Six countries and counting

My blog has had hits from the USA, Belgium, Germany, Canada, and the UK , which is really great because I know people who live in those places. Today I got a hit from INDIA. It came to my blog via Jen's, so we know it was from a relative who is visiting there, but still -- How cool is that?

Monday

Jay was up and out early to start his new job today. Zach had a rough morning because he misplaced a glove. Ryan refused to cooperate and go to his make-up gymnastics class with Grandma (can you make up a make-up class?) and he resisted his nap so much that Mommy took him in to nap with her. Definitely Monday...and no baby news!

Sunday night

Sweet Pea update: nothing new to report. Perhaps Jen's theory is correct and we will be waiting for March 6th. (Sorry, Jen, I didn't mean it!)

Daisiy was not in too much trouble. Jen and Jay were already aware that the Plexiglas was not holding and it was just a matter of time before it gave way. Jay went out and ordered a new sidelight. He is hoping for delivery in two weeks. Then it will have to be installed. I hope it warms up between now and then!

It was so cold outside that Ryan and Zach played a lot indoors today. For the most part things went well, but of course there was the usual sibling trouble now and again. Nothing that couldn't be handled. We had leftovers for dinner -- spaghetti and meatballs ot taco soup. Everybody got a salad. For the first time in recent days, Ryan came to the table on time with no two-year-old imp tagging along. It was lovely to have just sweet little Ryan at the table.

I found out today that my cousin's daughter Charlotte was injured in Afghanistan earlier this month. Charlotte is an MP with the Army Reserve. The injuries are not too severe, but any prayer on her behalf would be appreciated.

Sunday morning

Sweet Pea update: As Jen said last night, the Pea is still in the Pod. I wonder if Jen's thoughts on the birthdate will prove accurate? If so, today's the day....or we wait until March 6th!

I heard Jay and the boys leave the house this morning, to take Zach to his choir/play practice at church. I still don't know if Jen was with them or if she is resting in her room. I was forced upstairs by the sound of Daisy the dog growling and barking at the front door as if she wanted to tear something apart. Outside the door were two neighborhood boys that Daisy does not like. One of them was holding a piece of the Plexiglas from the window Daisy had punched out as she tried to get to them. My job was to try to fit the piece back into place to keep the cold air out until I can discuss with Jay how he wants to achieve a repair. The two little boys needed to be told that it was time for them to go home. The piece is in place, but we can get a better fit if we remove some brads and replace them once the piece is in place. Needless to say, the gap in the window is not doing much to warm this room! I have placed tape over it, but something more permanent will need to be done. I think poor Daisy might be in trouble.

Saturday

Sweet Pea update: she is as stubborn as her parents. ;)

Since Jay is home today, I am going to see if any of my family is available for visits.

Happy Saturday, everybody!

The doctor said...

...very little progress from all those contractions. As the expectant mother's mother, this does not make me happy. I was sort of hoping this would be what some people call 'an easy labor.' Somehow, ten days of contractions and no progress does not say 'easy' to me. You know, I never did my kids' homework or protected them from the consequences of their own mistakes, but I would much prefer to do this for her than know she has to do it all alone. Argh.

Off to the doctor...

Jen has what I hope will be her last doctor's appointment before the baby this afternoon. She says they no longer allow expectant mothers to go over a week beyond their due dates. If a woman doesn't deliver, labor is induced. I guess if the baby doesn't come by next Friday, they will set a date for that. She is also planning to stop by the gymnastics place while she is out and pay for Ryan's next session. I'll share any news Jen gets when she returns (with her permission, of course).

Friday

Sweet Pea update: Sweet Pea is snug and happy where she is and is showing no immediate interest in expanding her horizons. She *did* make sure Jen knows she is there, so obviously she enjoys attention. Silly girl. There will be so much more attention out here!

Ryan is happily playing Marble Drop in the living room. He has definite ideas of what he wants and makes sure Grandma doesn't interfere with his creative expression. He is currently learning to use his words instead of just his voice (asking instead of screaming) to garner cooperation. He has also been learning polite ways to tell Grandma to 'go away' since Mommy says it is rude to say that to Grandma. Some of my favorites: 'Would you like to sit on the couch, Grandma?' 'Go in the kitchen, Grandma.' 'You go to the bathroom, now.' These are only used when The Imp takes over and Ryan wants things his way. I have to curb the laughter somehow, because it really *is* funny.

