Parker the Porker

I got on the scales this morning (no true confessions here, folks), then I stepped off, picked up Parker, and weighed again. That guy is up to 16 pounds now! I've never had a cat that huge. I could tell he was heavier each time I picked him up.

So, yes, Cheryl, he has put on weight. As for how he reacted to Angela, he was interested the first time she spoke to him, and the second time he retreated deep into the closet. I think she will always be the one who dropped him off at the airport, and I will be the one who came to his rescue. That's as it should be since he is now in my home. I'm glad he feels welcome.

Other Porker, I mean Parker, trivia is this week he showed me his dog impersonation. He dug out a furry mouse from the cat toy basket and dropped it at my feet. I threw it across the room, he ran to it, slapped it around a little, then brought it back to me. This went on all night, between brief rests on his part. Parker can fetch!

In The Lap of Luxury

I caught Parker in the act. He found a comfortable place to rest - atop Robin's spare pillow that I keep at the foot of the bed after making it. Who can resist a soft feather bed? I might be asked to change the pillowcase once this picture is posted.

But, admit it. Parker is adorable!

Happy Birthday, Candice!

My first grandchild, whose lips first referred to me as Memaw, is 17 today. It hardly seems possible. That adorable baby girl that we all fought over is now a beautiful young lady. And with a boyfriend!

Candice and Robert were over last night for dinner and ice cream. It was all spur of the moment, but we had a great time. They were stopping by to get her birthday ice cream when I suggested a breakfast meal. They both loved the idea since it was a hit at Christmas. After dinner, we sampled the ice cream before they carried it home. I told Candice on the phone before they arrived that the ice cream would be ready soon and that since she was at Memaw's, she could even have dessert before dinner. She laughed at that. But Moms and Dads who are debating on whether to leave your kids in my care, we ate dinner first like we are supposed to do.

It was such a fun visit with these two young people. We joked and laughed, we discussed politics, health care, and what should be the official language of Texas (English, of course). We re-told old stories and shared memories from a not so distant past. Candice and I made plans to have our birthday dinner and shopping next week. I'm looking forward to it. We always have so much fun!

Candice is a junior this year and actively involved in school. She is president of her class and sings (beautifully, by the way) in the choir. Her grades and GPA are up there with the best of them. She continues to serve as prosecutor in Teen Court and has received rave reviews from bona fide attorneys. The sky is the limit for this girl! I'm so proud of her.

Have a wonderful birthday, Candice, and remember always how much I love you. Go, girl!

10 Years and Counting

Robin and I will be celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary next week. He informed me days ago that he knows how I will be celebrating. I heard those words before when he planned our wedding, even the day we would be married, and didn't tell me until the last possible minute. I was only told how long we'd be gone and what the climate would be like so I could pack accordingly.

Since the 10th year is somewhat of a milestone, Robin is planning another surprise. A special dinner? A movie? A trip? He's not saying. When he asks if I'd like to know, he responds with "I'm not telling you yet". So, I've learned to answer no, and let it be a surprise.

With the awful year we've had in business, I'm sure we aren't returning to the scene of the crime, meaning Las Vegas and the wedding chapel in the Riviera Hotel. I'm sure we will have a great time no matter how or where we celebrate.

The traditional gift for the 10th anniversary is tin or aluminum. That really doesn't sound that romantic to me since we're both in the metal business. The modern gift is diamond jewelry. Now, we're talkin'! But we decided to be neither traditional nor modern and opted for leather instead. Nothing kinky, folks. Robin is styling in a new brown leather jacket, and I am the picture of purity in my short, white leather jacket. Naturally, I'm hoping for a few more days of winter before spring springs forth.

The mystery remains: what does Robin have up his sleeve? Time will tell.

All-Natural Egg Coloring

Guest Blogger: Jan

Color your Easter eggs with nature's own colors!

Place one layer of eggs in a large pan with water fully covering the eggs. Add one teaspoon of vinegar. Add the natural dye. Bring water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Temporarily remove the eggs from the liquid. Strain the dye through a coffee filter. Cover the eggs with the filtered dye and let them remain in the refrigerator overnight.

