2007 Reflections

It's hard to believe that this blog is now 5 years old. In reviewing the last five Decembers I find that only in the first year did I manage to write anything on December 31st. I thought it a bit odd since the year end is an obvious time for reflection. Back in 2002 when I started this blog, I wasn't sure where it would lead to and in fact I'm still not sure. It's taken turns in all sorts of unexpected directions, following a life of equally unexpected turns. Sad, happy, angry, joyous... it's pretty much all there. I've never gone back and deleted any entries. We can't erase life, although we may choose to hide certain elements. So, I leave what was written in tact with the hopes that anyone who might dig into this journal of sorts will understand that everything was written as I felt it needed to be expressed at the time. Things change. I know not to regret the past and to always hope for the best future.

So what did 2007 bring?

• January: I rang in the year with the best of friends, listening to the best live music ever. I continue to carry the music with me through all good times and sad times.
• February: Little J turned four on Valentines Day. Big J turned 33 on Ground Hogs Day. I see the bonds between father and son and am thankful we can provide a safe meeting place for them.
• March: Our annual Snow Train trip to Reno. On the way back, just after we passed over a trestle near Sacramento it went up in flames. We are thankful we made our trip in safety.
• April: It seems that birthdays often trigger the need to bring some new things into life. This year, it was line dancing. I continue to struggle with the movements, knowing it keeps my mind sharp but realizing that my body doesn't necessarily conform to the rhythm. I accept my limitations and just do the best I can.
• May: Mothers Day was a day of ultimate joy as we were able to bring my dearest friend out to hear Tom Rigney one last time.
• June: A time letting go as my dear friend, Micky, passed away. We may have only shared a small slice of our lives together but this short friendship was my most profound friendship. More than ever, I realize the value of true friendship. She will always be a part of my soul.
• June: The cat named Wanda arrived to fill our house with mischievious maneuverings, delight, laughter, lots of trouble and a few tender moments.
• July: We visited our youngest son's family in Las Vegas. It was a good visit with a bittersweet end... our son and his wife divorced shortly after that.
• August: The legal guardianship of Little J was finalized. It's a challenge to bring up a little one at our age, but we feel blessed that we have this precious child in our care.
• September: We cruised to Alaska. Hubby had a few shipboard duties in his role as tour guide for Key Holidays. Little J had the time of his life with the Princess Pelicans. It was a wonderful 10 day retreat.
• October: Halloween brought out monsters under Little J's bed and creatures in grandmas bed. With a bottle of Monster Spray and a can of Spiders Be Gone... poof they disappeared!
• November and into December: Closing one month and bringing on the last month of the year with a Palm Springs Red Hat convention. The Red Hat Society continues to be a big part of my life - bonds with new friends, travel adventures, fun and escape.

And so another year ends and we look to the new year... we make plans, anticipate the joy and prepare for some sadness. All will be well.

Wishing for the Happiest New Year to All.

Dangerous Tigers on the Loose

On Christmas day San Francisco Zoo, once known as Fleishackers Zoo, had tigers on the loose. By now most of the world probably knows the sad story.

We discovered our tiger had escaped from the bathroom and nestled up next to Wanda under the Christmas tree at just about the same time of day. Just a coincidence... honest.

No one is sure why the tigers escaped on Christmas day.

Wanda thinks Santa brought her a new Mama.

Favorites

The favorite Christmas gift this year for little J... from Great Uncle Don... the remote control realistic looking tarantula, a useful toy for waking Grandma up in the morning and chasing Wanda away from trouble and much more. 4 days later and it still remains the top contender. In fact most of the rest of the stuff has ended up under the sofa, behind the sofa, under the bed and stuffed into the overflowing toy box. Yep, it's a winner.

Other favorite presents... one of Grandmas clients left a penguin package at the front door. It was full of goodies. The racoons had a party. Candy everywhere. They left a few caramels in the bottom of the bottom box. Grandma checked the individually wrapped candies very carefully to determine that there were no stray toothmarks before she ate the candies. No one else dared touch them. Too bad... they were quite yummy.

