The first Cracker Barrel in the state of Maine opened this past week. Lew and I went to it today with some church friends. I had only been to a Cracker Barrel once before (when I lived in Kansas), and Lew had never been to one.
Today was only the 7th day of business for the Maine location, so the place was pretty crowded when we arrived around 1:40 pm. When we heard that it was going to be a 70-minute wait, I thought my husband was going to faint right then from hunger! But it turned out that we waited for only about half an hour.
My Grandma Whisler would have turned over in her grave if she saw what my meal looked like. I ordered Chicken with Dumplings, Corn, Fried Apples, Macaroni and Cheese, and the Corn Muffin. Grandma would have insisted that I order something green so that my plate would have some color. :)
Despite the yellowishness of my meal, it was delicious! I ate every bit of it.
Lew and I both wanted the same dessert. Ordinarily, we share a dessert when we go out to eat. But neither one of us wanted to share today. The dessert was the Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake. (I hear they take all of the calories out before serving it.)
I ate every bit of this highly-recommended dessert, and I would have licked the plate if I had not been out in public.
Happy, happy tummy.....
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Today is November 1+2+3
Matt just celebrated his birthday this past Tuesday (Election Day). He doesn't like to celebrate his own birthday, but we make him do it anyway. (Actually, the family celebrated last Saturday, so we were a few days early.)
I like to express numbers in different ways, and I particularly enjoyed texting Matt the following message on Tuesday: "Happy 2-to-the-5th-power Birthday!"
I can't remember if I've mentioned my license plate habit. If I'm stopped behind another vehicle at a red light, I look at its license plate and try to combine the numbers so that they'll equal a number that I pick, say 10. For example, if the license plate is "491 232".....(4+9-1-2) x (3-2) = 10.
Do you think I'm odd?
(Postscript: Don't even answer that....!)
(Post-postscript: Hope you had a great 32nd birthday, Matt!)
I like to express numbers in different ways, and I particularly enjoyed texting Matt the following message on Tuesday: "Happy 2-to-the-5th-power Birthday!"
I can't remember if I've mentioned my license plate habit. If I'm stopped behind another vehicle at a red light, I look at its license plate and try to combine the numbers so that they'll equal a number that I pick, say 10. For example, if the license plate is "491 232".....(4+9-1-2) x (3-2) = 10.
Do you think I'm odd?
(Postscript: Don't even answer that....!)
(Post-postscript: Hope you had a great 32nd birthday, Matt!)
Friday, November 5, 2010
See You Later, Nana!
My brother-in-law Glen's paternal grandmother passed away on Monday of this week. She was a spunky 92 years old. Her name was Gert (short for Gertrude), but we all called her "Nana."
Nana was in the long-term-care wing at the same facility where Lew's mom is currently in rehab. So I've dropped in on Nana a few times recently. The last time I saw her was late last week. She recognized me, but I could tell she still wasn't exactly sure who I was. Her nurse was in the room, so I loudly explained to the nurse my connection to Nana. When I mentioned Glen's name, Nana pointed to the photos of Josh and Zack that were displayed in her room. Her eyes lit up and she smiled.
On her 80th birthday, Nana held a new-born Joshua. Yes, her first great-grandson had been born on her birthday. (And interestingly enough, Zachary was born on his mother's paternal grandmother's birthday -- that is, on Derf's mother's birthday -- although my Grandma Gowen never got to meet her great-grandsons.)
Nana was a greeter at her church for many years. She handed out the bulletins as people arrived. Josh and Zack explained to people that "Nana guards the door at church!"
Nana and my father (the aforementioned Derf) had an interesting relationship. It was just over a year-and-a-half ago (on Valentine's Day) that she and Dad, both tired of waiting for a birthday cake to be cut into, decided to start eating it on their own. Nana walked over to the cake and carried it back to where she and my father had been sitting. They both had forks and they started to dig directly into the cake! This was not as malicious as it may sound. Josh and Zack had decided that their new dog, Sadie, was born on Valentine's Day. So, my sister Debbie threw a birthday party for the dog and invited the whole family. Nana and Dad figured that Sadie would not be too upset about the lack of pomp and circumstance surrounding the consumption of her cake.
