Hello World! Are You Still There?

It's been six days since I sat down to write on my blog. There has been lots to write about but - well, I don't know why I've been lax.

The show here is ongoing. A bit of progress has been made but we still haven't made a dent in the overall job. Everything I start to do has to wait until something else is done. It's a never ending circle. What a ride!!


My computer is now sitting in front of one of the sunroom windows. I can see the back yard alive with squirrels, birds, a bunny, and - (oh no, weeds!!) - trees almost leafed out. I have a lawn care company scheduled to make the front borders summer ready. It's a big help to have that done for me. I will have to complete the planting (as I planned) to finally have everything in ground.

I've been walking around the house making decisions about which things I'll keep and which will have to find new loving homes. A couple of items have been adopted and I'm so very thankful for that. Every little thing that is eliminated counts towards a successful finish.

In the midst of all the activity, I'm having a flare with my hip, knee, and hand. Uncle Arthur does love old injuries and visits on a regular basis. He's a hateful old coot! Doesn't he realize that I'm too busy to entertain him? I hope he leaves before I have to throw steroids at him.

As you can tell, I'm more than a bit out of sync. I still remember and appreciate all my blogging friends and the potential for new friends, as well. Don't forget me and visit again when you have time.

Moonlight Through Fog

A few mornings ago we had a heavy morning fog. Here are a couple of pictures of moonlight through that fog. This is the moon peeping through the limbs of our big tulip tree.

Moonlight over the side fence. The big tree in this pic is in our neighbor's yard.

Note From the Old Folks

I've been awake and keeping company with the coffee pot since 3:15. It's almost time to make another pot. Harry came out of his coma around 6:30 and is now out for his morning walk.

Yesterday we helped Buddy, Sarah and her parents load the moving truck. Well, Harry really worked and I just got in the way. The truck loaded well and they balanced it evenly so it would be easier to drive. The trip will take three days - Sarah's parents are following - they are doing short driving days. It was a sad time when Harry and I had to leave - there were tears all around. We are happy for them because it seems that the opportunities for them are better there but it's sad to see them go. They are going to have some cold winters complete with lots of ice and snow. Wisconsin is a big change!

The changes at our house are now going to have to be shifted to high gear. Time is running out and we have to be ready for the new reef tanks by Monday - well the cabinets are scheduled to be here on Monday. The suppliers will bring the bottom part of the cabinets. set them up and trim them out in place. Then in the next few days bring the tanks and hoods. The company will set the tanks. Harry will mount the lights and he and I will set the hoods. That's just the simple version. The actual version could go on for pages and pages. I'll spare you that.

As a matter of fact, I intend to quit ranting about all the things we are trying to accomplish in this old house. It's boring reading and my mind needs a rest from the daunting tasks. I hope I can think of something else - something happier - to blog about.

Now on with the day. It's Friday! Plan - and do - something fun for the weekend.

Update Regarding Sunday Gathering Day

We survived yet another Friday the 13th. No scars, no battles.

For the past several years I've been basking in the joy of having a big family with lots of laughter and action. Sundays will continue to be gathering day with two of our sons and families. However, changes are in the works. Buddy, Sarah, and Mav won't be here. They are moving to Wisconsin to be close to Sarah's parents. She is homesick so they are making this move work for them. Wisconsin is a bit far for routine Sunday trips. Judy, Rick, and Maddie have bought a home in Phoenix. Phoenix is a bit far for routine Sunday trips. We've enjoyed the past few years but we know that all the children have to live their own lives. All we can do is wish them well and love them.

Keith and Joe if the two of you decide to pick up home and family and move away Harry and I are going to really feel like no one loves us. Nothing like a guilt trip - nothing like a mother to apply that guilt trip.

Bottom line to all this - besides feeling sad - is that we no longer need as much room for our Sunday antics. I'm going to re-arrange the house so that I'm not looking at empty space with no one to fill it. This means that, in addition to preparing for the new reef tanks, there will be lots of moving and re-purposing of space going on in this house. It will keep me busy.

