Happy New Year . . .

Had a busy Thursday off. Thought I was going to work on the puzzle most of the day but Puppy's Pop thought a movie was in order. I had been thinking the same thing so we went to see True Grit at Lisbon Landing. We both liked the movie. It was a good, plain story, well written, acted and directed. When a movie is good it is really great to go to the theatre rather than wait for the DVD. I think we'll also go to see The Transformers when it comes out. Even Rango previews looked pretty interesting! After our matinee performance we went to the Sterling School to fly and walk. The flying field (soccer field) was in good shape because the wind had swept it pretty clean! I just walked around the parking lot as my regular sidewalks were snow covered. To top off the day's low key events I found crunchy ice going down the entire length of the driveway! What a neat sounding walk coming up from putting out the mail. That would make a super video; bright blue sky, sighing wind in the trees, snot nosed kid stomping crunchy, clear ice rivulets in New England on the last day of the year.

Will be off soon to pick up our Kiddo. Wonder if he'll want to make a video or just slide down the partially snow covered hill?

Quote: What is time? --The shadow on the dial, the striking of the clock, the running of the sand, day and night, summer and winter, months, years, centuries --these are but the arbitrary and outward signs --the measure of time, not time itself. Time is the life of the soul. __Longfellow

Clio re...re...re...redux . . .

Got our morning call from the youngest that the Clio should be ready to be picked up this afternoon. She is apprehensive about driving it to work tomorrow but will just have to give it a go. Always the Maman, I told her to make sure she had warm clothes; gloves, heavy coat, toque, scarves, boots, double socks, triple shirts and double sweaters just in case she had another breakdown on the frigid, unplowed roads and she had to wait for RAC (her version of AAA) to come out to the rescue for the umpteenth time. The dealership replaced a fuel injector on the misfiring cylinder. We can only hope they have finally found the real problem! How disconcerting. Daughter explained that her "handler" will not get in touch with her until after the new year to explain in depth what has been done to cure the very sick Renault. I was surprised at the word "handler" as I explained that I thought handlers were used to control mad dogs. She admitted that might be how they consider her!

Had a good day with the kids yesterday. Our trip to Chucky Cheese in Groton was fun. The boys managed to share their tokens and earn enough tickets to each get about four pieces of junk. Nephew was hungry for pizza but grandson was hungry for a hamburger. Problem easily solved. I got nephew a personal pepperoni pizza and juice at Chucky Cheese and bought Kiddo a Happy Meal at McD's. Now, since you get a Bakugan toy at McD's nephew also needed a McNugget Happy Meal! I know I'm getting daft but I get such a kick out of these boys. We went to daughter's home and the kids played the rest of the afternoon. Only a few very minor glitches that the kids managed to almost work out by themselves. A good time was had by all. Kiddo's older brother made the paper yesterday because he attained honors at Grasso Tech. I really am proud of him. He'll be starting Driver's Ed after the first of the year at a cost to him of $500. His folks helped out by giving him lots of Christmas money. He's also been taking care of his kid brother during the holiday vacation so I've got today off! I'm planning to put at least 200 pieces into my puzzle today and perhaps go for a walk outside. It is cold and the snow cover is still present but a brisk walk in the bright sunshine will be healthy.

Received at least three singing birthday calls yesterday; two in person, one duet recorded while I was out playing with the kids. Makes you smile and appreciate the good people on this, God's white earth! My mixed bouquet was awaiting me, all well arranged and displayed in the center of the puzzle when I returned in the early evening. Heard from the three kids and so it's onward and upward into 2011.

Quote: Commonly they whose tongue is their weapon, use their feet for defense. ___Sir P. Sidney

Truly blown away . . .

Back to Gold Dredge No. 8

Puppy's Pop has been out to check up on my spinner and nary a trace could he find. I'm somewhat bitter about this disappearance because that means I have to get through the entire winter and most of the spring before I can get a new one. Believe it or not it's hard to find the right one on line. They have so many look a likes but most are garbage ( pronounced in the manner of the French.) So I shall suffer mightily for too many months and therefore have time to reflect on the cost of a new one which may make me decide to be economical! ! ! Doubtful.

Grampa used the Saturn to go to horseshoes in East Hartford today while I stayed home and luxuriated in the peace and quiet of a house all to myself! ( Wouldn't want that all the time but it is pleasant to be alone occasionally as I'm sure all can appreciate the calm and delight that reigns in solitude.) I did washes, walked to my audio book which I absolutely love, worked on my puzzle, read the horrid Bulletin in two minutes flat, completed the latest American Spectator and made out my shopping list. Therefore, 'twas a good day until I got the car back and went shopping. The check out girl was in never never land and over charged me for a twelve pack of Coke and the idiot at the package store never acknowledged my presence as I paid for the Cabernet Sauvignon. He continued to talk to someone, who was in front of me and then ceded her place to me, about his most stupid friend who insisted that he could order pizza by the piece not by the slice. As the young man at the checkout explained to the lady now behind me as he took my money and never even caught my eye, "John is so stupid. He won't admit that you order pizza by the slice not the piece. And I told him he was stupid . . ." I know. I should have told the clerk he was the ass and should pay attention to a good customer but I was so incensed I just fumed all the way home. Poor Grampa had to listen to my diatribe as I used the last of the roast beast to make soup for supper. I must be getting crotchety in my dotage. The neighbor kids asked me to borrow my sleds so they could slide on my hill! They can't find their sleds! Gee willikers, we let their two dogs run here and now we have to provide the sleds for their enjoyment. Oh well, and this too shall pass.

Just figured out a good puzzle for Springbok. I'll take a picture of my latest Lucky Roll, half completed, with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon also on the table. Grampa says the glass of wine should be within the frame of the puzzle. Bonne idée! Tomorrow should be a great day. I'm picking up 6 year old great nephew from the old homestead and bringing him to Groton to spend the day with Kiddo. Should be a blast.

Quote: Who makes quick use of the moment, is a genius of prudence. ___Lavater

And my beautiful spinner is ? ? ?

Out of order. This is the dock on the Chena River as we were coming in on the sternwheeler.

Probably the luck of the draw, not too much snow, perhaps 6 inches total so far but the winds have made drifts all over the yard. The entry way by the kitchen had no snow because the wind had blown right through from the North and made odd paths. In some places you can see the tips of the blades of grass and in others deep drifts. Puppy's Pop has already finished using the snow blowers. Yes, plural. He used the one from eldest kid, who has moved to warmer climes, to clear the upper yard and the old one, that is kept and started in the basement (had to air out before I was asphyxiated,) to clear out the roadside, mailbox etc. I dutifully cleared off the porch and the kitchen step that had been clear of snow until the snowblower person completed his rounds and I had to sweep that clean too! I am distressed because my beautiful, colorful, 3 circled spinner is no where to be seen. It will probably show up in the Spring in the woods all tattered and torn so I will have to go to the Kite Store in Mystic for a newbie. Damn, that'll be a pain because the proprietor doesn't keep the one I like in stock. Most people don't want a top of the line spinner with 3 gorgeous wheels and a delightful tail. It is a bit costly but lots of fun to see the effects of the wind as it whips the spinner 'round and about as I laze in my swing or look out on the yard from the window as I do those dishes.

In any case Grampa is out and about in the Dodge and I've decided to start a puzzle, Coup de dés (Lucky Roll), very colorful made up of dice in all configurations. Who knows when it will be completed but I just feel like having some bright colorful pieces spread out on the kitchen table so when the spirit moves me I'll be ready to act.

Quote: The best throw with the dice, is to throw them away. __Old Proverb

Waiting on the blizzard . . .

Gold Dredge No. 8

Just returned from Sunday Mass, having already breakfasted at LizzyB's, and was surprised that there were only about 30 people in the church. All Hallows looks so nice in its Christmas finery. The lay people decorate with just the right beauty and simplicity. With our Polish priest the old statues are reappearing, cleanly restored and in their old places. I like it. Two ladies who harmonize very well were our choir and I felt so at home and comfortable. I had gone to the children's Mass on Christmas Eve and the church was packed; that was a good thing. Since we no longer have a Catholic school in the entire town of Plainfield it amazes me to see so many young families with at least 2 or 3 children. Volunteers run the religious education programs on Sunday mornings before and after the 9:15 Mass. I'm impressed with the work they do. It truly is a labor of love although some of the kids could use a scolding. (I don't think that word exists anymore!)