LAVENDER - Purple Grape Juice
BLUE - Caned Blueberries
GREEN - Spinach Leaves (boiled)
YELLOW - Ground Cumin (boiled)
BROWN - Strong Coffee
ORANGE - Yellow Onion Skins (boiled)
PINK - Beets or Cranberry Juice
RED - Lots of Red Onion Skins (boiled)

Personally, I prefer PAAS!

Thanks, Jan, for sharing this idea. It might appeal to the vegans in my family.

A Full Day

Angela and I got to spend a lot of time together yesterday. I picked her up in Saginaw and we drove to Keene to attend the funeral of Rachael's dad. What a well loved and respected man! I was touched by all the beautiful tributes to a great man. No wonder Rachael was so proud of him and loved him so deeply. She will remain in our hearts as she faces the days ahead.

I had my first taste of vegan as Angela and I had lunch in Fort Worth at a vegan restaurant. I had a vegetable wrap that was very good. I love vegetables anyway. I also tasted hummus for the first time and declare it delicious. I know Angela's versions of vegan will be very tempting when I get my turn at Camp Chemo.

Angela's trip was brief but I enjoyed every moment I had with her. She is now at home with her little ones that she missed so much, and her husband who will always be a big important part of her life. I just wish the distance between us wasn't so vast. But the important thing is there is no distance between our hearts.

After I had Angela back in Saginaw, I drove to Irving to get Patty. We went to my house so I could change clothes for our evening out. Her son manages a restaurant in the area and we stopped in for dinner. He had our order ready when we arrived and even told us it was on the house. We might consider going there more often. We didn't get out as cheaply when we went to see Riverdance. Patty treated me and bought our tickets, but parking is armed robbery. But I was glad to pay it and got out better than Patty did financially.

Riverdance was wonderful. We'd both seen Lord of the Dance, but it was our first time to see Riverdance. The talent was incredible. Besides the dancing, there was some singing and the voices were crystal clear and awesome. I am constantly amazed by the dance steps. That involves some coordination that I am sadly deficient in. I really felt like the clumsy ox I am while watching their footwork. Incredible.

I finally pulled into my driveway after 11:00pm last night. It didn't take me long to crawl into my bed and crash. But it had been a day to remember. Thank you, Angela, for the quality time you allowed me to spend with my baby daughter. And, thank you, Patty, for the concert and the many, many ways you spoil me. I must really stink already!

Girls Night Out

Our Girls Night Out was altered considerably due to heavy rains all day. Those traveling quite a distance found it too risky and I don't blame them. Absent were Donna, Shelley, Deborah, and Patty. It ended up being my daughters and me, which was still very enjoyable. We would have loved, however, to share the fun of being together with the others. Rain check?

Allison, Angela, and I feasted on Mexican food. Angela stuck to her rigid diet and had vegetable fajitas. Allison and I shared steak fajitas and enchiladas, and I, of course, pretty much emptied the chip bowl myself.

Angela was very moved by the card and money gift to indulge in a massage, manicure, whatever her heart desires. It meant so much to her to see all the handwriting on the card from the women in her life that she loves so much. With all she's been through, and all that is still ahead, she deserves this moment of pampering.

We tend to get a little goofy when we're together. Before we left the restaurant Angela made a visit to the bathroom. Allison and I followed and Allison held the camera over the stall and FLASH! You should have heard Angela squeal! Fortunately for her, Allison only managed to get a good picture of the interior wall. No straddling Angela. Darn.

We braved the steady sprinkles and were thankful that the downpour had ended by the time we went to dinner. Angela's trip is a brief one and we wanted to enjoy her to the limit. Thank you to Allison who insisted on treating the three of us to dinner. I really enjoyed my girls. I am blessed!

Ride 'em Cowgirl!

We spent the day at the "dude" ranch of James and Donna. Baylee was absolutely in heaven. REAL horses to ride and dogs to pet. Life doesn't get any better than that for Baylee.

Besides Allison and her family, my parents were there for the fun and food. Mother made homemade Italian bread and a chocolate cake. Both very yummy. And my Sissy! She out-did herself on two lasagnas. One was with meat and the other one was my favorite, a vegetarian with bell peppers, squash, zuchinni, mushrooms, onions, and cream cheese. It was so good and I insisted on getting the recipe. I really believe her claims of being a bad cook are just her way of getting out of entertaining us on a regular basis. We ate very well while enjoying her beautiful home. Excellent job, Sissy!

