D-Day Closing in Fast

It's only three more days before I head to Atlanta once again. This time, it's to the airport to meet my English visitor and to help celebrate Little Bit's second birthday while there. If she and big sister are wide open as usual, I have to wonder what kind of impression we will make on a European visitor. Might want to change return date and take the next plane back! :)

Every time I go and have to return here, it's a big letdown but I am looking forward to a trip to Gulfport to visit our mutual friends. I know I will enjoy that and, if the fates are kind, my apartment will be available by then. "Just wishing and hoping and praying..."

Good Start

Had my first CASA interview today. Everything went well and I'm halfway to getting my appointment. Yea!! What a great way to start the week!

Thirty-something Milestone

Well, I just RSVPed for my 15 year high school reunion. We didn't have a five or ten year, so I haven't seen some of my former classmates in quite awhile. It's so strange to think of it having been that long since my big hair glory days :)

I wonder how much I'll have in common with some of them now, if we as a whole have become more compassionate and, I guess, better human beings, as we've gotten older and truly experienced life outside our small town (some of us, anyway), or if we'll just be older versions of our same old high school selves and will revert to those roles in the context of being together again.

Not Exactly

That's not exactly the type excitement I had in mind but I guess it beats nothing. Barely, though. :)

Sorry to Hear about your Dull Weekend

My sympathies for your uneventful weekend. Had you stayed here, you could not only have perhaps created (or participated in) another Olympic event, but chosen from the other fun-filled options: test driving new vehicles in exchange for $225 in gas while hauling two excited children in and out of the vehicles with the equally excited (??) salesperson; hauling a non-spotless, heavily protesting toddler out of a spotless (and expensive) convertible in the showroom; hauling said toddler away from row of candy machines at her eye level in the waiting room while waiting for minivan to have an oil change; having toddler parading around with stuffed frog in her shirt, looking like a miniature Dolly Parton and having the crowded waiting room giggling and pointing.

Another Less Than Wild Weekend

Back in the boonies since yesterday afternoon with another dull-looking weekend ahead. In retrospect, I should have stayed in my son's condo over the weekend or headed back to Thirtysomething's to see if the girls have dreamed up another new Olympic event.

Good and bad news though: The bad news is that the apartment I saw was not what I wanted (as well as being $300 more per month). The good news is that I paid a priority deposit so when one like I want becomes available, I will have first choice on it.

Still hard to comprehend that I've made that first major step towards leaving but if feels good. Just anxious to "get 'er done" now.

Step Out for a Minute...

Darn! I leave for a short time and miss the chance to participate in what might be the most watched Olympic venue in history (if it ever comes to fruition). Day late and dollar short as usual.

(Almost) Naked Girls Competition?

Okay, so it's not nearly as risque as it sounds. I was preparing supper yesterday evening and had the door cracked open since the girls were playing in the backyard. My ears perked up when I heard the older one going "Pull, pull!" and decided it would be in my best interest to investigate. She had thrown the garden hose over the deck and was pulling her little sister up, clinging rescue-style. She informed me that they were in the Olympics and that sister was a great "garden hose holder." I then informed her that, despite this enviable skill, it would be much safer to find another Olympic event in which to compete. They went to the trampoline and I quickly finished supper, then went outside to join them. I bounced for a minute, which is not nearly as much fun when you're not a kid anymore, then sat in the middle for them to bounce me. Older DD then announced it was time for the "naked girls competition!" She proceeded to strip down to her Little Pony undies and, of course, Little Bit wanted everything off but her diaper, then they ran around me until they fell down from exhaustion. DH was quite disappointed to hear that I did not participate in this particular event, but since we are planning to live in our quiet suburban neighborhood for at least a few more years, I thought it best not to scandalize our neighbors too much.

P.S. As if there weren't enough excitement yesterday, Little Bit dropped a paving brick on her toe and opened it good this evening. We're shopping for a helmet for her birthday, but I think full body armor might be more appropriate.

