The boys enjoy some fresh air!

I took this picture this evening around 6pm. The window is in the back of the LR and the cats could not have been happier that I had decided to let them peer out into the world. They prefer the front windows, like me they are a bit curious about the neighbors. *G* But, there was a bird flying around out back and that kept their attention for quite a while. I love how the twilight of the evening looks against their fur.

It's been a semi-busy day. We hurried with schoolwork today trying to finish before the kids and I had to leave to get them to their MA class. Today was testing and they were impatient. I talked to their teacher once there. He let me know that Son's new sparring gear should be here next week and I asked him whether he thought Son should test or not. He said he'd watch during class and see. Last week he told me Son may not be able to test, that Son was very insecure with his katas. But, he seemed satisfied and said that though the kids are allowed three mistakes during their testing, Son only made one. I was surprised and am happy for Son. See, Son is my sensitive child. Hard enough to be that way, even harder to be a seven year old boy that way. He actually cried because he misunderstood his teacher, thinking he's made one too many mistakes. I had to calm him down and explain exactly what his teacher meant and also explain that though sister was now wearing her orange belt, she was the only one in the class because the other belts hadn't arrived yet. That he would receive his belt along with the other students next week. Son seemed satisfied with that.

While they were testing I worked out and read Trick of the Light by Rob Thurman. I know I mentioned the book last week and had started it, but I put it down for a while because of all the library books that had come in and the two books I had purchased as well. I really didn't know if I'd like this book, but I enjoyed it. It was multi-layered and not all was as it seemed. A really great read. And last night? I finished Mischief in Mudbug by Jana DeLeon. I really, really liked this book. Some loose ends were tied up, but even more were unraveled in the mystery of why Helena is still around after dying and even if she was even murdered. I can not wait to read the next book in this fun series, though hate that I have to wait so long to read it!

The sinus thing seemed not too bad when I woke up, but I knew as soon as I left the house it would get worse. And it did. It really hit about the time we were at the library after leaving the Y (after the kids MA class). By the time we arrived home (No extra work out tonight, Chris is now slightly bothered by sinuses as well and had a headache when he arrived home from work.) I felt sick and my head hurt. I had to take a benedryl and some ibuprofen. I wish I could stay in tomorrow, but the kids have RE, so I am pretty sure this isn't over yet. *sigh* At least the meds helped.

It's been a long day, so I'm headed off. I hope y'all had a smile-filled, book filled Tuesday. I wish a wonderful Wednesday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: a bit over 2 miles on the treadmill and 20 minutes of weight machines.

My what big fangs you have Layla!

I was playing with Photobooth the other day and caught Layla mid-yawn. Look at those fangs! I'm glad she loves me, I'd hate to be on the receiving end of those! Is it just me or does it look like she's fussing at me? *G*

I? Am not feeling well this evening. Stupid sinuses and their stupid headaches. Ugh. Today wasn't so bad, but as the day progressed and the more I tried to get done the more it started hurting. Two ibuprofen haven't kicked it yet. Bleh.

In other news, are y'all aware that Banned Book Week started Saturday? It runs September 26-October 3! Our library kicked off THE BIG READ with a banned book, Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. This is a good book and ironic choice, considering it's premise. Have you ever read the book? I read it when I was a teenager. I don't think it was considered bad or banned at that time, like several other books on the list that can be found here. I am proud to say that Daughter picked up one of the free copies available to those who are participating in THE BIG READ and has already read the book. She says she enjoyed it. *G* This is not to say that I won't censor what the kids read. It does mean though, that once they reach the age I feel that understand the material in the book then I'll be fine with them reading it. And good grief, did you see where several of the books we were required to read in school were on the list? Absolutely crazy.

Um, in other news MIL picked up the kids this afternoon and took them to see Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Son was particularly excited to see the movie since we own the book. *G* It's been frustrating dealing with homeschooling Daughter today. She meandered her way downstairs and showed no interest in schoolwork today. *sigh* Why do teenagers have to practice these small rebellions? She's paying for it now, though. I wasn't taking the attendance of the movie away from Son, or MIL (I'm not even going into the stress SHE brought on today.) she is now, after dinner sitting down and completing her schoolwork and I'm sitting with her. That's the bad part of being a parent. Sometimes the punisher suffers, too. *G*

I did manage to get in an extra workout today. I walked on the treadmill (at a good pace) and even jogged a bit. AND I went to Yoga tonight. Chris went straight home as he's doing a project for school online and has other team members he had to consult with. It actually worked out well, because the Out-laws (yes, both) brought the kids home and he was here. I do not even want to tell y'all the hassle it took to have the Out-laws bring the kids back at a certain time. Ugh.

In GOOD reading news, I started reading Mischief in Mudbug by Jana DeLeon. I am loving this series. Helena is hilarious and as mouthy as ever. I started the book on the treadmill and before I knew it had almost a third of the book read. *G*

That's all from me this evening. It's getting late and my book is calling before I have to take care of a few more things. I hope y'all had a pleasant and stress-free day. I wish a smile-filled and enjoyable Tuesday. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: 3.02 miles on the treadmill (some walked, some jogged), 1 hour Yoga.

A cat who's a copy cat!

That's another nickname for Pepper besides Sonar. She is learning to be a cat from the other cats. I'm sure this pose looks a bit familiar. We call it Patches "Hula Girl" pose. Because Patches is the only kitty we have that will sleep exactly like this. There are other poses from the other cats she's trying to copy as well. I'll have to snap some pictures of her copying the other kitties. *g* She's awfully cute! *G*

It's been a very quiet day here and one I've needed. The weather was nice, we had sun and a slight breeze. And it warmed up from yesterday. *G* I am still dealing with sinus Hades so wasn't feeling up to much today. I did, however, vacuum and shred some things. I have a very bad habit of putting the shredding in the pail for the shredder and letting it pile up. I do this because the shredder and I do not get along. At all. I think it hates me. *G* So, today, armed with my trusty butter knife (to un-gnarl the paper in the teeth of the shredder), I sat and shredded a whole pile and was just about done when the shredder started making weird noises. Forward and backward. Um, not good. It died. I finally killed it. I can't say I'm not glad I won't have to deal with it any more and can now get a more efficient one, but could it not have waited until ALL the shredding was done? One last insult from it I guess. *G*

I also made dinner for Chris. One of his favorites since he was gone all week. *G* And spice cake. But, um, I made the cake (cupcakes really) for me. *G* Technically it's autumn and if it's apples or spiced I crave it in the Fall. *G* I was good, though. I left them plain, no icing. *G*

As for reading I finally finished A Slice of Murder by Chris Cavender. I liked it, but is it bad that I didn't like the love interest given for the heroine? The mystery was cute and a bit predictable. I'll be interested in seeing a second book. I finished that book instead of finished the Christy Evans book. I will be sure to finish it this evening. I hope. *G* My reading is be-bopping all over the place lately. So, if I don't read that book, I"ll surely be reading another. *G*

I meant to exercise this evening. But, sitting and standing feel like two different things right now thanks to my sinuses. I'll be back at it tomorrow no matter what. And I'll be sure to fit in an extra one or two times this week. *sigh* I feel guilty for not feeling well, how silly is that? *g*

Anyway, I hope y'all had a peaceful and restful Sunday. I wish a lovely and pleasing Monday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: No. Fighting a sinus headache all day and it finally won. Ugh.

P.S. That Mayor I was telling y'all about finally relented and her city's officers are now allowed to participate in car chases and foot pursuits. She had been contacted by a lawyer (and councilman) that several of her officers had contacted for advice because the Mayor's orders had been interfering with their sworn oaths. Personally, I believe she was afraid of being sued. And I have to tell you the woman? NUTSO. She even made national news.

Now, in other funky news here. A Candidate for our State's National Guard leader (we're one of the only states where he's elected and not appointed) raffled off an AK-47. Uh-huh. No joke.

Fireball couldn't believe his eyes!

I wasn't the only one shocked when Layla cuddled with Pepper the other afternoon. Here you can see Fireball stop and stare at the two. I'm sure he was a tad bit jealous. After all, Layla used to cuddle with him when he was little, too. *G*

It's been raining since last night and while I sleep really well when it rains, I am not feeling so well today. My allergies are bugging me, badly. So this post will be short. We managed to get several errands done today. We made it by the pharmacy, the library (quick trip, in and out in 5 minutes) to pick up Son's holds, Mass, by Target to make a return and WW for the same reason. Then, home in the pouring rain that cut visibility and made the roads slick. Talk about a nerve-racking 20 minute drive! We arrived, had dinner and I'm now doing laundry and sitting quietly.

I'm still reading Sink Trap by Christy Evans, but hope to finish it this evening and will start back on one of my library books.

That's all from me. I feel like snot. I hope y'all had a lovely Saturday. One filled with books, good times and good friends. I wish y'all a peaceful and restful Sunday. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: No. *sigh* Dizzy and nauseous, bad sinus headache. Bleh.

Pepper has been accepted!

You know Pepper has been accepted into our family when Layla snuggles up to her. Here are Pepper and Layla asleep under the kitchen table while we were doing schoolwork yesterday. Pepper wanted to know why I was so excited when she was taking a nap and snuggling with her buddy Layla. *G* Look at my lovely ladies!

