Smiles

Today was a gloomy, gray, rainy day, that ended with smiles.

John went out this morning to run some errands, and I made a breakfast bar for in the morning. Other than that, our naps were the exciting part of the day.

But then Marty and John arrived from Florida, stopping over on their way to Cincinnati. We had been out of touch with them for such a long time, and it's been great fun to get back in touch, and be on a way-station on their route. John walked in the door, wanting to talk about who we were supporting in the Presidential race. I think he'd been holding it in all day in the car, until he got here, and then just exploded. The two Johns couldn't wait to get hot and heavy into the discussion - not fighting, even though they frequently don't agree. But no off-the-wall statements are allowed - any statement has to be backed up by facts. I don't know that any opinions are ever changed, but any ideas are probably clarified and sharpened.

We didn't even take a break when we headed out for barbecue at Sticky Fingers. We did have to pause long enough to place orders, and chow down on those wonderful Memphis-dry-rub ribs - no disagreement there.

We all do agree that the current administration is undoubtedly one of the worst ever, and we'll be thrilled when it's finally over in January 2009.
But it's been a fun, noisy evening - and we'll probably continue until they leave in the morning.

Today's photos is a street planting in Durnstein, Austria.

Voting

We got to talking tonight about the Presidential Primaries. And who we were going to vote for, and why. John says he's going to vote by secret ballot (Ha, Ha!). We didn't get too specific, mainly just generalities. Heaven knows, the candidates are being pushed at us all the time.

John mentioned a revision of this primary chaos that's going on now. I don't remember where we heard this the first time. But the plan would be to have presidential primaries, caucuses, etc., in every state on the same day, much as we have the final election now. A voter could vote in only one of the primaries. The top 3 or 4 vote-getters for each party would then campaign, leading up to a "real" party convention. Here the candidate would actually be chosen by the delegates, instead of the conventions being just the pep rally that it has become today.

It surely would save a lot of time and money. Seems like the only people who wouldn't like it are the network ad people who would lose that ad revenue.

Whatever - this system is with us for now. Pay at least enough attention to what's going on to cast an informed vote. And VOTE, or attend a caucus. I love the idea that in Australia, voting is mandatory. And if you don't vote, you have to pay a fine. But, let's just tackle one thing at a time.

Today's photo is of a statue of Imry Nagy in Budapest - a man who stayed in exile until Hungary could be free.

Thursday night

We had such a good weekend. It was good to have Sue, Randy, Sarah, and Laurie here, and Margaret came, too.

This has been a fairly busy week - with the unfortunate news about John's shoulder. He's second on the surgeon's cancellation list to move the date up. #1 on the list is about two weeks earlier than his date, so he might wind up with that date, too.

Today was my Happy Feet day - I got a pedicure. That is something necessary (I simply can no longer take care of my toes myself) - and the pedicure/massage feels SO good. But I had to pay for it by going to Wal-Mart. The X-Tix lunch was fun as always. The second organizational meeting of the Crabtree Gallery was this afternoon. We're beginning to get into some definite plans, outlines, and formats. We have another meeting set up for three weeks hence, and may be ready to contact some other artists after that. If you have any suggestions or experience with a cooperative art gallery, please send some suggestions, warnings, and helpful hints.

We got ourselves a digital video recorder today. It's not hooked up to a network like TIVO, but works more like a VCR. It doesn't need a disc or tape, and can record hours and hours internally. John got it hooked up, and I managed to do some direct recording, a timed recording, and then delete them both. Next test will be seeing if I can do something "for real".

Today's picture is of a sailboat on the Tennessee River.

Rest in Peace

David's funeral was this morning. We could only be with our friends in spirit - and we held them tight - as I'm sure they were by those who were able to be with them. Rest in peace, dear friend.

A word of explanation to those who know us, but not David. He was the son of our dear friends from high school and college. We were in their wedding, and David was just younger than our Margaret. Thank you all for your concern and your sympathy for David's family.
------------------------------------------
In other news: John had an MRI of his left shoulder last week. He saw the doctor this morning, and he has a torn rotator cuff. He's scheduled for surgery for repair on 31 January (first available date for the doctor). He's not happy about it, but winter is definitely the best time to get it done - and it isn't going to improve by itself. He hoped to get it done sooner, and he's going to tell the office that he's available at any time if they have a cancellation.

Today's photo is from Prague, Czech Republic.

Basketball

We are getting into basketball BIG time. On Saturday, we went to two games (the Lady Mocs won over Alabama; the Men Mocs won over the College of Charleston). On Sunday, John and Margaret saw the Lady Vols beat Gonzaga. Monday, we saw the Lady Mocs beat Furman. We didn't go to tonight's game, but the Men Mocs beat previously unbeaten Elon. Now both UTC teams are leading in the Southern Conference. Presumably this is getting us in training for the SoCon Tournament in early March. It's what we do in the wintertime.

We had a lovely winter day today - high 52, and frosty lows. But we both slept in this morning, and it surely did feel good. The arthritic hands and knees (mine) and shoulders and knees (John's) are pretty creaky. But we keep moving.

The visitation and wake for David were tonight. We were there in spirit.

Today's photo is of flowers at the Schoenbrun Palace in Vienna.

David (1958-2007)

Today was a lovely winter day. It was pretty much a usual Monday. Swimming, coffee, laundry. Had some mediocre and some really good cards at bridge. However, last week, John was high for the group, and I was second. Go figure...

We had an exceptional dinner at the Blue Orleans Restaurant. John had his current favorite - crawfish etouffe; and I had the daily special - shrimp and mussel linguine. Just outstanding!

The Lady Mocs had a slow start in their game against Furman. But they finally got it together and won 61-51. They are fun to watch, if a bit harrowing at times.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have talked with Anne. She said today was very busy - with "stuff" - planning the funeral, getting the obituary written, finalizing arrangements with the funeral home and cemetery, finding clothes for David. I guess it's helpful to have to deal with the mechanics of things.

