Weekend is Currently Underway

I didn't get to have 'play day' yesterday for a couple of reasons. 1.) Their maternal grandmother was off work and spent time with them. 2.) I was (and still am) resting my aches and pains as much as I can. 3.) Harry and I made a quick trip out to Baby's house. He has been having problems with his stomach. Parents took him to doctor yesterday. Diagnosis: reflux. We are so sorry the little angel is having a problem and pray the meds do their job of making him all well.

On a brighter note: Remember my writing about the boy next door who was helping me with the yard work? He is very much into photography as a new student and is doing some outstanding work. It's interesting to watch him try new techniques (of his own making) with his expensive equipment. One of the latest is using a special lens and a jeweler's loop. I'm so impressed. He also shot some pictures of our 225 gal reef that are very good. It's his first time to shoot through thick glass and moving water - it isn't as simple as pointing and clicking. I'm posting one of his reef pictures but don't feel comfortable posting any of the "special technique" pictures because they are specifically his.

As you can probably tell, I get a real high out of watching young people develop their special talents. I hope this particular young man continues with photography - he's that good.

I hope everyone has a happy, relaxing weekend. Thanks for stopping by.

Title? What Title?

Nothing like an old woman who forgets she's old. It can be painful if she tries to do things she did 20 years ago like stand on a stool and reach the third shelf or hand hubby a big toy to put on the top shelf in the storage closet. The doctor prescribed a muscle relaxer and pain meds for the next day or two. I'm thinking I can get a few things done while I'm on the meds and not feel the pain. We'll see.

My blog is so exciting that I can hardly stand it. NOT!! But tomorrow will be fun. Harry and I are going out to see Baby in the morning and tomorrow afternoon I have a play date with two handsome young men. Eat your heart out, girls.

I didn't get around to read blogs today so I'm closing my two cents worth (worth less than a penny) so I can visit your blogs and see what you all have been up to.

Fusion - The Drink of Superheros

Last night was a night of sound sleep. I was just a bit afraid that being up late then up early (for sleep-over night before last) might upset my sleep cycle but it didn't. It seems that the fix for my sleep pattern was easy. . . almost too easy.

To follow up with sleep-over morning (yesterday - Tuesday morning):

The boys slept until almost 8AM. The youngest was up first with a big smile and telling me about his dream. He dreamed he was walking on the Greenway and "beautiful leaves were falling all around. They were all beautiful colors all different. When they all fell the whole big sky was a rainbow. It was soooooo beautiful Nana. I wish you could see it." He was holding his white blankie and dottie (a small stuffed puppy) while he was telling me about his dream. I had to struggle to keep him from seeing the tear in my eye. The oldest was up and talking non-stop by 8:20. His conversation had to do with the critters he saw in the reef tanks "last-night-in-the-dark." He was excited because he saw peppermint shrimp (which are night feeders) a bristle worm, and a "little red and white striped bristle star."

Breakfast was better than I expected. The "tuna fish" idea went out the window when the smell of bacon hit the air. They ate bacon, Nana pancakes with butter and "lady in the bottle" syrup, and drank Fusion Strawberry-Banana. In case you didn't know, Fusion is the drink that super heroes drink to make them able to zip around the universe. I have that bit of information from a five-year-old expert and it sounds good to me.

I certainly am living a blessed life. Some days I'm so tired but then I think of all I have to look forward to and immediately feel better. I wonder what this day holds.

Good Morning, Charlie Brown

Title comes from dreaming about Charlie Brown last night. Read on - you'll understand how Charlie invaded my dreams.

Holiday weekend is behind us. I hope each of you had a pleasant weekend. Ours was certainly great except for not having Sarah, Buddy, and Baby on gathering day. Baby isn't sleeping overnight yet (few do at this age). Mommy has to sleep when Baby does. We missed them but know it won't be long until they'll be on schedule with the new little one and the three of them will once again be part of gathering day - next week maybe.

