Better with a Bow

A Great Memory

2011-02-21T07:52:00.000-08:00

Sorry no photo to go with this story but I hope you can enjoy my story and make some mental photos to go along.
Saturday I went to the Farmer's Market with Carla and Caden. I don't get to see them much since they moved to Austin so spending even a little time with them is a joy. Caden is growing up so fast, he must be at least five now. I love going to our market, it is always and adventure. People bring their dogs, spouses and kids too. There are always fresh goodies and I always get a treat. We had bought our treats, mine was gone already, but Caden was still working on his brownie which had started out being about the size of his hand. We were sitting at a little table and I had my nice "environment friendly" bags on the floor beside me. We had been watching this cute long haired.daschound (I know that is misspelled but the computer won't help me). This little wiener-dog was about the color of milk chocolate. (We later learned that his name was Hershey) Well this dog was cute, and his owners came to a booth near our table and we asked if we could pet the dog. The dog eventually made it under our table and came over near me (at least I thought he was coming to me near me...) Caden and I are petting this "sweet" dog when suddenly he lunged for my loaf of fresh chabatta bread that was sticking up out of my bag! I then had to engage in a tug of war with Hershey over my loaf of bread. Caden is laughing that golden laughter of a child and a beautiful memory was etched to my brain. I hope I will never forget those moments. Of course, the owner was mortified. Tried to buy me a new loaf of bread, I declined, mainly because I was still laughing so much I had to concentrate on not peeing in my pants! Then the lady came over and insisted on my taking a card for a free breakfast at their restaurant. I could not get this woman to understand what a beautiful gift her naughty dog gave me.

Tea Time with my Best Friend

2011-02-07T15:14:00.001-08:00

I cannot think of a better thing to do-----can you?

Went to my first Hindu Wedding today.

2010-08-13T14:16:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to be invited to help celebrate the marriage of some friends. Actually there will be two weddings. Yesterday was the bridal shower. I got my hand Henna-ed. It was really so much fun.
This morning (at 8:30 a.m., was the Hindu wedding and tomorrow night will be the civil ceremony at a hotel.
I could never do justice to describing how beautiful everyone and everything was today. The ceremony was very long but everything that is done is very symbolic (we had someone telling us what was going on. The wedding started outside, came inside to this elaborate stage, then ended in the Temple for a blessing. (Then we had a yummy lunch) This was the first time I got to wear my beautiful sari that JJ (the mother of the bride) bought for me some time back. This was a beautiful experience. /Users/marjorie/Pictures/iPhoto Library/Originals/2010/Aug 13, 2010/DSC01969.JPG
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Why I need another vacation.

2010-08-10T13:06:00.000-07:00

Less than 24 hours ago I was thinking thoughts like: "I can't wait to get home; I miss Tom so much; can't wait to see the dogs, how I miss them, they are so cute and so loving and I love sitting with them etc etc"
Well, this is why I need another vacation and am now thinking things too strong to print here. A little steam may be coming out of my ears now.
Ok, so Tom picks me up at the airport. As we are slepping my luggage into the trunk he says "We may have a little problem." I am thinking that I am so glad to be home and so glad to see him how bad could a little problem be? I get in the car and ask so what is the problem. Now we are still in the airport in the drive-through filled with car exhaust. He says "Can't you tell?" I take another sniff and it hits me! He has picked me up in my car because it is the one that will hold luggage. It is also the car that will hold the pet taxi, which we use to take the dogs to and from the cleaners (aka groomers). The dogs go to the groomers on Wednesday, it is Monday. Well apparently one or both of the dogs couldn't wait till they got home and pooped in the taxi/carrier. Tom didn't notice (????????????) and so my car sat closed up in the garage, in Texas, in the heat from Wednesday until Monday with dog poop in the carrier. Get my drift?????
Obviously the dogs had been left at the cleaners too long, but ...
Obviously Tom's head (or at least his nose) had been somewhere other than the car on Wednesday...
Oh well, obviously I am important to the successful running of this household...
So, ok, next day, Tuesday.
I have taken pet taxi out and hosed it down, washed the towels I keep in it and am ready to take a shower to freshen up. I have a big job ahead of me unpacking and doing all of the laundry. (One side note, Tom did do some laundry while I was gone, but he left the ironing for me to do...) So I go to turn on my Ipod which keep in a docking station in the master bath. It won't come on. I investigate and find that SOMEONE has chewed the cord!!! THEN, I notice that SOMEONE has torn the shade on the door in the exercise room! Now it is obvious that the dogs have also been left in the back of the house too long too!
I don't know who to be mad at Tom or the dogs!
I need another vacation.

First Cruise Post or How I missed my make up mirror.

2010-08-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

While on vacation, I lined one eye with lip liner. Yep, that happened. Got one whole eye done before I realized what was happening. Somehow the color registered and I took a closer look at the pencil in my hand. Can only guess what it looked like, as I couldn't see---o b v i o u s l y!

Making memories...and filling our tummies

2010-07-19T07:39:00.000-07:00

Susan, Judy and I have been trying to cram alot of fun into these last days. Here is a wonderful lunch we shared on a beautiful afternoon together. We got Judy's face and brows waxes, her ears pierced, and got some shopping in as well. We all agree that we would like to go here for lunch again before Susan leaves. We better get GOING!

Sylvia got a new "do"

2010-07-19T07:37:00.000-07:00

Isn;t she lovely! Since Susan has been here she has been fixing Sylvia's hair and makeup. Judy provided the perfect brush and now she is more beautiful than ever.

the Boys

2010-05-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

Just so you know
Sonny is on the left and Boo is on the right!

New Photos

2010-05-26T08:41:00.000-07:00

Now it is not entirely my fault that you are just now getting these Christmas photos. Kristen just brought them to me...she is such a good photographer! I am proud of her.

Update

2010-05-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

Every time I open my blog, (and yes, I KNOW that is not so often) I see the photo of my poor old Brockett. Guess I need to change that photo, because my new puppies are so full of life and bring us so much happiness.
I will go work on that.

I learned something new...

2010-05-26T08:25:00.001-07:00

Did you know...
when you clean an ear of corn and you have all of those strings?
Well those silks are like little corn umbilical cords. Each silk
attaches to a cornel of corn. That is how each one develops
getting its life though the silk.
Isn't that cool?
I learned that from Walt.

Happy Mother's Day, the dessert was fabulous!

2010-05-09T15:26:00.000-07:00

Hope all of you mothers had a great day. tom and I had lunch with one of our favorite moms (Sylvia) who Judy lent us for the day. Our lunch was good but the dessert was out of this world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Praline Cake. If you are REALLY REALÒY nice I MIGHt share the recipe...

Tom's first blooms 2010

2010-04-25T14:52:00.001-07:00

Tom has been working like a madman outside. I thought he was crazy. He has been ripping up stuff that is growing well (he said it is growing too much) and has decided to put in flowers. These are his first blooms. They are happy, aren't they?

