Spookey Eyed Girl!

My Pepper is adorable. She has the sweetest face and despite being visually impaired she is brave. But, I have to say her eyes, when light hits the pupils, look other-worldly. Out of all the cats we've had we've never had a cat whose eyes reflect blue like this. And if you look close enough, it's as if the blue swirls around almost like a crystal ball filled with mist. However, then she'll do something silly like steal the red ribbon out of my closet and take it downstairs and make me laugh. She's such a funny and cute girl.

It has been a LONG day. I woke today and had no energy. As a matter of fact, Chris had to wake me up two separate times! Not a normal thing! I guess I've been more tired than I realized lately. And my hands were aching. Ah, well. No rest or relaxation today! We had a dinner to prepare for. And yes, I am aware of today's actual meaning. (Memorial Day-I'm writing this late, again.) My Mom's Father served in the Military as well as four of her brothers (all survived their terms) and Chris served, as well as his Father. I'm aware that this country has had servicemen and women who've lost their lives for our Freedom's and the Freedom's of others. I don't understand a world where our Military are not honored. I Thank every single one who has survived and sacrificed, or those who served and lost their lives. Fallen, but not forgotten.

But, as for the afternoon? We were working hard! Chris ran an errand this afternoon while I prepared everything else I could think of. We ended up serving salad, grilled chicken, squash casserole, sliced tomato, garlic and cheese biscuits, potato salad (MIL's contribution), potato chips (MIL's contribution), corn on the cob and for dessert angel food cake with sliced strawberries and whipped cream. I wish I could have had more, but that was busting our budget and our refrigerator. *g* I just hope the neighbor's liked it. Here's where I become TOO honest. They are from another country-think Slavic-around that area. And are great people. They're honest, hard-working, kind and family-orientated. And I had no idea what to serve them. I guess I should have asked, but thought that making something from their country wouldn't have gone over well because it could have been good-or bad and I wouldn't know until they tried it. You know? Besides that, their kids are about as American as you can get, they just happen to speak 3 languages. *g* But, they seemed to enjoy at least some of their dinner. I just wanted to do something nice, you know?
Now, as for my other neighbor Miss M (she's married, it's just a Southern thing). I didn't know it but when she had a Doctor's appointment on Thursday she was rushed to the hospital because her blood pressure was scarily low. She came over today and asked us (Actually, she said she had a job for the kids *g*; she's a wonderful lady and likes my kids a LOT.) to water her plants for a couple of weeks because she was going down to the Military base her hubs is stationed at right now. (It was in Wisconsin, he's now back in State.) Someone has to be with her to keep an eye on her oxygen levels for a while. (She's older. She just had pneumonia.) So, the kids are watering her lawn and we're watching her house AND the neighbors/friends who are traveling to visit family. For the entirety of June. We are blessed to have fabulous neighbors who have been there for us in emergencies and hope that we are in some small way returning the favors.
While preparing everything I was also sweeping, dusting, laundry and picking up. I'm one of those who has to have an almost pristine looking home. I have too many kool-aid stains on my carpet to pull that one off completely, but the house was decent. *g*
Everything seemed to go well. The out-laws and neighbors got along well. The neighbors and their kids seemed to have an okay time and that's all I can ask for, right?
The rest of the evening I wish I could say was full of nothing to do. WRONG. *g* More laundry, ironing, clean-up and a small bit of time to put my feet up.

As for reading? I finished Sticky Fingers by Nancy Martin. I liked the book and am hoping there's a third in the Roxy series, though I am hoping that Roxy gets a few nicer things thrown her way! That character is a magnet for trouble! *g* I will confess it makes for a pleasing read, but like in real life I just want people to be happy. *shrug* That's just the way I'm hardwired.

No more from me. I am again finally tired enough to get some sleep. I hope y'all had an enjoyable Memorial Day. I wish a terrific Tuesday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: No time today. Does the fact that I was on my feet for most of the day count? *g* Not to mention that the Y closed quite early today.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 0.

Fireball looks comfy!

Fireball decided to take a nap on the couch the other evening. And we cracked up watching him. He has his feet pressed up right against the arm of the couch and he just looked like he didn't have a care at all. I still say it must be nice to be able to sleep with no concerns about anything. *g*

A rather nice day here. It was warm, but not too hot. Well, it may have been, but I was indoors most of the day in one form or another. We went to the Y this afternoon and I went to Zumba while the kids went swimming with Chris. I had an absolute blast in Zumba this afternoon. We ended up with three teachers for Zumba. Two of the new regular teachers and one was the sister of one of those. One of the teachers still has issues regarding the ability to keep rhythm, but it's a bearable. The best part of the class was with the sister. You wouldn't think you could dance like we did to Proud Mary, but we did! And it was fun!
After class I went swimming with Chris and the kids. Chris and I swam laps in the big pool (Brrrrr! COLD in there.) while the kids remained in the small pool. We stayed for a long time, until we had to leave or I would miss picking up a prescription.
Somehow we're now not only hosting the Out-laws for a dinner for memorial day, but Daughter and Son's friends family. They're leaving Tuesday for a 6 week long tip to Germany. The kids are going to miss then a lot. So, that means we'll be feeding 11 people including us tomorrow. I made cheese and garlic biscuits tonight and chopped up strawberries and angel food cake for dessert. I'll do more cooking tomorrow and Chris is going to be grilling chicken. I cleaned like a mad woman tonight, too. And will have to dust tomorrow. But, we may pull this off. We don't entertain. Ever. So this is a bit daunting.

