And To Think, I Grew Up On A Farm!!

One of the things that has always signified the onset of winter is my cutting down my knockout rose bushes. Today, since the weather was nice and it's about the time that the brush collectors come on our street, I decided to get the job done.

At first, I was going to do this job in stages, since I have six different areas of rosebushes (for a total of about 24 rosebushes). After I got the first area done, I took a break and then decided to finish up the entire job, resulting in about 15 bags of clippings. It was long and tedious, but I was glad to get it all finished. The results of my hard work were also evident when I took a shower and noticed my stomach looked like I had been in a knife fight - scratches all over.

Anyhow, I was feeling pretty good about my day's work, until I (for some insane reason) decided to read a bit on a knockout rose website. According to the information I read, one should prune the bushes in the spring - never in the fall and never in the winter. Of course, then I read another website that said to prune them in the later winter and early spring. It also said to prune them to six inches - about three inches more than I lopped them off. So, in other words, check back next spring to see if my knockout roses will return.

And, in case you were still considering it, don't ask me for gardening advice!!

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Today's blessings: Taking Steve to airport and his safe travel south; finishing yardwork (and possibly the roses); trick-or-treating with Elmo Lindley, Abby Lynnette, Mr. Noodles Sam, Molly, and Maribeth; little (and not-so-little) trick-or-treaters

Dear White Rhino (aka Steve's Sequoia) ...

I think it's time we spent some time apart. I mean, we've been to Orlando, Florida three times since Labor Day, and just got back from Lynchburg, Virginia. I'm sure you're as worn out as I am. Therefore, I think it's time we let our dogs rest a bit. It's time we stayed home awhile and watched the leaves turn colors and fall to the ground.

Sure, it was great to listen to 6000 episodes of "Friends" as we wound down the miles. It was fun to attempt to scrape off the bug goo at every gas stop. It woke me up as I watched the dollar amount on the gas pump race upwards as the gasoline amount slowly ticked by. I appreciate the snooze time on the passenger door and the way you kept all our belongings inside the car, no matter how much stuff we bought from IKEA in Orlando.

But for now, let's just limit our trips to Kroger and Target - the local ones. Let's let a tank of gas last awhile. In fact, let's just have a day where neither of us leaves the premises. I think we could use a rest.

At least until January, when the Southern sun will be beckoning us again to the Happiest Place on Earth. And probably an IKEA run as well.

I'll bring "The Office" episodes - you bring the gas!!

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Today's blessings: safe travels back home for the Graves, Lewis, and Davidson families; taking Jill to the Roanoke airport; sleeping in my own bed

And They Were Married!!

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Today's blessings: Lucy and Jonathan's wedding and all that it involved!!

What's She Thinking?

Maybe she's thinking about what she's going to order for lunch. Maybe she's thinking about all the gifts she's about to open. Maybe she's thinking about what the people at the next table are thinking about her flowery crown. Maybe she's thinking about the weather and if that prediction of snow is going to happen. Maybe she's thinking about last night's episode of "The Office."

But maybe she's thinking about the man she's about to marry, about how tomorrow her life will change forever, and about how much love this weekend is all about. No wonder her smile is so big!!

Congratulations Lucy - may all your hopes and dreams come true, and may God's blessings follow you everywhere you go. And most of all, may all the love you feel this weekend stay with you forever.

Best wishes to Lucy and Jonathan!!

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Today's blessings: Ladies luncheon at the Tea Room; safe arrival of Sam, Lynnette, Lindley, and Molly; decorating reception tables with Marilyn, Maribeth, and Molly; Wal-Mart run with Sam, Lynnette, Molly, and Maribeth

On The Road Again ...

We left Nashville this morning on our way to Lynchburg, Virginia. I saw way too many Confederate flags flapping in the breeze along the interstate - has there been another secession that I didn't know about? We stopped in Knoxville to eat lunch at a place supposedly famous for its hamburgers, only we didn't eat the hamburgers. We checked into our rooms at Sweet Briar College and were given real keys for the rooms, in case you didn't know inns still did that. Now I'm watching "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders," my favorite reality (?) show.

In other words, it's been a good day. Now if somebody could just tell me if I need to get out my hoop skirts ...

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Today's blessings: safe road trip, lunch, and Olive Garden with Steve and Maribeth; seeing all the Graves Family, including new little Madison

Packing. Again.

