Mature Friends are Back!

It was a long trip, but we made it To Pennington, NJ and back with very little trouble. But, I'm almost too pooped to peep.

Perica, I love your picture! It's always great to hear from you and it sounds like you're doing it just right!

Becka, I join the others in being grateful that your encounter with the deer was no worse than it was--except for the deer, of course.

I avoid Black Friday sales like the plague! I just don't do well in crowds like that.

I'm grateful for all of you, in addition to the other blessings in my life!

Saved my pennies by staying home on Black Friday. Haven't even looked at the ads from Thursday yet to see what I missed.

Will buy a christmas tree this year though, love the smell throughout the house.

T-day went very well, cooked my turday in an electric roaster with lemons and oranges in it belly. Came out so moist you could tear it apart with a fork. No basting like you would if it were in an oven.

Stay happy.

Barb, Terra is right. It is a minority area, about 40 miles from me in the next county. I'm of the opinion that if you're going to have these sales you need to have ample product or you invite disaster such as today. I did not venture out to the store until 11 am at Kohls, was in and out. I did a lot of on-line shopping last night. At this point shopping has to be more of a convenience for me rather than a chore.

Well we had a great Wed eve, Jade is delightful and engaging. I enjoyed having her around all week. Stef and Glenn arrive home tonight well heeled. She took 2nd place in the final tourney and with her winnings from the prelim rounds they basically paid for their cruise.

Yesterday was lovely but chaotic as always. One of the boys Wed eve while we were out apparently used the oven to cook something and when Laurie got home it was still on. So fast forward to TGVG morning, pre-heat and put the bird in. Then the culprit must have gotten up late and saw the oven on and freaked out and shut it off thinking it was the evening before. You can fill in the blanks from there on in. Played catch up all day, dinner was very delayed but in the end it all worked out but it made for a very long day. Was exhausted.

Our Petco has had a petition out for many weeks trying to force our town to set up a feral cat shelter so we can get them the help they so need such as food and vet care.

Well tv has showed us the ugliness of mankind this week. I sucks your soul dry when you think of all the misery these terrorists can inflict. I did watch CNN Heroes and it took the edge off. Heartwarming, courageous people giving back in tremendous ways. I recommend catching it if you can.

Off to bed, enjoy the coming weekend.

when they know there is a chance for a rowdy crowd. At first the report was that a woman had miscarried, but that turned out to be a false rumor. I don't understand the crass commercialism for electronics and "stuff" that everyone "has to have".

If there are such rabid shoppers, what happened to the dire predictions that no one has any money? What happened to the being reasonable and not living beyond your means? I understand that the neighborhood where the WalMart is located is in a poor minority district. What the heck are those people doing going shopping on low incomes?

The only shopping I did today was to go "hunting" at PetSmart for kitten food and litter. Circuit City is next door and the customers were taking up spaces at PetSmart, but I noticed that the majority of them came back empty with no packages, leaving the parking spaces for us.

A gentlman was parked next to me and was unloading his carts with bags and bags of cat food, litter and cases of canned food. He told me it was for the neighborhood cats and that he and his neighbors had shelters for the ferals and all pitched in to buy the cats food and whatever they needed. Many had litterboxes in sheltered porches for the kitties. I felt good all over when I talked to him. There are good people who do have genuine feelings for God's creatures.

Where is Valley Stream on Long Island Windy? I just heard they had an employee trampled to death in the throngs on early morning shoppers and the Walmart that is located there. Apparently the shoppers came crashing through the doors as they were being opened and this employee was knocked to the ground and died later at the hospital. OMG

Well you tried Terra....I saw your cute turkey and kitty graphic at Vent and am assuming you wanted to share that here as well.. Happy Thanksgiving to you from all of us at Mature Friends....