It's definitely been a long day. I didn't sleep well because I knew that Chris would be leaving for the airport early, like 3:30 am early and I was worried and tossed and turned until he made it to Dallas. I gave up sleeping at that point. He had an hour layover in Dallas and was at our local airport by 11:30 this morning. He was very happy to be home and we were very excited to have him back! The kids were especially happy because he brought them home souvenirs, Texas Ranger badges he picked up at a local gift store while there. *G*

As soon as we arrived home he unpacked and the kids and I set to finishing up schoolwork for the day. The kids did pretty well on their weekly tests, though I have noticed Son doesn't study his Spelling words well, while he's been lucky so far, I've noticed his words are getting progressively harder, so I'll have to help him figure out a study method that works well for him. After they were done they headed outside. Their friends didn't have school today and were glad the kids were done. Chris headed out to pay his car taxes and pick up a birthday card for one of the kids friends that had a birthday party this evening and invited the kids. While he was gone I did every bit of the substantial laundry he brought home. AND I even went ahead and ironed every piece of his business wear when they were all dry. Well, I started with the intention of doing half today and half Sunday, but the last load finished drying as I was finishing the other loads iron-ables and I though What the Heck?

This evening we all headed out the kids friends Birthday party. To be honest it was kind of sad. The child invited over 20 kids and a total of 5 showed up. I don't know if it was because there was a HUGE football game tonight (this is the South, they take HS football seriously here) or whether the child just isn't popular. He's a sweet boy, very loud, but nice and respectful. His own Mom left early, leaving his Aunt in charge and his Father didn't come- he had to work. His older sisters helped out though. The kids had a good time and we gave two of the other kids a ride back home when it was over. I didn't mind, but whew! All those kids in the jeep were loud! And the boys quite....... fragrant. Someone needs to introduce them to deodorant. *G* (I sprayed some Febreeze in there once we were home and in the garage. *G*)

I won't even bore y'all with the details that the kids almost missed going to the party because of their behavior lately. Needless to say they both know that they need to be better about the issues we've talked about.

After that it's been a pretty quiet night. Chris was tired and fell asleep in his chair and I took care of the night time things again. Then I herded him upstairs and into the shower before he collapsed in bed. Poor thing. Up early, traveling and then errands and a kids Birthday party? He lasted longer than I expected.

As for reading I picked up Death of the Easter Bunny by Linda Berry last night and finished it this morning. It was a cute and quaint. I liked the heroine. She wasn't the ordinary Deputy and while she solved the mystery, she was wrong at first. Right now I'm reading Sink Trap by Christy Evans. I know it's one of my book purchases from the other day and that I have library books I need to read first. But, the library books are all Trade size or hardback and don't fit in my purse, while the Evans book did. And I started reading it while the kids were swimming at the party tonight. (It was held at the Y.)

All that said, it's time for me to get some sleep. As you can see above, I had a bit of problem with the bold type, Pepper was crawling across my chest and hands at the time and I am too tired to fix it. So, sorry?

I hope y'all had a fun and enjoyable Friday. I wish a relaxing and pleasant Saturday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: Too busy with everything else today. Maybe tomorrow.

P.S. Melissa isn't feeling well, please keep her in your thoughts.

The amazing, never before seen.....

Oreo's belly! Oreo is weird in that she will not just lay around in the middle of the floor tummy side up. No, she has to be leaning against something. I know. They are ALL a bit cracked. *G* She must have thought a chair leg was enough to lean against collecting some sun when I took this picture yesterday. *G*

Today was a bit slower paced than earlier this week. Sort of. *G* We all overslept because I had to take a benedryl last night and then in wee hours of the morning Son fell out of bed and came crying to me, so I had to settle him back in after checking him over. On the way back to bed I noticed something blurry on the floor, had to go get my glasses to figure out something disagreed with one of the kitties and they'd gotten sick on the carpet. (Why can' they run for the bathroom like sensible kitties, with it's smooth floor?) So I had the fun of cleaning that up before crawling back in bed. Yay. All of that leading up to us sleeping late. *sigh* Then after waking the kids and starting on all the things I have to do I heard Son crying. He'd somehow hit his chin on his knee on the floor. Uh-huh. Don't go there. Anyway, I had to calm him down again and no sooner than he began to smile again and go about getting dressed, than he startled Oreo accidentally when he went to put his clothes in the hamper in my closet. (He's my semi-neat kid, um, more like trainable kid.) She ran like a bat out of Hades with her claws extended and Son tripped over her, so she ended up scratching the side of his foot. Luckily, that was the worst of the day. *knock on wood* After carrying him downstairs, he said his foot hurt to bad to walk we started our day. And Daughter? Oblivious to every bit of this. *G* After schoolwork the kids played outside for a bit, their friends don't have school tomorrow so were allowed out when they arrived home from school today. But, the library called yesterday and yet another of my inter-library items was in yesterday. So, today the kids and I went and picked up The Ugly Dachshund. It's an old movie with a Great Dane thinking he's the same size as a Dachshund. I remember watching the movie sometime when I was a child and I like these old movies because they're pretty clean and okay for the kids to watch. Son loved it. He thought Butch was adorable and felt so bad for him!

When we arrived back home Daughter and a friend went door to door on our street (I won't let her go any farther than I can see her.) , she's participating in a Walk for the Homeless as part of her confirmation retreat and is trying to raise a bit of money for the charity. And Son played with walkie talkies with his friends. And I? Mowed the lawn. Did I mention the weather today? 85 degrees and HUMID. No sooner than I had started than my clothes were sticking to me and I was dripping sweat. Ugh. But, I now have a freshly mowed lawn. Is it bad I like those clean lines in the grass? *G* After that I grabbed a shower and then cooked dinner for the kids. Chris called early tonight because he's coming home tomorrow and has to get up to leave for the airport at 3:30am. He said he's excited to come home. I had to laugh, he's only been gone a week and thanks to an expense account he's been eating out all week. And he has to go back next month. Poor baby. *G* We have missed him, though, so we'll be happy to see him tomorrow morning.

That said, I have to head off. I have a few more things to take care of before getting some sleep. I hope y'all had a terrific Thursday. I wish a fun, fabulous and fantastic Friday. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: I am SO counting mowing the lawn!

As for reading today? I picked up Death and the Easter Bunny by Linda Berry and have been reading a few pages here and there. It's been hard to grab time. *g*

Butterscotch rocks the bandana!

Butterscotch wasn't thrilled with the bandana we bought for Talk Like a Pirate Day and Halloween. I'm sure he thought it clashed with his fur. *G* However, he sat still and was content to let us take his picture. *G* Such a sweet, strange fellow. *G*

This post is late, late, late. As in I should have been asleep several hours ago, but I couldn't sleep and then suddenly remembered that I hadn't posted. Therefore, please excuse me if this is all over the place and doesn't make sense. *G* We had a good day of schoolwork, Son prefers History to Science this year and this week is History. I think it's actually the Geography portion he's liking most. *G* I remember reading an article somewhere that male minds actually do read maps better than female minds. Something about male minds graphing? Oh, yeah. After they finished their schoolwork I did some laundry and vacuumed the house. After that it was time to leave for the kids RE class. I do NOT understand how it's okay for traffic to slow to a stop on the interstate for no reason whatsoever. It's a pain in the fanny and stressful as heck. And I also have no idea who designed the roadways here, but my guess is he was smoking something funny. Ugh. By the time we arrived at RE I had a stress headache. Luckily I am paranoid about traffic and such, we arrived almost 30 minutes early. Son didn't mind, he tackled the playground. Daughter stayed with me until she saw some of her friends show up and then I told her to go wait with them instead of hanging with her old Mom. *G* She gave me a hug. Awww. Oh, anyway, after their classes had started I headed to BAMM to return the book I mentioned yesterday. And it went smoothly. They are real nice about returns and never give me grief about it, of course the fact that every single time I've returned a book it's been in absolute-just of the shelf-pristine condition has something to do with it. Like I've written before. I SHOULD sit in the store and read at least the first five or six pages of any book I'm thinking of purchasing, but that seems somehow wrong to me. So, I read the blurb, I read whatever excerpt there may be and then I buy it. SOMETIMES I may read the first sentence. Oh, back to the return. The cashier credited back my gift card and I headed to the back to see if they had the newest issue of RT, no luck. I was trying to be good, honest. But, I did decide to kill some time and headed through my usual rows: Romance, Mystery and Sci-Fi/Fantasy. I hit jackpot in the Mystery isle. They had Mischief in Mudbug by Jana DeLeon. I wasn't expecting that one to be released for another week. They also had a book by a new-to-me author that I read a review of in last months RT, Sink Trap by Christy Evans. The premise is cute and original with a business woman turned plumber. What? I like unusual. So, I cheated on my own self-imposed embargo of book purchases. It was only like buying one, right? Since I returned a book and had credit?

