Happy Halloween, Everybody!

I remember as a child, being so excited about Halloween! Our mother always made our costumes--no cheapy store-bought things for us! Back then, the costumes for sale in the stores were not the same as you can get now. Often, it was just a shaped mask and a one-piece, slip on affair that tied behind your neck with a picture of what you were supposed to be on the front. But with my mom's costumes, you were the character! I remember being a clown, Puss in Boots (great costume with boots and a plumed feather on my hat that my mom made , I think from toilet paper), the Queen of Hearts, a devil(I put that one together when I got older, with some help from Mom), and Tiny Tim (the guy with the ukelele, not the character from Dickens' A Christmas Carol). I wore my brother's suit and shoes, a yarn wig and my mom made me a fake nose that we glued on and she colored it with make-up. That one was so good I got compliments all evening, and was even asked to come to the convent at our school to show the nuns. She also did great stuff for my siblings. There was a rabbit costume, a Christmas tree, Little Bo-Peep, Superman, Batman (with the cape shaped properly and everything) that I remember offhand...I'm sure there was more. My mom also always made sure we were dressed warmly under our costumes. No coats covering up the fun for us! It was so much fun to be someone else for a while, and to collect goodies from all the neighbors, too!

So, kids, have fun tonight! Be safe, and enjoy everything you love about Halloween. Parents, they are creating memories - and you can help make them good ones. I can't wait to see photos of the grandkids' costumes. I hope they have a great time tonight!

Happy Anniversary, Bobbers and Lin!

Tom's brother brought his lovely bride into the family this day a few years ago...my children were actually in the wedding, and I think they were eight and eleven...that would mean Bob and Lin have been married eightteen years. Could that possibly be?

Congratulations, Bob and Lin. Many happy returns of the day.

Busy week ahead...

Tonight, Tom and I are going to a pre-deployment briefing. The organizers want to provide a meal and childcare. So Tom will be there to answer questions and I am helping serve and have made a pasta salad. The information in the briefing may be helpful, as well, so hopefully it will be a productive evening. Tomorrow is Halloween, although I don't expect too many trick-or-treaters at the door. I think I had one last year. Wednesday, Tom has a work dinner, Thursday we are both going to a Leadership School graduation dinner, and Friday we are both going to a Combat Dining Out--which is a military tradition that can be lots of fun.

I have some errands and chores to get done today, too. Bills to pay, packages to prepare for mailing, housework and the ACES Newsletter to get out. So, time to get busy....

The cutest thing....

I walk outside, headed to my car to run some errands. The Dad and two older children from next door are outside, playing on the swing. Two-year-old Ben sees me, calls out "Wait!" He hops off the swing, runs over, stops just short of the driveway and says "Look!" while pointing to his shoes. I comment on his nifty new shoes and he asks "You goin' out?" "Yes, I am." "'K. Bye!" and he crosses the driveway, gives me a big hug and runs home.

Friday

It has been a quiet week, nothing really special going on, just a simple outing or two. Monday I gave blood at the donation center in town. While there, I bought tickets for a fundraiser lunch at the Outback Steakhouse. I invited one of the ladies from ACES to be my guest and on Wednesday, we enjoyed a lovely lunch of steak or chicken, veggies or garlic mashes potatoes, drinks included and even cheesecake for dessert. Really good cheesecake. Mmmm. We enjoyed the break from routine. Last evening was a squadron flag football game. Tom's squadron won again and remain undefeated. Tofay is open so anything could happen. It is rainy and cold, so I don't really plan to go out. The spate of birthdays and anniversaries is over until Halloween, when it starts up again...

It's Emily's Birthday!

Tom's niece Emily is twelve years old today. Happy Birthday, Emily! I hope your special day is full of family, friends and fun -- and that it is just the beginning of a wonderful year for you.

Happy Birthday, Janet!

Today is my sister's birthday. Hoping you are having a wonderful day! Enjoy.

If you know Janet, be sure and share your good wishes for her today.

Happy Anniversary, Lynn and Dan!

Hoping today is a celebration of your happiness together.

Happy Birthday, Dina!

Tom's youngest sibling is celebrating her birthday today. If you know Dina, give her a call and wish her well on this special day.