Looking at the Great Grandchilden

2010-04-07T08:53:00.000-07:00

Today is Big Grandma's 89th birthday. Brice posted great photos of his crew on his facebook and thanks to my Iphone (which I LOVE LOVE LOVE) I was able to share the photos with Sylvia. Here she is seeing them. I don't know if she is more pleased with the kids or my iphone. I wonder?

Big Grandma

2010-03-12T09:49:00.001-08:00

Wanted to post a photo of Sylvia so everyone could have a visual of how she is doing. Yesterday Dr Marks said she probably will stay in hospital though the weekend, however taking things day by day. They are treating the pneumonia and trying to figure out why she fell in the first place. Most likely will go to a rehab for a while.
I doubt she will be able to stay independently in her sweet little home again---but we all know how stubborn she can be....
Hope this helps to rest some worries.

Boo and Sonny

2010-03-09T11:13:00.000-08:00

These dogs are just the sweetest things! We have the "Pack Walk" down!!!! Still having some potty training issues, but they are so much fun.

A New-ish Experience

2010-03-09T11:06:00.001-08:00

Well I went to Austin to see a concert with Kristen and her friend Danielle. I felt so young and hip and we had such a good time. Taking a little road trip, having lots of laughs and getting the benefit of these girl's experience was great. Last night was their 3rd concert in a row. Friday was in Oklahoma City, then Saturday in Houston (they did have off Sunday night) then last night in Austin. Tonight they will be in Dallas, the last of their wild concert going for the year. Danielle has to get up pre-dawn on Wednesday and drive back to Arkansas for an 11 a.m. class! My, what the young can do.
Forgot to tell you, we saw/heard John Mayer.

2010-03-06T13:40:00.001-08:00

Lazy Day
sortta
Weird Day
for sure.
Tom and I just got back from Florida. (To see his dad and Mary. This is a trip that has its own special concerns, but it was totally the right thing to do and the right time to do it...)
But we just got back. We had to leave at the crack of dawn (before 6 a.m. Florida time), drive over an hour to get to the airport in Tampa, then catch a flight, transfer in Houston then get here. So we got her, had our Mexican food fix, then got home. Still lots of time left in the day to get stuff done---that is if you are anyone else but me. I can't get up to speed.
I did check my emails, caught up on the American Idol news that I missed, wrote down the 3 books I read while I was gone, and started the laundry.
Now I don't want to do anything except put on my p.j.s and watch t.v (or sleep until tomorrow starts)
Hohum.
Not so much of a late start gal....Tom is outside working in the yard, planting flowers, getting dirty, having fun.
I am being a slug...inside....
oh yes, worse part
we are home but no puppies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Our flight arrived at 11:55 a.m. and the kennel closes at noon! So it will be another whole day, until 4 p.m. tomorrow till w can get them. ugggggggggggg I miss my puppies...........
Do you feel my weirdness?

Paradise

2010-02-17T06:20:00.000-08:00

This is the view from the patio at our second hotel in Hawaii. This is where I propped my feet, read my book(s), and drank my Mai Tai.
What a life.

Evil Elf

2010-02-17T06:16:00.000-08:00

I am AFTER you, you rotten sucker!

The Evil Elf has been "at it" at my house. I have had enough and have wagered a full fledge war against the Evil Elf. He started before we left for Hawaii by hiding the scissors with the black handles that we keep in the knife block in the kitchen. Then when I got to Hawaii, I couldn't find my cell phone charger that I KNEW I had packed. Then yesterday my pink glasses that I keep in the bathroom were gone! That creep has been busy.
BUT, this morning I found my glasses, so surely I am closing in on him.
Watch out fellow, I am on your trail!

Hawaii Food

2010-02-16T12:19:00.000-08:00

One word
WONDERFUL
I gained NINE pounds
need I say more?
These are photos from my favorite meal
cabbage salad with roasted pears wrapped in bacon
and vegetable wellington.
Yum Yum Yum
p.s. you would have thought I would have eaten lots of tropical fruit but the most fruit I ate was the garnish on my drinks!

Hawaii part Three

2010-02-16T12:10:00.000-08:00

This is where we met up with Tom's golfing buddies and their wives. We were able to stay in the Hale Koa hotel which is usually just for military folks. (Guess the economic times has opened up the venue there for people with military sponsors) The other three buddies were all retired folks. Two of the couples have been going to Hawaii for weeks-long stays for years so they knew all of the ropes.
It was great to have some girl time. We did fun stuff like shopping and going out to girly lunch. Then we would all get together in the evening and have a wonderful meal. (More on the eating later.) (The girls) we went to see Doris Duke's home . Wooa, you just would have to see it to believe it. Have you ever been to Hurst Castle in California? Well imagine, similar except with all Iranian artwork.....whew! What money can buy. I have ordered the made for t.v. movie of her from the library. I saw it years ago now I need to see it again now that I have seen her real house. She was a little like Howard Hughes it seems.
So hear are some photos of us ladies when we went to the Doris Duke place. They gave us each a flower.

Hawaii part Two

2010-02-16T11:58:00.000-08:00

Paradise.
From the big volcano area we drove all around the Big Island. Tom wanted to see where the big triathlon takes place. So we did lots of driving, some more hiking THEN we arrived at our second location and I was in paradise. Even driving into Kona I knew I had landed in pay-dirt! The streets were lined with shops, bars, restaurants, and beach! Now this is what Hawaii is suppose to look like! Our hotel ended up being this big high rise, almost resort type thing. It had this wonderful patio area, covered, with a pool, bar, shops, and restaurant all looking out over this (rocky) beach. I spent a great deal of time sitting on this deck, reading and waiting for 4 p.m. for happy hour to begin. My drink of choice was the Hawaiian margarita, also known as a Mai Tai. I showed great restraint waiting for 4 o'clock before ordering one.
By the way, it is a trip to be in a swimming pool looking out at the ocean.
Tom and I started going our own way more here, which is more like we do at home. He went golfing and I read, shopped, slept and lounged in Paradise. I read 5 books on the trip total.
We went to a few flea markets, toured a coffee farm (saw how they grow, pick and roast the stuff) I forgot to tell you, on the volcano part of the island, we went to the macadamia nut place. Bought many yummys, and spent the next 4 days finishing them off. Once again, I was a trooper. Those chocolate covered, coconut macadamia nuts goodies were heavenly!
So we settled in to Kona. Would walk to the "town" to get our meals and to look around. Tom bought a pair of sandals. Our last morning there we shared Pineapple upside down pancakes with macadamia nuts. Can you smell happy?
Ok so paradise only lasted 4 days, then we were off to part three of the trip--Oahu.

Hawaii part One

2010-02-16T11:50:00.000-08:00

The Big Island. Funny name, but I didn't name it. That's where we went first. The first four days we did Volcanos. It was interesting, seeing all of the formations and results from deep inside the earth. We hiked and walked, exactly the type of vacation Tom loves! I don't have any photos to show you from this part of the trip. We had a death in the family while in Hawaii, Tom's hard drive died. He was able to get it replaced in the last third of the trip but we lost the photos I had downloaded up to that point.
So just imagine black rocks, all sorts, big, little, rough, smooth, tall, short, but all black. That is what lava, dried, cooled lava looks like.
We did go to the top of a volcano. The temperature difference was 40 degrees from bottom to top. We were there to use the big telescopes and see the stars. We did and it was ok/neat, but I was so cold. I had taken a coat and a sweater but could have used much more. Also, we had to stay up past my bedtime so this was kindda hard on me too. But I survived. such a trooper.
ok one little adjustment
I remembered I used my phone to take a few photos.

