Round two.

Where to start? We had a nice visit with Out-of-Town-Son and Sweet Alyssa over the weekend. Thoroughly enjoyed our meal at Weidmann's in Meridian. I hope we will eat there again. 

I ordered fried softshell crabs over fried green tomatoes with Fontina (?) cheese on top. Steamed broccoli on the side.

Weidmann's is famous for their black bottom pie. Mr. Macho and I split this slice. And. It was yummy.

We hit a hail storm on our way back north on Sunday morning. It was short lived and we made it home safe and sound. End of round one. 

And then...

Monday afternoon brought terrible tornadoes to our beloved Mississippi. They were all around us. The sky got dark. I put pillows and the lantern in our hallway. Texts were flying between us and our three children. Be safe, be safe. 

I was ready. And though I am laughing in this picture, it was no laughing matter. For many areas all around us it has damaged or destroyed homes, schools, and businesses. 

Today I will stay home as much as possible. I am still nursing the bad back. 

This afternoon = Round 3. More bad weather predicted. 

Saying a prayer that is doesn't come to fruition. 

If it does, you will find me in the hall. Under the pillows.

Peace.

Be safe. 

Blah, blah, blah.

Not much to tell this week. Obviously. The post-Easter week started great. Then. The nose dive happened on Tuesday after babysitting. My back. It did the spasm thing again. I have tried to take it easy and still participate in the things I had committed myself to. Add to this a nasty little cough that locks the back up first thing of a morning. I am on the mend. But. It is slow and getting old. Literally and figuratively. 

***

Easter Day was a joy. I totally felt like dressing up for church and announced it to Mr. Macho the day before. So I did. And. He didn't. I had hoped to ask someone to snap our photo after Mass. Fail. On the way home we passed the College and I noted that it would be a good spot for a photo op. Mr. Macho was driving and passed right by. Then. He turned the car around to capture this snap...

Mr. Macho's Dad and S-I-T and his family joined us for Easter dinner. It was delightful having them round the table. After they left we both took "sugar-coma" naps. After not eating sweets during Lent the banana pudding put me into a downward spiral. It was worth it. 

*****

We are planning a visit with Out-of-Town Son and his wife this weekend. Will pack my back meds and take an ice pack for the road. I will not let the back stop me!

***

Daughter attended some type of essential oil party this week. She and I are going to have to investigate. It sounds almost too good to be true. Miracle cures and all. 

School years are starting to wind down. Teachers and students in the short rows. Days being counted down. Spring fever abounding. 

*

Our B. Reeves Memorial Trojan Practice Field is coming back nicely in our back yard. (Pilfered sod.) My pink amaryllis is in full bloom and my red one has a big bud. I am itching to buy and plant some more things...when this back improves you will find me in the yard.

Hope your weekend is filled with adventure. 

Be sweet.

Let the sun shine in.

I was fine until I noticed the tiny dried flower on my kitchen windowsill. 

This morning dawned sunny. Good conversation and good moods have started the day. Mr. Macho dressed quickly and was out the house while I slowly took a shower and started to clean up the breakfast dishes. I should have known it - he was getting ready to go to his Dad's house. He has bought a new zero turn mower to "help" his Dad this summer. He was anxious to go play with his new toy. And then he was gone. 

I am cooking my ham for Easter dinner this morning. All I have to do tomorrow is heat it up. I cleared the breakfast dishes and was unwrapping the ham when I saw the small, shriveled, thing on the sill. Merritt picked one of the tiny yellow flowers that grow wild in my yard and presented it to me, "your flower", after she had picked one for herself. I made sure she knew I placed it on the windowsill, knowing that she would ask later, "where's your flower?" She doesn't forget. Anything.

She was visiting us here from Tuesday through Friday. Merritt is just a happy child. She is a joy. This morning I miss her chatter. "That's too silly" and "Silly Nanny" - if she said these once she said them a hundred times. I can hear her Dad saying the same thing to her every time she says it. She is old enough now that we can hop in the car and go places. And that is just what we did...

Walmart on Wednesday. New baby named Millie. She picked it out herownself. Here she is sporting the sunglass that Peyton usually wears. They stay in my car. Peyton and Merritt wear sunglasses longer than any other 2-3 year olds I know.

