All Creatures Great And Small

This picture of my new study partner, Lina, is a prime example of how I've been doing here of late. Life has been in a constant trot since August. I'm really looking forward to mid-term break in two weeks.

Since the temps have gotten cooler, the deer can be seen more frequently as you travel up or down this back road where we live. My city-girl daughter has expressed great apprehension about the number she sees them on the edge of the road while driving home from work at night. Pop has taken care of her--easing her fears somewhat--by installing two small devices on the front bumper of her car. They are designed to emit a sound only deer can hear. These small devices should alert the deer to her passing car.

Doesn't work on skunks, though. She managed to end one's life the other night. Now her pretty baby blue Mustang has a very unattractive scent. The driver side window was cracked ever so slightly when the incident occurred, so she's getting quite the education from friends and family.


I haven't been down to visit my little friend for about a month now (since school started), but I understand Austin Nichols has grown quite a bit. During their last visit, I listened to tales of how they are of trying to introduce him to the outside. She walks the bird in an effort to make him more comfortable with life outside the house. Her husband even built him an elaborate pen--complete with a sitting area to accommodate company--but Austin was not impressed. I believe he's comfortable living inside like everyone else.
And who could blame him? When my neighbors visit, they make a pit stop on the kitchen porch with Ziploc bag in hand, to catch candleflies to take home to Austin.

And by the way--you really missed out if you didn't catch the spider video! Geez! It's only a minute and a half.

I'm Finding My Voice

"Women, when they are old enough to have done with the business of being women, and can let loose their strength, must be the most powerful creatures in the whole world.”

I'm (almost) 50 and I am finally finding my voice.

Nowadays, I find myself in all-male world. I'm the only woman in my department at work. I'm the only female in my two night classes.

I'm more accepted in my classes--that may be because I'm old enough to be the mother of most of my classmates! They're entertaining and wonderfully objective. Conversation flows easily. When they speak to me, I can tell they want to hear what I have to say. They're younger.

My male colleagues at work have predetermined notions regarding females. I believe it may be possibly because of their long-standing membership in the dreaded "good old boy network."
Plus--they're old farts and resistant to new ideas...

Like a woman in the mix.

One Single Moment Can Change Your Life

This Bell Hornet seems to have fully realized his dilemma. Lured by the sugar water concoction he is now trapped in the bee catcher.

It looks as if he was too consumed by thoughts of pleasure to consider possible repercussions for his actions. It's amazing no matter how small the creatures, the thought processes and actions mimic human behavior!

Some were quick-witted and managed an escape.

Afterwards they seemed worn out from the adventure--
and slightly intoxicated by the sugary water.

Survivors now had common ground.

The hornets reminded me of a cat washing after dinner
as they began cleaning their face and legs
in an effort to put the whole ordeal behind them.

I Guess Things Are Tough All Over

JB found my friend, the spider, UNDER the deck. I guess she didn't care for all the attention she was getting outside the kitchen.

This video might help explain things better.




I really had no idea...

Worth Repeating

Blueberry Banana Cake

3 eggs
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup sour cream
1 ripe banana, mashed
2 cups flour
1 cup blueberries
1 Tbsp lemon zest

Combine all wet ingredients in large bowl. Add flour and mix until combined. Fold in the blueberries and lemon zest, being careful not to overmix. Bake in greased 8" pan at 350 for 30 minutes.
Let cool in pan and remove.
To fill bundt pan, I doubled the recipe and baked 45 minutes.

Friday--Woohoo

I'ma staunch Democrat. If you have a problem with that--quit reading now. I don't need the grief, nor do you.

I read Bill Clinton's book. He's a bit wordy, I'll agree--but what he has to say is worthwhile.
His step-father was an alcoholic that created all sorts of challenges throughout his life. But when his stepfather's life ended, Bil's true compassionate nature shone thorough when he said he realized how much pain his step father must have suffered throughout his life.

