NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo is short for "National Novel Writing Month."  This event is held each November.  The challenge is to write 50,000 words by the end of the month.

With some trepidation, I have decided to participate in NaNoWriMo this year.  At the end of each day, I will update my total word count on the NaNoWriMo website.  Once I hit the 50,000 word count, there is a verification process on the website.  The prize is ... Ta Da! ... a Winner's Certificate.  (The real prize, of course, is a finished novel.  It will be subject to much editing, but it's a really good start!)

The event website has a "buddy" section.  I have one "buddy" so far -- a friend from college who participated last year.  So I'm glad that I have at least one other person to commiserate with.  And I'm sure that Mainely Tracy readers will get their fill of how I'm doing.... LOL!

If you're interested in learning more about NaNoWriMo -- or maybe even participating yourself -- check out the website at:  http://www.nanowrimo.org/

I start tomorrow.  Wish me luck!

A Weekend Ends

I'm at a loss for today's blog post because I have no new pictures of Eli to share.

I did manage to show photos of him to some of the ladies at church this morning.  They all said that he really is one of the cutest babies ever.  :)

The word from Matt is that Eli is a night owl.  Poor Emily!  I guess she got a chance to have a nice nap today.  Here's hoping that Eli will soon want to sleep when it's dark outside.  Hoping....

In other news:  We woke up to a snow-covered landscape, but the storm was over.  We never lost our electricity, but some neighboring areas did.  We were without cable service for several hours, though.  It finally came on during the second half of the Giants game today.  Phew!  (Although it would have been OK for cable to be out for the late afternoon Patriots game.  They played stinky!)

Milestones

It's hard to believe, but my eyes do not deceive...

IT IS SNOWING RIGHT NOW!

The first snowfall of the year on October 29... that's too early as far as I'm concerned.  I just read some Facebook comments about the roads being really slippery, so I'm glad that Lew and I were able to stay in tonight.

We took advantage of our night in to finish watching Castle, Season 3 on DVD.  So now we can start watching the Season 4 episodes that are really clogging up our DVR.

Let's see... the first snow, the completion of Season 3, and one more milestone....

Matt and Emily took Eli home today.  :)

Eli's first car ride.

Photos... by Eli



I was less than 2 hours old when Daddy took this picture yesterday.



Grampa, Daddy, and me... three generations of Tibbetts men!
This photo was taken yesterday as I met Grampa for the first time.
Grampa says that it was love at first sight.



Good Morning.... TGIF!

 

I share a special moment with Daddy.



Mommy... the first woman I ever loved.



Baby :)

Eli Riean
Born today, October 27, 2011, at 3:51 p.m.
8 lb. 10 oz.;  20 1/2 inches long
Mom, Baby, and Dad are doing great!

Dad 68: Our Last Midwest Week

(The baby watch continues.  In the meantime, enjoy Dad's post!  - Tracy)

Derf Here!

Back home in Scarborough, Maine from Illinois and Indiana.  A great visit was had and a great homecoming to 198 Pine Point Road.  (Welcomed by Lew, Tracy, and of course, Pepper, the bestest kitty in captivity.)  It is nice to visit and observe family activities, but it is also nice to return home to familiar surroundings.  Now must prepare for winter.  Bring it on!

Three big events were witnessed in our last Midwest week.  We attended "senior night" at the football game.  Kelsey was honored (with Joe and Kim) as a member of the cheering squad and as a super-duper head Drum Major for the award-winning Eureka High School Band!  This event gave Kaelen and I a chance to use up our excess bubble stuff left over from Chris and Heidi's wedding.  Congratulations to Kelsey and family friend Ali for senior night recognition.

Saturday we traveled to University of Illinois at Champaign.  Band competition was the day's event.  Kelsey's band competed with ten other bands (total of eleven) in their class.  They received two trophies, including the overall second place trophy.  (Prior to the awards ceremony we had the opportunity to watch the U of I band of 330 performers put on a show.  What a great band.  One of the best college bands in the country.)  This week Eureka will go to Illinois State University in Bloomington for the state championship competition.  The winning band at University of Illinois will not be in their class, so we're hoping for a good showing.  Good luck to the Hornets!

