'Twas the Day After Christmas

and all through the house, there are boxes and paper, and dirty dishes, and enough goodies from my stocking to add five more pounds!  And I couldn't be happier!  Charleigh-Girl and I got to sleep as late as we pleased this morning for the first time in a month, I think.  It wasn't too late, however, as we had fallen into bed exhausted before 10:00 last night!  Yes, she was exhausted, too. 

I had six parties this year.  (I think I'm one shy of last year.)  The first was my Bible Study Fellowship group on December 5th.  We had 13 here for a blessed day.

The next was my Sunday School class.  We had lots of food to share, and we filled boxes with cookies and candy for the block we have adopted in E. Arlington, where our church is beginning a new campus.  There were 20 of us here for that party.  The first pic features our beloved teacher, Debra Permenter.

The "organization" of our assembling was similar to that of the Keystone Cops!  But we got it done!

Here's the only picture I took of us delivering the boxes and caroling on December 19th.  It was perhaps more of a blessing to us than to the recipients.

Then I invited my FOLS (that's friends of longest standing in lieu of old) for lunch.  We usually have lunch at the Rose Garden Tearoom once a month, but instead it was at Linda's Sunroom!  We aren't that crazy about having our picture taken, but here's the table:

Next party was sooo much fun!  I invited Susannah and seven of her show choir, etc. buddies (plus Madeline) to come to Mimi's for their lunch break from school.  I had to have their lunch on the table because they only have a short time.  Here they are: 

And their dessert--chocolate brownies and vanilla petit fors:

And onward we go!  Thursday, the 20th, was bridge club day at my house with seven very dear friends.  Then Friday night is couples' bridge night.  I didn't take any pictures, but I think a great time was had by all! 

My final party of 2012 was for my wonderful family.  After breakfast at the Metzgers, we all gathered here at 3:00.  It is always great when Jay and Terri are here for Christmas, and this was the year.  We had wonderful appetizers (including a smoked chicken spread and a garlic cheese roll made by Terri), then we exchanged some pretty special gifts.  And then we ate again.  Yes, that's how we roll!  I didn't take any pictures, but there are some marvelous ones from Susan's Facebook page.

And it snowed!  How amazing is that?  Huge flakes. 

The perfect end to a perfectly wonder season.  "Praise be to God for His inexpressible gift." II Corinthians 9:15...at Christmastime, at Christmastime.

A Heart Wrenching Story

One of the stories I read about the Sandy Hook tragedy was told by a little survivor.  He was in music class, and his wonderful young teacher hid the children in a closet after locking the door to the classroom.  The killer came to the door and beat on it shouting, "LET ME IN!"  "LET ME IN!"  The children remained perfectly silent, some holding their musical instruments so as to keep them from making a sound. 

And then they prayed.

The killer left.  This was his last stop before killing himself.

When I read this, I immediately thought of the words of Jesus in Revelation 3:20.  "Behold, I stand at the door and knock."  

"But, Jesus, sorry you're not allowed to come in to our classrooms.  And that prayer was a no-no, too."

If He's standing at your door, LET HIM IN.  He is the Light in this horribly dark world.  He is our ONLY hope and salvation.  

Oh, and I think we best let Him back into our schools, too.

I'm On A Roll

Yes.  This morning I've already blown off steam on Facebook about the trash men coming early when you're not ready and late when you are.  I've complained about the fact that charges are placed on your credit card immediately but credits take forever.  Now...

Have you ever experienced a night when you just can't go to sleep no matter what?  Have you finally resorted to giving up, getting up, and turning on the TV?  If you have, then...

You've probably seen those infomercials that offer a second item absolutely free.  You just have to pay the shipping!  Have you noticed that you can NEVER see the shipping charge on the screen?  It's either not there, or it's so small and goes by so quickly you can't possibly read it.

So...you call the 800 number, and the conversation might go something like this:

Me:  "Can you tell me what the shipping charge would be on the free second Bedazzled Nose Hair Trimmer?"

Operator:  "Why yes.  That charge is, let me see, hmm--it's only $39.95!"

Me:  "Are you kidding me?  $39.95 just for the shipping?  I never heard of such a ridiculous thing!"

Operator:  "Do you hear how selfish you sound?  Here we are giving you a Bedazzled Nose Hair  Trimmer absolutely free and you are whining about the shipping charge."

Me:  Click.

And now you're fuming so much that you REALLY can't go go sleep! 

Brace Yourselves--I've Created a Recipe!

Yes.  You are on the right blog.  In the way, way distant past, my copying a restaurant's dish would not have been unusual.  Now, my turning on the cook top for any reason is unusual.

As I remember it all started with Daniel's nachos.  The Daniel's restaurant I remember us going to was on University Drive.  I still have the recipe card where I wrote down my "interpretation."    It was probably in the '70's or '80's when nachos were first introduced--onto our scene, anyway.  I made Wick Fowler chili, cooked fabulous pinto beans, drained them, put all over "Jimenez" chips, and popped into hot oven after smothering with finely grated cheese.   We loved them.  My sweet Terri made me Daniel's nachos one year for my birthday!

