It sure takes longer to "catch up" now than it did in years gone by. My four day walking marathon through Disney and the hour time change still has me reeling. I think my sleep bank is screwed up!
The reason I came home on such an early flight Wednesday was because I had a 1:30 appt. to take Teri to the eyebrow lady. We made our way there and Teri has decided to wait until cooler temps because she plays tennis and sweating could impair the color staying or even boost the chance for infection. Emily touched me up some and we were on our way back home.
Thursday was Continental Breakfast which I co-chair even though most of the time I don't even show up! Connie had a nice crowd and afterwards Gerre, Michelle and I had a salad at Cafe Express and then went to the movies to see Jumping The Broom. At first I thought it was the black version of Meet The Fockers but it ended up being pretty good. Michelle is getting married this month and both movies we have taken her to were about weddings. It wasn't planned, it just happened.
Gerre has a lake house and they are wanting to sell it and buy a bigger one. She had some listings to see but was hesitant to meet an unknown male realtor by herself so she asked me to go along on Friday. The first house was obviously a weekend house with lots of minor repairs needed and "less than the best" in furnishings but it was OK overall. The second house was a keeper! We both fell in love with it. The third one was a sorry state of affairs. It had new beige paint and beige carpet. That's about all you could say for it. I told Gerre "someone put lipstick on this pig." The realtor and Gerre agreed She asked for some more info on the second house and HOA regulations. Barry returns Tuesday so they will be going to take a look at House #2 then. I've already picked out my bedroom!
We stopped for lunch at Cracker Barrel, Gerre's treat, and then went to a new kennel to check it out for Tucker when they go away. There have been problems at the one close to us so she is changing. I told her we will keep him next week while they are gone. But they are going away in July when we aren't available so we went ahead and checked out the new place. We were both impressed and Tucker will like it there. He's a cute little Yorkie and no trouble at all. Ted really enjoys when we keep other's dogs. Sort of like grandparenting.
We have been waiting for Tommy and Susan to come back to the campground so we could take them out for dinner. They are close by for the month of June so we picked them up last night and we all went to Salt Grass Steakhouse. They are good friends and Tommy is the photographer who came to the 50th anniversary brunch, took oodles of pictures, made copies of everything anyone wanted ... and then would not charge me. I'm so proud to have such loving and giving friends. Dinner was the least we could do. We will be joining them for a weekend in a few weeks. We sat outside their motorhome until it got dark before we left to come home. He gave us a recipe for a marinade so we stopped to buy pineapple juice. I mixed it up as soon as I got home and the chicken will be ready for Ted to grill when he gets back this afternoon.
We went to church this morning at 9 a.m., a service we seldom attend. But we run into people we don't usually see and that's always nice. We tried to buy some fund raising coffee from Mystic Monks in Wyoming to give Allen for his birthday but they were all sold out except for decaf which he doesn't drink. He loves coffee and dirt shirts. So wherever we travel, if we run into either, we get it for him. But we struck out today.
I've tried real hard to keep the next two weeks relatively free so I can get ready for our trip to the family reunion in Pigeon Forge, TN. We have 80 adults and 20 children attending. Tomorrow I will put in the official order for our shirts. My niece has Friday's dinner in the pavilion under control. I have to call the hotel and get the conference room set up and menu set for Saturday night dinner.
And so it goes .................
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
Our Last Disney Day - Back to Magic Kingdom
Since we did the Dumbo Dash on Sunday, we did the Speedway Sprint on Monday. Sam was finally tall enough to drive his own car.
Morgan drove Kristin and Kara drove me.
We didn't have a lot of time because our lunch at Crystal Palace with Winnie the Pooh was set for 11:45 after which Kara and family would head to the airport. We went on the teacups again and stopped to see Ariel.
The entire back part of Magic Kingdom is under construction. Belle will have a castle, Ariel a grotto and a double Dumbo is planned too. This is all being done in what was the Toon Town area.
Our last ride was Space Mountain. Morgan got up the nerve and joined us. Now she has done the big three - Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Railroad. The vehicle for Space Mountain is like getting in a bobsled. I wasn't sure I could get back out since there was nothing to use for leverage. I told the attendant there probably is a point when you are too old to do this and he said I was way far away from there. Made my day!
We went to Crystal Palace for Morgan's birthday lunch where we were greeted by Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eyore. They have the best bread pudding at Disney.
I don't know if anyone has noticed the rubber bracelets on Sam's arm and Morgan's ankle but they have Kara and Allen's cell phone numbers on them. They have been told to find a mommy pushing a stroller and ask her to notify a Cast Member or to call the numbers. A good plan to have in place.
After lunch we said our goodbyes and told the kids we would see them in June. Kristin and I went to the Haunted Mansion, a ride that scares both the little ones. Last year Morgan went on the Tower of Terror, one I'm not too crazy about. Her comment "Well, I hated that!"
It was after 4:00 when Kristin and I got back to DeBary. Eileen had invited us for dinner but we were both too tired to get cleaned up to go. I don't think we even ate dinner that night.
Tuesday Eileen and I had our hair cut, met up with Kristin for lunch, did some shopping and stopped by the rental house she has for sale. With all our talking, we got into the car and left Kristin standing in the driveway. My phone rang and it said Kristin. We both turned around to tell her that her phone pocket dialed me and she wasn't there. We laughed so hard I couldn't talk to her on the phone. We went back to get her.
My phone alarm did not go off at 4 a.m. as set and it was 4:12 when I woke up. I made quick work of getting ready and packing and we were out the door pretty much as planned. I had a nice flight to Atlanta and then on to Houston. Ted picked me up and I was back home before 11 a.m.
It was a wonderful Memorial Day weekend with the kids and grandkids. If only we could make time stand still at times.
“Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.”
~ Diogenes Laetius
Morgan drove Kristin and Kara drove me.
We didn't have a lot of time because our lunch at Crystal Palace with Winnie the Pooh was set for 11:45 after which Kara and family would head to the airport. We went on the teacups again and stopped to see Ariel.
The entire back part of Magic Kingdom is under construction. Belle will have a castle, Ariel a grotto and a double Dumbo is planned too. This is all being done in what was the Toon Town area.
Our last ride was Space Mountain. Morgan got up the nerve and joined us. Now she has done the big three - Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Railroad. The vehicle for Space Mountain is like getting in a bobsled. I wasn't sure I could get back out since there was nothing to use for leverage. I told the attendant there probably is a point when you are too old to do this and he said I was way far away from there. Made my day!
We went to Crystal Palace for Morgan's birthday lunch where we were greeted by Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eyore. They have the best bread pudding at Disney.
I don't know if anyone has noticed the rubber bracelets on Sam's arm and Morgan's ankle but they have Kara and Allen's cell phone numbers on them. They have been told to find a mommy pushing a stroller and ask her to notify a Cast Member or to call the numbers. A good plan to have in place.
After lunch we said our goodbyes and told the kids we would see them in June. Kristin and I went to the Haunted Mansion, a ride that scares both the little ones. Last year Morgan went on the Tower of Terror, one I'm not too crazy about. Her comment "Well, I hated that!"
It was after 4:00 when Kristin and I got back to DeBary. Eileen had invited us for dinner but we were both too tired to get cleaned up to go. I don't think we even ate dinner that night.
Tuesday Eileen and I had our hair cut, met up with Kristin for lunch, did some shopping and stopped by the rental house she has for sale. With all our talking, we got into the car and left Kristin standing in the driveway. My phone rang and it said Kristin. We both turned around to tell her that her phone pocket dialed me and she wasn't there. We laughed so hard I couldn't talk to her on the phone. We went back to get her.
My phone alarm did not go off at 4 a.m. as set and it was 4:12 when I woke up. I made quick work of getting ready and packing and we were out the door pretty much as planned. I had a nice flight to Atlanta and then on to Houston. Ted picked me up and I was back home before 11 a.m.
It was a wonderful Memorial Day weekend with the kids and grandkids. If only we could make time stand still at times.
“Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.”
~ Diogenes Laetius
The Wonderful World of Disney
Sunday morning Kristin and I picked up Kara and Morgan because Sam and Allen had gone to Hollywood Studios to meet their friends for a "boys" day at Star Wars Weekend. We four girls were doing our thing at the Magic Kingdom. First up when the park opened was to head to Dumbo. This is a very popular ride but the slowest in all the parks. There are only 16 elephants with a ride time of close to two minutes. It backs up quickly. So we did the Dumbo Dash and were on and off in no time.
Since this was Morgan's day, next stop was the teacups. It's a good thing that spinning things don't get to me because she wanted to go fast! She set the pace for the day and we rode Winnie the Pooh though she did tell me she was frightened by the Heffalumps and Woozles. I promised to protect her. Next up was Peter Pan and Pirates of the Caribbean.
After riding Buzz Lightyear where Kara scored her personal best in the shooting, we ran into the talking, walking robot trash can named PUSH. This was the cutest experience of the entire four days. Morgan ran up to him and said "Hi Push, I saw you last year." The can backed up and said "Is that you? It is! You've gotten so tall. I'm so glad to see you again." She was all giggly and ran back to tell us he remembered her. Disney at its best!
Pretty soon it was time for lunch and the appointment at the Bippity Bobbity Boutique where little girls are made into princesses. She has done this twice before but has wised up. Instead of those scratchy fancy dresses that are miserable in the heat, she opted to keep her Tinkerbell cotton shift on and just be a princess from the neck up. The Disney photographers are ready for "portraits" of course. Kara has the PhotoSpot Disney card so we are able to just hand that to any photographer in the park and all the pictures are available to her on a CD. These Disney photographers are located in the best photo spots throughout the parks and everyone can get in the picture.
We all went to our hotels to freshen up and then headed to Giordano's to meet up with the fellows and boys who had been at Hollywood Studios all day. The boys played with their storm trooper figures while we waited for our dinner and Morgan joined right in. It was a good day for everyone.
♫ ♫ ♫ When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are ...♫ ♫ ♫
Since this was Morgan's day, next stop was the teacups. It's a good thing that spinning things don't get to me because she wanted to go fast! She set the pace for the day and we rode Winnie the Pooh though she did tell me she was frightened by the Heffalumps and Woozles. I promised to protect her. Next up was Peter Pan and Pirates of the Caribbean.
After riding Buzz Lightyear where Kara scored her personal best in the shooting, we ran into the talking, walking robot trash can named PUSH. This was the cutest experience of the entire four days. Morgan ran up to him and said "Hi Push, I saw you last year." The can backed up and said "Is that you? It is! You've gotten so tall. I'm so glad to see you again." She was all giggly and ran back to tell us he remembered her. Disney at its best!
Pretty soon it was time for lunch and the appointment at the Bippity Bobbity Boutique where little girls are made into princesses. She has done this twice before but has wised up. Instead of those scratchy fancy dresses that are miserable in the heat, she opted to keep her Tinkerbell cotton shift on and just be a princess from the neck up. The Disney photographers are ready for "portraits" of course. Kara has the PhotoSpot Disney card so we are able to just hand that to any photographer in the park and all the pictures are available to her on a CD. These Disney photographers are located in the best photo spots throughout the parks and everyone can get in the picture.
We all went to our hotels to freshen up and then headed to Giordano's to meet up with the fellows and boys who had been at Hollywood Studios all day. The boys played with their storm trooper figures while we waited for our dinner and Morgan joined right in. It was a good day for everyone.
♫ ♫ ♫ When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are ...♫ ♫ ♫
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Day Two - Epcot
Visiting Disney with Kara is the only way to do it. She knows the parks without maps, where the bathrooms are, where the restaurants are and what they serve and how to use Fast Passes and crowd psychology to plan our day.
First, we have to be there at "rope drop." You wouldn't believe the people who keep lining up behind a long line while turnstiles sit empty. We usually find one with no one standing at it. Once inside the park, Allen takes the tickets and heads off to get a Fast Pass for the most popular attraction. In the meantime, we all head to the second and third popular attractions and can be on and off in just a few minutes because the crowd has headed to attraction #1. There are usually five attractions that you can get Fast Passes for (at one hour intervals), so by the time we have seen #2 and #3, gone back and used the Fast Pass on #1, our hour interval is up and we can move on to Fast Pass #4 and eventually #5. We never waited more than 15 minutes to see or ride anything at any park on any day even when regular lines were posting 90 minute waits.
Our first stop, while Allen got Fast Passes for Soarin', was to visit the characters. This is a big deal, especially when Mickey and Minnie are there. Allen had made it back by the time his family got to Mickey. I chose Donald because he gets so upset about Mickey being so popular!