After checking out I headed back to the kids and picked them up, we headed home and was ever so glad to arrive home safely and off the roads. It's not that I don't like to drive, it's that I don't like to drive in traffic. *G*

I fed the kids and myself and settled in to watch a few new shows, and old favorites that are back! YAY Criminal Minds, but I hate that Hotch's family is now......oops. No spoilers. Then I watched Eastwick. I LIKE it. A LOT. It was funny and kinda sweet and dark and lush. I liked it so much I put the old John Updike book The Witches of Eastwick on hold tonight. I want to reread it (I read it about 10 years ago.) and see what was changed totally and what was updated, and also if the show is based more of the book or the movie with Cher, Michele Pfifer and Susan Sarandon (sp). And just to say, speaking of books? I have a TBR pile! I've had a few stacks in my time, but never a pile! I have a pile! TOO COOL! *G* During commercials of the last show I decided to sweep and mop my floors. Uh-huh, 'cause I know how to relax. *G* (And last night I clipped Son's hair.)

After that I headed to bed and have tried to rest, but it wasn't working out for me, so I picked up one of my library books. Angel's Advocate by Mary Stanton is fabulous. The heroine is a lawyer, but she doesn't have just regular clients. She also has clients for the Celestial Courts. The book drew me in and I HAD to finish it. The heroine is dealing with her unexpected inheritance of her new law firm, and it's oddities. And in this case she's been asked to defend a flesh and blood teenager who mugged a girl scout. Uh-huh. Really. THEN she gets another client. Her flesh and blood clients dead father. There's another murder along the way and dogs, too. *G* I liked the book a lot and will be sure to keep this author on my radar. (Just thought to mention that this author also writes as Claudia Bishop.) I just wish the library had has the first book in this series, this book is the second in this series. I sure hope there are more.

Whew, guess I had more to chat about than I thought. *G* Always happens when I'm tired. That filter in my brain throws out all kinds of weird things. *G* Does yours? Or do you just get quiet? I can go either way. Luckily, this is it for me. It's time to try and sleep. I hope y'all had a wonderful Wednesday. I wish y'all a Thankful and Thoughtful Thursday. Goodnight and Best Wishes, B.

Exercise: Nope today was my "day off". HA! Back at it tomorrow, though my exercise tomorrow may be mowing the lawn.

Pepper sleeps, again!

Yes, I know. I am not good at titles. But, I wanted to share this picture I took Sunday night of Pepper sleeping on the floor next to my ottoman. She's getting so much bigger! And still does not back down from the other kitties. Well, except for Layla. Seems she's smart enough to know better for THAT. *G* She's sweet and slightly crazy and so much fun. I'm glad Daughter found her. Even if I do get "slimed" nightly. *G*

It's been another quiet day. Though to switch things up we had sun for the first time in a week. It was nice! *G* AND it warmed up to 82 degrees. We won't count the humidity in that. Ugh. The kids tackled their schoolwork well today, though getting them out of their beds and rooms is hard! *G* Maybe in another month we'll be into the routine of schoolwork a bit better and they won't take as long? *G*

After their schoolwork we headed to the Y for the kids MA class. Their teacher informed me they will be testing next week for their orange belts and that Daughter will pass with no problems, but that Son? Well, he needs more time. I have tried to explain to Son that if he falls behind sister it's not because he doesn't work as hard, it just means his capabilities right now are a little less than what they need to be. But, he's been told that with a bit more hard work he should be able to pass his belt test in another month or so. I also had to inform their teacher that the sparring gear for Son was too small. The hand pads fit perfectly, but the feet pads and the head gear was too small. So, we've given those to the teacher and he'll either return them or resell them and he'll order Son new sparring gear. As usual, I worked out during their class. But, more on that later.

After the kids class we headed to the library for Daughter's volunteer time. Son and I checked out the movies and magazines and then he spent a few minutes on the online card catalogue computer. *G* Turns out I had books in from Hold that I didn't even know about, even though I checked before we left the house today. *G* So, I now have: Angel's Advocate by Mary Stanton (new-to-me author, mystery), Ghost 'a la Mode by Sue Ann Jaffarian (new-to-me author, mystery) and Death and the Easter Bunny by Linda Berry. I picked that last one up in the library today because the title caught my eye and then the premise caught my attention. *G* I am SET for books for at least a week, maybe more, since I can't seem to find as much time to read these days. That said, I have a book that I bought with my gift card I received from Chris and the kids for my birthday to take back. The premise was interesting but the writing, not so much. And I WILL take it back since I didn't make it past the first couple of pages. I guess I should actually try a book before I purchase it by reading more than the excerpt and the back cover, but I feel like reading any more than that and I should go ahead and pay for the book. Now I just need to track down the receipt. I know exactly where it is, it's sifting through the rest of that months receipts that will take time.

Oh, back to books. *G* Normally I don't mention when I win them, I feel like it's bragging or welcoming bad luck. So, I didn't mention when I won two ARC's last week. One of them, I want to read. And it's another new-to-me author. But, the premise sounds really good. The other, a well known author, but one I don't read. I started reading the one I wanted to read today, Trick of the Light by Rob Thurman. Now, here's the deal. I wouldn't normally have picked up this book, even though the premise sounded interesting, because I would have passed it by thinking it was written by a man due to the name. I am SO glad I would have been wrong. Um, does that make sense? I started reading the ARC today at the Y while on the treadmill. And when I read the sentence (please don't let me get in trouble for this!)(From the ARC of Trick of the Light by Rob Thurman. See? I am crediting the source!) " There is ugly, and there's ugly, and then there's your mama hooked up with King Kong." I read that, and almost stopped because I had to laugh. (And I know the guy on the treadmill next to me must think I'm a loon.) I think I am going to enjoy this book, and would have missed it because I would have erroneously thought it was written by someone else.

Now, I do read some male authors. But, there are only a handful that I enjoy. I know it's a prejudice and I try very hard not to have many of those, but I have learned by trial and error that I don't resonate well with male writers. I DID say there were a handful I liked. *G*

Now, thinking about all this has made me curious. Do you avoid certain types of authors? Maybe historical authors books, or Chic-Lit authors? Maybe you don't like biographies? I inquiring minds would like to know! *G*

I'm posting semi-early tonight. There's a new show on I'd like to try, not to mention the Season Finale of Warehouse 13. (Update! Which I just read and WTHECK?) So, this is it for me. Unless I can't sleep. *G*

I hope y'all had a pleasant and book filled day. *G* I wish a wonderful and funny Wednesday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: 2.25 miles on the treadmill, 25 minutes of weight machines.

Kitty Yin and Yang!

The brothers don't cuddle as much anymore as they used to when they were little. But, every now and then they are nice to each other and cuddle without fighting two seconds letter. I snapped this picture quick! *G* (Especially since Butterscotch was in the box first and Fireball tried to shove him out. They finally settled on sharing.)

It's been a quiet day. The weather is still gray and if not raining, drizzling. I don't mind the weather, until I have to drive it. I am extremely cautious when driving on wet roads. The kids and I managed to sleep a bit late today. ( I had a hard time sleeping without a snoring hubby to shake and shove last night.) We did get schoolwork done in a timely manner. Good thing because MIL decided that since she was nearby she'd drop in. I didn't mind, she didn't stay long. *G* I think she had remembered that Daughter was going to have her hair cut this weekend. *g* Nosiness had the best of her. *G*

After MIL left the kids and I headed to the Library, Son and I BOTH had inter-library loan items in. In Son's case it was a CD. But, I now have Here Today, Gone to Maui by Carol Snow. Last night I read Razor Girl by Marianne Mancusi. It was a book part of the now defunt Shomi line from Dorchester. I really enjoyed the other Shomi books, set in a Post-Apocalyptic world and this one didn't disappoint. I was also thrilled to learn that though there aren't going to be any more Shomi releases, Dorchester is still going to continue with the style of books, they've just folded them into their other releases. Now I'm back to reading the book I can only remember as the Pizza Murder. *G* I'm trying to get into it, but find it very easy to put down. I hope to keep with it long enough to finish it. *G*

After our quick trip by the library the kids and I headed to the Y for Yoga. Daughter came into the room with me again, and worked on a book report. Son spent time in Childwatch and seemed fine. (Thank goodness.) After the class we headed home, made a quick and simple dinner and have enjoyed DWTS and now Castle. *G* I do have to say, I don't know if it's because of the long premiere of DWTS or what, but I became a bit bored with the show and wandered off to take care of a few chores. Oops. *g*

Well, that said it's time for me to head off. I still have some things to take care of before heading to bed. I hope y'all had a stress-free and pleasing day. I wish an enjoyable and smile-filled Tiesday. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Yoga. (Not bad considering the sinus headache I've been fighting all day.)

The Busy Mom's Cat Toy!

