Tuesday

Not much going on today...Tom did call to let me know the 'thing' he couldn't remember that he had to do on Friday is the Airman Awards Banquet. His squadron doesn't have any candidates up for awards, but Tom still should be there. He asked if I wanted to go along. I guess it is better than staying home alone! We'll be going to Fayetteville sometime Saturday before the show. I am really looking forward to seeing the play, again. I just remembered Gary...I wonder what we'll do if he decides to come spend some time with us? I better remind Tom....

Savannah

What a beautiful city! We enjoyed it even more because we got to see our friend Gary while we were there. Gary works for an airplane manufacturer, and once a year they send him to Savannah for school. Essentially, they want to keep their people up-to-date on the products and procedures, I believe. Gary has class Monday thru Friday and weekends off, so we had all day Saturday and Sunday to visit.

***Update***

We hit the road a little later than we had planned, but the day was beautiful and we made good time getting to Savannah. Gary came right down when we called from the lobby. He looks great! It was so good to see him again. I did find myself wishing he had brought the whole family with him, or at least Kalei. We sat down in the breakfast room and caught up on all the news. I still miss all the people from SHAPE, and it was good to hear what is happening with so many of them. After a bit of chinwagging, we decided to head into town. Gary drove, since he lived in Savannah before and he is familiar with things. Such a beautiful day had lots of people in the Historic Area so parking was difficult to find, but we managed, then took off on foot. The River Street area has been revamped from Colonial times of course, but it was still interesting to look at the architecture and enjoy the weather. As we were walking, a lady (obviously trolling for business) asked if we were interested in taking a trolley tour. Gary asked for details, and we learned the price for a daily ticket. Then she asked if we would be in town tomorrow. When she learned that was a possibility, she explained the 'hop-on/hop-off' feature that we could get for just $3 more...then she looked directly at Tom and said "but I am suspicioning that you might be eligible for our Senior Discount." I had to restrain myself from laughing out loud. Tom just raised his eye brows and made some funny comment about his 'son ,' indicating Gary. We got the ticket and got onto the final 'round' of the day. We learned a lot about the city of Savannah and saw some b e a u t i f u l sights throughout the Historic Area. When we got back to the car it was dinnertime so we went to a restaurant Gary enjoys called 'The Pirate's Den.' It was one of the original buildings of the old district, and made a very interesting eating place. There was a very steep spiral staircase. Legend has it that a young man who was not careful could find himself drunk or drugged, then dragged down the stairs, through the tunnel at the bottom to a ship where he would wake up in the middle of the ocean with a naval career ahead of him. On other words, shanghai'd. The food was good and so was the company. We went back to Gary's hotel, got our car and headed off to the Red Roof Inn next door. In the morning, we met Gary for breakfast. His room included breakfast, but he said he wanted something different so we went to the Waffle House. I've never eaten there before, but it was a cross between IHOP and Dunkin Donuts. The food was good and not terribly expensive, and we enjoyed the time together. The weather was not nearly as nice as the day before. It was raining when we left the restaurant and headed out. We decided to go check out the mall, but our timing there was bad -- the stores weren't open even if the building was. We did some window shopping and chatting, then headed downtown again. Tom wanted to look through one of the antique stores we had seen the day before from the trolley. I loved looking at all the cool stuff there, but most of it was not antique. Tom found an interesting piece of furniture that was exactly as a colleague had described and indicated she was interested in. The shopkeeper called it a 'davenport.' I always thought a davenport was similar to a sofa, but this was more like a desk or secretary. Anyway, Tom got the purchase information for his colleague and we moved on to another store. I found it interesting that this store had some of the exact same pieces for sale at similar prices. Definitely not antiques. We got onto the trolley to finish our tour...we saw lots of things from the day before, and heard some different stories, some conflicting facts (which I found interesting, too, although nothing that changes history) and saw some things we hadn't noticed the day before. Savannah is truly a gorgeous city, worth visiting, for sure.

As the afternoon began to wane, we began our trip home...both wishing we could have visited longer, but knowing Tom had an exercise starting Monday morning. We invited Gary to spend some of his off time with us in Sumter. Since he'll be free at the weekend, we also invited him to join us in Fayetteville to see our friend Ken play Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast. Gary indicated he just might do that if he wasn't needed for the plane. Since next Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday, it is also possible his company will provide entertainment, so we'll wait and see if we have company later this week or not. Gary, if you're reading this, we'd love to see you but we understand if another option presents itself.

All in all, a busy weekend, but a really good one. What did you do?

Are there any rednecks in the house?

