Water a Flower Day

Of course it's Memorial Day, but I wasn't able to do much celebrating. And due to the amounts of rain we've had, my flowers really didn't need watering, but my calla lilies seem to love it, so they got a little more.

I was supposed to see Sage yesterday, but couldn't because I was in the ER. When I called to tell say I wasn't coming, I asked the receptionist to please explain what had happened, but from past experience, was doubtful she would. So I decided to go today, even though I look horrible because those girls live with so much disappointment and I didn't want to create more. When Sage came out to see me, she was shocked. I immediately asked if she knew why I didn't show yesterday and she said no. Adding quickly, "And you shouldn't have come today!" I didn't stay the whole hour but we talked about her fears and concerns about leaving. I'm pretty sure she was a little mad at me when I left, but hoping that she will think about things I said and realize I'm right. Who knows.

 

Paperclip Day

The first patent for a paperclip was issued in 1867 and that's all you need to know. I have a lot more to talk about today.

While the bros were here I slept on an air mattress in the study and I slept very well the first night. But last night was a different story. Since I have low blood pressure, my doctor has advised me to sit on the side of the bed for 10 or 15 seconds before I stand up and I've been doing it faithfully. But this morning about 2:30 I had to get up to use the facilities and stood up from the floor, basically. I felt a little dizzy, but when I got to the bathroom I fell on my face. My front teeth cut my lip in two places and one of my teeth is really loose (and of course I can't do anything about that till Tuesday). I got up slowly and then sat on the toilet and the next thing I remember was lying on the floor with toilet paper in my hand. I know, TMI. Again I carefully got up and was washing my lip when I fell again. It was just so weird, like I had no control over my body. I fell one more time, but fortunately, three feet from my mattress, so I crawled the last bit. Needless to say, I never went back to sleep.

Everyone was leaving this morning and when I told them what happened, Mary Jane really felt bad about going.  But I said I'd go to the ER because I really thought I needed stitches. There's one close by and I was one of only three people there so got very good attention. After blood work, an X-ray, an EKG, and a CAT scan, there really wasn't anything dramatic that was wrong. And then I remembered this exact thing happened to me about six years ago in Heber. And my doctor couldn't find anything wrong then either. This doctor wanted me to stay in the hospital overnight for observation, but I wasn't having it. I promised her I'd come back if anything else happened. And she said I got there too late for stitches because my lip was already starting to heal. Fine by me.

So I've rested all afternoon and think I'll be okay, but I will follow up with my doctor as I was advised. So I apologize for all of this, but since it consumed my day and there just wasn't much to say about paperclips... there you have it.

Salsa Month

What a great day we had! Kitty told us to be at her house at 11 and Kevin was going to take us to a surprise place for lunch. It was El Tiempo and he ordered for the table... guacamole, salsa, queso, three kinds of fajitas, rice and beans. We all had our shares of salsa and chips while we were waiting for the rest of the food. After lunch he took us to a chocolate bar where they offered baked goods,  ice cream, and candies. We got ice cream and Kevin bought each of us a box of truffles. He is so kind and generous, like his dad and ours. Then he drove us on a tour of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Houston. So much has changed since I moved away in 2002. Next stop was Sharon and Jim's house where we each had a beer before heading home. And we spent the evening out on the patio before watching a little TV. It was perfect day!

Don't Fry Day

Love this one! I never fry and never have, so easy-peasy. Rob got here about 1:30 this afternoon and we've been eating, drinking, and laughing ever since. The weather has been horrible, but fortunately it didn't start until after Rob got here.  I'm so happy they all got here safely and also glad that I had planned to cook dinner here. It would have been a mess to try and go somewhere.

It's now 10:30 (way past my bedtime) and everyone has gone to bed except me, but I'll be soon to follow. We're meeting Kitty for lunch tomorrow and all looking forward to it. More mañana, I'm sleepy so good night all.

Grey Day

I think this day must be British based on the spelling of gray, but it was easy for me to do, so I went with it. This is a shirt I got from Charles and Karen which I love and wear often. The reason that only the shirt is in the pic is that I didn't put on makeup today and didn't want to expose my face to all of you. You're welcome.

Joe and Mary Jane got here this afternoon after a stressful drive through heavy rains, detours, and more. Fortunately tornadoes weren't part of the mix because they were all around them. But we got pizza for dinner and all was well after some rest. Rob will be here tomorrow and then we'll really get the party started!

