Wonderful Wednesday

When I woke up at the obscene hour of 9:30 this A.M., I could see my day spread out in shambles before me. I had such a long, long list of things that really needed to be done. No kidding. I made the list before I went to bed last night, dreamed about it all night long, and was appalled when I realized the day was so far gone before I even rolled out of bed.

I don't know, maybe I should sleep in like that every day because I hopped out of bed and started moving with a fury. Even before I went downstairs to get my coffee, I changed the bed, cleaned the bathroom and put away a ton of jewelry I had left laying all over my dresser.

By the time Jim came home from breakfast with the guys, I had a load of laundry in the machine and was reading the paper. The rest of the morning went like clockwork. I worked on my VBS project for about an hour and accomplished way more than I had hoped. At that point, I realized that I was going to reach my day's goals and invited Jim to join me for lunch out and a walk on the canal.

You guessed it. He jumped at the chance. Sitting around with his hand in the air isn't a lot of fun for Jim. He can just read so much and then the day begins to get a little long. The PA gave him permission to begin walking again as long as he keeps his hand above his heart. He has had a lot of practice with that, so off we went.

After a lunch of soup and a shared sandwich, we went over to the canal and began walking. It was a really nice day. I didn't take my camera thinking, "What could I see that I'd want to take a picture of?" Huh! My new motto is "Just take it." We saw three sets of goose parents and their sweet little goslings swimming on the canal. It is so neat to watch them. One parent swims in the lead, followed by the little ones and backed up by the other parent. As if that wasn't enough, we saw a beautiful heron in flight and the most wonderful patches of wild flox. I'm so sorry there are not pictures.

The canal path passes "DickDonalds" where we stopped for some Mcfreshment. I am so addicted to the new Mocha Frappes. Yum, yum. We ended our journey at the greenhouse where I bought a few more flowers to plant.

Now we're home again and I'm going to finish my book. We decided on a very light supper so I can indulge myself for an hour or so.

~Hippo Hugs~

"Friendship is a strong and habitual

inclination in two persons to promote

the good and happiness of

one another."

"Eustace Budgell"

Memorial Day, 2009

This is Memorial Day weekend. A time to stop and pay homage to those who have fought for our freedom. From the Revolutionary War until the present time, brave men have been willing to give their freedom and lives so that we might live in freedom.





Back in the day when English teachers actually required memorization as part of the curriculum, I chose the following poem. To this day, it still brings a lump to my throat.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row,

That mark the place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

love and were loved, and now we lie

in Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

the Torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep though poppies grow

in Flanders Fields.

I will take time tomorrow to say a prayer of thanks for those men who fought for our freedom in the past, and a prayer of safety to those who, at this very moment, are fighting the terrorism that would take our freedom from us in the present and future.

This is part of the Viet Nam Veteran's Memorial in Highland Park in Rochester, NY. This is one of the most moving tributes I have seen.

~Hippo Hugs~

"One single grateful thought raised to heaven

is the most perfect prayer."

~G.E. Lessing~

Mammogram Day

So, you all know it didn't start out that well. Actually, the start was pretty good. Seeing how it's Thursday, it was Loser's Breakfast. Small group. Sandi, Kathy, Linda and me. It was good to see everyone and catch up though.

Following that good start to my day, was, the dreaded mammogram. Let me stop right here and say this. Although it isn't the most pleasant thing we do in a year, it is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL that all women over (I think the age is 40) have a yearly mammogram. I know that there is some controversy surrounding this subject, but I believe with all my hear that it can't do any harm, and it can, in fact, save your life.

I'm not sure how Phil Mickelson's wife discovered her cancer, but I'm convinced that early detection will give her a more than fighting chance. I hope you will join me in praying for her and for her family in this difficult time.

Okay, now that I'm out of the pulpit, I'll talk about the rest of my day. After I left the radiation lab, I was off to McDonalds (or Dick Donald's as Kristen says) for a Mocha Frappe. I was soooo sleepy that I thought I'd have to take a nap in the parking lot. Thankfully, the caffeine in the frappe was enough to wake me up.

My first stop, in a very busy day, was Michael's where I bought Tee Shirts for some of the VBS staff.