Happy Birthday, Dina! And many happy returns of the day.

Quoth the raven....

"Nevermore" was quite enjoyable. The drive down was not. I haven't seen rain come down that heavily in YEARS -- not even in the time I spent in Belgium. The rain was so heavy that at times there was just a huge cloud of mist in front of us. We knew there were cars or trucks creating that mist, but they were lost in it. Tom and I both mentioned that 'fog lights' that had been required to be added to the backs of our cars in Belgium. They would have been useful during this storm! There was a break in the downpour just as we hit a rest stop, so I am grateful for the timing there, and it had almost stopped when Tom pulled up in front of Woodcraft. I shopped at Tuesday Morning while he was in the wood store. I found some small Christmas items to bring home and he got some cherry and some walnut. The rain was starting to come down more heavily as we left and we also realized we only had an hour until the play started, so we went straight to the theater where Tom dropped me off in front then went to park the car. I picked up our tickets at 'Will Call' then looked at the 'artwork' on display. I enjoyed the blend of colors and textures, but seriously, charging hundreds to thousands of dollars for that stuff because someone calls himself an 'artist' is just sinful. I truly wonder who gives away their hard-earned money for it. Enough ranting...

We found our seats about ten minutes before the show started. Tom got into a conversation with the folks behind us, so the time went by quickly. Everything about the show itself was a treat. The show is set during the mysterious five days between Edgar Allen Poe's boarding a ship bound for New York and his being found delirious on the streets of Baltimore five days later, followed by his death three days after that without his ever becoming lucid again. The set was very simple -- just a raised, slanted floor accented with several 'psychlorama' curtains. I am not 100% sure of that term, but the curtains were used to evoke different feelings and scenes by projecting light, colors, and shadows onto them from either in front or behind, as needed. It was the most extensive and skillful use of the effect I have ever witnessed. The show was well written and well acted, and we thoroughly enjoyed the story.

After the performance, we were privileged to take part in a 'talkback.' Both the play's author and a Poe biographer were available to answer questions and give opinions. We stayed and listened, just for the fun of it. I think we even learned a few things. For instance, the 'Edgar Allen Poe' name was sort of foisted upon the man after his death. In life, he referred to himself as 'Edgar Poe' or 'Edgar A. Poe.' The Allen name was the name of the family that adopted him at the age of three after the death of his mother. He didn't get along with his 'stepfather' and never really considered himself an 'Allen.'

We decided to have dinner in Charleston. After choosing a closed Pub for a meal, we ended up at 'The Noisy Oyster.' I had the lobster and shrimp spring rolls. Yummy. Tom had blackened salmon that wasn't blackened enough for him. He did eat it all, though. The ride home was easier with a lack of rain, thank goodness. We were home by 9:00 and watched soome TV and got together the contents of a gift we are mailing off Monday.

I'm giving blood later today and shopping for a pot for our Mayan Pepper plant. We need to bring it inside before the frost we are expecting this evening.

Rainy days and Sundays?

We woke up to a gray sky and pouring rain. Everyone at church was damp, but the rain has mostly stopped for the moment. We are having breakfast, then will be on our way to Charleston. Tom wants to stop by Woodcraft for some stock for turning, then we'll go to the gift shop at the USS Yorktown for something we missed because they closed on us last time we were there, and we have tickets to see "Nevermore" at the Dock Street Theater.

Yesterday, Tom spent most of the day in the garage woodworking, but he did come out after lunchtime to take me downtown to see the stone-carvings near Patriot Hall. There was some sort of international arts festival that had artists doing huge carvings in either stone or wood. Those carvings are currently on the grounds near the Hall. I was not impressed by most of what I saw, (I wonder how these people come by the title 'artist?'Yes, I know. I am a phillistine...) but two or three pieces were intriguing.

Next week I have several appointments to make, both for myself and for things around the house like the pool and the car. There are also several family birthdays coming up...Janet's birthday is Tuesday, which means mine is two weeks after! Growing up, she and I always loved this time of year -- her birthday, Halloween, my birthday followed by Thanksgiving and the whole Holiday season. So much fun! Which reminds me, Cookie Day is December 9th this year. Mark your calendars! ;)

Today's plan

Today I will be visiting the base commissary for some grocery shopping, as we need a few things. Later, I want to check out a sculpture exhibit downtown. Tom was down there yesterday to pick up a script at the theater and he said some of the stuff was really interesting.

