This and That

Hello everyone!

I'm back home for a few days so I have the opportunity to pause, to sit down, and blog...

Some of my thoughts:

* I'm HAPPY to be home but I do miss my adorable little grandsons!  I will be back with them this Sunday afternoon.  We have a new plan...I will drive to my daughter's after church and help out each Sunday evening through Wednesday noonish.  Then back home for the second half of the week.  It's a good way to wean myself off their care and get back into my regular life.   I will be home for the weekend to hang with hubby, and to get to church.

The grandboys seem to still have some reflux issues and are often fussy after having a bottle.  That's a bit frustrating.  The main goal these days is to get them content during their wakeful times.  Until then, it's a dance/challenge/work to keep them from crying.  Their eyes are focusing well now, but they haven't figured out how to use their hands and can not sit up on their own.  With a bit more time and maturity,  they will be able to play better.  That will help.

I have said this already:   I now know that having twins is more than DOUBLE the work!  Rarely are both napping at the same time for any length of time to get anything else done.  It's tough on my daughter.  No down time.   When I think back on having one infant, it seems like a breeze compared to constantly tending to two. 

* The upcoming Olympics.  Are you excited about them?  I think I am more worried than excited.  The South Korean location concerns me.  The world politics scare me.

So much has come out on abuse - steroids, other performance drugs, and now sexual - all to WIN.  Is winning worth that??     In life, is winning the be all, end all?? 

*  Speaking of politics... was I?   lol      I debated whether or not to watch last night's State of the Union address.  I usually do watch each year, regardless of who is the president.  But, I ended up turning off the TV and not watching any of it.  In general, the State of the Union Address has become a 'show' and I have gotten really tired of all the applause - and I don't like the 'pawns' (people invited to sit in the balcony) to make a point.

More than anything though, this president has shown how low he can go, and how when NOT reading a teleprompter, he reveals his true colors.  I don't believe anything he says.  And... even then, what he says goes against my beliefs.  From the beginning I have been offended by the "Make America Great Again" slogan.  1.  American IS great!   2.  Every era has good and bad issues.   3.  The slogan sounds pompous... sounding like we are ONLY concerned about America, and not the people in other countries.  With communication and technology today, we are a GLOBAL world!  We need each other. We should CARE about the good of all, everywhere.

I still believe a President should be a role model.  He is NOT!  He is embarrassing. Our poor youth have so few honorable people to look up to anymore.  Wait. I take that back.  They do... those who give back, and those who use respect in words and actions.   Again, our president is NOT that type of man.    I believe we need to stress that politics should not just be about personal financial gains... it is so much more! It is working together to help everyone together.  To give equality... in the workplace, in the health world, in nature. It's reaching out - and doing it because it is RIGHT to do.

*  2018.  Sometimes I am surprised it's a new year.  We have lots planned in the months ahead.  The highlight:  our 2nd daughter's wedding!   It will be in October.  A beautiful time of year here (as long as no hurricanes come around!?!  eeek!)   She said yes to a dress a few weeks ago.  A venue has been picked. We have the pastor...the wedding party is picked.  Things are moving along!   It will be beautiful!

Also this year:  the CMA Festival in June.  Of course!!  The annual Lakeside week, which will also be a celebration/bachelorette time for my niece - she is getting married in January.  August will bring my daughter's bachelorette weekend. 

*  This is  the award show season!  Do you have a favorite?   Have you seen any of the nominated movies?  I have not.  What did you think about the music at the Grammy's?   Is it just me, or does it seem that rap has taken over the Grammy show?  I also wonder if there still is a genre called "pop" or "contemporary".   It's rap, soul, country (yeah) - at least during the televised show.

* Hubby just had surgery to have a bicep tendon reattached to the bone.  Thankfully he didn't need rotator cuff work.  I hope this surgery will end his constant pain.  He has lived with it a long time.  I have discovered A LOT of people have had shoulder surgery!  Since posting about my hubby I have heard from SO MANY others who have needed similar surgery.   Man, when you get to this age, body parts wear out - and get torn, and ache.   Crazy!!!  