The highlight, of course, was Baylee getting to meet Preacher and Sammy. I had no idea that horses knew their names and responded when calling them. I guess I'm not too old to learn. Baylee met them with gentle words and pats. She has no fear of those guys who are so much bigger than she is. They are just there for her to love. She enjoyed riding them as Uncle James led her around the corral. Even Memaw got her old body upon Sammy and tried to direct him. He has reverse, and I don't know what I did with the reins that made him do it. There needs to be a gear pattern on the saddle for city girls. Thank you, Sammy, for being gentle with me.

Dig the smile on Baylee's face. I think if she lived closer to her great-uncle James and great-aunt Donna she would star in rodeos before long. Thank you, James, for making our little girl so happy. And, Sissy, you are no longer off the hook. We will expect dinner invitations regularly!

Jude's Birthday Party

We all had fun at Jude's birthday party, kids and adults alike. It was held at Incredible Pizza in Euless where we scoured the buffet for pizza, pasta, and salad. Then it was time for desert. Allison made a sinfully delicious chocolate cake and I was there with the ice cream. There was a lot of excitement as gifts were opened, and that continued through the games and rides.

I spent most of my time in Tiny Town with Baylee and Sophia. Baylee was excited to see the carousel and one horse had a baby chair and safety strap for Sophia. Sophia wasn't sure if she liked the ride when it first started but it wasn't long until she was smiling and bouncing up and down in anticipation of the horse's movements. Too cute. Now that she's walking, she won't sit still. She's learned something new and she just wants to walk and walk.

Jude had a great time with his friends. He loved being with them and he enjoyed his gifts very much. I always put a dollar for each year in their birthday cards. I love this age! When Jude counted out 6 "floppy" money he thought he'd hit the jackpot. I don't think I can get away with that with Candice and Camryn.

What a wonderful day with a very grateful boy. I love you, Jude.

Happy Birthday, Jude

We always look forward to the Ides of March in our family without a sense of dread. It's a happy day for us as we celebrate Jude's birthday. He awoke yesterday morning, smiled broadly at his Mom, and proclaimed that it was his last day to be five. Indeed, my second grandson is a big six-year-old today!

Jude has a fabulous sense of humor and can easily laugh at himself. I've told him that will serve him well in the years ahead. As early as age two, I bought him a coat with a hood that he thought was hilarious. When he tried it on and pull the hood over his head he thought he was the funniest thing around. He hurried to the den full of family and stood there laughing. How healthy to be able to do that!

Jude is very affectionate and sweet. I love his hugs and he isn't selfish with them. He hands them out freely. He's fascinated by the solar system, playing pretend with his many costumes, and is a good big brother to his two sisters. He and Baylee transform into Ron Stopable and Kim Possible often during the day, and he lavishes hugs and kisses on Sophia.

Most importantly, he brings a ray of sunshine into his home and a big smile to his Mom's face. Jude has captured many hearts. Memaw surely heads the list of admirers.

Tonight he will celebrate turning 6 at a pizza and games place, surrounded by family and friends. I made the traditional chocolate ice cream yesterday and we are ready to party. Happy birthday, Jude! You have been an incredible blessing and I love you so much.

My Old Creep

Ah, yes, Angela, I have my own creep. He approached me today at the grocery store as I was piling groceries into my trunk. I saw him talking to the manager as I left the store and assumed he was an employee. He dressed like one. And I'm proud to say my grocery store employs those who seem to be a brick short of a load, but they are happy and more than willing to work. I admire them and the store for that.

"I need to have a serious talk with my roommate when I get home."

Huh? Are you talking to me. I looked up to see this older man standing by my car. Being as kind and tender-hearted as my Angela, I just couldn't ignore him. "Is there a problem?" I asked.

"Yes, he borrows my CDs and doesn't put them back where they belong."

"That can be a problem."

"I even told him he doesn't have to rewind them. I can do it. But at least put them back where you found them."

"I understand completely."

