Yesterday

It turned into a good day. We left here just before noon and dropped off Richard's car for an oil change and then to Knoxville and lunch at Rafferty's for lunch. From there we went to the movies and saw Spotlight. It was an excellent movie with a great cast! On the way home we picked up Richard's car and left mine for it's oil change. This morning Richard has a dentist appointment and after that we'll pick up my car, gas up both cars and do a bit of shopping for tonight. We'll be having fondue while watching Clemson and wait for the ball to drop. I got a bottle of primeval (one that was recommended) from Sunday's paper.....Later

Strange Day

It all started out as another lazy day. I was sitting in the great room when I heard a racket behind me. I got up and couldn't see a thing so dismissed it to a squirrel outside the garden window.  The rest of the morning quiet. Richard had his Mir at two and I took him. Usually I drop him off and then do some chores before picking him up but yesterday I went in and read while waiting. That place is so depressing..so many old people in such sorry conditions. It makes you thankful for what you have. We came home directly after that and the fun began. Richard stayed down in the den on the computer and I came up and immediately heard a scuffle. There was Miss Jenny Wren flying around in the kitchen. I opened both doors and tried to guide her to them but she was not listening. She flew into the great room and would go from one garden window to the next. At one point I thought she flew outside so I settled down to a cup of eggnog which Richard had made earlier in the day. I was wrong so I called down to Richard to come up and help me. I know that because she had been there in the morning that she had to have come in the day before since the door hadn't been open this morning. I was worried that she was hungry. It was also going to be dark soon. Well...after many attempts she finally flew out!! We had planned on a movie today but last evening while having dinner, Richard had a filling come out from a tooth he just had filled. He may be going to the dentist which will put a damper on those plans. We'll see....Later....

Bengal Loss

The Bengals were unstoppable in the first half but the opposite in the second half. A win would have been great for Andy Dalton but that was not to be. I will say I was impressed by McCarron.We stayed up for the whole game so I slept a bit longer this morning. Richard has an Mir this afternoon on his back and I think we'll finally get to the movies tomorrow. Yesterday I got the shopping done for New Year's..pork and sauerkraut as usual....Later

Busy Day

Richard heads out early for a dentist appointment and I have grocery shopping with other stops to make. Laundry is washed and dried but not folded or put away. Rain moving in today but I hope I'm home before it hits. I'm hoping we finally get to a movie this week! We have a long list to see so not sure which will be first. Will be watching the Bengals tonight and hoping for a win in spite of them playing the Broncos, my next favorite team.....Later

Virginia Tech

What a game! So happy Frank Beamer ended his career with a win. Yesterday I got things straightened up around here and other than that it was just a lazy day. Today may be similar. Tomorrow morning Richard hasan early dentist appointment and I may grocery shop. We go to Florida for a week starting on the ninth. For once I'm not really looking forward to going. Coffee time.....Later

Home Again

We drove home from Cincinnati yesterday in one of the worst driving days ever for us. Richard started out but got sleepy around Critenden which was just 1 hour into our drive. Up to then it was just a light rain. Almost as soon as I took the wheel the heavy rains came. I drove to Berea and then we stopped to eat. Very few places open but did find a waffle house open. After that Richard took over and drove the rest of the way home in continued heavy rain with fog thrown in. Needless to say, a difficult drive. The only bright spot was very little truck traffic. Richard unpacked the car and sat down to a glass of vodka. At 4 we went to friend's house for Christmas dinner. Linda made leg of lamb wit potatoes, asparagus, and salad. Richard had never had lamb before and really liked it. Our Christmas in Cincy  was great. Muir and Jim are great hosts! We had a Christmas Eve lunch at Hofbrau Haus hosted by Charlie and Maggie and a delicious (as always) and fun Christmas Eve at Muir and Jim's. This year Cullen brought his boyfriend, Bob who is a homicide detective in Minneapolis. We all really liked him a lot and hope he liked this crazy family as well. Both Cullen and Bob wore "ugly Christmas Sweaters and Eva told Bob his sweater wasn't pretty! Later she told him she was just kidding. We all had a wonderful time and it was great seeing the cousins together. The two little ones, JJ and Eva adore their older cousins, Madison and Max and the feeling is mutual!! Madison a.nd Max are now in Florida with their dad and will get to go to the Orange Bowl. I hope they bring a Clemson win home.  On Tuesday when Madison for a mani/pedi with Anne and me, she had her nails painted in Clemson colors.  Warm and rainy here today. I'll be unpacking and cleaning up around here....Later

Leaving Tomorrow for Cincinnati

Today I will be folding the laundry which is all washed and dried and then pack for Cincy. We will drive home on Christmas day and are invited to Christmas dinner with our friends, Vic and Linda. We had a nice weekend and finally got to have one fires as it got much cooler. It is getting warmer again and Christmas will seem more like Easter, weather wise. I'm not really complaining because I'm not a fan of cold weather. Tomorrow should be a rainy drive to Cincinnati. We'll stop at Anne's and go to lunch with her and the kids before going to Muir's. Merry Christmas!!

Finally Cold

It's a cold morning and I have to leave here by 8:30 for my hair cut. I also have two other stops before my appointment with the chiropractor. Then I'll be home and will build our first fire in a long time.  This chilly weather will be short lived as more warm weather on the way. Richard's dental appointment turned out to be nothing.  That was good news.  Another sweet Golden causing me worry. Kathleen's Beau was operated on for a bleeding tumor. What is happening?!? I'm praying this one turns out well. Coffee time. Later.....

Crazy Damn Phone

My phone crashed last week and after trying all sorts of fixes, it was determined that I needed a new SIM card..fast forward to last evening. I got a text from Joel. I was surprised but sent a reply and it also went through. What is going on. Something similar happened to my last phone. It died and after many calls, etc. A new phone was sent to me but all of a sudden the old phone started working. It did finally die for sure.   Raining today and we've planned to go to a movie and lunch but Richard thinks something is going on with a tooth so may be heading to the dentist instead. I got everything wrapped yesterday and got my house cleaned. Tomorrow...haircut, chiropractor and shop for party food for the weekend. .....later

Debates

I'm not sure why I'm drawn to these debates but I did watch last night for about an hour before getting disgusted. A few interesting points were made but such stupidity among these supposedly smart people is amazing. Carolyn will be here today to clean house and I'll be wrapping gifts. The rest of the week will also be busy.....later

Cooler

After a rainy and windy morning, the sunshine returned but no more 70s. Today it's a cooler morning. I had a luscious massage yesterday! So very sorry to hear about Stan West. My thoughts are with Muir! I was somewhat shocked to see him at PIB this summer. He really seemed frail. Today i'll head to Wal-Mart. Tomorrow I will finally get down to gift wrapping.  Coffee time for me. Later.....

Last Bit of Warm Weather

It was 70 when I got up..so weird! Rain and wind coming today. I have a massage at one today and laundry to fold and put away. Sometime this week I need to wrap gifts and do some baking Next week we'll be heading to Cinch for Christmas. Watched my two favorite shows last night..Madam Secretary and The Good Wife. Both were such downers! Looking forward to some light fare tonight with Super Girl and Adele's concert. Later.....

Phone Issues

Phone said "no service". Turns out the SIM card is bed so sending a new one! It's always something. Tree is up and Christmacy inside but like spring outside. I like that it's not cold but doesn't fit the season....later

Looking Good

Yesterday our leaves got taken care of and it's looking spiffy around here. Today I need to head in town to pick up a few things and then tree decorating time. It's really warm here this morning. I actually woke up being too warm. I'm not complaining at all! I'm making chili today which doesn't seem right for as warm as it is. Nothing else happening here. It seems the heavy fog of the past several days is gone so I can head out fairly early....later

Weather

This warm weather is so crazy. I really want a fire but it's just too warm. It's also been foggy almost every morning. Today I really have nothing planned but tomorrow we'll put the tree up and Richard will make eggnog as is our tradition when tree decorating. One day next week I'll plan for gift wrapping and we really need to go to a movie. There are many good ones playing now and not sure which one we'll see. Coffee time. Later....

New Awning

The awning is up and beautiful! The got here to install and it was nearly up when we had to leave for Richard's appointment. We called him when we got home for him to go over the remote with us. So glad it's motorized! I got most of my shopping done..just a few more small items to pick up. Today I'm going to go through and reorganize the freezer on my fridge. It's just too easy to throw something in there that should really belong in the downstairs freezer. Coffee time. Later.....

Sick of the News

I'm so tired of hearing about one shooting after another! I'm a news junkyard but just sick of it. We started watching Super Girl when in Canada. It's very mindless but light and refreshing after the reality of today's world. Today awning being installed and I'll be Christmas shopping. Richard has an afternoon drs. appointment and I'll drive him there and finish up some chores while I wait for him. Coffee time. Later....

Nice Weekend

Richard made egg nog and I built a nice fire so relaxed on Friday watching tv and then listening to Christmas music. I made straw and hay with prosciutto for Saturday dinner and we watched Clemson. I didn't think I would last for the whole game but it was too exciting to go to bed. So happy that Madison gets to go to the Orange Bowl. I had planned for yesterday to be productive and getting laundry done so I could Christmas shop today,but we all know what happens to the best of plans. Tommie called and asked if we wanted to ride to their lake house with them. We did and had a nice afternoon with them. We stopped at Ollies (a store I had never heard of) on the way home and then Richard made a batch of egg nog because Tommie Loves it. While he did that I made a fire and Jim brought up wood for me and split  even more. After they left we hung out for the rest of the evening. Christmas shopping will be delayed until tomorrow. Our new awning should go up today.....later

Just Relaxing

That's all I have planned for today! Got everything else done yesterday. The tree will be put up in a week or so. Richard was at the dentists yesterday but felt fine so he did his bit getting lights and wreath taken care of. I just want to praise the benefits of getting a flu shot. I almost never get a cold and before I started getting them I always got a few every year. I'm not the only one who says this. I've heard the same from several people. I think it's foolish not getting one...just saying!! Time for coffee. Later.....
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Progress

I finished the inside decorating and then tackled the Christmas cards and they're finished. Very happy that's done. Today I need to pick up a few things for dinners and Baxter's ashes are ready. I'm shoring myself up for that. We got such a nice card from all of the Vets who treated him. Richard has a dentist appointment this morning. Oh..the new awning is in and will be installed in the next few days..can't wait. Coffee time. Later....

Rain!!!

When will it stop?!? It has been steady since Sunday evening. It may stop later today. I got a lot of decorating done yesterday and today will mostly finish inside. We'll get the outside done in the next few days. Other than that not much else going on. I'm starting to think about some baking but haven't settled on what I'll make. I also need to get Christmas shopping started. All of the older grandkids will get gift cards so that part is easy. I'll tackle that next week. Coffee time!....later

Christmas is Coming

I am slowly starting the decorating process. It's much slower going than years past, but sooner or later it will get done. The rain continues to fall and should stop by tomorrow. When the rain stops and it dries out our leaves will be taken care of and our new awning should be here soon. Coffee time. Later.....

