When You Wonder Long Enough

I know, long time no blog. But I'll do better, Promise.

So I always wonder. I wonder if all the things, good and bad that I did for and with my kids as they were growing up were the right things. Such a damn huge responsibility those kids are. They sure didn't come with a manual. So I always wondered. Did I get it right? Do you ever stop wondering that?

Just when I get busy thinking about something else, like what's for dinner? Will that blazer look good with those pants? Where in the heck did I put my favorite nail polish? I get an answer. In what seems like a small insignificant conversation. I know I got it right.

It started as a simple FB message, told me the answer I'd been looking for. The conversation was with my middle son's girlfriend. She said she was home alone, so she could shop now for his birthday present. She wants to get him a plate. A plate for grilling. It has to be a Packers plate tho. But he wants a plate. Because at our house we have one specific plate that is used for our grilled meat. It's not used for anything else, ever.
It didn't come into this world to be a grill plate at our house. It is an old plastic plate I bought back in the 70's at McDonald's. Heck it may have even have been free, but I think I paid 79 cents for it. One of those crazy, spur of the moment things that teenagers do. Or I did, didn't you? It is golden arch yellow on the edges and I think it has a beach scene with Ronald McDonald on it. Tells you what an heirloom it is, I don't even know for sure what's on it. But it's just an old plastic plate. Oh wait, here's a picture! See, it's a pretty nondescript plate.

I probably gave to Rick to use so he wouldn't drop one of the hundreds of corelle plates on the ground and break it. But every time we grill, that's the plate the meat goes on. Very classy, yes? But Kevin told Erica he wanted a grilling plate for his birthday that he could keep forever, because we had this plate forever and that's kinda cool.
So while it wasn't exactly a tradition I planned to start, it's a tradition he wants to carry on. Sometimes you just have to wonder what goes on in their little ole heads. Now I know what did.

New Toys, Thanks Boys!

There is an old saying that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. If so, I'm on the superhighway. I fully intended to accomplish two things yesterday. One was to check out the new scrapbooking store here in Pensacola, and I did. The other was to clean my room and closet out. Since I bought new clothes last week, I've had a closet explosion in my room. I have got to get some things out of there, so I can put some things in there. Yes, I'm about to purge.
The trip to the scrap store was nice. She had LOTS of nice things, but no new things. Everything was last year's or before old. Which is okay, it's still usuable and in good shape. She had great prices on most of her stuff too. But I didn't buy much, as (ahem) I already have it. But it's still a nice little store. I'll go back.
It was a nice two hour outing with my friend Sharon. We both needed some out away from family time. We also visited Scraphappy. She's getting ready for a fantastic ScrapPink event next week. I can't go, we have too much to do before we go out of town. But from the looks of it, it's going to be a great time! I did find a bunch more stuff there I had to have. She got the cutest Halloween stamps in from Clearly Arts and Making Memories. Of course I bought them both!

I came home with full intention of starting that closest. But then #1 son called and said he was stopping by. He has his truck project almost finished. They got the engine and transmission hooked together yesterday. I'm sure there was more too it than that, but all I know is it's all in the truck.

We got to talking about phones and such and how everyone thinks I need a new one. They ganged up on me, those two boys and convinced me since our carrier was having a huge sale. I needed to go. So we went. 15 minutes after I walked in, I was buying a new phone. I don't think I had to say 10 words to the salesgirl. The guys did all the talking. We ended up getting Patrick a new phone too. (yes, I think it was a planned plot) But it was free and with all the rebates etc., we ended up with 2 blackberry storms with cases and protective screens for less than $100. Now that was $100 I really didn't want to spend right now. But I think it's a good thing. So here's the new toy.

 

What do you think? Yes, all Touchscreen, but I think I like it. Of course, it has a learning curve and I feel so old and stupid. I spent all afternoon playing with it. It felt like Christmas with both of us playing with our new toys. Patrick has moved me into favorite parent status again. Since he reaped the benefit of the freebie phone. The only thing I did pick out was the green cover. I think I'm going to look for a Packer sticker for it too.

I wonder if it can make calls from Hell?

