For the Birds

Lee gave me a new game for Christmas....BIRDopoly.  Let me first explain that in nearly 60 years, I have never completed a Monopoly game much less won one. Birdopoly is exactly the same game except the properties are feathered and you can place birdhouses and trees on your owned Bird lands. We began with 4 players, Mom, Papa, Grandma and Bailee. We read the directions aloud so everyone was on the same page.. No cheating on how to get out of "Grounded" (Jail) and whether or not you can sell properties to your fellow gamers.  The one rule we never played in the old game was: if you land on an unowned property and choose NOT to purchase it, it then goes to the highest bidder... That proved pretty interesting!  It appears we have a budding real estate mogul in our midst.  Bailee got the hang of auction style bidding way too quickly.  Long story short. After two hours, she was killing us!!! She had a pile of $500's and Bird's galore.... She had all the black birds which in relation would have been the utilities in the old version.... Each time we landed on one (and there were 4), we paid her $200.  She then put 4 birdhouses on 3 other owned Birds and broke us all as rent was over $400 on each.  No 5 year old should catch on that quickly....period!

Needless to say, three of us cried "Uncle" as eyes were beginning to close (and that was Papa).  It was official, she had kicked our proverbial bird butts. I think Go Fish and Candyland are games of the past. Game on!!

All Aboard

2011 is leaving the building.  I must admit, I am not sad to see it go. My biggest fear is that each year, as we age gracefully...or otherwise, things will begin to fall apart.  I always thought uncertainty accompanied youth.  Where will I go to college, how will I pay for it, will I love my job, will I fall in love...forever....and so on.  I think it's maybe the most certain time of our lives.  We didn't realize it and weren' savvy enough to appreciate it.  Even if we screwed up, (and we all did) there was still time to reroute ourselves and get back on track.  At this stage in our lives, we better damn well know what train we're on and hope it's going where we planned.  If you didn't plan.... you may be screwed.  The economy may have thrown a couple detours in our trip and some pesky health issues may have changed our speed but hopefully we'll have some time to enjoy the destination and do a little sight seeing.  Although don't put too much stock in the destination..... the journey may be the best part. Here's hoping that 2012 allows us the time to get we're going safely, the time to enjoy the route we choose and the time to remember where we've been.

Holy Smoke

Holy Smoke....detectors. We have 6 hard-wired smoke detectors in this house.  Code said we must and nobody argues with Code...(well sometimes).  A few months ago, they began talking..to each other...which is normal is\f you're a smoke detector and one of your batteries is low.  We changed ALL the batteries and all was peaceful for an hour or so..then they all started chatting again.  Not quiet mind you and yes I know that the object is to wake you up and get your attention.  That worked!  We ended up unplugging them to stop them from communicating.  So, no electrical and no batteries meant no protection... not smart in a new home...or any home.  Lee went and bought a couple of new ones...Duh.. guess we should have bought ALL new ones.  We began to think, "Hmmm..maybe they're chirping because we actually HAVE a CO2 issue..  Got the detector here from the firehouse and found no kill you in your sleep gases wafting around.  Back to square one.  F-i-n-a-l-l-y this morning the original installer came to diagnose.... Good to go?  Not so much.  All brand new batteries again.... and strangely, the other "new" ones dated March 2014....only had 5-6V in 3 of them.  They were new but not good...How would you know that?  I guess it's not like milk where the older milk comes forward when they stock and the new milk goes in the back.... (maybe I should inform stores to do that.)  everything appeared to be working perfectly...........for about an hour... then they all started "talking" again..loudly.  So now I've opened the battery doors which disengages them...still going, I've reset the breaker and they're all still chirping every minute.... So I will unplug them from power and close the battery doors to see if one of the detectors is ill.  If so, we can get all new detectors and start the process over.....  I wonder if "Code" really thinks that this is safer and easier?  Most people would just unplug, pull the batteries and go without...Maybe I'll just get plain old battery ones and live back in the 20th century where you change them when you change your clocks and sleep with a fire extinguisher near your bed.

:-(

Sometimes quiet sucks!   Outside decorations are down.  Dead pine boughs are out of the bathroom and off the mantle.  The guest room is empty. Nobody's shoes are by the door.  The Christmas tree looks pitifully unhappy and you could hear a mouse fart....too damn quiet here:-(  I can't believe I even thought about complaining about noise or 1/2 empty cans of soda or lights left on or empty toilet paper rolls... what was I thinking?!  The anticipation and planning took months and in a few short days it's over and everyone returns to their weirdly, normal routines.  Everybody appears to be happy with their gifts. We skipped the clothing this Christmas (except for Mom and Lee) so no "sizable" worries there. Technology and gift cards seem to be the winner of this season. Everything from iPhones and iPads to Kindles and D.S's.  We should have no problem keeping in contact!!  Lee is still carrying both his new phone and his old one. I guess even at 61 you need something for security.  Jess and Bailee will be winging to the sunny south in February for a week.  We told her she couldn't go until she was five and I'm not sure how it happened....but she's FIVE!  I think she'll love it and I hope she'll remember it....that's the most important.
I guess it's time to wait for the taxes to arrive next week, anticipate the dreaded income tax ( a little late to do anything about 2011), plan for a few weeks in the south and hope that 2012 has no surprises in store for us.  One day at a time, one foot in front of the other and onward we go:-)

Kindergarten Concert:-)

100 little cutie pies all dressed in red and green donning their Santa hats.  The wonderful, new auditorium was filled with Moms, Dads, Aunts, Uncles, Siblings and of course, the Papas and Grandmas.... There were jingles and fears, laughter and tears but hey, they're FIVE.  It was 22 minutes of holding our breath to see if they'd remember their lines to belting out Jingle Bells and breathing a sigh of relief when they marched to the microphone.  One thing's for sure...We DO NOT pay our teachers enough.  We deal with one, two or maybe three if you're the proud parents of Triplets........They (teachers) deal with 2 dozen, 5 days a week..... and they actually manage to teach them something!  I will admit that maybe one for the Kindergarten teachers may have lost it... She was all dressed in elf red, had on every piece of jewelry she was ever given and the last time she'd combed her hair was September 5th. She laid back in her chair as she flashed prompts to the kiddos.  Who said kids can't drive you nuts!!!
Well, I have it forever digitally recorded.  We'll be able to show it at her sweet 16 or graduation.  But for today, it ranked right up with a Premiere of a Broadway musical.