Next up was The Sum of All Thrills in the Innovations Building, sort of a hands on technology museum for kids (and adults!). Raytheon sponsors this ride but our other son-in-law's company, Kuka, made the robotic arms and software for the ride. You have a lighted engineering table to design your own roller coaster using four different thrill segments. Morgan and I chose two helixes as one, two big hills as another and I don't remember the other two. When we tested it, we had enough energy, but not enough speed so we increased the speed. Finally we had built a successful roller coaster. Then we got into Uncle Pat's seats that have hoods to pull down. Small TV screens show you the roller coaster you have created. When the ride starts, the seats move (not virtual or simulated) just as you designed it. What fun!
We encountered Cinderella along the way and Morgan couldn't pass up the opportunity to pose as a princess. And Sam and Morgan always want to sit next to Aunt Kristin.
Food at Disney is expensive no matter where you buy it so we don't do the counter service places but rather choose one of the nice restaurants to sit down for a good dining experience. Sam chose LeCelliar in the Canada area of World Showcase for his birthday lunch. The food is quite good with wonderful service and nice ambiance. The approach to the restaurant is patterned after Buchart Gardens in Victoria, BC. Ted and I have been to the Gardens and I think they've done a beautiful job.
We made our way to Mary Queen of the Universe Basilica for Mass at 5 pm. Afterwards, though we were less than one mile from our hotel, it took us an hour to get there. People kept blocking the intersections so when the lights changed, no one could move. It was maddening!
Sunday Allen and Sam were going back to Hollywood Studios and meeting their friends for a boys' day and Kara, Morgan, Kristin and I were going to Magic Kingdom where Morgan had an appointment at the Bippity Bobbity Boutique! More on that tomorrow.
First, we have to be there at "rope drop." You wouldn't believe the people who keep lining up behind a long line while turnstiles sit empty. We usually find one with no one standing at it. Once inside the park, Allen takes the tickets and heads off to get a Fast Pass for the most popular attraction. In the meantime, we all head to the second and third popular attractions and can be on and off in just a few minutes because the crowd has headed to attraction #1. There are usually five attractions that you can get Fast Passes for (at one hour intervals), so by the time we have seen #2 and #3, gone back and used the Fast Pass on #1, our hour interval is up and we can move on to Fast Pass #4 and eventually #5. We never waited more than 15 minutes to see or ride anything at any park on any day even when regular lines were posting 90 minute waits.
Our first stop, while Allen got Fast Passes for Soarin', was to visit the characters. This is a big deal, especially when Mickey and Minnie are there. Allen had made it back by the time his family got to Mickey. I chose Donald because he gets so upset about Mickey being so popular!
Next up was The Sum of All Thrills in the Innovations Building, sort of a hands on technology museum for kids (and adults!). Raytheon sponsors this ride but our other son-in-law's company, Kuka, made the robotic arms and software for the ride. You have a lighted engineering table to design your own roller coaster using four different thrill segments. Morgan and I chose two helixes as one, two big hills as another and I don't remember the other two. When we tested it, we had enough energy, but not enough speed so we increased the speed. Finally we had built a successful roller coaster. Then we got into Uncle Pat's seats that have hoods to pull down. Small TV screens show you the roller coaster you have created. When the ride starts, the seats move (not virtual or simulated) just as you designed it. What fun!
We encountered Cinderella along the way and Morgan couldn't pass up the opportunity to pose as a princess. And Sam and Morgan always want to sit next to Aunt Kristin.
Food at Disney is expensive no matter where you buy it so we don't do the counter service places but rather choose one of the nice restaurants to sit down for a good dining experience. Sam chose LeCelliar in the Canada area of World Showcase for his birthday lunch. The food is quite good with wonderful service and nice ambiance. The approach to the restaurant is patterned after Buchart Gardens in Victoria, BC. Ted and I have been to the Gardens and I think they've done a beautiful job.
We made our way to Mary Queen of the Universe Basilica for Mass at 5 pm. Afterwards, though we were less than one mile from our hotel, it took us an hour to get there. People kept blocking the intersections so when the lights changed, no one could move. It was maddening!
Sunday Allen and Sam were going back to Hollywood Studios and meeting their friends for a boys' day and Kara, Morgan, Kristin and I were going to Magic Kingdom where Morgan had an appointment at the Bippity Bobbity Boutique! More on that tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Disney Daze
Our airport shuffle worked perfectly. I parked the car in the airport garage and left Ted a voice mail as to where it was. He actually walked past the gate as they were pushing my plane out. He found the car with no problem.
When I landed in Detroit I received a message from Kara saying they were at Chili's. I texted back to order me a quesidilla. It was waiting for me when I arrived. The kids didn't seem surprised to see me at the Detroit airport and asked if I was coming to Disney with them. They still don't understand the concept of time and distance because we see them so often.
We sat all in a row and had a nice flight to Orlando. Allen picked up the rental car and we proceeded to Old Key West Resort. He took the luggage and kids inside while Kara and I drove to Gooding's to get some drinks for the refrigerator and a few snacks. She then took me to the Doubletree at Downtown Disney and helped me to my suite. We made plans for them to pick me up at 7:30 the next morning.
And there I was, bright and early, (6:30 Houston time!!) dressed in my Star Wars Granny shirt to match their Daddy, Mommy, Sam and Morgan shirts. This was Star Wars weekend at Hollywood Studios and the reason they made this trip for Sam's and Morgan's birthdays.
I don't know anything about Star Wars or Clone Wars so I was pretty much just along for the ride. Here is Morgan with Darth Vader and Sam with Captain Rex (I think!).
We did several things in the park including meeting up with two other fathers and sons that are friends of Kara and Allen. We spent some time with them, having lunch and watching the parade. Then we parted company to do some other things in the park. Kristin joined us after work at Wolfgang Puck's in Downtown Disney for dinner. We topped that off with ice cream from Ghirardelli.
Kristin and I went back to the Doubletree in her car. She was impressed with the suite we had. She had five days off work so this was going to be a nice little vacation for her. We were instructed to wear our red shirts to Epcot the next day and to leave the hotel at 8:00 a.m. We had a comfortable night in our suite and left the next morning right on time. We pulled in four cars from Allen and walked to the turnstiles to await another big day. I'll tell you about that tomorrow!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
♫ M-I-C-K-E-Y MOUSE ♫
Just a quick post today before I head to the airport. All the storms moving through north of here last night were freaking me out because I'll have to fly through them if they don't move on quickly. I also don't want to miss my connection. However, none of the rain fell on us.
Tuesday was a long day. After our walk, I came home to get the house ready for Canasta company and then dressed in my uniform to work at the thrift store. I tried working four hours there the first time but the constant bending, pulling clothes out of bags, got to my back so now I just do two hours. It went by quickly and I left for the grocery store.
Herein lies half my weight problem. We are always playing Canasta, bunco, attending Continental Breakfast, Wind Down, Wine Tasting, Dining Out or some other activity. The common denominator here is FOOD! Most of the girls were going for pizza right before they came here so I didn't overdo it. Ted will be happy that a few more bottles of the Shiner Bock are gone! His sister really liked it so Ted bought it when she was down. I'm taking what's left with us in the RV to give to her this summer.
I had decent enough cards but not good enough to win. It was a fun night with just 8 playing. This is a very casual group of close friends who do it because we want to get together with each other, not just get out for an evening.
Yesterday I walked with Gerre. Then I went to the dentist for my cleaning. I dropped off a prescription refill at Wal-Mart and took four watches to the Battery Place to have new batteries put in all of them. Every one of them stopped working about the same time. I was down to one watch that was working. Now that I think about it, since I had them all replaced at the same time, it's going to happen again down the road.
I did a quick load of laundry and got my things all together to pack. I had a hard time getting seat assignments on today's flights but finally yesterday afternoon I was able to. I was not going to the airport without a seat assignment. That makes you ripe for getting bumped and I certainly didn't want that.
I headed over to the country club for Susan's last Happy Hour. She is leaving June 3 so I hope to see her one more time after I return. They will be getting packed and loaded June 2 and 3 and I get back June 1 so we'll have to make it happen quickly.
She's been a great friend and I'm going to miss her like crazy. She was the glue that held us all together. I wish her all the best in her new home in Atlanta.
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪
Thanks for the memory
Of things I can’t forget
The first day we ever met,
Our trips to shop and debt
we hid on cards and yet
How lucky I was
Tuesday was a long day. After our walk, I came home to get the house ready for Canasta company and then dressed in my uniform to work at the thrift store. I tried working four hours there the first time but the constant bending, pulling clothes out of bags, got to my back so now I just do two hours. It went by quickly and I left for the grocery store.
Herein lies half my weight problem. We are always playing Canasta, bunco, attending Continental Breakfast, Wind Down, Wine Tasting, Dining Out or some other activity. The common denominator here is FOOD! Most of the girls were going for pizza right before they came here so I didn't overdo it. Ted will be happy that a few more bottles of the Shiner Bock are gone! His sister really liked it so Ted bought it when she was down. I'm taking what's left with us in the RV to give to her this summer.
I had decent enough cards but not good enough to win. It was a fun night with just 8 playing. This is a very casual group of close friends who do it because we want to get together with each other, not just get out for an evening.
Yesterday I walked with Gerre. Then I went to the dentist for my cleaning. I dropped off a prescription refill at Wal-Mart and took four watches to the Battery Place to have new batteries put in all of them. Every one of them stopped working about the same time. I was down to one watch that was working. Now that I think about it, since I had them all replaced at the same time, it's going to happen again down the road.
I did a quick load of laundry and got my things all together to pack. I had a hard time getting seat assignments on today's flights but finally yesterday afternoon I was able to. I was not going to the airport without a seat assignment. That makes you ripe for getting bumped and I certainly didn't want that.
I headed over to the country club for Susan's last Happy Hour. She is leaving June 3 so I hope to see her one more time after I return. They will be getting packed and loaded June 2 and 3 and I get back June 1 so we'll have to make it happen quickly.
She's been a great friend and I'm going to miss her like crazy. She was the glue that held us all together. I wish her all the best in her new home in Atlanta.
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪
Thanks for the memory
Of things I can’t forget
The first day we ever met,
Our trips to shop and debt
we hid on cards and yet
How lucky I was
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
It's A Hit!
Here is the apron - and the finished product - cupcakes for her birthday class party today.
Today is also my other granddaughter Ally's 17th birthday and tomorrow my oldest daughter Kelly turns 45! Where have the years gone? I asked Ted if he would like to drop back to 1981, the year we moved to Michigan, and do those 30 years over. He said only if he knew then what he knows now. I think we all feel that way.
I took him to the airport yesterday morning and he arrived in Fort Lauderdale just fine. The airport there is huge now but when we lived in that area in 1971, it was almost an outpost. There was sort of a crescent shaped kiosk sort of thing and you had to walk on the tarmac for all flights. Times have changed.
Gerre and I took a new lady we met at the Newcomers lunch to the movies. She has just moved here and is trying to meet people. We had lunch at Berryhill and then saw The Bridesmaids. I wish the language hadn't been so rough but it was funny. Certainly not for children. I think it may become a Bachelorette party staple in the future.
I'm going to walk with Gerre in a half hour then I have a busy day. My last duty for Junior Forum this year will be two hours at the thrift store. Then I need to go to the grocery to get things for tonight's Canasta game here at my house. Maybe Ted left town just so he didn't have to deal with being gone all evening or getting stuck in the bedroom watching the smaller TV. It's much easier on him when I have ladies over during the day. The shooting range is always open then.
"A happy bridesmaid makes a happy bride.” ~ Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Today is also my other granddaughter Ally's 17th birthday and tomorrow my oldest daughter Kelly turns 45! Where have the years gone? I asked Ted if he would like to drop back to 1981, the year we moved to Michigan, and do those 30 years over. He said only if he knew then what he knows now. I think we all feel that way.
I took him to the airport yesterday morning and he arrived in Fort Lauderdale just fine. The airport there is huge now but when we lived in that area in 1971, it was almost an outpost. There was sort of a crescent shaped kiosk sort of thing and you had to walk on the tarmac for all flights. Times have changed.
Gerre and I took a new lady we met at the Newcomers lunch to the movies. She has just moved here and is trying to meet people. We had lunch at Berryhill and then saw The Bridesmaids. I wish the language hadn't been so rough but it was funny. Certainly not for children. I think it may become a Bachelorette party staple in the future.
I'm going to walk with Gerre in a half hour then I have a busy day. My last duty for Junior Forum this year will be two hours at the thrift store. Then I need to go to the grocery to get things for tonight's Canasta game here at my house. Maybe Ted left town just so he didn't have to deal with being gone all evening or getting stuck in the bedroom watching the smaller TV. It's much easier on him when I have ladies over during the day. The shooting range is always open then.