Our Christmas Day was warm, comfortable and relaxing. For once dinner was late instead of early so I am making progress! Kiddo ate his entire hamburger and a rack of grapes without even a slight complaint. Some how or other I made the best Gram's Cheesecake ever. We were all suitably impressed. I think it came out so well because I fortuitously came upon medium eggs and while I was preparing the cake son called so I just put the batter aside while we all talked for a bit. Whatever the case may be there's not much left and I know that I shall indulge in a slice for lunch with homemade raspberry sauce and fresh whipped cream.

And the Saga of the Clio will go on into the New Year. Youngest called Christmas Day and the Clio has the dealership so distraught they asked if they could have one of their mechanics take it home and drive it so they can really figure out what's wrong with it. Grampa seems to think that they probably never had to put in the new wiring harness and there's some type of electrical problem. I wish they'd give youngest another vehicle and call it even. This is getting to be outrageous. She and G. are spending the holidays with his parents and had a White Christmas! So far we have a very light dusting of snow.

Quote: Neither piety, virtue, nor liberty can long flourish in a community where the education of youth is neglected. ___Cooper

Addenda . . .

The Clio Renault is back on the road! The coil pack did the trick and the mechanic even went so far as to clean out the windshield washer jets, no extra charge! Woot! And wonder of wonders a $450 charge on our credit card was removed very quickly, no fuss. Hometown Heating T&S Energy were so efficient they put the charge in on the computer and manually but fixed it. Phew, I almost had cardiac arrest when I saw the bill before I realized what had transpired. Oh well, back to breakfast and wishing the flurries would stop.

Yes indeedy . . . we are having fun . . .

Puppy's Pop needed lots of plane parts yesterday so we were off to Sturbridge, MA, always a beautiful ride up Route 169. While he was picking out all the odds and ends I was checking out a flight simulator for remote control air planes. A bit pricey but perhaps someday we'll breakdown and get it so Kiddo and I can learn to fly! Not sure if our present computer can handle the add on. But it's really neat because you get a radio control box just like the real radios. I've always been very nervous when I've handled the radios maybe this would help me to get over my fright! On the way home we stopped at our favorite spot for lunch, Java Jive, in Woodstock. Excellent sandwiches and coffee. We haven't gone there for breakfast yet but one of these days we'll have to make the trek.

Kiddo got out at 1pm today and then we spent 45 minutes at the school playground! It was cold as the devil but he wanted to run around with his friends and you can't say no to playing outside and having a ball. We hit McD's for a double hamburger Mighty Meal and my Southern Chicken. Excellent lunch! We were both starving. I was home a bit late tonight but just in time for Santa and his elf. They were out testing the sleigh and reindeer for Friday night. They even brought us some snow. How much more better could it get? Yes, life is just grand. But . . . the snow best be off of the roads by morning!

Quote: Babe . . . A sweet new blossom of humanity, fresh fallen from God's own home, to flower on earth. _____Massey

Making tracks . . .

Got up at 2:42am, put on my slippers and Puppy's Pop's flannel lined jean shirt so I could wander out side, make tracks in the light snow and see the lunar eclipse. It was dark, cold, windy, flurrying and a snow sky with a slight glow in the South. I guess that that's all I was supposed to see at that time. I was hoping to see the dark of the moon but instead I just saw a glow that may have been man made lights on the highway! Great disappointment. We're still getting some very light flurries and I've got Grampa out there doing his best Scrooge and Grinch impersonations! He is delivering Trappistine fudge to his siblings! Gotta love that man! He absolutely cracks me up. Besides I asked him to gas my poor little Saturn so he's got his hands full while I sip my coffee in the warmth and coziness of this old cottage home. Will watch UCONN women play tonight. What a lot of hype. Geno has it right when he says of the UCLA comparison, " They did it and we're doing it. Everything else to me is meaningless."

Just spoke with youngest and the saga of the Clio is ongoing. After she wasn't able to get them to take her continuing problems seriously and they said there was nothing they could do to help she emailed the parent company of the dealership and explained her woes. Within an hour she got a phone call and her poor little frenchie Renault is back at the dealership hopefully to be really fixed. ( Had to pause a minute because younger daughter just called again!) It seems that a coil pack is on the fritz and fouling the spark plugs. So . . . although they don't have a coil pack to replace the broken one they will have one tomorrow and she should get her car back tomorrow. She'll only have to pay for the coil pack. Woot! Let's hope this actually does the trick and she can finally trust her car in the freezing cold weather to get her to work safely.

Quote: They who have to educate children should keep in mind that boys are to become men, and that girls are to become women. The neglect of this momentous consideration gives us a race of moral hermaphrodites. ______Horace

Joyeux Noël et Bonne et Heureuse Année . . .

Trying to get ready for Christmas Day. Went food shopping and flower shopping today. Will pick up the Roast Beast Friday morning along with Kiddo's hamburger and rolls! I know I shouldn't indulge him but he likes my hamburgers so that'll be my present to him on Christmas Day while the rest of us eat Prime Rib, turnips, broccoli, mashed potatoes, gravy, home made bread and Gram's cheesecake along with a few other odd and ends, wines, candies et cetera. There will be eight us and we'll all be thinking happy thoughts of those who are celebrating in distant places. I do like the holidays. It really is relaxing to sit around and enjoy the passing years. Many more good times than bad. Have to appreciate all we have; each other, our families and friends. Looks like a snowy day but there is no snow and that's OK I want the roads to stay clear all week because I've got to get to Groton every day but the weekend!

Had fun company yesterday after lunch when Moosup nephew, his wife and kiddos came for a visit. The kids kept busy playing while we chatted for a bit. Nephew, wife and his parents were going to the Patriots vs Greenbay last night. I even stayed up to watch the goofy Packers get beat. Long night! Before the game daughter and her family came and took us out to Riverview for dinner. That was excellent, especially the company, but the food was good too. It's always great when I don't have to cook! Puppy's Pop sold two of his old remote control planes yesterday and made $60! Not bad! I have also sold some of my audio books for about $60 total. Not so good as I paid quite a bit for them but better to sell than just hang on to them for no good reason. I really don't want to listen to Moby Dick again!

Finally have caught up with my magazines. Now if I can only get ahead of them I can start making the puzzles I've received for Christmas!

Quote: There is a God in science, a God in history, and a God in conscience, and these three are one. ____Joseph Cook

Where to begin?

Guess I'll start with a cup of French Vanilla tea and some home made Oneco Christmas cookies. Just got back from walking and flying at the Sterling School where Grampa was able to strut his stuff for two fourth grade ladies and their Corgi, Cinnamon. What a cold but beautiful, crisp almost winter day. Had trouble finding some crunchy ice to crack. It's been so cold that the puddles are still frozen solid. Before flying we stopped to bring a little gift to friends and marvel at their fantastical old Shell gas pump. I hope to be able to get a picture of it after it snows. It will show up so well. R. is also working on another old gas pump that looks as if it dates from the 1930's. ( mmmmm. . . nothing like really delicious, pretty, friend made Christmas cookies.)

I've got to brag that I'm finally back to drinking my post prandial wine and able to eat real whole meals again. Have no clue what was bothering me but as soon as I made an appointment with my primary care nurse I seemed to feel better. She did give me something for my stomach called Dexilant and it seems to be a wonder drug! Still not back on Oscal or vitamins but "feeling groovy." Grampa has made the big time. He sent in an article to Control Line Flying, a magazine from Brodak in Pennsylvania and they are going to publish it along with his picture, email address and photo of the plane he wrote about. That is just so cool. Kiddo and I almost finished decorating the tree last night so I'll finish up this afternoon while Grampa works on the El Camino. It's running rough, so rough that after dropping off the little Christmas gift in Oneco we came right home and switched vehicles to go flying! Now that's pretty darned rough, don'tcha know!

