Sense of Smell Day

Omigosh, we all had such a good time today. This morning Donna and I went to what was supposed to be a tour of the school, but unfortunately, the speakers before the tour spoke for an hour and a half without a microphone and from where we were sitting, we couldn't hear a word. It was awful! Okay, but that was the worst part of the day. 

Then we headed to lunch where we met Barbara and her husband as well as another couple. We spent two hours at the restaurant drinking and socializing. By that time, Suzan and her husband checked in at the hotel, so we headed back. When Donna and I each hugged Suzan, we were enamored with the smell of her hair. So we all went to her room to get a spray ourselves and write down what it was... first thing I buy when I get home. 

Tonight was our dinner dance, which was also fun. The food was good, we danced, and then headed back to the hotel for drinks in the lobby. That way we could see everyone who came in and reminisce a little more in a quieter setting. And now I'm ready for bed. So glad I came!

Arbor Day

While driving to Alexandria through nightmarish traffic all the way to the Louisiana border, I asked Siri what time it was. She responded, "Happy Arbor Day! I guess all the trees have the day off."

When I got to the hotel here, a small boutique hotel which is just lovely, I was greeted with the words, "Our A/C is out and although we're working on it, you're welcome to move to the Hampton Inn where we've reserved extra rooms." I told her I was willing to wait it out until after our event before I decided. So while I was waiting for Barbara and her husband to come pick me up, I decided to open a bottle of wine that I brought with me, although I'd forgotten a corkscrew. I asked at the front desk and believe it or not... they didn't have one. So the desk clerk called over to the restaurant across the street to borrow one. The bartender brought one over immediately and when I tried to use it, it broke off with the screw part stuck in the cork. So the bartender came back over and with a pair of pliers and another corkscrew, he got it out. What a relief!

I enjoyed my glass of wine before Barb got here and then off we went to the crawfish boil. And how much fun it was! The crawfish were great and visiting with everyone was the best. I even spent a lot of time talking to the "popular kids."

And when I got back to the hotel the A /C had just been fixed. I'm a happy camper after a rough day. Looking forward to tomorrow!

Soft Pretzel Month

Today is blueberry pie day, but I'm not a fan, so just had to have a soft pretzel. I had to go to Target this morning and they sell a great one, so that was my lunch.

This evening the winers took our new painted martini glasses to one of the ladies' houses and had all kinds of martinis...  chocolate, lemon drop, and cranberry cosmos, as well as strawberry daiquiris. Plus lots of delicious appetizers. Actually everyone only had one martini and then we all switched to wine for our second drink. Perhaps we made them a little too strong. But now we have the mixin's to do it again sometime. It was fun, but I'm driving to Alexandria tomorrow for my 50th high school reunion. And it looks like I'll be driving in rain tomorrow and Sunday, so I certainly didn't want to overdo it tonight. I'm excited for the big trip!

Administrative Professionals Day

My good friend Judy, here in Heritage Grand, started a new, full-time job a few months ago. She's the office manager for a married couple who owns some type of auditing firm. She's explained what they do several times and I'm still not sure exactly what that is. Since I've lived here Judy had been working two or three days a week in the office of a huge master planned community in a nearby town called Fulshear. She has two sons... one is a police captain in Fulshear and the other is the head of the Chamber of Commerce there, and both are adorable. But I digress. Judy is in charge of our group dinners on Fridays and is also active in the Drama Club. Her new job is full time and she's had to learn a complete new set of job skills (and is still learning).  I'm not sure I'd be up for a challenge like that. I like her because we share many of the same character traits... we're both very direct, fun-loving, Cowboy fans, and like the same wine. But the best part of this story is that Judy is 76 years old. She's my hero!

Pretzel Day

I certainly love a good pretzel. Truth be told, I've never met a pretzel I didn't like, especially the giant soft ones. But these are probably my favorites... dark chocolate covered very thin pretzels, which are frequently my dessert after lunch (but only three and they're small). I actually shouldn't have had them today since I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch. Actually it was a wrap and I was a little nervous because it was a 50 calorie spinach wrapper, but with all the good stuff, I never knew. I'm still grateful for peanut butter and jelly sandwich day or I would probably have never eaten one again in my whole life. These are Mom's genes kicking in.  