This time, we're headed to Virginia for my niece Lucy's wedding. (I know - I just hope the car doesn't get confused and head South.) No bathing suits or raggedy clothes this trip - gotta find and pack the good stuff.

Of course, I've waited until the last minute to pack. It doesn't help that the weather will be a hodge-podge, so I'm packing a little of this and a little of that. Sam, Lynnette, Lindley, and Molly will be flying in Friday night, so we're taking their suitcases with us. We're also taking a porta-crib because the hotel we're staying at only had one, and the bride's niece gets first call for that.

But it will be a lovely weekend, full of fun and family. There will be no mouse ears or Mickey bars.

But there will be wedding cake!!

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Today's blessings: Pinkberry and park time with Lindley and Steve; Halloween cookies from Karen B (which are long gone by now)

Fall is Here

Leaves are turning and falling. Flowers are wilting and in need of trimming. The air is getting cooler and the HVAC has been turned to "heat" instead of "cool." The windows are open and closed, depending on the temperature. Warmer clothes from last year are reassessed and blankets are added to the bed.

In other words, summer is over and fall has arrived. As a person who needs the change of seasons, I welcome fall. I like that the hot weather is gone and a cool crispness is in the air. It's time to wind down bit from all the summer fun and think about finishing out 2011.

The only question is, how am I going to lose (in two months) all that weight that I had as a goal on January 1?

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Today's blessings: quiet day doing very little

Spilled Milk

Yesterday I got in my car for the first time in about ten days. As soon as I sat down, I smelled it - the smell of sour milk (having grown up on a dairy farm, I know that smell). Since it's not unusual for me to have a sippy cup of milk for my trips with Lindley, I figured there was a loose cup in the car somewhere. I also remembered that the last time Lindley was in the car, she spilled some of the milk in her car seat, due to faulty cup. So I figured that perhaps the car seat cover had some spillage that had dried into a smelly stain.

I forgot about it until today, when I got back in my car to run errands. The smell was bearable while I was out and about. But when I returned home, I decided to investigate the source of the smell. I sniffed out the inside of the car, and zoned in on the car seat, which was indeed the culprit. Figuring it was the car seat cover, I began removing it - only to have to complete unlatch the 20 or so buckles, belts, latches, and hooks. Eventually I got it off and put it for a run in the washing machine, not realizing that the best was yet to come.

I returned to the now-freed-from-restraints car seat to discover that the aforementioned spilled milk had not, in fact, been stopped by the cushiony car seat cover. Instead, the milk had found a canal to run through, and been stopped only by the hard plastic crevices of the actual car seat. In other words, I had about four tablespoons of milk in two different places that had been curdling and coagulating and stagnating during the week that I been gone. In other words, ewwww and ewwwwwer.

Fortified with Lysol wipes, paper towels, hot water, Q-tips, and Febreeze, I hauled the car seat into the house and proceeded to clean, disinfect, and deodorize. It was an icky job, but Red Pepper (my car's name), Lindley, and I will be much happier and breathe much easier.

So what did I learn from this experience?

1 - If something seems nasty, it is nasty. You just may have to search a little harder to find it.

2 - You may indeed be the only person who perceives of something nasty, and therefore will be the only person to search for the nasty. Unfortunately, there are no awards for "Nasty Finder Of The Year," so you will have to be content with your own self-worth.

3 - Q-Tips. No home should be without them.

4 - Unspillable sippy cups are not to be trusted.

And finally number 5 - Why cry over spilled milk - it's just gonna sit there until you clean it up, and the sooner you clean it up, the better!!

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Today's blessings: getting a start on getting caught up; shower shopping; telephone chat with Ann; Sportsman's Grille dinner with John, Mark, Steve, and Molly

The Cats Are Glad We're Back

Thanks to my friend Emily, who shared this video - this gives you an idea of what our first night back home is like!!

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Today's blessings: Steve's burgers for lunch with the family; watching Lindley tackle the trampoline

Today in Three Words

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Today's blessings: safe road trip home; OK Cafe with Steve and Maribeth; CPK dinner with the family; Lindley time

It May Look Good ....

... but looks don't necessarily mean a thang.

Case in point - the dish to the left, recently purchased at the Food and Wine Festival. At first glance, I thought perhaps those were tomatoes on the top (and no, I didn't bother reading the description - Maribeth and I were on a mission to eat stuff, and reading caused too long a delay).

