Hello Out There

Time passes by and I find that I've neglected blogging. I have read and commented some but not a lot. I haven't forgotten any of you - I've just been really busy.

There's not much to write about. This week I have just been taking care of chores - not as many as I'd like have been done. Decisions, decisions, decisions. Do I buy a large plastic tub to house all my cake decorating "stuff" and store it in the storage room or return it to the pantry and cabinets when the October/November cake decorating is done? How can I best store needle work "stuff" that isn't currently being used - another plastic tub in the storage room? What about my art "stuff" (oils, acrylics, brushes, easel)? I want to paint this winter so I want it kept close. I repeat, decisions, decisions, decisions. At least my plants are cleaned up and in their winter homes in the sunroom.

The two older grandsons celebrated their 5th and 6th birthdays this month. They are no longer babies. The youngest grandson is growing and thriving. We are really looking forward to having our granddaughter and her parents here for Thanksgiving. Ricky, my nephew, will also be here. I can hardly wait for it all to begin happening. My panic over the masterbath has been laid to rest. They'll all love me even if some things here are in disrepair. . . clean and working but ugly

We had a freeze last night and tonight promises to be a repeat performance. Old man winter seems to have his eye on us. For my part, I hope we do have a significant freeze this winter to kill some of the insect larvae. A few relatively warm winters has left us with lots of creepy crawlies in the yard. I don't spray poisons so I mostly have to depend on the winters for natural control.

Do you have plans to be with family at Thanksgiving? I hope you do and that you are warmed by love and peace. We still have a few days to make plans so if you haven't why not start now?

Home for Sunday

Sunday morning and all is well. We spent the night Friday night in the hotel where the reef club meeting/swap was being held. Yesterday (Saturday) was the event. We drove home afterward and got here in the late evening. This was the first event for the Montgomery club. It was one of the smaller that we've attended but it was well organized and well attended. The meeting room was the best we've seen. It was a pleasure to meet this group of reefers.

Harry and I were two tired old farts but a good night's sleep fixed that problem. Now it's time to check the treat cabinet. There is a shortage of KitKat's and Pizza Pringles and I must fill that void. I must because I promised.

The boys will have lots to tell us today. The school fall festival was Saturday and they will be full of "Guess what" and "Did you know" and "Can we make a (many blanks to fill in here)." They will want to make/build everything they saw. At least it won't be, "Go buy."

Gotta get at least some of the clutter out of the way. It'll be good to see all the kids. I wish everyone a happy Sunday afternoon and a pleasant week ahead.

Off to See the Wizard . .

We're off to see the wizard; the wonderful wizard of OZ. Well, not really. We're leaving in a few minutes to drive to Montgomery, Alabama. In the rain, I might add. We'll be home late tomorrow (Saturday) evening.

This is yet another live coral swap between reef clubs. More and more I realize how popular this hobby has become. The reefers (pun intended) stroll around to view the coral that others are showing and sometimes get really excited when they see something that they would like to put in their reefs. This is a unique crowd but everyone is nice, polite, and full of fun. I'm odd man out but I still enjoy seeing folks and hearing their stories.

I'll be able to read blogs and I think posting won't be a problem. We'll see.

I hope everyone is doing well and looking forward to the weekend. Soul, if you read this take care and do everything the doctors tell you to do.

Happy Birthday to Me

Happy Birthday to me. My lifetime friend called to wish me "Happy Birthday." Carolyn June, you really made my day with the call. It was so good to hear your voice. My oldest son, Joe, made blueberry/strawberry muffins and added 7 candles. He said each candle represented 3 years - that makes me 21 years old today. Believe me it took more than 21 years for me to grow all these wrinkles. James and Jesse drew pictures and made cards for me (the best kind of cards). This is a picture of the frig magnet that Jesse drew, painted and gave to me.

Keith, Mary and the boys also gave me a stainless steel kitchen can that I've been coveting. That was a big surprise and I absolutely love it. Hey, I'm in the big time now with a step-to-open and slow closing kitchen can. I can now throw away my 15+ year-old kitchen can that is so ugly.

Kitty is doing much better. She's relearning how to do some things and is once again a happy kitty. She spends a lot of time sleeping in her new kitty bed. She seems to want to be where she can see either Harry are me at all times.

I believe most of my regular visitor's are also followers of Soul's blog. She is in the hospital and has been on my mind all day. I hope and pray that she is comfortable and responding to treatment.

Calm Day

Is it Saturday evening already? My, my how time flies when you're havin' fun! Today has been the first day that truly felt calm in days. I still am behind the timeline but at least I know the big things are either put on the back burner or will be done by my target date. I want to go on record as the old fart with the most discombumerated (is this a real word?) master bath in the world. Not coordinated but working as well as any million dollar bath in the world. Hot water, cold water, fast drains, dependable flush, and no leaks - yep, that's how it is. Everything important is covered. It's on with the show - so to speak.

Today was our first really cool day. Temps were in the high 40's this morning and high 60's this afternoon. I'm glad the sweltering heat and high humidity are past for this year.

I don't have much to write about. I've been a slug all day - tomorrow will be the usual - Monday I have to hit the deck running. Wish me luck.

I haven't been a dependable blogger or reader for several days, but I promise to do better in the future. Meantime, I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend.

Just a Note

It is Wednesday, isn't it? Where does time go? From my stand point, time just melts away.

When the central unit leak was discovered we decided to turn it off until repairs are made. Temps have been fairly comfortable and we have windows open. Last night I woke up to a bird chirping just outside the window beside my bed. There is a large fig tree out there where Mr. Bird was perched. He apparently decided that it would be appropriate to serenade me. Thanks pal! It's been a while since I listened to night sounds and I'd forgotten how relaxing it can be. I'm a country girl at heart. No surprises there. Right?

Nothing much happening here. I'm so wrapped up in being concerned about all the work I need to do and the short time I have to finish it that it's hard to think about much else. I know it's a pain to read about home repairs and that's about all I can deal with right now. I remember you, my blog friends, think of you often, and wonder what you are doing. Are you well? Are you happy? What's happening in your world?

Sunday Reflections

The new header picture is a peep into our back yard. The brown leaves in the foreground is the "Miss Kim" lilac. It drops its leaves very early.

The leaves of the Tulip Popular are beginning to turn. Before long both the Tulip Popular and the Gingo Tree will be blazing yellow.

I'm trying to concentrate on things outside of myself. Fall is my favorite season and I'm making the most of it. Fall is a time to be thankful for the bounty of the harvest and a time of calm while the land prepares to sleep and dream of yet another spring awakening.

The kids will be here soon. Plans for Halloween pumpkins should be a topic of conversation today. We also need to discuss James and Jesse's B'day party and the kind of cake I need to build. I can't believe they are 5 and 6 already. Maddie is bearing down on being 2 and Baby Hooper (aka Mav) is 6 months. Time really, really flies.

Mav was here to share the Friday play day with James an Jesse. He is really interested in every move the older boys make. They were playing with matchbox cars and Mav was holding his "6 month appropriate" Fisher Price dump truck. Mav was active as part of the crew of boys for the first time. Our blessings abound.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you visit again soon.