Thanks 2009!

• For graduations and new jobs.
• For marathons and half-marathons and 5ks and 10ks and 13ks.
• For a 3-day and sleeping in tents.
• For family gatherings and trips.
• For Disney visits and more Disney visits.
• For new friends and reconnecting with old friends.
• For publishing books.
• For saying goodbye to much-loved pets and hello to new ones.
• For new cars and new furniture and trading both.
• For new places for family brunch.
• For new movies and television shows.
• For gestating a granddaughter.
• For an unforgettable presidential inauguration

But most of all, thanks for the family with whom I have enjoyed and shared many of the experiences above. The lows during the year have been made bearable because of the support of my family and the highs and joys have been doubled because them. And on this last day of 2009, I am thankful to have them around me. On to 2010!!__________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: Finally taking down the Christmas tree

My New Year's Resolution

... is to quit showing so many cat videos on this blog. However, since it is not New Year's yet, here's another!!



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Things that make today great: Spending time with the family for Sam's birthday lunch, movie marathon, and Chipotle dinner

Busy Tuesday

But I had enough time to find this:


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Things that make today great: Finishing big project; hearing that Maribeth and Mathieu have survived camping; going to maintenance boot camp session; beautiful wintery cold day; watching "Calendar Girls" on DVD

Slowerdown to Gitterdun

Today I had a few sewing projects to complete. Basically, it was sewing a bunch of seams (and that's pretty much the extent of my sewing expertise). I ran into a problem because the bobbin thread kept breaking. I would sew a few inches, then notice that there was no stitching. After several starts and stops, I was getting a bit frustrated.

But then I decided to slow down my pace on the sewing machine and it worked - the thread stopped breaking and I got all my projects completed. All I had to do was not get in a rush and try to do it as fast as possible.

I guess that's my lesson for today - to slow down those things that need it. Being fast isn't always the ideal situation. Sometimes by slowing down and taking your time, you get things accomplished. And in the end, that was all you really wanted to do anyhow.
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Things that make today great: Sewing curtains for Sam, Lynnette, and Lindley; slawdogs for lunch with Sam; Sam and Lynnette's new countertops; family news of returning home after vacations

Yes, Family - It's Another Cat Video

Hey - I've been on a family vacay for over a week - deal with it or write your own blog!! Besides, this might be useful for next Christmas!!


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Things that make today great: safe flight home; sleeping in my own bed; catching up on Christmas cards from last week; surprise package from Kat; Demos dinner with Sam and Lynnette; Molly's pickup from the airport

Cold Temps, Warm Hearts

Today was cold - at least by our Florida vacation expectations. We froze this morning during our segway tour. We froze tonight during our fireworks cruise. But since we were with family, the cold seemed bearable.

Because in the end, it's family that keeps our hearts warm and going. Today's memories of being together on a cold Florida day will stay with us forever - in all kinds of future weather.

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Things that make today great: Segway tour with family; visiting with Elaine and Ike; Holiday Wishes fireworks cruise

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! That's all. But isn't that enough? I thought so!
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Things that make today great: Morning movie with Marilyn, Anne, and Molly; Lewis family Christmas and dirty Santa

Twas the Night Before Christmas

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Things that make today great: Park shopping with Molly; Lewis family Christmas celebration

Where's The Caramel Corn?

Steve has a bone to pick - or should I say a kernel to pop. On a recent trip (like maybe October) to WDW when we were staying at Boardwalk, we walked past a kiosk that advertised caramel corn. Steve likes caramel corn and his mouth started watering at the thought of some freshly made caramel corn. When it was his turn at the window, the cast member behind the counter told Steve that the machine was broken and they no longer sold caramel corn.

This did not sit well with Steve, who saw all his caramel corn hopes dashed with just a few words. He inquired as to why the sign still indicated that they sold caramel corn, when indeed they did not. Of course the cast member, being a lowly worker bee, had no response, and Steve went away mumbling things that probably shouldn't be heard by innocent ears.

Fast forward to tonight. Again, we pass the same kiosk. Again, the sign outside advertised caramel corn. Again, Steve waits in line and asks for this golden treat when it is his turn. And again, the cast member behind the counter says that the machine is broken and there is no caramel corn to be sold and consumed.