Thursday

Sweet Pea Update: Jen is four days from her due date. Last night, just before bed, she had a 'gastro-intestinal' pain that made her double over. Her What to Expect When You're Expecting book says this can be an indicator of impending labor. Hmmm. She hasn't said there is anything going on today...

Ryan has another ear infection. He finished up a course of antibiotics last week, we saw the doctor to double-check that they had worked, and he said the ears were clear, so this is a NEW infection. Poor boy -- he woke up crying last night, saying his ear hurt. Poor Mommy and Daddy, too. The two-year-old is not doing a very good job of sleeping through the night, and another baby is due any minute. As a species, are we crazy?

Shhh...Be very, very quiet.

Sweet Pea update: Shhh! She's sleeping! Sweet Pea has been very quiet today. I remember that both my babies got 'quiet' for about two days before they were born. Maybe she's getting herself ready for the Big Day. Maybe. Let's not get too excited. Only time will tell.

In the meantime, tomorrow is Thursday. That means Gymboree for Ryan! WooHoo!

Its Wednesday!

Sweet Pea update: nothing new to report at this time. I gave Jen a foot massage last night...Jay asked if I was trying to stimulate labor. That's a new one on me, but it didn't work anyway. I was just trying to do something nice for my daughter. We are still 5 to 6 days from her due date, depending on which calculations you use.

I was planning to go out this morning, either to get some grocery shopping done or to take Jen out for a bit if she felt up to it... but it it currently snowing outside and Jay called, saying the trip in to work was awful. Perhaps I should leave it until later. I suppose I should check the weather forecast to see what is expected.

Ryan is happily watching Dora the Explorer and Jen is straightening up. I think I'll get dressed and get some things done today, too. Happy Hump Day, everybody!

Tuesday morning surprise

But not the one many are hoping for...

This morning after Jenny went to her Bible Study, Ryan and I were surprised by a visit from Uncle T.J. He arrived about 10:00, in full uniform. When I asked him what he was doing here since I thought he was taking this time to study, he said 'That's a long story' and proceeded to tell me how he had missed his test for Tech Sergeant. Missed his test! How'd he do that? Seems he was given poor information about where to go to take the test, since the site had been moved! He arrived at the building designated in a paper he had been given, hunted for the room, asked directions, and finally found it tucked away in an odd corner. The note on the door indicated the testing site was now at a different buiding across the base. He tried, but when he got there, the testing had already started and the door was locked. He spoke to someone, who said 'We sent out an email..' Lot of good that does T.J. since the email was sent before he was even assigned to the base. And when he *did* arrive, the information they gave him about testing included the old testing site! T. J. will request a new test date and seek assistance from his First Sergeant if there is any difficulty. Argh! After all this happened, T.J. decided to come here and visit instead of going home and stewing about it. We had a nice little visit. Ryan was sweet with Uncle T.J., showing off his new Thomas the Train puzzle and playing nicely. Jen arrived home about 11:30 and T.J. told his story again, then visited with his sister for a while. He's headed back home now, to get some things done before tomorrow.

Jen has fallen asleep on the sofa while watching Days of Our Lives. Sweet Pea is being relatively quiet. Jen has had a few contractions today, but nothing like the ones that almost sent her to the hospital last night about 3:00am. Jay woke up to find her putting a few last minute items in her bag (hairbrush, etc.). Shortly thereafter, all indications of labor stopped. Jen's right. This baby is a tease.

President's Day

Today was a holiday for both Jay and Zach. That meant three boys in the house. While the little boys watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Mommy, Jay and I took the Explorer in for some service. On the way there we saw a VERY cool-looking playground that I am eager to take the boys to.

On the way home, we stopped at Best Buy to get me a new camera. Tom usually takes all our photos, but he isn't on this trip. I want to be able to take pictures of the new baby and the boys, too. This is similar to what I got. I think it will do for what I need. Jay suggested I could get a memory card much less expensively online, so I can use one of his until I do.

