Thursday, July 31, 2014

Just Another Day At LaLa's House ...

Last week when Lindley and Everley went to KB's pool party, we left before they got their "thank you" buckets.  KB brought them over last weekend, and I finally got around to giving them to them today.  I didn't go through them before I handed them out, so both had plenty of sugar to feast upon.  I did eventually take away the suckers because they both were getting a bit snarly.  But the promise of a bubble bath smoothed things over, at least until their parents came to take them home.

Oh, and the band-aid over Everley's eye?  Well, when they were jumping in the trampoline (which has a large beanbag in it, waiting for the yard sale), Lindley was jumping while also sitting on a balloon jumping ball thing, and at some point her foot came into contact with Everley's eye.  I decided that it was nap time, and as we were talking past the first aid kit, Everley decided she needed a band-aid for her eye injury.  And ended up putting it over her eye - like an eye patch.  I convinced her that perhaps over her eye was better. Because I may give them to much sugary foods on occasion, but I do know a little about band-aid placement ...
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Today was a great day because:  Lindley and Everley time; Miranda taking Lindley and Everley to the park; Steve and GDiz bring Whitts home for dinner

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Riding The Rails

Molly came up with the brilliant idea that Steve and GDizzle should ride the local commuter train from downtown to Lebanon - about an hour-long ride (GDizzle worked on the trains in Nashville for a long time, a long time ago).  I thought Lindley and Everley would enjoy it, so I suggested that they and a parental unit join Steve and GDiz.  Meanwhile, Molly and I would drive cars to the train station in Lebanon to pick the riders up (there is no return train service until the next morning).  Brilliant plan, right?  And then there's the Davidson plan ...

Steve came home from work early, changed clothes, and said he and GDiz would be ready to be taken to the train station in about 30 minutes.  I said fine, that I would take a quick shower (I had GDiz and the girls all day, so taking a shower was not in the cards).  I showered, got S and G in GDiz's car, took them downtown, and deposited them at the train station.

I returned home, changed cars to Maribeth's car (because it had the car seats in it), got Maribeth and Everley and Lindley in the car, and headed back downtown.  We were planning to pick up Sam to ride the train, but time got short and traffic got busy, and he was in a meeting, so we marked him off the itinerary.  I deposited Maribeth and the girls and hoped everyone would find each other and the train.

I returned home again to potentially meet up with Molly, who had been in a meeting but was texting to see what the plan was and did she need to change cars.  Since we didn't know if Gdiz's wheelchair would fit into her Prius, we decided that she should get GDiz's car and drive to Lebanon.  Meanwhile, I left to go pick up Sam, listening to my Google maps, since I had no idea where his newest office was.  Keep in mind that it is now full time Nashville rush hour, the hour that everybody in Nashville needs to go somewhere, and nobody is really sure of anything except how to tailgate and honk their horns.

I find Sam's office, pick him up, and ask him to direct me to the Interstate and to the train station.  He got me to the Interstate just fine, and ahead of all the really thick traffic.  However, once we got to Lebanon, his direction/location skills seemed to wane.  First we headed down the desired road.  Then Sam decided that we had gone too far, so we turned around and went back the other way.  Then he decided that the first way was correct, so I did a u-turn and headed back the first way.  Then he decided that the second way was right so I turned around again and headed back the other way.  Then Molly called asking where we were since she was already at the train station and waiting with Steve, GDiz, Maribeth, Lindley, and Everley.  Sam decided we needed to turn into somebody's driveway while Molly pinned something on somewhere so he could see it on his phone.  Which ended up being in the middle of the traintrack.  He studied his phone some more and decided we needed to go back the first way.  And we did.  And then he said, "THERE THEY ARE, TURN HERE!"  And I did, and we all met up.

So Sam, Steve, and Gdiz get in one red Camry and head for Demos', where we were planning to eat a family dinner.  Everley did not wish to get in the second red Camry, but she really needed a new diaper rather than the poopy one she had on, so she got convinced (maybe manhandled is a better term).  She and Lindley were placed in their respective car seats and belted in, and Molly sat (maybe squeezed is a better term) in between them.  Maribeth got in the front with me and off we headed to the restaurant.

We all convened in the lobby, which Lindley and Everley decided would be a grand place to run and jump and crawl on the floor and the lobby benches.  We were shown to our tables - well most of us.  Everley decided that going to the table was a bad idea and came only because her had to - or maybe because her mom was carrying her.  Once she arrived at the table, she decided she was having none of it and took off for parts unknown.  Which ended up at the door to the men's restroom.  Which she has no idea of what it is, regardless of LaLa's attempts to explain it to her.

Anyhow, after a promise of ice cream (which ended up being a smoothie, which ended up being split between Lindley and Everley because it was not fair for E to get ice cream and not L), Everley returned to the table and ate dinner.  As did the rest of us.

Once all food had been consumed, Maribeth, Sam, and their offspring sprinted for the door and headed back to Nashville.  Molly, Steve, GDiz, and I got in his car and did the same.  Eventually everyone returned to their homes and beds with another Davidson adventure in the books.

And here are some pictures of the adventure:

She's making a plan for dinner.

Queen Elsa waiting for the train

Pretzels.  Because later I will get ice cream
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Today was a great day because:  Lindley and Everley time; train ride adventure

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Tuesday ...

You know you're really behind when you have to look back at your Google calendar to see if you did anything two days ago.  I'm sure I did something, just not sure what it was!

