My Life as a River Rat

As you can see, this is not the river. It is the ocean, a favorite spot to visit in Rhode Island that I have been going to since I was young. It was Mom and Dad's place and we were always hauled off to see the waves crashing during and after a wicked storm. I found it to be thrillingly exciting.

So was walking the river banks during a hurricane where we mostly got the strong winds. I can remember fighting for my footing quite a few times during that excitement. If i lost my balance I would tumble down the river bank and end up on an overturned boat or in the drink.

I have an older brother who loved to fish. He would go off with his friends though, leaving me at home alone. I find it strange that he recently bought a bass boat and he fishes every night on the lake. If he catches a fish, he lets it go. He hates the taste of fish, any kind of fish. I find that extremely hilarious since we were brought up on fish.

When my brother was not around, Dad would nab me to accompany him in the boat for a fishing trip. I really loved it so can't act too surprised and put upon. The flat fish were abundant (they call it flounder in the market) but flat they were, with two eyes close together on the top side. They were ugly and slimy, bottom feeders. I cannot tolerate to eat them now as they always taste a tad muddy to me.

Often we would go out to the sand bar past Bluff Point at low tide, and unload our bushel baskets and rubber tire tubes. We put the baskets inside the tubes which we tied around our waist to keep them close. Then we would clam until the tide came in. Dad would feel with his feet for the clams and then go under to get them. I was very careful feeling with my bare feet, there were Horseshoe crabs along the bottom and they were big and had hard sharp shells. It wasn't nice to step on one accidentally. When I did feel clams, I would bend over very carefully, feeling with my hand for the prize. I only bent on one side because I couldn't stand water in my face. I held my breath until I found the darn things and then would start again. I'm very good at holding my breath now. Even out of the water!

On the way home, dad and I would just sit and fish. He would troll a little bit and we would throw our lines overboard. I especially liked trolling. It always made me sleepy and dreamy. I would get up on the bow of the boat and lay down, feeling the warm sun and the movement of the boat beneath me. Every once in a while we would hit a wave and the water would splash upon me. That was my favorite part of the day.

At home I would sit beside the bushel basket and shuck clams with Dad. I got to be pretty good at it too. I could almost keep up with Dad except for the scallops. They were a different deal entirely. I always marveled at the beautiful lining inside with the iridescent turquoise blue, like little eyes at the inside edge of the shell. After the shucking came the washing of the meat and cleaning of the shell completely. Then drying and at last, my joy in painting little scenes inside the shells. Scallops have a beautiful shell. Very decorative and many people use them to complete their sea scenes in their kitchens or bathrooms.

The oysters were a different story. They were hard to open and often cut my hands. I never did find a pearl inside. They had little barnacles on the shell and they could really do a number on the hands if not careful. I later learned to use special gloves, much later.

Oops, I got carried away in remembering and there is so much more to tell. That will have to wait for another time. A time to go back to my childhood and to remember again.

Have a good day people.

Hugs

Today is a Spot On Day!

Good Morning,

This little cutie was sent to me in an email from my aunt this morning. Perfect timing Auntie! I think he is just precious with that little wink, don't you?

I really haven't much to write about because I only went shopping last night in the rain and rolling fog, came home with my heart in my stomach from my uneasiness of driving in the heavy fog, ate and put some of the groceries away. Then I watched a little TV and went to bed. I did keep my window wide open and the hooting of the owls, coyotes cries and critter symphony sent me right off to sleep.

I won't be able to stand the colder weather when the critters will no long be, and I won't be able to open the window to hear the owls if they are still here. I'll have to try it at least once just to see. Of course it will get pretty cool in the room but hubby would close the window when he came to bed.

I have to get busy with the sorted piles of summer clothes I've got at the end of the bed before they fall and I have to do it all again. I bought those big plastic bags that you can put a lot in and then lay on the bag to squeeze out the air before sealing. I also have the ones you use the vacuum on to suck out the air. Those are fun to use. Small things amuse small minds you know.

It's pretty cool out there but I have a lovely cross breeze and there is a noisy cricket making such a racket that it sounds as if he is in the house. I just love to listen to them. We had one in our utility room last year and every night he would start in with his music. Hubby was going nuts and kept trying to find him/her?. I finally found him and quickly grabbed him up and let him loose outside to be with his family. Ooh, what a funny feeling with those scratchy legs going like crazy in the palm of my hand. And of course they always gifted me for saving them by leaving a bit of poop in my hand.