After nap Dora yogurt on the steps. Every day. 

Thursday we had several stops. The YMCA. The goat farm, where the goats seemed to say, "Me-e-e-e--rritt!" And a donkey heehawed as soon as we stepped out the car. We met a goose named Waddles. We fed the goats and donkeys a loaf of whole wheat bread. Ms Ina regaled us with goat stories. Most fun!!

We visited the park by the hospital. The private school kindergarteners were having an Easter Egg hunt party. They were wild! Running. And screaming. Merritt jumped right in. Running. And screaming. I kept telling her to watch out for the big kids. She only got knocked down one time. She dusted it off and kept going. She didn't want to leave. 

Blowing bubbles in the afternoons until we got dizzy. Oh. That was me. She blew them for a very long time. Then she started to pour out the stuff. That was quitting time. 

She discovered helicopter seeds. (Maple.) And was put out with the squirrel for eating them. We played run and chase in the front yard. She sat on a limb in a tree. Reluctantly at first. Then she asked to be put in the tree. This trip she let me wash her hair without screaming and crying. I had given her ample warning that I was going to wash it. She loved playing with bubbles in the tub and kept calling them snowflakes. 

This morning. No children. Ham is cooked. Mac and cheese are all put together and in the fridge. Banana pudding made. Check. 

For the first time in forever I did not buy the Paas Easter egg dye. Sacrilegious, almost. Even after our children were grown we dyed Easter eggs. Then there were grandchildren here to do it. Mr. Macho only ever got into it by coercion. The Easter bunny will not even stop at our house tonight. We don't want the candy. 

Tonight Mr. Macho and I will light a fire in the fire pit and roast some hot dogs for supper. We may dance around the fire and morn celebrate the passing of Lent and our traditions. 

Life is changing ever so slowly for us. We take on new roles with our parents. Children move away. Holidays become changed. It is inevitable. And we accept it. 

*****

Son-in-Town has accepted a new job and will be moving. I have not addressed the sad part. Maybe I will even bypass it. It is time for him to make a change. For the opportunity it presents, I am most happy for him. And for his sweet wife. 

***

Today is perfect Easter weather. 

Let the light of the Resurrection shine in your heart and throughout your life. 

Happy Easter!

Party survivor.

Party central was here. On Saturday. I had cleaned the cobwebs and policed the bathrooms for days. I swept pollen for days. I chased Mr. Macho around the house with a broom and dust pan for two days. Every time he came from outside. 

Mr. Macho manicured the yard, and swept more pollen. He washed down the outside chairs and tables. Then it was time. Time to relax and enjoy family. And enjoy we did. Out-of-Town Son and his bride arrived first. Followed by our other two children and their families...then the sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law, father-in-law, and nephew and family. Our very dear friend, Kathryn, was in attendance, also. 

Sardines. That's what we were. Happy sardines. 

My kitchen table was clothed and ready for the burger feast. Thank you, Pinterest!

I loved the table being full of little bodies. That Whitt, looking at the camera, is the cutest redhead in town! He, Merritt, and Peyton are all the same size right now. Upon arrival they shared a group hug, then proceeded to have fun. 

Even though its blurry, this photo gives you a sense of plates being served in a full kitchen. Burgers, potato salad, baked beans, slaw, and chips were for dinner. Sweet Alyssa's gorgeous chocolate cake was for dessert. Plus ice cream. Did I mention that her frosting was homemade chocolate? 

Scrumptious!

Millie. I wish you could hear her grunting while she eats. It is THE funniest thing. She was so sweet and good through all the party celebration. 

After we had finished eating Mr. Macho's Dad and Sister opened their cards and presents. 

Our family. 

We love the bathroom jokes. So the aim is to find the cards that allude to bodily functions. I have to say that Out-of-Town son had the most outrageous card this year. He wins. Hands down. 

***

That brings me to another week. I am semi-relaxing today. I am doing the post-party light cleaning. Plus the laundry. Other than that I am reading and crocheting. Because it is a rainy day and I want to. 