Anyhow, the main thing was that Everley spent the night, since her and Lindley's school is closed for inservice for the next three days (E spent the night because Steve has an early meeting tomorrow so I wouldn't be able to leave GDizzle to go get E at her house).  Anyhow, she and I slept upstairs (because I don't trust her to come down the stairs in the middle of the night).  I have to say, it's pretty quiet up there! No cats, no street noise - hmmm, maybe I should move up there?

So, in conclusion, and in an effort to get caught up, I shall leave you with an e-card, which is quickly becoming my "cat videos" of yesteryear:


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Today was a great day because:  taking Everley to school, picking her up, and having her spend the night; vacay planning for other people

Monday, July 28, 2014

To Sleep Or Not To Sleep ...

So Molly gave me an extra FitBit thingy.  Basically, you wear it on your arm and it tells you how many steps you've walked, how many calories you might have burned, etc.  At night, you tap it and it records your sleep pattern.  This was mine last night.  In comparison, Molly's is usually all blue with maybe a turquoise line or two thrown in there.  Clearly my sleep patterns need help.


But then I got this in the mail today.  I think I'll sleep much better tonight!!

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Today was a great day because:  taking Everley to school; having the family over for beef medallions and the fixins'; Lindley and Everley time

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Visitors and Such

Steve brought GDiz to Nashville yesterday for a visit.  Since getting here yesterday, they have been busy in several ways - napping (yes, both of them), shopping (so far a new watch, flashlight, jacket, and who knows what else), riding around (but not getting lost), and eating at Cracker Barrel (two nights in a row).  There's also been a little bit of sitting outside, but since today's heat index approached 105 (according to Steve's weather thingy), sitting outside had to wait until much later this evening.

And speaking of the heat, Udderly Pink planned to do a long training walk this morning.  That was until we actually got outside and discovered it was going to be a Nashville sauna day.  In other words, if it wasn't damp enough from the humidity, the sweat pouring off our faces remedied the situation.  We trekked up and down the "rolling hills" of Nashville, had a bit of breakfast, and then decided to go to our homes because we each had some personal agendas to attend to.

My agenda?  To go home and wait the arrival of my new refrigerator.  Yes - I finally caved (in several ways) and decided to get an early birthday present of a new refrigerator.  Yes, I got a new one four years ago, but that one has an icemaker issue in that it makes ice, but when you open the freezer drawer to get ice or anything else, the ice goes all over the floor and the freezer (I purposely did not want not purchase a frig with a water/ice thingy in the door).  Anyhow, after four years of attempting to retrieve the ice underneath the freezer baskets and cleaning ice off the floor, I decided I had had enough and decided to get a new one.

Last week I took Molly to look at the frig I had decided upon.  Which of course did not have a water/ice on the door thingy and was going to be white.  By the time she and Floyd The Home Depot Dude had finished with me, I was leaning toward the stainless steel frig not only with the water/ice thingy but also with a fancy schmacy door that is inside the door that you open if you just want something like a bottle of G2.  Yes, it sounds complicated.

Anyhow, Molly and I left Floyd (mainly because he would not leave us alone) and Molly went home and found it cheaper at my nemesis, Lowes (actually I used to like Lowes a lot until the GDiz dryer debacle). Nevertheless, since it was cheaper and everything else worked out, Molly ordered it online.  They called and said the first day it could be delivered would be today, so we cut the walk short because they said it would be at the house between 8-12 (I don't know how the scheduler person can say this with a straight face).

So Molly and I got home in order to unload the frig so that it could be hauled to the sunroom when they got here.  Finally around 10am, they called and said they're on their way and would be here in 30 minutes. They got here and inspected my current frig and measured doors and got ready to get busy.  Except they discovered they forgot the appliance dolly back at the warehouse because the inventory for today didn't get pulled yesterday because everything was so busy so they had to pull the inventory today and unbox it and load it up.  In other words, today was going to be a very long day for them.  So they got in their truck and headed back to the warehouse to get the dolly.

Eventually they return, take off all the doors and appendages to my current frig and wheel it out through the den to wheel it into the sunroom (because the door hinges on the door from the kitchen to the laundry room cannot be taken off because the door molding was put around the hinges and would have to be taken off to pop out the hinges).  Once that was out, the new frig less its doors and appendges was rolled in and Dudes 1 and 2 started reassembling both friges.  Eventually both friges were in working order and were loaded with various groceries to be resorted tomorrow.  Lowes, you have redeemed yourself.  For now, anyway.

Molly loves the frig she chose for me!
Anyhow, I am now the proud owner of a stainless steel frig with ice and water in the door.  I caved in to both the icy water and non-white color.  Guess this means I am getting modern in my old age. Of course it doesn't match my other applicances, which are all white, but I guess I'll replace them as they wear out (which means, the dishwasher will go first since it gets used the most, the microwave will go next since it sounds like an airplane going off when it is being used, and finally the stove because it will eventually give up ever being used).  Welcome to the Doik, GDiz and New Frig!!
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Today was a great day because:  a small training walk with UP Sharon, KB, and Molly and peach french toast and drinks; frig delivery dudes; new frig; Lindley and Everley time; dinner at the Barrel (again) with Steve, GDiz, Sam, Lindley, Lynnette, and Molly; Molly laminating my numbers and getting her travel agent thing

Saturday, July 26, 2014

A Little Confession Is Good For A Laugh ... 50 Years Later

I grew up on a dairy farm in the country in a small town in Mississippi.  My father had a little store in which he sold staples for the people who worked for him and their families.  He sold things from bologna and cheese (which he sold by the pound and would cut according to whatever the customer wanted) to flour to candy to coca-colas and everything in between.

sorry for the lousy picture -
it was the best one I could find!
One of the items in his store was Crisco.  Now, back in the day, to open the Crisco can you need the key that was fastened to the top of the can. One would take the key off, connect it to the proper point on the can, and then peel off the lid, trying not to cut your hand off in the process. The cans of Crisco in my father's store were big, probably because back then in the South, Crisco was used in everything.

