Quick - Gotta make it in 2009

Snow, snow, and more snow! Hope that all of you are safe who are on the road or in the air!

Today is our 56th Wedding Anniversary. For our 50th the kids sent us early on a trip to Europe. So on the actual day we were sicker than dogs, sitting in our recliners watching TV, when the TV went out. It was really rather hilarious!!! We finally got it going again in Black and White!

We can hope that today will be ok. We are more or less snowed in. Naomi was here for Christmas, and John HOPEFULLY will be here tomorrow, God willing and the creek don't rise. We'll just have to wait to see. These big snow storms are wreaking havoc on travel.

May you all have a wonderful 2010!

Take care.

brrrrrrr

The snow is here! The cold (5 below zero actual, -25 with wind chill!) is here. We are in the condition that if it is 12 degrees above zero, that is a "warming trend."

I have been cleaning like a maniac! Have to get ready for visits from the kids. You can tell I'm a maniac, anyway, when I call my offspring "kids" when they are fast becoming 40 or more. Somehow, the mother in me never gives up. When I'm 102 and they are retired, I will still be calling them the kids. That's just the way it is. Get used to it.

We're doing a bit of upgrading on the old mansion. Minor things that will make it more comfortable. We've been thinking of moving to a condo, but we can't stand to give up our views. So, as a result, a very few things will be changed. I will tell you what they will be AFTER they are done. Don't count your chickens before they are hatched.... Or whatever cliche you would like to substitute for that old tired one.

Merry Christmas!

Under Attack

Today we are being attacked by pileated wood peckers. They are from 12 to 15 inches from top to toe... very impressive birds.

I was sitting eating breakfast and peering out at the bird feeders outside the window, when all of a sudden the large bird began attacking the window in front of me.

He flew from the feeder to the window. Grasped the edge and looked in at me and pecked at the glass. Flew back to the feeder, back at the window. Back to the feeder, swooped twice at the window above the sink. Then to the apple tree, and at the window out in the hall.

There is at least one pair. Swoop, swoop, swoop... then at the roof... Pecking at the window, at the birdfeeder and fat container, then swooping back.

We feed several different kinds of woodpeckers: red breasted, (which do not have a red breast!) different types of downy woodpeckers, and now - pileated attackers.

It does not take much to entertain us, and this attack is fascinating.

I hope it doesn't progress to the end that a cabin on Moses Lake suffered. Wood peckers attacked and destroyed the whole side of their wooden house. Oofta. Perhaps we will be saved because we have siding which is not wooden.

Swoop, swoop!

Flight Day

Night before: Pack, dress, get completely ready...

Fall asleep in the recliner. George in the bed.

Wake up at 4:20 a.m. and head for the airport. Get standby tickets, go through security: shoes, cape, vest, suitcase, tote through security machine roller deal, I go through with no problem. Redress and head for the gate. Find the gate, get on the flight, get seated with carryaboards in the bins above our heads and the tote in front of the seat in front of us.

6 a.m. take off time.

Motors rev up, security video on tvs, all of sudden a scratchy grinding LOUD noise behind us, and electricity goes off. darkness. After a bit the lights go back on, the front motors begin again, and then: same loud horrible noise.

Captain tells us he won't be flying this plane anywhere today, and we are told to deplane (is that a word?) So off we get.

Because of the glut of passengers waiting to be rerouted to their destinations, we call John and he picks us up to come back to his place and try again later. I go to bed for a 3 hour nap!!!

At four we go through security again, we get on the plane, no further problems. Wahoo.

Back to Fargo at 10 p. m., drive home by midnight. Hit the sack.

One of the best parts of the trip was that John is only 5 minutes drive from Reagan Airport. Also, because I had been kind to the poor woman doing the re-routing, she remembered us and gave us tickets on first class! We got a fruit plate with cheese. Yummy.

A big adventure. We loved our trip.

Take care.

Home again, Home again, hippety hop

Of course, we had a marvelous time in Alexandria, VA! Our trip out went without a hitch. George walked Matthew to school each day, and I played a tickle robot with him. I make a superlative robot as some of you know. Grandpa Joe was there, too, so we had a great time.

Saturday we celebrated Beth's birthday. The 7th. That's the date, not her age! We had some debate over her age. But we finally settled on the right year.

What with a visit to the Torpedo Factory Art Center I had a lollapaloosa of a time.. We got home on Saturday night at midnight. There is a whole long tail of that flight which I will tell you next blog. Always fun to go, and great to get back home.

Take care.

Hi Ho

Hey, cuties! I will be in Alexandria VA for a couple of weeks instead of Alexandria MN. How about that! I look forward to trying to take a trip on the buses and the metro now that I supposedly know how to use them. Wahoo.

Hope our trip goes smooth (smoothly?). We are planning on getting in to Reagan Air Port tonight, which is just five minutes from John and Beth's house. The big deal, of course, is getting to hug Matt, and then pretend to scare him. We have a good time!

We had book club yesterday. Read a good book: Waiting for White Horses by Nathan Jorgenson. We are meeting for lunch, now, and as usual had super tasty food. Then a great discussion about this book which is set near Walker, Minnesota. We found it compelling reading.