*  I got home and found all my plants had gotten zapped by the cold and the rare snow we had while I was away.   Yesterday I spent time cutting off all the dead and brown.  Spring can't come soon enough.  I wonder what may come back and what will need to be replaced.   PS: I love Spring!!

Time to get today going...

I hope to see you back here soon.    I have missed blogging.   Have a GREAT day!

Miss me??

Where have I been?  

Perhaps you have been asking that.  Or perhaps not.   But, I have not posted on my blog since late October and I have missed it.  I have not participated in the weekly Hodgepodge since then either and I hope my friends from that group have not given up on me.

So, where have I been??

I HAVE BECOME 'MIMI' TO TWO PRECIOUS AND IDENTICAL TWIN BABY BOYS!! 

Roman and Logan were born on October 29th, coming a bit earlier than my daughter had hoped, but they were born healthy and fine...  just tiny.  The boys spent about 12 days in the NICU to give them time to acclimate themselves to the real world and to have some help in feeding.  They quickly learned and came home to my daughter and SIL's home - and so did I! 

Since then I have learned these things:

* Twins are more than double the work! 

* It takes two (preferably three) adults to rotate the feedings and changings, etc.   AND it's important to rotate sleep time (ours, not theirs! lol).

* I can easily go every other day now with a shower.

* I know all the HGTV shows.

* Books tell you how to handle twin babies but they are not always right.  Same schedule?  No way!  It's best to have them feed at least 45 minutes a part... which includes burping and cuddling.

* Emotions are at the surface.  Joy and frustration.

* I can live without a lot of my usual stuff.

* Dining out is rare and a special occasion.

Okay.  I know I am only the Mimi.  So, the above list is short-lived for me.   Already the boys are changing: growing and becoming more aware of their surroundings.  I am seeing a smile from time to time that isn't just from gas.  Their eyes are focusing more.  They stare at me sometimes... which normally would creep me out a little, but I love that perhaps they are connecting with their Mimi.  In the coming months I plan on bouncing back and forth more between my daughter's home and mine.  And eventually, it will get to the point where I am not needed as much.  I know my daughter can not yet picture that day. But, it will come.

In a few months they will be sleeping better, eating more, crawling, laughing, babbling, and hugging!  Double the work - and double the joy!!

So, I have enjoyed this 'moment in time' living with my daughter and SIL and the adorable little guys.  I am glad I can help out.  I am glad I am needed.   I am glad I am bonding so early with the babies.  I am lucky and blessed to be there.

But, I have been away from my usual life for almost 3 months now.   I will be back.  

Future post titles:

A Less stressful Christmas

Snow in the South

Preparing for another Wedding

Watching Babies Grow


Stay tuned....

THe Hodgepodge is back...

Hodgepodge time!  Our leader has been away, on the west coast, sightseeing and visiting her brand new grandbaby!  What fun!  We are still on 'babies watch" here but it should not be too much longer.

 

Let's get to today's Hodgepodge questions and my answers.    Shall we?? 

 

1. What's surprised you most about your life or life in general? 

 

Starting off with a doozy of a question!   What has surprised me most?    I don't know if it's a surprise but I have been very happy with the way my life has gone in general.   I have no major regrets or disappointments.  I wish my Ohio family was closer at times (or I closer to them) and that I saw them more often.  But, I also know we have busy lives - and I don't like to travel to the 'cold terrain' and I limit myself.     

If I can think of any surprise, it is that I have worked through a lot in my head, and I am pleased with where I am in my faith, and in my heart.  

2.  Sweet potato fries, sweet potato casserole, a baked sweet potato, a bowl of butternut squash soup, a caramel apple or a slice of pumpkin pie...you have to order one thing on this list right now. Which one do you go for?