Winding Down

I've had a great time with the babies (and their parents too) but it's about over for now. Really enjoyed Grandparents' Day with the oldest one at her pre-school yesterday. The little one with the very short fuse has been exceptionally good, only losing her temper a time or two, a nice bonus. :)

Also had a chance to have a long visit with my favorite son-in-law and really enjoyed our time together. He's my third child and as special as the other two.

Unfortunately, I have to get my things together and head back. On the bright side, I will be detouring through Atlanta to see that apartment before aiming my little red car south and I'm looking forward to seeing it (just hope it's the right one). Also to going by the Flying Biscuit for a Devil Burger since it's very near the apartment so it should be a good day.

I hate to leave the girls (mom and dad too) after such a short visit but will be back next week for Little Bit's second birthday so will get to see them again very soon.

Who Knew?

Who knew that dog-walking could be so romantic? Since Mom listened out for the little ones, we got a few much-needed minutes alone walking the dogs through the neighborhood. It's funny that before we had kids, it was like "oh, man, gotta walk the dogs." Now it's something that I really miss doing with him. It's a great chance to get some exercise and talk, especially when the nights are cool and clear. I will say that having children definitely makes you appreciate your time together more. We are trading babysitting once a month with another couple and will actually have a date this weekend (yay!). Unfortunately, we're broke, but we probably have enough in the change jar to go grab a cup of overpriced coffee and share it, which will be cool.

Back in the ATL

Well, not exactly back but close enough. I got to Thirtysomething's home this afternoon and will be here a couple of days before heading south again.

I've enjoyed the afternoon but reinforced what I already knew: children are definitely intended for younger people. Went to the playground and the little one who is so independent she doesn't even want to hold your hand, wanted to ride on my shoulders on the way back. Is there a chiropractor in the house?

I will actually be in Atlanta on Friday morning to check out an apartment. Just hoping this one is close enough to the one I want so I can go ahead and lock it in. (Crossing my fingers on this.)

Listening out for the girls now so their Mom and Dad can have a little time together. The little one just turned on her music box (and they thought she was asleep!) but she isn't crying. Thank goodness for baby monitors so I don't have to run up and down the stairs.

Maybe I spoke too soon. I think I hear little feet so I'd better check on that. More later.

Not a Hallmark Moment, for sure :)

So I guess it's back to unpaid VOYA reviews for now?

Is this a "Milkbone Moment?"

I suppose it will. I'm not really worked up about the falling incident since she was okay and I know that kind of stuff is going to happen. Call me old-fashioned, but I don't think a child's had a true childhood unless there are at least some scrapes and bruises involved. That shows they're not living an antiseptic, couch potato existence.

It just seems like a lot of days I'm running the on the hamster wheel, getting things done for everyone else. Someone always wants or needs something, and any needs or wants I have get shoved to the back of the line. I'm more assertive than I used to be about taking some time for myself, but it's still like my day never ends. There's always stuff to worry about, especially with the economy the way it is and DH taking such a substantial pay cut when he was laid off last year.

Referring to the title, I know it's ridiculous, but last night I got so upset. I had read about the 100th anniversary for Milkbone contest, in which the first prize was $100,000. I thought the deadline was November, so I've been composing our story in my head of how we rescued Ruby from the shelter and she had heartworms and other complications and how we worked through all of that and what a terrific, happy dog she is now. I even thought of all the different angles we could take her picture, etc. Well, I logged onto the website and it turns out I read it incorrectly and the contest ended on September 18th. I actually boo-hooed for quite awhile on that one, because I just knew that we would win or at least get an honorable mention. I know realistically that we had a next-to-none chance of winning it, but it was still a nice fantasy.

Making Memories?

I know it's hard to believe but this will all look much better a few years down the road. Mind you, I'm not saying it will make you nostalgic enough to want to repeat it but stuff like this really does look different in hindsight.

Can't We Just Wrap Her in Bubblewrap?

Okay, I totally plagiarized this title from today's Family Circus. The mom is bandaging Jeffy up and one of the other kids (I think Billy) asks that question. I feel like that with the almost-two year old right now. Most of the time, actually.