"A happy bridesmaid makes a happy bride.” ~ Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Sunday, May 22, 2011
I Didn't Make The Cut - I'm Still Here
Well ... this was the week I wanted church to run over an hour ... and it did ... and I'm still here ... didn't help to be in church at 6 p.m. So far, all of my friends and family are still here too. Just wanted you to know. P.S. - brown nosing obviously doesn't work! I'm glad I bought that birthday gift because the party was ON!
Ted had a great time at his charity shooting event. It was for Elves & More, an organization that provides new bicycles to underprivileged children who sign and complete a contract to improve their reading scores. He came in first in his squad and the squad came in second overall. He saw some fellows he hasn't seen in awhile and had a fun time. I went to Jeanette's and visited with some of the ladies in the neighborhood. Ida will be moving in a week or so.
We went to church Saturday night and then to Aurora's 60th birthday party. They had a great guitarist and there was eating, drinking, dancing out around the pool. It's hard to imagine that it's almost June here in Texas and we can still be comfortable outside. Susan and Vince were there and they are moving two days after I get back from Florida. I was glad to spend the time with them.
Morgan's birthday party was Friday and her school bus driver made her a princess cake.
Her birthday is Tuesday so I don't know if she opened her present with the new apron in it or not. Her mother is running in a breast cancer race today so I haven't heard from her yet. Maybe she'll send a picture of Morgan wearing her apron.
Sorry about the small photos but I took them off Facebook to share with you.
We are going out with our Dining Out group tonight to Carraba's. I can only remember eating at one in Mesa, AZ years ago. I'm not sure why we don't go there, we drive past it all the time.
Ted leaves for Fort Lauderdale on business tomorrow. He'll come home Thursday, landing a half hour after I take off. So I'll take him to the airport in the morning and on Thursday I'll drive myself, park the car in the garage, leave a message on his phone where it is, and he'll drive himself home. It's starting to sound like days of old when we had to juggle three kids, two jobs, traveling, etc. We managed that, we'll manage this.
For the Antichrist is working now only a little, because we restrain him as we are here and pray, until the rapture, when we will be taken out of the way.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
And My Hat Came Out Again
After a year of extensive remodeling of her home, our bunco group met at the home of Marleah, one of the original members of our group that will be 10 years old in the fall. She has a fabulous house on the most awesome lot. They have lived in two bedrooms and a bath the last year while the entire house was renovated. We were all so anxious to see the end result and it is beautiful. Most notable is a Texas limestone island in the kitchen that is probably 75 sq. ft. at least. We all enjoyed the tour so much. I think everyone went home with some remodeling project on their mind. We also bid farewell to Mary Bryan who is moving to Cary, NC. Her replacement came to play so it will be a smooth transition but we'll miss her all the same.
I took Tuesday and Wednesday off to get the laundry done and just take it easy. I like days when I don't have to go anywhere or do anything specific. Gerre was gone to Austin so I didn't even walk. I did, however, book another riverboat cruise in France for next April. The group we have traveled with from Amsterdam to Vienna and Antwerp to Basel are going to cruise Nice to Paris next year. We have plenty of time to get the particulars down now that we have picked out the dates. I also received prints from our Trail Run. Look at that determination!
For dinner on Wednesday, Ted smoked a turkey breast. He did a lot of reading, recipe gathering, phone calls to manufacturers, etc. to make sure he was doing this correctly. It cooked faster than we expected but it turned out great. I sent a note to Pat telling her of his success and thanked her again for giving the smoker to us. I shared some of the turkey with Gerre who is having company.
Today was the Newcomers Installation of Officers luncheon and they asked us to wear hats. I think this wedding thing is going to start a new trend here in the U.S. Everyone wore hats when I was young and all the ladies have one on in our wedding pictures from 1965. But that trend fell by the wayside as dressing became more casual. I won't mind a return to those days when you wore your "good" clothes to church on Sunday or out to dinner. I'm getting tired of looking at jeans with rips in them, pants hanging below someone's backside, skirts so short the girl can't raise her arms or bend over to pick something up. Hats are a good start.
At today's luncheon, a fashion show of outfits and matching hats was put on by Marcella M, who has been showcasing them since the 1940s. It was magnificent and the models looked like film stars from days gone by. Another thing of interest was how some of the hats were made out of ordinary things such as the pockets of a coat the hat was made to match. Very entertaining. It was fun to see so many ladies in all kinds of hats.
We have a busy weekend planned. We were scheduled to go to the Wind Down party but Ted was invited to participate in a sporting clay event that will probably include dinner. I was invited to Jeanette's so we opted out of Wind Down and will each do our own thing instead. Saturday is a surprise birthday party with dinner, dancing and swimming. I don't think we'll be doing much of the last two things. Sunday is our Dining Out group. I'm leaving my hat at home.
"It's a language without words. A great hat speaks for itself."
I took Tuesday and Wednesday off to get the laundry done and just take it easy. I like days when I don't have to go anywhere or do anything specific. Gerre was gone to Austin so I didn't even walk. I did, however, book another riverboat cruise in France for next April. The group we have traveled with from Amsterdam to Vienna and Antwerp to Basel are going to cruise Nice to Paris next year. We have plenty of time to get the particulars down now that we have picked out the dates. I also received prints from our Trail Run. Look at that determination!
For dinner on Wednesday, Ted smoked a turkey breast. He did a lot of reading, recipe gathering, phone calls to manufacturers, etc. to make sure he was doing this correctly. It cooked faster than we expected but it turned out great. I sent a note to Pat telling her of his success and thanked her again for giving the smoker to us. I shared some of the turkey with Gerre who is having company.
Today was the Newcomers Installation of Officers luncheon and they asked us to wear hats. I think this wedding thing is going to start a new trend here in the U.S. Everyone wore hats when I was young and all the ladies have one on in our wedding pictures from 1965. But that trend fell by the wayside as dressing became more casual. I won't mind a return to those days when you wore your "good" clothes to church on Sunday or out to dinner. I'm getting tired of looking at jeans with rips in them, pants hanging below someone's backside, skirts so short the girl can't raise her arms or bend over to pick something up. Hats are a good start.
At today's luncheon, a fashion show of outfits and matching hats was put on by Marcella M, who has been showcasing them since the 1940s. It was magnificent and the models looked like film stars from days gone by. Another thing of interest was how some of the hats were made out of ordinary things such as the pockets of a coat the hat was made to match. Very entertaining. It was fun to see so many ladies in all kinds of hats.
We have a busy weekend planned. We were scheduled to go to the Wind Down party but Ted was invited to participate in a sporting clay event that will probably include dinner. I was invited to Jeanette's so we opted out of Wind Down and will each do our own thing instead. Saturday is a surprise birthday party with dinner, dancing and swimming. I don't think we'll be doing much of the last two things. Sunday is our Dining Out group. I'm leaving my hat at home.
"It's a language without words. A great hat speaks for itself."
Sunday, May 15, 2011
I'm Going To Visit Mickey
We did really well in our 3K Trail Run on Saturday. It was through the woods and we had to watch for mud, horse droppings, tree roots and such. Based on our normal 12 minute kilometer pace, we gave ourselves about 35 minutes to complete the trail. How proud we were to see we did it in just under 30 minutes, right around the 10 minute per kilometer mark. We had coffee and a protein bar before the race and just grabbed a bottle of water after the race. It was only 9:30 when I arrived home.
Ted and I decided to run some errands which included going to two different banks and out to the KOA to pick up a bracelet Barbara had for me. We stopped at our favorite BBQ place for lunch. We went to church at 5 o'clock and then to play Canasta. What an awful night for cards. Instead of marking my score card Donna, I put Pitiful Pearl. It was that bad. This is the last time Vince and Susan will be hosting since their house is sold and they are moving in two weeks.
Ted told me he had plans over Memorial Day associated with two different gun clubs and wanted to know if there was somewhere he needed to be with me. I didn't have anything concrete set up so I told him no, to just do whatever. Then I got to thinking. Kara and family are visiting Kristin and they are all going to Disney World. What fun it would be if I could surprise Morgan and Sam.
It took a lot of internet searching but I finally booked my trip. Since I'm going on Delta with frequent flyer points I have to make a stop somewhere. I chose the flight that goes to Detroit and I will be on the same flight to Orlando as the kids. It's way out of the way to get from Houston to Orlando but it will be such fun to fly the second segment with the kids. Going home I'm going through Atlanta which makes more sense. Kristin and I will be at the Doubletree Lake Buena Vista and Kara, Allen, Sam and Morgan are at their timeshare at Old Key West on the Disney property. The last thing I had to do was order my 4-day ticket to visit the parks. I now have a file bigger than my last will and testament.
Of course Kara has all these reservations for meals made so she is scrambling trying to add me to them. Turning 5 into 6 isn't too big a deal at a restaurant. Few tables are just for 5. And of course she is making my T-shirts to wear so we all match all four days we are at the parks. I think it is Star War Days at Hollywood Studios on Friday, Epcot on Saturday and Magic Kingdom Sunday and Monday until they leave for home. I will spend two more nights at Kristin's before coming home on Wednesday.
We're getting close to our summer departure date and Chris is eager to come take up residence again. It's such a blessing to have him in the neighborhood and so willing to enjoy a place of his own even for a short period of time.
Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children (and grandchildren - DRR) ... Charles Swindoll.
Ted and I decided to run some errands which included going to two different banks and out to the KOA to pick up a bracelet Barbara had for me. We stopped at our favorite BBQ place for lunch. We went to church at 5 o'clock and then to play Canasta. What an awful night for cards. Instead of marking my score card Donna, I put Pitiful Pearl. It was that bad. This is the last time Vince and Susan will be hosting since their house is sold and they are moving in two weeks.
Ted told me he had plans over Memorial Day associated with two different gun clubs and wanted to know if there was somewhere he needed to be with me. I didn't have anything concrete set up so I told him no, to just do whatever. Then I got to thinking. Kara and family are visiting Kristin and they are all going to Disney World. What fun it would be if I could surprise Morgan and Sam.
It took a lot of internet searching but I finally booked my trip. Since I'm going on Delta with frequent flyer points I have to make a stop somewhere. I chose the flight that goes to Detroit and I will be on the same flight to Orlando as the kids. It's way out of the way to get from Houston to Orlando but it will be such fun to fly the second segment with the kids. Going home I'm going through Atlanta which makes more sense. Kristin and I will be at the Doubletree Lake Buena Vista and Kara, Allen, Sam and Morgan are at their timeshare at Old Key West on the Disney property. The last thing I had to do was order my 4-day ticket to visit the parks. I now have a file bigger than my last will and testament.
Of course Kara has all these reservations for meals made so she is scrambling trying to add me to them. Turning 5 into 6 isn't too big a deal at a restaurant. Few tables are just for 5. And of course she is making my T-shirts to wear so we all match all four days we are at the parks. I think it is Star War Days at Hollywood Studios on Friday, Epcot on Saturday and Magic Kingdom Sunday and Monday until they leave for home. I will spend two more nights at Kristin's before coming home on Wednesday.
We're getting close to our summer departure date and Chris is eager to come take up residence again. It's such a blessing to have him in the neighborhood and so willing to enjoy a place of his own even for a short period of time.
Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children (and grandchildren - DRR) ... Charles Swindoll.
Friday, May 13, 2011
The Blog Went Down
You may have caught my last post where I went into a little rant about not getting a space shuttle here in Houston, but then maybe not. The blog went down and the last thing I posted went away ... apparently for good, because now it is fixed and that post is still gone! So are my friends' postings on their blogs. So now I have to remember what I've done this past week and believe me, the older I get, the harder this is getting to be.
I played Canasta on Monday afternoon but didn't win. Most of us were all in the middle with 24,000 and change, just a few hundred points separating us. The big winner had 26,000. But Ted did manage to connect with Pat and Richard and was able to pick up the smoker. This will be an adventure learning how to cook in it. I have a 10# turkey in the freezer and that is going to be our first victim.
Late that afternoon we met Jay & Stella at Sweet Tomatoes for a going away dinner. They left yesterday, heading to Indiana. We compared summer schedules and really hope we can spend the week of the 4th with them in Michigan. On paper it looks like it will happen; real life is another matter. We'll just have to wait and see.
Gerre is no longer working part time at her church so we can walk whatever days we want. So we walked on Tuesday. During that time we decided to see the movie There Be Dragons that they talked about at church. Since her husband was gone and Ted was grilling out at the gun club with his shooting league, we added dinner to the plan. The movie is about the priest who founded Opus Dei. This organization played a part in The Da Vinci Code and was not well known before that. I had to research it a bit before the movie to help me understand. There is a lot of the Spanish civil war involved but we both enjoyed it. We stopped for a bite and I arrived home after Ted.