I understand anyone who has or has had a family member who is an alcoholic might disagree. Give it time and you may see things differently. Life is not so cut and dry.

I had an uncle that I took to at an early age. Being the liberal minded individual that I am, I sought him out initially because he was an outcast from the rest of the family. I remember him giving me all the change in his pocket--sometimes in excess of 5 dollars! I remember him getting perturbed because I called his hand at cheating at cards. I remember him trying to be so mean in an attempt to run me off.

What comes to mind is that movie about the Walmart baby--what is the name of it? Where the heart is? It has Natalie Portman in the starring role.

There's one point in the movie where Stockard Channing is being questioned by the police about the missing baby, and she explains that alcoholics are not going to hurt anyone--they are just content to hurt themselves.

So true--or has been my experience. Sad, but true.

Addiction in any form is so vicious. It dissolves families and attempts to suck the very life out any relationship.

I am reminded of what Momo has always told me--Don't let the sonofabitches win...

Sleep Is The New Sex

I long for long, deep uninterrupted sleep.

I've taken to putting a few drops of this marvelous herbal cure called Rescue Remedy on my tongue every night before I retire. It calms all the thoughts banging around in my head and helps me fall asleep more quickly.

Life is just too full of interruptions.

The days are too long and the nights too short.

I'm trudging through work all day and then class. The way I figure it, I have two hours at home--awake--in the morning followed by two hours --awake, in the evening.

And of course, weekends are for catching up on homework, doing laundry and grocery shopping. Am I crazy or is everyone's life this busy?

I'm three weeks into this schedule, so there's only nine more to go.

I had a goal to finish one degree by year's end, but now realize I will spill over into spring.

Since my parents are in their 70s and still kicking, I know that I still have time to accomplish all the things I would like to accomplish.

But in the meantime--I must keep moving...

Better Than An Alarm Clock

When Miss Lina decides it's time to get up, she crawls under the covers and drapes herself across me. If all that movement doesn't wake me, she nuzzles me continually.

So much for sleeping in....

All Things Must Pass

The last time I saw my spider friend was 48 hours ago. I think she has moved on. I'm thinking she has grown tired of all the attention and the flash from my camera.

I read up a bit about the Orb spider. From what I understand, patience is not her strong suit. It seems that sometimes the female Orb spider will kill the male if he fumbles (or is not quite as skilled as she would like) during foreplay. She has a zero tolerance.

My oldest daughter's response-- when I shared this with her-- was "Right on... "

This next generation has zero tolerance in so many relationship areas... and I am so proud. My generation still has a bit of that bite-your-tongue-and-just-ignore-it going on.

But, I have learned to pick my battles. And I have learned "he who walks away from a fight, lives to fight another day."

So are you fighting... or picking your battles?

Along Came A Spider

I'm back in school and working full-time, so time is precious. I rise at 5 am and return home each evening about 8 pm. Long days make for busy mornings.

Very early Friday morning I noticed a HUGE web out on the back deck as I was feeding the fat cats. I remember thinking how nice it would be to photograph it and share its handiwork. The web must have been at least 3 foot across and hung vertically.

But I got busy with my morning routine. I did switch the outside light on and glance out the door once more when I went to fill my coffee cup. I made a mental note to get the camera out at daybreak and get a photo then. But after my shower-- once the sun had risen--the web was gone without a trace.

Had I just imagined it?

I checked this morning at 4 am and the web was back...


...along with the fat-bodied spider. I did some research and believe this to an Orb Spider. She (again) removed the web at daybreak.

But by nightfall, she rebuilt it. From what I understand, the Orb Spider puts the web up and tears it down everyday.

So we have a new pet--or guest--or something.

I like to use what time I have after work and school each day to catch up on homework, get the occasional look at JB or have some conversation with the oldest daughter.

The oldest daughter shall, from this point forward, remain nameless. I have gotten too much chin music from her for blogging about her. But I am happy (thrilled) to report that she, too, is in school!

Lace And Slingshots

I remember a time when the most important thing to Miss Jessica was getting to wear those rumba panties.