Once we returned home, it was lunch then naptime for Ryan. Jay, Zach and I played Sorry a few times. On the way back from picking up the car, Jay took Zach for a haircut and I went to Target. I picked up some things I think will be helpful for Sweet Pea, as well as something for each of the boys. My brother Tommy calls Ryan 'Rhino' and I saw a shirt with a rhinoceros on it. It says "Rhino in Charge." I also found a SpongeBob Squarepants bathing suit for Zach. I forgot to pick up a laundry basket I liked for myself, though. Oops.

Now its Winter Olympics then off to bed. Looking forward to Tuesday!

Where's Sweet Pea?

As it turns out, Jen spent ALL DAY yesterday having contractions. They increased in occurrence and intensity...sound familiar? Jen is a little leery of looking foolish by telling us 'this might be it' and being wrong too often, so she kept this information to herself until eveningtime. Jen and Jay were watching TV upstairs, I was downstairs when Jay came down with a purpose. I asked what he was looking for -- he said "We might be going to the hospital." He was looking for something for Jen's suitcase. I found it for him, then went up to see Jen. She was sitting on the sofa, calmly watching the Olympics. I stood around a few minutes -- neither of them seemed to be getting ready to go anywhere. I looked at Jen and asked "Did everything stop again?" Yep. Sure did. All this prompted Jen to write this on her blog. I'll bet this baby is going to love playing Peek-a-boo.

Snuggle Puppy

I recently bought this book with Ryan in mind. I can't wait to read it to him! We've had the book for two days though, and so far he has shown no interest. I put that down to his general lack of desire for stories; he equates stories with naptime, and he is currently very resistant to naps. Wish me luck, cuz I want to read it to him TODAY.

Sunday morning

...and still no Sweet Pea. We're all doing our best not to cause stress by asking the expectant Mommy if she 'feels' anything, but we are almost as eager to get this thing going as she is!

We had a fairly good day here yesterday, with only a few 'two-year-old' imp moments. I swear that creature takes over Ryan's personality completely, then leaves as suddenly as he arrived and sweet little Ryan is right there, waiting to share a smile and a snuggle. Dinner was especially interesting, as we all sat amused as the imp popped in and out with 'I don't WAN say sorry to Zach'ry!' The imp must not have been around when Ryan did sweetly say sorry to Zach, just as Mommy instructed. Every so often throughout the meal, Ryan's little voice would pipe up with 'I don't WAN say sorry!' Then he would politely ask for a carrot or suggest that Mommy should eat his sweet potatoes. I wasn't always successful in stifling the laughter. Funny little imp.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CATHY!

Happy Birthday to the most experienced of my siblings. Today is also Cathy's oldest child's birthday, so Happy Birthday to John, too. I had thought that perhaps Sweet Pea would make her debut today, giving us a triple birthday in the family; that seems to be a pipe dream, however, since Mommy had no inkling of Sweet Pea's being eager to arrive. Jen is feeling better, but is still somewhat congested. She's currently building up her strength by napping, as are Jay and Ryan. Zach is playing Frogger and I am doing laundry and getting an early start on dinner.

It has been a nice, quiet Saturday. Feels good. Hope your day is going well!

The doctor's appointment...

...was a bit disappointing. Everything is fine, come back in a week. How BORING! I was hoping for a bit more information, don't you know.