Hell, yeah!

Gretchen Wilson 'The Redneck Revolution' turned out to be a really good show. The only performer we knew was appearing was Gretchen Wilson, but there were two other acts opening for her. The show started with Blaine Larson (How Do You Get That Lonely?). What a cutie, and the boy can sing. He's something ridiculously young, like 19, but he comes off as a professional. He handled the crowd well and put on a great show. I had thought that he wrote How Do You Get That Lonely? but according to his website, he didn't. He sings it beautifully, though, and has written some of his other songs. He going to go far. I wish I could say you heard it here first.

Following Blaine was Van Zant. I didn't realize I was familiar with their music, but I have actually heard several of their songs. Judging by the crowd's reaction, they are wildly popular here in South Carolina. I enjoyed their performance, but personally preferred Blaine Larsen...
I found Van Zant to be too loud and they didn't enunciate. Lordy, I am such a geezer! I also had a minor problem with their use of the American flag. In their eagerness to be patriotic, a folded flag was tied around a microphone during several songs. I know they didn't mean it to be, but it seemed disrespectful to me. I wish they still taught 'flag etiquette' in schools. Then perhaps we wouldn't see people wearing flags tied around their heads, or ragged tatters that used to be flags flying from car antennas. I'll step off my soap box now.

The star attraction for the evening was, of course, Gretchen Wilson. She's a cutie, too, and very pretty in her own way. When she asked 'Are there any rednecks in the house?' the place exploded with noise. Those present seemed very proud of their redneck status. Gretchen put on a great show -- energetic, well-paced, with a little something for everybody. Her 'final' song was 'All Jacked Up' with and encore of 'I'm a Redneck Woman.' Not that I aspire to being a redneck or anything - I'm sorry, I'm not a big enough person to have outgrown my Yankee bias - but the song is catchy and fun. When Gretchen sings "Let me get a big 'Hell Yeah!" from the redneck girls like me" I find myself wanting to scream out 'Hell Yeah! just like everyone else in the crowd. I think even the men join in....

So Tom and I had a good time together last night. He had to go to the base this morning by 06:30. Well, I guess he didn't have to, but he went to say goodbye to some folks who were deploying for a few weeks. He's pretty conscientious about being sure his people know they have his support. He come home and went back to bed since we got in so late...but now its time to go see Gary, so I'd better go wake him up.

Have a great weekend, y'all!

Doin' the happy dance!

Its Friday! The weekend starts today. Wahoo!

The morning has gone fairly well. The former owner of the house stopped by to pick up some mail that has been collecting here, including a Christmas card and some W-2s, among other things. While he was here he shared the name of a local man he recommends for repair and maintenance for our clock. Good to know. I also did some yardwork, clearing one of the flower beds of excess leaves and other detritus and raking the grass. I spent an hour outside then came in for a shower and to get ready for some afternoon errands.

Tonight's surprise outing is a concert by Gretchen Wilson. Tom has had the tickets for some time -- his First Sergeant gets prior notification of coming events, and the opportunity to buy tickets before they go on sale to the general public. I wonder how he managed that? Anyway, I am looking forward to a fun evening.

We weren't able to reach Gary last evening, but I am sure we will be able to work something out and will be seeing him tomorrow. We have quite a weekend lined up. Yay!

Random thoughts for today

*~I like to think I enjoy yardwork. The truth is I love a beautiful garden but wish the work would do itself.

*~I really enjoy our friends. That's why I am really looking forward to the next two weekends. We get to see Gary this weekend, either in Savannah or here; and we get to see Lindsay and Ken next weekend in Fayetteville, NC. The bonus next weekend is we get to see some family, too, as they are coming down from Maryland to see Ken perform Lumiere in a community theatre performance of Beauty and the Beast.

*~The base library is looking for volunteers to do some reviews of their books, movies and CDs and I am going to give it a shot. Wish me luck. I am supposed to review one of their products and email 200 words or so. It has to be something they own. Any suggestions?

*~I find that I am curious about who has been popping in to read the blog...

*~I think that's it for now. Anyone reading, have a good Friday (no pun intended, but that's funny, I don't care who you are!) and an even better weekend.

What kind of candy are you?

I'm not sure I agree, but this says I resemble:

Gummy Bears

Gummy Bears

You may be smooshie and taste unnatural, but you're so darn cute.

What Kind of Candy Are You?

What do you think? Do I resemble Gummy Bears in anything other than texture? If you do it, be sure to leave a comment telling me what kind of candy YOU are!

The Party's Over...

