Cheering For The Home Team!

            Last Saturday morning I made a pot of veggie soup.

Perfect food for an afternoon of watching college football. I got to watch my favorite military college team... Navy! And, they won over Air Force. While I watched, I slurped down a small bowl of soup.. comfort food. That game was a doozy. Back and forth, back and forth. Love them that way.

Then later on I ladled up another bowl of soup to fill me up while I watched my main favorite team! Roll Tide! Go Bama! and they did. It just couldn't have been a better Saturday afternoon! 

I'm about 'souped' out but I'll be ready come next Saturday to heat up the soup pot again and settle down to cheer on my teams! Do you watch college football? 

Glorious October

                          October is here!

Well, actually it's been here 3 days already, came in while I wasn't watching!

So happy for the cooler weather. the hint of fall in the air and dragging out a sweater to wear as I head out this morning. 

QUOTE

"Tomorrow is another day. But, so was yesterday."  

Rene Ricard

A Stop at a Farm Market

 It had been ages since Shirley and I had been to Cracker Barrel for turkey and dressing but yesterday we fixed that mistake!! So glad that the CEO of that establishment came to her senses and got things back like we like them.

While driving home we stopped in a farm market... so cute a place and I bought some goodies.

 I couldn't pass up a tray of huge muscadines. Now, for those of you who are not from the south.... muscadines are wild grapes and are soooo good. Most people don't eat the skins 'cause they are tough but the taste of the pulp and juice is just divine. These were so big....

I also got some sweet potatoes. Love them baked with butter and brown sugar on them. I bought a quart of pickled spiced peaches but those are on hold for the holidays. 

As we parked back at my place Shirley noticed a grape vine growing in a tree by the parking area. It looked weird! By doing a google picture id I found out that a tiny insect called a leafhopper was causing that pretty pattern on that leaf.  I like the look. but, I am sure it isn't healthy for the vine.

I think it just puts you in a different frame of mind to get out and enjoy the sights of a new approaching season. 

Storing Up For Winter

 

Yesterday afternoon I sat down at the table on my balcony and just watched the breeze fluffing the leaves. Some fell, some hung on for dear life. The fountain was going, the water splashing around. I could hear a rustle somewhere and saw a dark object in a nearby tree. 

It was a squirrel. I'd never seen a squirrel in that particular tree. They are usually scampering up and down the pine trees past the driveway, chasing each other out one limb and then another. I grabbed my camera. 

There, evidently, was some sort of nut or seed pod on that tree and he was having himself a feast! I sat and watched him run out a limb, grab something to eat and scoot back to this one spot to munch on it. He did it over and over. Getting fat for the coming winter, I guess.

Gee, I wonder if I can use that as an excuse that when I eat more than I should I can say I am storing up for the wintertime!

A Sad Thought

 

Yes, it's the first day of Fall. We always said Fall but I love saying Autumn. Sounds more lyrical, I guess. 

However you say it just enjoy each golden day. Too soon the cold winds of Winter will be whistling down our chimneys. You know what I mean... I don't even have a chimney! haha

I made a lemon cake the other day. It's been years since I made a cake! And, this one was done in my toaster oven. 

Lemon.... that sounds more summery but I saw the recipe and made it for Michael's birthday recently. It was good.

But, I am trying hard to get sugar outta my life. Lordy, that's hard. Not only sugar but fried foods and a bunch of other stuff that's not good for you. 

Are you on a search for healthier eating?

Got any fav recipes you'd like to share?

On to a sadder subject

I had never really paid attention to the name Charlie Kirk until he was killed. Guess I live under a rock, cause there were a ton of people who knew and loved him.

However, his passing affected me deeply. I spent all yesterday afternoon watching his memorial on tv. And, I cried for Erica and those little kids.

I think the reason why it hurt so much was that Charlie was the same age as my Dad when he got killed (by lightening).

My Dad left a wife he loved beyond anything, a daughter age 8 and me (I was still in my Mother's womb) 

I know what those little kids will go through... not having a Dad. 