Jen's sinuses were still hurting today, and she was feeling tired all day. I convinced Ryan to let ME get him ready for bed and Mommy would come cuddle with him just before he went to sleep. I told him it would be his way of doing something nice for Mommy. He liked that idea. What he didn't like was actually doing it. He tried many delaying tactics for brushing his teeth. I finally had to give him the old 'we can do it the easy way, or we can do it the hard way' ultimatum. He chose the hard way. DAMN! Tucking his right arm under my left arm and holding his left hand in my left while I waited for opportunities to brush when his lips weren't tightly compressed only angered him. We got through it, but that meant he was upset for diaper changing and pajamas. I was able to maintain my patience -- its a whole lot easier when you don't have to do it every single day. He tried to hold onto his clothes, but I managed to get his trousers and his diaper off. That's when I found out he still needed the diaper. He was very upset about the mess on his changing pad -- I almost feel like he was embarrassed by it. Anyway, he was still screaming and refusing to cooperate, so I employed an old trick I learned from MY mother. I spoke very softly; I agreed with everything he said or at least made sure my words indicated I understood what he wanted. Eventually he calmed down enough to hear me say 'I know you want Grandma to leave, and Grandma will leave -- as soon as you get your jammies and your diaper on.' He tried to argue, but I reminded him that Mommy didn't feel good and he was letting me get him ready for bed to be nice to her. Then I repeated that as soon as he had his pajamas on, Grandma would leave and Mommy would come cuddle with him in the rocking chair. (I know poor Mommy just wanted it all to be over. Its so hard to listen to a little one he unhappy when you know YOU could do it so much better. To their credit, she and Daddy both let me deal with him.) Suddenly he was sweet and cooperative! I let him choose his diaper -- he chose one with Big Bird on it -- and he was quiet and still while I put it on, then we put on pajamas and he was ready for Mommy. When Mommy came in, Ryan went to her, then stopped, ran over to me, gave me a big hug and said 'thank you, Grandma.' Bless his little heart. Mommy probably encouraged the 'thank you' but the hug was all Ryan. Funny how something so simple makes the horror of the past 15 minutes much, much less. I do love that little boy.

Friday

I woke up this morning to find TWO happy boys on the main floor of the house. Zach was fixing his breakfast and Ryan was watching The Wiggles. Sadly, Jen had spent the night on the sofa. Knowing that she wouldn't sleep well, she chose not to disturb Jay with her tossing and turning. The antibiotic she picked up around midnight last night helped a little, but she didn't really sleep well. Jay had overslept. That wasn't surprising since he was up late with Jen last night. Jen called him and he got up and headed off to work after confirming that Jen was NOT in labor (Are you in labor or not?). Zach left for school and I got myself ready for my haircut appointment at 10:00. Ryan had an appointment, too, but his two-year-old imp kicked in and we weren't sure he was going to make it. Jen dropped me off at the salon and drove Ryan around for a while. They came into the salon halfway through my haircut and Ryan was in a wonderful mood. How does he DO that? He sat beautifully for his haircut and was very happy to pick out a purple lollipop for being such a good boy. We came home, had lunch -- Ryan ate a whole peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a granola bar and about a third of my bowl of clam chowder with a cup of juice. I think his appetite is back! I was surprised to learn he likes clam chowder. After lunch, I suggested quiet time with Grandma while Mommy took a bath in preparation for her doctor's appointment today, and Ryan asked for a story. He picked out I'm a Big Brother. Good timing, huh? We had read most of the story when Mommy finished her bath and Ryan wanted Mommy to read, too. So Grandma finished I'm a Big Brother and then Ryan had Mommy read it all over again. It was now naptime. Getting him into bed was a little rough, but he is napping now.

Zach arrived home from school after early dismissal. He is happy that he has NO HOMEWORK. He told me about Star Wars I through VI and the fact that they are all movies, but there is also Star Wars VII through IX which are books so you can read about what happened. Well informed is my grandson.

Jen will be leaving soon for the doctor...I am eager to hear what they find. Maybe all this 'false labor' is actually achieving something. I hope so, for her sanity!

Thursday...

Well, Gymboree with Ryan was lots of fun. He has better balance and coordination than I would have given him credit for if I hadn't seen it myself. He can step up onto a low balance beam and walk across like its nothing, then drop to his knees and crawl across another beam. He also swings on a trapeze and drops into a bin of foam blocks, and bounces like crazy on the trampolines. He listens to Miss T. C. pretty well, but he easily ignores Grandma. There is another Ryan on the class who seems to have taken a liking to our Ryan. They sat beside each other during Circle Time and when we went over to the Big Gym. When class was over, I was putting Ryan's shoes back on in the coat room and he began flirting with a pretty blonde girl. He was very cute. I understand last week he tried to get this same girl's attention, but not in a nice way. He was a little nicer this week, he even waggled his fingers at her and said hello. Ryan had so much fun at the gym he didn't want to leave. I finally had to just put him in his carseat for the trip home. He wasn't happy with me at all. He didn't want to get out of the car once we got home...ah, two-year-olds. I remember his mother doing the exact same thing when she was his age. She used to frustrate me to tears. I thought the rule was HE tortured HER the same was SHE tortured ME. Anyway, by evening, he had forgiven me. I could tell because he was crawling all over me, giving me hugs and saying 'I gotchoo!' Tomorrow, we are going together to get our hair cut. I hope he cooperates!