This graphic posted two places in TA but won't post here. I apologize for the double not working posts.

from little kitten Timothy, all of the Dearborn Catsters, and our little shelter...

img src="http://vkterracatta.tripod.com/thanksgiving/Thanksgvngwithcat.gif">

For the first time in 40 years, I will not be cooking dinner. We will go out this year...as the kitchen is officially closed at my house. The cabinets are ordered...the floor is ordered..the subfloor will be replaced on Friday and...because they damaged the wallpaper while removing the countertops...we will be ordering ceramic tile for the backsplash. Since this is black mold we are dealing with...this is a hazardous waste and must be removed in a special way. They have brought in big blowers to dry everything out first. I was lucky to find the same Bruce hardwood flooring so I am sooo pleased with that. Now we wait...and wait...and wait until all the orders come in...like hopefully January. In the meantime...we will make do and eat out more than usual. Insurance gives us a per diem for that as well. I am amazed at the calmness of everyone we have worked with...they have been so kind. I can't say I will be recommending Whirlpool anytime soon though. Thank you all for listening. I know I am a drag...and hopefully 2009 will be better for all of us. Becka...I am so glad you are fine after such a harrowing experience. Everyone...take care. Enjoy the many blessings we all receive tomorrow. Hugs, Barbs

Wow Becks, sorry to hear about your encounter with the deer. Anne's Jack had one recently also. As long as no "humans" were hurt, it's just a sad experience.

The pies are done, turnips and candied yams are ready for the oven. Just need to do the stuffing and get it all over to Laur's in one piece and my work is done.

Colin's lady friend is adorable AND she cooks. She's made dinner each night since her arrival. Tonight Joe and I will take them along with whoever else makes the time to join us to dinner and then down to the jazz club which Colin also has an affinity for.

Stef and Glenn arrive home Fri. She called from Grand Cayman this am, 1st time she's been able to get through. She's all excited, she made the finals of the Texas Hold 'em tournament tomorrow on the ship. !st prize, an all expense paid WPT cruise next Dec. Funny way to spend Thanksgiving but.........

I hope you all have a 5 ***** holiday whatever and wherever you're going. Be safe !!

PS Am not thrilled with the terror alert in NYC. Wouldn't you know it, we have tix to see Michael Buble at the Garden next week and were going to take the train in. Now, not so sure!!

Hugsssssssss

Cars can be replaced but you are irreplaceable.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving everyone!

The link finally came up for me and saw 2 puppies and mom. Wow they ARE so cute. Those round faces makes me grin from ear to ear.

No snow here yet Barbs just cold. Tried to snow the other day but only a sciff in the mountains.

Well livng in MT has its perils. I was coming home from Rods Sunday night and had a meeting with a deer who dove to it's death out of the ditch and into my car. It was wierd I did not feel much of a bump. I stopped and another car stopped in back of me to see if I was ok. This was in the middle of nowhere between rural towns. They said they saw the the deer hit my car, fall off, and ended up in a tangled bloodly mess. Lots of blood and tissue smeared on my car. (Sorry for the graphic description)

Took out my right corner of the car and slid along the right side doing some damage. Did check the side bumper if it went into the wheel so I could still drive home. It is the body shop now and glad I have another vehicle to drive.

Thank goodness that rural road I was on had some traffic. If it was worst I don't know what I would have done. Wait for hours to get a tow truck there. Or even worst if there were injuries.

But I'm good it's just my car thats sick.

Wishing everyone Happy Thanksgiving. This is a year to really count the good things one has in thier lives.

yep...we are back from the cruise. It was nice and we sure picked the right week to go. It hasn't snowed in Indy yet...but our friends who went along are from just east of Chgo. and they received 8 in' while we were gone. Now we are attempting to tackle the kitchen fiasco. The granite guy is supposed to come with two other men to take off the countertops. They are huge so he will have to take hem back to his sore until other work is finished. Soon we will find out just how much damage there is under the cabinets. More junk to deal with. Who knows what the holidays will be like...without a stove, sink and countertop....maybe I will tell Tery to just go get the RV out of storage...nah...just kidding! Tke care ladies....Barbs

Good morning all......I've been soooo busy. I've been reading just not writing.

I just wanted to drop by and wish every one a great Thanksgiving holiday. Hope all is happy and goes well.

We are going to my mom's place...(actually my niece but that's where mom is.) Will have a dinner day with them and then on to Memphis Fri. to be with our kids up there. It's going to be a fun time I think.