All I had to do was show her the rows and rows of lace on the seat of those panties and she was hooked. I potty trained her in 2 days because she wanted so desperately to wear those pretty pink panties.

So I know she has determination--and follow through. I know when she sets her mind on something, it can happen.
She can make it happen if she truly wants it. She just has to want it bad enough.

I won't even go into what has replaced rumba panties and now covers her bottom. When I do the laundry these days, it looks more like a slingshot.

But the fact still remains, I know what she is made of and I know what she is capable of--when she sets her mind on getting something accomplished.

My only problem these days, is getting her to remember the satisfaction associated with setting goals and reaching them.

It takes patience.

Raisings & Raisins

I know the picture looks like raisins.

The picture is what was left of a container of white grapes that I purchased and put in Miss Jessica's apartment refrigerator when I visited during July 2007.
I took the picture when I visited May of 2008, when I spent a week packing her up and found it still in there where I had placed it almost a year ago.

Do you think she intended to make raisins--naturally? Or maybe cleaning the fridge just wasn't high on her list of priorities...


Watch Post Raisin Bran Cereal at EncycloMedia.com



She's been here long enough to decide she doesn't like it here and misses Texas. But that's today. We all know from a hundred years of experience that tomorrow always presents things in a somewhat different light.

I'm hoping her future here in Virginia will be like the grapes-to-raisins thing and eventually pan out, if given time.

How Late Is Too Late?

JB got this shot of a treed bobcat, compliments of Lucky-- the dog that keeps on giving and giving. Lucky was Miss Jeni's15th birthday gift (she's now 22 ! we brought this dog from Texas 7 years ago when I relocated) and here she is with me in Virginia. She's a beautiful dog, but entirely too temperamental--requiring a kennel during thunderstorms and too much attention from all the family.

Ansd she chases everything in sight-- hence the bobcat!

I must say, in her defense, Lucky hasn't been the same since Jake passed.

Nonetheless. It has been a weekend.

A weekend full of parenting thought long gone. But is there such a thing? Finished parenting?

I think not. I hope so, but I think not.

I find myself facing two semesters of the dreaded math--the math I thought would vanish and not be necessary all of a sudden--but is still there staring me in the face!

So, what better time to educate my offspring on the doing of deeds we would rather not do?

But, as usual with unprovoked wisdom-- it feel on deaf ears.

I hate that, don't you?

So, I busied myself with laundry and the cleaning of floors. We had words..there is a definite communication gap--am I that old and out of touch?

I think not.

Every parent--every generation--is tasked with doing everything within their power to make the path of the next generation more tolerable.

And just when I think all is lost, Miss Jessica phones and tells me she loves me. She tells me she has lived 6 years without me and isn't quite sure how to react with all this up-in-your-face-parenting. Should she call and let me know she is going to be out late and risk waking me up? Or should she just not call at all?

I tell her it is never too late to call a parent and put their mind at ease.

And having said that--
I can now go to bed.

Continuing My Resolve

So, I filed suit against the sorry ass car repairman that kept my car for 4 1/2 years and he delivered it (complete!) just one short hour before our court appearance.

So the TR6 is home again and shining like a new penny...

And I have crossed one thing off of my list of things to do in 2008.

It feels good. I'll enjoy this brief fleeting moment of triumph (no pun intended) before I continue on with the remainder of the list.

It's Not Whether You Win Or Lose...

It's how you play the game.

This evening Miss Jessica challenged JB and I to a game of Scrabble.

JB raised the stakes a bit. He suggested the loser would have to clean the house for a week--to my expectations--

not that I am unusually neat or anything...

At any rate, the game was splendid and the conversation divine!

And the housecleaner for a week?

I'll let you figure that one out...

Send The Waaambulance Away

Thank you, thank you Unrelaxed Dad for being the party pooper at my pity party yesterday. Your comment helped me realize what I should already know--I'm pretty darned lucky.

