Sadie Hawkins Day

Can any of you remember Li'l Abner and Dogpatch, USA?

American cartoonist Al Capp introduced the concept of Sadie Hawkins Day into his long-running syndicated Li’l Abner comic strip. Sadie Hawkins Day (named for 'the homeliest gal in the hills'), in the hillbilly town of Dogpatch, always featured a race for spinsters. Any bachelor, if caught, must marry the spinster who caught him. Sadie Hawkins Day, made its debut in the strip published November 15, 1937, but by association with a Scottish tradition, February 29 is given that name.

Harry's Gift to Me

I thought I had more pictures. I guess I was just carried away with our trip and how enjoyable it was. You younger ladies will think we wasted a perfect opportunity to do a lot more than we did, but this is how it is when you get older. We have slowed down to smell the roses. And love it, I might add.

The trip down was pleasant. Sky was overcast for the first part of the trip which wasn't a bad thing. The overcast kept us from driving into the sun. By the time the sky became bright and sun filled it was high enough to enjoy rather than fight. It takes between 6 and 7 hours for us to make the drive which includes stops and one on-the-road meal. After we checked in and got our luggage to our suite we went out to get semi-oriented and to buy drinks for our little palace above the beach. We were on the 10th floor, beach front. It was perfect. Not too high but high enough to have a good view. I loved it.

Sand here is totally different from either the east coast or the west. It's sugar white and very fine. When you walk it feels soft; not at all abrasive. I never understood why the Panhandle coast is called the Emerald Coast. I just assumed it was because there were lush plantings. Well, there are lush plantings, but the name comes from the clear green water close to the beach. I think you'll be able to see it from a couple of the pictures. Where the water is shallow over the beach or sand bars it is clear and emerald green when the sun shines. Deeper water is dark blue. I think the green is a result of the properties in the sand - it is not algae. Sunsets are fascinating on this coast. I'm more familiar with the beaches from Pawley's to the Outer Banks where sun rise is the prize. At least that's my experience.

These are the colors in bright sunlight. Picture was taken from our balcony.

You just never know who might be found on the beach.

One captured sunset.

This sunset was brilliant. Even brighter than over the desert.

Holes in the floor of heaven where the angels keep watch. Have you heard that story?

Feet of two old farts just watching the surf roll in. Sorry Soul. I missed the sand shot.

OK,everyone. This is an odd shot for me but this really caught my eye. Are they teaching or selling? I decided to let everyone make their own story to go with this. Old folks notice things they would never have seen in their youth.
We ate at this little small town restaurant on the way home. My nephew, Ricky, told us about this place. It's name is the result of trying to find an appropriate name. The owners decided on the name based on what a lot of folks say in response to, "Where would you like to eat?" The food was excellent. Just down home country cooking.
I might add that we enjoyed the beautiful, warm weather on the Emerald Coast. We were welcomed home by a whirl of snowflakes and dark clouds. There was no accumulation but nevertheless it was cold.

Gotta quit posting and get ready to take the youngest grandson to music class. His older brother is going to the doctor this afternoon because he has a fever and is really under the weather.

I wish you all could have a long weekend on the Emerald Coast.

Home Again

We're back. . .home, that is. It was a wonderful trip for both of us. All pictures are still in camera, all laundry still in bag, all clean clothes still in suitcase, and the rest of our junk is still just scattered around wherever it landed. There is always tomorrow.

I've missed all of my blogging buddies. I did get to read some of your posts but our laptop is trying for the title slowest still in commission. I just waited until I got home.

Soul, I hope you are feeling better. I've been worried about you. Summer, I checked to see how your day has been and you're not there. What happened? Did I miss something? Everyone else, I hope I make it to all your blogs this evening. If I don't then I certainly will tomorrow morning.

Again, I missed you all

Almost But Not Yet

Today is the tomorrow that I mentioned yesterday. Play date starts in roughly an hour and won't end until early evening. I may not have time to post again before we leave for the coast on Saturday morning. Make that early Saturday morning. My better half believes that "If we're going let's just get up and go. No use to wait until late to leave." Keep in mind that 7 AM is late in his book. I agree somewhat but there's no use rushing.

I hope each and everyone has a wonderful happy weekend and early week. Soul, please rest and get better. From your description it sounds like flu. Elizabeth, we'll pass each other coming from and going to FL. Maybe not close enough to wave but we can send mental greetings. I'll be waiting to hear about your trip.