Anyhoo, upon the first spoonful, I realized that the red chunks were not tomatoes, but raw tuna and salmon (hence the name Tuna and Salmon Sensation). While Maribeth spit her out, I tried to "feel the sensation." I never felt anything but revulsion. On the other hand, Molly (who apparently had this two weeks ago when we were here last) loved it.

So, the question remains - is beauty really in the eye of the beholder - or in the mouth of the eater?

I think I found the perfect item that fits both!!

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Today's blessings: Eating around the World with Elaine and Maribeth; Steak N Shake for dinner with Steve; washing clothes with Maribeth; walking little boy across the street

Best Line Heard At Disney Bus Stop

"I HAVE A BABY STROLLER

AND YOU'RE GOING TO LET ME ON THAT BUS!"

Here are the facts:

1. That line did not come from me. I was just an innocent bystander.

2. The lady who spoke the line in question had spent the better part of the bus wait ignoring her two boys who were running in and out of the waiting crowd and bus stop (right next to the street), so I guess it was not surprising that she also ignored the bus and its illuminated sign advertising where it was going.

3. Even though the bus drove up, stopped, waited for people to board (including Maribeth and me), and waited a little longer, I guess for totally oblivious people like this lady, it was still not obvious enough nor was there enough time for the lady to have her two brain neurons to connect and help her realize that this was indeed the bus she needed to board.

4. As the bus began to pull away from the curb, this crazy line lady ran to the front closed door of the bus and began yelling for the bus driver to wait. She kept yelling this through the door, and then yelled that she had five people to board.

5. The bus driver stopped, the started again, to move back to the curb, which involved also moving forward, to which the crazy lady to start screaming again, thus uttering the deadly baby stroller line.

6. The bus driver stopped the bus again, opened the door, the crazy lady and her family boarded the bus, and then crazy lady decided to play, "I WILL Have the Last Word" with the bus driver. To which she finally huffed and puffed to her seat, talking about how rude the bus driver was, and something else about his attitude and filing a report. In fact, she's probably still carrying on about it now, 12 hours later.

So, the moral of this story is ... forget gun control. PEOPLE HAVE BABY STROLLERS AND ARE NOT AFRAID TO USE THEM!!!!

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Today's blessings: Shades of Green bus riders; more eating around the World with Maribeth; female family Epcot drama; Disney bus rider drama; IKEA, outlet, and Red Lobster with Steve and Maribeth

Wednesday In The World

Need I say more?

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Today's blessings: more Food and Wine; dinner and Target-ing with Steve and Maribeth

The Good, The Bad, and The Whatevs ...

It started off with what was supposed to be a day full of thunderstorms and heavy rain and wind. But when I got up, it was just cloudy. So, I decided to go for a wog. I started with a jog, then walked, then decided to jog again. I was jogging next to the lake and about to pass a tourist taking a picture, so I decided to move closer to the railing. There was a teeny-tiny drop-off (and by teeny-tiny, I mean an ant would say, "What drop-off?"). As soon as my ankle caught wind of the drop-off, it decided to do its little twisty number, and there I went - all 750 pounds down on my ankle (bad). The good news is that since I was next to the railing, I didn't go down on the ground. The bad news is that it was the same ankle that I turned a month or so ago.

Immediately after I do this, the pain is so intense that I want to throw up. Generally, I just stand/lie there reciting all the curse words I know, or might think of as curse words. Usually I am alone, but this time the lady that I was intending to pass was right there - horrified at this roly-poly lady who was grappling the railing like Sweet Charity looking for a date. She kept asking if she could help, and I (while lolling my head about like Steve Wonder) kept saying no, that I would be fine, that there was a bench a few feet away, and that eventually I could get there. She asked if she could help me, to which I replied no, that I would eventually get there, that it made me madder than anything else, a reply that she probably thought was perhaps the dumbest thing she ever heard. Eventually, probably concerned about her safety, she wandered away and I made it to the bench. I still had a little ways to wobble back to our room, so after the knives in my ankle subsided, I limped back to our room.

Today was our day to change hotels, another long story and is not worth telling, at least not on today's blog. So, I managed to shower and pack up stuff, and then limp to the car with Steve and Maribeth. We got checked in to our new hotel, and our room was ready (good!). We got a bell hop to bring our various bags (think suitcases, Disney shopping bags, a McDonald's Happy Meal Halloween container, a plastic container holding our road trip snacks, Steve's pool bag, our computer bags, Maribeth's backpack, and Steve's pool cooler (good!). Naturally, our room was located at the far regions of the resort, so Maribeth and I wandered (I mostly stepped/dragged) for a few miles until we arrived at our room, which is by the pool (good, unless people plan to swim late at night and have loud wild parties).