Now, 1/2 of our Christmas is complete with the girls watching "Dolphin Tale" in the theater, the smell of popcorn mixing with Great Grandmas chocolate cookies and only 3 hours until the other half of Christmas (Uncle Jeff and Heather) arrive at Syracuse airport.  Commence Christmas!! ♥♥
                                    Ho Ho Holy Cow, it's HERE!

Best Laid Plans

A Christmas chuckle.....(the joke's on me)

Yesterday, as I was organizing the kid's bedroom and making sure all the gifts were under the tree, I came across a package for Lee...(I hadn't tagged it).  It looked a little bulky so I checked inside.  Let me backtrack: On Sunday, I took Mom's gift to her for their Christmas party.  We spent all two hours munching and singing... a delightful afternoon for all.  I left Mom's gift in her room and asked the girls to help her open it later on.   Back to yesterday:  In the bulky package was Mom's purple, velour jogging suit...I was sure I had delivered Mom her gift..(Oh no you didn't!!)  I called Walden Place to make sure she wasn't proudly donning her new "shooting shirt."  She was not and I said I'd be there this morning to bring new meaning to the term GIFT EXCHANGE!!!  When we got to her room, we checked the closet....no shirt but there on her shelf were the pants I bought Jessie!...Talk about confusing the confused.... I asked if they had another available bed:-(..
Long story short..... Mom , not Lee, will be wearing the sporty, new, velour jogging suit, Jess already has her new slacks and Lee will get to open his fancy, new shooting shirt on Christmas morning....    And I thought I was SO organized!!

W..............Christmas

W...et.... Christmas:-(  If this were snow, we'd be shoveling.....but it's not. Even the local Scrooges have said they would acquiesce to at least an inch or two for the sake of a white Christmas.  I'm trying to look at the positive side of all this green....Travelers won't be stuck, thermostats can be lower, injuries from falls will be down and shoveling and plowing will be nill. At least inside it will be Christmas as usual.  Everyone (except B :-( ..) will awake to my Beach Boys singing carols, coffee wafting through the house, the table dressed in it's Christmas finery and stockings bulging at their seams and laying, overloaded, by the fireplace.  I just don't know how Santa magically gets it all together no matter what the circumstances.  He is one clever dude(tte).  I will still miss the snow.  Our great room has 12 foot doors that I love to open (reminiscent of the final scene in White Christmas) to our beautiful back yard and freezing, white falls.  The falls have cooperated but we'll have to imagine the snow.  We can do that... as long as we're all here together and relatively safe, healthy and sane, the weather won't hamper our day.  It'll be a long one..ONE present at a time but rules are rules and traditions are traditions. It took all year to bring it together and it'll take ALL day to tear it apart.   We'll all enjoy and just "Deal about it!"

A favorite night!

Sunday night was one of our favorite Christmas events. Santa Claus comes to town!  Our local firemen and women do a jolly job on this event.  They string lights on the firetrucks, pipe holiday music through the public address system, hand out candy canes and this year collected for our local food pantry.  I still remember the first year when we ran to the top of the Lane and Santa called Bailee by name...I cried!  Her face will be forever etched in mind (God willing).  This year she kept saying, "I hope he remembers my name!". She even wished on a star hoping that would help. (She didn't tell us her wish...we just knew).  When he slowly wheeled by and hollered "Merry Christmas Bailee," it was magical... No smile has ever been wider....Again, "He remembered my name, he remembered my name!"  Back inside we went knowing he'd be back in a few minutes and actually turn down her street and go right by her house. She waited patiently by the window until she saw the flashing lights and heard the Christmas music.  She threw on her coat and hat, (her boots were still on) and out the door we flew!  Once again, "Merry Christmas Bailee!"  I managed to capture the smile and will forever remember her saying, "This is the best day of my whole life!!"

I wonder if those firemen and women have any idea what a few volunteer hours mean to all those boys and girls.............................and their Grandmas?

Twas the week before Christmas

Twas the week before Christmas
And all through the house
Not much was misplaced
except maybe my blouse.. (I'm always misplacing things these days)

The stockings were hung
by the "fake" chimney with care
In hopes that my kids
Might fill mine this year

My Leroy was snuggled
All warm in his bed
Dreams of clay pigeons
All 25 dead!

And I in my recliner
and he beneath sheets
Were all settled in
Despite noise by the street

When out in the yard
Something big began howling
I knew we'd had supper
Our tummies weren't growling

Then the patio doors
in the bedroom flew open
Not exactly the action
For which Lee been hopin'

Looked out in the woodlands
and what did I see
leaves that were blowing
And fake deer near the tree

The moon on the breast
of not one lick of snow
If we don't get some soon
This Christmas will blow!

I returned to my bed
on the breeziest of nights
And hoped that the wind
would rip down those damn lights

I dreamed that my yard
would become one of beauty
As Jessie had labored and
done double duty

A house should be festive
With lights of ONE color
Not look like who lived there
Was named Helen Keller.

When I woke to the sun
shining in my front door
My wish had been granted
The lights shone no more

Some said they were pretty
I thought they were gross
Next year will be better
LED's will be toast.

"Simple is better"
Is what Leroy said
So twenty & twelve
may have lights just of red.

He likes the colors
And I prefer white
We'll have 48 weeks
to work through the fight.

No matter what happens
It all will be fine
Our EIEIO landscape
Will surely all shine!

Good "Grebe" Charlie Brown

Have you ever decided to dive right into something thinking you land well and be good to go....  a project, a relationship, a trip, a new job???? Well sometimes the plunge isn't quite what you expected.  Take for instance thousands of grebes....They were all on their seasonal migration to Mexico to spend a quiet winter on/near the beach.  It was a bit overcast and with the dark clouds hovering over the lights of the city, they spotted a welcome respite of flat water below....When the lead grebe began his descent (plunge) into friendly water, it became more of a suicide mission that a rest stop.  By the 1000's, they slammed into the parking lot at a nearby WalMart! Many perished on impact but volunteers have rescued over 2000 birds and released them into nearby lakes. Those were lucky ducks..so to speak!  A good lesson learned.  Your next venture may look like a reasonably safe bet but always be a bit wary...It's not the fall that'll get you, it's the sudden stop at the end you might not anticipate... As the gang would say, "Good Grebe Charlie Brown!!"