Happy Days to all of you.

Last night they brought in the Mom and the puppies attacked her. So they are not yet fully weaned.

Lots of violence here also, most of it in Salinas with the gangs. They are tied with last year's record of 24, mostly teenage Hispanic boys wasted.

Big day for Coel. He finally measures 60" or 5' tall, 107 lbs. He is just 9½ years old! He sees it as just 1 foot 2½ inches to reach his father. He is taller than both his 11 and 12-year old cousins.

But, now they have a crate in there. Could be some changes in the works. The best was when he introduced the family cat to the pups. The cat seemed fine with it and the pups were completely entranced. Sometimes they're off the air, so keep trying

Stay warm in all that snow, Becks. We've been to a few football games in that kind of weather. Kind of like beating your head against a wall--it feels so good when you stop!

Wow, Windy, you just don't know when to quit! Can't imagine that all that work is good for your legs. Take care of yourself, girl. We like you!

Has anyone heard from Perica? I certainly do hope she's all right.

I'm leaving on Mon. to go to my parents. On Tues., we'll leave from there to go up to New Jersey to my brother's. We'll probably drive back from there on Sat. My husband is staying home. It seems to be a man's dream--dogs, food and.....football! He's invited to come, but seems to prefer this. Anyway, we've got a very dear church member who's close to leaving this earth for heaven. I know he wants to be around for that.

I pray that all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and safe trips, if trips there be.

Later!

The puppies are still there Becks, just checked in on them. I saw at least 4.

Moving is not an option or the answer. This is an anomaly, Long Island is safe and beautiful.

Marty one word - MOVE

Some of the violence has been reported on TV here. I remember the one with the bat.

Hope those boys are tried as adults.

Not much going on here. Rod has been staying for the whole week here between football games. This weekend will be the biggest one of the year, Bobcat/Griz game our 108th meeting. Suppose to snow in the morning that day so the snow gear will come out. One year we had 2 feet of snow on the ground and they have to plow the field, but left it up in the stands for the people to crawl over it and dig out the seats to sit in.

Anne4 wasn't fast enought to catch the puppies sniff sniff, Oh well.

Take care all *********

Going back to our previous topic: We've had in the past month A TON of violence of every kind. A husband killed his wife with arsenic, another stabbed his wife and dumped her in the woods and drove her car to make it look like an abandonment/kidnapping. Another man killed his ex-wifes new boyfriend with a bat while still another strangled his wife. The most recent and seemingly beyond comprehension, 7 teens set out to "get" a hispanic. They stabbed him to death. 8 family's lives changed forever. They are being charged with a hate crime as well as murder which if convicted means they may never walk free again. The oldest was 19.

The creepy part for me is all of these crimes are within 2-7 miles of me. The hate crime is practically in Lauries back yard. This stuff doesn't happen here, of course that's what everyone says don't they!

Very cute site Anne. One of those little fur balls is very aggressive. lol Must be the alpha-male.

So it is official, after a near revolt of everyone who is employed at the diner she has relented and we will be there through 12/24. That means I have a mere 5 Saturdays to work. Happy and sad all at once.

Stef and Glenn avoided a near luggage disaster by 5 mins. The airline lost Glenn's luggage and he would not have had it until today when they arrive in Aruba but for a last minute locate and it got to the ship just in the nick of time. I paid for my cruise on Monday so I'm a go for Feb 4.

Last weekend it was in the 60's but this week it turned very cold. A biting wind which says stay inside.

Colins girlfriend will be flying in from Ca. this weekend and will be with us for the holiday. A new member of the ever expanding family since it looks like this is the real deal.

It looks like the Ca. fire situation is on it's way to being controlled. What a tough year for everyone out there. Bobbi, is your daughter out of harms way with her new move?

So where is everyone?

http://cdn1.ustream.tv/swf/4/viewer.49.swf?cid=317016

These pups are so cute. But, you'd better click on it before they all go to new homes! Jack and I have been watching it this weekend, just laughing our heads off at some of their antics. Great "cute" fix!

