10/14/2015
I have, for practically forever, loved going to the movies. I never go and see what I think of as horror films, I don't want to be scared out of the seat! Yesterday, my good friend Kim, and I went to see the movie "The Intern", with Robert DeNiro and Ann Hathaway.
The movie was very entertaining and funny. We have enough drama in our real lives, who needs to go and see more. I know I certainly don't. I doubt that this movie will be up for awards, but you should see it because it'll make you feel good.
Robert DeNiro plays a senior citizen intern to a young, super busy, business owner. I want spoil the movie for you, but you'll love the ending - I promise.
Kim and I brought our own drinks and avoided buying anything at the snack counter, so the movie was reasonably inexpensive, as opposed to going last week with Benjamin!
We saw previews for movies coming out later this year that look like they will be worth watching.
For Jeff to go to the movies, it has to be a great movie. I try, not always successfully, to get him to go to one movie a year. Trouble is there are more just okay movies and not so many that are truly great.
Today, among other things is: BE BALD AND BE FREE DAY. They have a holiday just for Jeff!
P
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Lane Closures
10/13/2015
Today, on my way home from the dentist, I saw a mile or so ahead a notice that the right lane was going to be blocked due to road construction. I, being a sensible (more or less) person, took the first opportunity I had to move to the left lane.
Unfortunately, not all drivers are paying attention, or maybe they don't care that the lane is ending. So when the lane finally ends, we had a long line of people who had moved over, and then we had all those people who either thought: (a) the sign and blinking arrow was wrong; or more likely (b) they believed they didn't have to wait in line, like the rest of us, and were comfortable with cutting in.
I'm generally very patient about letting drivers in or out of my lane. But, I do get just a little bit (or maybe a lot) annoyed when people know they should move over, and they just don't. I don't think that cutting in before a lane closes, gets you faster up the road. We all, do in fact, wait at the same speed!
I did allow a car or two to move in front of me, but I became a lane hog after those two cars. If you let everyone cut in front of you, you'd be in line at the stop signal for a long time. And in case you're wondering, I'm not a saint and eventually do get tired of being the nice guy.
When I first moved here from California in 1986, I was explaining to my bosses that it seemed like everybody wanted to cut in front of me, which hadn't been much of a problem for me in California. They then explained that I wasn't in California (or Kansas) any longer, and it was every man/woman for themselves. So I took their advice and became a bit, but not a lot, aggressive about defending my place in the road.
It also helped that for many years I drove a Lincoln Navigator and when I was merging onto the highway, people could either have me in front of them, or my headlights shining into their car. For the most part, people allowed me to get in front of them and the Navigator was a big girl, and somewhat intimidating in size.
Okay, hoping off the soap box now and going to the movies.
P
Today, on my way home from the dentist, I saw a mile or so ahead a notice that the right lane was going to be blocked due to road construction. I, being a sensible (more or less) person, took the first opportunity I had to move to the left lane.
Unfortunately, not all drivers are paying attention, or maybe they don't care that the lane is ending. So when the lane finally ends, we had a long line of people who had moved over, and then we had all those people who either thought: (a) the sign and blinking arrow was wrong; or more likely (b) they believed they didn't have to wait in line, like the rest of us, and were comfortable with cutting in.
I'm generally very patient about letting drivers in or out of my lane. But, I do get just a little bit (or maybe a lot) annoyed when people know they should move over, and they just don't. I don't think that cutting in before a lane closes, gets you faster up the road. We all, do in fact, wait at the same speed!
I did allow a car or two to move in front of me, but I became a lane hog after those two cars. If you let everyone cut in front of you, you'd be in line at the stop signal for a long time. And in case you're wondering, I'm not a saint and eventually do get tired of being the nice guy.
When I first moved here from California in 1986, I was explaining to my bosses that it seemed like everybody wanted to cut in front of me, which hadn't been much of a problem for me in California. They then explained that I wasn't in California (or Kansas) any longer, and it was every man/woman for themselves. So I took their advice and became a bit, but not a lot, aggressive about defending my place in the road.