Aren't these cool colors? We have iron on transfers for them too. The best part is that they were 5 for $10.

After Michael's, it was on to J. Jill. Because I donated four items to the Battered Women's Shelter, I received four 10% off coupons. And, you guessed it, I used them all.

I actually bought two tanks.
Then it was on to Bath & Body Works for shampoo. And, that's all I bought.

Although, there was a 2 for $10 sale and I bought two.

After that, I went to Macy's for intimate apparel. I almost hate that job as much as I hate the mammogram.

There was grocery shopping and lunch and then I went to see Florence. I had a bright idea to stop at Dick Donald's to get her an ice cream. She can only eat pureed foods at this point, but I know how much she used to love ice cream. She was so happy to get it. I fed it to her with a spoon and she kept saying, "Oh, this tastes so good." At one point she said, "This is so advertising." I laughed and agreed with her. A couple of minutes later she said, "This is so refreshing" which is what she meant to say in the first place. It was such a wonderful 40 minutes out of my day. The ice cream brought smiles and laughter from her. I need to remember to do that more often.

I knew I'd be tired by the time I got home again, so I bought a rotisserie chicken at Wegman's. That with some red potatoes and green beans made a delightful dinner for Jim (who is really doing well after his surgery and I).

While I was gone the new washing machine and freezer were delivered. That purchase, added to all this clothing shopping I've been doing, should put a shut down on spending in our household for a while.

Okay, now I'm going to go off on a different tangent. I'm a pretty apolitical person, but I have a question. Just what is up with Dick Cheney????

~Hippo Hugs~

The love in your heart wasn't put there to stay.

Love isn't love 'til you give it away.

~Anonymous~

It's Wednesday

The surgery is over...let the healing begin. I guess it's pretty needless to say that both Jim and I are disappointed in the necessity of a second surgery on his left hand. After all he went through last summer with his right, we were hoping for a normal summer this year. Oh well.

The doc came in and talked to me after the surgery. He said there was a lot of scar tissue around the nerve. He said he freed the nerve, scraped away the scar tissue and closed with a method that should prevent the growth of more scar tissue. Now we wait.

Which is just what Jim appears to be doing here.

Today is really gorgeous. The temperature is 80, the sky is clear blue and there is a light breeze. We were up at the crack of dawn to be at the hospital by 7 A.M., but that being the case, we were home by a little after noon. Now I have the afternoon free to do some planting.

I thought I'd share some pictures of our yard.

The hostas look so healthy.

Not only are the lilacs pretty, the perfume is heavenly.

Last night Jason and Linda stopped by after supper with two Rose of Sharon bushes for me. Jason, being the dear friend that he is, planted them out by the bird feeder. I'm hoping as they grow, they will provide shelter for the birds who come to the feeder.

By the time Jason finished planting, it was time for the NCIS season finale. Jim put the coffee pot on and they stayed to watch the show with us. Linda doesn't like Ziva, but she was careful to say little as Z is a favorite of Jim. I, on the other hand, don't usually like Tony, but felt really sorry for him last night. Of course, we were left hanging at the end, and my question is this: "How is Ziva going to survive the summer with all that blood on her face?"

I'm also a BIG fan of Without a Trace. I have been hearing rumors that it is on the bubble, which means it might not be renewed for next year. After watching the finale, I'm pretty sure it won't be renewed. They wrapped everything up with a pretty pink bow and said "Goodnight". I was really disappointed.

The good thing about our favorite shows being done for the season is that we will now stay out on the porch (where I don't allow a TV set) and read and listen to good music until dark. Sometimes we even dance out there. Of course, we'll have to get both of Jim's hands working before we can indulge in that pastime.

Okay, I have a crossword puzzle calling to me which I can't get to until I plant my flowers. Also, I have to iron some things. J. Jill has an offer (at least in the Rochester store) where you can bring in gently used J. Jill clothing and receive a 10% off coupon for new purchases. I have several things that are too big this year and I intend to take them in tomorrow. They donate the clothing to the local Battered Women's Shelter. What a good cause.

Okay, this time I'm really off. Have a great day.

~Hippo Hugs~

When words escape, flowers speak.

-Bruce W. Currie

Answering Cheryl's Random Thursday

Cheryl did a fun MeMe on her post today. Thought I'd do the same.