Then there was my homemade Taco Bell.  I tried to season my ground beef as well as theirs, cooked and blended pinto beans, and we had all the trimmings for tacos, burritos, and tostados. It was a production and quite fun and delicious!  Oh, I would save Taco Bell hot sauce packets to use on my dishes!

I was fixin' reuben sandwiches before they were popular.  I got the bread, the pastrami, the sauerkraut, the mustard, and buttered and grilled them in a skillet.  My sweet kids would even eat sauerkraut!  They ate almost anything--as Susan reminded me recently with this story:

I used to serve canned spinach (ugh), and to make it more palatable (?) I would top it with chopped hard-boiled egg.  So help me I think they ate it.  I know Jack did.  He loved canned spinach.  It was his "health food."

But I digress.  Today's spectacular achievement is duplicating Reata's chicken tortilla soup.  It is my very favorite thing there.  I always get the "Saddle Pack" combination with the soup and field greens salad.  The soup obviously does not have a lot of ingredients, but it is so delicious.  Actually, I'm not quite through perfecting my recipe, but I'm just excited to be close.  And don't laugh at how easy it is.

REATA'S TORTILLA SOUP

Chicken Broth (details below)

Better than Boullion to taste 

Chopped white rotisserie chicken (I love Sam's)

Lots of freshly squeezed lime juice

Chopped avocado 

Grated mozzarella cheese

Crispy strips for topping

*They include chopped jalapenos, but I have them left off

Make your broth*, add chicken and lime juice.  Let flavors cook together a bit.

Add chopped avocado just long enough to warm.

Spoon into a bowl, then add cheese and top with strips.**

*The part I haven't perfected yet is the broth.  Today I used something fancy that I just stumbled across at Kroger.  It is Imagine organic free range chicken broth!  "Imagine" that!!!  It was a bit strong for me.  Next time I may just use water and the Better than Boullion, which is in a jar in the soup section at the grocery, I think.  Or I may just use ordinary chicken broth with added BTB.  I was introduced to this product by one of the chefs at Silverado, and I think it is amazing!!!  Both the chicken flavor and the beef flavor will do wonderful things for your corresponding dishes.  In this case, however, I don't think the broth makes so much difference.  The secret is in...drum roll...the lime juice. 

**The tortilla strips I bought at the grocery store are not nearly as good as Reata's.  I even warmed them--but they are too short and fall down into the soup and get soggy.  I may check with Reata about buying some there.

I know I've jumped the gun here, but you can't imagine how accomplished I feel today. It really tasted pretty much like theirs!  I'm thinking of changing my name to Paula, or Giada, or Shay!

Oh, by the way.  You might want to either eat this in private or make sure everyone with you is eating it.  The mozzarella is incredibly stringy and requires some unsightly negotiation.

Don't Go It Alone, Girls

My friend Becky calls me, "Spunky."  I take pride in being independent.  I thought the days of women being treated differently in business were over.  I guess they are not.

Not to be overbearing, but I can't stop thinking about my experience at the Toyota dealership.  The salesman actually looked embarrassed, as well he should have, when I reacted with amazement to what I was hearing.  The price he finally gave me after two hours was $8000 over the sticker price when you factor in the meager $7000 he was giving me for my car.  (Grubbs Infiniti gave me $11,000 for my Prius.)

Now I don't think there's any possible way I would have gone for that ridiculous deal.  But...I credit the information I had from Ken Mitchell as letting me know just how bad it was.  And my son Jay was with me when I bought the car.  Man--man!

Neither was I completely alone at the Infiniti dealership.  My son-in-love Rob had heard a deal on the radio for a special lease at Grubbs.  If I had not known to ask for that deal, I might not have come out as well.  However, I believe Grubbs is a Christian-owned dealership.  How do I know?  I have leased a car there before, and they play Christian music on their intercom (like Hemisphere's and Hobby Lobby.)  Their first offer to me gave me less for my car.  I called Rob, and he stayed on the phone with me quite a while looking up values for my car.  I actually accepted a deal for less than he thought I should, but I did get more than their original offer.  And the lease I got is amazing--thanks to a man, again.

This has really messed up my thinking.  Every subjective price I get from now on is going to cause me to be suspicious.  I was telling someone in choir about my experience, and she said that I needed to advise fellow single women.  So here it is.  Girls, you best not go it alone unless you're a tougher negotiator and much better informed than I am.

You've Got the Wrong Fish!

My Prius, which I've had since 2008, made a funny noise last week.  That's all it took to make me decide I needed a new car.  Well, that and it had 75,000 miles on it, and my kids like the idea of my keeping a newer car.

I have enjoyed my Prius very much--felt very smug getting that fantastic gas mileage.  So I headed for the local Prius dealership which shall remain nameless.  (Starts with a "V".)  I wanted to begin by just getting an idea how much a new vehicle would cost, how much mine was worth as a trade-in, and how much a lease might be.  Ridiculous idea.  That doesn't happen in a reasonable time.  You've got to go through all this foolishness first.