Listening to the Rhythm of the Fallin' Rain

Still. It's raining, raining every day this week at some time or another. It's not a constant rain. But enough of a rain to interrupt the day somehow. It's also not a heavy rain all the time, mostly a gentle rain. Enough to fill the world with puddles, humidity and grey skies.

Our football game last night was a blowout, and not in our favor at all. The team couldn't make a right move to save their lives. That's why there's next week. We'll try again.

I had a nice evening before the game. Picked up a new book, Dan Brown's The Lost Icon. It's going in my stash of things to take on vacation next week. A friend gave me Pat Conroy's Beach Music. The two of those should keep me busy. I'm also going to take my Photoshop for Dummies book and learn about the photoshop program I have had on my computer for a year and rarely use. I know how to make Blog titles and that's about it!

My friend, Sue and I walked the mall a bit before the game. I hadn't been there in ages! I did get some more antibacterial gel. It seems like lately you can never have too much of that. We met up with Sue's husband, Greg and a few other friends at Moe's to eat before the game. Such fun!

Well, I'd better get moving. I said I would clean out my closet today, and I'm off on an adventure to a new scrappin' store with a friend. Of course, there's always a moment to listen to the rain too!

So What Has She Been Up To?

I've decided the past week or so has been so blah. Maybe it's the constant rain, the constant routine, the fact that the first thing I think of in the morning is how I can't wait to come home and go back to bed.
It could be the beginning of summer was so fantastically fun at the beginning, with all the travels and visits, that the rest was a bit of a let down. It could be that the rush of school starting is over and things are settling down. I don't know how to go at a slower pace?
It's just been blah. I went to the HS game Friday night. We lost but were in it the entire game. It was a bit hot and muggy, I can't wait for cooler weather. I enjoyed the game, seeing friends, cheering the guys. The school we played was the HS the two older boys went to, so it was a bit like old home week. Saw lots of friends, LOTS.
Had a great dinner out with a few friends before the game. But hubby wasn't there, so not as much fun for me. He had to stay with his guys.
It rained all weekend. I don't think I left the house except to get groceries on Sunday. Which in a way was nice. Except I felt like a slug. Which really I wasn't. I did a lot of odds and ends around here. Put out the fall decorations, except the really Halloweeny ones. I'll wait for that. But the leaves are out, the pumpkins, gourds and fall scented candles.
It rained some more today. Rained hard and fast, lots of ditches overflowing, intersections and such. Hubby thought he was a U Boat captain and tried to drive through a big puddle. He conked out mid way. And I thought he retired from the Navy, apparently he misses it.
Everyone at work is sick, coughing, hacking, stuffy head, sick. Of course who gets all the paperwork they handle? Yep. Me. I have threatened them. If I get sick for my vacation, I'm going to be just a teeny bit mad. So far it's half and half as far as the staff being sick. If I get sick, I'm staying home. I wish they would.
Didn't that Packers look good??? I loved that game! Our defense was awesome. Crybaby Cutler pouted most of the game. I hear he did get a new endorsement last night. Illinois Lottery called and wants him to endorse their new ticket, the Pick (off) Four. teehee! Thanks baby bro for that joke.
Okay, I've rambled long enough. If something exciting happens, I'll blog it, if not, it may be another week.

Labor Day Laboring

I'll probably put more Labor in today than I have all weekend. Not that I've been a total slug, but I/we've got things to do today. It promises to be a rainy day, so all my projects will keep me busy while it rains.
First some much promised pictures. Yes Teri, I was on my way to do this, when you reminded me to!
The banana nut muffins. Little but delish! I accidentally poured the baking soda into the wet stuff, instead of into the dry stuff like you are supposed to when I was making them. So I didn't get the "rise" that I usually get. But trust me, they were just as yummy!

