I Would Have Chosen to Run

Today was the annual "Race to the Point" 5K.  The route goes right by my house... twice.

I knew that five of my church friends were running, so I was standing out in my driveway to cheer them on.

The first time they went by was pretty close to the start of the run.

The second time was near the end.  And I assured them that "it's all downhill from here" as they ran by.

I was so proud of all of them.

Maybe 25 years ago I might have even joined them in running the 5K.

Yes, I think I would have.

Maybe....

Things I Didn't Do Today

Get my car washed. Lew told me a couple weeks ago that I need to take the CRV through the car wash. He's probably right. However, I only get my car washed once a year -- whether it needs it or not. And that "once a year" is always on a warm day in April. So it just isn't time yet....

See the President. Obama was in Maine today. I wasn't on his invite list for some reason. (Maybe because of the "R" after my name?)

My exercise workout. I did my workout three days this week -- Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. On Wednesday I did some housework which gave me plenty of exercise. I planned on working out today, but my leg muscles were still sore. It's a funny thing: My body doesn't recover as quickly as it used to, say, 25 years ago. What's THAT about?

Other things that I didn't do today:

• Play the accordion
• Throw a discus
• Go disco dancing
• Cook a gourmet meal
• Try out for a Broadway musical
• Spend much time thinking about my blog

Dad 90: The Trip Low-Down

(.... And not one mention of Cocoa... nor Kim, for that matter!  Get on stage next time, Kim, and then you'll make the blog.  Ha ha!  Enjoy Dad's post. -- Tracy)

Derf Here!  I'm Back!  From the Midwest to the great Northeast.  Arrived home around 5:30 p.m. yesterday after traveling from the Buffalo, NY area.  The trip was very successful.

In eleven days we spent four of them traveling.  One day out, two days back, and last Thursday a trip to Indy and back to visit sister Jean.  As you read this, sister Jean should be home after about five weeks of surgery and rehab.  She is going home today.  Her strength is returning and we had a good visit with her one week ago.

We saw Kelsey perform as Grace Farrell in the musical Annie three times.  Of course, we think she was the best performer in the show.  We thoroughly enjoyed the performances.  Monday evening was spent at a cheerleader awards ceremony at Eureka High School.  Kelsey took up cheering for her last two high school years.  All other members spent their entire high school experience as a member of the squad.  Congratulations to Kelsey for breaking into the line-up at such a late time in her high school career.

Sunday church was very uplifting as Joe's college choir and chamber singers were featured.  Several numbers were performed and Kaelen was featured in a solo on "Old Time Religion."  I must admit I pretty much sang this tune with the choir as they closed the service. 

While visiting we were able to see a DVD of the Peoria Area Civic Chorale's final performance with Joe conducting.  Featured was Kaelen singing "O Holy Night."  I'm currently in negotiation to acquire the DVD for myself and the family.  She did a remarkable job.  I'm not just saying this because she is, of course, my granddaughter.  She can, flat out, sing!

Following are a few interesting -- or not so interesting -- stats of our trip.  We travelled 2947.2 miles total.  We averaged 66 miles per hour round trip.  Sixty-six mph each way.  Travelling to Illinois we got 30.0 miles per gallon.  Returning we managed 31.2 mpg.  Must be uphill going and downhill retuning.  Our trip out was 1187.0 miles.  Returning we travelled 1188.2 miles.  We had to leave the highway for a night's lodging on our return trip.  We did not stay over on our trip to Illinois as we drove straight through.  I guess the extra mile-plus was the result of the Comfort Inn (where we stayed) being six-tenths of a mile from the highway.  To me it is remarkable that the trip differed only by 1.2 miles.

The gas price around Chicago was $4.67 per gallon.  We paid a maximum of $4.04 per gallon and as low as $3.89.  We did not purchase fuel in Indiana as it was $4.27 per gallon on the Indiana Toll Road.

