Dad 321: The End of Summer and the IRS

(Dad could have mentioned another reason: It's getting darker earlier. Enjoy his post!  ~ Tracy)

Derf Here! We continue to enjoy the summer warmth. I find it hard to believe that summer is over for 2016.

How do I know summer is over? There are many reasons. Here are a couple. First of all, schools in the state are now functioning. My second reason, and perhaps the best reason, is that sister Deb has left her Old Orchard Beach cottage and is on her way back home to Florida via Pittsburgh and Indianapolis. I should add she is now in Pittsburgh on the first part of her visitation trip. (She just phoned me.)

Been busy today. Took a trip to the beach for a check on things. Also received another call from the IRS telling me they are about to start a fraud case in my name. I finally called the local police to see if we could call anyone about this. I was told by the officer that there is no way to get back to them to put them out of business. So I'll do what I'm told and just delete all such calls. Everyone told me the same thing. I only get messages because I never answer the phone unless I know who is calling. Stay tuned!

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

End of August Potpourri

My sister Kim's birthday was yesterday, the 29th... not her 29th, but as in the day of the month. Before I get myself in any trouble with her by mentioning her age, I do wish Kim a belated Happy Birthday!

Did you watch any of the Olympics? Lew and I saw most of what was on during the prime-time coverage. We really enjoyed the swimming and the track & field events. The athletes that we were most amazed by: Michael Phelps (of course), Katie Ledecky, and Usain Bolt (a major "of course").

As the Olympics were winding down, the Little League World Series was starting up. We love watching this Series every year. It was so nice to see the U.S. Champion win the World Championship game.

Another thing about the LLWS:  I would love to actually go to Williamsport some year for this event. This year the Maine champion was from Scarborough! If they had won the New England championship, it would have been agony for me not to go to Williamsport this year. Some good friends had a son on the team, as did the president of my workplace. But Rhode Island was the the New England winner, so I didn't have to agonize.

Did I mention that I had a soft tissue graft done last Friday? I will get the stitches out of the roof of my mouth Thursday morning. I am not quite counting the minutes yet, but I can hardly wait. I'll be much more comfortable after that.

Aunt Debbie heads back to Florida at 3:00am — yes, 3:00 in the morning. She will be going to Florida by way of Indianapolis. (Not the most direct route, huh?) She'll be visiting with my cousins Kathy and Wendy, and I think my sister Kim might make it there, too.

Derf writes tomorrow, so my next post will be in September. Summer, where have you gone?

Routine?

I like having what is referred to as a "routine." But the older I get, the more I realize that my idea of a "routine" is not often attained.

Take this summer for instance . . . .

We spent June and July gearing up for the trip to Illinois for Kelsey's wedding. The wedding was similar to the year 0; we referenced all other dates by saying, "before the wedding" or "after the wedding."

Most of August (that is, "after the wedding") has subsequently flown by.  I had three days back at work before my boss was off on her own two-week vacation. (She just got back today.) So work was not quite routine for me.

This past Friday I had some dental work done: a soft tissue graft. (I have mentioned that before on this blog, haven't I?) So my weekend was very low key. I did manage to get to work today and put in 5 1/2 hours. I am still cranky from the dental work. I will be for some time — or at least until I get back into a good routine.

And as I look around my house, I see two rooms that can only be described as "chaotic." My tidying up project has a L-O-N-G way to go. But once that's done, I'll be able to settle into a routine.

Routine.... Yeah, right.

Smile!

Lew's Logbook: Apple Cider Vinegar

(I conked out early last night and never posted on the blog. My dental procedure went fine, but it sure made me tired! I'm glad Lew wrote today. Enjoy his post! ~ Tracy)

A miracle drug: apple cider vinegar.

At breakfast last Tuesday I mentioned my on-going struggle with acid reflux. I am all about a minimalist approach to dealing with it, so I try to stay away from the stronger drugs and use Tums when I need relief.

One of my breakfast buddies said that he knew of someone who had success with apple cider vinegar. I had not heard of that “treatment” so I did some Internet research to check it out.

Not only is it helpful for stomach acid control, apple cider vinegar is useful in dealing with skin conditions, cholesterol control, sore throat, hiccups, stuffy nose, weight loss, leg cramps, and the list goes on. Do a Google search because I’m pretty sure it will be helpful for whatever ails you.

I am drinking a tablespoon of Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar in 6 ounces of water twice a day. No results to report because I’ve only been taking it for 2 days. However, I did notice that I didn’t have any zits this morning.