Have a wonderful time in Heaven, Nana! And as Debbie wrote on Facebook:
We won't say good-bye because as her great-grandsons Josh and Zack learned you never say good-bye you always leave her by saying "See you later." So, "We love you and we'll see you later Nana!"
Nana was in the long-term-care wing at the same facility where Lew's mom is currently in rehab. So I've dropped in on Nana a few times recently. The last time I saw her was late last week. She recognized me, but I could tell she still wasn't exactly sure who I was. Her nurse was in the room, so I loudly explained to the nurse my connection to Nana. When I mentioned Glen's name, Nana pointed to the photos of Josh and Zack that were displayed in her room. Her eyes lit up and she smiled.
On her 80th birthday, Nana held a new-born Joshua. Yes, her first great-grandson had been born on her birthday. (And interestingly enough, Zachary was born on his mother's paternal grandmother's birthday -- that is, on Derf's mother's birthday -- although my Grandma Gowen never got to meet her great-grandsons.)
Nana was a greeter at her church for many years. She handed out the bulletins as people arrived. Josh and Zack explained to people that "Nana guards the door at church!"
Nana and my father (the aforementioned Derf) had an interesting relationship. It was just over a year-and-a-half ago (on Valentine's Day) that she and Dad, both tired of waiting for a birthday cake to be cut into, decided to start eating it on their own. Nana walked over to the cake and carried it back to where she and my father had been sitting. They both had forks and they started to dig directly into the cake! This was not as malicious as it may sound. Josh and Zack had decided that their new dog, Sadie, was born on Valentine's Day. So, my sister Debbie threw a birthday party for the dog and invited the whole family. Nana and Dad figured that Sadie would not be too upset about the lack of pomp and circumstance surrounding the consumption of her cake.
Have a wonderful time in Heaven, Nana! And as Debbie wrote on Facebook:
We won't say good-bye because as her great-grandsons Josh and Zack learned you never say good-bye you always leave her by saying "See you later." So, "We love you and we'll see you later Nana!"
 |
| Nana and "her boys" on Mothers Day 2004 (son Bob, grandson Glen, and great-grandsons Josh & Zack) |
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Variety: The Spice of Life?
I had lunch today with a former work colleague that I had not seen in about a year. It is always fun to catch up with "old" friends! We went out for pizza during her lunch break. The pizza was yummy, with lots of meat and cheese. I would get this kind of pizza again if I could remember the name of it.
When Lew arrived home tonight, I told him that I had been out for most of the afternoon, and therefore, I had not made dinner. This made him laugh for some reason.
As he contemplated what to make for dinner, he said, "How about....Oh, you already ate pizza for lunch."
And my response to that.....?
Well, isn't it said that you are what you eat? I hope this is not true, because I would be round, flat and covered with pepperoni! :)
(Postscript: The package of Newman-O's that we bought for Lew a couple weeks ago was finished off tonight. Lew even offered a few of these scrumptious cookies to me....which I accepted, of course!)
When Lew arrived home tonight, I told him that I had been out for most of the afternoon, and therefore, I had not made dinner. This made him laugh for some reason.
As he contemplated what to make for dinner, he said, "How about....Oh, you already ate pizza for lunch."
And my response to that.....?
Well, isn't it said that you are what you eat? I hope this is not true, because I would be round, flat and covered with pepperoni! :)
(Postscript: The package of Newman-O's that we bought for Lew a couple weeks ago was finished off tonight. Lew even offered a few of these scrumptious cookies to me....which I accepted, of course!)
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Dad: Unedited XVII
(I think my entire family is obsessed with our pets. Our furry friends have been mentioned quite a lot lately, and Dad's post tonight continues the trend. Dad apologizes for a "bad blog" tonight, but I hope you'll enjoy it anyway! -- Tracy)
Is it really Wednesday already?
Back home in Maine. Derf here!
Spouse and I arrived home on Saturday, October 30th, just in time for Halloween and the last two baseball games of the year. The San Francisco Giants completed their domination of the Texas Rangers. My dog in the fight was eliminated at regular season's end. Boston! Wait 'til next year! (I've use this line many times in the past). Spring training will be here before you know it. Yippee!