Of course a trip to Illinois would not be complete without a meal at the Busy Corner in Goodfield.  We all had a fine meal there on Sunday afternoon.  We were honored to have Kelsey's friend Michael join us for the dinner.  A fine time was had by all!

I must now sort our mail.  Most of it is junk mail anyway.  But it must be discarded.

Tune in again next week on Wednesday.

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

Home Again, Home Again

For those of you expecting a post by Derf, you will have to wait until tomorrow!

Derf and Spouse (a.k.a. my parents) just got home from their Illinois trip about half an hour ago.

I am happy to report that they didn't drive straight through.  Taking two days is really much better... and wiser.

The car has been unloaded and the unpacking has begun.

Pepper seems happy....  And that really is the most important thing, isn't it?

A Precious Prayer

A friend of mine from church shared a sweet story with me yesterday via text message.

She told me that her son "was outside this afternoon.  He came in and said that he was talking to God while he was playing.  He said he was praying for baby Eli... that he would follow God."

Her son had been at Eli's dedication on Sunday.

My friend went on to tell me that "The baby dedication is still on his mind, I think.  He has a tender heart to spiritual things.  I hope God calls him in a special way."

And I responded, "It sounds like He already has."

How precious are the prayers of a child!

The Big Year

Lew and I continue to be amazed when we learn about a new subculture.  By "new" I mean new to us.

Last night we watched the movie "The Big Year," which is about three men (played by Owen Wilson, Steve Martin, and Jack Black) who are avid birdwatchers.

Okay, so we already knew that there are some serious birdwatchers, but we didn't know about a "big year."  When a birdwatcher does a "big year," they try to see as many species of birds in North America as they possibly can.

In the movie, the characters hopped on a plane at a moment's notice if they heard a certain bird had been spotted somewhere.  They went to an area when a storm was expected there.  They even went to some remote Pacific island that had no plumbing.

The person who sees the most species wins the contest.  The prize?  Nothing.  Just your name in some magazine.  And pride, I guess.

I've been thinking that I should do a "big year."  Not birdwatching, mind you.  I will have to make up a subculture of my own.

Dedicated to THE ONE We Love

Today was a much-anticipated special day:  Eli's dedication!

Matt and Emily dedicated baby Eli to our Lord God.

The ceremony was during our morning church service, so many members of our church family were there.  Eli's parents had also invited family and friends.

During the ceremony, the pastor asked Emily to say Eli's full name.  When she said his name into the microphone, apparently Eli gave her a big smile.  (I didn't see it because he was facing away from me.)

Eli was quite the little man, all dressed up in a snazzy new outfit and shoes!

After the service, we had a reception upstairs.

Eli was such a good boy the whole time.  He was getting a little fussy toward the end of the reception, but it had been a long event for him.

Yes, it was a very special day.

(Postscript:  I know that some photos were taken.  None by me, however.  Sorry!)

The Invisible Post

We had a friend come over for dinner and a movie tonight.  And now I'm watching the end of the Ohio State vs. Syracuse basketball game.

My stomach is full, the movie was funny, and the game is pretty exciting.

Full, funny, exciting.... This post is none of those things!

I had a hard time even getting started on this post... eyes glued to game.

My fingers were wiggling around, waiting for inspiration, and I accidentally hit the "Preview" button on the "Create Post" page.

What I previewed:  an empty page.

Maybe I should have stuck with that!

(Postscript:  And Ohio State advances to the Final Four!)

Eli's Ready!

It's almost time for baseball!  GO RED SOX!!!

A Purrrrr-fect Ending

I just had a few minutes of panic.  I thought I had lost the cat.

A friend was here for a bit, and I had the screen door propped open as she was leaving.

When I couldn't find Pepper, I was afraid that she had squirted through the door while it was open.  (She hasn't tried to dash outside for several years, but I wouldn't put it past her to try again at some point.)  I thought I would have noticed her slinking by me, but she can be sneaky.