The Final Straw

Tonight Lew and I took Aunt Debbie out for a belated birthday dinner. My cousin Robert was visiting, so we brought him along with us.

Everyone enjoyed their meal, but the consensus is that I enjoyed mine the most. I found it exceptionally delicious because I won't be able to eat like that again for a while. (Have I mentioned I am having a dental procedure in the morning? Bahahaha! I'm trying not to dwell on it, but it's hard not to.)

I won't be able to use a straw for at least a week. So tonight when the waiter gave Lew a second straw — the one meant for me — I was all over him. I WAS GOING TO DRINK MY RASPBERRY ICED TEA WITH A STRAW!!!!!

But really... I was actually quite nice to the waiter. He was a good guy.

So we had a lovely evening out. Robert commented the company was marginal but the food was excellent. (Bahahaha!)

Speaking of Robert, he said he doesn't mind being called "Bobby" now. We called him "Bobby" as kids, and then he went through his "I want to be called Robert" phase. But I guess age has brought back "Bobby."  I like it.

Tonight Lew and I took Aunt Debbie out for a belated birthday dinner. My cousin Bobby was visiting, so we brought him along with us....

Dad 320: Shots in the Arm

(I'm not ready to be thinking about flu season! Summer, where have you gone?! Enjoy Dad's post! ~ Tracy)

 

Derf Here! Really enjoying the beautiful summer days. It has been a very summery summer. We have totally enjoyed the weather.

 

Yesterday Spouse had a bad day. Had a little problem with her stomach. Actually it was her worst stomach day in the last year and a half. She did eat a little last night and woke up today ready to go.

 

So we went up to see Jim at the local drugstore. He came out to the car and we received our pneumonia shots and our flu shots. So hopefully this will carry us through the flu season without any sickness. Fingers are crossed!

 

If all goes well, we might see Josh with the Maine Maritime football team as they are to scrimmage a team from Massachusetts at Thornton Academy Friday noon. (Hope that we don't get showers until late Friday.) The freshman probably won't play, but it will be nice to see his new team.

 

Enough for today!

 

Until next time!

 

Toodle Pip!

 

Derf!

Hair I Go

After wearing my hair fairly short, I have been growing it out for the past year. I had bangs, but I want to wear my hair all one length. 

As for the desired length, I want to be able to pull all my hair up into a ponytail on the top of my head. (When I told Emily this, she was a little concerned I was going to make this my day-to-day hairstyle.)

My hair has been at the "in-between" stage for what seems like forever, but it's getting there. I just need to persevere, keeping my ponytail dream in sight.

It is good to have goals.

Lew Coins a Phrase

A couple days ago Lew was wondering what a group of cats is called.

"You know, like a pack of dogs," he said.

There are a few suggestions on the web, but Lew decided to make up his own: a cuddle of cats.

I like it.

Lew's Logbook: I'm 68

(Lew writes today. Let's all wish him, "Happy Birthday!"  ~  Tracy)

In about 5 hours I’m going to be 68 years old…68!!! How did this happen?

I don’t feel like I’m 68.

In two years I’m going to be 70!!!

OK, I realize that I’ve used a lot of exclamation marks and that is a no-no but this is a big deal.

Do I look like I’m 68?

Well, one will never get an honest answer to that question. I do know that I don’t look like I'm in my 20s.

I’m very thankful to God for Tracy, family, friends, and good health.

I'm especially thankful that my doctor hasn’t told me that I can no longer eat cake. There will be consuming of cake tomorrow.

Happy Birthday to me.

"Eat Week"

Today I began what I am calling "Eat Week." I am eating whatever I want, whenever I want.

I do have a reason for this week of decadence: At 8:30 next Friday morning I am having another soft tissue graft, which I usually refer to as a "gum graft."

Oh . . . . and I have to have this procedure done for one more tooth in another three to four months.

This means several months of careful eating, so I will be avoiding foods that require excessive chewing and foods that are crunchy.

No nachos! No peanuts! No Swedish Fish!

At least macaroni and cheese will be okay. And I WILL still eat dark chocolate — I'll soften it up in the microwave if I have to!

The Great Upheaval of 2016

Lew wrote on Saturday about how we are cleaning out and reorganizing our house. He has been very cooperative thus far and has humored me in all of my crazy ideas — like moving my desk into a closet. (I love it, by the way.)