Upon entering our home, Pepper wasn't sure if I belonged in her house and started to go hide under the bed. She suddenly realized her buddies were back from afar and is back to her routine of sleeping all day (most of the time in Mary Lou's lap on the couch). While away, Tracy cut Pepper's treats by one-third. I will try to comply with the cutback. Pepper is not obese but is in fine physical shape for a cat turning 14 years old next May. I must admit that Pepper doesn't need as much care as Cocoa does. Her age also assures us that she is much more mature than Cocoa. On the cuteness scale, Pepper and Cocoa are at the top. Fine specimens they are.
As I look over what I've written today, I am unimpressed with my results. Perhaps I'm suffering for staying up so late watching election returns. Not a bad way to spend an evening.
I'll do a better job writing next week, so please don't abandon me for one bad blog.
Until next time.
Toodle Pip! Derf
P.S. I am ashamed of this post!
Is it really Wednesday already?
Back home in Maine. Derf here!
Spouse and I arrived home on Saturday, October 30th, just in time for Halloween and the last two baseball games of the year. The San Francisco Giants completed their domination of the Texas Rangers. My dog in the fight was eliminated at regular season's end. Boston! Wait 'til next year! (I've use this line many times in the past). Spring training will be here before you know it. Yippee!
Upon entering our home, Pepper wasn't sure if I belonged in her house and started to go hide under the bed. She suddenly realized her buddies were back from afar and is back to her routine of sleeping all day (most of the time in Mary Lou's lap on the couch). While away, Tracy cut Pepper's treats by one-third. I will try to comply with the cutback. Pepper is not obese but is in fine physical shape for a cat turning 14 years old next May. I must admit that Pepper doesn't need as much care as Cocoa does. Her age also assures us that she is much more mature than Cocoa. On the cuteness scale, Pepper and Cocoa are at the top. Fine specimens they are.
As I look over what I've written today, I am unimpressed with my results. Perhaps I'm suffering for staying up so late watching election returns. Not a bad way to spend an evening.
I'll do a better job writing next week, so please don't abandon me for one bad blog.
Until next time.
Toodle Pip! Derf
P.S. I am ashamed of this post!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Election Day
I am sporting a round sticker that says "I Voted Today!"
In the days leading up to an election, I look at the sample ballots online and determine how I'm going to vote. If there's something that I'm unsure of, I try to find more information -- newspaper articles, websites, campaign pieces, mailings, etc. Lew and I then review the ballots together the night before the election, and we make what we call our "cheat sheets."
When we were looking over the ballots last night, there was still one item that we were questioning. So Lew called a very knowledgeable buddy to get his input. Input was received, and we were ready for today.
On my way into the voting site, I shook hands with two of the folks on the ballot. I told both of them that they would be receiving my vote. (I should probably mention that they were running for different offices!)
When I texted Lew about the shaking of hands, he texted back that I should "wash up." I then called him and said that these were the people that we wanted, remember?! And then he reminded me that they had been shaking hands with people all day, so his advice to me was health-related -- not politics-related.
Oh.
Now that I have voted, I am looking forward to watching the election coverage tonight. I am going to stay up until my eyes slam shut!
In the days leading up to an election, I look at the sample ballots online and determine how I'm going to vote. If there's something that I'm unsure of, I try to find more information -- newspaper articles, websites, campaign pieces, mailings, etc. Lew and I then review the ballots together the night before the election, and we make what we call our "cheat sheets."
When we were looking over the ballots last night, there was still one item that we were questioning. So Lew called a very knowledgeable buddy to get his input. Input was received, and we were ready for today.
On my way into the voting site, I shook hands with two of the folks on the ballot. I told both of them that they would be receiving my vote. (I should probably mention that they were running for different offices!)
When I texted Lew about the shaking of hands, he texted back that I should "wash up." I then called him and said that these were the people that we wanted, remember?! And then he reminded me that they had been shaking hands with people all day, so his advice to me was health-related -- not politics-related.
Oh.
Now that I have voted, I am looking forward to watching the election coverage tonight. I am going to stay up until my eyes slam shut!
Monday, November 1, 2010
A Sweet Observation
When I was working, I got home after Lew did about 99% of the time. But due to my current unemployment, I am able to greet him when he arrives home from work.
Lew commented tonight how nice it is to come home to me.
Awwwww....so sweet!
(Note to self: Next job must get me home before husband....)
Lew commented tonight how nice it is to come home to me.
Awwwww....so sweet!
(Note to self: Next job must get me home before husband....)
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