What a nice evening! Stephen was a lovely guest-- friendly, conversant, appreciative. All the cooking went well; there was no burned or undercooked food. This might not sound like a big deal, but trust me, it is. I enjoyed the visit very much. I hope our guest did, too.

Later in the evening, we got a call from Gary - a friend from Belgium! Well, he's not Belgian, but we met him and his family there. They were active at the theatre, too, and we really like the whole family. Gary is an airplane mechanic and he is currently attending a school in Georgia. We are going to call him on Thursday to set up a meeting. We haven't decided if we will go there or if he will come here, but we are going to get together one way or the other. I'm so pleased! I only wish we could see his family, too...but employers usually don't send the family along when they send someone to school. They'd be bored all day while he was in class, anyway. So Gary will have to fill us in on everything they have been doing since we left.

Tom says we have plans on Friday...but he hasn't told me what they are. I wonder if it is something I should know--like Dolly Parton is going to be performing nearby and we have front row seats or something like that. Anyway, it looks like our weekend will be an active one. Hee!

Company for dinner....

I got my grocery shopping done for tonight's dinner. I decided on Angel Food Cake with sliced strawberries for dessert. I loved Erin's suggestion of Cool and Creamy Chocolate Fondue and Chocolate Drizzled Cinnamon Chips from The Naptime Gourmet, but I decided something that serves 16 was a bit much for my little party of three. I'm saving the fondue for a family gathering!

Today's skies are gray, but the temperature is not what I have come to expect in January. I could get used to needing only a sweater when I go outside.

More later....

Monday, Monday...

I feel accomplished for some odd reason...its' not like I've gotten a lot done. I did do 30 minutes of exercise this morning, followed by some light housework and bill-paying, then I composed a letter to the military insurance company we use, asking them to update their records regarding Tom's rank (they still show him as an A1C ) and our address, and I finally got the new printer to print out a copy of the Pilates workout I downloaded from AOL. I even made out a shopping list for tomorrow's trip to the commissary (grocery store). I still have to send back the jacket I ordered for Tom from Eddie Bauer for Christmas. We got it this week...don't ask...and I must have mistakenly ordered a XXXL. Any of you who know my husband know he wears a Medium, sometimes a Large. Needless to say, he was a bit surprised when he saw three X's before an L. Hmmm...wouldn't some men be happy with a XXX something from their wife as a gift? ;)

I've probably just embarrassed my daughter again.

On to the rest of the afternoon. It is still yucky outside, wet and gray. I'll be staying indoors with my lovely gas fire and a jigsaw puzzle to keep me busy. Actually, I will be preparing for tomorrow's dinner company, but the mental image of puzzling by a fire is such a cozy one!

As requested

I finally have access to the pictures of the house to upload to the blog. Keep in mind that the pictures were taken before we moved in. Ergo, any furniture, potted plants, flags, et cetera moved with the previous owners. I did love the way it was decorated, but I like what we've done, too. And it will only get better the longer we live here.

This is the view of the back of the house from the yard. Notice the hexagon-shaped windows? There are four of them--one in each bathroom and another in the kitchen. I like them, but they are difficult to decorate/treat. I used window clings at Christmas, but that only works when you can get approriate ones...Any suggestions?

Sorry it isn't a better view. The pool is a simple, above-ground affair with a small deck there on the right. In summer, the water temperatures were in the 90s. Ask me how much I love that!

No one asked about the living room, but I included this picture because I like it! Oddly enough, we actually have two blue wing chairs similar to the ones you see here...and I placed them exactly the same way after trying them in other locations and not liking it. If I look like a total copycat--c'est la vie!

and the rains are here...

The rain started last night and are expected to continue all day and into tomorrow. Its a nice, gentle rain, nothing threatening about it at all. I'm sure all the newly growing bulbs can use the moisture, I just feel foolish for having wasted all day yesterday 'expecting' the rain. Speaking of growing bulbs, I have spotted growth in several places in the gardens. I see what looks like iris, tulips and daffodills so far. I can't wait to see them bloom! I wonder if crocus grows here?

We are having Tom's commander to dinner this week. He is an activated Guardsman or Reservist, I don't know which. He came on duty when the active duty commander went to the desert for six months. The active duty commander has returned, so the fill-in Colonel will be going back to his civilian life. Tom wants to have him over before he goes. I think we'll have a nice roast, with browned potatoes, steamed broccoli, dinner rolls and a salad accompanied by a bottle of red wine. I should probably plan a dessert, as well. Better make it a small one so the leftovers aren't too tempting! Any suggestions?

Annoyed with myself...