So here is the courtyard of the first place we stayed.

Hawaii

2010-02-16T11:46:00.001-08:00

Sound wonderful?
It was.
My close friends know I was not looking forward to this trip.
How can you explain a gal who has diamonds and wants
pearls? What-the-hey?
But, being the good sport I am I went and
put on my "happy face."
You know there really is something to say about the
"act happy and you will feel happy" thing.
I did and I was.
Try it.

My mother's Robe

2010-01-14T07:46:00.000-08:00

This is one thing I love about winter. I mean, real winter, when it is really cold. After all we don't get really cold very often, and certainly not for very long. But when the cold air settles, I love wearing my mother's robe. It if heavy, faded,cotton. I can't think of what the fabric is called, but bedspreads were made of this type of fabric. The fuzzy part made lines in the fabric.
I didn't keep many material things when my mother died, her wedding rings, a few dishes, a cookie jar and her robe.
When I wear the robe, I feel her arms around me. Is there a better feeling than being wrapped in your mother's arms? What safer place, what better place to be??
I treasure the memories of my mother. What a wonderful, wonderful woman she was. I feel like I am entrusted with a legacy to continue the goodness she shared. I, in NO way, am close to her goodness. But at least I had the perfect example.
I miss my mother.

Today I am 60!

2010-01-12T19:42:00.000-08:00

Yeppers. 60 years young and I love it. I had a wonderful wonderful day. Judy and I wondered the Hill Country looking for adventure and found lots. We picked up pecans in a park, say Warring, Comfort, and Wellfare then went to Bourne for a great lunch of comfort food (chicken and dumplings AND homemade dinner rolls!!! In the afternoon, I had a big red velvet cupcake. We were stuffed sufficiently that we stood our men up, having to take a rain check on dinner at chris Madrids......hated to do it but a girl just needs a nap on her 6oth. we did have fun, we always do but this was special. Started with breakfast and gifts (plus Walt painted a new picture! Great Chai latte, then off for a trip outside to the beautiful day. We picked pecans in a public part, and did other fabulous stuff. Judy, she is just the best friend a gal could have. It was a ME day deluxe. LIFE IS SO GOOD!
Here are two photos of Judy and I being Big Girls in Big Chairs. See any attitude?
Blessings to you all. I am so happy.

Fixin' stuff

2010-01-09T11:20:00.001-08:00

Well, some of you are probably thinking, "Boy, she is chatty today. Been gone for months and now can't shut her up!"
I just thought I would share with you what I have been doing.
I have been fixin'. That is Texan for Fixing.
Most of the stiff that needed fixin', is Judy's. I guess the fights between she and Walt have gotten violent and her garden shears, her New Zealand worm Amy gave her, her New Zealand favorite tea cup got the brunt of the violence. I was able to fix everything except the teacup, she didn't give me all of the pieces. I guess it will become a pencil holder, I know she won't want to part with it.
In addition, I fixed the top to my (teapot's) cream pitcher, and sewed on a missing button. Of course I couldn't find the original button, but I found one close, and at least my boobies won't be falling out!
Feeling so handy.
p.s. I included the onion because I found it in the box where all of my glues were! No telling how long it has been in there. I don't even remember having it, but it gets tossed today. It is a perfectly good silk-like green onion. Hate to throw something perfectly good away but........I don't need a perfectly good green silk-like onion, do you? Speak fast, our trash days are Wednesday and Saturday (the trash is gone for today)

Boo and Sonny

2010-01-09T08:43:00.001-08:00

I don't think you have met my two new babies.
this is Boo and Sonny... we got them on Halloween and we have been busy ever since. They are so much fun and so loving. Tom and I laugh at them all of the time. The little one, Boo is still a baby so he is still trying to train US. They play so well together and stick together like lint on black pants!
Boo's face is a mess in this photo, but they really are cute!

today

2010-01-09T08:39:00.000-08:00

Isn't that a comforting phrase. Today, so full of opportunity and promise.
I feel so fortunate.
Actually, I am BLESSED, a zillion times over, and I am grateful.
But today, I am grateful because I am warm and cuddly in the house, in a sweatshirt that I rarely get to wear (cuz it gets cold very seldom in my kingdom) But it is very cold outside, but I am inside, looking at a day with great promise.
I can do anything I want.
What shall it be.
I chose you first.
To send my love and thanks for being my friends.
I count you as one of my biggest blessings.

I'm BAAAAAAAAAACK!

2009-12-19T07:45:00.000-08:00

Ok I know I have been gone too long.
Long story
Long road
but at any rate
I am here today! And VERY happy today.
I have met a gaol.
How long has it been since you did yourself the pleasure of setting a goal and then meeting it?
Well, this particular goal, I set more than two YEARS ago, and today I met it. I fell higher than a kite..
yahoooooooooooooooo
Well, I have always fought the battle of the bulge. I think I must have been born 130 lbs. Well more than two years
ago I joined Weight Watchers. Now this is after trying EVERY other diet that came around (and some were pretty ridiculous. But Weight Watchers has been the ONE for me. I made Lifetime today, so I don't have to pay anymore. There are a few restrictions, like I have to weigh in at least once a month and not go more than 2 lbs over my goal weight. I can continue to loose, to give myself a little cushion.
Friends, you just don't know how hard the last six weeks has been! See I met my goal weight 7 weeks ago, but then I had to keep it off for 6 weeks before I made Lifetime.
Today was the DAY. I am so happy, dancing, jumping up and down happy. Yelling happy! Yahooooooooo!
Thanks for sharing this joy with me.
(ps I lost more than 30 lbs......there are women there who have lost in the hundreds of pounds, but this 30 was important for me!) ppss if anyone wants any information about the program let me know....
heee heee
Happy Me.

Good Night Brockett

2009-08-21T14:58:00.000-07:00

Well, we had to put our precious little friend, Brockett to sleep on Wednesday. His little heart was racing, he had no idea where he was, and the vet said his was in pain and wouldn't be getting any better. It was a bitter-sweet time. Everyone at the vet's office was so sweet. He had been going there for all of his 15 years. They didn't even charge us to put him to sleep. Tom went with me and we cried and held him though the end. Since then, we have been sad, missing him around the house. We spent most of Wednesday night remembering fun times with him. He sure enriched our lives. I am sure he is having great fun in heaven. He is there I know.

More Teapot

2009-08-18T16:42:00.001-07:00

Tea in Taos

2009-08-18T16:00:00.001-07:00

If you are in Taos and want to have tea and the best scones this side of the Atlantic, go to the Turquoise Teapot. It is a charming little place, where the ladies make their own teas and scones. Not a big business. Is also a small florist. They did a shing-ding for Julia Roberts. More great fun.