The commute sucks but it is by way my comfy little Saturn--which gets 34-36 mpg--as opposed to standing room only transportation.

When I arrive, there are no time clocks or micro managers. I am left to do what needs to be done. There's also one of those fancy, schmancy single cup coffee contraptions complete with an assortment of coffee and tea--offered AT NO CHARGE.

And did I mention there's a cafeteria on site, complete with short order grill and salad bar?

Dress is business casual.

Having said all that, I feel a bit like a spoiled brat for whining about the commute. After all, I am 50 this year and we all know it's much harder to find a job when you're over 40.

I am now happily living, working and eating.

The eating thing is going through a major over haul as I am trying to improve the body image before birthday number 50 rolls around...

Everything But The Kitchen Sink

I love my kitchen. We redid it 4 or 5 years ago and I have plenty of room to do all kinds of cooking. I just don't have much time these days.

The 40 minute commute is governing my life.

Its a race with living. So, do we work to live or live to work? It's much akin to the chicken and egg--the more you think about it, the more frustrating it becomes--there is no real answer.

It's All On A Wheel

What goes around comes around. We reap what we sow. We've all heard it and shit it off for nothing more than an old cliche'.

Not true.

What do you think makes us worry so much about out children? It's what we did and got away with--that's what make us the most concerned.

We know.

It's is indeed all on a wheel. The sad part about is that our parents worried (we never realized that until this very instance) and we are doomed to the same fate. There's not one single thing we can do to change it. It's like Momo always told me--experience is a hard teacher, but it sticks with you.

So, if you want to share my burden--worry about a daughter that is accustomed to flat ground that is suddenly faced with curves in the road, and worry that she may or may not be the best judge of character, and pray that I will be able to have faith enough in her to get a good night's sleep now and again.

Thanks for helping me out. It gets to be a bit too much sometimes...

Mexican Manicotti

This was one of the dishes I made for Miss Jessica's 24th birthday last Sunday. It's a Tex-Mex twist on an Italian dish.
I apologize for no pictures. That just means it all went very, very quickly!

1 lb lean ground beef
1 can refried beans
2 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 package (8 ounces) manicotti shells
1 1/2 cups water
1 jar (16 ounces) picante sauce
2 cups (16 ounces) sour cream
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1 can (2 1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican style cheese

In a bowl, combine the uncooked beef, beans, chili powder and oregano. Spoon into uncooked manicotti shells; arrange in a greased 13X9X2" baking dish. Combine water and picante sauce; pour over shells. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the frig 30 minutes prior to baking. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
Uncover; spoon sour cream over top. Sprinkle with onions, olives and cheese. Bake 5-10 minutes loner or until cheese is melted.

I also made my Taco stuffed Pasta shells, bacon cheddar dip and queso.

The queso is really easy and always a hit. I put one can of chicken broth and a can of Rotel in a crock pot. Then I brown 1 lb sausage; drain it and add it to the pot. Then I cube 3.5 pounds of velveeta and add it to the mix. (you can add a small 4 ounce can of green chilies, if desired.)Simmer until smooth. Serve with tortilla chips.

If You Wanna See A Rainbow

...you have to put up with a little rain.
I learned today that my hours were being cut from 40 t 33. I was ecstatic! The thought of school in less than a month was weighing heavily on my mind--and my schedule/ I just hope it lasts!

During the workweek, I'm not worth much after work when I get home from the commute. I hope that all soon changes and I can post my Tex-Mex recipes for you in the next day or so.

Time for bed...

Turkey Trot

Friday finally arrived! The end to the work week, and the beginning of some wondrous social interaction.

It began with the Turkey trot. JB and I went down to visit Austin Nichols. He flies now. He eats his weight in candle flies as well.


My little friend was busy fetching them from the back porch and hand-feeding them to him most of the evening.

And later that evening, my best friend in the whole world--that I've known since I was 16--stopped by for a visit. What a treat for my oldest daughter to meet her. More on that later, I promise.


