United Pooch Service

Isn't what they letters UPS stand for?  Hi everyone!  It's Lisi again.  You thought I'd take it slower in the winter and not be up to my usual shenanigans.  Well, if you want excitement, you've gotta make it right?

The day before Christmas Eve, the Big Lady that yells but loves me anyway and one of the MYP decided to take me out on a little late-afternoon walk.  We had a great hike around the houses and ponds and I even got a good squirrel chase out of it.  Because I'm so incredibly obedient, Big Lady lets me walk without a leash most the time as I find them so undignified.  We came around the bend and there was the big brown truck!  That thing roars in and out of our neighborhood every afternoon.  It has been coming more often lately.  And it is full of boxes for people.  There are even two guys in brown uniforms working in tandem these days.  One of the guys was racing up to a house with a box and I thought I'd go join him!  You see one time a very long time ago, they threw out some treats to me.  We dogs remember kindness.  Like all our lives.  I have a Grandpa that buys me special treats and comes to our house and feeds them to me until I nearly feel sick.  But I wouldn't stop nosirreee.  You see it makes him all happy throwing them to me.  So I do what a dog has gotta do.

This guy gets down and gives me a good rubbing all over and then starts running back to the truck.  I already love him to the moon and back.  I hear Big Lady yell in her annoying way.  "LISI!  COME!  LISI!  FRONT!"  Nothing is going to work for her.  Because this guy is running back to the truck.  The truck has another real friendly guy.  And beyond all this, I'm sure they have a treat for me.  So I hop into the truck.  Would you believe Paul McCartney was blasting on the radio.  The song?  "Simply having a wonderful Christmas time".  No lie!  And that I was!  I got right between the two front seats and sat down.  I looked out the front window.  There was Big Lady looking all serious and determined and mad that I was sitting there having a wonderful time at Christmas.  The two guys in brown suits were laughing.  Big Lady offers up apologies.  And then yanks me off the truck.  And just like that, the fun was over.

Yeesh.  She's really one crabby lady.  I heard she said she was today.  But I think she tends to get that way often.  But don't tell her I said that.  She might not rub me in all those special places if I get on her wrong side.  But I doubt it.  She's smitten with me in every way.  Don't let her tell you otherwise.

Monday Musings

If a blogger posts during the holiday break, does anyone actually read it (think tree falling in woods example)?  I hardly think so based on the web activity I see.  Oh well so it goes.

The past days have been very relative.  Relatively speaking that is.  Like meaning lots of relation on both sides on two different days.  It was very very nice.  The food was very very good.  The company very very sweet.  With the exception of my mostly-nice older brother.  He's on the verge of being taken off the 'mostly nice' list and going back to 'mean older brother'.  We'll see how he behaves the rest of this week.  Is this blackmail?  I hope so.

I'm mostly alone today.  You see two of the MYP went over the river and through the woods (well not really) to Grandmother's house.  One of them is romping the neighborhood.  The Chairman works (or so I'm led to believe).  And I'm home cooking and trying to clean and feeling crabby.  Why you ask?  I don't know.  We women have rights to be crabby without explanation.  

Talk about confusing.  Yesterday, I got a couple e-mails from people wondering what I was doing sending out e-mails about stuff happening over two months ago.  I panicked and thought I had a virus or something.  But it turns out our cell phone provider finally sent all the mobile e-mail messages that they had never sent before.  Better late than never I guess!  Or so they think.

Yes, the holidays.  We exchange a few gifts with our immediate family.  Draw names and the like.  Well, this year one of the MYP had my name.  And he kept smiling big saying with enthusiasm how much I'm going to love my gifts he chose.  I was getting curious.  As I opened them, I realized why.  You see children love to give what they would like to receive.  The no-show socks were nice (albeit a bit small).  But the Costco-sized box of chemical hand/body warmers that hunters use made me smile.  I guess I'll be warm on my walks!

And speaking of walks... on my walk last night I noticed a neighbor.  You see this neighbor has about the nicest lighting display of all of them.  But on Christmas Day, not one of those pretty colored bulbs was lit.  Not even the enormous tree in their two-story great room.  I came up with three conclusions:  Santa figured out where they live and now the lights no longer are needed, they ran out of money for the electric company, or lastly, he's one of those contrary people that like to do the opposite of what you're supposed to.  I dunno.

I think this is enough.   Besides, no one out there is reading boring blogs.  They are catching good after-Christmas sales or eating fudge.  In fact, I might go have a piece.  Maybe it'll take care of my crabbies.

Thursday's thoughts...

Where did this week go?  Goodness!  And in less than an hour, the MYP will be bursting in the door with a lot of 'treasures' from their school parties.  Top that with a sleepover tonight and the thought of no school for 12 days and you have joyous juveniles!  I think I'll have a cup of strong Tazo Awake and enjoy the solitude until it returns again approximately January 3rd.

Yes, a busy holiday season indeed.  I am thoroughly looking forward to spending family time with my siblings and their children.  I am highly anticipating the need for roomy clothes to compensate for a double-header of eating this weekend - one day with my family, one day with the Chairman's family.  Urp!  I'm very excited about an upcoming wedding and all those that will be attending!  Unfortunately, we have no snow to welcome my mostly-nice older brother and family from southern CA even though every store's speaker system has been blasting to let it snow and dreaming of a white Christmas, and a couple crooning about how cold it is outside and she feels like she must go.

Today was yet another day I did not want to walk at all.  But her brown eyes were pleading.  And so I got my walking duds on and we headed out.  I was reminded of a line in a  book I read last night... "Anybody who has ever walked a dog knows the abiding satisfaction which comes from giving pleasure to a loved animal, and the sight of the form trotting ahead of me lent a depth which had been missing before".  Indeed.  And as I was returning, I saw three crows making a valiant chase of a red-tailed hawk.  It was nature at work.  And fascinating.  You can't see that kind of thing in a gym as you sweat on the elliptical!

Until next time.  I'm going to go sip my cup of ambition and count my blessings as they are many.  But before I do, I'll leave you with this:  (hope it isn't offensive!)

Monday Musings

Not sure what I was thinking by posting on Saturday.  Doesn't leave much for Monday since my life isn't all that riveting (contrary to popular belief).

A nice past few days nonetheless.  We enjoyed this lovely relative.  As you can see, she's not liked much by the youngest of the MYP...