Lots to Do

We had a relaxing weekend after getting home on Saturday but now lots to get done. I'm ahead of the game with laundry as most of it is done. My cleaning person is unable to come for awhile as she is in training for a second job. When the training is over she will be working second shift which won't affect her coming here. So..today I'll be cleaning house. Yesterday I put away the fall decor so this week I'll start getting Christmas out. Tree won't go up for a bit. It's pouring rain so Richard can't do the outside lights. Rain should be gone later in the week. Richard will be shopping for food today. We had a very nice Thanksgiving and lovely weather. Great to see family and old friends.....later

Very Fun Thanksgiving

It was a great day with delicious food and and the wild Blossers. It was quite warm so we sat out on the deck and the conversations went from hermaphrodite to selling your children. Needless to say there was a lot of laughter!  After dinner we played Taboo with Tim's family and Eric. That game has changed since we last played it. Today Richard and I will go into Richmond and visit Joe and Suzanne. Tomorrow we go back home. It's been a very nice weekend....later
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Sad News

After taking Baxter to our vet we learned he is in Congestive heart failure. It was so unexpected becAuse he has shown no signs of any issues two days ago he was rolling in the leaves and full of life. The prognosis is that he may have about 6 months if he is lucky. We brought him home and he did well last night. He slept well and got up at 5:30. He still hasn't eaten but took his meds well. I will take him back to our vets to board while we travel to Virginia for Thanksgiving. We decided that would be best for him where he can be closer watched rather  than taking him to the kennel.....later

Baxter Ailing

We'll be taking a trip to the vet hopefully first thing after they open. Started yesterday with him shunning his Sunday breakfast. He finally did eat it. We had an appointment in Knoxville at 1 and got home just before 4. He didn't eat his dinner and played around. Mostly he went in and out all evening drinking lots of water. When we went to bed he came back with us but paced all night and drank water. His nose is cold...I obviously got little sleep and got up just before 5. ....later

Cold Saturday

Very chilly morning but nice and sunny. The awning was taken down yesterday. The new one will be put up in a few weeks..can't wait. I now have a new phone but haven't totally mastered it yet. Sending messages is different so takes some getting used to. Maize slept with us last night. Anne didn't need to bring her cage but I may use it tomorrow. We have an appointment at 1. Not sure when they'll be here to pick her up but we likely won't be home yet. She and Baxter have been fine together but you never know. .....later

Phone Issues..Again!

Just one frustration after another. Spent a Long time yesterday tyre to get my phone connected. I was told to insert new SIM card and make a test call. She also gave me info on what to do if that didn't work..it didn't and since then I can't connect to a real person. Other than that..awning being dismantled and taken away today.New motorized awning ordered and should be up in 2-3 weeks. Chiropractor today and back feeling much better this morning. Anne and Steve dropping off Mazie off on their way to Clemson for the game against Wake Forest. Hoping they play better than last week! Coffee time. .....later
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It's Always Something!

Relaxing and watching tv about 7ish last night when we heard a tremendous crash coming from the deck..it was our awning crashing down. From what we can tell in the darkness, it was the left metal arm that collapsed. When we can see it this morning we can get a better assessment. Richard has a 9 o'clock dentist appointment and I'm heading out to get a haircut so when we get back home we'll deal with it. We seriously contemplated getting a new awning in the spring so now we'll have to decide on fix it or bite the bullet and get a new one. Yes, when you own a house it's always something! Lots of Rain yesterday after a very warm day..in the mid 70s. Today much cooler but still near 60. ....later

Back Issues

Got up Monday morning and my back was really painful and different from the usual stiff morning back. It has continued all week. I go on Friday to the chiropractor so am hoping he can work his magic. Very warm but rain expected today. We'll head to the gym after lunch. Monday I saw that they had put up the giving tree. I was looking at the names of children on the tree and plan to pick one today to buy for. I'm hoping the 5 year old little girl's name is still there. Her list of needs were a coat, shirt, pants, shoes and a few toys as wants. I look forward to shopping for her. Coffee time....later

Damn!

The Bengals played like a second class high school team..very disappointing! I tried to send messages from my phone and realized AGAIN that I had no service!! I called and they are sending me a new SIM card. I won't go into what caused that..just another frustration. Lots to do today..need to go to Lowe's, Target, Kroger's and then drop off my car to have the antifreeze flushed and new put in. I'm making vegetable soup for dinner and will start it soon. A nice day today before the rains come tomorrow....later

Nice Weekend

Baxter woke me up at 4 to go out which is a rarity for him. I let him out and left the door opened for him to come back in. After a short while I checked and he was back and snoozing on the couch so I went back to bed. Unfortunately, I never went back to sleep and finally got up at 5:30. Baxter is still snoozing on the couch. Laundry is well under way and while it is cold this morning, it should be a nice day with warm days ahead and getting into the 70s. No complaints from me. ....later

Crazy Times!

I don't even know what to say..these are strange times. Myron went to Paris in early September and when we talked to him his plans were to be there for 3 months, but I don't know if he is home in Richmond yet..Back to Maryville..I went to our new Kroger store yesterday and love it. I got the makings for an anti pastors for last night..very good. Today we'll go to Lowe's and look for a small strand of Christmas lights which I need for my village. No one seems to make small strands! Since we put the new tv above our mantle,I won't be doing the mantle like I usually do. I'll have to rethink everything this year. Very chilly this morning. There was frost on rooftops but I thinks plants are still okay. Nice fire in fireplace last night....later

Crazy Sam's

Yesterday was pretty productive. I got a waffle iron at Bed, Bath and Beyond and then to DSW where I got a pair of shoes. I had coupons for both of those items. After that we had lunch at Longhorns and the to Sam's. It was really crazy busy. You would have thought it was a few days before Christmas. I got my Christmas cards which were high on my list. I also got a set of 7 candles and the rest were food items. Today I need to head to the post office as I am out of stamps and I'll get my Christmas stamps while there. Chilly this morning but the real chill comes tomorrow. Yesterday it was 70 here! A beautiful sunrise this morning!....later

Knoxville Today

We'll make a stop at Sam's and then to DSW because I have a coupon and then Bed, Bath and Beyond where I also have coupons. Lunch after that. It's windy and rainy here this morning but sunny by noon. I ran a few errands yesterday and went to the post office before I realized it was closed for Veterans Day. I resisted the urge to go to our new Kroger Super store which opened yesterday. Don't know when I'll get there but soon......later

Nothing, Either

Muir posted she had nothing to talk about. Ditto for me but if I don't post my daughter's get on my case..so..let's see. Chilly, but sunny morning, happy Veterans Day. My spell check tried three times to put an apostrophe in veterans but it is not a day veterans possess. I saw it explained on line! Now anyone reading this can be correct....later

Yucky Monday

It RAIN d most of the day yesterday and was chilly to boot. I made chicken and noodles which was a big hit with Richard. We also had a nice fire. I need to get wood in by the weekend for the cold we're expecting. When we were in Whistler we watched the first episode of Super Girl and got hooked, mainly it was just cute and light so watched that last night and also caught up on Homeland. Today I'll be defrosting my freezer....later

Rainy Monday

It's a gully washer here. I had garbage to take out and this morning the trash gets picked up so I had to run outside and when I opened the garage door Richard's trunk was wide opened! When he unpacked my car he opened his trunk to put something in and then didn't close it! Oh well..Laundry is waiting to be folded and I'm in no rush to get it done. I'm thinking we may go to Knoxville tomorrow. I want to see Burnt and also need some things at Sam's. I also want to defrost my downstairs freezer this week. This rain doesn't inspire me to do much today..lazy day for sure!.....Had a great weekend with Trip and family. Muir and Jim and Anne, Steve and Max also came over. JJ was so much fun! Lots of football on Saturday..later

Heading North

Hope to get out of here by 8:30. Looking forward to seeing the troops except for Maggie and family. It's nice here but rainy up north. Muir said it was heading east quickly so hope that's the case. ....later

This and That

Today I'll be getting ready to head north tomorrow. I'll pack for me and Baxter and do a few chores around here. I also need to get gas and a car wash. Bengals and Brown's tonight. I'm kind of worried because this should be a slam dunk but that sometimes turns out all wrong! Anyway..Who Dey!!....later

Today,Hmm?

Not sure yet,but I'm thinking I need to get some outdoor work done and it's going to be a perfect day for that. Rain coming on Friday. Wouldn't you know?? We're headed up north to Trio's. I hate driving 75 if it's a hard rain because the trucks make it hard to see. But...looking forward to family time. We haven't seen JJ in too long! ....later

Back to my Routine

Feeling rested after our trip. Today Carolyn will be coming to clean and I'll be heading to Kroger's after lunch. Laundry is almost done. It's been rainy since we got back..very gloomy, but warm. Friday we leave for a weekend visit to Trip and Susan's. I think we'll also see Anne and Muir and family.....later

Great to be Home!

Walked in the door about 9 last night. Dumped our bags, changed our clothes, got a drink and hunkered down to watch the Broncos win and the Mets lose. Sorry for the Mets but happy for the Royals. They are actually an AL team that I like. Also Very happy for the Bengals win over the Steelers! Who Dey!! Picked up Baxter this morning..missed my buddy. I think I'll unpack and get things organized here a bit here today. Trip was great but so tired of air travel and airports!! We had no issues but so tiresome. ....later

Last Day in Whistler

This morning we'll eat, shower, pack and clean up our room and head south to Vancouver. Not sure what we'll do..maybe take a site seeing tour. Fly out tomorrow morning and get home shortly after 8. Unfortunately, I can't get Baxter until Monday morning...later

Winding Down

Yesterday's was a fun day. It was our plan to see Shannon Falls near Sqamish but first we discovered a part of Squamish we hadn't seen before and made a lucky find...Sushi Sen..a very fine and happening sushi restaurant. From there we went to the falls but Richard couldn't see them because the walk was too far. I did take a picture. We then we're heading back to Whistler when we saw a sign for Sea to Summit. It was a gondola ride to the top of a very high mountain. It cost $75. For the two of us, but Wow it was worth every penny! We were definitely in the clouds. At the top there was a foot bridge you could walk to the next even higher peak, but no way was I taking that. I took a picture of it instead. There was a restaurant and gift shop there so we hung out for a bit. I'm glad we went up when we did because the views going up were unbelievable! When we went back down we were totally enveloped in fog. Back to Whistler. Today we'll pack to leave tomorrow for Vancouver. We'll be staying at a motel near the airport for departure home Sunday morning. This has been a trip we've wanted to take for a long time and so glad we finally made it! That being said, "There's no place like home."...later