Sweet Pea update: ongoing contractions that increase in occurrence and intensity, then stop. Mommy is suffering from a sinus infection, with facial pain, tooth pain and a sore throat. Topical remedies are providing small relief. She is off to the pharmacy to get a prescription for antibiotics. Keep her in your prayers. This is getting harder and harder... and the baby isn't even due for another 10 days!

We're off to Gymboree

Its Thursday, and that means Gymboree for Ryan. Grandma is going to be his partner today, since all the bending and lifting is difficult for Mommy. Besides, I want to be able to take him when Mommy can't so I need the practice. Ryan woke up happy today. We're hoping he maintains that attitude throughout.

SweetPea update: nothing new to report.

Tired...

We're ALL tired here today. Ryan got up very early -- and cranky -- so everyone's day didn't start the best. He had a happy afternoon, though, and went to bed sweet as pie. Zach had a pretty good day, too, with 'recess' being his favorite part of the day. The adults watched the first hour and a half or so of the Olympics, then we all decided we needed to go to bed. I'm on my way now...

Sweet Pea update: contractions off and on all day. None too painful, but perhaps some progression. I'll be keeping you posted.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Its the day we celebrate love. I hope you all have love in your lives, in one fashion or another.

Our little Ryan woke up HAPPY today! If you have been to Jen's house lately, you know how special that is! Ryan has been sick, therefore not 'himself.' He is usually a sweet, easy-going little guy; when he doesn't feel good, the Monster takes over and there can be crying and screaming and general dismay for no apparent reason. The grownups in the house try to help, but he can be inconsolable. Then we feel useless and helpless and it is a terrible feeling. But today when I came upstairs, I was greeted by a smiling Ryan happily eating Cheerios in milk at his little table in the kitchen. He had a heart-shaped box of chocolates next to him, and an Elmo Valentine's Day card from Mommy and Daddy. Also on the table were Valentine's gifts for Big Brother Zach, which Ryan pointed out to me. I got the idea that he would have been a happy guy even if there weren't candy boxes on the breakfast table. Afterward, as I sat talking with Mommy, I said out loud "I need a hug from a Happy Boy. Do we know any happy boys?" Ryan ran up, hugged me quickly as he said "Me!" then ran off to play. It was a sweet moment.

Our little Sweet Pea has been making herself known, but not personally, IF you know what I mean! OK, I'll explain for those of you who may not now. Jen has been having mild Braxton-Hicks contractions for weeks. Yesterday, the contractions were a little stronger and seeming to come more regularly...Jen thought perhaps SP would make her appearance sooner than later, but she's not here yet! As her Grandpa says, when she gets here, she gets here. We'll be happy to see her.

Zach had a pretty good morning, too. He sat at the little table with Ryan for breakfast. He noticed the box of candy with a frog on it and asked if it was for him. Daddy said "What do you think?" He must have decided it was his, because he wanted to open the chocolates right away. Daddy convinced him chocolate is not breakfast food. He read his card then fixed himself a PopTart for breakfast. He had a few 'Big Brother' moments where he subtly tried to provoke his brother. I let him know I was on to him and that such behavior was NOT acceptable. He stopped fairly easily, but of course tried another tactic seconds later. He is, after all, a fairly normal big brother. We got through the meal with no real meltdowns (yay!) and Zach got to watch some TV before heading off to school. I had completely forgotten his lunch! Luckily, Jen asked me about it in time to get it together for him, and off he went. I'm sure he will enjoy exchanging Valentines at school today.

Jay was happy, too. When he came downstairs, he went all the way down to the Family Room, then called Zach to come help him. Zach returned to the living room with an envelope as big as Ryan to give to Mommy. It was her Valentine's Day card from her three Valentines. After the boys got hugs and kisses from Mommy, Jay presented his personal gift to Mommy. It was a diamond necklace with three stones--one for each of her Valentines, I suppose. Jay was very pleased with his selection, and I think Jen was, too.