Ted left for Dallas on Wednesday so I took the opportunity to return something to Marshall's. I hate trying on clothes so I just buy stuff, take it home to try on, then take what doesn't fit back. Very inefficient but since I don't shop real often, it's not too bad. From there I went to Happy Hour where just a half dozen of us met but we all stayed for dinner. I forgot to set the DVR for Survivor and had to wait until the next day to see it On Demand on Xfinity. I'm realizing I don't really need a DVR because the shows I tape are all available now On Demand at no charge and are there for a month. If I don't watch something in that month time period, I probably am not all that interested in it in the first place.
I was the hostess for our neighborhood luncheon and I chose a new restaurant out west of town. It has a boutique and salon attached to it and is decorated very cute. I enjoyed my lunch and I think most of the others did too. I heard a so-so comment but you can't please everyone all the time. I stopped to get some baby presents for showers I will be attending in Cincinnati and when I came out {drumroll!}, it was raining, for the first time since February. What a welcome sight. We didn't get near enough to make a dent in the drought but it was a welcome relief. Ted was still gone so I spent the evening catching up on things.
Gerre and I walked this morning and Ted is due back this afternoon. We have no plans for tonight but tomorrow is the 3K walk for the YMCA and tomorrow night is Couples' Canasta. And then another week begins.
Let's hope this blog stays. That is the first time there has been a problem with Blogspot that I know of and I've used it for a couple years.
Time flies. It's up to you to be the navigator. ~ Robert Orben
I played Canasta on Monday afternoon but didn't win. Most of us were all in the middle with 24,000 and change, just a few hundred points separating us. The big winner had 26,000. But Ted did manage to connect with Pat and Richard and was able to pick up the smoker. This will be an adventure learning how to cook in it. I have a 10# turkey in the freezer and that is going to be our first victim.
Late that afternoon we met Jay & Stella at Sweet Tomatoes for a going away dinner. They left yesterday, heading to Indiana. We compared summer schedules and really hope we can spend the week of the 4th with them in Michigan. On paper it looks like it will happen; real life is another matter. We'll just have to wait and see.
Gerre is no longer working part time at her church so we can walk whatever days we want. So we walked on Tuesday. During that time we decided to see the movie There Be Dragons that they talked about at church. Since her husband was gone and Ted was grilling out at the gun club with his shooting league, we added dinner to the plan. The movie is about the priest who founded Opus Dei. This organization played a part in The Da Vinci Code and was not well known before that. I had to research it a bit before the movie to help me understand. There is a lot of the Spanish civil war involved but we both enjoyed it. We stopped for a bite and I arrived home after Ted.
Ted left for Dallas on Wednesday so I took the opportunity to return something to Marshall's. I hate trying on clothes so I just buy stuff, take it home to try on, then take what doesn't fit back. Very inefficient but since I don't shop real often, it's not too bad. From there I went to Happy Hour where just a half dozen of us met but we all stayed for dinner. I forgot to set the DVR for Survivor and had to wait until the next day to see it On Demand on Xfinity. I'm realizing I don't really need a DVR because the shows I tape are all available now On Demand at no charge and are there for a month. If I don't watch something in that month time period, I probably am not all that interested in it in the first place.
I was the hostess for our neighborhood luncheon and I chose a new restaurant out west of town. It has a boutique and salon attached to it and is decorated very cute. I enjoyed my lunch and I think most of the others did too. I heard a so-so comment but you can't please everyone all the time. I stopped to get some baby presents for showers I will be attending in Cincinnati and when I came out {drumroll!}, it was raining, for the first time since February. What a welcome sight. We didn't get near enough to make a dent in the drought but it was a welcome relief. Ted was still gone so I spent the evening catching up on things.
Gerre and I walked this morning and Ted is due back this afternoon. We have no plans for tonight but tomorrow is the 3K walk for the YMCA and tomorrow night is Couples' Canasta. And then another week begins.
Let's hope this blog stays. That is the first time there has been a problem with Blogspot that I know of and I've used it for a couple years.
Time flies. It's up to you to be the navigator. ~ Robert Orben
Thursday, May 12, 2011
It's Raining, Halleluah!
Well, Obama wouldn't declare our wild fires a disaster so we get no relief. Gov. Perry called for a day of prayer ... and it is raining measurably for the first time since February I think. So there Mr. O who didn't give Houston a space shuttle even though the first word on the moon was HOUSTON, the Eagle has landed and when they were in trouble was HOUSTON, we have a problem! Had to get that off my chest.
I walked Monday with Gerre. We're going a half hour earlier because it is heating up down here. Then I played Canasta and most of us were all in the middle within a couple hundred points. We play for $1 so you never win or lose much. We went to Sweet Tomatoes later with Jay and Stella to say goodbye because they took off today for up north. We hope to spend a week with them over the 4th in Michigan but RV plans are as slippery as a snake and you just never know exactly where you are going to end up. But that's part of the fun.
Since Gerre is no longer working part time we can walk any day so we decided to walk again Tuesday. While doing so we decided to see There Be Dragons and go to dinner since her husband was gone and Ted was going to his shooting league that includes grilling out for their dinner. I liked the movie but it is going to be enjoyed by students of history and the church. It is about the life of the priest who started Opus Dei which was featured in the Da Vinci Code. Until then, most people never heard of this organization. I have to admit I know little about it. Gerre and I both think you would need to see it a second time or read the book to get the most out of it.
Yesterday Ted left for Dallas so I ran a few errands and then went to the country club for Happy Hour. There was a small group and we stayed for dinner. I forgot to set the DVR for Survivor so I had to poll on Facebook to find out what happened. I can catch it on Xfinity On Demand once it gets put up there. I can't get used to it being on Wednesday instead of Thursday. I'm a creature of habit.
Today was our lunch at the new Dragonfly Cafe. The ladies loved the decor and shopping associated with the restaurant. I liked my food and I heard good and so-so remarks. Well it wasn't Mexican and it wasn't BBQ. You have to venture out of your comfort zone now and then. I stopped at the embroidery store next door to pick up the pink apron I bought Morgan from Williams-Sonoma. I had her name put across the top above the cupcakes that were already embroidered on the apron. It is part of her birthday present. It turned out really cute. She loves to help her Mama cook and always wants an apron. Now she'll have her own.
I stopped to shop a little on the way home and when I came out it was raining a good hard rain. How wonderful. God holds us in the palm of his hand with our need for the barest necessities. I hope it continues through today and tomorrow as predicted. Saturday is supposed to be dry but cooler ... just in time for our 3K walk!
And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.” G. K. Chesterton
I walked Monday with Gerre. We're going a half hour earlier because it is heating up down here. Then I played Canasta and most of us were all in the middle within a couple hundred points. We play for $1 so you never win or lose much. We went to Sweet Tomatoes later with Jay and Stella to say goodbye because they took off today for up north. We hope to spend a week with them over the 4th in Michigan but RV plans are as slippery as a snake and you just never know exactly where you are going to end up. But that's part of the fun.
Since Gerre is no longer working part time we can walk any day so we decided to walk again Tuesday. While doing so we decided to see There Be Dragons and go to dinner since her husband was gone and Ted was going to his shooting league that includes grilling out for their dinner. I liked the movie but it is going to be enjoyed by students of history and the church. It is about the life of the priest who started Opus Dei which was featured in the Da Vinci Code. Until then, most people never heard of this organization. I have to admit I know little about it. Gerre and I both think you would need to see it a second time or read the book to get the most out of it.
Yesterday Ted left for Dallas so I ran a few errands and then went to the country club for Happy Hour. There was a small group and we stayed for dinner. I forgot to set the DVR for Survivor so I had to poll on Facebook to find out what happened. I can catch it on Xfinity On Demand once it gets put up there. I can't get used to it being on Wednesday instead of Thursday. I'm a creature of habit.
Today was our lunch at the new Dragonfly Cafe. The ladies loved the decor and shopping associated with the restaurant. I liked my food and I heard good and so-so remarks. Well it wasn't Mexican and it wasn't BBQ. You have to venture out of your comfort zone now and then. I stopped at the embroidery store next door to pick up the pink apron I bought Morgan from Williams-Sonoma. I had her name put across the top above the cupcakes that were already embroidered on the apron. It is part of her birthday present. It turned out really cute. She loves to help her Mama cook and always wants an apron. Now she'll have her own.
I stopped to shop a little on the way home and when I came out it was raining a good hard rain. How wonderful. God holds us in the palm of his hand with our need for the barest necessities. I hope it continues through today and tomorrow as predicted. Saturday is supposed to be dry but cooler ... just in time for our 3K walk!
And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.” G. K. Chesterton
Monday, May 9, 2011
Flan Does Not Transport Easily, Rebaked Potatoes Do
I made flan complete with cajeta (caramel sauce) for our Spanish wine tasting Saturday night. By the time we arrived, I was sticky, the console was sticky, the plate it was to get flipped on was sticky and the directions were sticky! That was the first of several things to go wrong.
My friend Pat had called and offered Ted her smoker because he had admired hers and questioned her about it while at a party. They are moving and don't want to take it with them. We left a message that we were home and could come over but we didn't hear from them until we were walking out the door Saturday night. We made arrangements for them to call us after they had been to church and lunch on Sunday.
Wine tasting was at our friends who recently built a spectacular house on the golf course and we were so impressed with the home, the lovely lot, landscaping, pool and patio. The night was perfect to be outside.
While we were talking about the wines we would be tasting, there was a loud PING and a cut glass dish that had been set on a hot plate just blew up. There was glass all over and two people ended up with small finger cuts trying to help get it up. Then someone used the tongs and they broke!
After we had all but the last wine, they put out the desserts. I flipped the flan over just fine and put the dishes and spoons around it. When I came back in later it was oh so slowly slipping to the edge of the dish. Twice it had to be pushed back to the center of the plate. It is off my list of things to take ever again. It will have to be a dinner at home dessert.
Sunday we had about eight First Communicants so we went into semi-serious overtime in church. Ted wanted to get to the gun club and back so we could get the smoker when they called ... and then they didn't. I stayed home, did the laundry, made rebaked potatoes and we went to Dave & Jody's for our Mother's Day dinner. Carol made ribs and brought them, I brought the potatoes and Jody made asparagus, bread and dessert. None of us have kids in the area so we made our own celebration. Dave gave me a chef's thermometer to check the temps on the potatoes and I stuck it in with the sheath still on it! I had just enough wine to just laugh and laugh. However, the potatoes were hot enough! Right before we ate, I received a phone call from Pat about the smoker!
I walked with Gerre this morning. The heat really affects our time and we're glad now next Saturday is just a 3K walk because it will be later than we usually walk and warmer. I am playing Canasta at one o'clock today followed by dinner out with friends who are leaving the area soon. Then I have a couple days to just hang out at home. I've talked to Pat about the smoker. She was on her way out to Bridge and said she will call Ted this afternoon when she gets home. Wish us luck.
Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.- George Burns
My friend Pat had called and offered Ted her smoker because he had admired hers and questioned her about it while at a party. They are moving and don't want to take it with them. We left a message that we were home and could come over but we didn't hear from them until we were walking out the door Saturday night. We made arrangements for them to call us after they had been to church and lunch on Sunday.
Wine tasting was at our friends who recently built a spectacular house on the golf course and we were so impressed with the home, the lovely lot, landscaping, pool and patio. The night was perfect to be outside.
While we were talking about the wines we would be tasting, there was a loud PING and a cut glass dish that had been set on a hot plate just blew up. There was glass all over and two people ended up with small finger cuts trying to help get it up. Then someone used the tongs and they broke!
After we had all but the last wine, they put out the desserts. I flipped the flan over just fine and put the dishes and spoons around it. When I came back in later it was oh so slowly slipping to the edge of the dish. Twice it had to be pushed back to the center of the plate. It is off my list of things to take ever again. It will have to be a dinner at home dessert.
Sunday we had about eight First Communicants so we went into semi-serious overtime in church. Ted wanted to get to the gun club and back so we could get the smoker when they called ... and then they didn't. I stayed home, did the laundry, made rebaked potatoes and we went to Dave & Jody's for our Mother's Day dinner. Carol made ribs and brought them, I brought the potatoes and Jody made asparagus, bread and dessert. None of us have kids in the area so we made our own celebration. Dave gave me a chef's thermometer to check the temps on the potatoes and I stuck it in with the sheath still on it! I had just enough wine to just laugh and laugh. However, the potatoes were hot enough! Right before we ate, I received a phone call from Pat about the smoker!
