On Monday She Shopped

Today I made my rounds to buy fresh fruit and veggies. Now I can't decide what I want to eat first - peach, blackberry, cantaloupe, apple, blueberry, or strawberry. Fresh veggies and green salad is good but nothing trumps fresh fruit. I think I'll have blackberries on my cereal tomorrow morning.

Harry had the bad luck of having a computer problem that is causing him to have to reload. After he gets everything back in order he will have to complete his day's work. So far he's completely calm about it and just methodically going about correcting everything. I'd have had a complete melt down by now. Judy, if you're reading this can you believe your pa has a computer problem and isn't all wrinkled up? He's getting better in his old age. (For everyone else: "All wrinkled up" is my term for having a frown and being all tense and snappy.) I love that man weather he's calm or all wrinkled up.

I'm going to curl up in the sunroom and enjoy a new magazine I bought while out today. Have a good evening.

A Somber End of Day

Gathering day has come to a close and now Harry and I are alone. It surely is quiet when everyone leaves - quiet and lonesome. Harry is doing a big barbecue next Sunday for our July 4th holiday. This leaves Friday night for everyone to decide if they want to go to the big fireworks show. I can tell you now that I'm not going. I know I'm strange but I don't like the noise associated with fireworks. I can stay home and see the display in the sky without being close enough to suffer the booms. It's an old lady thing.

Today was the second day of the big air show here in Huntsville. There were over 100,000 spectators in addition to several VIP tents and many vendors selling food and drinks. The weather turned bad VERY fast without warning and a microburst (with winds in excess of 60 miles per hour) hit in the area where the tents were set up. Some tents were picked up and destroyed others were damaged. As you can imagine there was complete chaos. There were injuries but so far only one confirmed fatality - a five year old boy who died when an air conditioning unit from one of the tents fell on him. Our little gathering became somber as we thought of the family who is facing a tradegy beyond description.

We never know what the next hour will bring - let your loved ones know you love them.

Cleaning Day

I've had a whole day at home by myself. Harry went with Keith to take the boys to the air show. They included me in their plans but I knew it would be too much for me. Thousands attended. Several groups performed including the Blue Angels the Army's Golden Knights, and Jacquie Warda. I've seen too many test flights, parachute jumps and Angels practices to be real excited about an air show. Besides it's too darn hot to be out on a flight line just to be entertained. Bah-Humbug! It was all new to the boys though and held quiet a WOW factor for them.

I used my time to clean the kitchen - not just cook or do dishes but to really clean. Glad that's over.

Oops! Loud thunder, and immediate downpour. Shutting down. No danger, I just don't trust lightening. Have a good evening. Over and out.

Another Hot Day in Alabama

Play day was quiet today. James wanted to "attend" Noggin's Blues Clues School on the internet and Jesse was busy trying to catch a HUGE dragon fly. No chance of catching that dragon fly, thank heavens. The boys are getting old enough to play on their own. I have mixed feelings about that but it's the natural progression of life.

I'm actually doing well with my so called lifestyle changes. Down a few - very few - pounds. Pounds are not my main goal - though maybe they should be. Feeling like a human being and getting myself back into normal routines is my number one goal. So far, so good.

Harry and I went to Home Depot yesterday and I saw a planter that really caught my eye. It was just the right size and shade of soft gold that I've been looking for. I decided to come home without it and agreed (with myself) that if I still wanted it this morning I would go back and make the purchase. Late yesterday afternoon there were 6 of the planters on the shelf. Early this morning there were only 2. I took one and saw the other in a gentleman's cart in the checkout line. As you can see, simple fits me best. It is more gold than the pic but very subdued. I want the plant to be the focus. Now I'm in the market for just the right Lady Palm.

Time to get up and move. All you folks have a happy evening. Thanks for stopping by.

Shopping With My Oldest Grandson

I can't believe that it's already Wednesday! Where does the time go? I can't see a thing I've accomplish. OK, that's my gripe. I'll lay it down and move on. Whew!!