DNA Day

This is a perfect opportunity for me to explain what I've done recently. In our wine group one evening, one of the ladies started talking about 23andMe, and I was fascinated. It's a website offering a DNA test that traces your ancestry, wellness, traits, and carrier status (meaning what I could pass on to my children... too late for that). I came home that night and under the influence of a little wine, paid the $199 for a kit. The bad news is that girls can only get info from their mother's side because we don't get that chromosome from the father.

Last week I got my results and although I think they're inconclusive because I'm more like Dad than Mom, it was still interesting. They knew I had blue eyes, dimples, freckles, curly hair, and could smell asparagus in my pee. That's a little spooky. From Mom's side of the family, I'm over 95% Northwestern European.

I'm hoping to encourage Rob to participate (if you're reading this, I'll split the cost, and up to May 8th, I can get a kit for $149), only because a male child can get the father's information. I'm fascinated by it all.

Pet Parents Day

Thank goodness there are many days during the year to celebrate pets. If you know me, you know I'm a great pet parent (meaning, they have few rules). If there's reincarnation, you should hope to come back as a pet to a parent like me. A friend came over this afternoon who has five cats, although we're limited to three in this neighborhood. I'll never tell.

Thanks to Facebook, I learned that my first injection in my right eye for macular degeneration was three years ago today. And the second followed in two weeks. And I thank God that I haven't needed one since. My retina guy told me last week that he'll probably give me a couple in my left eye in three months because there's a suspicious spot, but it's not definitely wet (yet). I'm fine with that since the first two went so well. Here's hoping...

Picnic Day

This is the first time (and probably not the last) that I forgot to see what the day was today until I started the blog. So maybe I didn't have a traditional picnic, but Glory's best friend, Justine, and her mom came over this afternoon for a play date. Ann Roe came, too and we sat at the table on the patio sharing snacks and wine while the dogs raced around and played. Simon was truly the pesky little brother because he didn't want to play, but ran beside them barking which was terribly annoying. So he got punished and had to go back in the house. The best news that came from this is that my three dog sitters are all booked next weekend when I go to my 50th high school reunion. So Connie, Justine's mom, offered to take Glory and Ann Roe will take Simon. I'm so grateful and hope I can reciprocate with Connie so they can be my new dog sitters. All it will cost me is a few bottles of wine... much cheaper than what I've done in the past. Yay!!!

Earth Day

I actually tried to celebrate National Jelly Bean Day, but couldn't find any jelly beans. But for Earth Day I got my car inspected. My tag expires at the end of April, but I chose today so I could celebrate Earth Day. Okay, maybe that last part's a lie, but since they check for emissions, I'm pretty sure it counts.

The best news for the day is I got my boot off! I went to my orthopedist, kind of for a second opinion, and he said the fracture is completely healed and there's no need to continue wearing the boot. This makes me especially happy because I'm going to Alexandria, LA for my 50th high school reunion next weekend. Perfect timing!

National Humor Month

The last two days have had crappy celebrations so today I'm going with another month. I have a great joke:

Three moles lived on a farm and were waking up to greet the day. The first mole poked his nose out of the hole and exclaimed, "I smell sausage." The second mole poked her nose out and agreed, "I smell sausage." The third mole poked out and said, "I smell molasses."

Cracks me up!

National Math Awareness Month and National Poetry Month

I bet you didn't think there was poetry about math, but I found some. This was my favorite:

Math is Brewing and I'm in Trouble     by Kalli Dakos

       Numbers single,
       Numbers double,
       Math is brewing
       And I'm in trouble,

       If I could mix a magic brew,
       Numbers, I'd take care of you. 

I'm really not sure what it means, but then, I was never able to interpret poetry... even when it's about something I know. Of all the poems I read, this was the most straightforward.

There hasn't been any school for the last three days and I'm going a little nuts. No tutoring nor mentoring and I miss it a lot. I guess I'll play games at the clubhouse during the summer because I certainly can't stay in all day. I did see the periodontist today, retina guy tomorrow, and orthopedist on Friday (because my Monday appointment was canceled). More rain is predicted for tonight and tomorrow, but I pray it misses us for all the folks already under water. I feel so bad for them. 

