Saturday

Feeling a bit sorry for myself this evening, and shared with Gary that it seems that what I do many times seems to be taken for granted.  I know in my heart that they appreciate me, but still, the words said make such a difference.  Guess we all feel that way from time-to-time.

Must remember this when 4th son helps me over and over (and willingly) and reward him swiftly.  We all require confirmation that we're doing a good job, but don't always get it.  He's the one I depend on, and have to be careful to not overload him, or neglect his need to be a kid.

Hard to find a balance, and without having to hold a placard stating my frustration, my husband is good to listen and respond the way I need.  Grateful for that.

(must notice that the labels I put on my posts are pretty blatant about stating my mood....the label 'fussing' doesn't need to get that much exercise!)

Way early Saturday morning

Too much to think about.  A tough mothering day---bouncing kids' moods back and forth, putting out small emotional fires and celebrating youngest son's birthday to boot.  A day off from all of this stuff would be nice.  But Saturday is filled with seeing off two of my offspring for a day trip to a Civil War reenactment about 100 miles to the east---they'll possibly dress up for a ball there as well.  Might be fun, but sounds like a lot of work to me! Over 6,000 folks are expected at this event and I tend to be allergic to that sort of crowd.

Also I've got grocery shopping to do for Sunday's meal which is an early Easter meal since second son will grill out on Easter.  We'll have our traditional meal of Greek food for Palm Sunday and I've not bought the supplies yet (and am plum wore out from grocery shopping this week anyhow).  Then will take three youngest to services Sat. night.  Then will wait up for wandering children who will be full of their day, either those who'll be working or the Civil War revelers.

Sometimes I just want to turn off my brain.  To have ONE day where nobody's jerking my chain.  With food in the house, toilet paper in supply and milk in the fridge.  Sloppy clothes and no demands.  Maybe Sunday after services at St. James.  Maybe.  Won't be Monday since I take third son to a different tattoo parlor then.  Gary still says, "Mom's got to get her honey bee in order for you to get your tattoo."  This said to son (in a nicer voice than I make him sound), who's finally free to attempt this again.  Honestly, I couldn't care less about the bee, but Gary's determined for me.  It is on my bucket list, but that list is sorta short just now.  My real bucket list goes something like this:  Raise these eight kids to be responsible enough to go out on their own.  That's my list.  No jumping out of airplanes, going on a cruise, or learning a new foreign language.  I'll be happy to just get these kids raised.  Really.

And right this very minute I simply want some non-emotional space.  No drama and a bit of quiet.  Seems a lot to ask most of the time, well, unless I stay up until after midnight (as I'm doing now).  Not real bright, huh?

Thursday afternoon's putterings

Must get a bit of housecleaning done this afternoon.  With the windows up lately, the dust is a bit over the top, and with company coming over tomorrow night for youngest son's 16th birthday----well, the mess has got to be dealt with.

I did get some running around done. Library, the fruit/veg. market (what do you call those stores?) and had a craving for cantaloupe, so got me a 1/2 one.  Not quite ripe, but appeased the urge.  Will probably go out tonight to shop for the birthday son.  Getting the house a bit spiffed up now is a simple pleasure that makes me feel so good when it's accomplished, that I don't really always think of it as a chore. It's when the things to do pile up so that discourages me.

We're sort of at that place.  There's a mess in every room.  Clearly we don't keep up.

Tomorrow sweet Indian boyfriend and his sister will come over for dinner.  The birthday son has a bit of a crush on the Indian sister, so he's pretty pleased at the turn of events.  She's a good 10 years older than him, so it's fun to watch them tease one another.

Must go now.  Ready, set, go!

(photo of living room, definitely NOT taken today!)

Wednesday night

I love it when things work (speaking in a blog sense), and so appreciate you all for coming over.  Feels comfortable in here.

A good day at home.  Gardening.  Grocery shopping and getting my mom's done as well.  Making sourdough bread from some starter I put together last week.  Feeling thankful for a bid Gary was able to submit to an interior designer he's worked for in the past for a couple of bookcases.  It's been awhile since he's had a build job, so this would be nice.  I figure it'll come through, but need to put some prayer to it nonetheless.  Doesn't do to take things for granted.

Presently eating a chocolate chip cookie made by middle daughter.  Our sweet hippie next-door neighbor brought us cupcakes the other day and we'll put some cookies on her plate when we return it.  That's something my dad always said, "Never return a dish empty."  He lives on, even in my heart.