So, when we realized how warm it was outside, and that it was actually cooler inside than out, we turned off the heat and opened the windows. In January! How cool is that? The only problem is, I know we will be paying for this in July, with temperatures so hot going outdoors takes planning. Anyway, with as gray as it was, I gave up my plans for yardwork, thinking rain was imminent. After all, there was that short shower when we were out this morning, right? Foolish, foolish woman. It still hasn't rained! I did get some household things done that I have wanted done for a while, so it wasn't a totally wasted day on my part. Tom, on the other hand, got lots done in the garage. He cleaned out his little tool room, and did some organizing. He also removed the three inches of sawdust from the center of the floor, and took lots of trash to the dump. Yay, Tom!

If there is no rain tomorrow after church and breakfast, I swear I am going to rake the backyard!

Y'all have a wonderful, joyous Sunday.

At - Home - Saturday...

We slept in slightly, then got ourselves ready to face the world. When we looked outside, it looked overcast, gray, miserable and cold. When I went out to check to pool filter, I learned it was just overcast and gray. It was very nice, temperature-wise! Tom came out, too, and commented favorably on the temperature. We did a little cleaning around the pool, and Tom decided to disassemble the Polaris (pool bottom cleaning tool) to see why it only backs up instead of moving around the entire surface of the water...then it began to rain. Darn! I was thinking a day spent in the yard would be wonderful and productive! But I don't do yard work in the rain, I'm funny that way. Tom is planning to clean up the mess he made in the garage; I will be doing housework and laundry. If the rains stops, perhaps we can find something to do outdoors, even if we just go for a walk.

I also want to call my Mom today. I haven't done that in a while...Tom might want to call his Mom, too. He mentioned that he wanted to call her last weekend, and to my knowledge, he hasn't done it yet.

Please tell me someone out there has more exciting plans for the weekend! Anyone?

D-I-V-O-R-C-E

We got news yesterday that made me sad. A couple we know is planning to divorce. It came as such a shock! We were completely ignorant of any problem, which makes me feel badly, likeI wasn't a good friend. After hearing that yesterday, I started thinking about all the couples we know who have divorced. Its not pretty. Sometimes I feel so responsible! Like somehow being friends with me affected the marriage. Arrogant, isn't it? It seems like most of our close friends have divorced. That's not true, but it feels that way sometimes. I know it isn't fair, but a part of me sees divorce as 'giving up.' I know if you aren't happy together, separation is probably best, but that mindset is still there. I'd love to know the ratio of 'military' divorces compared to 'civilian.' I wonder if we are really more susceptible due to the lifestyle or if we are just a part of the general population. I know for sure I don't want to become part of the statistic.

On the upside, I got the sweetest email from Tom last night, telling me he is glad I have stayed married to him and asking me to be his Valentine. I'm so blessed and he is so sweet!

Thursday morning

It's Thursday morning, and I woke up early with an ache in my shoulder. This has been happening for a little while now, but this morning it was a good thing. I noticed the time and that Tom wasn't up yet. He was running a few minutes late - very unlike him! So I asked him what time he wanted to get up. Eight minutes ago...So we started our day with me up earlier than usual and him up later...

I haven't much to get done toady, just pay a couple of bills and general housework. If the weather cooperates, I will be raking leaves later. I want to do a little garden preparation work, too. I noticed yesterday that there are several areas with bulbs shooting up. This is our first Spring in this house and I can't wait to see what comes up! I love flowers.

As they say in the South, y'all have nice day!

Wednesday

It's Wednesday morning and my only plans for the day include taking the trash to the dump and going to the gym. Both are necessary evils, in my humble opinion...

I got the kitchen cabinets oiled yesterday, and like the result. It is amazing the difference a slight gloss makes! More to do today...

Tom went back to work Tuesday after a 'long weekend' during which he actually got a lot of work done. Twelve+ hours later, he was home again. He goes in a half hour early to avoid the back-up at the gate caused by the recent closing of one of the entrances. He stays half an hour late to provide time for anyone who wants a word with him without a lot of witnesses to do so. Last night, someone took advantage of that opportunity, followed by another Chief who was also working late. I had emailed to ask what time to plan dinner. He responded '6:30.' At 6:58 he sent another email saying someone had just left, he had two emails to send and he would be on his way home. So much for planning... He really likes this job, but he was also exhausted. He did take a nighttime formula sinus medicine when he got home, and actually went to bed at 10:30. I stayed up to watch Michael J. Fox on Boston Legal, followed by the news and Jay's monologue. When I went in, Tom didn't seem able to get comfortable. The poor guy was spinning like a dervish! When he left this morning, he said he eventually slept fairly well. I hope that's true..sleep has been elusive for him of late.