Tonight after supper, we took the girls to a local park to unwind a bit. Little Bit didn't take a nap and after last evening's rough nature, she was quite tired. Well, she had a terrific time on the equipment and swinging and all, and we were taking a break at one of the tables under the pavilion. Hard, metal tables, actually on a concrete slab (the significance here will be apparent in a minute). She was standing on the bench part and ready to get down, and I tried to give her a hand, which she waved away. I thought that she just wanted to get down herself, but realized a split second before it occured that that wasn't what she had in mind. She raised her hands up and (I think) was intending to jump to and grab the ledge of the neighboring table and swing from it. Before I could stop her, she leapt and smacked her forehead on the table then ricocheted from it backwards onto the concrete. Fortunately, and by God's saving grace, no concussion (I read up on the signs awhile back after realizing what a daredevil she is). She does, however, have a nice mini goose egg on her forehead and a nice big fat goose egg on the back of her head.

All I can say is she keeps that guardian angel hopping.

In My Defense

Okay, I know I have not been pulling my fair share here, but I would like you to take a moment to look at what my itinerary consisted of this past weekend:

Friday: Preschool for older DD; vet. appt.; grocery shopping; thorough house cleaning for Bunco since I was hosting for our neighborhood this weekend. Crashed around 1:00 a.m.

Saturday: Up early, more errands to run (had girls with me all day since their Daddy had a neighbor's weed eater and lawn mower to work on, as well as errands of his own the girls couldn't accompany him on); Princess-style slumber party for moms and daughters at neighbor's house with games and waaaaaay too much sugar for already-hyped-up children; finally got older one back home by ten and both girls down around 11:30.

Sunday: Up early again (notice the common theme here?); did get to relax a little this morning and play with the girls outside so I don't have too much excuse for not blogging then other than not wanting children hovering over me with little fingers typing and the older one wanting to play pbskids.org; during the afternoon through suppertime kept a friend's two kids so she and her hubby could get out for awhile and celebrate their anniversary; got our two down late again due to this and the little one feeling poorly (we tried to let her have a little bit of muffin to test if her wheat sensitivity is still there and apparently it is judging from the diarrhea and stomach cramps it gave her); reconciled bank statement and noted with some alarm that we didn't have enough in there to cover our insurance autodraft in a couple of days, commenced immediately to rolling quarters to deposit in our account on Monday and had ensuing discussion and agreement that we do not have enough money to meet our financial obligations and I am going to have to find some part-time work which is very difficult to get considering my hour limitations, cried about the frustrations of this for awhile; DH disappeared to the bathroom and I finally did sit down to blog at midnight and only had time to read my mother's call from the wilderness when my little one began to cry from the wilderness of her crib and I had to heed it. Unfortunately, it happened again twice more and I had approximately three hours of sleep last night.

I rest my case.

Definitely Looking Up

Two good things today:

One, there is an apartment available in the building where I want to live. The only hitch is that it isn't the one I wanted. I promised to look at it Friday if it's still unrented so maybe I'm a major step closer to leaving here.

Two: This has to wait for a little while but I promise it will be worth the wait. :)

Voice Crying in the Wilderness (or "Cyber"ness)

Lately, I seem to be the lone voice in this little corner of cyberspace and it's beginning to feel a little claustrophobic. I know Thirtysomething feels as though she is running in place most days just trying to keep up with my lovely (and very busy) little granddaughters but I was hoping she could take a breather and check in at least semi-regularly.

With her birthday and the youngest one's coming up shortly, maybe she will have some good stuff to dish soon. We're waiting for you, dear.

It seems my male offspring thinks he is above the fray or is just too intimidated to share his true feelings. (Looks as though someone needs to have a come-to-Jesus talk to him about obeying his mother.) I don't want to be too harsh though. He's been most generous with his condo and has promised to leave me the key again next weekend and I don't want to jeopardize that. Not yet, anyway. :)

Even though my weekend plans tanked, I have been talking a lot to a very sweet guy who likes me too so things are definitely looking up. More on this later if I don't scare him off first.