OK. I'm on my sixth cookie and everyone was different, looked scrumptious and was out of this world delicious. I only mention this because I have been given cookies that looked wonderful and were beautifully decorated but all tasted the same . . . wet cardboard yuck. I'm so fortunate that I can eat all these wonders and enjoy them. Woot! On a lower note, not happy that youngest child's car is still broken after it had been repaired. Hope she can get that straightened out. This was at a dealership too! It seems England and the USA have a lot in common! But, after all, it is a French car and I can't imagine the French making a good automobile, the Germans, yes, not the French.

Quote: Presents which our love for the donor has rendered precious are ever the most acceptable. ____Ovid

Still numb . . .

It was so neat to see planes on people's front lawns.

Yes, I'm still numb up to the left side of my nose but if you ever need a root canal I know just the perfect lady to do the trick. Dr. Amy Amaro of East Lyme and Norwich is unbelievable. She is thorough, neat, sweet, strong and humorous. Dental work is never pleasant but she used a rubber like dam that is placed over your mouth and the tooth they're working on sticks out of it which means they don't have to keep suctioning your mouth. It works like a charm once you get used to it. Wouldn't want it any other way. The wonders of the modern age. She and her assistant are good. She speculated that Dr. C. couldn't get to the roots on this tooth so he just did the bottom part, filled it, and called it a day. He probably didn't have the right sized tools because she said there were two very tiny long roots which she made one after she cleaned out the old mess. In any case the job is done and in January Dr. Mackey will fix the cavity and filling before it gets capped. Wow, glad that's almost taken care of! It really seems crazy but it feels good to have someone know what the heck they're doing and perhaps I'll get to save all of my teeth. Ma must be loving it! Very cold and windy today even with the sunshine so I walked in the house while Puppy's Pop worked on his latest plane renovation. He's got some very nice looking color schemes. The planes look so good when they're being flown or just standing in their allotted positions in the basement. They would make a beautiful puzzle. I'll have to see if Springbok would like a puzzle suggestion! Maybe I can send them a few photos. That might be neat.

Quote: Pardon others often, thyself never. ___Publius Syrus

Nor'easter . . .

I guess the weather could be worse than raining, windy, dark, 53 degrees. Yep, it could be snow. It did cause problems last night and early this morning as the roads did ice up but it's just a mess now. Hope it clears for tomorrow and Tuesday. I'm supposed to visit older brother and wife to bring them some Penuche and some letters I found that date back to his military service in Germany. Tuesday I have a root canal in East Lyme and I definitely want to get that out of the way. Getting sick of going to the dentist's office. I just get more angry at the dentist that helped cause the problems. Oh well, I'll get over it. Kiddo had a great visit this weekend. We hardly had time for any TV. He helped decorate the house for Christmas and we've been warned to put only one decoration on the tree when Grampa gets it this week because when he comes Friday he's going to be in charge. Sacred Heart's Christmas Concert is Wednesday. I'm looking forward to it but there will be a slight glitch. Kiddo's older brother's first basketball game is also Wednesday and he's on Varsity as a Sophomore. J. is all pumped up. Daughter is going to try to make both. It'll be interesting. I've found my old French Canadian records and set up the Sony record player up stairs so I can listen to all of our old 78's and 33's. Not too many 45's. We've got so many good albums. It seems that some people are buying new versions of the vinyl record albums because they sound better than the CD's. I was surprised at that. Kiddo and I play the oldies sometimes. I think that he's the only kid that knows how to play CD's, records and tapes! He gets a kick out of them. This darned Northeaster is rocking my outdoor glider that's on the porch for the winter. It sounds a bit like a hurricane. Went out to dinner with Oneco friends last night. My stomach is still acting up but not quite as much. We had a wonderful evening and as we sat talking in their living room, appreciating their Christmas Tree and their very beautiful old house they gave us a box of caramels and a 1000 piece puzzle. The puzzle should be a lot of fun and somewhat difficult. It's an enormous pile of cars of every sort called 50's Junk Pile. Will have much to do when and if we do get snowed in! Bad stomach or not I'm eating the chocolates. One or two a day will be delicious.

Quote: A good dinner sharpens wit, while it softens the heart. __Doran

Comfortable here . . .

At daughter's home after a very thorough teeth cleaning. Am waiting for Kiddo to get out of school at 1pm, half day for parent teacher conferences. He told his Mom this morning that she shouldn't go! But she has her appointment for 4:45. I'm sure it will be interesting. He also has a half day tomorrow so we'll spend a lot of time together! I hope he doesn't get sick of me. They have put up a very beautiful blue spruce Christmas tree and it really looks a lot like Christmas. We've got the cold and wind but it's very sunny and no snow. No snow, that's a good thing or I'd have problems getting here. Went to younger brother's yesterday to bring the Christmas penuche. We had a wonderful time just chatting and then the three of us played cribbage. Last time J. won and this time his neato wife came from behind and won. I'm certain that it's a conspiracy. I haven't won any games in so long but at least the people I play are happy! Had a wonderful time and came home with a bottle of red wine and some beautiful winter sweaters and pants. Can't wait to show up for lunch duty with my pretty red cardigan.The kids will love it. S.G. and I enjoyed our French Canadian Chrismas Concert and Sing-a-long. Met a young fiddler from Connecticut who is on FB as Jam Français. He's trying to get younger people interested in their Canadian heritage, especially the music. I told him about the old 78's I have and he's very interested in them. Naturally when I got home and looked for them I couldn't find them anywhere. So I have to find the time to search them out or at least try to remember if I gave them away. I doubt I gave them away. But I just recalled that some of the old very dilapidated records from Ma's house were in the milk room and we threw them away because they had been sitting in water on the floor of the damp basement for years. I hated to discard them but I couldn't see any way to save them. They were not only warped but covered with moss and mildew. The good news is that the records I'm looking for were originally in our house and belonged to MaTante. Hope I locate them. Wonder if Saint Anthony is still working?

Time to go get Kiddo. We'll stop at Richoni's for lunch. The garage is sold. The young man got the full loan. That is so wonderful with the economy the way it is. Not sure when the final papers will be signed but I think he's already at work

Beautiful time of the year . . .

Busy Friday. Kiddo had no school so I picked him up around 11am and after lunch at McD's in Groton he had time to plan his day on the drive home. Walked in the house and asked Grampa if they could go fishing. They dug up some worms, dressed warmly and took off in the Dodge Ram, just the two of them. It's really nice to be left behind and I'm not being facetious. I enjoy seeing Kiddo putting Grampa through his paces! They got skunked, naturally, because, as Kiddo told me "The fish were way down at the bottom of Porter Pond so they could stay warm. We didn't catch any." When they returned he and I took a hike into the woods around the property where we found green tea berry plants peeping out through the scrunchy russet leaves, princess pine and Christmas wreath runners. Really nice time following the little guy as we warded off the bad guys with his spy watch. After we finally came in he grabbed his books of mazes and joined Grampa downstairs at his special place so they could do their work together. We appreciate the time he spends with us. Grampa had a VA appointment for noon Saturday to have his hearing rechecked and he and his aids passed with flying colors. After I dropped Kiddo off in Groton I returned to clean the house. Grampa and I also went for our two mile walk at the Yankee Flyers field. We were asked out to dinner with the W's of Oneco but my stomach is on the fritz. Believe it or not I think I'm allergic to turkey! Or perhaps it's only the turkey soup. O,
que ça fait mal à l'estomac quand je la mange! So no more turkey for me. I hated to say no to the invite but I certainly would not have been very good company. I borrowed some of Puppy's Pop's Zantac and Tums and finally did get a decent night's sleep. Today I'm going to
Woonsocket, pronounced woon-sau-kette, accent on the last syllable, with my friend S. from Killingly. We're going to hear Josée Vachon, chanteuse Canadienne, in a Christmas Concert. S. and I love the old Canadian chansons de Noël.

Time for a little snack before I leave. Interestingly I saw Saint Nicolas at Mass today, not Santa, the real Saint Nicolas, in his beautiful priestly robes.

