Memorial weekend.

The weekend started with mellow adventure. 

Friday night we enjoyed beverages on the patio whilst Mr. Macho grilled a nice pork tenderloin. A simple salad accompanied the pork. And it was declared delish!

After the dishes were put away we settled in for a movie - "Selma". A rather serious start to our light weekend. But worth the watch, nonetheless. Deep thoughts were shared on the subject of racism after the viewing. What were people thinking? How could that have happened? Why does it continue? And I fell asleep examining myveryown conscience about my attitudes and practices. 

Saturday morning Mr. Macho headed over to his Dad's for yard duty. I had a good walk in the neighborhood. Then I swept porches. This old friend popped out when I move the folding chaise lounge on my patio. I think he is leftover from last year. Or it is the offspring. Anyhoo...I personally do like the tree variety of frogs. Too jumpy. At you. They jump at you. And stick on you. Give me a toad, any day. 

Saturday evening we ventured to the rural community of Tremont. Our good friends, Nina and Larry, were hosting a barbecue party. The weather was just right, and cooled as soon as the sun thought about sinking. There were pickers and politicians...

Pickers. (Nina with her back to the camera. Larry holding the guitar.)

Politicians. Trent Kelly is a candidate for the First Congressional District of Mississippi. 

He made a few very brief comments and shook lots of hands. Good sign. I hope he will work hard and do well for our state. If elected. 

When the bugs came out we headed home.

***

After a great grilled hamburger dinner today we made a Lowe's trip. Mr. Macho wanted a new ladder to help facilitate washing the eaves. Check. We picked up a few assorted items and came home. 

This is what I am sipping right now. Mimi was way ahead of me on this...but I have discovered that putting things in my water greatly enhances the drinkability of the H2O. Today it is cucumber and fresh basil out of my yard. 

And. Speaking of my yard...

I do have a few carrots in my tiny little bed. I have no idea if any carrots of any size will be harvested...but it's fun watching and waiting. 

Color me happy - my cotton seeds are sprouting. Yes. I have actually planted cotton. Just because I live in Mississippi. And. Just because I wanted to see if I could do it. I'll keep you updated. I am sure I will have to transplant them to bigger pots. 

We bought a few plants at Lowe's today. On the right is my mini rose bush that Out of Town Son and DIL gave me last year. There is also the pot of basil (a piece of which is in my glass right this minute). The plants purchased today are one foxglove and three caladium plants. Mr. Macho likes the caladiums. The foxglove just looked interesting. 

I won't put them in the ground until tomorrow after Mr. Macho chloroxes the house. 

Who knows what we will get into tomorrow. It is a holiday. Memorial Day. 

First. Give some serious thought about all the wonderful freedoms we have in this great country.

Then. Thank God for all the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice defending us. 

We met a visitor at church this morning. He had on a WWII cap. And after chatting him up I found out that he just happened to be a high school classmate of my Uncle Menou. Larry Yarbrough. (He is from Pass Christian. Don't know if he has ever been to Dauphin Island.) WWII Vets are becoming a rare breed. 

"God bless America

Land that I love,

Stand beside her and guide her

Thru the night with a light from above..."

-Irving Berlin

Peace.

We had salad, too. Or. Great minds think alike.

We ate salad last night! Apparently, so did Daughter.
Ours was a "clean out the fridge" kind of salad. Hers was, too.
I threw in romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, ham, and hard boiled eggs. Then,  not to let it go to waste, I added the last bit of: green onion, baby carrots, small colorful sweet peppers, pepper jack cheese, and fresh corn cut from the cob. It was all yummy!
Aren't we feeling rather healthy this morning?!

Namaste!

Phone dump.

Adventures have been abundant these last two weeks. Here are some snaps...

Sweet Pea writes her alphabet while I was visiting. She is only 4 1/2. 

  

Queen Millicent and her Nanny.

Mimi and I tooled around Bay St. Louis. Here we are pictured in front of the depot where the movie, "This Property is Condemned" was filmed. It starred Natalie Woods and Robert Redford.

(Our parents actually took us to watch some of the filming one night. I vaguely remember doing that.)

Nice view of the new harbor in the Bay.

Good vegetables at the Blind Tiger. 

Loaded fries and smoked tuna dip for lunch. 

Later that same day we made our way to Bacchus on the Beach in Pass Christian. 

Oysters were enjoyed. 

Mother's Day and I only got this snap of my Aunt Bobbye. Love her!

Back at home had to detox after all the good food and drinks of the weekend. Lemon-mint water was refreshing. 

Gift from my Dad - red amaryllis was blooming on my return from the coast. 

Tucker had a speaking role in his third grade play. 

What a dude!

Tuesday I enjoyed a tour with my garden club. The house and gardens were lovely. 

Friday we drove to Meridian to attend our daughter-in-laws graduation from a medical coding program at their local community college. She already had one college degree. She graduated with a 4.0 from the program. We were very proud of her. 