Spell checker is working. I'm so happy I would turn cartwheels if my butt wasn't too big to launch. When I'm home, I'll tell all. Not that I expect there will be much to tell. We intend to be really low key. Above is what how I expect our get-away potrait to look. Be safe and don't forget me.

Today, Tomorrow And Then The Coast

Thursday is happening today. I'm using this day to do the last minute stuff before we leave for the coast on Saturday. What about Friday? Why that's my play date day! I wouldn't want to miss that.

My "last minute stuff" is really simple. I need to replace a pocket in Harry's comfy jeans, patch a pair of my comfys, get my "hide my hair" cap/hat and one of my beaded resort tees out of the summer storage chest (just in case), and make sure we have plenty of clean underwear. Everything else will just happen. I can pack in 30 minutes Saturday morning. Packing is never a problem for me.

I'm really looking forward to this few days out of town. I don't really care what the weather is - the sound of waves hitting the shore will be relaxing. I want "chill out" time away from this house. I just can't seem to get all the tasks on my list behind me so I'm leaving them at home - out of sight, out of mind. Just color me lazy and good-for-nothing from Saturday until the following Wednesday.

Is spell check ever going to work again?

Shopping

Today I went to the mall closest to our house. I parked on the top level close to the store where I intended to shop for jeans. After trying 8 pair of jeans I left the store ready to scream. Nothing fit everywhere they should. I haven't bought jeans in a long time and had forgotten what a chore it is. A wedding dress is easier to fit than jeans! I wear jeans most of the time but they are all getting pretty beat up. So, when you see me - if you see me - I'll be wearing worn-out jeans. I have no pride.

Our expecting DIL had a doctor appointment today and all is going along just like it should. The doctor told her to expect a big baby. I was pretty sure that would be the case - she doesn't look like she's gained body weight but she tips the scales more than the doctor expected. The C-Section word came up during the appointment today. It's not a sure thing but something that may have to be considered a little later. DIL isn't afraid of having a C-Section but she was - and still is - looking forward to delivering her baby.

Well, I've told all the news from our little corner of the world. Nothing earth shaking happening here. How are things where you are?

Plans

It's Monday! Harry developed a tooth ache during the early morning hours. Our dentist gave up his lunch hour to see Harry and remove an abcessed tooth. A really cool thing to have happen just before we're leaving town. At least it happened before we left. Harry went to bed early looking a bit droopy but said he wasn't hurting. We have pain medication if he needs it. If this begins to give him trouble we'll just cancel the trip - because I'll insist - and go another time.

As the trip stands now we'll drive to the coast this Saturday and drive home the next Wednesday. I know it isn't long but it's long enough for relaxing to the sound of the surf, walking on the sand, and just enjoying life. If it rains or is cool that will be OK. It won't spoil our trip. We're going to Panama City Beach and will be staying beach side on the 10th or 12th floor. There is a private balcony overlooking the Gulf. Our suite should be nice - this hotel caters to adults. We have absolutely no plans other than going there and coming home. Each minute will dictate the next.

Arrangements are made with the house sitter so everything will be taken care of here. The kids will be available if anything goes wrong here at the house. The babies, who aren't babies anymore, . . . We'll certainly miss them. The car has been serviced and is ready for the trip. I'll be taking coffee and tea - I like my own brand. I'm sure the suite has a coffee maker.

I just got the news this afternoon that the oldest grandson has his first loose tooth. Help!!!! They are growing up too fast.

I need to check on Harry and be sure he's OK. Our bedroom is at one end of the house and I'm at the other end - might not hear him if he calls me. Make note to self---consider in-house intercom system.

Hope everyone has a quiet peaceful night. Until later, bye

My Sunday Story

The day came in with wind, rain, and thunder. It closed with sunshine. As long as no one has storm damage, I'm thankful for every drop of rain that falls. We've been in drought mode for a year. Our water table is still low. Hope none of you had property damage as a result of the weather in your neck-o-th-woods. I know those of you who are getting more snow are ready for - and deserve a break.

Our gathering today was a bit small and quiet. The middle son, the grandboys, and DIL decided they needed a day at home. I certainly agreed - as a matter of fact I suggested it. DIL is still not over her episode and the whole family looked beat. I insisted DIL give me a verbal list of things they needed so none of them would have to leave the house and I'd pick it up. When I was satisfied that they were all tucked in for the day, I came home and settled in.