Oh...easy answer.  A slice of pumpkin pie.  I am not a big sweet potato lover.   Caramel apples are messy.   Pumpkin pie means autumn, and holidays.   I'd definitely go with the pie (warm and with a dollop of whipped cream on top.) 

3. What's a famous book set in your home state? Have you read it? On a scale of 1-5 (5 is fantastic) how many stars does it rate?



Well, all of Pat Conroy's books are well known, and take place in my state, South Carolina.  He was a SC boy and wrote about what and where he knew best.    I love "The Water is Wide" about a small SC island that really exists (we have a few like it) that is a step back in to the gullah time.   It's about a school teacher who goes over to the island and the differences he finds.


It's been a long time since I have read it... I might need to pick it up again!   Really, all of Pat Conroy's books are excellent!

Another SC writer who writes about her home state is Dorethea Benton Frank.  She is lighter in style than Conroy, but she loves to include local flavor in all her books.


4. There are 60 days until Christmas...have you started your shopping? How do you stay organized for the holidays?

So, I was telling my very pregnant daughter just the other day that the timing of the baby boys arrival is wonderful!  We will have all our attention on them - and will put the pressure of the holidays by the wayside.  That pleases me!!   I have written in the past how the Christmas pre-craziness is my worst time of year.  I dislike the expectations, and the rushing, and the worry about doing the right thing, buying the right thing, etc.

So, this year, both Thanksgiving and Christmas, will be all about the boys!  Nothing else matters!  Yeah!!

Oh, okay. I have bought a couple of items on line.  Things I have happened to see that will make nice gifts.   

5. October 26th is National Tennessee Day. Have you ever lived or spent any time in Tennessee? Is this a state you'd like to visit one day? The top rated tourist attractions in Tennessee are-

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park (Gatlinburg area), Elvis's Graceland (Memphis), Birth of the Music Biz (Memphis and Nashville), Dollywood (Pigeon Forge), Tennessee's Military Heritage (many battlefields), The Hermitage (Andrew Jackson's home), The Parthenon (Nashville), Oak Ridge American Museum of Science and Energy, Chattagnooa and the Tennessee Valley Railroad, Downtown Knoxville, Lookout Mountain, The Titanic Museum (Pigeon Forge), The Museum of Appalachia (Clinton), and The Lost Sea Adventure (Sweetwater)

How many on this list have you seen? Which one on the list would you most like to see?

I have spent time in Nashville every June for the past 7 years - attending the CMA Festival.  I have yet to go to the Parthenon.  And the Hermitage is close by but I haven't stopped in yet.   When I go, it's all about the music.  So, I have been to the Grand Ole Opry, and the Ryman, and other country music venues in that area.   I also spent a weekend in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area.  We hiked in the Smoky mountains one day - and also went into underground caves.   We did not make it to Dollywood but I am not a big fan of amusement parks so although I love Dolly, I don't need to ride carnival rides, and eat cruddy food.     I saw items from the Titanic Museum when they were touring.  It was interesting.   But, I have not been in the museum in Pigeon Forge.

Of the ones listed that I have not been to yet, I would like to go to Memphis for the 'music biz' - not for seeing Graceland.  My hubby went once - and I saw the pictures.  That was good enough for me.  lol 

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

It's been a couple of weeks since blogging so it seems there is so much I could mention...  the #metoo movement (are you part of it?), and the amazing speech by Senator Flake yesterday.  

I could update you on the twins growing, and my daughter hanging in there.   Barely!  She is at the end of this pregnancy and moving is difficult, eating is limited, etc.  She is READY to see those boys!

I could also tell you about the celebration of the Lutheran's 500th anniversary of the Reformation THIS Sunday in all Lutheran churches around the world!

I could tell you about seeing the Soul2Soul concert with Tim & Faith for a 2nd time, in Greensboro, NC.  

I think each really deserve an individual blog post.  Will I get around to it?    lol.   Most likely NOT! ha.   So, instead I will say... have a great week!!  See you here soon.

Mapping it out, finding the right path...

