Monday, April 30, 2007

A Little R & R - Divine!

Patty and I took four days off to just get away. It really didn't matter where we went as long as we went. We tossed around several ideas, then at the last minute we opted for Tyler.

We booked a room at the Hampton Inn in Lindale. A lovely grove of trees were beyond our window. We ate at many wonderful restaurants, shopped for clothes, jewelry, perfume, shoes, and books. Our evenings were spent in bed with books or the TV.

Our room was spacious so time spent there wasn't as confining as one might think. We had two double beds, a mini refrigerator, a small microwave, and a big desk. The hotel chain has updated the rooms to include beautiful, fluffy pillows and duvet with matching dust ruffle. I loved spreading out in my own bed and enjoying the comfort.

Since the trip was thrown together quickly (but was a perfect one), I failed to pack a camera. Patty thought to bring hers, along with a huge bag of flip-flops and her ever-present can of Lysol. She will provide the pictures for this post, which I will add when I receive them. Thanks, Patty.

There's nothing exciting to report. Our outing was everything we wanted it to be, a relaxing time away from schedules and a home where we are constantly jumping up to take care of something. We got plenty of rest and still brought home some treasures from our shopping sprees. We arrived back home on Sunday early enough to unpack and do laundry. Yep, sounds like home to me.

My friends and I sound boring, but how happy I am that none of us are party animals who have to be entertained. Our friendship is entertaining enough. We're already trying to decide where to spend our next long weekend. I considered Marble Falls on the Colorado River, but I don't remember seeing a mall there. Oh well, we can bring books. When do we start packing, Patty?

Monday, April 23, 2007

Bottoms Up!


Robin had the honor this weekend of experiencing that wonderful procedure called a colonoscopy. The test itself is something else, yet the day before is even more fascinating. It's a day of fasting and special liquids. Along with the coffee Robin loves, he was allowed to indulge in a salty mixture that was guaranteed to keep him in the bathroom and his colon clean as a whistle.


Being the loving wife I am, I was very supportive and concerned that he remain as comfortable as possible. First, I invited him to sit with me on his fasting day at a nice restaurant while I devoured a juicy filet mignon. Secondly, I suggested that he ask the doctor if his head was up there. Being the loving husband that he is, he appreciated both shows of concern.


We arrived at the Veteran's Affairs Hospital Saturday morning and waited a couple of hours before they could get to him. They had an assembly line going on and each one had to wait their turn. Also, being the VA, I wasn't invited back to wait with Robin so I was unable to get the pictures I wanted - him lying in a bed in a hospital gown. So, the pictures I was able to get came after we got back home.


Other than a few pockets of diverticula, Robin was given a clean bill of health, along with some very flattering pictures of his colon. I was surprised to see him enter the waiting room so soon. He informed me that had he been put to sleep for the procedure, the wait would have been longer. You weren't put to sleep??? I asked. "No. The recovery would take two hours." I had the day set aside for this and waiting two more hours, and knowing he was comfortable, would have been acceptable.


Robin admitted there was some discomfort as the scope moved through his colon, causing some pressure in his abdomen. You think? I woke up briefly during my own procedure and believe me, I don't like the idea of being alert during a test like that. Okay, Robin might not have been playing with a full deck during this first-time colonoscopy, but he has assured me he will be put to sleep the next time around. Good idea.


I stopped for coffee and a Dunkin' Donut cinnamon roll on the way home to keep something in his stomach until we could get real food. He did quite well and slept part of the afternoon.


The big highlight for me during all this was a phone call from my daughter, Allison. Before I could reach the phone the night before Robin's test, the answering machine clicked on. We heard her say, "Hi Mom, Hi Crapper." Of course I picked up the phone laughing!

P.S. Robin's favorite motto during this? "Be smart, don't fart."

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Armed and Dangerous

The horrendous tragedy this week on the campus of Virginia Tech has again raised the issue of gun control. Those in favor of that type of legislation claim that our country would become safer if strict gun laws were in place. The rest of us believe that when a coward decides to go on a killing rampage, he will find the proper weapon to carry out his purpose. No law of any kind will stop him. He doesn't care about laws.