Gingerbread and Chipmunks

Little J is pleased with his gingerbread masterpiece and Grandma thinks he did a pretty good job too. It is a bit worrisome about the amount of candy and frosting that was ingested in the process considering the cement quality of the frosting after a couple of hours. Hoping for the best "outcome".

We took a break from our Christmas projects to see Alvin and the Chipmunks. Little J's favorite part - seeing that the chipmunks watch Sponge Bob. Grandma's favorite part - sneaking in a nap without Little J noticing.

Sad Endings

It was a mixture of tears and glee today as the children of Happy Times Preschool celebrated their Christmas party. It's the last party as well as the last day of this preschool. Mr. Flagg and Miss Wendy, with heavy hearts, helped the children through many many caroles, doing the best they could to celebrate in the same fashion as Mrs. Flagg would have done. Sadly, Mrs. Flagg passed away earlier this week so Happy Times is closing as of today. Little J had a wonderful experience there. We will all miss being a part of the Flagg family.

So This Is Xmas

Little J and Wanda are thinking a lot about the Xcess Xmas situation.

Is this all there is?

They keep insisting there really is a Santa Claus.
P.S. Grandma thanks Big Brother that there is something under the tree.

Xmas Xcess

We have tried to give Little J a bit of an environmental lesson this year. Early in the day on Saturday, we purchased a live spruce tree figuring that Little J could plant it in the yard next month.

Saturday evening we spent half a tank of $3.55/gallon gas, to drive to where the lights are in abundance. Miles and miles of houses in this neighborhood put out enough energy to light the entire town for a full winter season where I grew up. We ignored the little canisters begging for utility donations. Heck if they can afford to put out the displays, they can afford the bill. What we are wondering is this... must they sign a neighborhood agreement to light up the holidays when purchasing the home in this area?

We chose one of the more energy efficient displays to photograph.

Oh, and about Wanda trouble... somehow she is getting the angel off the top of the tree, not a difficult task since the tree is only about 3 feet tall. That wouldn't be so bad except she has buried it in a pile of dirt next to the tree twice. Is there a message in that?

Angels in the What?

When I was a kid we made angels in the snow. California kids must improvise. They make angels in the sandbox. Poor Mommy, look what Grandma let Little I do right after she washed her hair. VBG (Very Bad Grandma)

Down Through the Chimney

Up on the housetop I hear the paws
Scratches of good old Wanda Claws
Down thru the chimney with lots of suet
Gonna have to give Wanda Kitty the boot

Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go?
Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go?
Up on the housetop, click, click, click
Gonna give Wanda to good Saint Nick

First comes the stocking for Little J
Wanda doesn't let it get in her way
Once past the screen and in the flu
She hides in there pondering what to do

Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go?
Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go?
Upon on the housetop, click, click, click
Gonna give Wanda to good Saint Nick

All of a sudden there's a giant splat
Down on the grate flops Wanda cat
All full of ashes with paws of gray
Soon little Wanda may be a stray

Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go?
Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go?
Up on the housetop, click, click, click
Gonna give Wanda to good Saint Nick

A Big Happy Family

All day long I work work work. Or if I have a day like to today I get to spend it doing a little work work, doing a lot of housework, shopping, taxi-ing, and cleaning up after these sweet little things. All while they sleep the day away on my bed so they can torment me all night with the saved up energy. I caught Rusty and Minnie trying to have a little romance while Wanda was sleeping. Notice how their colors blend. Notice how they all get along so well. Not bad for an "adopted" family from mixed neighborhoods.

Planes and Trains

Flights into Palm Springs are a trip in themselves. After a bit of a delay in Los Angeles, my red hat friend and I boarded the crop duster type plane for the balance of our trip. It may have been a short flight but with all the vibrations, bumps and whooshes I was even thankful for the less than gentle landing. So, it hadn't rained in Palm Springs for 5 years they say. Well it has now. Just send me somewhere and the clouds follow. Note, the sun did come out the day we left. Ah well, a good time was had by 502 red hatters in attendance.