Garlic Day

Sautéing garlic for my spinach, which is one of my favorite ways to eat my veggies.

Today is Roy's birthday, the day he got laid off, the day Aunt Helen died, and the anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. We always celebrate the only good thing that happened on April 19th. .. his birth. We met for lunch halfway between the Heights and Katy and fortunately, didn't run into any high water. A lot of people really got slammed in this one and I pray for all of them and their families, as well as the animals that may be in distress.  Hopefully the next round of rain won't be as bad as the weathermen are suggesting (you know how they are).

Columnists' Day

Dave Barry has always been my favorite columnist and I love to read his columns online. Here is a highlight from a recent one, describing his attendance at the 239th Republican debate (his words):

"Getting back to Trump: He passed close to me, and for the first time I got a good close look at his hairstyle. I realize that far too much has been written about this topic already, but I have to say: It is amazing. It’s not so much the color; it’s the engineering. The hairs go one way, then reverse course, then reverse course again, forming a highly complex yet remarkably sturdy structure, like a beaver dam made from hair. It was definitely the highlight of the evening."


This pic was taken from my garage at the height of the flooding today. I'm not sure how many times I've mentioned that I love my neighborhood, but this is just reason 78.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/dave-barry/article65445777.html#storylink=cpy

Haiku Poetry Day

Bein's that I"m not a writer, and especially not a poetry writer, I was happy that I was spending time with Sage today. I suggested that we write one together and was thrilled that she knew all about it. For anyone who doesn't, a haiku consists of three lines. The first line must have 5 syllables, the second line has 7, and the third has 5. Sage took control and I only added a word here and there. She stated that first we should decide on the subject. I suggested hope, but she chose love, so we went with hers. And here it is...

Love is patient, Love
Is kind. Love is warm and sweet.
It is eternal.

Orchid Day

I love orchids! Kay told me once that she didn't because they don't bloom again after the initial blooms fall off. But I explained that I see them as fresh flowers that last way longer than any others. After two months or so, I throw it out and buy another. I used to buy fresh flowers regularly and this is so much cheaper. And no one can deny that they are beautiful. This one came from Trader Joe's (their prices are the best).

Tax Day

Since I never get a refund, I always wait until the 15th to file. I know that we have till the 18th this year, but I have to file on tax day. If I'd paid quarterly based on what Turbotax suggested last year, I would have owed $86, but oh nooo... I cut back so owed $1586. I'll do what they tell me from now on.

My day started early by going to the Acura dealership to get a rental car because of the airbag recall. I wasn't planning on doing it until a teenaged girl was killed in my county a couple of weeks ago because of the airbag. Acura is paying for the rental, so why not? I got a Dodge Durango which is quite a bit bigger than my RDX. But I wanted a car I could pair my phone with. The only bad news is that it doesn't fit in the garage with my car. They've been swamped here since the girl died, so the rental agent told me that if I wait a few weeks I can switch out for another car. I may wait till Rob gets here at the end of May and can teach me how to use this one because it is a nice ride. Time will tell.

Volunteer Week

Bryanna and I had lunch together today and she was quick to tell me that today is National Dolphin Day. She knows about my blog and so proud that she knew the day because her teacher had told them this morning. I didn't really know how to celebrate dolphins, but we talked about them for a while (it's her favorite animal), as well as all the movies that have been about dolphins. And of course, I was volunteering by being with her, so it was a win-win day.

Then the Real Winers of Heritage Grand went out this evening which is always a good time. The weather was beautiful and I can't complain about a thing. Okay, maybe this damn boot, but I've actually grown accustomed to it now, so it's just a nuisance... not really anything to complain about.

Scrabble Day

I learned today that the word "scrabble" means to grope frantically. I'm not exactly sure how that translates into the game, but I suppose it matters not. I played the board game recently with Sage, my teenaged mentee at Krause House. I was surprised to learn how good her vocabulary is, but I did let her win. Because let's face it... I play daily. My morning routine while I'm drinking my smoothie, is to have the Today show on while I work the crossword puzzle on my iPad, followed by the Jumble, and then on to Words with Friends. I always have at least one game going with cousin Mary (Helen) and Shirley. It's a great way to get my brain functioning and start the day!