The thought of winding those lids off fascinated me.  And tempted me. I'm not sure why - perhaps it was the most technological thing I could actually get my hands on.  Remember, I grew up getting (at the most) two channels on the television, and those two channels were pretty much off the air after the 10 o'clock news.  I had no idea what a remote control was.  The only telephone was on the wall in the kitchen. Anyhow, at some point, all I could think about was winding those lids off (my father had two cans in the store - a gold mine!).

One day I could take it no longer.  Temptation took over, and when my father was elsewhere, I took the key to the store (the store was kept locked until certain times of the day - like lunch and dinner) and went in.  I took both Crisco cans off the shelf, sat on the floor behind the counter, and unwound both cans. I was probably in a trance, being mesmerized by this action.  Once both lids had been unwound, I disposed of the key and the trail of wound-up tin.  I put the plastic lid (that were to replace the tin lids) on both cans and put them back on the shelf.  I have no idea what my thought process was at that point - obviously I was clearly in Crisco Can-gate Denial. Did I really think no one would notice the protective tin lid was no longer on the can?  Probably ...

Later that evening, my father came into the house.  To say he was livid would be a gross understatement.  He had both cans under his arms, demanding to know who did it, and did they have any idea what that meant, and probably a lot of other statements that I managed to repress into my memory.  And me?  I said I had no idea who did it (at least I didn't blame it on my brother).

Anyhow, I believe we ended up with both cans in the house to be used (which probably was about two weeks).  I never confessed (until now), probably because I felt a jail cell would have been in my future and I would probably be left with only the two cans of Crisco to eat.

I did, however, curb my fascination with keying and winding off the lids of these type of cans.  The fear of death by Crisco can do that do you!
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Today was a great day because:  picking up Molly on her walk then Starbucks then Molly organizing the yard sale crap in the sunroom; Lindley and Lynnette putting away the toys upstairs; getting more rooms cleaned up; Steve and GDiz's safe travel from Columbus to Nashville; dinner at the Barrel with Maribeth, Molly, Mathieu, Everley, Lindley, Lynnette, Steve, and GDiz

Friday, July 25, 2014

Yes Virginia, This Swimsuit Actually Exists

In my eternal quest to find the perfect swimsuit (that would be one that not only slims and trims my body, but also dissolves the fatness that is my body), I came upon this one today.  How?  By googling "old lady swimsuit."  Apparently you can even purchase this little number here.  Will I actually purchase this little ditty?  Nope, because I have a feeling I would still look like a whale, only this time dressed in a sailor suit.

But I guess it's a comfort to know it's available ...
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Today was a great day because:  taking Everley to school; solitary pizza night at home; getting a room or two cleaned up

Thursday, July 24, 2014

I Love TBT!!!

First of all, I have a ready blog topic (based on some random photograph I find).

Second of all, it gives me a chance to catch up, should I need it (when I need it, because I need it, etc.).

Third of all, I get to see what was.  And share what was with you - who is.

And with that, here's this week's catchup throw-back-Thursday picture!!


This was in August of 1974 (you do the math).  My first time to Disney World.  We went as a family - my parents and my brother and sister.  My sister was already in college, I was about to start my freshman year in college, and my brother was a teenager.  We picked up my Aunt Luellen on the way - she lived in Bunnell, Florida.  We did the typical old-school family style WDW visit - everyone did everything together.  My mother was afraid we would get lost.  Because in her mind we were still toddlers.  Anyhow, this photo is us (or some of us) on a "ride" where you got in a canoe and paddled around (I believe it was around Tom Sawyer Island).  We also rode the Skylift.  Neither ride exists now.  At the end of the day, my father determined it was time to go.  He wanted to beat the crowds.  Which meant we were going to miss the fireworks, which was a big thing for my sister and me.  As much as we dawdled and went to the bathroom, there was no way to extend our time to see the fireworks.  And so we missed them.  We did see a car on fire as we left, so I guess that would count as some kind of fireworks - just not the kind we wanted to see.

And thus began my obsession love of all things Disney World.  Especially the fireworks!!
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Today was a great day because:  taking Everley to school and seeing NetNet; dinner and dessert with Steve and Molly; Steve bringing Starbucks home

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Since I'm Behind Anyway ...



And the theme for today would be ...
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Today was a great day because:  taking Everley to school; lazy day at home

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho - It's Off To The Gyno I Go!!

Last week I got the boobies smushed and squished by the mammo-machine, so it was only natural that this week would involve a visit to the gyno for a check up of the rest of my lady parts.  Since it is always a highlight of my year, I decided to recap today's event. You're welcome.


As any lady knows, there is a lot of work involved with the yearly look-see.  First of all, it begins just after you leave the gyno office - you make a mental note that you have 365 days in which to lose all that weight so that next year you will be slim and trim and get the "Golden Stirrups" award for being so awesome and losing so much weight.  Then, 364 days later, you are frantically searching the Internet for a diet that will help you lose 50 pounds in 18 hours.  Finding nothing, you do the next best thing - go order a Bic Mac with fries. After all, what does it matter now?