Quote: The saints are God's jewels, highly esteemed by and dear to him; they are a royal diadem in his hand. ___M. Henry

Because I like it . . .

Let Spring Be Spring

Something waiting to be born,
The oak tree folded in the acorn,
We might say, the felicity
Of potential: an embarassment of riches
Takes a chance at life in ditches,
A miracle that's hard to beat.
Squirrels never grow to what they eat
And acorns never penetrate concrete
On which I've heard them bounce on windy nights,
Landing loud as bottle caps
After the shortest and straightest flights---
Without even the hint of a somersault.
Where you land is sometimes the wind's fault.

___Lawrence Dugan (borrowed from Nationl Review)

Pasticceria Italia . . .

Another restful, peaceful visit with younger sister. It revives the soul to be with someone who knows you inside out. No pretense, no faking just plain getting along and enjoying the company. We started out at our usual spot and had the best grinder ever. No kidding. It was a pepper and egg grinder. I figured it was going to be egg salad but R. explained that it was a pepper and egg omelet with cheese on a grinder roll. We could have had sauce too but we just went plain. Oh my, home cooking à l'italien is superior. It may not sound like much but the simplicity is probably what makes it so delicious. It didn't need any seasoning and the bread was perfectly heated and just crispy enough. Along with a cup of thé and we were comfortably fed before the "suits", "military" and peons stopped for lunch. We left for desert in Southwick, MA at the Italian Pastry and Coffee Shop. R. had the tiramisu and I the Italian fruit cake. Gee, life is grand with the right company. Even the ride is pretty up in those parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts. I had brought R. her Christmas fudge from the Trappistines, a few Peter Mayle travel books that are hilarious, and some more of her things, PCA diploma, First Communion certificate, Mother's Day heart from long ago. I keep finding stuff in this old house that must have been in the other old house and it doesn't belong to me. I always seem to find these treasures when I'm searching for something else I've lost. Still a fun place to roam around in. Even Kiddo likes to go upstairs and wander and then down to the basement. I came home with a Kozy Blanket that R. and S. gave me. I used it last night and it is just perfect for wrapping myself up at night when I sit down to read or watch my Huskies win. The weekly shopping is done so I've a bit of time before I'm off to Groton.

Quote: If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; there is where they should be. Now put foundations under them. _____Thoreau

Damn . . .

Taking care of these teeth as Ma insisted, is getting to be a chore. Last week our new regular dentist was supposed to cap #12 but when she took a really good look at it she realized someone had done a partial root canal. For some unknown reason it was never completed and her x-ray showed a black spot that might have been an abscess so yesterday I went to a Root Canal Specialist in East Lyme. Nice thing is I've found another really young woman who is pleasant, has a sense of humor and tells you straight out the problem and shows it to you. She has better x- ray equipment than the normal dentist's office and so we found out the good news first, no abscess. But the bad news is we don't know what was packed into the small part of the root canal after the nerve was killed and don't know why the job wasn't completely done. I do remember missing school a number of years ago because my left cheek had swollen so much and I was on antibiotics for a while. In any case I will have the specialist do the root canal and find out what's going on in this mess before Dr. M in Groton completes the crown next year. Not happy about this but I will try to keep my teeth intact. I'm more than miffed at Dr. C here in Moosup. He really should have let us know when he was in over his head and sent us to someone who knew what to do. It's too late for recriminations but both Puppy's Pop and I thought we were getting good care and now we've both got dental problems. It's no wonder no one has heard a peep from Dr. C's office. Even the specialist asked if I knew how their office could contact him because they have other patients who have ended up needing root canals and can't get in touch with the C's to get the records. Oh well, we're doing fine, just disgusted that we trusted someone implicitly and whether he meant to or not took us for a ride.

Will be off soon to visit younger sister in East Granby. I'll also stop at Munson's to pick up the Christmas favors for Christmas Dinner. Can't believe the time is flying by like this. My friend Barbara is home and recuperating. I sent out a card yesterday and she emailed me that she'll be out for about two and a half weeks. I may call her in a few days. Want to give her time to start healing before I call. Have to get to the credit union this morning. Spent too much money this month. Surprise! Have to hit it up for a bit. Bought way too many books and fun stuff for me and Kiddo. Even got Grampa a Red Green sweatshirt!

Quote: Thou may'st esteem a man of many words and many lies much alike. ___Fuller

Thanksgiving Proclamation

Thanksgiving Proclamation I knew there was something missing on Thanksgiving Day. The Norwich Bulletin no longer prints this beautiful Thanksgiving Proclamation written by Wilbur Cross. Just click on it and enjoy the succinct, descriptive, touching language. I have to believe that there are still officials in our land who can write half as well.

Almost spry . . .

House boat on the Tanana.

Maybe I just needed to laze around a bit because I'm feeling almost up to snuff today. Good breakfast with a delicious potato pancake and the fixings, kids' Mass where I watched the story of Noah (?) and Grampa said we'd go out walking when it warms up. Did get some bad news too though. My friend Barbara at Sacred Heart got sick while working in the kitchen last Wednesday and ended up in the hospital. She had her gall bladder removed yesterday and may be home by Tuesday. She'll be out of work for two weeks. That's not good in any way, shape or form. She's such a spit fire I hope she gets well soon. I'm sure being home for two weeks will drive her crazy.

Quote: An ungrateful man is like a hog under a tree eating acorns, but never looking up to see where they come from. ___Timothy Dexter

Interesting aside . . .

Fishing in Alaska.

Wanted to go for a walk on this very windy, quite cold sunny day and since the Dog Track is out of bounds I asked Puppy's Pop if he wanted to accompany me for my old routine walk on our very own street. He declined but said he'd walk with me at the Yankee Flyers' field since it was too windy for flying and he had some "stuff" to do. We walked about 3/4 of the way around the Industrial Park, about a mile, before we cut cross lots through the cut hay fields to the flying field. Pretty good walk but I doubt I will walk through the hay fields on my own. Too rough and bumpy for me. From there we went to the Putnam Walmart because I had told Grampa that they has kerosene for $21 for 5 gallons. Surprise, I was very, very wrong. (Notice, not one "very" but two.) It was $21 for about 2 gallons. My flub. From there I thought we were going to the Java Jive in Woodstock for lunch. Wrong again. Started out going South on the entrance to 395 and immediately did u-turn on the exit so we could go North on 395. Phew, that was fun. I decided to ask where we were going and found out we were looking for the Yankee Flyers' meeting place so Grampa could go to the Thursday meeting. Well . . . The latest incarnation of the meeting site is in a not-Catholic church in Grosvenordale across from Colt'sPlastic. Yep. We think we found it. A Methodist church which is across from what may have once been the plastics mill but is now a type of shopping center cum-office space cum-whatever they could put in the old mill. But naturally we didn't stop to see if we really had the right spot we just kept on driving and driving. So I dared to ask where we were going since we hadn't really ascertained where the Thursday meeting is to take place. I was told that we were under control as we drove down Route 131 almost into Southbridge, MA before we went left on Route 197 through North Woodstock ( a beautiful drive) and then left on 169 to our lunch at Java Jive. Yes, a good time was had by the two of us. I couldn't help laughing on the drive. Gotta love that man. He's just too much fun. I never know what to expect even after almost 44 years. When we returned home we had a message from our neighbor that their dog, Lex was feeling better. That was a relief. Thursday night, because my hip was bothering me so much and I didn't want to take the time to clean off the turkey carcass I had just cooked up for stock I had Puppy's Pop throw it outside behind the garage. Of course old Lexi-pooh got loose and pigged out. He'd been sick ever since.

Quote: It will be found that they are the weakest-minded and the hardest-hearted men, that most love change. ___Ruskin

And a good time was had by all . . .