Now we are gearing up for the big discussion of Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand In December. Hopefully our poor weary eyes will manage to make it to the end of this small print LARGE book. I am getting interested in it, now, and even managing to read the small print without the magnifying deal.

Take care.

Oofta

I realize I have been most remiss in writing this blog. I told Karen W I didn't have anything to say, and she just laughed! So I will try.

Today is a sunny, cold and windy day. The trees are dancing as are the bird feeders. We have had a marauding couple of squirrels who have discovered how to crawl the pole and jump onto the bird feeder. They manage to hang on for quite a long time, and then lose their balance and fall to the ground... always landing on their feet, of course. I complained to George, and he said, well, the squirrels need to eat, too. Now they have begun to eat the seeds that have fallen to the ground. One little chipmunk joins them there, too. Cute.

We have pileated woodpeckers as well as downys (downies?) and several othe types of woodpeckers... then TONs of sparrows and several chickadees and nut hatches. A pair of blue jays have visited off and on, as well. They are so much fun to watch.

I am starting out on a long path, reading "Atlas Shrugged." It is an enormous book in extremely small print. I cut my paperback edition in two, and opened it in the way we learned in grade school to open a new book. Remember? Starting from the outside, slowly press down equal pages from the outside in. If you can't remember that, ask me to show you the next time we get together.

I have a reading board with an elastic band that holds the pages open, and a Barnes and Noble magnifying page to help. The print is very tiny. Hmm. I will let you know how it goes. We are going to discuss this book on December 17.

I will try to be more consistent with my blogs, but I find it more and more difficult to figure out some of these new requirements. I will continue to try!

Take care!

What were your aspirations when you were 8 or 9?

When we were flying home for furlough in the U. S. John was 8 or 9 years old. We were flying Varig which is one of the Brazilian airlines. We were served our dinner with real china, linen napkins, and lots of attention from the steward. George asked him if John could possibly visit the cabin. The people in the cabin said, "sure" so he proceeded to go there and stay for TWO hours. When he returned to his seat he told us he had decided to be a pilot.

Now, all those years later, he is a pilot. And his son Matthew just had an opportunity to fly in a glider. I will soon be visiting him again, so I will have to ask him what his plans are.

Someone once told me that whatever you are when you are 9 is what is the true you. Does that seem right to you? I was a feisty character who wouldn't let anyone pick on me without a fight.
How about you?

Back Home

We had a wonderful time in Alexandria, Virginia. Learned how to take the dash bus to the Metro at the Pentagon and the yellow line to the Art museums. And then back again.

I couldn't make the computer cooperate with me to do a blog, though I managed to sneak through the first one. Go figure.

We got detailed directions to go to Barnes and Noble (heaven) from John, but I wasn't so great at following the directions back. So we wandered a bit until I was able to get the GPS to working! I love the voice of the GPS system. "Make an immediate U turn as soon as possible"... and then when you have gone a bit trying to find a suitable place to make a U turn, she says"I am recalculating your directions." Soon she gave us new directions. We finally got home. Thank you dominatrix voice!

We were driving John's Pick up truck which everyone else is careful not to tangle with.

I actually painted a picture! First one in 1 1/2 years. It is hanging on the wall next to Matthew's bedroom. The next time we go out I will take the fixative, since it is watercolor on canvas and needs Durland's Wax. I am definitely feeling like my old self! Whoopee!

take care.

Wow

We're here. We have gone on the metro. We have driven. (Thank God that John and Beth have a GPS.) I visited a museum! I visited Barnes and Noble and racked up a respectable bill. I have been painting.

Also, because of the many different levels of John and Beth's house I have become a much better stair climber and going downer. My legs are stronger by the day!

Both John and Beth are good chefs, although Beth seems to be doing the most chef-ing this time. We are eating magnificent meals. It was Matt's 8th birthday and he got his requested cake: a brownie filled with chocolate chips. Cut it in half so as to make a two layer brownie cake like structure filled and covered with chocolate frosting filled with chocolate chips. Wow! A cake to die for (really).

I have been feeling much more myself and I'm having a wonderful time. I didn't get to watch much tennis as they don't have the tennis channel here. Oh, well, there is always HGTV.

Take care.

We made it!

Going through security is always upsetting. Taking off your shoes, jacket, scarf, cell phone, etc., tends to be somewhat discombobulating.

We made it through relatively unscathed, and the flights were fine. Turns out our cell phones do not work here in John's house, but will work when we are out and about.

We're trying to learn how to use the buses and the metro to get around. We went to the Smithsonian yesterday and I went to the hirshorn art museum. Fabulous.

Perhaps I will have more news soon... until then, Take care.

Preparations

It's so much fun to make preparations... not. We are busy making plans for a trip. We try to get by with a carryaboard. Now that takes planning. So far things are looking possible. I'll let you know later how good my plans are!