Anyhoo, where was Steve? Well, as soon as I realized that we would need some tip money for Bell Boy, I also realized that I had left my billfold in the safe at hotel numero uno (bad). So, since Steve's driving foot was not the size of a basketball (that would be MY driving foot), he had to return to the other hotel to retrieve my billfold. This would probably have been really bad for him, except for the fact that we are on the very golf course where the PGA golf tournament is being held, and he was excited (like Christmas morning excited) about seeing the caddies measure stuff on the course, and all the pro golfers, and all golf stuff like that.

So, the rest of the day has been spent icing the foot, propping up the foot, taking Excedrin, watching TV, limping, and whatevs. I love vacation!!

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Today's blessings: Lady trying to help my and my floppy ankle; new room being ready; Shades of Green resort

Meeting Mussels

Today I ate mussels. It's not like I ordered them off a menu - they were one of the offerings at the Belgium kiosk at the Wine and Food Festival at Epcot. Of course, the situation was aggravated by the fact that I was with Maribeth, who wanted to try something we'd never eaten before. It also helped that I was distracted by the Belgian waffle that I planned to inhale. Maribeth could have suggested we try dirt on stick, as long as I had that waffle and whipped cream.

As far as the mussels were concerned, I did not become an instant fan. It seemed a lot of shell for a little piece of mussel meat. The sauce/gravy was not a hit, either. But at least I tried it and no longer have to wonder about my personal mussel feelings.

Now if only I could have had the same negative feelings about that Belgian Waffle ...

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Today's blessings: 3 miles around the lake (love my Garmin!); eating around the world with Maribeth; Planet Hollywood with Maribeth and Steve; putt-putt with Steve; chatting with Jeff

Families at Disney World

Well, specifically at Animal Kingdom.

Y'all just go ahead and ride that roller coaster.

I'll just sit over here and eat my Mickey Bar and wait until you're done!!

Yeah, you go ahead and take the kids to the park.

I'm just going to lie outside and get some sun.

Dad: "I want to go watch the game at ESPN."

Mom: "Whatever - as long as you take the kids!!"

Dad: "Where ARE the kids?"

Jubali: "Mommy, I've got to go pee - NOW!!!"

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Today's blessings: Safari at AK; Downtown Disney with Maribeth; good pulls with mystery Disney pins; Downtown Disney with Steve; Maribeth's Happy Meal bucket; Garmin success

What Is More Fun Than Disney World?

Guess I'm going to have to get some good prizes to take back home!

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Today's blessings: sleeping a little later; breakfast outside with Steve; walk around the resort and lunch with Maribeth; doing nothing; Steve bringing dinner to two lazybones

If It's Friday, I Must Be At ....

After a seemingly 523-hour car ride, Maribeth and I made it to the World. Steve met us at the resort gate, and helped us unload the car and lug everything to the room. Basically the plan for the rest of the night is to fall into bed and into a deep slumber, hopefully not to be awakened by joyous children returning from the Mickey's Halloween Party.

I just realized I've gone from the Wine and Easel to Epcot's Food and Wine. Not bad for 24 hours!!

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Today's blessings: Safe road trip to Orlando with Maribeth; Steve having things ready at the room

I Painted ... Now I'll Pack

And a fun time was had by all!

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Today's blessings: picking up Lindley at day care and then going to Pinkberry and the park; Wine and Easel with Molly, the Karens, and Gloria; surprise Disney pin hanging from Kat

Today's Update

1. My new Garmin watch came in. I thought it should sit in the box for 24 hours to acclimate before I attempt to un-package it and decipher the instructions in order to figure it out.

2. My new iPod has been synched (or whatever) with the paltry few songs that were on my other iPod. The watchband thingy came in yesterday (this was all a gift), so now I can wear it as a watch, since it has a watch on it. But not wanting to make the Garmin jealous, I decided to let the iPod sit for awhile, too.

3. I met with my butt camp buds this morning at a local park, where the gates were closed. So we found the parking lot where there were no gates, just a sign that said, "Park Closed from Dark to Dawn." We worked out by the playground, and when the park official came to unlock the gates, we were not arrested. Of course, I forgot the speakers so we had no music and also forgot the hoops so we had no hulas.