Of course the turkey was ready early but since the little gang got here early everything was fine. Somehow or other I managed to hurt my right hip so I was pretty crippled up by last evening but I'm a bit better today. Kiddo decided to stay overnight last night because . . . he only had 4 more chapters to read for me in Let's Pretend and then we would have to go to Target. He was pushing me to let him read all Thanksgiving Day. He even told his parents they could leave as soon as dinner was over! But I made him hold out until last night and so this morning we have already made our trek for his latest game/toy. He bought a Lego put together that he and Grampa are working on as I write. He needed a new Bey Blade for his collection and naturally I needed a new Bey Blade too. The store was busy but not crowded and we had no problems getting in and out. Kiddo and I will go to lunch at Richoni's before we head to his haircut and then back to his home to play until his brother takes over as caretaker at 6pm. Another good day even in the rain.

Quote: When thankfulness o'erflows the swelling heart, and breathes in free and uncorrupted praise for benefits received, propitious Heaven takes such acknowledgement as fragrant incense, and doubles all its blessings. ___Lillo

Impressive . . .

I'm almost scary. I've made a good start at getting ready for tomorrow. (Took a break because Uncle R and T just stopped in. He's in big trouble. Bought a new car and wasn't supposed to do that. Yikes, I don't want to get involved with that.) They are having Thanksgiving at their house with her son, the new baby, his wife and daughter. That'll be great for them. Kids are a whole lot of the fun. I'm in Groton and Kiddo and I have just finished a game, a puzzle and the first chapter of Winnie-the-Pooh. He's on his DS so I figured I should finish my blog. I've already got the table opened up, the dishes out, the cran-raspberry sauce made, turnips cooked, chairs moved around, extra table for deserts set up, ingredients out for the pies I'll make tonight, stuffing for celery made, celery cleaned and cut and the bread machine ready for 8am start tomorrow. Pretty cool.

Feeling rather upset because Grampa and I can no longer fly and walk at the Dog Track. The owner has piled up huge mounds of rubble from the monster rubble pile in place of the gates that the kids kept tearing down. It's impossible not to take the hint. So Grampa will now fly during the week at the radio control field in Danielson and at the Sterling School on weekends. I'll have to figure out my best walking path at the Yankee Flyers field. Darn. We were so comfortable in Plainfield. But I'm sure we will survive this attack on our routine! Well it's time to sign off because I hate to let the Kiddo play too many games without me.

Springtime in November . . .

It smells like early Spring here at the Rose Cottage. It is just after 9am and we have 56 degrees and quite sunny. I believe the rain is forecast for this afternoon but I'll appreciate the rain as the River is extremely low and I'm sure the winter rye could use some help. Grampa is off to East Hartford for horseshoes and I'm certain he'll be at the Dog Track when he returns to make up for the crashed flight yesterday. I felt awful as I watched his latest and one of his best planes just go straight in. But he is amazing because he's got it all back together again. It looked to me as if the wind just swept out from under the full fuselage plane and it fell like a brick. I don't know the proper terms to use to describe the accident but it looked terrible. I thought Grampa would call it quits after that but he brought out the Snow Fox and continued to fly in the windy conditions. Gotta love that man. Finished up some bank business today but couldn't get them to give me the 2011 calendar. Have to wait until Friday. They will not give them out before Thanksgiving. How bureaucratic. Have to be on my way to Groton and the dentist soon. Am not looking forward to another cap but "que sera sera." Mama always insisted we take good care of our teeth and so I'm trying to be a dutiful daughter! What an intelligent, sharp perceptive lady, that mother of ours!

Quote: Inviolable fidelity, good-humor, and complacency of temper, outlive all the charms of a fine face, and make the decays of it invisible. __Tatler

Got a bug . . .

Damn. . . I've gone and picked up some sort of stomach bug. I'm dragging so badly. I did go shopping for our Thanksgiving dinner and managed to walk about 1 1/2 miles on this grey day but that's it. Hopefully I'll be all recovered tomorrow because I have a dentist appointment and a few more odds and ends to clear up before Wednesday. On Wednesday I'll pick up Kiddo from school at 1pm and keep him in Groton until about 4:30. Then I have to scoot home and start cooking: turnips, cran-raspberry sauce, apple and pumpkin pies. I'll also get the tables set up and dishes ready before we go to bed. Then on Thursday morning I will only have to cook the turkey, potatoes, corn, gravy; get the salad prepared; put out the cheese, crackers, fruit, olives, wine, chocolate favors and bake the bread. Will have 6 or 7 of us for an early 12:30 pm dinner. Making myself hungry already.

Time to relax a bit.

Quote: I have come to the conclusion that mankind consume too much food. __Sydney Smith

That's it . . .

OK. I quit. That's it. I've finally finished the garden for the year. I refuse to do anything else. Yesterday I cut down the peonies. I cut down the asparagi. I cut down the new raspberry plants. I cut down the old raspberry canes. I super mulched the dahlias I'm trying to make survive the winter. I raked leaves and now I've had it. Besides I walked my 2.1 miles in the wind at the Dog Track. Today I swear I will have a do nothing day: watch the UCONN women; watch the last race of the season; read and if Grampa decides he wants to go flying I'll walk. We'll have easy hot dogs and beans for supper. Sounds good to me. Time to get started. I've had breakfast and went to Mass so I'm raring to sit back, relax and enjoy the day.

Quote: Love and a cough cannot be hid. ___Herbert

Mémère, Pépère and Uncle David

In at 9:17 out at 9:26 . . .

Salmon. Alaska, bien sûr!

Incredible speed at the Putnam DMV. Had to renew my license and I dreaded it. Miraculously I was in and out in 9 minutes. I can't even begin to understand how that happened because when I got there the lady in charge was talking Christmas parties with a co-worker and I never thought they were going to shut up. Not only did I finish up fast for my license but I literally zipped into Walmart and bought a kerosene cantainer and was home by 10:03. So all in all it was an hour trip to Putnam for the DMV and Walmart. Damn, I'm good.

Not so good is Puppy's Pop's news when I got home. The Hoyt's house was broken into but at least they caught the rat fink who was still parked in the back of the house. We never saw anything. Must have been out walking at the dog track. We figure it must have been the same person who stole the huge fly wheel we had near the milk room. Some one also broke into Carl's new house on the hill behind April's and took his copper piping. It's getting somewhat nerve wracking around here. A couple of nights ago a young couple decided to have a super big argument right in front of our house. I was about to call the police when they left in a car. Not too happy about these shenanigans.

Quote: O thoughts of men accurst.___Past and to come seem best; things present worst. ___Shakespeare

Obama Still Smokin': A Modern U.S. President

Grey day yet good . . .

Found the filter on my Dyson after son told me about finding his after using it for 5 years without cleaning it! Our filter was in a different place but I did find it and washed it out. Supposed to do that every 6 months. It's only been about 2 years for us so we're three years to the good in the competition to keep those Dysons cleaning up a whirwind! Got a lot of odds and ends done today: Big Y; a few Christmas presents; Christmas cards at the Hallmark store where they graciously let me use my $10 off coupon even though it was two days out of date; picked up Kurig cups for daughter's home, hot chocolate and biscotti for the big kid; managed to walk at the Dog Track too so all in all a rather full day. Time to get my list ready for the Trappistines and write out the Thanksgiving menu so I can be ready for next week. Can't believe that the holidays are almost upon us. But that's fine. I really like the holidays and I'm hoping that perhaps next year the three kids and their spouses and friends can make it for at least one celebration even if we have to make one up to accommodate everyone!

Quote: O, judgment, thou art fled to brutish beasts,and men have lost their reason. ___Shakespeare

Pleasures . . .

Must take the time to marvel at our new washing machine! Wow, wow, yowza! Yes, it is that stupefying. Not sure if it's because it's a front loader but the clothes come out almost dry so the dryer doesn't work very long to fluff up the wash. I'm so impressed but don't quite know what words to use to describe my great satisfaction with an appliance. Suffice it to say that it reminds me of That Wonderful, Marvelous, Mud-Washing Machine! That was such a nice book and it is now in Kiddo's library.

