Holiday Happenings

Ah, there is nothing like an afternoon of activities followed by a good meal and some late night television to put you in a restful mood. But then, I get ahead of the story.

After arriving in Sullivan on Thanksgiving afternoon, I changed to running attire and headed for a loop around the cemetery (greetings to Wally, Dad, and the grandparents) and on to Jean and Dan's, where I met mom and spent time with Molly. Then back to Mom's for appetizers and a liquid refreshment. Beavis, naturally, had to join us and actually enjoyed the appetizer (of course, it was shrimp!).

Steak, twice-baked potatoes, asparagus and wine for the Thanksgiving feast. Later in the evening it was time for pumpkin pie with REAL whipped cream. Yummy!

Friday we slept in until past 8 am, took our time over breakfast, visited with a former high school classmate and "walking to school" partner (Jean Gambill). Then off on the day's chores - visit with Molly, visit with Summers, balancing check books, and what have you. Dinner at the Melody followed by a movie (see first photo above for the results).

Saturday morning we slept in even later (I guess two nights in a row of post-midnight bedtime took their toll). Lingered over breakfast, visited Molly and then off to the BIG GAME. As you can see, the entire available family was in attendance. Nathan's team was victorious - 30 to 15. We sat behind the opposing team's bench. The coach was AMAZING - and I laughed so hard tears came. "Keep your butt in their gut" he admonished the players!

After that level of excitement, it was time to load up and head back to Findlay. The traffic was steady (more than usual) even though I traveled the secondary roads. I can only imgine what the interstate had in store for travelers. When I arrived home it was time for the furry ones to spend a short time outside, unloaded the vehicle, unpacked, and then relaxed in front of the fire place along with Buddy and the others.

This morning I awoke with true thankfulness - that I had driven back yesterday and did not wait for today. My throat was sore, my head hurt, the sniffles have arrived, and also SNOW!

Welcome to Winter!

Happy Thanksgiving

It is early on a frosty Thanksgiving morning here in the Midwest. WE just wanted to wish everyone a fabulous day. After the feast and football, many of you will, no doubt, take on the persona of BK and just relax.

When you are counting your blessings today, please don't forget to give thanks for this great country of ours and our service men and women around the world who are separated from their families on this day.

Happy Turkey Day!

Seven Things (not deadly sins)

Always up for a challenge, here goes:

1. My favorite play "thing" (or at least what I remember the best) was a dirt pile behind our house. It was for building roads, water falls, and general "construction" activities (do you think that could have been a harbinger of things to come?).

2. When we moved to Sullivan, one of my favorite activities was climbing trees. I loved climbing the dogwood in the front yard, but I wasn't allowed to during funerals (it was on the property line with the funeral house). My very favorite tree was a pine tree in the back along the alley - I could climb up to the level of the second floor of the house. Mom always told me to get down out of the tree, and I would ask which one. She always said the first one (there was a tiny one first in line, so I never came out of the tree until I was ready).

3. Then there is the story of jumping off the wall at the funeral home. My first two attempts from the 5-foot wall resulted me landing on my head in the neighbors yard. The third attempt and I landed on my feet (but didn't bend my knees). I toppled over. It was lunchtime and I didn't think I could walk. Dad said, "I bet you won't do that again." I never did.

4. Speaking of Dad, he was always trying to get me to do stuff (like take shots). Once he actually did not exactly tell me the truth when he attempted to get me to eat raw tomatoes. He said the cherry ones didn't taste like the others. He was wrong - I took one as I headed out the door. The tomato ended up in the bush at the end of the walkway - where I spit it out!

5. I was a bumble bee in a dance recital when I was a little girl taking ballet lessons.

6. Two of my life goals that I have yet to fulfill are going to Kyoto and hiking the AT from end to end.

7. I still have cinders in my leg from being knocked down on the cinder path going home from school one day. Usually, my friend I I would race across the field (avoiding the path). He would complain when (on the rare occassions) I would beat him to the far side. Once he said that his lunch box slowed him down - I pointed out I was carrying my violin case. End of discussion.

I would tag someone else, but there are no other bloggers to pass this along to at this time. I will end with a wish for a very good Thanksgiving with family and friends.

Wind, Rain, and Apple Pie

Another fun-filled Friday night here in the Country. See the result (next time I will be more mindful of my background - but then again, what's wrong with a glass of wine while cooking?).

I can't believe how long it has been since my last entry - but then no much has happened, has it? Oh, for sure there was an election, and unemployment continues to rise exponentially (my statistic was added several months agao, so that isn't news), and housing foreclosures are on the rise while the Feds take money from workers who make $14/hour to bail out high-priced CEOs who made bad business decisions. Other than that - not much is new.

Today is windy, cold, and rainy here in the Heartland. Black Beauty brought me a present early this morning - a field mouse. She brought it to the door on the deck and then proceeded to pay iwth it until is "disappeared" under the tarp. I figiure if it is still alive, it should be smart enough not to come in - after all today there are four cats inside (yep, BK is inside as well).

I suppose holidays should be on our collective agenda soon. As for me, I am almost complete with the shopping end. Next will be the annual baking insanity, but that is a couple weeks away. In the meantime, it is time to consider all we have to be thankful for - including a roof over our heads, heat (at least for this winter), and family.

Next week will begin another adventure in the quest for employment. How does West Virginia sound? Could be alright, but one day at a time - first we need travel arrangements to get to the location (up in the mountians, naturally). As always, I will attempt to keep all informed on devcelopments. Lately the submittals in response to job postings on the Internet have not been fruitful.

So, one last word for today - time to think about Christmas greetings. I am submitting this sample for your consideration.