Not too interesting, but that is my life today.

To the fat-fingered person who woke me up at 2:34am...

To the fat-fingered person who dialed my phone at two freeking thirty-four this morning and promptly hung up upon hearing my voice: common courtesy requires that you apologize for disturbing me beforehand! Argh! When I saw that the number was 'private' I was tempted to not to answer, but my MIL has her number blocked and I knew I would feel guilty forever if she tried to call in an emergency and I refused to answer... and was said phone right next to the bed? Nooooooo-oo. It was across the room by the door. Poor Tom is the one who would normally respond to phones ringing in the middle of the night. The man was frantically trying to figure out which of HIS two phones was ringing! He was on his feet searching before I heard the first ring. So here's two of us, up and about for a HANG-UP. How rude.

A Day at Home

A quiet Monday, all to ourselves. We used the time to do a few things around the house, like I finally got some Old English furniture polish on the wooden cabinets in the powder room. All the wood that was in the house when we moved in looks dull, even dusty, although wiping them with a cloth does very little to improve the appearance. We decided the only thing to do was give them a good cleaning with oil and a soft cloth. I tried it today and it looks pretty good. Just two more bathrooms and the kitchen left to do!

Tom has been using his time at home to work on some reports that need to be done this week. Tom has a tendency to talk to himself as he is working. Unfortunately, I have a tendency to answer him when I am in the room with him. He never knows what I am talking about...so I started keeping and comments to myself, just to keep from making us both nuts! Every so often he would take a break from his papers and disappear into the garage workshop to do some detail work on a project he has been completing. Not wanting to disturb his work, I sort of piddled here and there, vaccuuming the living room, putting things away, playing on the computer and like that. I even decided to put the new 'rug gripper' under the area rug we have on top of the carpet in the living room. Unfortunately, when I opened up the gripper, it had a spot of grease of some kind on it! Due to the very porous nature of the piece, there were little bits of grease in several different spots. I didn't want the mess to get onto either the rug or the carpet and spot cleaning didn't help at all, so I covered the spots with duct tape. Tom saw me working on it and thought I was putting double sided tape on it. He asked me which rug I was going to stick it to! I was a bit confused, but we figured out that was NOT what I was doing. Anyway, I placed the gripper. Now all we have to do is wait to see if it keeps the rug from 'walking' across the carpet. Does anyone else have this problem with an area rug placed over a carpet? This one keeps ending up bunched up against the coffee table. It becomes a tripping hazard! How does one keep this from happening?

Not Now, Darling!

The Town Theatre in Columbia is showing Not Now, Darling! and we went to the afternoon matinee. If I were to critique this show, I would say 'Well done!" The action was well-paced, the set was beautiful to look at and very well-designed, and the actors did a great job. Their timing was superb! Any actors that can get a fullblown belly laugh out of my husband and myself at the same time must be doing something right. It was a delightful way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

What did you do today?

"L'il Fred's"

The Exercise ended yesterday. I knew it was over when I got an email from Tom's work account, saying "Would you like to go out to dinner tonight?" He had gotten a recommendation for a place about forty minutes from home in a town called Rembert. He wanted to take me there for my birthday in November, but somehow that didn't work out. So we tried again. I thought the name of the restaurant to be a bit odd for a 'really nice' place -- L'il Fred's. Doesn't that sound like a dive? At the very least, a burger joint? However, Lilfred's is a pretty nice restaurant. The building itself hasn't be updated in years, but the atmosphere was wonderful with quiet music - actually in the background! we could talk! and hear each other! - and subdued lighting and space between the tables. The waitress was efficient and personable, maybe only a tad too chatty, and the food was fabulous! We started with drinks. Beaujolais (red wine) for me and sweet tea for Tom, for the appetizer Tom had shrimp cocktail and I had crab-stuffed mushrooms caps. Delicious! Scarfed those puppies right down. The entree was sirloin steak for Tom and I had poached sea scallops. Yum! The meal also comes with homemade coleslaw and croutons, which the restaurant is 'known for,' bread and butter, steamed vegetables and choice of potato. We both had the twice-baked. For dessert, Tom has New York style cheesecake and I had coffee. We were both fully sated before we left the place. It was a really nice evening. When we moved here, I thought we would be limited to chain restaurants that I saw in Sumter. Thank goodness there is still room in the market for a really nice little place!

"You've got mail."

