Next Year, I want to be...

Tonight has been a fun night for us just watching the trick-or-treaters coming and going. I decorated the foyer with purple Halloween things, plus I had a lighted pumpkin, a lighted ghost, and a pumpkin head that opened its mouth to share its gummi bears. Around 6:00 PM, the children started coming. We enjoyed seeing brides, Cinderella, clowns, Jessy (from Toy Story II), Dracula, Pumpkin Baby, Frog Baby, Laura and Mary from "Little House on the Prairie", etc.. I enjoyed seeing the moms and dads too. Some of them had to have a treat too, right Jim and John? Then came my 2 grandchildren: Clay was Dash from the "Incredibles", and, Livvy was Pocahontas, complete with the moccasins, beads and hairpiece. They were absolute dolls!! In fact, all of them were so excited about the annual event and so cute! I can't wait to see some of the photos that Kendra took of them tonight.
Clay and Livvy had to ride their "motorcycles" before they could go anywhere else to trick or treat. They think they are grown when they can get out there and ride by themselves. (Of course, we are watching them constantly.) Clay is so cute when he pulls his trike up on its back wheels, looks up grinning and says, "Look! I'm a cowboy...YeeHaw!" If you want to enjoy these pictures too, just go to Kendra's site. I'm sure she will have plenty posted.
Now, the question is, what will I choose to be next year that can top this year's costume? They all seem to get better every year, more authentic looking and more sophisticated. Well, we'll just forget about it and move on to the next holiday. Oh, and by the way, does anyone want any left-over candy? I have about 2 pounds left in the bags but would surely add more than 2 pounds to me if I ate it. Maybe I should ask all the children to return tomorrow night and let's have a repeat performance!

Building Memories in Minutes

Tonight was a great night for a Halloween celebration! At Robyn's house, we had a dozen folks to decorate the trunks of their vehicles for the little trick-or-treaters. Some trunks were scary (Dracula); some were heartwarming (Raggedy Ann and Andy); some were movie-oriented (Wizard of Oz); some were contemporary (Shreik); and, some were traditional (with pumpkins, ghosts, scarecrows, and lots of candy). Personally, I prefer the traditional with the lighted jack-o-lanterns, and many of the children seemed to enjoy those nostalgic decorations, too. The hayride through the woods was a real treat for young and old alike. (People living in the city just don't realize what they are missing when activities such as these are going on). The amazing thing is the ones who planned the activities were young moms and dads who want to continue the traditional Halloween practices. Tomorrow night I look forward to seeing the little ones dressed up in their costumes and paying us a call. They really don't seem to be interested so much in the treat as they are in hearing the adults "ooh and aah" over their costumes and pretending they don't recognize them. For an hour's masquerading, these little ones bring days of wonderful memories to their loved ones. And the children think they are the ones receiving the sweet treats? Personally, I beg to differ! I love these "memory builders"!

A Fair Day for a Fair

Today was our annual town Street Fair and the Baptist Women of our church sponsored a booth with many different crafts that the ladies made. Now, I am not a craftsy person at all, but I must tell you that we have several members who really are quite talented! Mary made wreaths and swags; Valinda made beautiful lighted Christmas decorations; Sylvia made aprons, push toy ducks for little children, and purses; Millie made little children's purses; Reda made aprons ; Pat made red boas and jewelry boxes; and several of us made the cookie mix jars. Then we had baked goods to sell also. We were pleased that we made a total of $853. 10! That will be used to assist us with local missions. The weather was great for the Fair. Now, I'm a bit tired due to the long day (but it was worth it).
Tomorrow, we get ready for Halloween by having a "spooky" Hayride through a wooded area, "trick or trunk", then a hotdog dinner for the children and the grownup children as well. I must say that my diet has gone by the wayside! In fact, I may as well forget the idea until after the holiday season, BUT, the big problem is that my clothes are not growing with me! And I refuse to buy bigger ones. Okay, Monday, I will get serious!! I will get serious!...I will get...I will... (Does anyone want my leftover Halloween candy? I know there will be too much of a good thing!)