Jen gave ME a box of chocolates and this lovely photo that she took herself. It was taken during the trip to Belgium when she introduced us to Jay and Zachary. We were visiting a wildlife park and Tom and I stopped under a stone bridge for a kiss. She caught us just after the kiss, being cuddly. It's a sweet picture, very romantic, and perfect for Valentine's Day! I'm going to frame it and hang it at home.

I'm looking forward to a good day. I hope YOURS is good, too!

Winter Wonderland

My guess is about 14 to 16 inches of accumulation of very heavy snow. I am surprised I didn't see more broken branches, but I am glad about that. Jay went outside to clear of the cars, and Ryan wanted to join him. I dressed Ryan nice and warmly (Mommy was napping) and sent him out with Daddy. Ryan asked me to come out with him -- breakthrough! He wants Grandma! -- so I dressed and went out. Jay suggested I start my car to begin melting some of the snow so it would be easier when I actually want to move the car. Ryan came along to help me. We slogged through the snow, waist deep on Ryan, and started then engine. Ryan showed great interest in the inside of Grandma's car. He wanted to sit in the back seat. Unfortunately, the back seat is still full of stuff from the trip up -- hanging clothes and Christmas candle holders Tom sent up for the families. We got out of the car and started brushing snow from the exterior. Ryan held the handle of the broom while I swept at the white stuff. As we moved around the car, Ryan asked me to lift him from spot to spot and to help him when he fell down. He really seemed to be enjoying being outside and helping me. Eventually he got cold and tired and asked to go inside. I turned off the car and carried through the snow to the house. Mommy made us hot chocolate after we took off all the wet clothes. Later, Ryan snuggled up with me on the sofa for a bout two minutes and he helped me make a gingerbread for dessert tonight. A much better day for Grandma! He's still not himself, and he gave Mommy and Daddy a very difficult time at dinner and bedtime, but I think he is feeling a little better and his behavior is showing it. Yay!

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

Here I am in Maryland. When I arrived in the state yesterday afternoon, the car radio was full of warnings and cancellations and predictions of heavy snow. It started this afternoon. It was a flurry or two at first, then became windblown flakes falling from the sky consistently and is currently a leaden gray sky full of falling flakes that land on the grass and the cars. It is not yet sticking to the streets or sidewalks, but I imagine as time goes on, it will do that too.

Ryan is not feeling well. He has been a cranky boy most of today...and sadly, the sight of his loving grandmother only seems to inflame his crankiness. I know it isn't personal, but I wish I could help him feel better instead of making it worse by looking at him! I can hear my mother now...what goes around, comes around. At the moment, I am keeping myself from his line of vision by being in the family room instead watching the Olympics in the living room with the rest of the family. I didn't post to the blog earlier because I felt like I needed to be present helping Jen. Trust me, this is helping her! Ryan sounds calmer already! Maybe I need a disguise?

I'll be keeping myself busy with laundry, so at least I can feel useful. Perhaps I can get to the kitchen to make dinner without being seen...wish me luck!

In honor of the Olympics Opening

We never got to Torino, but here is a wonderful shot of the Collosseum in Rome by Hubby:

Tom has to come home this morning to shower and change after a Fun Run -- a term I consider an oxymoron -- so I am waiting to kiss him goodbye before I hit the road. The car is all packed and I'm ready, so I'll be off soon.

Today's Image

Florida 2005 by Hubby

Short post today, as I am preparing for both a dinner this evening a my trip to Maryland tomorrow. I've decided to go a little earlier than planned to give Jen a little break. Besides being 38 weeks pregnant, she has had quite a few challenges to face this past week. I think we'll both feel better if I am just there, waiting for Sweet Pea to announce her impending arrival. Hopefully, at least Jen will be able to get some sleep before the Big Event, as I will be able to see Zach off to school and give Ryan his breakfast in the mornings. Wish us luck!

Today's image

St. Basil's Cathedral on Red Square in Moscow. This is the first full moon after the first day of Spring .

Blogger self healing?

Oh, this is very interesting.