Cold and Rainy

I'm not sure if it's raining this morning. It's  still dark, but it is cold. Not sure what we'll  do today. Yesterday was leisurely  after the morning excitement. I was all dressed and doing a bit of straightening  up  our room when the fire alarm went off. Richard  had showered but was sitting at the lap top  in his.  Underwear. I looked in the hall and saw no  one but  came in to get Richard moving. Yes, I was rushing  him. Anyway we started down the  hall headed for  the  stairs..me rushing but Richard  doing the best he could. At the outside door they told  us  to head to the lobby..also, it was raining.  Just outside was a bench and  Richard  said he wasn't  going further but staying there. I went on to the  lobby. The fire truck and  firemen were there and everyone was standing outside under the covered area. After about 10 minutes the fireman Danny that all was clear and we co u of  return to  our  rooms. The smoke had been some.  Idiot  who burned their  toast. The rest of the day was uneventful. I wanted to have Sushi for  lunch but when we got there it was closed so we went to a pub and  that was delicious.  I'll  call the sushi place today..I really  am hungry for  it.  Richard wants to check out some falls that are down near Squamish so we may do that today. Rain expected the rest of the week and  I'm missing home and my pup...also my  own bed!....later

Long Day Yesterday

We did go to Squamish and the first place we stopped was a Squ a mish native art gallery. There were beautiful carvings and I really wanted one of a humming bird, but opted for 2 prints which are also nice and cheaper. Next we went to a brew pub and had lunch. On the me my they had putine and I had heard so much about it that I had to order it. If you don't know what it is..crispy fries with gravy and cheese curds. Sounds gross, doesn't it? It really wasn't bad. Also the beer was great. From there we just drove around the town and then drove to Horseshoe Bay. It was further than I thought and is actually a suburb of Vancouver. It's a charming town and from there you can take ferries to the islands. I think everyone there must have a sailboat because the Marina was Full of them.  Another long drive back here. I think we'll mostly hang here today. I'd like to have Sushi for lunch and there are a lot of sushi restaurants all around. We also need to pick up a few things at the store. Richard is still sleeping so I have the light off but I'm about to make coffee so will need the light. He did wake up a bit ago and told me to turn on the tv....le

Squamish Today

Damon, I had a hard time..my Kidle wanted to write squeamish which is so wrong. Anyone, it is on the coast and today is supposed to be ungainly unlike the end of the week. Yesterday we did a lot of driving around and site seeing. One problem for us here is that several of the areas with shops and restaurants are walking only. You park your car in a large designated lot and "stroll" which is how they describe it. Not good for us. One good thing...the monetary exchange is in our favor. Lunch yesterday was $50. but we charge and the credit card company takes care of the exchange. We both slept well last night! Oh, wow..To just informed me that it is 36 degrees this morning! It is supposed to get to 63 so that's okay. The rest of the week we have predicted rain daily through Saturday and snow on Sunday, but we leave first thing Sunday.Time for my second cup of coffee and some juice...later oh, yes..I have no phone connection.

British Columbia

The Day was very stressful and long! By the end of the day I was so tired I couldn't think. Richard was as bad. We are here sniping at each other so I just shut up. Our place is a studio and very nice but not what I prefer. It's now almost 5 am and we're both up. Usually I have a few hours in the morning to myself. I got up T 4 and he told me to turn on the light and make my coffee. Up now. Beautiful site off of our Juliet balcony. A fellow we met on the plane warned us about Vancouver traffic but we weren't prepared for how  bad it really is. It took us almost two hours to go about 30 miles to get out of it. The city is beautiful with big apartment buildings and high end stores. Once out.  Of the city it was easy going with breathtaking views. We drove up with the Pacific ocean on our left and  snow-capped  mountains overlooking the ocean. It is 75 miles up here but took us close to 4 hours due to Vancouver traffic. Whistler is a very pretty and active place. We were so tired by the time we checked in...we hadn't eaten all day and needed  food and alcohol. I can't see why there are any drinks in Canada..alcohol is EXPENSIVE! We ended up getting food and booze to bring back to our room..good decision. We tried to watch our Sunday tv shows but both fell asleep by 9.. Up now..I have coffee and  juice and Richard on the computer. We'll  have toast  in awhile and explore and have lunch later.......later

Countdown

Several chores to get done in next few days before leaving early Sunday morning. Another nice day here weather in BC much cooler so hope I have the right clothes packed. Yesterday I watched a lot of the hearing with Hillary. I hadn't planned to watch, but tuned in just to check on what was going on and got sucked in. It was a real witch hunt with Republicans grasping at any straw to trip her up. She kept her cool and never faltered. Their badgering of her was relentless and made Republicans look like the losers they are. The Democrats gave her a lot of credit and in the end Nothing previously known was discovered! After spending millions and wasting time that could have been spent trying to get important things done in Congress..Nothing new!!!...later

Errands

Haircut at the top of the list but I have a few more things to pick up. When I get home I'll get out the bags and start laying out what I'll be packing. I told Richard to do the same but he'll throw things together at the last minute. I don't think he ever takes enough and I usually take more than I need. Since we're only taking one bag, I'll try to not do that. Coffee time. Later....

This and That

I have a chiropractor appointment early this morning and a few errands after that. We are taking just one checked bag to BC and since we'll be taking bulkier clothes packing will require creativity. It's still cold in the morning but afternoons are warming nicely. I've noticed that stink bugs don't seem to be as plentiful as past years. I've only seen two in the last week..that's a good thing....later

Ho Hum

Not much going on today. Baxter has an appointment with the vet to get his Bortadella shot and since he can't drive, I'll be taking him. He had a great several days with the neighbor's grandchildren who were visiting for several days. He spent a long time with them yesterday morning and then they left. He looked for them last evening but they were gone and now he is sad. So yesterday when Eva found out that I was Anne's, Trip's anduir's mom as well as her mommy's, she said, "That's a lot of kids"!....

Cold Morning

Was up until nearly midnight so am not quite operating at full speed yet. The programs we watch get all screwed up on Sunday evening due to football games. I got up at 6 and laundry is well under way. Both of us have things to deal with before we leave for Canada on Sunday. Now I need my coffee....later

Good Saturday for Football, Almost..

Van Tech was the one loss but wins from Clemson, OSU, and others that I follow. Busy week getting ready to go away next Sunday. I'll be keeping up with Bengals today even though we don't get the game. Scores will stream on one of the games.. Spaghetti Carbonara for dinner....later

Another Arbaugh Birthday..Happy Birthday, Trip

When I had Trip The World Series was in progress. One day after bringing him home, it snowed and I was busy getting Anne all dressed to go out and play in the snow. Two years later a friend and neighbor gave Trip a birthday party, but I was in the hospital with his 1 day old baby sister.  Busy years in the Arbaugh family! Madison got word yesterday that she has been accepted to go to Tanzania next semester to study mammals on the Serengeti. It is such an exciting time and fabulous opportunity for her. Very chilly here this morning. I put a fire in the fireplace this morning...first of the year.....later
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Happy Birthday,Maggie

Today is Maggie's day, tomorrow is Trio's and my mom's. Maggie became the straw that broke the camel's back for me. I had a new baby, a two and a four year old, a husband who was chief surgical resident and also working in the ER. Sometimes he would be gone 4 days in a row and on top of that we only had one car! For a while I was overwhelmed, but quickly adjusted. The icing on all of this was that all of the kids were healthy, happy and easy. They were all good sleepers and the best part is that they all grew up to be outstanding adults, including the fourth member of our family who arrived two years later. I feel very blessed!! The girls(friends) and. I save Big Stone Gap yesterday. We all enjoyed it and had a fun afternoon. Today i'll be preparing for the cold week. Time to bring my indoor plants inside and I'll bring in some firewood so we can put a fire in the fireplace.....later

Ladies Who Lunch

Today I'll be going to lunch and seeing Big Stone Gap with Linda and Bev. Will also get to see Bev's new 3-legged kitty. I read Big Stone Gap several years ago and knew it was being made into a movie and that has finally happened. Cold yesterday morning and I finally flipped on the heat. Colder weather coming by the weekend. I need to bring in some wood for some fires. I also need to start thinking about clothes to take to Canada next week.....later

Wednesday's Blog

Just watched the Democratic debate.. So b.s. different from the Republican debates! They focused on issues, no dissing each other other. Really talking about things that matter to me and most of the people  I know. ..I have a family divided on issues and I will not get involved on Facebook,but I know them all and I know where their hearts are and cannot understand how any of them can be a Republican and believe in their issues.  I could go on for issue by issue but I'll say I've made my point and it's late.   On a much lighter note.. I'm looking forward to my bed. I put my flannel sheets on our bed today with our winter bedding. We still sleep with the fan on and the door open..that me, not Richard. I want a warm bed and a cold room. Baxter is okay with that!

Boot Hunting

I have a bit of shopping to do today and at the top of my list is finding boots I like and don't break the bank. I also need to drop off clothes I'm giving away. The give-away bag is much bigger this year. I just can't see the use of putting things back in the closet that I haven't worn for a few years. Richard actually wanted to go through what I was getting rid of to make sure I wasn't getting rid of things that he liked. I nixed that idea..! Time for me to get myself together....later

Good Weekend

Watched a lot of football and golf all with good results. Bengals are just one of several teams who are 5 and 0. I didn't have access to the game but kept up with it because scores were streamed on the Titans game. Last night was my favorite tv night with Madam Secretary, Good Wife, Homeland and Indian Summer on PBS. Couldn't watch them all but dir'd some. This season has so many shows we like that the ever is getting quite a workout. I've had a few requests for my potato soup so will post that now.     Potato Soup.       5-6 strips bacon, chopped, 2 stalks celery, chopped, 2 Lee's, white parts chopped, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 8 medium potatoes, peeled and diced, 4 cups chicken broth, 3 T. butter, 1/4 cup flour, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 t. dried tarragon, 3 T. Parsley, chopped, salt and pepper to taste (I used white pepper).   Cook bacon until crisp, remove and drain. Cook celery and Lee's in the bacon grease 5 min., stir in garlic and cook 1-2 minutes. Add potatoes, salute 5 minutes then add enough chicken broth to cover potatoes. Cover and simmer until done. In separate pan melt butter, whisk in flour and stir for 2 min., whisk in heavy cream, tarragon and parsley. Bring to boil and cook until thicken stirring. Before making cream sauce, puree potato mixture to your desired smoothness. When cream sauce is made add it to potato mixture. At serving time I added about 2 cups migrated cheddar cheese and added s and p to taste. Sprinkle each serving with bacon and enjoy!!!

