I'm not eatin' that

Today I feel like my brain has been blenderized and not in a good way, either.  Yesterday I found out one of my friends killed herself, and it has rocked my world pretty good.  She was a gorgeous lady inside and out and to have gone to a gun store and purchased a gun, gone back to her car, and then used it on herself is just NOT something I would EVER envision my friend doing, but then that begs the question: do we ever really know what goes on inside someone else or what their reality really looks like?  As another friend said yesterday "Let's get real here....your perception IS your reality" and I agree with her.  We all perceive things a little differently and that is, or becomes, our reality.  We're all not just a bunch of cookie cutters who spin off little cookies that walk alike, talk alike, feel alike, believe alike.  And, clearly, we've all got our individual breaking or tipping point.  The desperation of doing something like that makes me just ache for the person involved, especially when I can't possibly understand it.  Please, God....may I never know that pain or desperation myself.

Now, on to a lighter topic:  Black eyed peas.  Do you eat that stuff?  It simply gags me unless it's so dolled up with other flavors I can't tell what it is, and then what's the point of that???  I will eat Texas Caviar (only if it has enough stuff in it to cover the taste of the peas), on a frito, but beyond that, no thank ya.  Not doin' it.  There's a damn good reason they call them cow peas and besides, they are just plain nasty.  You can eat 'um....I don't care.  Not me.  Bleh.

Uh, oh

It's a sad, sad sitchy-ation for a certain hound dog around these parts.  It seems a girl of a certain age lept off a bed or something else yesterday, and sprained her paw.  Then because we don't have a crate any longer in which to corral her, she jumped out of a chair we didn't know she'd jumped up into, and made it even worse.  Now Peg-leg is cordoned off in the utility room with a puppy gate Fred had to run get last night.  Our other two are at the Farm, and old Sis waited until he'd gotten back from the Farm yesterday, to hurt herself more.  Well...there is that.    

Her dad wanted to block her in with the trash cans but I threw a cup towel on that idea.  That would have completely blocked her view of everything and felt like solitary confinement.  Hey...she didn't kill anybody...she just sprained her paw.  Twelve hours of lock down like that and she'd have been on suicide watch.  The downside of the utility room is she can't get out to use her doggie door but that's no biggie.  We just carry her outside.

She's going to the Vet this afternoon to be sure it's just a sprain.  The pain meds we have they don't want her to take because of her Cushing's disease but that seems a little cruel.  When you hurt, you hurt but I'll get more scoop on that at 1:30 pm.  It probably screws up everything her other meds try to achieve so that fits perrrrfectly with a dog we'd have.  Fix one problem, create another.

It's going to be a beeeutiful day outside so I plan to set up my pecan cracking station and maybe my fire pit on the driveway and crack the latest in Sis and Fred's pecan pick ups, from the honey hole house they've found.  There's just something fun and relaxing about doing that outside in the fresh air.  I may have to let my assistant, in prison, have a few.  That girl loves her some pecans.

The Big 3!!!

Look who turned 3!!  Happy Birthday, Avery!! (on right) 

Ahhhh...

This afternoon, this is what I'm feeling....warm, snoozy, and perhaps in Greece or France.  Perfect, no???

Adios 2012

All that's left of this year is a few short days and I couldn't be more ready for a new year.  When it's over, it's just o-v-e-r and this one practically is.  Bring it on.  But before it happens, here's a quick wrap up of our holidays.

Andrea and Benji made it here for Christmas Eve from Nash.  Christmas Day was lunch, and then dinner with the Gonzales--major yum-o.  Then we had a cousin get together over here on the 26th, for the cousins on my side--most of the Harris side was out of town.  Sis was the consummate hostess--she only got excited once and did a mini tinkle when her namesake Susu, and her mom, came in the front door.  She was very sharing of her toys, with Cash, one of my niece's long haired dachshund's, who is adorable though perhaps not the sharpest knife in the drawer.  He's only two, so we'll give him a little more time.  Sis didn't even freak out over the smalls, which is something new.  She's usually afraid of them but since she got so much love and attention, I think she decided perhaps they were pretty OK after all.

She was only spotted once, toward the end of the evening, standing up on one of the kid sized chairs I'd pulled up to the coffee table, trying to snag a pita chip around the hummus.  Thank goodness she didn't try to take  a lick of the hummus, with that lizard tongue of hers.  One chip was all she got and for that I'm grateful.