Saturday morning we shopped and then met Mr. Macho and Out-of-Town Son at Weidmann's for lunch. I do like this restaurant. The wait staff is great. 

After lunch we did touristy things. First stop - the Gypsy Queen's grave. We left a 1983 penny and a guitar pick on her grave.

We toured this victorian home located behind Merrihope in Meridian. 

This is a side view of the antebellum home, Merrihope. 

After we toured the old houses we took our leave. When we reached the highway I realized that the funeral procession for Officer Liquori Tate was about to arrive and drive through. He was a police officer killed on duty last week in Hattiesburg. He was young. He was being taken home to Starkville for burial. I asked Mr. Macho to stop. He did. We waited. And then...more police motor cycles and police cars than I have ever seen passed along with the vehicle carrying office Tate. Miles and miles of police cars driving at highway speed passed. All with their lights flashing. Intermittent sirens were sounded as they passed. 

Here is a snap of the overpass that was just ahead. Ambulance, fire trucks, rescue vehicles, as well as civilians waited on the bridge. 

I did not take photos of the procession as it passed. I was too overcome with awe and emotion. Tears streamed down my face. I just lived in the moment and let it sink deep into me. 

***

After we got home and unpacked. We brushed our teeth and headed over to Uncle Sambo's house. He is Uncle Jay's brother. (Uncle Jay is Mr. Macho's brother-in-law.) Uncle Jay had invited us to a big crawfish boil. They were delish. 

Daughter sent this picture today of the Super Carrot.

I wish I could be like the cool kids. 

Now you are all caught up.

What next?

Whirling dervish.

Last weekend is a blur. Drove to the coast Wednesday to get visits in with Mom (and her sister, Bobbye), Mimi, Beach Boy & family, Marsha, Peter and family...I raced from place to place to get visits in with as many people per day as I could manage. Mimi and I enjoyed tooling around the Bay on Saturday. Checking out venues for a family reunion in '16. Good lunch on the upper deck of a local bar/eatery...fun funky shops around Old Town...then on to the Pass for a glass of wine or three. I had to come home to rest. I will need a vacation. Soon.

Thursday was a disaster. While visiting with Mom and Aunt Bobbye they both fell. Oi vey!! I felt responsible. Mom is 94 1/2 and Aunt Bobbye isn't far behind. Though she is younger, she is much less sure footed than Mom. They were standing back to back in Mom's kitchen when I reached for my phone for a quick photo op. As I turned to take their picture, Aunt Bobbye was slowing turning and just fell. Mom got tangled in Aunt Bob's feet and down she went, too. OMG. I quick grabbed Mom's glasses off the floor and went to the aid of Aunt Bobbye, as she seemed to hit the hardest. She slowly sat up. Mom tried to get up but I told her to just sit for a minute. She asked, "Where are my glasses?" On the table, I told her. Mom righted herself and I helped her rise. I instructed her to call the sitter...she did, but by that time Aunt Bobbye was getting herself up, so I helped her. No broken bones. Lots of bruises. Day ruined. Even today my insides go all wobbly when I think about it.

I worry about Mom. Especially now that I have had this unpleasant experience and feel like, "How can I leave her?" Ever? I know it is her choice. I know. I can hear my siblings...you can't change it. So. Shut the front door. I would if I could.

That's all for today.
Namaste.

Monday. Funday.

More than half through this day. So far, so good. Good Monday following a good weekend with the Tuscaloosa grands. Weather cooperated to the max. Local street festival provided a pretty fair distraction. Fried catfish picnic on downtown sidewalk. Few purchases, lots of looking at the crafty vendors. Then one quick ride for the kids before we got back in the car. At home... Lots of pitching and catching in the backyard. Bubbles were created, caught, popped, and enjoyed.

Got ready for the weekend visitors by whipping up a batch of my Biggest Best Oatmeal Cookies. I sent the leftovers home with the crew. 

Super Carrot pulled out toys to play with. This "velveteen elephant" is still among the toys. She has been here since Lauren was born, almost 12 years ago.

The Super Carrot was seen sporting her Foster Grants on the way to the Market Street Festival. Always the fashionista!

Tucker, Merritt, and Lauren with a big yellow duck. Post snow cone spill. 

***

Dance tonight. Followed by a busy day planned for tomorrow. I am trying to get out of town to go visit the queen-mother. I must shop for foods Mr. Macho can prepare for himself while I'm away (i.e. frozen dinners and frozen pizza). And. Get packed. I also get to visit two sister, a brother and sis-n-law, and Beach Boy & Family. Should be good times. 

*****

Meanwhile, I am struggling through Les Miserables. It is good that I saw the movie first. When I finish, I will have fulfilled the category "Read a book over 100 years old" in my book challenge. 

Two ongoing crochet projects are sitting in my bedroom corner. I have a sewing project I want to start for Lauren, but it will have to wait for my return from the royal visit. 

Love and best wishes for a Happy Mother's Day to you all.