"Both of us have made requests. He asked me to sweep the bathroom every day since I have a cat and the litter gets on the floor. I told him that was only right, but I can't on Wednesdays because I work all day."

"It's not easy living with anyone. Whether it's a roommate, marriage, whatever, concessions have to be made."

"Well, I can't pay the rent without him."

"I understand."

"But I may not have an electric bill this month for the first time. He will pay it."

"I'm sure that will help."

"We just need to talk about all this."

By now, I've closed the trunk and I'm ready to get in my car, lock the doors, and drive off. "I'm sure the talk will do you good. I wish you luck."

This isn't the first time I've been approached in the parking lot of this same grocery store. Twice a gentleman came to me and proceeded to lift my bags from the cart and place them in my trunk for me. Then, after being so helpful, he will ask for money.

"No, sorry. Look at that trunk full of groceries. I spent it all."

Once I saw him at the stop light next to me and his car wasn't a junker.

Then, there's the sack boy who is always happy with not a care in the world. I saw him on the front row of Allison's concert a week ago and he was inspiring. He clapped, he danced, he rejoiced, and he was moved by every gospel song that was sung. How simple happiness can be. I always knew he was challenged, but watching his pure delight at a gospel concert touched a tender chord in me.

Like Angela, I'm not comfortable about strange people striking up a conversation with me, especially when they start off, out of the blue, telling me they need to talk to their roommate. No preamble, no introduction. It's like the conversation has been going on in their heads and now they are letting me in on it and at the point they were at themselves. Now I'm not making sense.

Consider the company I keep.

My Experience with Manson

Fortunately, it wasn't a face-to-face experience, but a scary one just the same. It was around 1976 or '77. I remember Angela was still sleeping in a crib and she and I were alone at home. My husband was with Ron and Allison at church. It was during a brief time when I struggled with church and didn't always attend. Because of that, I believe God was speaking to me through this experience, as unlikely as it might seem.

The week before I had watched the made for TV movie Helter Skelter, based on the violent crimes committed by Manson and his family of followers. I decided to also get the book and read it. I'd read a couple of chapters the night before, and settled down to read again after Chezzy and the kids left for church and Angela was napping. Back then, I was afraid of my own shadow. It scared me to drive alone at night and to sleep alone. I knew the book would scare me but I picked it up anyway, telling myself the current chapter was only giving some background information on the victims. I'd only read one paragraph when my doorbell rang.

Startled, too, to be alone in the house and opening the door, I finally eased it open. No one was there. I looked down and found a beat up metal sign on my porch. In red, someone had scribbled "we are killers". Trembling, I slammed the door.

I finally called my neighbor and asked if he'd seen anyone at my door. He said he hadn't, but would come and investigate. I told him I couldn't look at the sign again. He assured me the sign would be eliminated before he rang my bell. He did remove the sign and told me that was all he saw. Just a morbid sign and no one around my house.

Needless to say, I didn't go back to my book. I huddled in my bedroom until Chezzy came home. I relayed my horrifying experience to him and asked that he remove the book from the house. I didn't want to ever read it again. I know I could pick it up today and read it without being afraid that a similar menace was lurking behind me. But I have no desire to do that. I can also sleep alone and drive at night without fear. I overcame. But the question remains, why and how did that sign get placed on my front porch? I was probably the only one in the neighborhood reading that particular book right then. And, if you remember some of the details from the Manson murders, you know they left messages written in blood at the homes of their victims.

I have one theory. Because the movie had aired the previous week, some kids thought it might be funny to play a prank on someone. But why me? I live on a cul-de-sac, one way in, one way out. Wouldn't another home be more convenient? Or did God direct the pranksters to my house, knowing it would result in my trashing the book about human demons? Don't get me wrong. I don't believe God causes bad things to happen. I'm just wondering if, knowing the deed was going to be carried out anyway, He sent them where it would do some good.

I don't know the whys or hows. I just know it was too profound to be a coincidence.

Yes, I'm Embarrassed

I've become well known around these parts and, sadly, it's not because of my books. Our doorbell rang a few nights ago and Robin went to answer it. I don't respond to knocks or bells unless I'm expecting someone or recognize a car, but Robin's curiosity gets the best of him. He opened the door to a very familiar face, the pizza delivery man. Robin told him we hadn't ordered a pizza so the driver checked his address again.