Everyone has been making plans for the start of school. Oofta. I can remember the days when we would have a few days of school before the Laborday break. All the 4H kids were down at the State Fair with their projects, so we would have everyone for about two days, and then just a few of those who didn't go to the fair. And then after a few days, everyone was back and had already forgotten what we talked about the first couple of days. It was the most ridiculous unrealistic plan ever. AAAAAAAAAAAGH. I did have fun playing games with those few who had remained in my class during the fair. I taught Spanish, so we played games in Spanish.

I will write more after our trip to let you know of any misadventures -- or just adventures that we might have. Always a good time.

Take care.

Books

I could make quite a list of the books that I like. The last book we had in bookclub makes the top of the list of books that I LOVE.

The name in itself is so quirky that I could love it just because of that: THE GUERNSEY LITERARY and POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY. It is the sole volume published by Mary Ann Shaffer, with editing and finishing help from her neice Annie Barrows.

I love so many aspects of it. It's a small easily read volume with everything one wants in a good read: suspense, love, hatefullness, gallantry, values, humor, -- in short, WAHOO. Take my advice and order it immediately.

The intriguing title will become clear as you read. I've read it twice now, and will soon begin the third read. I am smitten!

Take care.

Athletic? Hardly.

Okay. Those of you who know my astonishing ability to fall have followed my adventures through the years. I developed a technique which became known as "Tuck and Roll." The most spectacular example of this was the time I fell on the up escalator at Ohare airport. I was about half way up when I lost my balance, fell, tucked and rolled and rolled and rolled.... the steps kept renewing themselves. Happily, someone eventually turned off the escalator. I suffered a cut on my head and inumerable bruises, but survived relatively unscathed.

I thought that was possibly my last and most spectacular example of my expertise in this regard.

I was wrong. Friday night I was fast asleep on my back in my cozy bed, dreaming a happy dream, when I decided to ROLL over. I hadn't realized I was so close to the edge and fell off the bed. I found that I had managed to TUCK my head securely between the mattress and the bed side table. I got quite an egg on the side of my head.

I had reversed my usual method... I had rolled first and tucked second! I do not recommend this variation and hope never to repeat it. Nope... from now on I will tuck and roll in that order.

I still have an egg on the side of my head, but it has not yet turned into a bruise. My hearing is slightly affected, as well. Yahoo.

Take care.

More

Aunt Naomi stayed with us for six weeks. We took a trip to the beach where she got terribly sunburned without being in the sun. She was on a shady porch, but somehow the sun is reflected from the salt crystals in the air. She was on gold treatments for her rheumatoid arthritis which made her especially sensitive to sun.

She slept under a mosquito net but still got many mosquito bites. No matter what difficulty she took it in stride. We had a blast. We celebrated "little" Naomi's second birthday together.

But then it was time for her to leave. We took her to the airport and I slipped her this little hairy hare to put in her purse. It is a rabbit carved out of some sort of quartz. A pun, if you wish.

Take care.

More about Aunt Naomi

She was never Miss Iowa. I don't think it would occur to her to enter a beauty pageant. She was, however, beautiful in every sense of the word.

After she arrived we spent lots of time talking. Of course! And then she settled in to sew and be helpful in every way she could be. When she discovered that one of my friend's sister was also a victim of rheumatoid arthritis and was in a sanatorium nearby she insisted we go to visit her. I think she was curious as to how it was to have rheumatoid arthritis in Brazil.

The visit was complicated by their speaking two different languages, but I translated as much as I could. Her name was Lucy and she tried to support herself by painting goose eggs, one of which is shown in the picture above. Aunt Naomi had great empathy for her.

Each time I see that goose egg, it reminds me of our friendship and our trip to see Lucy.

I am very sentimental, and love collecting things that remind me of events. The wooden cup that the egg sits on was made by my uncle Carl. He was a master of both wood working and painting walls to imitate wallpaper.

take care!

FINALLY

I am thinking about friends of the past. My best friend over the years was "Aunt Naomi". She was really my sister-in-law, but because we named our daughter Naomi after her, she became aunt naomi to make it clear.

When our family was in Brazil living in Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, we got a letter from her in November saying she was planning to fly to see us and would probably be arriving on January 16. As we didn't have a phone and it took forever for communication to arrive, January came and we had received no further confirmation of her plans, so on the 16th we all got in the car and drove the 45 miles to the airport. We decided we would meet any plane that she could conceivably be arriving on, and spend the rest of the time just goofing around.

Sure enough.. there she was! What a wonderful reunion. She had brought a trunk of goodies for us, but it was nowhere to be found. They informed us they would let us know when it arrived.

So we trotted back home. What a great thing for her to come so far! She suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, so abhored drafts of any kind. Somewhere I have a picture of her sewing, with the zipper at the back of her dress open, the skirt hiked up, and a big square fan blowing on her from about four feet away. 106 degrees will do that to ya.

Quite a long time went past and we were notified that the trunk had arrived so we went to procure it. By some miracle everything was intact. Oh happy day!

More on the next post. Take care.

wahoo

Spent the last few days wallowing in great tennis. The final men's match must go down as one of the greatest ever played. Federer finally pulled it out, but Roddick mounted a monumental attack on the great one!