Oh, and I'm reading Sticky Fingers by Nancy Martin. 

That's all from me. It's late and I can barely keep my eyes open. I'm not even sure this post made sense! I hope y'all had a peaceful Sunday. And I wish a stress-free and happy Memorial Day for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Zumba, 45 minutes swimming.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 7.

Cheap Entertainment!

Sometimes Wicket becomes a bit... bored. Especially when she wants to play, but everyone has something to do. So, we take an over the door hook a long ribbon and a few stray feathers from "the birdie" toy that the cats plucked out in their enthusiasm. The air from the ceiling fan in our room ruffles the feathers and ribbon and Wicket attacks the feathers and ribbon. *g* Daughter came up with the idea the other night. We've only used it one other time since then, but Wicket isn't complaining and neither are we as we can get a few things done. Of course we always take time when we're done to spend time with her. No worries on the kitties being ignored! Look how long and lean Wicket is! She reminds us of one the Sphinx cats (the hairless cats) only with fur. *g*

Another looong day here. I wasn't able to make it to the Y to workout today, but that may have been okay since I woke aching. I guess I needed a down day from exercise and yesterday didn't count. *g* Daughter let me know last night that she needs another bathing suit. She has two, but the top to her tankini has decided to lose all shape. (And since she has an enviable figure and is.....um.....gifted what she meant was she needs a new top that has support and that she can wear to work at the Y. So, we started at Academy Sports. No tops. She wants solid color and they didn't have any that she liked. (They sure had a lot of skimpy bikini tops, though. Thank goodness that doesn't fit for work and that she's pretty conservative in the way she dresses.) So, then we headed to Target (It was right next door.) Nothing there either. Most of their two pieces were also skimpy. (Not liking the risque way we're dressing our young women these days.) *sigh* So, we headed to Sears since ours has a Land's End "shop". For a cheaper price than a top we found a one piece tank. Only they didn't have it in her size in the color she liked. SO! We left empty handed. However, Land's End sent me a catalog this week with a code for free shipping. I can order her the tank in the color she likes and have it shipped for free. Yay! Problem solved. And yes, I know we could have done that all along, but I wanted to give her the choice to find something she liked. And she really did try to find a new top first. So, since we were at the mall do you want to guess where I was dragged by the kids and Chris? If you thought the Apple Store you'd be correct.
Chris wanted me to look at the iPhone. See, Chris has been asking me to upgrade my phone since my phone has had a few issues lately. Um, yeah. Again. *g* Then there was Thursday when I was trying to contact the DMV and the Academic Association we belong to and had to borrow the phone book from the Pine Y and one number sent me to another and I could have found the information I needed online so much faster. So! Since he sent in his old phone recently when he upgraded and they gave him a credit I let him order me the iPhone Friday. I'm still not sure it was the right decision. I didn't mind being "unplugged" from online until this week. But, we'll see how it goes. If I don't like it I WILL send it back. (I've done it once before with another phone. *g*) I know it sounds weird, but by giving in and getting a smart phone I feel like I gave up on a principle. Weird, right? Yeah, that's me, the weird one. *sigh*

Anyway, after our visit to the mall (And am I the only one who is kind of bored in the Apple Store?) we headed home and had a nice dinner. The kids ended up watching some kind of Anime they picked out at the library. They are showing an interest in a couple of graphic novels, I figured they might like the anime version of the same novels. *g*

As for me? I finished reading the JAK book I picked up from the library this week. *g* Is it bad that her books are so easy to read? I can't wait until August when her next Jayne Castle book is out. Next up? Yet another library book. Blessed be for libraries! Do you make use of your local library? I love ours and couldn't imagine a life without them. Go support your library!

And now it's time for sleep! Ahhh, sleep. My pillow is calling me. I hope y'all had a spectacular Saturday. I wish a Peaceful and Restful Sunday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: Does shopping count? Yeah, the great bathing suit hunt took that long. *sigh*

One of these things....

Is not like the other! I don't know if Oreo thought she wouldn't be noticed on the bookcase in the back of the great-room or if she was just curious, but she was sitting on the shelf when I happened to turn around to go into the kitchen. Cats are so odd. *g*

Speaking of cats, the kids and I had a blast at bedtime tonight checking out Simon's Cat new website. The kids want to enter the contest listed. *g* We watched a few of our favorite Simon's Cat animation and laughed like loons as we wondered which of our cats displayed certain behaviors. There's a new animation up, posted earlier this month, too.

Early this afternoon Son and I took Daughter to the Pine Y to fill out her paperwork. She's now an employee! There's a small, not loop-hole but that's the only word I can think of right now, statute(?) that allows Daughter's medical records (Shot record in this case) to be used as ID. Personally, I think it's weird, but if it gets the ball rolling for her, then OK. In the meantime I'll be putting forth the required paperwork to get her a State ID next week. (As soon as the Association lady calls me back.) Daughter won't be working a lot, but I kind of like that since we have a certain schedule anyway and the less disruption to it the better. I'm selfish that way. She's a definite for one day a month-at least. But, she's also the Sub-meaning that anytime anyone else wants a day off, is sick, or takes vacation she'll be called in. She starts training this coming Wednesday. She's very excited and already has her Life-Guard shirt. All that? Between the time to drive over there and take a tour and introduce her around and fill out paperwork took almost 2 hours. Did I mention we were in such a hurry to leave the house to get there on time with the proper documentation that none of us had lunch? And that I hadn't had breakfast because I was too busy taking care of everyone else? Yeah...... made for an interesting afternoon.
After Daughter's documentation was turned in we headed to Academy Sports. I wanted to be sure Daughter had shorts to wear this summer. She's already shot up a few inches since last year so needed new shorts, not to mention the shorts she'll wear to work are different than the shorts she normally wears. We picked her up three pair of shorts (Not bad for $26.) so she's all set.
On then to the library to pick up two holds that had come in for Daughter. One book is written by the fellow that "created" the kids type of MA-Shotokan. From there we headed to Aldi where I picked up some trail mix to snack on. I had a couple of handfuls as we drove to Sam's. (No worries, the kids had found scnacks there as well. By the time we were done at Sam's I was hot, tired and dizzy. Yay drainage on top of a practically empty stomach. But, I was determined to get as much of our grocery shopping as possible. So, on toward WW. Luckily Chris met us at WW and he was a big help
By the time we all arrived home and I had put away all the groceries I was shaky and sick. Ugh.
A quick non nutrional meal for me and a better meal for the kids and we had a quiet evening. Chris did schoolwork and scanned the shot record for me to e-mail to the AD.