Calling it a Day

2009-08-18T15:56:00.000-07:00

This is the way to end a lovely day. Back on the deck, even better temperature, beautiful sunset and a nice cold margarita. This time add your wonderful friends. Try to beat that!

Starting the Day

2009-08-18T15:52:00.001-07:00

How is this for starting the day? Sitting on the deck, nice temperature, this view and watching the birds. I think it is a fantastic way. Add a great cup of chai tea and I don't think it could be beat.

Shelf Life on Endorphins

2009-08-18T08:00:00.001-07:00

I just got back from a wonderful week in the mountains of New Mexico with four of my good friends. (We actually picked up a new friend in Albuquerque.) Bottom line, we laughed for the full eight days. You know what they say about laughter being the best medicine, so now I am hoping that this great medicine we made together will hang on for everyone for a long time. Most of them are starting back to school this week, and I am giving praise (again) for retirement.
Last week we heard a statistic that was overwhelming. At the district from which I have retired, there were 400 openings for this school year, sounds good right? Well for those 400 openings, there were 20,000 applicants!
The age of teacher shortage is gone, at least here.

ADVICE

2009-07-30T18:26:00.000-07:00

No one asks for advice
and who would take it anyway
but
just in case
two pieces of advice that I STRONGLY share
1) You can't please everyone
2) Gee I already forgot #2

maybe it was the margaritas
but I knew it was a good one.

Great fun in New Zealand

2009-07-29T15:24:00.001-07:00

Parasailing off a mountain, hiking on a glacier, cooking classes..........that was a great vacation!

Brockett

2009-07-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

This photo is not staged, I promise. Poor little Brockett is getting so old. Tom and I both know that it won't be too much longer that he will be with us. He is loosing his sight, his hearing, his appetite and now he is having trouble walking. I have a call in to the vet today, as Brockett has not been using one back leg well for three days. He has certainly given us much joy. Just the other night I came into the living room and this is what I saw. Brockett has never been a toy playing dog, although we keep a few around. I know it was an accident that he had his arm around this one but isn't it so darn cute?
Just had to share it. Wish I knew a way to share the joy he has given to Tom and me.

Photos from Emily's Dance Recital

2009-07-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

I finally got some photos from Emily's dance recital. They are beautiful, cuz she is beautiful and because my daughter is a fantastic photographer!
ps the girl w/Emily is Elana, one of Em's good buds.

2009-07-25T16:09:00.000-07:00

Last Post of Camp Mamaw 2009

2009-07-25T16:02:00.000-07:00

Well I got the kids off and they have arrived home safely. It is quiet in the house now, I took a little nap, watched one of my taped shows and have been reading. I miss them already. I think this was the best year yet. Maybe because they are older and ...well I don't know it was just wonderful. It is fun to spoil them and do things I know they like, but it is also great to have them see what our lives are like, eat our type of foods, see our friends etc. My desire is that we make lots of memories so that when they are older they have lots of "During summers I was at my grandparents and we..."
Before they left, we ate lunch at EZ's, another treat they enjoy. We got to the airport plenty early so they played a game they won the other day at Incredible Pizza.

Camp Mamaw Day Eight

2009-07-25T08:50:00.000-07:00

Guess what "we" are doing today? If you get the right answer you get a dirty sox. We had another tradition for breakfast today, French toast with Grandma-kisses.

2009-07-25T08:47:00.000-07:00

Camp Mamaw Day Seven

2009-07-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

Would you believe another busy day?
We started by having Christmas in July.
We made candy, which is a Christmas
tradition for us. So we decided to break
another family tradition, and put
Christmas music on and sang while
we worked. See we have a rule that
no one in the family can sing Christ-
mas songs until after Thanksgiving.
So we were naughty and it was fun!
Then we sped off (leaving the candy
mess) and made it to the first
show of the 3-D G-Force movie.
Also fun. Then the kids swam and
I cleaned. We had frozen pizza and
then met the Hennigs to go down to
the Riverwalk to see the bats emerge
from their sleep, in droves. It was
pretty cool. We also participated
in a Pepsi promotion, although we
are devoted Coke fans. What good
sports we are!
Two of the Hennig-grandchildren, Ethan
and Hunter were here so we got to
enjoy the bat adventure with them.

Camp Mamaw Day Six

2009-07-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

Sorry no photos today. I accidentally left the camera at home by the computer. So sorry. Ben decided to go with Tom to volunteer at the Jr. Golf tournament. I don't think he had all that much fun. It was high school students competing during their shift. The younger kids were in the afternoon..
Em went to CAM with me and the girls. We had a good time and everyone worked hard. I think it is still hard for Emily to get her head around someone being homeless. Also it bugs her when someone comes in for free things when they do not look nor act "needy." But it is an overall great experience for her and she did do a great job.
Emily went with me to meet my girlfriends for our usual Thursday night Bible at the Bar meeting. No one ran her out of the bar, thank goodness. She had checked a magic book out of the library so she was amazing all of the ladies with her new tricks.
Ben and Tom went swimming in the afternoon and neither one thought of sunscreen so little Ben was on the red side when we got home. He said it was his shoulders that hurt the most. Men! Can't leave them alone for long.
So that wraps up Day Six. It was another great day.

Camp Mamaw Day Five

2009-07-22T14:32:00.000-07:00

Back to Apple Camp today for I-Photo. Lots learned and they did have fun. Both prefer doing the Garage Band to photos but they were both glad they went. After lunch at the food court, it was time to Back To School shop for Ben. He is so much easier than Emily, he just kept saying "Are we through yet!" He got the Startbucks treat today, although the man let Emily get a treat the coupon price,too. We are through shopping. They are at the pool with Tom and I am resting, so I will have the energy to cook dinner. I still haven't put everything away from the day were late getting back from Schlitterbahn!. Tomorrow is volunteer day. Ben has to choose to go volunteer at a jr. golf tournament or to go to CAM with me and the girls.

Day Four Continued

2009-07-22T14:30:00.000-07:00

Camp Mamaw Day Four

2009-07-22T14:20:00.000-07:00

Tuesday we started the day out at Apple Camp. Gee it is the BEST deal around. The kids got to go to 3 hours of computer camp, got a t-shirt, patch, and a disk with their work (not to mention the learning) for the fee of FREE!!!!!!!!!!!! They did Garage Band and both of them had a ball. They have come home and are doing new songs with what they learned. Totally cool. Tom picked Ben up after camp and Emily and I had a "girl" afternoon. We did Back to School shopping, had lunch, enjoyed a Starbucks treat and then ended the afternoon with a pedicure! Now that was a good afternoon.
Later that evening Ben, Emily and I went to Incredible Pizza. Tom was too pooped to go. So we chowed down on the buffet and got some video games played.

Camp Mamaw Day Three

2009-07-22T14:15:00.000-07:00

Well today was full of water fun. We spent the day at Schlitterbahn. We arrived at about 10:20 a.m. and closed the park down at 8:00 p.m. We waited in lots of lines but we caught up on visiting. Carla, Dennis, Caden and Charles joined us. Everyone had tons of fun. No real sunburn injuries. We had put dinner in the crockpot so we had a bite to eat ready for us when we got home. Then it was straight to bed. Caden was being a little toot and didn't want his picture taken. But I got my kisses!