When I uploaded photos, I realize I forgot to post Lisi's birthday pictures!  (Not that you non-dog people care one iota...)  But she got a little 'cake' and singing and a couple gifts.  Don't let her ever fool you into thinking that she's underprivileged...

waiting for the birthday song to be over

I had a massage therapist by the name of "Simeon".  I never asked if he had a brother named "Levi".  He was light-years better than the other lady.  Worked hard, but I wouldn't say his hands were instruments of cruelty... (ok, bad joke).

I cleaned the garage today!  You see if the snow ever does fly, we need room in there for a car that refuses to drive on snow.  And so our three car garage became a three car garage.  I did find a dead mouse in a trap that was quite stiff.  Just thought you'd like to know.  I'm fun like that.

You know you're a mother of somewhat young children when you pull out a tissue out of your bathrobe and find a tooth.

Drove our van for approximately eight miles with my distance to empty listed as "0".  And I still had two gallons left!  Toyota people must be very cautious.

A great holiday season is upon us.  Lots of family time.  A wedding.  And so it goes!

Some sentences

It snowed last night.  Not enough to build a snowman or make a snow angel.  But the road was white and it gives us hopes for more in the future!

We have special company here.  She is a niece and soon to be a Mrs.  And she will be making her home with a mighty-nice guy down where they race horses and eat chicken (or so I think).  I wish it weren't so far.  But that selfish thought is insignificant when you feel certain that she is going where she is supposed to be.  And that's all that matters.

Ping pong is the game of choice these days.  We have had the table for three years.  Only recently, have the MYP seemed interested in playing.  And now there's a lot of "pings" and "pongs" happening in the basement.  Oh,  that,  and a few accusations of something wrong and some fast stomping upstairs if the game isn't turning out how they'd like it to.

Someone dug out an old Pictionary game that I've had since college days.  Do the math.  It is approximately *gasp* 26 years old.  Some words are out of date.  Like litterbug and Popeye.  Some of our MYP didn't know who Popeye was.  I told them a big guy was always trying to steal his wife Olive Oil away.  Really mom?  Yes.  But spinach makes it all better.

There was some negativity last night.  The MYP were trying to make the other feel not so good.  It was getting annoying.  So finally I spewed off for a few seconds telling them that the next one that says something not-so-nice to the other would have to immediately go to their room for the night.  Wasn't long and one of them just slowly disappeared to a self-imposed place.  I was actually admiring that.  Maybe that's what we as adults need to do - just take ourselves away from a situation if we haven't a good thought or deed to do there.

And!  Yesterday at an upscale store, a lady called out "Miss!" and it was directed to me.  Really!  She called me "Miss".  But that wasn't what was so neat.  She wanted to know where I had purchased a knee-length jean skirt I was wearing.  I was almost embarrassed, but had to fess up.  "Goodwill".  She just waved her hand at me like oh great.  I said as she was turning away from me, 'But it is Ann Taylor Loft!', like that would help...

Someone very special was just given a diagnosis that she didn't want to hear.  I am sad for her and her family.  If you have your health, consider yourself very fortunate.  I think having a healthy body is the greatest gift taken for granted...

Monday Musings

Time flies when you're having fun.  And so here we go again!

The MYP are on a huge mission to convince the Chairman and I that they absolutely must have cell phones.  Really?  Are people desperately trying to reach them?  From what I can tell, the phone does ring for them at times, but it isn't ringing off the hook.  Lots of websites are pulled up and waiting for me to come look when I go to the computer.  Ads are strategically left open at the table.  You get the point.  And no, all three won't be getting them at the same time.  And no, we still aren't sure when to actually start down this very winding road.

The Chairman and I had a few hours alone on Saturday.  We actually did one stop which was pre-planned.  And then we did something really crazy and spontaneous (for us).  We went to a coffee shop and sat and sipped coffee in a unique environment.  It was almost a date!  Whoot!  But it was very nice.  And I'm so glad that I still love to have time alone with the Chairman after seventeen years.

I was likened to a children's book this morning and I think the correlation was actually uncanny.  I am sure all you parents know the story "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" and all the other titles.  You probably know where I'm going with this.  A daughter created a new title, "If you Give Your Mom a Piece of Toast" and then proceeded to tell me all that I did after she gave it to me.  I took the toast and saw that the small plates were all yet clean in the dishwasher.  I saw the dishwasher needed unloading.  So I put my toast on the plate and proceeded to empty the dishwasher.  As I put away the cups I realized I hadn't started the coffee.  I got that going and as I filled the carafe I realized that should make lunches.  And thus began another long line of tasks.  Until I was putting away the lunch items and saw the jam and realized that I wanted some toast!  I'm kind of like a mom with ADD in the morning.

I hesitate to write this, but for some reason, I feel moved to do so.  The other day as we left a parking lot, the vehicle next to us had a bumper sticker that said 'Abortion is Mean'.  Son #1 looked at me and asked simply, 'what really is abortion?'.  So I explained in 11-year old terms what it actually means (we feel honesty is vital).  After I explained it all, I added, 'we are so thankful that your birth mother chose what she did'.  He looked at me with his big, brown eyes and said, 'she could have done that?'.  Yes.  I almost felt like crying.  Then he said quietly, 'I'm glad she didn't because I would be missing all of this'.  "This" representing his life of parents and siblings and extended family and friends and basketball and baseball and hunting and a real reason for living.  I was glad it was dark out because I got more than misty-eyed.  Yes, he would have missed all of this.  And so would have we.  I'm once again grateful for being an adoptive mom.  And I'm once again grateful to be his mom.  Because life is worth living.  And he makes our life so much better.

Unnecessary words

A teacher asked me my senior year of high school why I talked so much.  My response was that there are so many words to say.  Like it or not, a good portion of this week has been the MYP, the dog, and myself.  You see the Chairman is burning the candle at both ends for various reasons.  And therefore, he's not here to listen as he does so well.  So you my dear peeps are the beneficiaries.  Or not.

Did you know today I was listening to an old '80's country song on Pandora to take my mind off of ironing and started realizing something?  I have been singing a couple of the words wrong for approximately 25 years.  Maybe it was due to the fact I first heard it on a crackly AM station in SD.  Just thought I'd mention this in case you thought I was perfect or something.

I cleaned out the freezer yesterday.  And I found seven bags that each held about two or three hot dog buns in various degrees of freezer burn.  Remind me next time to just toss the extras.  I will never use them again.  Amazing how much more room I have in there!