The older I get, the more I miss mine. 

I just pray that all the violence against those who think differently than you will stop. 

Chatting and Chewing

 Yesterday we had our monthly Chat and Chew meeting in our lounge. Had the best time! That Chat and Chew was my idea. I just have a hard time conversing in a meaningful way when the room is full of people also conversing!! This group is small, we take down our own lunch and we usually spend 2-3 hours just catching up. 

I have gotten to the age that when you interrupt my train of thought, that thought's done left the building! Can't remember what it was and yesterday I noticed others doing that, too. Guess we all belong to the same club. 

and on to other subjects...........

Son Michael left Sunday morning driving back to Alabama where he lives. I miss him (and his little dog).

 He got home safe and sound. What mother doesn't love hearing that their kid arrived at their destination safe and sound? 

Tuesday morning Shirley told me that Michael was in the hospital. Little stinker didn't let me know... guess he didn't want his Mama to worry. 

It was a severe case of acid reflux that had asperated enough so that some had seeped into one of his lungs. They kept him overnight, gave him a bunch of antibotics and he's fine now.

What was funny about that was.... they asked him when was the last hospital visit he'd had.

Sept 8, 1957, he said.

The day he was born.

That boy has not ever been a patient in a hospital!!

Lordy, I wish I could say that.

3 abdominal surgeries

a tonsilectomy

a breast lumpectomy

2 knee replacements 

and I birthed 5 babies.

Can't say I've never been to a hospital.

My air conditioner/heating unit went kaput while Michael was here. Luckily, we were having cooler days and too, the office brought up a portable air-conditioner for us to use. 

Yesterday I got a new unit installed. Took them all day but now I can stay cool if I want... or when winter gets here I can be toasty warm. 

Take care.

Quote

"We have two ears and one mouth for a reason - to listen twice as much as we speak. So, be a good listener."

Robin Sharma

More Celebrating!

 Another birthday celebration!! 

Yep, same guy. same birthday but 3 days later than the actual day. 

Michael and I drove over to the Eastern Shore... now, if any of you don't know what the 'Eastern Shore' is, it's this: The Chesapeake Bay splits off a slice of Virginia and the long peninsula that is on the east side is known as the Eastern Shore. It's Virginia but separated by a big body of water. 

Any way...Michael's big sister had promised him a seafood lunch as her part of his birthday. She and her hubby are house/dog/grandchild sitting at their daughters house and couldn't join us on his big day (the lunch at the Mexican restaurant). 

They took us to the Island House. What a view. 

Everyone got shrimp but me and I chose a crab cake sandwich. It was soooo good. 

We had a great time. And, Michael got his seafood! 

On another note: I don't know about all of you but I have a difficult time pronouncing worchestershire sauce. To be funny, Michael started calling it 'wash your sister sauce'.  Well, I knew what he meant.... and I thought it was cute. But, then Moms always think their sons are soooo darn cute, I don't care what age they are. 

Ole! Happy Birthday!

 We had a birthday to celebrate yesterday. 68 years ago Michael came into our lives and he's been a blessing ever since. 

He was the cutest baby!.

I treated him to lunch. I let him choose the location (of course, I did... it was his birthday)

We went to La Parilla's Mexican restaurant near my apartment. He was a happy camper. Loved his coconut margarita, his chimichanga, and best of all, the fresh guacamole made at our table. Oh lordy, that stuff was yum. 

We finished eating and he thought he'd escaped the usual noisy song and dance routine a lot of places do for birthday people. 

NOT SO FAST, buddy.

Here they come... a humoungous sombero and singing and they put a swipe of whipped cream on his nose. I loved it! He endured it! And, he had ice cream drizzled with carmel sauce all in a tortilla shell. 

It was just the coolest thing. We had such a great time and I am so happy I got to spend his special day with him 

Sardines and Football...What a weekend!

 Last week my spirits dragged the floor. This Saturday....

Even though Alabama U. played a much less experienced team it was a shot in the arm after we lost to Florida State U. last Saturday. Let's just say, I'm a happy camper!!