I have loved Christmas cards ever since I was a little girl. I used to beg my mother to let me open the ones with the 'and family' extension on the address. Good mother that she is, she would give me that thrill. I also loved the way Mom used to display the card by stickling them up on the bannister rails. Great comauflage for sneaking in a little extra TV before bed...but I digress. I spent part of this morning going through the Christmas cards we received this year. I love mail in general, and Christmas cards especially. They are so beautiful, both to look at and to read. I even love the newsletters that come with them. I know some people complain about 'bragging' newsletters, but I genuinely enjoy reading about the lives of our family and friends. Being a military family means we got cards from all over, and several of them included pictures and a rundown of the past year. I appreciate ALL the cards, but getting some news is so much better than simply a signature. Don't get me wrong, any card at all means that someone thought enough of us to take the time to sign, address and mail it...and that is so special. Pictures are great, too. So, thank you to all of you who sent cards, and to all of you who thought of us but just didn't find the time.

Writing about how much I enjoy mail reminds me of a project my sister spearheaded at Christmastime. She went to a website called 'My Soldier' and found a Marine with a last name similar to ours. The site provides a place for servicemembers to let people who want to show their support ways that would be most appreciated. For example, the Marine Cathy chose was in charge of a group (platoon? squadron?) of people in a forward area. He requested hygiene products, coffee and sugar, small electronic games and the like, for the group. Cathy asked the whole family to chip in and she gathered several boxes of things to send to 'Our Marine.' Of course there is no guarantee the soldier/Marine will write back, but knowing how much I like getting mail while sitting in my comfortable home, I can only imagine what it means to servicemembers living and working in a desert, far from home. I think Cathy did a good thing, getting us all involved.

I found out later that one of my brothers also thinks of the servicemembers overseas. While my son was in the desert, now and again he would receive phone cards from his uncle to use or share as he saw the need. I thought that was a wonderful way to show support. Isn't it great to find such wonderful examples of caring so close to home?

The mailman came by a little while ago. I think I'll go see if he brought me anything!

Tuesday

Tom got in from his exercise night shift around midmorning - he is exhausted. He was still wearing some of his chem gear. He went directly to bed. I hope he gets some sleep -- it has been elusive to him lately. I need his help to find the pictures of the house, so I won't be honoring Erin's request until after this exercise is over. The problem is they were located in his laptop that died. He has a backup, but I don't even know where it is located. Look for pictures next week.

Yesterday was busier than I've been in a while, and it wasn't that busy. I donated blood at the Red Cross -- felt a little woozy afterward, so they elevated my feet and put a cold cloth on my neck, which actually felt really good at the time. This happened to me one other time, years ago, so I knew it wasn't a big deal. I was fine in minutes. I stopped by the Expo Center for an event happening there, then on to a nearby grocery store for a money order and some $.39 stamps. Tom bought something off E-bay and the seller doesn't accept PayPal or checks...seems like a lot of trouble for $13. While I was there, I walked over to the Family Dollar to look around. I found a neat multi-threaded bookmark I bought to use on Sundays. I've actually been thinking of making something similar for the hymnals -- several ribbons on one bookmark to mark the songs before Mass begins so I don't waste time hunting for pages during the service. That's the second really good idea I had that someone else had, too. I feel so validated!

Tom was home when I got here. We had an easy dinner together, then he went off to bed and I went for a walk. The weather was so beautiful -- sunny and warm enough I didn't need a sweater -- in January! Tom left for work about 8:45, and I spent a quiet evening with the computer and the TV.

How is your week going?

Happy Monday!

Happy Monday, Everybody! Woke up with a bad feeling from a bad dream. SInce my daughter didn't call hysterical, I will assume it was just a dream and let it go... Today will be spent mostly on my own as Tom has an exercise this week. He went to work by 4:00am, will come home for a nap this afternoon and will go in tonight about 6:00.

I will be sorting Christmas decorations and I have an appointment at the Red Cross blood donation center later today. This evening I am attending an event in town. The rest of my week is not yet planned, except for a trip to the grocery store Tuesday to get supplies for Tom's sack lunches during the exercise.

What are you doing this week?

Harry Potter...again!

We just got back from seeing Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire again. Tom took me to Columbia see it when it first opened and I loved it. Then he saw that it was going to be at the base theatre and he asked if I wanted to see it again -- he said he'd drop me off and go to his office to do paperwork, but he decided to go to the movie, instead. It was just as good the second time around. I even noticed a thing or two that I hadn't noticed the first time around. Tomorrow, Tom starts working nights for a few days. That leaves me on my own for dinner and bedtime...I don't like it, but it makes me appreciate his presence more, for sure!