One Bright Note At Least

It seems my "grand" plans have managed to fall through yet again. With my track record, I suppose I really shouldn't be surprised. Things rarely seem to go right for me in this little piece of #%**- on-earth I have the misfortune to inhabit. (Well, I do still have Barry White and that makes it a little more bearable.)

I will be in Atlanta again next week and plan to go by and beg apartment management to find a place for me as soon as possible. I'm not too proud to grovel if it will help!

One bright note: The Fayette Front Page (http://www.fayettefrontpage.com/index.html) featured a letter from me in their online edition today. I was so glad they chose to run my subtle little dig at some of the lily-white, uptight populace there that I wanted to share, so I've pasted it below. Enjoy :)

Visitor Appreciates Music and Hospitality

9/20/08 I had the privilege of attending the Rita Coolidge concert at The Villages Amphitheater last weekend and can honestly say it was one of the best I’ve ever seen. The opening act, Wilson Braswell Band, was also outstanding.

Your city is fortunate to have such a wonderful venue to showcase talents like these. This was my second time there and I plan to come back as often as I can next season.

The only disappointment I felt during the evening was when Ms. Coolidge sang the Cherokee National Anthem, “Amazing Grace” in native Cherokee. It was so hauntingly beautiful that one couldn't help being deeply touched. With your area so obviously patriotic though, I was taken quite by surprise when no one stood with the lone man who came all the way from NYC just to be there.

I know if the “Star Spangled Banner” had been played, many would have taken offense if he had not risen to his feet. After a few seconds, I made the decision to stand beside him and am very proud that I did. They really were the first Americans, you know, and they deserve the same respect we expect from them.

Everyone I met was extremely friendly and welcoming and I appreciate all the courtesies extended my way. That was the only flaw in an otherwise great evening and I am looking forward enthusiastically to next year’s lineup.

Weekend Looking Better

I was dreading another dull weekend alone here but had a really pleasant surprise last night when someone took me up on an invitation to visit. I must say things are definitely looking up and I'm sure will be looking even better in a few hours. More details later. Maybe :)

Where is everyone?

Where are my fellow bloggers? I hate talking to myself because I already know how my stories end!

A Good Conversation

I just finished a long conversation with my uncle in Florida (one of my favorite relatives since I was a child). I can't believe he's 83 today. Still bowling three times a week. doing his own yard work, and busy with the ladies, with one even answering his phone when I called. Incredible! He's a completely incorrigible rascal and I adore him as much as ever. (I want to be just like him when I grow up.)

Annoying Day

Tuesday proved to be one of the more annoying days I've had lately, frustrating anyway. When I got back to town this past weekend, I discovered an editorial I had written (before my trip to Atlanta) about a jail escape the county sheriff tried to sweep under the rug last week had been changed to include an "inaccuracy." My editor had interviewed the sheriff for a news story about the incident and the sheriff had lied. Surprise! Surprise!

I dug around until I confirmed the original facts but the publisher didn't want to print a correction the way I wrote it. I told him I stood behind my contacts 110% but I wouldn't reveal their identities even to him. Not only could they lose their jobs, they would probably be blacklisted here (or even worse). I feel if am willing to take a personal risk and to do what it takes to protect people who trust me, it should be good enough. We shall see if it is when the paper hits the stands today. I will be quite disappointed if it isn't, and that's putting it mildly. Disappointed but not surprised. Too many jelly spines here for many surprises.

This blog is supposed to be light so on that note, at least I'm not in jail (yet) and so far most of the local gendarmes are still speaking to me. The sheriff will practically climb out a window to avoid talking to me, especially after my editorial last January about yet another jail escape in which I took him to task personally for lack of cooperation with the press and public, so it comes as no surprise he ignores me.

Just seeing him pretend not to see me when we meet is a highlight as far as I am concerned. Also funny as %*##.

A hint?

My son sent me a link today on how to become a food critic. I wonder what he's trying to tell me.