I looked all through the house, and she wasn't in any of her favorite spots.  So I grabbed her box of goodies and shook them -- usually that gets her attention!  No Pepper.

So I began my search again.

She wasn't on my parents' side of the house.

She wasn't downstairs on my side.

I was shaking her goodies box as I ascended the stairs.  I figured, "Surely she'll hear me know."  But no cat came running.

During my first search, I did not see Pepper under my bed.  But that's where she was when I looked the second time!  I don't know if she changed locations between my two efforts or not.  She was sitting in a completely different spot than she normally does, so maybe I just flat out missed her the first time.

At any rate, I was glad to see her.  I said to her, "Oh, THERE you are!"

She stared at me with eyes that asked, "WHERE are my goodies???"  I gave her three!

(Postscript:  It was just like summer here today, so I wouldn't have blamed Pepper if she had tried to go outside and enjoy the weather.)

Dad 89: Derf From Afar

(I do like just being able to "copy and paste" when Dad is visiting Kim.  I'm sure she appreciates the blessing of trying to read his handwriting....  The things we do to keep this blog going....  Ha ha!  Enjoy Dad's post!  -- Tracy)

Derf Here!

Spring greetings (that is correct, spring) from the Midwest village of Eureka, Illinois. We’re here visiting Joe, Kim, Kaelen, Kelsey, Cocoa (the dog) and two parakeets (Angel and Bennie the 2nd). And a fine visit it has been.

Spouse decided to make the trip with me so we left around 5:31am on Sunday morning. We had planned to stop somewhere in Ohio for the night. That plan was set aside as we (I) decided to drive through to Illinois. Of course, spouse had the final decision.

While on route 271 around Cleveland our trip was slowed down for an accident. As we approached the scene the cops were arriving. There, in the middle of the highway, was an auto on its roof. As we passed by we noticed that the car was empty and several motorists had stopped to help. It did not look like anyone was seriously injured. The rescue vehicles were on their way as we saw and heard them arriving on the scene. Shortly after the crash scene, we came upon a very dark sky and torrential rain. We had about 2 hours of serious storms and the driving was difficult. Many vehicles had four way flashers on. I guess they were timid drivers.

In Indiana, spouse changed her position from front seat to back. The remainder of the trip was a success. (As Kim types this she wonders – is that because Mom was in the back seat?) Our destination was accomplished at 12:30am CDT. So we traveled for about 20 hours (counting stops), covered 1187 miles, averaged 66 mph and got 30.0 miles per gallon. Gas prices were seen from $3.80 to $4.23. We filled up twice on the way. Of course, the car is once again on empty. Must fill today before our trip to Indianapolis tomorrow.

Took two trips to Peoria on Tuesday. Kaelen to eye doctor for checkup and birds to the vet so Angel’s bill could be cut down to size. Missions were accomplished.

Tomorrow we’ll drive to Indianapolis to see Sister Jean. We understand she is continuing to make progress from her surgery. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. Hope to have a good visit.

We have several events planned upon our return to Eureka. Three performances of “Annie” at the high school headline these events. It will be Kelsey’s last musical at school. Seeing the college choir sing Sunday at a local church and an awards ceremony at the high school will take up our time through Monday evening. Kaelen will be singing with the choir and Joe will be directing.

We’ll be driving home next Tuesday and Wednesday to Maine. Will stay somewhere in New York Tuesday night. If all goes well, I’ll post next Wednesday. If not Wednesday, I’ll be a day late! Not unusual for me: “A day late and a dollah short!”

We have one more trip to Illinois coming up. That will be for Kelsey’s graduation. Time has flown by and May 20th is the day. At times I’d like to slow down the passage of time. It won’t happen, will it? Nope! Nope!!

Enough babbling for now, so I say:

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

Uh-Oh....

