seems like ages since I've seen Baby Eva!!....later...

Rainy Labor Day

I'm not sure how much it rained last night, but it's raining here now.  I just got on Facebook and saw that Tommie's mother died.  We called Jim and he said she died yesterday.  She just celebrated her 101 birthday in August.  When Jim and Tommie stopped here Saturday they said they had stopped by to see her and she didn't even open her eyes.  They took her dog that they have been keeping over to see her and she did give it a few pats.  Obviously, we won't be going to the lake today.  We may not have gone anyway due to the weather.  I guess it will just be another lazy day around here.  I think I'll do some laundry....later...

Lazy Saturday

It was a quiet and lazy day yesterday.  We visited Richard at Morning View and then came home to watch a variety of sports..golf, football and baseball.  I made BLTs for dinner and Jim and Tommie stopped by on their way to the lake house.  They invited us to come down and I think we'll go over tomorrow for burgers.  I'll make potato salad today to take.  I made brunch this morning and we are working our way through the 2 papers.  I got stuck on the NYTimes puzzle, but will return to it after writing this.  We'll stop by to see Richard in a bit and then come home to make dinner.  I'm having pork chops with onions and apples with steamed haricot vert with a sweet/sour sauce....later...

Catching Up

I got a lot done yesterday.  All bags are unpacked, I cleaned the kitchen and the deck.  I did a little bit outside but there is more to do.  I'm hoping the weekend predicted rain will cool things off and I can do that when it isn't so hot and humid.  R. did the grocery shopping yesterday and today I got a haircut, went to Target to get Giada's tomato/basil saauce (it was the #1 pick of several brands tested), and picked up a few things and Kroger's and got gas then to the library.  This afternoon we'll go to see Richard at Morning View.  Glad the RNC is over and tonight Bill Maher should be priceless..can't wait. No plans for the weekend, but football starting!  The Vols are playing NC State tonight.  We're not big Vol fans although we usually root for them.  They haven't had much in the last few years so I hope this year will be better.  We root for Va Tech, Auburn, W Va and a few others.  Time for lunch....later...

Home Sweet Home

WE arrived home with no hitches and we do love Frontier Airlines!  We have flown with them several times and they seem to get things right.  We relaxed last night and stayed up for Letterman, but today we have tons to do.  R. has gone to the grocery store and I have been unpacking and putting things away.  I cleaned up the kitchen although I had cleaned it before we left.  We have cob and spider webs in every concievable place.  Amazing how they find places to be.  The kitchen is done and bags are unpacked, but not everything is put away.  One thing I hate about being back in Tennessee is the humidity.  It hit us as soon as we got off the plane.  It is awful today also.  Now I need to continue to get things in order.  The deck is a mess..leaves starting to fall and even though I had someone watering my plants, it's the end of summer and things are looking scragily.  My butterfly out front has grown a lot and is loaded with blooms and the morning glories are going wild.  The outdoors will have to wait for another day....later....

Steamboat and Pearl Lake

Yesterday we realized we hadn't been to Steamboat Lake so took one last drive before leaving tomorrow morning.  Both lakes are around 20 miles from here and are in state parks with camping, etc.  The drive was very nice with lots of beautiful ranches all along the way and the lakes were pretty, but the camping!!!  They were just bare sites and junky looking.  Pearl lake had some Yurts which I took pictures of.  Today I'll post the last of my pictures which were taken yesterday.  All of the ranches had impressive entrances and I took pictures of several.  Unfortunately I wasn't close enough for you to see the names of the ranches.  One was Cow Camp.  We hope to get out of here before 8 tomorrow.  Our car has to be returned by 12;27 even though our flight doesn't leave until 4;30.  I guess we'll just hang out at the airport....later...The reason for the cow pictures is because they are in open range which means no fences and they cross the roads or do whatever they please.....