Anyhow, the day arrives of your visit with Mr. Spec (you know what I'm talking about).  I always like to have a morning appointment.  There's a slightly better chance of the doctor being on time and not having to go deliver some one's baby (and don't bother me with statistics on when babies are usually born - I like living in my state of denial, thank you).  Also, with a morning appointment, I don't have to worry about not eating all day to keep from putting extra pounds on the scale.  And I don't have to thinking about "hopping up on the table" all day.  And I don't have to figure out when I'm going to shower so I will be all fresh and everything.

So that was my plan for today.  Except that I was on "taking Everley to school" duty and she decided to sleep a little later, which meant a later arrival at school which basically meant I have about 20 minutes once I got back home to take a shower, find decent clothes that I could squeeze in to, and try to lose 50 pounds. Oh, and also drink as much water as possible so that I can contribute that bodily fluid as is usually requested.

Miraculously I managed to get to the office in time.  I had brought a book to read, which I decided I no longer liked, and skipped to the last chapter to finish it off.  Soon it was my turn, and I followed Nurse Nice to the Interrogation Room.  This is where you get weighed and your blood pressure checked.  Of course, they had to bring in the postal scales to get my weight, but she deducted two pounds for my shoes and clothes (and didn't buy into the theory that my shoes weighed 50 pounds).  Anyhow, she did my blood pressure and then asked if I needed to go to the bathroom.  NEED TO GO?  I had downed a gallon of water on the way there and managed to convince my kidneys that no, they were not going to burst before I got to the office - did I need to go? I said that yes, because I thought that was a requirement, and she said it wasn't anymore.  The times they are a'changin'.  Anyhow, I did visit the facilities and left a sample and then proceeded to my own little room.

Here is where you strip and put on the free garments - a paper "gown" and a paper "blankie" to cover yourself.  The gown comes with a "belt" which is comedy relief thinking it would encircle anything on my body.  I decided to just tie it in my hair for a hair bow (yes, I really did).  All the while, I am chanting to myself to the gown, "Please meet in the middle."  By careful maneuvering, I managed to cover all the important parts.  I have found that different gynos use different "inspection garments."  Molly's uses some type of silky robe - just what I would need, to be slip-sliding away on the exam table.  I once had a gyno who gave you two napkins - one the size of a doily and one the size of a place mat, and expected you to cover up with that.  Anyhow, I got covered and concentrated on not sweating, which would probably disintegrate the material and therefore my coverage.

Anyhow, soon Dr. BN comes in and is just lovely.  Does she say, "You know, it's a hassle to get them big-a#$ postal scales in here once a year for you," or "Gurrl - you need to lose some weight."  Nope, she is all happiness and joy, and admires my lovely headdress/former belt.  She gets down to bizness and in a matter of moments is all done.  We chitchat a little more and soon our visit is done.  At least until next year. Which means I have 365 days to lose weight.  Or at least bring my own postal scales ...
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Today was a great day because:  taking Everley to school: finishing up my yearly mammy/pappy exams; picking up Everley and Lindley at school and having E and L time

Monday, July 21, 2014

Monday Tidbits

So the past couple of times I've gotten in my car, I've heard a faint little "ding."  I would glance at the dashboard, looking for a glaring "YOU IN TRUBBLE NOW, GURRRLL" type indicator, but could not see any.  I would look at my radio, thinking perhaps it had suddenly developed that thing that Steve has on his satellite radio that dings every time 50 Cent is playing on a channel - but the words "50 Cent" did not appear on my dash.  I would glance at my phone, thinking perhaps it was telling me something - but no, the face was dark and silent.

Finally today, as I was pulling out of the driveway, I heard the ding again, and I perused the dash a little more closely.  Uhhhh - I believe the ding was telling me that I WAS OUT OF GAS!!  Luckily for me, my little car coasted on fumes until I could get to the gas station.  Apparently little dings mean a lot ...

On today's agenda was picking up these two and heading to KB's pool for a pool birthday party for her two 9-year-old ggirls.  One of these two dutifully put on her swim life jacket thingy and one did not, preferring to keep LaLa busy running after her, insuring that someone did not fall into the pool and drown, an incident that would be frowned upon by someone's parents.

Nevertheless, a good time was had by all - the one who spent the entire time in the pool and the other one who visited the food bar several times - in between balancing on the side of the pool and flirting with falling into the pool.  After cupcakes, everyone was returned safely to their parents and their homes.  And LaLa went home and directly to bed ...
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Today was a great day because:  taking Everley to school; picking up Everley and Lindley and going to KB's pool party; a little vacay planning

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Mileage

Today the Udderly Pink 3-Day Team went for a walk.  We stopped for drinks (thanks to Bruce) and photo ops.  The day was overcast, which was a big help in getting in our seven miles.  In two months we'll be in Philadelphia for the 60-mile, 3-day walk to fight breast cancer.  We're almost to our goal - but just in case you want to donate, here's the link:  CLICK HERE!!


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Today was a great day because:  7 miles with the Udderly Pink Team; pedis and frig shopping with Molly; Steve's safe travel home

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Ummmm...


This would be funny and true - if only I'd gone running today ...
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Today was a great day because:  Everley sleepover; breakfast with Everley and Molly at Charity's Sonic; Wal Mart with Everley and taking her home; cruise planning

Friday, July 18, 2014

TBT - Race Day Part 2

After posting yesterday's 5K race pictures from this retro weekend of races back in 2008, I couldn't resist and had to post this one from the 15K. Not sure whose idea it was or how Maribeth remained upright once I hopped on her back (hopefully photographer was really quick), but it sure made for a fun picture. And apparently amused the lady behind us!
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Today was a great day because:  Taking Everley to school and picking her up after school and then having her overnight; chatting with DCL dude; nice cooler summer weather

Thursday, July 17, 2014

TBT - Race Day!