The ground is covered in a fuzz of green as seeds burst into plants. Here and there our few deciduous trees are trying to shed their leaves. Crazy weather!

Prejudice can be untaught. I married into a southern rural type family where the N-word was used frequently. When my husband first used the word, I told him of my disgust and how he should look into the faces of my sweet black school children and see just how much hurt that word caused. He had never thought of it from that angle and never used it again, at least in front of me. When my son began to talk, I told my in-laws that we would be teaching him that the N-word was a bad word that hurt people. They stopped using it. That was about the time "black is beautiful" started, along with black studies. More and more information came along, forcing people to challenge what they had been "taught". Finally, my mil proudly announced that a black couple had joined their church and were so nice. Ten years earlier she would not have been able to honestly make that statement. It has given me hope.

One of my favorite songs from South Pacific. Now we have to learn how NOT to pass all that on!

You've got to be taught
To hate and fear
You've got to be taught
From year to Year
It's got to be drummed
in your dear little ear
You've got to be carefully taught

You've got to be taught
To be Afraid
Of people whose eyes
are oddly made
And people whose skin
Is a different shade
You've got to be carefully taught

You've got to be taught
Before it's too late
Before you are 6 or 7 or 8
To hate all the people
your relatives hate
You've got to be carefully taught

Well the election is not over in my mailbox. Tho my entire family voted democratic I am getting E's every day from extended family mostly from down south and some not so far away states with dire predictions of the most outlandish, preposterous things that will befall us as a nation, too ridiculous to mention due to the election of Obama. I am ashamed that we share the same gene pool.

Any way, today was Stef's BD. My baby is 43, she wanted no cake since they leave Sun for their 12 day cruise and wants her clothes to fit leaving and returning.

The Cathy/Brad thing is no better, just more complicated and then there is Laurie and Phil grappling with more blended family problems. I want them to know there is someone always there to listen but geez, I get no sleep. My subconscious mind is always striving to FIX their problems and I'm getting really tired of it.

Tomorrow is our last mild day for quite a while so the rose canes must be dealt with while the sun is out. Our leaves are all down Witty, just a few sparse yellow and red ones holding on. We had a great deal of rain and wind this week so that hurried the process. The squirrels are working on seat #4 & 5.

TGIF

I don't know why the dollar signs.....but it's always a good thing I think....LOL

Anyway, Rhu I did get a kick out of the e-mail. It's always good to laugh.

I hope the leaves were still nice when you were down this way. They were the prettiest this year that I can remember. I really love fall...although for some reason I've been cold for two weeks.....and it's not even cold weather yet.

Like many of you, I voted absentee. On election day, I sat glued to the TV, hoping the polls were accurate, getting some relief when Ohio turned blue. Before the western polls closed, it was apparent that California's 55 votes would close the deal and we all relaxed.

The crowd in Grant's Park was so diverse and well mannered, boding well for the future. McCain's concession speech was inspiring and so like the old McCain that my respect for him returned. Obama's speech was perfect when he reached out to those who did not vote for him and included them in his plans for change. A wonderful start. How nice it is to be able to hope again!

And then there is the sore spot. Sometimes you have to be careful about what you wish for, or people who live in glass houses need to be careful about those stones they hurl about. Several months ago, our state Supreme Court overturned the last initiative that had stated marriage was to be only between a man and a woman. The Court said our state constitution guarantees equal rights to all citizens so you could not take the right to marry away from just some people. So some folks put up Proposition 8 to change the constitution to take the rights away from same sex folks. I f you wanted to take the rights away, you voted yes and if you did not, you voted no. Californians love to complicate things.

Now good folks can disagree and a healthy discussion is always good. But the yes side was losing. Enter the Knights of Columbus, the Bishops, the Catholic church, the Mormon Church, and most evangelicals who got together with a bundle of money and barraged the airwaves with misleading, lying ads saying kindergartners would taught about homosexual marriage, churches would be forced to marry homosexuals or lose their tax-exempt status, etc. So the yes vote prevailed and the measure passed.

