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!