Dollars and Sense :-)

I'm just back from the post office with the M.C.S. Newsletter.  In my opinion, communication is the key to success.....of anything....politics, business, marriage, family and education.  I hope that all residents, whether or not they have children or grandchildren attending school, take the time to read all correspondence from the district.  We have an amazing superintendent!  I haven't always been able to say that.  Michele Brantner is exceptional!  I have had a few opportunities to speak personally with her and she is the most student focused administrator I've come to know since Judy Shearer.  Melding student concern with teacher appreciation and fiscal responsibility is a gift few administrators have.  They may boast about their care and concern but often lip service accompanies their need to be hired and retained, not so with Ms. Brantner.  So much of what she does goes unnoticed....because she wants it that way!  Horn tooting isn't her style!  I'm not sure whose brainchild the Blue Devil's Bank is/was but it was a good one.  In today's world of numbers, ..and not just educational numbers such as test scores, percentiles etc., it is tantamount that children and teens learn the value and skills associated with money..whether it be $5.00 or $5,000,000.00.  We are fortunate to have a true Hometown Bank in Moravia and their willingness to educate our students (and they are OUR students who will also be our bankers, teachers, Realtors, engineers, nurses, retailers, etc.) is a genuine partnership toward success.  Once again, I tout the value of living in a small town.  There are so many pluses in a society of so many negatives. We are fortunate to include Ms. Brantner and the National Bank of Groton and it's employees right at the top of the list!

My responsibility

Being a Grandma, I now realize that it is my responsibility (and joy) to teach my granddaughter certain things.  Her Mom has done an exceptional job with manners and good hygiene..I just reinforce. I have worked hard on the grammar end of language.  Her speech teacher triumphed as she coaxed the hard g's and c's and finally the last challenge of "r"..or as Bailee says it..."r-er"!  Papa has taught her that not all Grandpas can hear and that sometimes they are grumpy and don't want to play school or Twister... (one HUGE difference between Grandmas and Grandpas).  Her teachers are working on patience and socialization as well as all that educational stuff (and we know they are

greatly underpaid and under appreciated). So it really comes back to Grandmas, at least this one, to teach the big stuff...like: how to set the table; kisses and hugs are appropriate always; saying I love you should be voiced as easily as "hello"; Grandma's can keep secrets; showing Gram how to use the iPhone, TiVo, or DVD should always come across as Grandma showing YOU!; there's nothing more fun than reading or writing; September through January, Sundays are for football and most importantly....the difference between offense and defense..!!!  The rest of life's lessons will come soon enough but in the meantime...if you need to know, ask Grandma!

Finally

Well we have a dusting of snow on the ground...just in time for our first "girls luncheon" this noon.  The next 2 weeks are full of fun things to do. 2 girls lunches, I girls supper, 1 family wing ding (tomorrow), 1 kindergarten school play (which might just as well be Carnegie Hall for me), one quiet Christmas Eve and then the big day...Bailee won't be home until noon so we'll have a quiet morning and then an afternoon of presents, presents and more presents.... then some spaghetti for the big meal of the day... Hey, we voted and that was the consensus... Much easier than the whole prime rib layout.... We always used to have spaghetti at Mom's so we're coming full circle.... Easy and Yummy all in one.  We'll still have the festive table and all 6 of us will be around it... That's all that matters!!  Off to lunch # 1:-)

LBD

If the "Little Black Dress" is worn by "BIG Fat Me", is it still a "Little Black Dress?"    (just sayin')  :-)

Ho Ho-----

Ho Ho Hum.....I think we "Need a little Christmas. Right this very minute."  Snow....we need SNOW!  There are those who will vehemently disagree with me but it's only 2 weeks from it officially being winter...Winter means snow.  If I wanted to linger in 60 degree weather in December, I'd move!  The weather report is a bit optimistic on the snow front.  There's "wet" weather on the move northward. Depending on where we live, we'll either get more of this nasty, rainy, drizzly crap or some honest to goodness measurable SNOW!! We can't throw snowballs, make a snowman, ski, sled or snowmobile.... that's what we do here in upstate New York in the winter..OK maybe some do and others bitch but we're pretty well known for being a winter wonderland.  Now we just wonder where winter is. Everyone's saying we'll probably pay for all of this nice warm weather... So be it.... suck it up folks. Put your snow tires on, drive cautiously and defensively, leave gloves in your vehicle and make sure your cell phone is with you....renew your AAA and welcome the flakes with open arms. If you don't like the weather here, you could always move... maybe south where they have hurricanes or west where they have fires and tornadoes....If you choose to stay, sit back, relax, take your time traveling and "deal about it!"

Might as well -)

Isn't random awesome?  How could anybody be sad or stressed if they looked up..and saw this?  When Christmas is over and I've removed Bailee and Santa from my background...This will replace it.  I think if you look deep enough, there's always something to smile about... I smile at something Bailee has said, a commercial on TV, a sitcom on the tube and even when I look out into our back yard and see the falls.  We always seem to dwell on the negative when the positive is directly in front of us. It's not just us. The news is generally negative....surely there's good news somewhere....There must be some place that isn't having tornadoes, hurricanes or blizzards. There must be some little town that is having a Christmas festival and no one has recently been murdered there. There surely is a school system that is filled with wonderful students taught by amazing teachers.  I know there are people who are still giving to those in need that don't complain about their debt ceilings. Why aren't we hearing about all of this good news?  By Golly, we have that right here in Moravia..... Now there's some good news....that should make you smile :-)

Dreamcatchers

Miss B has been having nightmares...really weird ones.... Girls trying to poke her eyes out with a fork, crabby creatures crawling on her.....who can sleep well through all that. Last night a friend of Jess's brought her a homemade dreamcatcher...it worked..A good night's sleep.....
I'd like a dreamcatcher too....although I tend to have good, albeit occasionally, strange dreams.  Last night's was extremely vivid. As you know, I enjoy writing (be it bad or good).  I was in an art appreciation class and was asked to write a paper on a particular painting. I can still see it! It was a bit abstract but had colors of reds, yellows and oranges.  I remember penning it through the eyes of a little boy named Liman, from Kosovo (??)  He called the painting "Undercover Skies".  He explained that he loved peeking from under a blanket at the night sky and imagining that it was filled with beautiful fireworks and celebration. It was not...it was volleys of gunfire and mortars.  He was very young, maybe Bailee's age but extremely articulate.  I woke up remembering words he had used, visuals he had seen and a very clear picture of this little boy with the huge brown eyes.  I often don't remember much about dreams but this one is still embedded in my head.  If I were a painter I could paint the picture. If I were a writer, I could write the words. I guess I'm really just a dreamer.. hoping that these visions of children living through wars will someday come to an end...and their bad dreams can be captured in  dreamcatchers too.