Now thinking of a day off tomorrow with the kids at my mom's.  She needs the company, and her yard done too.  I'll get some, much needed, alone time and the weather should be splendid. Thinking a trip to the dollar store for something piddly and maybe a visit to the library may be in order.  Whatever...it's time off!

(photo of oldest daughter and sweet Indian boyfriend....since I talk about them so much, figured you'd want to put faces to the names)

Let's do this again...

New digs.  Been here, done this.  Old is good, and Blogger hasn't made me mad lately.  I admit to being a little hot-head at times, but that's okay too.

And I can't fault myself for traveling over the Internet to different addresses the past two times, though. The blog at my website was hacked after Christmas---that death that was unavoidable.  But this latest with Wordpress, not allowing comments to flow smoothly is too annoying.  I tried and tried to make it work and there were glitches that just failed.  And apparently Wordpress isn't changing the system back to where just anyone can type in a name and email, but they have to be a Wordpress.com and/or Gravatar.com user.  Some folks are sent to a sign-in page, which is very confusing if you've not been versed on what's up.  And I refuse to have a disclaimer on my blog instructing folks how to comment.  That's just ridiculous.  Lots of WP users are up-in-arms, and not just me.

Makes me feisty.  It's too easy to migrate over here, and thankfully, all my buds (with few exceptions) use Blogger.  Let's get on with it.

About leaving comments

For anyone who's been unable to comment here (speaking of recent Wordpress blog) using the regular 'type in your name/email' routine----seems Wordpress changed their commenting policy.  Did they inform users?  Huh.  Now the only way I can get it to work correctly is to change my settings, allowing anyone to comment (which I'd rather not do), so that your name/email address are optional. I'll allow anyone in, but will change it so that I have to approve comments.  That ought to keep out the riff-raff!

Nuts to Wordpress, but after reading bloggers' comments on the WP forums, others are a bit 'up in arms' as well.  They say the issue involves commenters having Gravatar.com and/or Wordpress.com accounts.  Something about both being able to log-in to Wordpress.  Not that their explanation makes sense to me.  But as I wrote on one of the forums...if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Will see how this works.  Just wanted to explain in case anyone else (besides sweet Bonnie) was having troubles.  As it is, just type in your name with your comment, DO NOT add your email address, because if you do, you'll get sent to a log-in page.  Then the vicious cycle whips around again.  Blogger is sounding pretty appealing just now.

Friday evening

Burning mouth.  Western European tastebuds can't seem to handle traditional Indian fare.

We had sweet Indian boyfriend over for dinner---chili that I made, and we put the container of hot pepper flakes (which my husband loves) on the table, but not sure if SIB used them.  He's so polite.  Won't monkey with what's put in front of him, but eats what we prepare like it's presented.  I made jalapeno corn muffins to go along with it, as a hot dish, and those went over well.

Until SIB entered our lives, I totally didn't know that Indians ate such spicy food.  I was clueless.  Now it's a main topic of conversation.

Anyway, oldest daughter and the boyfriend went to an Indian grocery after dinner, so she could see where they liked to shop on occasion.  I gave her some money so that they could get me some of the tea that his mother drinks---Tetley Ginger tea.  Seems the grocery was out of that, and I told them to buy 'whatever' if  there wasn't any, and they bought several bags of Indian snacks.  He said that this is what he grew up enjoying as a child in India.  HOT! But then, I'm a weenie.

Still.  I'm growing to love this boy.  He's so sweet to our daughter, and has such a way about him.

But what are we doing messing around with Indians?  I can see that the Lord has a tremendous sense of humor.

(btw, anyone else having trouble with commenting?  i'm finding that the comment section of this blog sends folks to a wordpress sign-in page....not sure how to fix it, but hoping it's just a temporary glitch)

Mothering

Growing pains with children.  It never stops.  Seems we go through spurts where everything is rosy, and then get blind-sided when one of our kids isn't as happy as we maybe thought they were.  They can be good actors. And I can be so out of touch.  I'm here all the time, but apparently don't always see what's right in front of my face.  The reality of a large and busy household will do that, I guess.

I put part of it to peer pressure.  The need to fit in and inability to see where you actually should be.  I remember those days.  I still feel that way at times. The square peg and the round hole syndrome.