Operation Christmas Child

I read another blog today which was thinking about Christmas before Halloween. It made me realize that it's okay to think about the season any time of the year, especially since that is the time of year that we tend to give more freely, act happier, communicate with our loved ones more, and act like we feel better in every way. It reminded me of my major task today which really was a pleasure and that was to fill a shoe box. Have you ever tried to fill a shoe box with something other than shoes? After today, I can tell you that the box holds much, much more than one would expect. Elsie and I went to Wally World today to buy things for Franklin Graham's Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse. If you are not familiar with this project, it's a way of helping children who are or have been affected by natural disaster, wars, poverty, or some other hurtful experience. Folks are asked to fill a shoe box with items that would make a child happy at Christmas. We are to decide on the age and sex of a child for which we wish to purchase gifts. These items can be toys, school supplies, clothing, hygiene items, snacks, etc. Once filled, the boxes are delivered to a collection location where they are then dispersed all over the world. A check for $5.00 is to be included in the box to defray costs of shipping and handling. What a wonderful mission! We purchased some items in each category; yet, there is room for much more, so tomorrow I will purchase additional items. If you include your name and address, the child who receives your shoe box may write you. Isn't it amazing how such a small item can bring such a world of happiness to a child? And one of my favorite things to do that makes me happy is to give to others, at least in the small way that I can afford to do so.

Let's Call it "Easy Thursday"

Another beautiful Thursday is upon us. I recall when we lived in Oklahoma City. I was a post graduate student and an instructor at The University of Oklahoma at that time when undergraduates had a special name for Thursdays. I don't recall the exact term they used, something similar to "Easy Thursday" or some such thought. Students would not go to class; instead, they would spread their blankets on the lawn. You could watch them studying, reading, talking with a friend, or just lying peacefully looking up at the heavens. My understanding from some of them was that Thursday was the day of the week that you could take it easy, reflect on life, ideals, or other non-violent thoughts. I thought at the time, what a waste of valuable time but, now that I reflect on the practice, I believe that having a day to use in this manner was good, not only for the student but for the world. If you recall the mid- to late 70's, the Vietnam War was over, the gas shortage had passed, inflation seemed to be improved and people seemed generally happier and more relaxed. Maybe if we used today to stop and enjoy life's sweetness, the wonderful gifts from God, then maybe we would have a happier rest of the day and a brighter tomorrow. I'm willing to give it a try... Okay, Recliner, here I come!

Make Mine Real!

It's so nice to have friends who call you early in the morning and wake you up to ask you to go eat breakfast with them. That's what my good buddy, Rosie Posie, did this morning. I'm neither a morning person nor an early morning breakfast person. I prefer to stay up late and sleep in as late as I want then have a mid-morning breakfast. Rosie is not that way, however. Because she is a good friend, I did forfeit my late morning dream time and joined her at the restaurant where she was waiting wearing a big smile. Me? I was just wearing whatever I could jump into the fastest so that I could drag myself to the booth where I was greeted with, "Good morning. The waitress is making us a fresh pot of decaf!!" Decaf? I can't even see the cup to drink from it and she fills it with decaf? Actually, that's what the doc made me promise to drink. In fact, when I had my last heart-skipping trip, Doc made me raise my right hand and repeat after him: "I, Hardhead, do promise never to order caffeinated coffee again." That is the honest truth and I repeated that after him that day. Now, he didn't say that my dear friend couldn't order me just one little cup, did he? So, what's with the decaf? Anyway, after my eyes adjusted to the light, my nose to the sizzling of bacon on the grill, and my ears to the clinking of mugs and the chattering of old retired men sitting around the bar, I really enjoyed my visit and my breakfast. We should make this a weekly ritual, Rosie, rather than a monthly, spur-of-the-moment outing. After all, those old guys hanging around there can be seen any given morning of the week. (I understand that is the highlight of their day.) What is better than a good friend, a good conversation, and a good meal to start your day? Well, maybe a good cup of Java wouldn't hurt too much either.