Good Football Weekend

Van Tech won on Friday and the Vols had a sweet win yesterday to defeat Georgia. They were behind 3-24 in the first half but scored 2 quick toss near the end of the first half and came back strong in second half to win 38-31! Clemson won as did OSU. That was it for us and football. It rained most of the day and that made it a good day for chili. Not sure of today's weather..too early to tell. I'm hoping for sunshine. Phone news...New phone came yesterday and it was the wrong phone. I called (I'd rather have a stick in my eye) and spent nearly an hour dealing with that but in the end they were sending me another phone. Fast forward to last night about 10. Not sure why I did this, but picked up my old phone and pressed "on" key and it sprang to life!! I guess it sensed the angst I had been going through...still alive this morning. I got up early and am ready for coffee....later

Rainy Saturday

Started raining last evening and still coming down. Today I'll be working on my closet change. As much as I dread it, it's fun getting everything organized and I always am excited to discover something I forgot I had. I'm hoping to rid out things I haven't worn in a while and I have some new things I recently bought. The rest of the day will be football and golf. Happy Valentine's Tech got a nice win last night.....later

Phone Update

Got a message last night that my new phone is on its way via Fed Ex and I got a tracking number. I'm hoping it will arrive today so I can charge it and get it set up. Rain expected on and off and Carolyn called and cancelled yesterday so is coming this morning. My potato soup was absolutely great!! Richard said it was definitely restaurant quality and the best he ever had. Let me know if you want recipe. I got the recipe on line and tweaked it just a bit. Coffee time....later

Cleaning Day

Carolyn will be here to clean today and Richard will go to the store to pick up things I need to make potato soup for dinner. I think I'll go through my closet today and pull out things to give away. There are so many tops I haven't worn in several seasons. Time to say bye-Bye. Another beautiful day here before rain moves in tomorrow. Still no phone....later

Things on my Mind

I know it's not Wed. Am, but I'll post now..First..Jeopardy has a winner that I think will surpass Ken Jennings. He's in his 20s and is a paralegal and a genius. I didn't like him at first but he is amazing. Next..one of my idols was on Covert last night..Yo Yo Ma. He played with the band. Now I will vent!!! Net 10 sucks!!. My phone died last Tuesday. I dealt with it Wed. And after 50 minutes on the phone with them I was promised a new phone I 2 days. Called again on Sunday..apology and promised My new phone would arrive on Tuesday at the latest...it did not. More phone call and they are having issues in their warehouse. I really lost it. I didn't use foul language but I did tell them how inept they are and how they care nothing about their customers...blah, blah, blah and hung up. Why do I stay???.. I don't want to lose my minutes, I have all of my contacts on that I don't want to lose because some of them I only have on the phone and I don't want to have a number change and I'm not willing to pay what it costs to have to pay more than I do which is less than $20. Dollars a month with unlimited time, etc. So, I'll grin and continue to hitch and moan. Until then I can't text or receive cell messages....later

Fall Chores

Going to Wal-Mart this morning to exchange the hair spray Richard got me instead of hair gel and then we needed a few other items. Yesterday our grass was cut and I hope for the last time, but after last week's rain and now warmer weather, that may not be the case. I'm thinking I may get my summer clothes exchanged for winter ones this weekend but not sure about that. The deck rug is now dry after we hung it over the railing so I may clean it this afternoon. Now it's coffee time and I need to get myself together so I can get an early start..not light yet.....later

Uncertain Monday

Not sure what today will be. Richard put a new battery in my car yesterday, so I'm good to roll this morning. I need to get gas and I want to stop at Pet Smart to get a kitty toy for Bev's new three-legged kitty she just adopted. Other than that finish the laundry and head to the gym. Yesterday I pulled up the rug on the deck to dry thoroughly before I clean it. I also started dismantling me potted annuals. I still need to clean pots and start putting all of that away..lots to do in the next few weeks..time to get going!....later

Football..Ugh!!

Yesterday was so frustrating!! We watched Va Tech lose again, The Vols lose again and Ohio State almost lose. Actually, Richard was rooting for Indiana. I'm thinking their QB not up to stay in that position. And then there was the Clemson Notre Dame game!! By then we were watching in bed and I was so tired of football. I didn't even want to turn on the tv this morning and listen to the rehashing of games played yesterday. Now I'm hoping Dan and Max don't have trouble driving home with SC road conditions. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise here and no rain!! Thank goodness!....later

Rain, Rain and More Rain

Worried about the Clemson/Notre Dame game. Clemson will be highlighted on ESPN this morning at 9. Madison's dad, brother and friend are in Clemson for the game and the weather is not good...monsoon like. On this front it's still raining and my new phone didn't arrive  yesterday as promised. Tennesee plays Arkansas at 7..Clemson on at 8. Bean soup time here and I'll be making breakfast muffins later...happy weekend...later

Broken Belongings

Went out yesterday morning to put something in my car and remote wouldn't open it..uh oh..my car was totally dead! No hint of a weak battery. We'll be dealing with that today. Richard tried to jump it last night but it wouldn't take a charge. The battery is under the back seat! Now, tell me if I'm crazy or is my husband. He left yesterday shortly after 10 to go to Wal-Mart. He got home after 2.What sane person can spend that much time in Wal-Mart?? Not me, for sure. Rained all night..still raining. I have an appointment this morning and also need to stop by post office to mail a package to Olivia. My phone should be here today so I'll need to get it charged and working. I watched the start of the new season of Bones last night..good but episode is continued next week...shower time...later

Eva

Just saw Eva so cute in her new outfit for school picturesyesterday. The weather cooperated by being cool for her sweater dress. It was cool here also and that seems to be the pattern for awhile.  A new phone is on the way for me so I should be back in business tomorrow. Nothing much going on here today. Richard will be Wal-Mart shopping, I just have a bit of this and that to do....later

No Cell Phone

I tried to check the time yesterday on my phone and it was dead. I had just charged it the day before so that wasn't it. I'll deal with it later. I may start looking into it soon. We did see The Intern yesterday and loved it! De Niro was great, as usual and so was Anne Hathaway. If you are looking for a "feel good movie" this is it. I got up at 6:30 to find Richard up already. This is not the way I like to start my morning. It rained on and off all day yesterday and is really foggy this morning! .....later

TMJ

Not sure if I've been talking about my mouth issues but for several weeks something has been going on. It started with a foresaw and pain when chewing. It got somewhat better but not going away. I finally went to my dentist and he put me on a one week dosage of a steroid/muscle relaxer with not a lot of change. He gave me a referral to an oral surgeon if I didn't get better. Yesterday I called and the first thing his assistant said was it sounded like TMJ! Not sure why that never entered my mind but I've never experienced that or knew anyone who had. I read all about it on line and sounds exactly what I'm experiencing. Prognosis is it eventually goes away. Okay..raining here. I think we'll go to Longhorns for lunch and then see The Intern.....later

Just the Usual

Laundry day. The weekend wasn't the best with losses on Saturday by the Vols and the Hokies. Yesterday was better with a win from the Bengals and Spieth in golf. We were expecting to see a super moon and an eclipse last night but we didn't see it. Some saw it near Knoxville but clouds here. A cool down expected by week's end so I may change my closet..We'll see...later

Bummer!!!

I was so down after both of our teams lost! They were on at the same time so we were going back and forth all afternoon. When they were over we were drained so watched no more football. I was in bed by 10 and slept until 7 this morning. Brunch is cooking. I'll be making meat loaves this afternoon..one for dinner, one for the freezer. Not sure if we'll get the Bengals today so maybe no football. Beautiful weather..love it!!....later

Two Days in a Row!

Another night of good sleep not waking up until almost 6:30! I'm happy with this. I really like getting up early but if I can sleep until six, I'm happy. Vols play the Gators in the swamp today. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a Vols win. Nothing much planned today. We're drinking our Saturday morning smoothies now. We always watch Bill Maher on Friday night's and usually like him even though he is often over the top, even for us. He is an atheist and last night his whole panel was as well. It was really a bit much for me. That brings me to how much I'm loving watching the Pope's visit!..Flu shots yesterday...later

Still Groggy

I'm not fully with it yet this morning from a great night's sleep. I went to bed about 10:30 and woke up briefly at 4ish, but back to sleep until 6:40! That's late for me. I wasn't sure where I was or what day it was. I had dreams of meeting another couple at a play and then going to their house.  And more but confusing. I'm working through my cob webs now. It's raining here..I have the door open and it is such a delicious sound!!.Today..Coffee time, more puzzle time, some breakfast, a shower and after an early lunch a stop to get our flu shots before heading to the gym. Subway for dinner and a relaxing Friday evening....later

October Travel plans

We have been wanting to go to the Northwest and finally will be going. We'll fly to Vancouver and then drive 75 miles to Whistler. We hope to spend a few days in and around Vancouver. I've been watching a lot of the people's visit and find him so inspiring .Just heard a reminder about flu shots. We'll plan to get ours soon..maybe tomorrow. Today will be a mostly relaxing but I need to stop at Kroger's..grapes for .99.  .....later
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Watching the Pope

It is all positive news for a welcome change! Yesterday..we had been saying we needed to call David to get some things done around here but I first wanted to call our neighbor to see if he needed David. I hadn't done that yet but yesterday right after Richard left for Wal-Mart I heard a truck pull up next door. It was David so I called to him and asked him to stop by here when he was done there. The fan David put up clicks and we have a cupboard in our basement that got water in it when it last rained hard. Also the shelves collapsed. David found the water problem, chalked it, Put the shelves up and fixed the fan. It took him about 90 minutes and cost $40. Also, David is just pleasant to have around. After a restless Monday night, I slept well last night. It was 6:30 when I woke up. Today..more pope watching and afternoon gym....later

Up Too Early!

I was sleepy when I turned in at 11, but couldn't get to sleep. I looked at the clock at 1:37 and then refused to look again. It seemed like I was tossing and turning most of the night. When I looked at the clock again it was 4:46. I finally got up at 5. I really have nothing going on today so no big deal. Richard is going to Wal-Mart this morning for a few things and needs to pick up a new spotlight for our fall wreath. Richard put it up Saturday and it was lit but didn't go on Sunday..must have burned out during the night. We have it programmed to go off at midnight. Coffee time!....later

Salmon Ready

I brined the salmon overnight and we took it to Vic yesterday. It is now smoked and ready to go. I'm not that excited about it since I don't like salmon but Richard loves it. Still too warm for my taste. I'm ready for some fall temperatures! I have nothing to say today..same old, etc. It was a nice, relaxing weekend with mostly good football results....later

Surprises...