I got to watch the game with my son, Michael, who has been a staunch Bama fan since he attended classes there back in the late '70s. That was pretty special.

We two have been talking about a bunch of stuff. One such thing was healthy eating. Sardines came up in the conversation as being a very healthy food and I said I'd never eaten one. The thought just turns my stomach. But, guess what. He went to the grocer, brought some tins back of sardines and I ate one (on a saltine with Texas Pete hot sauce on it) and then I ate another, and then another. Darn, if I don't like the slimey things!! 

Do any of you eat Sardines? If so, how do you prepare them? 

Y'all have a great week ahead.

Chin Hairs?

I saw this graphic and had such a chuckle!!

Man, can I relate. My kids are all gray or getting gray in a hurry. A couple of the daughters color their hair. They'll get over that too one of these days.

But, this made me think about something else. 

You younger girls won't know what I'm talking about but my older blogger buddies will.

Remember when we shaved our legs every day, underarms too.

And, one day suddenly there's no hair to shave.

What happened?

I threw my razor away and was celebrating the fact that I no longer had to put up with that chore.

When.......

There's a whisker on my chin, then another and pretty soon it's a full blown hair waving in the wind. 

Razor time again. 

Durn it! 

That's what happens when you put a few years under your belt. 

 

Projects Galore!

 

September is here! How did that happen? 

Life goes on, doesn't it. 

I am in the midst of a project... seems I always am in the midst of one project or another but I have a great desire to finish this one. 

I've done genealogy for years and years. I had a lot of information that I know my kids are not gonna go through but they are interested in our direct line so............

I am going through my 'stuff' and making a notebook to give each of my children with the 'important' info bullet-listed for them. 

So, yes, I am busy. 

My son arrives on Friday for a visit. He's driving up from Alabama with his sweet little dog, Sadie. I'll be glad to see them. Sadie loves her 'grandma'. 

Michael is my only son so I rely on him a lot for important decisions etc.

A cherry-picker has been on the property for a couple weeks now. Not sure what they are doing. But, this is a 4 story structure and getting new air-conditioners to higher levels, replacing broken shutters etc. that cherry-picker comes in mighty handy. I regularly hear their beep-beep-beep.

                                            Quote for the Day

'Laugh often! It expands your lungs and releases endorphines'.    

                                                                                             Willie Latane Barton 

We Went To REDDs

 Yesterday Shirley and I met at a new restaurant in the town of Windsor, which is about 15 miles from my apartment. Totally new experience. 

                      REDD's SERVICE STATION

It is in an old service station (with the pump still outside) and they serve chicken fingers and Blue Bell ice cream among other things.

I got a chicken sandwich and the meat was tender and tasty. I told Shirley I thought they had Chic-fil-a beat but she would have none of it! That girl is sooooo totally taken with her Chic-fil-a and I am so tired of her taking me there!! I am not in to eating the same stuff time after time.

But, anyway...We had a great time. The music was loud and the people were all chatting away. I usually don't like loud music while I am eating but this was different, somehow. 

There was an old juke box in there...

And, an old coke machine. Shirley got one just for the heck of it. It's such a novelty! It cost her 5 bucks but that once was alright. 

The decor I am not sure about. Industral architecture so the acoustics were bad. There was a huge disco ball and the front end of a car as part of one bench. 

Like I say, it was a new experience!! I want to go back but I bet the next time we gals head out we end up at Chic-fil-a. 

Hanging On For Dear Life.

 No picture, sorry. I was too busy driving to be distracted with a camera. 

But, I was distracted by something that kept me entertained for 3 or so miles as I journeyed down the road. You see, a spider was in the process of spinning a thin line of webbing from the corner of my car door to the edge of my side mirror. He was sitting there right in the middle of this tiny strand of silk.

And, I crank up the engine and take  off. Poor thing... He must have thought the biggest tornado in the world had hit him. I snuck a peek and he had his legs wrapped around that tiny thread for dear life. Once I stopped for a red light, he set out again, spinning away. Light changed and we took off again. He still clung on.