The Nash-town Harris's leave tomorrow to head back so boo hoo on that.  Avery got to open her b-day gift on the 26th since it was already here, sitting on the dining room table.  Her real birthday is today but sometimes you just have to go ahead and open your princess gift--a pink dress up dress with sparkles and tulle, on a pink princess hanger, no less.  This isn't the actual one but it will give you the drift.  (There were so many pictures of them on the internet, my head almost exploded.)   She and Hadley took turns playing in it and showing us how they looked.  Oh, Lordy, it's goooood to be a princess.

Anddd...we're done

 Transition Christmas 2012 is over and bar none, this one was the best ever.  Anything special?  Yes and no.  Family, great friends, and deeevine food.  Any gabillion dollar gifts, outrageous trips, or big honkin' diamonds?  No.  Anything special?  Yes.  Snow, a killer dinner tonight with our daughter-in-laws family and her uncle, at her parents house,  fun stories and laughter over all kinds of things, and time spent today with our family here at home, opening gifts, having lunch and just chillin'. Laughter with friends and family trump any gift I could ever be given.  That is the gift.
 Last night, I ran by to see mom right before we left for our Christmas Eve dinner, and while I'm not real sure who chose her ensemble for the day, she was clean and happy and down the hall with the group watching TV after her dinner.  As I kissed her goodbye and told her "Merry, Merry", her eyes lit up, and as I started off down the hall I could hear her repeating over and over again, "Merry, Merry!  I hope hers was.

Flex Up!

I'm going to go ahead and just name this Christmas before it even happens and it will forever more be known as the 2012: Transition Christmas.  Bruce and I counted up the number of changes that have had a part in this year's celebration and got to 12, before stopping, and I'm sure we've either missed a few, or more are in store before Christmas is officially a memory.  The best part is, so far I really like the direction we're headed in.  Is all of it perfect, no, and it made me think about how things sure weren't perfect in Bethlehem, either.  Remember the no room in the Inn business?  And delivering in the stable?   That's not only unsanitary but I'm thinking cold, drafty and downright uncomfortable.  No meds, no running water.  Oh, Holy night is right.  Count me out for that job.

And talk about a transition year....that year back then was a real doozie.  A star in the East, shepherds seeing it as they tended their flocks knowing something really spectacular had happened, and three Wise Men traveling for miles and miles to bring gifts to a newborn baby.  A very special baby.  And the world was forever changed by that night and the man he grew to be. 

 The changes he brought to this world a lot of people initially thought were bad.  Some people still think they are-- and both groups were probably just afraid.  Afraid of him, afraid of seeing the world differently (change), afraid of his holy powers.  Change was good then, and it's good now.  Seeing things differently is all of matter of opening your mind and being willing to experience something new.

Make new memories.  Start new traditions.  Let go of the old.   

Oh, yes he did...

I am still laughing over this morning's dog drama.  A certain male took his favorite black dog on their walk this morning.  They go every Saturday morning because it's something she will bug him about until he finally takes her.  She will whine at him, bark at him, and just generally pester him until either I make him take her to shut her up, or he gives in.  Since it was still chilly, I made him put on her coat, which she hates.  It makes her look like a black pig in a royal blue blanket and that's my favorite part.  Anywho, down the block they went to the church for their usual do and I jumped into the shower.

No sooner did I hop out of the shower but in he came, carrying her, telling me he "thought she had hurt her shoulder...she's limping".  Picture it...I'm standing there with wet hair in my towel wrap, trying to take all of this in.  He takes off her coat and gently....reverently...puts her down, and sure enough she is limping.  He looks at me like I'm suddenly a Vet (that happens a lot around here) with a pleading look on his face to please, please, fix her, so I gently suggest he check her paw for something down inside.  He looks at me like I'm nuts, but does it anyway.  He's just sure it's her shoulder.  Out comes a chunk of  acorn shell, he puts Sis down, and off she runs to the kitchen to get a drink of water.  I think I'm gonna start billing him for consultations on this kind of stuff.  He'll need a padded cell if anything really bad ever does happen to her.