The Vols winning was no big surprise, but Auburn losing and Ohio State just getting by was. On the golf front..Jason Day is something else! The usual Sunday here..brunch soon and then NY Times puzzle time.  More golf and some NFL games in our forecast.....later

Knoxville..Sam's

We got a load of stuff at Sam's yesterday. We got 6 packages of salmon and friend Vic will smoke most of it. That will be for Richard because I don't like salmon. We also got a chicken, ground beef and bacon which I separated into individual packages. I got 2 cute tops as well. Our freezer is pretty full. We went to Rafferty's for lunch and we both got our usual..potato soup for both of us and a 1/2 club for Richard and chicken salad for me. Their potato soup can't be matched Nd the chicken salad had red grapes, nuts and celery served with 2 croissants. The club is loaded with meat and no one can match that either. Needless to say, it is tops for us when we go to Knoxville. Today will be warmer..to the gym after lunch..football tomorrow and speaking of that..happy for Broncos surprising win last night!.....later

Debates

Well, I watched both debates and in the first one the candidates talked more about issues and there was less back-stabbing.The second one started off with dissing..mainly by Trump who,by the way, definitely wasn't the winner this time. Many of them made sense on several issues, but I think Carly Fiorino sucks to issues and did very well. It was a late night. I'm hoping Maggie is watching Today today as her teen idols, Duran Duran are coming up. Muir is at school so will miss them and it's time for Maggie to drive Eva to preschool..maybe she dvrd it.. Shower time..we're off to Knoxville this morning...
Later

Responding

I know i'll get flack over my response to Muir's blog of yesterday. She is in love with pumpkin spice items mainly English muffins and Shandy also spiced! I tried the muffins on my daughter's advice last year. I didn't like them even a little bit. As for beer with flavors other than usual beer taste..ugh!! I do love pumpkin pie and pumpkin spiced lattes but enough is enough. I'm getting a haircut this morning and I may just stop on my way there for that latte. Richard is supposed to have an appointment this morning but he didn't get the usual reminder yesterday so I'm wondering if that is a mistake. I'll call as soon as they open to check. I'm loving this weather and I did get my fall decor in place yesterday while Carolyn cleaned. My as a battery supply ran out and I use them for many of my candles. Just in time Richard saw a great deal on Group on yesterday for the batteries so ordered them. Time for coffee!....later

Cleaning Day

Carolyn will be here in a bit and the house will be clean when she leaves. I'll be getting more decor changed. No definitive answer but he put me on a 6 day regimen of a muscle relaxer/steroid so we'll see if that does anything. Baxter and I went to the green belt for a walk yesterday. It was a perfect day and he smelled every blade of grass! I love the weather but frustrating clothesline. I start out with sweats and long sleeved shirt. By noon I change to Captis, by five back to morning attire. Today is likely to be a repeat, but warmer days returning....later

Barr!

As soon as my feet hit the floor I felt it! We slept with the door to our back deck opened. Even Baxter stayed on his bed last night instead of finding a cooler spot. Laundry is well under way and soon time for my shower. I have an appointment with the dentist this morning and hope to find out what is going on with my jaw/mouth, etc. Happy to see the Titans finally enjoying a win. I can only hope that Marcus Mariota will be the answer. He certainly came through for them yesterday!  Also happy for Bengals and Broncos. Time to get moving...later

P.S

My brain wasn't in full functioning mode when I posted earlier. I meant to comment on the women's US Open final yesterday..We watched most of it and it reminded me of the days when Chris Every and her peers were playing. There were lots of interesting and variety of shots,unlike when Serena plays with power and quick-ending shots. The whole experience was delightful and both participants were great..fun and enjoyable. I was spotty when Serena lost but after watching these two girls, I was happy...

Heartbreaker in Tennessee

We had a great first half and we're ahead 17-3 at half time. The second half was a different story! As we were fading The Sooners came to life and we lost in double overtime! On the weather front it is quite chilly..very Fall-like.  It is going to be nice and sunny. I'm hoping we'll get some games today that we care about..Time for me to start breakfast...later

Chilly Morning

Got a bit of Rain overnight and much cooler now. The sun just appeared but much cooler by tomorrow morning. Richard got me  A UT tee shirt the other day but it didn't fit and I didn't like the fabric so I took it back this morning and got one more to my liking. Now I'm just waiting for the games to begin. The Vols don't start until 6 and I'm not sure what other games we get that I care about.  We'll see....later

Rainy Morning

Getting excited for game day tomorrow!..Hoping our defense will be able to step up to the challenge! It is  sold out game so will be super noisy. As for today..I see the chiropractor this morning and to the gym after lunch. Right now it's time for some coffee....later

Once Again...Sorry

Maggie just called to see why I hadn't blogged..it just so happened that I didn't have A thing to say. Today isn't much better. It's raining here and cooler so that makes me happy. Yesterday was very humid..Come on fall! I made beef stew yesterday and it just wasn't that good. Richard thought the meat was dry so I think I'll take what's left and turn it into hash. I need to boil some eggs for Richard..he likes an egg in his salad. Yesterday he wanted to make a salad for lunch but no tomatoes and no hard boiled eggs. Time for my second cup of coffee...later

Tuesday Plans

I'll be going to the post office first this morning to mail packages to Caroline and Madison and then a stop to pick up a prescription and a stop at Kroger s. Another hot day here before rain and cooler weather move in tomorrow. I'm thinking I may start to put out some of my fall decor..maybe this weekend. Time for coffee...later

Happy Labor Day

It will be a lazy end to the weekend. At some point today I'll start the laundry. I also need to get the packages for Caroline and Madison ready to mail tomorrow. We had a surprise gully-washer yesterday evening. It came down hard for 30 minutes or more. It cooled things off nicely and I turned off the a/c and it was lovely sleeping. I'll have another coffee now and then think about doing something productive....later

Good Outcomes

The teams we were watching all won!! Tennessee..Clemson..Auburn. Va Tech will likely lose to OSU tomorrow and I'm torn there. Other than that we also went to Linda and Vic's to swim yesterday afternoon. This morning we decided to go out for breakfast and had Huddle House coupons so decided to give it a try..bad idea! It was very busy and we waited Forever!! For our meals. I wanted to leave and never would have stayed but Richard thought we should. He was wrong! Food was fine but certainly not worth it. Live and learn. Came home to have mimosas and do the puzzle. Relaxing now....later

Football Today

...and I'm finally feeling good! Vols play at 4.Before that I need to stop at Kroger's to pick up items for a care pkg for Madison and a gift card for Caroline. I hope to mail those by Tuesday. Other than that we'll be watching football most of the day and evening with some golf thrown in there....later

Football Time!

Can't wait for football tomorrow! We'll be watching several games..Tennessee, Clemson, Auburn and West Virginia. Va. Tech and OSU play on Monday. On other football news I'm happy for Brady and Patriots! Now, do your job and stomp The Steelers in their opening game! Just in time for football the heat is back after several weeks of cooler temps. Looking forward to fall weather.Coffee time....later

Improving

Did mostly nothing yesterday. I did drive Richard to his appointment but after dropping him off I went by McDonald's and picked up a frappe and biscuit and sat in my car reading for the next hour. Then I gassed up my car and returned to pick up Richard. At home I sat in my chair all day and watched tv and read. Richard mostly waited on me. Dinner was easy as I had an eggplant parmesan previously made so just had to bake it.  We have nothing planned for today so I'm hoping another day of rest will have my back returned to normal. I started a new book yesterday..a non fiction book..@ AWOL on the Appalachian Trail. It is a great read!...later

Wishing Back Issues Away!

Yesterday was a lazy morning and I dropped Richard off for his Appointment and then stopped at Kroger 's to pick up a few things and then a car wash. He was finished just as I drove up and we went to Chili's for lunch. As soon as we got home I started making the eggplant parmesan. It is a long process and took all afternoon. I have one in the frig for tonight and another larger one in the freezer. I had everything cleaned up by 4 and then collapsed in my chair. My back was killing me! Richard waited on me for the rest of the evening. He made us grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner. After cooking all afternoon, I wasn't even hungry. This morning has been rough so far. I'm about to shower and hope that will help. Richard has another appointment at 9:30 for his yearly checkup and this one will take much longer than yesterdays. I may go to the library while I wait....later

Rough Monday

Not sure why but I was really lacking energy and my back was unusually tight. I did work out at the gym but not with any fervor. Feeling fine this morning. Richard has an appointment at 12:45 today so I'll drop him off and then stop at Kroger to pick up a few things. The Heat is back after a very pleasant two weeks without a/c! Time for breakfast and I'm in the mood for a soft boiled egg....later

Tom and Karen

We just had the best time with Tom and Karen! We hated to see them go..we thoroughly enjoyed their visit..very fun and relaxing. We went to the Farmer's Market yesterday morning. I got, as did Karen, a variety of eggplants we had never seen. I'll be making eggplant parmesan this week. I also got corn which we'll have tonight. Just relaxing the rest of today.....later

Fun Day

Yesterday was casual and fun. After a lazy morning we had lunch and then headed to Cafes Cove. I was afraid of what we would turn into at the voice, but traffic up there was very light. On the way home we got pulled over by a ranger and she wrote up a warning saying we crossed over the yellow line! Really! That's all you got?!? I guess she was bored. We got back to the house and had a drink before going to the Irish Pub in Maryville. When we got home we just had lots of good conversations.  Tom was quizzing me on family history. Today will likely be another easy, casual day. We'll see what transpires. The weather has been delightful!!....later

Fun Evening

Tom and Karen arrived shortly after five and we started the evening with margaritas, a cheese plate and fruit. The meal was a hit ending with the tiramisu. No one is up yet but the coffee is made. Not sure what we'll do but thinking we'll drive to Cades Cove and dinner will be at the Irish Pub in town....later

Clean House

Carolyn was here yesterday and the house is spit spot! I made the gazpacho, tiramisu and prepared the garlic bread for baking. Today I'll make the pasta salad. I made the dressing several days ago. Tom and Karen will be here this afternoon. We always enjoy their company so it should be a fun weekend. The weather is still lovely and today should be another great day  before things warm up tomorrow. Time for coffee....later

Perfect Weather

It's downright chilly this morning! Humidity is gone and we're in for a beauty. Richard will be off to grocery shop and I'll be doing stuff around here. I'll finally be able to clean the deck. Our grass guy came yesterday afternoon so that looks good. I'll
make gazpacho when Richard gets here with the makings for it. Tomorrow i'll do the tiramisu for Thursday's dessert. Time for coffee!....later

Relaxing Weekend

The whole week was rathr laid back with no commitments of any kind. This week we'll be getting ready for Tom and Karen's visit on Thursday. Richard will grocery shop tomorrow and i'll be doing cooking. Last week was very rainy, but this week promises to be dry and pleasant. We haven't used the a/c since I got back. Our lawn was due to be cut last week but rain every day prevented that. I'm hoping he'll show up today!  Time to attend to morning chores.....later

Beautiful Weather!