Sunday morning we went to a local church where Joe's college choir (about 80 voices) performed.  One song featured Kaelen and friend Sara in a duet.  Well done, ladies!  This was the first public performance of the choir and they did a great job in our opinion.  A great service.

A brief lunch time -- loaded the R.V. and started for Maine at 1:00 p.m. Central time.  Spent Sunday night at a truck stop in the R.V.  Left Monday morning after cereal about 8:00 a.m.  Drove through until home at about 10:00 p.m.  We stopped for snacks a couple times and for gas several more times.  Only one incident while traveling on the Mass. Pike.  I missed a little doggy and the van that had stopped in the middle of the road with no flashers.  Spouse told daughter that I drive like a NASCAR driver.  I take that as a compliment. Thanks, Spouse!

Enough said for now.

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

Still Waiting

I was really hoping to write about the arrival of a new family member today.

But no news yet.

So the baby watch continues.

Or is it really a baby warning?

Consider a tornado watch vs. warning.  During a watch, you need to pay attention to the weather authorities -- they'll keep you up do date.  During a warning, you usually have to go to the basement!

I'll stick with baby watch for now.  It will become a warning when we get the phone call from Matt informing us that they're going to the hospital.

You can call any time, Matt.

Really.

Any time would be good....

One Arrival Down, One to Go

I was waiting for my parents to get home before posting on my blog tonight.

I'm happy to report that they arrived at 9:47 pm.  It's nice to have them back home safely.

But I'm still anticipating one more arrival....

Emily, WHEN are you going to have that baby??!!

Due date is tomorrow.   :)

Cat Care Changes

I received a few text messages from my mother today.  She and Dad began their long drive home around 1:00 p.m. (Central time).  They should get home tomorrow evening.

Here is one of the more recent texts she sent:

"Dad wanted me to check on Pepper."

I assured her that Pepper is fine.  What I didn't tell her was that some changes have been made during their absence.  I will take the opportunity to document those changes now....

Pepper is given "goodies" four times a day:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Nite-Nite.  At one point, she was getting six goodies at each of these times!  Last fall -- while my folks were away -- I cut it back to four goodies at a time.  Well, this year I decreased it down to three.  Do you hear that, Derf???  Only three goodies at a time!

• Pros:  She eats more of her regular food, which is better for her.
• Cons:  She wants goodies all of the time.  (But that's the same as always!)

The more significant of the changes is her daily brushing.  (This is instead of the "no brushing" that she had been receiving.)  I find that the best time to brush her is first thing in the morning, before dispensing her breakfast goodies.  I keep on brushing until she tries to bite the brush -- or me.

• Pros:  The hairball "deposits" are greatly diminished.  Greatly.
• Cons:  My hand has had a few meetings with Pepper's teeth.  But nothing too bad.

Yes, Pepper has been well cared for while my parents have been away.

But, Mom... er... um... about your plants....

Fist Pump

We had a wonderful breakfast with Dick and Carole this morning.  They had their two-year-old granddaughter, Vivian, with them.  Today was actually the first day they could say "two-year-old."

Happy Birthday, Vivian!

Toward the end of our dining experience, Vivian was high-fiving Carole.  I wanted to know if  Vivian knew how to fist pump, and eventually she showed me that, yes, she did.

Vivian fist pumped Carole.  Then she fist pumped Dick.  When I held out my fist, she looked at me, shook her head, and said, "No."

We all laughed!  Then we tried again.

Carole....  Got the fist pump.
Dick....  Got the fist pump.
Tracy....  "No."

And we all laughed again!  :)

The All-Health Day

Last Friday I wrote about the "All-Weather Walk," so I thought I'd carry over the "All" theme.