I remember shaming the boys into letting loose their frogs, lightning bugs, hermit crabs in buckets and so on, by making my voice sound sad and pretending I was calling my babies back home. It worked when they were small but later they got wise to me. We never had to worry about finding dead worms and such because they always let them go and with that trusting look up at me, would usually say, "Their mommy is happy now isn't she mommy?" I really miss those days of pure innocence and trust.

Now I seem to have become someone they are not quite sure of. Smile. It's good to keep them guessing. It makes up for all the times they stayed out late and I was up and worried until they came in that door. My hair didn't turn grey because I had angels.

I have so much to do today and I promised myself I would get it done. However this beautiful day might be one of the last for some time and I want to grab my camera and get out there and enjoy it. It will be a tough battle but I know the day out in the sun will win. We have errands to run and things to do and I'll take my camera for sure.

Have a nice day everybody and enjoy, enjoy.

Hugs

It's Raining, It's Pouring

My hubby is snoring. He deserves the sleep, he worked outside for hours yesterday with son, Mike, filling in a long ditch. They had it dug up and had to replace the PVC piping we had put in a few years ago to prevent our driveway from becoming a skating rink. They found it was all crushed and bent, making all the water go under our garage and it was washing away our fill. When he came in all hurting and out of breath he said, "I'm really hurting, I'm too old for this anymore." As if he didn't know it for the past few years. But keeping busy helps him to feel useful. You know, the mind is willing, but the body is falling apart underneath us.

We were both up a few times last night, he to take a pain pill and me to run to the potty as usual. Once from the sound of the rain pounding on the roof. I need to stop drinking water earlier nights. One of these times I'm going to get tripped up and fall on my face.

Would you believe it has been in the 30's and low 40's nights and yet tomorrow it is supposed to be like a summer day. Please Lord, don't play games like this. I'm confused enough as it is.

Later I guess we'll go grocery shopping in order to get some walking in. I try to just walk the store once without stopping and then settle down to actually shop. When I do though I find my grocery list has been added to since hubby can't walk that fast so he searches the aisles while I hurry to finish before he fills the cart with things not on the list.

Well, as you can see, I don't have much to say so will close and get dressed and get outside in the fresh air. You all have a good day.

Hugs

AT LAST!!

Hmmm, I guess I should keep this picture of the mechanic handy, I have a feeling I'll have lots of use for it.

Finally, the car has been repaired after much tearing of the hair. Late Wednesday night Jon came in to tell me. I asked him what he did and it turned out that chubby hubby had crawled under the car and worked on it, fixing the last of the work on the alternator. I had gone out earlier and I have to say, there wasn't much room for him to move about under the car and the car was up on jacks!! You can imagine how nervous I was about that!

Yesterday morning we had to get to the doctor's early and we were rushing about. By the time we were finally ready and in the car, we had 15 minutes to get there. Okay, he started the car and we set off. As we started up the hill at the end of our driveway, a heck of a noise stopped us. Kert said, "Oh I must have left one of my tools on top of the engine." Red flares were going off in my head. It turned out not to be so and we started off again. Midway we smelled a strong burning odor and again Kert pulled off the road saying, "Something must be burning" and jumped out of the car and threw open the hood. Surprise, nothing was burning. Well, something WAS burning but it wasn't the car.

I told him to hurry and get to the doctor's and if the car burst into flames, well he wouldn't have to work on it anymore. The car did fine and we got there a half hour late but they fit us in anyway. After that the car drove like a dream, but hubby kept stopping to listen and would start again. By the time we got home I felt as if I had whiplash.

Last night Jon and Kert went to the auto races. It was the last race of the season except for the BIG one in mid October which runs for 3 days. Now they are saving their money for that one. When we had the RV they would go and spend the whole weekend there, and others in their RV's would get together and have a good time talking with pit crew members and friends they hadn't seen since the year before. Now we no longer have the RV so they will be driving back and forth each day.

It will be nice not having to cook! It will be perfect to be able to read a book from cover to cover with no interruptions. Ha! My weekend to be wild. LOL, I'll probably order a pizza and watch old movies in my flannel jammies with my favorite blanket wrapped around me. Now that's my idea of a good weekend. I think I'll start saving too so they will be sure to go...

I left all the windows open last night and this morning it was darn cold in here. I've got a jacket over my MuuMuu and a blanket around my legs. I guess It's time to throw on warmer clothes. I'm staying inside because it's windy and cool out there and I don't think I'm going to warm up anytime soon. I will definite close most of the windows tonight so it isn't such a shock waking up to cold and taking a shower. Getting out of that nice hot shower and then walking out of the bathroom is really an energy boost. You just can't get dressed fast enough.