People from the country of India are very dedicated to their chairman.  I can't tell you how many hits I get from various locations across that vast country with the search for "Happy Birthday to the Chairman".  Must be pretty special to be a Chairman in India.  And they respect them highly.  Maybe I should take my role as the assistant to the Chairman with greater reverence.

I almost feel guilty.  I called Warehouse Club #1 to tell them that I would no longer be frequenting their location since Warehouse Club #2 had moved in our neck of the woods.  Do you know what WC #1 did?  They refunded my annual membership fee!  Now I almost feel bad since they were so nice to me.

I love being a mom.  Maybe it doesn't always show.  And I love the opportunity we've been given to parent both a son and daughters.  It is very different and yet so much the same.  Don't tell him I said this, but I just LOVE it when son comes up and wants a very long hug.  He's too cool for that.  But it melts this mama's heart.

Speaking of moms, I saw one tonight at a restaurant.  She had seven kids with her from the ages of approximately 3 and 13.  They definitely were all hers by looks and size.  They all were tidy, well-behaved, and ate without complaint.  I was impressed.

I beat the odds this week.  You see we live in a large metropolitan area.  Two days ago, I entered a store and soon heard a very obnoxious loud child crying.  Then throwing a tantrum on the floor.  Then the mother trying to determine what to do.  Pleading with "Abby" to get up.  Begging "Abby" to behave.  Walking away from "Abby".  It was a mess to the nth degree.  Today, I enter another store at least six miles from the other one at a very different time of the day.  I listen.  I hear "Abby".  I hear Abby's mother once again pleading with her to behave.... and so it goes.  What are the odds?  I think I might go buy a lottery ticket.  Or not.

Well I'm worded out.  And these have been mostly unnecessary.  But cathartic since the Chairman will be too tired to listen once he gets home!

Thoughts from the table (part 2)

I hesitate to pen type up my emotions for a couple reasons.  One is that I don't want to come off as an elitist that has a soft life.  And another is that I don't want to ever appear to be a complainer.  But today's experience merits mentioning.

I had a massage.  Not just any massage.  A very, very bad massage.  No, not bad in that way.  That would be a different kind of post.

So yesterday I felt some knots building.  I also knew I had a couple massages waiting because of my membership.  So I called and asked who was available for deep tissue on just the back.  Oh!  Patty is available tomorrow at 10:30.  Great!  That should work splendid.  

I walk in and meet Patty.  She's a slender lady with a ready smile and about my age and size.  I immediately feel at ease and am looking forward to fifty minutes of zoning out.  Drooling as I lie face down feeling the knots disappear from my upper back.  Listening to calming music while my mind slowly sails far away into an oblivious state of relaxation.  She warms up the table and gets to work.  Or didn't.

She lightly touches my neck.  Lightly rubs my shoulder.  Very lightly runs her hands down my spine.  I'm thinking ok, we're just getting started here and this is her style.  Except the very light touches never turn into anything more but very light touches.  I'm getting frustrated.  I start to tense up.  The more I tense, the lighter she rubs.  The lighter she rubs, the more frustrated I feel and I'm about ready to sit up and yell, 'STOP!  I CAN'T TAKE THIS ANYMORE'.  It was worse than getting a massage.  You want her to dig deeper.  Work on those tired old aching middle-age muscles and she continually dances her light fingertips across the skin.  AAARRRGGGHHH!  I'm not a complainer.  Or so I like to think.  About 20 minutes into this misery, I finally can't take it.  'Could you please work just a little harder?  I feel like nothing is getting accomplished.'.  She says, 'you seem very tense and so I thought I would work very lightly'.  Really?  I clearly ask for deep tissue.  I'm known for always having massage therapists that work the ba-jeebers out of my back.  And Patty tickles my backbone (and certainly not my funny bone).

Lucky the 50 minutes finally passed.  She says flatly, 'well you're all done...'.  You bet I am.  With you and this massage and this perfectly good waste of an hour of my morning.  But I didn't tell her that.  I smiled warmly and accepted her glass of cool water and got out of there with my knots in tow.

So hopefully, next time is better.  It certainly couldn't be worse!

And no, I try not to complain.  Just this once.  Can you give me a pass this time?

Monday Musings

I'm alone.  The silence is deafening.  And I love it.  After a busy past week, I was looking forward to a couple days to be alone in my thoughts and catch up on stuff.  Then the smallest of the MYP changed my plans.  She was sick.  She needed me.  And she needed to stay home from school.  So after 28 hours of sickness, she got her bootstraps laced up (figuratively of course) and ran errands with me on Friday afternoon.  It's kinda neat having just one child along at times.  I almost feel like doing a victory dance when only one person out of the family gets the bug.  We were lucky this time.  I think.

Another misled Google searcher.  This came from Punjab Pakistan looking for "Happy birthday wishes for my elder sister".  I'm sure they moved on quickly.  But it sure makes my visitor map look like I'm a real global-like lady.  Or not.

Caringbridge is a lovely avenue of communication.  When we went through some tough experiences, it would have been nice to have that site.  I would think it would save a lot of miscommunication, and repeating the same information.  Plus the little comments people would leave could be a big encouragement.

Fifty years ago today, a little baby girl was born.  She brought love and life and happiness to her parents and family, and those around her.  She was full of life and lived life to the fullest.  A dreadful disease cut the life short.  There were and still are some heavy hearts yet five years later.  I'm glad to have known her.  And I'm glad she was my sister-in-law.

Yesterday was December 4.  I woke up very early and decided to take an early walk.  And you know what I saw on my walk?  A lot of worms.  Yes!   Worms.  On December 4 here in the upper Midwest.  Odd I say.  Today isn't 'worm weather'.  A light dusting of snow.  I wish there was about 26" of snow.  It's winter!  Bring it on.  Especially when the Chairman does the snow removal, not me.

He doesn't like my hat.  The Chairman that is.  I wear a lot of hats... wife, mother, nursemaid, friend, and you get the point.  He likes all those hats.  But he doesn't like my hat.  The hat I bought for slightly less than $2 at Walmart.  I wear it walking every day in the cold weather.  It's a basic, drab-gray men's hat.  And he mentions nearly every day lately how I need a different hat.  For some reason I find this very funny.  But if you know the Chairman, it is all serious business.  So a'hat shopping I must go.  Soon.  But not yet.  It's comfortable you know...

Mused out.  And Lisi is looking at me with her pleading birthday-girl eyes for a walk and some serious sniffing.

Happy Birthday to me!