Tomorrow the Super Carrot will be picked up for some "Nanny days". I'll deposit her back home on Friday. 

*****

Peace to you during this Holy Week. 

Short subjects: The Dump.

 On Sister's birthday this week I sent her these flowers. The weather for most of the week has been ideal. 

Another Pilgrimage afternoon and our first visitors arrived in a Rolls Royce!

 

Pilgrimage props. My Granny's hanky and the fan. 

Pilgrimage flowers. Every visitor commented on how big and gorgeous this arrangement was. 

Ashley. She was the docent in the foyer. And she looked so much like, and was dressed similar to, the girl in the painting we made her strike the pose for a photo op. 

***

Weekend. Birthdays. Cookout. Family. 

Bring it!

Tis the season. To be sneezing. Fa la la la la. La la la la.

Oh. Yes it is. Crazy pollen everywhere. Attended a meeting in an outdoor pavilion last week. In 30 seconds I, along with my notebook, was covered with a dusting of the yellow powdery stuff. We are planning a birthday cookout at our house for this upcoming weekend. I thought I would wait until Friday to start sweeping off the porch. But. Yesterday was damp and rainy = the optimum time to sweep pollen. It doesn't fly as much when dampened. I didn't have the time to do a thorough job, but I did get the lion's share. If it doesn't rain later in the week so I can complete the task, I will carry a spray bottle of water to spritz the pollen. Try it. It really works. 

Will have to hose down the furniture. This is the before picture. 

And. This wasn't all of it. 

You must figure which way the wind is blowing. You simply can not sweep against the wind when dealing with pollen. It is futile. 

***

I am working on acquiring dish pan hands this week. Dish washer is down. Control panel issues. My dish washer man is "thinking" about my problem description. He will order the part he thinks is the problem and, hopefully, come install it at week's end. The washer is only a year old. I have a service contract. Maytag. 

You know what I mean, Vern? It's always something. 

 *****

Here is a quick shout out to my big sis, Mimi. Happy birthday to you!! 

Peace. And love. 

The grind.

This from my fortune cookie on Thursday...

I consider this fair warning. I just might!!

*****

 Monday. Back to the old salt mine. With happy thoughts of a fine weekend.

Midday on Friday I drove over to Daughter's house. Yard sale weekend!! After months, nay, a year of planning it was finally here. Daughter had opted to hold on to the things that didn't make the cut in the move of 2012. So. Much. Stuff. She admitted to me Friday afternoon that she had a low-ball goal of $100 profit. The biggest task was to move the merchandise. Liquidate. Get rid of. Vamoose. See ya. To all the junque. And that we did. After I ran and picked up Lauren and Tucker from school - the early bird sale was on. Daughter had advertised via Craig's List and two area pages on Facebook. That and a couple of homemade 'yard sale' signs placed strategically were it. And it was on. Even in the drizzly rain customers arrived on cue. And. After a few big items sold, her low-ball goal was met. On Friday. That only meant that on Saturday it would all be gravy!!

Saturday dawned cold. And sunny. Yes!!! The odds were ever in our favor! The yard sale gods had smiled on us. 

The morning was fun. As with most yard sales, customers came in waves. Steady business, bargaining, reducing, taking less...all part of the art of the yard sale. And it was good. Our excitement grew as the driveway became less and less cluttered with detritus of young marriage, moves, and three children. For the most part, Lauren and Tucker cooperated and kept busy. Merritt, however, was very involved in the sale. In reverse. She tried, ever so valiantly, to save her baby toys from leaving the premises. 

The Divine Miss M. Sporting her mother's "paka paka" shoes. The yard sale fashionista! To say the least, it was amazing how long she wore these shoes. 

Striking the "please don't sell my giraffe" pose. 

At noon we closed down the business. With very few items left, we boxed and labeled. And cleaned up shop. Once Merritt had her lunch and went down for her nap it was time to do a little accounting. With each quarter counted Daughter's grin got bigger and bigger. I will only say it far exceeded either of our expectations! In the end it was well worth the trouble. 