Last night was sleep-over. The boys are still sleeping and look comfy and content. I pulled one of "Mary's Famous Tricks" last evening. I let the boys watch videos while having a late snack picnic in bed (turkey, crackers, Fusion drink, and one cookie). It was really a small meal. They were calm, content and slept like kittens all night. I don't expect them to stir until around 8:30. This is a once-in-a-great-while trick that serves well. (The Peanuts videos were about the Pilgrims trip to America and the first Thanksgiving - the boys "feasted" with Charlie Brown.)

This will be a busy morning but a fun time watching the boys wake up and face the day. The oldest told me and two or three time assured me that he wants tuna for breakfast. The little one wants pancakes with syrup, (whipped) cream, and sprinkles. We'll see how this turns out. I'm betting against the tuna. YUCK, tuna for breakfast? DOUBLE YUCK!!!

It's time to enjoy the morning - birds greeting the morning, kitty purring . . . wait a minute . . . is that chipmunk digging under the almost new gardenia bush? Yes, it is! Oh well, it's a beautiful morning anyway.

Have a wonderful day.

Oh, What a Beautiful Morning . . .

It's Sunday! I must have missed Friday and Saturday. The world looks so much brighter when one gets adequate sleep, but in a brighter world one sees all the things that haven't been taken care of - but should have. I'll manage to catch up next week and no one will be any wiser if they weren't here to see the mess.

I'm hoping the gathering today will be a full house. Harry talked to Sarah last evening and she said their being here would depend on how their night went. I think Baby likes to be held and maybe has a scheduling mix-up. That's another way of saying that he has his days and nights reversed. Most babies do that and even though it can wear parents out it's normal.

Today is the Indy 500 and the Sprint 600 - that's 1100 miles of racing! Harry, Buddy, and Joe will see every lap. The rest of the gang will watch part of the time. For my part, I'm not very excited about open wheel racing. I like to watch the opening laps of NASCAR, visit with those not locked onto the screen, and watch the final 50 or 60 laps. We watched the Nationwide race last evening and it ended with a couple of teams and one car owner in disagreement - that's putting it mildly.

I have to get a menu together and probably make a quick run to the local grocery. I was so busy in the house yesterday that I just didn't prepare for today's big meal. Gotta do that now. When I feel good - and I do - it's fun to plan and cook.

I hope everyone is having a pleasant, happy day. One with smiles and sunshine.

Thursday Spent

Whew!! All the doctor appointments, tests, etc. are over. My doctor gave me a new med to help me sleep and boy does it work. I'm only going to take it for a few days to try and break the cycle of never being able to sleep for more than a couple of hours at one time. It is amazing what a solid night of sleep will do for one. I'd forgotten how it felt. I have a couple of small issues but nothing big. All the important stuff is doing what it should be doing. Remember, I'm a tough ole gal. . . I'm also a very blessed.

I really don't have much to blog about. My whole week has been a mish-mash of medical appointments and not much else. I have a play date tomorrow with the two oldest grandsons and I can hardly wait. While they are here we are going to plan their next sleep-over. I want to spend all the time I can with them because it won't be long before they will have too much to do - sports, friends, etc. - to want to just be Nana's little men. How sad for me. I have the new grandson, though, and look forward to doing the same things with him.

I think I'll close for now and watch the NASCAR Cup qualifying with Harry. He looks sorta lonesome in front of the TV with his empty cake plate and empty glass. Did you know that not only is a green car tabu on the race track but also a $50 bill is bad luck? News to me but what do I know.

Everyone take care and have a peaceful night.
Until later.

Tomorrow is Wednesday - Time Flies

Sunday is history, Monday is old news, Tuesday is just about over - where have I been? Right here - most of the time - not doing things I should be doing.

Today was yearly physical. So far, so good. No problems. Some tests will have results back on Thursday and I have a couple of other procedures to deal with on Thursday. After that I'll be free for the next year. I had time to catch up (with a bit of gossip) with a couple of the nurses that have been there for several years and a nice chat with the doctor, too. My doctor's office should be the model for all medical offices. Harry and I are truly lucky to have our medical needs taken care of there.