Camp Mamaw Day Two

2009-07-19T19:11:00.000-07:00

Another big day.
Started with church
had breakfast tacos after
made the grocery list
had lunch at home
went to grocery store
(which was a chore because Tom usually does our shopping)
we had to try some new things
like figs, white peaches and
dragon fruit!
more swimming
more baking
had to make BackPack Bars to take to
Slitterbaun with us tomorrow
had sushi for dinner
Today went FAST!

Camp Mamaw Day One Continued

2009-07-19T19:08:00.000-07:00

Camp Mamaw Day One continued

2009-07-19T19:05:00.001-07:00

Ben and Emily are Here!

2009-07-19T18:59:00.000-07:00

Well Camp Mamaw is on it's way.
Day One:
picked them up at airport
did jigsaw puzzles (one from New Zealand and one on computer)
baked cookies (and ate way too many of them)
went swimming
ate at Alamo Cafe
made stuff with balloons
and then I slept like a log.

Where I have been.

2009-07-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Blog Friends,
I am sorry again to have been away so long.
Actually I have been very busy.
First there was a trip to LA to stay with our nephew
while his parents went to Ireland.
While I was there I read four book, took two
cooking classes, one Apple class and
went to Santa Barbara to visit our niece
(the sister of the nephew---tee hee)
and do lots of walking in the beautiful city
of Westlake Village.
So then, a week after I got back from LA, I drove to Houston
to co-give a bridal shower for another niece. Then I spent
a few days with my oldest (long time not age) friend, Diane.
We did lots of running around, and laughing, both which we
are very very good at.
then I drove to Dallas to attend the dance recital of my
beautiful granddaughter.
If my also beautiful daughter would send the the photos I
would share them........
then there was the long drive home.
Lots of driving and lots of happiness to be home
and in my own bed.
love to all,
m

Day Two in NZ

2009-05-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

One of the things I did on Sunday was go to a bilingual Mass. The mass and songs were in Samoan and English. I just love new experiences and this was cool. I think hearing it in a different language made me focus on the prayers even more and the music was very moving.
After church we had all sorts of fun, including a visit to a garden nursery. The moss was one thing that caught my eyes. I don't think I have ever seen so many different shades of green as I did in New Zealand. They tell me anything can grow there.

Loved Ones in New Zealand

2009-05-20T07:52:00.000-07:00

These are the beautiful and loving people I visited my first week in New Zealand.

Friends and family are such a treasure.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

Yum Yum and fun!
What a great mother's day. Great food and even better friends.
This is what the cake looked like after the first round!

Texas Tea Party

2009-04-16T06:09:00.000-07:00

Well Tom and I had another adventure last night. We started out about 3 p.m. to head downtown. We had some problems finding a place to park, but we did (and I got my power walk in for the day). By the time we got to Alamo PLaza there was already a huge crowd so we had trouble hearing much of the Glen Beck show that was airing from the Plaza. Slowly though the evening we worked our way up to about 8 deep from the (side) stage. So for the actual Tea Party speeches we had a fair visual. It was fun. Of course I love doing things I never have done before, so that usually makes me happy. But this was like being part of something. I was alive and kicking in the 60's, but have always been part of the silent majority, so this was my first shot at mass meeting for a message. Like I said all new stuff. It was great reading the signs, some were so great, people can be so creative. There were people dressed up like some of the fore fathers, and you have to know they had to be dying in the heaving costumes. It was hot and sunny and people were packed elbow to elbow. Everyone was well behaved (some more polite that others) but it went well. I am not a fan of big crowds but I am proud of myself for sticking it out.

A Good Bye and a Hello

2009-04-15T12:27:00.000-07:00

OK, so my trip to New Zealand starts with packing. All of the packing experts tell you to wear your heaviest, bulky clothes on the plane because it save space in your luggage. Now I knew I was going to do lots of walking/hiking in NZ and would need to take my trusty hiking boots, so I wore them on the plane. We are on the way to the airport, I am in the back seat of Walt and Judy's car and I cross my foot over a knee and notice a puncture in the side of the heel of one boot. I looked on the other side of the same shoe and saw a little separation in the sole. I felt bummed but oh well. I figured whatever air was in the sole had escaped, might not be as smooth a ride. Well by the time we got to Pheniox to change aircrafts, the entire sole from the toe to the arch of the other shoe had come loose. I was flapping as I was walking like a clown or a duck or a crazy person. I had to go into one of the little shops and beg for a rubber band to lash the sole to the shoe for the rest of the trip. As soon as I arrived in Wellington, I told Susan, "I have to go buy some shoes!." What else could I do but laugh. When we were in the shop buying shoes I was leaving a little trial of disintegrating rubber. Pretty embarrassing.
My faithful traveling shoes have been with me for about ten years and have accompanied me on so many of my adventures. I had to say farewell to them after arriving in New Zealand.

After a Wonderful Vacation...

2009-04-08T08:14:00.000-07:00

Yep, no matter how wonderful your vacation was, you still end up with this.
p.s. It was WELL worth it...

The Red Elvises

2008-11-18T13:10:00.001-08:00

Hello my sweet blog friends. I hope you didn't think I fell off in to cyber-space. Actually I have been too busy. I don't understand it, I am retired, I am not suppose to be so busy. Some where, some place, some one, didn't get the memo.
But, if I am honest, I am having a ball. I am so grateful for my life. Tom and I did something extra fun last week. On a Tuesday night (wow a week night!) we went with two friend to Sam's Burger Joint to see the Red Elvises You HAVE to check out their web site! They are a music group, all of the members except the drummer, are from Russia. The bill themselves as a Russian, folk, surf, rock band, but I say they are a HOOT! The members dress in animal print clothes, wild wild clothes and shoes. Their songs, which they write are in English but they are crazy crazy. It is so hard to put them into words. I laughed and laughed. One of my very favorite things to do is do something I have never done before. You know an adventure? Well this was an adventure.
I wish all of you, my friends, many fun adventures.

A Best Day

2008-10-27T15:04:00.000-07:00

Can you tell the before and the after photos?
If you can't you are probably working with a vision problem.
These photos were taken on one of my very most special best days Ever!
My best bud, Judy, and her best sis, Susan and I had a a fun and fabulous day.
We started with NAKED faces and headed to Bare Essentials to have our make up done.
Then we ate lunch at Neiman Marcus, practically on top of the world,
then we fiddle farted around until it was time to
SURPRISE Judy with a GREAT birthday party.
Judy's sweet husband and precious children had everything arranged at home
Susan and I were merely the decoys
sacrificing ourselves having our make up done, eating a super lunch and shopping
all for Judy
alas
SHE WAS TOTALLY SURPRISED and it was soooooooo much fun.
I hope all of you can have one of these Best Days Ever.

2008-10-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

Ever have one of those days?
Today is mine.
Thank goodness they eventually go away.

