Still hanging paper around here with one arm. I keep thinking it should ease up. I keep saying it should be better after this week.

Yesterday was the last day of The Walking Season with Keelyody.  That always makes me sad. The world will miss all of our conversation and problem solving skills. We have almost worked through Obamacare and yesterday ironed the kinks out of poor Tiger Woods life. Sorry, World, you are on your own for the next 4 1/2 -5 months.

I know we have never made it to December 1st before! That is how mild our fall has been. It’s been cold, don’t get me wrong, but no snow or ice. We are gearing up for some snow later this week though. Welcome to The Mitten. I think that by this time last year we had already had snow. I know we had a snow day before Christmas.

Yesterday, our cable, phone and Internet went out. For no good reason, and for ALL day. How did those Ingalls ever manage? One of our children asked me WHAT did people use to do before these wonder inventions? I reminded them that they used to work a whole lot more. They turned and left the room.

I have to give a HUGE thank you to my Friend, Jip The Farm Dog. She is doing me a favor and I am immensely grateful! She is my very favorite person today!! Is there anything you need Jip? Food, clothing, shelter? A daughter? BIG kiss on the cheek???

I am hoping to do a Way Back When-sday post again in my life time!  I have not abandoned them. It’s just that I am running out of old timey pictures and I need to crack the cat-o-nine tails on my Mother’s back so she will find our family pictures. I think I am going to ask for that for Christmas. I’ll let you know how that turns out.

OK, I have to git. BSF waits for no woman.

Our Halloween had several activities going on, but none of them were trick or treat related. Our children have reached the age where this is all but a non-holiday.

Evidently, so have the kids in our neighborhood. We had a grand total of 7 knocking on our door. Maybe our ugly yard scared them away.

Speaking of our ugly yard, the City Sewer Guy called yesterday afternoon to set up another meeting. It will be the week before Thanksgiving. Still praying for that end result.

I wasn’t going to make our traditional Halloween snacks, until The Boy said that they were the best thing about Halloween anymore. Well, how could I resist that? They are SO yummy. Just what Honey and I need. Extra snacks.

Thanks to LMNOP for taking the picture. I couldn’t get the flash to work and she is a professional. She also said that she knew  when she came in the house that the plate of cookies was staged for the blob. She’s like a little baby genius.

I have been knitting a lot. Halle Berry enjoys napping in the nest-O-scarves.

The AquaMouse was in fine form on Saturday. Her team had their Division meet and they came in first place! She swam 3 events. A 200 medley relay with 3 other girls (her leg was the butterfly), and individual 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly. Her times in the  medley and the Fly qualified her for the Conference meet. Don’t I sound like I know what I’m talking about? I’m totally copying off the schedule paper.

What I do know is, if she does well at this next event, she qualifies for the State Finals! And that would be nothing short of AMAZING!!!! Imagine, our Baby Mouse swimming with the big fish!

She doesn’t think she will qualify, but she didn’t think she would make it this far. We are just so proud of that Fly Girl!

This is her cute little stance. She always does it. The other swimmer is getting near her. She is getting READY to dive in!

Off she goes! She’s a beast.

Today is that funky election day, so our high schoolers have no school. Mouse said last night that she heard it was because the voters were scared of the highschoolers.When did adults get so wimpy?

As a happy result, The Mouse and I are spending a half day together. She needs to go to the mall to have her glasses fixed. The arm fell off, and I cannot do my usual trick of jamming a toothpick in the hole to extend it’s life. The hole is too small. In all of my 35 years of wearing glasses, I have never encountered this phenomenon. I should have copyrighted it while I had the chance.

Since we will be in the area, a trip to the Value World will be in order. That ought to make her the happiest Mouse in the land.

AND, when Mrs. Schmenkman was here, and we were spending all that quality time together with the other Capri’s, we heard from Capri Patt that there was a new Sonic that had opened where there used to be a Denny’s. And it is RIGHT NEXT DOOR TO THE MALL. I have read many blogs telling of the unimaginable delight that is the Sonic.

