Happy Valentine's Day

2/14/2016

 

Today is the most romantic day of the year.  Everything you see to buy is pretty much either red or pink.  Dinner reservations abound and flowers and for some lucky women jewelry is involved.  

There are all types of Valentine cards. There are super mushy ones as well as funny ones.  Here's a shot at a funny card:

Roses are red

Violets are blue

Your body is sagging

But I still love you! 

Jeff and I don't really celebrate this holiday, which happens to be a real earner for both Hallmark and florists.  Here's my ode to Jeff:

• He's been my best friend for 41 years and counting
• He has been a good husband and never let me down
• While I try his patience, particularly with my memory issues, he really tries to understand
• He has taken me to some wonderful places: Hawaii, the Bahamas, vacations at the Outer Banks, road trips, and one camping experience.  He sent my Dad and I to England for a three week vacation, which was the trip of a lifetime for me
•  He knows that I fret over everything and he smooths out life's wrinkles for me
• He is my protector, my warrior, my rock and my world
• He has always, and continues to be, my shoulder to lean on, my safe place to land
• He makes me want to be a better me, a less dependent me, a stronger me
• He knows what kind of ice cream I like
• He knows what my favorite perfume is
• He knows that I'd rather have more television channels over a bigger diamond ring
• I let him down in 2013 and yet he stays

There are not enough words that can really convey how much Jeff means to me. How much he does for me.  How thankful I am to have him by my side, even when I'm crabby!

Happy Valentines' Day Jeff

P

Snow on the Ground

2/13/2016

Today is a mixed bag as far as the outside is concerned.  The sky is brilliantly blue, which is nice, but it could lull you into thinking that it's lovely outside.  And you'd be wrong.  The wind is blowing and there is some snow on the ground.  Not enough snow that it requires shoveling, but enough snow that means I literally have to push Mister Sam out the door to do his business.  And, as an old dog, his potty breaks are frequent!  It's days like this that I wish I had cats.

Today would be, and possibly will be, a soup day.  Jeff makes incredible soups, though he still insists on adding mushrooms (ick) into the pot.  Luckily, I can generally pick around them, but personally don't believe that mushrooms belong in chicken soup, for example.

The crows are back today in large numbers.  Guess they are hungry, but I wish they would do their hunting and pecking someplace else.  Sometimes, we put dried corn cobs out for the squirrels, but won't be doing that today, because it would mean that the crows would hang around longer.  Frankly, they give me the creeps.

It might be an afternoon nap kind of day.  The dogs have never complained about going to bed in the middle of the day!  

We have no plans for Valentine's Day.  I know we're definitely not going out to dinner.  If we had a thought about getting a steak dinner, today would be our best option.  Because nobody celebrates Valentine's Day on the day before - it's just not romantic.  Though this many years in (41), we're no longer googly eyed youngsters.  I take a more practical approach to Valentine's Day - flowers die (and they are expensive); and chocolates are lovely (but fattening).  In years past, when we would walk down the card aisle, we would pick out the cards for each other that we would buy, if we were going to buy one.  Folks looked at us strangely, but we didn't and don't care.  The day of inexpensive cards is almost a thing of the past.  I only buy and send one Valentine card and that's to Benjamin.

Later today, I'll turn on the fireplace.  Have I mentioned before how much I love the gas fireplace?  Probably have, but on days such as this, it's much easier to use than hauling in logs.  Mind you, I never did much hauling, particularly when the boys were at home.

If, you still have to or want to buy a Valentine related anything, today those things will be super discounted.

P

Elvis

2/12/2016

As a teenager, I, like all of my friends, thought Elvis was the best thing since sliced bread.  He was handsome, at least at that time, and his songs were great.  I remember watching him on the Ed Sullivan Show and loved his performance.  My parents were, like most parents, unimpressed with him, but they patiently sat and listened to his songs on television.  We were clearly entering the age of rock 'n roll, although we didn't know it at the time.

When Elvis began making movies, I went and saw all of them.  Were they any good?  Not particularly, but if you went to an Elvis movie, it was more about the singing and less about the story.  These days, you can watch movies on your computer, your television and even your phone.  In the 60's, we went to the movie theater.  Grungy clothing wasn't around when I was a teenager.  If you went out, you dressed up.  Jeans didn't yet have a firm grip on fashion, as they do today. 