So here after midnight as Wednesday has already spilled into Thursday, I hand them over to the Lord again.  I have to do that a lot.  Let go.  Pray and then go clean something, but in the case of tonight, I'll pray and then read something that settles down my spirits.  It's raining and the house is quiet. Rest is such a healer.  Well, if we let it.  Think I will.

Monday evening

Spend the day running hither and yon. Tomorrow the plan is more of the same. Needing to center myself at home, but really not sure when that will happen. Tomorrow morning will take son #3 to the DMV to get an i.d., and hoping that it goes smoothly.  This will be his 3rd visit there---never having the correctly dated information.

And dealing with emotions stemming from husband, once again, injuring his back at work, but he's there working now---keeping on, keeping on.

Sometimes life feels a tad heavy.  And after this morning having to try 3 pumps at the gas station before one worked, and deal with stern and lacking-a-sense-of-humor folk at the eye doctor's (why is that?), and then getting locked out of Gary's truck (which I borrowed today) at a nearby shopping center which felt unsafe----well, the day was a little tetchy. It made me cry, which probably was a good thing.  Good to let it out, whether you want to or not, and locking myself out was the last straw.

Will look forward to Wednesday and Lenten services.  Always restful.  And tonight I'll read more of Frank Peretti's new book called Illusion.  Maybe some hot chocolate and quiet.  With the window up and a breeze playing with the bedroom curtain, there's the opportunity for peace and some solitude.  And maybe my offspring will do likewise.

(photo from stock exchange)

Spring Break (day five)

Cleaned house, rested a bit, made chicken salad for dinner, baked rolls, put together a lettuce salad as well.  All this done with help. Sweet Indian boyfriend over, kids watched movie, Gary gone to FedEx, me chillin' after a busy day at home.  That's about it.

Spring Break (day four)

A day of much laundry, and a beautiful day for hanging it out. Not as warm as yesterday, but at this rate, all of the bulbs, etc. will already be spent by Easter. Can't remember spring coming this early and staying. Still, our last freeze date is mid-April. Not sure if we'll have a blast of cold before then or not, but we usually do.

The Barbies in the photo are newly dressed in the leg parts of the least one's stretchy pants that we just cut off for shorts.  Pretty enterprising, but I think all little girls do this. Togas for all.

Spring Break (day three)

 
Went to noontime Lenten services and there were, lemme see, nine of us there total---pretty much the same crowd as last week. Cozy.  I realize some folks might not understand my attraction to such a small church, but my goodness, I sure love it.  And afterward, I did eat lunch with them in the church library.  Such nice folks.  And I came home feeling so deeply satisfied.  It's been awhile since I've mixed with folks in a church setting.  Attend church.  Yes.  Get involved. Not so much.  Probably overdue.

As to the rest of the day, took out some lettering on a carryall bag that oldest daughter brought home from her job.  She works at a monogramming shop---pretty swanky little place, I think---and one of the employees sewed a pocket shut as it was being machine-embroidered and rather than take the time to remove the monogram and begin again, the owner bought a new bag for the customer. Gave us the spoiled one.  A big win for me since the last initial of the bag's owner is "S" so oldest daughter brought it home for me last night.  I just had to use the seam ripper and take out the first and middle initials that were sewn in, leaving the cursive "S".  Will put my paint supplies in it including a little packet of Japanese watercolors I got in the mail today.  Hope it inspires me to get to work.

Now plan on resting.  My copy of The House at Tyneford came in the mail as well, and (thanks again Danielle!), am already enjoying it.  Looks like a dishy ending to a sweet day.

Spring Break (day two)

Was hoping to spend the day doing watercolors and just being a lazy bum, but errands sort of got in the way.  Had to take third son to work, then take fifth son to get his new glasses frames which had just come in today, buy new food for Daisy who'd finally run out of her prescription food today, a stop at Target to get fifth son a treat just because he's just such a neat person---and while we were there, got a call from third son who was able to leave work because they didn't need him today afterall.  Let's all give a collective sigh!

Sometimes the plans just don't pan out.  Will try to recoup the rest of the week a bit, and get that lazy mood back.  With the weather so delicious (bedroom window open here at midnight and with Daisy asleep beside me as we enjoy the cool breeze....) it's darned relaxing.  And while it'd be nice to have an alter-ego thing going---a person who'd get some spring cleaning done while I put up my feet, I guess the main thing I'll hopefully accomplish during Spring Break is to feel rested afterward.  That's the goal, and we're not half-way done yet.  I've got through Sunday to get it right!

