Eclipse!

Is there something wrong with an almost cougar and two somewhat senior citizens waiting in line to see the movie Eclipse? Can we simply be classified as young at heart? Or does that depend on what we were thinking as we feasted our eyes on Edward and Jacob? I know what I was thinking, but I can't vouch for Allison and Patty. I realize I'm old enough to be Jacob's grandmother, but he wasn't the one who captured the most of my attention.

We grabbed our tickets early, then headed out for dinner. Next, came the long wait in line. Allison was holding a place for Patty and me when we were confronted with the Line Police, a young woman who refused to move and let us advance in line to where Allison waited.

"You are not going ahead of me," she declared. She told her friend that we wanted to break in line and they both stood woodenly and would not let us by. I pointed out that my daughter was up ahead and holding our place (didn't anyone have to leave their spot for a bathroom break?).

She repeated, "You are not getting ahead of us." Patty and I had to find a friendlier entry into the long line and finally found our place ahead of the Line Police. I wanted to smile and wave at her from my closer position to Eclipse, but Allison thought I might cause a scene if I messed with a Twihard. She ended up in the same theater with us, but alas, farther back.

Finally seated, we ordered our popcorn and dessert and settled in for a long night. The time flew by and the movie was over before we knew it.

Patty stayed in the guest room and I crawled into bed at 3:00am, but couldn't sleep. I have a feeling I will want to sleep in a few minutes. Ah, but it was worth the fun we had being together and doing something crazy, just because we can.

Wicked!

Allison took Baylee to see the musical Wicked and they both thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Since the musical is about the witches from Wizard of Oz, Baylee dressed as Dorothy - complete with Toto in a basket - and was the center of attention. She makes a very cute Dorothy.

Isn't she the sweetest Dorothy you have ever seen?

Sophia spent the day with Memaw and Papa and she was indulged! As it should be. I got in the pool with her and we had a grand time. Her cheeks were getting rosy and I was concerned that she was getting too much sun, but every time I asked if she was ready to go inside she said she wasn't. Then, after two hours of splashing and having the time of our lives, she told me she was ready to call it a day.

Here are my pretty girls as they were dropping off Sophia before the musical. I was happy to learn that Sophia smiled and clapped her hands when learning she would stay with us instead of attending the musical. That's my girl! She's so sweet and we really enjoyed her. We also enjoyed the special cupcakes Allison brought back. Mine was red velvet. Yum.

June Divas - Celebrating Paula P's Birthday

When Paula told her friends that the Texas Divas were treating her to a birthday dinner at a gas station, she received some weird looks. But that's exactly what we did. Since Paula is such a dear member of our group, what better way to celebrate her big day than to serve up some yummies inside a gas station. However, we didn't feast on hot dogs or pre-made Blimpie sandwiches. We dined in style. From appetizers to the main course to the final dish of bread pudding, I think everyone enjoyed their selection.

Paula made a haul on the birthday gifts. She really received some nice things. One very special gift came from Cathy who had just returned from a trip abroad and brought back a rosary for Paula. It was beautiful. But then, Paula is a beautiful person.

We planned to snap a picture of Paula in front of one of the gas pumps, but it was raining when we left the restaurant. Still, she can tell her friends that we did, indeed, treat her to a fabulous birthday dinner in a gas station. The food was excellent. The company was even better.

Happy Birthday, Ashton!

My fifth grandchild is 7 today! I so wish I could spend this birthday with him, but I plan to get my birthday wishes across the miles. He's already received our gifts and called to thank us. And I know a full weekend was planned in his honor. I love those celebrations that are spread out over days since birthdays only come once a year.

It's only 365 days until his next birthday, but I bet Ashton knows how many hours, minutes and seconds it will be before he turns 8. For now, we'll just enjoy our new 7-year-old brainiac.

Happy birthday, Ashton! You are such a sweet boy and I love you so much!

Pushy Salesmen

I am not a salesman (or woman, whatever the proper terminology for it in today's world). I am not assertive enough, and I'm certainly not pushy or aggressive. There are those who can sell ice to an Eskimo and make him feel good about his purchase. Not me. Even if I totally believed in the product and thought it to be the best invention in history, I can imagine myself timidly asking, "You don't really want this, do you?".

But I can get aggressive if I'm pushed. I took a call at work one day when a woman claiming to be with the service company for my copier told me she was updating my file and could I please verify the serial number they had for me. I said, "Sure! What number do you have on file?". She paused, called me the B word and hung up. A few moments later she called back and when I answered she called me the B word again. Oh well, a little B word never hurt anybody.