Today is my day!  It is my birthday!  The Big Lady that yells but loves me anyway has been singing an annoying song very loudly each time she walks past me while I'm just trying to have some peace and quiet on my dog bed.  I love her with all my hairy being, but she gets on my nerves sometimes.  

But it's my birthday!  I'm four years old today.  Well actually, I'm about 30 according to the golden retriever age charts.  How many of you have experienced 30 years old?  It's pretty prime for people and for dogs.  We are in a nice groove of life.  We know where we are and where we've been and where we're going.  And for me, I hope I'm going on a walk soon.  That's the epitome of a good day really.  

I heard the MYP talking to the Big Lady this morning.  I don't know a lot of words, but I do remember them saying something about presents and bones and candles and something else.  Then they'd look at me with a sneaky smile. The Big Lady took some pictures of me this morning.  It was a bit much.  Can you tell by my face?  

I think it's all good, so I'll just lie here with Snoopy waiting on the rug for the magical moment when Big Lady says the best words ever, 'Ready for our walk?'

my first day with the people I love

Cute little bugger wasn't I?

Thursday's thoughts...

She lies writhing on the sofa.  That after telling me right after g.m. that she didn't feel good.  Not feeling good led to feeling really rotten.  That led to looking inside the porcelain bowl a few times during the night.  Which then led to a fever and now writhing on the sofa with 'sore legs'.  And so goes my day.  Mothering a sick child instead of hopping into the van to run a lot of necessary errands.  But oh well.

You see "Steve" is coming.  Our relationship has blossomed.  Now he's sharing minute details about his life including the fact that his mother's birthday was yesterday.  You see "Steve" is the repairman for my oven.  It has now been out of commission for nearly a week.  The part has been on back order (due to wildly popular demand).  And he would have come yesterday, but it was 'mom's birthday' and you know how that is... as they get older you have to be there for them.  My hunch is that "Steve" doesn't have a wife.  Just sayin'...

The MYP have often complained about the bus driver that shuttles them to school.  I won't humor that thought anymore.  This morning about five minutes after the bus came and left, there was a knock on the door.  Son #1 bursts in and says 'I NEED MY LUNCH!'.  I ask, "did you miss the bus?".  No, she stopped at the corner and let me come home to get it!!!  Really?  So I look out the window.  There sits the idling bus.  And there races our son back to the bus with his lunch sack safely in his clutches.  And you think my school lunches are just mundane?  They're worth coming back for.  And they're even worth having a busload of unruly children wait for you!

So our special people left yesterday.  It's kinda funny how it all works.  We hear sometimes in advance that they will be coming.  We get bedrooms ready.   Come up with a ballpark meal plan (although this time I totally 'winged' it).  And they come!  It's wonderful and special and encouraging.  And before you know it, they are carrying their suitcases back to the car and off they go.  I feel almost sad to see them go.  But they had another family waiting patiently for their visit.  And so go they must.  As sweet as they are, one of them said to me after a walk together, 'you kinda feel like my mom'.  To which I thought within, 'and you just made me feel old saying that!'.   But that's how it should be.  We are mothers and sisters and brethren.  It's a wonderful thing.

Monday Musings (plus one day)

Sorry for being MIA.  I know so many of you depend on the Musings to start your week right.  Hope you were able to handle yesterday without me.  You see I've been busy.  Very busy indeed.  And I'm taking time out of my busy schedule to get some thoughts penned typed frantically because I'm loyal like that.

So in light of our past holiday I'm thankful.

Thankful for food in abundance.  We hosted Thanksgiving.  People brought what I requested and a whole lot more.  And I'm thankful that I was so busy that I didn't overeat! 

I'm thankful for the 'extras' that came to our Thanksgiving Day gathering.  And I'm especially thankful that the Chairman's family feels just like my own.  

I'm thankful for the Chairman.  And that he so willingly helps get our home ready for the extra 40 people that came to share the day.  (But I'm not so thankful that when he follows me home Sunday night he calls my cell to inform me that I'm "weaving in your lane").  tee-hee

I'm thankful for this niece.  I'm thankful that she is a wonderful example of what a young adult should be to our daughters.  I'm thankful that she has found a perfectly suited mate for life.  And I'm thankful we get to attend the wedding in one month!

I'm thankful that these two are my parents.  

I'm thankful I met these young people.  They were all very nice!

I'm thankful that dad just celebrated his 81st birthday in good health with an optimistic outlook of the next venture.

 

 I'm thankful for my family once more.

I'm thankful for very dry firewood that warms us from the inside out.

I'm thankful that my oven didn't die until the day after Thanksgiving.  I ran the self-cleaning feature after a spill-over and ka-BLAM!  The thermostat blew.  I'm hoping it is fixed yesterday very soon.

And I'm thankful we are a part of a way that plans to have shepherds or shepherdesses stay with us in our homes.  We appreciate the influence they bring.  And we appreciate the fact that we can read life-altering things and play spoons all within the same evening.

Monday Musings

I must be getting old.  I remember as a kid hearing grandparents or other older people saying how fast time goes by.  I feel that way now too.  These Mondays roll around pretty quick!

"Special time" with the MYP is really a neat thing.  I had the luxury of taking just the girls with me on a shopping and lunch venture this weekend.  Don't get me wrong, I love my son dearly.  Just not at the mall.  He's miserable.  He complains (and sometimes pokes) until we all are miserable.  And misery doesn't like company at the mall.  So he stayed home and played with friends and we shopped and had a leisurely lunch.  It was like I envisioned when these young girls were wee little things.  Sweet times with sweet daughters.  Happy sigh.

"Special time" with a son is altogether different.  He and I do active stuff together.  That's when he talks the most.    Last night was no exception.  We headed out for a long walk in the dark.  I was entertained and intrigued by something he shared about a neighbor.  Said that they were all playing outside a few weeks ago and he saw Mrs. Neighbor pole dancing with friends at her house.  I'm not sure what alarms me more.  That my 11-year old son knows what pole dancing is?  Or that Mrs.  Neighbor was actually pole dancing since she's well, not the pole-dancing type or shape.  Or that he and some neighbor boys saw it peeking in a window.  And finally, that it happened approximately three weeks ago and he finally shared such titillating stuff.  Wow.

While at the aforementioned mall I got sucked into a demonstration for a free product that turned into a state-fair type demonstration for a super-de-duper slicer that can cut off your fingertips in record-breaking time.  I came up with a number in my head that I would spend if it came to it.  The number made it.  I bought with the daughters' urging.  And now I'm soon going to be the lucky winner of a lot of bandaged knuckles.