(photo of romeo the catahoula puppy, who's finally stopped growing....now he's about 6 months old)

Spring Break (day one)

Got out by myself a bit early afternoon.  Picked up some loose cardamom tea at the Mediterranean market.  They had one box of ginger tea, but it was purely ginger without any black tea, and I thought it might be too gingery.  Oldest daughter is going to ask sweet Indian boyfriend if they can visit the Indian grocery where his family shops (across town) this weekend, and I'll slip her some cash to buy me the yummy ginger tea we drank last night.  I really am such a glutton.

And went to a bedding/kitchen shop to spend part of my gift card.  Got a new pastry blender since we've been using my grandmother's and I don't want hers to break.  It's hard to find a really quality one (read:  affordable), so glad to finally be able to replace my old one.  And got a napkin ring with tiny beads on it and hung it up as a little wreath.  It didn't want to be a boring old napkin ring.

Library next and got some chick lit for this week.  Spring Break calls for junk reading and possibly movies that don't tax my mental processes.  We'll eat nursery food and be lazy.  I mean REAL lazy.  Plus the weather is totally dishy. The windows are up after the rain yesterday, and the backyard is pleasantly muddy.  Was out just now and hung up some jeans (and yes, it was dark) and the stars are beautiful.  So clear.  And Jupiter and Venus are bright as can be in the western sky, with Orion nearby.  If you look further southeast, you can see Mars.  A perfect night.

When Gary leaves for FE later on might watch more of Kim's recommendation of that wonderful British series, 'Kingdom'.  Very restful.

After dinner...

Dinner with sweet Indian boyfriend's family was EXCELLENT!  Such a pretty home, decorated cozy-like, and delicious food.  Boyfriend's mom was concerned that the food would be too hot, and they did tone it down, but it was perfect. And had some hot ginger tea (new to me, and must go to Indian grocery and get some---our nearby Mediterranean market doesn't have that one) with the pie we brought while looking at the photos of the Hindu family wedding in India earlier in the year.

Now, in the meantime, must get recipes....chicken tikka masala, a dish with garbanzo beans and potatoes, and a yogurt that served as a salad and cooled off the heat (this had dhal, fresh cilantro, maybe mint and can't remember what else) and a wonderful platter of fried Basmati rice.  Makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

Just wanted to share.  Not to gush about the food, but the company was equal to the dinner.  God is good.  And to know that oldest daughter is involved with such a sweet family is a blessing.

Sunday afternoon

Oldest daughter went to church with sweet Indian boyfriend this morning and he admitted that his mother was nervous (like me) about dinner tonight. They're making chicken curry (yumness!), and she's fretting about the meal.  It'll be grand, I just know it. Here I sound all confident yet am in a bit of a flurry myself.  Glad I was able to get her a plant like the one here.  Presents are always a good thing.

About to take batch #2 of pies out of the oven.  I made four, and figured I'd bake them two at a time so as to avoid the burn of cramming too much stuff in the oven at one time.  And still haven't repaired the oven hinges, so it stays closed with velcro bands during the non-baking times, and a chair with a big bag of dog food pushing against the door works while we bake.  Velcro glue gets too soft when the oven is on.  Found out this the hard way.  Oh, the things you learn as you monkey with repairs (that are overdue, but not a big deal).  Anyway, the only minor frustration was having to use disposable cake pans since the store I went to was out of pie pans.  Lasagna pans, loaf pans, huge unknown pans and not a pie pan in sight.  Well, for deep dish apple pie these work better anyhow.

Truly I think men mostly just 'go with the flow' when entertaining plays out. The women get all in a tizzy with cleaning, cooking and general all around making-things-all-pull-together.  If other families are like ours, the females, pretty much, run the show and the males just have to turn up.  Guess since that works for us, I must like being in control!

Must go and rest for a bit.  Looking forward to the evening, even though it makes me a bit trembly.

Love this...