It also helped that for many years I drove a Lincoln Navigator and when I was merging onto the highway, people could either have me in front of them, or my headlights shining into their car. For the most part, people allowed me to get in front of them and the Navigator was a big girl, and somewhat intimidating in size.
Okay, hoping off the soap box now and going to the movies.
P
Monday, October 12, 2015
Sunny Monday
10/12/2015
Today is a holiday for the Feds and city/county employees. The rest of the world is at work. I was out this morning running an errand and was caught off guard by the children playing outside of a daycare center. Then it finally dawned on me - today is a holiday for some people, Jeff being one of them.
It's a lovely fall-like day with lots of sunshine and lots of leaves. It's probably going to be a pick up the leaves kind of day. I wish that our oak tree would just one day drop all of it's leaves at once. Then you could blow them up into a pile, pick them up and not have to futz with them for another year. Unfortunately, that's not the way it works. The squirrels are doing their darnedest to make sure that they get every acorn the tree has to offer. But the squirrels don't just take the acorns. Nope, these little critters actually chew off small branches and then they land on the yard along with the empty acorn shells.
I wish I could tell you that the squirrels are "squirreling" away more acorns this year than last, but sadly I cannot. Until we have our first frost, Jeff and I will have to routinely tidy up the yard. A lot of our neighbors don't have oak or maple trees in their yards, so they don't have the same problem that we do.
It's nice enough that I could and should take my Kindle outside on the porch and swing and read. Maybe I will. But first I have to make sure that Jeff will have something for his lunch tomorrow. I generally try and make him tuna or chicken salad and either of those dishes will last him for several days. Luckily for me, Jeff doesn't seem to tire of eating the same thing day after day.
Yesterday, I made my first fall dish - chili - easy on the beans! It made for a yummy meal for me both last night and again today for lunch.
Today, we're celebrating:
P
Today is a holiday for the Feds and city/county employees. The rest of the world is at work. I was out this morning running an errand and was caught off guard by the children playing outside of a daycare center. Then it finally dawned on me - today is a holiday for some people, Jeff being one of them.
It's a lovely fall-like day with lots of sunshine and lots of leaves. It's probably going to be a pick up the leaves kind of day. I wish that our oak tree would just one day drop all of it's leaves at once. Then you could blow them up into a pile, pick them up and not have to futz with them for another year. Unfortunately, that's not the way it works. The squirrels are doing their darnedest to make sure that they get every acorn the tree has to offer. But the squirrels don't just take the acorns. Nope, these little critters actually chew off small branches and then they land on the yard along with the empty acorn shells.
I wish I could tell you that the squirrels are "squirreling" away more acorns this year than last, but sadly I cannot. Until we have our first frost, Jeff and I will have to routinely tidy up the yard. A lot of our neighbors don't have oak or maple trees in their yards, so they don't have the same problem that we do.
It's nice enough that I could and should take my Kindle outside on the porch and swing and read. Maybe I will. But first I have to make sure that Jeff will have something for his lunch tomorrow. I generally try and make him tuna or chicken salad and either of those dishes will last him for several days. Luckily for me, Jeff doesn't seem to tire of eating the same thing day after day.
Yesterday, I made my first fall dish - chili - easy on the beans! It made for a yummy meal for me both last night and again today for lunch.
Today, we're celebrating:
- National Free Thought Day
- National Gumbo Day; and my favorite
- National Kick Butt Day!
P
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Cooler Weather, Longer Pants
10/11/2015
It's much cooler out this morning, which is a sure sign that the high temperatures of summer are pretty much over. Time to poke around in the closet and find some long pants and long-sleeved shirts. The good news about cooler temperatures is you can always add another layer, unlike in the summer, when you can really only take so many clothes off - at least outside!
The leaves are turning into beautiful shades of red, orange and yellow. And, we're still having to "leaf" the driveway every day or so to keep the chore of picking up said leaves manageable - more or less!