I'm running a little late with the Hodgepodge questions and answers this morning.  The power went out here for about 45 minutes or so which left me without an internet connection!  Horrors!  lol.   I actually picked up my book and read for awhile, which I rarely do in the morning time.

But, now the power is back on, and so let's proceed with the Hodgepodge!

1. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your sense of direction? 1=can't find my way out of a paper bag and 10=if I've been somewhere once I can find it blindfolded ten years later.
When was the last time you looked at/used a map you could hold in your hand? (phones don't count!) 

back east, down south, out west, up north

Choose one of these directional expressions and tell us why you chose it.


I will rate myself an 8 when it comes to knowing my direction. Occasionally I can get turned around, but I seem to have a pretty good sense of north, south, east, west.   I was just telling someone last evening that my hardest time with it came when I lived in California, and I could not get used to the ocean being west.  Having lived east of the Mississippi most my life, the ocean was always east. 



Driving in a car I have an okay sense of which direction I am going.  It's a feeling within me.

Last time I used a map?  For a road trip?   Oh wow.  It's been a long time.  I use the map on my display screen in my car dashboard often.  And, I use my phone's GPS and map trips with it.   But, a paper map??   It's been too long ago to remember.

Of the expressions listed above, I will pick "up north" because I used to live there.  I lived in New Jersey for 12 years.  And now I live in South Carolina.  So, I find myself (and hear from many others here) about when I lived 'up north'....and it was cold, and it was crowded, and it was crazy!  I like it here... 'down south!"


2. Did you do more talking or listening yesterday? Is that typical? Describe your yesterday in one word.

Yesterday, bring Tuesday, I went to the noon Bible Study, which is mostly listening, but we discuss so I also did a bit of talking.   I ran errands in the afternoon.  Then came home and did some listening to the TV.  But, I talked with my dogs - and I do that ALL the time!  lol.   Last evening I went to the weekly community band rehearsal... which involved a lot of listening.  Listening to the conductor, and listening to the band as a whole as we worked on pieces for the upcoming Veterans Day event, and the holiday Christmas concert.

My day in one word:  pleasant.  

3. Time, money, water-power-resources, opportunity...which one on the list are you most guilty of wasting? What might you do to change that?

Oh, I suppose I can answer that I waste too much time.   But, I think it was Jackson Browne who sang "if you enjoy wasting time then it's not really wasted time" or something like that.  We all need a little wasted time... time to sit, reflect, chill, and recharge.

I can also answer that I waste money.  I spend pretty freely, but I also try not to be over the top.  In fact, in the past year or so, I have made an effort to downsize, and to minimize, and to realize how little it really takes to live.  I am in a position of not needing to count pennies (or dollars), but I also know money doesn't buy happiness.   
  

4. Did  your family take regular vacations when you were a kid? Tell us something you remember about a family roadtrip from your own childhood.

Each summer we did take a road trip vacation, usually to a camp ground.  We pulled a trailer and traveled to parks.  We sometimes stopped in a visited family friends on trips.  But, most times if I remember right, it was a two week trip - up to Cape Cod, or to Michigan's lakes.  

One interesting thing I remember:  This was before cars had AC so we would travel with all the windows down and feel the warm breeze.  My dad drove with his left arm sitting on the top of the car door (open window).... and by the end of vacation he would have a VERY tan left arm!   Just his left arm!  

5. If you could grow anything you wanted, what would you grow? Why?

I am guessing leader Joyce means growing vegetables...??    Or flowers?   I love working outside in a flower garden so I can answer that way.

Can I go beyond physically growing something, and  say I'd love to grow more love, more acceptance, more peace.   Yep.  That's growing the deep stuff.  It's a lot harder to grow than veggies. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Babies update time:  My daughter's twins are about 3 and a half pounds each right now.  Week 32 or 33 now.   She has adjusted to her gestational diabetes diet and her sugar numbers are good.  She is starting the once a week visits now to the OB/GYN office, and she & hubby just completed their parenting classes offered by the hospital.  They have toured the Labor & Delivery area...and car seats are in the car.   My daughter has started packing her bag - and her babies bag (little going home outfits, etc.)  So, we continue to wait... and let the baby boys grow more.   But, it won't be long now!