I walked with Gerre this morning. The heat really affects our time and we're glad now next Saturday is just a 3K walk because it will be later than we usually walk and warmer. I am playing Canasta at one o'clock today followed by dinner out with friends who are leaving the area soon. Then I have a couple days to just hang out at home. I've talked to Pat about the smoker. She was on her way out to Bridge and said she will call Ted this afternoon when she gets home. Wish us luck.
Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.- George Burns
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Did You Know What A Fascinator Was Before the Wedding?
I finally had great cards Monday for three games of Canasta and then absolutely awful ones for the fourth so I didn't win again. If that one game had been even average I would have won. Such is life! At the house where we played the lady had plates, glasses, napkins and towels with a playing card logo. She even had chocolates shaped and wrapped like little playing cards. Quite festive for the occasion but I simply don't have room to store much stuff that is only used occasionally. But it sure was neat to see.
Tuesday Gerre and I walked early in the A.M. then I devoted the rest of the day to shopping and getting food ready for Thursday. Rebecca came to clean on Wednesday and Ted and I ate out because I had set up everything I needed to use on Thursday. Continental Breakfast starts at 10. By the time you get yourself ready and the bed made, people are arriving so there's not a lot of time in the morning.
About 35 ladies came and everyone has sent e-mails telling me what a good time they had. Usually it is over about noon but it was going on one before everyone was gone. I spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning up. I put the remaining pastries, cinnamon buns and chocolate cake in the freezer and called Rebecca to come get them for her kids. The fruit and yogurt we will eat. The quiche I can microwave a little at a time for my breakfast.
Friday was our Junior Forum installation luncheon. The creativity of this group never ceases to amaze me. Our incoming president is British. We were all asked to wear hats and out came the fascinators! Such fun. The skit was her "coronation" and she was escorted in wearing a purple cape and crown. The presentation of the incoming board was done as Damsel of Dimes for the Treasurer, Dame of Details for Secretary, etc. When all was done they placed a cowgirl hat on top of her crown. Just a little reminder that she's in Texas now! Our "mom" for the past year won Volunteer of the Year which made us all proud.
I received my certificate for having completed my provisional year along with a long stemmed rose. I won the centerpiece which was a teapot filled with roses. Those two things along with the mums I used on the center of my table on Thursday has given me a nice assortment of flowers to enjoy for Mother's Day.
Tonight is wine tasting and in honor of Cinco de Mayo, we are having Spanish wine. We were asked to bring tapas and dessert so I am making a flan. The Kentucky Derby is no big deal down here so there aren't many derby parties. Back in Ohio I'm sure there are many a mint julep being prepared for this afternoon's celebration.
Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers out there. As Erma Bombeck said "it is the most important job I'll ever do and if I screw it up, nothing much else matters."
Tuesday Gerre and I walked early in the A.M. then I devoted the rest of the day to shopping and getting food ready for Thursday. Rebecca came to clean on Wednesday and Ted and I ate out because I had set up everything I needed to use on Thursday. Continental Breakfast starts at 10. By the time you get yourself ready and the bed made, people are arriving so there's not a lot of time in the morning.
About 35 ladies came and everyone has sent e-mails telling me what a good time they had. Usually it is over about noon but it was going on one before everyone was gone. I spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning up. I put the remaining pastries, cinnamon buns and chocolate cake in the freezer and called Rebecca to come get them for her kids. The fruit and yogurt we will eat. The quiche I can microwave a little at a time for my breakfast.
Friday was our Junior Forum installation luncheon. The creativity of this group never ceases to amaze me. Our incoming president is British. We were all asked to wear hats and out came the fascinators! Such fun. The skit was her "coronation" and she was escorted in wearing a purple cape and crown. The presentation of the incoming board was done as Damsel of Dimes for the Treasurer, Dame of Details for Secretary, etc. When all was done they placed a cowgirl hat on top of her crown. Just a little reminder that she's in Texas now! Our "mom" for the past year won Volunteer of the Year which made us all proud.
I received my certificate for having completed my provisional year along with a long stemmed rose. I won the centerpiece which was a teapot filled with roses. Those two things along with the mums I used on the center of my table on Thursday has given me a nice assortment of flowers to enjoy for Mother's Day.
Tonight is wine tasting and in honor of Cinco de Mayo, we are having Spanish wine. We were asked to bring tapas and dessert so I am making a flan. The Kentucky Derby is no big deal down here so there aren't many derby parties. Back in Ohio I'm sure there are many a mint julep being prepared for this afternoon's celebration.
Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers out there. As Erma Bombeck said "it is the most important job I'll ever do and if I screw it up, nothing much else matters."
Monday, May 2, 2011
There is a God ... but I already knew that
Gerre and I continue to walk 5K three times a week. Our next event is a 3K walk sponsored by the YMCA. That won't take us long at all. But it is still two weeks away.
So after our walk on Friday I had to see the eye doctor. Turns out I had cloudy membranes on my cataract lenses and they had to be zapped with a laser. He did it right then. I told him sometimes I wished I could take out the lenses and clean them. He explained it was like the difference between looking through Saran wrap and waxed paper. According to him, this happens all the time and is no big deal. I have drops to use for the next week. My distance eye is great again but the close up one is taking a bit longer to heal. This was my experience with the original cataract surgery too. I just love getting old! Ted would say it beats the alternative and I shouldn't complain.
While I was at the doctor, Ted was at the gun club giving a lesson to a fellow. I'm so glad Ted has an outside interest. He gave up golf after his back surgery. What husbands do in retirement is always a big topic among women about to face that scenario. I can say we have never been bored for any length of time in retirement. We stay pretty busy.
There was a gun show on Saturday that Ted attended but he was just looking. I went for a pedicure. We picked up Gerre and Barry late afternoon and headed to Mel's. They had never been there before we took them and said they wanted to go back. We had a great dinner then went to their house to visit. We never seem to run out of things to talk about. Barry was telling us about changing his American Express card to a senior card that has the same amentities but costs about half of the yearly charges. So when I came home I called and changed ours. They aren't real forthcoming about this card but if you ask, they'll tell you. If you watch the pennies, the dollars take care of themselves. I don't know who said that but it's true.
Church went into "serious overtime" as Kristin would say when it ran an hour and a half. There were a half dozen First Communicants and three engaged couples to be blessed. Then the sermon was followed by another push for the Capital Campaign and it all took time. It was all interesting though because I was shocked when I looked at my watch at the end and saw the time. Randy called Ted as we drove home so he took off for the gun club and I went shopping for paper goods for Thursday, birthday cards, and some flowers for the yard. Despite my attempts at the baskets, they are truly spent and need to be replaced for my company on Thursday.
And this is where my "minor miracle" comes in. Rebecca didn't clean Good Friday because we were gone. She is scheduled here this Friday which would mean four weeks between her thorough cleanings. However, I am having 27 women to the house for the Continental Breakfast group on Thursday ... the day before! Alas, I was going to have to clean fairly good on my own the day before Rebecca came. As I drove in, she was standing in the driveway with her mother-in-law and Chris her brother-in-law who stays here when we're gone. In the course of conversation I told her my dilemma and lo and behold she said her Wednesday lady has to go to court and she was free to come then instead of Friday. Hallelujah, praise the Lord. I didn't even pray for this and He sent it to me anyway. Little miracles happen everyday. We just have to watch for them.
Ted came down the street while I was talking to Rebecca so I drove on. I had put ribs in the oven before I left so dinner was on the table fairly quickly. We watched Amazing Race and I'm still not over my cowboys losing last week. I feel there was some cheating that went on but you only see the edited version so who knows. I'm pulling for the young man and his autistic friend. They were in Switzerland with beautiful shots of the Matterhorn.
Today I'm playing Canasta again. One of these days I'll get good partners and cards at the same time and win a few hands. The rest of the week will be preparation for Thursday's big gathering here. Friday is the Installation Program and Luncheon for Junior Forum. The weeks just seem to slip away so quickly.
Have a good one y'all.
So after our walk on Friday I had to see the eye doctor. Turns out I had cloudy membranes on my cataract lenses and they had to be zapped with a laser. He did it right then. I told him sometimes I wished I could take out the lenses and clean them. He explained it was like the difference between looking through Saran wrap and waxed paper. According to him, this happens all the time and is no big deal. I have drops to use for the next week. My distance eye is great again but the close up one is taking a bit longer to heal. This was my experience with the original cataract surgery too. I just love getting old! Ted would say it beats the alternative and I shouldn't complain.
While I was at the doctor, Ted was at the gun club giving a lesson to a fellow. I'm so glad Ted has an outside interest. He gave up golf after his back surgery. What husbands do in retirement is always a big topic among women about to face that scenario. I can say we have never been bored for any length of time in retirement. We stay pretty busy.
There was a gun show on Saturday that Ted attended but he was just looking. I went for a pedicure. We picked up Gerre and Barry late afternoon and headed to Mel's. They had never been there before we took them and said they wanted to go back. We had a great dinner then went to their house to visit. We never seem to run out of things to talk about. Barry was telling us about changing his American Express card to a senior card that has the same amentities but costs about half of the yearly charges. So when I came home I called and changed ours. They aren't real forthcoming about this card but if you ask, they'll tell you. If you watch the pennies, the dollars take care of themselves. I don't know who said that but it's true.
Church went into "serious overtime" as Kristin would say when it ran an hour and a half. There were a half dozen First Communicants and three engaged couples to be blessed. Then the sermon was followed by another push for the Capital Campaign and it all took time. It was all interesting though because I was shocked when I looked at my watch at the end and saw the time. Randy called Ted as we drove home so he took off for the gun club and I went shopping for paper goods for Thursday, birthday cards, and some flowers for the yard. Despite my attempts at the baskets, they are truly spent and need to be replaced for my company on Thursday.
And this is where my "minor miracle" comes in. Rebecca didn't clean Good Friday because we were gone. She is scheduled here this Friday which would mean four weeks between her thorough cleanings. However, I am having 27 women to the house for the Continental Breakfast group on Thursday ... the day before! Alas, I was going to have to clean fairly good on my own the day before Rebecca came. As I drove in, she was standing in the driveway with her mother-in-law and Chris her brother-in-law who stays here when we're gone. In the course of conversation I told her my dilemma and lo and behold she said her Wednesday lady has to go to court and she was free to come then instead of Friday. Hallelujah, praise the Lord. I didn't even pray for this and He sent it to me anyway. Little miracles happen everyday. We just have to watch for them.
Ted came down the street while I was talking to Rebecca so I drove on. I had put ribs in the oven before I left so dinner was on the table fairly quickly. We watched Amazing Race and I'm still not over my cowboys losing last week. I feel there was some cheating that went on but you only see the edited version so who knows. I'm pulling for the young man and his autistic friend. They were in Switzerland with beautiful shots of the Matterhorn.
Today I'm playing Canasta again. One of these days I'll get good partners and cards at the same time and win a few hands. The rest of the week will be preparation for Thursday's big gathering here. Friday is the Installation Program and Luncheon for Junior Forum. The weeks just seem to slip away so quickly.
Have a good one y'all.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Cards, cards and more cards
As if all the card games at the Easter rally weren't enough, I had two Canasta dates planned for this week. I had to get everything put away and the laundry done on Monday because I headed out at 8:15 on Tuesday morning for the Junior Forum office. We set up tables for a Board Meeting dinner. First we had to move all the chairs out and stack them, then open and set up the tables, then bring the chairs back in. Tablecloths, napkins and silverware were put in place. We had a big discussion about runners to put on the tables. There was a piece of decorative cloth and we needed to decide how it should be cut to supply us with six runners. My math skills came in handy! I have to be careful because I don't want to be appointed Treasurer which was mentioned!
When I returned home it was time to make two trays of lasagna for Ted's shooting banquet. It was such a hit last time they requested it again. Not one to buy into BS, I think free food prepared by someone else is always welcome! I don't mind though because it is for Ted and his friends. They were disappointed I didn't attend. Ted came home with another trophy so I had to move the two tall ones to the top of the filing cabinet to make room on the table. When Randy stopped by I told him to stop letting Ted win because I'm running out of room.
I had an evening of Canasta with our small group that night. We got started late so I got home late but with my $5 in hand. No, I didn't win for score. I got the consolaton prize which means they pulled my score card out of the basket. But I'll take it!
Wednesday found me working some more on the reunion stuff. We were really clipping along with 80+ attendees but there is a serious illness that threatens our Connecticut attendees from all making the trip. I am praying all turns out well and they are able to join us. I thought I had the T-shirt thing under control and now the ones with new babies want onesies for them instead. I'm working with my nephew on this. He'll have the say so about whether it can be done or not. I ran the finances and we're doing good there. I called the hotel and 25 of the 30 rooms we blocked have been taken. I know some are staying off sight and there are two of us in the campground across the street from the hotel so we're moving right along.