Jesse, the oldest grandson, spent a little while with me this afternoon while his brother was at music class. He and I ran a few errands and I was blown away at how much help he can be. He asked me to tell him what we had to do and read my list to him. I did. I thought he was just making conversation but I was wrong. At the grocery store he remembered everything on the list - 12 things - and knew where they were. He didn't ask to stop at the toy aisle nor did he ask for anything from the junk food aisle. I asked him to select the ice cream and he selected a half gallon carton rather than Popsicles "because grown-up folks like real ice cream and kids do too."

We went to another store to get things to re-stock the treat cabinet. He made some excellent choices - well excellent choices for junk food. He also reminded me to check labels so we wouldn't get things with "too much MSG." We made a couple of other stops and he proved himself a real help there as well. When we got home he was front and center to help carry things inside.

This child won't be 6 until October but he's becoming a little gentleman and a honest help to Nana. Did I mention that he opened doors for me?

Yeah, I know. Nana loves to brag but believe me today Jessee deserves it.

Tryin' to Catch Up

Seems time is short for the past few days. I look back to see what I've accomplished and things look pretty much the same. What's up with that? Do you think that maybe - just maybe - I'm spinnin' my wheels?

Yesterday was gathering day. James and Jesse were in rare form. James hit the door asking if he could please play Noggin. Jesse has discovered merchandising. He concocted "special cookies" with Oreos and M&Ms by opening the Oreo and sticking four M&Ms to the white center. He wanted to go to the street and sell them but Keith (daddy) didn't let him. No problem, Jesse just opened shop in the house. Sales were pretty good considering I'm off the cookie train. I have a feeling that from now on things are going to get pretty interesting. I just love it - every stage just gets more complex and fun than the last. Just think, in a few months Baby will be ready to move into "stages" of interesting stuff. He'll probably be way ahead of the game because he'll have two cousins to teach him the ropes plus he'll come up with a few tricks of his own.

It would be so good if Maddie, the Phoenix granddaughter, could be here to teach her tricks and ideas to the boys and vice versa. Maybe she can work on that when she's here at Thanksgiving. Maddie is a pretty little lady - all she needs is a good spoilin' administered by Papa and Nana.

Saturday was a reef meeting. As usual the food was very good and abundant. I was a good girl and left most of it for others. I did have a small helping of brisket and slaw but no sweets. I don't know anyone who can turn down a wonderful brisket that's been properly cooked. Both Harry and I were really tired when we got home. I guess smiling, talking, and looking at reef tanks naturally wears old folks to a frazzle.

OK folks, there you have it. Life as it is in my world. Don't know yet what today will bring but Harry offered to read to me for a while this afternoon and I surely won't turn that down. What's happening in your world? Come on, spill the beans. Whatever it is I hope it is good and makes you happy.

I'm a Bragging Nana

It's no secret that I'm one of those grandmother's who lives through their grandchildren. Their vacations are better than my own. I take so much pleasure in their delight with the world around them. Each new experience is a treasure to little children.

This is the chalet/cabin the little family rented for a short 'get-away'. It is at the top of a mountain with bluff views on three sides. There were balconies on both levels and on three sides. Sunset on one of the balconies. This is Mary, Keith (my son), and James (4 yrs). Jesse made the picture. He's proud of becoming one of the family photographers.

Jesse (5 yrs) is patiently waiting at the edge of a trail for instructions. He's really 'into' collecting insects. He specializes in dragon flies and grasshoppers. He uses his 'bug' book to identify them.

Tee, this one's for you. Did you know there are Dalmatian horses as well as Dalmatian cows? The boys were really impressed with this horse. James is still expecting a Dalmatian puppy - a real live one.
All good things must come to an end. Last evening in paradise is a bit subdued but we can store our memories and dream of our next vacation. Jesse looks a bit sad.

James has moved on to the dreams of next vacation. Surely next trip will be to the beach. "Did you see that Dalmatian horse?"

At the end of the day the boys love each other and aren't shy about saying so. They are happy with whatever each new day brings. Some are just better than others. (Can you tell that Jesse has lost his two front teeth?
Forgive me for being a braggart. I don't mean to be - I just love all the children.

All is well in my world. The kids are home safely and I continue to improve.

Thanks for stopping by. You all come back now, ya heah.