Today's Events with My Addendum

I just read Kendra's blog and she was saying how many hits she was getting on her blog and where they were from. I like for folks to read mine too and make comments. If you don't have a blog and want to comment, just click on annonymous and it will allow you to comment.
Today 3 of my church buddies and I made cookie mix to sell at the Fall Street Fair. That was a lot of fun for us working as a team. The ingredients I bought last week turned out to be about the right amount; that is, except for the flour. I had over 1 bag too much. We made an assembly line of the ingredients and Frannie and I were the only 2 that had flour all over us! The best part was going out to eat together afterward.
Later this afternoon, Don asked me if I would be home tonight or if I had a meeting ( I have somewhere to go so many nights it seems). Well, I said that I would be home tonight with him. No sooner had I said the words,"yes, I'll be home", and the phone rang. It was Kendra calling to remind me of a sorority meeting tonight. That was the end of my staying home tonight, and last night, and tomorrow night, and Thursday night. I'm not thinking about Friday yet but with the Street Fair, I will probably be home getting ready for that. So, my word to you is if you have an opportunity to stay at home and enjoy your significant other, take it because even after you retire, you can still stay on the run. BUT, go while you can too because one day you may be forced to sit home every night and just look at each other. (You could talk if you can hear each other, hold hands if arthritis doesn't get jealous, or dance if you can hold each other up). Most of all, you can smile and show your love for each other through that old sparkle in your eyes that never seems to lose its luster. (Now, I am far from this time in my life, but I've seen it in my parents and what a blessing that was for me to enjoy!)

There's Good; there's Bad; And, Then There's Flan!

Today has been another interesting one. First, I had these aching feeling and was wheezing a lot. I decided to sleep much of the day away (that is, after I returned from Curves; I can't miss my social club!) I finally decided to go see my favorite doctor and he said I have a bad case of bronchitis (he said I am not contagious though). He gave me an antibiotic, cough medicine and albuterol for my wheezing and told me to watch for signs of pneumonia (which is also not contagious). Well, that was the bad news.
Now, for the good news: we received a phone call from friends from Pennsylvania who were coming over for a brief visit. So, tonight, we went out to eat Mexican with them and 2 other couples from home. All of us camp together in Florida during the winter. She, Flo, has cancer and has been going through treatments for several years but is an inspiration to all of us. She never seems to be depressed and her optimism puts us all to shame! She can only be away for a few weeks at the time due to the treatments. The guys had a great time teasing each other as always. I think the most fun they had tonight was making me drive under Sam's carport when we got back to his house so that he couldn't get in with his car! That meant that when we were ready to go home, my car was moisture-free and his had lots of dew on it!
The guys also made fun of the girls because we decided we wanted to try the flan after our meal. What is that stuff anyway? It looks like butterscotch pudding turned upside down out of cupcake wrapper colored water poured over it. But the taste? Well, it didn't have any! Nada! Someone fill me in. What is this supposed to taste like? Does it have any calories? I don't think it could have. Oh, the bottom was a little burned so we know that it had seen a stove. Yet, it was ice cold! I will not try it again anytime soon. Maybe next time I will try the sopapilla or the chocotaco! Chocolate anything has to be good!

Halloween in the Yard

Today has been a day of "Let's do nothing". Football games received most of my attention, what with Oklahoma winning in second overtime and LSU winning in first OT (I had no favorite here), games went on very late. And then I noticed that Chicago won the first Series game (I have not chosen a favorite yet. Maybe someone out there can convince me of the team I should support.
I decided to display some Halloween stuff in the yard for the grandkids to enjoy, so I worked at that this afternoon. Do you know that when they came over, they really didn't care about them. I asked Livvy if she liked my pumpkins, and she said, "NO!" Well, I thought they were cute until Clay decided he liked them better turned around backwards or lying on their sides. Ahhh...but I did have one thing in the foyer that Livvy liked: a pumpkin head full of gummies! So much for decorating the yard!!