So, this week we've been beyond busy and I felt a bit sorry for the kittes, because they haven't been as played with as much as usual this week. I set the cat toy wand up on the bookcase, with the handle under a heavy book. I did this for Pepper, who went around the house last week crying for attention and someone to play with her a couple of times. Turns out, she wasn't the only one who liked my idea. The funnies thing about this picture isn't Butterscotch grabbing the ribbons at the end of the wand, it was Pepper over on the chair in the corner and I would swear she was pouting that Butterscotch took over her toy! *G* "But, Mommy did that for me!" *G*

It's been a loooong day. We were all up early, so that we could spend some time with Chris before his flight early this afternoon. It's funny, too. Because Son? Is SO not a morning person. He was a tad grumpy, but was thrilled when he ended up accidentally dressing like his Dad. *G* After having Chris help me with a last minute project (I wanted to wash the lace curtains in the kitchen.) We headed out for the airport. In the rain. Ugh. I detest driving in the rain, actually is scares the snot out of me. (Teenage driving history, so not fun.) I hated to get in the vehicle and leave him there. *sigh* Luckily this is a short trip and he'll be back at the end of the week. It's weird, though, he's traveled more with this job, than he ever did in the Military! *G*

After dropped Chris off the kids and I headed home for lunch and to rest a bit. But, this afternoon I had Zumba! With my favorite Zumba teacher. She teaches a lot of the hip-hop dances and while it's funny to watch all these middle-aged women trying to act a bit like they'r at some teen party we all have a blast. At least, I know I do. *G* Yes, I feel incredibly silly and self conscience, more so than I could considering Daughter and Son are there with me. *G*

After the class we headed home and the kids spent the rest of the afternoon on the porch with their friends. (It was still raining and when it wasn't raining it was drizzling.)

I piddled away my afternoon looking at books, release dates for said books and trying to coordinate if the library is going to get the same books, or whether it's been long enough (has to have been published over 6 months ago) to request other book(s) via inter-library loan. I'm only allowed 4 requests at a time, so I had to whittle down which books I wanted to request.

In all honesty I should have spent the time reading. Instead I did that and put my lace curtains back up. I was trying to distract myself from my very quiet house. *g* I'll read tonight when I head upstairs.

All in all, it's been a long day, but a quiet one. I hope y'all had a restful and peaceful day. I wish a stress-free and productive return to Monday. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Zumba!

A Very Big Day for My Little Girl....

Who is not so little anymore. She decided this week that she wanted to have her hair cut again, shorter than her usual trim. Her hair is so thick that it's hard for her to take care of it. So, we set out today to have it cut. We talked last night about Locks of Love and how she could maybe donate her hair, but they require a minimum if 10 inches for donation. Daughter wanted a shoulder length bob and that would have put her under the required 10 inches. I looked around online and found that Pantene also accepts hair donations. So, I checked it out online and they only require 8 inches, but Daughter wasn't sure she wanted that much off, either. I told her no pressure, we'd see what happened when it was time. After running another errand we headed to the hair salon and Daughter and I looked through the Salon books, to see if she was sure she wanted another bob. She did. (I though teenagers were supposed to be daring with new looks?) The hair stylist asked her what she wanted, and I was a good mom. I kept my mouth shut. I let Daughter tell the lady what she wanted and when the other lady asked if she wanted to take off ONE extra inch, she would be able to donate her hair. Daughter agreed. As a matter of fact, a total of 9 inches ended up in 4 little pony tails that are now in a plastic bag to be sent off. When the first one was cut off it brought tears to my eyes. I tried to be stoic, but I had to look away as the other three were cut. However, when it was all done, Daughter was smiling and the other stylists were telling her how it suited her better and I? Was still teary, but able to see her beautiful face and her smile. She's been swinging that hair all evening and I'm used to it now. I can't believe how fast my little girl is growing up. She's as tall as I am now! And they were right,it does suit her.

It's been a long day. The biggest things were making it by the library to pick up my inter-library loan, and another hold that had come in. While there we looked around and I picked up yet another book, so I should have plenty to read for the next few days. My inter-library loan book was Razor Girl by Marianne Mancusi, it's a book from the now defunt Shomi line from Dorchester. (Kinda of an urban fantasy.) While looking around I picked up The Hour of the Knife by Sharon Zukowski, (a mystery). And the movie? Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail. Tyler Perry seems to be a good study of human nature and has a gift for taking that knowledge and skewing the characters just a bit. And it looked funny. *G*

Then there was Daughter's haircut. Then we made a trip by Marshall's. Chris and I needed new pillowcases, and found a nice pair. While there we ran into a cousin of Chris'. She's a nice lady and we chatted for a few minutes. Then we looked around a bit more and found winter coats for Daughter and Son. I placed those on lay-away as we don't need them right this minute and this way they'll still be there next month (not to mention Chris' car taxes are due by the end of the month.). Especially since the coat we found for Daughter was only one of two. And so CUTE! *G* (Think of the kinda like the old Flyboy brown leather bombers. This one has detachable faux fur collar.)

After Marshall's we headed to Bi-lo for the few extra groceries we needed and then home. YAY! Now, you may think that means rest for me, right? No. Chris is going to Houston this week for a class. So, as soon as I made dinner and we had eaten, I had to iron his clothing he's taking, make sure he's all packed and I also cut his hair. (So he'd look extra spiffy.) Add in a couple extra loads of laundry and he's set to go. Oh, and I also vacuumed. I have no idea why. I just dragged out the vacuum cleaner. *G*

No reading today. I did finish the Lisa Daily book and while it was pleasant, it was very much in the vein of Chic Lit. BUT, it did have a HEA. So it was a nice read. Next up, I think, is one of the mysteries I have.

This is it for me. I'm up late and have yet to get ready for bed. (I've been THAT busy.) I hope y'all had a relaxing and enjoyable Saturday. I wish a peaceful and restful Sunday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: No time today. I'm hoping to make it to Zumba tomorrow.

Oreo is ready for Talk Like Pirate Day!

So...... maybe this little bandana fell into my cart while at WW grocery shopping today. In my defense it was only $3 on one of the Halloween isles. All the kitties have had a chance to wear it, but Oreo wears it quite well. Yo, Ho, Ho, a Pirates life for her. *G*

And yes, September 19th is talk like a Pirate day. Arrrrrr you ready? (Sorry, couldn't resist.)

It had been rainy and gloomy and drizzly (Huh, what do you know, that IS a word.) After testing this afternoon the kids and I headed out for the first of MANY errands. First off? I needed fuel. I panic when the gas gauge go's below a quarter of a tank and when the little light comes on? I almost have shortness of breath! And no, I'm really not kidding this time. And the little light was on. Ack! Luckily I made it to the gas station and then we headed to Chris' office. He needed his social security card for something, and since I had it...... *G* The nice thing was the kids and I were able to see where his new office (Um actually cubicle, which he bought a sign for that says 'How do you expect me to think outside the box when I work in a cube?' ($1 at Target and so worth it).) But, we were able to also meet some of the new people he works with now. They are very nice and a slight bit "off" so Chris fits right in. *G* I did have to ask Chris, after seeing his desk and cubicle, why he couldn't keep his bedside table as neat? He said he's just straightened it up, for me. Uh-huh, go ahead pull the other one. *G* After saying goodbye the kids and I left and headed to Aldi. When we finished there we met up with Chris at Sam's, where we saw some of the biggest pumpkins I have EVER seen. (Besides in record books.) There were sample ladies out again and Daughter and Chris snacked through the store. I admit, I tried one this time and shouldn't have because we liked it so much we ended up buying some of the new Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters. The roasted almond one. YUM! But, I can say it will be a good snack for those Tuesdays when I have double work-outs between classes. We packed up he groceries we'd picked up and headed for our last stop at WW. Since we'd saved a small bit of money because we didn't need to pick up any lunches for Chris, I took a look at the book isle. It was awful and quite disappointing. I don't know what's going on with their buying lately, but they had nothing. Most of what they did have were Sookie Stackhouse books, or Twilight books. I'm going to try and make it a priority to visit the UBS tomorrow. We have to leave early anyway, because Daughter has decided to chop off her hair again and go back to an above the shoulder bob. I know why. Her hair is SO thick that the longer it gets the harder it is for her to take care of.

Oh, after leaving WW we, thankfully, headed home. By that time I was ready to be home. It's not that I don't like people, I just am not comfortable being around that many people for that long. It's just all so LOUD. Ugh. Granted, my seven year old is loud, but it doesn't really bother me.

We made it home just in time to unpack and put away everything, fix something light for dinner and watch Eureka. We really, really enjoy that show! I hope it's back for another season!

As for reading? I finished the paperback I was reading and really liked it. I hope the authors next book due out next May is as good! I have the Lisa Daily book next up and when we arrived home I had received a call from the library that I had something in. No, they weren't more specific than that. *G* Now I'm anxious to make it by the library tomorrow, too.

Anyway, that's all from me this evening. I can't think of anything else to share. It's been another busy day here and my brain is tired. *G* I hope y'all had a fun Friday. I wish a relaxing and enjoyable Saturday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: None again today. I hope to find the time tomorrow, but I know for sure I have Zumba again on Sunday.

