Ahh... the memories...

I don't often think about how much or how often I traveled for business. I did, however, travel to some pretty interesting, and sometimes exotic, places.... and, uh, some not so interesting, exotic places. LOL (I'll admit it was mostly the latter!) But, when I think back on all the traveling, it's easy to remember the fun I managed to have..... That is, until I get messages from hubby like the one I got today....

He was in a rental car, somewhere in Texas on his way to New Mexico. I had to chuckle as he talked about having no idea what time it was. He knew he was entering another state with a different time zone, so that just confused the issue even more. Then there was the delightful descriptives of his day and current drive. I won't repeat it - but it involved a big windstorm causing dirt in the ears and mouth, up the nose, in the eyes - and roads seemingly leading to nowhere. LOL

Yes, his message brought back the memories of the long hours of traveling to get to your destination, all the little problems along the way (delays, cancellations, sometimes no reservation at all), the hard work once you arrive, and the long trek back home. And, in his case, sometimes one or two days at home before it starts all over again...

I won't rub it in, but he does go to a lot stinkier places than I ever did -- and, I don't mean Texas :o)

ding dong... UPS...

UPS delivered a package today. No great shakes, hubby receives shipments an average of twice a week for business. This package was different, however. It was large, rectangular and somewhat flat. And it was lighter than usual, too. As I'm carrying it into the house, I glance at the label. Wait a minute. It's addressed to Mr. and Mrs. So then I look at the return address. It's from my friend in Florida!

I rip open the box and fight with the styrofoam "peanuts" (they stuck all over me and the furniture.... grumble grumble). Okay, the item is out of the box, free from peanuts, and it's meticulously wrapped in bubble wrap. By now I'm realizing she sent me a painting!!

OMG, can I just say the talent this woman has is amazing. Absolutely amazing. I've seen her paintings in her home and have always admired them. Now I have one of my own. In her card, she included a picture of the scene she painted (a marsh). It's a perfect rendition.

I called immediately to thank her, but got her answering machine. Actually, it's better that she get a message. That way, she'll be able to hear the pure joy in my voice. The joy of receiving a gift from the heart that I will cherish.

Now ... to find the perfect spot to hang it ...

Hanging out under the lights

As I drove through a strip mall parking lot with a million things on my mind tonight, I glanced over and noticed two guys leaning on their vehicles and talking. Everything else slipped away as I took in the scene. They had pulled in on the far side of the lot away from actual shoppers and parked crooked -- but a cool kind of crooked, to make somewhat of a v-shape. Do all guys do this at that age? You know the age; old enough to drive, but too young to get into bars, or too young to have money to do much of anything except put gas in the car, or to make that a designated spot to meet the gang and head out from there when all show up?

Just a passing glimpse of such an innocent scene and it brought back memories of the guys hanging out under the lights in our town and realizing the same scene is being played out at any given parking lot across America at any given point in time....

Pen Pals

When I was growing up, I had a bunch of pen pals. I acquired most of them through teen magazines, where you filled out a questionnaire and the magazine people would match you up with a pen pal. Every trip to the mailbox would bring wonder and excitement. I had upwards of 10 pen pals - not all at the same time, mind you. Let me see if I can list them, in no particular order.

1. Ann in New Jersey
2. Kim in Massachusetts
3. Beth in Louisiana
4. Gloria in Michigan
5. Michelle in Pennsylvania
6. Maria in Wisconsin
7. Christine in France
8. Emi in Japan
9. Jean in France
10. Kim in Indiana
11. Cecilia in Mexico

I only had the opportunity to meet two of them. Once, when my family was vacationing in Pennsylvania, I met Michelle. And, I went to visit Beth in Louisiana twice, and she came to my house once.

There was a language barrier with Cecilia. I used to bring her letters to our Spanish teacher to decipher. Christine liked practicing her English in letters to me, but Jean did not know English. I was a French student, so it was good practice to read his letters and write back in French.

By the time I was in college, I lost touch with everyone except Beth (she was even in my wedding party). I often wonder how they're all doing. I stumbled across an old address book a few years after college and, on a whim, I called Ann in NJ. Her mother answered the phone and was surprised to get a call for her daughter, as she married and moved years earlier. I explained who I was and she gave me Ann's number. When I called Ann, she was absolutely shocked and thrilled. Thankfully, she remembered me. How embarrassing would that have been if she didn't! LOL

What a blast it would have been to visit France and Japan and have my own personal guides. I was too young at the time and didn't have the resources, though.