Decorations...

This really shouldn't be so difficult.  I really dislike (can't say hate..Bailee said so) my outside Christmas decor.....really! I got the new lights and Jeff and I replaced the ones on the bushes. They look....ok... the hanging star, snowflakes, whatever the hell they are on the porch are still the old fashioned white, clear lights.  They look horrible together... I may replace them too... and they weren't cheap!!! darn, darn, darn!! I was thrilled that by December 1st I would have everything finished....yeah right! Everything is finished if you don't do it over again!!! Today I'll decide.   I can tell you, I will have lots of gently used LED lights for sale next year. I don't want my yard to look like a space ship landed. Old dog-new tricks..NOT!
Jeff leaves tomorrow :-( those 2 weeks went way too fast.  Could be part of my grumpiness today.  They'll be back for Christmas so I'll rally quickly and start looking forward again.  Hatfield Christmas is here next Saturday so that will keep me busy. A couple of "girls luncheons" the next 2 Fridays.  They are always lots of fun... I really enjoy catching up with old friends.  I'd better get the tree up this week-end so Santa has a place to unload his sleigh...The stockings were hung (yesterday) by the chimney with care and the cards will go in the mail on Monday morning.  I guess if I can just "deal about it" with the those damn ugly outside lights, I'll be ready to enjoy the next 3 weeks!! LED at my house means Lots of Energy Down the Drain.....

Good bye

Good bye November. Wow those 30 days flew by. Birthdays and Thanksgiving are now behind us and we're jumping into December head first. I thought I had done SO well getting the outside decorations up (Thanks Jess) but.... coming in the driveway last night I said "YUK".  I guess I am way too anal about it..period.  Just as in paint...there are many colors of white..or clear in light lingo.  Now we have different categories of lights as well, LED being one of the newest... They cost more, last longer and have a blue tint to them....just like those nasty headlights that I bitch about each time I meet them!  So, why the heck did I buy the them to decorate our yard... I have NO idea and I'm paying for it..literally. After looking from the road last night, I bought more of the darn things to replace the normal white lights on our bushes. I still dislike the lights but at least they'll match. Why couldn't they have a nice green glow...I hate blue.........................................................OK I'll get over it......................
                                   Good bye November......you were good!

Double three's

Thirty-three I thought I was only about 33..yeah right! It's been lots of fun having Jeff home for Thanksgiving and his birthday. I asked what kind of cake he'd like and he said. "fruit roll-ups and mountain dew!"  Maybe age doesn't mean so much after all... fruit roll-ups have always been his favorite....and now Bailee's too. They both even asked for chuck roast for their birthday dinners.... If she starts chewing...I'm drawing the line!!!
She sure has been happy to have her uncle home.  She follows a little too closely and loves his hugs.  He would be such a good Dad but I don't see that in his future:-(We still have another week with him and then he'll have to go back to work for a few weeks so he and Heather can return for Christmas on the 23rd. All the hustle and bustle will be over before we know it but it's sure fun while it lasts!!

Confessions of a closet traditionalist!

As I laid in bed last night, I was thinking about all the tales of wonderful, traditional childhood Thanksgivings I could share with you in my post Turkey day blog. I could share them.....if I had any :-( I have Christmas tales I could tell or tales of venturing "out" to eat on Mother's Days and Easters but sadly I remember no poignant, or otherwise, tidbits of Thanksgivings. I'm pretty sure somebody cooked something that day but obviously nothing that said "wow, this is amazing!"  We had some traditions on holidays like waiting at the top of the stairs for Dad to get the movie camera going and Mom to hold the giant floodlights. We'd open one gift at a time (still today) so everyone could see exactly who was getting what from whom and it was always juice and coffee, stockings, breakfast and presents (still today.)  As children, we then went over to Grandma Hewitt's for another gift and dinner. I remember the games (button, button who's got the button and bingo) and raspberry sherbet balls. I also remember being sent to the den to sit, till I learned that I shouldn't say (out loud) that my cousin was a spoiled brat and nobody really liked her even though Grandma said "I know but we don't say it!!" That was about a 1/2 century ago...my memory's ok! Once we were "out of the house", Christmas dinner at "home" was spaghetti.. which was great... no fuss, no muss no "wow!"

 My family Thanksgivings began when I became a member of the Hatfield family...and that was long before 7/19/75.  Tradition is seeped deep inside this family. There was never a question where I would spend the 4th Thursday of November. Never a question where I was welcome.  I, too, had to earn my place at the big table and I did! There was always an extra plate and warm heart at Grandma Iva's table. Throughout the past 40+ years I have watched babies try their first solid food at that table.  I have heard the same stories, laughed at the same jokes and recalled why we never had beets at Grandmas. I have played Bingo and guessed how many candy corns were in the jar just to win a box of kleenex or a brand new toothbrush. I have sat in a room that barely fit the furniture much less a huge table and 30+ people. Memories of these Thanksgivings make me smile... the lack of them with Hewitts makes me sad....but only for a second. Moreover these memories keep me aware of how important traditions are in a family and how important it is to maintain and pass them on.  Yesterday, our tables weren't quite as full as in the past but thanks to Lee, we had our fried oysters (Ok I didn't but most did). I'm sure Grandma was smiling down and giving her first born grandchild a great big "Atta Boy!" while we were smiling up :-)

TNYS

Thanksgiving New York style..... I'm not sure whether we should be stuffing a turkey or building an ark.... Lots of rain for today.. On a brighter note, the falls are GLORIOUS!!  No snow for tracking deer and the next four days are predicting 60's. There just might be something to this global warming thing..I'm thinking this week-end will shine with all the Christmas lights that will be hung over the next few, warm days. We're almost decorated outside, thanks to Jess, and inside trimmings will start on Friday.  No shopping for me that day.. I'm finished, remember? Tomorrow will be time for the Macy's Parade and some family time.... Will catch you all on Friday.

