Monday

It's Monday and I'm having trouble remembering the last day I saw my grandkids.  I'm torn between feeling guilty and feeling exhausted.

It's been a hectic few weeks.

A close friend battling cancer ended up back in the hospital with renal failure.  Too soon, he was sent home with hospice. Less then 48 hours later, he was gone.

I had a trip to South Texas planned that was postponed due to all the funeral arrangements.

Drove 18 hours roundtrip to spend a few days in Texas with Neal.

I'm not trying to elicit sympathy. Just telling it like it is.

I think I've reached that point where the only time I have to spend with my grandchildren is when they don't have time to spend with me. And vice versa.

I'm looking forward to summer.  What are the odds that a 6 yr. old and a 4 yr. old could manage a 9 hour drive to Texas? 

(Photo courtesy of Jenny White Photography) 

Lake Home

Well, it's not really a "home."  It's an RV.

And it's not really a "lake."  It's the San Jacinto River.

But it's probably the closest we'll ever come to our dream of having a "lake home."

Neal chose the spot.  Spot #178 out of 299 spots.  This one being in very close proximity to the fishing dock.

But very far away from the wi-fi signal.  Neal, Neal, Neal.  It's all about Neal.  

So I'm sitting in the clubhouse, where I just finished a vigorous workout in the gym, waiting for my load of laundry to dry, and getting my internet fix.

The drive here was only nine hours.  Could've been eight if I hadn't stopped for breakfast and lunch.  And if the highway patrol hadn't pulled me over for doing 38 through the toll booth.  Are you kidding me?  But I did get to show my Concealed Weapon License for the first time.  So that was cool.  And if my GPS had known that 610 would be closed, so no matter how much she wanted to "recalculate" I still had to drive in circles trying to figure out another way to reach my destination.  I've decided it would be about the same price to fly.  What with the high cost of gasoline, not to mention meals, tolls and the occasional speeding ticket.  Not sayin' that I got a ticket.  But if I did.......

I had only been here 20 minutes when some kind of stomach bug hit me. Great timing.  I'm thinking it was the quarter pounder I had for lunch.  Neal had planned and had been anxiously anticipating dinner at Pappas Seafood, since he's been living on Wolf Brand Chili and smoked sausage for the last three weeks.  Now, under normal circumstances, this would've been one of my favorite cuisines (the Pappas--not the chili and sausage).  But the smell alone almost made me barf, and I watched Neal polish off a plate the size of a turkey platter piled with shrimp, oysters, fish, and crab, while I managed to force down a few ounces of clam chowder.  So not fair.

I woke yesterday feeling fine. Neal had the day off and cooked breakfast, then grilled steak for dinner. I'm hoping for Tex-Mex tonite, and if that happens, all will be right with the world again.

Stella's Turn?

So, after the great hunting skills were demonstrated by my number one favorite cat, Sophie........this question haunted my thoughts:  "Are there more mice where that came from?"

And the answer is----"Of course, hammerhead, there are ALWAYS more mice."

In fact, the very next evening (Friday), after a lovely meal of salmon, wild rice, salad and rolls, I dutifully began cleaning up the dishes...Are you ready?...opened the dishwasher...You know it's coming...pulled out the bottom rack..and there he was.  Scamperin' around the bottom of the dishwasher and skeedaddlin' into the drain holes.  "Oh, Steeeeeeellllllla!!!!!  Here's your chance to even the score!"

But do you think she wanted anything to do with it?  Um.....no.

So, naturally, I shut the door and started the rinse cycle.

Which left me with a dazed and confused half-drowned mouse.  Still breathing.

Got the tongs and literally SERVED the wet mouse to Stella.

 Sophie's just dyin' to get in on the action.

But she patiently stands by.

"You have much to learn, grasshopper."

And you'll notice the electronic mouse repeller plugged into the wall.

Lotta good that's doin'. 

I know that some of you are totally grossed out by this, and may never step foot in my house again.  Just keepin' it real, here.  This is my life.

It's a Fine Art

Sophie - 1

Stella - 0

Somebody better start earning their keep.  Just sayin'.

Snow Day Project

A week ago, I took Lauren to dance class.  While most parents and guardians were crammed into the itsy bitsy entryway with one viewing window, I was the obnoxious grandmother on the dance floor with my camera.  Miss Tirita gave me the "okay" so it was all good.  

I'm working diligently to learn how to use my new Photoshop program.  Still haven't figured out how to tilt the image the opposite direction, or make the frame bigger.  Maybe you have some hints????

These photos speak for themselves.

The Bright Side

Looking on the bright side of the "2011 Blizzard."

• the house has never been so clean
• taxes are almost done
• no rushing to meet schedule deadlines
• no gym = healing time for shoulder
• it takes no gas for my car to sit in the garage
• 3 days in a row of NO MAKEUP

Blizzard of 2011

Southeast Osage County's official snowfall.

 Potential visitors should avoid the front entrance.

I've shoveled the back sidewalk three times since the dogs are staying in the guest house, so it's slightly better.  But beware of the "yellow snow."

Lucky for me, I have plenty of firewood stacked on the front porch.

Just needed a little reminder.

Dear 100-degree August day,

I miss you more than you can ever know.

Come back to me soon.

Love,

Lita