Do you have anything special going on today?

Greg Brady? Huh?

Ummmmm...me? I don't think so...

You Are Greg Brady

Outta sight! Suave and all American, you tend to be clean cut and upstanding.You're friendly with most people and a huge flirt (sometimes even with family members!).

What Brady Are You?

Busy Wednesday?

Not really, but I do have a few things to do. We have several packages that need to be gotten together and mailed. I can handle two of them, but need Tom to teach me how to burn a CD for the third. Our friend Kev accidentally lost his photos of his visit here. Fortunately, he downloaded his digital camera while he was here and we will be able to send him copies of all his pictures. I'm so glad Kev allowed me to share his photos -- that way I got some shots for the blog and he gets copies!

I also have housework I want to get done today (ha! so what else is new?) and some paperwork as well. I should also schedule some doctor's appointments...

I guess I should get myself busy. Happy Wednesday, everybody!

Comedians

If you haven't already read my daughter's post entitled 'The Lord is My Shepherd' go there now and learn what she gets to deal with on a daily basis. And as if one comedian were not enough, check this out. Is it any wonder I like spending time with these little ones?

Hey, Mr. Postman.... ***updated***

Just got back from the Post Office where I mailed a package containing a Handy Manny toolbox and tools for Ryan and a gift from a friend for Lily. I can't wait for Jen to get the box and see what her father made for Ryan. Personally, I think the details really make it. I guess Jen will have to let us know if she agrees. Check back in a few days and I'll post a picture.

***update***

Jen called this afternoon to let me know that the box had arrived. I didn't get to the phone right away, so I missed the original opening of the package. Wasn't it nice of her to think to call me for that part of it, though? Anyway, Jen tells me when the package was opened, Ryan exclaimed "Squeeze!" This is the name of the pliers. Then he said "Pat!" This is the hammer. He also recognized Rusty, the saw, and asked if Turner, the screwdriver, was in there. Tom and I were both pleased to learn that he recognized the tools as Manny's without being told what they were. I think that is pretty cool, don't you?

South Carolina State Fair

We spent yesterday afternoon and evening enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of the State Fair in Columbia. Tom and I both especially enjoy the Arts and Crafts exhibits, and this year's had some really good stuff. I don't know why I am always surprised to find that I generally enjoy the work of amateurs far more than that of professionals, but this was no exception. I also find myself thinking 'Beth could do better than that!' For those who don't know, Beth is the friend who painted the iris watercolor that hangs in my living room. She is talented in many areas. When she is famous, remember you read it here first!

After the art exhibit, we enjoyed a magic show. The illusionist did some tricks I have never seen done before and left me asking 'how did he do that?' Truly the mark of a good prestidigitator! We saw the same man perform his 'Comedy Hypnosis' last year -- truly remarkable show! He was doing it again this year, but at 7:00pm, and we had tickets to see a concert at 7:30. We didn't even attempt to see it again. So, after the magic show, we had some dinner. Pizza for me, a chicken-on-a-pita for Tom. Why do they do that? You have a pocket in the bread, why not use it? Seems to defeat the purpose of the pita, doesn't it?

We did some people-watching until it was time for the concert. We also stopped in at the 'Home Arts' exhibit. It smelled so good I think I gained five pounds just walking into the building! I love seeing all the creative things people can do, especially the little kids. They had some great decorated cookies and cakes. Some of the adults did fabulous tiered cakes, too. Eventually, we made our way to the grandstand and found our seats. First to perform was Trent Jeffcoat. He's a local fella, from Lexington County, and boy can he sing! If you click on that link, go to the music page and listen to a song (I like "I Love This Trailer Park" but the ones I've heard are all good.) I really enjoyed his show, even bought his "Save Country Music" CD. Trent was followed by Blake Shelton, an up-and-comer in Country Music. You may have heard some of his songs on the radio, like "Some Beach," "Nobody but Me," and "Goodbye Time." Blake did one encore and it was time to go. On the way out, I found a cell phone and its holder on the ground. While I bought my CD and got an autograph from Trent, Tom called the 'home' number on the phone and got hold of the owner who returned to the arena to collect it. Better than taking it home and trying to find a way to get it to the owner!