Eww!

As a former mother of children of the canine variety, I must say having your olfactory senses so nastily assaulted is close to the bottom of my list of how-not-to-start-the-day. I guess with that as an openng act and Little Bit's final curtain bedtime performance, the in-between probably seems a little tame in retrospect.

BYW, congratulations on having "royalty" in your family. You thought the other one was a Drama Queen but the little one has usurped that crown with ease. That must mean you are proud parents of a queen and a Drama Princess, maybe even co-queens.

You Know It's Going to be a Rough Day When...

I knew the minute I woke up this morning, it was going to be a rough one. Not be be completely gross, but what I woke up to was one of the dogs tooting in my face, then jumping onto my stomach because it scared him. I think he heard some thunder rumbling, which completely freaks him out. I hope that was it, anyway, and not some disgusting Alpha Dog thing. I also had a dream last night that my DH cheated on me with Heather Locklear and I got back at him by snuggling up with Sammy Hagar. I don't know where that one came from, but DH was quite excited that my subconscious apparently thinks he has a chance with Heather Locklear.

We did eat takeout Chinese tonight, so that's something. Not having to cook was probably the highlight of the day, after Little Bit going potty by herself like a Big Girl. Here's hoping the potty training can commence in earnest soon!

At Least

At least she wasn't landing rocks into fire ant beds this time!

No Fear

I have finally managed to sit down and breathe for a moment this Sunday evening after quite an exciting afternoon. My husband and I took our two girls and one of the older one's friends to a local fair. We thought that purchasing 50 tickets at the booth would be plenty since the younger one (23 months) would not be riding many of the rides. A little petting zoo, a little merry-go-round, that's it. Well, as she has proven in so many other areas, we quite underestimated our little daredevil. She rode everything that the big girls (almost five and seven, respectively) did except the roller coaster, about which I put my foot down. She has the benefit (?) of being quite tall for her age, so she met the height requirements for almost all the kiddie rides. The highlight of the day was the "Frog Jumper" which, for those who aren't familiar with carnival rides, takes children row-like style waaaaaaayy up in the air and "boings" them up and down until you seriously regret that funnel cake purchase. She technically lacked about an inch or so being tall enough, but the ride operator felt sorry for her with her little face pressed up longingly against the gate, and asked us to let her ride, too. She actually stopped the ride and strapped her in, promising me that she'd let her off if she got scared. Well, she loved it. We even had a little crowd gathering around and pointing, saying "look at her!" One man stated "She is fearless!" and was astonished when we told him how old she is. He just shook his head and grinned the grin of those who don't have to deal with it. I did get some cute pictures, albeit shaky ones. The ride operator told my husband that I needed to get a picture of her and he needed to get a picture of my face when I saw how high she went. After the ride, she kept saying "Fun, fun!," which is one of her current favorite phrases and completely melts my heart and makes the hard moments worthwhile (like when she uses her second-favorite phrase "No, I do!."

I should retract the statement about it being the highlight of the day, however. A close second was when I had to take her to the First Aid booth to get her knee cleaned up and bandaged since she fell and re-opened the nasty scrape from the other day, and it took me and both EMTs to hold her down and put the bandage on. Fine with peroxide spray, fine with Neosporin, flipped out when putting the bandage on. Sometimes I'm not certain if I'm raising a child or taming a wildcat.

The Good Times are Over (but not for good)

The bad news is I have to leave Atlanta again either today or tomorrow.

The good news is I found somewhere I'm sure I can enjoy living - a nice little apartment in the middle of Midtown. Great location, secure, reasonable rent (well, almost), even covered parking. The manager said I should be able to move in by the end of the year or before.

As usual, I've loved my time here, but the highlight of this visit was an absolutely fantastic Rita Coolidge concert last night. This lady just gets better and better! She's beautiful, funny, and her music can still take your breath away. I loved it all, especially when she sang "Amazing Grace" in Cherokee. Unless you have no feelings at all, it will give you chills. And the band - outstanding! Even the opening act, Wilson Braswell Band (http://www.wilsonbraswell.com/) of Atlanta, was wonderful.