Dearest love to Anne, Nick, Alan, Cheri, Aubrey and Matthew.

We mourn

Today was a lovely day, with a sad ending.

We learned that we had lost our David. And we mourn...

Sorry

Two basketball games today, and I'm wiped out! I've got to starting working on this so I can survive the Southern Conference Tournament in March. Today's results:

UTC Lady Mocs 62, U. of AL women 37

UTC Men Mocs 86, College of Charleston Men 70.

Today's photo is from May in Colorado - definitely time to be on some other road.

Yum!

It definitely has gotten into the holiday/visiting/party season. The Photographic Society had its Christmas Banquet last night. The club supplied the ham, turkey, drinks, and everything else was covered dish. Yum!

This morning, our water exercise class (the Swim Team) had its holiday brunch after class. One of our group goes all-out to decorate at Christmas-time. We have our brunch at her house, but everybody else brings food. This is such a terrific group, and they're all great cooks, too. Yum!

Our neighbor does a lot of baking at Christmas and gives a box of goodies to her neighbors. Yum!

Margaret came in this afternoon, bringing pies. Yum! She and John looked on line for DVR possibilities, and even went to Wal-Mart and Best Buy looking for a unit. We wound up getting one on-line from Circuit City, that was available only on-line. That was even better - no trip to a store required. This, of course, effectively takes care of Christmas for John and me. So much for our shopping.

Sue, Randy, Sarah, and Laurie came in about 6. Paul didn't make it this time, but he and Sarah will be coming back through after Christmas. We got our country ham supper, with green beans, mashed potatoes, and rolls. Again, Yum!

It's definitely a time for eating and families getting together. We do have a good time.

Today's photo is another window from Durnstein, Austria.

International News

Some thoughts on international news tonight. Have you been paying any attention to the speculation about what Vladimir Putin will be doing when his current term as Russian President ends - and he is prevented from running for another term under the current constitution?

We got a hint of what was to come on our trip to Russia in 2005. We took a river trip from St. Petersburg to Moscow - a great experience. As part of our "entertainment" on board, we had a series of lectures by a Russian professor - a teacher of political science in both Russia and the United States. We learned a lot about Russian history and culture from him. But, to us, he was most interesting when he talked about politics.
This man described himself as a "spin doctor" for Putin's political party. Putin had just been elected for his second (and last-allowed) term. The Professor told us at that he suspected that Putin would find some creative way to legally stay in power when his term was up in 2008.

As possibilities, he mentioned that Putin might just disregard the constitution, that he was so popular the people might put up with that. He could possibly find someone to be elected as a weak, caretaker president, keeping hold of the reins from behind the scenes. Putin might get himself appointed prime minister. He might engineer a new federation with one of the old Soviet republics, i.e., Byelorussia, which would necessitate a new constitution, and Putin could then become President of the new Federation.

It's amazing to read all of this in today's paper, and know that we heard previews of this two years ago. The Professor's opinion was that Putin would somehow find a way to stay in power. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out. Stay tuned.....

Today's picture is a window in Durnstein, Austria.

Just a Wednesday

It surely did feel good to get a solid night's sleep last night.The old body surely can tell us when it needs some rest.

John went for a dye-injected MRI on his shoulder this morning. It was not a happy experience. The injection was bad enough, but then he had to hold his arm in an unnatural position for 30 minutes, which was really painful. He goes back to see the orthopod next week, and will get more information then. Of course, we're worried about a problem with the rotator cuff. As always, it's the waiting that makes you crazy (and the pain, too, of course).

We got some Xmas cheer via mail and UPS today. Our unseasonable Xmas weather ended today. The 70 degree temperatures are gone, and it's supposed to be gradually cooling off through the rest of the week.

We emptied the freezer, just to see what was in there, and then repacked it. At least, now, we have a clue as to what we have available, AND where it is. Tomorrow, I'll be doing some cooking. And I'm going to try to take some action against the F.S.S. problem. I've got to get the desk/counter in the kitchen cleared off so there is some place to put some of the food. We'll see how it goes.

Sorry, no photo today. I'll try to do better tomorrow.

To sleep (I hope)

Couldn't get to sleep Sunday night, and then didn't sleep well last night and no nap this afternoon. That's not like me - I'm usually a champion sleeper. We'll see how well I do tonight.

The Chattanooga Region of the Tennessee Watercolor Society is having an exhibit in the local office of an investment firm. Twenty-three artists painted the 49 pieces on exhibit. The theme of the show was "Squared Off" - all pieces were done in a square format. The firm gave an opening reception tonight - and it was a lovely event. They provided wine, catered finger-food, and music. I had two pieces picked to be in the show.

Even more fun was seeing people I hadn't seen in ages, including one woman who had been in my classes at UTC almost 20 years ago. I don't think I'd seen her since then, and it was really great to catch up.

With all the awful snow and ice storms that are battering the midWest, we're still setting records for high temperatures. It's been in the upper 70s, and supposed to be there again tomorrow. We should be back in our normal 50s by the end of the week.

Today's picture is of the second picture that is in the exhibit - an Untitled 10x10" watercolor. Sorry, the photo is not a very good representation of the piece.

Record highs

You'd never think it was the middle of December - the record high today was 77, and the predicted record-breaking high for the next two days is 78! We did have a real pea-soup fog this morning, so John didn't get to row.

I didn't do too bad at Wal-Mart today - only got one thing that wasn't on the list and I didn't need, and only forgot 2-3 things that I didn't have on my list. Oh, well - I knew I was going to have to go back this week in any case.

We got the country ham started. That's a 3-4 day process. I'm already planning to COOK on Thursday. The photo society Christmas Banquet is Thursday night, the swim class breakfast is Friday morning, and the South Carolina and Hillsboro contingents will be in on Friday night. We will be eating out on Saturday, between basketball games.

The cards were either feast or famine today. John and I started off with a bang - with two 700 rubbers in the first round for over 2000 points. Nothing else that good later, but we each did have another over-1000 round. At least it's enough cards and interesting hands to keep us coming back.