I saw a fellow in the checklane at the store this week.  He bought the smallest turkey possible.  A can of sweet potatoes.  A can of jellied cranberries.  A couple potatoes.  A box of Stovetop.  A jar of turkey gravy.  And celery (that must have been salad).  I'm not actually sure what to say about this except that traditions are deeply ingrained in our lives whether we know it or not.  I almost invited him over to our house since we'll be many and the gravy will taste better guaranteed.

I got our semi-annual holiday card already ordered!  And yes, Lisi will be on it again.  Since some of you are more interested in the dog than us.  Or maybe she's cuter anyway.

Saw a couple quotes in a book that I'd like to share (since my musings are a bit dull and I've run out of fodder):

Be kind to your friends.  If it weren't for them, you'd be a total stranger.

Wisdom is knowing what to do next.  Virtue is doing it.

A sharp tongue and a dull mind are usually found in the same head.

Willpower is the ability to eat just one salted peanut.  

On Thanksgiving Day, we acknowledge our dependence.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.   

Thursday's thoughts...

The fire burns in the stove.  Toasty-warm toes.  Thankful for very dry wood this year that is dense and kicks off some serious BTU's.

Two of the MYP came downstairs in the past several minutes with reports of strange noises upstairs.  One said it sounded like a 'wheee-woo, wheee-woo' siren.  The other said she heard a 'boing-boing'.  I would go up and investigate.  But my mothering instinct says it is simply another delay-tactic opportunity.  I'm tired so they need to go to bed.  Right?  But tomorrow if I see a rabbit with a set of lights on his back, I'll know I found the reason for all the noises up there.

Tonight I'm thankful for Goodwill.  Lisi got three new "monkeys" (stuffed animals she LOVES) for a bit more than nickels.  She's very pleased.  One is actually 'Snoopy'.  Seems kind of sacrilege for her to be chewing on another dog.  I found two new skirts.  One was an Ann Taylor Loft for $4.99!  Then after that stop, I decided to go more high-brow and stopped at the Dollar Tree.  I'm classy like that.

Tonight's menu consisted of meatloaf, homemade mac & cheese, squash, and fruit salad.  Why am I telling you this?  Well the meatloaf was actually a bit better than the run-of-the-mill uninspired meatloaf.  In fact, since I love you all so much, I'll link it for you  right here.  I'm no gourmet cook.  But I am a cook for a family and when they all like something... well it must be mentioned.

Do you recall the quandary I was in a few days ago?  You know the hole that the dog deemed necessary in our front yard?  Well thanks to the suggestion of a loyal reader (thanks HH!), I went out to the back 40 acre and brought up some of the morning 'deposits' that Lisi had made and set them on the repaired hole.  She was utterly baffled.  I think in her mind she thought I was setting her up to do her business in the front yard right under the tree.  Luckily, she took matters in her own paws and continues to go out in the back lot.  And even more luckily, the now-filled hole is still level (with a turd on the top mind you).

Since we have a boat-load of people coming to eat turkey with us next week, I need to start getting my ducks in a row.  Oh wait, we're not serving ducks.  So they don't need to be in a row.  But the dinner rolls need to be.  As well as the MYP sitting spit-polished waiting at the door.  Or not.

Monday Musings

Did you know I actually take notes some weeks to be sure that I include thoughts on Monday Musings?  I'm cool like that.  This week?  Not so much.

I was amazed, flattered, and slightly humbled.  This past week this lovely specimen of literary excellence had passed over 50,000 views in its lifetime.  I mean really?  Monday Musings are mostly mundane.  But to keep slightly humble, I need to remember there are innocent victims out there.  People like the one from a couple days ago.  He/she Googled "how to praise the Chairman" from a remote place in India.  Well, no use stopping here for tips.  I'm not really good at positives for some reason.  And so this Chairman doesn't get all the praise he deserves.

Sleepovers are not for sissies.  I'm not talking about the un-named child that went to the sleepover.  I'm talking about the poor siblings and parents that deal with a sleep-deprived child after the sleepover.  Lets just say that about two hours before the 'normal bedtime', this child got a one-way ticket to the bedroom and told in no uncertain terms that the next time we want to see the child is at the breakfast table.  It worked.

I awoke very early yesterday morning and headed for a brief Sunday-morning walk to clear my head of unnecessary clutter.  What to my wondering eyes did appear was a street full of pumpkins!  Since I'm such a neat blogger, I ran back to the house for my camera.  Took a couple shots of the pumpkins crossing the road for evidence.  But as I look at the picture, it looks like a bunch of pumpkins filling up a roadway.  Hardly worth the effort to download.  So just pretend you saw it.  Why did someone do that you ask?  No clue.

Lisi is 112% better.  In fact, she has been doing some naughty stuff like insisting on digging a hole in one of our garden beds in the front of the house.  I filled it up.  Yelled at her (even though it was pointless).  And the hole reappeared.  I'm worried she's going to kill the tree nearby.  Why does she keep digging in the exact same spot.  Stoopid dog.  I just realized that the 3 1/2 pills routine I must poke down her throat twice/day is going to go on for an entire month.  Oh well.  Beats having a dead dog.

I sent the who-brings-what list for Thanksgiving this morning.  We are hosting again for friends and family.  I love opening our doors to others.  But figuring out in a fair way who should contribute what makes me queasy.

I almost said something to someone yesterday.  It was something they would have found interesting.  And even informative.  But as I was about to say it, I realized it wouldn't make that person feel better.  So I didn't share it.  Have been thinking about that since.  I am a talker.  I know that.  It is my weakness at times - saying too much.  I need to learn how to only share things that will make people feel better.  Or more thankful.  Or encouraged in their journey.  That's a lot more profitable than sharing just because I could share.  I'm glad for the lesson.  I hope to get better at this.

Mused out.

Thinking Thursday thoughts

I'm sure you all are hitting the refresh button wondering in near-agony the fate of the pampered pooch.  Well I'm happy to report that she is regaining her strength and back to her mischievous ways again.  She actually wanted to walk.  She has a light back in her eyes.  And she pulled most all the stuffing out of "Clifford", her latest toy.  Medicine does wonders.  She acquired a tick-borne disease along the way.  It tested negative for Lyme, but it is some other tick-gift as her blood told us so.  Funny how when your dog or child is sick that you just wish they'd act 'normal'.  And 'normal' can be somewhat annoying, but that's what you want.  And for all you non-dog people out there, I will refrain from saying more about this for now!