Had great news about Elaine. She's back home, going to her granddaughter's wedding, and keeping on trucking.

Have my readers gone away? One person commented on my last blog! She did comment twice, but still. I am going to start a new series of memories of the past. So stay alert.

My ears are adjusted and are working Great. Hats off to the earguy!!!!

Take care.

odds and ends

I just finished "Careless in Red" by Elizabeth George. I love reading mystery stories that are also literary works. I especially like it when the characters grow and change through the various volumes of a series about certain characters. I think this series has been hurt by the transfer to British Television. I like to envision the characters as I have them in my brain, not as someone else has envisioned them. Bad books can make good movies. Great books rarely can.

We have had very bad news as our sister-in-law, Elaine, has suffered a stroke. Although she seems ok physically, we heard she was unable to speak. She has been such a positive light to my whole adolescent and adult life. She is truly a sister and a friend. We await further news. It is hard to be old and realize you cannot rush to the side of those you love when they are having difficulties. Not only is it difficult to do, you would just be a further burden for those you are trying to assist. So we send our prayers to God on their behalf.

Just a note: Why does "being in the dumps" have such a different meaning than "being in the dump."

Take care.

The Pits

I am down in the dumps because of what I consider uncharitable attitudes towards those with whom we disagree.

There was a craze at one time with kids to say "What Would Jesus Do?" They even had bracelets that had the initials "WWJD."

As I remember Jesus loved his enemies and those who despitefully used him. And he cautioned us to do the same. This taking of political sides with vitriolic attitudes by those who consider themselves to be Christian is absolutely astonishing to me. Read the Beatitudes.

Take care.

Pearls of Wisdom choo choo

Oh, dearie me. To think my pearls of wisdom are so widely sought!

George is slowly healing up and his sciatic pain is gone.!!!!! Now he just has to be careful not to upset the 5 inch slice up his backbone. So far so good.

I have been up and down. Naomi was here for a few days. We were going to go camping, but felt we were not up to it, so we just camped here at home. Fun. She cut my hair and took me out for lunch at Butler's Pantry in Alex. We visited the book store! and she bought me the latest Laurie R. King book. Great few days. We went to the sauna at It Figures and I decided to sign up for it. I am always so cold, it should be a good alternative to my mom's Wool Quilt.

As usual our book club was stellar. We discussed the book Middlesex, the Pulitzer Prize Winning novel by Jeffrey Eugenides. It is the story of a girl who discovers she is a hermaphrodite, and she is really a boy. A wonderful story of a wide span of history. We thought it was a bit long winded, but in general a good read.

I am having a roller coaster existence at the moment. One day up, the next day down. We'll have to see if we can even it out in the up area, and wipe out the down. Good luck.

Take care.

hi ho

I find it is difficult for me to be at the computer for any length of time without getting (being?) a pain in the neck. My outlook on life is improving, so - in order to have something to moan about _ I have to develop a new ache or pain. Tell me it isn't so!

We have book club today, so I am abandoning my nursing for the morning. George is recovering from the back surgery that removed a cyst from his L5 vertebra ( it was pressing on his sciatic nerve.) He seems to be doing quite well. In two weeks he will be able to play golf! We'll wait to see how that goes.

He has been sleeping in his recliner as it can be stretched out almost straight. It would be almost impossible for him to get out of bed. Soon. We're such a cozy couple - both asleep in our recliners. I can remember my folks doing an afternoon snooze that way, with the TV on. I would notice they were sleeping and turn the TV off... which would wake them up with protests that they were watching such and such a show, which had been on about an hour earlier. Ah, the vagaries of old age are catching up with us. It's frightening when you find yourself turning into your parents!

I'll tell you about bookclub next blog. My neck is telling me I've typed on quite long enough!

Take care.

Conflict

It's rather wimpy of me to complain about conflict when all I am talking about is doctor's appointments interfering with trips to the gym with my pals! Between George and me this week our trips to the doctor and the hospital are interfering each day.

I'm going for a rather minor check-up today and tomorrow George starts on the road to pain- free living. He's having an operation on his back to end his sciatic pain. It'll probably be a two day affair.

So it looks as though I might make the gym on Friday... Time will tell.

For those of you who like to ponder the imponderables I will HIGHLY RECOMMEND the DVD of "What the bleep do we know". You can order it from Netflix. If you are like me you like to ponder things and get a flash now and then that you understand. I remember watching something from Stephen Hawking. I understood about a tenth of it, but it was fascinating to both George and me. This is more understandable, but still gives a lot to ponder. I loved it.

Take care.

Yessireesir... or something

When I start to find pears looking good, you know that I am soon up to snuff. I am even floating through the art room now and again. I might even take up a brush sometime soon. Or maybe something else to smear paint around on some YUPO paper. Wahoo.

I have a sad event to share. My new zippered sweatshirt has disappeared down the rabbit hole. Every once in a while some item of ours just disappears into thin air. We sometimes find the item and we often never see it again. An immutable mystery..

George is set up for back surgery on the 4th of June. It's supposed to take away his constant sciatic pain. Prayers are appreciated.

Take care.

Wahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dear Friends of the Blog:

I am having trouble getting used to having my old zip back!

The ear guy will be happy to hear that the new adjustments to my "ears" are great. My eye guy has been a great help with my new lenses: I now see 20/20. And my body guy will be happy to learn that the increased thyroid has made me peppy. I think he was afraid I would become hyper. I thought - me hyper! Let's give it a try.

In short, I'M BACK! (who was the evil character that used to say that?)

All of the little corrections have evidently coalesced into a peppy me. To say nothing of the dear prayers of all and sundry. Praise God.

Have a wonderful weekend. Take care.

siblings are great!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR FRAN!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
and many mo-o-o-o-o-re!

love, /

Blue Cloud Abbey

As we were leaving Blue Cloud Abbey in South Dakota, we prevailed upon Colleen to snap a picture of us in the entry. As you can see, we are a motley crowd.

We had an inspirational time. We could sleep, talk, walk, watch DVD's, eat... and eat... and eat.
Well, it defies description. We plan to go again next year (or sooner, if possible) but stay longer. If you would like to go there, let me know as I have the info. I guess going mid-week is smart.

I know it is hard to imagine, but I am speechless. (Typeless?)

Take care.

OK Already!

Hmmmm. I am wearing some of my stylin' new duds and preparing for a three day trip with my fabulous book club ladies. You can await my detailed report of said trip.

Right now I am enjoying the greening up of the grass. And, of course, the blue lake waters next to the reeds. My favorite color combination.

I went to the eye guy yesterday, and it seems my right eye has taken a recalcitrant turn. He prescribed new lenses for my stylin' rims which I ordered and which will soon be ready. Of course, "soon" is such a relative term. We'll wait and see how soon "soon" is. The doctor said the change will be rather severe and I might feel the floor coming up to see me. Just so I don't go down to see the floor, we'll be ok.

I've been seeing Mourning Doves (or is it Morning Doves?), sparrows, finches, downy (sp?) woodpeckers, and just a few purple grackles. The grackles seem to have moved on. Yippee! The starlings haven't come to make nuisances of themsleves. AND THE MARTINS ARE HERE!!! Now life as we know it can continue.

KL: Is your adorable birdbath holding up? A thing of beauty!

Take care. (There is a pair of gold finches now. The male is spectacularly yellow, and the female a muted chartreuse. Beautiful.)

Heavens to Betsy!

It's time to officially announce that my daughter is a genius.

She's came up for the weekend, and we drove to Alexandria. I didn't have enough energy to get out of the car. She managed to take me to lunch (We went to the drive-in at Jimmy John's and shared a #1). Then she went to fleet farm and got grass seed and trash bags for George and got gas. In addition, she found an adorable sweat shirt/jacket for me. Then we went to Herberger's. I had some coupons for one of their fantastic sales, but I wasn't up to the crowds, so she went in, coupons in hand.

She bought me two pair of JEANS and a pale blue T-shirt. I thought, is the girls nuts?

Jeans are hard to find even for yourself. But I didn't have enough energy to protest. We stopped for coffee at a drive in window at Dunn's Coffee, and then we went home.

Both pairs of jeans, the T shirt and the sweat shirt/jacket fit me PERFECTLY. What a genius. I mean she should be a professional shopper.

As you can tell, I just can't get over it. Take care.

acting

Last night I watched the movie "Apaloosa" which stars Ed Harris and has his father, Bob Harris, as the judge. I thought it was fun seeing Bob in a movie. He and Fran used to act in a Thespian organization sponsored by her Presbyterian Church in Evanston, Illinois.

The movie was beautiful and filled with great music. It also starred Renee Zellweger, Jeremy Irons, and Vego Mortenson. It was based on a book written by Robert Parker.

Some of the conversations were difficult to hear... well, not difficult to hear, but difficult to understand... even with my new paid for ears! When the movie was all over, I had this light bulb go out in my head! Maybe you can make the DVD do subtitles!!!!!!!!!! Voila. You can. From now on we're in business. Netflix, expect more rapid exchanges from us.

We have purchased two converter boxes for the dread June 12 deadline when all analog transmission will cease and digital transmission will be king. Now it's to figure out how to attach said box to our poor old machine. If I read the directions I will probably be able to do it. If not, I will call Jim. Remember our old friend, Fran?

It's a rainy day. George has worked himself to a frazzle preparing the garden, and the nice dark earth looks great. The seasons flick by!

Take care.

Stuck

OK, KL.... you have hit the nail on the head. I was stuck with nothing to say to you all. But now I feel un-stuck. You have done it with your great comment. It was also great fun to see you and KW and the others at the gym. I couldn't do much, but it's so much fun to talk and laugh.

KW is taking a fantabulous trip to Ireland. So the care and prodding of yours truly has been passed on to KL. They try to keep me up and running as much as possible.

It is a windy rather disagreeable day. Brrrr. I suppose we'd think it was mellow if it were winter time, but I want sun and warmth and green grass, thank you very much.

Oh, well... in due time. Take care, y'all.