Lastly, because he worries about her at night when he lets her outside and she she goes alley hunting in the dark--he's afraid someone won't see her black self and will run over her-- yesterday afternoon, he bought her a light up, blinking, flashing, collar that's actually a little snuggish but will work for the small amount of  time she's outside at night.  He was beyond thrilled to find one and could not wait to put it on her for a test run.  Those two are just somethin'--I dare say what.  I'll try to get a picture of her in it.  You just have to see it to believe it.  She looks like a little black pig in a flashing red collar. 

Update to Congress & Cliff

I've had a change of heart.  In my office (shower), I realized I hated wasting the Marine's time so here's my updated proposal to Congress.  Send all the male members home to take care of their kids, wrap all the presents, and cook, while running all the laundry for their family.  Their wives are off duty and just get to go play with their friends.  That's what their husbands do all day anyway.  Send all the female members to a beachy resort with Hillary and Oprah as their hosts.  All the women are immediately whisked off to the resort's spa, given robes, spa slippers, and jasmine tea.  After a hot mineral foot bath, they are then sent off for a massage.

Post massage, they meet in the spa's quiet area, to visit.  No business--just visit and girl talk.  Off to their facials.  Back to the quiet area and more calming teas.  Now they begin to talk fiscal cliff...guided by Oprah.  In thirty minutes or less, we have a deal, more spa services, and the rest of the weekend, to enjoy being women.  Friends are made.  Girl talk ensues for the rest of the weekend.  Fun is had.  The End.  Done deal.  And the guy members of Congress pay for it out of their own pocket books for being jerks.  Works for me.

Really???

Well, so much for keeping my trap shut.  Ya knew it would never last and so did I.  Here's what I want to discuss this morning and that's Congress going home for Christmas with no final decision and plan for the Fiscal cliff.  Really??  You all went home and just left it??  It's a damn good thing for them that I'm not the President because I'd have told them all to get really comfortable 'cause they weren't going ANYWHERE until a decision and plan was reached.  I don't care if they had to eat beans out of a can for Christmas lunch or dinner.  So sad, too bad.  Get on with the business of taking care of this country which is what you were elected to do in the first place.

I think it would really flush out the weenies, too...the ones who talk a good game but put to the test, might agree to anything to go home and sleep in their own bed.  Times are tough, folks.  Those of you in Congress need to pull your heads out and get down to the basics of working together, instead of against each other.  If it were me, I'd have locked them in and left them access to a bathroom, and that's IT.  I'd have taken all their cell phones, laptops, etc., and left them to WORK. IT. OUT.  I'd have had flats of canned beans, a can opener, and water, dropped off by armed Marines, with the instructions "Shoot to kill", if anyone tries to make a run for it.  I'd give them 72 hours to come to an agreement letting them know up front, what was at stake for them: no agreement, you are all fired.  Period.  No more benefits, no pension, no more running for public office--not even a dogcatcher.  You go home in total disgrace and then we'll see how strong your convictions really are. 

Like I said, it's a damn good thing I'm not President.  Merry Christmas, Congress.

See you in 2013!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.  See you in 2013 unless I come up with something I feel the need to blather on about, prior to then. 

Gift wrapping......whatever

Last night's communion service for family and close friends for Bruce's cousin, Lee Carter, was one of the most beautiful and meaningful services I have ever attended.  The church was Oak Lawn Methodist where Lee's parents had married, his grandparents were long time members, and where he had been baptized.  The sanctuary was old, dark wood, beautiful in the extreme and when the pews squeaked a little when you moved, all I could think of was the thousands of people who have sat there, year after year, generation after generation.  This service was one of Lee's wishes and at the end, we all lit candles which always gives me the chills.  There is something so spiritual about that candle lighting from person to person that is holy, and with the dark outside, and the sweet warmth of us gathered together, it was truly a special gift from Lee.  Thank you, my friend for such a lovely gift.

Lee had specifically wanted his close friends and family to be together for a special service for just us, before the larger service this morning.  What a kind and considerate thought from such a special man.  Well done, Lee.  Well done.

On a lighter note, today I am playing catch up as a few things have had to slide around here lately.  I've decided when you run out of tissue paper for stuffing gift sacks, just wrap whatever the gift is, however you can.  I've decided I like weird shaped stuff under the tree and frankly, it's just easier than getting in the car and going to get tissue paper, of all things.  They'll probably be out at the store anyway so chillax and just wrap the damn thing.