I've gotten behind reading and commenting to your blogs but will catch up over the next couple of days. For now I'm going to take a new medication (prescribed today), cruise blogs for a few minutes, and crawl into bed to, hopefully, sleep all night for the first time in days.

Later, friends. My best to each of you.

Oh What a Day It Really Was . . . .

Wow, what a day this has been! Up early this morning without enough sleep. (Kitty kept waking me up last night by laying on me.) Made two coconut pies from scratch. The meringue didn't do very well - it never does in humid weather. I made them in foil pans so I wouldn't have to worry about bringing pie plates home. (I have carriers for them). Below are my sad looking pies but they were good even if I do say so.

The pies made it to the reef club meeting. The order of the day was a picnic outside one of the local supplier's homes. Menu was Frogmore Stew, various salads, soft drinks, and - as one little boy put it - goodies. The stew was really good and so appropriate for the main course. This is a quick snapshop of folks lining up in the chow line.

From there it was on to the University of Alabama at Huntsville (UAH) for the oldest grandson's recital. He really performed well - no mistakes and no hesitation. The recital was informal and that helps the 5 year children feel more comfortable. Each performer introduced him/herself and told the audience what they would be playing. (No music sheets allowed.) He sang his song - "Oh How I Love Jesus" and accompanied himself on the piano. The picture (below) isn't a very good pic. I snapped it as he was getting settled at the keyboard. Didn't want to snap/flash while he was performing.

While we waited for two hours for the younger grandson's recital Harry and I went to Barnes and Nobel Bookstore. I paid a visit to Starbucks - which I badly needed - and browsed through a book I thought I might like but didn't. Harry just browsed. No picture for this.

Back to UAH for younger (4 yrs) grandson's recital. His performance was perfect, too. He also introduced himself and his song. He was allowed to have his music. His song was "I Hop" - not the pancake place - It goes something like "I hop, you hop, we all hop, we hop on Noah's Ark". . . I don't know the rest of the words but it was cute. This is the little man performing for the first time on the stage at UAH.

In addition to solo performances both classes had various songs - as a chorus - and routines. The theme for those (in both recitals) was patriotic. The stage set was bright flowers and butterflies.

Below the boys are waving from the balcony - it's all over - can you tell by those big smiles? Oh yes, I forgot to say that Jesse lost his first tooth in time for recital.

By the time we got home I was exhausted! I ate some "bring home" chicken while trying to watch the NASCAR event that was on TV. I went to sleep right there and slept for almost two hours. As soon as I publish this I intend to join Harry in our bed to keep time with my pillow. What a day this has been!! A wonderful day but very, very busy.

Friday Ramble

It's Friday and I'm glad. Don't know exactly why, but I am. Play day is a bit different today. The boys won't be here until around 6PM - parents are going to hear a speaker at their church. Papa and I will be the boy's playmates until around 9:30 or so. I foresee snacks and a movie.

Harry is playing golf today so I'm having a fairly quiet day. Many, many things I should be doing but I'm not doing even one of them. Maybe another day - who knows..... I better be resting today because tomorrow will be a killer. I have to rise and shine early, make two (made from scratch) coconut pies, attend a reef club meeting, and attend two (yes two) recitals.

The two oldest grandsons are both in music and both have a recital tomorrow. Jesse's is at 1:30 and James' at 4:30. Both boys are moving right along in their music. Jesse will sing and accompany himself (without written music) at the Grand Piano. James will play a solo, but he won't have to sing. He is certainly capable of singing but I hope he goes along with the program and doesn't decide to sing anyway. Maybe I can get good pictures or perhaps their dad can get a video clip so I can post it. The children don't wear formal for these recitals - rather they wear what they'd wear to church. That makes it a lot easier on parents' bank accounts.