Meanwhile, back at home, hubby was checking out the site of our honeymoon departure 37+ years ago. Trains won't be leaving 16th Street Station again.

It's being reduced to mere rubble for earthquake's sake...

Line Dance With the Family

You might know I've been taking line dancing lessons for several months now. I know, I know, it's an old people's thing. We go to the senior center and see if we can still move our bones each week. But, it turns out it could be a family thing. Check this out...

A Stitch in Time?

Two stitches out of three left. We had no choice but to find the cone. Little J and Grandma embarked on a cat's eye view adventure. Just as we were considering the alteration that of that ugly brown funnel that Little J got in his Halloween goodies (from our local police department... what where they thinking?), we discovered the cone wedged between Little J's video game stand and the wall. Grandma is hoping not to come down with cat scratch fever; the claws were unrelenting. Here is Wanda getting even. If the cone doesn't come off, I fear the TV is next.

Oh No It's a Hangover

It's been almost 20 years. I've gone to meetings. I've followed steps. I've behaved. Really. For almost 20 years. And then I blew it. I stopped going to meetings. I skipped over the steps. I gave in to the cravings.

The result... sometimes these are referred to as a hangover... sometimes "muffin tops"... Oprah calls it Dunlap syndrome. Whatever it is, I'll admit it, I got 'em. But these are not mine... you couldn't pay me enough to put a picture of mine here.

Change of Life

Much to Little J's chagrin, Wanda will not be producing any little kitties and it looks like she might be just a little disturbed by this predicament. Or is that a don't-you-dare-put-that-cone-back-on-my-head pose? Believe me I would put that cone back if I could find it. It seemed to have disappeared over night. Yep, she is up to her old tricks... somehow I thought a little change or life procedure might tame her habits. Not. The vet will not be happy if she pulls out those stitches. I will not be happy if I must pay yet another vet bill to put those stitches back. Doesn't she realize she is on her last life?

It's Alive

Wanda swears the chicken moved. It's alive. Minnie and Rusty don't believe a single meow.

Notice, Wanda is still alive also. Barely hanging on to that last life.

Are we amewsed yet?

Hmmmmm... I wonder if the restaurant where I dined last night got their chicken the same place. Their attempt to disguise the rubbery textured chicken with pasta sauce was futile.

Last Life?

I think I found out why my printer has been jamming lately. One Life Left to Live...

Cleaning Up the Evidence

Wanda was bad.

I caught her trying to turn on the light...

I do believe she intended to launder Grandpa's

jacket before he found the mess.

2 lives????

Wanda Has Food Issues

First she gets into the pots and pans... a little Tuna Helper perhaps?

Then she gets into the fine china...

But she settles for the rubber chicken.

This is worth what?

Just a little research and I find that my blog entries are worth an average of $3.83 each. Hey, that's not so bad. If I made a mere 36 entries per day, I could almost retire.

My blog is worth $2,258.16.
How much is your blog worth?

Whut Hatz

Check this one out. ICANHASCHEEZBURGER.COM I laughed out loud at work. Fortunately no one was here to hear me. I think maybe, just maybe, Wanda might have a chance to gain a few lives here. She might get famous. But, I'll need your votes if you happen to see her picture there. Watch for it. Hint: It will contain the words "Whut Hatz" and you will probably recognize the picture.

Martian Food

It seems as though even the vegetables are dressing up for Halloween. But underneath it all, this is real old fashioned cauliflower, aka Romanesco Cauliflower.

Lately Little J insists that there are only two vegetables worth consuming, carrots and corn. The days of disguising vegetables as broccoli trees and purple beet happy faces went out with the highchair. Even a plate full of martian Christmas trees that Grandpa had to travel all the way to another planet to get didn't impress Little J. Not even one little nibble. Oh well, Grandpa and I thought it was... well... interesting.