The pushy salesman yesterday rang my doorbell and told me he was roofing houses in my neighborhood. Now, I seldom answer my door. If I don't recognize the car and I'm not expecting someone, I ignore bells and knocks. This time, however, I thought it might be someone for Robin, who was in the back yard working. I have a doormat on my front porch that says "Leave". It's a joke, of course, and I guess everyone takes it as such since I still get the solicitors. Note to self: buy a no solicitors sign.

This guy was a fast talker. I'm not saying he wasn't with a very legitimate company. He claims his company is displaying signs in yards all through the neighborhood. He might be an upstanding fellow. I'm just saying he was a fast talker and I had trouble getting a word in. Finally, I interrupted and told him in the present economy, we weren't putting on a new roof.

"Oh, no! Insurance will pay for it!"

"In the present economy, I don't want to pay a deductible right now."

"Oh, no! Your deductible will be figured into our price. This will cost you nothing. I'll meet with the insurance adjuster myself. You know, you can't put new shingles over old wooden ones, so we will take off all the shingles, add a radiant barrier which is energy efficient and gives you a good tax break on your return."

I'm wondering which insurance company pays for roof damage and decides to throw in a radiant barrier, just to be nice.

The conversation continues with few breaks to allow me to politely refuse his services and close my door. This guy's determined to get the sale. I held up my hand and interrupted him again.

"Let me explain how I do things. First, if I needed a new roof I would have called you, instead of you appearing on my doorstep telling me I need your service. Secondly, I don't make major decisions on my front porch, on the spur of the moment."

"Thank you." He turned quickly and walked off. He might have even thought of the B word.

Weekend Getaway

Patty and I took off again for the weekend and our first stop was to see the birthday girl. My mother turned 84 years young on Friday. We brought chicken salad for lunch and a pecan roll for her to have with coffee the next morning. We ditched the buns we'd brought for the chicken salad when we saw Mother pull her rolls from the oven. They made a mighty good sandwich!
We watched Mother mix up more bread for her weekend company and wondered how a woman her age could mix such a thick amount of dough without coming up for air. She's definitely amazing.

My thoughts on this day were also on Chezzy who passed away on my mother's birthday 17 years ago. Each anniversary is sad, but this one held a greater emptiness knowing that Angela has now lived her life as long with him as without him. But no matter what the milestone, the impact he made on each of us is lasting and just as precious today as it's always been. He was a very loved man and one who returned that love in abundance.
After visiting with Mother, Patty and I headed farther east where we were booked in a lovely suite with plenty of room to move around. Besides taking it easy, we took in several antique stores.
When friends get away for the weekend there are only a few staples needed to get us by. This is the inside of our refrigerator. Very sparse for a reason.
Notice the kitchen counter. Peanut M&Ms and a coffeemaker. The stove and microwave were never touched, which is the whole purpose of the trip.

The only thing unpleasant about this trip was the bar right outside our window. There were some lively parties at all hours - lots of noise, laughter, squealing, and loud motorcycles. It started out quietly the first night when I asked Patty, "do you hear voices?"

"Yes," she said.

"Good," I responded.

Baylee's Graduation

Nothing like a gentle tug on the heartstrings when watching a precious granddaughter graduate from preschool. It's such an innocent age and they feel so big, so proud, when crossing that stage for the award that spells out their great achievement. And the family sits there with tears in their eyes, wondering where the time went, how did she get this age without our noticing it.But Baylee managed to wipe our tears by being her usual animated self. She didn't just sing the songs with her class or receive her diploma with shyness. She performed. She smiled and waved, and moved on the stage as if she had to awe her audience. Yes, her audience.

After graduation we stopped by Sophia's classroom to peek in on her. She was excited to see us, to say the least. I love this picture of her with her teachers. This expression shows the warm affection she has for these women. So sweet.

Three reasons why being a grandma is so wonderful. Jude's arm around his baby sister shows what a loving, doting big brother he is.

Baylee with her BFFs. What a blessing friends are. Just picture these girls posing just like this in another ten years. Years only make a sweet friendship even sweeter.

Because Sophia was still in class, she missed being a part of this family picture. This was taken during the reception that followed. Jude was proud and anxious to put those flowers into Baylee's arms.

Three generations of ladies. I wish my mother could have attended to show off the one who started all of this.

I gave Baylee a card with money inside for her graduation. You'd think I'd given her $100, she was so grateful and happy. She kept asking her mother if they could go shopping with it.

Her diploma in hand, Baylee is smiling for her audience. Such a ham. I think her mother passed a healthy dose of "outgoing" to Baylee during the gestation period.

When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, Baylee answered zoologist. For some reason, this came as no surprise to her family. The girl adores every animal she's in contact with and her heart is so big that it includes every kind, every species.

And finally, the picture that shows our true Baylee - the comic, the entertainer, the one who literally takes our breath away. Gotta love that girl.