My Friday walk with Ellen was preempted, because I had a doctor appointment this morning.  I have a prescription that needs to be renewed every six months, and my six months were up.

My doctor told me that I am one of his most healthy patients.  (I'm not sure what that says about the rest of them!)  My blood pressure was 100 over 60 -- the same as six months ago.  My doctor always mentions that he's jealous of my blood pressure, and today was no exception.

Yes, I was feeling mighty fine this morning.

For the past several hours, I've been fighting off a migraine.  I love migraines.  If I get a really bad one, I usually upchuck and have to curl up into a ball on the bed for a few hours, wishing that someone would knock me unconscious.

Fortunately I did not get to that point today.

Although I am tired of my head aching.

But I was feeling mighty fine this morning.

Kitty Breath

Pepper the Cat has bad breath.

She sticks her face in my face quite a bit, so I can't help but notice her halitosis.

I told her that I was going to Google "cat breath mints."  But then I really did do the Google search.

I couldn't believe it.  There actually are breath mints for cats.  Breath mints.  Mints!

Pepper is still trying to make up her mind between the Meow Mints and the CatToids....

Dad 67: Derf from Illinois - Week 4

(I just got home from having lunch with Emily, and what did I find in my e-mail?  Today's Derf entry!  I do love being able to copy and paste.  As for Emily, no sign of baby yet -- except for the big bulge!  Any day now, any day now....  In the meantime, enjoy Dad's post.  -- Tracy)

Derf Here!

This will be my last post from the Midwest (Eureka, Illinois). Come Sunday afternoon, Spouse and I will be on the road in a Northeast direction that will lead us back to Scarborough, Maine. I really thought we would be thrown out prior to our scheduled departure time, but it didn’t happen. We still have a couple more performances to observe, including Joe’s Eureka College Choir singing at a local church this coming Sunday. We will attend that service, before departing, to hear Kaelen sing a duet with fellow choir member, Sara. Looking forward to that!

Debbie finally let us know that Josh’s football team is still searching for a win, while Zack’s teams completed two wins on Saturday.

Sunday I had the opportunity to sing at Eureka Bible Church with our Henry family. Joe, Kim and Kaelen were in good voice, but Kelsey had to sit out with a bad case of laryngitis. We missed her!

We sang five songs as time flew by for us. As for our captive audience, they survived to live for another day. Pastor Tom Swanson has given me the opportunity to sing when I visit EBC. I don’t always take him up on the offer, but did this year. It was great to sing with family again. There is no greater joy in life than standing with family members and singing gospel music to a receptive audience. Thank you EBC (Tom).

Attending EBC Sunday was Andy Studebaker, a member of the NFL. His team had the bye weekend. He plays defense for the Kansas City Chiefs. In a previous blog, I mentioned Andy as I am familiar with his parents. I’ve seen Andy several times and I finally decided to meet him. I was very pleased and told him I watched for him in all KC clips and will root for him except when playing the Patriots. I’m looking forward to that Monday night football game in Foxboro later this year. Watch KC for number “96”. That will be Andy!

We ate lunch at Busy Corner! We always have a family meal at the Goodfield restaurant. I have a baseball cap that I frequently wear in Maine that says Busy Corner! We were joined Sunday by Ali, Kelsey’s friend who visited us in Maine this past summer. Good to see Ali again. Ali is head cheerleader for Kelsey’s crew and also a “pit” band member for head drum major Kelsey’s band. Friends!

We also had a visit from newlyweds, Erik and Emily Swanson. Erik is Pastor Tom and wife Lynn’s son. We’ve known Erik for many years, as he has been and is a very good Henry family friend. We had a nice visit.

Spent today visiting the pet store buying Cocoa much food and treats. He is now supplied for the next few years, or until he runs out.

Next time I’ll sum up our last week here in Illinois and our trip home. I might even have a monkey story.

Until Next Time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

P.S. Sister Jean is now on Facebook. Welcome to the world!