I have yet to hear from either of my parents after yesterday's blog post.  There are two likely reasons for this:

1. My sister and her family are keeping them very busy, so they haven't had time to communicate with me.
2. After reading yesterday's post, they decided to give me the silent treatment -- similar to what they will get from Pepper when they come home.

Yes, Pepper did seem a bit miffed most of the day yesterday.  She is in much better spirits today, but that may be because of the nasty hairball that she was able to cough up during the night.  (Thanks for that....)

But back to the two reasons.  Of course, I am favoring #1.  If it's #2, then it would be short-lived and done mostly in jest.  Mostly.

Either way, it gave me material for yet another day's post on Mainely Tracy.

My Parents Are Insane

In some of his recent posts, Dad (alias "Derf") has mentioned a road trip to Eureka, Illinois.  Well, he and Mom left early yesterday morning -- way before the bluebirds were up.

I was in touch with Mom (via text message) a bit yesterday afternoon.  I wanted to check in to see how their trip was going.  My first text was "Where are you?"  Mom's response was "In the car."  Ha ha.  Very helpful.

She eventually admitted they were close to Cleveland.

Around 9:00 p.m. last night I was fully expecting to hear that they had stopped at "Such-and-Such Hotel" for the evening.  Instead I heard that they were in Indiana and would be at my sister's house by 12:30 a.m.

Say what??!!

Yes, they decided to drive STRAIGHT THROUGH.  I demanded that Mom text me when they arrived at Kim's.  (Role reversal!)

I got the "we are in Eureka" text close to 1:30 a.m. Eastern time.  I prayed a word of thanks, answered Mom's text, and fell back asleep.

We are going to have a major talk when they get home....

I May Even Be a Brat

I had a meeting right after church, so I was not able to go with Lew to visit his mother.

During the visit, Lew's brother brought him a serving of lasagna.  Lew brought it home....

So can you guess what I had for dinner?!

Yummy, yummy lasagna, Wayne!

And thank you for letting me eat the entire serving, Lew!

I really AM spoiled.  :)

(Postscript:  It's Sunday, so I decided to allow myself a little bit of cheese.  Can't have lasagna without it!)

The Mainely Tracy Diet

When I was suffering from "The Plague" I developed an appreciation for black jelly beans.  You know... the kind that taste like black licorice.  I mentioned them in a previous post.

I maintain that these jelly beans help clear my nasal passages.  In fact, I am keeping these jelly beans as a crucial part of my daily diet.  I believe they are helping me in the fight against future Plague attacks.

I am also counting them as a vegetable serving.  The word "bean" is in the name, after all.

Just about every other day I read about someone who has made a bazillion dollars on a new diet idea.  And I think, "Why can't I do that?"

My book would be a best-seller, I'm sure....  Who wouldn't love a diet that includes medicinal chocolate and black jelly beans?

It's Pure Madness!

I don't follow college basketball during the regular season, but I've always enjoyed the NCAA tournament.

I cut the bracket out of Monday's paper (actually, no cutting was involved -- I just folded it), and as of about 4:00 this afternoon my bracket was up-to-date.

I've been busy doing other things since then, because -- after all -- I can't spend all day and night watching basketball....

Or can I?

My Return to Ellipticalization

When "the Plague" came back a couple weeks ago, I wasn't really able to do any serious exercise -- other than walking to and from the tissue box.  (Leaving the tissues on the other side of the room does have some benefits!)

I don't feel completely 100-percent yet, but this morning I actually felt like using the elliptical machine.  It was wonderful to get some good exercise.  I actually "ellipticalized" for over 50 minutes!  Hooray for me!

Usually I watch news on TV when I use the elliptical machine, but today I decided to use my iPod.  I listened to some songs that I hadn't heard in a long time.  Good songs... good for my psyche... good to exercise to.  The time flew by.

So will it be the TV or the iPod the next time I ellipticalize?