Halloween in the Yard

Today has been a day of "Let's do nothing". Football games received most of my attention, what with Oklahoma winning in second overtime and LSU winning in first OT (I had no favorite here), games went on very late. And then I noticed that Chicago won the first Series game (I have not chosen a favorite yet. Maybe someone out there can convince me of the team I should support.
I decided to display some Halloween stuff in the yard for the grandkids to enjoy, so I worked at that this afternoon. Do you know that when they came over, they really didn't care about them. I asked Livvy if she liked my pumpkins, and she said, "NO!" Well, I thought they were cute until Clay decided he liked them better turned around backwards or lying on their sides. Ahhh...but I did have one thing in the foyer that Livvy liked: a pumpkin head full of gummies! So much for decorating the yard!!

"Do you know? We don't know"

It's really interesting how many people "don't know" things they probably should know. For example, yesterday, my friend, Elsie, and I went to Wally World to purchase a lot of ingredients to make cookie mixes for the local Street Fair. Neither of us were any good at trying to figure out how many bags of flour to buy to get 38.5 cups. We had to use a calculator to do some figuring. Not being a cook, I even had problems just finding the ingredients in the store, much less how much to buy when I did locate it. Who buys things in such bulk anyway?? We won't know until Tuesday if we actually bought too much or too little of everything. Elsie wanted to just feel the bags of chocolate chips and M & M's to see if she could determine if there were 3 cups in a bag. I didn't exactly agree with that notion but it made her happy to do it that way, so we shall see. (Glad there are grocery stores nearby if we have to get more). Then we needed to purchase wide-mouthed quart jars for the cookie mixes. The clerk in that section didn't know if they had any without looking. They didn't, so she said no one would have them now since people didn't can things in October! (What do I know? I thought you could use jars for holding more than canned tomatoes, green beans, etc. We still have some grapes coming in and there are delicious apples coming in now in the mountains. Can you use jars for jelly and jam?) Anyway, we did find plenty at a local grocery store.
Then I had to purchase new floor mats for my new vehicle. I found some that said they fit trucks and SUV's but didn't indicate if they would fit compact or large sizes. Of course, the clerk in that section didn't know either. When I asked if there was a catalog that indicated the ones suitable, he didn't know if there was such a thing. Fortunately, we had a tape measure and we did it the old-fashioned, but accurate, way. (Old-fashioned still works, too!). The clerk thought we were crazy to take the time to do that. He said "Buy them and bring them back if they don't fit!" Why should I do that when the vehicle is parked less than 200 yards away?
Needless to say, we had a fun time laughing at ourselves and others too. Can't wait to see if we did "know something!"
(PS The mats worked and looked GREAT!)

"Somewhere around what??"

After two pretty busy days, I am back on the air. I have to share the following experience with you. I have been looking for a different vehicle to tow behind our motorcoach for some time. I knew I didn't want to invest a lot nor did I want a new, "loaded" vehicle, but I did want a small SUV. (I wanted something we could sightsee in and have better vision than you do in a small car. Well, I stopped by a used car lot on Tuesday. They had lots of used SUV's that looked really good. So, I started looking around at them when a salesman (I use that term loosely) came by to help me. I asked him about the prices, ages, mileage, etc. on several of the small SUV's. With each one, he would say, "somewhere around xx$", never an exact figure. I spotted a really cute Toyota RAVA 4 which I asked him about. I asked the year; he said, "I don't know"; I asked the mileage; he said, "I don't know"; I asked the price and of course, he said, "I don't know". I then asked him if it was for sale. Do you know, he said, "I don't know!" I asked him why it was even on the lot. (What I really wanted to ask him was why HE was on the lot?) He did say "I will find out". We continued to look at other vehicles. I then asked him to find out the cost of that Toyota I liked so much. He opened a file drawer, shut it, and said, "somewhere around $17,000!" Needless to say, I left and headed for a different car lot where I hoped someone might know something. I may have made a mistake not asking for the owner but by the time all of these things happened I was too tired to continue...I don't know!!
I did go on to another dealer and made a deal on another small SUV which I like and hope that I made a good deal. I thought we were both getting a relatively good deal, and the salesman did know the year, mileage, condition, warranty balance... and the price! Naturally, I didn't pay his first price, BUT, I did pay "somewhere around my decided price!"