Naturally, this perplexes Steve. After all, this is Disney. Shouldn't the machine be fixed by now? The last time we stayed in the Boardwalk Villas, workers were hauling out all the furniture and appliances in the units for refurbishment and installation of new furniture and appliances. Certainly ONE lowly caramel-corn-making machine could be replaced, at least repaired.

But no. Steve inquired as to when the machine might be fixed. Cast Dude said he didn't know - probably never. Steve asked if the sign could be modified as to reflect the current caramel corn situation. Cast Dude said Disney would not let them change anything, even as to write a hand-written sign to post when their credit card machine is broken. Cast Dude was very amiable and smiled as he tried to console Steve in his current caramel corn crisis.

Steve left, vowing to write important Disney officials and hoping there is a President of Caramel Corn. Steve is on a mission, and will be back in January to see if this situation has been rectified. I certainly hope so - because somebody's kernels are going to be pretty hot if it hasn't!!
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Things that make today great: new watch from Steve; dinner at Big River Grille with John, Anne, David, Michael, Molly, and Steve; crowded bus to Downtown Disney and dancing couple; finding caramel popcorn and cotton candy

Balloons

Our room at Saratoga Springs looks out at Downtown Disney. We have a great view of the tethered balloon ride. I can watch as it starts out on the dock, then slowly is released to the length of its tether, then reeled back in.

The other morning as I was returning to the resort after taking Steve to the golf course, I saw the balloon at its highest height. Then in the distance, I saw two hot-air balloons, very small and high in the atmosphere. I immediately gave the tethered balloon human feelings and wondered what it thought when it saw the untethered balloons high in the sky.

Did it wish it could be released to soar high in the sky, or did it feel secure knowing it would never be lost or out of control? Did it want to join the other balloons, or was it happy in its solitude? Did it want to be in charge of is own destiny, or was it content to be controlled by someone else? And finally, did it wonder if giving tethered balloon rides was all that its life was meant and going to be?

I realized that maybe I had a lot in common with the tethered balloon. Sometimes I want to be the same as those who perform so much better than I - like the fast runners in boot camp or in races, or writers who have books published, or just about anybody who can do things that I don't seem to be able to do. Sometimes I want to be a part of a group, but sometimes I enjoy being alone. And most of the time, I like being in charge of my own life, but sometimes it's nice for someone else to make a decision or two.

But finally in the end, I accepted that like the balloon, I'm placed where I am for a reason. For the balloon, its there to provide rides for people who may never get in a hot-air balloon. It's there to give people a ride to experience a different perspective. It's there to do what it was created and supposed to do in this world.

And so am I. No matter who does something better than I do, or how many groups I may be or not be a part of, or whether I or someone else dictate my actions, in the end I am where I am for a reason. I have a distinct purpose in this world, and it's up to me to do that which I was created to do. And in the end, nobody can do that better than me!
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Things that make today great: Playing cards with Molly; dinner at Steak & Shake with Molly and Steve; catching up with Maribeth and Mathieu; sitting in the hot tub by the pool

A Christmas Song

I saw this on another blog, and loved it, so I thought I'd pass it along!!


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Things that make today great: Beautiful (although a little cold) weather; surfer dude at the window at Starbucks

When Disney Magic Wanes

This morning, Molly and I decided to join Maribeth and Mathieu for a visit to Hollywood Studios. Our plan was to do Toy Story Mania and go from there. Here's how it went:

1. We waited in the cold for the bus - which didn't take too long. Once at Hollywood Studios, I decided to get in the Will Call line to get my annual pass renewal. The line seemed a little long, and everyone at the windows had either major Disney World issues or were making lifelong relationships with the cast members, so I decided to see if my current annual pass would work - it did. Things looked promising.

2. Our plan was for the other three to get in line for TSMania and I would get fast passes so we could do the ride twice. However, the lines for the fast passes were were longer than the one for the actual ride, so we decided to skip the fast pass and just go for one ride. We did and everything seemed like it was moving along.