It will definitely be the iPod for the foreseeable future.  :)

Dad 88: Anticipating Spring

("I think the loveliest time of the year is the Spring!"  Enjoy Dad's post!  -- Tracy)

Derf Here!  As I look out over the surroundings I see very little snow.  The snow that is left is the result of plowing.  If this weather keeps up, the snow will be gone within a week-- even the snow banks.  There is, however, still snow up in "ski country", but here in "beach country" it is disappearing rapidly.  Good!

Spring is on its way.  I can say this because Ken's Place (a seafood restaurant located diagonally across the street from our home) has removed all boards covering it up for the winter.  The picnic tables are now in place with the umbrellas.  The awnings have been reattached to the building and the sign says open on March 23rd.

Bayley's ice cream stand down the street has activity surrounding the shop and the boards are off.  The Clambake (Kaelen's summer employment restaurant) is scheduled to open next Thursday.  Spring is definitely just around the corner.

Furthermore, last night at about 1:37 a.m., methinks I heard the rumble of thunder clouds off in the distance.  Can Spring be far away?  Nope!  I hope!

Sister Jean had some unexpected visitors from Eureka, Illinois.  Kim and Kaelen made the trip to Indianapolis to check up on her, and I believe a nice visit was had by all.  A big thanks to Gordon and Kathy for putting them up for the night.

Still working on our trip next week to Illinois and Indy.  Looking forward to visiting with Cocoa and the family.  Will also take a trip to visit sister Jean.  The trip will wrap up with attendance at a musical ("Annie") performed by Eureka High School.  One of the featured participants will be granddaughter Kelsey as she winds down her high school career.  On to college in the fall.  Whew, that time flew by.  Almost unthinkable, Kelsey in college!  It's true!  It's true!!

It certainly is a great time of the year.  All things will be returning to life within the next few weeks.  The yard will come to life and the grass will need to be mowed.  The leaves will return to the trees and the birds are already singing in the Spring.  It is great to be enjoying all of these God-given joys.

To all of you out there, have a happy St. Patty's Day!!

And with that I'll close.  I hope to post from the Midwest next week, if I can get someone to do the typing for me.  Are you listening, Kim?

So until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

Not Just Ho-Hum

This year I am using a daily devotional book called The One Year Daily Insights with Zig Ziglar.  It was written by Zig Ziglar (surprise!) and Dwight "Ike" Reighard.  I share this daily reading with Lew when he and I do our devotional time together each night.  I have the Kindle version of the book, but the "real" book is also available through Amazon.  (I recommend it!)

Yesterday's and today's readings were quite timely for me.  That is so often the case, and I am most thankful for that.

Yesterday's devotion was titled "Trust Is a Must" (based on Psalm 5:11).  The start of the first paragraph set the stage for me right away:

Sometimes, the stresses and struggles of life take their toll on our emotions and on our outlook.  We never intend for it to happen, but gradually, our sense of joy is washed away in a sea of demands and conflicts....

And then toward the end:

Our task is to turn our struggles into steps toward God instead of away from Him....
....When we realize that He genuinely cares, we, too, will shout for joy.

Today's devotion, based on Psalm 19:8, is titled "How to See Clearly."  Its first paragraph:

It's the strangest thing:  Millions of Christians say they really want to be wise in their decisions.  They want to follow God in their personal lives, jobs, and families and to experience God's blessings, but they often fail to do the one thing God promises will give them that wisdom:  soak up the truths in His Word.

Oh, to be enlightened by God... that's not just ho-hum!

One Thing at a Time

Being away for the weekend put me further behind than I already was on a few things.  And returning home with a headache did not help!

I slept in this morning and woke up feeling much better.  After eating breakfast and doing the puzzles in the newspaper (the puzzles are the best part of the paper), I decided to jump right in on the things that I needed to accomplish today.

What to do first?  I found myself starting to work on something and instead of evaluating whether I should really be doing that first, I kept going until it was done.

And then it was on to the next thing I felt like doing.

Then the next.