I picked Gerre up at noon today and we rode together to Canasta at Carol's. I had the most awful cards today. As soon as we were done I told Gerre we had to head out because I was due at the CWJF office at 5:00. I told them if either of us won, to just hold the money. I have no phone or e-mail messages, which doesn't surprise me, so I'm pretty safe in saying I didn't win!
Down at the office we ran into a wrinkle in that the play we put on for Book Smart (where we do a play of a book and then each child receives a hard cover copy of that book) couldn't be performed for the Advisory Board because the music CD was lost. They are hoping the person who made the original still has it and can burn another. Otherwise they have to start from scratch. The dinner was great but it was 9 o'clock when I got home but at least I don't have to cook for myself.
I'm tired. I'm going to curl up on the couch. Ted is in Beaumont. More later.
When I returned home it was time to make two trays of lasagna for Ted's shooting banquet. It was such a hit last time they requested it again. Not one to buy into BS, I think free food prepared by someone else is always welcome! I don't mind though because it is for Ted and his friends. They were disappointed I didn't attend. Ted came home with another trophy so I had to move the two tall ones to the top of the filing cabinet to make room on the table. When Randy stopped by I told him to stop letting Ted win because I'm running out of room.
I had an evening of Canasta with our small group that night. We got started late so I got home late but with my $5 in hand. No, I didn't win for score. I got the consolaton prize which means they pulled my score card out of the basket. But I'll take it!
Wednesday found me working some more on the reunion stuff. We were really clipping along with 80+ attendees but there is a serious illness that threatens our Connecticut attendees from all making the trip. I am praying all turns out well and they are able to join us. I thought I had the T-shirt thing under control and now the ones with new babies want onesies for them instead. I'm working with my nephew on this. He'll have the say so about whether it can be done or not. I ran the finances and we're doing good there. I called the hotel and 25 of the 30 rooms we blocked have been taken. I know some are staying off sight and there are two of us in the campground across the street from the hotel so we're moving right along.
I picked Gerre up at noon today and we rode together to Canasta at Carol's. I had the most awful cards today. As soon as we were done I told Gerre we had to head out because I was due at the CWJF office at 5:00. I told them if either of us won, to just hold the money. I have no phone or e-mail messages, which doesn't surprise me, so I'm pretty safe in saying I didn't win!
Down at the office we ran into a wrinkle in that the play we put on for Book Smart (where we do a play of a book and then each child receives a hard cover copy of that book) couldn't be performed for the Advisory Board because the music CD was lost. They are hoping the person who made the original still has it and can burn another. Otherwise they have to start from scratch. The dinner was great but it was 9 o'clock when I got home but at least I don't have to cook for myself.
I'm tired. I'm going to curl up on the couch. Ted is in Beaumont. More later.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Easter in Montgomery
We had plans to travel to Palacios and Corpus Christi over Easter weekend with the Texas Boomers. But the park in Palacios got things messed up and it was moved to Montgomery. So we missed out being on the coast and also the side trip to Corpus. However, on Thursday we hooked up the RV and traveled to Montgomery, TX for the weekend with about 40 other rigs.
We and about 30 other people arrived on Thursday and we all went to a Mexican restaurant for dinner. They did a fantastic job of getting our drinks and food out as ordered and then correct bills for all. It was a good time catching up with everyone that we haven't seen since last Labor Day. Our schedule keeps us from attending a lot of the Texas Boomer outings.
Friday brought in the rest of the folks. We played some games - Mexican Train, Skip Bo, Phase 10, Farkle - and the rally hall was readied for dinner.
But the big work was going on outside where preparation for boiling shrimp and frying catfish, talapia and hush puppies was underway. There were ice cream makers going too for home made ice cream. To keep the shrimp cold (and safe) they had what looked like a kid's swimming pool but it was a rectangle about 4 ft. long and 2 ft. wide. It was filled with ice and shrimp. The container is made just for this purpose. It would be great for any picnic or BBQ to sit bowls of food in when the weather is hot. It was white plastic with rounded blow up sides. Neat! Everything tasted great. Ted and I were assigned clean-up duty for Friday night along with some others and many hands made the work light.
Saturday morning we had a community breakfast complete with Mimosas followed by Easter Egg bowling. Ted's Wii practice paid off because he won his group but came in second in the play off. He was glad he lost when he discovered Mr. Wonderful was the prize. Mr. Wonderful has been around for years. He is a talking doll that says all kinds of "over the top" things. Ted won him one year at Christmas but we managed to unload him somewhere along the line. And Baby Dunkette found a new home when she was stuffed in a PJ bunny bag and given as a door prize. We have a lot of jokesters in our group.
Jay and Stella drove out to spend Saturday afternoon with us and to have dinner with the group. There were many old friends who were glad to see them. We had a potluck and there was way too much great food. I made BBQ chicken legs. After Jay and Stella left, Ted and I were tired and went to the RV and then to bed fairly early because we had to get up for church. We went to St. Mary's in Plantersville Sunday morning. This is a 100+ year old painted church. In the Schulenburg area there are many "painted churches" but St. Mary's is the only one we've visited this far east. It was a lovely service and we went back home where I prepared our own Easter breakfast.
Many folks had to leave Sunday afternoon but those that stayed went swimming or played cards. Late afternoon, about two dozen of us went to a nearby diner for our Easter dinner. There aren't a lot of restaurants open on Easter, not many that can accommodate that many people on short notice and still provide separate checks but this place did. It was a little wait for the food but it was all very good, came out correctly and no problem with the bills. This is chicken fried steak, a perfectly acceptable holiday dinner in the south.
We played cards again and then finished cleaning up the rally hall. Our wagonmasters spend a lot of time bringing things, setting up and then making sure things go as planned and that everyone knows what is happening and when. We didn't mind pitching in at the end to finish off the job.
This morning we took our time cleaning and closing up the RV and then took off for home. I have laundry to do and a busy tomorrow so I best be getting busy. Oh, and by the way, the purple flowers are blooming again!! They all needed water badly when we got back but I guess I didn't kill them after all.
We and about 30 other people arrived on Thursday and we all went to a Mexican restaurant for dinner. They did a fantastic job of getting our drinks and food out as ordered and then correct bills for all. It was a good time catching up with everyone that we haven't seen since last Labor Day. Our schedule keeps us from attending a lot of the Texas Boomer outings.
Friday brought in the rest of the folks. We played some games - Mexican Train, Skip Bo, Phase 10, Farkle - and the rally hall was readied for dinner.
But the big work was going on outside where preparation for boiling shrimp and frying catfish, talapia and hush puppies was underway. There were ice cream makers going too for home made ice cream. To keep the shrimp cold (and safe) they had what looked like a kid's swimming pool but it was a rectangle about 4 ft. long and 2 ft. wide. It was filled with ice and shrimp. The container is made just for this purpose. It would be great for any picnic or BBQ to sit bowls of food in when the weather is hot. It was white plastic with rounded blow up sides. Neat! Everything tasted great. Ted and I were assigned clean-up duty for Friday night along with some others and many hands made the work light.
Saturday morning we had a community breakfast complete with Mimosas followed by Easter Egg bowling. Ted's Wii practice paid off because he won his group but came in second in the play off. He was glad he lost when he discovered Mr. Wonderful was the prize. Mr. Wonderful has been around for years. He is a talking doll that says all kinds of "over the top" things. Ted won him one year at Christmas but we managed to unload him somewhere along the line. And Baby Dunkette found a new home when she was stuffed in a PJ bunny bag and given as a door prize. We have a lot of jokesters in our group.
Jay and Stella drove out to spend Saturday afternoon with us and to have dinner with the group. There were many old friends who were glad to see them. We had a potluck and there was way too much great food. I made BBQ chicken legs. After Jay and Stella left, Ted and I were tired and went to the RV and then to bed fairly early because we had to get up for church. We went to St. Mary's in Plantersville Sunday morning. This is a 100+ year old painted church. In the Schulenburg area there are many "painted churches" but St. Mary's is the only one we've visited this far east. It was a lovely service and we went back home where I prepared our own Easter breakfast.
Many folks had to leave Sunday afternoon but those that stayed went swimming or played cards. Late afternoon, about two dozen of us went to a nearby diner for our Easter dinner. There aren't a lot of restaurants open on Easter, not many that can accommodate that many people on short notice and still provide separate checks but this place did. It was a little wait for the food but it was all very good, came out correctly and no problem with the bills. This is chicken fried steak, a perfectly acceptable holiday dinner in the south.
We played cards again and then finished cleaning up the rally hall. Our wagonmasters spend a lot of time bringing things, setting up and then making sure things go as planned and that everyone knows what is happening and when. We didn't mind pitching in at the end to finish off the job.
This morning we took our time cleaning and closing up the RV and then took off for home. I have laundry to do and a busy tomorrow so I best be getting busy. Oh, and by the way, the purple flowers are blooming again!! They all needed water badly when we got back but I guess I didn't kill them after all.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Ted's Home
Having Ted gone for almost a week, first in Dallas and then in Cincinnati, wasn't much fun. Besides killing, I mean tending, his flowers, I had to take out the garbage and make my own coffee. I saved the banking for him to do though. I'm getting lots of checks for the family reunion so I saved them for him to take to the bank.
He and Terry met up with Tom in Louisville and drove together to their two sisters' houses where they all stayed, two at one, one at the other. Of course Kathy had Skyline chili ready for their dinner.
Sunday was Mass and then late in the afternoon they were at the funeral home for about four hours during the vistation. They saw lots of cousins and old neighbors they hadn't seen in some time. Afterwards they all went out for dinner.
Meanwhile back at the ranch, after church on Sunday I took a day of rest. I finished up a book I had been reading and watched Amazing Race. It's good to put your feet up now and then.
The funeral on Monday was beautiful. Beth's girls did a wonderful job planning the Mass. There was a luncheon at the golf course restaurant where Ted's sisters live afterwards. Ted has taken quite a shine to 3-year old Gracie, his sister's granddaughter. He kept telling me funny stories about her antics and her T-ball video was a hoot. She wanted to know "who are you guys?" If you remember the Christmas card I posted with the live manger scene, Gracie was the angel while her two sisters and brother were Jesus, Mary and Joseph. I thought it was the greatest Christmas card ever.
I played bunco with my group on Monday and then came home to prepare for Tuesday's activity at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for the seniors. I had to cook and cube three cups of chicken, three cups of celery, 6 eggs, an onion and a green pepper. That took me a little while and gave me something to clean up in the kitchen. I watched DWTS and went to bed by 10.
Today we had 180 seniors for the luncheon program. For some reason I was put on bingo duty. Melinda did the calling and I did the turning and placing the balls in the right spot. There was a great program of six children who all played the banjo. It was very entertaining and the seniors were really into the performance. Afterwards we served lunch of chicken casserole, croissants, deviled eggs and pistachio salad. I was the "salad slinger." Dessert was carrot cake with a little nest on top built from green coconut and jelly beans. A peep finished it off.
Getting 180 lunches followed by 180 desserts out in a timely manner is not an easy task. But the seniors leave as soon as they eat so clean up starts right away. I picked up the cream and sugars along with the salt and peppers. Then I folded all the tablecloths (24!) for the three ladies who were scheduled to take them home to launder. The last thing I did before leaving was to wash the last of the three big coffeepots.
Carol and I drove to pick up Terry & Ted and we went to dinner. It was nice to come home and have Ted here with me this evening. I want to get out and do a bit of shopping tomorrow after I walk with Gerre. But you know about the best laid plans of mice and men.
He and Terry met up with Tom in Louisville and drove together to their two sisters' houses where they all stayed, two at one, one at the other. Of course Kathy had Skyline chili ready for their dinner.
Sunday was Mass and then late in the afternoon they were at the funeral home for about four hours during the vistation. They saw lots of cousins and old neighbors they hadn't seen in some time. Afterwards they all went out for dinner.
Meanwhile back at the ranch, after church on Sunday I took a day of rest. I finished up a book I had been reading and watched Amazing Race. It's good to put your feet up now and then.
The funeral on Monday was beautiful. Beth's girls did a wonderful job planning the Mass. There was a luncheon at the golf course restaurant where Ted's sisters live afterwards. Ted has taken quite a shine to 3-year old Gracie, his sister's granddaughter. He kept telling me funny stories about her antics and her T-ball video was a hoot. She wanted to know "who are you guys?" If you remember the Christmas card I posted with the live manger scene, Gracie was the angel while her two sisters and brother were Jesus, Mary and Joseph. I thought it was the greatest Christmas card ever.