I can't remember how in the world this older salesman killed 2 hours, but he did.  For instance, he couldn't just look on his computer to see if they had the vehicle I wanted.  We had to go drive around the back lot and look.  They didn't have what I wanted, so I just picked out the closest thing and asked for some figures.  Then he was gone forever having my car appraised.  Really?  At the dealership where it has always been serviced?

Now what he didn't know is that Ken Mitchell is my faithful car consultant.  He traded his Prius (same model as mine) in this year, and he told me how much his trade figure was.  So...this little lady would recognize a fair ballpark figure--or an unfair one as it turns out.

After my reaching the point of complete exasperation, Mr. Salesman finally came back with some figures.  The sales price to me for a car with fewer features than Ken's was $13,500 more than Ken's!  I was completely flabbergasted and said, "Does that include some kind of financing, or did you not take into account my trade-in?"  He stuttered around a bit and then said no, that it was kind of like fishing--you just throw out the bait and see if it will be taken.

So...this fish does have a new car.  It is a shiny black Infiniti G25.  It has everything I required, that being: Number 1--keyless ignition so I don't have to dig in my purse for my key.  And at Number 2-- a back up camera because nothing behind me is safe when I'm in reverse.  Let's not talk about gas mileage, o.k.?

I'll show you a picture of it tomorrow.

I like the back.......

I like the front.......

I love the clock.....

You Had What in That Bag?

In case you haven't heard, I am home from a cruise, but my clothes are not.  It's been 48 hours now, and no sign of my bag.

I have the American Airlines/Bag Status number memorized now.  I call often.  Sometimes I get someone very nice, and sometimes I get someone who is patronizing and patiently annoyed.  One of the former, a lovely lady, decided to go over the information they had to be sure all bases were covered.  I didn't know the brand of my bag when I was filing the original claim, so she added that--Travelpro.  I told her the size and that the color was not really brown as I had stated, but copper.

Then she said, "Tell me a couple of very specific things that are in the bag by which we might identify it.  Well.  You just wouldn't believe how easy that was.  I said, "Bathroom scales on top wrapped in a white Holland America robe with my initials on it.  Also a large plastic tray."  I am still chuckling over the fact that she actually asked me to describe the tray!  As if anyone else would have a tray--or especially the combination of a tray and bathroom scales!

I'm sure you can guess why the scales.  I have thought of taking them before, but the situation was right this time--so I did.  I weighed each and every morning, keeping track of the harm done.  And the tray?  I like to eat in my cabin or on my balcony.  Several years ago the ships stopped furnishing trays in the buffet eating area.  So I decided to carry my own.  I could step a short distance to the elevator, shoot up to the 12th floor, get my food and drink (I carried my lidded Starbucks cup for that), and get back almost as quickly as going to the kitchen at home!  My tray got a few stares, but they were probably jealous ones!   I just know I started a trend.

I am so thankful that there is nothing sentimentally irreplaceable in the bag, except the tray.  I bought it on my first visit to my cousin Sarah's home in Alpine, Arizona.  The shop where I got it is no longer there--it was gone even before the wildfires.  I loved the tray and used it every day, but I have another which is equally beautiful and serves the purpose.

On my last call I found out that I can file another claim after 5 days have elapsed.  (If I had told you it would be months, I was wrong.)   Will I be filing?  Will I receive back a mangled and mutilated bag?  Will I receive back my bag in perfect shape?  Will I receive no bag at all?  I know you all will be standing by with bated breath!  ...To be continued!  

Father of the "College Girl"

 "Father of the Bride" with Steve Martin is my absolute favorite movie of all time.  I can watch it over and over and laugh uproariously every time.  Yesterday, a moment occurred in our family which could have come straight from the script.

Madeline was planning to drive home from the University of Texas in Austin this past weekend for the first time.  She wanted to see some of her friends in a play at Martin High School.  She has a class at 3:00 P.M. on Friday, and Susan and Rob didn't want her driving home after she finished the class because of the horrid traffic late on Friday (or any) afternoon.  She was going to have to wait and come home Saturday morning.  Her parents were so concerned about her making the drive since it was her first trip by herself.

So...then there came the bomb threat.  They were not quite as worried about her driving then!  It was "Get on the road as quick as you can!"  Of course, she made it beautifully.

The Metzgers were so kind to invite Shirley and me to lunch at Mac's Bar & Grill yesterday (Sunday), so the grandmothers would get to see our college freshman!  We had a great time listening to tales of rush and friends and classes, etc.  We grandmothers eat that kind of thing up.

At one point Madeline excused herself and went to change into shorts and a sweatshirt for the drive.  (She looked so cute!)  She was leaving straight from Mac's to head back to Austin--again for the first time alone.  Of course, you will probably remember that it was raining.  So Madeline starts hugging everyone goodbye, then Rob and Susan start in cautioning her (again) and giving her last minute directions. The only problem was, one was telling her to be sure to be in the right lane at some point,and the other the left.  Along with Susannah's and my exchange of a slight "rolling of the eyes," it certainly became a "Father of the Bride College Girl" moment.