Back in the old days, before Run Disney became the mega race deal that it is, there were a few races that were special.  One of these was the Minnie 15K, and the Go Red for Women 5K that were held the same weekend.  These two races were held for only three years, from 2006-2008.  Instead of the 10,000 participants that do the 5Ks now, this 5K had a manageable number, and this particular year, the sisters decided to do it together (in relative terms).  In other words, Marilyn and her two daughters Lucy and Rachel and Molly, Maribeth, and I all entered the same race.  We didn't exactly finish together, but we consider it to be a race we did together.

Best part was making funny pictures - and I loved the bibs!!

Molly detained for being too fast - or was it too slow ...

There's more than one way to finish a race - if your sister will carry you piggyback.

As long as you agree to drag her the rest of the way ...

I don't know why the thumbs were down - I was ready to kiss the Mile 3 sign!

The entire crew.  Or running team.  Or just sisters!!
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Today was a great day because:  taking Everley to school; mammo scheduled and done; Sonic dinner with Steve

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Crash Goes The iPhone!!

This morning I stopped by Everley's house to take her to school.  I got her and her bag and we headed for my car.  I put her bag in the front seat of the car so I wouldn't forget to take it into school.  I got Everley to climb into her seat and fasten her seatbelt (well, maybe the gummies bribe helped here).  I got in the driver's seat and off we went.

Apparently I had put my phone on top of the car.  How did I know this?  By the sound of it sliding off the top of my car as I turned onto a busy road.  Ever tried to explain to a two-year-old what you're doing when you're trying to see if that sound was indeed your phone and at the same time trying to decide a course of action to rescue said phone and simultaneously look inside the car for the possibly errant phone?  Not an easy task.

I turned into the first street, which was the street into a local high school.  Of course I had two cars behind me, which I had to wave past me while I tossed the stuff in the car to hopefully find my phone.  With no success there, I u-turned in the street to get back to the busy street.  Of course the light wouldn't change to red, since it was one of those lights that is triggered in some mysterious way which my little car would not trigger.  Eventually a car pulled in behind me and triggered the light and off I went to find my phone, two-year-old still in the back asking questions.

I pulled into the street where I had previously turned off into the busy street, did another u-turn, pulled back onto the busy street and there it was - my phone.  I stopped the car, put on the flashers, ran over to grab the phone, and got back into the car - all without getting hit.  However, my iphone was not so lucky. Apparently it came into contact with something bigger than itself.  This is what I ended up with:

Yes, it had an Otterbox on which probably kept it from being smashed flat and my only being able to find pieces.

Anyhow, I deposited Everley and went home to confer via computer with Molly as to what to do next. The phone would still beep when someone texted me, but there was no swipe action to be had.

We decided that I should go to the local ihospital (yes, they have those) for a consultation.  During the drive, I realized that I could use the bluetooth thingy and call on the phone in the car by asking the Siri lady in my car to phone Molly.  I had hope, but when I got to the ihospital, the itechdoctor said that the iphone was bent and he couldn't fix it and to go to the apple store. Which I did.  Bearded apple dude said itechdoctor was correct and I was going to have to get a new phone. For a price.  Which I paid because I have to have a phone.

By the way, the apple store is very interesting.  There were about ten apple workers standing around chatting with each other or their new customer best friends.  It appeared that there were only about five actual apple worker bees.  While I was waiting for bearded apple dude to update my phone and stuff, I listened to one apple dude chat with some lady about coloring her hair and stuff.

Anyhow, now I have a new iphone, new Otterbox, and hopefully a new appreciation for making sure my iphone is taken care of in a responsible manner.  Poor new iphone ...
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Today was as great day because:  taking Everley to school; cell phone drama; ihospital dude; Apple dude; new phone; airport pickup for Steve; chat with Pam about all things Princess

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Princesses In Waiting

Today was the registration day for Disney's Princess Half Marathon.  Maribeth hadn't registered yet, so I was in charge of getting her registered while she was busy delivering the mail.  Registration was going to open at 11am CST, so at 10:45am, I was ready.  I had two browsers open to the registration page, refreshing every few minutes just in case registration opened early.

At 11am, the site was open.  And then it wasn't.  And then you could register, but then the site would freeze. And then you would get to the pay page, and hit "pay" and then it would have a big error message.  So you would refresh and try again and all the above would happen over and over.  I frantically texted Molly and got her on the mission, in case it was my computer.  Texts furiously went back and forth, each of us (and the thousands of others trying to register) as error messages would pop up.  Finally, after 30 minutes of attempting to complete Maribeth's registration, my efforts were rewarded - she was in the race!  Meanwhile on the Run Disney facebook page, people were having nervous breakdowns.

Anyhow, just in case you think princesses have it easy, think again.  We work hard for the opportunity to run those 13.1 miles - we want the bling!!

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Today was a great day because:  taking E to school; insane Princess Half Marathon registration; picking up Everley and Lindley after school and getting ice cream from Sonic; Sam bringing burritos for dinner

Monday, July 14, 2014

'Nuf Said ...



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Today was a great day because:  Four slow morning miles with KB; lots of vacay planning accomplished

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Training Begins

So we should have started three months ago.  But we didn't.  Today we (that would be this year's members of the Udderly Pink 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk Team) finally got our derrieres (and all the other parts of our bodies) out on the road.  Our intent was to do anything from 0-8 miles.  It was hot. And this was the first training walk we have done this year.  So we went four miles.  Did I say how hot it was?

Anyhow, we made a start and sometimes that's the most important thing to do.  In two months we'll be walking those 60 miles, well-trained or not.  But we'll be together, walking for a cause we believe in.