I played bunco with my group on Monday and then came home to prepare for Tuesday's activity at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for the seniors. I had to cook and cube three cups of chicken, three cups of celery, 6 eggs, an onion and a green pepper. That took me a little while and gave me something to clean up in the kitchen. I watched DWTS and went to bed by 10.
Today we had 180 seniors for the luncheon program. For some reason I was put on bingo duty. Melinda did the calling and I did the turning and placing the balls in the right spot. There was a great program of six children who all played the banjo. It was very entertaining and the seniors were really into the performance. Afterwards we served lunch of chicken casserole, croissants, deviled eggs and pistachio salad. I was the "salad slinger." Dessert was carrot cake with a little nest on top built from green coconut and jelly beans. A peep finished it off.
Getting 180 lunches followed by 180 desserts out in a timely manner is not an easy task. But the seniors leave as soon as they eat so clean up starts right away. I picked up the cream and sugars along with the salt and peppers. Then I folded all the tablecloths (24!) for the three ladies who were scheduled to take them home to launder. The last thing I did before leaving was to wash the last of the three big coffeepots.
Carol and I drove to pick up Terry & Ted and we went to dinner. It was nice to come home and have Ted here with me this evening. I want to get out and do a bit of shopping tomorrow after I walk with Gerre. But you know about the best laid plans of mice and men.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
The End to a Busy Week
Wednesday we tried again with the oven. This fellow changed out the sensor. He also backed off the extra 15 degrees the other fellow had calibrated into my oven. It took longer to start beeping, went to 350 and stayed there. However, it still beeps way before it hits 350. Does anyone know if this is normal? I probably should bake a cake or something to see what happens. I can adjust knowing the beep doesn't mean the oven is actually ready as long as it holds a true temp while cooking.
I have to pick our neighborhood luncheon place next month so Ann and I went to try out the Dragonfly Cafe. It's a nice ladies luncheon type restaurant connected to a boutique, spa and hair salon. We had a nice lunch, chatted about some things for our Breakfast group for next year and then headed back to my house for coffee.
Since Ted was still in Dallas, I decided to join the girls at Happy Hour at the country club. There were about eight of my friends there and we ended up eating dinner. It was going on 9:00 before I got home.
Thursday was our neighborhood luncheon and I picked Nancy up on my way. We had a group of more than a dozen and had a private room at Red Lobster. We have a new person joining us because she has just retired and we caught up on all the happenings of comings and goings in the neighborhood. The men have a lunch day too and it really is helpful in staying in touch with one another. Too often people don't even know their neighbors. Ted came home that afternoon from his business trip.
Last night was Wind Down and there were over 50 people at Lynn's house. It was a gorgeous night and many were outside. Her yard is so nice and three different groups were gathered; one at the patio table, the second on the porch and the third in the gazebo. A good many just stayed inside. It was a good time.
Ted and Terry are flying to Cincinnati today to attend the funeral of his cousin. Carol and I are staying behind. They will be gone until Tuesday. We've gone from the tremendously wonderful week with all his family here to once again a gathering for a sad occasion, all within just two weeks time. We had all planned to go to the Tea Party Tax Day rally tonight so Carol and I will do that without them. Tomorrow will be church and a long day without Ted at home.
These two trips are keeping him away from home for almost a whole week. Just enough time for me to do in his flowers. The Boston fern, spider plant and pink petunias are doing OK. The two purple petunia pots are not looking so good. I don't think they like me. They must miss Ted. Bummer.
I have to pick our neighborhood luncheon place next month so Ann and I went to try out the Dragonfly Cafe. It's a nice ladies luncheon type restaurant connected to a boutique, spa and hair salon. We had a nice lunch, chatted about some things for our Breakfast group for next year and then headed back to my house for coffee.
Since Ted was still in Dallas, I decided to join the girls at Happy Hour at the country club. There were about eight of my friends there and we ended up eating dinner. It was going on 9:00 before I got home.
Thursday was our neighborhood luncheon and I picked Nancy up on my way. We had a group of more than a dozen and had a private room at Red Lobster. We have a new person joining us because she has just retired and we caught up on all the happenings of comings and goings in the neighborhood. The men have a lunch day too and it really is helpful in staying in touch with one another. Too often people don't even know their neighbors. Ted came home that afternoon from his business trip.
Last night was Wind Down and there were over 50 people at Lynn's house. It was a gorgeous night and many were outside. Her yard is so nice and three different groups were gathered; one at the patio table, the second on the porch and the third in the gazebo. A good many just stayed inside. It was a good time.
Ted and Terry are flying to Cincinnati today to attend the funeral of his cousin. Carol and I are staying behind. They will be gone until Tuesday. We've gone from the tremendously wonderful week with all his family here to once again a gathering for a sad occasion, all within just two weeks time. We had all planned to go to the Tea Party Tax Day rally tonight so Carol and I will do that without them. Tomorrow will be church and a long day without Ted at home.
These two trips are keeping him away from home for almost a whole week. Just enough time for me to do in his flowers. The Boston fern, spider plant and pink petunias are doing OK. The two purple petunia pots are not looking so good. I don't think they like me. They must miss Ted. Bummer.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Two T-Shirt Weekend
Pretty soon I'll have a new summer wardrobe! LOL. I received my green Blue Bell Fun Run 2011 T-shirt on Saturday and a black Waterway Art Fair T-shirt on Sunday. Someday I'm going to make a quilt out of the graphics on these T-shirts and also our family reunion ones. Now all I have to do is learn to sew.
Sunday was very warm and I stood for three hours checking wristbands on people entering the Waterway and also putting on wristbands as people paid to enter. There was a nice breeze and that made it pleasant enough at Gate 5 where I was stationed. The time passed quickly and three different friends used this gate to exit so I had the opportunity to visit with them.
I picked Jacque up on Monday morning and we drove to a community center associated with the Women's Shelter. Once there, we filled dozens of plastic eggs with candy, enough to fill two 60 qt. containers. We made up 40 Easter baskets for children living in the shelters. We finished them off by placing them in cellophane bags printed with bunnies and tieing them with colorful ribbons. Many hands made light work. Afterwards we all went to lunch then I came home and started the laundry.
Today I finished the laundry and did the ironing. I had to be at the Junior Forum office for a meeting and lunch. Because I had enough time beforehand, I stopped in at Coffee and Chit Chat for a bit. It has been a long time since I've participated in this activity. There was quite a crowd but I didn't stay very long.
Our lunch and meeting were over quickly at the office and soon I was on my way back home. Ted had called me to say his cousin Beth had died from her bout with lung cancer. He will be flying to Cincinnati this weekend with Terry to attend the funeral. It is sad but no one wants a loved one to suffer. As a child, Beth and her family lived in the other side of the duplex where Ted's family lived so they were very close to her.
It was the end of another shooting league and Ted called to tell me to make room for one more trophy! From there he was proceeding on to Dallas for a few business days. I went to get hair bows for Morgan. I had given her a strip of bows for Christmas and she wanted pastel ones for her Easter dress. She told her Mommy she thought Grandma would do that for her. Of course! I now have 14 bows to send. I hope one of them goes with her new dress. I met up with Gerre and we had dinner and closed McAllister Deli. They had all the chairs up on the tables and we were the only ones left!
Tomorrow is the return of the GE repairman. The last one would not listen to my complaint that the beeper goes off saying the oven has reached the right temperature way before it ever really does. After I took the phone survey I went and turned the oven on. It beeped within 4 minutes and my thermometer inside said 200 and the digital dial outside said 350. So tomorrow I'm not turning it on when he calls me and tells me to. He can put his gauge on it cold, start it up and see for himself what the gauge says when it beeps that the oven has reached 350. This should be interesting.
Sunday was very warm and I stood for three hours checking wristbands on people entering the Waterway and also putting on wristbands as people paid to enter. There was a nice breeze and that made it pleasant enough at Gate 5 where I was stationed. The time passed quickly and three different friends used this gate to exit so I had the opportunity to visit with them.
I picked Jacque up on Monday morning and we drove to a community center associated with the Women's Shelter. Once there, we filled dozens of plastic eggs with candy, enough to fill two 60 qt. containers. We made up 40 Easter baskets for children living in the shelters. We finished them off by placing them in cellophane bags printed with bunnies and tieing them with colorful ribbons. Many hands made light work. Afterwards we all went to lunch then I came home and started the laundry.
Today I finished the laundry and did the ironing. I had to be at the Junior Forum office for a meeting and lunch. Because I had enough time beforehand, I stopped in at Coffee and Chit Chat for a bit. It has been a long time since I've participated in this activity. There was quite a crowd but I didn't stay very long.
Our lunch and meeting were over quickly at the office and soon I was on my way back home. Ted had called me to say his cousin Beth had died from her bout with lung cancer. He will be flying to Cincinnati this weekend with Terry to attend the funeral. It is sad but no one wants a loved one to suffer. As a child, Beth and her family lived in the other side of the duplex where Ted's family lived so they were very close to her.
It was the end of another shooting league and Ted called to tell me to make room for one more trophy! From there he was proceeding on to Dallas for a few business days. I went to get hair bows for Morgan. I had given her a strip of bows for Christmas and she wanted pastel ones for her Easter dress. She told her Mommy she thought Grandma would do that for her. Of course! I now have 14 bows to send. I hope one of them goes with her new dress. I met up with Gerre and we had dinner and closed McAllister Deli. They had all the chairs up on the tables and we were the only ones left!
Tomorrow is the return of the GE repairman. The last one would not listen to my complaint that the beeper goes off saying the oven has reached the right temperature way before it ever really does. After I took the phone survey I went and turned the oven on. It beeped within 4 minutes and my thermometer inside said 200 and the digital dial outside said 350. So tomorrow I'm not turning it on when he calls me and tells me to. He can put his gauge on it cold, start it up and see for himself what the gauge says when it beeps that the oven has reached 350. This should be interesting.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Sensational Saturday
I was up at O-Dark-Thirty on Saturday morning to get ready for a 6 am pick-up for our trip to Brenham. Arriving right on time, I joined Jennifer and Gerre as we headed west to Brenham. We watched the sun come up out the back window and arrived just in time to get an awesome parking spot. We made our way to the high school cafeteria to get our packet. Unlike most 5K runs, they had a time chip imbedded in our bib number. Cool!
After some orange slices, bananas, coffee and a pit stop, we made our way to the Start Line. There was some confusion as to which way we were running so that delayed our start by a few minutes. Once settled, off we went. There were mostly young people in this race and we had three accomplishments in mind: 1) finish; 2) not be last; and 3) do it in under an hour. Unlike our previous attempts during cool weather and on flat surfaces, it didn't get below 70 overnight and was making its way into the 80s ... and there are hills in Brenham, TX. We did our best to maintain a constant momentum but the ability to see people in front of you going up a hill and then disappear down the other side made us wonder where the turn was. It's also discouraging to see the young men on their way back while you are still heading to the turn around.
When all was said and done, we 1) finished; 2) had LOTS of folks still behind us and 3) my chip time was 57:53. Mission Accomplished! We grabbed our free Blue Bell ice cream bar and made our way to the car only to sit a half hour trying to get out of the parking lot. We stopped in Chappell Hill for lunch and were home about 1:00.
When I arrived Ted said my deceased friend's daughter had called. She was cleaning out her mother's things and had found the Lladro that I had always admired and had asked about purchasing. So off I went for the Lladro. It's one I've always wanted and could never find and now I'll always have a piece to remind me of Elmira.
After about a half hour nap I showered and started gettng ready for church. Afterwards Ted took me to the the Marriott for the Junior Forum gala while he went on to Terry's for a birthday dinner. My junior forum group decided to just have a girls' table instead of bringing husbands. Ted was fine with that.
The room was decorated beautifully and the meal of veal was very good. They have a silent auction, live auction and board auction. I donated three things and last I looked the bids totaled $425 but it may have gone even higher. I removed three things I wasn't using from my house, Junior Forum made money, and someone else can now enjoy them. A win-win outcome. Since I had no dance partner, when the music started I called Ted and he came to pick me up. By then it was 10:30 and having started the day so early, I was ready for bed.
Janeen, Donna Marie and Jeanette at our table for the Cirque de la Fantaisie.
Today I'm scheduled to work 3-6 at the Waterway Art Fair. It will be closing time by then so maybe I'll be on clean-up duty. Who knows? Stay tuned.