I'm always interested in the history of things.  I wanted to know who Elvis was as a person, not the Elvis we saw in movies.  I bought two used books recently.  One was written by Priscilla and the other by Ginger Alden, his fiancee.  I've just started reading the books, but one thing that amazes me is how much they seem to remember.  Are the memories accurate?  Were the conversations these women remembered having with Elvis, accurate?  

I don't know about you, but I can't remember a conversation I had with Jeff two days ago, much less 41 years ago!  Perhaps they kept a diary.  It would be pretty hard to dispute their stories, because these books are about their life with Elvis.  

Eventually, as we all know, Elvis lost his swagger and became heavier.  Years of prescription drugs and alcohol took a toll on him and likely contributed to his death at the age of 42.  

I always wanted to see Elvis perform live.  But, I wanted to see the young, handsome Elvis, not the older, heavier Elvis.  

I look forward to reading these two books, because who doesn't enjoy these "tell all" books about famous people?

P

Baby It's Cold Outside

2/11/2016

The temperature is very low today, in the 20's when I woke up.  It's days like this that I'm glad I really don't have anyplace to go.  Much nicer in the house, except for frequent potty breaks for the dogs.  They don't mind the cold - they have their "coats" on after all.  Nope, I'm the one that's freezing.  Life would be simpler if we had cats instead of dogs!

I did go to Michael's yesterday and the store was blissfully uncrowded.  They were already marking down all the Valentine things, none of which I was interested in.  I had already bought Benjamin a Valentine card and have sent it to him.  The store was filled with St. Patrick's Day and Easter decorations.  Retail doesn't rush the holidays much (not).

I'm glad that Jeff has a new and warm car to drive.  While the "zippy z" was/is a fun car, you don't want to be in it when it's cold outside, or raining or snowing.  Okay, it's a good sunshine day car.  The new car even has warm air that blows on the back of your neck - that's pretty nice.  We have driven with the top down once, but it became too cold, and the top was put back up.  I can't wait for those sunny and warm days - those are definitely convertible days.

As I look out the window, I see a bunch of crows in the yard.  I, for the most part, enjoy wild birds.  But, I definitely don't like crows.  They are dark and remind me of evil - if evil had a look.  I know they're looking for something to eat, and good luck with that.  We do put out dried corn cobs occasionally for the squirrels, but definitely not interested in starting a feeding frenzy in my front yard.  I don't know where they've been, but I wish they'd go back there.  Some of you may remember the movie "The Birds" (I think that's what it was called) and there were a lot of crows in that movie.  

Every day I try and take on one (I don't want to overwork you know) chore.  Perhaps it will be an icky chore (bathrooms come to mind), or mind numbing.  Today, I will start shredding (definitely mind numbing).  We shred almost everything that comes in the mail that isn't a bill that has our name and/or address on it.  Over time, we get a real mountain of paper that needs to be shredded and our shred waste basket is now overflowing.  

Gentle reminder fellas - only a few days left to order flowers, buy chocolates and get a lovely, sentimental card.  Sunday, the 14th, will be a terrible day to go out to dinner, unless you don't mind waiting.  Better to do dinner on the 13th and avoid the crowd.  We have steak in the freezer, so we won't need to go to a restaurant.  

Movie review: we watched Aloha with Bradley Cooper last night.  Really glad that we didn't go see it in a theater, it just wasn't that good.  Every time we watch a movie on Netflix and it's just average, we are grateful that we didn't: (a) buy tickets; and (b) buy popcorn and coke.  It can almost cost as much to go to a movie, as it does to go out for dinner.  We could save money if we didn't buy popcorn, but there is nothing better to eat than popcorn when watching a movie.

Today is: Grandmother Achievement Day; don't cry over spilled milk and eat a peppermint patty. I can certainly get behind the peppermint patty notion.  But for the achievement day, I don't think that paper shredding could really be considered an achievement!

Stay warm.

P

Just Another Day

2/10/2016

It's a regular day here at the homestead for me.  I'm on dog patrol every hour, while the dogs get used to the idea that they don't have access to the basement and/or the doggie door any longer.  Pretty sure they don't like the new plan, especially Mister Sam, but I'm okay with that.  How do I know that Sam doesn't like being monitored while he's outside - because sometimes I have to almost push him out the door!  