Last night was one of my rare couldn't-get-to-sleep nights. It was about 2 a.m. when I finally went to bed. Then up at 6 to go to swimming. I'm heading off to bed a bit early for me tonight - and hope to sleep late in the morning.

Two of my paintings were juried into a show that's opening tomorrow night. Today's photo is one of them. It's a 10" square watercolor, titled "A.M."

Addendum to "at"

One comment I received elsewhere about yesterday's entry was from Anne. She wrote:

The one I yell at the TV and radio about is the 'fewer' vs 'less' usage! Why is that one so hard to grasp? Isn't it that fewer is for things you can count and less refers to quantities you can't individually count - as in fewer calories but less fat? A close second is "more importantly..."

This then reminded me of another teeth-grinder - "most unique". Unique means "one of a kind" - there is no way to qualify that word. It either IS or it ISN'T.

Sighhhhhhhhhhhhh

Today was mostly a knitting day. The second half of Kate's sweater is really flying. I'm already almost finished with the sleeve. It's amazing how fast something can so when you've gotten the pattern figured out, and don't have to struggle with every stitch. And then Kate has to call to tell me that she's found some of our favorite sock yarn for less than half the usual price, and if I order some too, we can share the shipping costs. So now I'll be adding yarn for three more pairs of socks to my stash.

Sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Today's photo is another of morning fog on the Cumberland River.

The gratuitous "at"

Genetics is something that is always with us. My parents were sticklers for proper language. My mother in particular was very precise, and loved playing word games. This love of language continues through the generations, not just with me, but with our kids. When the grandkids were little, if one used imprecise language, he/she got corrected in stereo. Mother, aunts, and grandparents would all come out with the correct word or usage - all done good-naturedly, of course.

With that background, I come to the object of today's complaint. Schools are not teaching grammar anymore. It doesn't seem to matter to anybody, except me and a few others. There is a blogger ( http://www.banterist.com/ ), the Banterist, who showcases public atrocities in spelling and grammar.

Today, I turned on CSpan2 to watch a talk by the author of a book on Starbucks. The writer and subject were mildly interesting, but I almost had to turn it off. It seemed that every third word was "Ya know" or "like". It began to grate like fingernails down a chalkboard. And then he started to utter the words that constitute my current pet peeve..."where it's at" or "where you're at". What happened to "where it is"? or "where you are"? Why do they think the "at" is necessary? It isn't!!!!

I've become resigned to "free gift" and "different than". But the gratuitous "at" may yet drive me to drink.

Special love and hugs to Anne, Nick, and David.

Today's photo is late afternoon at the Shiloh Battlefield.

Dalton's gifts

Our friend, Dalton Roberts, gave me a present this morning. His column this morning in the Chattanooga Times Free Press was titled "Five gifts we can all give our friends". His gift to me was the idea for today's blog, and some thoughts to share with you.

The first gift he lists is "to just be there". How wonderful it is to have someone close to share. It doesn't have to be physically close, just knowing that another person holds you in his/her heart is truly a gift.

Second is to not put someone on a guilt trip in a time of need. Don't tell him how many good things he has - he knows that. It's just that something else is overwhelming at this time.

Third is not to feel that you have to save your friend. You can't possibly take on her load, and it might keep her from solving her problems herself.

Fourth, don't tell him that you've had the same problem, and go on and on about your trouble and how you solved it. He's got to find a solution that works for him and his situation. (I must confess to being guilty of this from time to time. Thanks, Dalton - I'll try to do better about that.)

Last, just listen. Really listen! This is truly the best gift you can give someone. All too often we feel that nobody ever really hears what we say.

You've given me a lot of smiles and good thoughts since I've know you, Dalton. But, I hope today's gift will make me a better person. And learn to really LISTEN!

Today's photo is of snow-dappled mountains in May, over Creede, CO.

Funnies

What a slug of a day this was. Margaret and John got home late last night from the ballgame in Knoxville. But then I decided to finish the first half of Kate's sweater. I did get it done - but it was after 1 a.m. And now I've gotten started on the other half. I hope this part won't take as long - at least I'm not using up as much time figuring out the pattern.

Kate sent the funniest cartoon - Click here http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x319/oldswimmer71/Sheepcensus.jpg to see it.

Jean also sent a photo of a great sign. Click here http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x319/oldswimmer71/HughSale.jpg for this one.

Errands and lunch occupied most of the morning. The rest of the day was taken up with a monster nap that took up most of the afternoon.

Today's picture is one of John's lovely sunsets, taken at Shiloh Battlefield.

Annual rituals

I went to the rheumatologist this morning, and had a bone density scan. The good news is that he says I have "the bones of a 30-year-old". The other news is that I've lost another half-inch in height - 5'6 1/1" now. The bad news is the verbal abuse I have to take from my family. :D Jean (5'5") says I'm coming down to her level. John says that I have the bones of a 30-year-old, the joints of a 100-year-old, which about averages out to my actual age of 71. What sweeties they are!!! I truly am glad to hear the results of the bone scan, though. As clumsy as I am, it's nice to know the bones are good and strong.

We got in little naps before Margaret arrived to go to the Lady Vols/Old Dominion game in Knoxville. The Lady Vols won handily, and they should be home shortly. At least they're not having to drive home in the rain tonight.

The big job of the day, though, was finishing up the split pea soup. That's always been a big favorite, and last year's batch was all gone. Also there were a bunch of ham bones in the freezer - so it was time. I started it last night, but got it all finished this evening. John will move the pot (16-quart kettle) to the deck for overnight to cool (I do love my "walk-in refrigerator" in the wintertime), and then I'll put it into the freezer bags in the morning. Another annual ritual accomplished.

Today's photos is of early morning fog on the Cumberland River.

Terrible Twos(day) ???

Terrible Twos(day) - well, not really. Actually, it was a pretty good day. Our chilly weather continued, but without the wind. And any day that starts off with the cleaning lady coming has good to be a good one. Thanks, Kay! We had a made-up version of shrimp scampi for dinner (Yum!), and I started the split-pea soup.