You know you are getting old when...

You tell someone of a younger generation to...

and they don't get it.

Monsters Under the Bed

It's almost Halloween and there are Scary monsters everywhere. Consequently, Little J has been refusing to stay in his room at night. For years, I have been amazed at how easy it has been to get him to sleep, most nights anyway. Unfortunately 4 is the age of the monster under the bed and Little J is no exception. Darn. I've tried monster spray and night lights. He has new bedtime buddies and the cartoon before bed routine has been eliminated. We've read the monster under the bed kind of books. Nothing works. Help.



Meanwhile Little J's favorite cartoon character is Scooby Doo. Guess who came to trick or treat in the park this afternoon? None other than...

Managing Waste

A couple weeks ago everyone in our little city received this useful kitchen collector. Because I wasn't exactly sure why we were the recipients of this useful kitchen collector, I read the accompanying instructions. It seems this container is meant to be a convenient place to store all our recyclable food scraps so that we can place them on top of our green waste cart on our regularly scheduled weekly pick up day. We are under no circumstances supposed to contaminate this waste by lining this useful kitchen collector with plastic bags of any type. So, who wants to keep a container full of fruit and vegetable peelings, table scraps (including meat, poultry, fish and cheese), eggshells, coffee grounds with filters, tea bags, bread, paper bags and towels in this useful kitchen collector all week long? Did I mention it has a convenient little lip on the back so it can conveniently hang on the cupboard knobs? I'm thinking wolf spiders, which seem to be quite prevalent in our household at this time, would find a new breeding ground there. I'm sure Wanda would appreciate the easy access to fish bones. It seems a better use might be something a bit more sanitary and a lot less odoriferous, like perhaps all those garbage bills that have been piling up around here...

Creatures in the Night

Wanda was all cuddled up next to me a couple nights ago, ready to sleep through the night, as she has been doing for the last week or so. Suddenly there was a thud on my pillow. Wanda leaped three feet into the air. I reached over to turn on the light just in time to see a giant hairy eight footed monster scurry under my blankets. As Wanda peered into the sheets, ready to pounce on it, perhaps in an attempt to valiantly redeem one of her lost lives, I flew out of bed, ripped back the covers and screamed. Wanda watched with perplexed amusement as I wadded the creature up into the sheets and raced out of the room to fetch hubby to remove the offending beast from my room.

The next morning I mercilessly sprayed the entire room with ant and spider killer. I put a double dose around each window and door frame. I now understood what my daughter in law meant about those bedskirts providing avenues for spiders to creep up under your covers. I considered removing the skirt until I remembered that my visitor had definitely dropped from the ceiling. I sprayed the heat ducts above my bed not giving thought to what the repercussions might be when the hot air hit the vents later that evening. Just for extra measure, I sprayed under the bed and doused the entire bed skirt.

This morning I awoke to find this creature in my bed. I’m a little grateful that it was dead but wondering if there are any surviving brothers and sisters. Note: Wanda did not sleep with me last night.

Happy Birthdays

Little I is 3 and almost as big as Little J who happens to be 4 1/2. The kissin cousins had a frolicking good time this weekend. First the birthday party and than a morning at the park. Meanwhile, grandma is ready for a diet. Yes, I know that's a 4 letter word. But notice I didn't bring it up after the cruise. Somehow I didn't gain weight on the cruise, just gained bad habits. I think I just might have gone over the edge this weekend after a red hat tea, and two birthday parties. I never want to see another cake, crumpet or cookie. Ever. At least not today.

3 Generations at 4

C...achoo

I heard these funny little c-achoo c-achoo noises coming from the kitchen. Wanda tried to tell me that she has caught Little J's cold. Funny Wanda. I can tell a real achoo from a c-achoo. Then Wanda tried to tell me she had planned to clean up the paw prints in the bathroom. If that were true, wouldn't she be using toilet tissue? Wanda is losing ground rapidly... I think she has 3 lives left???