Did you say poppers???

Outta time and energy to blog today.  This afternoon I made jalapeno poppers for a party on the 26th.  Oh, yeah, baby.   Did you know you can freeze these and re-heat later??  Well, I'll be damned....who knew.  Tune in tomorrow for more little known or cared about, scoop.

Are you saggin' a little? I am....

After this weekend's events, I think we are all pretty blown and I am bolstered this morning by seeing the sun shining.  Its amazing to me how such a simple little thing can make such a difference.  No birds singing and it's quiet, except for an airplane flying over but all is just as God would have it in his world today.  Weekend events like this past one (Connecticut and Lee Carter's death)  always remind me there is a bigger picture I'm not seeing, and that there is a source  greater than me at work in the Universe, thank goodness.  I don't have to like what's going on but I do have to accept it--definitely not my favorite part.

Today my plan is to load up on the love and share it.  Take care of myself and rest if /when I need to since I didn't sleep much, and generally just throttle back.  It's times like this that remind me what's really important and going full throttle is never one of them.  If it doesn't get done today, so what?  Eventually it will.  First things first.  Easy does it.  Give time time.  And pray like you mean it.

And that's just how I see it.

Yay, God!!!

Best news ever and prayers do get answered!  Bruce's cousin who is in ICU is doing better and his temp is coming down.   We'll all sure take this news with leaps of joy!  He is not out of the woods by any stretch but movement in this direction is what you want to see v. where he has been.  We'll be heading over to the hospital later today to check in again with his family, and all of the cousins, his sisters, etc.  The bottom line is, thank you, God!!

I need to get out and do some shopping but I'd much rather grab Sis, cuddle up, and listen to the rain.  She doesn't do rain any better than I do so maybe I'll just hang around here for a little bit longer.  I've already been out once and gotten soaked and that's pretty much my limit.

As for what's going on in the world today, my suggestion is do not watch it on TV or read about it on the internet.  I glanced at it, and quickly moved on.  Think loving positive thoughts instead and pray for those afflicted.  In fact, just pray period.  It's the only thing that works anyway.  :))

Happy Weekend to all!!

OOO, la la

Yesterday was one of my most favorite days of the year when the Board of my family's foundation meets to play Santa.  OOOO....I love the chance to give away money to those places that meet our criteria for giving.  I won't go into specifics other than to say that my personal favorite, Parkland, made out great, and for that I am truly grateful.  The best part, though, was getting to call my contact at the "P" and tell her.  We squealed like little girls.

Mom was also part of the meeting yesterday--we did it by conference call-- and she seemed to enjoy parts of it.  At one point she got confused and almost got mad about heaven knows what but I told her it was OK--whatever she was worrying about-- and I still have no clue what that was all about.   I've learned with her disease, some things you just can't know.

This picture is part of a text I received at 7:45 AM this morning and I almost fell out of bed laughing.  It's the three smalls before school, eating the sweet rolls I'd dropped off yesterday afternoon.  Look at those sleepy faces and Hudson's bed head.  Hilarious. 

Last night we met Andrea's (Benji's wife) parents for dinner at Taco Diner and stayed until almost 8:30pm laughing and visiting.  We are so lucky to truly love them and have fun when we get together.  We are truly blessed.

Lastly, during this holiday season, please don't forget to pray for those in need, those who are ill, those most in need of a miracle.  Prayer works miracles.

Shiners

I fear I may have turned the corner into some really unsavory territory-- certain shows on cable TV.  Specifically that would be a show called Moonshiners.  Lord love me...I simply could not turn it off.  It's based in North Carolina and for the first few minutes, I couldn't understand a word that came out of those hillbillies mouths.  Never mind they didn't all have a lot of teeth-- I'm thinking years of producing and drinking your own shine might take out a tooth or two--and your brain.  But these guys were the real deal since they sold theirs on the shine black market and their living depended on a good shine income.

One of the shiners was actually the Fire Chief in a certain area.  That's him on the left and his assistant, Tickle, who later went rogue out on his own.  Wow...to see the lengths people will go to to make a living is unreal.  One shiner was so far behind in his orders, he was going to take the barley he had and make scotch whiskey, and put his wife and son in charge of that still.  That's when I lost it.  Getting caught can send you to the big house and for any man to expect his wife and /or son to participate is just wrong.