Run on thoughts

Dinner tomorrow at sweet Indian boyfriend's home with his family.  Nervous.  Toned-down-for-hotness yummy authentic Indian fare prepared by real Indians.  Pretty cool when you think about it. Taking apple pies for dessert.  Considering buying SIB's mom a Cyclamen as a hostess gift.  Got myself one the other day.  Haven't killed mine yet.   Could be a hermit so easily if given half a chance.  Trigger the conure being taught to shriek like an eagle, which is very disconcerting, especially when he gets riled as the dogs bark. It's noisy when someone surprises the animal life by coming in from outside. Sons two and three on their way home from work here at 11:15pm.  Fish and chips in the oven baking for them.  Looking forward to church tomorrow and the least one might accompany me.  She has new rain boots and is looking for as many chances as possible to wear them---church included.

Must go now.  Time to spruce myself up, so will go polish my nails.  That's my idea of dressing up.

Dinner plans

A bit preoccupied with thinking about going to dinner at sweet Indian boyfriend's house tomorrow night.  He and his older sister live with their parents---and we're told it's customary for Indian children to stay at home until they're married.  Hmmm, we could be Indian if that's the case!

Anyway, haven't spent time with his folks since Christmas when they came here for a meal.  But nervousness aside, what makes tomorrow extra-special is that they'll cook Indian yummies for us.  And they promised to make it less spicy than they'd normally have.  These western European tongues just can't stand that much heat!  And to think that   Well, Gary can, but we can't account for that.

And we'll take a few apple pies we'll make Sunday afternoon.

Being with new folks so often makes me want to run and hide, and this situation is no exception.  I could be a hermit so easily.

(a bit concerned at this being written at about a 3rd grade reading level!!!)

Friday's mutterings

Followed Danielle's lead and went ahead and bought The House at Tyneford online.  After reading Danielle's blogpost about the book, opened my email and found that I had an email from Swagbucks with a new $5 giftcard for Amazon. Had to pay a bit more than that, but what fun to have a book to look forward to.  And as Danielle mentioned, I've heard it likened to Downton Abbey, so what could be better?

Spent lunchtime with fourth son.  We went to Hancock's and I picked up an upholstery remnant to cover the sofa cushions.  We already have a sage green quilt on the back (the pugs have made craters in the back from sitting on it) and the new black floral on the seat looks a treat.  Well, I think so.  The kids always kid me (have mentioned this before) that I'm unable to buy fabric without getting flowers on it.  So true.  I gravitate to them like magic.

Listening to Natalie Grant's 'Alive' and it so gets to me....second son had me listen to it last night and it's ripping through my heart with what's on my mind. There's a prayer concern regarding Gary's overnight work with FE.  He's just exhausted with it, and the meager pay involved isn't reward enough to balance the sacrifice.  But if he quits, we lose that bit of money which is fine for groceries, but not for much else.  My faith is an issue here.  I so like a sure thing, but what's that?  Comfort is so elusive, and alluring at the same time.

At writer Traci DePree's Twitter site she said this, "Do Christians have the right to monetize the death of Christ? Heaven forbid. He'll care for our needs so stop fretting about your pay."  Not that she was talking about what I'm talking about, but I SO often lack the faith to believe for the hard stuff.  I squirm.  Her last sentence hits it right on.

Got to remember as well that the evil one probably has his knickers in a twist in regards to my wonderful journey in the Anglican church.  Mustn't wallow in frustration and despair, but look up.  Always up.

On a rainy afternoon

A splendid day.  Took half of my brood over to my mom's today for them to eat lunch/visit with her and I left. Stopped off at Michael's to look at Easter stuff and instead bought a watercolor notebook, and while I was in there it started raining like crazy. Haven't had rain in quite awhile, so that was wonderful---esp. since it's still going at it.

Then walked down a couple of stores and bought a Greek Salad Wrap at Fresh Market---one of my favorite places to browse and got some sale tea as well, this one called an Italian Almond Tea.  I'm drinking it now, and it's yummy.  Sort of like drinking a cup of Jergen's lotion, if you get what I'm saying. Almondy goodness.

Paid my library fine too and got a few books, and already began Sarah Strohmeyer's Kindred Spirits, though have only read a handful of pages, so can't comment on the outcome.

Now having finished up my cup of tea and a pumpkin muffin from Panera's bag of wayward pastries (see previous post), think I'll read awhile and then tidy up this place.  Oldest son is sleeping off his last overnight of working for a bit, so can't vacuum, but will move things around and dust. This rain is making for such coziness, I need to take advantage of it.  Plus having masses of children gone, and the only noises I hear are cars splashing through the rain as they go down the street, dogs breathing/snoring in sleep and the bird banging around in his cage makes for a nice day.  All good sounds.