I have been to Sonic exactly twice. Once, years ago with my family in Orlando, where they had ice cream, and where I did not, because I was actually embracing my low carb life style  in the correct way. The second time, was when Schmenky was here 2 weeks ago. Capri Patt and The Ab-Cat had ice cream, Schmenk ordered a  sugarfree limeade, that the worker girl did EVERYTHING in her power to switch to a CHERRY limeade, and I had a Diet Coke. With ice. That is one of the things that I have heard ya’ll waxing so poetic about. Supposedly, the ice at Sonic has magical properties.

It was a very good Diet Coke, but I don’t know about all that magical stuff.

All that to say, I have not eaten their food. So, perhaps today, Mousey and I will partake of the food. If we do, I will surely let you know. But I have to tell you right up front. Food is food to me. This annoys Honey to no end. He likes to think about food, and talk about food, and talk about how to prepare food. I could either enjoy a yummy meal or have a bowl of Cheerios. It’s all the same to me. I’m just meeting a need. The need of satisfying hunger.

Hope you all have a Tom Terrific Tuesday. Who was Tom Terrific anyway? I forget.

Well, I’m not sure how to explain the meeting with the city people. It was all very quiet and professional. Honey explained our saga, complete with visual aids, compellingly. The city agreed that something needed to be done. While, of course, not assuming responsibility. But not denying responsibility either.

We left the meeting with the understanding that the City Sewer Guy was going to speak with our Plumber Guy and hear all the gory details and speak sewer talk with him. Then, somehow, the City People would verify all the Plumber Guy’s information, and we would reconvene for another meeting in a week or two. Or more likely, 3 or 4.

So, what I have to tell you is nothing. BUT, they did not say they were not responsible, and don’t let the door hit you as you are leaving, so I choose to take that as a positive. That gives us more time to pray. God knows the perfect solution. Even if we don’t. Or the city doesn’t.

And maybe, the solution is to not worry about the whole kit and caboodle, because the Lord is coming back before we have to sell our house and the whole point is moot.

Thank you all for your prayers and concern. We are, as always, waiting expectantly to see how God is going to work.

Hey, I broke out the knitting again! I have a bunch of delicious scarves to make. For sure 5, and possibly 10. Do you know what I have discovered? It takes me almost as long to prepare all of the yarn and put the colors and patterns together, as it takes me to actually knit  the dad gum things!

But they are delicious!

I have just a few schnibbles of goodness to share.

1. This has been my breakfast of choice for most mornings this summer.

A generous helping of Dannon plain yogurt, add 3 Splenda’s, a handful of blueberries, and 4 strawberries. Then add a goodish amount of this granola. I have tried other kinds, but have come to the conclusion that only this brand will do. It’s the perfect amount of crunchy. Since Sam’s no longer carries it, as they discontinue all of my favorite things, I was happy to discover it at Trader Joe’s. They had a much better price than either Meijers or Krogers. Yummo!

2. Big “Top Chef” AND “Project Runway” started this week! We are so happy, oh so happy!

Except we were so  disappointed  that Korto did not win the all star challenge episode of “Project Runway”, instead of Daniel. Her designs are so consistently fabulous and wearable, and I’m sorry Daniel, I just don’t know what the judges were raving about. I don’t know anyone who would wear anything you created. And judges, you thought his restaurant part of the challenge was “fun”? Honey thought it looked like she had dynamite strapped to her torso! OK, we are out of touch with fashion in America. We love you, Korto!!!

3. My confetti lantana is looking beautimous! It was a pathetic wreck of a thing when I bought it for $5 at the meat market. I had seen one at a house on the garden walk that I went to with The Peanuts Champ, so I knew how loverly it could look. Best yet, it’s loaded with blooms!

4. That our ridiculous humidity has dropped for the moment. I was melting.

5. Loving that the festival known as “BoobSmash”,  is over until next year. This year, my reminder note told me not to wear any deodorant. They usually say light deodorant. I believe I may have mentioned that my internal thermometer is about 10-15 degrees warmer than usual these days. Why, no, I wasn’t at all nervous as a cat about being Hottie McDottie with NO deodorant. I had it in my purse and it was the first thing I did when I got into the car. Sweet relief.