And that's our day. A big jumble of errands and drainage and at the last time to put my feet up. I hope y'all had a happy Friday. I wish a fun and enjoyable Saturday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: Didn't have much time to fit in in and didn't feel well for most of the day. Hope to find something to do tomorrow.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 0.

Medusa and I have a little in common!

Seriously! Look at my hair. That mess? Is from a full day out and about and working out combined with Southern humidity. I've solved Medusa's puzzle! She was Southern! Kidding. (I know the myth and actually feel sorry for her.) What y'all can't see is that at one point today I had my hair in a ponytail and at a couple of points during the day wound it up into a bun so not only were the top and sides of my hair curled and frizzed out, so was the back. Daughter wishes she had hair. I'm betting she didn't today. *g* (And do you know that not one of my kids or husband told me my hair looked like that tonight?)

I swear today felt as though we were on the run for most of it. The kids and I went to the Pine Y for their MA class and while there Daughter turned in her application for that branch of the Y. She has to go back tomorrow afternoon and fill out paperwork. She's being put on the SUB list and I have a lot to do next week because of it. Daughter showed no interest in getting her permit so we didn't give it much thought, but she needs a picture ID for the job. *sigh* So, I made some phone calls this afternoon. This state requires a school photo ID to gain either state ID or a permit. (Along with a birth certificate and SSN.) But, as a homeschooling family we don't have a school photo ID. ARGH! I can get a letter from the state homeschooling association that we belong to-and have called about it. But, the woman who handles that won't be back in the office until next Tuesday. Someone tell me how I totally spaced on the fact that she'd need a picture ID to be put on the Y's payroll? In the meantime the AD is going to start her paperwork. (I made all those calls while the kids were in MA class.)
The Out-laws met us in the Y's parking lot after the kids class. They had been to a local strawberry farm and brought us about a pound of strawberries. And MIL saves the coupon inserts from the paper for me and gave me those as well. *g* The kids had already started eating a couple of the strawberries by the time we headed out. I had to take the berries home and then we headed to the MT Y for my Cardio/Agility class. Daughter didn't take class with me tonight. Her joints have been bothering her today and then she sparred in class and took a hit to the mat. So, she went swimming instead.

We met up with Chris at home. He had a blast today at the White Water place. They did all sorts of activities. He said there were quite a few rope ladders and such as well as kayaking and white water rafting. It's so funny! He fell asleep right after dinner today. Awwww, he wore himself out.

I did have a bit of a freak out today. The jeep made a weird noise and we've tracked it to only making it when the AC is on, so we're going to have to find time to have that looked at next week. Chris tried to recreate it tonight when the kids and I arrived home and it wouldn't do it. No lights are on on the dash, so that's good. Cross your fingers it's something minor. We just can't afford a big auto repair bill. I swear we have the worst luck with automobiles. *knockonwood*

As for reading? I am almost finished with the Dixie Cash book. It's been an entertaining read. Next up will be one of my other library books. In Too Deep by Jayne Ann Krentz came in for me today (from Hold). It's a reread, but for some reason I have really felt the urge to read it again.

That's it from me. It's been a long day and tomorrow will be rougher. I have to take Daughter to the Pine Y and then grocery shopping afterwards. Yay. I hope y'all had a thoughtful and thankful Thursday. I am thankful Chris didn't get hurt or sunburned today! *g* I wish an enjoyable and laughter-filled Friday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: 5.08 miles stationary bike at level 11, 1hr 5min Cardio/Agility.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 5.

Big Goobers Nap Time!

I wish y'all could tell how small this box is, but if you've ever seen a box of ramen noodles, then that's the exact size. (The kids love those things, though we don't use the seasoning they come with very often.) Then there's the fact that Midnight? Is not a small cat. He weighs sixteen pounds and almost all of that is muscle. (Whenever someone asks how we have such large cats, is that we feed them miracle-grow. *g*) But, trust Midnight to think he's still the size of a kitten and squeeze himself into that box for a nap. *g*

Weeding yesterday was definitely not a good idea, at least not without shoes on. My ankles are itching like mad! *sigh* I can't believe that I can't enjoy my yard or garden without wearing shoes or pants to keep the grass off my legs. It's quite frustrating! And trust me when I say wearing pants in our weather is not fun. It was 93 degrees here today and the sad fact is, it wasn't higher because the humidity wasn't that bad today. I just want to mow my lawn and weed the garden and CAN'T without a lot of precaution right now. Oh, and I still haven't taken the steroid. I am scared to death to do it and the rash really is healing, or it was until I weeded yesterday, now it's red around my ankles again. Is there not a natural source that can give me the same results as taking the steroid without all the freakish side-effects? And why on earth are the medications used to treat certain things scarier than the issues they're being used to treat? Argh!