Our outing to PPAC yesterday was stellar. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular was nice but not outstanding. Perhaps that was because Kiddo wasn't impressed and I so wanted him to really enjoy it. He did clap and appreciate some of the 12 Scenes but it was a let down for me. Part of the problem was that the actor playing Santa was terrible. His voice didn't project and his acting was awful. Perhaps we got the understudy but usually understudies are very capable. Most of the scenes and music were schmaltzy and geared to a generation older than I. Now that's telling you something! The Rockettes were great and I particularly loved The March of the Wooden Soldiers. The ensemble was mediocre. Perhaps that is the fault of the producer and the director. But the greatest part of the show, I would love to see this part again, was the last scene: The Live Nativity. A narator with a godlike voice told the biblical story as the scene unfolded in great majesty. The singing and music were perfect. I believe I was startled to have the real Christmas story unfold before my eyes in the year of our Lord, 2010 when we seem to be the greatest secular society on Earth. I didn't realize that the Radio City Christmas Show dates back to 1933 and that extravagant tableau has been a staple every year since then. That does give me hope for the future of Our Land. It's such a beautiful tradition along with my March of the Wooden Soldiers. So there is real progress in keeping these traditions and one can only smile and enjoy the wonders man chooses to hold sacred.

That's it for today. I've got my work cut out for me. More of that darn housecleaning and getting caught up with the magazines! I really don't seem to be improving with age. Damn.

Quote: The test of every religious, political, or educational system is the man that it forms. __Amiel

Reminicences . . .

Just sipping my post prandial Cabernet-Sauvignon and was thinking about the new front loader Whilrpool washing machine made in Canada that today replaced our almost 27 year old Maytag. Now I realize that it's odd to get nostalgic about a washing machine so I'll blame the wine. My thoughts went back to 1984. Ma Tante was here; Ma and Pa were here; Dad was working at UNC; Gram was in Oneco; the boy was 12; the girls were 10 and 5; I was teaching at KHS with my best friend, Agnes. I've got to say that old washing machine had a lot of wonderful stories to tell as I sipped my wine. Made me shed some tears and smile too. Lord, how I miss the days of yore. Yes, life today is really something special and wonderful. We still love and enjoy our lives but memories of olden days are not ephemeral; they live in our souls as treasures of the greatest worth. Life goes on without the physical beings that formed us and love us but they assuredly are with us always. And so we are thankful for our past, our daily lives and the well trod future they have paved for us.

Sunny and beautiful . . .

While I was out gallivanting with Kiddo yesterday poor Grampa had a big problem on the home front. Our 26 year old washing machine burned out, literally. He called to tell me about the smoke all over the place but no fire. Thank goodness. I'm glad that he was home because sometimes I put in a wash and leave to go on errands. We went to Bousquet's in Danielson when I got home at 6pm last night and bought a Whirlpool front loader. It will be delivered tomorrow, set up and the old one carted off. We paid $1000 26 years ago for our Maytag washer and dryer set. The dryer conked out in 2004 and the washer just died. Pretty good. Had forgotten that we had bought it from the same store, Bousquet's. This time we paid total cost of $760 but that includes about $50 in tax. Disgusting. Can't wait to start using the new one. Hope it works 75% as well as son's does.

Kiddo and I had a good day. We managed to fine some more Bey Blades (dueling tops), gloves for him, books, for him and origami planes for us. He ate a quarter pounder ( no cheese), a small fry and a jug of chocolate milk for lunch before we went to the Mystic Aquarium, one of his favorite places. The Challenge of the Deep theatre was a lot of fun. You sit on a chair and hold on as you go into the depths to view a giant squid who grapples the vessel you're in before a whale saves you. The sea lion show was the best ever with 4 sleek animals strutting their stuff. I just follow where ever Kiddo takes me. He's the expert at the aquarium. Although he didn't want to touch the rays he stayed very close to the pool and was splashed by them as others petted them as they swam by. Will be leaving soon for Sacred Heart. Older brother and his wife will stop in to get the yellow dahlia toes and then they should be on their way to younger brother's from whence the gang will go to Richoni's for lunch. I may bump into them after my stint at the school. Grampa will have to do the garden honors since I'll be on my way. I'm tired of digging up the dahlias and plan to see if I can get them to winter over in the garden. But if I fail at least someone will have the beautiful, large yellow ones!

Quote: Flowers are God's thoughts of beauty, taking form to gladden mortal gaze; - bright gems of earth, in which perchance, we see what Eden was - what Paradise may be! __Anonymous

Damn - I may have to cancel giving them away ; )

Veterans' Day

Thank you. God bless you and hold you in the palm of His hand.

Just rolling along . . .

Back to Alaska.

Can't believe I spent $163 at Big Y just for groceries, not even hand creme or toothpaste et cetera for just the two of us. I didn't even buy anything special for Kiddo. But I did splurge on his big brother and bought him a box of Nonni's Biscotti, Cioccolati, naturellement, since that is all he'll eat. Mea maxima culpa. When I worked at the garage I used to bring him biscotti and hot chocolate for snack after elementary school. He's going to be sixteen December 31 and I expect to help out with his driving lessons. Hope it's going to be fun and not too exciting!

Had a great day yesterday when my younger brother's wife came shopping with me at the Mashentucket-Pequot Casino. I needed, yes absolutely needed, a pair of Not Your Daughter's Jeans and the only place close to home was Foxwoods so off we went. After a lot of help we found Regalia in the old casino and I was delighted at the fit of these made in USA jeans. I also got them to hem them for me. They did tell me that they don't hem jeans but I explained that a wonderful lady at Panache in the MGM Grand had told me that Panache does free tailoring. That got her to call the tailor and an hour later my jeans were ready. I really lucked out because I came home with 3 pairs of very nice jeans and only paid for the NYDJ. My neat sister-in-law gave me two pairs of Coldwater Creek jeans that are perfect. How great is that? Super great. We had lunch at the Gold Dragon: dim sum traditional pot stickers (minced pork and cabbage dumplings wok seared served with a Ginger soy sauce) and sticky rice and chicken wrapped in Lotus leaves; two pots of the best tea ever; an introductory very light cabbage slaw and to top it off desert. The coconut pudding was so mild and tasty served with mandarin orange slices. After our perfect lunch we picked up my jeans and headed out. Couldn't leave without stopping at Munson's where I bought my Thanksgiving chocolate turkeys and a few chocolates to keep me for the trip home. N. and I decided we will have to do this shopping thing on a more regular basis. May go to Cranston or Warwick one of these Tuesdays! Hooray!

Quote: Friendship improves happiness, and abates misery, by doubling our joy, and dividing our grief. ___Addison

Already an odd day . . .

Not Alaska redux.

Started the day looking out of the window this early morning to see Puppy's Pop shoveling snow off of the driveway! Yikes, way to go Connecticut Democrats! I decided not to go shopping for Not Your Daughter's Jeans and Grampa didn't go to the VA in Providence for his blood work so after breakfast at home we took a ride to Oneco for coffee. Well Lizzy B's was mobbed and the owner has to put her two step grandkids on the bus in the morning. Of course there was a 90 minute delay and no bus. I offered to watch the kids, Dakota 6 and Brianna 5, and put them on the bus because Linda was alone in the kitchen and really couldn't stay outside with the kids. Grampa and I ended up buckling the kids into the Dodge and bringing them to the Sterling school. Our good deed for the year! I happened to have my iPad with me because I wanted to show Linda how nice the welcome cart looked in the photos I had taken. Turned out to be perfect for the kids as they took turns playing the dot to dot game as we waited for the bus that never came. Way cool.

On a warmer note I ordered a kerosene heater from Amazon last night just in case we ever have a power outage. I don't think that Puppy's Pop is too thrilled with the idea but I just want to have it in case. Just can't trust those Democrats in Connecticut to keep the power on. We went for a very cold, windy, brisk walk at the Dog Track yesterday, no flying. I'll walk inside today and go back to my audio books.

Quote: The melancholy days are come, the saddest of the year. __Bryant

Must spew . . .

Not Alaska.

Can't really grasp what Connecticut has done. We are in terrible shape so we put the same people back in office. That is so incredible. On top of that Bysiewicz doesn't have an official count and tells us that Malloy is the new governor. How could you get more outrageous than that? It is enough to make you physically sick. This is not ignorance on the part of our Secretary of State. It is hubris at the highest degree and vengeance. It's too bad for me that I love the four seasons in New England but we really have to consider going to a state where the welfare clients don't vote your money into their pockets. Can't stand too much more of this "merde."