4. Maribeth and I picked up Lindley from day care and took her to Pinkberry for her usual mini original with cookie. I got a mini chocolate and offered Lindley some, thinking she would refuse it because it was brown. I thought wrong, and she promptly ate all mine and all hers.

5. Still to come - tomorrow night's Drink and Dip (or whatever it's called) where I will possibly paint the most ridiculous painting ever. I also need to clean the house and pack for Friday's road trip to WDW. Thursday should be pretty interesting.

For now, I'm going to bed, since I was up at 4:45 am to take Steve to the airport. See you tomorrow!

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Today's blessings: Off-week butt camp workout in the dark park with my buds; Pinkberry and the park with Lindley and Maribeth; nice dude who brought Rambo back to Molly's; Steve's safe trip to Orlando; Garmin watch delivery

Big Week Ahead

My new Garmin watch should be here tomorrow. Since I have't taken my new iPod out for a spin yet, I should be on technological overload once I get them together. Maybe it's time to get an iPhone/blackberry ...

I get Lindley time on Wednesday and Thursday. Since her new word today was "armpit," I am expecting great things for the next two days.

Tomorrow morning, since it is butt camp's off week, a few of us are getting together for an "off week workout." At a local park. At 5:45 am. When it is still pitch black dark. Apparently while we may be stronger, we certainly are not smarter.

Thursday night a few of my buds and I are going to "The Wine and Easel." It was a Groupon that Ringleader Karen thought was a good idea and we followed suit (sort of like we did with the Warrior Dash). Never mind that Karen is a painter and I can't draw stick figures with a ruler.

Friday morning Maribeth and I are headed south to meet up with Steve, who is flying out in the morning (which means I get to do an airport run before in-the-dark butt camp). I would tell you where, but since I just barely got back from there, you might deem me a little crazy.

Anyhoo, that's my next few days - what's on tap for yours?

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Today's blessings: Pancake Pantry with the Karens, Gloria, Jo, and Molly; Alexanders with Steve and Maribeth; park and Pinkberry with Lindley and Steve

Monday's Highlights

1. Four slow miles in the neighborhood with friends - but the coffee shop wasn't open, so we missed that treat, but I got a treat on the walk back because I got to see an old teaching friend

2. Surprise fancy Ipod from Steve, with set up by Steve and Molly - still not exactly sure of all the bells and whistles, but hoping to get with that program tomorrow

3. Finally decided on a Garmin watch to track miles, thanks to wager-buddy Kat who was sporting one on fb - has been ordered and is in transit, and I'm hoping it won't be too hard to figure out once it is delivered. Between the Garmin and the Ipod, hoping to see some real dedication to the whole wogging thing

4. Maribeth received a huge Edible Arrangement from her hubby for their anniversary, which she shared with me - question is at what point do chocolate covered strawberries go from healthy to decadent?

5. In an attempt to rid myself of slight lingering cough, took some cough medicine - which has also rendered me a bit sleepy - question is which will insure a good night's sleep - no cough or drug induced sleep - or booting the cats out for the night?

So, I guess I did alright for a Monday!!

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Today's blessings: Four miles with the Karens; seeing Vera P while out walking; quiet day; new Ipod from Steve; Garmin ordered

Runnin' Buds

This is a small contingent of the larger group that I refer to as "my running club." There is great variety in our individual paces and finish times, but that doesn't stop us from entering the same races. We just wait around at the finish for everyone to get done (well, I don't wait at the finish - I like to think my job is to bring up the rear and make sure everyone gets in).

There are many kinds of running clubs that help you improve your pace, or lengthen your long runs, or give you a lot of great running advice. But I think the best running club is one that encourages you to keep at it, no matter how great the difference in pace. After all, somebody's got to bring the doughnuts, somebody's got to find the races, somebody's got to plan the transportation, and somebody's got to design the shirts and/or tutus.

And in the end, somebody's got to have the fastest time and somebody's got to the have the slowest. But the best thing is that we all celebrate all the finish times together - and then finish the pre-race doughnuts!

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Today's blessings: Sunday with family

Super Saturday

Started with a 5K and ended with a wedding and reception. Both involved two Karens and a Gloria, and we added a Michelle and Tracy for the evening festivities. I would show pictures, but I left my camera at Sam and Lynnette's and the other pictures are on somebody else's camera. Besides, I am so sleepy, I think I am typing this with my eyes closed.

Anyhow, it was an excellent day for friendship.