P.S. Oh, just to let y'all know, that Mayor that has said her Deputies can't perform a foot chase after any suspect? Has also said they aren't allowed to perform car chases as well. She say's it's an insurance problem, that there were two car crashes involving deputies this past year that have resulted in $20, 000 worth of Workers Comp claims and that's too much for a small town. They interviewed her on tv tonight. She is LOONY! She is nuttier than a pecan pie! I can't understand how this woman was RE-elected. She's already shut down the fire department. And since all this has been broadcast on the News and in the local papers, any criminal activities that happen will be on her head. Deservedly so. She FUSSED at the news reporter who was nothing but polite trying to interview her, all he did was ask a reasonable question. I hope to goodness she's fired.

The last blush of Summer!

Or should I say blooms? My rose bush has decided that it's still Summer (and judging by some of the weather we had last week, it's still here) and has decided to bloom all over. At this time my rose bush is over a head taller than I am! I know it sounds cruel, but we'll be trimming it WAY back in a couple more weeks. In the meantime, I'm enjoying the blooms. (Btw, it drives my MIL crazy that my one rose bush blooms more and has grown so much compared to hers.) *G*

Speaking of MIL, she called this afternoon and asked if they could come over today or tomorrow. I told her that tomorrow we would be busy (grocery shopping day) and that today would fit into our schedule better. What I didn't tell her was that I would have liked more than an hours notice before they showed up! I asked her when they were thinking of visiting today (since I was in the middle of testing Son when she called) and she said they'd be at our house in about 45 minutes. Whew! I had Son finish his test and ran around trying to make sure the house didn't look a mess. I dragged out the vacuum, even though the floors looked okay, I want my house spotless when we have guests. *g* The Out-laws arrived and brought me some coupons, which was very thoughtful. Daughter showed off her new phone and Son played rummy with MIL, while FIL cornered Daughter and I told us, in excruciating detail, what had been wrong with their car. (Faulty gas cap.) Then the kids and Out-laws played Uno and after a while Chris arrived home from work. He was able to leave work early today because he didn't have time for lunch. He was able to chat a bit with his parents. (Mostly they don't talk. The Out-laws prefer to talk TO you and want your undivided attention.) After a while longer they left. Is it bad that we were glad to see them, but relieved when they left?

I remembered that the library had books in for me, but had been unable to pick them up, so while I started dinner Chris ran up to the library and picked them up for me. They know he's my husband, so he just hands them my card and they hand him my books and card back. *G* Usually when the librarians see us come in the entrance they pick up an Holds we may have had in the back and place them at the check-out desk for us to check out when we're finished looking around. *G* Um, I also know most the librarians by name. FIRST name. *G*

As for the books Chris was kind to pick up for me? I now have Doc in the Box by Elaine Viets and Fifteen Minutes of Shame by Lisa Daily. In my blog hopping I often frequent a site called The Lipstick Chronicles where many authors I read have a blog. The posts are often thought provoking and sometimes hilarious. I admit I don't comment often, but since I started reading their site over a year ago, I have always found something to WISH I could break out of my shyness enough to comment. *G* Oh, and how that ties in to my new library books? They have a neat little widget on the left hand corner of the site chronicling some of the books recently out by the contributors. One of those was the Lisa Daily book and I have already read some of Elaine Viets books, so I decided to see what she had on her backlist that sounded interesting. *G* PLEASE tell me I'm not the only one who does this? Pretty please?

After dinner we watched BONES! BONES IS BACK! YAY! *G* It was cool to see Cyndi Lauper in a role other than musician or (And this is going to sound weird that I know this, I thank late night tv and insomnia for knowing this.) Ira's ex-wife the Countess Marianne on Mad About You. *g* After that we pretty much switched it to HGTV and listened to some of the shows, but mainly I read and Chris did schoolwork and the kids were playing games on the computer until it was time for bed.

While Chris took his shower this evening I ironed a few of Chris' clothes. I have found that breaking up the ironing into at least two times a week keeps it from making me feel overwhelmed. After I was done I had my shower. Now, I told y'all that to tell y'all this. *G* I think I've written before of my dislike of hair salons? They will pull my hair straight to trim it and when they dry it with a brush straight, they then turn around and ask me if I've ever thought of getting a perm. Um, NO, because I have naturally curly/wavy hair! Or, and y'all know I'm cheap, um thrifty, I'm charged $30 for a 3 inch trim. Yeah. No. Anyway, I asked Chris a few months ago to trim my hair and he finally remembered tonight. *g* He was still listening to some show on HGTV when he said "whoa!". I FREAKED, just a little. Dude, he has scissors, near my head. Yeah I freaked. (Turns out some guy on tv got the builder to finish an unfinished basement at no cost.) I told him he shouldn't use words like that when he was trimming my hair! (I was teasing him.) So, he decided to tease me back. (STINKER!) Next thing I hear are the scissors and "Oops. My Bad. Sorry. Hmmmm. (in a serious tone)" I was good, I didn't kill him. I did tell him that wasn't a nice thing to do to the woman who uses clippers to cut his hair. *G* And yes, we are silly. *g* We have a similar sense of humor, so we're good for each other. *G*

Okay, I've "chatted" enough tonight. *G* I hope y'all had a good and happy Thursday. I wish a fun and fabulous Friday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: Nope, I never found the time today. (The Out-law messed my schedule up and I never could get the time after they left to exercise. It's okay though, my hands are really sore today, so I guess I've kind of rested them. Sort of.)

Layla wants you to know....

That SHE'S my baby. *G* I took this picture today using the photobooth feature. Layla wouldn't get off my arm! *G* I guess that's one way to get some attention.

It's been less hectic today, however this evening was close to being as bad as yesterday. After schoolwork the kids wandered around the house this afternoon, it was drizzly outside and they didn't feel like being outside. *g* Because they'll melt. *G*

This evening we made the trek to the kids RE classes. The drive over there was horrendous. I don't understand stopping on the interstate, for no reason, but I get that traffic can be difficult. I wish they'd perfect the whole "transporter" thing from Star Trek already. *G* After arriving we were met by Chris, who had come straight from work. Tonight was the big Confirmation meeting with our Priest and Children's Director. Turns out there are 85 Teens who are going to be Confirmed this year. We needed to finalize the paperwork and such, as well as ask any questions any of the parents may have had. Afterwards we picked up Son (Daughter attended the meeting with us.) and decided who was riding with whom and headed home. At least the traffic wasn't as bad on the way home. *g*

Luckily we were smart and made the big part of dinner last night, roasting a chicken right before we headed to bed. I let Chris handle it because no matter how many times I roast a chicken I end up doing it upside down. I have no idea why! It just looks wrong right side up to me for some reason. *G* Yeah, I know. I am weird. I thought we'd already covered that? *G*

In reading news I FINALLY finished the Karin Slaughter book and liked it, but one of the characters totally left me with a sour taste in my mouth. So to speak. Kinda like a HUH?

I've picked back up the paperback I was reading at the Y yesterday and am about half way through. I'm finding it harder to find time to read now that our schoolwork has started and I have to fit in household chores around that time as well as outside activities.

Speaking of household chores...... I better get to it. I have some things to take care of.

I hope y'all had a wonderful Wednesday. I wish a Thankful and smile filled Thursday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: Day off and I needed it after yesterday. *G*

EDITED TO ADD: I was watching the local news this evening and a local small town Mayor near us has written a memo to her Sheriff's Dept. that they are not to run to chase suspects for fear of injury. WTHECK? Seems one of the deputies was chasing a suspect and twisted his ankle. OUR local Sheriff said it's the stupidest thing he's ever heard of and may not even be legal considering there's a Constitutional oath they take when joining the Police Department. Our Sheriff is going to take it up with the State cops. *G*

Pepper blends in to the bookcase!

I caught Pepper in a cleaning mood last night as I snapped this picture. Note the weird color glow of her eyes. We've never had a cat that's eyes glowed blue. The rest of our kitties eyes will reflect (glow) a gold-ish color. Just another quirk to set Pepper apart from the other kitties. Want to know a secret? Shhhh, don't tell the other kitties, but she can fit under the bookcase and likes to hide under there sometimes. *G* If you look closely you can see her favorite mousey under there. *G* (I bought two of those mice, a green and a yellow, toys 2 years ago at the Vet's office for $1 a piece, they are a favored kitty toy here and have little pellets in them that jiggle.)

It's been such a long day and I've had so much to take care of today that I almost forgot to post this evening. We started the day off normally, but as this is a Tuesday it's now my busiest day of the week. We finished schoolwork after lunch and the kids gathered their MA paraphernalia. I barely had time to vacuum the downstairs before we had to rush out of the house to make it to their class. Son's sparring gear arrived today, his teacher brought it, and Son was ecstatic and sat down right then and there and put it all on. *G* My little boy now has sparring gear that will allow others to smack the snot out of him and it will hopefully protect him. I did ask the kids classmates to aim AWAY from his glasses. *G* While the kids had their class I worked out and when we were all done we left to visit the library for Daughter's volunteer work.

While Daughter was busy Son and I looked around and I found a few books to check out, bought 2 books by new-to-me authors for $.25 each and had a hold come in. YAY! Son was also happy as they had finally allowed the September issue of Car and Driver magazine to be checked out. *G*

All in all, I left with:

A Slice of Murder by Chris Cavender

Better Homes and Gardens Cookie Classics *G* We like our cookies around here, Daughter has already requested ginger snaps, which I've never made before. Gindger bread yes, ginger snaps will be a whole new experience.