On a brighter note at least the country as a whole did some good things on Tuesday but I don't trust the Republican Party to do what's best for us. Hope they stick to their guns, literally and figuratively, and clean up the mess in DC. If not "numb nutz" will be in office for another 6 years and it will be doomsday for the USA. It is scary.

Good thing I spent a good part of yesterday helping Puppy's Pop spread over a ton of loam on the ruts in the yard made by the felled trees and the logging truck. I don't believe that I could do manual labor for 8 hours a day. That was hard work but I felt good when we were finished. The only thing I did was to keep dragging the soil forward so Puppy's Pop could shovel it into my super wagon. Thank goodness we have the Dodge Ram and we were able to do the work ourselves. That Grampa is a hard worker. He wished Kiddo could have been here to help out. Kiddo would have really liked to go to Rawson's on Hopkin's Hill to get the Ram loaded up. He is also a good worker. Helped me rake a big pile of leaves. Natually he had to jump into them too but his work was stellar!

It's raining pretty hard and 40*. Time to finish reading the paper. (That's a joke.)

Quote: The stoical scheme of supplying our wants by lopping off our desires, is like cutting off our feet when we want shoes. ___ Swift

And my cup runeth over . . .

So many wonderful escapades these last few days. Was supposed to visit my younger sister today but she and her husband have some type of stomach virus so I asked younger brother and his wife if I could beat them at cribbage. They agreed to let me try but our plans changed early this morning when he received a desperate email from their friend who needed help bottling a batch of rosé. Oh my, what a lot of fun. We had to sip and taste the old wine and then compare it to the new. I'm not fond of rosés but I thought it was very interesting to try to check the color, the aroma, the flavors, the texture, sweetness and other classifications! After notes were taken and some juice added to the new wine we were ready to bottle. I really enjoyed my role. I filled the bottles on what looks like a milking machine. It holds six 750mls bottles and stops when they're full. Very cool. Someone corks them at the next stop. The next person puts the labels on and the last step is to heat seal the protective collar. They are packed inverted, twelve to a case. We only had about 20 cases and it didn't take us too long. I hope I get a chance to go again. But he generally bottles on Wednesdays and I'm only available on Mondays and Tuesdays. He gave all of the helpers a bottle of wine. So I came home with a bottle of St. C., a red, naturellement! And then it was off to lunch and getting beat in cribbage. Perfect day. I'm adding this thought: if kid brother's friend added some sweetness to his rose he could call it Not Chenin Blanc But . . . and it would be fantastique!

On top of all that fun we went out with Oneco friends to Marchetti's in Cranston, RI. Saturday evening. Wonderful food with great friends and we stopped at their home for chocolates before coming home. The restaurant was jammed packed when we got there with lines out the door and it was the same way when we left about two hours later. Incredible food and good prices. And to top it all off Sunday morning we saw two red foxes scoot across the hill, behind the garage and down through the garden before they scampered across the road. And . . . later in the day a red tailed hawk came sailing down the driveway. Plus we ended up with four Halloween goblins, including Kiddo so now we have a nice big bowl of M&M's to eat!

Quote: Wine invents nothing; it only tattles. It let's out all secrets. ___Schiller

Très muggy . . .

68* gray, muggy and the chance of rain seems to have gone bye. At least we got enough rain so that Puppy's Pop burned the wood pile and assorted odds and ends. It took all morning but I was able to add some fuel to the fire with about 10 years of collected paid bills, medical papers, tax papers and what have you. I still have the last nine years of paper work boxed up in a big plastic bin upstairs on "the other side." That always sound ominous, "the other side" but I really don't know what else to call it. It's not an attic, not a junk room, not a bed room, not a toy room, not a play room. It just exists, plain and simple. Grampa's plane room no longer exists on the other side so I'm hoping some day to get his help painting it and sprucing it up for a library, sitting room, on the other side, bien sûr.

Quote: The age of virtuous politics is past, and we are deep in that of cold pretence. --Patriots are grown too shrewd to be sincere, and we too wise to trust them. ___Cowper

Back in the groove . . .

Finally a normal, honest to goodness me day. Seems like a long time since I had a leisurely morning breakfast at home with the horrible Bulletin. Got some housework done and when Puppy's Pop got back from his early dentist appointment we went to Lizzy B's for a cup of coffee and a grilled blueberry muffin. It was rather more interesting than usual because "tall Linda" was doing the cooking. She's been working at a different restaurant for a few months now and we missed her, but today she was helping out. She such a marvelous, bright, witty character. Too bad she is only temporary.

I managed to get the garden cleaned up Sunday morning before going to Groton. Grampa also got the fertilizer spread and we ended up with a problem! Our very nice farmer who tilled the earth for us can't do it anymore. He's got a bad hip. Gee, it's not always fun getting older and wiser. but as Mémère used to say, "Every age has its compensations" and Mémère was pretty much always right! So we'll be off soon to borrow Uncle R's Troy Bilt and Grampa will do the honors. I suggested we buy our own roto-tiller but the suggestion was nixed.

Back to playing my usual catch-up on the magazines. ( le sigh )

Quote: A drop of ink may make a million think.

Almost in the groove . . .

Remember the cows and Spanish Moss? Here they are!

Wow, already almost too busy. Here it is Friday morning and I've already gone to Big Y. Needed to fetch a few items because we were gone for several days. Only $96. I must be getting good at this shopping stuff. Only three bags of groceries! Also found out why Puppy's Pop and I like the Rex Goliath Cabernet-Sauvignon I've been buying for $9.99 a magnum. The price when not on sale is $17.99. I knew we had good taste, just didn't realize that I accidentally bought a very good thing! That's the story of my life; sheer luck! That's OK by me. Every day brings something new and interesting.

Was invited to go to Carnival in Québec in February, for free no less, and I can't go because there are already other plans on the agenda. Would have been fun though. I told my friend who is still teaching in Killingly to try to keep her fun trips to Saturdays through Tuesdays! One of these days we'll manage a neat trip to Canada. It must be at least 15 years since she and I went to Montréal on a Columbus Day weekend.

One of the best parts of the trip home is that we found the yard in perfect order. The 15 monster logs and all other wedges and smaller stuff were no longer strewn across the lawn. It's rather incredible how deep the ruts are from the toppling of the trees, especially the one that was closest to the house. They had to topple that one after they had removed quite a bit of the top of the tree. That one really made a super hard thud and left a very deep imprint. The first tree went down more easily because it still had its top and that made it fall with less of a bang. The place looks good. I have to get in the garden next week and finish cutting back the flowers and removing the Swiss Chard that the deer have been munching on so delicately since Grampa took down the fence! Then we'll spread some fertilizer (Grampa always does the honors) before we have the garden turned for the winter and plant the winter rye. Must be off to Groton soon.

Quote: An effort made for the happiness of others lifts above ourselves. ___L. M. Child

A la maison . . .

We did it. Home by 2:30. Good weather, excellent driver who drove all 3,000 miles, gorgeous foliage. Time to unpack and get ready for Kiddo.

Enfin . . . le dernier jour

Good night's rest, pitch black day and we're on the road again. Had to eat breakfast at McD's. Up too early for Johnny Appleseed! Only 458 miles to go. Over and out.

Cruise control on . . .

Whipping out of Alabama bound for Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia today. Journey is starting to seem long. Looks like we'll have dry weather. That's a plus. Minor occurrence at Best Western, Gadsden. The card one fills out when one leaves was sitting on my bed already filled out on October 10. Yesterday was the 18th! There were a couple of cleaning imperfections that I'll mention when we get the on line form other than that just a ho-hum stay. Back to watching the scenes go by.

Alabama . . .