This is also the time of year where I turn the heat lamp in the bathroom on, and it feels lovely. It is also the time of the year where I two-step from rug to rug trying to avoid stepping on cold bathroom tiles.
Today, I'm making chili for dinner. Seems like the perfect day for it. I can fix it early today, put it in the crock pot and Jeff will have something to eat when he comes home. He's going to Andrew's house today to work on something or another. I, on the other hand, will stay at home and try to cram all of our favorite Sunday night shows in the appropriate time slots. I really need a bigger Tivo which would let me record 6 shows at once, rather than 4. Perhaps I should tell Santa!
I can tell when old Sam thinks it's cold, because during the night he leaves the bottom of the bed to come up between Jeff and I. This is, of course fine, but then Maggie (who is not so little) wants to do the same thing. I wish they made wider beds, than the one we have (which is very long and very wide), so that we could accommodate the dogs and Benjamin when he stays over.
Go out and enjoy the sunshine today.
P
It's much cooler out this morning, which is a sure sign that the high temperatures of summer are pretty much over. Time to poke around in the closet and find some long pants and long-sleeved shirts. The good news about cooler temperatures is you can always add another layer, unlike in the summer, when you can really only take so many clothes off - at least outside!
The leaves are turning into beautiful shades of red, orange and yellow. And, we're still having to "leaf" the driveway every day or so to keep the chore of picking up said leaves manageable - more or less!
This is also the time of year where I turn the heat lamp in the bathroom on, and it feels lovely. It is also the time of the year where I two-step from rug to rug trying to avoid stepping on cold bathroom tiles.
Today, I'm making chili for dinner. Seems like the perfect day for it. I can fix it early today, put it in the crock pot and Jeff will have something to eat when he comes home. He's going to Andrew's house today to work on something or another. I, on the other hand, will stay at home and try to cram all of our favorite Sunday night shows in the appropriate time slots. I really need a bigger Tivo which would let me record 6 shows at once, rather than 4. Perhaps I should tell Santa!
I can tell when old Sam thinks it's cold, because during the night he leaves the bottom of the bed to come up between Jeff and I. This is, of course fine, but then Maggie (who is not so little) wants to do the same thing. I wish they made wider beds, than the one we have (which is very long and very wide), so that we could accommodate the dogs and Benjamin when he stays over.
Go out and enjoy the sunshine today.
- National Sausage Pizza Day
P
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Movie with Benjamin
10/10/2015
I took Benjamin to see Transylvania 2 yesterday. Since it was a school day, there was exactly four people in the theater. No trouble picking out a seat - bonus!
But by the time you buy the tickets and popcorn and Whoppers, you have just spent nearly $30.00. I just checked to see what the cost of a movie ticket was in 1967 - $1.20! So you could easily go to the movies and have popcorn and a soda and not spend more than $5.00. We've come a long way since 1967, and not always in a good way.
When we still lived in California, Jeff traveled to Maryland for several months before we moved here. I would occasionally take the boys to a movie on Friday nights, as a treat, but know that even with buying four tickets, I didn't spend anywhere close to $30.00.
The animation movies that Benjamin and other children are so fond of, are now superior to those back when I, and perhaps you, were children. As an adult, I enjoy watching the children movies, as much as Benjamin does.
And even on my first day with Jeff in 1974, I didn't ask for popcorn (since I hadn't finished my dinner), but I did go to the concessions area, and I did inhale! I have always loved the smell of popcorn, and to be truthful, love eating it as well.
Do you remember Jiffy Pop. Just before it was finished, I was always convinced that the silver dome would explode! Now you can make popcorn in the microwave, which is super convenient. And, because I am who I am, always add just a little more butter to the already buttered popcorn. Nobody ever said that eating popcorn was healthy!
I can generally talk Jeff into going to one movie a year - but it had better be a great movie. The last one he saw was the one where Disney was making the movie Mary Poppins. I haven't found a movie so far this year, that I believe he would really enjoy. Of course, there is still several months left in the year, so I still have time.