I'm not addicted to any vice.  Or so I thought.  Today I decided to not make coffee since the Chairman is away and it seemed like a lot of work to make some just for myself.  My headache this afternoon proves it is an addiction or something like that.  Rats.

Speaking of addictions.  I love Words with Friends.  As one friend said recently, it is almost addicting.  But today I had even something better!  I had Lunch with Friends.  It was nice.  And it didn't challenge my pea-brain as much as the Words does...

Yes, the Chairman flew the coop this time.  When I leave, I go to big cities and enjoy being pampered and eating and visiting with friends.  When he leaves, he drives an unbearable amount of time (for me, not him), eats what he can grab, and takes pictures and notes and makes observations of land, buildings, and chicken coops (well not really) and comes home to write gigantic big reports for important people in suits about what he saw and what the numbers crunch out to be.  Did I tell you ever that he's a lot smarter than I am?  Oh I did?  Well, anyway, it is still true.

But what is funny is that when I left I was all a-flutter.  Made sure some meals were made up in advance.  Made sure the house was clean to a 'ting'.  Made sure the laundry baskets were empty and the ironing all done.  Made sure the kids were reassured about 27 times where I was and when I would return.  When the Chairman leaves, he makes sure to speak to each of the MYP individually.  Grabs a few things and stuffs them in a bag.  Kisses me a couple extra times and he's off!  Yes, the absence sure differs depending on who leaves.  Not sure what to say about it other than this observation.

And yes, it snowed yesterday.  And this morning for that matter!  But I'm glad of it.  If  you are a daily walker like me, I'd much rather be pelted with snow than rain.  Just my two cents worth.

My thoughts are getting thoughtless...

Sick as a dog

Well I should be.  Because I'm sick.  And I'm a dog.  And the picture above - albeit cute, isn't me.  I think the Big Lady that yells but loves me anyway would go find one of those water bottle thingys if she thought it would make me feel better.

Yes, this is your good friend Lisi.  I don't feel so good.  The Big Lady has been looking at me all suspicious-like for the last couple days.  And she has reason to.  You see I don't feel very peppy.  It hurts me when I try to stand up.  So I lay down and stay put.  Even the thought of a walk just doesn't do it for me.  So the Big Lady keeps looking at me until she reaches for the phone.  She's talking to the Big Guy with a soft heart.  I hear her say that she will call and make an appointment right away.

And off we go!  We get to the office.  I slowly get out of the van and head inside.  They weigh me (in front of a crowd mind you), and take me to a room.  The very cute doctor-lady comes in.  She feels me all over.  I kinda hurt, but I purr for her.  She laughs.  And sticks this thing up my hinder.  I feel like I'm losing all sense of decency here.  I mean, really?  Then they take me back and stick this needle in me and pull out a lot of warm, red stuff.  They bring me back and say they'll call with results.  But the doctor thinks I act way older than I should!  The Big Lady keeps telling me to act my age.  Now when I do, they say it's too old!  No pleasing these people.

We go home.  The Big Lady and the Big Guy talk next to me.  The Big Lady is petting me in all the right places.  It brings some comfort.  Soon it is bedtime and I stumble to my bed.  Soon the littlest of the small people comes down from her bed and lays next to me.  She is crying.  Big Lady is telling her that I won't die.  WHAT???  Does she think I'm dying?  Oh I hope not yet!  I know life is short... but come on!  She reassures the little one that I'm not dying.  I get an extra hug and then I'm alone for the night.

Today was really weird.  Big Lady keeps looking at me.  After a phone call, she takes me outside.  She's holding some weird contraption.  It has a spoon at the end.  She keeps demanding me to "GO POTTY!".  Why?  I don't have to go.  I'm thinking I might try since it is sleeting out and it might make her happy.  I start to squat to go and she rushes in with her spoon!  What in the world???  I lose my urge.  Then she's yelling at me to "GO POTTY" again.  And again out comes that spoon thing.  What is she doing?  I think Big Lady is loopy sometimes, but this is just.  Plain.  Nuts.  I refuse to go.  Can't a dignified pooch like me have some privacy?

So we go back to the doctor.  Get some pills.  And we are home.  She still is looking at me kinda strangely. I'm nervous I might have to really 'go'  and she'll be chasing me around the yard with her device.  She's a weird one.  But she loves me and I love her and when the love is deep enough and real enough, you put up with some quirks.

ed note:  Lisi has started to be extremely weak in her back legs for two days now.  Took her in for a Lyme test that came back negative.  But her blood work shows some off numbers like it is probably a tick-borne disease.  So she's on medicine and we are hoping for the typical nutty fur ball to be back with us soon.  FYI... catching a 'sample' on a female dog is harder than it seems.  I've still not had an ounce (pun intended) of luck.

Monday Musings

Well I'm back!  And as you probably noticed, the Chairman took liberties while I was away.  I know you don't have to wonder if it is he or I that is writing prose on this blog as his words are usually look-up-in-the-dictionary kind and mine are... well more on a 4th grade level.  Anyway, I found humor in his high octane discourse and am appreciative of his appreciation.

With great trepidation, I left my family in the rear view mirror and headed to the Windy city last Friday afternoon.

Met up with friends from a past life of mine.  And some new ones.  Ate Thai food.

 Ate a yummy brunch.

 Started to do serious shopping on Michigan Avenue.

(the Coach bag is not mine)

And shared delicacies such as Wow Baos (sounds like wow bow)

Cupcakes...

and three hours over hot fondue pots

We even took the time to look at high places above us

And speak of higher things around the table or in our pj's back at the condo.

One evening at the condo, I went out of the room (actually to the bathroom if you must know) and heard the banter going on in the other room.  Happy conversations about this or that.  And I was transported back to the years before I became Mrs. Chairman.  Living with roommates that loved what I loved.  Living with roommates that enjoyed chatting about the mundane.  Living with roommates that made me laugh.  I loved that cozy, back-in-the-day feeling.  Yes, those were 'good old days'.  I'm so glad I married a bit later so that I could experience a life of shopping and friendships and crowding in a kitchen.  And I'm thankful for the people that were a part of it.  But I'm also thankful for the life I now lead.

People don't change.  We used to talk about men and situations and our jobs.  Now we were talking about the power of our prescription reading glasses, thyroid medicines, and other unmentionables.  But we are who we are.  And some day when we all are sharing bunks in the old ladies quarters at convention, we still will be friends.  I like that thought.