Where Is TOTUS?

While Lew and I were eating a scrumptious dinner that he had prepared (cube steak, potato, green beans, bread), he told me that TOTUS had been stolen.

Huh?

I was familiar with POTUS, FLOTUS, and SCOTUS.  But TOTUS?

By now, probably everyone in the the country knows that TOTUS is the Teleprompter of the United States.  Specifically, President Obama's teleprompter.

The vehicle that it was in has been located, but no word on TOTUS.

Good night, TOTUS -- wherever you are!

My New Schedule

I am still catching up from being gone this weekend, so I haven't completely followed my new schedule today.  But for the most part, it went really well the past two weeks.  So as promised, I am now sharing my new schedule with you....

Here is what I try to do each weekday, in the order presented:

• Rise & Shine at a time with a "6" in the front
• Eat a banana
• Exercise (takes about an hour)
• Breakfast & Newspaper
• Shower
• Devotion
• At least one household chore
• In-Basket, E-mail, other online stuff
• Run errands, if any
• WRITING
• (Lunch sometime in here)
• MORE WRITING
• Dinner with Lew
• Mainely Tracy blog (if not done during WRITING time)
• Devotion with Lew
• Read
• Lights Out at a time with a "10" in the front

I usually have choir rehearsal on Wednesday nights, and there are a few other things that are specific to a certain day.  So I fit those things into the general timeline above.

 

Fascinating, I know.  (LOL!)

Number 650 and a Celebratory Cartwheel

This is the 650th post on Mainely Tracy!

Lew and I were away Friday afternoon through late last night.  We went "up north" with our church choir for a couple concerts to help raise funds for our missions program.  It was fun, but we're still pretty pooped!  So I'm keeping my own post short tonight.

I encourage you to please take a few moments to read Barry's October 13th post titled "Always" on Update on Suzy.  Lew and I continue to thank God for the miracle He is working in Suzy's life.  If I could do a cartwheel, I would!  :)

G'nite!

My Castle Addiction

Several months ago my mother told me that I would enjoy the TV show Castle.  It was a show that Lew and I were not familiar with, so we put the first season in our Netflix queue.

Then we put the second season in our queue.

We are currently watching the third season, which just came out on DVD in September.

The fourth season is now airing on television.  We are recording all of these new episodes on our DVR.  We will watch them -- in order -- once we finish the third season.

I enjoy the show because the main character, Rick Castle, writes mystery novels.  He also helps solve real murder cases.  He's kind of like a male Jessica Fletcher (remember Murder, She Wrote?).  There is also romantic tension on the show between Castle and detective Kate Beckett.

Whenever we get the next DVD, I want to watch all of the episodes right away.

Lew tells me that I have an addiction.  At least I admit it!

The All-Weather Walk

Weather (and schedules) permitting, I walk with my friend Ellen on Wednesday and Friday mornings at 8:30.  We always text message each other to confirm.

Ellen texted first today.  "Should we try it?"

I responded, "I'm game if you are!"

Ellen's "try" question referred to the fact that it had been raining.  Before I got back to her, I looked out the window and saw that the rain had stopped.

When I left my house, I was pleasantly surprised by how warm and comfortable it was outside -- although I did have to put my hood up because water was dripping off of the trees.  When Ellen and I met up at the corner, we chatted a bit about the nice weather.

During our walk, Ellen got warm enough at one point to remove her jacket.

As we were nearing the end of our walk, we were both holding our jackets tighter around us to keep warm.  We couldn't tell if it was raining or not.  Our eyeglasses were getting droplets on them, but that could have been from the wind whipping the earlier raindrops off of the trees.

Our walking route takes us past Ellen's house twice.  She heads inside the second time and I continue walking home.  When we reached this point today, I still couldn't tell if it was raining or not.

By the time I got home, it was warm and comfortable again -- just like it was when I started out.

That's Maine weather for you!