Alphabetical Facts About Me

Age - 64

Bed Size - Queen

Chore you hate - Vacuuming

Dog's Name - It was Frazier. If I ever get another dog, male or female, it will be McKeever.

Essential item to start my day - Coffee.

Favorite Color - That's hard. It sometimes changes from day to day. This summer it is undoubtedly orange and turquoise blue. I also love brown. Is that weird or what???

Gold or Silver - Both.

Height - This is a sore subject. I used to be 5'5-1/2" tall. Now they say I am 5'4-1/2. My mom always said old people shrink.

Instruments you play - Like Cheryl, I didn't stick to instrument lessons. I took piano lessons, but quit. I started a horn in Jr. High, but that was way too hard.

Job Title - Retired Librarian. Enjoyer of life.

Kids - Oh yeah, kids. Paige, age 36 and Gretchen age 33. Then there is my precious son-in-law, Brian, age 35. I love them all to pieces.

Living Arrangements - I live with my best friend in a grey salt box house that I love.

Mom's name - Lucy.

Nicknames - Hukey. Don't even ask. (Nancy, do you remember that? John Freer named me that)

Overnight hospital stays - More than I care to remember. Ten - at least.

Pet Peeve - Negativity.

Quote from a movie - Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore. He's been partly dead most of the day.

Right or left hand - Right.

Siblings - I had a younger brother, Bob and a younger sister, Nancy. They are both deceased.

Time you wake up - that really varies depending on what the plans are for the day. I will admit, I love to sleep in. 8 A.M. is about my average time now that I'm retired.

Underwear - Clean and mended. My mom always said that you never know when you might be in an accident and your underwear should be in good shape just in case.

Vegetables you dislike - Beets and Eggplant to name two. There are others.

Ways you drink coffee - Black with Sweet 'n Low. I also love Mocha, both hot and cold. My newest favorite is a McDonald's Mocha Frappe. Yummy.

X-rays - Many.

Yummy food you prepare - Crepes. Strawberry Pie. Chicken Divan. I really like to cook.

Favorite Zoo Animal - Need you ask? Hippos!!!

Maybe one of you would like to post the ABC's about you.

~Hippo Hugs~

"I do not understand how anyone can

live without one small place of

enchantment to turn to."

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

Monday Musings

In her post today Dana challenged us to list things that are making us happy today.

• My trip to Chicago in general and,
• Specifically.....

Yummy Chinese food with fun people.


Hanging out at Paige and Michelle's house.

Playing mini golf with these guys. Liam and his buddy Joey. Liam in black and Joey in red.

Mother and daughter time on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

• Coming home to my sweet husband who, by the way, washed all the windows in our house while I was gone.
• Looking forward to buying and planting flowers this coming weekend.
• Having established a FaceBook page.
• The sunshine.
• Having my suitcase unpacked and my laundry done.
• The new Harlan Coban book waiting to be read.
• My new LA Times Crossword Puzzle Book. It's really fun.

There is lots more, but I'll save some of them for later. Hope everyone is having a great Monday.

~Hippo Hugs~

"A garden is a lovesome thing."

Thomas Edward Brown

Summer Frocks

A few weeks ago, I received the newest catalog from J J*ill. Every page called my name. Being a good girl, I resisted the call. I stayed away from the store. I tried, I really tried, but today after I took Linda to the airport, I had an errand to run at the mall. The minute I walked through the door, I knew I was lost.

First stop, Chris*topher and Ba*nks. Orange is a big color this year, pleasing me as orange is one of my favorites.

Before I could say, "No! No!" these items had found their way into my bag. Next, it was on to Cold*water Cre*ek. I had been in that store a week ago, and some items there had called to me too.

On my way out of the mall, I had to walk past J. J*ill. I had no choice, somehow I found myself in the dressing room trying on this...

I just couldn't help myself. Just think how lovely this will be with the orange shawl and jewelery. We will be attending our Alumni Reunion at our high school, as well as two weddings this summer. It wouldn't do for me to embarrass my husband by wearing last year's outfit, now would it?

I've been suffering guilt this afternoon, but that doesn't stop me from dreaming about these..