"Oh, I'm sorry to have bothered you. It's for another address on your street, but when I saw the street name I figured it was for you."

Does that tell you how much pizza is consumed at our house?

This isn't the first time I've been embarrassed about being well known by the local pizza establishments. Years ago, when my children were in school, I'd reward myself with a pizza for lunch on Fridays IF I had met my cooking and cleaning goals by noon. In those days, we had to call in the order and pick it up ourselves. It got to where each time they answered the phone and heard my voice, they would say, "Peggy, the usual?"

So, it's not a secret that I'm hooked on pizza and could eat it every day and not get tired of it. I've toned it way down since marrying Robin, but he still says he's never eaten this much pizza before in his life. I do a fair share of cooking, but at least once a week after a full day of work, I place an order to people who have become my intimate friends. They know my eating habits.

And even though it is embarrassing to me, I will answer the door when I know pizza is on the other side of it. But usually by then, Robin has door duty because I'm already in my pajamas.

A Date with Jude the Dude

What a wonderful day we had with our boy, Jude. His 6th birthday is coming up and we always have lunch and go shopping together. He was the perfect little gentleman, constantly telling us how he loves spending time with us, willing to settle for one gift if that was all he was allowed, and thanking us profusely. He was such a joy and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with him.

Well aware of how Papa likes toys, Jude told him not to open the kid's meal toy because he wanted to turn it in and exchange it for an ice cream cone. Papa asked if that was possible.

Jude said, "If you go to the counter with the toy, the servant will let you have an ice cream instead."

That produced a chuckle from us both. His big vocabulary consisted of the use of apparently this, or actually that, several times during the day. But, alas, Jude told me his ice cream "tasted old". I tasted it and it was sour with a bad after taste. I asked Robin to taste and he felt the same way. So, I told the servant to check their ice cream, that something was wrong with it.

At Toys R Us, Jude selected the Planet Heroes space shuttle and an army set complete with camo vest and helmet, binoculars, a whistle, goggles, compass, a head lamp, dog tags and a badge of honor. He couldn't wait to get back to our house and tear open the boxes. Papa also slipped in an extra gift, the Mercury figure from Planet Heroes.

It was a fabulous day with Jude. I always love the one-on-one time with the kids. Their personality just really explodes. Thank you, Jude, for being such a good, loving boy and making us so proud. Now, let's get ready for the Ides of March and Jude's 6th birthday! We love you!

HIJACKED BLOG ADDITION!!!!!

PS Dee here - Mom failed to mention that all the Oster kids got treats. Here is Sophia enjoying hers. She can walk and pull the toy. She's a multi-tasker!

We Voted!

Robin and I did our civic duty today and voted in the Texas Primary. I finished my ballot first and peered over Robin's shoulder to discover he voted for a different presidential candidate than I did. That's fine, we still voted in the same political party. We should get the results tonight on the evening news and I'm sure Robin will rub it in that his candidate won.

I am not happy with any of the candidates this time around. There is no one who really stands out as the one I'd like to see lead our country. So, as is usually the case, I vote for the lesser of the evils. At least the Senate and the House are always there to make sure the president doesn't completely shoo in his own agenda. For that very reason, I don't put that much stock in campaign promises.

But, I am a good citizen and I voted. Come what may.

Nightfall Snowfall

Even at night, falling snow is beautiful and tranquil. We Texans don't get to experience this very often. I have a home office now, so let it snow!

No, It Isn't Christmas

But it sure tastes like Christmas! I was asked to help with a wedding shower for a friend's son at church. When I inquired about what I could bring, I was told cinnamon rolls would be nice. It's a morning shower and the rolls sounded like a good menu item. So, that's how I spent my evening.

Perogies and cinnamon rolls in one week! That's some serious kitchen duty.

Angela, I'm so sorry to make you look at these pictures. Just keep reminding yourself that your diet is a lot healthier than those of us who will be devouring these tomorrow morning at breakfast.

Parker Being Cutesy

Yes, I agree, he is totally adorable. He was really striking a pose in these pictures. Parker and I are so in love.