The New Family Home: Creating the Perfect Home for Today and Tomorrow by Jim Tolpin (A hallway full of bookshelves caught my eye. *G*)

As for the books I purchased (Heeeee, for a quarter each! I just love that! *G) I picked up:

Blue Twilight by Maggie Shayne (new-to-me author, Paranormal)

Unearthed by C. J. Barry (also a new-to-me author, Futuristic)

As for what I'm reading right now? I am making headway in the Karin Slaughter book, but had to take a paperback to the Y with me today and decided to take a book a friend sent me earlier. It's a cute book and I am grateful for the chance to read it.

After the library we headed back to the Y to meet Chris for our TurboKick class. Son wanted to try, but quickly decided he didn't want to exert himself THAT much this evening and he sat with Daughter and watched the class. After the class was over Chris and Son headed home and Daughter and I headed to WW, we needed cat food and milk. (The most used items in this house.) *G*. I ended up buying some french bread to go along with dinner while there and then she and I headed home. We made another simple meal, and enjoyed that french bread. Sue me, I LOVE bread. (But am glad we don't indulge that often.) Chris and I enjoyed watching Warehouse 13 this evening while the kids watched the new live-action Scooby-Doo: They Mystery Begins movie. I caught a bit of it, but as a die hard Scooby cartoon fan? It was meh, it my opinion. That's about all for our evening. It's been pretty quiet tonight, just what we needed to settle down after our busy afternoon/evening. But, I am very tired and ready for bed, so this is it from me.

I hope y'all had a delightful, weather-behaved day. *G* I wish a Wonderful Wednesday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: 2.02 miles on the treadmill, 20 minutes of weight machines, 45 minutes of TurboKick. I'm tired now. *G*

Kitties scrabble for a spot in the window!

This picture was taken Sunday evening. As the sun set it felt nice enough outside to open the windows and the kitties went crazy trying to grab a spot on the window sill. From left to right we have: Midnight, Pepper, Fireball and Oreo. Pepper, or "the Baby" as we call her a lot, has a tendency to fall off the window sill, and she had to be set up there each time she fell because she couldn't see well enough to jump up there on her own. I had to end their little party when Fireball spotted one of the strays we feed walking up to the porch and he FREAKED out. He puffed up with a ridge back and his tail poofed out and then he took his pent up frustration and anger that a strange cat was on HIS porch out on Midnight. Midnight, thinking he is the King Kitty around here was having none of that and smacked Fireball, jumped down and stalked off into the other room. *G*

Ah, back to normalcy around here. Blessed be! Except for over-sleeping a bit this morning, the day started well. The kids woke up and dilly-dallied, but I am probably a bit too patient with them. After 15 minutes and still no kids downstairs I gave in and fussed up the stairs. Not very much later Son bounded down the stairs and I noticed he was missing something. He was dressed, that was good, but I had to ask him where his glasses were. And understand, this child is like me, he can't see much of anything without his glasses. I guess he wasn't as awake as I'd thought because he said "Ohhhhhh, I knew I forgot something!". That's Son for you. He cracks me up at least once every day. *G* After breakfast we started schoolwork and he was most excited to tackle Science today, it's his favorite subject. (Our Curriculum trades off History and Science, each is every other week. Last week was History, this week was Science.)

Later on this afternoon when the kids were done I made sure to pack Chris' gym bag and placed it by the door downstairs. Want to know what I forgot and had to go back and get when I headed to Yoga this evening? Um, yeah, his gym bag. Funny thing is I've taken to packing it and taking it with me when I go because he forgets it every. single. day. But, we met up at the Y and signed Son into Childwatch. Chris went to work out and Daughter went with me to Yoga. Oh, no, not to actually TAKE Yoga, but to sit in the class in the back and write in her notebook. (She writes fanfiction. Shhhhh, I'm not supposed to know that.) She was going to sit in the lobby and and wait (we've tried to get her to wear her tennies and at least pretend to work out on one of the recumbent bikes, but she won't) but the lobby was packed and I was nervous leaving her there, though it's a safe, small Y and the staff are friendly and she has her phone now and I think she was nervous, too. So much so that when her Dad suggested she sit in on my class, she agreed. I wish she'd at least try a couple classes or even working out. But, this child? Will not work out at the Y unless it's her MA class. I have NO idea why. I think she gets bored easily when her friends or brother aren't involved, because here at home she plays baseball, basketball, football and takes small walks with her best friend, the girl that lives across the street. (Who is a good girl, btw.)

Oh, yeah, back to class. *G* I let my Yoga teacher know she was there, but that she was quiet and concentrated on the class. Afterwards, Chris and Son met us and we all headed home for a quick dinner. *G* It's been a quiet evening. The internet has been wonky all day, but finally seemed to stay connected this evening. Thank goodness, I was feeling a bit cut off! *G*

In my reading, last night I read My Soul To Take by Rachel Vincent. It's a Paranormal YA with a refreshingly different heroine! She's bean sidhe, a Banshee, though she doesn't know that until halfway through the book. She just thinks she's going crazy. I truly enjoyed this book! It was so nice not to read a Paranormal that didn't involve vampires, werewolves or even witches. There was even a Grim Reaper, though there are more than you'd think and almost unionized! *G* I can't wait to read the second book in this Soul Screamer series and look forward to it early next year. In other reading news I am back to reading the Karin Slaughter book and am slowly getting into it. Unfortunately it's a hardback and I can't take it with me when I visit the Y tomorrow and get on the treadmill, so I'll be grabbing a paperback to take with me. Sometimes I wonder if I'm ever going to finish this book? I really want to read it, but other things keep interrupting me, or my attention is grabbed.

Anyway, that's all from me, and I'm thinking it's more than enough! *g* Sorry I rambled. *G* I hope y'all had a normal and pleasant return to routine today. I wish a lovely and low-key Tuesday for y'all. (Unlike what our day will be like!) Goodnight and hugs, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Yoga (Fabulous practice!) and 20 balance ball exercises (I'm starting slow.)

This jumble of paws is Butterscotch!

I don't mind that the cats like to sleep on top of the cupboards. I climb up there and clean every few weeks, though there's no dust. *G* I do worry when Butterscotch sleeps in these awkward positions. I am always afraid that he's going to roll to get comfortable and roll right off. *G* As a matter of fact, if you stand there and talk sweetly to him, he gets excited and starts rolling all over the place. But, we never let him fall. Silly kitty.

We've had a pretty nice day! It's been warm and humid, but not as much as full summer, so it's been bearable. This afternoon I went to Zumba at the Y. The teacher was so into the class, that she went 10 minutes over the hour long class! I didn't mind, I had a blast. *g* When I arrived home imagine my surprise when I found Chris cleaning out the garage. Well, not the whole garage, just his tool cabinet. I admit, some of the items in there are mine (stains, poly-coating, sandpaper, etc) but most was his and it was in an awful jumble. I sat out in the garage with him to keep him company (and to cool down, I was beet red, and always am after an active class) and to help him sort through the things to keep and the things to get rid off. I also washed the windows on the garage door, inside and out. When he was done he started on the bush bed again and I finished picking the centipede grass and weeds out of my Monkey grass plants. (Which have divided and started to multiply all on it's own.) While doing that the time passed and I didn't pay much attention to the fact that I forgot bug spray. Until I was done. And ended up with 11-12 mosquito bites, and a headache. It took the benedryl anti-itch cream WAY too long to work. I thought I was going to go insane from the itchiness, but knew if I started I wouldn't stop until my skin was raw. I was THAT itchy. Ugh.

After a while I started to make dinner and since Daughter had asked me a couple of weeks ago to make some cheese biscuits I decided they would go nicely with the chicken and salad we were having tonight. But, I kinda felt bad tonight when making them that I actually had to look up a recipe for biscuits in my Joy of Cooking cookbook. I, a Southern woman, do not know how to make biscuits from scratch. Daughter and Chris didn't seem to mind that I had to look a recipe up, they just enjoyed the benefits. *G* I am happy to say they came out nicely and HUGE. *G* And yummy. What? I had to test the recipe's results, too. *G*

I haven't had a chance to read yet today and last night I just couldn't muster the enthusiasm to open a book. I couldn't concentrate, so hopefully tonight I'll pick up a book! Tomorrow we're back to a regular schedule. Chris is back to work and it will be the kids second week of schoolwork. I'm looking forward to both. *G*

But, it's also time for me to say goodnight. I hope y'all had a lovely Sunday. One filled with rest and peace. I wish y'all a stress-free and pleasant Monday! Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: 1 hour 10 minutes of Zumba, weeding the yard.

MIdnight breaks out the Halloween cat early!