As in the movie, a poignant moment followed the funny one.  Susan's and Rob's faces as they watched her drive away were haunting. 

Later I received a text:  "She's safely back in Hardin House."  And mine back, "Praise the Lord!"

Maybe I Was Wrong...

about something I said in the first paragraph here.  I said the political conventions were not as fun as they used to be.  Watching Villairgosa bumble, stumble, and fumble with an absurd voice vote on whether or not God should remain excluded from the Democratic platform was pretty funny.  I have actually never seen anything like it in my whole long life.

I was reminded of a verse from the Bible which I felt applied to this situation.  I knew it related to God taking what man meant for bad and using it for His good.  I absolutely LOVE Google, because it can help find just about anything.  The verse is Genesis 50:20, and it states, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good."  (It regarded Joseph and the horrible acts his brothers had perpetrated on him, which turned out for good--for the brothers, for Joseph, and for God.)

A political party might be able to remove God from its platform, even though by "2/3 voice vote" it didn't work this time, but how would you feel about aligning yourself with a party which chose to do that?  Do they not realize that God is in control of EVERYTHING?  The next breath we take, the spinning of the earth on its axis exactly the right distance from the sun, resulting in the maintenance of a temperature which our bodies can handle, etc., etc., etc.  What a joke that man could exclude God from anything!

And then the people booed.  They booed God.  That happened in the Bible too. 

"Please open the eyes of people's hearts, God, and allow them to see a clear picture of your power and to recognize your truth and love.  As always, may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."



 

Then and Now

Something going on today is really reminding me of my mother.  I told you some things about her here.  I remember so well our family watching the political conventions on our little black and white television set.  Mother got so excited about getting to see all those activities.  (Somehow they seemed a lot more fun in those days!)  I think they were her favorite television event.

Mother died in 1961.  Just think of how different the world is now from the time she lived.  Too many big and small ways to possibly count, but I often think...what would she think if she stepped back into this world today?  (Not that she would want to.  She's wearing that robe and walking those streets of gold that I've been singing about!)

What would someone who never flew on a plane think about our trans-world jumbo jet flights?  About our trips to Russia, Germany, and Japan--"enemy territory"?  The farthest from home Mother ever got was a trip to New York City in a car without air conditioning, packed with our family of five.  
She would surely think that almost $4.00 a gallon for gasoline is a mistake--not that Mother ever put gas in a car in her life!  Unthinkable!  She probably didn't even know the price, but it was about 29 cents per gallon.

I wonder what she would think about the fact that I wear pants most of the time--even to church!  I don't think I ever saw her in anything but a dress. 

This is a small thing, but I don't think Mother ever tasted pizza.  I'm sure it existed in that day, but it had not exploded on the scene yet.  (Jack Stovall helped with that!  He eventually built all the Pizza Huts in northwest Texas!)

What would someone who had one stationery dial telephone for a family of five think about every member of a family driving around in cars while talking into a tiny little instrument--or into the air because of something called--of all things--"bluetooth?"  Would she wonder how she lived without that?

In Mother's day, "first came love, then came marriage, then came the baby carriage"!  Courts were not packed with unmarried couples hashing out their differences after playing house failed.  (I know all about this from Judge Judy.)

Perhaps the one that gets me the most is the sign which is now posted near schools. "This is a drug-free, weapon-free zone."  What?

I realize this is far from a comprehensive list.  These are just things which keep occurring to me.  So...what has not changed at all?  Well, the sun still comes up in the morning and goes down at night.  It may be hidden behind clouds, but it hasn't missed a day since Mother has been gone.  The seasons still change as they did then.  The only constants in this world are the ones controlled by its Creator.

God's love is the same...yesterday, today, and forever.

I May Have to Quit Choir

Why, you ask?  One word: earworms.   Now for those of you who are not familiar with this term, I have done extensive research this morning.  Here is the best definition I have found: An earworm is the experience of an inability to dislodge a song and prevent it from repeating itself in one's head.

Sunday before last we sang the most beautiful new rendition of The Lord's Prayer, titled Our Father.  I absolutely loved, loved, loved this song--at least for the first thousand times I sang it in my head and out loud during the following week.  This week it was (is) Ride On, King Jesus. 

Ride on, King Jesus!  No man can a-hinder me. When I get to heaven gonna wear a robe.  No man can a-hinder me.  Gonna walk all over those streets of gold.  No man can a-hinder me.  (Repeat 6 times!)

Now this isn't all of the song, but it's the majority of my earworm--with repeats--and repeats--and repeats.  I'm glad it's a Christian song!

If I could draw a cartoon, I would draw a picture of Charleigh-Girl sitting on her haunches with her front paws covering her ears.  She would be saying, "Couldn't we please have a few choruses of "How much is that Doggy in the Window?" 