P
I took Benjamin to see Transylvania 2 yesterday. Since it was a school day, there was exactly four people in the theater. No trouble picking out a seat - bonus!
But by the time you buy the tickets and popcorn and Whoppers, you have just spent nearly $30.00. I just checked to see what the cost of a movie ticket was in 1967 - $1.20! So you could easily go to the movies and have popcorn and a soda and not spend more than $5.00. We've come a long way since 1967, and not always in a good way.
When we still lived in California, Jeff traveled to Maryland for several months before we moved here. I would occasionally take the boys to a movie on Friday nights, as a treat, but know that even with buying four tickets, I didn't spend anywhere close to $30.00.
The animation movies that Benjamin and other children are so fond of, are now superior to those back when I, and perhaps you, were children. As an adult, I enjoy watching the children movies, as much as Benjamin does.
And even on my first day with Jeff in 1974, I didn't ask for popcorn (since I hadn't finished my dinner), but I did go to the concessions area, and I did inhale! I have always loved the smell of popcorn, and to be truthful, love eating it as well.
Do you remember Jiffy Pop. Just before it was finished, I was always convinced that the silver dome would explode! Now you can make popcorn in the microwave, which is super convenient. And, because I am who I am, always add just a little more butter to the already buttered popcorn. Nobody ever said that eating popcorn was healthy!
I can generally talk Jeff into going to one movie a year - but it had better be a great movie. The last one he saw was the one where Disney was making the movie Mary Poppins. I haven't found a movie so far this year, that I believe he would really enjoy. Of course, there is still several months left in the year, so I still have time.
P
Friday, October 9, 2015
Watching Movies With Benjamin
10/9/2015
Benjamin has been staying with Jeff and me for a few days. When he's here, and Auntie Kim is around, she takes him outside to play. Yesterday, they rode a horse. Over the course of 7 years, Auntie Kim provides all the outdoor play and I do the reading, baking cookies and watching movies with Benjamin.
Last night after Benjamin came home, he decided it was time for us to watch a movie. Now Benjamin doesn't exactly just sit and watch a movie. No, he bounces around and if there's music that he likes, he dances - and he's quite good at it.
So in the course of only an hour or so, we "watched" Santa Paws, Annie, and Dinosaurs. We didn't see any of them to the finish. Benjamin gets a little restless and so we bounce from one movie to another. I don't mind. I have seen all of these movies with him countless times. If we were watching Shrek, I could probably even recite some of the dialog!
Benjamin is still asleep, so I was able to drink my coffee while doing what I like to do most - reading a book. So many books, so little time.
I think sometime today, I'll take Benjamin to the movies. There aren't a lot of what I think of as kid-friendly movies showing at any one time. And that is because there's more money to be made in action adventure or drama movies for adults.
While Benjamin is sleeping, I could always dust or something. But then I think why should I bother, the dust just keeps reappearing. And Maggie's dog hair is always blowing around. You should never wear black when visiting us!
P
Benjamin has been staying with Jeff and me for a few days. When he's here, and Auntie Kim is around, she takes him outside to play. Yesterday, they rode a horse. Over the course of 7 years, Auntie Kim provides all the outdoor play and I do the reading, baking cookies and watching movies with Benjamin.
Last night after Benjamin came home, he decided it was time for us to watch a movie. Now Benjamin doesn't exactly just sit and watch a movie. No, he bounces around and if there's music that he likes, he dances - and he's quite good at it.
So in the course of only an hour or so, we "watched" Santa Paws, Annie, and Dinosaurs. We didn't see any of them to the finish. Benjamin gets a little restless and so we bounce from one movie to another. I don't mind. I have seen all of these movies with him countless times. If we were watching Shrek, I could probably even recite some of the dialog!
Benjamin is still asleep, so I was able to drink my coffee while doing what I like to do most - reading a book. So many books, so little time.