Peanut Butter

I have decided that peanut butter tastes good on just about anything.  I have recently eaten it on:

• cheese
• bananas
• apples
• grapes
• white-cheddar-flavored rice cakes
• celery
• chocolate  :)

It also tastes good on a spoon.  (I don't eat the spoon.)

I am going to branch out and try peanut butter on even more foods.  Any suggestions?

Dad 66: Derf from Illinois - Week 3

(Ahhh... another week of "copy and paste" for me.  Me li-kee!  Enjoy Dad's post.  -- Tracy)

Derf Here!

From the Midwest again. I’ve got one more post from here before returning home to Maine if all goes well. The weather is still summer like but is supposed to turn back to fall tomorrow. However, my personal weather girl (Kelsey) assured me that tomorrow will also be summer like. Who am I to doubt her?

I’ve been told that summer season is officially over in Scarborough. The “Dairy Corner” is closed and the “Pizza and Pier Fries” are closed for hibernation. How can we survive? Good Grief!

Kelsey slept on the family room couch last night. When I asked her why – she responded: “I couldn’t find my bed.” She cleaned her room today and it was still there (the bed!). She is serenading me now at the piano. Really, quite good!

Kim went to grill the other day but was cut short as the grill was out of gas. I got in Joe’s truck to go to the store and the gas gauge was below empty. Is there a pattern here? Kim and I went grocery shopping and when returning home she finally looked at her car’s fuel gauge. Would you care to guess? It was below empty. The fumes carried us to the local station for a fill-up. I really didn’t want to call AAA! We did fill the tank for the grill while grocery shopping, so all fuel is well at this time.

When checking out at Wal-Mart, Kim and I had separate carts. Kim proceeded first. She grabbed a bag filled with full cardboard milk cartons. They were suddenly empty as the bag broke and they met up with the floor. I didn’t know that a gallon of milk could float a canoe. As of that incident, I now know a lot of liquid is in those containers. The employees were very cooperative and even went and got Kim two more cartons. Some people you just don’t want to be seen in public with. You be the judge! You guessed correctly!

Kaelen had a scheduled eye appointment after the high school homecoming parade! They still throw candy during the parade and Kim knew most of the participants. We received just less than one half bushel of sweets. Then I decided to ride into Peoria for Kaelen’s eye exam. Upon arrival, I told them I would stay in the car. I was in the backseat – window open and ready to watch the people. Kim locked me in the car and off they went. Well, after 15 – 20 minutes I thought I’d get out and walk around the parking lot. Upon my pulling the door handle, I unleashed the car alarm. I reached out to open the door from the outside with no success. I want to tell you that horn is LOUD! I checked again with the inside handle and was freed. I proceeded sheepishly into the office, found Kim, returned outside and shut the alarm off. I remained in the backseat motionless the rest of the time. I did take an occasional breath!

Debbie hasn’t mentioned Josh and Zack’s football so I know nothing about their success or lack thereof.

We did watch the Colts/Chiefs game. I must confess to niece Kathy that I rooted for the Chiefs. Reason – Number “96” on the Chiefs is Andy Studebaker. He is from Eureka High School and his family attends Kim and Joe’s church. I know his father, who was present at the game. I only root against the Colts for the Patriots and Chiefs. It was good to see Peyton at the game on the sidelines. I hope he continues to mend. I don’t want him to end his career this way. Faith tells me he will return. We all are waiting.

Our highlight of the week was attending the Eureka High School football game. Not for football, but to see our star Granddaughter, Kelsey, leading the band as head drum major, and also watching her perform, quite admirably I might add, as a competition cheerleader. I am not a lover of cheerleaders, but Kelsey is worth watching with her team. Looking forward to more shows in the next 2 weeks. Bring it on!

Until Next Time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!


Cheerleaders Ali and Kelsey



Encouragement

I'm currently in "week two" of trying out my new schedule.  It's going pretty well.  It's not perfect, of course, but it's an improvement over the old one.  Maybe I'll share my schedule secrets with you early next week.  (Now that is something to look forward to....)