I'm so far behind that I don't feel like I'll ever catch up. I think I mentioned in an earlier post that I have my yearly physical next Wednesday. I hope the doctor can pinpoint a reason for my being so lazy and lethargic for the past few weeks. He'll probably tell me to force myself off my butt and get busy. That will be OK, too. I have a doctor that I have confidence in and he just tells it like it is - no mincing words. He's made me very angry at times over many years but I have to admit that I've never had him be wrong about me. One time several years ago he told me to "Go home, take aspirin, drink juice. I have lots of sick people in this office and need to take care of them." I was whining about a common cold at the time. I was ready to spit fire, but did what he said because I knew he was right.

I think I'll take a short nap before the evening fun begins. I want to be as fresh as possible for the boys. I enjoy them so much and they always make me feel better.

Tagged

I was having a bit of writer's block - didn't know what to post today. More rain, gray skies, and no excitement here. Then I found that Summer saved the day by tagging me with the following:

RULES: Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following... they have to be real places, names, things... Nothing made up! Try to use different answers if the person in front of you had the same first initial. You can't user your name for the boy/girl.

1. What is your name? Mary
2 Four letter word: I know several but none begin with 'M' -
3. Vehicle: Mazda
4. City: Moline
5. Boy's name: Mark
6. Girl's name: Madeline
7. Alcoholic beverage: Margarita
8. Occupation: Management Analyst
9. Something you wear: Muff
10. Celebrity: Madonna
11. Food: Mango
12. Something found in a bathroom: Mural
13. Reason for being late: Motorcade
14. Cartoon character: Minnie Mouse
15. Something you shout: Mudd
16. Animal: Mule
17. Body Part: Mouth
18. Word to describe you: Married

Now for the 'tagging' - I tag anyone who would like to do this.

Looking Ahead

I just had time to re-look at my post from yesterday. That picture is pitiful and paints a picture that isn't accurate. Don't know what I was thinking. The moment which lasted maybe 20 seconds was really cute but it just didn't translate well. Sorry about that kids. Nana promises to do better in the future - really, I do.

Tomorrow begins another round of busy days and probably late nights. That's OK - it keeps me from being bored.

My long time friend, Shirley, and her daughter, Holly, and I are going to a little town just north of the Tennessee border - Fayetteville. It's a sleepy little country town with a town square, a general store, several antique stores, "The Sexy Leopard" (a neat little boutique), a restaurant built in the old town jail, and a hum-dinger of a fabric store. We're shopping for new upholstery for one of Shirley's sofas and for her game room chairs. The store we're going to is unbelievable. Nowhere in this country can you find the grade of interior decorating fabric at the price. When we've done all the damage we can afford at the fabric shop, we're going to have lunch in the old jail. I haven't told them but I'm taking them to The Sexy Leopard. It's so out of place in this little town but it isn't a sleazy store. Many of their customers are from Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, etc. Stuff ain't cheap there either. We'll be "just looking."

Beginning on Thursday my schedule includes golf, play day, reef club meeting, music recitals for both grandsons, gathering day, hair day, and finally on Tuesday of next week my yearly physical. How's that for a bad ending to a fun line-up?

If I'm going to be bright eyed in the morning I need to move along towards bed. Hope everyone is pain free and looking forward to a brighter tomorrow.

Typical Monday

. . . . And how are things in your world?

Our storms have moved on for now, all the kids have gone home to their worlds, we've been a little bit lazy today, and even the cat has been quiet. It's just a typical Monday.

It was so nice to have everyone here including Baby. He was certainly aware that he was in a new place with different noises. Even so he was a perfect little one. I wanted to make a picture of the three grandsons together and here it is. The two older kids look like deer caught in the headlights. As James said, "Baby is sooo tiny. Even his hands are little." Baby decided this was the perfect opportunity to cry - he didn't like being put in his car seat.