Adieu, Roofers and Gutter Guys

It's already finished!  After one working day short of three weeks!  I got to sleep in this morning, and it's raining to boot!  Charleigh-Girl doesn't know it, but her life has taken a turn for the better.  She no longer has to protect me from those bad old roofers.

The roofers, C-G, were actually not bad at all, as I kept telling you!  They were the nicest bunch of guys ever--always pleasant and eager to please.  The problem was that there were only 8 of them on a good day, which did not include Mondays!   But those 8 did an excellent job.

Since it was misting when I went out, I don't have panoramic pictures, but here's what I got.  (Be sure to notice my nice new gutter at the left side of the photo.)

The color of this roof is rather an enigma.  When I chose it I would have told you it was shades of brown.  In these pictures it certainly looks to be shades of gray.  It actually didn't matter, since the Chicago used brick has both colors.  But look at this pic of the gazebo:

• Looks brown, right?  Interesting!  Matching with paint color should be a challenge!  Oh, yes.  Now I need to have the wood trim painted!

O.K...I'll say this, and then enough already about my roof!  I'm so thankful to feel secure in my home when the rains and/or hail come.  I'm thankful for good insurance.  I'm thankful that I knew who to call about a roof because of Jack Stovall.  I'm thankful for good, honest roofers.  And, finally:  Charleigh-Girl and I are thankful that THEY ARE FINISHED!

Roof Progress Report

I know you are all waiting with bated breath to hear from me about THE ROOF.  No, there are no "after" pictures yet.  It has been one week today.  The roofers have been here every day in varying numbers.  It seems the number is always smaller on Monday!

The good news is that I had no leaks whatsoever during last night's scary storm.  The chief roofer (a very nice guy) came by yesterday afternoon and did a bit of work on the roof, and I was a bit nervous.  When the rain hit, I turned on all the lights in the house and walked around checking for leaks.  If it didn't leak in that rain in its incomplete state, I think I have a good, safe roof!

Since everyone is of the opinion (including me) that a roof will be completed in a couple of days, I somehow feel compelled to explain why mine is taking longer (forever).  I took these pictures to try to capture all the, well, I don't know what you call them, maybe elevations?  Maybe peaks and valleys?  Maybe little pointy things?

There just aren't many straight, flat sections on the entire roof.  Looks very complicated to me.

Also, before getting to this stage, the old Hardie Shakes had to be removed.  They are brittle and crumbly, making removal a tedious process.  

This photo is to try to show a better view of the new roof.  The best of the good news is, "I really like it!!"

I still have to have my car out and in the neighbor's driveway by 7:00.  I still have a bit of a mess on my driveway.  (See the shadows of the roofers?)

 

But the noise has lessened for the time being.  Charleigh-Girl is no longer in the closet.  She is actually sleeping on the floor right by me.  And, after telling the boss about the six nails in the driveway, I haven't found another single one!

This is so much better than having workers inside the house for this long.  I am dealing quite well with it in anticipation of my great new roof!

And It Didn't Even Leak...Yet

When it came time to replace our initial wood shingle roof, Jack put on what was supposed to be an excellent replacement--Hardie Shakes.  I loved the color of the roof (not as much as wood shingles), but the material was faulty.  It faded, became brittle, and was the focus of class-action lawsuits.  We didn't participate in any of those suits, so we had to wait for ours to suffer enough damage from our frequent hail storms to deserve replacement.  I felt like that time came when we had that last storm,  with golf ball size hailstones at my house.  Sure enough--the insurance adjustor said it was time.

Here is a picture of the garage roof.  If you look closely you may see chipped shingles and dented gutters.

If you've never heard about Hardie Shakes, I can assure you all the roofers have!  I was inundated with roofers, licking their chops.  Jack had a roofer, however, and I wouldn't consider calling anyone else.  He does not do homes, so he recommended someone with whom he works to take care of my roof.

As I am prone to do, I thought I pretty much knew what to expect when getting a new roof.  I carefully decided where I wanted the material placed so that I would be able to get in and out of my driveway.  I'm all excited as the material supplier unloads the first of the shingles, etc.  Whoopee!  A new roof is on the way!

Well, in addition to the massive amount of shakes, there were these stacks of "radiant barrier panels."  Those sound and look great to me, but took up a lot of space.  Still had plenty of navigation room, though--even for Jack's Navigator which I was driving because my Prius was in the shop.  Here it is parked over in my neighbor's driveway, where I must place it before 7:00 A.M. each morning!

The first day (last Monday) was not too bad.  I even threw myself a birthday bash that night with all the family coming over for my chicken enchilada casserole!  We enjoyed dinner with roofers tearing off the old roof above us!

Tuesday wasn't bad, either.  Wednesday things became a little worse.  There was quite a bit more noise as more installation started taking place.  I failed to take a picture of what the back yard (where the neat stacks were) looked like when I got home from choir.  There was every manner of "stuff" piled in front of the neat stacks, including a giant pallet of trash, leaving me barely enough room to pull into the garage.  In fact, I had to move one of the heavy panels to avoid running over it!