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Today's blessings: Oktoberfest 5K with the girls; Lindley time at the Doik; Josh's wedding and reception with more of the girls

Friday/Saturday/Repeat

For the fourth weekend in a row, it's the Friday night before 5K on Saturday morning. The first week was the Warrior Dash with fire jumping and mud pit wading. The second week for the unforgettable Women's 5K with Michelle and my booties at the finish. Last week was Mickey's Halloween 5K through Animal Kingdom with an assortment of family members.

Tomorrow is the Oktoberfest 5K in the Germantown part of Nashville. A few of my butt camp buds are also doing it. The Karens are bringing our pre-race doughnuts and we're meeting up with Gloria on Sam's front porch (which just happens to be a few blocks from the start). As usual, I'll be bringing up the rear, but at least I'll be bringing it up!!

One of these days I'll be in shape, hopefully finishing before they race officials begin taking up the finish line. Until then, I'll just keep wogging along, catching up with my buds at the finish, taking pictures, and making memories.

After all, isn't that what 5Ks are really about?

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Today's blessings: Last day of butt camp and Josh's send-off; spending the day with Lindley; Steve bringing dinner

Thursday

It started early this morning with butt camp. The middle was totally immersed in Lindley and pizza with the family. It is ending with dinner with friends and Thursday night sitcoms with family.

In other words, it's been a great day.

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Today's blessings: butt camp with the buds; spending the day with Lindley; telephone chat with Marilyn D; pizza with the family; Chic Fil A and flowers with the Simmons; NBC comedies with Steve and Maribeth

My Buddy For The Next Two Days

With day care on fall break for the rest of the week, I get to substitute. Guess I'd better start planning on what we're going to do!!

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Today's blessings: back to butt camp and my buds; zero day; Steve's steak for dinner

Oh. My. Goodnezzzzzzzzzzzzzz

va

-ca-tion - noun - a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday

After spending the night in Macon, Georgia, we arrived home today around noon. We unpacked the car, unpacked the suitcases, unpacked the stuff we accumulated during the trip, and unpacked our brains from vacation. We've gone to the grocery store for the basics, started a load of laundry, and read through the accumulated mail. We've cleaned out the litter box, caught up on a few of the television programs that we've recorded, and loved up on our very needy kitties.

In other words, we're back home, wondering where vacation went and why we're so tired after having a week of "rest". Think I'll go to bed and sleep on that ...

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Today's blessings: safe road trip home; delivery of several ordered packages; catching up

Travel Day

Monday has been travel day - getting people to the airport, on the bus, and out of The World. There were bags to pack, dining plans to settle, and cars to load. There was a business meeting to attend, vinyls to trade, and a SUV to gas up (that have been washed, had the car in front not messed up the car wash by jamming it with her side mirror).

In the end, we routed people to Nashville, Ft. Worth, and Austin. We came home with about 30 bottles of various drinks from races and dining plans, 10 pieces of fruit from the same, and 3 different versions of medals from 3 different races.

All in all, it was a great family vacation. I think I've got time to unpack until we go again!

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Today's blessings: Everyone's safe airline travel back to their homes; safe road trip to Macon for a few of us

A "Hello Kitty" Headband Beats A Tiara Anyday!!

Especially if you carry your own race bib!!

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Today's blessings: vacation time with family

What Vacation Day Is This?

Today's List: Waddle a 5K; see Lindley do her race thang (and cause a little more Disney trauma); get on a bus to save time and end up getting dropped off in another time zone; go to the Magic Kingdom in a misguided idea to be there (along with everyone else on the planet) on the 40th anniversary of the opening of the park; wait on a bus to take us to Downtown Disney and wait and wait until we decide to hail a taxi and then just about the time we get to the taxi stand, Maribeth/Molly scream, "THERE'S THE DOWNTOWN DISNEY BUS!" so we turn and haul you-know-what to get to the bus before it took off without us; finally find a bathroom before Ann's kidneys exploded; ate waaay too much at Wolfgang Puck; waddled around Downtown Disney buying who knows what; got back to resort in time to hear of Lindley's general review of Epcot; take a brief 10-second siesta only to be awakened by Maribeth who said I needed to go into the other room if I was going to take a nap; decide to go to Hollywood Studios/no, Epcot to eat then walk all over to find somewhere that wasn't crowded with Wine and Diners; eventually return to room to get text updates from Molly (who is freezing waiting to start the race) and Steve (who is the first leg of the half-marathon).

Are we vacationing yet?

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Today's blessings: Family 5K; kids races; shopping; family time