Tomorrow will be spent de-Christmasing the house. I love Christmas, but ceaning it up is never the joy that decorating for it can be. This year we are taking a careful look at everything we have because we just combined the stuff from our tour of Europe with the stuff we had in storage, yet some things seem to be missing. We'll find it all and organize it better so we can use everything we love next year.

Have a great week everybody! Got any special plans?

Saturday

Well, Tom's planned Saturday trip to the Columbia airport was cancelled, because the airmen came in the evening before. Tom didn't get the message that they had caught a flight until it was FAR too late to meet them. He feels badly, but there was nothing he could do about it. Someone else did meet them, as well as their families, which is probably more important to the airmen!

So instead, we took a drive to Columbia to go to Harbor Freight Tools. Tom bought himself several of the things he hoped to get for Christmas but didn't. For example, a welding helmet and chisels for his 'new' lathe; he also picked up an abrasion gun (I forget the real name of it, but it can be used like a sandblaster to remove rust or paint or to etch glass). He was pleased with the good prices, too.

In the same shopping center with Harbor Freight was a Goodwill Store and a store called The Closeout Co. We both like to look at the bargains at Goodwill. Sometimes there is actually something worth buying, but we didn't see anything we wanted. Now The Closeout Store was a different story altogether...I loved almost everything in the place! I even liked the metal dragonflies, ladybugs, houseflies and grasshoppers. I though they would look cute on the railing of the deck around the pool. The poor deck looks so bare compared to how beautifully the previous owners had it. There were also some gorgeous barrister''s shelves at not too horrible prices...but Tom and I agree that we shouldn't buy new furniture until we refinish the stuff in the garage and find homes for those pieces, first. Chances are we will be in a smaller house when Tom retires and we move closer to the family. Housing prices there are crazy! But it is fun to look.

How was your Saturday?

Ariel Sharon

Is anyone else concerned about the situation in the Middle East should Sharon succumb? I am not highly political, but I do wonder what the effects will be. Any thoughts?

Pod person?

Tom's job is keeping him busier and busier. He's been working an average of 10 hours a day for a while now. He just mentioned that, if I wanted to go see the new Harry Potter movie on base at the weekend, he'll drop me off and go to his office and do paperwork...the strange part is, I don't find myself getting upset that he works so much. There was a time I would have been truly angry that he spent more time at the office than with me...wonder what's happening here? Am I finally maturing? THAT'S scary.

Carolyn and Renee left yesterday morning, pretty much as they had planned. I got a call last evening saying they had arrived safely. It seemed to take a longer time than we thought, until Carolyn told me they had taken a long lunch and stopped at the Mikasa outlet on the way. After they departed, I straightened a bit, paid some bills, did some other household paperwork...you know, the usual stuff of running a house.

Tom called about 5:00 to say he was on his way home. Called again about 6:00 to say he was still at work and had one more thing to do, then he would be home. Luckily, I planned my meal for later in the evening, so it was ready just as he actually came in the door. Today, he emailed that he will be going to the airport tonight, to greet some returning airmen. I may keep him company on the drive, if he would like.

My day today will consist of grocery shopping, making an early dinner, and housework. How about you? What are you up to today?

Entertaining guests in small town SC

Yesterday turned out to be a pretty good day in spite if the fact that one must really look for something to do in this tiny town we live in. Mom and Renee slept in after their long day of travel the day before, to which I say 'you go, girls!' After taking our time with breakfast and preparations to face the world, we went for a tour of the base. I got a surprise when we went by Tom's office. Normally no great shakes anyway, we walked in to find it cluttered -- totally cluttered, as in every available surface covered with stuff -- with the First Sergeant's office items. Seems they are putting in new carpet and moved the detritus for ease of work. Not too impressive for the relatives, but perfectly understandable. Tom had a meeting to attend, so we went off by ourselves, drove around the base, I answered a few questions, then we were off to Ruby Tuesday's for lunch. Delicious food, not too much, good company. We followed that with a trip to Walmart for some simple items, like a battery for Carolyn's camera. The best part of the day was a visit to Swan Lake and Iris Gardens. The weather was perfect - sunny and warm for this time of year, no jacket needed. Naturally there were no irises, but there were birds aplenty. We saw at least four of the eight species of swan that live there, several kinds of geese and ducks, an egret, a blue heron and even some turtles. It is a beautiful park and all three of us enjoyed a slow walk through the grounds. We took a drive-thru tour of downtown, seeing the pedestrian shopping streets, the opera house and one of the two Catholic churches in town before heading home for dinner. Carolyn made us a lovely vegetable stir-fry that we enjoyed with leftover beef from the night before, biscuits and a Chateau Neuf du Pape we brought back from Europe. Add a video of Must Love Dogs an you have a full, easy day of exploring and visiting.