After all, how would it look to be all dressed up in and have old scuffed shoes?

I'm off to Chicago to spend four lovely days with my daughter, Paige. See you all next week.

~Hippo Hugs~

"One of the secrets of life is to make

stepping stones out of stumbling blocks."

Jack Penn

The Bucket List Continues

Since seeing the movie with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson last year, Jim and I have managed to cross a few things off our bucket lists. Some were not too challenging, like hiking in the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon...

or

visiting Corning Glass Works...

others...

like our trip to Costa Rica

and

Ireland

might have to wait for economic recovery.

However, I have a challenging one on my list that called for a little courage and I have been putting it off for quite some time. So...on Saturday, I took myself in hand and went along with my friends Laurie and Carl to the stables and...

took a riding lesson.

I was more than a little nervous about this endeavor. This was my first time on a horse. I think I may have had a pony ride when I was a little girl, but I don't even have any real clear memory of that. Before I left for this adventure Jim, my usually supportive husband, was kind enough to remind me that I am " 64 years old and my bone break more easily than they once did." I don't think I needed to be reminded of that since I have had two broken bones in the last three years. He also reminded me that I had a lot on my plate for this summer and really couldn't afford to be laid up. Thanks, honey.

As you can see, I wasn't to be discouraged and continued on my merry way. I chose this particular stable carefully. After hearing about Dennis from Laurie and Carl for the last three years, I decided this was just the place for someone like me to learn to ride. Dennis works with all ages and all abilities of people and I knew he would treat me with care and respect. I was right on target.

After being walked around the riding area for fifteen or twenty minutes by Hillary, she let go of Chance who, by the way, is the gentlest and slowest horse in the stable, and patiently told me how to use the reins and my heels to get him to go where I wanted him to. It was so cool to be able to control him.

Here I am riding with Kristen and Carl (in the background). Kristen, in spite of her disabilities, was happily riding all by herself on Saturday. Dennis has done tremendous things for these kids. You should see and hear the way he works with them. He is a kind and gentle teacher. Just what an old gal like me needs.

I met another rider who is in my age category and she was delighted to welcome me and give me encouragement. There is no doubt in my mind that I will go back. I don't want to become an equestrian champion or anything, but I would like to feel comfortable on the horse so that I could ride some guided trails when we are visiting parks out west.

While I was waiting for Carl to finish his lesson I took some pictures of some of the other inhabitants of this fun farm.

The peacocks are so beautiful even when they haven't fanned their tail feathers, but they are really noisy birds.

This little donkey was a gift to Dennis from his grateful students.

We've had a lot of rain and getting back from the riding area was a little tricky. I did make it, though I put my boots in a bag before I put them in Laurie's car. I was happy that I thought to bring my sneakers along.

Our treat for working so hard this morning was a trip to DickDonald's, as Kristen calls Mc*Donald's for lunch. That was every bit as much fun as the riding. I'm so delighted to have made friends with Kristen and her delightful mom, Ginny. What a wonderful morning.

Oh yes, I am totally hooked and will be going back soon.

~Hippo Hugs~

"Wisdom is knowing what to do next;

Virtue is doing it."

David Starr Jordan

Happy Mother's Day from the Final Frontier

When Jim asked me what I would like to do for Mother's Day, I had no trouble in coming up with an answer. I told him I wanted to go where this Mother had never gone before, and I wanted to get their via the Starship Enterprise. That's is trekkies, I wanted to see the new Star Trek movie.

Although I don't go to conventions or dress up in costume, I do consider myself, at least a mild Trekkie. I am sure I have seen every original episode of Star Trek at least three times if not more. We own several of the Star Trek movies, my favorite being Star Trek IV, The Voyage Home.

There was Captain James Tiberius Kirk, always calm, always in control, always saving the day. Who wouldn't want to follow him?

Remember, Spock, the half human, half Vulcan who spent his life trying to remain logical and denying his humanness. In spite of his strong Vulcan will, there were times when his humanity showed through.

My favorite, though, was crotchety Dr. McCoy, Bones for short. He, along with the engineer Scottie, always added a bit of humor to the shows.

We felt lost when the series ended and had to appease ourselves with watching rerun after rerun for several years. And then, along came Star Trek the Next Generation and.....