The other regular 'gathers' were here and we watched the Daytona 500 and had pizza instead of a home cooked meal. That doesn't happen very often, but it seemed the thing to do today.

The race was good and ended with a surprise winner, Ryan Newman in a Dodge. I know next to nothing about the team owners and very little about any of the drivers but I love the sport. Yes, it is loud. Yes, it is sometimes violent. Yes, the sport is considered "redneck" but I don't care. I've been a race fan since I was a young teen attending dirt track races in Cleveland, TN. I heard that Bill Elliot owns that track now and that it's been paved. I think I said before that I don't have a real favorite driver. I'm for the driver who's driving clean and being a gentleman on race day. That's not always the same driver. Tony Stewart is a kind of rogue, but all-in-all a loveable one. I believe part of his bravado is a fence to hide behind. Speaking of fences, I bet he can't climb the fence this season unless he trims down a bit.

Plans are in place for our trip to the coast. Reservations are made, kids have been warned, housesitter engaged, and the old folks just waitin' for the time to leave. I can pack for a trip in 30 minutes with no problem. (Remember, I traveled a lot while I was working.) I'll tell more about our plans next time.

NASCAR Season 2008 is Underway

The sick are improving. DIL is still really shakey but isn't so bad that she can't walk and manage to be up a few minutes. Grandson's Pink Eye is gone and no one seems to have gotten infected from him. (Did a lot of germ murder in our houses.) The oldest and youngest sons went to Nashville for the funeral and are safely home. Our expectant DIL and middle son have missed all the confusion on this side of town. We certainly don't want her involved in any of this crud.

Anyway it seems that things are making their way to normal in our little world. Remember my gift beach gift certificate? Well, I'm making final plans to cash it in. I really need a quiet, dull day or two. Too much excitement is bad for old people.

Tomorrow is the NASCAR Daytona 500. It certainly won't be a quiet, dull day here. We're all primed for the green flag. I, for one, was glad to see Earnhardt, Jr looking more settled. I know he's had a rough time making the change to another team. Poor Tony looks as if he spent the off season at the dinner table and forgot his appointment for haircuts. I don't have a really favorite driver. I cheer for someone different almost every race. My favorite of the day is the driver that's playing fair and not being a bad sport. Don't know how many of you are NASCAR fans but I turn into a first class redneck when the call comes out "Gentlemen, start your engines."

Jamie, do you have a favorite driver? Lets - you and I - forget all our crapy stuff and just enjoy the roar.

My spell check still isn't working - hope the above is readable.

A Day in the Life Of........

Valentine Day was short lived at our house. I had the most beautiful card on my keyboard when I got up. Harry always has the perfect cards for me. All was quiet, coffee steaming, kitty purring, and the old folks were content. Then it happened - the phone call.

My DIL (the grandson's mom) was in real distress this morning. She was unable to walk, bad headache, and nausea. My son called and of course Harry and I took the boys. The oldest went on to school and I picked him up after his Valentine party. The youngest developed a problem with his eyes as the morning wore on. (Pink Eye) Mommy and Daddy are at the emergency room where Mommy is having more tests than I can count. CAT scan, x-ray, EKG, blood work and more. It was a long day. The boys were with us and they managed to stay busy and not worry. It's normal for them to spend the day here so things seemed normal to them. The medical community let Mommy go home with meds.

When Mommy was tucked in at home I went to their house to manage things while Daddy took the youngest son to the doctor for his eyes. They came home with meds for pink eye. My son had class tonight and the professor was doing a cursive review for finals so I pushed him out of the house to attend class. I had no problem managing the boys and Mommy. When Daddy came home I rushed home to watch Lost.

We're not 100% sure what is going on with Mommy but there are no tumors and tests look OK. At this point they are calling it "an inner ear problem" and have given her meds for vertigo and nausea. Time will tell - We pray that it will respond in a day or so.

Never know what the next day will bring. Right?? Even with all the rushing and confusion we still have many things to be thankful for.

Oops! I missed posting yesterday. Either I was busy or sitting in the corner daydreaming. Time just got away from me.

There was bad news for me this morning. My former sister-in-law passed away this morning. She was my strength and support during my divorce from her brother. Without her help and reassurance I don't know how I'd have made it through. This is a loss that will be with me for a long time. She hasn't been well for at least a year so my comfort has to be that she is at peace. Her children are deeply grieving - they are a very close family.