I'm sure you have all heard the saying, "It's going to get worse before it gets better." That's my mantra at the moment.

Our guest room is in complete disarray. The floor in our exercise room is serving as a temporary storage area. Our living room has some furniture pieces that will eventually be moved to another room in the house. I have too many pillows on my bed — well, only just one too many.

I'm hoping to have the major tidying done within a few weeks. The detailed tidying (like paperwork, memorabilia, and the like) will probably be done over several months.

So far I have found that "less" really is "more" when it comes to possessions. When you know what you have — and where it is! — you can enjoy it more.

Back to work....

Dad 319: Josh Goes to College

(I'm guessing Debbie was responsible for the waterworks! Enjoy Dad's post! ~ Tracy)

 

Derf Here! Boy, have we had some warm summer days. The AC has been working overtime but doing its job well.

 

Josh was delivered to Maine Maritime Academy last Saturday to start his college career. (I guess there were a few waterworks at the delivery.) Hope to see Josh on the football field within the next two weeks. Work hard, Josh!

 

I am pretty much Olympic-ed out. We have at least five channels that show the Olympics. Some of the activities I saw were activities that I didn't know were considered Olympic sports. I'm ready for them to be over.

 

The baseball season is in full swing and the Red Sox seem to be hanging tough. Hopefully they will continue to do so, but who knows what will happen. I certainly don't.

 

I think I am still recovering from my trip to Kelsey's wedding because I am still tired. Sooo....

 

Until next time!

 

Toodle Pip!

 

Derf!

Wedding Weekend Wrap-Up

With this post I end my series on Kelsey's wedding. Of course I may mention it again in the future. After all, it was a wonderful event!

Just sharing a few odds and ends today....

Lew and I got all dolled up for the wedding. I'm sorry my shoes didn't make it into this picture. They were sparkly.  :)

On the drive home, I saw a beautiful sight at a truck stop. It's usually UPS or the postal service that delivers to my house, but I wouldn't mind seeing this guy drive up with all sorts of goodies just for me!

I brought an empty journal on the trip with me. Early in our travels I told my family members to write or draw in the the journal. I pointed out that the journal was titled, "Brilliant Thoughts." Perhaps that is why the journal came home completely blank.

And to really wrap it up.... Congratulations and Best Wishes to Kelsey and Zach!

May I Have This Dance?

In 56 years of marriage, my parents had never danced together until the "anniversary dance" at Kelsey's wedding.

I don't know if my father had a desire to dance as much as he had a desire to win the contest for the longest marriage.  (My parents tied for first place.)  But it was his idea to get my mother out on the dance floor.  :)

I pray that Kelsey and Zach will have a long-lasting, loving marriage a la "Grandma and Papa."

I love this photo.... And note the newlyweds in the background!

Lew's Logbook: Re-Organizing

(The book I read is The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing, by Marie Kondo. Enjoy Lew's post!  ~  Tracy)

When we moved to Scarborough (about 9 years ago), we downsized because of less living space.

Tracy has been very creative about organizing the space that we have, but it is a process. Every so often she gets some new idea about how things should be arranged.

She recently read a book about de-cluttering. So now we are de-cluttering and re-organizing at the same time.

We worked hard today and did some major work (John Wayne even got moved). So far, I like all we have done. Tracy has granted me veto power if I actually hate a proposed change.

We now have a gumball machine in our living room. (Bet YOU don’t!)

Reception Decor

I took all of these pictures (except the one of the cake!) the night before the wedding. It was a truly beautiful room....

The Menu

The Popcorn Bar . . . . Yum . . . .

Our Table

The Buffet Tables — which looked even better when the food was brought out!

Glen, Josh, and Zack helped Zach put those lights up.

The Wedding Cake.
Kelsey used the cake server that her Grandma and Papa used at their wedding 56 years ago!

Cousins

Our family had three generations of cousins represented at Kelsey's wedding this past weekend.

My mother's cousin Ray and his wife, Pam, came!

Pam, Ray, and Mom.

Our cousins Kathy and Wendy were there! Kim didn't make it into this picture because she was too busy being the mother of the bride.  :)

Debbie, me, Kathy, and Wendy.

The youngest generation of cousins has a new member! Welcome, Zach!