We're winding up our school year. The kids have a couple of weeks left and we're taking tests and I'm gathering paperwork. Son's handwriting is still bothering me. His letters/words are still a bit big, but then again the way his curriculum works they've only started him shrinking his writing for the past couple of months. It probably doesn't help today's kids that most things are done on, or by computer now. Son would rather take a test online that to sit down and write it out. But, at least he knows the answers to the questions. I'll be asking for another standardized test for Son in the next month or so, too. I like to measure his progress and also check to see where other's his age and grade are. Same with Daughter. She's been warned that there will be NO summer job (which she wants so she can save some money) unless I have every single paper and test done. She's eager to do so because there's a REAL sword she wants to purchase and she wants to earn the money for it.

Late this afternoon we went to the Y for Son to take KidFit and Daughter and I to work out. I headed to the gym for weights and the stationary bike and elliptical (My normal Zumba class was being taught by the new teacher I don't like and who makes my shins hurt badly.) While Son was in class and I did that Daughter swam laps. Chris arrived around the time Son's class ended and we all went swimming. I had a great time. The Life-Guard on duty was kind enough to leave the lap lines up for us in the small pool and Chris and I swam laps for a while. When we realized how late it was getting we headed home and had a simple dinner. TV was okay, but I miss having new shows to watch already. I can't believe we have to wait until September for new episodes of our favorite shows. So, I enjoyed my book instead. *g* The Dixie Cash book is fun. The characters that have been in most the books-Debbie Sue and her partner in crime, or rather in her P.I. business The Domestic Equalizers are quite...... Texan and it's interesting to read their mannerisms. What characters do you prefer? Smart, strong not only physically but in temperament? Or do you prefer shy, meek and while not weak, but rather not capable?

Ah, well. Time for me to get some sleep. It's late yet again. I've had trouble sleeping again lately and am finally tired and think I can sleep for a bit. I hope y'all had a Wonderful Wednesday. I wish a Thankful and Thoughtful Thursday for y'all. I'm thankful y'all put up with my nosiness! *g* Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: 4.10 miles stationary bike at level 11, 1.76 miles elliptical at level 11, 25 minutes of weights, at least 45 minutes of swimming laps.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 6.

P.S. Chris is going white-water rafting today as part of a work thing. Please send a small hope that he doesn't injure himself. (We're not a graceful family.) *g* Plus, though I am sending sunblock with him there is no guarantee that he'll remember to put it on. Thank you!

Diet Police!

Wicket looks as though she knows there is something in the fridge I can't have. She's giving me that eye. The one that says you know better. Actually, she just likes to sit up there because it overlooks the entire room and cat's love lording themselves over every one else. *g* She's such a tiny little tyrant!

A rather simple day here. We did the usual as far as schoolwork, with a little added newness of a Science test for Son. I also decided to weed our garden. I maybe shouldn't have done that because tonight my ankles were itching. *sigh* But, at least the weeds are fewer and the creeping wire grass has been plucked up. Son's Sunflowers are already about seven inches tall. They germinate and grow so fast! One of our tomato plants doesn't look like it's happy, but yet another has two small tomatoes growing already, so we're happy with that. The poor watermelon plant is hanging on, though looks like it will take forever to grow at this rate and our strawberry plant has already started sending out little wanderers to take root. One of these days we'll do a big garden, but for now this suits us since I don't can. (My Mom never taught me.) I need to learn sometime, though.

It was nice not having to rush out today for Daughter to teach. And that gave us time to get a few more things done. We still made it to the kids MA class with time to spare and I headed off to enjoy Zumba. Our teacher at the Pine Y is the one who is an "every other Wednesday" teacher-of the HipHopDance class. She's really tiny and very sweet. She makes me feel like Godzilla-even though I'm not tall, either. But, her classes are fun and a good workout. She rotates music and often adds new and current songs into routines and that keeps the class fresh.

I will admit I watched the Dancing With The Stars finale tonight. I've been a fan of the show for a few years now and have really enjoyed this season. The star I picked to win did win and in my opinion deserved the "Mirror Ball" Trophy. I won't say in case I'm not the only viewer of the show and maybe missed the results.

As for reading? I finished the Amanda Quick book and have begun reading the Dixie Cash book that I picked up from the library last week. The books by this author(s) are usually hilarious and my favorite so far has to have been Don't Make Me Choose Between You and My Shoes. The airport scene alone made me laugh so hard when reading it I almost fell of the treadmill I was on at the time. (At the Y.) I hope this new one is just as funny. *g* Do you like books with humor? Or do you prefer your reads more serious in tone. I admit to preferring humor since I feel life is hard enough as it is-you need a tension reliever at some point. However, that's not to say that I don't read books more serious in nature. But, of all the books on my keeper shelves-the ones with a hint of humor or snark probably out number the others. Maybe. Hmmmm.

Eh, that's all from my tired brain tonight. I hope y'all had a terrific day. I wish a wonderful Wednesday for y'all full of exciting and smile-filled moments. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Zumba. (Without having to be at the Y for Daughter's class I am missing a second workout today. I may check out a new Yoga class next week.)
Fitness Challenge Miles: 0.

Midnight the Goober!