Wine Day

Seriously? In February I celebrated National Drink Wine Day and now this. I love whoever makes this stuff up! Next we'll probably have National Buy Wine Day or Red Wine Day or whatever. And I can't complain a bit. In order to celebrate today (since every day is Wine Day for me), I just had a little extra and was damn glad about it.

I saw Bryanna today for the next to last time. I told her that I'd try to see her next week (no school Monday and 1/2 day Thursday), but wasn't sure if it would interfere with any end of year class activities. Her face just fell and it broke my heart. So I told her I will be there one day if only for 30 minutes, but today was not goodbye. And truth be told, I felt just like she did. I'll make this work!

Brother's Day

This is actually a day for brothers to connect, but it also said sisters could get involved, too. These are my three knuckleheads (as evidenced by the photo) and I love them all dearly.  I'm pretty sure we grew up with typical sibling experiences and in early adulthood, we still weren't close. Always happy to be together, but just not close. That all changed when our dad got sick and died shortly thereafter. We bonded in a way I never thought possible and I'm so grateful that such a wonderful blessing came from Dad's death. Joe and Rob are coming for Memorial Day weekend and I'm hoping to visit Charles in Tanzania within the next year. As Charles once stated, I won the lottery when I was born into this family. Okay, actually he said it about him, but I feel exactly the same way. Love my bros!

Lucky Penny Day

I thought I had this one in the bag because, let's face it, you can't exactly strike out to find a lucky penny, so I was just going to write about how lucky I am naturally. But noooo, it was an unlucky day in more ways than one. First of all, I went to my Walmart Neighborhood Market yesterday and when you check out (I was at the self checkout) with a Discover card, you can get cash back. So I asked for $60 back. This morning I realized that I neglected to get my $60. So I went back today, thinking it would be hopeless, and the lady said if I had my receipt, they would honor it (whaaat?). I was delighted, so when I came home and started looking through the trash for my receipt and couldn't find it, I presumed that I didn't get that either. Sixty bucks down the tubes... dammit!

Then I met Roy for lunch and had a beautiful grilled shrimp salad. I purposefully left half of the shrimp so I could bring the salad home and finish it for dinner. The restaurant was a half hour from here and when I was halfway home, I realized I didn't have the doggy bag. To be fair to me, I'm pretty sure the waitress didn't bring it back out. But again, dammit! I'm a very cheap person and these two incidents alone are killing me. So much for Lucky Penny Day.

Mediterranean Diet Month

Today is National Buy a Musical Instrument Day, which I think is a little over the top. I mean, couldn't it have just been Play a Musical Instrument Day? But since it's not, I stopped into my Walmart Neighborhood Market this afternoon, on my way home from visiting Sage. We played cards  for the whole hour and she was very withdrawn. I couldn't get her to talk much, so decided it was okay to just spend some time together rather than trying to pry into what the problem was (although I did try for a time).  But I digress. I was hoping to find a kazoo or harmonica, but to no avail. And I didn't have time to go anywhere else because Kay and Kori were coming over. Kori napped while Kay and I had an adult beverage and visited. We hadn't been together for a while, so had a lot to catch up on.

And this evening I had my leftovers from dinner on Friday... Penne Mediterranean. It was made with all the ingredients that are popular in the Mediterranean so I think that counts. And it was deelish!

Older Americans Month

We celebrated Older Americans Month with a Preakness Party. I didn't win any money this time, but still enjoyed my older American friends. Actually I enjoy them two or three times a week. I suppose we should really be celebrating our elders in their 80's and 90's because this group seems so young to me. And since three of these ladies are 76, they give me something to aspire to. These women will keep me young and I couldn't be happier about that. But I am a tiny bit sad about no chance for a triple crown this year.

Streaming Day

Obviously this is a newly created day, but I liked it. I started streaming a series from CNN about the 60's and it was fascinating. Can't wait to finish it!

This morning I visited with Brianna, my 4th grader, and enjoyed our time together as usual. She said that as soon as school's out, she and Mason will be going back to spend the summer with their parents in Louisiana and will possibly get to stay. For their sake, I hope they do, but don't know how probable that is. If they do come back for next year, I will be their mentor. But again, I hope they get to stay.