3. We considered eating somewhere in the park, but everything was booked up. This really wasn't a problem, since the M's had a reservation. Molly and I debated a bit about what to do next and decided to go to Downtown Disney for a movie and lunch. Here's where the magic ended.

4. Upon leaving Hollywood Studios, I decided to get my annual pass. When it was my turn, I handed the cast member my confirmation paper, my current annual pass, and my id. He said I needed my DVC card, which was back at the room. We then got in a discussion as to where I was staying, and it wasn't until the third time that he understood where it was. At this point, I decided to try this mission another day when I had all of the above, plus my passport, my library card, and my first grade report card.

5. Now let me say that it's cold down here. Certainly not the snow cold that is in NYC, but colder than we were planning. The brisk wind doesn't help much, either. So, we decided to wait on a bench in the sun for the resort bus to go back to Saratoga Springs in order to get to the movie theater. We noticed that two people were waiting at the actual bus stop. After about thirty minutes, we notice two Disney cast members are talking to the two waiters, and after a brief discourse, all four leave the bus stop. Molly and I keep watching and waiting for our bus, only to see hospitality bus after hospitality bus zoom right on past. After an hour, we give up and decide to walk to Boardwalk to catch a bus to DD. It's still cold, and we get to walk against the wind all the way to Boardwalk.

6. Upon arrival at the bus stop at Boardwalk, we begin waiting anew for the desired bus. We watch as buses for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom come and go. And come and go again. And again. Finally after about thirty more minutes, two buses arrive for Downtown Disney. We get in line and notice that a scooter person is driving to the second bus. We decided to get on the first bus and as we are finding our seats, we see the scooter lady preparing to board our bus. This involved many maneuvers. Finally, thirty minutes later, we head for DD.

7. We ate at Wolfgang Puck Express where our our waiter was Chicken Little. Really. That was the name on his name tag and with which he introduced himself. During our meal, he sang a bit and danced a bit. Maybe that was the magic returning.

8. Finally, we decided the day was done for us and walked back to our room. There we decided to take naps - until Molly discovered $5 fleece zip-ups at Old Navy. Lucky for me, she decided to take this adventure with Maribeth and Mathieu.

So, the moral of this story is that sometimes things get a bit constipated, even at Disney World. You can moan and groan about your current situation, or make some corrective measures. Eventually, everything gets worked out in the end. And maybe you'll get a $5 fleece as a bonus!
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Things that make today great: Titans win; adventures with Molly; grapefruit cake from Brown Derby

Saturday No-Blog Day

No words could possibly explain this. Well except for these: IT'S LATE AND THIS IS THE BEST I COULD DO FOR TODAY'S BLOG!


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Things that make today great: $3 sweatshirts at Old Navy; grocery shopping with Molly; Wolfgang Puck Express dinner with Steve, Maribeth, and Mathieu; watching dvds with Molly and Steve

Just The Facts, Ma'am

We made it to Disney. We made contact with Maribeth and Mathieu. We checked into Saratoga Springs. Steve made it to Ghiradelli for a milkshake before it closed. Molly and I did not make it to Chic Fil A before it closed. We did make it to Taco Bell, which may prove to be a mistake in a few hours.

In other words, we made it. Now it's time for bed!
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Things that make today great: Last day of this session of boot camp; salad bar lunch; safe, smooth-ish flight; great room at Saratoga Springs; the thought of sleeping in tomorrow

In Case You Forgot ...

... Linus reminds us what Christmas is all about.


_____________________________________________________________________________ Things that make today great: Shopping, dropping off supplies at the humane society, and lunching with Molly; Maribeth's safe arrival in Orlando, watching "Grand Torino" with Steve; pedis with Molly by Vivian

Merry Christmas - Davidson Style

Every year we have our family Christmas early because Sam and Lynnette spend Christmas in Texas. Early this year, we decided to spend Christmas in Orlando, since Sam and Lynnette would be in Texas. Then Sam and Lynnette decided to have a baby, due January 13, but we have reservations, so we are still going to Florida (except Sam and Lynnette, because Southwest is not in their birth plan). So, tonight was our family Christmas. And, as it has been in years past, it was not exactly a Norman Rockwell portrait. Here are the Top Ten Highlights of this year's Davidson Family Christmas.