After a wonderful dinner just now of hamsteak, mashed potato, green beans, and bread (all prepared by Lew!), I began catching up on reading the blogs that I follow.  I read the posts that I was interested in, and then I decided I should write my own post.

To Do:  Blog reading and writing.  Check!

And now I'm on to my next project....    :)

Home

I arrived safely home from my weekend retreat.

Unfortunately a migraine headache returned with me.

My own prescription for blogging with a headache:  Take two ibuprofen and try again tomorrow!

Retreating!

In a few minutes, I will be off to a weekend retreat with some of the ladies from my church.

I am looking forward to this time, but I will miss my husband.  (Have a good weekend, Sweetie!)

Because I am going to be away -- with really poor Internet access -- tomorrow will be a "blogging break" for me.

But Mainely Tracy will return on Sunday!  Thanks for checking in.  :)

The Really Bad Spring Fever Day

It hit 60 degrees here today.  Yes, that's in Maine in early March.

When I ran some errands this morning, I saw people walking around without jackets on.

Glen had his motorcycle out.

The kids in Debbie's neighborhood are playing outside in shorts and t-shirts.

But today is only a wee taste of Spring....

It will be back in the 40's tomorrow!

Dad 87: Got Blood?

(Not sure that I agree with Dad's explanation for all of his goofy decisions.  Enjoy his post!  -- Tracy)

Derf Here!  From the sunny northeast corner of these United States.  The weather people have told us to expect temperatures to exceed fifty degrees.  We'll take it.  And this less than one week after our largest snowstorm of the season (14 inches).  The weather person just said perhaps up to sixty degrees.  Even better!  Still have ground covered with snow.  Going very fast!  Not fast enough!  Must replace a couple high divots in the front lawn that I dug out plowing.  Fortunately the pieces to be used are gradually becoming visible as the snow melts.  Will fix up within the next week!  No one will notice come mowing season.  I hope!

Sister Jean seems to be on the right track in Indy as she recovers from colon cancer surgery.  The process is extremely slow but she seems to be going in the positive direction.  Prayers are still very much welcome.  One of her doctors has said prayer does make a difference.  A positive attitude also helps.  Hope to visit Jean within the next two weeks.  In fact, if all goes as planned, the visit will be two weeks from tomorrow.

I'm continuing my exercise regimen and hopefully will break into the 230's in the next two weeks.  Probably won't exercise on the elliptical today as I have an appointment at the blood bank for a 'double red' session.  I've made blood donations consistently for many, many years.  I started in 1962 and since the 1980's I've given blood every eight weeks until the 'double red' came along.  Around 1999 I received my eleven-gallon pin.  I figure I'm working on twenty-plus gallons now.  'Double red' has one hooked up to a machine which separates the red blood cells and the plasma.  After one pint is removed the plasma is returned and the process starts all over again, hence the name 'double red.'  Instead of six trips a year, I now go the Red Cross Blood Bank only three times a year and continue to donate as much as allowed.  After the session I can just walk out, not waiting around the table eating cookies and drinking fluids for 20 minutes before leaving.  I eat the cookies on the way home.  I have a high iron count in my blood so giving is actually good for me.  Sometimes I wonder if my high iron count is responsible for my brain functioning in an abnormal way.  I'm always looking for a reason for any crazy thoughts or decisions I make.  Sure, blame the iron!  Seems like my best reason.  A metal brain!

I must now have my wonderful, lovely salad lunch before departing to the Red Cross.

For all our family in Indy, I'm sorry to see Peyton Manning leaving the Colts.  This shows it is just a business.  Loyalties don't seem to matter, especially when twenty-eight million dollars are involved.  Question, will you still root for the Colts when Peyton takes the field with a competing team?  I wonder!

I can't think of anything else to say so:

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

A Productive Day . . . Of Sorts

It has 'snot' been a good day so far.

I have had several rounds of multi-tissue nose blowing.  And when I say multi I really do mean multi.