I wish you ALL the most wonderful day of memory making, turkey eating and football watching.......Enjoy every single day!!!

Black Friday...

Every day in the next 6-7 has an adjective..Friday, of course, is Black Friday. I'm not sure if it means the stores try to get back in the black or if it's because everyone leaves early when it's still black outside. I don't think are any racial connotations in-volved...for once.  We now have Gray Wednesday which is the day before Thanksgiving.  Next Monday is Cyber Monday, the  day when the most internet sales are placed.  I, on the other hand, celebrate Cyber September and October.  I'm done!  no really..I am!!! A new day is beginning this year......Small Business Saturday. I think this is may be one of the best ideas yet. I always have stocking stuffers to pick up and odds of ends to tie up!  I'm pretty good about shopping locally. I get ALL my groceries at Modern Market and most anything else I need, I can find at Kinneys, the $ Store, Alpine or True Value.  I'm a little lax at shopping at Jennings but I'm not a big clothes horse....Just ask my old jeans and t-shirts.  I'm not sure if today has a name but I am going to Lowes to exchange some lights and WalMart to pick up my last internet order. So maybe today is Totally Done Tuesday.  No really, I'm done:-)

Let the shooting begin

Yikes... I so dislike ( we can no longer use the word hate...per Bailee)...10-12 hunters off in a pack armed with weapons, ammo and many more doe permits than ever before. All returned safely along with blood stained camo and smiles on their faces.
Jess hit what has been dubbed the "family buck!"  Many have offered the "nice rack" comment to her which she has accepted with humor, grace and smiles.  Today, being Monday, things are semi back to normal. Bailee is off to school (another 2 day week), the shop is officially closed for the week...It IS a holiday week you know and my Monday routine is back in progress... Ahhhh....I love Mondays!  You'll notice the cute 3 turkeys in the picture above......NO, the other picture with the 3 eatable turkeys!! We had fun gluing them together last night. You can't beat chocolate glue!
It'll be Jeff's turn to cook tonight... I am blessed with two children who can and like to cook... Must have been a skill passed down through osmosis!  Christmas lights are finished on the trees out front... something a little different this year!  Just the porch railings left and we're set to light things up on the 1st.  Mickey Mouse is already decorating Jess's house and the big, old fashioned, colored lights will be on the bushes at 1VP (VanPelt) by the end of the week.  We get Miss B again for Thanksgiving this year.... always a huge thing to be thankful for.  We'll snuggle in and watch the parade on Thursday morning and then head to Uncle Jon's for dinner. It's pretty cool to have my whole crew here (missing Heather :-(. Some football, food and ornament giving and then we're on to the Christmas holiday... Let the good times begin!!!

More Andyisms

As you know, Andy Rooney holds a special place in my heart.... His rough wit mixed in with his abundant wisdom gave us this bit of insight into how he really felt....like there was ever any question:-)

I've learned....That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned....That when you're in love, it shows.
I've learned....That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.
I've learned... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
I've learned....That being kind is more important than being right.
I've learned....That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
I've learned....That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to helphim in some other way.
I've learned....That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I've learned....That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
I've learned....That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights whenI was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
I've learned....That life is like a roll of toilet paper.. The closer it gets to the end,the faster it goes.
I've learned....That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
I've learned....That money doesn't buy class.
I've learned....That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned...That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I've learned....That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I 've learned....That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I've learned ....�;That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I've learned....That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
I've learned....That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I've learned...That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
I've learned... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned... That I wish I could have told my Dad that I love him one more time before he passed away.
I've learned....That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I've learned....That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I've learned....That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.�;
I've learned....That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
I've learned....That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

I've always professed that the more I have to do, the more I get done...Now I know I'm right..... off to get something done..... Jeff's on his way home♥

Happy 5th Birthday Bailee:-)

Birthday breakfast number 2.  We were up bright and early to see B's picture and birthday message on channel 3's Birthday Bunch....SURPRISE!!!!!!!!! It wasn't on but Megan Coleman, the news anchor is on it and hopefully she'll be on tomorrow.  Sometimes technology fails:-(  We did, however, have a nice birthday breakfast at the diner. Susie and Barb made B a special breakfast complete with candy..... How cool! Grandma, that would be me, had five # 5 balloons ready and waiting on B's chair.  One really nice fellow even came over and gave Bailee a nice, crisp $1 bill.  I don't know his name but Bailee said he looked like a "Dale"..so he'll forever be Dale to us.  (I know all about the "taking candy from strangers rule but..hey this was CASH... nobody filled us in on the strangers with cash rule!!! ( and I know he's a regular at Barb's so he can't be all bad) ((and btw, if you eat at Barbs...you're all regular)).
Miss B will be up to visit soon. She's staying with me while her Mom has her first parent-conference.... I know it will be a good one!!  Then birthday dinner for tonight with Papa.... chuck roast, yellow beans, cottage cheese and rolls.....which sometimes we pull apart, roll on our elbows and make elbow bread......don't ask!!
A few more little packages tonight and then our best present arrives tomorrow...Uncle Jeff!!!!     HAPPY BIRTHDAY B ♥♥♥♥♥

Walk with Me

This is so touching... I just had to share it... :)



Walk with me as I age

I hope this poem has the same effect on you as it did on me - then my sharing it will be worth the effort. Walk with me by the water - worth the read...
A BEAUTIFUL POEM ABOUT GROWING OLDER:






Shit...


I forgot the words....