Some Days are like Fairy Tales, others like Nightmares

We returned from the beach yesterday afternoon after having a wonderful time. We met my sister and her husband at a shopping center and went crazy finding "good deals" (that we couldn't live without, of course). Then, we went out to eat at a really nice restaurant to help them celebrate their anniversary. Don and I spent a lot of time just riding our bikes and talking to fellow RVers. You really meet some neat folks camping and you meet some folks who really have a different lifestyle that seems weird to us (We probably seem weird to them too). We met a fellow from West Virginia who was camping alone because his wife doesn't like to camp. Actually, he was planning to fish most of his trip. And, then, we met another couple who lives in their RV full time. The strange part of this is that they breed dogs in their RV!! I think they had 8 puppies and a couple of dogs living with them. The guy said that he sells them for about $250 per dog, and he uses that cash for his fuel money. I don't know if he comes out that much better in the long run but he thinks he does. Just think of the mess in there! Wow, that is not our bag! We can't see retiring and following along behind 8 or more dogs picking up their "left-overs". What a nightmare!!
After returning home and parking the RV, we were unloading the dirty clothes, etc, and I looked out toward the back yard in the trees and I saw 2 little children coming down the path! And, they were alone! It reminded me of Hansel and Gretel going to Grandma's house. Well, they came on up to the house and still no Mommy or Daddy! (Is this a fairy tale?) I was beginning to worry when Mommy came around the corner smiling like a cheshire cat because she had told them they could come to our house but they were to come straight here. She was hiding in the trees watching their every movement because she is a very "protective" mommy. They were so cute!!! And, they are growing up so fast. I really miss them when we are gone but I enjoy getting their "sugars" when I get home! I don't think I could ever go full-time RVing because I love being near my family too much.

"Blowing in the Wind"

After running several errands, we are ready to head toward the beach. I had to get a haircut this morning before leaving. My beautician laughed and said the back of my head looked like a
"chicken's rear end after the wind had run through it"! I'm not sure what kind of "wind" she was referring to, but the comment was really a side-splitter! Man, I love life!! God has been so good to me. My heart is skipping along normally due to the new medicine and the doc's God-given knowledge. So, now, off we go. Catch you again the first of next week. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Think "Thankful"

Today has been quite hectic but a fine day; why? Well, because every day we have is a fine day and second, because I received an okay report from the cardiologist this afternoon. He feels that my medication was not strong enough to take care of my problems so he changed 3 of them to something he thinks will work better. My heart was still skipping but not running away as it was yesterday. So, we will be heading to the beach tomorrow and returning Sunday or Monday. (The blog will probably not be updated until Monday upon our return). I was warned to find the nearest ER at the beach should I have trouble again but he really thinks I will be fine.
Now, what else has happened today to make it a fine day? First, my brother-in-law was hospitalized yesterday but was able to come home tonight, a great reason to call it a fine day (Now, if he, Marcus, and my sister, Cornelia, can just catch up on their rest); (2) I was able to go to Curves this morning and work out with no pain (at least no more than usual from my panting while exercising); (3)our heating system was not working and we expected a big bill but when it was checked today, a spider had built its huge web in a place that caused the heat not to come on. The web was removed and everything is fine!; (4) One of my best friends, Frannie, was so excited because she saw a video of her newest granddaughter calling her "Nana"; (5) my grandson in Qitmo is settling into his new assignment there in Cuba and adjusting to the change all right; and, (6) all my children are doing fine today, well and happy with good jobs, etc.. So you see, we can turn any day into a fine day if we stop and take the time just to think "thankful".