(photo of living room window and the solar-powered little plastic plant i got at the dollar tree---it waves back and forth when light hits it---cheap fun!)

Wednesday night

Must first share that the Lenten services today at the Anglican church were so sweet.  And, Patricia, you were right about thinking I'd enjoy the Stations of the Cross.  And added to the wonderfulness of the service was being asked by one of the women there (who always hugs me when she greets me) to sit up front with her and her friends.  There were only 8 of us in all, plus the priest and acolyte.  Such an intimate group, and so very special.   And I was asked to join them for a brown bag lunch afterward too, but said I'd do that next Wednesday.  Yay, friendship possibilities!

Feeling more like I belong, and that's always a treat.  I do so love going to that little church.

And my mom looks better after her fall 2 weeks ago. We saw her when we left her groceries this afternoon.  Her face is still a bit swollen and makeup does help with covering up the bruising, but still, she's not fully healed yet.  Older skin and bones take longer to get better, but thankfully with her good attitude, she'll be fine soon. The kids will spend the afternoon with her tomorrow and that'll be nice for everyone.  She needs the company and help around the house and I need the quiet.  I don't deny it.  Plus the kids would benefit being out of the house for a bit.

Now am about to watch a British series Kim shared on her blog.  Saw the first bit last night, and am all cozied up in bed with Daisy and will turn on part two in a minute.  And will stuff my face with a pastry from Panera that third son brought home earlier.  The homeschool families who live several blocks away (there's a whole neighborhood of them, along with a home church) are friends of one of our boys and each week they get day-old breads/pastries from Panera.  LOTS of it.  Today we hit pay-dirt and son brought home a bagful of sweets.  Diane, eat your heart out!  I know Panera is one of your favorites.

Must go now.  Take care.

(photo of cup of coke zero and not tea as should be---had just finished up the tea and was still thirsty---and the stirrer on the side is a wooden crochet hook---lost my nifty zebrawood spoon---nuts)

Just into Wednesday

Nice to have some quiet in the house tonight, at least for a little over an hour.  Some of my offspring met up with friends and saw the new Lorax movie.  With four of ours gone, oldest son at late-night work, Gary off at FE and second son eating dinner with a buddy, it just was me and the little girls.  After everyone left, they looked at me expectantly, wondering what my entertainment selection would be.  Uh.  Turns out we played with the dinosaur-like iPhone, putting in a password so one particular brother couldn't play Bakery Story in their place and put in annoying notes on their message board, then they got showered/bathed.  I made them an ice cream dessert and they were satisfied.  Glad they're easy.

Then when everyone got home at about 11pm, the energy level soared. Cooking pizza, talking in a rapid-fire manner and making plain old noise.  Now it's quiet again at 12:30am or so.  Violet and Opal are asleep, Daisy is hunting for food in odd corners, Romeo has finally crashed in the middle of the living room floor and Trigger is making rattly noises in his cage.  All is well.

Will take my shower in a minute.  Have a library fine so can't check out any e-books via my library account, so will have to settle for what's already on my Kindle.  And on Wednesday will DEFINITELY go to noon services where they'll have the Stations of the Cross and Communion. The highlight of my day, to be sure.  Followed by schoolwork and my mom's grocery shopping. The days fill quickly.

Take care, sweet ones.

(photo of violet sunning and being held by middle daughter)

Monday evening

It's about 8:30pm and the house is quiet. For now.  Husband is in bed asleep (I hope) in preparation for his FedEx stint at 10pm. That's when he leaves.  And oldest son is resting as well for the overnight shift at his job.  We're juggling vehicles while son's car gets repaired.  I mentioned his transmission issue the other day, and it turns out that the place he takes it to neglected to fasten something to the axle securely enough.  That was a repair he was having fixed under warranty just a few days before the car quit. Good thing our son is of a nature to take things as they come, otherwise the mechanics might be dealing with a real stinker.  As it is, we think the repair will be free for this son.  And thankfully there wasn't an accident as a result of their mistake.  Could've been a real mess.

Romeo the puppy is playing with the least one, escaping into his kennel when he feels outnumbered.  He continues to use his jaws like an alligator, making a whapping sound when he plays.  Sort of strange to hear his teeth snap together, but harmless enough.  Well, as long as you stay out of his way.  Gary keeps saying that Romeo's just saying 'hi'.  Whatever!