When I got the call I'd visited most of my regular blogs and left comments on most but, for now at least, I just want to sit quietly and sort my memories and emotions.

I'll be back later. If not today then tomorrow.

Everyone take care. Tell those close to you that you love them.

On Birthday and Trivia

Gee whiz! I read about the unbelievably cold temps some of you have to endure and I've decided that being an Alabama redneck ain't so bad after all. I’d like a good snow but only for a day. Just hang on folks spring will surely be here soon.

Daughter, Judy, sent pictures of our granddaughter’s first birthday. From all indications she had a really big party for a one year old. We wish we could have her close enough to spend some time with us but it doesn’t look like that’s in the cards. They do plan to come sometime between next Thanksgiving or Christmas but that is many, many days away. In the meantime we’re just happy to have pictures. I believe she loved her cake..........................

...........And her gifts.

I’m happy to say that today was a normal day here in the neighborhood. I don’t know what was in the air yesterday but I hope we used up whatever it was and that we don’t get another ration. Man, everything seemed weird or out of sync. Normal is good!!

Did you realize that on this day two years ago our Vice President shot a fellow while on a hunting trip? Guess he was having a weird day, too. We never know what will happen next so keep your ear to the ground.

Enough of my foolish prattle for one evening. I'll save the rest for later.

Back to Normal

This morning was a mess but things smoothed out as the morning moved along. By afternoon I was back in my groove. Dinner was pretty simple but no one seemed to mind. I made hamburgers with all the trimmings and pecan caramel pound cake and ice cream. The little ones like Nana Burgers and it was so good to see the oldest one eat the whole burger. It's the first time he's eaten more than a few bites for several days. Next week is the Daytona 500 and it's a traditional pizza day for us. Pizza is a treat at this house since I seldom order takeout. Everyone looks forward to Pizza Day. I'll have some special beer, wings, and finger foods, etc., to fill the gaps.

Harry finished filing our taxes this past week. The bottom line wasn't as good as I'd hoped but we can live with it. It always irritates me when I actually see the numbers on the forms and realize how much this good life costs. I wouldn't change it for any other, though, so I guess I should just leave that subject alone.

The cat has decided to be my shadow and constant companion. Part of the time I enjoy having her close and listening to her purr. Other times she's just in the way. This morning I sat my coffee cup down for just a minute and looked back to see her lapping away. This silly cat, that will eat absolutely nothing but dry food, has now decided to drink my coffee. She sits on the vanity and washes her face while she's watching me wash mine and she intently watches as I brush my teeth. The last straw is when she decides to lay on me during the night - NOT beside me but ON me. Let me tell you, she is one warm kitty. How did I get on this subject? Probably because she's trying to lay on the keyboard and when I push her away she meows like her heart is breaking. Enough of this! I'm going to bed.

Breathe in deeply 10 times, relax and close your eyes, now sleep a peaceful sleep until morning calls. Summer, turn off your alarm. Nite, nite everyone

Oh Me, Oh My

Good Mornin'

I finally woke up. Soul is correct; my sleep pattern is really messed up. I'm absolutely at the end of the blog line this morning. Bad thing is that I'm still sleepy and it's 9:15 AM! I'll shake it off and be fine, though.

Harry and I watched Speed Week most of the day yesterday. Jamie, did you see the exchange between Tony and Kurt during practice? I didn't see it but according to reports they are still acting like spoiled 4-year-old brats. Yes, Tony really looks bad. Do you think that maybe his party time is getting out of control?

I don't have a menu ready for today and I didn't straighten the television area. Now I'm in a bind and have to get moving----errrrrr-----make that running. I'll be fine and back on track when I get this first cup of coffee into play.

I'll catch up later today.

Allergic Reaction

Not a lot of sleep last night. No reason - just couldn't sleep. Feel fine.

The grandsons came to play with Nana while Mommy ran some errands. Within 10 minutes of her leaving, I noticed the oldest was scratching his ankles and tummy. As Nanas are prone to do, I "downed him" and inspected. He had a rash that was unreal - big blotches that were red. He didn't tell Mommy because he was afraid he wouldn't get to come to Nana and Papa's house. Long story made short. Mommy came back and called the pediatrician who decided it's an allergic reaction to the antibiotic he's taking for the ear infection. More visits to the doctor, more medication, and a change of antibiotic. Our first experience with ear infections has not been easy. Raising children is really hard.