1. The Charlie Brown Christmas Tree. I had only decorated half the tree with half the ornaments this year. Then Maggie has managed to dislodge about half of those, so I think there's probably only about five left. At least it won't take me long to take it down.

2. No stockings. They never made it out of the storage box and onto the mantel. So nobody got anything in their stockings. Except for the mints and the two chocolate Santas and the brownie cutters that nobody wanted.

3. Lackadaisical gift drawing. This year we had five categories - entertainment, food, clothing, frame it, and regift. Some people didn't even bring their gift (for various reasons) or the gift was really indescribable. At least the gift receipts were included.

4. "Fly by the seat of your pants" recipes. Molly agreed to cook dinner this year. If you weren't bringing a dish of your own, you could trade with Molly and take one of her gift names. Sam and I took her up on it. Sam wanted Mammaw's dressing and I wanted Aunt Dorris's rolls. Mammaw is in heaven and Aunt Dorris has Alzheimer's and the recipes were basically "a pinch of this and a T or t of that" and listed weird ingredients (like sweet milk). But Molly did quite well and everything turned out yummy. And nobody has called with food poisoning. Yet.

5. Steve's office decor. Actually, this was not his own decorating - it was the result of the crazy person who came into his office sometime between last night and early this morning, brought a pitcher of coffee, and proceeded to pour it all over his desk, papers, computer, and anything else. There are no suspects and no other offices were "coffee=potted." Merry Christmas, you nutcase.

6. Missing the plane. Maribeth was to pick up Mathieu at the airport. But his flight left early and he hadn't checked in (long story not worth telling). He missed the plane. Maribeth has a hotel reservation in Atlanta. Mathieu has new flight tomorrow to Orlando. Maribeth has to drive to Atlanta tonight and to Orlando tomorrow. Not quite "over the river and through the woods."

7. Honeybaked turkey and ham. I decided to get a turkey breast from HBHam, since the one I got yesterday wouldn't be defrosted until New Year's Day. Molly said I should get a ham, too. Nobody wanted ham.

8. Molly getting locked out of her house. I was at the mall, exchanging cars with Steve so Maribeth could take his car to Florida and get an early start (she didn't). It was freezing cold and Molly needed to go to the grocery store to buy cornbread which I was supposed to have cooked this morning (I didn't). It was 4 pm and dinner was set for 6. Hey, at least I had turkey. And unwanted ham.

9. Butt calls. Sam gets a call at work. From Steve. Actually from Steve's butt that dials numbers sometimes on Steve's blackberry. Sam is yelling into the phone, but Steve does not hear him. But Sam hears Steve talking. Maybe Steve's butt poured the coffee in his office.

10. Pies - or no pies. Last week, Molly sent out an email to check on every one's favorite pie (she was in the pie-making mood). Nobody agreed on anything. So there were no pies. But there were three mini-cakes from the grocery store that Molly eventually went to after finally warming up. Nobody ate them.

So there you go - another Davidson family Christmas for the books. On to next year!!
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Things that make today great - Davidson family Christmas (and that's enough!)

Christmas Time Is Here

In case you, like me, have been busy, here's a little song to keep you in the spirit:


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Things that make today great: Starting projects and finishing projects

yay. it's monday...

Before boot camp this morning, I wasn't sure I could make it. Sure, that's the way I feel most mornings before boot camp, but today was a tiny bit different. I just didn't feel "with it." But I went anyway, hoping that something would kick into gear. It didn't.

I huffed and puffed my way through most of the exercises. However, when it came to the partner drills, due to the odd number of ladies present, I was left without a partner. Or, my partner became our drill instructor, Mr. Josh. Basically, that meant that when we did the part where one partner gets the band and wraps it around the other partner and the one harnessed gets to sprint or lunge or side-shuffle or whatever gosh-awful exercise, my partner was Mr. Physically Fit Josh. It was not pretty. First of all, when partnered with another lady, we tend to be a little easy. Second, Josh is a heavier than any of the ladies, with the heavier part being pure muscle. Third, I should have just tried pulling a Mack truck. Needless to say, at some point I thought I was going to pass out or throw up - either of which would have been preferable because maybe then I could have excused myself to return to my bed at home.