I'm heading up to visit them this weekend, It will most likely be my last time seeing her pregnant!  Next trip will be for the deliveries.   Also, while I'm in NC this weekend,  I'm meeting my other daughter and her boyfriend at the Tim McGraw and Faith Hill "Soul 2 Soul" concert in Greensboro.   I saw it back in March in Charleston, SC...  but I am ready to experience it all again!!  

Have a great week friends.  See you here next time.

The Hodgepodge and more...

Welcome to this week's Hodgepodge and the first for the month of October.  I don't know about you, but I can't believe it that we are into another season.   Our first question makes me think of fall activities. 

1.  Have you ever spent time on a farm? Tell us a little bit about it. Have you ever grown your own pumpkin? Been on a hayride? Driven a tractor? Milked a cow?

I have not spent very much time on a farm.  When I was young, and I visited some of my mom's family in rural Ohio, a few of them still lived on a farm and it was their livelihood.   But, my only other farm experiences have been day trips with schools, or with the Girl Scouts.  

I have not grown my pumpkin.  I have not driven a tractor.  I think once a long, long time ago on a school trip I got to try and milk a cow.  And, I went on a hayride or two through Girl Scouts and church youth activities.  

2. What's something younger you would like about you now? 

"Younger Me" would love that I am much less concerned about social groups, 'clicks,' and have grown way beyond the need to 'fit in.'      I am who I am.   I like who I am.    Part of my growing up and growing older is becoming content with my place in life.
 

3. What are three things you'd like to do more often? Three things you'd like to do less often?

The three things I would like to do more often:

* See my daughters
* Go to more live concerts  (and I will talk about that more in my random comment.)
* pay it forward


The three things I would like to do less often:


* mis-judge situations and people
* speak too quickly
* clean bathrooms - lol

4. What's on your nachos?

Everything by jalapenos!   I LOVE loaded nachos!!! 

5. What's the most random thing in your purse or wallet? Does it need to stay there?

Right now?  I have my black handbell gloves in there.   I stuffed them in my purse after playing at another church and keep forgetting to put them back in my music book.   I use fun tie-dyed gloves at rehearsals, and only use the black ones at performances.

6.  Insert your own random thought here. 

We are all reeling right now from the madman who gunned down so many innocent people at the country music festival in Las Vegas.   If you read my blog often, you know that I love country music and I have gone to outdoor festivals.  I attend the CMA Festival in Nashville every summer.   I love the experience!   The music is incredible, and I love the sense of 'family' with the musicians and with all the other fans there.  The festivals are 'love fests' because everyone who comes is there for the same reason, and they strike up conversations, and they dance together, and just share being in a special environment together.    So, when this madman picked a country music festival to do the unthinkable, it hit me hard.  He picked a place of music and love and connection.   How dare he!!    Read the tweets and the messages from the country music artists since Sunday night... it was very personal.   My heart goes out to the families that lost loved ones in such a hideous way at the festival.  And to the hundreds injured - and the thousands there who had to experience the horror.  It's something that will be with them for life.    But, music is healing... and country music lyrics tell of heartbreak and also of community and love.   That is what is so great about it.   The music expresses it all.... that is what I love.   It is personal. It is family.   The family is hurting right now, but it will be there to support us.    I'm off to see Tim & Faith in concert in 2 weeks.  Another large concert venue.  Probably tight security.   But, nothing will stop me from being among all those country music lovers.  Perhaps now it's even more important to be there.

 

Pets, adventures, and more...

It feels like I was just here - at the Hodgepodge.  But, it's that time again!   So, lets do it!

