Monday, Monday

The "Upholstery Man" came with fabric samples and took the loveseat with him. I'm moving towards neutral colors for this round of upgrades. The day will come when Harry and I need to downsize even more and using neutrals will avoid decorating conflicts in the future. The loveseat will be back in about three weeks. At least it makes me feel that I'm about to get the ball rolling again. I've been floundering in the muck and mire of trying to make needed updates around here. When I loose my momentum it's really hard to get focused again.

The boys found an unused Flex Stone kit among some things I'm disposing of and asked about it. Bottom line: I'm going to get a couple of plain flower pots for them to "decorate" when they are here for playday. It took a lot of conversation and questions to reach the bottom line - you really don't want to hear about all that.

I need to get moving and make headway towards something productive and positive. Wish me luck - I need all the luck I can get.

Here's wishing everyone a pleasant Monday. Thanks for stopping by. Please visit again soon.

Once again I have to eat my words - it's not as though that doesn't happen often. I'm having the (as I called it) "sorry excuse for furniture" repaired and reupholstered. Several years ago I had a man and wife team upholster several pieces for me and they are still perfect - better than new, really. I recently recommended them to my friend and neighbor, Shirley. Today the fellow returned her sofa and four club chairs looking like new. Then it hit me - why on earth didn't I have them evaluate my loveseat to see if it's worth repairing and reupholstering. After evaluating the loveseat he pointed out where the problem is (it's the springs) and it's an easy fix. The frame is solid wood - well built. Needless to say I'm having the "sorry excuse for furniture" repaired and recovered. He'll pick it up next week and bring fabric samples. This won't take any longer than ordering a new loveseat and waiting for it to be delivered. I'm very happy with this arrangement.

The boys will be here in about 45 minutes and I have to be ready to play Nana. It's not like that's a problem - it's my favorite role. Well, except for being Harry's bestest buddy and sweetheart.

Call Me Shallow Mary

Earlier this evening there was something strange falling from the sky. Someone reliable said it was rain. Wow, just imagine that. . . rain! It was wonderful and we need more of the same.

Nothing interesting happened today. Harry went to the driving range and I imitated a lady of leisure until he got home. He brought a new fish for the large tank - a sailfin tang. It's a fairly large fish and seems glad to have room to swim. Someone had returned him to the fish store because their tank was too small. He'll have a comfy home with us - friends, food, and admiring children.

I'm beginning to shop for a piece of furniture to replace a loveseat I bought a few (very few) years ago. That sorry excuse for furniture was priced and described as "top of the line" from what I thought was a reputable manufacturer. I'll find a Flexsteel distributor and replace it with the tried and true. Lesson learned. I need seating for two (to accommodate our usual crowd) and am considering if I should get another loveseat or two chairs. Either would be acceptable and there is plenty of room for either even if they are a bit on the large size. As you can see I have no real problem. When I think of the things some of you are having to face, I'm ashamed of myself for placing so much emphasis on something so insignificant as furniture.

On that note I believe I'll close for today. I hope everyone made it through the day none the worse for wear. Take care. My best to each of you.

Sunday Fun

The day at Papa and Nana's was a happy one. We had Baby with us and he even allowed Mommy and Daddy to come with him. Below is the cutest picture of the day. Baby is well fed and all worn out.
After a big meal of grilled chicken made as only Papa can make it along with corn on the cob and salad Jesse and James had ice cream treats. Neither was interested in having their pictures taken but does Nana listen? You bet your bippy she doesn't. Here's proof.
Jesse gave Uncle Buddy a lesson in sword fighting. I don't believe Uncle Buddy was really into the minute but he was a good sport and that made Jesse happy. Isn't that what uncles are for?

Keith slipped away for a few quiet minutes with a book. There was lots of noise and confusion in the sunroom. I found him in the living room and snapped this picture.

Mary (DIL) and Harry can certainly carry their end of the conversation. These smiles were reserved especially for Baby. Who can blame them?

Joe wouldn't let me take his picture and when I tried he turned his head and closed his eyes. I have two options: 1) Post the picture I made anyway 2) Post a different picture that wasn't made today. I went with the second option. The cat is Mary's kitty, Shadow.

I couldn't close without posting this picture. Baby gave a look of concern when he was being "loaded" into his car seat.

Now for my closing line: Two or three of you commented that your houses were in disarray. Take a look at mine (in these pictures) and I think you'll feel much, much better.

Hope everyone is doing well. Rest well 'cause Monday's on the way!

Last Half of The Weekend

Each of the kids - young and old - enjoyed their 4th of July in their own way. Harry and I watched a little TV (nothing special) while sitting together on the sofa, waited for the rain shower, and then went to bed like good old farts. All that noise and big crowds are for the young folks. Our holiday will be tomorrow which is our regular gathering day. Harry will do the honors on the grill. I'll make a big fresh mixed fruit salad, fruit dip, salad, and a veggie. Mary will bring her special slaw and cornbread. The beer, sodas, fruit drinks, and various other liquid refreshment are already in-house. It should be a good day.

Harry and I watched the Nationwide race Friday night and will watch the Sprint cars race tonight. Daytona is a big weekend for NASCAR. I enjoy hearing the drivers interviewed especially during a rain delay. Those guys (for the most part) have wild senses of humor. It's also interesting to watch the wives who are watching the race. Kim Burton gets so excited and/or tense that she's her own show. One can believe that she is driving every inch of the race with hubby, Jeff. Then there are those drivers who have their lower lip dragging the ground because some "stupid driver" caused problems on the track. Never a dull moment if you just watch the action - not all of which is happening as the cars go 'round and 'round the track.

Time to lope off to find just the right fruit for my fruit salad production.

Thanks for stopping by. Y'all come back anytime.

Have a Safe and Happy

4th of July

The best to everyone who visits from our family to yours.

The High Point of My Day

In addition to live coral, we have a few critters in our reef tanks that you don't normally see in salt reef shops. Green Serpent Star, Red Brittle Star (he's bright red), Lady Slipper Coral, Tongue Coral, Blue Linkia star (he's very bright blue), a pistol shrimp, and a huge bristle worm to name a few.

Our largest star is named Forrest. (For Forrest Gump, don't ask why.). Get ready to say yeeewwww - creepy - or make any number of yucky comments. Forrest is a working member of the reef. He helps keep it clean and is always good for amazing visitors. Not often do I get a chance to photograph him because he's usually a nocturnal critter. Harry was feeding the tank and Forrest came out to investigate. Get ready here he comes . . . . . .

The underside of Forrest is where his mouth is located - and other things, too, for that matter. The strange long coral beside Forrest is the Tongue Coral.
His top side looks a little different. He's heading back into his little cave to sleep for awhile.

Now you've seen the high point of my day. It doesn't take much to amuse old ladies.

Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by.