Here's those crepe myrtles that block the setting sun each evening. There are massive and remind me that I need to prepare for the onset of Japanese beetles. The honeybees are having a field day right now.

Thomas is still pissed over Lina-- but he's getting better with it, I think.

And my Amaryllis is in full bloom! This was a gift from a neighbor more than 2 years ago, one Christmas. I love that it reacts so well with its surroundings and surprises with me with blooms twice a year now.

And tomorrow is Jessica's 24th birthday. I have a huge Tex-Mex meal planned.

I've asked Momo and Pop to relay stories of when they were 24. What were you doing when you were 24??? And what wisdom do you have to bestow??

Casting Shadows

This evening I sat at the kitchen table and propped my feet up as I sipped a glass of Merlot. While waiting for the oven timer to signal dinner, I found myself being hypnotized by the shadows dancing on the wall across from me.

The sun was sinking slowly, but had pushed through the large crepe myrtles by the back deck to capture it's last moments of attention.

It's as if it was hoping for a second wind--but finally surrendered--knowing full well it was really done for the day.

Good Intentions

It was just an ordinary day and started with a morning bath.

A little playfulness in between...

Then the catnip was introduced.

What was this stuff??

And what is it doing to me? I can't let go... I'll keep it close--just in case.

But for now, I think I'll take a little nap.

Only The Strong Survive

This is the last one standing of the 13 eggs--and his name is Austin Nichols. My little friend just calls him Austin. A rather dignified name for bird, wouldn't you say? I was confused until I learned than Austin Nichols was the guy who invented Wild Turkey. I have had a taste now and again--its been quite a few years-- but was never aware of that fact!

I guess we do truly learn something new every day--if we're open to the possibilities, that is.

He's loose in the house while folks are at home, and put safely away while they are out. But he's doing well overall, and hanging in there. It's quite an adjustment on everyone.


My little friend runs after him most of the time with a paper towel.

Bless her heart, I couldn't do it. My Jeni had lovebirds that, I swear, that must have gotten into shit-slinging contests--and they were caged! Birds are just not clean animals.

But I admire my friend. She saved Austin's life. And she is doing the best she can to make sure he finds a place in this world.

She is --by all rights--his mother.

Things Are Shaping Up

The absolute highlight of this week has got be the arrival of my Victoria's Secret Semi Annual Clearance bras. Hurry! There's only two days left!

Being on sale and all-- I ended up with one bright orange and one key lime, along with the prerequisite blush pink and ivory.

Momo always told me to never skimp when it comes to a good bra. I have to admit there's something nice about having good lingerie--even if you're the only one that knows.

And my best friend in the world--that I've known since I was 15--confessed to me last visit that she was forever in my debt because I introduced her to Victoria Secret bras. As a result she looks better in her clothes, having retrieved the better part of her bosom from it's hiding place under her arms.

I recommend the Body by Victoria line. You'll thank me, if you give them a try.

Sometimes It's More About The Small Sparklers

Don't give up on me. I'm just tired. I'm still getting acclimated to a 40 minute commute and an office building the size of a small city.

But I'm not complaining--I'm thankful.

I rise at 5 am to have coffee and breakfast and a shower before I follow some local who's intent on driving 4o mph in a 55 mph speed zone. Then I walk myself to death in this huge ass building with so many people that they have their own cafeteria! But the food is good, actually--and moderately priced as well. I am lucky.

At the end of the day, I drive home while mentally planning dinner. Today we managed to have dinner by 7:30 pm, so I believe I'm getting in the groove of things.

And after dinner tonight, Miss Jeni's purse rang me and I listened to her fiancee' tell their guests all about sonar and algorithms. I'm sure you're familiar with the phone call from someone who never made the call--the one where the phone is so far down in the purse that something hits redial and you hear all kinds of things that were never intended for you to hear.

But all I really heard from this unintended phone call was the sound of life moving on.

Let Us All Be Independent

What better wish for the world than for us all
to find our own spot and flourish?