It's going to be a lovely day!. I have an early appointment so need to get moving soon. After that I'll stop at Kroger s for a few things.This afternoon..gym time. No plans for the weekend but it's supposed to be nice. I'll try to get some weeding done. Our grass needs cutting but our guy couldn't do it this week because of daily rain. Time for a bite to eat and get dressed.....later

Will it ever End?

I'm really needing to spray for weeds  but this daily rain hasn't.  Let p since I got home. I think  the next two days are supposed to be dry,so we'll  see. Today..just chores around here. Humming birds are very active and I've just made more food. I'm hoping to clean the deck as soon as things dry  off. Time for a bit to eat....later

Rain and More...

I'm really not complaining but this has been the daily occurrence since I got back. Yesterday was fun. We had lunch and then saw Ricki and the Flash. We really liked it! Streep was great and she did all of her own singing and also played the guitar. The music was really good. Today I'll be dropping Richard off for an appointment and while he's there I'll make a few stops. This afternoon it will be gym time....later

Birthday Time..Richard Turns 77!!

We'll go to a movie and eat out today..I think we'll see Ricki and the Flash, but it's not at a good time so need to work around that. We're in a rainy week down here but that keeps the temperature down. I got everything done I planned and am getting back in my groove. Time for coffee....later

Back to my Rouutine

Nice to be back even though I miss PIB and most of all my family. I  need to  get everything unpacked,  laundered and put away. I  also need  to  Go to the  store, do some outside work, etc.....later

Home Sweet Home

Had a wonderful time but it's always good to get home..Left this morning about 7:30 with a stop at Kroger s for Starbucks. Got home shortly after 12 with one stop for gas. It was good to see my hubby and my puppy! Lots to do tomorrow. Watching golf now..Go Spieth....later

Bye-Bye!!

Had a wonderful time but ready to be home. I miss Richard and Baxter. I'm all packed and we've got laundry going. It stormed last night and a big limb fell and hit the front of the house. It dented the gutter but no other damage. I didn't hear it but I'm surprised it didn't wake Eva. It hit just outside of her window. Time to go.....later

Busy Day Yesterday

Started out with the usual Mimosas at breakfast and then the girls went for a spin on the wave runner and returned to take Eva for a ride. After that we all headed to the pool. It was a perfect day. Headed to Reel Bar for lunch and then back to cottage to give Eva a nap. While she napped the girls took me out on the wave runner and after they dropped me off they went out again. They went all around the island and said it was very rough! Today is our last day here. It has been a perfect week and I've had a wonderful time. It has been so great to be back!!!....later

Meteor Shower

Not sure if it really happened. I haven't heard yet, but us girls, Maggie, Muir and I all set our clocks for 2 a m. We got up and went out and saw a beautiful sky full of stars but nothing falling. We returned to our beds after watching for a bit..very disappointing! Another beautiful morning here..chilly but warming to the low 80s. Mimosas time at the cottage....later

Fabulous Weather

Yesterday it hit 81 but not getting there today. I should have brought more long sleeved tops. It is brisk this morning and later plans are to go to the pool but I may rethink that plan. Yesterday Madison and Mikayla took.out the roadrunner before they left but didn't go far because it was pretty rough. Muir and Jimmy coming today and should 've here around nine or so and we'll head to Frosty's.....later

Stormy Afternoon

I finally  Got my rain! I love it! This morning it's windy and chilly. After my shower I decided to start the day in sweats until I see what unfolds. The sky is looking blue  and it should be  a great day! Eva continues to entertain. She is having so much fun with Madison and Mikayla  Whom she  has renamed  Apple. She will miss  them when they leave today. Muir and  Jimmy come tomorrow. Time  for more  coffee...later



M

More Fun

Yesterday was a typical, lovely day at the Bay. I got a lot of reading in and enjoying the swing/beds on the porch. Lunch at Topsy Turvey was delicious. I had reuben rolls and bright some home which I will have for lunch today. Last evening we all hung out on the West shore watching the amazing sky and enjoying it all. Melissa will be leaving and I'll hate to see her go. I have so enjoyed getting to know her. She'll be going back to D.C. to complete her preparation for assuming her state department post in Kenya. She'll be studying Swahili intensely. She loves Kenya and was stationed there previously. Her last post was Pakistan. Safe travels to her!!....later

Peaceful Morning at the Bay

I was the first one up and after showering I made coffee and sat down to enjoy the morning. I'm looking out at the Bay but walked out to the West shore. Maggie, Charlie and Melissa are up and Charlie and Melissa are out for a walk. It's cloudy this morning but perfect temperature. It's about mimosas time. Madison and Mekayla haven't appeared yet from the loft. Eva is also a sleepy head.....later
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Put_In-Bay

Got up early, got the car packed and we're on our way before 7. We made the 9 o'clock ferry and got the car unpacked, talked to the West's and then went to Frosty's for Brea fast followed by a stop at the carousel for Eva. Came back to the cottage, unpacked and got things in order then took the golf cart around the island and stopped at Topsy Turvey for a beer. Home now..Eva and Melissa down for a nap and I'm guessing Charlie will be next. Madison arriving later..around 4. A bit cloudy here and in the 70s...later

A Ho Hum Debate

I cannot see any of the Republicans who were on that stage as our next president! No one with the exception of Chris Cristie answered the question they were asked. Instead, the talked about something else they wished to say. Now for some exciting news about my trip to Ohio...from home to Lexington all was fine..a few drizzled but nothing of note, but from Lexington on it was lots of rain, poor visibility and road construction. Lunch with Madison was good and then I started off for Muir's. First, the road I usually take was closed but the GPS rerouted me. I got to 275 and Boom! I got a flat tire. I called 911 and a policeman was there soon.She called for help and they came before long. Jimmy also came. Amidst the rain and traffic the tire was changed at no cost. It's a courtesy here! Finally I was on my way. The tire is toast so I'm getting a new book fire he his morning and i'll be on my way to Maggie's. The evening with Muir was great!...later

On My Way

I'll be leaving soon wending my way to PIB via stops in Cincinnati and Columbus. I'll stop at Anne's and take Madison to lunch and drop off some things for her apartment at Clemson.After that I'll go to Muir's and spend the night. Tomorrow morning.I'll head to Maggie's and we'll leave for the Bay early Saturday morning. Maggie has already told me we'll be having a mimosa on the ferry...can't wait. I haven't been up there sinceRity's wedding. I'll probably post while there unless I'm having too much fun to bother....later
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To Do List

My list for today is very long. I want to get my hair trimmed and fill up with gas for tomorrow. When I get home I have a very long list of things to get done. Rain is expected tomorrow so just hoping it won't be too bad. Richard is going to Sam's today but I just can't spare the time to go with him. With so much to do, I need to get started..first chore..make more food for the hummingbirds....later

Busy Day

A bad start to my day when Richard got up before I got up throwing off my morning routine. My house cleaner coming this morning and I have a dental appointment. When I get back I'll attack my list of all I need to get done to get out of here early on Thu. I hope to be in Cincinnati about lunch c h time to take Madison and possibly Max to lunch. I think Max has football practice so he likes k Ely won't be home. Now it's time for my coffee....later

Busy Week

Today will be fairly normal with laundry and the gym. Tomorrow I have a dentist appointment and cleaning lady will be here. Wednesday I'll be packing and a thousand other things. We want to bathe Baxter and I need to make copious notes for Richard.  I'll be heading north on Thursday and spending the night in Cincinnati before heading to Columbus on Friday. Can't wait to get to the. Bay. Duty calls this morning...later

Lazy Sunday

Puzzle is nearly finished and brunch eaten. Went to an Irish Pub for dinner last night. We had never been there before but really liked it. Food was good and beer was cheap and good selection. It would be a great place to hang on game day. I watched the Reds while we were there. Slept without the a/c last night..loved it. Discovered a tv show a few weeks ago we really like.."Welcome to Sweden". It's on tonight....later

Gorgeous Morning

I'm just enjoying this lovely morning. Soon I'll get busy and make our Saturday smoothies. I may then spray for weeds and who knows what else. I know we'll be watching some golf later and we're going to an Irish Pub in town for dinner. I need to make a list and make sure I have everything ready for Richard for when I'm gone. I usually make detailed lists for him which he tends to ignore..oh well..I'm sure he'll do fine.  Smoothie time....later

Okay..Finally

Humidity relief! It's so nice to wake up to the cool morning. I'm watching the hummingbird drinking his breakfast. He has a nice, fresh supply of nectar. I have a late appointment with chiropractor and then some errands to follow. I'm trying to think of everything Richard will need while I'm gone. There is a meatloaf in the freezer and he'll get a rotisserie chicken. I know he won't starve..the larders are full. Time to shower....later

Still Hot..Change Promised!

Hope for the change in this awful heat wave. Richard heading to store today which gives me time to get things done on the home front. I'll finally get to the dreaded ironing and some other chores I have continued putting on the back burner. Happy for Muir and her negotiating team in their attempt to get a contract at school that will benefit the majority of staff! I'll keep my fingers crossed that the school board will do the right thing. Speaking of doing the right thing...what kind of a sick person can kill theses beautiful and endangered animals?!?  I have a punishment for the dentist..throw him in with a pride of lions!....later

Heat, Heat, etc.

So tired of this heat! Some relief expected tomorrow. As soon as I finish this I need to go out and water plants. Took Baxter to vets yesterday for his yearly checkup and shots. I had planned to do some ironing but didn't get around to it. That will wait until the weekend. The coffee cake is wrapped and in the freezer. I'm making a noodle, Asian salad for dinner and Richard will get a salmon filet to go with it. The pork tacos were really good. About the coffee cake..I baked it in an angel food cake pan like In a did when she made it. If I make it again I'll use loaf pans. It's a pain to grease and flour angel food pan and not as easy to get out after baked. Flowers are calling for water....later

Early Chores

The coffee cake for Put-In-Bay is in the oven. I make a mess when I bake and it isn't totally cleaned up yet. I wanted to get started before it got too hot. I don't like to have the oven on when it's so hot. I also have ironing to do..another chore I'm not fond of. I may run in to Public later to pick up some things I need. Tonight I'm going to do pulled pork tacos for dinner. I saw the recipe on Pinterest and ran the idea by Richard. He said it sounded good to him so it's a go for tonight. Time to finish cleaning up the kitchen before Richard comes out and asks what happened out here.....later

Dinner Woes!