Pot Holes

We just returned from a trip to Mpls/StP and I gotta tell ya, they have the pot holes from H E double Toothpicks. I mean, out here in the boondocks we have some potholes, but there isn't much traffic so you can dodge to one side or the other to escape. In "The Cities" You are surrounded by cars going at astronomical speeds, and there is no place to go but down into the dread hole.

We even had a hunk of black top hit our car from the car ahead of us hitting a hole. Sigh. And you know that Naomi had about $2,000. dollars damage from one. Her car was undrivable as the front end was kaput.

Soon the green grass of Spring will arrive. The snow will be gone. Golfing and gardening will begin. But will the potholes be repaired? Time will tell.

Take care. Really.

hmmmmmm

I am a serious lover of my fingernails! While every other thing about me is getting weaker and weaker, my fingernails are getting stronger and stronger! My hair is white, thin, and falling out, my eyes are in need of constant correction, my head reels from one thing or another... but I do have fantastic fingernails. I get cold spells, tremors, dizziness.... but - well, you get the idea.

It's still winter here, although I think spring has officially sprung. The birds are all atwitter at the bird feeder. Even a few black birds and grackles have shown up. The flood threat is still menacing Fargo/Moorhead. I feel, however, that SOON we will be seeing flowers sprouting.

Here's to SPRING.. and fingernails.

Take care.

Beautiful to look at!

Gadzooks! We've got snow. What a snowy mess. George thought he could just drive out of the driveway without shoveling because he had done that at 6. Now, at noon, he is trying to go down town, and is stuck in the driveway. So shoveling is in his future. I love snow, but he does the shoveling! No wonder I'm the one who loves it.

I slept in until 11 o'clock. So I am just now feasting on the gorgeous sight. The trees are spectacular. The birds have gone crazy at the bird feeders. It's very windy, so they flitter around trying to land on the feeder. Their wings are so active, they look like hummingbirds.

I haven't been up long enough to watch the news on TV. I wonder how it's going up in Fargo. I can't imagine this wet snow is helping the flood challenge. Oofta. Or uffda, if you prefer. Douglas County is not in a flood area, but I'm sure we'll have some flooded basements in town anyway. That seems a small thing compared to what folks by the Red River are facing if the dikes fail. It still is bad, though.

I'm just going to relax, enjoy my warm, cozy house, and watch George shovel. Poor guy.

Yup, well

I don't have results back from the MRI, so - as they say - no news is good news.

The sun is shinng on the newly fallen snow. The whole state is holding its collective breath to see how awful the flooding in the Fargo/Moorhead area is going to be. Oofta. At one time our son and family lived on the Red River. The flooding went up to the mound the house was occupying. George went up to check on things putting his fishing boat on the trailer, and boating over to the house. All was well in the house and they escaped damage, but the expanse of water was truly impressive. I have a video of that flood. This one is supposed to be worse. Wow.

I imagine the tiling of wetlands is one of the contributing factors to the extensive flooding. Not enough wetlands to soak up the overflow. Douglas County is one of the counties that is not at flood risk. Thank goodness.

House finches, junkos, and sparrows are busy on the birdfeeder. So cute.

Take care.

MRI

I had an MRI yesterday. Of my brain! I am going to describe my experience.

After I was all signed in and had signed about 6 papers, I was turned over to a nice girl (oops! Young Woman) who had me put everything metal in a little locker... hearing aids, cell phone, lanyard, etc. Then I stuffed my jackets into the locker together with my tote bag. Luckily, I had not worn my winter coat... it would never have fit in the locker. I refuse to put my winter coat on. It is supposed to be SPRING. So I layer jackets.

I locked my locker and we took the key into the room with us. I also took off my shoes at the door, and laid my eyeglasses there on a shelf. She asked me what kind of music I preferred. I said, "Long hair." She looked confused, so I said "Classical." It's amazing what small things can illustrate your advanced age.

We went into a brightly lit room with a contraption on which I was to lie down. It reminded me of a giant cream colored cigar. I laid down and she put very substantial earphones on me. Then a cream colored plastic catcher's type head gear. Then she gave me a button deal that I could press to get out immediately if my claustrophobia kicked in. And so it started. The machine slid me into a very confined space. I never opened my eyes so I cannot describe it. I basically put myself in a relaxed dozy state and listened to the loud hammering (for once I was sort of glad I was deaf) and the classical music. It took about 40 minutes.

The experience was ok. Very interesting. No big deal.

Now I await the results!

Take care.

What?

The strangest things pop into my mind in the middle of the night when I am attempting that last little movement into sleep. For two nights now I have been remembering little things from the past. When i was little, I remember our having a small metal bowl... by small, I mean about the size of the top half of your thumb. It was used to wash our eyes.

I mean, why did we need to wash our eyes? Did we have diseased eyes? We would put liquid into it, tip it up into our eyes, and let it drain into the bathroom sink. Hmmm.???

Another thing I have been attempting to remember for a long time was a type of medication similar to Mentholatum, but stronger. It came to me that it might have been called Unguentine. Does that strike a chord in your memories?

Enough, already. Have a nice day and take care.