For days I have been unable to get blogger to accept a 'hard return' and skip a line in the text. Now I can do it, and I haven't done anything at all to the template.

Very strange, indeed.

Forfeit

Tom called about 6:00 this evening to let me know a meeting ran late and he wasn't going to come home for dinner before going to the 7:00pm game. Made sense--he wouldn't really have time to eat before turning around and driving back to the base. Then he called at 7:04pm...the other team forfeited and he was on his way home--do I need anything from the Shoppette? No, not really. When he got home, he was concerned because his vision was blurry, like he got hit in the eyes by high beams, he said, but it wasn't going away. No other symptoms. After several moments and having me look into his eyes to see what I could see, the blurriness cleared. I must say I am relieved. I think that is one of the few times in his life my husband said he would see a doctor if it didn't clear up and I didn't have to push him. Now we are sharing a quiet evening at home. He is dozing in a chair while watching TV. How cute is that?

Monday evening

Today's image brought to you in honor of the Mardi Gras season. It show Carnivale in Venice in 2003.

Last evening, I went to my very first ever Enlisted Spouse's Club meeting. At our very first duty assignment 27 or so years ago, I was discouraged from joining the ESC (then called the Enlisted WIVE'S Club) by women who were members. They said the club was having problems and they just weren't comfortable recommending joining to anyone. After that, I had children or a job and just never got involved. Now that it's just Tom and me, I have more time, so I gave it a try. They seemed like a nice group of people. Discussion included a fundraising golf tournament and a fundraising crafts fair. Apparently a lot of fundraising is done. The group also talked about providing cakes for promotion ceremonies. The time of day has changed and now the ceremonies take place first thing in the morning. Cake seemed inappropriate that time of day, so they looked into muffins or bagels. Unfortunately, that type of food would have to be ordered from the (All Ranks) Club where the ceremonies are held and would cost much more than budgeted for the cakes. I guess I understand the need to prevent direct competition with their own products. It was decided to continue to serve cake since it is permitted by the Club and still gets eaten. There was also discussion about the Scholarship Program. Applications are available from several venues -- but they say they are from the Officer's and Civilians Spouse's Club (OCSC). It's too late to fix that this year, but it has been agreed to change it to include the names of BOTH groups that contribute. The ESC actually contributes more to the fund, and their name has not been included in the past.

After the business portion of the meeting, we adjourned for refreshments (baked potatoes and all the fixings, soft drinks and birthday cake) and drinks followed by a several games of bingo. I didn't win anything, but it was fun to play and chat with other spouses.

After the ESC Meetging, Tom and I went over to the gym to watch Intramural Basketball. Tom's squadron team won handily and thanked him for his presence. He and I were the only supporters for CE present. I think part of that is the 9:00pm start time. It's easier for us since we have no kids at home. Last night, there was even a shortage of players. The coach asked Tom if he brought his shorts. Then thought to ask if he plays basketball. Tom said grade school was his last time on a court...then thought about it and realized THAT was before any of the players on the court had been born! I'm not sure it was a happy realization.

There is another basketball game tonight. We'll be going after dinner. Last night we learned there are four games scheduled this week. Since we have two dinners this week, I imagine we will miss at least one of them.

Any big plans for YOU this week?

Rainy day and Monday combined

Monday morning in Sumter, SC is overcast, dreary and cold. I started a fire to warm up the living room, but I still need a fleece to keep me comfortable. Oh, well, we've had some wonderfully warm a d sunny days recently, so complaining is just wrong. This week we have a few things planned. I will be getting together the things I want to take to Maryland with me next week. I am taking some of our extra kitchen things for TJ, and we have some donations for my nephew's Eagle Scout Project fundraiser yard sale. I have some packages to mail and we have two dinners this week -- an Airmen's Leadership School graduation and a Chief's Induction Ceremony. I'm not yet aware of any weekend plans, but I'm sure we'll come up with something to do the weekend before Valentine's Day. What are you doing for the Romance Holiday?