Therefore, it makes sense to me that those of us who could one day become potential victims should be armed and dangerous. One doesn't just sign a name to get a concealed handgun permit. It requires hours of classroom instruction and performing on a shooting range. To keep the permit, more time in a classroom is needed. So, measures are taken to ensure that armed citizens know how to use their weapon and protect themselves.

Consider this scenario: Suppose the professor teaching the class had a concealed handgun permit that was allowed on the school premises (we all know cowards choose locations that are vulnerable and feeds their power). Suppose every faculty member had a permit. When the first shot rang out, they would be ready to take action. I believe the devastation would have ended on a much smaller scale.

Here's another scenario: Suppose YOU are at the park with your children and they are approached by a person wielding a knife, exposing himself, or just plain acting weird. Would it feel comforting to know there was a handgun in your purse or in a holster strapped on your shoulder? It would make me feel less helpless in a situation like that. If I thought my children were in danger and their safety depended upon me, I could easily pull the trigger.

I could easily pull the trigger, too, if I happened upon a tragedy like the one that befell Virginia Tech. Strangers or not, they are innocent victims of some idiot's agenda. If the killer has no respect for human life, I don't have a problem with showing his life a little disrespect too. Vicious crimes are everywhere and decent citizens have the right to defend themselves.

The opponents of gun permits are telling me that criminals who disregard the laws anyway, will have their weapon of choice, and citizens are left empty-handed. I don't buy into that logic, no more than adding four more numbers to the Texas Lottery increases our chances to win. Being able to carry a gun does not turn a decent person into a crazed criminal. It merely gives us the opportunity to protect ourselves from those who are hell-bent on causing harm.

Of course, owning and carrying a gun is a responsible privilege that requires great care. I strongly agree that every applicant should be checked out thoroughly. The process doesn't have to be easy, but it should be accessible to law-abiding citizens.

If I ever find myself staring into the barrel of a gun, I don't want to have to say, "oh well, time to check out". Instead, I want a way to protect myself. The creep needs to know he isn't the only one who is armed and dangerous.

Monday, April 16, 2007

Sirens And More Sirens

It's been pretty exciting around our house lately. If you call tornado warnings and a police chase exciting. Maybe we just need a life.

The excitement began over a week ago when a funnel cloud was spotted and the sirens went off in our neighborhood. We were watching the weather reports which said the cloud was in South Grand Prairie, so we didn't rush around gathering flashlights and pillows for our closet retreat. The tornado never touched down and all was well. Still, there's an ominous sound to a tornado siren.

Then, we were again watching the news and saw a police chase taking place on an interstate close to our home. It really peaked our interest when the speeding truck took an exit very close to our home and sped along Carrier Parkway with the police in hot pursuit. The Speed Demon came to a stop at the intersection of Carrier and Roy Orr Blvd., at which time he abandoned the truck and took off on foot. We could hear the sirens and the helicopters hovering overhead. We watched on TV as the police wrestled the man to the ground, handcuffed him, and carted him off to jail. We never bothered to find out why the Nascar Wanna-be was running from police.

Our last encounter with sirens was Friday when a tornado was actually spotted in NW Grand Prairie. Our home couldn't get any more NW than it is. Again, the horrible sound of tornado sirens alerted us to the danger of an approaching menace. Robin stocked our closet with flashlights and bottled water, and we were ready to grab pillows and make a mad dash to the closet. I made sure that Robin understood to grab my feet if I started rising, reminding him this was a storm, not the rapture. First, we glanced outside at the sky and didn't feel that we were in harm's way. We even escaped the softball size hail that plummeted many parts of the metroplex. We truly feel blessed and fortunate.

Allison and Ron called to check on us. They hadn't missed the hail and all had gone to closets for shelter. Since all of Ron's family are motorcycle riders, they donned their helmets for safety. A tornado did considerable damage not far from them in Haltom City. Fortunately, all my kids were safe and only their vehicles suffered some hail damage. At least three tornadoes were verified.