I guess it's time I got off this computer and ate some breakfast. My stomach is playing Taps against my back bone.

Have a great day!

Hugs

Still Waiting

I wasn't going to write today because we are still waiting for the car to be fixed and I haven't been anywhere except to the library so no excitement there.

Jon is bringing a testing kit home from his friends auto shop to go over our new alternator which doesn't seem to work. They think when the blow up occurred the other day, that it might have fried wires. Now they have to check them all out and see if they can repair it sooner rather than later. Now we can't put the other car in the shop until we have one to use first. Believe it or not, I'm keeping my cool. Haven't gone off the deep end but there's always tomorrow.

It was so cold in the house when I woke up, my hands were stiff and fingers couldn't type. I wasn't going to blog but after sitting on my hands for a half hour, they have feeling again so here I am, trying at least.

I was going to dump all my planters today and should have done it this morning while it was so cold, and the bees weren't active yet. They have been out in droves and all over my flowers which have been struggling to make it with this crazy weather. The only thing still blooming are the planters full of petunias. I think if I'd let them they would be going strong until the first snow. Tonight they will be gone, cruelly tossed over the bank by an uncaring frustrated gardener. Then the bees won't have anything here to be drawn to. And just maybe the petunia seeds will cause new plants to grow in late spring. I'm hoping so.

This summer was a bust and too much work to keep up with the flowers. We had more fall like weather than summer, so it's no surprise that this is the last day of summer and this afternoon brings in the season of Autumn. Actually it is called the Autumnal Equinox. I must look that up. :)

With the arrival of Autumn comes memories of my mom and dad. Their anniversary fell in October and every year they would go to Vermont for leaf peeping. Mom never failed to come home bearing gifts, Maple Sugar candies, gritty tasting on the outside and creamy on the inside. Maple leaf jewelry, delicate and dipped in gold. I thought Vermont must be a magical place.

With October comes our anniversary also, 49 years. And like mom and dad, every October we would haul ourselves to Vermont and New Hampshire where I fell in love with the many small towns with the friendly people. I can't leave out the chicken and biscuit suppers advertised outside the churches lining the road sides. The lovely churches with the high spires set within a cluster of beautifully attired trees, brimming with all the colors that autumn in New England is famous for. And yes, we bring home presents also. The same gritty maple sugar candies, funny wooden puzzles made by the local craftsmen. I also pick up my special address book with the woodcut cover. If I had a daughter I think she would follow our lead and keep the journey alive.

I seem to be rambling on and am in need of a cat nap. I needed one when I first started this blog today, thus the little kitty asleep on the ball of yarn. It's sleep deprivation, the odds and ends that come out in our thoughts, in disconnected ways and ramblings.

I leave this blog with a wish for all who read it to have a wonderful day and a Happy Autumn.

Hugs

Some Things Never Change

Yesterday afternoon while I was typing my blog, my son Jon came in from outside and brought me a present. On the cover of a book lay a big orange larvae. The boys have always brought me little gifts of nature since they were little, and because they expect me to automatically know what each and everything is. This specimen was a bit ugly and gave me goosebumps. I laid it in front of me on it's side so it couldn't make its way off the page, and began my research.

First I went to the webb and looked at images of moth larvae. There was quite an assortment of some of the creepiest looking specimens I've ever seen. Nope, this critter wasn't there. I studied the markings on the head of the gift and they looked familiar to a butterfly I had once seen. So next I went through all the images of butterfly larvae. At the very end, there it was, eyes, staring right at me. After reading up on it I discovered it was the Spice Bush Swallowtail Butterfly Larvae. The markings I had recognized were on the wings of the butterfly pictured next to the image of the larvae. How interesting I thought. The markings on the head looked like two eyes yet there they were, duplicated on the butterfly.

I then took my little gift outside and tried to put it on the branch of a tree to give it some protection against predators. It quickly fell to the ground. Mike came over to help me and he placed it on a wide leaf on a higher branch to give it some safety. Yea, it suddenly quit playing dead, grabbed hold and began inching its way along the leaf.

Maybe this isn't such earth shattering news, but it kept me occupied and I learned something new.

I'm so curious that I had to really have a closer look at the head, and while scrutinizing it, discovered that the real head was located deeper inside what I had first thought was the actual head. Nature's way of hiding the obvious. It didn't show itself fully until on the leaf when it came out and began its journey on familiar territory, free at last!