What are you loving these days?

Our Girls Week has begun. And we have begun enthusiastically. I should change that last word. We have begun slothfully.

That’s much better.

Mousey  left to go camping with her other family last Thurs, and the Men left for their annual “Fitching Fiesta” on Friday afternoon. That left The Ab-Cat and I to our own devices. We managed, admirably I might add.

I’m certain that after I picked her up from work around 1-ish, I had a nap. So I could be all rested and perky for our evening of entertainment.

After much discussion, and texting with LMNOP, it was ascertained that LMNOP would not be joining us. Because she had to work the entire part of the weekend that we were available. I should change that statement too. She was available before 11, which works for me, because I am a ridiculously early riser and have been up for at least 6 hours, or after 8 , I think. Which doesn’t work  as well for me. I turn into a pumpkin 2 and 1/2 hours later. Plus, I already have my jammies on, and the bra off. Not a good combo for going outside the house.

We told her we would catch her later in the week. I think her commitments at work are less involved.

On Friday evening around 4, The Ab-Cat and I decided to go and see a movie we have seen before. Because we like to do that. She took us out for dinner at Arby’s, to take advantage of their super duper special of 2 subs for 4 dollars. Scrum-tru-lescent! Then we headed over to a neighboring town to catch “Star Trek” again. We loved it, again. Mousey would have loved it as well, because she is all Chris Pine this and Chris Pine that. But we couldn’t sit around not doing ANYTHING until she came home Sunday afternoon! We had to do something!

Saturday started off with a bang. Or rather a clap, of thunder. It then proceeded to rain the entire day.

I read a book, “Catering to No One” by Diane Mott Davidson, that was pretty decent . I was on the computer for hours, and Ab and I started the first season of “ER”. Which she LOVED! I started watching “ER” from the very beginning, and was loyal for many, many years. I’m not too sure when I lost interest, but it was sometime after Mark Green died, and after it became the Abby Lockhart show. I never liked her.   I was surprised how many of the story lines I sort of  remembered.  

It’s a good thing we didn’t have to be anywhere, as I did not get out of my jammies all day. I was very calculating as well. I even planned to get the mail at around 8 p.m., so it would not seem odd at all for me to be in my jammies at that time. Oh, I would have  pulled the wool over someones eyes all right. If someone had been looking at me.

 S.L.O.T.H.

Sunday was better. I did  dress for church. We went to a yummy Arabic restaurant near our house and then hurried home so I could put the jammies back on. Evidently, the jammies and I are one.

We welcomed The Mouse-a-Lina home around 4. She was grumpy. We let her be.

Ab and I proceeded to watch very enlightening television about hurricanes, tornadoes and lightening, before we put in the second disc of “ER”.

Then the only real excitement came in the form of a beast of a storm, that blew out of nowhere. It was gone as quick as it came, leaving no damage in our yard, although it looked like out trees and bushes were doing yoga. There was a little minor damage. It blew off a pillar. I can handle that. RIP coleus.

Today, we are getting together with our dear friends, The Hostlers. I guess I will have to dress.

 The sun is out. It’s going to be a glorious day!

I saw this on another “blob”, so I will copy it. It’s what I do. And, NO, I don’t know her. Just in case you were wondering. As my children frequently do.

For Today…

Outside my window… SUNSHINE, for the first time all week!!!

I am thinking…I should go make the Payday bars to take out to the lake this afternoon.

I am watching…   the second disc of the John Adams mini series that Ab-Cat had reserved for us at the library.

I am thankful for… As always, Honey. He just makes our life good. He takes such good care of us and I can’t think of anyone I would rather be with.

From the kitchen…  the sound of crickets. Nothing going on in there lately. Oh, Honey made salsa last night.

I am wearing… my new jammies that I purchased at Mrs. Schmenkman’s in Virginia.