Life as we know it can change in a heartbeat. Think about that and never miss the chance to tell your family and friends that you love them - if you do. With that I send love and friendship to my blogging friends and family.

Rain - Drizzle - Cold

Rain, drizzle, cold . . . . what happened? My cherry tree is starting to bloom. Official first day of spring is a week away. One day in August when it's hot and humid I'll be wishing for this day. Never satisfied.

I'm developing a realy sore throat, headache, and chills. I really feel crapy so I think I'm just going to find a place to curl up and wait this bug out. Other than this, our world is stable. I hope my blogging friends have pleasant weekends. Stay safe.

Play Day - A Date With Mav

Guess who came to visit today. Guess who is growing up too fast. Guess who stopped doing everything to play. Guess who has really weird facial expressions when making sounds like a chirping bird. Guess who is letting color grow off gray hair. Guess who looks like a manatee that's been hit by a boat more than one time. Right! Mav came to play with Nana and Papa while mommy went shopping.
Our whole house looks like this - boxes everywhere. Almost nothing where it should be - total confusion. In a month or two a bit of order may return - or not. The new reef tanks are due for delivery March 21. Has anyone seen my turkey baster? How about the kitchen shears?

I'm outta here. My best to all.

No Title Comes to Mind

It was a good day. Enjoyed watching NASCAR and visiting with the kids. Jesse missed a couple of music classes while he was sick so his mother (Mary) took him to a tutor this afternoon for clarification of a couple of chords. They came later than everyone else. We are glad the session went well and that Jesse feels much better about his next class (on Friday).

Everyone probably knows about the web site below. I'm passing it on just in case some one might be interested and not have this information. So far as I can tell, it isn't slanted towards any political views - just a statement of allocation to each state by projected project. Don't expect me to comment in any way - I do not do politics!

http://www.stimuluswatch.org/project/by_state

Tomorrow begins a new work week for most of you and for those who, like us, are retired another week of "what do I have to do today?" We have a lot on our plates and must make haste to be ready for the new reef tanks.

Enjoy as much as you can and let the other stuff go. My best to everyone.

Saturday Night in Old Folk's Country

Here I am with still not much new to write about. The bathroom is once again functional and in full use. I still have to decide on the window treatment and a couple of small things but the big jobs are complete. I will post pictures but I want to wait until the project is completely complete.

I have to admit that I don't remember exactly what I've written about for the last couple of weeks but if I've written this before - I'm writin' it again. (old folks do tend to repeat themselves) With the closing of the old 225 gallon reef (because of potential complete seam failure) and the replacement reef being built, several things in our house will be rearranged/re-purposed/redecorated. It's a BIG job and will be stressful for a long time but this is the absolute last time I'll ever do this. Another journey in the life of an adventurer has begun.

We're having spring like weather but by mid week the tide will turn and cold weather will drift back. At least that's what the weather dude tells us. I know some of you are really suffering with the snow, ice, and cold. Here, in my neck-o-th-woods, winter is just a minor inconvenience.

Tomorrow is our gathering day. Buddy, Sarah, and Mav are driving to Nashville to visit with family so we won't have a baby to play with. I'm sure James and Jesse will be happy to tell us all about their week and show us a few things they've learned - maybe ask a few questions, too. I love it!! It'll be nice to see the grown up kids as well. I haven't decided on a menu but I'm toying with the idea of having our meal brought in. I'm truly tired but look forward to the diversion and change of pace that the kids bring. I look forward to their visit all week. Wish you could be here to join the fun - always room for one or two more.

I'm going to bed as soon as I publish this post. Don't forget to "Spring Forward." Goodnight.

S N O W in the South

Pictures worth more than words. It's not much but it's what we have. Better than nothing. Right? Compare the first picture to the header picture.

Here's to a happy Sunday and a better week ahead.