And just in case you want to forgo that Starbucks or Diet Coke or whatever you wish to forgo, here's the link to instead donate that money: JUST CLICK HERE.  Thanks for your support!!
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Today was a great day because:  training walk with the UPs; Lindley and Everley time; Maribeth picking up lunch and Lynnette picking up drinks; vacay changes

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Slarty Party!!

Yard play. Barefoot. It's genetic. 
Last night Lindley and Everley spent the night with me. Their parental units had many responsibilities today, so I suggested the slarty (since they would be spending today with me anyway). Last night Molly brought over some dinner items, L and E took a bath, and we watched "Frozen" (for the bajillionth time) before eventually falling asleep.
Even big girls get Lunchables. For breakfast. 
Of course this morning they were up at six. After all, we needed an early start to the day. At first everyone wanted Lunchables. Which I guess are also good as Breakfastables. Which I had none of. So we settled for Fruit Loops and milk and bacon. Molly came over, this time bearing LunchBreakfastables, and our day began.

Lindley - second from left - pink swimsuit

The first task was to take Lindley to her swim lessons. She quickly changed into her swimsuit and off we went across town. As we were pulling into the Y parking lot, I asked Molly if she had Lindley's bag with her dry clothes in it. Molly expressed a negative response. So, Molly and Lindley were dropped off and Everley and I headed back across town back home to fetch the needed dry clothes bag. And a snack and a Capri Sun for Everley, who had not had enough of the Fruit Loop/bacon/milk/LunchBreakfastable breakfast to keep her in happy spirits. Anyhow, we grabbed everything we needed and were soon back at the indoor pool/sauna and waited for swim lessons to be over. At which time we were not hot enough, so we went outside to play on the sun-baked/drenched playground.

Yeah, I don't know who this kid is
Next on the list was to go to the mall where we shopped at the Disney Store, played on the indoor playground, found a place in the food court that served mac and cheese (the current go-to food of choice), road the merry go round, ate Sweet CeCes, and had a melt down because the big mean adults decided it was time to go home and take a nap. Which we did.

After naps, the parental units returned to claim their offspring. Molly went home to recover from her headache and I headed for a nap.  It was a fun day!!

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Today was a great day because:  spending the day with Everley and Lindley and Molly

Friday, July 11, 2014

LWEA

Confused about the title?  Well in case you don't know the word, it stands for "Leave Well Enough Alone."  Steve started using it to me a very long time ago.  Although I'm sure I don't know why - but maybe it's because I always think there's got to be a better way to do/arrange/fix anything and everything but instead sometimes things just get worse than they were at the beginning.


Anyhow, all this is to reference the poinsettia.  As pictured above, this is a plant that KB gave me last December 11. It was probably the largest poinsettia I had ever seen.  I put it on the dining table and proceeded to give it my best shot at plant care (there's a reason I don't have houseplants - mainly because I don't know nuthin' about no houseplants).  By my best shot I meant watering it when I thought it might need watering and maybe getting it out of the sun if I thought it was too bright.

Sure, maybe now it's not at its poinsettia best splendor.  But the fact of the matter is that it is still alive and producing new leaves.  I don't know why.  I'm sure I could google poinsettias and find out what I should be doing.    I could learn about the best care and how to make it last as long as possible.  But I haven't and I probably won't.  Why?  Because it's already lasted six months longer that I would have ever expected.  And maybe if I do something different now, it would be detrimental to the poinsettia's existence.

So I'm just going to LWEA and let it be.  Maybe it will last until Christmas and maybe it won't.  But for however long it does last, I'm going to enjoy it.  Because no matter what (and even living with me), it's still going and growing.  And that makes it even more beautiful, seven months later.
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Today was a great day because:  taking E to school; slarty with Lindley and Everley; Molly bringing McDs over for dinner

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Eyes On The Litter Box

When I leave home for a stay elsewhere, I try to leave a note asking for assistance while I am gone.  These tasks would include getting the mail and newspaper and bringing them inside, running the dishwasher if visitors use dishes, water the poinsettia (yes, it's still alive), and other such mundane house maintenance jobs. One of the most important requests is to empty the litterbox.

In case you didn't know, I have two cats, Minnie and Maggie.  While they are inside/outside cats, they prefer to do their bizness inside (as we all do).  However, with two cats' biznesses, the litter box gets full fairly quickly.  Therefore, you understand my request for litter box maintenance while I am away.

Well, in the case of my most recent trip and the aftermath of Davidson travel, I walked into my house and knew immediately that there was a litter box issue.  Upon further inspection, I ascertained that either (a) the litter box had not been maintained, and/or (b) the Cats M had done an inordinate number of submissions in a relatively short period of time. To put it mildly, it was icky.  To put it maximally, it was not a sight I wished to behold as soon as I had walked in the door.  And to make it worse, apparently it offended one of the Ms, because whichever the offended feline was, she had pooped on the floor a few feet away from the litter box.

After I had calmed down and emptied the box of the yucky and retrieved the extra yucky from the floor, I started trying to find out who the offending non-cleaning-out-the-poop family member was (I left instructions for the three family members who were in town and who have children and who more than likely would be at my house to poop-scoop).

I first inquired of Grown Child M if she had scooped any during my absence.  She said that she hadn't because Grown Child S and DLaw L were at the house the day before and GCM asked if they would perform the task and apparently they affirmed their intentions to do so.   So when GCS and DLaw L were in residence, I asked the same poop scoop question of them.  And here's what I found out:

GCS asked DLaw L if she had taken care/scooped out the litter box (I'm not sure of the exact words, but I believe these words represent his question).  To which DLaw L said that she had looked at it.  To which GCS surmised that her words meant that not only had she scooped the poop, but probably also cleaned out the entire litter box, sanitized it, and reloaded it with fresh litter.  However, that is not what she meant.  She meant she had looked at it.  Period.