Vicki had a full table of her Tuesday watercolor folks. They're all so great - good painters, and nice people. As many have said, it's a kind of therapy group, too. Vicki and I met this afternoon with two other regional painters to get talks started about the possibility of an artists' cooperative gallery in part of the Studio 2 space. We'll meet again in two weeks, but agree that first we have some sort of framework to build on - and this before we can even formally contact other artists about participating. I'm sure it's going to be an interesting journey of discovery.

We got our seaman's new e-mail and snail-mail addresses tonight. I know he's glad to finally be assigned to a ship, and to getting his Navy career underway. Smooth seas to you!

We watched an unusual movie tonight - Stranger Than Fiction, with Emma Thompson, Will Ferrell, and a supporting cast of Dustin Hoffman, Queen Latifah, and Maggie Gyllenhaal. I think one of the girls may have recommended it. It definitely had some funny moments, but was seriously strange. Has anybody else seen this one? Comments, please.

Today's photo is of smooth waters of the Cumberland River.

Another Monday

Mondays don't seem to change much...swimming - coffee - Wal-Mart - laundry - bridge. I did get a couple of packages mailed, and didn't have to wait too long at the post office. At least there was some good stuff on TV tonight - basketball and The Closer.

After the front came through last night, it finally turned chilly. The high today was only in the 40s. It was a lovely, sunny day, but the breeze blowing at that temperature made the coat feel pretty good. The low tonight is supposed to be in the upper 20s. Again, I'm glad we're not getting the snow and wind that they're getting farther north.

Today's photo is another snowy scene from Colorado last May.

The white page

The dreaded white page! I feel the same way when I face a blank canvas. At least there I can throw some paint on it and look for something to appear - or at least look for some patterns or shapes to work with.

John and Margaret have gotten home safely (in the rain) from Knoxville and the Lady Vols win over North Carolina. So they unwind by watching the tape of the game. It was a busy day for women's basketball, with some close games. It is wonderful to see so much talen and to have so many good teams. But I must shamefully confess that I liked it better when the Lady Vols had all the good players and won all the games.

The first really bad weather of the not-quite-winter is wreaking havoc across the upper Midwest, moving into New England. I'm glad we're just getting some rain out of this system.

Today's photo is some snow in Colorado last May.

Leaves

Some of us had a busy day today. John spent most of the day "rearranging leaves". He always he says he loves our oak trees except for two times during the year - when the oak trees flower, and when they drop their leaves. He did say that his bagging lawnmower is the easiest way to get the leaves gathered up. He said he put 10 bags of leaves out on the street for our municipal pick-up.

And when he wasn't doing yard work, he was watching football. Unfortunately, the two of our three teams that were playing today lost. The University of Tennessee lost the SEC Championship game to LSU, and our UTC Lady Mocs lost to Alabama A&M. But at least those games and the others that were on TV were exciting games, and he usually had two that he switched between, while we listened to the Lady Mocs on the radio.

I've been working on a sleeveless pullover sweater for Vicki, and I got enough of that done that I'll get it finished tomorrow. That'll surely make her happy. Then I'll just have two projects going - Kate's sweater and a pair of socks.

Today's photo is of autumn leaves - still on the tree.

F.S.S.

Today in her blog, Funny the World, Bev wrote about a malady she and her husband have.

"Around here," she writes, we call it 'Flat Surface Syndrome.' People "with F.S.S. have this strange aversion to seeing any bare flat surface, so any flat surface becomes a place to lay 'stuff.'"

Oh dear! Her diagnosis of F.S.S. was a direct hit on me! As I sit in my living room, typing on my laptop, every horizontal surface in sight is covered, some to the point of the danger of slippage and/or collapse. I hadn't thought about the benefit mentioned by one of her correspondents that F.S.S. alleviates the need for dusting. At least that's a positive side effect.

She points out, too, that those afflicted can usually find whatever it is they've lost in the "stuff". It may take some time, but we can usually identify the proper pile.

F.S.S. has played a part in the type of appliances we have purchased. For years, I had a top-loading washing machine and had to keep it bare. But now, at last, I have a front-loader, leaving the top surface free as a place to store the laundry basket and the detergent. And, of course, I could never had had a chest-type freezer. It would have quickly become inaccessible. And, naturally, the top of my upright freezer is filled almost to the ceiling.

I wonder if there are meds for this syndrome, or perhaps a 12-step program. I do know that it's genetic (sorry, girls). It's said that the first step on the road to a cure is to identify and acknowledge the disease. Somehow, I do not foresee a cure in my case - I guess I'm doomed.

Today's photo is a fall rose at Studio 2.

As good as ever

There's a feature in Newsweek magazine in which an author or movie maker is asked to name five books or movies that influenced him/her. He/She is then asked which book or movie, upon revisiting, was disappointing.

We've just watched a movie, for the umpteenth time, that is possibly even better now than it was the first time we saw it. Anatomy of a Murder, made in 1959, an Otto Preminger production. It is a faithful adaptation of the wonderful novel by Robert Traver. Every actor in it gives a magnificent performance, and the movie was nominated for seven Academy Awards.

Watch this movie again, or don't miss a first viewing. Read the book - your library will have a copy.

What movies have you watched that stand up to watching again and again and again? I'd love to hear about some you liked (or hated).

And, with no connection, today's photo is of a Confederate Memorial at Shiloh Battlefield, Savannah, TN.

UTC 57 - MTSU 54

We're hoarse tonight. Our Lady Mocs played a long hard game against MTSU (Middle Tennessee State University), and were all but expected to get blown out of the gym. The Ladies played probably one of their best games ever, and WON 57-54. It was SO exciting!

The game was hard fought by both teams. However, one of the things made this game so special happened off the court. There was a good crowd of students and the usual fans of the Lady Mocs. But there was also a large contingent of MTSU fans, sitting together, wearing their school's blue and white colors, and noisy supporting their team. The pep band played, the cheerleaders danced and tumbled, and the Elite Dancers entertained. The gym was wonderfully noisy.