After some orange slices, bananas, coffee and a pit stop, we made our way to the Start Line. There was some confusion as to which way we were running so that delayed our start by a few minutes. Once settled, off we went. There were mostly young people in this race and we had three accomplishments in mind: 1) finish; 2) not be last; and 3) do it in under an hour. Unlike our previous attempts during cool weather and on flat surfaces, it didn't get below 70 overnight and was making its way into the 80s ... and there are hills in Brenham, TX. We did our best to maintain a constant momentum but the ability to see people in front of you going up a hill and then disappear down the other side made us wonder where the turn was. It's also discouraging to see the young men on their way back while you are still heading to the turn around.
When all was said and done, we 1) finished; 2) had LOTS of folks still behind us and 3) my chip time was 57:53. Mission Accomplished! We grabbed our free Blue Bell ice cream bar and made our way to the car only to sit a half hour trying to get out of the parking lot. We stopped in Chappell Hill for lunch and were home about 1:00.
When I arrived Ted said my deceased friend's daughter had called. She was cleaning out her mother's things and had found the Lladro that I had always admired and had asked about purchasing. So off I went for the Lladro. It's one I've always wanted and could never find and now I'll always have a piece to remind me of Elmira.
After about a half hour nap I showered and started gettng ready for church. Afterwards Ted took me to the the Marriott for the Junior Forum gala while he went on to Terry's for a birthday dinner. My junior forum group decided to just have a girls' table instead of bringing husbands. Ted was fine with that.
The room was decorated beautifully and the meal of veal was very good. They have a silent auction, live auction and board auction. I donated three things and last I looked the bids totaled $425 but it may have gone even higher. I removed three things I wasn't using from my house, Junior Forum made money, and someone else can now enjoy them. A win-win outcome. Since I had no dance partner, when the music started I called Ted and he came to pick me up. By then it was 10:30 and having started the day so early, I was ready for bed.
Janeen, Donna Marie and Jeanette at our table for the Cirque de la Fantaisie.
Today I'm scheduled to work 3-6 at the Waterway Art Fair. It will be closing time by then so maybe I'll be on clean-up duty. Who knows? Stay tuned.
Friday, April 8, 2011
This Week, in This Place, Nothing Much Happened
I am so grateful for my Newcomer and Junior Forum social activities and volunteer opportunities. I kept the end of March, first part of April open because of the company coming. It didn't take me any time to get caught up after our company went home and there I sat.
I walked with Gerre on Monday, and waited for the GE repairman to come on Tuesday. He said my oven was off 15 degrees, pushed two buttons simultaneously three times and charged me $130. You can imagine what I told the survey person when they called!
In the afternoon, Ann stopped by for a visit. She wanted to see the few things we did to the house and to pick up the big coffeepot for Continental Breakfast on Thursday. Then I walked again with Gerre on Wednesday. To keep from going stark raving mad, I had my car detailed and got a pedicure.
Finally on Thursday I had something on the calendar. This was my first time to work at Regent Care Nursing Home. We were having an Easter party for the residents. I was given a packet with tablecloth, decorations, name tags, etc. so I got my table ready. We had 15 tables. There are a lot of stipulations about what different residents can and cannot eat so you have to be careful. They wear tags to alert you but some of them are crafty and take off or hide their tags so you can't see them.
There was a DJ playing old songs and the residents really seemed to enjoy the music and singing along. I have a new boyfriend now, Harold. He and I danced with him in his wheelchair through lots of the songs. He knew all the words to the songs. Harold was just my speed. I had worked up a thirst with all my dancing and singing and had to leave Harold for a bit to get a drink. Then all the volunteers did the Stroll in the middle of the room. I won't even say how many years it has been since I did that.
When I left I was amazed at how much I enjoyed myself at a place that so many had said was depressing. It was a great feeling.
We had plans for dinner with Gerre and Barry but their car ended up in the shop and it didn't work out so we took a raincheck. I ran a few errands returning a blouse, dropping off shoes at Beth's for "soles for souls" and the Canasta bag at Carol's for next week.
I walked with Gerre this morning, Ted is working at the Gun Club for a charity event and Rebecca just finished cleaning.
Tomorrow begins a week where I have lots to do and every day will be busy. I'll like that for a change of pace over last week.
I walked with Gerre on Monday, and waited for the GE repairman to come on Tuesday. He said my oven was off 15 degrees, pushed two buttons simultaneously three times and charged me $130. You can imagine what I told the survey person when they called!
In the afternoon, Ann stopped by for a visit. She wanted to see the few things we did to the house and to pick up the big coffeepot for Continental Breakfast on Thursday. Then I walked again with Gerre on Wednesday. To keep from going stark raving mad, I had my car detailed and got a pedicure.
Finally on Thursday I had something on the calendar. This was my first time to work at Regent Care Nursing Home. We were having an Easter party for the residents. I was given a packet with tablecloth, decorations, name tags, etc. so I got my table ready. We had 15 tables. There are a lot of stipulations about what different residents can and cannot eat so you have to be careful. They wear tags to alert you but some of them are crafty and take off or hide their tags so you can't see them.
There was a DJ playing old songs and the residents really seemed to enjoy the music and singing along. I have a new boyfriend now, Harold. He and I danced with him in his wheelchair through lots of the songs. He knew all the words to the songs. Harold was just my speed. I had worked up a thirst with all my dancing and singing and had to leave Harold for a bit to get a drink. Then all the volunteers did the Stroll in the middle of the room. I won't even say how many years it has been since I did that.
When I left I was amazed at how much I enjoyed myself at a place that so many had said was depressing. It was a great feeling.
We had plans for dinner with Gerre and Barry but their car ended up in the shop and it didn't work out so we took a raincheck. I ran a few errands returning a blouse, dropping off shoes at Beth's for "soles for souls" and the Canasta bag at Carol's for next week.
I walked with Gerre this morning, Ted is working at the Gun Club for a charity event and Rebecca just finished cleaning.
Tomorrow begins a week where I have lots to do and every day will be busy. I'll like that for a change of pace over last week.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Quiet Weekend
We went to church Saturday evening and then met Stella and Jay for dinner. It's been awhile since we've had a chance to visit with them. We went to Sam's afterwards and then parted company. They had to get back to let the dogs out so declined my invitation to come to our house.
Sunday Ted went shooting and I went to Lowe's and bought three plants to replace the ones that froze. I don't know what they were but they had a big root system and it took quite a bit of digging to get them out to put the new ones in. Barbara our neighbor was working in her yard and we had a nice chat. She is a flight attendant and is seldom home so it was nice to catch up with her.
The grass around the wall in the front just wasn't doing well so I took the rake and got up a whole garbage can full of thatch. Then I upped the sprinkler by a couple minutes. It gets fertilized on a regular basis so I'm hoping this bit of care will help.
My oven is acting up so I'm having GE come today to take a look. I think it is the thermostat. It beeps when it reaches the set temperature but the thermometer I put inside says it is only 225 when it is set for 350. And I've seen it at 300 degrees when it is set at 350 while cooking. Barb and I had trouble with it while baking the lasagna so it's time to have them take a look.
Gerre and I did our 5K walk this morning but it is getting warmer down here and we could really feel it. On Saturday we are doing the Blue Bell Fun Run and we'll have both heat and some slight grades to contend with. I think we'll feel this one more than the Run Thru the Woods at Thanksgiving and the Rodeo Run in February when the air was cooler and the course totally flat.
It is so quiet with everyone gone. None of our joint Powerball tickets won the big money so everyone had to return to their normal routine. Such is life.
Sunday Ted went shooting and I went to Lowe's and bought three plants to replace the ones that froze. I don't know what they were but they had a big root system and it took quite a bit of digging to get them out to put the new ones in. Barbara our neighbor was working in her yard and we had a nice chat. She is a flight attendant and is seldom home so it was nice to catch up with her.
The grass around the wall in the front just wasn't doing well so I took the rake and got up a whole garbage can full of thatch. Then I upped the sprinkler by a couple minutes. It gets fertilized on a regular basis so I'm hoping this bit of care will help.
My oven is acting up so I'm having GE come today to take a look. I think it is the thermostat. It beeps when it reaches the set temperature but the thermometer I put inside says it is only 225 when it is set for 350. And I've seen it at 300 degrees when it is set at 350 while cooking. Barb and I had trouble with it while baking the lasagna so it's time to have them take a look.
Gerre and I did our 5K walk this morning but it is getting warmer down here and we could really feel it. On Saturday we are doing the Blue Bell Fun Run and we'll have both heat and some slight grades to contend with. I think we'll feel this one more than the Run Thru the Woods at Thanksgiving and the Rodeo Run in February when the air was cooler and the course totally flat.
It is so quiet with everyone gone. None of our joint Powerball tickets won the big money so everyone had to return to their normal routine. Such is life.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
All's Well that Ends Well
Wednesday morning I cooked our Cincinnati German goetta for breakfast and Dan cooked eggs. It was the only "big" breakfast we had all week because of being so busy. Thanks to Barb, my awesome helper, before noon we had all four beds stripped, sheets laundered and back on the beds. I'm making sure she stays at my house next time too!
Erma packed up her car and headed out to Louisiana. She would call later to say she was 40 miles from home and thank us for a very good time. Everyone else was getting packed up for their 1 o'clock or so flights when the phone rang. There was a very short layover for them to catch their second flight and then the Houston plane was going to be a little late. Dave got on the phone with Delta and got them all changed to a straight through flight that left late afternoon.
So off everyone went to lunch at the country club except me, Ted and Dan who had a 1:50 flight. Ted did the first run to the airport and Dan arrived back in Miami without incident and drove home to Key West.
Everyone arrived from lunch and Ted loaded up my Expedition with the remaining five and did run number two to the airport. That car of mine sure comes in handy. When I get around to replacing it, I think it will be another Expedition.
With the laundry done, everything else in order and leftover lasagna for dinner, I was able to watch Survivor with no problem. It was a great feeling knowing everyone had such a good time. There were no glitches in the travel plans that didn't work out, plenty of time to visit, see some of Texas and Lord knows we had plenty to eat. It was an awesome time with the family.
Thursday I was back to my normal social routine and I played Canasta with the large group. They pay 1st, 2nd, position #8 in the middle and last. I keep ending up #7 so I need to get a whole lot better, a little worse or a lot worse. I think this will continue to be a $5 donation to the group for a long while.
Ted had a doctor's appointment on Friday to have a cyst removed from inside his lip. About a month ago, they had removed a much smaller bump, sent it to pathology which said it was nothing, but it returned. Because he waited until the company was gone to get it removed a second time, it had gotten much bigger. The doctor said if this didn't work he would do surgery and remove the piece of vein it is growing on and sew the vein ends together. He has a fat lip now until the swelling goes down.
No plans for the weekend except maybe watching the Final Four and going to church. I need to plant two or three things in our front yard to replace those that apparently are not going to come back from the freeze. The other things are doing well. Ted has kept the hanging baskets alive for almost two weeks now. What a gardener he is!!!
Erma packed up her car and headed out to Louisiana. She would call later to say she was 40 miles from home and thank us for a very good time. Everyone else was getting packed up for their 1 o'clock or so flights when the phone rang. There was a very short layover for them to catch their second flight and then the Houston plane was going to be a little late. Dave got on the phone with Delta and got them all changed to a straight through flight that left late afternoon.
So off everyone went to lunch at the country club except me, Ted and Dan who had a 1:50 flight. Ted did the first run to the airport and Dan arrived back in Miami without incident and drove home to Key West.
Everyone arrived from lunch and Ted loaded up my Expedition with the remaining five and did run number two to the airport. That car of mine sure comes in handy. When I get around to replacing it, I think it will be another Expedition.
With the laundry done, everything else in order and leftover lasagna for dinner, I was able to watch Survivor with no problem. It was a great feeling knowing everyone had such a good time. There were no glitches in the travel plans that didn't work out, plenty of time to visit, see some of Texas and Lord knows we had plenty to eat. It was an awesome time with the family.
Thursday I was back to my normal social routine and I played Canasta with the large group. They pay 1st, 2nd, position #8 in the middle and last. I keep ending up #7 so I need to get a whole lot better, a little worse or a lot worse. I think this will continue to be a $5 donation to the group for a long while.
Ted had a doctor's appointment on Friday to have a cyst removed from inside his lip. About a month ago, they had removed a much smaller bump, sent it to pathology which said it was nothing, but it returned. Because he waited until the company was gone to get it removed a second time, it had gotten much bigger. The doctor said if this didn't work he would do surgery and remove the piece of vein it is growing on and sew the vein ends together. He has a fat lip now until the swelling goes down.
No plans for the weekend except maybe watching the Final Four and going to church. I need to plant two or three things in our front yard to replace those that apparently are not going to come back from the freeze. The other things are doing well. Ted has kept the hanging baskets alive for almost two weeks now. What a gardener he is!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)