Arrived in Gadsden at 1pm. Made good time and got 18.1mpg. Not too shabby! Took a ride to find old Gadsden but this area is pretty homely so we just went for a walk in their Wildlife Refuge. Even the refuge was somewhat deplorable. Had an early dinner at Ruby Tuesdays and, just to set the mood, when the waitress/bartender asked Puppy's Pop what she could get for him he retorted, "A new menu!" I refused to let it go downhill from there. We had a decent supper and are now ensconced in our room. I've got my snack bottle of milk and crackers and we're kicking back. Leg, numéro deux demain. We may end up in some rain.

Come to think of it we went South into Gadsden and last year we went North. North was Noccalula Falls. I bet we were on the wrong side of the tracks today!

Waffle House . . . Route 67 North

We're on our way. Too short stay in Slaughter but still a long ride to Moosup. Poor iPad had trouble finding a signal but we're back in business. It is amazingly black outside. Not used to driving with no street lights! Grampa got second place in Advanced yesterday and was tickled because he bought enough raffle tickets to win some oh so good prizes. A brand spanking new engine being the best one! Woot! Wel'll gas up before we get on highway 55 and head into Mississippi.

Weird beginning . . .

The guys were up very early and out of the house before 7 this morning to get to the Baton Rouge control line aircircle. Daughter-in-law was already up and dressed when I rolled out at 7. We were going to go out for breakfast and then do a "whatever" when the SOS call came in. The guys ate breakfast at the Waffle House in Zachary and then the Jeep wouldn't start : ( Bummer! So with no time for bathroom or breakfast she hopped in the newly detailed Durango (we worked on it yesterday) and I drove the Stratus to Zachary. Daughter and I picked up Puppy's Pop, his planes and gear and rushed him to the contest while son took the Strat back to the house to get the Dodge Ram and the trailer. We got Puppy's Pop to the contest in time for the pilots' meeting and left for breakfast. Arrived back at the Waffle House to find that son was loading the Jeep onto the trailer. I must say,"Thank goodness for cell phones and numerous vehicles!"

Time to take a break. The Dodge and trailered Jeep have just arrived back home.

Stand off . . . under the Spanish Moss . . .

Can't believe this one. Having a nice, serenely peaceful breakfast of fresh corn bread, butter, jelly made by the prisoners in Angola and coffee out in the backyard Gazebo when I hear a munching, crunching, rushing sound and as I turned I saw the cattle grazing through the fence eating some of the wild blushes in the backyard. I went to get the camera and they just placidly walked off and watched me! I didn't try to get too close because I have no clue how to act around big animals but they just stood their ground as I shot away. Of course I can't download the photos because I took everything I needed except the USB cord. What a dummy. I really scare myself sometimes.
Oh well, I'll get the pictures when we get home and put a couple on the blog. What's so neat is that the Spanish moss is gently blowing in the breeze as the cows and two calves just munch away. A pastoral scene of quiet charm under clear blue Lousiana skies. Grampa and son are at the flying contest in Baton Rouge while daughter-in-law and I are having a day of gracious Southern living.

Interesting morning . . .

Started out at the Waffle House in Zachary, then on to a grocery/ hardware store and a gift shop where I was hoping to get a really nice Louisiana sweat shirt for a good friend from Ledyard who asked me if I'd get one for her. She wanted to give me money but I would never let her pay.. She's always bringing me baked goodies and little gifts plus she watches over Kiddo when I don't go to Sacred Heart. Grocery store didn't have all the stuff we needed and the gift shop is out of business so off to Walmart where we got some of the necessities but no really nice sweat shirt. Off again to a mall in North Baton Rouge, still no luck finding a really tasteful Louisiana sweat shirt. Off again to the hobby shop where Grampa got some odds and ends for the planes and the nice owner said he and son should bring me to Cracker Barrel if I needed a neat gift. So off again to Cracker Barrel and lo and behold a beautiful, light weight, very tasteful hoody and although it does have LSU on it it is definitely Louisiana gracious living. Speaking of graciousness, I was deeply thankful that son and Grampa were so patient and truly uncomplaining through out the sweat shirt ordeal and it only cost $54! How much more better can it get? After all of that exercise we were off to the Flying Field in Baton Rouge which is part of a beautiful park. I wish I had brought my camera because next to the flying field the city is putting in a water park, huge water slides and all. It is truly awesome. I hate that hackneyed word but it fits the slides which of couse are purple and gold. For the uninitiated those are the LSU colors. Can't wait for next year. Do you think they'll let a, by then, 68 year old Mémé, a Yank to boot, go play? I really nope so. While Grampa was practicing for the week end flying contest I spoke with another pilot who made me laugh. He said he couldn't really tell where Grampa was from but I was was surely a Yank. Then he immediately asked if it was OK that he said that. Cracked me up and I laughingly told him that it was pretty obvious and he was right on. I guess he was afraid he had insulted me. Wanted to know if I could tell if he was from Louisiana and when I said "Yes!" he grinned. So cool to be here with father and son.

Daughter-in-law and I will get In some kind of time for ourselves this week end if all goes well with her family in Texas. She has some very sick family members and may have to leave. If not we may go to the Angola flea market where you can buy articles made by the prisoners. Very interesting.

Welcome to Louisiana . . .

Drove in yesterday about 2:30 pm Central time. Had a welcome to Louisiana moment when we stopped for gas at the first exit on Route 55 and I bought an ice cream and decided to wait on the grass while Grampa gassed up etc. Yep, a nice red ant bit me between the toes. I was wearing sandals but the suckers attack anyway! We had only been in Slaughter for about two hours when Grampa was off to buy beer and wine while the eldest decided he had better get the Harley in the garage quick. A storm was brewing. It was gorgeous, sunny and clear when out of that blue I heard a huge crack of thunder and the sky opened up with sheets of rain, hail and wild winds. Grampa drove home in the mess and then it was over, the sun came out, the air was fresh and cool and the power went off. We had a very comfortable night, no need for air conditioning, just left the windows open.

We started out today at my favorite breakfast place when we're not at Lizzy'y B's, The Waffle House, in Zachary. Love their pecan waffle with a side of fantastic, crisp bacon. I love it when the entire crew say "Good Morning!" when we come through the door. We had to hit the ATM because the truck likes to use a lot of gas and we were just about empty pocketed. Then it was off the the best meat market, Chris', for tomorrows dinner; fresh boned rice stuffed chicken and roasted vegetables. A quick stop at Winn Dixie and the best stop of all the Tri-Parish Cooperative in Slaughter. I was looking for a Louisiana sweat shirt for a friend back in Ledyard but instead I found the best hand bag ever! It's a Lou-ella and it is perfect. It is a tan suede, soft and has room for my iPad without having to squash anything else. Way cool. And Puppy's Pop found another hat by jimminy cricket! So far he's only bought three new ones on this trip. This is my first pocket book in at least 7 years! I hate pocket books so I always used to get Angie's hand-me-downs. The last time I tried to get her to let me have her pocket book, it was a Coach, she wouldn't give it up so I had to break down and buy my own bag. She would approve of my new comfortable purse.

Puppy and I have been left to fend for ourselves today so we've gone out for a walk and I've been enjoying my time in the beautiful yard. I'll be sitting out on the verandah soon to catch up on my swinging and reading.

Back to 75 . . .

Only a 3 vehicle pile up . . . little red truck in the middle of two cars mashed so hard it's frame was bent up. Of course at least 3 other vehicles stopped also. Running free at the moment. About 45 miles from Tuscaloosa.

Oh, oh, Birmingham . . .

Almost at a dead stop, three lanes , trying to get around Birmingham, ALA. The highway truck is just coming up the ramp and closing down the right lane. Be here for a while. Quite a mess. Over and out.

430 to go . . .

Back on the road. May get some showers but it's still looking pretty good, just a mite hazy. The dawn was more than rosy fingered, it was down right red. Hope that does not portend anything of consequence! Okay, back to my passenger seat driving. Oh, yes, heard the old golfers talking at breakfast this morning and if what they said holds we will have a lot of new faces in DC in November! Hip! Hip!

Guffaw of the day . . .

I don't usually read trailer truck doors as we pass them but for some reason I read this one: Don't be shy,show me some thigh, as you pass bye! Just cracked me up and it was too late to comply!