There was also a separate, amusing little undercurrent running outside the stage show that contributed to the atmosphere. I was alone so it's probably not what you're thinking either. However, it would take a personal conversation (or phone call) to describe what made this perfect evening even more entertaining.

My Life Defined?

A very interesting "wordsmith" defined my current state of flux as my life being in transition. What a wonderful description for someone who has no idea where she is going, not sure how she will get there, but thoroughly enjoying the journey as it unfolds!

Here's Hoping

Here's hoping your week improves, Thirtysomething. My favorite son-in-law tells me the little one may be giving new meaning to the old rhyme about a "little girl with a little curl right in the middle of her forehead." This too shall pass (even the sofa sailing phase). It just seems like eternity now. Believe me. I know whereof I speak!

Why?

Why did you retract your comment, Thirtysomething? Was it that sassy? Afraid of "losing your place"? :)

A Real Uppper

I went to Publix near here last night and when I asked for the senior discount they give on Wednesday, the cashier told me I had to be 60. I said I'm over 60! She gave me one of those "are you sure" looks but when I offered to produce ID, she said she'd take my word but I didn't look 60 to her. It could have been annoying if it hadn't been so darned flattering. I must remember to go through her check out line when I'm in there again. Good tonic for the old ego. (Now to find something I absolutely need from Publix.)

Falling Down on the Job

It's a good thing I didn't make an iron resolution to post every day because I definitely would have broken it yesterday. After visiting my second home, Dillard's, and shopping much more than I should have, I was too tired to do much except curl up on the sofa and recuperate. (I can see Thirtysomething didn't take up the slack either.)

I haven't told Thirtysomething that I am back in Atlanta either. I'd planned to surprise her and her family with a pop-in visit this weekend but if she is vigilant about this blog, she will know where I am before then. We shall see.

Although this blog has a light-hearted theme and will remain so, I do hope everyone will take a few minutes today to remember the heroes of 9/11, no matter what role they played.

I Just Realized

I've been so excited about my special guest flying all the way from England just to see me that it didn't dawn on me until a little bit ago I will be forced to go grocery shopping and may even have to cook a couple of meals! Unfortunately, SSG isn't open on Sundays and Mondays but maybe I can manage anyway.

It will be a drastic change from my restaurant/protein bar/frozen dinner routine but I'm sure I will get through it and might even resurrect some of my slightly rusty culinary skills. (I'm sure it will be worth it though - more on that aspect about mid-October.)

Yes I Can!

I can too text! It's just too slow for me. I find little "joyful" about it so I avoid this grammatically-flawed means of communication whenever possible. And with this horrible hot weather we've been having, I don't want to be responsible for creating an ice shortage. It's probably a hanging offense around here.

And you don't live 100 miles past nowhere as your "poor mother" does.

Thankfully, I was able to troubleshoot my computer and after suffering through several hours of severe net withdrawal, I brought it back to life, temporarily at least. It took a while to get my "Internet fix" though and I hope I don't have to go through that again anytime soon!

I'm not ashamed to admit my addiction and confess to really missing that little ring-a-dingy sound letting me know someone somewhere is thinking about me, maybe even one of those nice people in Nigeria or Togo or God-only-knows-where trying to make me rich.

I'm looking forward to getting "back on the road again" a/l/a Roger Miller. At least I will be close to civilization, maybe even near a "gasp" real repairman, if it crashes again.

Can't Breathe...Must...Connect to...Internet

I thought that, being "thirtysomething," that I was the one who was supposed to freak out by lack of access to technology, but I do believe that my poor mother is more dependent on it than me! My head is still ringing from her visit, with all of the "ding-dings" signaling e-mails and various ringtones emanating from her cellphone. As my husband marveled, neither of us remember our home telephones ringing that much during high school! Hopefully, she won't discover the joys of texting anytime soon, or there won't be enough ice in Georgia to soothe her thumbs.

Houston, We Have a Problem!