But after a few dozen water breaks, and slow walks around the gym, and sitting on the floor, and trying to explain through the pants of breaths and the heaving of my chest, I managed to semi-complete some of the exercises. The best part was my return home, where I had a piece of cheese toast and a nap.

Later on, because the rain and cold weather has temporarily gone (until tomorrow anyhow) I decided it would be a good day to clean up the flower beds. I purchased Molly's assistance with the cleanup and guilted Maribeth into bringing us lunch and drinks from Sonic. After my yard was done, we caravanned to Molly's house where we clean out the planter. Finally finished with my landscaping, I showered and made/changed January hotel /flight reservations for the Disney half marathon. I finished my day with Sloppy Joes - a seldom had but really delicious dinner treat.

So it looks like I've made a good start on the week. In fact, I think I deserve a day off tomorrow. Wonder if I can just call in boot camp?
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Things that made today great: Making it through boot camp (barely); yard cleanup; Molly's help; Maribeth's lunch/drink delivery; reservation changes; hot shower; sloppy joe dinner

My Public Service Announcement

At my age, I feel it imperative to impart vital knowledge based on my experiences. In light of this, I would like to tell you to stay away from the product shown on the left. In fact, run away from them - do not stop and consider - run away.

But let me start at the beginning. First of all, I am a Cheetos fan. Well, except for the fiery hot ones. I like my Cheetos. Awhile ago, I became aware that they had come up with "giant" Cheetos. Although I found the concept intriguing, my interest was not peeked enough to actually sample one.

Then, in the demented spirit of Little Debbie and her evil Christmas tree cakes, the villains at Cheetos headquarters decided to package some ginormous white cheddar Cheetos and market them as "jingle bells" - a winter treat. Guess what - they got me. I promptly grabbed a bag and headed for the checkout line.

Once home, I opened the bag, hoping for a holiday Cheetos delight. Instead, I found a crinkly chunk the size of a large marshmallow or a ping pong ball. In fact, I probably needed a knife and fork to eat it. I tried eating it in bites, but all that got me was white cheese gunk on my front teeth. If you try eating the things in bites, you will also end up with slimy cheese gunk on your fingers. And to matters even worse, these humongous chunks pretty much taste like Styrofoam. All in all, the entire holiday gargantuan Cheetos experience was a huge disappointment. I have now done my part to warn you.

To summarize, save your money and don't buy these "holiday" Cheetos - eat the packing peanuts that were in your holiday packages instead.
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Things that make today great: Brunch with the family; Christmas presents almost finished and wrapped; projects started; watching "Up" with Steve; waiting forever at Church's for Steve's chicken

Shopping - Part Deux

After venturing out again this evening for more holiday shopping, I realized another reason I don't like holiday shopping - holiday shopping drivers. Here are my top five reasons why I think holiday shopping traffic is more dangerous that Nashville traffic when snow has been detected in Memphis, predicted to hit Nashville sometime in the next year, and the stampede to Kroger for milk and bread has begun:

Holiday shopping driving in Nashville sucks because:

1. There is a death dual when a shopper is seen headed to her car, she gets in her car, and backs out of her parking space. The death dual begins when the two drivers who have been stalking the driver attempt to be the one to gain control of the aforementioned parking space.

2. Nobody, and I mean nobody, has a clue as to what is going on in a parking garage. Today I saw a fender bender involving a car that was obviously oblivious to the person who was backing out. Of course, the backing out car was not paying attention to anyone behind him, because he thought he would be Mr. Popular because he was opening up a prime parking location.

3. The Christmas spirit does not apply to automobiles. This is evident in the number of cars who line up bumper to bumper trying to circle the parking lot to find a parking spot (and ignoring anyone who may be backing up right beside them). I understand the concept - I just find it annoying that they are blocking me from crossing their line to head the other direction. I mean, I pose no threat to their parking place agenda - I just want to go to Kroger. Really - and there's no snow anywhere in the forecast!