There were special games going on during the times-out, and a great magical act during half-time. And, at least from our viewpoint, the best team won.

And you could get all this for $5.00 for a general admission ticket! You could spend more by buying a program, food, drink, or souvenirs. But women's basketball has got to be one of the biggest bargains around. Granted, you can pay more to see a Top-25 team (like our wonderful Lady Vols, Duke, Texas, UConn, etc.), but at your local college, you'll still see some great basketball.

Get out and go see some Women's Basketball games.

Today's photo is of a steam powered generating plant along the Cumberland River.

Fall Photos

Just some fall photos to enjoy.

Mondays

There's just too much to do on Mondays. Why does Monday always seem to be the catch-all day? And, if it's not really that much, it surely does seem like it. Maybe it was just the lowering skies and the all-day rain that makes it feel like that. Especially when we're not used to having rain like this. Since last night, we've had 2.5" of rain at our house.

Swimming (three days a week); coffee (can't have swimming without Panera's); laundry (have to do it sometime); run the dishwasher (ditto); bridge (I wish I'd get at least one day of really good cards0; decide what to have for supper (thank heavens for good leftovers); pack the Fuller's Xmas presents to take to UPS (they forgot to take them home with them on Saturday); help the Lady Vols demolish LA Tech (81-60); knit (I really need to do Vicki's pullover sleeveless vest). Retirement is like that - it always makes you wonder how you ever managed to find enough time to work.

It doesn't sound like much, I know - but it surely does seem to take up a lot of time. I guess, as they say, It's a dirty job, and somebody's got to do it.

Speaking of knitting, here are two views of the almost-finished right side of Kate's sweater that I'm knitting for her. It's a Vivian Hoxbro "shadow strip" design. Amazing, isn't it.

Cell phones

Today, I want to write about cell phones. Not to rant about them - just some observations. I've had one for several years. John didn't want one, so a couple of years ago, I just went out and got one for him. He complained, and rarely turns it on. But he does carry it when he's out and about, and even turns it on from time to time.

We've all experienced thoughtless people who don't turn off their ringers during concerts and performances. Or those who sit in restaurants with other people and talk incessantly. Frankly I don't know why their companions don't just get up and leave - I would. I did appreciate it when we were on the Delta Queen last summer, and a sign at the entrance to the dining room said, "No cell phones".

Today's subject, though, is prompted by two cell phone conversations that were foisted on an unwilling public by a really stupid woman. We were on the River Explorer, and were sitting in the main public lounge of the vessel. The woman came in, sat down, and started her conversation. She had a loud, carrying voice, and made no attempt to muffle her conversation. She was trying to make a plane reservation for a time immediately following the cruise. Everyone in the lounge was able to hear every word she was saying. It was a fairly long and involved procedure. At last, she was ready to make a purchase. And then, she proceeded to give the airline agent, and probably some 20 other people in the lounge, her full name, with spelling; her credit card number, with expiration date and code number; her birthdate; her home address, telephone number, and cell phone number.

I almost wrote all the information down, so I could give it to the woman to alert her to the danger she had put herself into. Wrong or right, I decided to mind my own business. But, anyone with half a brain and a pencil could have done serious damage to this lady's credit rating, and made her life a living hell for some time to come. Maybe I should have told her.

But, wait - there's more.................

That was the first full day on the week-long cruise. On about the fourth day, this same woman is back in the lounge and, you guessed it, on the cell phone again. To another unwilling audience, she told her friend on the other end of the conversation about how sick she'd been for the last few days. We got a glorious all-but-technicolor description of her vomiting and diarrhea, minute-by-minute. We were extremely glad that she had been so sick she had to stay in her bed and the servers took her meals to her, so she wasn't out in the boat infecting the rest of us. Now, folks - this isn't something I'd talk about so graphically with anyone except maybe my spouse or my doctor. And certainly not in a public space.

I guess maybe I intend this as a warning to all cell phone users - or maybe just a plea for sanity. Think - for God's sake - THINK about what you're saying in a public place. Other people are listening!

Today's picture is of a lovely maple tree on a sunny day.

Quiet time

The house got much quieter today. The folks left a few at a time, heading for different destinations, all taking food with them. Jean and Spencer are the only ones left tonight. We had a wonderful dinner at the Blue Orleans. That Cajun food is really good. (We'll start working on the leftovers tomorrow.)

We all actually got naps in this afternoon. Then we had the torment of the Tennessee/Kentucky game, with it's four overtimes and its basketball-sound score of 52-50. Tennessee won, but it wasn't pretty.

And then it got worse. John and I went to see the Lady Mocs in the final game of the Panera Bread Classic. They played Louisville. The score was tied at the half, but then, as they say, "the wheels fell off the truck". The final score was 80-53. The Lady Mocs were really out played by a seemingly much better team. Just hate it when that happens.

Women's basketball is really a good game. I can only encourage everybody to support your local college or even high school women's team.

Today's picture is one of John's, and just for fun - a flock of black vultures resting on a transmission tower from the Cumberland River

Wonderful, wonderful

Today was the day we celebrated Thanksgiving. Margaret, Matt & Amanda arrived about noon, and Jesse came in about an hour later. So now we were 9. Dinner prep started in earnest soon after that. Margaret sliced the smoked turkey off the bones, then sliced the ham that Wayne had smoked. Rolls were set out to rise. Potatoes were peeled to be ready to boil and mash.

The youngsters (guess we can't call them "kids" any more) started playing games - Mexican Train and Rummikub At least they did until we ran them off so we could start setting the table. Four different kinds of cranberries - relish, chutney, jelled salad, and the old fashioned jellied cylinder. We got the raw veggies out, and all the pickles, olives, spiced peaches and apples.