Everything is just "Marvey"

Traditions are awesome.   Great Grandma Hatfield gave us so many and taught us the value of them within our family and friendships.  Sometimes, they start without us even realizing..... It seems now that Thanksgiving is at Jon and Lisa's, Christmas is here and Easter is at Kim & Vic's....it's now.. a tradition.  Popcorn balls at Halloween, ornament giving after full tummies at Thanksgiving and Chinese Bingo at Christmas....some folks love this fun exchange.....others...not so much!!! ;-) Last night began a brand new tradition.  Bailee left her list and letter to Santa in the Santa tube on the front porch.  He never showed up over the week-end but I was pretty sure I heard some rustling around on the porch Sunday night.  Sure enough, the letter was gone and Santa had left a message and a package for Bailee.  He left behind an elf to watch over B from now until Christmas.  You see, it gets to be a bit much for Santa and his elves if they work their little butts off making toys for the kids who really haven't earned them. This little elf will report to Santa each night..good news or bad!!
Most elves are boys but the one that Santa left behind at our house had a skirt!!! (No identity crises at EIEIO).  The book that Santa left explained that Bailee must give her elf a name and see where she appeared each morning after returning from the North Pole.  Our elf is "Marvey!"  Even last night, she magically disappeared from Grandma's and reappeared by Bailee's aquarium at her house....This morning she was on Bailee bookshelf in her room.  I can't wait for her to head north tonight and tell Santa all about the "marvelous" report card Bailee's Mom received this morning....  It sure is exciting to see the word "exceptional" on your very first report card. (of course I knew it all along...we just have verification today :-)

So, it should be a fun few weeks with Marvey watching our every move. Uncle Jeff says it puts too much stress on a little girl.....Not so much...it's always good to know that how you act affects more than just YOU.  He'll figure it out after he spends 2 weeks with Miss B. We can't wait!!!

Happy Birthday Week

Most of us are tickled to have a BirthDAY.. Miss B gets a BirthWEEK....OK..I make it a birthweek!  Yesterday began the festivities with our family and friends birthday breakfast.  It was great... Rapunzel was the theme this year.. carried over from Halloween.  We decorated with Rapunzel's tower, lanterns floating from the ceiling (sky) just like Rapunzel's parents did every year on her birthday and some Wanted Posters for Flynn Ryder.....Rapunzel's "knight in no armor." We had about 30 people join us for breakfast and cake...Those two should always go hand in hand!  We had french toast, bacon, sausage, eggs, fruit and juice, milk and coffee..and cake and sherbet.  Bailee loved all of her gifts.  She is a very appreciative and thankful little girl for five years old... well almost... 4 years, 11 months and 27 days!....but who's counting?  She loves to read and got many books and games.  She got make-up and lots of girly things, a doll, some clothes and a new cash register....The register was a number one hit... It came complete with money, a scale to weigh "whatever" ( batteries, postcards, pens, milk glasses, forks etc...), a scanner that beeped and gave an amount and games that would help teach the values of money and math skills.... It was a hit Aunt Kyle and Uncle Ray!!!! Grandma and Papa gave her a Nook e-Reader complete with some already downloaded books, Spanish flashcards and some games.  One book was 500 Knock-Knock jokes....we laughed a lot!!!!!
Tomorrow will be birthday day in school as parent conferences are planned for her actual birthday on Thursday.....but ON Thursday, birthday dinner at our house....chuck roast, mashed potatoes, yellow beans, cottage cheese and rolls..... coincidentally quite similar to Uncle Jeff's annual birthday dinner request.. (which we'll rerun on the 27th). Bailee will then have a sleepover at her Dad's on Saturday which hopefully we'll be another day of birthday fun....

I figure if we're blessed to have a birthday each year, why not celebrate for an entire week!!

Camo..is that a color?

I'm not sure if Crayola has  yet dubbed a crayon - CAMO but I believe it has earned the status of one.  I know there is pink camo and purple camo and the hunter's variations of Mossy Oak, etc. Yep, camo is officially a color in my book. With that being declared....I do not shop anymore on Black Friday (I learn quickly) and I'm thinking that Gray Wednesday isn't the best day for leisurely shopping either so I've decided that I'm going to finish up some odds and ends for Bailee's Birthday Breakfast on Sunday, Jeff's birthday, Christmas decorations and my 2 last gifts this morning...which I have christened Camo Friday....It is Veteran's Day afterall.  I'm sure the will be stores filled with shoppers but with the impending snow arrival (flurries at the least)....I'm in the mood... and as my hubby will tell you...you need to strike while the iron's hot!   
Thank you Veteran's for giving me the freedom to say what I choose, go where I may and do what I believe in....

CMA

I used to relate the CMA (Country Music Awards) with KMA (Kiss my A$$).  I have never been a fan of country music but I'm admitting that my tastes can change...or maybe it's because country music itself is changing.  There seems to be a lot more substance as well as much better vocals.  It used to be sappy ballads about people being jilted or losing their dogs or a love story between them and their pickup truck.  Maybe some of the same sentiments are evident in the messages contained in today's songs too, but the delivery of the messages is often quite beautiful...............with one glaring exception...Taylor Swift is not a superstar in any form of the word.  Teens and Tweens may hope to emulate her but first it would be important if they actually could sing!!!  If it weren't for technology and immense studio help.... Taylor Swift would be just another girl who can't keep her strapless dress in place!! (another story for another day). On the flip side, The tribute to Glenn Campbell was wonderful. What a heartwarming idea to let a peer know how much he's loved and appreciated while he's alive and able to revel in his accomplishments.  My other thumbs up and down are: UP..Blake Shelton, Faith Hill, Vince Gill, Carrie Underwood, Sugarland, Lady A and the 3 new stars whose names I can't remember and I love Lionel Richie.. not generally country!!  I really wasn't thrilled with Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean and of course, Taylor Swift. All in all it was a good award show... Lots of music, a touch of humor which makes any show and it moved along nicely.  I'm not sure it was worthy of 3 hours.. I'd have preferred 2 hours followed by my favorite new show, Revenge!! (Now there's a topic for a great country song!!)