4. Horn honking does not equate to jingle bells. Really. And I don't think you were saying "Merry Christmas" either. And no, that is not the correct gesture for the season.

5. The traffic light does not change rules just for Christmas. Red still means stop, not "block the intersection." Yellow still means caution, not "you still have time - lots of it - so pull on out to the middle of the intersection." Green means simply go, not "go whenever and however and wherever you want." The Christmas lights are on your tree, not in the middle of traffic!

Shopping at 7-11 is looking better every day!
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Things that make today great: Snowflake 5K with Steve and Sam; Sam wogging the 5k with me; fellow wogger at 5k; breakfast with Sam, Lynnette, and Maribeth; enjoying "The Frog Prince" with Sam and Lynnette; purchasing two more Christmas presents

Shopping

Two words - hate it. Today I decided to go Christmas shopping and it didn't change my opinion of shopping in general. Even though the crowds weren't too bad (at least at the two places I went - I saw the parking lot was full at the mall so I completely drove past), I still do not care for shopping.

So, in conclusion, if you are on my Christmas list this year, be prepared. The good news is that I think 7-11 does have a pretty good return policy!
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Things that make today great: Boot camp Friday and winning the blog tag relay; getting some Christmas shopping done; Steve bringing Logan's for dinner; beautiful chilly day

Chicken Sapa as a Metaphor for Life

Sometimes less is more. Or better. Because you should have used constraint. Because more is too much. And then you regret the excess.

Okay, so maybe chicken sapa is a lousy metaphor for life. But when you've over-indulged over what should have been delightful, all that is on your mind is what you shouldn't have done.

And then your blog becomes a confessional.
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Things that make today great: Shopping with Molly; new drainage system complete at Cadillac; chicken sapa with Steve, Maribeth, Sam, and Lynnette; Toys for Tots drop off at LP Field

Conundrums

Today the sun finally came out of hiding - I guess it wasn't a fan of all the recent rain, either. Although the weather was a little chilly, I thought it would be a great day to trim all the outside bushes and dead plants, etc., so the trimmings could be picked up by the chipper trucks.

So imagine my sadness when before I had even begun, I saw the chipper trucks on our street. That means that they won't be back until January, and anything that I clip off won't be chipped for a month. Needless to say, I opted out of doing anything in the yard so I wouldn't have a pile of rubbish on the side of the street for the next four weeks.

So, was it good or bad luck that today was chipper day? Bad luck because my yard didn't get tidied, or good luck because I didn't have to tidy it?

As for me, I don't know. I'm still trying to figure out which came first - the chicken or the egg!
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Things that make today great: Lunch with the Ms; Molly's crawl space workers; Ruby's dinner with Steve and Maribeth; Marilyn's new wiper blades; two miles in the 'hood

Bring in the Cavalry

Today while I was cleaning my bedroom, I watched one of my favorite movies, "The Legend of the Lone Ranger." It was made in 1981 and the only awards it won were Razzies. Okay, I admit that it's not one of the technically or artistically created movies ever, but I love it anyway.

I love it because there's the good guy fighting the bad guy and winning. I love it because several times during the movie, the "Lone Ranger" theme is played as the Lone Ranger and Tonto race to save somebody. I love it because Tonto remains a friend through the years to the Lone Ranger. I love it because Silver is such a smart horsie.

But my favorite part is near the end, when the Lone Ranger, Tonto, and President Grant are planning to blow up the fortress of Bad Guy Cavendish. They plant dynamite all around the compound, and we watch as the buildings blow up one by one. Just when we think it may not work out, we watch as the seemingly impenetrable fortress wall blows up. We believe that maybe the trio will barely escape, when we hear a bugle and see Silver and Scout racing in, followed by Wild Bill Hickock, Buffalo Bill, General Custer, and the United States Calvary!

Why do I love this part so much? I like to think that when things are at their worst, there will be heroes and a cavalry to come in to rescue and help me. I want to believe that at some point, there's an army whose main goal is to race at top speed to find me in my distress. I hope that sometimes I will be the one leading the team in to rescue someone else. I want to believe that I can be a part of defeating the bad guys that would threaten to harm those I care about.