My lesson for the day was over. I did wonder how the poor thing felt lying here on my desk while I typed and searched. He played dead but he hadn't fooled me...

Today is a cool day but with sunshine. It is supposed to get up to 71 degrees but we shall see. I think I shall take a little walk out back and look on the ground to see if any more gifts await me. We just don't pay attention to nature around us if it isn't at eye level. When you walk with a cane, you are constantly aware of tree roots and other trip ups. I think it is sometimes a blessing. I find all kinds of gifts and each one is a learning experience.

Have a nice day everyone and be sure to search for your gift. It might be right in front of your eyes.

Hugs

Will This Ever End?

Cars, trucks, cars, Grrrrrr.

For the past month we have spent a fortune in auto repairs and again the gremlins have struck! My '97 Nissan which has been in for repairs twice in as many weeks would not start Friday morning when we needed to get our flu shots. After cleaning up and fighting my way into clothes and the damn bra (no muumuus allowed), hubby turned the key in the ignition and nothing happened. He put the battery on charge and after 5 hours, still nothing. That battery was a dead as it could possibly be.

I trooped into the house and just sat wondering when this would end. I mean how much can go wrong with an old car that has had almost everthing replaced?? Hubby said to heck with it and told me to jump in the truck so off we went to get our shots and then to the bank. When finished he then asked me where I wanted to go. I loudly said "HOME!" I didn't want any part of a car the rest of the day.

Today they have been working on disassembling the Nissan to replace the alternator. Earlier Hubby had to make an emergency run to AutoZone to get a metric wrench. Now he came in and told me he had to go back and buy a screw. He just came home with one part and now has to run back after another. I told him to buy nuts and bolts and screws while he was at it because it never fails, when they take a part off, it breaks. Nope, he didn't need any. So now he just left to get the screw that wouldn't come off and broke while removing the gizmo. This is like a never ending dance lately. It never fails to be a much bigger job than they first envisioned. "No sweat Hon." Sure, as if I'll ever believe those words uttered by his mouth again. I'm smiling, I'm smiling. Nope, I'm actually lying through my teeth.

Our '97 Chevy Blazer goes in the auto shop to be repaired this week. I want it done by a pro so if I want to scream at somebody, it will fall on his ears and I can make an arse of myself. Heck, I'm paying for it and if it isn't right then I ought to be able to yell at someone. I mean, we aren't made of money and our cars have been there more often then home the past month. Repair those old cars President O Bama says, they will last forever if you treat them right. Well Pres, that costs money and we certainly didn't get any of your Stimulus moola. And now we certainly can't afford to buy a new one.

Heck, I'm just so frustrated and wasn't going to blog, but then I thought, why not throw some of the bad in with the good. I mean, I don't want to come across as a Goody Two Shoes. Some things do make me want to tear my hair out and roll on the ground like a two year old having a tantrum.

Well, my rant is over so I will close and wish everyone a good day. Now I'm smiling!

Hugs

Well, I'm Here So That Counts for Something

I took this picture two days ago while checking on my plants and humming bird feeders. The little critters were having a hard time getting to the nectar . I held the feeder with one hand, tipping it their way so that it was easier for them to get to. Now that was a feat! A camera in one hand and the other holding the feeder without shaking. They were too busy gorging themselves to worry about me. I was amazed to see how they withdrew the nectar and wish I could have caught that on the camera. Their apparatus is so much more than you think.

The days of rain have shooed them off but not those little black and yellow vicious bees. They come after you with a frenzy if you are in their way. I've learned to just leave them be and let them fend for themselves.

Yesterday was all rain so I didn't go anywhere. Today is rainy also, a good day to read a book or in my case, finish two that I started and put aside to do other things. It's cool enough to bake also and hubby has been wanting chocolate!! It's not just a woman's thing at all. So much for their expensive surveys!

Okay, I didn't really feel up to writing anything with my brain fog so I'm going to go back to bed and take a nap. I hate this getting up so early. Especially when I was up until after 1 a.m.

Night, night, I need to get some more Zzzzzzzzzs.

Hugs

What a Difference Between Yesterday and Today

Yesterday turned out to be a fine day. Windy and sunny, just how I like it. Especially when you visit the ocean. I can't think of anything more relaxing and exciting than watching those waves come in and trying to figure out where they will make the most beautiful combination of crashing sea and rocks. I took this picture after many tries, and will share more later.