Even though she's not officially on my schedule, I have been working hard taking care of the kitty.  Pepper needs a lot of attention.  She likes to "kiss" me and she even stretches up and hugs me.  (Really, she does!)  She puts her front legs on either side of my neck and then rubs the top of her head in my face.  We fondly refer to this action as "the head butt."

Signing off tonight with the following thought:  When you need encouragement, PUSH a FROG!

(PUSH:  Pray Until Something Happens.  FROG:  Fully Rely on God.)

Another 80-Degree Day, But....

Think of the saddest tune that you possibly can.  Hum it to yourself while reading the following words:

It's the last Pier Fry
that I'll eat this year.
And the last pizza
from Bill's.  Oh, dear!

Yep.  Columbus Day is closing day for most of our area's seasonal businesses.  After today they board up the windows, roll up the sidewalks, and go home to hibernate for the winter.

So... Lew and I just made our last Pie & Fry run of 2011.

Boo hoo....  :(

Flavor of the Day

Another 80-degree day!

Lew and I took a walk down to the Eastern Trail wearing shorts and T-shirts -- no jackets.

I lost the Motorcycle Game on the way home.  But I am the overall winner for the season.  :)

During half-time of the Patriots game, we went to Bayley's to get ice cream.  Lew got the Strawberry while I was much more adventuresome... Pumpkin Pie!  It was scrumptious.

We came home and finished watching the Patriots beat the Jets.  (That's the NFL equivalent of the Red Sox beating the Yankees.)  Lew is taking credit for the win, because he suggested that Tom Brady get a haircut after their loss a few weeks ago.  Tom must have heard Lew, because he did sport a new haircut the next game.  I'm sure that's what turned things around for Tom.... Maybe he should shave his head before the playoffs.

Have a wonderful Columbus Day tomorrow!

The Return of Summer

It's 81 degrees outside today!

In October!

In Maine!

So why am I on the computer??!!!

I'm going to keep this short and go sit on the deck with my Kindle.

For your viewing pleasure, below are some pictures of Lew suffering -- while our "lawn care guy" vacations in Illinois.  :)

15 Years of Fair and Balanced

Today is the 15th anniversary of the Fox News Channel.  (Congratulations, FNC!  I hope you're around for many more years.)

People either love or hate Fox News, depending on political sensibilities.  Either way, one can not argue with success:  Nine years as the number one cable news network, and counting.

On a different subject.... My father was very concerned about Pepper before leaving on his trip.  He wanted to write up a contract for her care.  I said that a contract wasn't necessary; I know how to take care of a cat.

In order to ease his mind, however, I am presenting evidence of Pepper's current existence:

I couldn't get her to hold the newspaper underneath her chin, but she is obviously excited about today's best sports headline.  (Thank you, Tigers!)

Pass the Card

As promised in an earlier post, here is how to play PASS THE CARD (Ellen's house rules).  A good party game!

Each player gets three tokens (for example: poker chips, pennies, Oreo Cookies....)

Use a regular deck of playing cards.

Aces are "high."
Kings are "wild."

Each player is dealt one card, face-down. (You may look at your own card.)

Goal: To NOT have the low card at the end of the hand.

The player to the left of the dealer goes first.

The player decides whether or not to swap their current card with the person directly to their left. If "yes," then the person on the left must trade unless they are holding a king. (If dealt a king, you get to keep it and the person to your right must keep their original card.)

If the dealer wants to swap, they must swap with the deck.

Everyone shows their cards at the end of the hand. The player with the lowest card gives up a token to the center of play. (If a tie, both give up a token.)

Once someone is out of tokens, they are out of the game.

The last player holding a token is the winner.

(BEWARE: If you use Oreo Cookies as tokens, you are limiting the number of times you can play the game. Players will end up eating their lost tokens....)