Our friends showed up soon after that, bringing wine and laughter. So we started getting things heated up. We had casseroles of dressing, two versions of sweet potatoes (neither with marshmallows on top!). We had corn from the Smiths' garden, too. And, of course, gravy. This much food has got to be obscene, but we don't waste anything. Leftovers are eaten, frozen, or shared. Everybody takes food home to those who didn't come.
Just getting all the family and friends together is what makes Thanksgiving so special. And we even got a call from our Venezuelan "daughter" this morning.

I was thinking, too, that lots of the food was prepared by loved ones who didn't join us - who just wanted to contribute. Larry smoked the turkey, Wayne smoked the ham, Wanda made one of the sweet potato casseroles, the cranberry salad, and some of the desserts. It's just great to have such good family and friends!

We did take photos, but that'll come later. Today's photo is another of fall colors along the Cumberland River.

A very special treat

Kate and Andy got here before noon. Sue, Paul, and Sarah came in for about an hour this afternoon, to visit and to pick up and deliver Xmas presents. Everybody looks great. Our smoked venison loin dinner was very good - and we didn't even overeat. I guess we're saving that until tomorrow. Margaret called and she, Matt & Amanda, and Jesse are coming tomorrow (today?) after lunch and will spend the night. That'll make for a nice houseful. The five us us played Mexican Train after dinner. Kate wound up with the lowest score, but it was a hard fight!

We had a wonderful surprise today - an e-mail from Ricardo, the son of the Venezuelan family with whom we did a number of teenage exchanges in the 1970s. The exchanges began with a program called Partners of the Americas. Three of our daughters stayed with the family in Caracas for six weeks during the summer between their sophomore and junior years in high school. Two of their daughters, Ana and Marjorie, stayed with us, Marjorie for 7 months. We have had some contact with Marjorie over the years, and she is now living in Boston. We had seen Ricardo only once in the US over 25 years ago, when he was a teenager and he and his parents came to the US. They stayed with us for a few days when we lived in the Nashville area. Like our girls, most of them are now married with children and even grandchildren of their own. He sent a couple of photos, too. What a great gift this is. Ricardo writes that he comes to the US several times a year. Maybe we'll get to see him sometime.

This was one of the great prizes of the internet. I gather that Marjorie had been reading my blog and told Ricardo about it. We're just thrilled about this reconnection.

Today's picture is of the lovely Cumberland River with some fall color.

Thanksgiving

Well, we're heading into the Thanksgiving weekend. It is a great time - a typical American holiday - all about family, food, and fellowship. It's gotten to be just an introduction to Christmas, and is almost overlooked, except as a shopping opportunity.

We won't have all the family here this weekend, but we'll talk and eat enough to make up for those who aren't here. Jean came in this afternoon, and we've already made a trip to the Aquarium. She hadn't seen the penguins, and hey performed appropriately for her. Kate and Andy will come down tomorrow, and Sue will come in for a few minutes when she can. Margaret, Matt, Amanda and Jesse will come in on Friday, and we'll have our big dinner then. Margaret and Kate are bringing the turkey and ham, and the side dishes will appear here.

We'll do all sorts of things, and watch some football games on TV, and probably go to a basketball game or two. We'll even divide up the Christmas presents to go the the various homes so we don't have to mail them. It really doesn't matter what we do. The point is that we get some time to be together and that what's important.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today's picture is a sun dog along the Tennessee River.

Off the curve

Things finally slowed down this afternoon. But up until then, I was busy, literally, from head to toe. At 7:30 this morning, I was in the dentist's office getting my teeth cleaned. And went from there to the nail salon for my pedicure. Not often one can get that kind of coverage. (sorry)

I love doing surveys. I never talk to people who call or come to the door, looking to sell me something. But just mention survey or questionnaire, and I'm your gal! I like to think that I'm so far off the norm that I can really skew the data. Or at least cause a blip on the curve. Actually during political seasons when candidates are doing a lot of polling, John and I will take turns with the callers.

Somehow, I got on one of the really big lists. I'm currently filling out my second Nielsen rating book. I've done one one radio listening, too, but they've never asked me to do another one of those. I guess when you only listen to the radio in 3-5 minute segments, several times a day in the car, you're not much help. They make take me off the TV list, too, because our TVs are off so much. So far, the one in the office has been on only about one hour in 6 days. And the main set in the living room is never turned on in the mornings. Plus we spend a lot of time with it turned to the Music Choice classical music station.

I just LOVE being off the curve!

Today's photo is a limestone bluff on the banks of the Tennessee River.

It's Monday!

It's been a long hard Monday. We both had eye check-up appointments this morning. We have full exams twice a year because of various eye problems - nothing serious at this point, but worth the extra watching.

I hope this was the last Wal-Mart before our Thanksgiving dinner. That will be on Friday this year. I'm hopeful, but not holding my breath.

We have a smaller group than usual at bridge today. And the cards were pretty poor. I never add up my score, but I know it wasn't good. And not only that, I had the wash to finish up when I got home. Poor me, aren't I pitiful!!! Gee, it's a tough life. Well, enough about me.

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Sometimes even the Tennessee Legislature can come up with a good idea. A bill was introduced providing up to $8,000 to cover the costs of college for Tennessee veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. What a great thing - almost a 21st Century version of the G.I. Bill. Now if they will just pass the bill.

Today's photo is what makes our National Battlefields so difficult to visit.

Smiles

Lady Vols 92 - Texas Lady Longhorns 67 (can you see us smiling!?!) John and Margaret went up for the game. They were happy campers when they got back here.

We got a good laugh at one of the stories on CBS Sunday Morning today. It was about wines. The reporter asked about the fact that wineries are all now going to screw-tops or plastic stoppers. The wine industry has been having problems with corks. Cork has become harder to get and more expensive. Also it is not of as good quality. So the industry is having to eat all those pronouncements it's been making for years about how only cheap wines have screw-tops - and that any wine of quality has a cork. It is funny to watch them work so hard to now make screw-tops acceptable.

Attendance at the student party at Studio 2 was pretty sparse. Publicity for it wasn't as good as usual - things just sort of fell through the cracks. And it was on, off, on again. But those of us who were there had a good time. And we did have a couple of people who were lost and wandered in - and they were delighted with what they found.