Today it is rainy and raw out. I've had to close all my windows but one because it is feeling damp in the house. I left all the windows open all night, not a smart move so today I need some warmth. Fickle woman, I'm never happy with the weather it seems. Wait until snow!

I've been going to my special spot over the cliffs in Rhode Island to watch the sea and its many moods for so many years. It never fails to bring peace to my soul. On the other hand, hubby was bored with it and just wanted me to get my pictures so he could leave. I wanted to stay awhile and just get my fill of salty air and mist on my face. If only I'd brought a chair to sit in. He would have gone in the car and dozed off. He should be grateful I don't pull out a sketch pad and begin drawing the scene. I'm not that talented though so he's safe. Until the next time that is.

The more wild the sea, the better I like it. Maybe I find the whole thing exciting and untameable. And the wind only adds to the feeling of being free and I lose myself in thought and sensations. I grew up on the water and miss it very much. Now I live in the woods and enjoy that also, but the love of being near the water has never left me.

I let Kitty out this morning, early, as she thought she might miss out on something. It was raining very lightly so she was brave. I don't see her waiting at the door yet so imagine she has found some cover. Usually under the car of patio table. She is just so curious over a bug or a fallen leaf turning on the patio as the breeze lifts it and lets it drop back.

I ordered some sheets from last night. They are supposed to have the big pockets so that the bottom fitted sheet goes all the way under to be tucked in neatly. Mine used to be fine. They are lovely and so soft, but I have to battle them to get them on the mattress, now that I have the thick padding to ease the bones and make for a more comfortable sleep. One night only, and the next morning they have come undone, as I have because I know the back will be out again and I'll be hurting. I never realized that mattress was so heavy before. I guess as you grow older, you notice things like that. Now it is a two man job, with hubby hurting just as much as I. That's called sharing... We're both hoping these new sheets will do the trick.

Well, he is sitting in his recliner now with a pair of socks in his hand, fast asleep. I promised him a good breakfast this morning so I will leave this for today. I have to sweeten him up to go shopping for a beach chair while the stores still have them. We had some great ones but left them in the RV when we left it in Florida with our son. It won't take much coaxing, he loves to shop. I believe it is now his true calling.

I think I will make a baked custard later today to heat the house up. It makes me think of my little granny, she always made me baked custard when I didn't feel well. I'm just fine but any excuse to enjoy baked custard. I just have to learn to go easy on the sugar...

Have a great day and don't bust your butt. Bury yourself in a good book.

Hugs

A New Day

I sure hope it is a good morning. Yesterday was blah so I didn't even bother getting on the computer. We had grocery shopping to do and we had to go to Wal-Mart also because Kert needed paint. This makes the fifth time he has needed two cans of spray paint for the engine of our grandson's car out in the garage. Grandson has a red truck that I love, but he has a friend who wants it and wanted to make a trade.

Honest to goodness, this car he is working on came to him as a kit more or less. The kid tore it all apart and everything was thrown in the back seat. He was supposed to come and help Josh but so far we have not seen hide nor hair of him. Josh and his dad have been working on it for more than a month and it still has a long way to come before it's finished. I just have the idea that once it's all put together with the missing parts and painted, the kid will change his mind and want his car back. If I have to I will chain it to our garage to keep it here. I don't trust this exchange at all. Kids, they don't believe in getting signed contracts.

Well, yesterday's shopping trip turned out to be more than I bargained for, so I told hubby I would not go shopping with him again. I asked him to pick up the trash bags and I would get the soup stock. I had all the groceries in the cart and he came back about 20 minutes later with his two cans of spray paint clutched in his little hands. I almost exploded trying to keep the frustration inside. I think if I go shopping twice a week and just buy for the meals I plan, I can do great by myself. Yes it's two trips, but short ones and I can carry three bags without any trouble. We have all kinds of things stocked up so if we get caught in a blizzard and are snowed in for a month, the food on hand will last us. Two hands will save on our grocery bill big time!

It's pretty cool out this morning and tomorrow it is supposed to be rainy and raw. Ya'll know now that summer is over for sure. Just as long as we get some nice autumn days I will be happy. Maybe if we get our car fixed soon, we will be able to take an anniversary trip to Vermont. Just an over nighter, but it will be a pretty drive and won't cost an arm and a leg. It's a thought anyway.