I am reading… “Jimmy” by Robert Whitlow. So far, so good. I am not quite sure where he is going with the story line, but the main character, who is mentally challenged, is beyond precious.

I am praying… for our children. Always work to do there.  Two have some college decisions to make and they all always have other choices to make. Plus, praying that the wee pup makes a speedy recovery. It’s hard to see her looking so pitiful.

I am creating…bead bracelets!! I went out with my friend, The Oreo Mom, on Wednesday. She is my beading buddy, but we have not beaded in a couple of years. She took me to a new, yummy Arabic restaurant she found and we shopped for some new beads. We then went back to her house, had a cup of chai and happily beaded the rest of the afternoon!

I am looking forward to… our family reunion, coming up later in July. There are going to be some people there that I have not seen in years.

A picture for today  I have two from our back porch.

LOVE the pansies.

I have several pots of coleus again this year. LOVING them as well.

Have a happy Independance Day!

1. I have a feeling I am going to be warm this summer. Today was a beautiful day, and the temperature went up in the 80’s. No humidity, just hot sun. The house was nice and cool, the ceiling fans were on, and I had an ice water on hand. But MAN, I was warm. It seems that my core temperature has risen about 10 degrees this past year! Not having hot flashes. Just hot ALL THE TIME.  Thank you perimenopause!

2. We are loving “The Big Bang Theory” . Who knew nerds could be SO funny?

3. Honey has also discovered a new show. “King of Queens”. It has replaced “Everybody Loves Raymond” for the time being. But I am having a hard time believing that he has quit The Barones. He loves them so.

4. The Boy and LMNOP have christened the pool, it’s open for the season. They have taken the honor away from The Ab-Cat and Beeve, who have had it for the last couple of summers. They said it was 70 and  cold. Ya think?

5. The kids are all working at VBS this week. I went up just before it ended today with Little Goomba, so he could see the kids singing and dancing. I think he liked it. He clapped all the way out to the van!

It seems like my life  falls into that category this week! Some good things, some fun things, some disappointing and some mundane.

1. My monstrosity of a headache finally left me after 3 days. THANK YOU LORD.

2. On Tuesday night, Honey and I spent 3 HOURS watching the finale of Biggest Loser. Because we are all about watching weight loss shows while eating our dessert. That show is so dang inspiring! We watched it for several years, and then, for some unknown reason, stopped. So this was our welcome back season, and we were glad to be back!

Although, I must say that the winner was not our choice. We were not fans of Helen. We thought she was kind of a double crossing, back stabbing, two faced, it’s all about her, throw her obese daughter under the bus, kind of woman. She did lose a LOT of weight though. We thought she looked a tad scary and she definitely needed to stop waving her arms around.

We wanted either Mike or Tara. But my true favorites were not in the running, having been already voted off. Kristin was my choice, because she was the biggest woman and wanted to start a family, and for pure entertainment, I would have picked the Tonga cousins, Sione and Filipe. Because they did “the Tonga dance” and that always made me laugh.

3. The disappointment continued on Wednesday when my boy, Danny Gokey, was voted off American Idol. A moment of silence for the Gokey.

4. Thursday was my last class day for BSF, I have now completed my 9th year!

When I began, I was a weary, thirsty, dried up, been through the wringer Mama, who just needed to sit there in the pew and soak up God’s words. I am so thankful  for the teaching I have received and for the many, many things I have learned about God’s truths and His promises. And the friendships have just been a kiss on the cheek from God!

5. I was able to go out to lunch TWICE this week! It just so happens that two of my dear friends share the same birthday. So on Wednesday, I went with Suzanne Suzanna Danna, and on Friday I went with The Peanuts Champ. They were both WONDERFUL!

Happy Birthday to you both!

6. I was especially happy to lounge on the couch last night watching a disc of “The Big Bang Theory” with Honey and The Ab-Cat. Because those Nerds are stinkin’ hilarious.

7. I am going to a baby shower this afternoon! My prayer warrior friend Vickie is going to be  a grandmother! And she couldn’t be happier, because it is a little girl, and she had boys!!! And she has that little girl covered in prayer, already!