Be sweet. 

Goodbye foxtrot. Hello cha cha!

Last night wrapped up four months of fox trot lessons. I love the fox trot. Mr. Macho? Not so much. Our numbers were down in class last night, which translates to a more individualized lesson. Our teacher was able to dance with us all and clean up some of our mistakes. It also frees up space and gives us more room to move around. Our beginning hustle class will move to the intermediate spot next Monday. Cha cha will fill the first hour. I just have to say that it feels so good to be able to get back to taking both classes. And. We have learned some good hustle moves! 

Low key this week. Some of my best girlfriends are out of town. My lunch group will consist of two today. One friend is out of town waiting for a granddaughter to be born. Another friend is at her daughter's wedding. We will carry on without them. Won't be as much fun. We'll give it our best. 

Our yard is in great shape right now. Mr. Macho mowed the grass on Sunday. (Saturday was too wet.) Flowers are blooming and everything looks so green. 

***

I am mindful of how much peace I am enjoying today as opposed to what is going on elsewhere. My heart aches for the people of Nepal. I will donate somewhere in hopes that it will help. Even if it is in a small way. If everybody did something small it would be big. 

Baltimore. What can I add? Only that it upsets me when preachers deliver eulogies with extreme anger in their voice, then walk outside and declare they want peaceful protests. Do they not realize that their public anger has incited mayhem? The ounce of prevention was theirs and they wasted it. 

Let there be peace on earth. And. Let it begin with me. 

Springing forward.

Honestly. The weekend was a big mixed bag of emotions for me. It was so great having the two coast sisters here. And yet, I felt like I was trying to catch up with what they were doing all weekend. We had some good laughs, too much food, and general good adventures. 

The rain didn't dampen our spirits as we made our way to Old 82 - the new seafood restaurant in town. The Back Door/Front Door Restaurant used to be located in the building. Nephew James (as he wants to be called now) was our waiter and he was excellent. We met a lovely new, young doctor in town sitting right next to us enjoying the poboy. We all indulged in various oyster offerings. 

Friday dawned rainy, also. Again we refused to let it do any damage to our plans. We lunched with these two sweet nieces at the Stromboli's Restaurant in Starkville. Calzones and pizzas were the fare. It gets a thumbs up! Afterwards we drove to the MSU campus where we enjoyed the loveliest brief ceremony honoring 20 students receiving the Spirit of MSU award. Our niece, Margaret, was a recipient. We were all so proud of her! During the past four school years she has contributed greatly to her school. Well done, Margaret!

Margaret in the middle, and four of her fairy godmothers - Marsha, Paulette, Mimi, and me!

Seated and waiting for the ceremony. 

Back to Paulette's where we unwound with grapefruit martinis! They were so yummy. 

Was asked Mr. Macho to be our DD to take us to Tales of the Crypt, a local attraction during our Spring Pilgrimage. Some students from our state Math and Science School, here in town, choose and study a particular person buried in our Friendship Cemetery.  During the Tales of the Crypt each student brings that person to life in a performance - in the cemetery. It is done at night, which makes it more dramatic. Most characters portrayed are from the Civil War era. A few are more recent. This year's performance was exceptional. Tales of the Crypt has been a part of our Spring Pilgrimage for 25 years. 

Saturday dawned and I made my way back to Paulette's to join the sisters for a tour of two antebellum homes. 

Here we are pictured on the very balcony where Jefferson Davis gave a speech in his night shirt. 

After we toured two houses the owner of this home (who happens to live across the street from P*) invited us to lunch. It was a happy gathering of new friends eating burgers standing up. The hosts were worn out, I am sure, after two weeks of visitors touring their home. We didn't linger.

Back at P*s we almost lost our drive. But. P* roused us and suggested we hop back in the car, drive back to Starkville, and enjoy the Cotton District Art Festival. And. That is just what we did. We each made a purchase from one of my most favorite local vendors from Eupora, The Crooked Handle Spoon man. 

Saturday night we dined at a new to me restaurant, Thai by Thai. We each had something different and tasted each other's food. I had ordered Thai chicken panang (I think). It was so good. 

Sunday was spent visiting at Paulette's house. We all ate a buffet dinner in the cafeteria at our local university. Mr. Macho joined us. Back at Paulette's we sat on the front porch and appreciated sunshine and enjoyed a visit by her son and his family. Mr. Macho couldn't keep his eyes open. I wasn't happy about it, but we drove home early in the evening. The other three sisters went on having fun without me. 

Today we all head back to reality. I have washed clothes and worked in the yard. Am about to do a little sewing. Tonight = dance lessons. 

While I was in the yard I spotted a frog. Sure sign of spring. Frogs are my friends. I hope he eats lots of bugs. I also spotted a cocoon in my oak tree. Will leave it hanging and check it frequently. I have a new lily that needs planting. Just not sure where to put it. 

*****

Sunshine today. Cooler temps tonight. More adventures tomorrow.

Peace.