It appears my hard drive breathed its last this morning so here I am, stranded in Podunk, with no means of communication. Thankfully, the library is open today so I am able to borrow one of their machines for a little while. Bear with me and pray for my already tenuous grip on sanity not to let go at least until I am able to get in touch with the outside world again!

Nice to be back

It was a real upper getting back to church again after being out all of August except for the first Sunday. Not only did I get a spiritual boost, but some real ego boosters too.

I came in during the first hymn and the pastor shot me a big ear-to-ear grin when he saw me enter. He has a contagious smile so naturally I smiled back at him. When he came over later, he said, "I see you still have that radiant smile." One lady greeted me by asking if I had lost weight (I haven't) and one of the older male members of the congregation asked if I had had a face-lift.

When I assured him I hadn't, he said he wanted to know what kind of face cream I was using “because it's doing a great job. You're really looking good!" This is such a small congregation that almost everyone seems like family so I suppose I should take some of that with a grain of salt but it was nice to hear anyway.

All this leaves me to wonder if I should attend more or less often. Probably about the same or I would have trouble dealing with more compliments than that in less than an hour!

Sunday Morning

I wrote the post just before this one in the wee hours of this morning but didn't get around to publishing it until just now.

That special call from England came about 8:30 a.m. (EDT) and it was well worth the wait. It seems I am going to have a house guest for two weeks in October and I'm really looking forward to it.

Now to break my non-attendance record and finish getting ready for church. I do enjoy the services at this peaceful little place and I don't want them to forget my face!

Careful about bragging too soon!

Yes, your place is secure - as long as you keeping taking such good care of my beautiful granddaughters.

Be careful about boasting too soon. Ruby's modeling career has just begun so the lingerie presentations may come later.

I had a nice dinner with a friend tonight at Southern Star Grill, the only good restaurant here. He was headed up the country to visit his lady friend when he stopped by to chat a bit and eat with me before he went on his way. I always enjoy the time we spend together and this was no exception. There's nothing as rejuvenating as having a good gabfest with your best "girlfriend."

I missed a special call from England while I was out but there was a nice message waiting for me with promises of another call Sunday (today now) so that gives me something to look forward to on yet another dull weekend in this little town.You will likely find me in church later this morning so it might be a "wild" weekend after all. As if!

Aww, thanks

Thank you for the sweet comments about taking care of the kids. It means a lot when your mom, whom you respect and admire very much, commends the job you're doing as a mother (still number uno on the will list, right??). Seriously, the days do seem like years sometimes, especially when the little ones are sick, but I try to keep reminding myself that it's just temporary.

God bless the dogs, too, for they are extremely tolerant and sweet to the girls. I'm just grateful that one of my bras has not ended up on Ruby, the fashion plate, yet.

Home (for now)

I really enjoyed the time I spent with my granddaughters but I was pretty wired last night and decided to drive on home instead of waiting until this morning. I left about 10:00 p.m. and got here about 12:30 a.m. (three hours ago). Even after driving 155 miles and unloading the car, I'm still wide awake so I guess it was a good decision. Just waiting to see how long it will be before I come down!

Enjoying grandchildren?

I arrived at the home of my daughter and her family before noon today in the midst of what is normal for them but might be drama for those not accustomed to it. With two very active little girls, there's always something going on and today was no exception. It may have been a little more hectic than usual because the little one has croup with an accompanying ear infection. She suffers in silence very loudly, but Thirtysomething seems to take it in stride well and I commend her for that. She's a great mom and I'm proud of the wonderful job she and my "favorite" son-in-law are doing with their babies. It isn't unusual around here to see the dog lope down the stairs wearing a t-shirt, a dress, boxers, or decked out in a fairy costume, wings and all. Kudos to the dog too for patiently allowing herself not only to be dressed, but wearing all those different outfits the girls put on her until someone takes pity and undresses her.