Our daughter, Judy, called from Phoenix to wish me a happy Mother's Day. It was so good to hear her voice. She reports that our granddaughter is growing like a weed and doing new cute things every day. Darn, we're missing out on all of it. Judy did say that they intend to come here at Thanksgiving. That's a long time away but it's something to look forward to.

I think I'll just call it a night for now. It seems a little lazy breeds even more lazy - I'm in real trouble. Let's all have a fun Tuesday.

Happy Mother's Day

I'll start by saying that I hope everyone has a Happy Mother's Day - Either with your own mother (How lucky you are) or with your own children (Can't you feel the pride?) or perhaps you can enjoy both your own mother and your children (This is a true blessing. Savor the moments.)

It's been a rushed time since late Friday evening. Tony won the Nationwide; I helped the grandsons paint a Mother's Day plate for their mommy; went to grocery (stress); had a confrontation with an idiot (more below); Tony was pushed into the wall on the second lap but still had a respectable finish in the Sprint Cup race; storms moved in; radar had a 'bow and a hook' . . looks bad . . 'red, purple, and black display' . . 'take cover NOW' . . transformer explodes across the way . . kitty looses her composure . . lots of hail, rain, wind, lightening, and Harry sleeping. Old ladies - like me - are worn out from all this. We had no damage on our lot but I'm sure some were not so lucky.

The confrontation: Waiting at a traffic light in a long line of cars . . light only allows three cars through on each light if everyone hurries . . I'm at least nine cars back . . Idiot in car behind me starts blowing horn the minute the light turns green and doesn't stop until it is red again . . then he slings his hands around and yells . . this happens through three lights . . fourth light the car in front of me hesitates (elderly lady driving) . . caught again . .Idiot jumps out of his car and stomps up to car in front of me . . yelling, waving hands, red face . . stomps back to my car . . Idiot knocks on my window . . I ignore . . Idiot hits window hard . . I open window just a little . . Idiot tells me he wants me to push the old *%&#@^ across the street when light changes again . . "Old people should be shot" . . I want him to shut up, get back in his car, quit blowing his horn, and when the light changes I want him to go the hell back wherever he came from. People here don't act like he's acting AND I TOLD HIM SO! When the light changed he passed me and the elderly lady in the intersection . . couldn't help noticing that he told us we number one as he drove off into the sunset.

Life is truly an adventure!

Again, Happy Mother's Day. I can hardly wait for all the kids - and baby - get here.

My Favorite Book

I was tagged by HappyGirl to write about my favorite book. Selection was easy, writing a bit more challenging.

Scenario: Books are scarce in the world. They are illegal in some provinces. Books are difficult or impossible to replace in most circumstances. If you can replace a book or buy one, it is usually through the black market at astronomical costs that you cannot afford. Yet you have been able to maintain one of the best collections in the world. If your entire library was about to burn up (think of the firefighters in Fahrenheit 451 invading your home) and you could only have one* book to take with you other than the Bible, what would that be and why?

Simple Rules: Answer the question. Offer one quote that resonates with you. Tag five people whose response is of genuine interest to you and inform him or her that they have been tagged. Cheers!

*And it cannot be an entire series of something, that’s cheating.

The book I’d save is a first edition of Steamboat Gothic written by Frances Parkinson Keyes. Copyright 1952. I was introduced to this author when I first read this book as assigned reading during my senior year at high school. Though, over the years, I read all this author’s books Steamboat Gothic remains my favorite. The setting for Steamboat Gothic is the River Road in Southern Louisiana, not far outside New Orleans. It chronicles life along the Mississippi River beginning in 1869. The 560 page book weaves an intriguing saga of Clyde Bachelor’s life as a gambler, land owner, devoted husband, father, and grandfather spanning many years. It spins a tale of Clyde’s life from a young man rejected by a mother of questionable morals to his life as a respected gentleman.

“He (Clyde) saw, beyond an abrupt bend in the road, the house toward which he had so persistently been heading. In fact, it came into view so suddenly as to give him the triumphant feeling that, leaving aside all question of “spells,” luck was with him at last; for here before him, gloriously unaltered in the midst of the prevailing change, was the object of his heart’s desire.” (Clyde’s first sight of Cindy Lou, the steamboat gothic mansion that he made his home.)