So maybe it's just a cheesy movie, but I love it. I love it because it inspires me. It helps me realize that we're all in this together - sometimes we need the cavalry, and sometimes we need to be the cavalry.

And maybe all we need to do is to listen and we'll hear our own theme song to get us going!
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Things that make today great: Getting back to boot camp and finally being on the winning plank relay team; lunch with the Ms; watching "The Biggest Loser" with Maribeth, Steve, and Marilyn; getting rid of three bags of clothes and stuff and taking it to Goodwill

Making New Friends Via Maytag

My washing machine is getting very moody lately. It's not that old and is a Maytag (the brand Steve's family swears by) so it should be a very happy washing machine. However, lately it has been having issues with draining the final water and spinning the clothes dry.

Last week when I opened the machine and found it full of water (it is a front-loader and I could tell it was full of water by the gallons that gushed out on the floor), I decided it was time to call a professional. After all, it is a Maytag, and we all know their repairmen are the loneliest men in town. So, today was the day to call.

Luckily, it is still under the extended warranty that I bought when I bought the machine. I called the repair phone number listed on the paperwork. After I punched in various numbers in response to various commands, I was finally connected to Indira, who apparently was speaking to me from her native country, somewhere in Asia.

We had quite the conversation. I only wish I knew who her scriptwriter is, because after every comment I made, she had the perfect response. For instance:

Indira: "What is the problem?"
Me: "The machine won't drain."
Indira: "Ooooo. I know that can be very depressing, so let me see if I can help you."
Me: "That would be great."
Indira: "Is the drainage hose clear?"
Me: "Yes."
Indira: "Oh, that is great. Well then, let's see if we can get your washing machine fixed because I know that can be frustrating."

It went on like this until finally Indira asked if I had reset the machine by unplugging it and plugging it back in. I hadn't, and suggested that I wouldn't know if this worked until I had washed another load. Indira seemed to think this was the way to go and said she would note my plan of action on my record, in case the unplug/replug technique didn't work.

I unplugged and replugged and washed a load of clothes. I'm still not certain that it worked - although there was no deluge of water, there was still a bit of residual puddles. I'll probably end up calling the repair hot line again in a week or so.

I wonder if Indira will be waiting for my call!
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Things that make today great: Getting the finances in order; pizza lunch with the Ms; seeing Molly's new tv

Fashion with a View

Last Saturday, Marilyn and I were having a snack in The Land at Epcot. While we were chatting, I happened to look to my right at the young lady who was cleaning up after her group. She was bent over a bit, and as I glanced over, I couldn't help but notice her low-riding pants. And I seriously couldn't help but see her coin slot, aka butt crack, aka the top of her hiney, aka whatever you call it, sticking out the top of her jeans.

Being an old fogey, I was understandably taken aback. I mean, this was not a scene I wished to view while enjoying my key lime-ish tart. I tried to ignore the situation, but also finding it funny, I decided to let Marilyn in on the side show. This involved a series of eye movements, a head slant, and a mouth stretch to my right. By this time, Miss Bootylicious had moved to help a child in her party, which involved moving closer to Marilyn, and unfortunately, involved bending over even more. In other words, by now all Marilyn had to do to see the sights was to turn - it was there right in her face. I think we were pretty much done with our snacking at that point.

Anyhow, I am somewhat intrigued by this new style. Miss Booty had no underwear on, as far as we could tell - as we could tell plenty. Doesn't one feel the draft in this area, and feel an urge to cover up? I wouldn't know, since my area in that region is amply covered up by granny panties, panty hose, Spanx, a girdle, and any number of other layers of fabric.