When I watched Midnight do this this afternoon I thought I was going to choke I was laughing so much. Through the storm door you can see Taz (a Chow), a friend of the neighbors across the street is his owner and was visiting today. He's also a certified Therapy dog. Taz was a total sweetheart, but Midnight was freaked at his first sighting of VERY BIG DOG. *G* Note the very bushy tail and arched back with a ridgeback running down it. Midnight didn't hiss, he didn't yowl, he just started at Taz. I wish I'd thought to take a picture of Fireball who was over to the side doing the same thing. *G* Through the whole thing Taz sat on the other side of the door calm and collected. He consented to pets from the kids (My kids fawned all over him, and um yeah, I may have, too. ) and eventually the cats settled down. Layla came around the corner, saw the dog through the door and just sat down. She didn't react the way the other kitties did. Very funny! *G*

It's been a pretty slow day here. I've managed to take care of some laundry today, but that's about it. This afternoon we headed to Target, I was out of lotion, and ended up picking the kids up duffle bags that will be able to handle all their MA gear. Then we ran by Lowes where we picked up Gardening Tarp and Stakes. Chris ran out last night and has promised he will finish the overhaul of the front bush bed tomorrow. You know how I said he had a whole list of things he was going to take care of? Yeah, well, he didn't do any one them except for the overhaul of the bush bed. Which means it will be up to me to take care of everything. Maybe when he goes to Houston in a couple of weeks he'll come home to Son's room painted. We've had the paint for a few months now, and I've been waiting and waiting for him to get to it, but it looks as though I am going to have to take care of it on my own.

In reading news. Because the Inter-loan Library book is due in one week, I decided last night to go ahead and read it. No problem, after a 1/4 of the way through it I had had enough. It's choppy and bounces around from the heroine to small insets from the hero. The bad guy? Saw him coming a long way off and he was not scary, just flat out annoying. Especially all the cutsie-tootsie names he liked to call the heroine. I feel bad that my library went to so much trouble to get me a book that I can't even make it all the way through. I skipped to the back and read the conclusion last night and that's that. I know to stay away from this author now and Daughter did give me one good thought out of all this. When I was saying this afternoon that I felt bad that I didn't like the book, Daughter said: "Look on the bright side, you didn't pay for it.". (Meaning I didn't buy it.) And she's right. If I had wasted my money on this book I would have been even more disappointed and felt even more guilty. And I didn't name names of the book or the author in this post in an attempt to keep the author from discovering my thoughts on it. I am sure someone out there has enjoyed this book and I wish the author good wishes on her continued career. I'll go back to the other book I was reading this evening after we've settled down for the night.

I'm curious, do y'all have seasonal reads? Books you take off your keeper shelves or books that you look forward to rereading when certain seasons come around? I tend to pull my favorite Karen Robards book off the keeper shelves as well as my Marcia Evanick books and I'm sure when Winter finally hits I'll be taking down my Kay Hooper Bishop series books. *g* So, am I the only one? And can you believe there are Christmas books releasing in October? (Don't get me wrong, I like Holiday books.) I miss Halloween books, though I realize that now that paranormal is a genre in it's own right, that that is a pretty silly thought. *G* But, I truly mean the books set around Halloween or Halloween parties that were very (and I mean very) light paranormal stories. I grew up reading the old Harlequins that featured seasonal stories like those. *G*

Oh, I have a funny coincidence for y'all today. I was the first up and dressed today and woke the kids and headed downstairs. I was wearing a pink polo shirt. Down comes Son. In a salmon pink polo shirt and khaki shorts.(Which looks good on my redheaded Son. *G*) Chris had gone to run some errands this afternoon and was going to change when he arrived home. Daughter came down and was wearing a black shirt. With pink plaid shorts. Chris arrived home and ended up putting on a pale pink polo and khakis. Just like Son. *G* I just thought it was funny because I didn't even notice until later this afternoon. *G* Seems it was a very pink day here today. And especially odd since Son doesn't wake up enough to notice what I'm wearing. *G* And his usual favorite go-to polo shirt has a Jolly Roger print. *G*

That's it from me. It's been a slow and boring day. I liked it. I hope y'all have had blessed and relaxing Saturday. I wish a peaceful and restful Sunday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: No. Took the day to take care of many small things. Zumba tomorrow! *G*

Layla was ready for schoolwork today!

This is where I sit when we do schoolwork. And yes, it is at our kitchen table. *G* I guess Layla wanted to take a Spelling test today, too. Because I stood up to get something for lunch and turned around and there she was!

Speaking of schoolwork, the week has flown by! The kids are settling into a rhythm and today was test day for Spelling and Vocabulary for the both of them. Son's curriculum states that we can give him a written or oral weekly test, however I am a firm believer in written tests. Only his curriculum didn't come with any. That's okay because I have a secret weapon. *G* Chris! He created a test for this week, the next and the week after and will then create more for me. Son took his first one today and did very well.

The library called today! One of my Inter-library loans was in! YAY! And it came all the way from Ohio! And another of my books came in AND I picked up a movie while there. *G* A fabulous day at the library! So, I now have: Fortune Cookie by Joanne Meyer (new-to-me author, this is my Inter-library loan. The premise sounded so interesting I requested it.), My Soul To Take by Rachel Vincent (Also a new-to-me author and another the premise sounded interesting. A YA.) and the movie I picked up was, The Prairie Home Companion. I grew up listening to this and watching it on tv. I've also read a few of Garrison Keillor's books. What? I keep telling y'all I've read a LOT of different things. *G* So, I had a good trip to the library. I also took Daughter with me, she had to pick up a book on Johnny Tremaine, and two of the kids from across the street. (The kids friends.)

After we arrived back home the kids headed off in all different directions and Chris and I started to work in the front yard. I helped him, holding the bag while he filled them with old mulch; we had discovered those kittens we ended up taking to the Humane Society had used as a litter box. Ewwwww. He started the project to pull everything up and place down that black gardening tarp and was going to place the mulch back down. Um, no. So, we had to buy more mulch. *sigh* When he was raking it up, I decided to tackle the creeping grass, AKA as centipede grass, that is growing between my Monkey grass. That was a challenge, pulling up the centipede grass without messing up my monkey grass! My hands are now sore again and there had to be hundreds of bugs out today. They looked like flying ants, yuck. And though I had so much bug spray on I could have bathed in it, they kept landing on me. Blech. Also? By the time I was done, and had refreshed the bug spray, I had seven mosquito bites. USING BUG SPRAY. I must be some kind of all-you-can-eat buffet for mosquitos. I am scared of how many I would have had if I hadn't been wearing bug spray. *G* Btw? Benedryl's anti-itch cream? Worth it's weight in gold. *G*

Ohhh, Daughter's phone arrived today and to alleviate your fears, last night Chris placed restrictions on it online and even more when it arrived this afternoon. She can't text message without us knowing immediately, she can't call anyone other than who we placed in her contacts. She can't add anyone to contacts. She can't receive calls from anyone not in her contacts and she can't download anything. (I think I'm forgetting a few things she can't do. *G*)

The funny thing is, my normally tom-boyish Daughter turned into full fledged teenage GIRL today. *G* She walked up and down our road (not far, trust me) with her friend, taking pictures and chatting away. It was so funny! Normally she's in the backyard with everyone playing baseball, which she finally did later this evening. *G*

Um, as for reading? Haven't had a chance today. Between schoolwork, the trip to the library and working in the yard we've been pretty busy today. *g* Hopefully tonight I'll have a chance to tackle more of the Karin Slaughter book.

I hope y'all had a good day and enjoyed yourself! I also hope you've lots of lovely books to read and friends to talk to! I wish a relaxing and wonderful Saturday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: Um, does working in the yard count? Because that's all I had time for today. Maybe tomorrow, but definitely Sunday-Zumba! YAY!

A little love in their hearts!

This picture makes me smile. Layla and Midnight have been buddying up to each other lately and it's cute to watch. They both love to take advantage of not only the boxes, but the sunlight coming in from the door for a nice warm nap. *G*

I don't know what's going on, but I have been so darn tired this week! Last night after finally finishing everything and checking on the kids and then climbing into bed, I fell asleep almost instantly, something I haven't done in a long, long time. Physically I have been lethargic this week, too, having to push myself. I think my hormones are fluctuating right now and that messes with the medication for my thyroid. Fun.

As for the situation I was telling y'all about last night? A harsh email was sent off today about it, though I expect no response. Y'all would be proud of me, though, I think . I told y'all about not receiving books I had won from a certain website? I emailed both ladies today, spurred on by the feelings of last night. Of course two seconds after I hit the send button I wanted to snatch back the emails, but one lady responded almost immediately and apologized. (I haven't heard from the other lady.) I then felt like a total heel. *sigh* All I was trying to do was to stand up for myself just a bit, and have felt guilty ever since.