Jean Luc Picard. The Picard was everything a Trekkie could hope for and more. I have Jim's blessing in my infatuation with The Picard (since we all know it's just a fantasy). I did so enjoy the "Next Generation", many of those episodes which we watched over again. We also saw all the movies which were spawned by this series.

So, today we went back in time to the birth of Star Trek and the early lives of Spock, Kirk, Chekov, McCoy,Scottie and the rest of the crew.

Even though I found the plot a little confusing at times, I thoroughly enjoyed this motion picture. I won't give away any of the plot, but will say that the essence of the characters have been perfectly recreated in this prequel.

It is my hope that we will have many more hours of entertainment from these bright and entertaining young people. There are galaxies yet to be explored and I think the producer, director and actors of this film are capable of taking us there.

~Happy Mother's Day and Hippo Hugs~

THE REAL VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY CONSISTS NOT

IN SEEKING NEW LANDSCAPES BUT IN HAVING NEW EYES

MARCEL PROUST

Pickles Continued

Just as mysteriously as my scanner stopped working, it started again. Here are the continuation of Pickles blogging strips.

Hope this gives you a giggle.

~Hippo Hugs~

It's a Blogger's World

I just love the comic strip, Pickles. Maybe it's knowing Jim and I aren't quite there yet, but will be someday that makes it so appealing to me. Whatever the reason, I really get a giggle out of it most days.

Here is a recent strip that I couldn't resist sharing with all of you.

There were more following this, but for some reason, I can't get my scanner to work. I've never had a problem with it before, but I guess there's a first time for everything. I'll keep fiddling with it and see if I have any luck later.

While I was in the process of organizing my office/craft room, I came across a Buddy Holly cd. I haven't played it in years and put it in the cd player. What a trip back in time! I downloaded it to my Ipod and have been having a ball walking to this wonderful old rock 'n roll music.

Do any of you remember Buddy Holly? He was only on the R 'n R scene as a successful singer for a short time. I distinctly remember the Day the Music Died. I was 15 years old and really into rock 'n roll. I loved every song Buddy Holly and Richie Valens sang. We heard the news in the morning on the way to school that these singers along with The Big Bopper had died in a plane crash. It was as if someone in our school had been killed. It's all we talked about that day in the halls.

Wilkepedia says that Buddy Holly was "the single most influential creative force in early Rock 'n Roll." I didn't know anything about that, but I sure did appreciate his songs. Does anyone remember..

• That'll Be The Day
• Peggy Sue
• Rave On
• Think it Over
• It's So Easy
• True Love Ways
• Raining In My Heart

Listening to these songs has brought back memories of ponytailed teenagers in loafers and bobby sox giggling on the way to home ec class, passing notes in study hall, hoping a special boy will talk to you or better yet, sit near you at lunch. Those were the days of American Bandstand, The Edge of Night (daily soap), sock hops and hula hoops. I wouldn't want to relive those days for any amount of money, but a trip down memory lane does bring a smile to my lips.

Buddy Holly

September 7, 1936-February 3, 1959

~Hippo Hugs~

"Minds are like parachutes,

they only function when open."

Thomas DeWar

Monday Musings

There are lots of ideas and thoughts running around in my head today. It's a really nice, normal May day. After my walk, I finished my project....Well, I finished the part I can do. We are going to do a remodel in here, but that needs to wait until Jim's hand is healed from his upcoming surgery.

Did you notice, there are even some empty spots on the shelves. Look out Mich*aels.

I even bit the bullet and weeded this book shelf. I have two bags of books to donate to the library's book sale.


That project done, it's time to move on to something more fun, like aprons. But, no, wait a minute. This is sitting in the garage waiting for my attention.

Because Jim helps me with spreading the mulch, I need to get my gardens weeded and the mulch spread before Jim's fourth hand surgery later this month. After that, I'll be on my own for the outside work for the rest of the summer.

Our plan for mowing is that he will mow with the rider all that he can and I will do the trimming with the hand mower. I haven't mowed in years, since the girls were little. This should be a test of my skill and endurance, as well as Jim's patience.