So, the moral of this story is not to use your words, but to think about the ones you hear.  Because you never know when the poop might hit the fan!
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Today was a great day because:  Taking E to school; getting a few things accomplished

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Dusting Off The Library Card

Last week I decided to check two books out of the library.  In yet another attempt to set my life on the right course, I decided I needed to read more rather than surf the net and play solitaire on my phone.  I read one on the flight down to Orlando, and most of the second on the flight back.  Here are my sort-of reviews:

My Story, My Song by Lucimarian Roberts (Robin Roberts' mother).  This is an excellent and inspiring read. I enjoyed reading about Lucimarian's life, as well as the quotes, tips, and songs she included in the book.  It's been awhile since I've sung many of the hymns to which she refers and references, but as soon as I read the words on the page, they immediately came back to me and I felt renewed.  The book is a quick read, but for me who enjoys biographies and non-fiction, it was an enjoyable read.

Everybody's Got Something by Robin Roberts (hmmm - see a pattern here?).  While I'm not quite finished with this book, I am finding it also excellent and inspiring.  It's about Robin's journey through the rare blood disorder she had after undergoing chemotherapy from breast cancer.  I especially am reminded to think about things in my life differently as Robin continues to reiterate that "everybody's got something" and so maybe your stuff isn't the stuff that's going to stop the world from spinning and maybe it's time to look to help other people with their stuff.

Anyhow, I decided to blog about reading books because I'm happy to return to a habit that I enjoy.  Sure, it's easy to pick up a book (and I prefer the feeling of a real book not a digital book reading thingy) and read, unless you waste time doing something unproductive, like play solitaire (or Candy Crush) on your phone.  In a year that I'm trying to make some positive changes (and am really slow about getting them accomplished), it's a good feeling to know that maybe I'm heading in a right direction.

As soon as I finished the last book, I'm off to the library for more books.  Maybe they'll even let me in the summer reading program.  What?  It's for kids?  Oh well ...
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Today was a great day because:  lunch with MB at JAlex; taking Everley to school; Lindley and Everley time; chicken sapa at the Doik with Lynnette, Mathieu, Maribeth, and Steve; two slow miles in the 'hood

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

And Then She Turned Three-Zero


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Today was a great day because:  taking Everley to school; spaghetti and boiled shrimp for dinner (although not together)

Monday, July 7, 2014

Time To Head Home

As usual, we were up and ready to go an hour before we said we would leave for the airport.  No biggie, as Steve took us to a new place for breakfast.  We got to the airport at the usual Davidson time of two hours before takeoff. which meant a lot of time to eavesdrop on the people sitting around us and time for us to speculate and pass judgement.  Eventually we boarded our plane and headed home.

Once we landed in Nashville, it was Davidson travel fun.  Steve was leaving for a work trip to Boston.  His flight was leaving in a few hours, so he needed to get home and repack.  While he had his carry on luggage with him, his golf clubs were with the checked luggage (as were my and Molly's carry on bags - Davidson travel rule: if one person checks a bag, then everyone has permission to check a bag).  So, the plan was that he would retrieve the car from airport parking, head home, unpack and repack, and then return to the airport where Molly and I would take over the car and Steve would head to his gate to fly to Boston.  During his travel home and back, Molly and I would retrieve all the checked bags and wait for his return to the airport. Amazingly, this plan went off without a hitch, and Molly even printed Steve's boarding pass for him.  The car transfer complete, we headed home and eventually everyone got where they needed to be.

Then it was time to get food for Maribeth's birthday party.  That's when we found out some very horrifying news to certain members of the family:  Rainbow Chip Icing has been discontinued!!  I know - it was almost a reason to cancel the party, but Molly managed to save the day by getting a chocolate cake from Publix.  And in spite of the disappointing Rainbow Chip news, we managed to celebrate Maribeth's birthday.

Finally I crawled into my own bed and passed out for the night, guarded by two wary cats who were eyeing me suspiciously.  I'm just happy they didn't pee in my almost-empty suitcase as a welcome home present!!
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Today was a great day because:  breakfast at KeKe's with Molly and Steve; safe, smooth flight home; waiting with luggage and Molly for car transfer with Steve; MB's birthday party

Sunday, July 6, 2014

July 6

So you've seen the July 4 fireworks - twice.  You've even seen the Wishes fireworks.  You've experienced Harambe Nights and even made it into the Frozen Merch Store at Hollywood Studios.  It's your last day of vacation.  Now what shall you do?  Keep going, that's what!

Molly was still on the hunt for the blue star-spangled mouse ears that she had seen people wearing around the World, and I was still on the hunt for the perfect cell phone/wallet thingy by Vera Bradley, so off we went. We decided to start at Hollywood Studios, mainly because we had fast passes for Toy Story Mania (we always wager, even though Molly always has the higher score, this time being no different).  We searched for our ears and wallet, but our efforts were fruitless, so we headed for the MK.

We first stopped to peruse the Vera Bradley and managed to find a wallet to my specifications.  At that point, we determined that it was lunch time.  During her recent 24 hours at the MK, Molly had experienced the taste sensation known as beef roast and mac & cheese.  We decided to make that our lunch, adding on the cheeseburger mac and cheese.  After sampling both, we decided that the roast beef was worth repeating (on a future visit) while the cheeseburger version was a one and done.