***

Sunday arrived with the rain, again. Mr. Macho and I enjoyed a fast food breakfast with friends after Mass. We streamed a movie in the morning. I am loving my new Roku. I tried a new Pinterest recipe with some chicken thighs for supper. They were delish!! It was a honey and soy sauce marinade. 

*

And. It's Monday. First Monday of April, so I will work in the soup kitchen today. I have already assembled the macaroni and cheese casserole. 

I used a bag of elbow macaroni, 2 cups small curd cottage cheese, 1 cup no fat greek yogurt (it calls for sour cream but I substitute), 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 3 eggs, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 3/4 teaspoon onion powder, 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and some pepper. I will sprinkle smoked paprika on top before I bake this at 350 for 45 minutes. Oh. It is good. Guaranteed. 

Now. I am off to the gym. Dance class is cancelled for tonight. Our teacher is on vacay. So I will actually prepare a meal. For the two of us. I think it will be veggies and some sweet potato cornbread. 

***

This week holds all kinds of promise. 

Be sweet. 

*******
If you liked this post check out Daughter's blog...
"Garage sale tips that will rock your world."
at
http://www.theandyoneals.blogspot.com/

Southern style.

If you haven't guessed, I live in the deep south. A few of our antebellum homes are on tour for two weeks in the spring and we call it 'Pilgrimage'. Many cities and towns in the south have these tours. All the homes in our town are privately owned and lived in. Our Pilgrimage is going on right now. A friend owns one of these homes. She asked me weeks ago to help. It takes quite a few friends to "show" the house on tour - one docent per room to shed some historical light on that room. Yesterday I was in the dining room. I had a script that I went through with each tour group that walked through. The home owner has hoop skirts and black skirts for those of us that do not own any period dresses. It is a rather fun time meeting and visiting with the tourists. We had some from as far away as Manchester, England. Many states were represented...Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Texas, and Illinois, to name a few. 

Here I am pictured in the drawing room. Also called the music room and dubbed in the 1980's - The Magnolia Room. 

Sister Paulette and your's truly. In the foyer. 

This is how we roll.

Just part of my week. 

***

More stuff to do. Got to go.

Peace. 

Today. Life is good.

Happy April, evahbody!
Where to start?
1. The weather is ideal. Sunny. Cool mornings. Warm afternoons. Got out yesterday and pulled weeds. And enjoyed it.
2. Yesterday. Daughter and Son-in-Law had a conference concerning the outcome of the reassessment for Lauren. Let me sidetrack...Let's talk about alphabet. This is more than A,B, C, and D. Or, as Merritt would say = cd's. In the last few years I have added letters such as these to my conscious thoughts and conversations = ADHD, NLD, LD, APD...each one means something specific. And each has specific paths and outcomes....Back to the story, last year a psychologist diagnosed Lauren with ADHD and NLD (Nonverbal Learning Disorder) and prescribed medication. After careful thought, Daughter followed the doctor's instructions, with reservations. The pscyh. was a hot mess. He was not professional in his handling any of Lauren's case. So, in short order Daughter thought better of her own instincts and stopped the medication. She pursued a reassessment with the Sparks Clinic in Birmingham. Last fall the Clinic tested and diagnosed APD (Auditory Processing Disorder). More testing had to wait for a certain period of time to pass. It took a year, but yesterday the Clinic confirmed what Daughter had suspected. Lauren does not have ADHD. Nor does she have NLD. APD symptoms can mimic ADHD symptoms. But they are not the same. Different resources and learning techniques will be used to help Lauren succeed in her education goals. I am not even going to begin addressing IEP's...a bone of contention with Daughter. I will just say, thank goodness there is already one in place for Lauren. This new diagnosis feels lighter and hopeful. Today I am so grateful for the Sparks Clinic. I am so thankful for Daughter's tenacity. Thank you, God.
Je t'aime, Lauren!!
3. Today started with me on a rigid schedule. Morning babysitting. Lunch with friends. The afternoon will be spent being a docent at my friend's antebellum house for our town's Pilgrimage. Long story short, babysitting has been cancelled! That frees up my morning. And. Here I sit when I have a go-zillion things I should be doing.

Hope springs eternal. Keep that in mind.
Say your prayers. And. Be sweet.