Alas, storms are in the forecast again for tomorrow. My ear will be tuned to the tornado siren a few blocks away. It's long been said that our area is over-due for a killer tornado. The last one of that magnitude was in 1957. I lived in Irving at the time and remember my parents and the neighbors staring at the sky toward Dallas. That tornado stayed on the ground for over 30 minutes and caused a lot of destruction. I was so young then and didn't know what a tornado was. I guessed, since they were looking at the sky, that it must be some kind of airplance. Little did I know that a tornado, along with snakes, would end up being a lifelong fear of mine.

Bring on the insects and rodents. I can handle them. Tornadoes and snakes are a different story.

Friday, April 13, 2007

On My Soapbox, 5

I hate stupidity. I acknowledge that all of us have moments of total "mental pause", but in public we usually try to be on our best behavior. I'm referring to Don Imus who chose to make a derogatory comment on the public airwaves. This story leaves me with comments for several people.

First, Don: If your clever little comment had to be spoken, why not in the privacy of your own home where you and wifey could have a little chuckle over it? Why, instead, do you choose to speak those stupid words into a microphone for the world to hear? That was not a smart move and it has cost you a lot. On the upside, you are now well known. I'd never heard of you before this. Gee, notoriety is great.

Rutgers Women's Basketball Team: Get over it. One stupid comment from one stupid man does not take away from the fact that you are great athletes. It takes drive and determination to be great. You have accomplished that and no idiot can take that away from you. Brush him off and focus on what makes you a great team. There will always be those who are stupid and say stupid things. Their words do not identify who you are. How you respond, how you live your lives, do. Don't ever let a comment destroy a fabulous accomplishment. Be more than an athlete. Be proud.

Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson: Where were you when one of your bros gave drugs to his young nephews? Toddler nephews? I don't recall hearing words to defend him. Come to think of it, I don't recall any words of reprimand either. Guess you're very selective in your outspoken stands.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

I Fall To Pieces

I feel like a real klutz. I'm sitting here with a sore body and even typing isn't coming easily. I fell today, on a set of steps, and I think it pretty much hit me all over.

The injuries didn't look that serious when it happened, but as time goes on, the soreness is creeping into places I hadn't known were hurt. My right palm has a puncture wound and is the least of my worries. My whole left side feels bruised. My thumb is swollen, my wrist is skinned and my elbow doesn't want to move without hurting. Blood vessels broke on my left wrist, too, and they are turning dark blue.

I can't tell you how many times I have climbed those two steps at work without any difficulty. The porch and steps are covered with an uneven layer of stone and slate which caught my sandals and caused me to trip. And I tripped right into the steps. A sharp corner of slate on one step caught my right palm. Apparently, the weight of my body bent my thumb and put added pressure on my whole left side, limbs included. It hurt, but got better. Now, though, the soreness is setting in and making me wonder if these falls are going to continue.

This isn't my first fall. I've fallen several times on damp floors at work, the cat tripped me once and I hurt my tail bone. Now this. One of my employees told me it's because I have to wear pretty shoes instead of practical ones. Maybe so. My sister Donna said I might need a rubber room, and my friend Cheryl said she'd donate blood whenever I need it. Robin expressed his sorrow over my accident but said he would be teasing me about it. Randee was concerned and I truly appreciate her interest in my well being.

I've never been graceful so these falls might occur again. I think the second question Donna asked - after making sure I had no broken bones - was, "did anyone see you fall?". I wondered about that too. Why do we care? But if anyone saw, no one came to my rescue. I picked myself up, applied a paper towel to my bloody palm, and soothed my bruised dignity. I'm sore, but I'll live to do it again another day.

Sunday, April 08, 2007

A Novel Weekend


What better follow-up to a babysitting post than one about a lazy weekend with a good book? That's just what I did. I didn't bother getting dressed or adding makeup. Winter made another appearance with a few snow flurries and it seemed a good time to grab a novel and get comfortable.


I have always loved the rare weekends when I can snuggle up to a good book and let the world go on without me. My novel of choice this weekend was a good mystery by Lawrence Block. I've never read his work before, but I certainly will again. The book kept me riveted and I started and finished it in the same weekend. I enjoy a good mystery, perhaps my favorite reading material. I find it odd that what I enjoy reading, I do not enjoy writing. It might be because I lack the imagination to write a good mystery. My forte seems to be the ups and downs of everyday life with a touch of romance thrown in. And while I can enjoy a good romance novel, I much prefer the mysteries. Too many romance novels include a blow-by-blow description of the sex act which I find boring. We all know the various things that can happen behind closed doors and this is the time to let our imaginations take over. It's not like we're virgins who need a road map.