Hubby and son are going to the races tonight. Another night by myself to do what I want. I think it's time to clear out my bedroom. I had things in piles to donate to Good Will and the dressy clothes to the Women to Work Program. Well, the piles slid off onto the floor and when I woke up in the middle of the night I was barricaded. What a surprise and not a pleasant one!

The trip to Wal-Mart didn't give me any inspiration other than to marvel at how some of the older women are dressing. 60 and 70 year olds trying to look like teenagers with skirts up to, well too far if you get my drift. Some still in bathing suits with a skimpy wrap around their waist. Kert said the wrap should have come up over their heads. He was right. And I just love the ones in short shorts with the 4 inch gold lame heels and dyed blonde hair. They don't realize what the salt water does to it. What on earth are they thinking????? Oh well, it was a conversation piece between hubby and I. We laughed a lot!

I slept upside down in bed last night so I could be near the window to hear the critters night time serenade. I will sure miss them once it gets colder out. It's been cool enough not to have to use all the fans or the back bedroom AC so I have been able to enjoy what goes on outside. Today I hear the leaves blowing across the patio. That's a nice sound too but not the pollens and dust they dredge up.

Well, that's my news for today. Nothing exciting but at least I made myself write. Once I skip a day, that's when I start getting out of the habit and I'm really trying to become disciplined. LOL, this should be something. I started journaling years ago and I found my book not so long ago. I lasted exactly six days and then the book was blank. I was still raising my kids at the time so I imagine I got caught up with keeping on top of the boys and checking my house plants often. I think you get the idea.

Well, I have to go to the Chiropractor so she can pop my neck. It always feels so much better when she's done with me. It doesn't last long, just enough to almost get me through to the next week. Oh this getting older is for the birds.

Now if I can get my 4 inch heels on and my hair poofed before it's time to go, I will be accomplishing a major feat. Smile.

Have a wonderful day all.

Hugs

I'm Running Late This Morning

Well, I guess the cold nights have caused the trees to start changing. Most of our trees have lost their leaves due to a blight on the Elms and the Maples. I hate to think of them being cut down because that will leave our house without shade trees. We have the woods but they don't offer shade. Oh well, that's nature also.

I woke up this morning thinking of Junket. I have no reason why, it sure beats me. Junket is that yucky stuff we used to make for a type of pudding. It came out like watery yogurt. I never could get that stuff down but loved when my granny made Tapioca pudding. Yum, that is still a favorite of mine when I'm not feeling well, but unless I get up to make it, it remains just a hankering.

I have no idea what to write about today. I'm tired before I begin so bear with me. I guess I should be happy for another beautiful day. Cool and crisp. It makes me crave new apples from the orchard. My yearly trip will be soon. Apple cider, pumpkin bread, and fresh baked apple pies await me. I guess waking up thinking of Junket was a sign. I'm definitely in the apple mode and hungry since I haven't eaten yet.

Okay I tried to function this morning but the mind doesn't want to cooperate. So I will call it a morning and make myself something yummy and satisfy the tummy.

Have a great day and enjoy the sunshine while it lasts.

Hugs

Just a few words

I guess I'm with the critter this morning. Not too happy with the morning so far but that's because I never got my nap yesterday and was up late last night watching TV. I try to get to bed earlier but it was 12:30 this morning before I finally said enough with all the reruns which were boring to say the least.

Hubby slept yesterday until 3:45 in the afternoon and when he got up he had all this energy. Fine for him but he woke me up at 4 a.m. when he finally hauled his butt to bed. That was it for me. Once I wake up I'm stuck. This morning he came to bed before 5 a.m. and I got up to get a glass of water. Naturally he was up all night watching his war movies or reruns of the auto races. Oh how mismatched we are! All I can think of is why did we retire? I miss all the people and the laughter through the days. And being apart daily gave us more to talk about when we were together.

Since he got so much sleep in yesterday, he washed the dishes for me and I knew he was wanting to go to the campground to be with the kids last night. I was hacking and sniffling so I told him to go and have fun. I enjoy it when they are gone. It's like a mini vacation for me. Not that they are any work for me, it's just the cars and trucks pulling in and out of the drive. The loud noise and dust from the dirt driveway coming in the windows just gets to me. I know, I'm getting to be an old crone.

Soon they will be coming home. 4 trucks, one car and two canoes. Plus all the paraphanalia that they took with them. Big gas grills to cook on instead of a nice campfire which makes the food taste so much better in my humble opinion. Oh well, this is now but in our day we did the real camping. Sometimes we didn't even have a tent. The boys outgrew that though or rather their bodies have. Now it's them who complain about aches and pains and bad backs. Welcome to the world of the aging. LOL but no, it's really not funny and I shouldn't make fun of them.