Life Is Moving Swiftly On

We're all hanging out and doing our own thing. Miss Jessica is in and out with her schedule and I'm grabbing hugs on the run and trying to bestow motherly wisdom on the fly. No time for prep work--I have to lay it out because time is of the essence.

I did manage to paint my toenails--this morning. It's overrated, I still believe. Too much upkeep for so little return--but that's just me.

JB gave Blue a bath and he (Blue) seemed visibly pleased.
JB was pretty happy about it as well.

I thawed 2 pounds of shrimp for something pretty tasty.

I mixed up some fresh garlic and a few red pepper flakes and
cooked up some Garlic Shrimp. Here's my simple recipe:

2 pounds shrimp, peeled
8 cloves garlic
1/2 cup olive oil
1 Tablespoon red pepper flakes
2 Tablespoons Parsley

Put olive oil in pan with garlic and cooked until browned. Add pepper flakes. Throw in shrimp and then parsley. Stir until shrimp turns pink.

Note: the garlic is wonderful but may have after effects!

It Is What It Is

I feel like I have been neglecting to keep you all abreast of the happenings here in our little kingdom. There have been so many changes and adjustments.

Miss Jessica is gainly employed and enjoying "the easiest job" she has ever known. I get hugs every day and find comfort in knowing she is close enough to get comfort or give comfort when needed. She is honest to a fault and has pointed out that I am getting old, my pores are large and I don't spend enough time "making myself pretty."

She's 24 next month--it's obviously more important to her to be pretty, than it is to me. I have given up hairspray, and only paint my toenails when faced with open-toed shoes. It's just that I realize my energy is a hot commodity and should be used where it can have the most impact.

I am more settled, I think, with my position in the world and more accepting of myself and my surroundings.

It is what it is, as JB often tells me.

But I'm in a happy place. I am happy that I realize that spinning my wheels just tires me out and gets me nowhere. I am happy to realize I cannot control the thoughts of others, but only my reaction to them. I working on remembering this on a daily basis...

The new job is working out. I have 40-minute commute and a job that is more than I had hoped. Life is good and I am learning to ride the waves.

Back In The Rat Race

I caught a ride on the 40-hour train this week and, as a result, Saturday and Sunday have now become very sacred. No doubt I'll be spending the weekend cooking, cleaning and catching up.

Anticipating this turn of events, I made JB something special last weekend.
Peanut Butter Banana Pudding! It's just like it sounds--very rich, but oh so satisfying.



4 cups milk
2 packages butterscotch pudding mix
1 1/2 cups peanut butter, divided
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 cup confectioner's sugar
4 medium bananas, sliced

Combine milk and pudding mixes until blended. Stir in 1/2 cup peanut butter.

In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and confectioner's sugar; cut in the remaining peanut butter until crumbly.

In a large serving dish or individual desert bowls, layer half of the pudding, half of the crumb mixture and half of the bananas. Repeat layers. Chill until served. (yields 12 servings)


Dinner this week has been an impromptu mess and we're all suffering. I welcome your ideas and quick dinner recipes.

If The Shoe Fits

Cats are naturally inquisitive and quick to take ownership of their new surroundings.

While I spent the better part of the day yesterday sorting through shoe boxes of mementos and papers, Lina tried each box on for size. With no apparent hesitation or apprehension, she stepped right in and made herself comfortable.

We humans hesitate. We often over analyze and ponder to the point of losing the opportunity altogether.

Just chill is what I keep hearing from my oldest daughter. I hear, but don't comprehend. There's too much to do--too much I want to accomplish--and I feel the clock is ticking and time is nipping at my heels.

I'm learning events unfold according to their own schedule...

And the best use of my energy is to simply embrace the waves.

We're Surviving

We're all stumbling around, finding our way and blending with our new surroundings...

Three of the thirteen eggs made their way and are hanging tough.

Leaps and Bounds

Friday the 13th conjures up all sorts of thoughts of mishaps in most folks. I gave up that notion ions ago.