OK...back to the fascinating part.  The narrator said that some old shiners can tell the proof of their moonshine by filling a jar a little less than half full, capping it and shaking it for three seconds and looking at the size of the bubbles that float to the top.  He said the really good shiners can tell the actual proof or within a whisker, and are as accurate as modern measuring.  Watching them worry about their product, getting caught, the weather destroying their stills, was just something I could not imagine.  Not to mention the Fire Chief hiding all his booty in a field of tobacco.  I may have to watch next week just to see if he gets caught.

Weekend wrap up

Poor Sis, again.  While she and I were outside getting the paper and visiting with a down the block neighbor, her Dad snuck out the back way and left--more importantly left HER--and she's running through the house now looking for him, and mewing, calling him at every room.  If I didn't feel sorry for her, I'd be celebrating the fact that he's racking up loads of demerits from her that will take him all afternoon to work off.  Oh, Lordy...here she comes all whiney and boo-hooing, because she can't find him.  She'll keep hunting for him until she'd had enough, and then will give up and get back in her bed.  Sis, honey, that's just how men are.  Save yourself some grief and just come on in here with me.

Now, on to the cinnamon rolls.  Let me just say that phase one is complete and all that needs to happen this afternoon is the assembly, cooking, and then the sugar frosting on the top.  The stirring was not hard at all despite what I'd thought, but I was still forced to take a nap, and that's what interrupted production.  Cooking is hard work I don't care what anyone says, and homemade stuff --the real homemade stuff--comes with the nap clause.  At least at my house it does.

Has anybody noticed how vocal all the birds are now and is that a function of the temperature?  Are they all talking because they don't have to worry about staying warm and finding food?  I know when it's cold, they don't seem to talk much at all, and this is just one of the many things that I wonder about.  Maybe they are just finicky.

Next weekend is the annual Cookie Party at my sister GoGo's house, for all her grands, which should be a hoot.  Since we cancelled our surprise trip to Vegas to see Scarletta perform after they and some other bands got cancelled due to over booking, I'll be able to go to the partay after all.  I think this might be the first year that Avery will really get into it since she's turning three a few days after Christmas.  I know Had and Hud will be all over it like beards on rednecks.

And speaking of, if you haven't seen Duck Dynasty on TV, let's just say you have definitely NOT seen it all.  We were so unglued, we ate our steaks in front of the TV like true white trash, only we didn't use TV tables.  Too tacky.

                           

I'm rockin' Betty Crocker

I am waist deep in flour, making cinnamon rolls and that's exactly how I like it.  Fred is at the Farm, Sister is pouting because she got left here with me, so all is quiet and peaceful.  The only noise is from the leaf blower and mower next door, due to the mess our trees have made.  Juan will do ours Monday.

I'm at a brief lull in the recipe where I'm waiting for the mixture to cool down somewhat, before I add the yeast, and then 8 cups of flour.  I think I won't need to do any arm work out this afternoon since eight cups of flour is likely to be like stirring cement.  And that's before I add one last freaking cup of flour.  Yes, I could try doing it with my mixer but I doubt it would all fit in the bowl, so I'm just gonna play 1950's Betty Crocker and try to stir it myself.   Look for my obit on Monday where it will list my cause of death as "Stirring".

If I survive all the stirring, I can put the whole shebang in the refrige and go take a nap.  I love cinnamon rolls.  Especially  when they come with a nap.

Well, lookey heah...

Great news.  Our hawk is back and Fred spotted him the other morning on his way home from the gym.  I hoped he hadn't gone far and apparently he hasn't.  He must have been hunting over at the church, which  sounds kind of awful when you think about it.  He's the chunk right in the middle, above.

I've decided Sister can either count or has an internal alarm that tells her when the weekend is imminent.  Her whole self perks up and it's as if she's auditioning for a trip to the farm.  By Friday evening she's unbearably perky.  She hops backwards, never taking her eyes off you, and if she sees certain weekend packing gear come out of the closet, get ready for the whinies.  She'll mew, run outside and stand by the car, refuse to come back in, etc.  At least she's not doing what Wiggles used to do which was run under the car and refuse to come out.  The only sure fire way to get him to come out, was to open the car door on my side.  Since he always rode in my lap, in his younger days until we got Sis, he figured that was his best assurance of going.  Then he'd put his front feet up like he was trying to jump into the car, all by himself.  Oh, that brown dog....when he left for Dogtown, he took a big ole chunk of my heart with him. We all still miss that Man dog.  