And now we start on a holiday week, shopping and cooking and figuring out when everybody is coming and going, etc., etc. Just the usual chaos.

Today's photo is more fall foliage from Shiloh National Military Park.

Saturday's entry

This was written Saturday night, but, for some reason, I couldn't get connected to the internet. This has happened a couple of times lately. It's not just my laptop, the desktop does it, too. Wonder what's up with the server??? Anyhow, here the Saturday blog.

Today was a glorious fall day here. Unfortunately, we didn't take full advantage of it - mainly did some cooking and catching up.

We did go to the basketball game tonight. It was a wonderfully exciting game, but our UTC Lady Mocs won 65-55 over the Clemson Lady Tigers. We actually beat an ACC team! Just a great evening, and OUR team won.

I seem to be a bit blank this evening, so I'll just put up more pictures today.

First is the River Explorer, our home for the river trip. Second is our view from the passengers' Pilot House on the boat. Third is some fall leaves from the Shiloh Battlefield at Savannah, TN.

Orchestration

Today was mostly a pretty normal Friday. Swimming, coffee, painting at Studio 2 (I even painted a few place cards), lunch, home, naps. We finished off the evening by going to the performance of the Chattanooga Symphony. And it was a wonderful program.

The opening number was by Peter Schickele, writing as P.D.Q.Bach. I hope you know about this man and his music. He's a fascinating combination of musical and comic genius. The piece Maestro Bernhardt chose was the "Unbegun Symphony", a musical conglomeration of themes and phrases of a myriad of other composers, and does "not contain a single original theme". It truly must be heard to be appreciated and chuckled over.

The second selection was by a 20th Century Argentine composer, Astor Piazzolla, "The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires". It's an intriguing, unusual composition, combining unusual sounds made by the strings with beautifully lyrical themes. The soloist, Benny Kim, was superb. This composer is definitely worth more listening.

After the intermission, the orchestra performed Franz Josef Hayden's "Symphony No. 104 in D Major, 'London'". This was a charming and lovely symphonic work - eminently listenable.

During the performance, I thought about the word, "orchestrate", as it is used as the answer to a clue in crossword or double crostic puzzles. The phrase usually used is something like "to work together" or "to combine harmoniously". You know how thought processes will jump from A to B to N 1/2 or some such. Anyhow, the thought occurred that government OUGHT to be working like an orchestra.

The Head of Government should be out front, guiding the whole group. Each part of the group has its own theme (or agenda), its own tone, its own high and low notes, its own sound, etc., etc., etc. It's the job and duty of the Maestro to gather all these disparate voices together. It's the job and duty of the voices to work together under the leadership of the Maestro. It's the job and duty of both to produce a beautiful, harmonius, and successful combination of efforts. The Maestro cannot accomplish the desired end by pushing and threatening, but only by leading. The players cannot accomplish the desired end unless they agree to work together. All must have respect for one another and for each one's role in the production.

Why can't government work like an orchestra?

Today's picture is of morning fog on the Cumberland River.

Creativity and Children

I think Fall has finally arrived. It was 35 at 11 p.m. tonight. Oh, joy! I am glad to finally see some cold weather and a frost. That should finally take care of the pollen and the bugs. The bad news of the cold front was that it spawned a tornado in the neighboring town of Kimball, with a great deal of property damage and displacement of families. The good news is that there were no fatalities. And we finally got a good rain.

Today was pretty much back to normal. I had a long list of errands - some done and some not. It took about 10 minutes to get my car inspected, and the license plate renewal has been done on-line. (Aren't computers wonderful?!?!) Wal-Mart was next - always a thrill! I went to the Verizon store to see about getting a new phone, and they suggested that I do it on-line. It would be cheaper and I'd have more choices. I've looked at the site, and promptly went into overload - there were way too many choices. How to choose. Sigh....

We had our usual Thursday lunch with our strangely creative friends - or is that our creative strange friends. No matter, we always have a lot of laughs and good fun. Photo Society was tonight, and it was good to see our friends from that area. The program was excellent. People can be creative in so many different ways.

Note from Houston: While driving through the Texas Medical Center, I saw a sign on a building that said "Texas Children's Maternity Hospital". WHAT???? We would not come with an plausible explanation. I finally remembered today to look at the web site to find out. Here's what it says:

The new Texas Children's Maternity Center will provide the finest prenatal, obstetric and related services to women and perinatal care for their babies in a new state-of-the-art facility slated to open in 2010.
Once fully operational, Texas Children's Maternity Center will care for both normal and high-risk deliveries. Pediatric intensive care units in the new center will provide seamless care of mother and newborn. Care of mothers and infants requiring a pediatric specialist can then be coordinated under the auspices of one institution—Texas Children's Hospital.

Now I understand. But I still think it's a very unfortunate choice of names. What do you think?

Today's photo: How can I pass up these precious Hungarian children?

Weather and Rivers

Weather is always news. A really strong line of thunderstorms went through Tennessee tonight. A possible tornado hit at Kimball, TN, just west of here, with lots of damage, but fortunately, no fatalities. The storms hit downtown Chattanooga pretty hard. We were on the edge of the worst part of the storm, and just got a lot of rain and some wind. The 2" of rain we got are most welcome.

Our trip last week on the River Explorer (Riverbarge Excursion Lines - www.riverbarge.com) was all we had hoped. We boarded the vessel in downtown Nashville on Tuesday and headed down the Cumberland River that evening. Turning this 700-foot-long vessel around just below Nashville is quite a feat of seamanship - and our captain did it in the dark!

This trip was just as good as the first Riverbarge trip we took two years ago. We had lots of lovely morning fog to watch. Well, we enjoyed it, but the captain, I'm sure, wasn't too happy to have to deal with it during the night and in the early hours. This trip went down the Cumberland River almost to the Ohio, through the Barkley Canal to the Tennessee River, and then up the Tennessee to Florence, AL. By the return trip, we were beginning to see more fall color along the riverbanks.