Time to go

It's time to start loading my car to leave this great city I've come to love so much. I'll be back soon and, hopefully before long, I won't have to head south again unless it's by choice. In the meantime, I haven't been near a scale in almost two weeks so it's probably time for me to get back to my infamous "wine and protein bar diet" for a while. Since I've finally gotten over my food poisoning, I'm afraid I may have enjoyed some of the great food here a little too much.

Yesterday

I spent the afternoon in Dahlonega yesterday. It was my first trip there and I wish I had visited sooner and stayed longer. Tranquil and absolutely gorgeous. No gnats or mosquitoes; clear, clean water flowing softly over ancient rocks; birds in abundance, singing a mixture of sweet songs. So peaceful and relaxing that I was loathe to leave. Maybe I'll have the opportunity return there soon.

Still first place

Your place as my "good child" is secure for now, Thirtysomething, but I wish you had used 'nasal mucous' in lieu of the one you chose. (Sounds a little better - not much though and I have to admit it does paint an unmistakable picture.) As for your brother, despite his little digs I'm going to take the high road and keep my word that I won't tell anyone he hit the big 4-0 this year.

Embarrassing Moments Courtesy of my Children

Well, I guess it's come full circle. Yesterday, my almost-two year old needed medicine. As I had no one to watch her, I had to make a quick run to the grocery store to pick up some. We went straight to the pharmacy section, got what we needed, then buzzed over to the self-checkout as not to contaminate anyone else with her cold. As I was scanning the items, she was fooling around and taking them out of the bag. Of course, that was messing up the checkout sensors and I was trying in vain to get her to stop. The very kind store clerk came over with a sticker to try and distract her. My precious little one just looked at her and blew the biggest snot bubble I've ever seen out of her nose. YUCK!! I told the lady she had a cold and it would be best not to touch her, that we were just trying to grab our meds and go. She was very understanding and sweet, and booking it very quickly to the Customer Service desk, where I'm certain she slathered herself with hand sanitizer. Lovely

Apologies for being lax...am I out of the will as well??

Sorry I have not been posting faithfully as well. I don't have violent food poisoning as an excuse, but rather two sick children instead. My head is pounding right now from lack of sleep and fall allergies, but I did want to pop my head in and briefly give my two cents.

First of all, the Pampers/Diapers remark was totally rude and uncalled for...his invitation to join the blogging should of course be immediately rescinded, with full privileges only being reinstated when he takes you to several nice restaurants and buys my children extravagant birthday gifts in the upcoming months. As he is not getting any younger, he might want to heed the wisdom of that old saying about the pot not calling the kettle black!

Nice to hear about M.J. Clark and how gracious she is. I haven't read her in awhile but am making a vow to do so. It would be a nice change of pace from the cooking/parenting/celebrity trash material I seem to find myself reading more and more of lately.

Affirmation

Mary Jane Clark affirmed my already high opinion of her by taking time to send a personal email to me a few minutes ago. As I said last Sunday, she's one of the best suspense authors I've ever read and a super nice person as well. She's a single parent to daughter Elizabeth and son David, a sweet young man born with Fragile X Syndrome, also known as Martin-Bell Syndrome. As you would expect, she's an avid supporter for treatment and cure of this tragic disorder that reshaped her family's life. Even if you couldn't easily surmise this from the dedications in her books, after meeting her I would have expected no less. You can read about her personally and keep up with her professionally at http://www.maryjaneclark.com/ .

Maybe I spoke too soon

Just as I thought my male offspring was being so sweet, he had a smart remark to make about my social life. I'm not ready to share that yet but suffice it to say, I may have to wait a little before deciding if I'm ready to let him back into the fold. That "boy" is a work in progress and I can see I have my work cut out for me!

Back into my good graces?

My son took me to a really nice restaurant for dinner tonight. He also treated me to dinner last night and lunch today so maybe I won't disown him after all. Maybe.

Correcting a mistake

My smart**s son says the perfect ads to place on our website are for Pampers and Depends to literally and figuratively cover both ends. Shows what an old fogey he's become! (Disrespectful to boot.) He's definitely out of the will and I'm rescinding his invitation to join our blog immediately. So there!