Grilled Cheese Day

Our group went to a Mexican restaurant for an early dinner and I had chicken quesadillas, which is like a good grilled cheese sandwich in my book. Then we were off to a painting class where we all had so much fun and we plan on doing it again. We painted flowers on martini glasses and did so much better than when we painted the Texas flag on canvas. Creativity was the key and although that's not my strong point by any means, I was delighted with my glass. Mine is the one on the front row, far left. We made a new friend in our teacher and she even offered to come to us the next time (much better for we wine drinkers). It's even past my bedtime and I don't care... it was a great new adventure!

Pets Day

These are all the creatures that have enriched my life, in order of appearance. Sam and Frances were my first pets as an adult. Then when I moved into a free-standing house for the first time, I got Libby, who died at the age of 11, two weeks after Dad died. Not wanting to face the loneliness of no pet ever again, I decided to get two... Bella and Gracie. Although they loved each other and had a great time together, they almost destroyed everything in my house. So Gracie went to live with Andrea and her family, where she still is. After Bella came Glory, who is still with me today and is eight years old. Upon retirement, I volunteered at the local animal shelter where I got Sable, an old black dog who stood no chance of being adopted. She lived another year and a half before I had to put her down. Then came sweet Cameo who I only had for three months before she succumbed to heart worms. And then I adopted Simon (at which time I resigned from the shelter). So now I have Glory and Simon, but when one of them goes, I'll have to be a one dog household. It's just too difficult to walk two, especially two like mine since I'm hardly the queen of dog training. But I've loved them all and am so grateful that each one of them have shared my life.

Siblings Day

I love my brothers! That wasn't always true, but actually maybe it was. I just didn't like them until we were adults. Let's face it, they were mean to me. I always heard about older brothers who were protective of their sisters, but mine loved nothing more than to torture me. Truth be told, Joe just ignored me until he was in college, but Charles loved to scare me and when we were in the same school, I was not allowed to acknowledge him. And then there was Rob, the pest. So basically I have no fond memories of them as a child, but they've more than made up for it since.

As adults we generally were all together only at Christmas and the Fourth of July, but it was always fun. We've had a lot of adventures together in Arkansas... in canoes, with fireworks, and going anywhere with Dad. He was our hero (and still is). And since he died we've grown even closer. Who knew? I love my brothers.

Cherish an Antique Day

This chest was Papa Roebuck's when he was in the service.  After Mama Roebuck's funeral all the cousins were claiming the items they wanted. I held back because they all lived closer to her and saw her much more than I did. No one chose this chest and I was thrilled because I loved it! It has always held a special place in my homes.

Now, as to how I spent my day today... it was beautiful so I drove into the Heights to meet Sally, Allison, and Roy. We hopped from place to place, sitting outside wherever we went, enjoying a libation and sharing appetizers. It was a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon and we're already planning the next time. Old friends are a real blessing in my life.

All is Ours Day

One way to view National All Is Ours Day is to appreciate everything we have. Don’t dwell on what we don’t have.  All that we have is a blessing, and our lives are a blessing.  We can also use this day to appreciate nature and how grateful we are to have all the natural beauty that surrounds us. This morning I took the dogs for a walk around the nearby park with the little lake and ducks. Even though it's man-made, I love the beauty of living in a master planned community (something I never thought I would like). But I love it!

Beer Day

Well, dammit! I'm back in the boot for four more weeks. I had an MRI done on Monday because even though the two cortisone shots helped greatly, there was still pain and I just knew something was wrong. Turns out, the MRI showed a stress fracture that didn't show up on the x-rays. The doctor said I need to wear the boot constantly, except when I'm showering, sleeping, or driving. He even had the nerve to say that when I get up during the night, I should put it on. Seriously? Like that's gonna happen!

So I came home after my appointment this morning and drank a beer. I mean I had to celebrate at some point and that seemed like the perfect time. This evening we were having wine time at one of the ladies' homes, so I thought as long as I was staying in the neighborhood, I'd try to drive. Turns out I can drive in the boot. So now I'm more likely to wear it all the time because it was a real pain in the butt to take it off, put on a shoe, and then upon arriving at my destination, strapping it back on again. Maybe it can heal now. Fingers crossed!