The DD

Today I'm the DD (designated decorator).  Lots of d's to go around on this delightful day!!!  Out came the Christmas lights and my highly professional patience rose to the occasion... This only happens once a year so it's truly a special day.  I decided to make some changes this year.  I added a bit of color to two little bushes out front (Lee has always been a proponent of colored lights and I like the brightness of white.)  I'm compromising a wee bit this year...shhhh.  While sitting on the porch one day this fall, I thought how pretty the trees out front would look with decorated trunks....It would mean a lot of meandering extension cords but what the heck...I bought some of the new, longer lasting LED lights (in white) and with the temps still fluttering in the wonderful 60's (60 is becoming a happier number of late), Jess and I began the inaugural climbing of the trees...OK Jess did!!!  I, on the other hand, got dizzy just winding the lights around the tree trunks....I had worked out the logistics in my head and Lee had come up with the perfect nails to adhere our lights.  We finished three trees and we have 4 more to go....and maybe the flag pole too....but that's a piece of cake... bring down the flag, attach the lights to the top grommet and raise the flag.... The deer are ready to be lit as well...I may add another as the two are getting lonesome up there.....or maybe one on the bridge.... We'll have to see where they appear.  It sure is easier while the weather is cooperating but somehow we need a few flakes to really get us in the mood....not like we didn't have a couple flakes doing the work :-).....I'm ready for snow but it can hold off till next week-end after Jeff and Jeromy have safely arrived from Charlotte.  Then..we'll get lit.....and maybe the trees will too :-)

Too much TV

When do you know if you're watching too much TV?  I have few answers in life..except to this question!  Sunday afternoon I heard a knock at my door (the one inside the garage). I ignored it as it coincided with Jay Glazer's injury report on my pre football show!  That may sound strange but when you're moving players around on your fantasy football team....it's important....to me at least!  A minute or so later, I heard the melodious tune of Old McDonald (that's what our doorbell plays..hey, we live at EIEIO..the Old McDonald place...enough explaining.)  I answered the door and a man explained that they (he and his wife who was in the yard snapping photos) were in the planning stages of building a home and loved ours and would like to take some photos (they already were). I was flattered and said, "be my guest..snap away!"  They proceeded to take photos from all angles all around the house.

Fast forward to bedtime!  As I relaxed in bed and reflected on the day's events (or lack thereof) it hit me.....What if these common looking folks were casing the joint.  They now had pictures of all the entry and exit points, he'd gotten a peek inside the living room, and they even had pictures of the surrounding woods (get away routes!)  I quickly, in my head, tried to remember what they looked like and what they were wearing.  He had a baseball cap and she was wearing a skirt....What kind of robbers wore that?  The clever kind!  They were both fairly small in stature which again would make them agile enough to scamper through the woods easily and unheard. Their car??? I hadn't even looked at it as I went directly back to my football show to make sure I hadn't chosen someone on IR (injured reserve) who would give me 0 points.(No comments about my priorities.. they're just that, MY priorities!). So basically, when these two people return to rob and maim us and I, God willing, am still alive to give a description to the authorities, all I will be able to report is that they looked normal, liked my house and carried a camera.  Which is probably the simple truth....Now really..do you think I watch too much TV?

Name Dropper

  Not sure what everyone did this week-end but I'm pretty sure that Andy Rooney "dropped by" to say hi to Dad or vice- versa.  As I have listened and read more about Andy this past week-end, they were very much alike. They were raised by humble although not destitute parents.  Mom raised the family while Dad did what he thought was "good" throughout the community, county and state.  Both Dad and Andy were bright and affluent enough to have the opportunity to matriculate to/from Colgate University where they each were fortunate enough to pursue their chosen fields.  Andy took a side adventure into the armed services and Dad, thanks to poor eyesight, remained in upstate New York.  Dad and Andy both had an uncanny affection for writing. I can attest to the skills of them both....Andy in his volumes of books and Dad in his volumes of notes...both of which contained litanies of wisdom....and opinions.  I often thought they would both be extraordinary Supreme Court Justices as their written opinions were timely, intelligent and vociferous through words.  Andy was quoted as saying he wanted to work (although he never really considered what he did..work) till the day he died.  Dad also made mentioned numerous times that if he could not go to work everyday, he did not want to remain here on earth.  Both were fortunate to achieve that desired goal.  Andy lived merely 4 weeks from his last 60 Minutes appearance and Dad, 19 hours from the time he last sat at his desk, this desk, at Hewitt Brothers.  Both left lasting legacies for me!  Both were curmudgeons on the outside and gooey on the inside. Andy stated in his last interview that he got paid to write and therefore hated being confronted on the street, approached in a restaurant, or asked for his autograph or a reply to fan mail.....although every book he wrote, when sent to him by me, he happily messaged and signed as a gift from me to Dad.
I miss them both and hope they're as content with what they accomplished as we are with what they taught us (me).

An interesting article in today's New York Times!!
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/07/opinion/ever-wondered-about-andy-rooney-and-stationery.html?emc=eta1

The big 6-0

Starting next week, my classmates and I will be begin our SEVENTH decade by randomly turning 60. What the hell!!!! I remember recently telling someone that you're only as old as you feel.  What the hell!!!!  Maybe I actually AM older than 59 and 7 months and 3 days!(but who's counting)  I'm quite positive that we act younger than the past two generations did as they entered their 60's but then I realize that Lee goes to bed at 7:30 p.m. after consuming his supper, a glass (or 2) of scotch and then cereal...(in essence..fiber)!  I settle into my chair to watch the same evening programs that I watch every scheduled week night or lately at my desk (which is by the chair that is by the TV) so I can play computer games with my other old friends who have no life either.  A successfully, fun night consists of staying awake past 11 and being elated if I can muster up a word like exlax for 60 points on Words with Friends!!(Scrabble for old folks)  What the hell did the past two generations do after 8 o'clock at night?.... probably something weird like knit, or read or talk!!  I'm hoping this will be a year filled with celebrations. Sixty is a milestone after all.  It seems to be the age where we're examining our bucket list a bit closer, the holidays seem more important because they're including things like traditions and grandkids, holding on to our memories for dear life and not buying green bananas.  There's still room for optimism for us but we're scared to death for our kids and theirs.  We can only hope we've taught them the skills to survive and they'll remember "who brung them to the dance!" as a very wise man once said. I guess I'll try and live each day to the fullest and celebrate each 60th birthday with thanks.....Let the parties begin!

                                          Happy 60th to Pam next week!!!

Good, Bad ......or indifferent.....