Going to watch a movie later on.  Got 'Restless' at Redbox to watch while Gary's gone tonight.  Dennis Hopper's son, Henry, (who looks SO much like him) is in the lead and the trailer looks good.  Oldest daughter was off today and watched it already.  Sounds restful to me.  And I've got a slice of Italian Creme Cake to eat with a cup of tea while I watch it, so all is well.  Can't beat that.

Began the day oddly enough with Daisy the pug having another bout with the cough that plagues her in the winter.  Figured with her bladder stone issue being solved, her immune system would be stronger.  Huh.

Anyway, ran her down to the vet we go to which is just a couple of minutes away---we could walk it's so near.  We got her checked out alonh  a antibiotic and stronger cough pills.  Here in the evening she's already better.

Sweet Indian boyfriend is here after oldest daughter and he went to a wedding rehearsal and dinner for friends at church.  SIB will play bass at the service tomorrow, and they'll both go to the reception as well.  A busy weekend for the lovebirds.

And the weather is gradually getting cooler.  Supposed to be in the upper 30's tonight, followed by fifties tomorrow, but happily in the sixties on Sunday.  Yes!

Stranded at home for the day tomorrow until we go to church in the evening.  Not a big deal.

Friday afternoon

About this time every winter, I think of how perfect this time of year is in the South.  We have just enough cold weather to slow down the advance of the bugs (a new fly is buzzing around the room as I type.....really), and the cold snap(s) are brief enough to give us a lift but not overwork these southern bones.  Folks down here get fidgety when it's too awfully cold for very long.

Today it's, once again, in the 70's and the windows are open all over the house.  We've got a stiff breeze blowing in, the cafe curtains are whipping around, and the clothes on the lines are drying toot-sweet.  Thankfully we've been spared the tornadoes that those north of us are dealing with, yet that's not always the case.  But there's something about being east of a major river----seems we avoid much of the tornadoes because of it.  You never hear of a tornado touching down on the river, but mostly several miles east of it.  Least that's what my memory tells me.

Anyway, the spaghetti sauce simmers, we've made great headway on the cleaning and am still aiming to go to services at 6pm.  I'm vehicle-less, and not sure when oldest son and husband will be home, but will play it by ear. Will take one of the Suburbans when someone relieves me of duty, but if they don't make it, home still rates as my favorite place to be.

Oh, and before I forget, the photo above is of a sweet crafts/sewing magazine I got as a treat for myself the other day.  Enjoying it so much.  Pricey, but worth the expense sometimes, I think.  And, hey, check out my tea drinking pins here too.  Pretties.

This and that at around midnight Thursday/Friday

*I get so rattled so easily lately.  Figured that if the house is tidy, then my mental health will be improved.  So,
tomorrow
 today will be domestic engineering day.  With so many humans and pets wandering around the house, the state of our living quarters is pathetic, and I can't stand it anymore. Looking forward to this time tomorrow tonight to see what we've actually been able to accomplish.

*I know I want to change the curtains a bit in the living room.  Trigger the conure got so excited at the shades being up this morning (the curtains had been washed), and with the windows uncovered he acted deliriously happy.  What a nice thought...being that happy. And with the windows up, LOUD!  Very jungle-like. But I like it.  Go figure.  Like we needed more high impact noise?  We're all nuts.

*Listening to a Justin Bieber CD on my laptop now.  March 1st was his 18th birthday and second daughter made cupcakes in his honor.  Like I said, nuts.

*My favorite thing right now is those battery-operated tea lights.  I can get a 3-pack at the dollar store for a buck.  So cute, and the little girls can have them in little candle holders in their beds at night without any danger.

*Since I missed the Stations of the Cross service at St. James last week, I'm hoping to get there this week.  Was telling the kids that a huge appeal of that church is the quiet.  When I walk into the sanctuary and sit down, the peace and restfulness just washes over me.  I crave that.  Really crave it.  While we clean the house, will put together some homemade spaghetti sauce to simmer throughout the day.  Should be an easy meal for the kids to put together while I'm gone.

*Oh, one more photo.  This time of the least one's Barbies about to jump into the tub. The downside of too many Barbies in the bathroom is that the rest of us end up taking showers with the bodies at the foot of the tub for days on end.  We just kick them out of the way.  They don't take up much room, now, do they?  But what you don't see is that there were Barbies lined up even further on each side.  About ten in all, I think!