Midnight is a bit of a bully sometimes when it comes to the other cats. Like dinner time and he's hungry. If another cat gets to the food before him he'll stand there right behind them and intimidate them until they decide to just go ahead and let him eat. When we're in the room and he does that we shoo him away. But, above all, he is the biggest goober ever. He loves Chris to pieces and begs to be held like a baby over his shoulder. He also loves to go for a walk on the leash, as Son did this past weekend. (I have picture proof.)

Today has gone well. I feel like I accomplished a few things for a change. Almost felt "on the ball" as it were. (There are days that I feel so ditzy-I'll say the wrong words for things or forget things all together.) I managed to get quite a few things done. I vacuumed, swept, mopped, did load after load of laundry and found time to wash my jeep! (Finally!) I've decided that out of our relationship (Chris and I) I am a bit of the guy. I like to wash my vehicle and detail it and clean the interior as well. I LIKE doing the yard work and it's driving me batty that I can't mow the lawn right now. (Yes, I still have the itchy skin, though the rash looks better than when it started. I think sweating when exercising is keeping it from healing all the way.) And for a hobby I like to refinish furniture. As for the last one? I've decided to re-do Son's bookcase this Summer so it matches his comforter. So, it's going black. And the sad thing is I can't wait to sand it down and re-do it! Now to find the time........ *g*
Oh, and of course the kids and I tackled their schoolwork. I'm organizing their last tests and uploading some of their work this week. Fun.
This evening the kids and I went to the Y. I worked out before yoga and then in Yoga the instructor was "playful" with our class. Meaning we did a lot of different poses and some new ones and she worked us over nicely. I love her class. While I was working out and in class the kids played basketball in the gym. They had a blast and I was happy they were doing something. *g*

After heading home to meet up with Chris, who was mowing the lawn-and don't think that wasn't driving me crazy-I made dinner and we settled in for the night. I missed not having Castle on tonight. I am sick to pieces over all this reality show stuff (except for DWTS *g*)

As for reading? I have library books and the funny thing is that a keeper book caught my eye and demanded to be reread. So, I am rereading The Paid Companion by Amanda Quick (aka Jayne Ann Krentz, aka Jayne Castle) I love the heroine in this book. She's not a simpering miss, she has sass and intellect and isn't afraid to speak her mind. My kind of heroine. *g* What characteristics do you enjoy in the lead characters of the books you read?

That's all from me. It's late and I had a time posting tonight. Firefox was not being receptive and I had to manipulate the blogger site to get to my compose page. (I still can't post in Safari unless it's without pictures.) But, I made it. Too bad for you. *g* I hope y'all had a pleasing Monday. I wish a terrific Tuesday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: 8.25 miles stationary bike-level 11, 1 hour Yoga.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 6.

Upside Down and Crazy!

Wicket has a few quirks. She wants to be loved on only when she wants attention and only on her terms. Basically, a normal cat attitude. Then there are the times when she'll race around the house and randomly smack or jump toward the other kitties hoping to entice them to play with her. And when that doesn't work she becomes her own toy. Here she is enjoying the top of the kitty condo by hanging off of it upside down. For no apparent reason. *g* She is quirky and hilarious.

It's been another long day here. But, we accomplished most we set out to take care of today. (Well, kind of yesterday since I'm late writing this again. I'll probably mix of the tenses of my days here, so bear with me.) I made it to Zumba this afternoon and have met yet another of the new Zumba teachers. I kind of met her Wednesday when we were talking about how good a class that instructor does/ has..... Not sure how to phrase that. Anyway, She's going to be subbing when one of our regular teachers is on vacation and the Y is bringing her in to teach a new Zumba class starting next month on Friday mornings. And? I like her. She's a good teacher, she's very nice and her energy is normal. Not manic like the other one they brought in. I'm one of those weird people who prefer (and actually it suits my entire body/personality) to exercise in the afternoon and evening. But, I may be willing to try her class on Friday mornings this summer.
While I was gone to class Chris took down the ceiling fan that was in the LR. We haven't had it very long (about six months) and it stopped working for no reason. Luckily I am weird and saved the receipt. We had inquired about returns at Lowe's and they said since it sounded as though it malfunctioned they'd take it back, so he took it down while I was in Zumba. We took it back with no problem and ended up picking up one that looks exactly like the one in our bedroom. I didn't like the one that had malfunctioned anyway, it hummed. Yes, hummed. You would think that's something that can be ignored, but no. You just can't live here and not have ceiling fans. It keeps you from going broke using Air Conditioning so much. And while I am not tough enough to NOT use AC, I would like to be able to keep the house cool without going broke. Hence the reason we have a fan in the Great Room, but fans in each of the bedrooms. AND I'm thinking of replacing the lighting in the kitchen with a fan. Too much? Our garage is attached to the kitchen and since the garage isn't really insulated it helps to heat the kitchen. Then there are days like we're having now, where it's only May and we're already in the 90's. You read that right. One day this week is estimated to rise to 94 degrees. *sigh* It's going to be a looooong summer. NOW do you see why Fall is my favorite time of the year? *g*
After returning and purchasing a new fan we headed to Petsmart to buy Wicket a new collar. Last night she came downstairs without it and we turned the house upside down looking for it and couldn't find it. Then, in the middle of the night, one of the cats pulled down the duvet off our bed and there was the collar. The safety release had snapped and broken, so Wicket got a new collar. Y'all would not believe how spooked she acted last night without her collar on, it took forever for her to settle down. While there we picked up a new feather wand, since the one the cats have now is almost a year old and almost BALD. *g*
After all that we headed home and I had a blast tonight playing with the cats with the wand. Fireball went nuts over it and made several leaps and twirls through the air to try and catch it. Even Pepper liked it. *g*
I made dinner while Chris took care of schoolwork. He had a quiz due tonight and passed with 100 percent. I am so proud of him! His sunburn is healing well, I would have shared pictures, but he wouldn't let me take any. *g* He gets to go white-water rafting this week for work (He has all the fun!), something about a team-building exercise.