As I drove in the garage last night, the MYP piled out of the house.  They gave me long, warm hugs.  The Chairman was thankful I was home safe from the utter-danger of the big city and the roadways.  And the big hairy dog did her typical 'ba-rooooo' to celebrate her happiness.  Yes, life is good.  And I hope I remember that as I muddle through the piles of stinky unwashed clothes down in the laundry room...

ALERT FROM THE CHAIRMAN!

Alert! Alert!  I would like to put out an APB on my wife.  She was last seen traveling towards the Chicago Loop.  Ostensibly, for some sort of "ladies weekend" or whatever.  Meanwhile, I am in the house with no wife in sight.  How did this most unusual situation develop?

Several decades ago, I recognized a need to make one major decision that would allow me to transition from a simple life as a kid to a somewhat simple life as an adult.  To foster the image that I turned out to be a responsible adult, I would need to attach myself to a very capable female companion.  Thus, while older and burdened with more responsibility, I could continue to live life as essentially a big kid.  One month after my schooling was complete, I met a fiercely independent woman that was perfect for the position.  Clearly capable of running a household, I foresaw that she would tend to the children while I would roam free.  The plan worked for years.  I was able to travel the continental 48 states at will while I had confidence the home front was protected.

But now the tables have turned.  I am the one at home while she is roaming free...in Chicago no less.

At the risk of sounding patronizing, I would like to raise a practical question.  How does being raised on the prairie of South Dakota prepare oneself for the dangers of the urban environment?  In the big city, especially Chicago, danger is everywhere.  One moment all can appear to be well.  But danger is just around the corner.  Just recognizing that danger exists is not sufficient.  Proper evaluation of each risk is essential.  It is possible to be distracted by some minutiae, label that as a threat, then leave your rear flank exposed to an actual menace.  In Chicago, a small sample of the potential threats could include a group of roaming youth looking for a "free" ipad, a Dave Matthews Band tour bus expunging waste, or Rahm Emanuel with a steak knife.  The complete threat count is overwhelming.

Honey, if you are reading this, if you feel unsafe in any way, you can be assured that I have a capable rescue team in place that can be on location within 90 minutes.  If you choose to "go it alone," I will respect your decision.

For the record, I don't want to suggest to the readers that the Publisher is with the "wrong element."  While not residents of the Badger State, I have had the opportunity to evaluate a couple of the women through the years and I must say I hold them in high regard.  As an aside, one is strangely knowledgeable about Elvis.

Well, I am not sure how to conclude this post.  Someday looking back, this could be mildly humorous.  But I am writing this in real time.  I don't know how this turns out yet.  My wife is currently MIA.  I can assume all ends well, but that is only an assumption at this point.  I feel like I am starting to ramble.  My life feels somewhat unfocused.  I need some direction.  Oh, if anyone sees my wife on the streets, tell her Happy Anniversary for me.  Meanwhile I will just wander about the house.

All for now,
The Chairman

Thinking Thursday thoughts

And darkness was upon the face of the deep.  Or covering the morning sun.  But wow... it is dark in the morning!  I think this all changes on the weekend.  Then it'll be a LOT better!  It'll be deepest darkness about 20 minutes after the bus returns the MYP.  Late-fall.  Gotta love it.

He came home two days ago.  Son #1.  Said he just felt tired all day and then laid his weary head down on the island while he sat and picked at his after-school vittles.  Hmmm.  Not the son I know.  Within two hours he was fast asleep on the sofa with chills and a 101.5 fever.  So I had mother/son time yesterday.  And I loved it.  I love feeling his near-100 lbs. resting on my lap.  I love (kinda anyway) hearing about the gun that has bullets that spread apart to give you the best advantage when hunting.  And I love hearing the 'thank yous' when he is recovering and starving and no matter what you place in front of him, he devours it and says it is the best ever.

The Chairman got a flat tire coming home the other night.  His car has something called 'run flats'.  That means even though you have a flat tire, you can continue to drive on it for some time.  Why not make all tires like that and once they 'pop', you just keep going rather than paying $$$$ for replacements.  They don't ask me these questions.

Remember Mr. and Mrs. October?  Well Lisi was feeling pity over the utter grief that Mr. October was feeling since Mrs. October was already 'gone home'.  So he gave him the same treatment.  May they rest in peace.

Words with Friends is a dreadfully addicting game.  Unfortunately, I have eight games going right now.  Some I win.  Some I lose.  But I just can't help myself.  When the iPad 'dings', I just have to look and see who played what.  I'm hoping to wean myself back to about three games instead of eight.  I need less friends.

Speaking of friends.  I'm flying the coop.  This hen is off the nest and heading out to do this:

Or maybe not quite.  But I am meeting up with 'old' friends.  Actually, past roommates that I lived with.  We are going to have a weekend together.  A bit of shopping and a bit of exercise mixed with a lot of talking and a lot of eating.  Am I looking forward to it?  Of course!  Am I feeling an anxious twinge about leaving my family at home? Of course!  In the near-17 years of our marriage, I've never really done something like this before.  It's all new territory for me.  Maybe I'll like it and want to fly the coop once a month.  I doubt it.  You see the coop is where I roost.  I love the little flock coming under my wings for a touch or warmth or protection or the assurance that I'm still there.  I love being a mother hen.  I love the rooster.  And so I'll go and enjoy and be thankful that the coop is still here when I return.  

Monday Musings

Well hello there dear peeps far and near.  And so dawns another week ahead.  Happy Halloween.!  It's all basically done here except for the noshing of nougat.  First off, here's some obligatory pictures of the goblins at our house.  

army action something

a bee, a baby, an iPhone, and a pirate!  

One of the friends from was from near.  One of the friends was from afar - like from Canada-far.  Lovely young thing she was.  

So after a beautiful Saturday of three-hours worth of trick or treating, some of the MYP decided to go again last night in the driving 40 degree-something rain and get more for "Operation Sweet Tooth" a program a local dentist does for the service people overseas.  What a gig!  He collects candy.  Yeah sure, candy is the reason for his livelihood.  But it seemed like for a good cause.  They came home with about eight more pounds of sugar.  I'd call it "Operation Sore Tooth" or "Operation Belly Ache" or even "Operation Diabetes".  I always get a bit queasy when I see mounds like this on the living room floor.  