I met Miss Jessica's (and Miss Jenifer's) dad on a Friday the 13th--with a full moon to boot! While that didn't work out for the long haul, I am blessed with two daughters, so all is not lost.

This is just another example of how something good always comes of every situation.

We're still blending here.

Lots of shifting of boxes to storage and rearranging of furniture still goes on, but we are adjusting to everyone's individual timetable.

I'm still a morning person and savor the time I have before the rest of the house wakes up. I enjoy the quiet time--the 2 hours or so I have before the rest of the world gets moving.

I read the Times on line and get all worked up over the injustice in the world. I usually have my opinions well-formed by the time Pop calls. When he asks me what I'm doing, I share with him what I've been reading. It doesn't take long before he passes me on to Momo. Pop is very progressive but he's smart enough to take a break when he needs it.

With Father's Day this Sunday, I'm hoping I can give him a break--I'm planning a dinner honoring him and my favorite father-in-law.

Learn To Count Your Blessings

While I was in Texas packing up the oldest daughter and grumbling about sleeping on loveseats and air mattresses, JB was doing his part for the world.

As I understand it, one of the neighbors ran over a turkey's nest and left 13 eggs homeless. My husband stepped in, aided by my little friend down the road.

Stella, (our talking thermometer) found a new home standing watch in the incubator for the unborn turkeys. I understand my crystal desk lamp was needed as well.

I have come to rely on Stella. She tells me the indoor temperature as well as the out door temperature, at regular intervals. I guess I have become somewhat spoiled.

I'm often entertained when she flakes out and gets things confused sometimes. This minor malfunction causes alarm to guests and is often a source of amusement to JB and I.
Nonetheless, she responded to a higher calling while I was away--and I understand.

I missed crystal my lamp, but quickly got over it when I realized how fortunate I am that the eggs are not in my kitchen!

I went down to visit the eggs today.

I think the due date is June 20.

Realizing Our Role In The Environment

It was so hot when I was in Texas two weeks ago, that even the animals at the zoo looked put out.

The constant wind was hot--very hot.
When the temperature reached the high 90s and above, I wanted ice cream.

I walked a block to the 7-11 one day and brought two pints of ice cream back to the apartment.

I ate one pint by myself.

Now that Miss Jessica and I are in Virginia, it's as if the Texas heat has followed us. Temps in the high 90s--coupled with high humidity--have forced us indoors to watch old movies and eat cucumber sandwiches.

This reminds me of a similar scenario when I visited Virginia and brought the cold weather back to West Texas. It was the visit that I married JB and returned to Texas to pack up the house and move to Virginia.

Have you ever seen snow on Prickly Pear and Yucca?

I hadn't heard of tornadoes in this part of the country either until after I moved back.
Did I bring those too?

Do You See What I See?

I've posted before about how each individual's perception can create an entirely different version of reality. I'm still sold on this idea. I believe it to be truth.

I remember being viewed as a desirable young thing until the day I brought home a baby. From that point forward, I was a mama--and we all know there's nothing like a baby on your hip to put you in an entirely different class on the "hot" scale.

But when you make a choice to be a mother, none of that stuff is important anymore anyway. The choice of motherhood involves having had enough of being preoccupied with your outward appearance, and striving for more important pursuits--like creating a human being and sharing the world as you know it with someone who's interested.

The connection between mother and child is like none other. They may not get along all the time. They may not even like each other all the time. But the connection is always there.

And in the end, you always have each other.

I watched a lot of old movies that profess the same thing of marriage. I'm not seeing it though. I would love to be wrong about this one.

Miss Jessica has a longtime friend in Texas that has been calling quite frequently to get confirmation on her daily wedding plans. They were more than a little put out when I compared a wedding to Thanksgiving dinner--all that planning and its over in 20 minutes.

I'm thinking more preparation should go into planning the marriage, rather than the wedding.

Share your thoughts and sway me, please.