Now, churches are being picketed, cars and houses are being egged, church people are being called the Taliban or Ayatollahs. And there is talk of putting up a new proposition forbidding Mormons to marry! If you can vote to remove the rights of one group, what's to stop you from removing the rights of another group. And the Mormons are an easy group to pick on. Somebody wasn't really thinking when they thought up Prop. 8! And they didn't know their state constitution very well.

It is back in the courts again where it will probably be overturned again. As my uncle used to say, "There is nothing more fun than watching the people!"

I am so in awe of the Smokey Mountains and the Pisgah Forest in Noth Carolina and Tennessee. What a great weekend we had...driving along in the camper. My sister enjoyed the view and all in all it was a worthwhile adventure. It was a little nippy at night but the furnace performed well and we had some good laughs and talks. Now I must get ready for company on Friday and we leave Saturday for the Carribean cruise. I am thinking of really letting my hair down...I think I need to relax big time!! Whe we return...the kitchen work begins. It will take all the bravery I can muster to move all my dishes and pots and pans etc.etc.etc. out so they can start the work. Witty...I hope you got a laugh out of my last email....my friend at the clinic is such a funny person...and I forwarded it from her. Hugs ladies.

A new week is starting and I have NO Dr. appts. Yea! It was a busy Sat work wise and it's looking more and more like we will be out of there by Dec 1. I'm secretly hoping for Dec 31 so we can cash in on the holiday generosity of our customers but................

So am feeling like I'm living in the back woods of Maine or thereabouts. Penny is practicing "mousicide" on a regular basis and the other night she was outside with me while I was on the phone with AJ when I heard some gawd awful growling. Hung up quickly and went for the flashlight just in time to see her attempting to take on a racoon. She is 8 lbs of fearlessness and stupidity. Our squirrels are either telling us we've left the patio chairs out too long or they're sick of seeing the same cushions. Today they stripped the 3rd chair, ripping the fabric away and filling their cheeks witht the batting and running off to cushion their winter nests. I hope this is not a sign of a horrid winter to come. Have never seen anything like it before.

I made a roast pork tonight and invited Cathy and the little ones. Such fun, they latched onto the ToysRus and Walmart wish books. There ensued much conversation about what they wanted and how Santa carries his toys to the houses. I was intrigued at their level of ideas of what is going to happen. 3 and 4 is just about the best age. They feed off of each others expectation and excitement.

Barb I hope your mold problem is over. There is nothing worse and it's dangerous. Becks, I'm amazed that your senate and governor went blue but not president. Very strange.

That's about it. Chilly tonight but the days have been delicious.

Witty, I love you....that's all I wanted to say about that.

Voting...well...we voted early at the county court house and I must say I will be doing it that way again in the future...it made everything so easy.

My sis, Fredi, has been here all week. We have just had such nice talks. She has been through a lot in her life and was just what I needed this week to strengthen myself. We will take her home in the camper this week as it will be so much more comfortable for her. After three strokes...nothing is easy for her but she never complains. Home next week for a few days to pack for that cruise....then I promise I will stay put for a few months.

Did I tell you all about the mess in my kitchen? Have had a leaking dishwasher without knowing it for ....perhaps years. Because of the way it sits under the cupboard the hardwood floors never once had water on them or showed any indication of the problem. What lead us to pull the machine out and find the BLACK MOLD was the smell I noticed everytime I opened one of the cabinet doors. The repairman says everything is warranteed and that was a good thing (though I would have preferred a new machine all together)...and the insurance man assured us that we will have all the floors replaced..and subfloors and mold cleaned up. I guess we will survive...I told Terry....he better start trusting my nose more! I have a good sniffer!
Hugs ladies...Barbs

But, Witty, even better, I saw in a crawler on election day about someone having "casted" his vote! Good grief!

Joanna has been using the election results to try to get some messages to her children at school. "You can reach any goal" type of stuff. Obama is black, came from a difficult background and had no father in his life to speak of. Great example for these kids!