Michele's Victory Cruise

2008-10-20T08:26:00.001-07:00

Hello Bloggers,
Please don't feel that I have been neglecting you. I actually, have been very happily busy.
I had the privileged to celebrate a very significant victory with some friends, and make some new friends in the process. Michele has been fighting breast cancer for over a year. Early in her treatment, she determined that in a year we would be celebrating and so we did. We took a short cruise out of Miami. Look at this group of happy people. Not everyone knew each other to begin with, actually not everyone even knew Michele. Now everyone had some connection but this is the most wonderful thing, you would NEVER be able to tell that we were not all long time friends! Everyone was so delightful and fun fun fun. Everyone got along so well and we laughed and laughed. Well, actually we celebrated.
Michele is doing so well. She just had her tattooing last week. So things are rocking along.
A nice little cruise like that would be nice once every month........
p.s. I did the design for the t-shirts and Jeff at Clark printed them for me. We had such a good time wearing them Sunday and we looked adorable!

Adventuring Again

2008-09-21T10:55:00.000-07:00

Well my Adventure Buddy and I were out for a new adventure last week to the European Film Festival. Of course we had to do MAJOR planning, because the event was Monday through Thursday, starting about 10 a.m. each day and going until apx. 10 p.m. Also films were showing in four theatres. We knew we would want to maximize our times so we planned and re planned. In the end, we had a ball. Oh yes, I forgot one of the most important features about this adventure, IT WAS FREE!. So when we saw a movie and we had no idea what it was about (and this was AFTER seeing it) we didn't feel too bad. We did lots of laughing( this is pretty much standard for us). We saw lots of gray hair, plenty of weird people and even a homeless woman with all of her belongings! You should have seen us trying to take some photos to use for the blog. Judy was the photographer and she was crawling on the floor, shifting steps trying to get an interesting shot. This is the one I chose because you can tell I had had enough of posing and was ready for another margarita.

Learning Experience

2008-09-17T12:31:00.001-07:00

OK so it has been awhile since I did a post. There is a good reason. I have been learning to edit photos and to make a movie with my computer. Tom and I went to Cleveland to be with part of the family (his oldest brother and his family) in late July (so I am a slow learner!!!). We took our tiny camera and the photos were super crummy, but that is what I had to work with. Then I also had to learn how to make a movie and then get it to the blog.
At this point I am ASSUMING that I have now learned what I need to. Let's see if it works.
Bottom line, we had a blast with the Cleveland Nichtas, and I hope it shows with the photos in what ever state they are. Thanks for sharing the experience, on all levels, with me.

Stepping Out of the Box

2008-09-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

Well Judy and I did something "out of our box." Instead of being snug home at dark, one night we went to a 7 p.m. lecture at Trinity University! That may not seem like a big deal to some of you but it was to us. Judy was totally excited to see a real published author in the flesh (and a best selling one at that.) But I was excited to see the man who had the experiences that I had read about in Three Cups of Tea. Ever since I worked with refugee students from Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Sudan I have been very interested in learning about their culture. Also reading The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns made me hungry to hear more. if you have not read these books, I strongly suggest you do so. So we got to hear Greg Mortenson, Judy got an autograph in her book, and we were both proud of ourselves for doing something different.

Bragging Rights

2008-09-02T07:16:00.000-07:00

You will see why I am able to brag. Not only are they adorable but you can see right into their personalities though these photos. Also, you can see why I can brag about Kristen as well, because she is the photographer!

Ben's First Trip to the ER

2008-07-28T08:40:00.000-07:00

Well I guess having your first trip to the Emergency Room at age 8 is ok. He was playing on some equipment at a friend's and got konked. They opted for some type of glue sutchers. He is afraid others will make fun of him. I am betting it is all healed by the time school starts.

Eating Out of My Hand

2008-07-27T09:04:00.000-07:00

I went to the zoo on Friday with Judy, Ethan and Hunter. It was a perfect visit, even if it was a little hot.
The zoo is put together so well that there is rarely time out in the pure sun. The kids were great and it was cool to see the zoo through their eyes. Feeding the birds nectar was a new experience for me. I wonder if the birds would have preferred to be sitting on a beautiful flower someplace drinking the nectar rather than sitting on my hand drinking from a plastic cup. It was a lifetime experience for me, even if the bird didn't have fun, I did. Is that selfish? I am really an animal lover, I do feel a touch guilty.
ps
I corrected my mistake. I tell you my mind is going......going......g_ _ _.

A Beautiful Smile to Share

2008-07-25T07:29:00.001-07:00

Just had to share the new smile of Ben, my precious grandson. He got, at least the first round, braces off.
Such a great smile. Had to share it with you.

Miracle or Just a Gift?

2008-07-23T08:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received on of those emails, I know you have all gotten them, filled with angels and a little prayer. In addition to the instructions not to delete but send to seven friends, it even said I would get this miracle by 8:30 a.m. the next morning. I have never counted the exact number of friends I feel "safe" sending these kind of emails to, but I dutifully sent off the email to my "email friendly" set. This morning, one of the friends from the list called and wanted to know what miracle I had been granted (plus she gave me instructions to take her off of my "email friendly" list). So, I had to think if any miracles had occurred. This is an activity I think I need to do more often, and I recommend it to all of you as well. So here I was thirty minutes past miracle time figuring out if I had had any miracles. So this is what I came up with. Do you think it was a miracle or just a great gift? Yesterday I had my windows cleaned (all I had to do was write the check) and I can't believe how wonderful it is. Today I am going around the house all happy. It is like everything in house seems cleaner and newer, brighter and better! I had cleaned the house (myself) the day before and it felt good to have a clean house. It always does, even if I feel cripple for a day following the actual cleaning. But to have a clean house and clean windows. Wooow! I knew I had this one window (the one in the photo) that was bugging me because I could tell it was filthy. Also this is a window I have to look at often because it is opposite the throne in the "library." (Those of you who know me, know that I visit this spot frequently.) Well this window has been bothering me for awhile. I never knew the other windows were keeping so much of the beauty out!
So there you have it. I am full of joy today because my house is still clean and the windows also being clean is icing on the cake.
So do you think I got my email promise of a miracle or did I just get a wonderful gift?

Another Successful Camp Mamaw Ends

2008-07-16T16:39:00.000-07:00

I put the kids on a plane right after noon and came home and took a well deserved nap!
It is always bitter-sweet to see them go. We do have a great time and I love that we are
making memories together.
I'd love to know what they say when someone asks what they did during the summer.
They have had a busy one, and it is not stopping yet. First to New York, then here, then
tomorrow they head to Megan and Levi's.
Yesterday we spent the day at Sea World with Charles, Carla, Dennis and Caden.
Emily loved all over Caden. I thought I was going to have to "take her down" for a
few of those baby kisses. Being the sweet child she is she shared nicely.

S'More Fun

2008-07-15T07:28:00.001-07:00

Yep we are still having fun at Camp Mamaw. Unfortunately the week is winding down. Last night we had dinner with Charles and we cooked out S'Mores. It was a messy fun time. Today we are heading off to Sea World. I am predicting a fun but exhausting day. What do you think?