It’s difficult to explain exactly how this book became my favorite. The short answer is that, though nothing is perfect, we can build a perfect life for ourselves in the middle of turmoil, strife, and heartbreak. This is a complex book that is well written with understanding of the time and setting.

Instructions are to tag five people. I'm going to invite everyone who has a favorite book they'd like to share with your readers to accept this challenge. Who knows, you might find a new favorite among those of fellow bloggers.

Changed Plans

Hump day just drifted away in almost a ho-hum way. Today was to be golf day. We were walked out the door to get in the car and BOOM - a thunder storm was on us. We should have looked at weather predictions before making prep for golf, but, well, we didn't. Morning was sort of a "walk around an wait" but the weather didn't get better. This afternoon Harry read to me for almost 3 hours while I crocheted. Aren't we Mr and Mrs Excitement? Maybe not exciting but it made for a warm, content afternoon for two old farts.

HappyGirl tagged me to write about my all time favorite book and I'll do so tomorrow. The book is in my night table next to my bed and Harry is sleeping. I don't want to wake him - he might growl at me. Of course I know the name of the book, the author, and can tell why it's my favorite but I can't quote my favorite lines without looking. I've only read this book at least 10 times, after all.

It's late and I need to get some sleep - tomorrow is play day and I always look forward to that. The boys will come through the sunroom door with big smiles and both talking a mile a minute. I absolutely love it.

Sending happy thoughts to each and everyone of you.

Long Live the Mockingbird

This morning Harry asked me three times (at least) if I was upset with him about something. I wasn't and didn't know of any reason I should be. Guess he thought that because I was more quiet than usual. Have you ever had a day when it just seemed like too much of an effort to make light conversation and be cute? This morning was my morning.

I did clean the bird feeders and restock them with different foods. I have suet for woodpeckers, small cracked grain/seed for small song birds, sunflower seed for the Cardinals, and thistle seed for the finches. Birds were lined up in the trees and on the fence watching me and waiting. There's a family of Mockingbirds that decided the suet and dried fruit are just the thing for a growing family. I don't know if you are familiar with Mockingbirds for not but they can be pretty aggressive when they have young -and this couple have two. It may prove the answer to my squirrel problem. The squirrel started to climb then jump onto a feeder and Mrs. Mockingbird was not amused. She actually flew after the squirrel and pulled hair out of his tail. The squirrel ran away - long live the Mockingbird.

It's late and I'm getting silly. Night, night to everyone who chances by this way.

Monday Slipped Away

I think today was Monday but it went by so quickly that I can't be sure. Tomorrow is trash and "lawn stuff" pick-up day and I didn't get the hedges and various bushes trimmed. I'll wait a few days now because I don't want the brush on the curb all week. Trimming is a Monday job.

Harry and I went out to visit our new grandbaby this morning. Sarah is doing really well and Baby is just a dream baby. This was the first day Buddy had to work and he had trouble leaving. He will work this week and then be home the next. Baby went to doctor to be checked today and he's doing well - gaining weight and all tests are perfect. Blessings are upon us. Mommy and Daddy plan Baby's first outing to be to Nana's house for Mother's Day. If all the kids -both big and little - can be here, I'll be a happy old woman. I don't much like lonesome Sundays.

We shipped three boxes of live coral this afternoon. They are packed in plastic bags containing tank water, then in insulated boxes, and shipped FedEx overnight. I have to say that FedEx has done an excellent job for us. Only once did the coral have to lay over and that was due to a blizzard. Certainly not the fault of FedEx.

It's late and I'm beat. Harry has been in bed sawing logs for over an hour. I think I'll join him and have a snoring contest. I hope everyone is having a good evening/night. Later, my friends.