This blog reminds me of those pen pal days, as I feel I'm getting to know certain individuals as we share thoughts and converse through our comments. And I smile :o)

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

We received a letter from hubby's aunt the other day. She's almost 80 and has been widowed for some 30 years. She informed us that her daughter, who had colon cancer, went through treatment and was in remission for a year, is now battling lung cancer. She also wrote that she (the aunt) underwent cataract surgery for one eye and will have surgery on the other at the end of this month. I was happy to hear from her, but so saddened to hear of the latest news.

I sent a letter to her today. I feel bad that she had to tell me about the setbacks herself, though. Why didn't someone else in the family tell us what was going on? I know everyone is busy with their own lives, but still! I would have sent a card sooner letting her know she and her daughter are in our thoughts, but I didn't know.

I hope she understands.

Well, for very little preparation -- with the exception of cleaning the house -- this weekend went well. It's fun to have company and entertain, but the house is terribly quiet and somewhat depressing after everyone leaves. Hubby just left for the airport for another week away from home. I have tons of projects I'd like to get done around here, but most require a little more elbow grease (like digging up the red clay for planting) or another pair of hands (like, for hanging pictures). Hopefully we'll get to it this weekend ... unless he springs another "guess who's coming to dinner" on me. LOL

Getting a little frustrated that I'm not working. Problem in finding a job is a combination of things, I'm sure. Maybe I'm being too selective, and there is also a good number of people out there looking. Employers have the definite advantage to be able to pick and choose. I don't want to doubt myself, but maybe I shouldn't have turned down one offer in particular I received(?) No, stop it, can't go down that road. It was the right decision. The money was excellent, but that's no reason to take a job ... especially when I felt that twinge. Something about the job was bothering me, and I had to go with my instincts. My instincts have not failed me yet.

Still a million things (ok, maybe not a million -- but at least a thousand things...) to get done around here, and I should be taking full advantage of my time off. Some days it's hard to get motivated, though, and that bothers me. Am I becoming complacent? I BETTER NOT BE!

Well, time to tackle that long list of things to do (that I can do myself, anyway). Somebody give me a push, please. :o)

Finally, I successfully logged in...

Here goes the patience issue again. My computer was freezing up every time I tried to log on to my blog the past couple days. aarrgghh.

Trying to get any information about what's going on this weekend is like pulling teeth. Hubby is entertaining business associates at the races here in Atlanta. He offered one business associate/friend and his father-in-law to stay at our house. That's fine, I don't have a problem with that, but I don't have any of the particulars. Specifically, when are they showing up??? And, what meals will be eaten here??? Just minor stuff like that. Oh, he did mention on the phone tonight that instead of the guy's father-in-law coming, like originally planned, his wife is coming. But, his cell phone cut out on him, so he didn't get any other info. That's fine. She and I get along well, but are they bringing their 3-year old daughter??? That would bring on a dozen other questions! I suppose I better call his wife tomorrow and get the scoop. Men. Can't leave anything up to them. LOL

Hey. Kitchen is clean, bathroom is clean, and there are clean sheets on the guest bed. That's what's important. The rest will work itself out :o) Oh, I like this "no worrying" thing. It's great! (but, am I really not worrying? hhhmmmm)

It's been raining and cold all week. I have no idea what the weekend forecast is. Hope the sun comes out. That's all for tonight.

Oh...... and, good morning, Farmer Chris.

Something reminded me of a prank call my neighbors used to get periodically when we were kids. It went something like this:

*ring* "Hello?"

"Hi, Mr. Wood? How are you?"

"I'm fine."

"And Mrs. Wood and all the little splinters?" *click*

They used to laugh, and I chuckled today when I thought about it. To my knowledge, they never found out who made those calls. And, no, it wasn't me, and I don't know who did it.

What Random Object Represents Your Inner Self?

http://www.boomspeed.com/dollzheaven2/quiz1.html




ah... no, no... you tell me yours first.

Daytona Beach

Look at how much beach washed away during the hurricanes that ripped through Florida earlier this year. This is at least 7 feet tall. Retaining walls are what helped save the condos in the background.

What a helpless feeling thinking of all the Florida residents who experienced varying degrees of damage to their property.

Nature is such a powerful force.

Back from Florida

Yup. Back from Florida. Had a good time, although I came home with a cold. I cannot remember the last time I was sick. I mean, seriously, it's been a couple years since I've had even a cold. It's a bad one, too. I make such a lousy patient. Can't tolerate when my body tells me, "No. You can't run around all day. You need your rest." Blah.

Florida bound

We just have to get out of the snow!

IT SNOWED !!!

Okay, it's only a dusting (less than 1/2") and it will be gone soon, but it was so fun to wake up to it snowing. And, here's the picture to prove it for you skeptics....



Winter wonderland in Georgia