I have no earthly idea what to have for dinner! I am so into something easy and light but am coming up empty. Laundry mostly done..Last load in now. Hot again today with showers later. Heard last night that we have so far had 23 days over 90 this year with only 8 days over 90 last year. We are also finally at average for rainfall..okay, I know I'm a weather watcher..I think it comes with age!  Got a message from Becky yesterday to reserve October 15th, 2016 for McClain and Tommy's wedding in Warrenton! Very excited about that!...time to get busy....later

Nice Morning

I'm being a bit lazy this morning. I usually start Sunday breakfast at 7, but still sitting with my coffee and watching morning news. I'm making French toast and sausage and fruit. I also make egg beaters and 1 piece of sausage for Baxter on Sunday. He's looking at me now and wondering why I'm just sitting here. Not sure what the day will bring.....later

Beautiful Surprise

When we got back from the gym yesterday there was a  box waiting for me by the door. It was  from Muir and  I  had a sneaking suspicion there was a quilt  waiting for me. Muir makes beautiful quilts  and I knew  she was.working on one.   Last Christmas she told me I was next so I kind of expected one for Christmas. This was  belated birthday  gift and it is beautiful!!  She  p u t it  on Facebook  so you can see it there. I don't know  how to put pictures on my  blog. Today I have some weeding to do and a few other chores  around the  house....later

Trainwreck

Loved the movie..funny and good writing and acting from.Amy Schumer as well as all of the others. It was a good way to spend a rainy day. It started to rain just as we neared Knoxville and kept it up all day. We also had lunch at Longhorns Steak House. I have an appointment with chiropractor this morning and gym after lunch. No plans for the weekend. Maybe we'll take Baxter for a ride...later

Rains Coming

Rainy day so first I'll drop Richard off at ETM for his echocardiogram then pick him up and head to Knoxville for lunch and a movie. We're going to see Train wreck. I also need to stop at Bed Bath and Beyond.Rains on and off all day will make it much cooler. Yesterday we had our grass cut and got the news that the couple who have been doing this for several years are retiring and moving to Florida. Yesterday was their last cut. They do have someone who is taking over so he will be cutting our lawn. I'm hoping he might do other lawn chores. Time for me to get moving...later

Cooler Morning

Yesterday evening's rain cooled things down a lot and I, happily turned off the a/c and opened the doors. We also slept a/c free. Still Nice this morning but that won't last. Cleaning person coming this morning and i'll be working on my dressing room. Watched a good interview last night with Charlie Rose talking with Warren Buffett, Bill and Melinda Gates. It was very interesting! Got to get moving.....later

Tired of Summer

I get tired of humidity more than the heat. The two combined make a miserable pair. I finished Go Set a Watchman and really loved it. I think I love Atticus more than I did before. It's a shame that media portrayed him as a racist in their talking about the book. I hope it didn't keep people from reading the book, but I'm sure it did. My own daughters weren't going to read it until I set them straight. It is a complex book and I loved it. I'm just sorry there won't be a sequel to this. On news here it's a usual sultry Monday. Laundry is happening and Richard has an appointment to get fitted with a heart monitor which means no pool today..keep cool..go Spieth!!..later

Congratulations to McClain and Tommy on their engagement!

I knew it was coming and so happy for them. They are a great couple and wish all the good things for a long and happy life together. We first met Tommy at Anne and Nicolas' wedding and immediately knew he was a wonderful young man. I told Stefanie that he was the kind of guy you wanted your daughters to marry. When she met him she agreed. Hot and steamy down here. I'm late blogging because right after I read Muirs blog, I lost my connection. ....later

Good Feeling

My appointment yesterday was with a new chiropractor and I was impressed and thinking about all the wasted time I spent on my previous one. I'm very hopeful that this will be a positive outcome. On another note, the heat persists but while watching The British Open, I'm thankful our summer doesn't mimic the one in Scotland. I'm planning to spend some time reading my current boil and really enjoying. I'm at the point where Scout has discovered racist material by her father's chair and is determined to find out what is going on....at this point, I'm not at all sorry to be reading the book. I want to know more and discover reasons for the seeming change in attitude...We'll see!....later

The British Open

I think it started at 4 am our time. I got up at 6 and started watching. I have a 9 am dentist appointment so need to get moving soon. I had dvrd Bear Grylls with Kate Hudson so we watched it last night..Very interesting.we watched him last year. He can really challenge one's courage! Looks like a nice day in store....later

Stormy Tuesday

The Day started off calmly enough but soon changed. At first it was the wind! It was really strong so Richard lowered our awning. Then the torrential rains came. Richard had a drs.appointment and when I dropped him off it was really coming down. I headed to Target, but no way could I leave the car. Instead I used the time to call Linda. I hadn't talked to her for quite awhile. As I ended our call, the rain had lessened so that I finally went in. When I left Target it was barely coming down. I made a stop at the post office and then picked Richard up. We went on to Knoxville and had lunch at Olive Garden. After that a stop at Trader Joe's and on home under blue skies. We got home and it got darker by the minute and all tv channels were on weather with heavy storms and tornado warnings all around us. Fortunately for us we only got heavy winds. By 6:30 all was fine for us..not so in surrounding counties. It's calm today. I'm headed out to get a haircut and Richard has a dentist appointment. ....later

The Calm Before the Storm??

After all of the warnings, we got nothing! Warnings are up again this morning for the rest of the day. Richard has an appointment with the cardiologist this morning and I'll be driving him there and then doing a few errands. Our thoughts were to go to lunch in Knoxville after the appointment, but not sure if that's a good idea. Lately Baxter seems really unsettled when it storms. I hate leaving him alone if it's stormy. We'll see. The new Harper Lee's new book appeared on my Kindle this morning. I had pre-ordered it and very anxious to read it....later

Golf Watching Fun Again

Yesterday the John Deere was certainly a fun event. I really love Jordan Spieth and always root for him to win as I always rooted for Tiger. Richard is much more diplomatic and roots for someone who needs a win. At the end of regular play yesterday we had 3 tied for the lead..Jordan,  Danny Lee who won last week and Tom Gillis, a 46 year old, a man who entered the PGA the year Spieth was born. He had never won and a win would change his life! We both had to root for him. Lee quickly lost and it was down to Spieth and Gillis. Alas, Gillis lost, but he still gets to go to the Open next week and wins a bundle of money. That was the majority of our Sunday. A usual Monday, but with a busy week full of appointments. Both of us accidental appointments and Richard has 3 others and we both need haircuts. Lots of storms predicted for tonight..yikes!...later

No Connection

I started to blog early but had no connection. I made breakfast and we just finished the NY Times puzzle. It just started to rain again. Looks like similar weather to yesterday..son, thunder and lightning and rain. Yesterday we watched a very exciting John Deere golf match. We'll be watching again today to see how Jordan Speith does. There are a lot of promising young players that are fun to watch. ....later

Rain? Surprise

I got up shortly after 6, turned on the tv and started working on a puzzle. Suddenly the skies opened up and we got quite a downpour! It did cool things down..at least for a bit. Baxter came out from the bedroom and asked me why the rain when he needed to go out. Instead, he climbed on the couch and decided he'd get a bit more sleep. I haven't anything planned for this day but I'm sure I'll think of something....later

Beautiful Movie

We both loved Me, Earl and The Dying Girl. Everything about jut t it was award worthy!  Lunch was also delicious at Raffertys. Very hot day yesterday  and the  heat continues. ....later

Movie Day with Lunch

Going to Knoxville for lunch at Rafferties and a movie. I also want to stop at Public. It's going to be hot here.  Yesterday while we were at the gym Richard had to get out of the pool because of threat of lightning. I wasn't in the pool so Diane know about it. When we left the gym it was much cooler than when we came but it never rained. However, as we drove toward home we realized it did rain and in our area it must have rained hard. It did cool things off. Going to be a hot one today. Safe travels to Maggie, Muir and Eva as they head home from PIB.....later

The Heat Returns

Yesterday was the first time in over a week that we needed our a/c. We watched a very good program on PBS last night..The Abolitionsts..The conclusion is on next week. Recently I read The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. That book was based on fact and some of the people and incidents in last nights documentary were also portrayed in Kidd's book.I need to call Chadwick's this morning. I got their catalog yesterday and found a great sale on a winter coat I want as well as some other good deals.....later

No Rain---Yet!

It's not that I have minded the rain or the cooler weather. It has been a refreshing break from the sultry summer heat. We're supposed to get the heat and humidity over the next few days. We didn't do much over the holiday weekend. It was rather boring. Baxter did not appreciate the sound of fireworks going on around here. He didn't act frightened, but was unsettled. He would go to the door but wouldn't go out..even when I went with him. It finally got quiet around around midnight. Normal Monday here....later

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

Rainy weather staying around for a while longer. I have to say I have really liked it. We haven't used our a/c all week and I've gone through several books. A leisurely day for us. I'll be making ribs for dinner..not my favorite, but it is one of Richard's. Hope all of my family at PI B have a great and fun day and Maggie, Charlie and Eva have a trouble free flight home from Destin....later

Still Raining

Yes, it's still raining and other Maryville news is that they will be allowing people near the train derailment and businesses will be allowed back home and retail reopening. I'll be making ribs for tomorrow so need to prepare them with the rub today and let it do its job overnight. Nothing else going on here. To the gym this afternoon....later

Train Derailment

Woke up to the news of the derailment. Several businesses are closed..Wal-Mart, Denso and lots of others. 5000 people were forced to leave their homes. Red Cross has set up a shelter in Heritage High School which is near us. A fire and poisonous gas was leaking. The train originated in Cincinnati and on the way to Waycross, GA. It's been raining here since I got up at 6.  I have nothing planned for the day so will be reading most of the day. Safe travels to my kids on their way to PIB! Have fun! Weather up there should be fine....later
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Tons of Rain!

More is expected today. I moved some of my plants under the awning. They don't need more water. To Muir..get a Rowenta iron. I love mine..superior to others I have had. We had no storms overnight so I had a good sleep..nothing going on here...later

Wakened by Thunder and Lightning

I first heard it about 3,but it apparently started shortly after midnight. It kept it up until about 5. The rain kept on until around 8 with more expected this afternoon. Our drought should be over by the end of the week as more rain due. On another note..I have determined that I will make no political comments on Facebook, but will likely vent on my blog. That gives warning to anyone who might be offended.my first vent is about the egomaniac Donald Trump. What a fool! Just looking at his stupid face riles me! I'll spend this after reading and enjoying the rain...later

Beautiful Weather, Nice Birthday

Yesterday was such a good day. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. It was a relaxing day for us. We did go to dinner in Knoxville at Bone Fish..quite delicious. It's pretty chilly here this morning but no complaints from me. Lots of complaints v
From Tennessee folks about the Supreme Court decision on same sex marriage, but no complaints from us...later

The Big 77!