Back: Zack, Kaelen, Josh
Front: Zach and Kelsey

Dad 318: Our Historic Summer Weekend

(I went back to work today.... Sleepy! Enjoy Dad's post! ~ Tracy)

 

Derf Here! Coming to you from the cloudy, gloomy, and damp Northeast. It has been a good day to sleep. I say this as Spouse is eating her noon sandwich at 4:30 PM.

 

Well, our big summer weekend is now history. We are all back from a trip to Illinois for the wedding of our granddaughter Kelsey. We traveled in a Class-A R.V. 1200 miles to Rock Falls, Illinois. There were eight of us: Glen, Deb, Josh, Zack, Lew, Tracy, Mary Lou (Spouse) and moi (Derf). Glen did all the driving and did it expertly.

 

Glen, Lew, Josh and Zack got a chance to play a little golf at a golf course partially owned by our granddaughter's husband's family. (A welcome family addition!)

 

Suffice it to say the weekend was a success. We met up with Spouse's cousin Ray and his wife Pam. The wedding was beautifully performed by our great-niece Heather. Nothing better than a family gathering.

 

It was a great weekend, but it will take us a while to catch up on our sleep.

 

I'm done.

 

Until next time!

 

Toodle Pip!

 

Derf!

Editing

When Robert and Amy got married on Everybody Loves Raymond, Marie Barone made a scene at the wedding. Raymond gave a toast at the reception and said "editing" would help when remembering the day.

Although nothing happened at Kelsey's wedding to match what Marie Barone did, a little "editing" may be useful when we think back on the first half-hour of our R.V. ride to Illinois....

Let's just say we got the worst part over with first thing, which is how I like to roll anyway. (I always eat my vegetables first because — well — yuck.)

Family members who read this blog already know the details of that infamous half-hour. But in case we forget in the years to come, I will heretofore provide two brief memory-joggers:

• A fainting performance
• Money retrieval

And that's all for tonight! Dad (a.k.a. Derf) writes tomorrow. I'll be back Thursday with more wedding weekend commentary and pictures.

Home!

Home.... How sweet it is.

We pulled into the driveway right at 4:00pm. I'm still doing laundry, unpacking, and hugging my kitties every few minutes.

We had a lovely weekend with family as we celebrated Kelsey's marriage to Zach. I will share more about the weekend later.

Right now I plan on a much-needed shower and a good night's sleep in my own bed!

Congratulations, Kelsey & Zach!

Sister Kim's baby girl got married today!

I will share more about the wedding this coming week. Tonight I sign off with:

"Welcome to the family, Zach!"

The Day Before the Wedding Day

Zach gave us a tour of his family farm. I got to stand next to their little green tractor.

Zach's parents invited us to the rehearsal dinner.

And now it is time to get some sleep!

T-Plus One Day

After a whole day and night of traveling, we have arrived for the wedding festivities.

I took "before travel" and "after travel" selfies.

Before: I wasn't so sure about the whole R.V. thing.

After: I'm going to take a shower and rest in a real bed!

Dad 317: Blast Off!

(It's Wednesday. Dad writes today! ~ Tracy)

Derf Here! Enjoying another summer day.

Here I sit very early on blog day. Why is this? Well, our Scarbrough family will be leaving in a couple hours for a 1,200-mile ride to Illinois.

We are looking forward to the wedding of Kelsey -- our granddaughter, niece, and cousin.

We will make the trip in a 43-foot Class A motorhome.

We'll be on our way shortly, so I'm done now.

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

T-Minus One!

My bags are packed as much as they can be. Will have some last-minute stuff to put in tomorrow morning.

The R.V. has been in our driveway since Sunday. It is huge.

I have been texting and leaving notes all over the house for our house-sitters. Our kitties will be in good hands.

And now I must get some sleep... if I can!

Advice Extrapolated

One of my favorite bloggers is Susanna Foth Aughtmon, a tired supergirl.

She wrote a hysterical post back in May with the advice of "don't buy a swimsuit from China." (You can read that post by clicking HERE.)

I had a similar experience when I ordered a "Batgirl" t-shirt to wear to Adam's superhero birthday party.

My favorite online shopping site had just the shirt I wanted. There were no customer reviews, but it wasn't like I was buying an evening gown.

I was going to order it in large, but then I remembered Lew's frequent remark about how I wear my clothing too loose and baggy (my euphemism for that is "comfortable").

So I ordered a medium.

The website said nothing about the shirt being shipped from China.

I was barely able to get the shirt on my body. I wore it long enough to get through the party.

It is now part of Emily's superhero wardrobe. She will look adorable in it.