And then there's the vegetable garden. Last year, with Jim's hand surgery and my broken wrist, we had to forgo our vegetable garden. Although we went to the farmer's market as often as possible, we really missed our garden. So, the deal this year is that he will do the tilling and whatever before his surgery and he will supervise while I do the planting. I'll keep you posted on that one.

So, I guess you can why my aprons will have to wait a little. No mind, I'll get to them and the anticipation might just increase my pleasure. In the meantime, I really do need to make some Mother's Day cards for my aunts, so I'll get a little craft action in this week.

Our weekend was good. We walked on the high school track early on Saturday morning, and then went to buy mulch. I thought we should celebrate the mulch purchase with a trip to Weg*man's and a whole wheat muffin and coffee.

We met our friends Bruce & Shelly for barbcue in the evening. It was yummy. We had a really nice time. We hadn't seen Shelly since before we went to Henderson. It was a great evening which I paid for with heart burn. Too much barbcue and wine, I think.

Jim took a day trip to PA to see his mom yesterday. They had a nice lunch out and a great visit. I stayed home and vegged out.

Hope everyone had a nice Monday.

~Hippo Hugs~

"Everywhere is walking distance if you have time."

Steven Wright

Friday Fragments

It's been a busy week. On Monday I:

--had lunch with Jim at one of our favorite little restaurants. Our plan was to walk on the canal path after lunch, but it was really, really warm so we decided against it. Instead we came home and I worked on this messy office....again. Will I ever get everything sorted and organized?
We did walk, however, after dinner. It was much more comfortable by then. It was really nice to see so many people out walking on our new track. It made me feel as if spring were really here.

On Tuesday, I:

--I had breakfast with Pat, Linda and Sandi. I hadn't seen Pat since I returned home and it was great getting caught up with one another. After breakfast, Linda and I walked. Jim and I had our annual meeting with the staff at the nursing home for Florence. Not much change in her condition. We did ask that they increase some of her meds as she is in a much more agitated state than she was six months ago. They agreed which makes me more comfortable. We went to lunch (again) and planned to see the movie The Soloist, but decided to go home as it was cold and rainy, a perfect day to curl up and read.

On Wednesday, I:

---I walked on the treadmill early in the morning. Later it was lunch with the Lindas. Linda V. had a birthday last week and we celebrated with lunch. After lunch, we went to Starbucks for coffee and a long visit, catching up on the past few months. Once again, good to be with great friends. But wait, there's more. On Wednesday evening, Sandi and I took our friend, Izzie, who is pretty much housebound these days, out to dinner. How am I ever going to lose any weight????

On Thursday, I:

---met The Losers for breakfast before going with Jim to his appointment with his rheumatologist. Dr. Chen was quite please with Jim's progress. We stopped for coffee on the way home. Once home, I took a nap and tried to accomplish something in this messy office. I doubt this project will ever be done. Evening was cold and rainy. We, once again, snuggled in and read.

On Friday, I:
---had a Pam day. After walking and having coffee with Linda, I came home and baked some cookies. The plan was to take to them to our friends Marilyn and Jack. Marilyn has Lou Gehrig's disease and Jack is suffering from a plethora of maladies. I planned to stop and visit them for a time before I tackled my long, long list of errands. However, Marilyn was off with a friend, so I wasn't able to visit them. Instead, I gave the cookies to my neighbors. After the food week we've had, we can't have any cookies in our house to tempt us.

Next on my agenda was a stop at the library where I gave Tracy a bag of goodies from this office purging. Then it was on to the fur store to leave Sasha (my mink from Bonnie) at her summer residence.

From there, I stopped for coffee and a muffin on my way to the mall where I had batteries installed in two watches, bought a new mascara and a "prize" for Paige.

Having done that, I was on to another shopping center where I returned some wall mountings I had bought for the upstairs bathroom, picked out something to replace it, bought two towel hooks, stopped in at JoAnne fabrics. While at JoAnne's I ran into a friend of Jim's and had a nice visit with him.

Finally, it was home to a glass of wine (which I think I earned) and dinner preparation. We had a wonderful meal of scallops and pasta.

So, that was the week that was. Hope yours was productive. I noticed that a lot of it had to do with food. No wonder I only lost 1/2 pound this week. Have a great weekend and ----

Happy May Day

~Hippo Hugs~