Our dinner group went to a new restaurant this evening called the Restless Palate and all of us agreed, our palates are restless no more. All of their food selections were out of the ordinary and all were delicious. We tried mashed cauliflower with horseradish, fig and black garlic flatbread, grilled Romano salad, pear and pecan flatbread, among many other things. This place is absolutely going into our rotation and for now, once a month. It was delicious!

Hummus Day

Whew! Dodged a bullet today. I didn't think to look up the day until this afternoon and was delighted to find Hummus Day because I actually have two different kinds of hummus in my fridge right now. Along with some raw carrots. So that was my afternoon snack (although I usually don't have a snack). It's also May Ray Day which I noticed earlier in the week and assumed this one would be a snap. Just walk outside, catch some rays, and done. However, we haven't seen the sun today and it's been pouring all afternoon. Glad there was a backup plan.

Addendum: After I posted this about 6:30, the sun peeked out so the dogs got a proper walk instead of a quick spin around the block and I soaked up a few rays. So I did double duty today... Hummus Day and May Ray Day!

Accounting Day

This is for you, Gretchen: An accountant is someone who solves a problem you didn't know you had in a way you don't understand. It's accrual world.

Didn't do much today except get a manicure and pedicure. My tutee, Thomas, didn't come Monday or today and get this - his parents are out of town and he and his brother are staying with their grandparents. The grandma called me Monday to say that he came home from school sick and wouldn't be here that day. Personally I suspect he's playing grandma and when she called today, I feel certain he is. And my heart goes out to her because he's a serious wild child.

Walnut Day

I've known for quite some time that walnuts are probably the healthiest nut, but I've been hung up on almonds. So I bought some walnuts this morning and snacked on them several times during the day. And I give 'em a big thumbs up!

I visited Mason at school today and started getting a little sad because there's only two weeks left. He and his sister might be moving back to Louisiana to live with their mom and dad and I really hope they do, but will certainly miss them. However, I'll start with two new kids next year, so it isn't all bad.

I took the dogs over to Connie's (Justine's mom) house this afternoon to play. Glory and Justine play like 10-year-old boys and Simon just barks at them. But Connie and I enjoyed some chocolate wine and pretty much ignored the dogs. They burned calories while I ingested them, but I'm not complaining.

Love a Tree Day

I've always loved most trees, especially the really big ones  (my absolute favorites are the giant sequoias in northern California... thanks, Andrea). I also loved a giant oak that was in the backyard of one of my Heights houses. I actually took a photo of an oleander in my backyard that I love because it's shaped like a tree and not a bush.

My neighbor, Ann Roe, came home from a long cruise last night and I've missed her.  She's the one who takes care of Simon when I'm gone and I knew her fridge would be empty, so I took her out to dinner and we both got caught up. She shared her trip stories and I told her about everything she's missed in the neighborhood. Good friends are so special and I thank God for them.

Chocolate Chip Day

Whew! I lucked out on this one. I didn't really want to buy a bag of chocolate chips or even chocolate chip cookies, but at Trivia last night, one of my teammates brought homemade cookies. After sampling last night (just to make sure they were good), I wrapped one up and had it it for breakfast. Yum!

I saw Sage today and she is on the downhill slide to going home. An aunt and uncle came down from Fort Worth to visit her last weekend and Friday they came to take her out for an overnight visit. She was so happy about it all when I first saw her and then it all proceeded south.  At first she talked about what they did, then said that they talked to her at length about their expectations. And that's when she started changing. She wasn't happy that they were going to make her go to church. I explained that many teenagers don't like to be forced to go, but that I was and looking back, I'm so grateful that I was. That was the basis of my spiritual foundation and without it, I'd be a different person. So she moved on to the fact that someone will be with her everywhere she goes. And again I explained that because she was a wild child and a runaway, I would expect nothing less from them. I told her she has to earn their trust and I'm sure she'll do it quickly (she's 16 1/2 and thinks they'll do it until she's 18).  I finally asked if she was a little bit afraid of the change and she said yes. So I'll continue to let her vent and continue to assure her that what her aunt and uncle are doing is what any good parents would do. They love her and want her to be safe, whether she likes it or not. And in the meantime, I'll continue to pray for her.