Lastly, I found this in my pictures this morning and had forgotten Sis even had this.  It came with four jingle things, one for each paw.  We tried that, but Sis went totally over the edge, biting at her paws trying to get the jingle paws off.  I reckon there's only so much humiliation a girl can handle.  

Holiday: Things I know Today

It's my annual holiday " Things I know Today " that I've either fought hard to learn or given myself permission to do, whether it makes other people happy or not.  So, here goes.

                                                                                                    

1.  Today I know putting on my lipstick in the dining room of a certain ladies club, at a Christmas tea, may upset some of the older "old school" ladies, but it damn sure won't kill 'um.  It's 2012, ladies.  Lots worse things can and will, happen. ( Luckily this did not happen to me or I'd have taken my lipstick back out and re-applied, s-l-o-w-l-y.)

2.  Today I know homemade doesn't have to mean I made it.  Putting it a container I bought or wrapping it with my cellophane takes care of all that.  Nobody really cares anyway.
3.  Today I know some people just aren't capable of being very happy.  Don't make it about yourself.  It's not.
4.  Today I know happiness is an inside job and my responsibility.  It's not someone else's job to make me happy.
5.  Today I know Christmas is just one day, but can be celebrated on any day.  Don't get confused about what's really important.
6.  Today I know to protect my energy zealously around this time of year.
7.  Today I know anything that drains me or sucks my energy I either stop doing completely, or only do occasionally, and then I pick and choose those times carefully.  I'm an adult.  I can choose. ( If you needed permission to quit doing something, you just got it.)
8.  Today I know just because I think it, doesn't make it true.  I might be right; I might not.
9.  Today I know just because I feel it doesn't make it true, either.  Feelings aren't facts.
10. Lastly, today I know to let go or be dragged.

And that's just how I see it.

GTMO scoopage

I was able to catch Benji between flights back to Nashville this afternoon to get a little of the trip scoopage.  All in all, he said it was a fantastic experience and that the service men and women treated them like guests.  They stayed in townhouses on the base, two to a townhouse, each with their own bedroom, and a large living area in the center with a big TV.  Each townhouse had their own front and backyard and "were nicer than my place back home". 

He said several times they ate in the Mess Hall and got to visit with the troops and said the food was great, which surprised me.  Then during one of their shows, Aubrey got a marriage proposal, called the guy out and dedicated a song to him, to the cat calls and hoots of the crowd.  Knowing Aubs, she must have put everything she had into that song 'cause Benji said the guy got total grief from all of the guys sitting around him.  If you've ever seen Aubs turn it on, you know what I'm talking about.  Aubs "unplugged" is something to see.  She is a total crack up and as comfortable onstage as anyone I've ever seen. She will say and do just about anything and she is gorgeous beyond belief.  When that girl gets on her war paint and her high heels, look out. 

Benji said they rode in a Christmas parade for the kids, signed autographs, went to the local GTMO high school to the music class and visited with the kids about music, how they got started, etc.  Sunday they went snorkeling and though they worked hard, the GTMO staff built in some downtime for them as well.  I found out that the cell phone deal was more about no reception than a security issue.  Ditto the laptops.  (Personally, I kind of liked the drama and intrigue my idea added but whatever.)  There were one or two "hotspots" around where you could get reception but Benji said he was too worn out to deal with it and just bought a calling card instead, so he could call Andrea.  Sooo sweet....I loved that part.

He said the Marines and other service people were just incredibly nice....appreciative of them coming, and they visited  with them quite a bit.  The Community Activity Director for GTMO has already commented on the picture below on FB thanking Scarletta for making it a weekend to remember.  They will be playing a showcase in March for Military "show bookers" and the same guy I mentioned said he looked forward to seeing them there. 

                                     

What a wild ride.  And what a fantastic opportunity to give back to those who keep us safe.  Cool deal.

(I'm impressed they all got on that little bitty Navy plane.  They'd have had to blind fold me.)