Not a Routine Sunday

The past week was certainly different. A lot of good things happened and a couple of not so good things. We have a new grandson. Buddy's grandfather passed away. Sarah and Baby went home from the hospital. Sarah's follow-up appointment with the doctor went well. Baby's first appointment went well, too. Oldest grandson developed a mean stomach virus. Keith is finally through school and is starting to catch up on small repairs and refurbishing around their house. Joe is at his new job and it's going well. Harry and I are just doing what old folks do - nothing.

This day just doesn't seem like Sunday. For the first time in a looooong time we won't have a gathering and I feel lost. Everyone who can is going out to see Baby and do other things. Golly, gee, I hope this isn't a new trend but young families have many obligations and we don't want to become another. As long as everyone is well and reasonably happy we will be content. After all, Harry and I don't fight when we're alone. Sometimes he'll read to me while I crochet, sometimes we watch a movie - always NASCAR, we look forward to planning our next meal, part of the time we're each doing our own thing, we talk a lot (at least Harry would say so), and each is just happy that the other is there. We are both reasonably healthy and not so senile that we can't manage to function. For what more can we ask? Perhaps a yardman and full time housekeeper? New cars and a million dollars? Naaah, I don't think so.

I've spent my morning catching up with blogs and commenting. It's been over a week since I managed to do that. I've appreciated your visits and comments to the disjointed postings I've put out there. Thank you for not forgetting me. Let's "talk" more another time. Have a happy afternoon.

He Will Be Missed

My hubby, Harry, left the following comment on my blog. I feel the things that Harry writes but I don't seem to have the capacity to express myself the way he does.

"As a side note, two days after he (Baby Hooper) was born, his great grandfather passed away. This man had come up through some hard times. He served his country in WW2. He married a beautiful young bride. He worked hard and raised two children. They were inseparable until two years ago she passed away. Thursday he joined her. One day we rejoice, and then the next day we mourn and grieve. I reflected on this yesterday and was reminded that for all of us this is the path we must trod. This is the way it has always been and the way it always will be. The green leaf that buds this spring will fall to the ground this autumn."

I first met Mr. Bullock at Buddy's (his grandson) graduation from college. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. He attended every celebration for his grandchildren that he possibly could. In short, he loved his wife and family. Yes, Mr. Bullock was a true gentleman. He will be missed by his entire family and many friends. Harry's words (above) say it all.

The Faster I go The Behinder I Get!

I seem to be getting behind with my blogging. I'm paddling as fast as I can but I just don't seem able to catch up.

Today was play day with the "big boys" as I've been informed they are now that the baby is here. They are still babies to me. We had a mid-day picnic on our screen porch and enjoyed watching a blue jay (bird) chase a cat. The boys thought it was a wonderful floor show just for our enjoyment. I hasten to add that the cat didn't catch the bird and the bird didn't pull all the fur out of the cat's tail. It doesn't take much to entertain us. After our picnic we played with cars and Legos then watched a Noggin (TV) show. As you can see, I tried for calm activities today. It was a slow and easy play date. No one cried, had a problem, or skinned a knee. Yep, it was a good day.

I haven't seen Baby Hooper today. He's well taken care of by mommy, daddy, a grandmother and grandfather. I need to ask what Sarah's parents will have the baby call them. My time with the baby will come when the grandparents who live out of town have to go home - then he's all mine. Well, I can dream, can't I?

We had a short power failure earlier this evening and it caused a problem for Harry's work. A few minutes ago he told me that he won't be through until almost midnight. I hope he ain't scared to be up by himself 'cause I think I'll fall asleep with my face on my keyboard before long. I had two small squares of chocolate earlier. Those who know me know chocolate is not my friend but I love it. For those of you who don't know, chocolate is like liquor when it hits my system. All I can say is that I'm a cheap date - and a lot of fun.

Enough of this. I need to get some rest. Hope everyone is happy and having a nice evening. Hey Jamie, NASCAR's Busch cars are running tonight and the Cup cars are on track tomorrow night.