If I have to bend over to pick something up, my head hurts from all of the nose blowing.

I don't feel congested, so I am hoping this purging means that I am nearing the end of The Plague, Part 2....

And there will be no more sequels if I have anything to say about it!

(Postscript:  I did venture out to get a haircut today.  I am happy to report that it went well, so the day was not a total loss.)

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

Have you ever had one of those days when you tried to accomplish something, but you end up going backward instead?  Like you would have been better off not even trying in the first place?

That was my day.  Well, regarding one project anyway.

And I am annoyed.

But "isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?"

For the rest of the week I am going to try to flop with the mop!

The Chili Cook-Off

Today was our church's annual Chili Cook-Off.  This event is held to raise money for missions.

Lew and I attended, and so did Matt, Emily, and Eli.

Each chili was served in a little plastic cup so that you could sample each one.  Then you voted for your favorite (or favorites) with tickets that you "purchased" upon entry.  The maker of the winning chili gets possession of the coveted "Golden Ladle" until the next Cook-Off.

I liked almost all of the different chili's, but I was able to narrow it down to three.  I got seconds of each of those in order to make my final decision.

Lew narrowed his favorites down to a group of four -- which happened to include all three of mine!

On our way home, we talked about the fun time we had.  The Cook-Off really is a nice event.

And then Lew informed me, "I really don't like chili."

But he attended anyway....

I always knew that he was a good sport!

(Postscript:  And -- just in case you were wondering -- Eli didn't try any of the chili.)

Just Around the Corner

Oh, what joy!  The Red Sox spring training game was on TV tonight.

Lew and I didn't watch much of it because we were watching a movie.

But we were still excited.  The promise of baseball!  The promise of Spring!

Given our snow-covered lawn, it was nice to see the beautiful green baseball field... even if it is way down in Florida.

Opening Day will be here soon.  :)

(Plague update:  The Gypsy Cold Care tea and the neti pot are still doing the job.  I'm feeling much better!)

How Do 6 Hours Become 2 Hours and 30 Minutes?

Several weeks ago I posted about two TV shows that Lew and I were having a slight disagreement over.  In that post I said that I would watch this season of American Idol with Lew if he would watch the three remaining episodes of Chuck with me.

Lew watched Chuck.  (And he's glad that he did, I might add.)

So that means I am watching American Idol.  We never watch it when it's actually aired.  We DVR it and usually watch it on Friday night.  Lew is always in charge of the remote for American Idol.  (I am in charge during all other DVR'd programs that we watch together.)

This past week American Idol was on three nights in a row, for two hours each night.... And now you should know the answer to the above question!

The Return of The Plague

Major snowstorm today.  We've had so little snow this winter, I think it tried to catch up all in one day!

From reading my previous posts this week, one can surmise that I have been ill again.  It's the same type of cruddy cold or sinus problem -- or whatever -- that I had in December.

Yuck.

I have attacked it differently this time.

One of my friends from church told me about neti pots.  Uh, what?  Deliberately pour fluid through my nose?  Ha ha.

But on Monday -- when I knew that I was getting sick -- I bought a neti pot at the drugstore.   Desperation makes one do crazy things!

I started using the neti pot Tuesday night, and... what do you know?  It helps.  Go figure.

I've also been drinking Gypsy Cold Care tea (by Traditional Medicinal).  It's the first time I've tried it.  Good stuff.  I'm going to always keep some on hand from now on.

Other things I've been doing:

• Eating Cuties (California mandarin oranges)
• Drinking lots of fluids -- mostly water and hot tea
• Putting honey in my hot tea
• Sucking on lozenges -- my favorite is Ricola's Green Tea with Echinacea
• Eating Lew's black licorice jelly beans

Yes, the licorice jelly beans really do help my nasal passages.  Seriously!

(Disclaimer:  The above is not medical advice.  I am not a doctor; I am a normal person, like yourself....)