I am a reader.....maybe that in itself will save my life...or kill me.  Every morning I faithfully read the Post Standard... sometimes I refer to it as the Sub Standard (when I see all the grammatical and spelling errors) but generally it provides the service of local and national news, sports scores and tidbits, our horoscopes (which I read and instantly forget), my morning brainteaser, The Jumble and health information.....The last of which I will discuss this morning. Within the last 2 days, I have learned that Vitamin D helps prevent diseases....You can get Vitamin D from the sun....which also gives you skin cancer so please stay out of the sun and drink lots of milk, unless you're lactose intolerant or if you don't like milk....then BUY vitamin D capsules..(now we know who penned that article)  I also learned that if you eat 2 ounces or more of black licorice a day for at least 2 weeks you could experience irregular heartbeat...Go ahead and eat red licorice as it contains NO licorice root (then why the hell is it called licorice?).Steer clear of topical oils..............which I thought you rubbed on your body but apparently we eat them daily...They're the oils that keep foods from separating..like peanut butter and whipped cream. They are emulsifiers and are found in palm trees and coconut oil. (That squelches my retirement in Hawaii). We need vitamin B-12....if deficient in this vitamin we could have muscle weakness, vision problems, mood disturbances, forgetfulness,..... muscle weakness, vision problems, mood disturbances and forgetfulness..................and an unsteady gait. I see this vitamin in my near future and if it cures mood disturbances... everyone's getting some for Christmas!!  Last but certainly not least...mild alcohol consumption could contribute to breast cancer....hmmm 2-3 drinks a week ups the percentage 15%..2 a DAY..51%. but don't forget to drink at least a glass of wine a day to help stave off heart disease. Holy cow...I guess it's up to us to literally choose our poison. From what I can tell, the best medicine might be to just stop the reading the morning paper...or at least the Health section..it appears that's hazardous to my health!

Let Down your Golden Hair

It's a fact.... Blondes do have more fun!  Rapunzel was a hit last night.  She didn't win any prizes at the contest but everyone remarked how cute and clever her costume was.  Good lesson.. you can't win every time (but you're always a winner with Grandma!

Now we switch gears and jump into November.... new decorations, birthdays, Thanksgiving and writing that all important letter to "you know who!"...... I won't tell her he's all finished shopping if you don't!

Halloween 2011

Today is one of my favorite holidays.  We've glued and cut and sprayed and stapled and Rapunzel's tower is ready for tonight's "trek" and treat.  We haven't quite got the logistics down for the trek from the Modern Market to the 4-Town building but it'll all come together by 6 p.m. 
This morning, the cutest pumpkin in the patch headed to school for a day full of fun.
Tomorrow we'll have a photo journal of Rapunzel's quest for candy and her night on the town.
A BIG Halloween get well wish for one of our favorite people, Stella!  Must be she wanted Covert to dress up as a Doctor and he said, "No!" .....so off she went to the hospital to find one of her very own.....Hope you feel better today....we promise all treats and no more tricks for you today!!!..
                                  Have a fun day and a safe night everyone!!

First Snow

There's something magical about the first snow of the season.  No magic yet for EIEIO though! The surrounding hills were coated with the white stuff yesterday but for those of us in the valley... we're still waiting for our magic.  All of the pictures on Face Book did, however; spark me to wrap myself around the upcoming holiday.  I wrapped all the ornaments for the annual Thanksgiving paper identification tradition..(Everyone gets their ornaments for the year wrapped in the paper that their gifts will appear "in" under the tree.) For those who peek and still keep a running talley, Jess... this helps spot their packages easier.... Anything Santa can do to help!!! The colder temps have arrived too. Bailee donned her new hat that Papa brought home from Alaska and the gloves made the trip to the expedition....just in case.  I'm not a big coat wearer but my old, wrinkled pinkies do get pretty cold. Soon the clocks will fall back into their depressing winter mode and there will be no fighting the fact the season number four in good, ole, upstate New York is upon us. It's really not that bad and I guess if you don't like it you could always move....and it does give some something to bitch about...like they need any help....It's pretty simple, it's winter, it's cold and it snows and as Bailee would say.... "Deal about it!"

Just read!!

You know me!  Reading is on the top of my list....I really don't care what you read......a book, a magazine, a newspaper or even a cereal box....or where.....a chair, your desk, in bed or even the bathroom......
                                           Here's a humorous example:

Never Argue with a Woman! (shocker)
One morning, the husband returns the boat to their lakeside cottage after several hours of fishing and decides to take a nap.
Although not familiar with the lake, the wife decides to take the boat out. She motors out a short distance, anchors, puts her feet up, and begins to read her book. The peace and solitude are magnificent.
Along comes a Fish and Game Warden in his boat.
He pulls up alongside the woman and says, 'Good morning, Ma'am. What are you doing?'
'Reading a book,' she replies, (thinking, 'Isn't that obvious?')
'You're in a Restricted Fishing Area,' he informs her.
'I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing. I'm reading.'
'Yes, but I see you have all the equipment.For all I know you could start at any moment.I'll have to take you in and write you up.'
'If you do that, I'll have to charge you with sexual assault,' says the woman.
'But I haven't even touched you,' says the Game Warden.
'That's true, but you have all the equipment..
For all I know you could start at any moment.......................'
'Have a nice day ma'am,' and he left.

Moral of the story:

Never argue with a woman who reads.

It's likely she can also think.

I rest my case!!

A new neighbor

This past week-end Lee excitedly came in the house having captured a photo across the road by the "Barge Canal." (ok, it's a field drainage ditch but we beautify all we can). "What kind of bird is this?" he chirped.  Not knowing, we headed to the living room and our bird book. (I know, how freakin' old are we that we even have a bird book much less excitedly went to it?) There, right on the front cover was our new neighbor. (notice the yellow page markers that fill the book so we don't have to squint through the index each time we want to find a particular bird).  A Belted Kingfisher was sitting proudly on the same kind of branch that Lee had photographed his bird.  Our book  gives a summarized description of each bird, it's native surroundings, it's food source and even it's song. Lee couldn't wait to push the button and hear exactly what Mr. Kingfisher sounds like.................Lee is deaf!!!!  His disappointment when he couldn't hear the Kingfisher's call was replaced by excitement when we explained that the batteries in the book were dead!  We replaced them and positioned the book in close proximity to his ear.....pushed the button and saw the delighted look on his face.  We now know how Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller felt at the well:-)
Such little pleasures here at EIEIO♥