Anyway, the weekend was lazy and glorious and I feel rested enough to tackle a new work week. Also, reading a novel always gets my juices flowing and I look forward to my own writing. My next book, Sacrifice, is waiting for help from a local policeman who is well versed in financial crimes. Maybe Sacrifice will be a mini mystery!


Thursday, April 05, 2007

A Jude & Baylee Sleepover





While their mother flew off to North Carolina to visit her sister, Jude and Baylee spent the night with us. They did remarkably well considering that they had never spent a night away from their parents. There were no cries of homesickness, and Baylee only expressed a slight fear of sleeping in her mom's old room which is now filled with exercise equipment. She fell asleep in my arms on the sofa and then we moved her to the port-a-crib. She rolled to her side and never woke up until morning.


Jude camped out on the den floor in his racecar sleeping bag. Papa gave him a flashlight to keep by his side. He said he heard our alarm this morning at 7:00 and was ready for pancakes. Baylee woke up about the same time and and when Papa went to get her she informed him she was wet. He had her changed into a dry diaper and clothes by the time I got in there. She didn't finish her one pancake, but Jude devoured three. Both of them laughed at the funny faces.


Our two days were filled with a walk around the block and many rides in their little cars outside. To save our backs, Papa tied ropes to the cars and we pulled them. That was so much fun that Baylee wanted off the car and enjoyed pulling it herself. We heard a siren and Jude asked if we had firetrucks in our maze. When I asked what he meant by maze, he rephrased the question and asked if we had firetrucks in our forest. With all the pretty tree-lined streets, he's often asked if we live in a forest.


Today they went to work with me so I could do payroll and a couple of invoices. Uncle Ron was glad to see them. When we left, we went to two banks and they were given suckers. Then we headed to the grocery store where they rode in the car grocery basket which was difficult for Memaw to steer. We bought coloring books and crayons and they were offered a cookie in the bakery department. Sorry, Allison, about Baylee's stains on her clothes!


Their Daddy ate dinner with us and was gracious enough to work on our laptops. Robin has a new one and is happy to finally be online. We packed up clothes and bedding and saw them off. They promised to have another sleepover so I'd quit crying after them.


Baylee and Papa were playing and joking around when Baylee told him he was ugly. He said he was handsome. Baylee then squealed, "are you insane???" We really laughed over that. She fell asleep in his arms while I cooked dinner and woke up to see her Daddy.


Jude and Baylee are very good, very polite children and we enjoyed their visit. Thank you for being so sweet and loving. We love you, Jude and Baylee!

Sunday, April 01, 2007

Our 9th Anniversary




Robin and I are celebrating an anniversary today. Last night I found a box of wedding memories and we looked through the cards, airline ticket stubs, a sheet from the hotel stationery, and our pictures. My garter was also there in its original package. I know it sounds like I'm talking about valuable antiques, when actually my three kids have been married longer than we have. They are just meaningful tokens representing another milestone in my life.

Among the treasures was a card I gave to Robin on the day we were married. I wrote about how I looked forward to being his soul mate, his friend, his lover and his wife. Reading those words again renewed a committment in my heart. None of us are as giddy and full of promise as we are on our wedding day, but to capture it again by going through old memories is good for us. The ups and downs of life make us forget why we married this special person in the first place.

On that note, I'd like to thank Robin for being my wonderful husband for nine years. Thank you for the funny and romantic way you planned our entire wedding, and only letting me in on the date - April Fool's Day - just days before we boarded the plane for Las Vegas. The chapel, my bouquet, and the day were wonderful. I appreciate the man you are, your sense of humor, and your loving involvement in the lives of my grandchildren. I'm proud of the positive steps you've taken along the way to make yourself a better person. I owe so much of my happiness to you. Happy anniversary. I love you, Baby.