I voted absentee and really glad I did. The lines at the polls were wrapped around buildings all over town. I even voted for the winner. It will be interesting to watch what he does. I did like the comment about him telling his girls about the new puppy that would be moving into the white house with them, hehe

Watched into the night to see if undecided MT would come through. It was yellow al night. it ended up with Mcain with 50% and Obama with 47% - red till the end.

Well my Michel Gallet (from France) will be here for 2 more days and then he leaves to meet his girlfriend in Seattle (long story). He is married with 5 children, all grown.

He is very interesting to talk to and he went to English classes while here in town to try to improve his english. He lives in a world I am not well aquainted with. So learned alot about how they live over there. He was glad for the winner of our election and approved.

Saw many things and even took him to see buffalo north of me on the Bison Range. Took him a number of places. Met my Rod when he came over for a Griz Football game. Michel did not want to go to the game though.

So alls well that ends well. Need to get up at 4:30 am to get him to the airport.

Everyone get well soon, that an order!

Yes...I know...it's "polls"......right?

I just wanted to chime in and say how much I appreciate you all this year. I know that we all have differing ideas on politics and I was so glad that this place didn't become a forum for it. I felt much more comfortable this election than I did the last one. Thanks....

All in all........I can't say I'm disappointed. I really had a hard time this time.I was very divided. When it came time to push the button I really had to think a lot. There were reasons that I voted the way I did. But as I said....I could easily have gone the other way..and almost did. So my prayer will be that the right person got in and things will get better..

The joys of living in a "small" area. I went to the poles at 1:30 in the afternoon when I knew the "mommies" would be picking up their little ones...I walked in, signed my papers, voted, and walked out. Maybe 10 minutes....YEA...

Yea!!! Am pleased as punch...........Hopefully we are on the road to crossing that racial divide once and for all and on our way to making this country truly united and regaining our respect around the world. Anne, you must be thrilled that VA went blue. lol

Have the results back from all my tests, no obvious problems but it doesn't explain why I keep having UTI's. Have a few more tests in Dec. but am confident I can go pay for my cruise now.

Off for a nap, had to be up early for a Dr. appt this morning. Why do I make appt's for 9 am, I know I'm not going to be a happy camper at that hour.

I sat down last Friday evening, with a cup of tea and my voters' brochure and took my time reading the info on the items I wasn't familiar with. Outside of govt. posts, most of the issues don't get much play in the media.

What is a mystery to me is how I ended up having 3 boys who all share the oppostie party from me. Where oh where did I go wrong? lol Guess I did teach them to think for themselves. My youngest thoroughly enjoys coming over and discussing our opposing positions, and we end up laughing and having a wonderful time. Wouldn't work with one of my d-i-l's though. Nope, no way.

Doctors appts are on my list this fall too. Arthritis now everywhere in my body except my lips, nose, and ears. Next up will be a trip to internist and rheumy to check how to manage my chronic pain from fibromyalgia and a few other issues that go along with all that. What a bother this aging is...............

I have a new member in my immediate family. A new puppy. He's a 6 mo old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He is a doll and gets along well with the rest of my menagerie. Such a sweetie and 'almost' potty trained. Wish I could say the same for my wee little Maltese. This new addition tee'd him off and we are going through re-training for him. I'm seeing manipulation and stubborness that never had showed up before. LIttle brat........

Am soooooooooo glad this campaign is over, and I am pleased with the results, both federal and state. Hopefully my mind can become 'un-muddled' now. What a long road it has been.

Got to give credit to McCain. 72 and he's been running his campaign for 21 months. 24/7. Don't know how he's lasted. I even took regular naps for him just to help him out and give him a breather. I hope Obama can set the stage for the changes he has promised. We must all be realistic about how long these plans will take to transpire, but if he can get the 2 parties to start working together, that alone would be a true miracle. Nothing will get done otherwise. Energy would be one good place to start. They all seem to agree on the necessity of starting a plan asap.

I'm a bit behind you, Windchime, on my fall gardening. Chris promised to come over with the grandboys and move all my pots to the backyard so I can clean them out and store them until next year. Already have my mulch for the roses so I'm ready to just sit and give instructions to everyone. Ah the joy of having help handy, ready, willing and able.