NASCAR is happening on at least two televisions. Harry doesn't want to miss one minute of action or one word of an interview. I'm so glad that he can do/watch something that he enjoys so much. All I know so far is that Toney Stewart has long hair this season! I can just see how that's going to look when he has one of his spastic fits of yelling and throwing his helmet and gloves. That alone should make this a watch able season. Don't ya just love a good fit when you don't have to actually be there? Am I a sicko?

I decided to post early today and be ready to help Mommy and Daddy with this allergic situation if they need me. I'm really good at rocking, rubbing, and singing silly songs. If you don't believe it just ask my grandsons.

Memory Lane

As you can see, I'm up later than late tonight. I went to bed early last night and slept for 12 - that's right - 12 hours! I may be awake for the next week.

The grandson is better but he's not yet 100%. Today he felt better and we had a short play date while Mommy took his brother to his music lesson. They are both doing an outstanding job with their music classes. They both practice without being reminded. Miracles do happen.

Reading Summer's post this evening caused me to recall a scene that was playing out in my office a few years ago. We had hired a total of 18 engineers fresh out of college for our intern program. These kids weren't dry behind the ears. As a matter of fact I don't believe some of them were housebroken. I walked into the office after attending a meeting and this is what I saw: One engineer was practicing his juggling skills with three oranges. Another was showing a couple of kids how he perceived "white people dance" and demonstrating how "black people dance." One of the girls was painting her nails. Another had her feet on her desk and was reading a travel magazine. One boy was snoring - yes he was sound asleep amidst all the action. When those kids saw me it was unbelievable how quickly they found their desks. I told them that it looked like either a kindergarten class or a bad circus. In case you're wondering if they had work to do the answer is YES! I wasn’t their supervisor at the time, but if I had been there would have been notes in each of their personnel folders. At least they weren't playing video games on line. That happened with the next batch we hired.

I've traveled far enough down memory lane for this evening. I think I'll settle down and read. Hope everyone is enjoying snoozing good time.

No News Just Words

Grandson is doing better but still has a fever. He's even taking meds without complaint because he knows the alternative was a shot. Mommy needs to go the grocery and do a haircut so I'm going to their house to play for a while.

Don't know if I've mentioned that the boy's Mommy is a licensed and wonderful cosmetologist. She quit work when the first grandson came along. Her clients were really disappointed when she quit and begged her not to do so. She decided that, since some of her clients had been with her for years, she would continue to do those haircuts and colors from either her home or theirs. Most of these clients are older and travel isn't always easy for them. She has a really good background and does wonderful work. I'm usually on her naughty list because I don't want to take time and effort to keep current with my hair. At some point she may go back to work but not until the boys are older. I think it would be feasible for her to have her own shop and lease stations to independents. At some point she could just become a manager which should be easier as she gets older. At my age, I'm always thinking ahead to "the older" years. Not that I'm already there, mind you.

We didn't have any really bad weather last night or this morning. Just rain, which we are thankful for receiving. I've been watching the news about the storms to our west. So much destruction and loss of life. It's a very sad time for many, many people. My heart goes out to them.

Hope your day is bright and peace reigns in your life. Happy Hump Day.

Sick Child and Bad Weather

Posting earlier than usual today. The oldest grandson is running a high fever and Mommy is on the way to the doctor's office with him. I suspect he has an ear infection but I didn't mention that to her. I asked if she wanted to drop off the youngest grandson but she said that would cause the older kid to cry because he couldn't stay too.

I don't know if I already told my readers what the youngest said/did at his last checkup, which was just after the New Year. If I did, you're about to get a repeat. Both boys were due a regular checkup and had appointments back to back. The oldest was first. Doctor Pats did the usual poking, listening, pricking, etc, and everything looked really good but the kicker came when he had to have a booster shot of some kind. That set the youngest into a tail spin. He told the whole world that in no uncertain terms he did not want to get "up on that white bed." Dr Pats consoled him and everything was fine as long as Dr Pats was in the room. When the nurse came in the room with not one but four injections on a tray doomsday came to pass at the doctor's office! The kid didn't want anything to do with the whole process and everyone knew exactly how he felt! Bottom line is that each of the boys passed his checkup with flying colors and both received the necessary boosters and vaccinations.