Today was Chris' birthday! He says he had a good day and to thank all of you that sent Birthday wishes! He appreciates y'all thinking of him and I can tell y'all that he smiled when I read him the comments. *G* His dessert tonight wasn't a cake, but a Key Lime Cheesecake. He loves Key Lime pie, but to also add his other favorite-cheesecake? He really enjoyed it! Son and he were the only takers, though. Daughter and I are not fans of Key Lime. *G* I told him not to forget there was more whenever he wanted. *G* And yes, I did stick a candle in it and light it and we sang Happy Birthday to him. (No problems lighting the candle, either, we picked up a grill lighter last week.*G*)

Oh, also? Chris and I were worried when we discovered there had been a robbery in a bank parking lot and subsequent car-jacking and manhunt this week, one street over from the Church campus where we attend. To say we freaked a bit would be an understatement. Luckily the Church was vigilant with security during the kids RE classes, but worried anyway, when we went to BAMM yesterday and left the kids at their classes I handed my cell phone to Daughter. There will be quite a few occasions this year where she will be attending functions related to her confirmation where we won't be attending and Chris and I decided that we would be more comfortable if she had her own cell phone. Especially as he will be going out of town at the end of this month and then in the middle of October and I won't be able to give her my phone then. So, last night after the kids went to bed we sat and looked at cell phones online. We picked one out and it will be here tomorrow. The best parts? One, it was free and shipping was free. (One of my favorite words.) Two, it will only add $5 to our monthly cell phone bill. And three? We'll have peace of mind that if she needs us for anything she can call us with no problems. We told Son and Daughter today (separately), Son was shockingly okay with it and Daughter thanked us. Spontaneously. *G*

As for reading? Last night I was way too tired, but this evening I picked up the Karin Slaughter book. I haven't gotten very far, as I've been busy taking care of things, but so far I like it.

That's it from here. It's been a slow day, one that I needed. I hope y'all had a nice and smile-filled day. I wish a fun and fantastic Friday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: two power burns on the treadmill this evening.

With a pic of Pepper! *G*

This is how the bookcase looks now that we've added a few small decorative items. Not to mention the kids school books. Take a peep at Pepper. Isn't she adorable? We've noticed that she plays hard and sleeps hard. Here she is sacked out on the rug in the kitchen. She never moved, never twitched as I stood over her and took this picture. And hey! You can see her pretty pink and silver collar. *G*

I am so darn tired I'm not sure I'm thinking straight, so bear with me. The kids finished their schoolwork in a timely manner today and might have gone out and practiced their MA moves (When one of the weapons is a staff, trust me, I want them practicing OUTSIDE as much as possible.), if it hadn't decided to pour down outside so badly that the tree in the front yard was almost bent in half from the weight of the rain and the wind. It was still raining when we left early this evening for the kids RE classes. After making sure the kids found friends and the right teachers, we left when the classes began and headed to BAMM. I didn't buy anything, though, at least not for me. I did pick up a journal that was 40% off for Daughter for Christmas. And they let me use my 10% discount on top of that. AND I used what was left of my gift card, so I ended up only paying about $3 for it.*G* Daughter is easy to shop for this year. Son is going to be the hard one. He goes through phases of what he plays with. Legos are good for a while,then there's everything Star Wars, but right now it's his Hot Wheels.

After that we headed back to pick up the kids. Then we headed to the Mall to return a bathing suit I had bought online. The last time we went swimming, a week and a half ago, I must have set my bathing suit down in something when changing back into my clothing, because after getting it home and washing it when I went to hang it to dry, I noticed something weird on it. Turns out the fabric had been eaten through at certain points, by whatever I had set it in accidentally. And I know it wasn't my washer, because all the bathing suits went in by themselves and every one else's were fine. *sigh* I hate bathing suit shopping, so checked online and found one online. I even tried it on Lands End virtual model. Only seems the virtual model doesn't have broad shoulders and such because it looked way different on me. And the worst part? It had been on SALE. $25! Unfortunately it made me look like a linebacker. Only shorter and dumpier. *sigh* So, Chris made me look around after returning it tonight. If there is one thing I hate with an abiding passion, it's bathing suit shopping. I have strict guidelines. It can't be any color except black, it can't have any embellishments, it has to be solid colored and it can't be too low cut. Oh, and it can't make me look like I borrowed someone's Grandmother's bathing suit. Doesn't sound too hard, right? WRONG. Number one? It is now Fall. All bathing suits are on clearance. Normally a good thing, but the only things left in the stores are awful. So, I can't go swimming until I find something and I can't find anything. *sigh*

That said, after leaving the Mall we headed to B&N where I had had Daughter call earlier to have them set aside the DVD I was picking up for Chris' birthday (Which is tomorrow! He's going to be 37!). I had checked online for the price and availability, so felt secure in what was going to happen. Boy was I wrong. Daughter and I went in while Chris and Son stayed in the jeep (I had no other time to pick this up than tonight since he's been off all week.) (And he has no idea what we got him.) We walked in to the DVD/CD portion of the store and I explained to the clerk why I was there. He found the DVD and went to ring it up. I looked it over and DING!DING!DING! something is wrong here. The price? Was $12 more than was online. And I mean online WITHOUT the discount card, because I don't have one of those. I was told online prices are different. Funny, I said, but there was no notice of what the in-store price would be online and there was no mention of the price when we placed the copy on Hold when we called earlier. All he said was "I'm sorry. But the prices ARE different. (Let me inject here, it was the SAME DARN PRODUCT ONLINE as it was in the store.) If you order it online you get the cheaper price, but the DVD is on back-order and will take another 3 weeks to be delivered." And the reason I didn't order it a couple of weeks ago? One shipping costs, another? So Chris wouldn't see the email. He asked me if I wanted to purchase the discount card and I told him no and that if this was their practice, I never would. Seriously, I felt like I'd been conned, like a Bait and Switch. I went ahead and paid for it, begrudgingly. (And there was no other place to get it, btw, Target and WW don't sell this DVD.) But, I was visibly upset by the time we arrived back at the jeep and started to cry. I don't know exactly why I broke down like that, but Chris without knowing WHAT I bought, just knowing it was for him, was upset on my behalf. It took me half an hour to stop crying. I know, I'm weird. I'm still upset and feel like I've been robbed/cheated. I know $12 isn't a lot of money. But, every little bit counts.

After that we headed home and had dinner. The kids enjoyed their first RE classes of the new school year. Son's teacher actually works for the same company that he does, at the same location and Chris warned him that he can check up on Son at any time. Daughter likes her teacher, she had the same person last year and so is comfortable with her. They were most excited to see their friends.

Um, as for reading, I am almost finished with Vicious Circle by Linda Robertson. It's a pretty good book. I like the heroine, she tough, but feels things deeply. I forgot to mention I picked up a book at the library yesterday. Dru mentioned Undone by Karin Slaughter the other day, so I picked it up. I haven't read any other books by the author, but the character description and story appealed to me.

I am so tired. I'm headed to bed. After taking care of a few things first. I hope y'all had a pleasing day! I wish a thankful and happy Thursday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: I've been too tired today. Back at it tomorrow.

Oreo gives me the Dr. Doom look!

Doesn't Oreo look as though she should be some kind of criminal mastermind? I truth she is very sweet, but also a bit quirky. She loves to meow at me every night as I get everything ready for bed, including brushing my teeth! She also races me upstairs anytime I go up the stairs. *g* At least she gets her exercise!

I thought yesterday was busy! The kids completed their schoolwork today just in time to grab a snack and head out to the Y for their MA class. I gave their teacher the money for their sparring gear and he had happened to have a set that would fit Daughter and brought it in today. It was brand new in packaging and it even matches her Gi. Son was upset his wasn't there today, but I explained that the teacher just happened to have this set and that his would be ordered and should be here next week. (It didn't hurt that I told him that I would ask Daughter to let him try hers on tonight.) Since Chris is off this week he went with us and while I worked out he was able to see the kids in their class. He even was drafted by the teacher to play "kidnapper". Chris and the teacher both said that our kids were the easiest because they were giggling the whole time, so excited to have their dad there. I love that Chris was able to spend time with them and see how well they're doing in class. In two weeks they'll test for another belt color. Ack! And y'all wonder why I hardly buy books anymore. It's because I'm having to pay for all this!

After the kids class we all headed to the library for Daughter to do her duties and then turned around and headed back to the Y because we had a class this evening. Turns out we did and we didn't. The schedule was all in a kerfluffle. Two different teachers showed up to teach two different classes. Turns out there had been a new, new schedule of classes made and I had picked up the first one and then it was rewritten and changed around again. *sigh* Fortunately the teachers decided to do a half and half. Half was TurboKick and half was Basic Step. Chris and I stayed for the the first half, but I don't do well at Step (AT ALL!), so we headed home. Next week should be better, a full class. We headed home after that and fixed a simple dinner. And after dinner spent about twenty minutes playing with Pepper and her favorite box. She would chase that thing all over the kitchen. Then Daughter helped me clip the kitties claws by holding them so I could clip them.

Oh, and during all this I've done three full loads of laundry and also folded a load of Daughter's.

I? Am tired! I did manage to slip some reading in today and finished the mystery I was reading. Now I've picked up one of the books I bought with my birthday gift card, Vicious Circle by Linda Robertson. It's an interesting book (s0 far, I've about a third of the way into it) with a different set of guidelines for the paranormal aspects that are included. I hope I get time in the next day or two to finish it!

Nothing else from me. It's been a busy day and I feel like I haven't taken time to just "be" much, so I'm off to do that now. *G* I hope y'all have had a good day. One filled with friends, good books and smiles. I wish a Wednesday filled with laughs and nice moments. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: 2 miles on treadmill, 25 minutes of weight machines, 30 minutes of TurboKick.