Being from the Jack Stovall school of construction protocol, I had to place a call to the roofer and state that these guys just weren't cleaning up acceptably.  In addition to the mess on the driveway, they had left plywood and other junk on my grass, which looked absolutely perfect last week and like this now!

But...they did clean up better today--somewhat.  Do you think it is funny that they spent an extraordinary amount of time shoring up and trying to cram all the trash on this small trailer?  The dump must either charge by the load or be a great distance away!  This lovely item is sitting in front of my house tonight!

Now when Jay heard that I was finally getting a new roof, he called me to tell me two things.  First, that I needed to get away from the house because it would be so noisy.  Second, that there WOULD BE nails in the driveway, so I needed to check for them nightly before pulling in.  I don't think I really believed him, but...

Today hit a new level of noise.  The hammering isn't so bad, but they take those heavy radiant barrier panels up on the roof and drop them.  They sound like a bomb.  I jump out of my skin, and poor Charleigh-Girl has cowered in my closet all day.  I finally moved her "palace" (crate) in there for a little more comfort.

And...before I pulled the car in, I did check the driveway, even though the roofer had assured me it would be carefully run over with a magnet to be sure there were no nails.  HA!  Here is what I found.

This is all going to be wonderful when it is completed!  I also get the new roofing material on this swing and gazebo that Jack had built.

 It's just going to be a little lengthier and more trying than gullible me thought it would be!  Stand by for some "after" pictures.  I hope you don't have to stand by too long!



 

I'm Always Having to Tell Someone...

To be this old I am quite cutting edge, if I do say so myself and I do.  Have you noticed how crocheted tops are all the rage right now?  Well, I have several hanging in my closet.  The only problem is that I've decided they make me look fat, so I haven't worn them much--but I have them!

A purchase I made today brought this fact about myself to mind.  Here it is!

Now do you have yours yet?  It's an iHangy!  Since I spend half my life looking for my iPhone, I decided this was designed just for me!  I realize it's probably worse than wearing your spectacles on a chain around your neck, but so be it.  Oh, and just to make one look even more ancient, the little knobs on either end of the Hangy are styluses that can be used in lieu of thumbs for pressing letters.  Mama Mia!!!

Now I don't know if you will be able to take this one in, but...I also have an XShot!  It is a telescoping rod on which a camera may be attached so that one can take pictures of oneself.  Quite handy for a solo traveler.  Here it is:

O.K.  Very hard to tell anything about this.  You'll just have to take my word that's it's cutting edge.  I used it on my recent cruise to take several shots in my room.

Drastically changing categories here, I have something new for my home that I think you all are going to want!  Just look!

The idea of an inside fountain has flitted through my mind for years.  I LOVE the sound of the water.  Now that I finally got one, I want it in every room, but there's not another place in my house as good to put it as this.  Now I'll be flattered if you copy me on this one!

Last, I am pretty sure I'm the first among my contemporaries to get this:

Yes, ladies and gents, that's a GOLD Starbucks card!  I really liked my old card better.  It was a vintage reproduction which we bought at the original Starbucks in Seattle.  But I don't think I'll be able to resist flashing the gold.

Don't hesitate to call me if you want the scoop on the latest trends! 

How Many In Your Party?...One.

It seems that there are two distinct groups of gals in this world when it comes to the idea of traveling alone.  There are those who heart the idea and those who consider it totally unthinkable.  Of course, it is obvious into which group I fall.  However, I do sometimes feel weird about it, thus prompting me to detail some reasons why I am the way I am.

#1.  I shared close quarters on cruise ships with my Jack for 25 cruises.  The thought of being in said close quarters with anyone else is what's unthinkable to me.

#2.  I keep the thermostat in my room set on "COLD."  As cold as it will go.  I do not heart the idea of having to change that to suit a normal person.

#3.  When I want to do something (or not do something), I do not have to ask anyone else if they share my opinion.  I do it, or I don't do it.

#4.  If I get up in the morning, have my coffee, and decide to go back to bed for a while, I do so.  Now I don't do this often, but once was heavenly.

#5.  I usually have to ask for extra hangers just to get all my clothes hung in the closet.  Sorry, there is not room for anyone else's.

#6.  I hate to admit this one, but I have been told once or maybe twice that I, ahem...snore.  Delicately and lady-like, but I don't hanker to place this behavior on exhibit again.

#7.  I have a travel iHome which Jay and Terri gave me, and I think I have the absolute best music in the whole world on my iPhone to play while I'm in my cabin.  I wouldn't like anyone else's music as much, and I realize they would not like mine.

#8.  I have been known to run an itsy bitsy bit late in my lifetime.  I do not want to make someone else late or feel guilty and have to apologize profusely for my sluggardliness. (Oh, yeah, even spell check doesn't know how to spell that one.)