Fayetteville

We had the *best* time in Fayetteville! We arrived in the city, verified where Ken and Lindsay's place is located, then went off to find a room for the night. After some slight delay we found a place not too far away, then left messages on Lindsay's home and cell phones to let her know we had arrived in town. Sadly, we missed the part where we were to stay at Ken and Lindsay's house, along with the Bill and Dina's family, and Laura and Gary, so there was some disappointment there. Poor Lindsay felt badly because she felt she communicated poorly, but truly things worked out just fine. I can't say I was too upset at having a bathroom to ourselves! Anyway, we went over the Ken and Lindsay's a couple of hours before the show, and found Ken busily preparing the largest hunk of meat I have ever seen. Laura was making potatoes au gratin and a salad. Tom and I chatted with Lindsay and the chefs while they slaved away. One by one other members of the entourage came in to say 'hello' while we enjoyed catching up. Ken had to leave earlier than the rest of us, since he was actually IN the show we were going to see. So Bill (Dina's husband/Tom''s brother-in-law), cooked the meat and we all enjoyed the fruits of Ken's labors. The beef tenderloin was scrumptious! We were all savoring the tasty meal so much we didn't really watch the clock. When we did look, we realized we had to hurry to get to the theatre in time. We arrived just as the opening remarks were being made, sat down and truly enjoyed a wonderful evening of theatre. Naturally, Tom and I were interested in the set design and technical aspects as well as the actual performance. It was all great and so interesting! The actors were all very well suited to the roles they were playing, and Ken did a great job as Lumiere. Due to my SHAPE experience, I did find that Belle's father speaking without a German accent just seemed wrong, but I got over it. It was a great evening. So, anyone near Fayetteville, NC, I can highly recommend the Cape Fear Regional Theatre production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. The show is playing for another week, but make your reservations NOW and hope seats are still available. They do a great job. So, thank you to Lindsay and Ken for the hospitality and a superlative performance.

February 4 1950

This *should* have been posted on Saturday...unfortunately, blogger was having issues. So, belatedly, here is an anniversary tribute to my parents.

Here they are, shortly before their marriage in 1950. Aren't they cute together?

















And here they are at their 50th Wedding Anniversary celebration at Antrim 1844 in Taneytown, Maryland. See how lovingly the cake is being shared? Nothing smashed in the other's face, no icing on her dress. Newlyweds-to-be, take note! Could this attitude of caring and respect be a factor is fifty-six years of wedded bliss?

Mom and Dad, here's wishing you many more years of love and happiness.

Friday, Friday, Friday!

Today's image comes to you courtesy of Colin, a friend and co-worker of Tom's in Belgium. I have always loved his Dancing Snoopy signature, so I copied it. I hope Colin doesn't mind.... I have been having minor blogger problems of late, the most annoying at the moment is that I cannot enter a hard return to start a new paragraph. The template simply does not accept it. I'll try to figure out the problem and correct it; until then, please forgive me. I do know better. Today was a 'Down Day' for the wing, meaning most people took the day off with the commander's blessing. For Tom, it means he goes in late and leaves early. This is his own doing, we all know what a workaholic he can be. Tonight is the awards dinner he told me about earlier this week, and early tomorrow morning he will be seeing off some folks who are deploying. Sometime in the early afternoon we'll leave for Fayetteville so we can see Ken play Lumiere in a Community Theatre production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. We'll be seeing two of Tom's sisters there and their husbands. Gary may decide to come up from Savannah, too, since his classes ended earlier this week. We're planning to spend the night in Fayetteville and come home sometime on Sunday. I imagine we will be watching the Super Bowl -- our first with commercials in four years. Does anyone else agree with me that the commercials are the best part of the Super Bowl? I hope y'all have a nice weekend, too!

We need sleep...

Moving back to the east coast of the United States has been great! We love being closer to family, knowing which stores will have the products we want, and having everyone speak a language we understand. However, there is one area that poses a minor problem...television! We haven't watched much TV in four years, and we were so busy with other things we really didn't miss it. Now that we are home evenings, we are aware of all the new and interesting shows that are available. Sadly, the series shows run until 11:00pm. Tom has to get up for work at 6:00am, so watching a show that begins at 10:00 is just unrealistic on a regular basis. Tom has decided he will have to either forego TV after 10:00 or record the shows he really wants to see and watch them at another time. Let's see how this works...