Paws to Redecorate

Wanda pawsed to redecorate my bathroom again. This is just the sink. She also managed to do the floor and my entire shower. 4 lives???

Landfill

Albany Waterfront... The Bulb

After the storm on Friday, and a busy day red hatting yesterday, it was time to get outdoors for a little exercise and nature. It just so happened my sister was free to spend a couple hours outside today too and she gets the credit for this adventure.

Where is it? I couldn't begin to describe it as well as Persis. Read about it here.

While little sister was busy picking blackberries, I checked out some of the art. It was getting late, shadows were getting long, I stumbled on this little gem... the words on the bed...

"I think the world lies twice:

First by telling us that we are alone,

and second by telling us that we are not."

E. Miller

Bizzy-Kitty

My sister's cat, aka as MiniKitty. Not related to my cats except in the adopted sort of way. Wanda would be envious of the Bizzy-Kitty scratching box. Maybe Santa will bring her one.

Acorn Wars

We have acorns. Acorns everywhere. More than I've seen in the 37 years I've lived in this house. Bouncing off the rooftop, pinging off the cars outside my bedroom window. We have two huge oak trees in our front yard. Yet somehow, the entire yard is covered with acorns. All the way down the steep driveway too. Every morning.

The cleanup is a humbling task at best. Try to rake them and they escape between the tines. Try to sweep them and the scatter in all directions. Bribe Little J to fill a basket for a lovely Halloween display and his interest wanes within three minutes.

Even the squirrels can't keep up and we have fat squirrels. So what do we do with all this fresh ripe oak fruit? Hubby suggested we show Little J how to eat acorns. I went searching for a recipe. This is one of the things I found. Interesting but if you venture down the page a bit, there is a rather ballsy picture of a nutty squirrel. Scary. Enter the site at your own risk.

By the way, I'm skipping the acorn pancakes. Not eating those fat squirrels either. I'd have to be nutz to do that.

My Gift Registry

It all starts sometime in our early twenties. Our friends start getting engaged. They register for engagement presents. The wedding nears and they register for wedding presents. Not many calendar pages later, we get the notices that they have registered for baby shower gifts. The gifts don't automatically stop once the registration process ends because after that we get invites to all sorts of gift giving occasions honoring our friends plus their kids birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, retirement. Heck I even had a friend who threw herself a big divorce party.

Last weekend I enjoyed a stage production wherein my favorite act was the one with the always-a-bridesmaid-never-a-bride young lady decided to register for herself at the local department store. It started me thinking about how I might be able to register for something. I'm getting old. I've got it all figured out. If I register now, I'll be able to stock up for those golden years. If I work it right I'll survive without that retirement fund that my kids have spent. So here it is... the beginning of the list:

1. Cruise tickets to anywhere. Please check with me for available dates. I want to make sure none of the gifts overlap and hope to cover the entire calendar of my existence.
2. Limousine with young driver, one with patience, lots of it (he will only have to work if I'm not cruising)
3. A porter to carry my bags from ship to ship
4. Starbucks coffee cards so I can stay awake
5. Heavy perfume... what was that called? something like April Showers?? Or perhaps talc would be better, as long as it has a strong scent.
6. Blue hair dye, if I have any hair left, otherwise some new red hats
7. One of those canes with the rear view mirror, hidden flask (just in case), and horn
8. A walker - the kind with a basket for all my crafty things, with a seat to sit on, a purple one, so I can block the aisle in style
9. Red or purple reading glasses 2.0 and better
10. An Ipod with extra high volume control and hearing aids with lots of batteries
11. Cases of Ensure and Hershey bars
12. Depends, hopefully I'll still be a size medium. Even more hopeful, I won't need them but will just have them around for the less fortunate old friends.
13. Stretch pants with expandable waistband and gift certificates for Sweet Tomatoes
14. Soft soled shoes so no one will hear me sneaking up on them
15. Cases of Gas X, I don't want to be one of those old farts. Or better yet, a Kazoo so I can make noises from both ends.
16. A super powered scooter with blaring horn to warn people to get out of my way
17. A big totebag full of ziplock bags for buffet meal leftovers
18. A large coin purse filled with pennies so I can annoy the people behind me at the market
19. Scrapbooks and supplies so I can bore everyone with my memory pages
20. A rocking chair, one of those fancy massage ones with speed control
21. Large numbered telephone with your number on speed dial
22. A fill in the blank obituary form
23. Stationary and postage stamps so I can send you thank you notes, if I live long enough