Yep, I sure picked the right picture to put on my blog. I'll get off now before I start getting on everybody's nerves.

It won't be long before I have them piling in for hot showers and the washing of dirty clothes. Smile, you know you really do miss them when they are gone.

Have a great Labor Day everybody. I think it's our last nice day for the week.

Hugs

Gathering Up My Odds and Ends

Gathering up my odds and ends seems to fit today. I have started so many jobs around this house and then left them to do something else or just laid low and

ignored them hoping they would go away. The last time I looked (this morning), they were still there waiting patiently for me to get a move on.

Yesterday was hubby's birthday so we went for a ride and if we came upon a yard sale we stopped. We got so much exercise just getting in and out of the car that I was pooped and ready for a good nap when we came home. We bought some books to read and some old VHS tapes. Shindler's List, which we loaned out and never got back and a few others. Some heavy stainless steel cooking pots for the kids to use camping, and some story books for my great granddaughters.

Next we went out for lunch and I had a cheeseburger with salad and hubby had clam chowder and clam fritters. It was a nice break and my back was happy not to be hopping in and out of the car for a little while. After that we went to the pharmacy to pick up prescriptions and then home.

I was just settling down for a much needed nap when the phone rang and son number 1 wanted us to come to the campsite and visit for a little bit. I no sooner hung up and number 2 son called. So my nap never happened and we left for the campsite after spraying down good with insect repellent. When we got there everybody had these big camp fires going and the smoke was thick. Smoke and I don't get along with asthma and bronchitis so we stayed an hour, ate some

birthday cake and left for home. My eyes and lungs felt as if I'd been in a coal mine shaft.

My cousin Arthur and his two friends were there so that was a nice surprise. He was bellyaching about the long drive (3 hours) and I burst out laughing. He never would have lasted when we drove out west. We drove for hours, up to ten a day, and I was thankful for those potty stops. Coming home we had the windows open and we were serenaded by the night sounds of the insect symphony. So nice and relaxing.

As soon as we got in the door, hubby put on his auto races and I went in the back room to watch something a little less noisy. I was really tired so went to bed with Alie following right behind. She speeded up a little to beat me to the bed and got the best spot. I maneuvered around her and was out like a light. This morning I was up a little before 4:00.

Nothing exciting doing today. I made it to the computer and wrote even though it was the last thing I wanted to do. My eyes want to close because I'm still tired and when I stop to think, I doze off and end up with my head on the computer keys. I guess that's a sign that it's back to bed for me. Just a little nap, that's all this body needs.

Have a nice fall day everyone.

Hugs

Remembering Little Things

This morning seems to be a time for remembering old times. Times when as a young one, I thought everything was beautiful and bright. And little things were a big deal to me. They must have been for me to remember so clearly.

I remember my grandpa coming home and sneaking me a Hershey Bar when nobody was there to see him. Ummm, that chocolate tasted sooo good. I've never lost my hankering for all things chocolate.

Remember the roller skates that we had to strap on to keep them on our feet. I was always falling and scraping my knees. That was the time I discovered the hidden bandages and would wrap them around my knees, holding them on with elastic bands. Imagine my amazement to learn they were for another purpose, one I hadn't experinced yet and once I knew what they were, the embarrassment that over took me. No wonder the older kids laughed but wouldn't tell me what was so funny.

I remember having my ears and neck burned by my mom when she used the old curling irons that you heated on the stove top. Man my ears had blisters at times. And you could smell my hair burning as it frizzed up and later broke off. I looked like I'd stuck my finger in a light socket! And the Perms, oh to be sitting with a smelly cap while my eyes burned and tears ran down my cheeks from the smell of ammonia. All that to be beautiful so the box said, Toni, for beautiful hair.

I don't know why my mom tried to make me look like other girls. I just didn't have enough hair and I was homely with the stupid glasses with winglike frames. Looking back to one day years ago, I hid all those pictures of me. The boys can find them long after I'm gone and they will laugh until they cry. They were that bad. And they WILL laugh.

My clothes were mostly hand me downs but I didn't mind. I had two cousins, Joan and Barb whose clothes were always the best in my eyes. I treated them like gold. The clothes my mom bought me were either a fushia plaid or lime green. When I put that stomach turning green sweater or dress on, my skin would turn yellow. OMG, it definitely is not my color. To this day I cannot stand anything even close to that shade of green. I'll walk in the stores and see curtains, etc. and will utter the word, "ACK". Hubby always gets a chuckle. For some reason, it seemed to be the color this year. They can have it!

