Wow

Near Mount Pleasant Iowa

From the road

I'm experimenting with my iPhone to see if I can Post to my blog

Mixed Missings

Bags are packed and lined up in the bedroom. Refrigerator is almost empty. Floors are clean. Need to pack my spices and a few pantry items and spend a "few hours" at work. Every aspect of this years trip is surrounded with nostalgia and well, an almost surreal, sense of peaceful sadness.

Things are going to be different this year. But I think I'm ok...I miss Mom every day and have so many great memories of our time at the beach. But there are a few things I'm really going to miss:

First and foremost: The letters! Mom loved the mail and Kent made sure that Mom received many letters. Just in case you want to drop us a line, we are changing our address this year to General Delivery, Holmes Beach, FL 34218. I promise to say, "She writes such a good letter."

2. Having the dishwasher emptied and fresh, hot coffee every morning courtesy of Louise.
3. Doing the Word Warp
4. Taking Mom her coffee in bed and having her come to breakfast in her pink flowered "housecoat"
5. Loading the moms up for a trip to Whole Foods
6. Lemon meringue pie and Mom's "knots"
7. Sentences that begin with "I wonder"

There are a couple things that won't be missed (but probably will)
1. Explaining for the umpteenth time the need for sunscreen, "Yes, you can still get sunburned even if you're under an umbrella and it's cloudy"
2. Treating a bad case of sunburn
3. Sentences that begin with "I wonder"


We are looking forward to visits from family and friends. I will try to keep the blog updated. Sam and I will be walking, resting, exploring, remembering and making more great memories.

Countdown

Two more days.
Shudder. Cringe. Sweat.
Breathe. Smile. Relax
Two more days until we leave for the beach. I have lots to do before then. And probably a few more crises await us.
At least we can check this little man off our "to do" list. I left a month's worth of kisses on his sweet little blond head

Winners and Losers

I went to Mankato yesterday. First stop was Office Max for file folders, then to the mall for a chicken schwarma and a little clearance rack  shopping. Sitting there in the food court, totally mesmerized with people watching, came the realization that I really don't get out much. Seriously, I could have sat there forever. Again, confirmation that I have an extremely low threshold for entertainment.

I ended up at Sam's Club where I needed to buy W2 forms.

Here is where the universe of the infrequent, inept shopper and a retail magnate collide. Some emerge triumphant, with only the items on a list in the cart along with a few sensible purchases of milk, bread, pretzel chips and lowfat spinach dip. And happen upon something that was new and totally delicious:

served with oven baked crunchy chicken thighs.

I should have known better, but I always check out the clothing selection. I bought a great sweater there. Once. A long time ago. Why, oh why, did I even give this a second glance???

I can't explain it, but all I saw at the moment was "essential" bra. Are all other bras optional or unnecessary?  So now take a look at her boobs, or more like loaf-shaped area where boobs should be. That is pretty much the result of wearing this undergarment.
I know.
I bought a 3-pack.
Yes, I wore it today. A boob-loaf. Loud and proud, people.

I kept looking at them all day. It wasn't natural. I can go hours, days, heck probably weeks, without even looking at my boobs.
Today: Totally fixated. Couldn't take my eyes off them. Or it.

Guess I'll spare you the details of the 5-pack of underpants.

We have a

new grandchild, Graham Samuel, born 1-2-12 to Lukas and Denise.

He is number 5! 

I know

 

You've been wondering. So here she is in her garage "pond"

Yes, our sweet Bea is doing well. 

I have lots of pictures and more to share, but  before something bad happens blogger-wise, I'm going to hit post.