But they show a little bit of discretion luckily.  I'm hoping I do as well.  Because this afternoon, I'm alone with their piles.  

Braces are off for son #1!  It is a very bittersweet moment.  Braces cannot get misplaced.  Retainers can.  I went dumpster diving already for an expander at the beginning of this journey.  I'm hoping I don't have to for this segment... but I must admit - it scares the willies out of me that he is responsible for something worth $205.  

I had an eye check this morning after three years.  They told me the obvious.  I need reading glasses.  And my distance needs a wee bit of correction.  So I don't know what to do now.  Do I buy drugstore glasses for reading and pretend I can see distance ok without the correction?  Or should I get progressive lenses?  It doesn't sound very progressive when you need something because you are getting old.  

So the local Costco opened.  As promised, it was a zoo.  Hopefully, things settle down once all the hoopla has passed.  Do I like it?  Sure do.  Will I go there?  Of course.  Will I spend a lot of money there?  Unfortunately.

Very soon, I'm leaving my family for some time with 'old' roommates.  And to be honest, I'm a bit nervous about it all.  Why you ask?  I feel so utterly indispensable here that I can't imagine them living their well-adjusted lives without me for two whole days.  I think my feeling of self-importance was actually shot into bits when I heard yesterday all the fun plans they have for the time I'm away.  But I like to think they'll miss me.  And I like to think they'll be happy to see me return.  And I like the fact that anytime they ask for an extra hug lately, that I take them and give them.  Because I'll miss them very soon.  

I was at the store picking up Lisi's new bag of kibble and ran into a kindly-faced lady about my age with an 8-week old golden retriever puppy tucked in the crook of her arm.  I felt like people that want babies when they see them.  I cooed over that sweet little pup named "Joe".  I should re-read old posts of when Lisi was a pup and drove me bazonkers.  I actually nearly thought about returning her to the breeder at one point.  But a puppy... a golden puppy.  Hardly a thing cuter really.   He looked like this:

Altogether now... ahhhhhh.


Well the bread dough needs to get into the pans.  Lunch needs to be eaten.  And the now-good natured pooch needs her walk.  Happy week ahead!

Remembering...

The day started out with a glimmer of hope.  She had now lived three days.  We watched her struggle through the clear incubator.  We asked naive questions about her chances.  The neonatologists and nurses answered as best they could.  But it was up to her, but more so, up to a higher power.  He was in control and we were not.

We went home to rest.  And then the phone rang mid-morning.  Results have just came back of the brain scan.  A grade 4 (highest possible) on one side and a grade 3 on the other.  We think you should come to the hospital.

At the hospital, we rushed in to see her.  Amara was lying there like she had been. Her very tiny, fragile little being.  She would wiggle and twitch.  But mostly just lie there in her warm cocoon that was to simulate a womb.  But it didn't.  And her body wasn't ready for life yet.  The two specialists called us into a conference room.  The Chairman and I sat there holding hands.  Crying.  And listening to their opinions.  One spoke in medical terms.  She had charts and graphs and probabilities listed.  The other spoke to us like wounded parents.  His eyes brimmed with care and tears.  And so we were left to make a decision.  Please come back after you have decided what is best.

We went down to a vacant hallway.  We held each other.  We cried.  We prayed.  And we talked softly about how we loved her but we needed to let her go.  We called our parents.  One set was able to come in and see her beforehand.  One set sent love from afar.  And then we went back up to the NICU.  The doctors were waiting.  We told them that her struggle should be over.  They completely agreed with our decision.

Dad and Mom D came up to see her.  Then they left us to be alone with our very tiny daughter.  The nurses removed her from all the wires and monitors.  And they brought her to us in a quiet conference room.  I held her first.  Then her daddy held her.  And we hugged and cried and spoke softly and told her we loved her enough to let her go.  A nurse came to take pictures for our memories.  Then a doctor came in to check her.  He said it was soon.  Very soon.  And then... she was gone.  From her daddy's arms to her Father's.  I'm so thankful we were alone with her.  I'm so thankful we had that time.  Most parents get years and years.  We got an hour.  But it was an hour we won't forget.  Ever.

Yes, it is fifteen years ago today.  It seems like a thousand years.  It seems like yesterday.  But... looking back the long years over, twas a varied path and yet... all the way his hand has led us.  I share this not for sympathy.  I share this because I'm thankful.  I'm thankful for Amara because she changed me.  I didn't know empathy until I needed sympathy myself.  I'm thankful that Amara cemented a relationship with my husband that was already firm.  And I'm thankful to think of Amara in a very safe place free of wires and monitors and pain.  And I'm thankful for our dear children that give us an opportunity to nurture.  To guide.  And to love.

Monday Musings

But that didn't happen!  You see our outside post lamp has had a sensor that thinks it is midnight at mid-day.  And so I went to the local hardware store and found a new thingamajig and came home.  Took the whole she-bang apart.  Matched wires for wires (with the electricity off mind you), and then put that puppy on the pole and covered the sensor so it would think it was night.  Kinda like putting a towel over a bird cage.  And you know what?  It worked!  I'm the most surprised!  So if you have any small electrical work you know who to call call someone that knows what they are doing!

We had a nice past weekend.  I'm not spontaneous.  In fact, past roommates of mine called me 'concrete sequential'.  In a nice way I'm sure.  The Chairman knows to never throw a curve-ball at me.  He gives ample warning for me to digest some new news and then respond accordingly.  Has worked for 17 years now.  But this weekend I was a tad spontaneous.  My slightly older sister of four years mentioned they were free.  We were free.  Say!  So we both packed parts of lunch (she more than me I must admit) and we met and had a lovely time.  A near-five mile walk.  A wonderful lunch.  Soaked up some sunshine.  And beyond all that, a good visit while the kids chased each other with sticks.

Son #1 gets off his braces this week!  It's been nearly three years.  I think we should have a sticky party to celebrate.  There's a rumor that there's lots of candy on a top shelf here waiting for trick or treating this Saturday.

Getting ready for my cup of tea.  You see every day around mid-afternoon, I'm overcome with a need for a cup of ambition.  Coffee is my cup of choice in the morning.  But in the afternoon it is my squeeze every bit of caffeinated goodness out of the Tazo Awake tea bag after it has sat for over five minutes.

This is enough.  I'm getting a bit bored with blogging quite frankly.  You see I don't have tiny kids doing adorable things around here.  They no longer say such cute things you have to share.  And so I'll continue to share.  Just no guarantees of wildly humorous stuff folks!