I remember the penny candies. Root beer barrels, wax bottles with sweet syrup inside. Ooh, makes me shiver just to think of them now. The cream filberts that looked like little snow balls were a favorite also. My mom loved them too and I just saw them in The Vermont Country Store catalog priced at $16.98 a pound! Yikes...

The gum, Blackjack, Teaberry, Beeman's and Clove were my favorites. Then I was given a piece of Juicy Fruit and I was in love. Most likely because it was so sweet. Also Walnettos, chewy carmels with chopped walnuts in them. They were my little Granny's favorite. I guess I should stop now because I'm salivating and don't want to get my computer keys wet.

And what about the old oil cloth table covers. Their smell was so strong and they lasted forever. Now you have to have big bucks to buy one. Of course they are also in the Vermont Country Store catalog. That book sure does bring back the memories.

Speaking of memories, I remember today is hubby's birthday and I'd better get my butt off this chair and fix him something special for breakfast.

Have a great day everyone.

Hugs

Haven't Felt Much Like Blogging

It never fails, you don't feel up to doing something one day and then you find you lose interest or just don't have the ooomph to get back in the saddle and ride again. I sure wish we could take a trip out west again. We loved it but no longer have the RV nor the money. I can enjoy the pictures though.

It's fall already and I've been laid up with bronchitis and allergies. Ragweed and grass! Living in the woods, how do you get away from such? There is ragweed everywhere you look and all different types of grasses. I look like a raccoon with these eyes and I don't think I'll look much better for awhile anyway. Have given up on my emails so will catch up when I can. Please forgive people. This is the penalty for living out in the boonies and communing with nature. I shouldn't say that since I get so much enjoyment from my little plot in the woods.

The humming birds have been coming fast and furious. I guess with this colder weather, 50's at night, they think they have to load up for winter traveling. This has been one strange year. Maybe two weeks of hot weather and then perfect fall temps. Perfect for sleeping and the days are so comfortable. I hope we have a long Autumn.

I can't tease about hubby and son's shopping anymore. I went with hubby a week ago and it was right after one of their 'trips.' I had a nice list made out according to the layout of the store and thought this ought to be a breeze. Breeze heck! While I shopped according to the so called list, hubby wandered the aisles. And yes, they had a sale on ice cream and sherbet and we chose two but ended up going back to the ice cream aisle and picked up 4 more. Calcium you know! That extra freezer in the garage is really our down fall.

While I was looking for the frozen veggies, I spied hubby down the other end and he had a long stack of something that he was trying to balance with his chin. When I saw what he was claiming as a quick supper for him, my heart dropped. I'm cooking healthy and he's filling the cart with junk, mostly dough with a few veggies thrown in to give it color. They go by the name of chicken pot pies.

I hunted down my Turkish apricots and raw pecans and kept looking for the dates. I found Marjool dates for 8.99 a pound and there were like 11 or 12 huge dates in the container. I decided I didn't want to support Turkey so hunted around for just plain dates. They are great when I've craving sweets AND they have fiber. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Sons and family are camping this weekend. Jon went and got sites Tuesday night so there would be a place for all of them for the weekend. Jon stayed there for two nights to hold them, and then they all left yesterday afternoon. Jon came back to take his dad to the races last night for his birthday. They came home after midnight and I called it quits. It had been just me, the cat and the outside dog and it was nice and quiet enough to hear our resident owl hooting. Relaxing.

Well, one lone eye keeps crying, making a trip down the cheek and I'm getting aggravated with it so will close. This white screen doesn't help any but I did make a stab at it today so I feel worthy again.

Will go check on my flowers which are quickly being covered up by all the leaves falling. I guess we have three trees that have to be taken down. That would make a total of 8 so far. Something has gotten to them and I guess it's time. I will surely miss them.

Oh, I almost forgot to say how much our groceries came to. $286.93! But I had to buy staples, cleaning supplies, plus groceries so I guess that's to be expected. Well, isn't it??????????? Smile, I bet we spent a good $20 on ice cream and I have been good, 3 days without so far. Maybe the reason being we are completely out of ice cream and sherbet and have been for at least 4 days! Time to stock up on more calcium. Smile:)

Have a nice day people. It's a beauty out there today.

Hugs