Dad 65: Derf from Illinois - Week 2 - Heidi's Wedding

(I think this is one of Dad's best posts.  Enjoy!  -- Tracy)

Derf Here!

From the great City of Eureka, Illinois. Home of Eureka College (Ronald Reagan’s Alma Mater). Where son-in-law Joe is a professor of music.

Last week I mentioned dropping off the RV for a little tune up. Well, it wasn’t a tune up after all. The vehicle had acted up and from my vast experience with automobiles I thought it needed a simple tune up. However, the experts found a burned out wire resting on the exhaust manifold. I’m not sure if this happened when I changed batteries or not. But, shifting in reverse caused the RV to stall as the wire would ground (with sparks). I was told by the technician we could have caught fire. That would have been a “hot” ending! Was repaired in time to travel to Heidi’s wedding. Hooray!

Spouse, Kim and I traveled to Greenwood, Indiana to attend the wedding in Indianapolis. We arrived early Saturday and were driven about the city by sister Deb. She had been around Indy for a couple weeks and knew the area. The wedding was in a church that reminded me of many of the Maine churches that we used to sing in. It was a neat building. The wedding went well with a beautiful bride. Chris Williams and Heidi Morrow are a fine-looking couple.

Then to the reception held at the Indiana Museum in Indianapolis. The room had been made smaller by the addition of a big red tractor. It was in front of a mural depicting farming. The museum put a large curtain surrounding the tractor. The first thing I did upon arrival was to peek behind the curtain. To my surprise the tractor was a Farmall H. My dad bought the same type tractor in 1948 with a bucket to plow and clean up after snowstorms. I grew up on the tractor and was quite experienced in using the machine at around 12 years of age.

The night went well and it was good to see our Indianapolis family (niece Kathy and Gordon; sister Jean and niece Wendy – the family prayer warrior). Also, good to see niece Heather, husband Greg and children, Lydia and Isaac. Hello to fellow Mainers, nephew Robert and wife Carrie. The evening ended for us as the DJ played my request – Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock and Roll.” I couldn’t just let this pass, so I casually walked to the DJ, asked for a microphone and joined in on the words I knew in the song. I’ve sung better, but enjoyed the performance. Sister Deb got us safely back to the Holiday Inn after a detour. The city was swarming with police officers. Did we feel safe? No, but we reached the hotel with no problems.

You would think that the story of the evening would end here. But it doesn’t! It seems that the bed I shared with Spouse was not properly aligned. The mattress was not centered on the box spring -- after the incident I noticed the mattress was at least 12 inches hanging over the spring. So... later that evening (actually early morning) I was forced off the safe part of the bed to the one foot overhang. Can you guess what happened? I tumbled off the bed. I immediately jumped back in bed. A few minutes later Spouse and Kim asked me if I was OK. I would have been sleeping by the time they asked except for the commotion in the halls and lobby. It seems that my crash had caused a major stir in the hotel. The guests wondered where the earthquake had taken place. Finally, everything was back to normal and all guests went to their rooms relieved that a natural disaster had been averted. While enjoying our breakfast the next morning Robert asked, “Did you fall all the way to the floor?” I assured him that I did. Shortly after a scrumptious breakfast the three of us returned to Eureka. A good time was had by all.

Now we are back watching the baseball playoffs and rooting for the Patriots. Daughter Deb has kept us up to date on Josh and Zack’s football games. Josh is still looking for his first win. Zack, playing for the 6th graders, lost. His 5th grade team won 6 - 0. It seems that the other team’s parents thought Zack should not be eligible to play because he was too large. Zack enjoyed the attention and the win. "Double Zero" remains unfazed.

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

P.S. Congratulations to the Texas Rangers for making the championship series. Now waiting for the Tigers, Brewers and Phillies to join the Rangers.

A Brand New App

Lew told me that yesterday's post was interesting.  I asked him whether he meant "interesting" as in interesting or "interesting" as in strange.  He said it was the first -- and he added, "as in thoughtful."  (Good answer, Lew.)