1. What pets did you have while growing up? Tell us a little something about them.

I grew up with a dog in the house. We always had a Boston Terrier.  When I was young our BT was named Pal.  Then after he passed, we got Ace.  Next came Deuce.  My dad grew up with a couple of Boston Terriers so it was his breed of choice, and it therefore became mine.  Even after I married we had a BT, named Ralph.  

We were Boston Terrier lovers before they became so popular in advertising.  

2. What is one thing you absolutely must accomplish today?


Today:  I plan to get more baby layette baskets ready for taking to the local hospital.  I want to get ahead on it a bit, in case I need to run up to Raleigh if my daughter goes in labor. 


I also plan to practice my flute for a bit before I go to church later and have a rehearsal for a flute duet.  The handbell choir rehearsal follows it.
Nothing else is a 'must do' but I plan to clean a bit, water my newly planted flowers, and perhaps put a few fall decorations out on the front porch. 

3. Where were you ten years ago? What were you doing there?
 


Ten years ago:  2007.   I had just started living full-time in Pawleys Island, where I am now.  The year before I went back and forth from NJ to SC while my younger daughter finished her senior year in high school in Sparta, NJ.  




So, I was learning the area, and getting involved in things around my new home.  My mother-in-law was still living so I was hanging with her some.


4. September 26th is National Dumpling Day. Did you celebrate? Apple dumpling, xiao long bao (steamed Chinese dumpling), chicken and dumplings, pirogi, matzoh balls, or gnocchi...which dumpling on this list would be your dumpling of choice? Have you ever made homemade dumplings of any kind?
 

Of the dumplings on the list, my absolute favorite dumpling would be apple dumplings, especially the homemade ones my mother used to make!  They were wonderful, warm out of the oven - and with some cold milk poured on. 

My church here has an annual apple dumpling festival in November, and makes the same kind as my mother made.  The recipe comes from someone who grew up in Ohio - like I did.  


I also like chicken and dumplings.  The other ones on the list do not appeal to me.

I have never tried to make dumplings.  As I have said before, I do not enjoy 'creating' in the kitchen!  lol


5. 'There are two kinds of adventurers: those who go truly hoping to find an adventure and those who go secretly hoping they don't.' William Trogdon

So which kind are you?
 
I do not go forward looking for an adventure.  In general I do not like 'living on the edge' and I do not like the unexpected.   So, I suppose I secretly hope I don't find one.  But, of course, there have been unexpected adventures that I have experienced that have turned out fine - fun in fact!  

Here is one example:  My husband knows I stress over trips and I don't do well going to unknown places.   So, a few years back, when my daughter was living and studying in St. Petersburg, Russia, he planned a trip for us to go see her.   I didn't know about it until right before...and off we went.    Well, the trip went fine, and was fun, and I experienced a new place AND got to see my daughter and where she lived during that summer.   I'm glad I went - and it all went well.   But, I would have NEVER planned it on my own.   In general, I am content to stay home.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

There is SO much I could talk about here... because as you know the news is full of protests, and scary times... and a dufus of a president who puts his ego before the safety of millions.

BUT...  I won't go there!  lol

Instead I will mention that my daughter, pregnant with twins, we just diagnosed with gestational diabetes.  She has been incredibly faithful about eating well, and has been walking.  So, this diagnosis was disappointing to her.  But, GD is more likely in multiple baby pregnancies - and is something she can probably control with a few diet changes until the boys are born.  I don't think there will be any long term issue.   Does anyone have stories from your own experiences or of family who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes?    I'd like to hear them!   Thanks.

Have a great week - remember those in PR, the other islands, the Florida Keys, and Mexico.   They need our help. 

Monday morning quarterbacking

Hi blog friends and readers,

I hope you have had a good week where ever you are!  Let's not forget our neighbors struggling with a new reality in the Florida Keys and in Puerto Rico.  And, let's pray for them and the people in Mexico digging out, and still looking for loved ones.

Here are a few of my thoughts bouncing around in my brain...