#9. There are also two camps when it comes to preference for port days or sea days.  I usually prefer the days at sea, and I don't want to have to be open-minded about it.

#10. Finally, I think I must admit the true reasons for my loving to travel alone.  I am selfish.  I am set in my ways.  I absolutely love the spirit of freedom it gives me.

I am so thankful that God has given me the privilege of being out in the middle of the ocean, accountable to no one but Him. 

You'll Never Catch Me! Unless...

As I'm sure the vast majority of you know, this girl adds lots of exclamation points to my life!

I absolutely love those big beautiful brown eyes.  Her favorite game in all the world is to be chased.  If she is being chased while holding "Friend" it is even better.  She has excellent radar, evidently, because she can run circles in my living room without ever bumping into a single thing!  Here she is with "Friend."

Lately, however, I've noticed something about our chases.  She knows, of course, that I'm never going to be able to catch her.  But...she has insulted me by figuring out just how slow I am.  She is allowing me to get a lot closer to her before she takes off!  It's really bad when even your dog allows you a senior citizen's discount!

You'd think that a dog that smart would know what is threatening and what is not.  She's not so smart in this way.  She's scared of everything--including my harmless little camera.  Either that or she's just contrary.  When I got my camera out, she immediately came to a halt.  It was as if she was saying, "O.K., I give up.  Take friend.  I'm not doing another thing until you put away that nasty camera."

 
Seriously, she let me walk right up and take Friend!  She would NEVER let me have him without that "weapon" (it's tiny and pink) in my hand. 

Watch it, Charleigh-Girl!  I may be slow but I'm still the one who dishes out the food!  And the treats!

Attention You Dog Lovers

Our beloved pastor, Gary Smith, has stated, "You're only as happy as your unhappiest child."  All you parents know the truth of this statement.  I have found it to be true, also, that I only feel as good as my worst-feeling child.  This week that included and applied to my little Charleigh-Girl.

I posted on Facebook about her birthday experience, but I'll repeat it here in case you missed it.  She was overdue for an annual exam, so I took her in on Thursday.  After her being traumatized and receiving numerous vaccines while being held down (very lovingly, I might add), I realized it was her birthday.  She is 7 years old.  I felt mean enough about that, but I felt worse that evening.

She usually stays nearby to protect me when I'm watching TV.  I kept missing her and going to check.  She was on "our" bed, barely moving.  She obviously felt terrible, so I did too.

I told my hairdresser/dog trainer/friend, Mary Ellen Jones about it the next morning.  She has fostered and trained numerous dogs and is my go-to expert on all matters C-G.  (She also keeps her highness when I travel now.)  Mary Ellen said she never allows multiple inoculations to be given to her dogs for the very reason I described.  It is just too much for their systems, in her opinion.

I determined that I would call the vet the next morning and have them place a note on CG's chart that I did not want but one vaccine per visit next year.  Lo and behold, before I called them, they called me to check up on Charleigh and see how she was doing!  When I said she was fine that day but not so good the night before, they offered to spread out her shots on future visits!  I was totally impressed.

I used to think I was the only person crazy-nuts about her dog.  Now I realize there are lots of you crazies out there.  I felt I must share my experience with you so you may obsess about this too, should you desire!

Susan, I can just hear you snorting now!  (My Susan believes a dog is a dog.  She will not be making multiple trips for shots, I can assure you!)

My Miraculous Healing

Yesterday morning I discovered something very disturbing.  It was a rather large, scary looking place on my upper gum.  I had plans to spend the day with a friend, but I managed to find time to whip out my computer and look up...yes, mouth cancer.  I kept clicking on things which promised pictures, but never actually saw any.  Amazingly, I was able to put it out of my mind for the day.

This morning I remembered, checked it, it was just as bad, and lo and behold, there was another place on the lower gum--not quite as bad but looked like it could be.  I started through my options.  I could wait until tonight and get Belinda Cole to look at it while at choir.  (Belinda is my dental hygienist/friend.)  I could go to her office and see if she or Dr. Mark Marchbanks would look at it.  Or, I could go to Barbre Orthodontist and get someone there to check it out and make a recommendation.  I opted for #3.  I just showed up at Dr. Barbre's, hoping they could squeeze me in for a peek at my gum problem.

Lynett at Dr. Barbre's was so sweet to me, telling me I had come at a perfect time.  She checked me in and had me sit down.  Thank goodness I didn't have to wait very long, because I began to just go weak with fear about what this thing could be.

I was ushered back, and Dr. Barbre himself came to look at my problem.  He asked for a probe!  Now doesn't that sound scary?  However, with that probe he healed me!!!  He removed a very thin popcorn hull which was adhered to my gum like a contact adheres to the eye.  And he didn't even crack a smile.  He was so kind, assuring me that this was not the first case of gum "disease" that he had healed in this manner.

I made Lynett promise she would not tell anyone about me.  Then on the way home I realized it was just too funny not to tell on myself.  I actually said out loud in the car, "This is TOO funny, too embarrassingly funny!"