RATS!

2008-07-13T14:18:00.000-07:00

Things are going well here at Camp Mamaw. We went to see the movie Wall-e today and it is darling. Right now we are having some well earned quiet time.
Yesterday we did our school clothes shopping. Ben is such a boy! He just wanted to get it over with. Emily and I could have kept on going.
One new addition to camp this year, is the magic bag. I bought a group of surprises when Judy, Walt and I went to Gruene. There is an old fashioned general store there that has all sorts of unusual and old fashioned candy. Remember candy lips, and fizzies? That kinds of stuff. They have candy that looks like hamburgers and cell phones! Well I got some and put it in a bag and every so often Ben and Emily get to pull from the magic bag. This photo is Ben eating his "treat."
His white rat came with some rat-facts. Did you know a rat can squeeze though a hole the size of a nickel? Or that two rats can multiply to over 1 million in 3 days? That rats can go longer without water than a camel? And that a rat can tread water for 3 days? There was one other fact about holding its breath, but we all forgot the exact length of time. But believe me, rats will survive far longer than you and me.

Where Does the Time Go?

2008-07-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

Whew! The time is flying by and I can hardly catch my breath! Yesterday Tom's golf tournament got canceled and so he and Ben spent the day together. Emily went with me and the girls (two of my former students) to do volunteer work at CAM. We were so busy. We had some very interesting people yesterday. It was a big life lesson for Emily, both about people with disabilities (like they grow up into adults but don't always look or act like adults) and the poor and/or homeless. Also surprising her was how some people come for help (aka free stuff) but don't necessarily look like they need the help. Case in point, was a mother who brought her 6 year old son in for clothes. The boy was playing a hand held Nintendo DS game boy while his mother was getting him free clothes. Emily says that game probably cost about $200. Oh well. I told her I was glad that I wasn't the person who had to interview them and determine what services they were eligible for.
Last night was a quiet night. Emily and I did go visit Jean (the mother of one of my Bible study friends) who broke her knee while visiting her nephew in Minnesota.
Today is Ben's golf lesson.
Emily and I are going to go pick up Michele's dog, Ginger. We are going to babysit while Michele goes to Kansas for a week. We are cooking spaghetti and meatballs tonight. The kids like to help cook and they are good at it. We fixed french toast this morning with Grandma Kisses (powdered sugar). Ben is a child after my own heart----he likes chai latte!!! Of course I had to add some honey to his!
I will try to take some photos today! It is hard to carry a camera around while you are busy having fun!

Day One Camp Mamaw

2008-07-09T17:33:00.000-07:00

Well Ben and Emily landed and survived the flight from Dallas. They said the trip this time went very fast. When they got home we had a birthday cake for Ben then we headed for Incredible Pizza. We had 90 minutes of unlimited play on the games, lots of food to eat, then the thrill of redeeming the tickets they won in the game play.
Now Mamaw and Pepaw are pooped.

Camp Mamaw

2008-07-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of Camp Mamaw 2008. I am Mamaw, and my grandchildren are coming today! I am so excited and PePaw has also gotten in on the excitement this year. We have lots of fun things planned. I will keep you up on the fun. We are starting out the week celebrating Ben's birthday which was at the end of last month.
Here we go...........

New Addiction (like I needed another one!)

2008-07-07T10:10:00.001-07:00

Yeppers
I have a new addiction----Chai latte tea
I would like to blame it on Walt. Actually, maybe it is really Judy's fault. Or maybe I should blame it on Susan, Judy's sister. Yea, let's put this one on her. If she hadn't fallen in love and married Tony, she would have never moved to New Zealand. If Susan was not living in New Zealand, Judy would not have had to go to visit her there and Walt and I probably would not have gone to the Indian Buffet. Judy doesn't like Indian food, so there is no way we would have gone there otherwise. Sic... anyway I tasted the tea there and it was an instant hook! Wow. I had to know how to make this stuff at home. Luckily, I have a former student that is Indian. So I called her mom and asked her to teach me how to make the tea. So now I have it down. I even bought my own milk frother. I have got my home-recipe down but still long for a cup from Starbucks. Before this happened to me I never could relate to the people who HAD to go to Starbucks. I poo pooed them for spending such big bucks on a beverage (that was not served in a glass rimed with salt). Now I eat my words and take back my ugly judgemental thoughts. Shame shame shame. I had a $25 gift card that Tom got someplace. So having a tea from Starbucks was super great, not only because it was delicious (with 44 g of sugar!) but free. So I would so enjoy one after I had my weekly computer class. But alas, gift card is down to less than $2 and that won't buy an entire grande. So sad....I needed to start watching my calories anyway. Bye bye grande chai latte from Starbucks. At least I can make mine at home w/o sugar and it still hits the spot.
If you are ever in San Antonio, I will happily share a cup with you.

Hello Blog Friends

2008-07-06T17:31:00.000-07:00

I know I have been negligent in my blogging. I REALLY have been busy. First I took a little trip to Scotland then since my return I have been meeting myself coming and going.
First let me share a little of Scotland. I had a wonderful time. This is what I remember (beside the fact I had fun) little winding roads, rolling hills with lots of sheep, old and quaint buildings and really friendly people. Enjoy a little of Scotland.

Staying in the Present

2008-04-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have trouble staying in the present?
I do.
Today is especially hard.
The Not-Present is very unpleasant today so I am trying to only think about the now.
It is not easy.
I keep a running mantra going of whatever I am doing. "I can put this cream on my face. I can seal these envelopes..."
I am exhausted living in the present.
p.s. the photo is from a very pleasant past---the beautiful cherry blossoms in Japan.

Mother-daughter look-alike search

2008-04-16T07:28:00.000-07:00

The local newspaper is having a search for Mother-Daughter look-alikes. For years people have told me how much I look like my mother. These are my entries. It would be cool to win. What do you think? I know the one picture of me is awful (no make-up) but oh well.

A Time to Laugh or A Time to Cry?

2008-04-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

After church this morning I changed into something more comfortable. Tom and I went to lunch at Zios. On the way home, I looked down at the floor board to make sure the left over Italian food was still upright and this is what I saw. I had a HUGE laugh but Tom said, "This either means you have too many shoes or you really need glasses."
I remember years ago a very old, sweet, blue-haired English teacher at Clark who came to school one day wearing two different shoes. Wow! Now it has happened to me.
I am calling about the glasses this week.

2008-04-06T11:54:00.000-07:00

2008-04-06T11:53:00.000-07:00

Rebel Mountain Laurel

2008-04-06T11:42:00.001-07:00

Those in the Hill Country know of the wonderful tree, the Mountain Laurel, that produces beautiful purple fragrant blooms that smell like grape. The blooming season for our Mountain Laurel is over, but we have the beautiful rebel blooms. At first Tom, my husband, thought it must be some type of fungus. Part of these growths look like Staghorn Ferns. Tom took a piece in to get some advice and was told that when the bloom does not form correctly one year, this is what they look like the next. So we have these beauties dancing for us on a tree full of green leaves. They don't seems to have the strong fragrance that the regular blooms have but wow, they are so interesting with their horned and spiked additions. Hope you enjoy them.