On the Road Again? Well...Maybe

We are planning a trip to beach for a few days on Thursday while the children house-sit, that is, if I get a clean bill of health tomorrow. It seems that my little ticker wanted to tick to its own rhythm this afternoon so I spent a couple of hours with the doctor. After an EKG, an exam, and a discussion about whether to let me come home or be admitted to the hospital for additional blood work and tests, I was allowed to come home. However, my cardiologist is to call in the morning and schedule me to come for a visit. Depending on whether I receive a positive outcome, I plan to be "on the road again." If not, well, I will do the best I can until I hear that powerful "GO" word; then the motor coach will be ready to hit the pavement! "

Everyone's Getting My Number!

An interesting and quite humorous thing happened to me today. I was going down to my sister and brother-in-law's, Cornelia and Marcus, and planned to take them lunch. You may recall, in an earlier blog, I mentioned that my daughter said my hearing was much less than desirable. Well, after today, she isn't the only one who feels this way. I decided to call Elizabeth's Pizza before leaving home and order salads and pizza for our lunch. Well, an Hispanic answered the phone and I placed my order and gave him my name; however, he didn't want my name. Instead, he wanted to give me a number so here is the conversation (I think):
Cashier:"Here is your number for the order: number ??? one"
Me: "number what?"
Cashier: "Here is your number: number ???one"
Me: "My number is what?"
Cashier: "Your number is: ???one"
Me: "I'm sorry. again please, my number is what?
Cashier: "Your number..(Pause)..."
Me: "My number is?"
Cashier: "ONE!!!! YOUR NUMBER IS ONE!"
That was so funny, that my hubby, Don almost fell off the stool listening to my end of the conversation and when I told him the guy changed my number to just plain "one" he really did crack up!!! When I picked up the order, sure enough, he had marked through the number 31 and replaced it with Plain old Number"ONE!

Hip...Hip...Hooweeee!

What an unusual Sunday this has been! No nap and no Nascar race to watch (Keni was watching a movie). A good thing was that I was able to see Frannie's new grandchild, Gwen, from China, and Karen and Scott, the proud parents. She is so petite and cute! Then Keni and I lay in the floor and worked on a project while the kiddies took their afternoon naps. Now, I am very padded but lying in the floor, even on carpet... left my hips quite sore! It would have been worse had we stayed on the floor longer than the 2 hours that we did work. The pain made me remember the lyrics to the song, "I got a gal named 'Bony Maroni'"... I was able to still get up, very slowly and with a lot of sound effects! And while we worked, Don reclined in his chair and napped all the way through "The Last of the Mohicans". Later, the grandchildren joined us and they wanted to play in the yard. Clay told me, "You be careful of Copper Snakes, Ma Boo!" I asked, "what must I do if I see a Copper Snake?'. He pointed his little finger at me and said, "You run away and tell Mommy and Daddy." I was glad to see that he has learned his lesson well. And Livvy is becoming the little "mommy" sometime. She kept telling Clay to "be careful" when he was riding his tricycle. He loves to ride it and then wreck it in the grass. I hope to get a digital camera for my birthday, then I will learn how to put photos on my blog. I also hope that I can write a more interesting blog for anyone who likes to read my just for fun posts. (This is my version of a journal.)