Then there was the Bo Bunny Friends book I made. Not going to bore you with all the pictures. But here it is,

I would show you pictures of the Holly Jolly book and the Christmas tree book, but you really need to check out Linda's site, Hilltop Memories . She's got an awesome crop coming up on October 16-17-18 that you really need to attend. Creepover is soooo much fun!
Okay, so, because you maybe spider quesy, I'm not going to show that picture yet. I'm going to blog about today and then put the picture at the bottom, so that you won't get freaked and not finish reading.
SO, today is Labor Day. I said I was going to sleep in, but I was actually awake before the alarm went off to wake hubby up for football practice. So, no sleeping in for me. Which is fine really. I love mornings, especially mornings I can relax and enjoy. I've already got supper in the crockpot, Spareribs and sauerkraut. So if you're hungry, come on over! It's one of the guys favorite meals, and they've been craving it. It's not a hot weather meal, so since it's cooled off a tad, I'm cooking it!
I've got one load of laundry in the wash, several more sorted. When I get off of here, I'm going to make a batch of biscuits and gravy, using my much older sister's secret gravy recipe. And no, for those of you who know my sister, and know she doesn't cook much, it's not out of a can.
After Hubby gets home from football practice and showers, we're headed to the base. He needs a haircut, I want to shop some in the exchange. We've also got to stop at Lowe's for sheetrock. He's finally fixing the hallway wall that some teen age boys who shall remain nameless, punched a hole in a few years ago. But that's what happens when you have three hormone charged boys living in a small space together. Or so I'm told. And really, when they are at that stage in life, is there a space big enough for 3 of them? You thought lions fought over control of the pride? They have nothing on three brothers! But don't let anyone else harm one of them, then you will see ferocious!
So that's my day in a nutshell. Shopping, Avoiding work in the hallway, and laundry. Now for Mr. Spider. So if you are arachnophobic, this is where you sign off.
Yesterday I had a "teachable moment" with some young neighbor kids about our spider. Patrick had been upset the past few days because he's noticed that they were throwing rocks and sticks at the web. So when I saw them doing that, I went out and asked them not to. Like most normal children, they were concerned the spider would bite them. I assured them he wouldn't if they left him alone. We spent 20 minutes talking about spiders. I think they won't bother him anymore. Here he is. Not the best pictures, but you get the drift.
Here's the bottom half of his web. It is hard to get a good picture of it. It measures a good 5 feet around.

Here he is. He has a bright yellow body, black head and eyes that are white. They call these banana spiders, probably because his yellow body resembles a banana. He's as big as my hand, about 5-6 inches long. His body and head are about the size of my little finger.
I was in a woods once north of Mobile Alabama, where the it was just full of these spiders and their webs. It looked archaic and magical with all the webs hanging all over the woods. But spooky too.

Catching UP!

I've been going to blog, with pictures for several nights. But I can't seem to find the cord to my camera to hook to my computer. So before I find it, I'll blog with out pictures. So turn on your imagination with pictures.
Last weekend I made some delicious banana nut muffins. They are better than Otis Spunkmeyers. Rich banana, spicy cinnamony, nutty, sweet, eat them with out butter they were that good. I even took pictures. Don't you wish you had taste imagination too? And I think I've eaten them all myself. How do I know that? I took the bag of them to school with me. I ate at least two a day, with two more for tomorrow. Okay, I shared, with our Curriculum Coordinator. So do you see the picture in your mind of the dozen banana muffins, fresh out of the oven, cooling in my vintage cupcake pan? UMMMMM.

Then I took a picture of my big biscuit day. I got my order from HilltopMemories . I love ordering from Linda. Her service is T O P S! I ordered and had it in my hand in less than 3 days. So close your eyes and see the new Maya Road Christmas tree book. I even tried to upload a picture I borrowed from her and it didn't work. So just go to her site and check it out. And while you are there, check out the other thing I ordered, the Bo Bunny Holly Jolly kit. What a pretty book! Can't wait to make it. And BUY something from her! She's a fantastic lady and deserves your business.

Of course I couldn't buy something if I hadn't finished something. I finally finished BoBunny's friends book that I bought and started in North Carolina. It's done in pinks, blues and greens. Lots of fun! Of course, no picture. Well, the picture is in the camera.

In between all this, I'm fighting the sinus stuff that everyone here seems to be getting. It's that time of year and the torrential rain we had a few days ago didn't help. But the torrential rain's didn't destroy the humongous spider web that's growing in our big oak out front. Mr. Spider himself is a good 6 inches wide. The web is a good 4 feet wide. I have pictures, I'd love to share them. but there's that camera cord issue!

So I guess I'd better get off of here and see if I can find the cord. I know you'd love to see the pictures. Especially of the spider!