Finally he made it all the way over to the side mirror and quickly disappeared between the mirror and it's frame. Safe at last!! 

You know, I am glad he made it to safety so that I would not be held accountable for the murder of a spider!! 

The Sound of Music

 Talk about boring! There is just nothing going on right now so I guess it's time for another blast from the past. 

My husband got stationed in Bainbridge, Maryland and our family moved into housing situated just outside the base's back gate. On top of the hill behind us sat a Baptist Church and I started attending services there.

There's always a big turnover anytime there's military involved so one day the pastor told me that the organist had moved away with her Navy husband. He knew I had played the piano some years before so he asked me if I would take up her position.

I'd never plalyed an organ before. never had lessons (and yes, it is different than a piano). Scared the bee-gee-bees outta me but I said I'd give it a try. I'd go in off-times and practice and got to where I could do a fair job with all the keys and the foot pedals and stuff. 

I was soon playing for the Sunday morning service.

Well.... I got to church one Sunday morning. We had guests attending service that day.... the BIG BOSS.... the base commander and his wife. That made me a little nervous. 

People were already filling in the pews when I went up and sat down at the organ. I opened the hymnal to the opening music, positioned my hands over the keys and hit the first chord. It was like a bomb had gone off ... the volume was so loud. My face turned bright red, I glanced at the Commander and gave a weak little grin. 

Seems that when the caretaker was doing his weekly cleaning he'd pushed the volume pedal to full volume. I prayed that the floor would just open up and let me drop through but I fixed the problem and we started our first hymn. 

Hey, I lived through it and now it's a funny memory to pass on to others. But, I tell you.... it was not funny when it happened!!

When my husband retired from the Navy and we moved to Alabama to live, I got me an organ and played it all I wanted to.... and I never forgot the volume pedal either!!

QUOTE

"I would rather have the bravery to try something and then fail than never to have tried at all."

                                                    Robin Sharma 

A Great 'Sunday Morning'

 As usual, on a Sunday Morning, I tuned into CBS's 'Sunday Morning'.

In the world of television with all it's various opinions, reality shows which are NOTreality at all and the stupid sit-coms, 'Sunday Morning' is a breath of fresh air. 

I really miss Charles Karault but Jane Pauley is 'growing on me'. 

I learn so many interesting things by watching that show. it's just good, basic facts which is rare to find these days.

Take that Silicon Valley exec who had a stroke. It left him mute and paralysized from neck down. Most people would just give up. But, this guy is playing cards, writing song lyrics and connecting with his grandchildren all through robotics. Amazing!

And, the strange little buildings in southern Italy with roofs made of layered stone (nothing holding the stones in place). Well, I wouldn't want to go inside (it might cave in) but what a unique idea. I wonder why they started building them like that... 

We lived in Hawaii for a short period of time. And, I left there with a plumeria lei around my neck. I found out on ;Sunday Morning' that due to farm land in Hawaii being gobbled up with urban sprawl and the environment changes, Hawaii has a shortage of blossoms to produce those beautiful leis. As things do, that craft is evolving into using more stable items such as shells, bark etc. instead of the flowers. A way of life is disappearing there as everywhere else. 

I wonder if you are still curious about the world, if you still love to learn things and too, if you are concerned about the amount of false information we are being exposed to? 

I don't think we should ever stop being like a child, with open eyes, open heart and open mind. 

a Trip To The ER

                        

              What's with getting to see a doctor these days? 

I mean, I have a GP I love but if I have something come up that I need attention to, I get sent to the Emergency Room! Seems the only time I see my GP (general practicener)n anymore is on scheduled wellness visits. 

I've been having some issues (we don't have to discuss which ones (grin). It started with the gall bladder attack and progressed further down, if you know what I mean. I called for an appt. to my gastroentologist and it's mid October before I can see her. So, that's when I called the GP.... 

Now, I am not a big fan of Emergency Rooms. So, I was resisting going big time... 