* Life is short - stop spending it feeling entitled.    We were all born on this earth the same way, but then we grew up in very different situations which molded us into who we are as adults.   Nobody is to blame.  Nobody is better for that.   Get over yourself.

*. Speaking of being born, my identical twin boy grandbabies continue to grow inside their mommy.  My daughter is doing well as she is now in week 29 carrying them.   We have our fingers crossed that she keeps them there until week 37.    She and I have had interesting discussions lately about all the choices new parents need to decide on - and it can be overwhelming!!  And, everyone has an opinion!!   My advice to her and her hubby: do what seems right and feels right to YOU!  The boys will grow up loved!

* I am thinking of getting some fall flowers but I am not a big fan of mums.  Does anyone have a suggestion on other plants that can add color to a front yard bed?  

* Fall is football time!  You all know I love watching the game!  Again, the Gamecocks were tough to watch.  Somehow they won at the end.  But, I sure didn't see it coming.  They are ALWAYS a surprise!  

* And speaking of football, I can't write a QB post without mentioning the 'demonstration' displayed by almost every pro player yesterday - along with other sports players, reporters, and musicians yesterday.    I have seen some pretty mean reactions on Facebook.   My take on it:   We live in the United States, a land that allows free speech and accepts expression of opinions. We live in a place where our flag is a visual representation of who we are.  So, I get annoyed that some say the players were disrespecting the flag.  Kneeling.  When do you kneel?   I kneel at church. I kneel in prayer.  They locked arms in support of each other.   The players did not do anything violent or said notthing mean.  In fact, it was the president who said the mean spirited words.  Offensive words.   My opinion: he needs to keep his nose out of it all.   He creates these situations.  He is So abrasive!!     Some people say what the NFL players did was disrespectful to the military.  I disagree and I hope the members of the armed services 'get' that they are using peaceful demonstrations to stand in agreement on inequality, and truly on having a president that is the offender.    Of all the rhetoric yesterday, did anyone hear from the military or vets?  

*. "The Red Zone" is the most amazing football network!  You can watch ALL the big moments of all the games ALL day long on Sundays!   The hard part is keeping track of which teams you are watching at any given moment.  It's exhausting - AND there are NO bathroom breaks!  lol    But, you never miss a bit of action!

* Thank you Maria for staying out in the ocean!  You have done enough damage.  So, now, just GO AWAY!!!  lol

*. Everyone needs a 'go to' thing or place to chill, to re-group, to find calmness.   Do you have one?

* I've had some interesting dreams lately.   I've had a few with babies in them.  I get that since I have grandbabies about to arrive.   I have also had a re-occurring dream that I am in a school - and I can't remember where my classes are... then when I go in a classroom,  it's time for a big exam and I am not prepared.  I stop the dream in my head because I can't answer the questions.   Last night I was at a hotel, at a large gathering - and there was live music.  Brad Paisley played on stage for awhile.   Then I sat with Martina McBride for awhile and chatted.   And...  then I saw Stephen Colbert there, and I didn't want to bother him, but I went and sat on the floor by him.  I told him how much I have loved him over the years and I thanked him for making me laugh.  I even told him that my hubby gets a kick out of me laughing out loud when I watch him.         Dreams are fun at times, weird too... and I suppose a way of expressing some anxiety.  

*. We finally made the effort and moved our kitty Moonlight from our old house (the one for sale) to our new house.  She is an outside cat and I really worried about whether she would accept the different environment.   It took hubby and I a bit of a struggle to get her...we cornered her in the empty Carolina room, and then had to throw a towel over her and grab her.  She was NOT happy!   Then she cried the whole time in the car.  I fed her in the garage - and I'm glad I did, because she ran out the back garage door and darted away!!!   She ran across the street and behind the house there.  We called her and called her...to no avail.  But, somehow she remembered where the food was - and she came back in the evening for some dinner, and has been hanging in our bushes ever since. 

With that thought, I need to end this and go put more food out.  She is now here with our other cat Midnight - I'm feeding two now!

Have a great day - and week!!