As for reading? I didn't have much of a chance today. When we arrived home tonight (before making dinner) I cleaned out, vacuumed and polished the interior of  my jeep. (Which we still don't have a name for.) The kids make a mess in there and I can't stand it. But, I hope to find time to read tomorrow. Who am I kidding. I will MAKE the time to read tomorrow. *g*

That's it from our day. I didn't last very long in not detailing our days, did I? Since I can't seem to not do that, I'll try and at least not do it for every single post. I get tired of being too repetitive. Plus, I have a lot of really quirky things running through my head sometimes and I guess it's time to share all my "quirkiness" with y'all. When I can remember them, that is. *g*
Anyway, I hope y'all had a peaceful Sunday. I wish a smile-filled and sunny Monday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Zumba.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 4.

Feather Time!

Wicket has a routine with Chris. When it's bedtime she runs upstairs and jumps on the bed and jumps on the pillows to play with Chris with the feather wand. Plus she chirps for him and he can't resist that. And Wicket never gets tired. She'll play for an hour or more. Of course if another one of the cats decided he or she wants to play, too? She stalks off and pouts until the other cat loses interest. Of course tonight's game was a bit interrupted because she came downstairs for me to get a drink and to play the ice game with Pepper and we noticed her collar was missing. We turned the house upside down trying to find it and can't. And Wicket is upset she doesn't have her collar on (she's been wearing it for months now and is used to the jingling) and has been jumpy and miffed every since. I just wish she could tell me where it is! I guess we'll have to make a trip to Petsmart tomorrow.

I woke with a sever sinus headache and my wrist and thumb aching today, so I had a late start. We managed to make it by the mall to return the sunglasses I bought a few weeks ago and that had been sitting in the glove compartment ever since. *g* We also went by Lowe's to pick up the pegs for Son's bookcase. But, we did not make it to the Y and I feel guilty I didn't work out today. But, there's always tomorrow. I can't wait until the swim meet is over and we can use the pool again, too.
I've been reading a bit of the book I picked up yesterday this evening. And that's about it for our day. It's been slow and quiet, though we did enjoy walking around and people watching at the mall. There was one woman in Brookstone wearing some kind of Renaissance costume. For no reason. She was sitting in one of the massage chairs and the incongruity was strange. And kind of fun. When we went to Lowe's we also looked at mailboxes because we'll need one within the next year or so. Our's is kind of like those rubbermaid ones and MIL hit it a couple of years ago and now it titles and the sun damage to it has bleached the plastic. So, we're looking at a steel box that can be painted if it starts to fade or rust instead. It'll be a while before we replace ours, but it was fun to look. I miss when the mailboxes were ON the houses (and have always been fascinated with mail slots in doors), like when we lived on base in the Military in a couple of our base housing. Then again, I didn't like when we had a big street mail box-one of those that you have to use a key for and share with ten or so houses. We were lucky at the time that that kind of mail box was right by our driveway, but I still miss seeing the mailman walk around and deliver the mail. But, I know that these days that's hard for the Post Office to do. Our mailbox now is at the end of the driveway and the Postal Employee drives by and puts it in. Not the most interesting topic, but you wouldn't believe the different types of mail boxes you can buy now! *g*

I did watch the most interesting thing I've seen in a while tonight, educational tv-wise. I watched a book being re-bound. It's a lot more complicated than I ever thought and very cool to watch. Even Daughter liked it! Though I don't think the library goes through all that when they repair books. I've had books that have just come back from repair that almost fall apart because they weren't repaired correctly.

Sorry to say that's it from me. It's late and I need to get some sleep. I hope y'all had a laughter filled Saturday. I wish a Blessed Sunday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: None today. Though we did enjoy walking around Lowe's and the mall.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 0.

Even Butterscotch likes Jolly Roger!

Butterscotch likes to enjoy nap time as much as the other cats. And he loves Son's bed to nap on. I think it's because Son's room is quiet during the evening and he ALWAYS LOOKS LIKE HE'S POSING! Seriously. He's pretty and he knows it. *g*