Seventy seven years ago  in Point Marion Pennsylvania the annual firemen's carnival  was in f'll swing. Across the street in an apartment above Hunker's Drugstore I made my appearance  to the music from the carnival's merry-go-round. That carnival  was an important event every summer while I lived there.  That plus tombs of other fond memories stay with me  Today. What a life I've had. Glad to still be around and happy for all of my blessings!!.....later

Rain at Last

We didn't get a storm or much rain last  night, but a nice rain this morning. I had hot coffee for the first time all week. I have been drinking iced coffee  every morning. Loved my morning cup this morning with biscotti! Very happy with the two recent decisions made by Suupreme Court. Lots of Tennessians unhappy about  freedom in all 50 states allowing same sex marriage.  Had Molly Maids  here yesterday. I have a super clean house now, but not happy about the cost..$325.  For  5 hours of work. I have to say they  are s u per  thorough. Just a hang out day here. We'll be heading to Knoxville  tomorrow  for my birthday dinner..77..can't believe it.....later

Rain on the Way

So tired of this heat with no break but changes coming. Molly Maids coming today. In the meantime I cleaned out several kitchen cupboards and got rid of some things. That always makes me feel good. Finally gave Baxter his bath yesterday. He is so good about that..just stands and let's us do whatever..such a good boy!! Nothing else happening here...later

Nothing but Heat

No relief yet..supposed to be coming in a few days. Did Sam's and lunch yesterday. We got so much at Sam's but really didn't have room to get wine so Richard going back today. It's a great sale and doesn't come often. The new Super Kroger store looks to be close to opening. The gas part has been opened for a few weeks. Can't wait. Today I'll be cleaning out kitchen cupboards..mainly two turn around. To the gym this afternoon.....later

Too Hot

It's just June and.now it looks like  a long,Hot, summer with no cool  vacation destination looming in my future. Today we'll be heading to Knoxville  to  Sam's and a few other places plus lunch. Yesterday we finally got back to the gym and it felt good. Looking forward to Molly  Maids coming Friday. Richard finally convinced we  to have them on a regular basis. ......later

Happy Father's Day!

Even though my husband is the only father who reads my blog, still thinking of all the super dad's who are or were in my life....Charlie, Trip, Steve, Tim,  Joel, Jeff, Tom, and my wonderful dad and granddads, and of course, Richard who raised three boys without a mom and did a great job!!..Loved The Imitation Game. It was inspiring with the undercurrent of tragedy and disbelief about how the brilliant scientist who cracked the Nazi code but was persecuted for being a homosexual. Hot today so we'll hang out and keep cool. Meatloaf dinner tonight....later

Hot, Hot, Hot!

First day of summer tomorrow. I do have to say  I prefer  summer  to  winter but I have to say it's 3rd on my  favorite list behind spring and fall. I'm  currently  reading the third book  in a trilogy by Mary Alice Monroe..The  Summer  Girls. I read  the first two earlier this year and have been anxiously awaiting the last book  to come out. I could  have  finished it last night but put it up. I hate to finish a book I love. I feel lonely afterward..like leaving a good  friend. Plans today...hang out, make.   Two  meat loaves , putting one  in the freezer, give Baxter a bath and enjoy my day....later

Cleaning Up

Didn't do a lot yesterday..just relaxed. I did go to drs. And all is well..no more hip pain and then did a grocery run. Very hot but rain expected today. I'm more in the groove today. Did the laundry and making strawberry shortcake for tonight. When Richard unpacked yesterday, he was missing his hearing aids. I was sure he told me he had put them in his suitcase but couldn't find them. I looked through my stuff but not there. I tested Tim and asked him to look. They were tearing the house apart looking. I decided to look in his bag and there they were. It was a black case in a black lined bag. Tim asked if we could split the finder's fee. Richard is off to dentist..I need to get busy.....later

Graduation Day for Caroline

I'm the first one up and.sitting on the porch before.  It  gets too hot. Drinking coffee,  eating banana nut bread and enjoying the birds. Feeling good.  Graduation is not until 4, so not much going on, at least for me. Tim is going to work from this morning. I'll take  a  picture of Caroline's cap. She decorated it a la VT...really cute. Since I posted late yesterday, nothing much to say today.  ...

Later

Having Fu

Fun ibn spite of my hip pain. It got so bad on Saturday  that I finally  gave in and decided to go to the ER. After questioning me more, Jeff thought it was bursitis. He called the doctor the doctor on call and said he would likely put me on an oral steroid.Jeff called in and I started ibn that.Combined with Percocet, I am doubling much better. I'll st keep my appointment on Wednesday at home to make sure. Other than that so glad we're came yup and so glad to step in for my sister's absence.She and Mel wot be busting their buttons with pride for Olivia. Not only was she valedictorian giving a fun and great speech but also won the Founder's Award and other earlier in the week. The after party at their  house was  lots of fun..weather cooperated in spite of possible rain. They had about 150 people.many of Olivia;s friends spending the night. Now we're are in Ashburn for Carolinbe;s graduation tomorrow evening. We'll head home Tuesday morning. ..later

On Our Way

Just waiting for it to be time to take Baxter to kennel. My hip not doing well. I'm hoping it is something temporary like bursitis. I'm drugged up this morning. Hoping traffic will be problem. Safe travels to my peeps headed to The Bay tomorrow...later

Yea Cavs!

Great game last night. Well watched most of it. Busy day getting ready to leave tomorrow morning. We'll leave right after dropping Baxter off at the kennel.There's a new fly in the ointment. Yesterday I woke up to serious pain in my left hip. It sure a lot when I stood or walked. I had to take pain meds and it's no better this morning. I don't know what an 8 hour drive tomorrow will do. Time for me to get busy weedling down my "to do" list....later

Late Again

I was busy this morning so am just now getting to my blog. I got a haircut this morning then made two more stops. When I got home it was lunchtime. Since then Richard and I went through our travel music and changed everything. I'm also in the process of making maple bacon peanut brittle to take with us. If it is as good as it looks it will be a hostess gift. Michael Symon made it on The Chew. Well still have things to get ready for Hayden. We're giving him our camping stuff. Time to check on the brittle....later

Too Close for Comfort

Watched the Cavs almost to the end, but got disgusted when they lost their nice lead. I was happy to wake up this morning to find out they won. LeBron was great but he can't do it all. Bust this am. Laundry under way and also have ironing to do. At some point today I'll go to the library to get a CD to listen to on the Virginia trip.  Another hot day here with rain a possibility later. Time to round up trash and get showered....later

Another Beautiful Morning

Very nice morning but a hot day ahead.A usual Sunday here. Bacon is in the oven and Richard still in bed. I can't believe we're finally have a triple crown winner...finally! I was very worried but American Pharoah led from the get go. Well watched The Judge last night..Very good. Busy week coming up. Richard has a dental appointment tomorrow and I have lots to get done before weather head to Virginia.....later

Sunny Saturday

DAy..Lots of programs on this morning about that day and it's effect on boys involved from Tennessee. A beautiful morning here. I've had my coffee and biscotti and will make our Saturday smoothies shortly.I was going to head to the farmer's market but since we're leaving for Virginia on Thursday, I've decided I need to get rid of the veggies I have now. Later I'll be making spring rolls and shrimp/orzo salad for dinner. Excited for the Belmont this afternoon with high hopes for a triple crown winner! Duty calls..smoothie time!...later

Beautiful Morning

Not much going on today. Richard had an eye appointment and  I'm about to go out and feed my flowers. Yesterday Richard got the fall tree cut and wee stacked some of the wood. I  also  sprayed for weeds because dry days were predicted for a few more days. Now I need to get  out there....
Later

Knoxville

Well went to Knoxville mainly for lunch but I was also looking for rice paper. I figured my best bet was Whole Foods which just recently opened. Well we're blown away..wow. I did get the rice papers but also got 2 onion bagels,a loaf of sourdough bread and eggs. Mostly went just holed over things..fresh pasta, great looking produce and meats and so much more. Richard was in seventh heaven. One of these days we'll go there for lunch. They also have a bar. After that were stopped at Trader Joe's for a few things and then to Longhorns for lunch. Watched Monument Men last night..Nick Clooney was in the last scene. Try still in our driveway. Richard will cut it tomorrow...later

Usual Monday here. Richard off to the dentist and I'm on laundry detail. Rain is expected every day this week so I can't feed my flowers or spray for weeds. I was planning for chicken salad and a spaghetti squash recipe from my newest cook book...Lunch. I have a spring roll recipe I want to make but so far can't find rice paper. I'm thinking Whole Foods in Knoxville might have them so will try that next time we're go to Knoxville. Time for more chores....later

Sunday Stuff

Trying to get back in the groove. While we're were gone my flowers and plants really took hold. They look great and my herbs are really food. I still don't have any tarragon and I want to get that. Hot here today and just turned on the a/c...mainly for Baxter. Burgers tonight and I think I'll make some potato salad so I better get busy on that asap.....later

-Good friends..Great Times

Such  a nice time  Yesterday!  Got  to the Cline's place  around noon  and  spent most of  the afternoon on their fantastic porch.  Billy and his cousin  and wife live next  door.   And they.came  over. Lots of  good  conversations but best of all they played  their guitars  and mandolin and it was.Great! Billy also plays the banjo. Today we'll  go to My. Airy..oh, I forgot..Well had  a great fire around their fire  pit to end the.night. Now on a really  sad note...I just learned of the death of a good, old  friend  from Cincinnati. Vince Pfeiffer died in an a tv accident. He and Carol were  good  friend from our  first  neighborhood. I'm sure.  Carroll's strong faith in God will carry her through....later

Connected...Finally!

We're at Billy and Penny's house in Piney Creek, NC on the New River. It is wonderful and the covered porch is to die for. Well got here around noon and will spend the next few days here. Tomorrow going to Mt Airy and will see all of the Mayberry stuff. Yesterday went drove to Banner Elk and then up the mountain to ski areas. Had lunch and came back to watch golf. Billy took us all around here in the golf cart..so pretty. Swinging on the porch now. Loved the pictures on Facebook from everyone....later

Off to Boone NC

We'll be leaving mid-morning. Lots to do first.  I need to pack the cooler  and other foods. I Also have  flowers to  feed,  shower  to take, and  Baxter  to take to kennel. Very chilly  evening and morning. Baxter hasn't been getting on his doggie beds or the couch since warm weather,but last night he came in from  the  deck and got onto the couch.  He also slept on his bed instead  of the bare floor....later

Happy BIRTHDAY TO MY YOUNGEST Grandbaby!!

Wish I could be there to celebrate with her! Can't believe she is 4! She is a sweet, smart extraordinary little girl! I'll be calling soon to sing "Happy Birthday" to her. Rainy here this morning and wee have tons to do. I think the rain is about to end. We'll leave tomorrow morning around 10:30 or so....later

This and That

Richard has several stops to make today and I also have a few. Batter's ID tag is missing from his collar so I need to stop at Pet Smart to get a new one and also need to look for a bathing suit. We'll leave on Friday for NC. On Tuesday we'll meet up with Billy and Penny and spend the night at their place on the New River. Looking forward to a new experience....later