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day

I had to go to the grocery store this morning, so also bought some canned goods and crackers for the food drive. Fortunately, our clubhouse collects the food for the mailman to pick up. Piece of cake!

And now I'm getting ready to go play Trivia at the clubhouse. I'm the captain of a team and one member canceled at the last minute. I hate it when that happens! But I'm hoping we can pick up a stray when we get there because I couldn't find a sub at the last minute. Every brain helps because the questions aren't easy and with old folks, we need to pool our memories to come up with the answers. Here's hoping we'll win at least one game!

Blame Someone Else Day

I only have Glory to blame for the fact that I'm not getting enough sleep. I've always been a sleepy head and now feel the best after 8 1/2 or 9 hours. However, Glory wakes up with the daylight and is ready for her walk. It's hard for me to go to sleep before 10 or 10:30, so the result is less sleep. That bitch!

I had a wonderful lunch today with our regular lunch bunch... Kitty, Cathy, Sharon, Ann Dulin (Little), and Kay. We haven't gotten together in months and I don't go into Houston as much as I used to, so I just loved seeing them all and spending time together. Kitty had just won $4,000 on a gambling excursion and insisted on treating (Cathy usually picks it up when we're at Federal Grill). We always share appetizers and desserts, along with our individual entrees. It's such a special treat for me that I always overindulge. But for that, I can only blame myself. Wah, wah!

Limerick Day

Spoiler alert: this might be a little naughty.

There was a young man from Brighton
Who thought he’d at last found a tight ‘un.
He said, “Oh my love,
It fits like a glove.”
Said she, “But you’re not in the right ‘un.”

Today we celebrate the birth of English writer Edward Lear, who was born in 1812,  and wrote his ‘Book of Nonsense’ of 72 limericks in 1846. The book was a huge success, not only making the author popular, but also boosting the limerick into popular culture across the world. And I'm pretty sure he did not write the limerick above. I just thought it was funny.

Receptionists Day

After getting the stitches out of my mouth (hallelujah!), I stopped to get a small bouquet of flowers and took them to our receptionist at the clubhouse. She was so surprised that I'm pretty sure no one else did anything. She's fairly new and I really don't know her yet, but I told her we do appreciate her. Can you imagine all the old fogies she has to deal with on a daily basis? A job I wouldn't wish on anyone!

Thomas came this afternoon and I certainly earned my money. All he wanted to do was talk. He wanted to know (again) why I wasn't married anymore and why I never had babies. Then he told me I should find my husband again and get back together. When I explained that he married someone else, Thomas thought I should meet his wife and we could be friends. This kid's wheels never stop turning.

Shrimp Day

I don't eat much shrimp, but do love it, so I liked this day. My concoction was edamame pasta, spinach, garlic, shrimp, and parmesan cheese. I didn't season it enough, so it was pretty bland today, but when I eat the leftovers, that will all change.

I can't got to the elementary school this week due to state testing, so feel a little lost, especially since today was one of the days I go. So I went to Home Depot for plants and HEB for shrimp this morning, which helped. Glory's buddy, Justine, came over this afternoon and although she's six years younger than Glory, she really didn't want to play much today. It was sad watching Glory nipping at her and being ignored. So we're heading out for our evening walk now. Maybe that will cheer her up.

Women's Checkup Day

It was time for my semi-annual checkup in order to get my prescriptions refilled (that's certainly a way to get people in), so I scheduled it for this morning after I saw what we celebrate today. I knew after my bone density test that I have osteopenia, which is not really serious, just means you have a moderate risk for fractures. So I didn't think anything about it. But the doc said that it's not a big deal unless you have a fracture and so now that I have, he's starting me on Boniva. It's an easy fix... one pill once a month. I have heard about bad side effects, but I'll hope for the best and stop it if I have any problems. And then we'll figure out something else because no more broken bones here!

Mother's Day

One of the many reasons I chose not to have children is that my mother was perfect in my eyes. As a child I always wanted to please her, even into high school. She never gave me a curfew because she knew I'd be home at a reasonable hour (it helped that I got sleepy as the clock approached midnight). When my friends would ask me to do something that I believed to be questionable, I would ask Mom assuming she would tell me no, but she never did. It was always, "You do what you think is right." It made me so mad because I wanted to tell my friends that she wouldn't let me. So I would lie, say that she said no, and then stay home. And when all the girls were bitching about their mothers and saying they hated them, I would chime in, too, because I didn't want to be different. But I always felt bad about it. I always loved her and still do. And I believed that's what it took to be a good mother and I knew I wasn't like her. As I said before, that was only one of the reasons, but I know better now. But I feel very blessed that she was my mother and I miss her so much!