Good stuff, the State Fair. Did you go to YOUR State Fair this year?

Sorry for the long silence...

Last week I accompanied Tom on a TDY (Temporary DutY) assignment to Langley AFB in Virginia. We had lived there for about thirteen years and I still know people there, so when Tom asked if I wanted to come along I agreed. I considered blogging from the library computers there, but they are doing some updates and the system crashes about every five minutes or so...it was too frustrating to even try! While Tom was busy with his conference, I tried to make contact with some old friends. I was actually successful in some cases, but not in others. My friend Bonnie hasn't written in about two years and I never did have a phone number for her new place...so I drove by to leave a note. There were two apartments, I didn't know the right one so I left a note at each. Sadly, no response to either. I don't know if she still lives there or not.

I did see Dr. H. and Greta at their office. I happened to stop in when they had a break so we could visit for a while. Greta and I had dinner the next night at Steak and Ale. I also stopped by the florist to see who was there. Derrick was the only person there who ever worked with me. We talked a few minutes. He doesn't know where Bonnie is, either. The last 'old friend' I saw was Lynda, one of the Scouting Moms. Her sons shared their Eagle ceremony with TJ and one other boy. Lynda and I had a nice lunch at the Thai restaurant I used to like when we were there and lots of chat.

We also did two dinners out with folks from the conference - one at Harpoon Larry's another at Steak and Outback Steakhouse. I managed to drive by my old houses, too. It was weird. Everything was the same, but different. It really did feel like coming home, though.

When we got home, I woke up not feeling well the next day and am just today feeling 100%. During that break we had an ACES meeting which didn't seem to accomplish a thing. We did lots of talking but couldn't agree on anything. We didn't even vote for the new officers as planned! We had to plan a special meeting just for that. What silliness. I also babysat for our neighbors, who brought home their new baby. Their two-year-old son was diagnosed with strep in the morning and the baby came home that afternoon. So Hannah, the daughter went with Daddy to get Mommy and baby Emma and Ben stayed with me at his house. Poor little guy really didn't feel well at all. He watched Aladdin' then crawled into my lap and just laid across me for a long time. Eventually he began to chatter away. He decided to get up, but when he did his legs were shaking...he's had a shot earlier in the day and it was sore, too. Eventually, the family came home and Ben was happy to see his Mommy.

Yesterday was a retirement for one of the sergeants at the base. The former squadron commander returned to officiate, and brought his lovely wife, former president of ACES. It was such a surprise to see her! She looked marvelous. Life in Virginia agrees with her. We went to the sergeant's home for a nighttime celebration of the event and saw a few more people we know.

Today, we are working on Ryan's Halloween costume. Tom is making a toolbox and tools for a "Handy Manny" costume. They look really cute! He even thought of getting a block of styrofoam so the tools can 'stand up' just like they do on the cartoon. I get to do the painting. I hope Ryan likes it!

Look what we have!

1 October and our tree decides to pop out one more little blossom before autumn. Actually, I'm pretty gald to see it, as Tom pruned this tree a few weeks ago, and he really pruned it! I was a little worried that we had gone too far, but apparently the little tree is just fine.

After Mass today, Tom did some work in the garage. He is really working hard at getting some turning done on his lathe. I waited until the stores opened and did a few errands, then returned for Tom so we could visit the Sumter County Fair. What a disappointment! Today was the last day of the fair. We didn't realize it, but all the exhibits were already down and mostly cleaned up. We were mostly interested in the Art Show and Flower Show, and there was one exhibit still up for the Art Show - a very Picasso-esque sculpture - and absolutely nothing in the flower show area. Same for the agricultural exhibits and the animals, too. Sigh. Well, lesson learned. Next year we go before the final day!

This evening is being spent preparing for Tom's TDY tomorrow. Packing, taking out the trash, making sure all the little accessories are there for the uniform....