So just to balance things out a bit, today's post is about dancing Jell-O.

While I was watching the tail end of the Rangers/Rays game late this afternoon, I decided to search through the top free applications in the AppStore on my iPhone.  And that's how I found Jiggle-It.

Jiggle-It is fairly useless -- which is why it's fun, of course.  I decided to have the Jell-O cube dance to "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees.  (I could have selected any song in my iTunes folder.)  The cube even dances to the proper beat.  It's a real riot!

I don't play a lot of games on my iPhone.  I mainly use it for practical purposes (like texting pictures of the cat to my mother).  But when I need a good laugh, I'm going to Jiggle-It!

Another New Schedule

Now that October is here, the summer is officially over.

Really over.

So it's time for me to figure out what Lew is calling my "next move" -- that is, "What am I going to do to earn some money?"  I've been looking at job ads and, quite frankly, none are calling out to me.  Lew says the longer you're out of work, the less you want to go back.  Maybe that's true.  (OK, it's definitely true!)

Still, it's more than not wanting to go back:  It's not wanting to make the same mistakes all over again!

Plus, I sense that there is something "bigger" for me up ahead.

I've joked -- well, partly joked -- about wanting to write a novel.  And why can't I do that?  Good question.  There's nothing stopping me.  I have (what I think is) a great story idea.  I believe that I ultimately have the ability.  And, at the moment, I definitely have the time....

Ohhh... time.  Somehow "the tyranny of the urgent" takes over and I find myself at the end of the day, with no writing done.  I made a schedule a while back -- thinking that it would give me some structure -- but it didn't work.  I think I made it too structured.  There wasn't much room for forgiveness, so when I got "off" I didn't return to it.

So today I approached my schedule differently.  Sure, there's some structure, but it's also more in line with how I actually function best.  And writing it down helps make it more "official."

Want to see my new schedule?  You'll have to wait.  I need to find out if it works first.  :)

My Life Marathon

I have a few church friends that actually enjoy running and participating in 5K's, triathlons, and other contests of physical endurance.  I often ask them if they are crazy!  But in reality I admire their accomplishments.

I have had very brief moments when I've contemplated running a marathon.  The most recent of these "moments" was about 20 years ago... so, yes, it's been a while.  I knew that in order to run a marathon, I needed to train.  But I think the furthest distance I ever ran was about three miles.  My knees began to hurt.  And I realized that I hated running.  So I stopped training (I use the term "training" very loosely).

I am impressed by the determination, commitment, perseverance, dedication, and discipline that is required to complete a marathon.  (I can think of many more qualities, but I think you get the point.)  This same type of effort is needed for our daily living, I think.  So even though you won't see me running in the women's marathon at the Olympics, you can try to picture me running my "life" race.

I run better on some days than on others, so I'm glad that life is more like a marathon than a sprint.  And I am blessed with a great Trainer who has given me the best Manual!

An October Shower

If April showers bring May flowers,
What do October showers bring?

Baby gifts!

Emily's baby shower was today.  I was asked to bring the favors.  That meant a panic text message from me to my sister Debbie.  I knew that she would have a good idea, and she did not disappoint.

Debbie volunteered to pick up the supplies for me so that I could make the favors.  Shortly after she volunteered to do this, I got the following text message from her:

"I would love to make the favors unless you have your heart set on doing them."

What I heard when I read her text to Lew:
"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!"

What I heard when I read her text to Mom:
"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!"

What I heard when I read her text to Carole:
"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!"

I have yet to ask Debbie if she typed that message with a straight face.  :)

My reply (of course):

"You are blessed among women!!! Knock yourself out making those favors!  THANK YOU!"

Emily received many wonderful things today. There were lots of "oohs" and "aahs." So much cute stuff all in one place.

And now it is time to bring on the baby!

:)     :)     :)     :)     :)     :)     :)     :)     :)     :)