Needing a nap, we decided to stop by Starbucks for a "walk back to the hotel" beverage.  Molly got in line to order and I went into the Emporium for one last shopping look.  And guess what I found!  The magical star spangled Mickey ears!!  We loaded up our drinks and headed back to the hotel, meeting Steve in the parking lot (he had just returned from golf and now was headed for some pool time).

We took the car to head to the Raw Threads store (a store that sells race shirts that we love).  We plugged the address into the phone direction thingy and promptly ended up at the Celebration library.  Not to worry, we turned around and somehow managed to locate the store.  As we were exiting the car, Molly said, "I bet we don't buy anything."  As we were entering the car after shopping, we were eight shirts richer.

Then we decided to go to the outlet mall.  Traffic was terrible and parking spots were impossible to find. We attempted to locate one in the parking garage, but that was doubly impossible.  As we were leaving through the parking lot, it was beginning to rain steadily.  Molly said that if we found a good parking place, it was a sign that we should park and go in the mall.  We found a good parking place and the rain started to pour. We parked and ran through the rain and managed to find more stuff to purchase (including the best Bass sandal flip flops ever).  It rained even harder when we were done and running to the car, but we decided that we needed to get back to the hotel and got soaked anyway.

Once we had changed into dry clothes, we headed to Epcot for dinner at Le Cellier, after which Molly and Steve headed to the other outlet mall and I headed back to the hotel.  And that's what you do on the last day of vacation!!
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Today was a great day because:  Toy Story Mania and shopping with Molly; Le Cellier with Steve and Molly

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Harambe Nights

Tonight Molly and I attended Harambe Nights at Animal Kingdom.  We heard about this new event a few months ago and got tickets.  We decided to arrive at AK early and do the safari.  Since it was one of the last safaris of the night, the elephants were already headed to their night residences, but the cheetahs were out on display.  We also ran into a giraffic jam (joke courtesy of our driver) because the giraffes were all up close and personal on the road!  By the time the safari was over, it was sprinkling rain a bit (as it had done off and on), so we headed for the beginning of Harambe Nights.



The first part was the "Welcome Party" which was held in Pizzafari.  By the time we got there, the place was crowded.  The event is limited to 1000 or so, and since it was raining, everyone was jammed into the building.  Molly and I shoved our way in, eventually finding the food tables and the bar (as much as you can eat and/or drink).  A wandering band of musicians wandered through the throng, which added to the atmosphere (and also the crowd).  Anyhow, our pre-show meal was a lot of cheeseburger rolls (think eggrolls with cheeseburger innards), and jungle juice
 (with or without alcohol - you could also have your choice of wines and/or soft drinks).  After a while, somebody made an announcement for each group (we were cheetahs) to head for the show and where to enter.   We headed to the show (the rain had stopped) and got in line for more drinks and our lion chow - basically African Chex Mix - and headed to our seats.

Our seats were great - center (the other animal groups were to the right and left of the stage and the "premium" seats were on the floor).  Soon the orchestra came out, followed by the choir.  The show started, which is basically a retelling of "The Lion King."  The two screens show clips from the movie, the choir sings songs, and dancers come out and dance on a tiny bit of stage.  There is a guest narrator (ours was Michael Beach - google him). Our narrators were so-so, as the woman mispronounced Nala at the beginning and Michael Beach kept stumbling through his narration as if it was the first time he was reading it.  Other than than, the orchestra, choir, and dancers were fabulous.  Soon the show was over and we headed for the street party.

The street party was held on the walkways in Africa around Tusker House.  The rain had completely stopped, so although the ground was wet, there were no wet tables.  There were food tables all over the place, although very few sittin' and eatin' tables.  Molly and I got our food and basically hunched over the nearest flat surface we could find.  Because we had overeaten at the welcome party, we did eat plenty, including the free unlimited Mickey Bars (too bad we could only manage one apiece), but after awhile, it was clear that we were completely stuffed.

The rest of the party was face painting and character greeting and dancing and whatever other kind of partying one wished to do.  Molly and I decided that we were sufficiently full and partied and decided to return to the hotel.  We got on our bus, with a family whose baby needed to have been put in bed several hours before, and soon were back in our room - just in time for the Wishes fireworks at the MK!!!


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Today was a great day because:  HS and Brown Derby lunch with Molly; AK and Harambe Nights with Molly

Friday, July 4, 2014

Happy Fourth of July!!

Tonight we decided to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from one of the public balconies (on this floor, there are three of them) of our hotel. Steve watched them from this location last night and said they were amazing, so Molly and I decided to do the same.  About 20 minutes before showtime, I opened the doors to one of the public balconies and started to step out, when a woman who was already out on the balcony stepped toward me, swooped her arms out to each side and said, "This is for the children."  Being Southern bred and born and old, I said, "Okay," and started to close the door.  To which she replied, "But you can still come out," to which I replied, "Um, no thanks."  After closing the door, the group that was sitting at the table just inside said, "She can't say that - go right back out there."  But again, since I am an old Southern girl, I just found another balcony.

On the "adult friendly" balcony (even though kids joined us for the fireworks, and miraculously the adults let them stand in front), we were all friendly and helpful to each other.  The fireworks were absolutely spectacular from this vantage point.  I'm glad I have been able to see them from both close up and further away.

I just hope those kids on the other balcony got to see them.  I guess it's true - sometimes you do only get one chance to make a first impression.


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Today was a great day because:  Typhoon Lagoon, lazy river, and wave pool with Molly; golf cart cast member in the parking lot; lunch at Columbia Harbor House; watching fireworks from the hotel