The reason I told/retold that is so I could say that the youngest informed Mommy that he'd go to the doctor with his brother as long as he didn't have to "get up on that white bed" and no one was planning to give him a shot.

This is probably just another of the childhood thingies that they get over and forget about in a day or two, but we hate for the babies to be ill. I'm keeping my time free the rest of the day just in case I'm needed for whatever reason.

Hope everyone is well and that this line of storms causes no injury or loss of property.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Update: Grandson does have an ear infection. Dr. said on a scale of 1 to 10 it is a 7 or 8. Grandson still says his ear doesn't hurt. No shots just medication. All is once again calm in Nana and Papaville.

Super Bowl 42 is History

Super Bowl Sunday 42 is history. I really felt old when I remembered that I watched the first Super Bowl. Then I thought about the difference those years made in my life. My life now has much less stress. The game last evening was exciting - at least to those of you who follow football. I was a bit disappointed with the commercials - they just didn't measure up to prior years.

Our Sunday gathering was a bit empty yesterday. The oldest grandson was ill and running a fever so they decided to stay home. The oldest son and the youngest son and his wife were here for a short while. They were attending parties with their friends which is as it should be. Bottom line - Harry and I enjoyed the children and spouces who could be here in the afternoon and missed the ones who were home sick. When everyone left Harry and I had our own Super Bowl party. We snacked, snuggled into the sofa in front of the TV and just enjoyed the evening.

No cooking today. There's lots of leftovers in the fridge. Maybe I can make some headway on a couple of projects that are way behind my schedule. It's wet and gray here so there's not much outside to take my attention away from my plan.

Super Bowl Mania is Here

Another Saturday is almost history. Tomorrow night is Super Bowl commercials - I know, I know there's a football game, too. What can I say? All the kids will be here tomorrow afternoon. I'm not sure if any of them will be here for the game. The youngest son and his wife are going to join some of their friends. The middle son - is studying and has a huge report and other school work to keep him busy. (He will finally have his degree at the end of this session.) The oldest son hasn't committed one way or the other. Whatever they decide is cool with us. I'm bar-b-queing baby back ribs and will have steamed veggies, etc, etc - and, oh yes, I made a big banana pudding. They won't leave my house hungry. We wish our daughter (in Phoenix) could be here but we understand and hope she and her family are having a great weekend.

I haven't made plans for my "Christmas Gift Certificate" trip yet. It seems like things just keep happening and the trip gets pushed further and further out. NASCAR's "Speed Week" (or whatever it's called) begins Feb 9 with the Bud Shoot Out and continues through Feb 17 with the Daytona 500. By the time that week is over, Harry will be weak in the knees. I think I'll try to fit my gift trip in sometime around the last weekend in February. What do ya think? I don't want to swim. I just want to sit quietly and listen to the ocean sounds. I haven't done that in at least 30 years and I remember how much pleasure it gave me. (I've been to the ocean many times during that 30 years but never to just be still and quiet and listen to the sounds.) Ah, the things dreams are made of.

Tomorrow will be busy. Hope you have a fantastic Super Bowl Sunday doing whatever you enjoy most.

Are We Having Fun Yet?

Last evening and night we had lots of rain and strong wind. No damage at our house or at any of the kid's houses. Seems the temps get to just above freezing when "falling weather" is in our neck-o-the-woods so we miss out on snow. That's an OK thing so far as I'm concerned.

The boys and I watched Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (the old version with Gene Wilder). The youngest just watches intently but the 5 year old asked questions almost constantly. I was afraid they would be frightened of the newer version. In the version we watched Charlie and Grandpa drank the drink that made them rise up in the air. Remember how they had to burp to get down? Well, guess what.................................... Yep, both little darlings are now trying to burp.

I haven't menitoned my sister who was in rehab for a while. I want to say, "Thanks to everyone who remembered Beatrice in their prayers and sent good wishes." She is much better and able to be home with her daughter in the Palm Springs area. Ricky (my nephew) tells me she's doing really well. She's ready for the world.

Several of my blogging friends are either sick or going through extremely stressful times. Each and every one of you are in my prayers. Also, several blogging friends are hale, hearty, and ready for the show. To them I say, "Go for it - whatever 'it' is.)

As for me, it's sign off and go sit by hubby time.