Walking Day (first Wednesday in April)

These were my steps for the day (although it will be higher by the time I go to bed). It actually seems kind of wimpy when you think about 15 to 16 hours a day of being awake and moving for less then an hour and a half. And you can see by the little graph at the bottom that I only move a lot when I'm walking the dogs, morning and afternoon. Thank God for my little furry friends because obviously I'd be basically sedentary without them. And very lonely. They are definitely my best friends!

Caramel Day

No biggie... my calcium chews that I eat twice a day are caramel flavored and although it's not exactly the same thing, it's close enough for my purposes.

I was supposed to be flying to New Orleans tomorrow to reunite with Suzan, Barbara, and Donna, my three best friends from high school. We planned on attending the French Quarter Festival one day and then just eating, drinking, and laughing the rest of the time. Suzan and her husband live in Covington, just across Lake Pontchartrain, and they were going to be our hosts. But sadly, Suzan called me Saturday morning to say that their son had died the night before in Pittsburg, presumably from a drug overdose. My heart just breaks for them and I haven't quit praying since she called. Their daughter just got of rehab for maybe the fifth or sixth time and Suzan said she always expected the call to be about her and not their son. It's just so tragic and I hope we can get together soon, just so she can take a mini-break from her grief. God bless their family.

Hug a Newsperson Day

Since I don't know any personally, I tweeted a hug to David Muir of ABC News. He's my favorite since Brian Williams face planted. I can't lie... I always like the nicest looking one best. How shallow is that?

It's also National Walk Around Things Day. I walked around the neighborhood twice, around the grocery story, around my kitchen island numerous times and around my nearest CVS. Thanks to Pacer, an app I have on my phone that counts steps, I walk more than I ever have. I'm actually obsessed by it and check it numerous times throughout the day. Although my goal is 10,000 steps, I actually average more like 7,000. And I read that if you're over 65, 6 to 7,000 is sufficient. But on those rare days I hit 10,000, I'm ecstatic. It's like a drug!

National Humor Month

Since April begins with April Fool's Day, it was the perfect choice for National Humor Month. And this is a photo that always makes me laugh. It was Dad's 80th birthday in Branson, MO and we laughed a lot while we were there... partly due to the three clowns in the pic. And that was Dad's usual expression when any of us were acting stupid.

Connie and I went back to our neighborhood dog park with dogs, lawn chairs and wine. And we laughed at Glory and Justine, as well as Simon, who acts like the pesky little brother. He doesn't want to play but keeps getting in their business and then barks at them to leave him alone.

And now an animal/math joke for National Humor Month:  After a talking sheepdog gets all the sheep in the pen, he reports back to the farmer: “All 40 accounted for.”  "But I only have 36 sheep,” says the farmer.  “I know,” says the sheepdog. “But I rounded them up.” 

Peanut Butter and Jelly Day

I had to go to the store this morning to buy jelly, but then was able to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch. Granted, I use a wrap instead of bread, but I must say... it was delicious! I really don't think I've had one since I was a kid, but may have to add it into my lunch rotation. I didn't even need dessert afterwards. The perfect meal.


And now meet Glory's new best friend, Justine. I drink wine with her mom and although we've talked about it for a while, finally got them together this afternoon. They ran and played for almost an hour and it made me so happy. This will now be a regular occurrence... play dates for my dog. Simon, of course, could have cared less and spent most of the time with Connie and me. That's okay, Glory has needed a friend for years and now she has one. And Connie and I decided that next time we'll bring lawn chairs and wine.

April Fool's Day

I've never been a prankster, but felt the need to pull off a good one today. We had 20 women in our dinner group tonight and our leader always lets the restaurants know ahead of time that we want separate checks. Fortunately, it's never a problem, but I had a great idea. I excused myself to go to the restroom and then cornered one of our servers while I was gone. I told him that when the first person asked for our checks, I wanted him to say that I'd already taken care of it. He did it like a pro and everyone was stunned. I explained that I was getting a very good refund from the IRS and wanted to share my good fortune with my friends. After they had all settled down and were thanking me for my generosity, I yelled, "April Fool's!" And I got 'em all. A perfect prank!