Monday

For many of you folks that are still hard at work (Thank God if you still have a job!) Monday is a rather hard day. It's hard to get into the swing of things. The week starts off slow, then speeds up, and then you can hardly wait for the last stroke of the keyboard on Friday.

When you're retired, each day kind of melts into the next. It all becomes a blur punctuated by making meals and watching your favorite TV shows. And reading books! And going to the gym.

Today has the feel of spring. The birds are busy. There is a pair of house finches with their lovely red tinted heads at the feeder. Also chickadees and nuthatches. So much fun to watch.

Take care.

Snow, beautiful SNOW

We are in the midst of a good old fashioned blizzard. Get out the popcorn and the dvds. Not only do we have the warnings of the weather prognosticators, but we can see it with our own eyes. Wahoo. I especially enjoy it as I am retired and can just cuddle down in my recliner and enjoy being able to be in my nice warm house.

Poor Naomi, on the other hand, fell victim to a giant pothole. She is presently without wheels and in the quandary of whether to repair or buy. Decisions, decisions. Just when she was starting to get her ducks in a row, whammo. That about covers life, actually.

Enjoy the snow, if possible! Take care.

Birds

We have several sayings that don't make sense... That's for the birds is one of them. They are fed the most marvelous of seeds in our feeders.

It's so much fun to watch them. We have flickers, blue jays, junkos, finches, downy woodpeckers, pileated woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, and a plethora of sparrows.

Today, because it is relatively warm, they are out in force.

Take care.

Perversity

I am just realizing that most of the pictures I have of myself are with others or they are me in some sort of repair mode. I could put up of one of the pix I took when I had my eyelids done. Or when I had the cancer removed from my nose, etc. But plain old nice pictures are few and far between. I believe I have a perverse sense of humor!

We're supposed to get a big snow storm today. I have an early appointment with the doctor and hope we get back home before it gets too bad.

So many people are ill with this or that. So far, we haven't gotten the crud that is going around. May it only stay that way.

Take care.

It's already late....

Well. The Oscars have come and gone so I am trying to get rid of the dark glasses picture. So far I have had no luck, it seems.

I love the dresses, the hairdos, all the folderol of the evening. But I am not up on the movies. Maybe when spring comes I will see some of them. Or when they become available on Netflix.

The sparrows are going nuts at the birdfeeder. It's down to its last seeds and they are going crazy trying to get the last ones out. One little sparrow keeps coming to the window and holding on the sill looking in at me. He seems to be saying... c'mon. We need more seed. Get a move on.
I have to reply, "Sorry. That's George's department!"

Take care.

Enough, already!

I have friends who are always sending me political slams from both sides of the political spectrum. Some are arch-conservatives and some liberals. When Bush was president I was always hearing from liberals. Now I am constantly bombarded by snide stuff from the right. Get a life. We are all in the same boat. Let's hope it all works out more or less the way we hope.

I, myself, am in the middle. I used to say I was an independent, but then they got an Independent Party of which I am not a member, so now I just say I'm in the middle. I vote for the person who I think will do the best job.

During the last ENDLESS compaign, I got so sick of all the folderol on TV I was overjoyed when the vote was cast and it was supposedly OVER. Ha. Here in Minnesota we still don't know who our Senator is. Sigh.

My brother is going to hit the big 85 on Monday. Wow. Happy Birthday, Bud! Sorry to hear you have had so much snow again this year. We have beautiful snow here, too, but not enough to inconvenience us in any way. George has shoveled it out and even got a chance to use his snow blower. The birds are feasting on the suet and bird seed, and the trees are frosted with snow.

Take care.

Snow Globe Day

Today is a miracle. The snow came straight down. Big flakes like in a snow globe. I love the feeling of looking out the window and feeling I am in the middle of nature. Beautiful.

I'm sorry, Fran, but I like hiding behind the glasses. All the paparazzi (sp?) you know.

Well, the Oscars ARE this week. Somehow it seems somewhat trivial considering the state of the world. However, entertainment offers a bit of a relief. I haven't seen any of the movies because with all our ups and downs we have given up going to the cinema.

Who do YOU think will win in the categories? Those of you who go to movies still.

Take care.

Check it out

I have finally the energy to write a new blog. However, it is also time for me to go to the gym. Decisions, decisions! Please notice the new picture of me. I have done that in honor of the Oscars. Notice the glamorous shades! Wahoo.

I replaced the picture on my profile page too. Are yu impressed? Take care.

Fog

It is quite disconcerting to feel foggy in the head and also to look out at fog! That will soon be corrected as we are meeting as a book club today.... even though the fog outside won't lift, the fog inside will certainly be stirred up enough to lift.

We are going to talk about "Left to Tell." An astounding book about the holocaust in Rwanda. I am also reading "The Memoirs of a Geisha" by Golden. So fascinating. Hard to put it down.

I gobble up books like I eat M&Ms. Great fun.

I didn't make it to the gym on Monday. I'm aiming at Thursday before I will be able to go. Then I will go on Thursday and Friday. Wahoo. Two times a week should be "otimo." When I start only being able to think in Portuguese, watch out. There are days like that. Since the only person I know that lives around here and understands Portuguese is George. I have to wait until he is home to spout a word or two in that language. C'mon, George, read my blog!