Oh geeze... just make an appointment for me with Dr. Kevorkian, or whatever his name is.

Paw Prints

Paw prints. Black paw prints. First I spotted the ones on the ceramic tile floor. I followed the trail up the painted cupboard doors, across the corian countertop and into the corian bathroom sink. Now who would be the culprit and what did she get into? Here Wanda is, innocently cuddled up to Mr. Rusty on my bed. After close inspection of Wanda's paws, it has been determined that Wanda has done a recent fireplace inspection, and thank goodness she did not use it as a litter box. Why is the countertop on top the kitties? Could it be the end of Wanda? Another life gone... poof... I forget, maybe she has four lives left?

Through the Eyes of Children

During our cruise to Alaska, everytime we walked through the art displays on the Promenade Deck, Little J would stop and pause by this picture. One time we had to reprimand him for touching this 3D piece of art. A few days into the cruise, we were talking about the art auction and wondering if perhaps we should place a bid on this since Little J was so intrigued but somehow we thought it might be a bit inappropriate for a four year old. On the last day of the cruise, Little J stopped by the art for one last look. I pulled him along, well actually dragged him away. His comment... "Grandma, why didn't you buy that mountain picture for me?"

Wanda House Sits

Wanda house sat so I could go visit the glacier named after me. She did leave the house in relatively good condition but my hats seem to be missing a few feathers. There is a slight indication that she might have preferred Little J's racoon cap. I found that in the middle of the living room floor, the tail shredded a wee bit. She seems pleased that we are finally home. I swear she doubled in size in less than 2 weeks.

The cruise to Alaska was quite an adventure. Stormy seas, no stop in Sitka, rain in Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. Our zipline was cancelled after we did just the first trial zip due to gale force winds. Victoria was chilly and overcast.

So much for the weather report. The highlight of the trip... I actually got up on stage in front of 500 people to check out what it would be like to be hypnotized. So many asked me afterwards if I was really under the spell. Do I remember fishing, kissing the fish, going to the horse races, playing the Munchkin part, being stuck to the chair, discoing off the stage, yelling Wazzup, kissing and hugging that handsome guy in the seat behind me... I'll never tell.

Thursday's the Day We Iron Our Clothes

Wanda decided to help with the ironing. She thought it would be a good idea to practice on Little J's shirts. Only problem is, she didn't know which end was up. Lucky for her that Grandma happened upon this scene and remedied the situation. One quick spray of the steam iron and POOF Wanda makes a quick escape. Hmmmm... works better than the spray bottle.

Meanwhile, Little J just happened to find Wanda's brother yesterday. In spite of pleading, tears, screaming, kicking, dragging and a Texas sized temper tantrum, Grandpa had the sense to not allow Wilbur to come home with Little J. Good thing, or Grandma would have found another use for the iron.

Wanda Bling

Of course there are other things to do to dodge Chicago thunderstorms. Besides eating dessert with every meal (and finding that 5 pounds I lost before I left for Chicago), we shopped. A little bling here and a little bling there.

When I came home from work tonight I discovered that Wanda had found the biggest bling. Apparently she thinks my new belt is a purrfect teething ring. She has 5 lives left.