We stopped at Savannah, TN, for a bus tour of the Shiloh Battlefield. It is a beautiful, but sad place - with the knowledge of all those lost lives on this ground. The stop in Florence, AL, included a bus to Helen Keller's home, Ivy Green, and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. We had seen those two places on our trip in August on the Delta Queen, so we passed on that trip. Instead, we took a taxi to the Rosenbaum House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. We had seen that before, too, but this time, we had the docent all to ourselves. She gave us a great deal of information, then left us alone to wander around by ouselves. It was great!

The last stop was at Clarksville, TN, on the return. Kate came down to the boat for lunch and to visit with us for a while. That was a special treat. We got back to Nashville about noon on Monday. We had planned to spend some time with Jean (where we had left our car), but we decided we'd head on home then, instead of waiting for the official trip ending on Tuesday after breakfast. We hated missing that good visiting, but we were really tired and just wanted to get home. Jean came to get us, we took her home, and we headed back.

We can't recommend the Riverbarge highly enough. This is a great experience, great staff, great crew, great office staff - just a super company to work with

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Today's pictures are of the River Explorer and John in the Pilot House. Mostly we spent our time sitting in the Pilot House at the bow of the upper deck, watching the river go by.

You can't go home again

Who says you can't go home again? Well, I guess it depends on what you're looking for.

We went to Houston earlier this month for my college class' 50th reunion. It was a great weekend, and I did enjoy seeing folks that I hadn't seen in all those years. There was certainly no question of how old everybody was. We're close friends with only one of the couples since that time, but have seen and enjoyed several others along the way. But it was fun to share memories and fun times with the fellow students that I hadn't seen for over 50 years - and to learn what's happened to them in the meantime.

Of course, when you haven't lived in a city for 45 years, things have changed a lots. Roads are moved, started, and stopped; businesses come and go; nothing looks as you remember it. We drove by the houses where we spent our high school and college years. Guess what?!? They weren't there. I grew up in a modest home, built just after WW2; 3 BR, 1 bath, LR, DR, kitchen, attached garage, medium-sized lot. It was new when we moved in, and my mother lived there until she retired and moved to TN in 1972. John's family moved in a few years later, in a slightly larger house, in a slightly more expensive neighborhood.

Both houses are gone, mine torn down along with the neighboring houses, replaced by 2-story, narrow, very close together houses. John's house and the house next door to it were torn down and replaced by a MacMansion. All that remains is the tree that he planted in the front yard in 1951.

Such is life.

Photos today are of where our growing-up houses are no more.

p.s. Sorry to be late posting today. For some reason, I couldn't get hooked up to the internet last night.

Home again (again)

Hi folks, we came on home this afternoon - a bit early, but we were just ready for home (for a change). This was a great trip - the Cumberland and the Tennessee are beautiful rivers, and seeing them "up close and personal" at 10 miles/hour or less is just awesome! The staterooms are very comfortable, and the staff and crew are the best anywhere. We can't recommend the RiverBarge highly enough. Click here (http://www.riverbarge.com/ ) for the web site.

My reunion in Houston was fun. I did enjoy talking to some of the folks we hadn't seen for 50 years, and also the ones we had seen in the interim. Houston has grown so much since we lived there that nothing looks familiar. The houses that John and I grew up in have both been torn down and replaced by a huge MacMansion (his) and townhouses (mine). Oh, well......

I'm off to bed, and will try to get some pictures by tomorrow.

BASKETBALL!!

Lots of stuff to get done today. We found out our answering machine had broken, so John got us a new telephone/answering machine when he went for his walk. We got that set up and have already gotten a message, so we know it works.

Our Thursday Lunch Bunch was fun, as always. Then home to finish up the laundry and see how the packing works out. Amazingly, I think it's all going to settle out the way we had hoped. Packing for two separate trips at one time, with basically two separate wardrobes, is certainly a challenge. We'll find out how good a job we did.

The Lady Mocs played their first basketball game tonight - an exhibition game with Lee University (Cleveland, TN). Lee stayed with us for the first half, but couldn't keep it up through the second half. The final score was 81-49. The Lady Mocs were looking good through the second half, and the freshmen even got some playing time.

We'll be heading out of town early in the morning for 10 days. I'm hoping for computer access at least part of the time, but I may have to miss posting from time to time. Bear with me, and keep checking in.

Today photo is one of John's - apple trees in Colorado last May.

Happy Halloween!

What sort of memories do you have of Halloween? When we grew up in St. Louis just before and during WW2, we dressed up in costumes and went to neighborhood houses. I don't remember "Trick or Treat", though. As I remember, the kids got up skits or small performances - singing, reciting, dancing, whatever - and the folks of the house gave out treats for those. The first time I remember hearing Trick or Treat was when we had children in Tennessee and they got old enough to make the rounds on Halloween.

We lived in a neighborhood where every house had a bunch of young children, so our streets were full that night, with kids going door to door, begging for candy. We lived in a split-foyer house, so we spent a lot of time running up and down the stairs, getting to the door.

Our girls were grown and gone when things started getting crazy, and this innocent fun and evening of gorging on sweets became dangerous. Hospitals started offering free x-rays of candy, so that parents could be sure no metallic substances had been injected into the items. Then all candy was individually packaged in single servings. Parents followed their kids all around the neighborhoods.

Another glitch was then Halloween fell on a Sunday. Was it "proper" to do this on a Sunday???? A "natural" outcome from that was - well, golly, maybe Halloween is devil-worship and maybe kids shouldn't be doing it at all. Holy cow!!

And now, this fun night for children has become totally organized and sanitized. Kids are taken to church parking lots for "Trunk or Treat"; or to the mall to walk to various stores for treats. And I've read that adults spend more money on Halloween than on any other holiday except for Christmas.

Tonight, we had one 12-year-old girl, accompanied by her dad, come to our door. And we have a lot of left-over candy.

Today's photo is of some children running and playing in Budapest.