How do you entertain guests when they visit?

The Snowbird and her companion have arrived.

Tom's mother Carolyn and sister Renee arrived last evening about 7:00. They are on their way to Florida, where Carolyn will stay for a few weeks. Renee will fly back home on Sunday. We had dinner and a nice visit before bed. Renee wondered if we might see the base where Tom works today. Since the weather is nice, perhaps we will also see Swan Lake while we are out.

I hope everyone is having a great day!

Now ANYONE can comment

OK, I just realized my blog did not allow comments from 'anonymous' persons -- meaning one had to set up a blogger account to leave a comment. That has been changed. Anyone who wishes to comment may do so.

And I figured it out all by myself! (I'm so proud.)

Holiday Week ramblings

Today's update includes an overview of the week between Christmas and New Year's.

I really enjoyed being in Maryland, waking up each morning looking forward to hearing the pitter-patter of Ryan's little feet. It was such a joy to be able to see him every day--having TJ there at Jen's house was a huge bonus, too! It was hard to believe that this was the first Christmas we had spent together in six years. It was like no time had gone by at all. At the same time it seemed like forever since we'd spent time together. Isn't it funny how those things happen? My mother always said she felt like she'd been married her whole life; at the same time, she felt like she hadn't been married that long. I know what she means because I feel exactly the same way! Anyway, I genuinely enjoyed sharing time with my children and grandchildren. Another bonus was sharing time with extended family, too!

We missed Christmas with Tom's side of the family, so we were really pleased that Renee and Sue had a carolling party at their house on Wednesday. There were lots of people and at least one really nice surprise -- Lindsay (known as 'Big Linds' to avoid confusing her with 'Little Linds') was there! We had NO idea she was even in town, so it was a total surprise for us. We got to meet her three kids again, too. Super visit! We even made plans to meet Tom's sisters in North Carolina to see Lindsay's husband perform as Lumiere in Disney's Beauty and the Beast at a Community Theatre near their home. What fun to see the play we did in Belgium done here with friends involved!

The carolling with the player piano was lots of fun. At one point during the evening, Jenny came to get me so I could see what was going on in the parlor -- all the grandparents were dancing with their grandchildren. Tom with Ryan, Renee with Cloey, Grandma Carolyn with Ben, and a relative of Sue's whose nane I don't know with his teenaged granddaughter. I loved it! The music was fun, the company was great and we all had a great time.

On Friday, we all joined my sister Janet, her husband Jim and son Evan at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Janet had called and invited us earlier in the week. It was great fun seeing the new Outback exhibit and watching Ryan's reaction to everything he saw. When we entered the Outback area, we were met at the door by a pretty gray and pink parrot who enjoyed chewing on shoestrings. He hopped onto my shoe and tested the stitching with his beak. Ryan seemed to like watching. We made a point to see the dolphin show, then went to lunch at an Irish Cafe in one of the pavilions of the Inner Harbor. Good food. We returned to the aquarium to finish our tour. Afterward, we visited a while and had coffee and/or dessert at a really nice hotel restaurant before heading to our respective homes. It was great to spend some time together. Janet always makes a point to arrange a get-together when we are in town for several days. We really enjoy it, too.

On Saturday, Jen and her family went to a Toddler New Year's Eve party with her friend Erin and family, TJ joined his roommate in Alexandria for an evening a fun, and Tom and I went to my sister Cathy's for a party. It was family -- Mom and Dad, Janet and Jim, Cathy and Jim, and Tom and me. Several of the 'kids' stopped in to say hello before going to their own events. Since we were leaving the next day, we were planning to leave early. I was having such a good time, the first time I looked at the clock it was almost 11:30! We stayed for a New Year's toast and pictures, then took our leave. I had a great time.

Our trip home was uneventful. Heavier traffic in North Carolina than we expected, and a car fire that held us up a little, but no real problems for us. I felt badly for the people with the car fire... When we got home, Tom immediately unpacked and started laundry. Then he started preparations for our guests who are arriving today. Where does he get his energy?

Renee and Carolyn arrive later tonight or tomorrow, depending on how things go today. Tom is at work for the first time in a while, so he will be busy and likely late tonight. I should check the fridge and see that we have enough food for the week.

Happy New Year, everyone! God bless.