Enter my daughter, Shirley... Came down for lunch and as soon as she heard me whining about the doctor situation, she said 'Get your things. We are going to the ER.' and so we did.

After numerous tests it turns out that I am very healthy (as they say, 'for my age') Don't you just hate that!! 

But, the point I want to make is this. I am very independent. May be why I am so healthy, who knows, right? But, I have taken care of people my whole life. I've gone through raising teen age sisters-in-law (twins), raising my own 4 kids, ten years of caring for my aging mother and then another ten years caring for my husband who had Alzheimers. 

And, I have been a stinker about that independent thing up until recently. As much as I try to remain independent, deep down inside me is the cry for someone to please just take care of me!

                   for listening to me whine! 

May He Rest In Peace

 It's Sunday!

A day of worship although we should be worshiping God in every way, every day.

I thought I'd post a picture of a historic church near where I live. It's St. Luke's in Smithfield, Virginia.

I have been there several times. When I first discovered that church, I felt a connection. Little did I know, at that time, that my 9th great-grandfather was buried in the chancel of that church, in front of the pulpit. 

St. Luke's was built in 1623, making it the oldest church in the state of Virginia and the oldest Gothic church in the United States. My ancestor, Joseph Bridger, was given much acknowledgement for the important contribution he made in completing the Church.

Oh, the story does not end there...

In 2007 descendents of Joseph Bridger gave the Smithsonian permission to unearth some of Bridger's bones in order to study why he may have died.

He was supposedly one of the richest men in Colonial Virginia. So, Joseph (well, at least part of him) traveled to Washington D. C. and he underwent extensive testing. Seems he died of lead poisoning, his body containing 7 times the amount of lead that would have been found in a corpse this day and time. He was rich, he ate off of pewter plates, drank out of pewter mugs and the lead from those articles leaked into his system and killed him.

Joseph bones were brought back to St. Luke's and he was laid to rest where he had always been. 

That's pretty cool, isn't it? Leastwise, I thought so! I'm so proud that so many of my ancestors were involved in the making of this country. 

This week's ups and downs

 This week has been interesting. Day before yesterday I got this pain in my side just under my ribs. Before long it had included my stomach and back. Man, it hurt! Then I was bloated, gassy, nauseauous. 

I've known for some time I've had gallstones and those suckers finally dealt me fits! I never want that to happen again. So, I'm making some changes to my diet and incorporating some new techniques to help keep my gall badder healthy. Who knew that small little thing sitting beneath your liver was so important! 

Anyway, I'm feeling much better this morning. Hope all of you are doing super. 

I am counting down to college football time. College football has changed a lot and I am not as big of a fan as i once was but I am so sick of watching the same ole tv that having football back for awhile would be a welcome treat!      ROLL TIDE!

I've noticed just lately that I am slowing down a good bit. Guess it's time. So, I am getting pickier about what I put my energy to. 

Well, I guess I'll get off here and go do nothing! 

An 'Arresting' Time

 So, I've not been on here for a few days. Been tied up. Or handcuffed up!! A good looking policeman 'arrested' me for starting a riot....

There's more to the story!!

It was National Night Out last Tuesday. Our apartment complex always participates and a good time was had by all.

National Night Out, in case you don't know, is held once a year where the First Responders meet with various groups in communities throughtout the U. S. in a effort to promote better connection and understanding between law enforcement and the public. 

We had a cookout with all the yummy food associated with a grill! There were over 75 in attendance. The Firemen arrived first,came roaring up our drive in a huge ladder truck. They are here on a regular basis... false alarms, people falling, disputes (although that's seldom) and to check our fire safety procedures. They are a great bunch of guys. 

A part of the crowd trappsied out to get their picture taken in front of the firetruck.

Then the police arrived, one office driving the forces brand-new mustang patrol car!

Isn't that thing a dandy!! 

I  wouldn't mind getting arrested if I could take a ride in that beauty. Of course, if those handsome officers were my arresting officers, that would be a big plus! 

We had such a great time. There was a DJ playing '80s music, great food, a lot of yakking going on and the 'eye candy' wasn't bad either!