A rather quiet and unassuming day here today. We stayed home most the day, except for a trip to the library (there's a plus to living about five miles from the library) to pick up an Inter-Library loan book that had come in. I had the urge to pick it up today because they usually don't let you keep them very long. But, I now have P.R. Frost's Hounding the Moon. What? Y'all are surprised it's not a Lynn Kurland book? Yeah...... I just put one on hold and one on Inter-Library loan so it'll be a week or two before they come in. *g* Actually, I have a question. How many holds do y'all have at one time? What's the most books you've had on hold at one time? I have, hmmmmm,  14 items on hold right now, but 3 of those are movies. *g* And one is a Music CD. Do y'all use your library for more than books? We do! We can't afford to go see every movie that comes out that we're interested in, or even every CD that is released. So, we enjoy them for a week and then turn them in, though I'm pretty weird about turning a movie in the day after we watch it because I know how long the holds list can get. I have one movie on hold right now that I've been waiting for since LAST YEAR. Last October to be exact. (Our library system, with 10 branches, only has one copy.) Have you ever waited that long for a library item? I still have a while to go. Ah, well. Nobody said saving money was easy. Not to mention we've bought a couple of movies before and watched them once and not liked them. Then you're stuck with it. So, we don't buy many movies now unless we've either seen it or we KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt we'll like it. That doesn't happen very often. *g*
I persuaded Son to play Frisbee with me in the back yard this afternoon, but we had to give up after thirty minutes because the gnats wouldn't leave us alone. I don't like putting a lot of chemicals down in the yard, but Chris sprayed some bug killer when he arrived home from work because if we can't even enjoy having a yard because the bugs won't leave you alone-well, that's rather frustrating. And personal bug spray isn't that much better, not to mention gnats seem to like eyes, noses and mouths the most. Ewww.
We have had a quiet evening and the big plan for tomorrow is to buy more bookshelf pegs for Son's shelves because they're somehow missing. Not too exciting, but I'm trying to have a low-key weekend. Hopefully there will be a couple of trips to the Y this weekend, too. However, we can't go swimming because they're having a three day swim meet (It started today.). They take up both pools for these meets and I can NOT wait until they build the new pool at the other branch of the Y.

No more from me. Not that today's post was very exciting. *g* I hope y'all had an enjoyable Friday. I wish an amusing and happy Saturday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: None. I took the day off. I was physically tired today. Not to mention my thumb hurts. *g*
Fitness Challenge Miles: 0.

Not one of my pictures, but I had to share!

 

I had to share this. I find it hilarious and at the same time just. so. wrong. *g*

I found it on Epbot. (Who found it somewhere else.) Regular post following.

Pepper the Cute!

Pepper is without a doubt one of the cutest cats we have. It's not just the sweet and somewhat clueless look on her face (which is misleading btw, she's very smart). It's also some of the things she does. Like her sleepy face. *g* When she wakes up or is woken up she has the sweetest little face with her eyes kind of at half mast. Or then there's the fact that she loves to play with ice. Every time I get a cup of ice from the freezer and she hears me - she has to have a small piece of ice to play with. (This necessitates me taking a full sized piece of ice from the freezer and hitting it with my small hammer to make smaller pieces. She won't chase a big piece of ice. We think it has to do with the sound of the ice on the kitchen floor.) Remember she can't see well. (And yeah, she's spoiled, but we can't help it.) Then there's the way she sits on the stairs and naps. Like in this picture. *g* I was glad to be able to take this picture so that y'all can see the way her pupils are always HUGE.

Whew! I am tired! It's been a very long day. And for some reason my skin on my legs has been itching more today. Bleh! We've been to Son's homeschool group/4-H club end of year (school year) meeting/party. The kids had a book swap and most brought books that once they told everyone about them didn't seem to want to give them up. *g* Son didn't bring any to swap. I had asked him which of the books on his shelf did he not want anymore and he said he wanted to keep all of them. That's my boy! *g* The party went well and all the kids received a participation certificate. And we're looking forward to starting back up in September. We've already bandied about topics for each meeting.
After that, as usual, we headed to MA. I worked out a bit while the kids were in class. And then later this evening I had Cardio/Agility. Class was held outside tonight, though I hope she doesn't keep doing this. Little gnats out there are mean! Not to mention I'm a woos. I like air-conditioning. *g*
After class we headed home and Chris and I made dinner and enjoyed our evening.

As for reading? I just finished yet another Lynn Kurland book. I know. I know. Y'all are tired of hearing about me reading her books. But, I like the historical and contemporary mix and then there's the whole "Scottish Laird" angle. *g* Must be my Scottish genes. *g* Though I will be careful and not slip any "Aye"s into my speech. Promise. *g* Have y'all ever been that taken with parts of an authors books before? I've read two of her books now set in England and the others set in Scotland. I admit to preferring the Scotland books. Though I'm not sure it has to be being predetermined to like it because of my genes (*g*) or whether I prefer the mannerisms of her Scottish Lairds over her English Sirs. I may have to ruminate on that.

Anyway, I'm about to fall asleep writing this (Am I forgiven any spelling or grammatical errors due my extreme tiredness?) and need to put my computer away. I hope y'all had a enthusiastic Thursday. I wish a fun and fabulous Friday. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: 10.06 miles stationary bike at level 11 and 1hr 30mins Cardio/Agility.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 8.

P.S. I sprained my thumb in Cardio/Agility. You never realize how much you use your thumb until it hurts every time you do.

The family that plays together.....

Has fun together! Here are Chris and Daughter practicing with weapons Sunday night. They had a blast and Daughter is getting quite good with her katana. She wants a real one for competitions and while I am not against one for her, I do worry since they come sharpened. We did ask the kids MA teacher about how to dull the weapons blade, though. *g*And strange as it is, I find that I like the fact that my sixteen year old Daughter knows how to wield a sword. *G*