Dangers of Loafing with the Laddies

Yesterday included a variety of activities for me. First, Elsie and I went to WallyWorld where we shopped for the grandkids, of course, then later I went to a Scrapbooking Get-together at Valinda's. This was a fun time despite the heavy rains which made all of us feel heavy yet hungry! My daughter, Kendra, and my nieces, Natalie, Teresa & Betsy were there too. Some of them do extraordinary scrapbooking pages while I do the not-so-creative ones. The best laughs we enjoyed were over archaic photos dating back to the 1940's and 50's, some of which they thought I should be able to identify immediately. Yes, I was the oldest present but everything is not easily recognizable although sometimes I have an easier time identifying those types than I do ones from the more recent trips to Texas and Nova Scotia! (Wonder why that is??) Then, to top it all off, Keni suggests that I need a hearing aid! Wow! Just because I say "huh" frequently doesn't mean I need an aid, well, maybe not a little one that fits in the ear. Maybe I just need to be around these "alert Laddies" and let them aid me by repeating. It reminds me of MeMa and Granddaddy who always thought all young people "mumbled" because they didn't move their lips! (They often read lips) Granddaddy used to say that Victor on "The Young & the Restless" was the worst "mumbler" of all. You know, now I think he was right!! Oops! Am I finally agreeing?? Oh, nooooooooooo! Laugh, you Laddies!!

"Is this a Dream? Or, Are These Boots Meant for Walking?"

Today was my weigh-in day with Weight Watchers and I was not looking forward to that experience since I have only been maintaining but not losing. Evidently, this weigh-in was on my subconscious mind last night because I ran all night! I was so tired this morning that I felt that I couldn't even go to Curves and work out plus I knew I had to have lost 5 pounds during the night and wouldn't need to exert myself. So, I trudged to the scales huffing and puffing all the way (because I was tired from all that running, you see). Goodness!! The scales must be wrong! They didn't move, not a tenth! I thought, maybe if I went on to Curves as I should, those 5 lbs. would stay there. Lo and behold, they followed me home! So when I went to WW tonight, I weighed exactly the same as last time! Then, to top off the evening, I learned that I must have gained weight in my foot too because when I got into the Miata and tried to put the car in Reverse, it refused! I thought, I must be more gentle...nope, that didn't work. After several tries, I got home without having to run the 2 miles. My hubby checked the car out and discovered that the clutch is gone!! Now, I just had to replace a transmission, a tie rod, and emission control in my 2001 car and now this?? Speaking of being "on the run", do dreams come true? As Cher would sing, Are these "Boots" meant for walking?
(Start walking, Boots)

"For Better or Worse...hmm, I see"

Today has been an interesting one. I hurried to get to the optometrist, why, I don't know since I had to wait 55 minutes to be seen by him and then he was not ready for the likes of me. He had an emergency before I arrived and another while I was there. Anyway, the good news and the bad news is that my vision has improved but my eyes are worse! I thought, "Okay, go figure!! The good news: It seems that my lens are now too strong; the bad news is I need new lens. The other bad news is that my vision has improved. Bad? Well, it means that I have cataracts that are growing, maybe not to the point of needing surgery. We don't know that yet since we didn't have time to dilate the pupils and take a look today. Anyway, with the better comes the worse and with the worse comes the better...hmm, I see, I think?

A Stitch in Time

Well, this is my very first blog and I really don't know what I am doing other than keeping my mind busy! My body has been quite busy today also in that I am trying...I said, TRYING... to lose weight! However, this is very difficult for a 66-year-old who has a heart condition, loves to eat great-tasting food, and would much rather be just a plain couch potato.
The good news is that I have begun walking every day, to the tune of 2-3 miles, not all at once, mind you, but during the course of a day. During one of my "breaks" today, my 2 sweet grandchildren, Clay and Livvy, came running in the house and told me they had seen a "copper snake"! Being quite fearful of any kind of snake (even rubber ones), I was appalled. After they left, I still had another half mile to walk to make my 3 miles' journey. Talk about making that walk quickly, I definitely made a "stitch in time"!! (I also made a "stitch in my side!!!)