Kentucky Derby Day

Not actually an official national day, but one we celebrated today at my house. Everyone didn't make it into the photo, but we all had fun. There were a couple of betting pools and I won $20 in one of them. Someone told me not to feel guilty since I was the hostess and all I could say was, "I don't." Hostessing is a big deal for me, so I just felt I deserved it (actually no one really cared). I love horse racing, just hate the fact that it's over in two minutes. But exciting, nevertheless. And Simon even made it into the shot!

Beverage Day

Since I only drink water and wine (worked for Jesus, right?), I decided to share a beverage with Dad and Uncle Tommy today... Clamato and vodka. I love it, too, and never have one without thinking of two of the strongest men in my life. It always makes me happy... in more ways than one.

Our dinner group tried a new Italian restaurant tonight. Lesson learned... we're not going back. Food was mediocre and the service was awful. When it's a new restaurant we always give them a second chance, but not so tonight. At least we laughed a lot and although a 20% tip was automatically added to our bills, most of us gave the waitress a little extra. She was close to tears at the end and it actually wasn't her fault, as far as we could tell. Always give them the benefit of the doubt... that's my motto, (possibly learned from Frank Wiggins, my hero)

Cinco de Mayo

I celebrated at lunch all by myself (as usual) with a margarita, guacamole and chips.  I even put the margarita in the glass I painted to make it even more festive. Granted the chips are made out of popcorn, but I like 'em and I think it was a perfect celebration!

Not to change the subject, but the mosquitoes are killing me!!! After all the heavy rains we've had, they've taken over the city. I even have to put on repellant just to sit around the house because they must hover around the back door until it opens and then dart in as fast as they can. I believe I'm going to have to call a service to spray once a month. Not sure what they charge, but at this point I'm pretty sure I don't care. These suckers are bleeding me dry!

Renewal Day

Granted it's also Star Wars Day, but that ain't happnin' here, so I was perfectly happy with Renewal Day. I reorganized my closet for summer and not a moment too soon... it was a mess! And I'm not really sure I would have done it now, were it not to celebrate the day. Yay me!

Thomas, the second grader I tutor, came this afternoon and just as in school, he's seriously restless this close to the end. He tries to goof off a lot and today he was touching my face (as he sometimes does) and then reached down and put his hand right on my boob! I was so surprised that I didn't react quickly enough, but I got it together and just said he couldn't do that. Is that normal at age 8? Seemed a little weird to me, but also a little funny.

Garden Meditation Day

I sat outside this evening with St. Francis, thanking God for all my many blessings. I don't really meditate and I think praying is better anyway. Two of the people I'm thankful for are mentees... Mason, the first grader, and Sage, the 16-year-old. I visited with both of them today and they always make me happy.

The weather here has been beautiful the last couple of days and I'm thankful for that, too. I just feel so fortunate and am so very grateful for all the people in my life (and Glory and Simon, too).

Melanoma Monday

This day reminded me that I need to get my annual full body check from my dermatologist. I've never remembered when it was time, but now I realize that May is my melanoma checkup month (although I might get it confused with March, but at least I'll be in the right vicinity).

I had gum surgery this morning, which isn't awful, but it's not pleasant. I've had to keep ice on it this afternoon, take antibiotics for a week, and go beck next Monday to get the stitches out. Other than that... piece of cake. But since I realized that Rob had his appendix out today, I certainly can't complain.

Egg Month

Last night before we finally headed to bed, all the women decided not to put on makeup this morning for breakfast since we were everyone was driving home. Best plan ever! A peach named Norman cooked each of us an omelet to order and mine was delicious. We all sat around drinking coffee (them, not me), rehashing the weekend, and making plans to get together again. It really was all pretty perfect.

And then the rains came! The drive home was pretty miserable. Took me over five hours instead of four, but the light at the end of the tunnel was seeing my babies again. I farmed them out this time... Glory to the home of her best friend, Justine, and Simon to Ann Roe. I'm so blessed to have such good friends, old and new. What a great weekend! It was good for my soul.