Had to Share

2008-04-05T17:01:00.000-07:00

FUNNY!!

This is an actual letter from an Austin woman sent to American
company -- Proctor and Gamble regarding their feminine products. She
really gets rolling after the first paragraph. It's PC Magazine's
2007 editors' choice for best webmail-award-winning letter.

Dear Mr. Thatcher,
I have been a loyal user of your 'Always' maxi pads for over 20
years and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the
LeakGuard Core or Dri-Weave absorbency, I'd probably never go
horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd
certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white
shorts. But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings.
Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is
that maxi pads be aerodynamic. I can't tell you how safe and secure
I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants.

Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? I'm guessing you haven't.
Well, my time of the month is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel
hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call 'an inbred
hillbilly with knife skills.' Isn't the human body amazing?

As Brand Manager in the Feminine-Hygiene Division, you've no doubt
seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your
customer's monthly visits from 'Aunt Flo'. Therefore, you must know
about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about
our intense mood swings, crying jags, and out-of-control behavior.
You surely realize it's a tough time for most women.

The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is
just crawling with homicidal maniacs in Capri pants... Which brings
me to the reason for my letter. Last month, while in the throes of
cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out
my uterus, I opened an Always maxi-pad, and there, printed on
the adhesive backing, were these words: 'Have a Happy Period.'

Are you f------ kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your
tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness - actual smiling,
laughing happiness, is possible during a menstrual period? Did
anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did
it, James? FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak, there
will never be anything 'happy' about a day in which you have to
jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlua and lock yourself in your
house just so you don't march down to the local
Walgreen's armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in
a blaze of glory. For the love of God, pull your head out, man! If
you have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more
sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like 'Put down the Hammer'
or 'Vehicular Manslaughter is Wrong',

Sir, please inform your Accounting Department that, effective
immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flex-Wings, I will not for
one minute miss your brand of condescending bullshit. And that's a promise I will keep.

Always!

Best,
Wendi Aarons
Austin , TX

Young Love

2008-03-27T09:01:00.001-07:00

I don't know about you, but I know very few PERFECT marriages. I do feel fortunate enough to know SOME.
Of the living couples that I so admire their relationships there is Walt and Judy, Buddy and Virginia, Bob and Shirley and Dot and Ron. It is such a joy to know these people (over many years) and be a witness to their love. Believe me, (and if you know these folks you know this is true) they have not had PERFECT lives. Nope, they have gone though the same old ikky times that we have. It is just how they handle the iks, TOGETHER, that makes all the difference in the world. Wow! That is Love. Congratulations, Lovers.

Life is Fragile

2008-03-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

Can you see how happy I am here? It was another beautiful day, I was in a beautiful place (The newly redone and reopened Sunken Gardens), with two of my very favorite people (Walt and Judy) and I still had lunch out to look forward to. Who could ask for more. Life WAS better than good.
Then I went home and hit a wall (emotionally, not literally) So since then (three days now) I have been fighting that terrible monster Depression. He will go away (soon I hope). Wish he would get lost FOREVER.

Voting/AKA griping

2008-03-04T12:04:00.000-08:00

Well I just got back from voting. What a mess! I don't know if I have never voted in a primary before or I just don't remember the way they do it. Seems so odd. We had to stand in different lines (demos and republos) then wait. I KNOW this place was short people and little green -count -the- vote cassettes. The workers were fussing over them (the green things) and there was just not enough people working. I also think they should have had signs or people telling everyone to either go here for Democrat or here for Republican. Then the guy checking me in asked me if I wanted my voter registration card stamped as Republican (oops I guess it's out...) I felt like I was in preschool--no I don't care for a sticker. To add to the mess, 3/4 of the voters did not bring their voter registration cards! I think that will be my new beef---no card, no vote. We did have to vote on if people should have to show a picture ID to vote------heck yes, I can't believe we don't ALREADY have to do that. Do you ever feel like we haven't progressed too far with our overall voting process? Maybe it is because we don't do it often enough. What do you think?

Me Jane (as in You Tarzan)

2008-02-26T12:56:00.000-08:00

The very best part of my cruise was zip-lining in Montego Bay. Never had done this before and it was a total blast. I hope you all get a chance to do this some time.

The Real Thing

2008-02-26T12:49:00.000-08:00

I know I tried to fool you the last time but this photo is the Real Deal. This is what the Caribbean water really looked like in Jamaca. The other photo(s) are what I look like wearing Caribbean water.

JAWS February Lunch

2008-02-14T10:25:00.000-08:00

Our Jay lunch bunch met yesterday and had another wonderful lunch with great company. Barbara, our leader and organizer had brought a heart shaped basket full of gold-wrapped Bon Bons. What a treat.
I apologize for the poor photo of Leslie. We only took one photo and she was probably talking!

Happy Birthday Kristen

2008-02-12T13:01:00.000-08:00

Well today is my baby's 35th birthday. I am sure there must be an accounting error someplace because how could I have a child who is 35 years old?
At any rate, she has been the greatest blessing in my life. She is so talented, funny, creative and loving. I give thanks to the Lord for giving her to me.
Happy Birthday Sweetheart. I love you.

Baby Love

2008-02-07T13:25:00.000-08:00

Well I have had two beautiful days of baby love. You just can't beat those mushy kisses on their plump cheeks and oh those little laughs. Now that is living.
Isn't he the cutest thing? He is Collin, my Grand nephew. Actually, I don't know if we would be Great instead of Grand, I just like the feeling I get when I say he is my Grand nephew! (He is the son of my niece, Megan.)
Decorating Tip: Spend some time with a happy baby. It is sure to make you happy,too.

2008-02-02T12:25:00.001-08:00

Looking at the photo do you think I have been some place wonderful like the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean? You know a place where the water is clear and blue and the beaches are filled with white foam from the waves coming in and out?
Well yea. But not today.
So this morning I was cleaning house and doing the laundry. (This is the two steps forward part.) There was a crash from the laundry room. Upon inspection I found my 2.34 GALLON container of laundry detergent had wiggled itself off of the dryer and was currently dispensing blue detergent all over the floor. As the blue goo was oozing its way to go under both the dryer and the extra refrigerator I grabbed the closest thing there was---towels. So I begin sopping up the mess with the towels. Thank goodness I had the presence of mind to not toss the towels in the washer, thus preventing an I Love Lucy disaster on top of the mess I already had. But now what do I do with the towels full of detergent? (This is the 14 step BACK.)
And I was just trying to clean my house and do a little laundry.

2008-01-24T12:51:00.000-08:00

Well here I am, my first day on the blog. You just don't know how long it has taken me to just get this far!

So for my first entry, I will just let this be a celebration of one small step........a photo.

Photo taken today, January 24, 2008 with my little buddy, Brockett. Brockett is a LOM (little old man, but I guess that is really a LOD as in little old dog.)

Decorating tip:

Celebrate accomplishments, even little ones.