Bobbie, thinking of you often. There just has to be a solution of some sort for your issues. Take care, my dear.

Hope all is well with everyone. Just a short break now until we all have to start thinking about the holiday season. Oh my.

TaTa V

I voted last week by mail-in ballot and it was a very pleasant experience. I sat on my deck and basked in the sunshine with a glass of ice tea to sip while I carefully went over the ballot, reading the pros and cons of each ammendment from my voters guide. When I was finished I drove over to the Department of Motor Vehicles a few minutes from my house and dropped my ballot in a locked collection box. I really prefer the mail-in ballot over the voting booth. It is a much more civil way for me to vote and I feel as though I am better informed this way.

Whether or not your candidate won this evening I pray that we will all work together and change really will come to our country. Hopefully we will regain the respect of the rest of the world that has been lost over the last eight years. But most important that we can leave a better legacy to the young people of our nation than they are faced with now.

Long lines, a 45 min late which is so unusual for this big blue state esp on the island. A huge turnout. Am watching the tube with great anticipation. It's looking good so far.

It was in the low 60's today so managed to spread mulch in the remaining garden which is all roses. Covered up all the crowns, just need to cut back some too tall canes so they don't get damaged with the winter winds. One more good frost and I can cut back the dying perennials and I will be DONE with garden chores.

Am still waiting for all the results from the tests I took last week before I pay for my cruise. Need to pay up by the 20th.

Laurie has graciously taken on Thanksgiving since Stef will be away. Whew............

I hope everyone is feeling well. We're dodging the little petrie dish tots called Tyler and Tori. One or the other on any given day is bringing home something "special" from pre-k and day care. At least my cold is finally gone.

Have a great week!

Well, I voted and the lines weren't too bad--at least for those with the last name starting A-J. The rest were out the door, down a long walkway and out into the parking lot. Perhaps a bad division of the alphabet!

Joanna got to the voting place (a church) at 6 AM, had to park two blocks away and wait in the pouring down rain. Once she got inside the church it was twisted back and forth in the hallways like a line at Disneyworld. She didn't get out until 7:43 and should have been in Chesapeake at 7:45. She didn't get there until 8:30. She took it as unpaid leave and since it was a teacher work day no real harm done.

It will be interesting to hear more stories, so tell us your voting experience!

You are too funny, Bobbie! But, congrats on the rain!

It's that magic time of the year where we become normal again. We had a light sprinkling from a pineapple express from Hawaii last night but tonight a big hulking gully washer cold front is due and tomorrow will dump down up to a half inch. It will also loosen 6 months accumulation of oil and dirt on the streets, causing people to realize the laws of physics still apply when they try to speed over that slippery surface. Body shops are drooling in anticipation over the increased work!

Happy, happy, Anne! Even if it is late, the spirit is still there. Oh, Windy, you exhaust me with all the work you are able to do.

My husband came home from his weekend at his high school reunion in Yuma, Arizona with a new T-shirt. Next year is the 100th anniversary of the high school's founding, whose mascot, you may remember, is the Criminal! So his shirt reads: A century of criminal activity! If you go to this page you will see a cartoon picture of the Criminal. http://www.yumahs.yumaunion.org/

Daughter has the vast bulk of her stuff moved. Saturday they move in for good, bringing the hapless cats and turkey-loving Sadi. Friday is Halloween so with the school celebration and also the Palo Colorado Canyon families celebration, the kids will leave on a high.

I'm back with another infection. Anne, if you wouldn't mind e-mailing me about what you take and the details, I'll run it by my pulmo: bobberrr2 at yahoo dot com. I'm running out of options. Thanks!

Oh, goodness Windy, don't you have enough going on in your life? I didn't expect you to remember my birthday. I can't believe how much you keep doing.

I'm leaving in a couple of hours--if I'm lucky. See you in a couple of days!

Forgot your Birthday Anne, remembered it last week and said, self, remember it Sunday. As I remember you share your special day with lots of loved ones.

I hope your plumbing problems "dry up"

A belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY girl. Everybody sing now!!!