OK. I am trying to learn how to use "Facebook" but it is a struggle. Naomi is coming home this weekend and will give me some more lessons. I am struggling to get internet savy, but it seems there is always that new thing that bamboozles me. HOWEVER, I will continue to try! That's the ticket. "If at first you don't succeed..."

Take care.

Yippee

Well, I am celebrating waking up without a headache! I am up and dressed and soon will go to the gym. It is supposed to be warmer today, too. Yippee.

I just finished reading a novel, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. It is the first novel by the writer, David Wroblewski. I loved it. It kept me guessing but by the end, I think I understood all of the ins and outs of it. If you are a dog-lover, it is a must read for you. All kinds of information about dog training.... Most of which I do not understand.

I'm off and running. I am desperate to find a new book to read. I'll get back to you with the choice I make.

Take care.

Winter

I am caught in the doldrums of a winter day. I do not wish to venture out. I wish to wrap myself in the contemplation of white snow, shadows, and beautiful fir trees. I have just enough energy to read. I am reading a wonderful book which I will report on later.

I am afraid the doldrums might deepen into depression. I hesitate to move. Warm weather, where are you? I want to go outside without shivering and shrinking into myself.

C'mon, Spring. Get a move on.

Take care.

Pristine world

A new fluff of snow is making the world new again. I love living in the country (village) because the snow stays relatively clean until March. But after a fluffy snow fall, everything is so beautiful it makes my heart warm and fuzzy.

I still have a cold. Headachy, snuffles, no energy. I'm aiming for Monday for full recovery. We'll have looked at the Super Bowl and seen the Cardinals win so that should give me energy. Right. Go Cardinals! Such a fun team to watch.

I hear a snow plow. A sparrow is nibbling at the birdfeeder. Fab.

Take care.

Fingernails

Remember when I was saying I finally have fingernails? I attributed it to Hoof Saver, but now I have the idea that it also is attributable to my ingestion of two large Calcium plus Vitamin D per day. Any way, I now have fantastic fingernails. Wow. I love it.

I am slowly getting up to speed as I recover from my trip. One of the things I love is watching the birds and the bunnies. Both come and eat the bird seed. The bunnies from the ground after the birds have knocked it there. Both the bunny and the birds are all fluffed up to fight the cold. Three sparrows are outside my window as I type.

Keep warm. Take care.

Finally

A picture on this blog is quite amazing. Although this is not a picture of the snow in our backyard this winter, the only giveaway is the corn stalks not poking up out of the garden!

It is wonderful to be in Minnesota, but I am having trouble getting back in the saddle. We had a long day of travel to get back and I am more or less pooped.

I'm looking forward to the inauguration tomorrow. It is a notable milestone in the history of the country. Wahoo.

I am looking forward to some comments! Thanks! Take care.

Once more into ,.....

Well, we're going to try again tomorrow to get our flights, etc. I imagine the more interesting part of our journey will be getting our car out of a snow pile and started.

We have had some wonderful times here, but are eager to get back into our own digs once again. The main thing was to luxuriate in the company of our son and grandson. Our daughter was here for Christmas, too. So it was a fun family outing. We missed those who were not in attendance, however.

I have to try to get myself ready to go out in public tomorrow. I feel more than a little unprepared as I've been prepared for so many times. Now I'll go, period. (I hope@!)

Take care. Hope to see you soon.

Once more into ,.....

whoopdee doo

I hear the weather in your part of the world is a bit frisky. We are still in Virginia as the flight loads for us standbys were not good for today. We will try tomorrow. Matthew is home from school with a cough and fever, so it is great to be here to cuddle him. He is so patient and sleeps a lot.

I have been reading like a maniac and watching the HGTV channel. Mostly I have been getting my stuff organized and trying to pack. The addition of Christmas presents pushes our carry aboards to the limit. All will make it in, though, I am sure.

I have missed all youse guys! My e-mail is up and running fine after John gave it a few tweeks. I receive absolutely insane amounts of spam when I am here and my security stuff doesn't remove it. I know that I always get it, but it automatically goes to junk mail when I'm at home.

I hope to see you soon. Take care.

happy new year

Both George and I are suffering from severe colds..... but as long as we're both on our feet, there is always hope we will survive! AS you can see, I am not in the most upbeat of moods. For good measure it is foggy today!

The bright spot is our wonderful grandson. He's watching cartoons for a bit, then gets himself dressed and ready for school. Then I will walk him to the bus at 8:15. What a cutie.

John is already at work. How he keeps all the balls in the air. I can't understand. After school Matthew goes to youth center, then John picks him up and takes him to basketball practice where John also helps with the coaching. Then home for supper, which he has already prepared and I just have to put in the crock pot later this morning. Fantastic.

My e-mail is no longer working. But you can leave a remark in the comments of the blog, or on Facebook, and I will try to get back to you. We are planning on returning about the middle of the month. It'll be great to see you all.

Take care.