8. I am considering what to have Schmenky do with my hair. A haircut, for certain. But I am considering highlights, so I can ultimately get my hair to a lighter color. Light enough that my glaring grey won’t be as noticeable. Just a heads up, Schmenk.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Yesterday morning was a gorga-mous! Everything spring should be. Which was a welcome respite from the previous day, when we had those May showers that you hear about.

It has been a busy week and I am looking forward to just hanging out with Honey and The Girls. We went to see “Wolverine”, or whatever the name is.  We all liked it a LOT! Honey said 3 1/2 stars, and Abby said that’s what she had been thinking too.

We actually have an extremely busy movie calendar for the next 3 weekends. Next week is “Star Trek” and the next is “Terminator”. Abby says we are just world class geeks.

Personally, I am ok with that. And, I have to confess that I am MOST excited about seeing “Land of the Lost” with Will Ferrell later in the summer. Because anyone around my age knows about the perils of Marshall, Will and Holly, Chaka and the Sleestaks, and knows there is no such thing as a routine exhibition!  I could sing you the whole theme song, right now. Ah,  Saturday morning television in the seventies. Good times.

The Boy is on a Super Secret Senior trip with his youth group from church. To Scranton Pa. to visit all of “The Office” landmarks. He is going to LOVE that.  Actually, the cat is out of the bag now, and it is no longer a secret. Because they are there. We can’t wait to hear all about it, because our whole family is into The Office. If I am lucky, he will take some pictures. And if I am luckier, he will let me post them on The Blob!

We have been watching old videos of our babies. You people with young children? Take movies, NOW and always! They are a treasure! We just laugh and aaahhhh, and “weren’t they adorable?” through the whole stinking thing! It’s also especially good to remind yourself of such pure sweetness when you have ornery, snarkey teenagers. Helps you remember why you loved them in the first place!

I especially love to watch the ones of The Ab-Cat before the accident. Watching her run and dance and flit about is very precious to Honey and I. And she was a world class flitter! She was so full of  animation and joy!

Mousey was watching with us. She asked if our clothes were “cutting edge”. Well, we thought we looked alright. Those 90’s were a tricky time. Lots of cringe inducing outfits. And hairstyles. And you all have seen my huge glasses.

One of the things that surprised me most was how tidy and uncluttered our house was in these videos. Now I am certain that was not always the case, but in my minds eye, I seemed to remember that things were always chaotic and looked as if a bomb went off. It was certainly not the disaster that I was sure it was.

Have a good weekend!

Just a few things to share with you all.

1. My Mom is out of the hospital! She is getting around pretty good. She must be, she was telling me about all of the dinner invitations they had accepted this weekend. She and my Dad will be making the trip home to The Mitten on Tuesday. Too bad it’s not warmer up here.

2. Honey is still “bathing for free“. Just in case you were wondering.

3.The puzzle, that I started on New Years Day, is coming along. No one is helping me. No. One.

4. We had a couple of really nice days last week. The Goomba has replaced his old  favorite thing, looking at pictures of  himself and the cats on the computer, with his new  favorite thing. Going outside.

And his second favorite new thing; running away from you.

5. We had a very fun Saturday evening. It was my Uncle Bob’s 70th birthday. My Aunt Phyllis called and invited us to go to a yummy Brazilian steakhouse called Gaucho’s. It was a surprise. Sort of. He always catches wind of these kind of things. She was practicing her smile. Their daughter is getting married next weekend. You know, pictures and all.

Afterwards, they came back to the house. Phyllis had made an Italian Creme cake. Everything she makes is very scrum-tru-lescent. She thinks she is losing her skillz. I’m here to tell you that she is most definitely NOT.

We had a lovely evening! Our children entertained themselves by trying to teach Goomba to say “ca ca”, to which he continually said “apple”. This brought roars of laughter from them in the family room. Teenagers.

Happy Monday to you all, and have a pleasant tomorrow.