Chicago

Due to a trip to Chicago during the worst storm that happened there in years, much time was spent finding inside activities. We found this object in the Museum of Contemporary Art. Little did we know that the museum guard had plans for us when he invited us in to play...

So here we are - a part of the exhibit. We had to beg to get out. Do you think any of the other 688 red hatters in town were around to help us escape?

No Wanda You Can't Go to Chicago

Wanda and I had to have a little talk. She got all excited when she saw the big suitcase and hatboxes full of feathers. I had to break the news to her that she cannot go to Chicago with me. Not this time. I assured her that I'll be sharing her little "Wanda" beads with all my red hat friends. She tells me she will be a good kitty for Grandpa and Little J while I am gone.

I'm hoping she didn't leave any of those little flea reminders in my boas. I'd hate to share those with my friends too.

Wanda to the Rescue... or not

Little J is pleased to see that Wanda has been working on his car and hoping it will be up and running soon. We only wish that Wanda had the ability to remove our babysitters car from the bottom of our long steep driveway. We are stuck here until the tow truck guys figure out how to remove it.

Court Days and Celebrities

Court days can be particularly trying and today was no exception. But after a lot of perseverance, a bit of patience, and 7 hours sitting on a hard bench we managed to finalize the process we started several months ago. We are now official legal guardians of Little J.

What a surprise it was when we arrived home to find that Wanda took care of all the dishes that we left behind this morning in our haste to get to court.

And speaking of Wanda, it seems she might now be a bit of a celebrity. She made the news in the Red Hat Society Friday Broadcast this week and will forever reside in the RHS archives at http://www.redhatsociety.com/ RHS members can click here to see the link.

Note to Wanda: perhaps you have been granted an extra life here. So that brings you back to 6, right?

Purple Hat Day

Today would have been Micky's 68th birthday. I miss this dear friend so much. She left behind a treasure of memories, a world of wonderful friends and a true red hat spirit. Always putting others first, ready for an adventure, a willingness to try just about anything, courageous in her battles, prepared for the inevitable, she travelled the distance and her journey was an inspiration to all who knew and loved her. In red hat spirit, I wish her a happy purple hat birthday.

Dancing Naked...

In Fuzzy Red Slippers... I've been talking a lot about dancing lately. Has something to do with my line dance class. Since I sometimes have a one track mind, when I get into something it's wholeheartedly. So, speaking of dancing, I keep this book that a dear friend gave to me a while back on my nightstand. It's a wonderful collection of little quips and observations, most of them pretty darn funny. Well today, I learned to be careful about what one leaves on ones nightstand....

One of the guys in my office did a little work on the "Queens" bathroom last week. Today he came into the office reciting "Flying". I gave him one of those what's-that-all-about looks. He tilted his head with one of those sh*t eating grins that guys get and says, "it's on page 83 in Dancing Naked...in fuzzy red slippers, the one you have bookmarked." I do believe my face matched my fuzzy red slippers.

An appropriate quote I heard yesterday from my friend that I found to be a Japanese proverb... "We're fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance."

Going now... getting slippers... closing blinds... gonna dance.

Mt Wanda

In an effort to train a bit for our Alaska voyage, we did a little hiking and exploring John Muir's history today.

Little J says, "so here is where Wanda was born." We tried to explain that Wanda was actually John Muir's daughter but Little J was more intersted in exploring the giant mountain where he insisted CatWanda once lived. It wasn't quite enough incentive to make it to the top but we did get far enough to look over the bay. Not too bad considering the day was quite warm and Grandpa is still working on his fitness levels after spending a few days in the hospital.

CatWanda stayed home where the de-fleaing process was happening. Yes, once again we bombed the house and beaded drops of Advantage smack between the shoulders of 3 disgruntled cats. My ankles already look like I have chicken pox. And, on top of that, it seems that while I was hiking up Mt Wanda, I may have brought a few renegades with me in my wool socks.