Since it's sunny out, and I have my car, I'll probably go out for a bit.  The good news, for Jeff anyway, is that thanks to my body quickly running out of steam when I'm walking, I can't and don't stay in a store(s) very long.  While I know my walking and standing time is a bit limited, I still enjoy going down the aisles of a store.  I haven't been in an actual department store in years, but thanks to the power of Amazon, don't think I've missed out on much.

Today, I think I'll go to Michael's and browse.  It's a wonderful store and since it's a weekday, won't be crowded.  I love looking at all the crafty things available there, even though I'm not a crafty person at all.  I may be able to write, but don't ask me to create something from a bit of this and that.  Nope, it won't end well, I promise you.  My daughter-in-law, Stacey, on the other hand is super creative and makes wonderful things.  I envy her talents.  

I do know how to knit and have managed to make a few scarves.  Even some that can actually be worn outside the house!  But, most of my knitting starts off fine, and then I lose count of the stitches, or I drop a stitch and the holes in whatever I'm knitting become more frequent and bigger!

I hope you have a great day and that it's sunny where you are.

P

Televison Show Review

2/9/2016

Last night I checked out a new reality show "Billion Dollar Wreck", and I loved it.  I really enjoy these shows where money apparently isn't an issue, while the investors dive or dig for treasure.  Treasure that may or may not actually be there.

Billion Dollar Wreck is about finding sunken ships that are sitting on the ocean floor, with - you guessed it - treasure.  In last night's show, the treasure was What treasure did the RMS Republic have on board?  Supposedly, $250,000 worth of raw gold, says one theory–gold which would be worth a minimum of $4,760,000 today, and possibly as much as $133,000,000. This sounds good to me, especially since Jeff and I can't even get more than one number on a lottery ticket!

While it would be scary as heck, I think it would be thrilling to be able to swim and walk around (since the wrecks are on the ocean floor) this much history.  I'd love to see the Titanic up close and personal, but we know that's not going to happen.

I'm in envy of the divers who get to actually touch a piece of history.  A piece of history lost to mankind for many, many years.  

Do I believe for a second that this show, which replaced "The Curse of Oak Island" will unearth anything of real merit or value?  The answer is no, but that won't stop me from watching each exciting episode.  

I know this kind of show is a bit, or more than a bit, on the cheesy side, but I love it just the same.  While watching last night's show, I was silently rooting for the team and hoping that they would be successful in their endeavors.  

I suppose that if treasure was really found on any of these television shows, there would be no need to have more episodes.  Treasure wanted?  Treasure found, end of story.  Nope, the network will keep stringing us along with teases of what might be uncovered.  I'm not too proud to say that I'll keep watching.  Who doesn't want the "little guy" to score big?  I'm pretty sure nobody.  

Here's a picture of the ship and a picture of some of the items found on the wreck - bottles and silver coins.

Post Super Bowl Sunday

2/8/2016

Through the magic of the fast forward button on the Tivo remote, Jeff and I made quick work of watching the game.  About the only thing I know about the Super Bowl is that it's a football game between two teams.  Jeff left in the early afternoon to go to the airport and the store, and I stayed home.  Obviously, there are trust issues concerning my being safe, especially on that particular day.  I could have gone with Jeff, but opted to stay home and watch crappy television.

We stopped when a commercial was on, because normally they are very good, but really didn't see anyone with merit.  I may have fast forwarded and missed the Budweiser commercial, or maybe they didn't advertise this year.  I love those large Clydesdale horses.

Dinner was pizza.  A jalapeno, pineapple, pepperoni one, which was quite good, with a nice little zip at the end of each bite.   For dessert, I had made a raspberry swirl cake.  Since it didn't rise very much, perhaps it was more of a cookie.  Either way, pretty yummy especially with milk.

Snow is predicted for later this afternoon and into the evening. I don't think it's going to be a massive storm, like the one we just had, but even a little bit of snow has to be shoveled.  And getting Old Sam to go outside to do his business when there's snow on the ground is very challenging.  For an old and small dog, he can really dig his heels in when he wants too!  

Jeff took my car to work, because it's a heavier and is all wheel drive.  Jeff's new sporty car will be just the ride we'll need when warmer weather arrives.  Frankly, I can hardly wait to hit the road, the destination doesn't matter, with the top down.  The new car fits beautifully in the garage and doesn't take up as much room as mine does.

Fellas, a gentle reminder that Valentine's Day is on Sunday, which means that the price of roses will rise accordingly.  I love fresh flowers, but they die and they do so quickly.  Chocolate lasts longer (ha), but not by much!

P