And, by the way, my teeth are really getting straight!  It is amazing how these little trays can move teeth around--faster than I thought.   I love Invisalign, but I'll be very glad when I'm finished.

Travel Perks

One of my favorite things about travel is seeing places I've been in movies, on television, or in magazines.  Sometimes it's after we've visited, and sometimes I rent a movie after visiting its locale.

Some examples.  After we visited the mansions in Newport, RI, I rented True Lies and Reversal of Fortune, which were filmed or had scenes filmed at two of the mansions--too lazy to look up which ones!  I display a Conde Nast magazine on my antique reading stand featuring beautiful photos of Milford Sound, New Zealand, one of the most beautiful places we ever visited.  The Amazing Race had a stop at Rotorua, New Zealand, at the exact place Jack and I stood to have our picture made.  When I visited the set of The Mentalist at Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles, I came home and began recording and watching every episode.  

Well...you should have been here last Monday night while Charleigh-Girl and I were watching The Bachelorette.  Emily had a one on one date with Joe.  They climbed on a fabulous private jet and took off for West Virginia.  As soon as I saw the town, White Sulphur Springs, I knew where they were headed.

Here it is as pictured on my TV Monday night--The Greenbrier Hotel where I spent last July 4th.

And here's the picture I took last summer:

When Emily and Joe pulled up in front of this beautiful hotel I shouted, "I've been there!"  Charleigh was NOT impressed.   So..would you please be impressed?  I'll show you another picture or two to help.

If you don't have a private jet like Emily, it is rather difficult to get to White Sulphur Springs.  This summer the railroad was actually going to start running again from Washington, D.C. to the hotel.  It would really be a neat trip.  So would the jet, of course.  Here's what I took:

Please still be impressed, o.k.? 

Another Memorable Adventure

I'm home from UIL OAP in Austin.  You don't know what that is?  Well...it's University Interscholastic League One Act Play competition.  (I certainly hope that I, Miss Smarty Pants, got all that right!)

For anyone out there who might have been able to miss hearing the details of this event from me, here they are.  For the second year in a row Martin High School has advanced to the state finals with their one act play.  Both years Madeline has had a leading role.  Both years the groupie grannies (Shirley and I) have traveled to Austin to share in the excitement.  It was especially exciting to us that we had "fan" shirts this year.  Here I am waiting outside Bass Hall on the University of Texas campus:

All of us thought they would win last year.  They didn't.  This year we all KNEW they were going to win.  Each and every member of the cast was spot on perfect.  Best performance EVER.  I wasn't even nervous because they were hands down so much better than the other 7 schools.

They were the lst runners up.  I don't know what to say,  except that the majority of the audience appeared to agree with me.  They got probably 10 times more audience response than any other play.  The place seemed mesmerized for 40 minutes as our kids enacted a script that was heavy, emotional, physically demanding, complicated (but clear), and sometimes very funny.  They received tremendous laughs, and one huge "Ohhhh," when it was announced that "Little Charles is Ivy's brother, not her first cousin."  (You would just have to have been there!)

Now this event lasts for HOURS.  The first play started at 4:00, and there were eight!  Each lasts 40 minutes--not one second over or it is disqualified. Then there's the presentation of awards, with many behind-the-scenes categories presented first.  There are signs up which say "No food or drink allowed in auditorium," but of necessity we packed pounds of snacks in our bags!  On the walk from the parking garage to the auditorium, Susannah insisted that Nanny and I give her our bags to carry.  Actually at the time I was grousing about mine and wishing I had brought wheels for it (the biggest one), cause it weighed A LOT.  Hers, the one on her right shoulder, had 3 bottles of water in it!  She's in her matching shirt but has her jacket and Nanny's over her shoulders.  So here she is, our little pack mule:

Madeline (Barbara) won a place in the All Star cast (one of 8), as did  Taylor Whitworth (Violet.)  Courtney Balke (Mattie Fae) won a place in the honorable mention All Star cast.  I'm giving you their names because their play, August Osage County, is being released in movie form.  Julia Robers will be Barbara, and Meryl Streep will be Violet. 

We got to stay at Hardin House, where Madeline is going to live.  A portion of the rooms are converted into "bed and breakfast" type accommodations in the summer.  It was lovely.  We even had eggs benedict for breakfast this morning.  Hardin House is Madeline's kind of place.  She loves vintage everything.  This place is vintage.  It was built in the same year I was born!

It is also Madeline's parents' type of place.  The sign is hard to read, but it says, "No male visitors

beyond this point!" 

Shirley and I got to tag along with Rob, Susan, and Susannah.  It was so nice not to have to drive and park.  From my comfy back seat I pulled out my sunglasses this morning and put them on.  Imagine my surprise at the view they provided:

Yes, a lid to my water bottle from yesterday was stuck in one lens.  Couldn't have done that on purpose for a million dollars.

Off to get ready for the senior awards program.  I may have an empty nest, but I still have a full schedule!  And I love it!