I think sometime today, I'll take Benjamin to the movies. There aren't a lot of what I think of as kid-friendly movies showing at any one time. And that is because there's more money to be made in action adventure or drama movies for adults.
While Benjamin is sleeping, I could always dust or something. But then I think why should I bother, the dust just keeps reappearing. And Maggie's dog hair is always blowing around. You should never wear black when visiting us!
P
Thursday, October 8, 2015
I Did It!!!
10/8/2015
Yesterday, I (yes me) drove myself to the doctors' office to get my eyes tested. For most of you, it wouldn't have much of a trip, only 33 miles or so. But, for me it might as well have been 333 miles and all on the interstate.
I left home in plenty of time so that if I got turned around (and I did), I would still be on time for my appointment. My navigator was able to right my wrongs and find a different way to reach the doctor's office.
My appointment was at 11:00, so I knew that rush hour would be over by then and I was right. My biggest problem was keeping my car at or near the speed limit. Cuzilu (name of my car) manages to get up to 70 mph in no time at all. I had to really concentrate to keep my speed down, because frankly it's fun to drive 70 mph!
The doctor I saw was very nice and laughed when I told him that all I really needed was a dog that could read to me! I, of course have one weak eye and the other is stronger. He told me that until I have cataract surgery, sometime in the future, I will never see 20/20 out of my left eye. Bummer.
Driving home in the sunlight with my eyes dilated was a lot of fun. I had trouble making out my speed, because certain letters look a lot alike. That was going to be my excuse if I was pulled over. Pretty sure it would have worked. But made it home all in one piece and frankly was very proud of myself.
Those of you who know me, also know that I have for years avoided the interstate. I much prefer the city roads, even with all the stop lights. So for me to pull up my big girl panties, and charge down the highway into uncharted waters, was huge.
I've already been to the optician and ordered my new lenses. Once we know that the prescription is right, I'll get new lenses for my sunglasses. Jeff has money in his health care spending account, and after one visit to get new lenses, have pretty much used up all the money. Much tidier and less trouble if you can just send in one or two bills as opposed to a whole bunch of little ones!
Benjamin is staying with us for a few days, so I will have to find ways to keep him entertained.
P
Yesterday, I (yes me) drove myself to the doctors' office to get my eyes tested. For most of you, it wouldn't have much of a trip, only 33 miles or so. But, for me it might as well have been 333 miles and all on the interstate.
I left home in plenty of time so that if I got turned around (and I did), I would still be on time for my appointment. My navigator was able to right my wrongs and find a different way to reach the doctor's office.
My appointment was at 11:00, so I knew that rush hour would be over by then and I was right. My biggest problem was keeping my car at or near the speed limit. Cuzilu (name of my car) manages to get up to 70 mph in no time at all. I had to really concentrate to keep my speed down, because frankly it's fun to drive 70 mph!
The doctor I saw was very nice and laughed when I told him that all I really needed was a dog that could read to me! I, of course have one weak eye and the other is stronger. He told me that until I have cataract surgery, sometime in the future, I will never see 20/20 out of my left eye. Bummer.
Driving home in the sunlight with my eyes dilated was a lot of fun. I had trouble making out my speed, because certain letters look a lot alike. That was going to be my excuse if I was pulled over. Pretty sure it would have worked. But made it home all in one piece and frankly was very proud of myself.
Those of you who know me, also know that I have for years avoided the interstate. I much prefer the city roads, even with all the stop lights. So for me to pull up my big girl panties, and charge down the highway into uncharted waters, was huge.
I've already been to the optician and ordered my new lenses. Once we know that the prescription is right, I'll get new lenses for my sunglasses. Jeff has money in his health care spending account, and after one visit to get new lenses, have pretty much used up all the money. Much tidier and less trouble if you can just send in one or two bills as opposed to a whole bunch of little ones!
Benjamin is staying with us for a few days, so I will have to find ways to keep him entertained.
P
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