The Big Reveal

 The Secret.  The Big Reveal.  Drum roll, please.

Guess where Scarletta has been for the last 4 days??  

Ya give?  I mean really....do ya??

Well, here it is:  Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, playing for the troops.  I kid you not.  More scoop to follow.  They'll be posting pic's ASAP though since they couldn't take cell phones, they may have to wait until they hit home to load them from camera to cell or computer, and that's assuming they could even take a camera.  Probably not.

  Not sure what all the rules and reg's were but I know they were very specific. ( I'm thinking if you break 'um, you either get water boarded or you swim home.  Helloooo, shark bait.)

I should have some insane stories to tell once Benji gets back in US air space.  See....I told you it was a good one!

Since it's an hour later in Cuba, I'm going ahead and posting this.  Their plane should have left by now and be headed to Jacksonville, Florida, if they are coming back the same way they went down there.  Shooweee.... no telling where they'll turn up next.  Hopefully, the Grammy's!!  :)))                               

Winter of the World

I just finished Winter of the World by Ken Follett, the second in his Century Trilogy.  At 940 pages, it's a phone book in weight, but a really good read.  I do recommend reading the first book in the trilogy so you can appreciate all of the character's connections, and once again, a fair amount of it surrounds WWII.  Man....this is the second book in a row in which WWII played a significant role and ,frankly, I don't wanna hear another word about WWII for quite awhile.  Color me over it, at least for a little while.  The horrors of that war will keep you up at night although I'm pretty sure any war will.  After reading this book, I certainly have an even greater appreciation of our veterans. 

On another note, Sis and her dad just returned from a trip up to the farm to check things out.  As anticipated, her dad gave her water but didn't take any food with him for a hungry girl, and Sis didn't "brunch" much before leaving, so you wanna guess who barfed on her way back home??  She probably got too hot in the way way back of his car, was hungry and thirsty, so she just blew...  Does that really surprise you?  It doesn't me.  Poor girl...maybe one day she'll learn that if I don't go along, the trip's liable to get uggglleeee. Then the minute she hit the door, her dad tattled on her, too.  For shame, for shame.

Tomorrow is blab day and I get to finally tell the secret.  Stay tuned.  I think you're gonna love it.

Oliver....please come back over

Lots going on this morning.  The caretaker at the Farm was to have been out by today but is "running behind" and will be out by noon.  Thank you, Lord.  It's time and good riddance.  He wasn't a bad guy--just lazy as Sister on a cold day.  Time to move on.

Loads of leaves are falling in our front yard, courtesy of two enormous oak trees that drown us in leaves at this time every year.  Yes, we can blow them up today but as we do, more fall, and it's just infuriating, so we'll most likely wait until tomorrow.  I just suggested to the chief leaf blower that he walk outside and get one of the yard guys across the street to blow up ours and just hand them the cash but ohhhhh, nooooo.  OK, FINE.  Have it your way.

I went by to see mom earlier in the week and she was about the same though I suspect she's lost more weight.  My brother bought her these little sippee cups and they work great.  She's always thirsty and I'm guessing that other than meals, the staff forgets to offer her a drink of water during the day even though I've mentioned it to them.  They honestly do the best they can so I can't rag on them too much.  I'm sure it also helps in the diaper change department.

Recent funny:  Hudson had a friend over this week, Oliver, who'd never been over before.  Hud's mom, Nicole, had left all the kids and Oliver, with Hud's dad, Dallas, while she ran to get her haircut.  Late in the afternoon, Dallas was outside putting up a blow up Santa when a lady drove up and said "Hi".  Dallas invited her in and called the kids including Oliver, since his mom was there to pick him up.  Hudson said " Daddy...I need to tell you a secret" and Dallas said "Not now, Hudson".  Hudson said "No, Daddy....I really need to tell you NOW" and he whispered in Dallas's ear "That lady is NOT Oliver's mom".  Dallas looked at Oliver and said "So...this isn't your mom?" and Oliver shook his head, no.  The lady pipes up with "Isn't this 3431" and Dallas said "No, that's next door".  Avery then pipes up with "Awwwkwarddd" and the lady high tails it out the door.  After the door slams, Dallas turns to the kids and says "What just happened here?" and the kids all went to pieces laughing.  See....this is what happens when you leave a dad in charge.  :))))