I guess I'm just not in with the latest trend of bending and showing. And for everyone out there who might be able to view that particular landscape - you're welcome!
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Things that make today great: Factory brunch with Sam, Lynnette, and Molly; Maribeth and Steve's return from GDizzle's, Molly's chili

I'm Home

'nuf said.
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Things that make today great: OUC 5K finish; post-race Starbucks; Epcot-ing with Marilyn; safe, smooth, not-full flight; sleeping in my own bed

WDW Christmas Events - 2; Luanne - 0

A few weeks ago during the golf tournament, I had tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. I was there long enough for it to get rained out. Today, Marilyn and I had tickets for the taping of the Disney World Christmas Parade. We were there long enough for - you guessed it - it got rained out. We sort of figured it out when all the techs packed up their microphones and cameras and left. At least Marilyn got her picture with some guy with a walkie talkie - the closest we got to being in the parade! And to think we got special hats and everything!

While one might think that Mickey doesn't want me to enjoy his Christmas celebrations, one would be wrong. Each rain out left me with a one-day, one-park pass. Today we also got pictures of the Jonas Brothers (if only I knew a song they recorded). Looks like Mickey and his team know how to spread the Christmas cheer - even when it's dreary and damp!

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Things that make today great: Great parking at MK; people eavesdropping while waiting for parade news; shopping; artichoke crab dip and burgers at Big River

Helpful Advice For People Flying Southwest For The First Time

1. Fly Delta. You will get an assigned seat and not hold up the rest of us looking for seat C58. That is your boarding number.

2. Don't complain about getting a seat that reclines, then sit in a seat that has a sign on it that says, "This seat does not recline," and then complain loudly that you are upset that your seat does not recline.

3. Don't sit in an exit row, listen as the flight attendant explains your role in case of emergency, and then when he asks if you are willing, say you don't know and then carry on a conversation with your husband about, "I don't know if I want to do this. What did he say?", because your husband is going to get pretty ticked off at you and just say, "Say yes." Your behavior does not inspire confidence that you are going to help me get off a burning plane.

4. Sir - do not turn on the fan as we are taking off. I wondered why until I caught a whiff of your pre-flight meal. Turning on your fan may dissipate your stench from your seat, but all it did was send it back to my area. Gee thanks. Too bad etiquette wasn't covered in the emergency directions that your wife didn't listen to.

5. Yes, there is a screaming child a few rows back. But sir, you do not have the look of death, so turning around and staring is not going to stop the child. And yes, it is a screaming baby, in case you were confused.

6. The flight attendants are here to help you and keep you safe. So if they suggest that you stick your overloaded bag underneath the seat in front of you, please do it without an argument. You're going to lose. And when your wife tries to break out the window instead of lifting and shoving out the exit door, we certainly don't want her to trip!!
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Things that make today great: Boot camp and airport drop off with Maribeth; safe, smooth ride; super great room at the Swan; watching fireworks from our window; new Christmas caps (pictures tomorrow)

Shooting Pig

Today Maribeth and I got our swine flu shots. Here in Nashville, shots finally became available for those in my age group. So, after barely getting through boot camp, breakfast, and a brief nap, off we headed to the Public Health Department.

The biggest issue was parking. Once we found a spot, we headed in, signed our forms, got our shots, and were on our way. It probably took about 10 minutes, including parking.

I'm sure there are many who will not get their H1N1 shots. They will debate and decide against it. For me, it was a no-brainer. It was quick, easy, and free. If it keeps me from getting the swine flu and/or spreading it, I'm in.

It's been a busy week since my return from Thanksgiving in Orlando. Lucky for me, I'm headed back that way tomorrow!
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Things that make today great: getting shot with Maribeth; 3-Day booklet delivery; surprise gift from the Dedeaux

December's 100 Things

December 1.

I managed to put up the Christmas tree, even with Maggie's interference.

I also managed to take care of December's 100 things - Christmas things. With this final collection, I have divested myself of 1200 things this year.

Was the 100 things a success? Yes, because I got in the habit of getting rid of that which is unnecessary and thinking a little harder about what I wish to accumulate. So I guess it's appropriate that the 100 things ends in December, a month of giving. Maybe in 2010 I'll think more about giving more than getting, because I've seen how much I don't need.

Like a kitten in a tree.

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Things that make today great: Giving blood at the Red Cross and the workers there; putting up the Christmas tree with Maggie's hijinks; Maribeth's honey chicken for supper