Another ordinary day here. Except for the fact that Daughter woke not feeling well today. She had a sore throat and a ton of drainage and was tired. I think she now has the cold that Son woke with yesterday. Strangely enough he never complains when he's sick unlike Daughter and Chris. As a matter of fact, he seems rather like me in that he just keeps going, letting hardly anything slow him down. Since they both have colds I made them stay home today. Son didn't attend KidFit tonight and Daughter would have gone swimming, but I wanted both to rest. So, I went to the Y tonight by myself this evening. Chris wasn't going, either. He participated , this afternoon, in a Charity 5K his company put together. He did well, he completed the race, but the weather was tricky. It had been cloudy all day with barely a ray of sun, always looking as though it threatened rain. (At least it did at our house!) However, it seems there was SOME sun out today because Chris arrived home with his face, neck, and head (he keeps his hair short-as in military short-still) were sunburned. His face bears the brunt of it. He looks like I did a few weeks ago. He didn't wear a hat today and DID have on his sunglasses, so he looks really red with an obvious outline for his sunglasses. I feel bad for him, but have been in his exact shoes qne know that there's not much I can do to make it better. Although, once when my Mom was sunburned badly (and several times I've been so badly burned I've just wanted to sit and cry) I mix up a weird concoction that for some reason shouldn't work, but does. However, I don't have the ingredients on hand right now.
Ah, speaking of the Y! I attended my usual Zumba class and then! I tried something new! Well, I used to take this class often-several years ago- when it was offered-PiYo. PiYo is a blend of Yoga and Pilates. And the teacher did this one move where she is in boat, rocks back and then lands on her feet in a modified chair pose. For the life of me I couldn't do it! Argh! I don't like not being able to master new things. However, we did one pose that seems to combine "pigeon pose" with "thread the needle". I will say between the two classes my joints felt warm and I felt "loose" afterwards.

As for reading? I am reading yet another Lynn Kurland book, a traditional contemporary, From This Moment On. I had finished the other last night and had this one on hold that came in today. I picked it up on my way to the Y and couldn't resist beginning it tonight.

No more from me today/tonight. It's early morning, but I'm awake because I bolted awake and had forgotten to post last night. Ooops! What? I was reading! I don't get as much of a chance to read as I'd like to sometimes. But, this weeks has been good for me and reading for some reason. Time to head offline and get my started.
I hope y'all had a brilliant Wednesday. I wish a thankful and thoughtful Thursday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: 1 Hour Zumba, 1 Hour PiYo, 10 minutes running.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 8.

You knew she was going......

To get in that bag! After she walked all over Midnight and he finally walked off in a huff Wicket wanted in that bag! Of course she may have tried to bite the bag at one point. *g* But, she had help there as Chris scratched along the back and she attacked it. *g*

Another long day here. I swear this week I am surviving on caffeine and willpower. But, I guess that happens to everyone now and then, right?
I will say it did make me think, though. If I could do anything I wanted for a day, what would I do? I think my perfect day would be an actual lazy day. If I didn't start twiddling my thumbs past the first hour that is! First off? I would take longer than five minutes before feeling guilty about being awake and still in bed with all sorts of things to do. Then? I'd let the kids wake themselves up. (Ha! That would be a disaster.) I could also read whenever I wanted instead of sneaking time in here or there during the day, or since that's sometimes not possible-waiting until everyone is in bed and asleep. And let's not forget not having to worry about how many calories ingested and just eat favorite foods. To be honest? I don't think I'd make it. I know my own faults and a personality that just won't stop is one of those. As in letting others do things instead of me handling them. What? One of us to be the one to handle everything around here. That's me. What would YOUR perfect day be like? Are y'all like me and have to make sure everything gets done that needs to be done?

Anyway, I will say that today? Was Daughter's last day teaching at the MT Y (Daughter's choice to stop showing up for no students each week and yes, she let the Youth Director know). Yet again no kids showed up and I would bet you a quarter from my change in the jeep that the Youth Director just didn't care enough about, or respect the program to keep it going and to promote it. I can say this because the program at the Pine Y? Is flourishing. Because the AD who is over it? Worked hard to get a teacher in who was not only a good teacher, but a good man. Whereas at the MT Y the YD just let it go and I don't think he ever even tried to find a new teacher. I think he probably forgot about it! But, now we have an hour back on Tuesdays and I know Daughter is pleased. All she wanted was for that Y to get in a black belt to teach but she knows she did the best she could. As do I.

Chris made dinner for us tonight so that it was almost ready by the time the kids and I arrived home. Since Tuesdays are a "late" day for us, it was nice. Now if he'd only take the recyclables and drop them off I'd be a relieved wife. He doens't mind when they take over part of our garage, whereas I go nutty when they pile too high.

As for reading, I'm finished with one of my library books and am third of the way through another already. Are y'all reading anything good? Do you ever get on reading kicks where you read a lot of one authors backlist at one time? Please tell me I'm not the only one. *g*

Anyway, time to head offline. I hope y'all had a terrific Tuesday. I wish a Wednesday filled with laughter and love for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: 1 Hour Zumba. (I didn't do a second workout today because I felt like my body needed to slow down today.)
Fitness Challenge Miles: 4.

C'mon get out already!

Cats are odd creatures. Ours bring so much love, life and laughter to our home and we are blessed to have each one of them. And I must say the laughter? That's daily. This picture features Wicket on top of a paper bag Midnight was investigating and Pepper in the background watching it all. Wicket looked rather upset that Midnight was in the bag SHE wanted to explore. And yes, when I went to Aldi I purposely bought a paper bag just to see what the cats would do. Cheap entertainment at six cents. *g* (Btw, not the child safety lock on the sink cabinet in the background. Believe it or not, it was never there for the kids (they were too old to worry about getting in there when we bought the house), but rather to protect the cats-nosy buggers!

I reread yesterdays/todays updated post and good golly could I be any more boring. Just know that our days usually consist of a trip to the Y and me cleaning. A lot. *g* As a matter of fact, I was at the Y so much last week a kid I DON'T EVEN KNOW was swimming in the pool Sunday and commented "Are you here everyday?". Um, yes actually, we usually are at the Y 5-6 out of 7 days a week. I'm sure I've explained before that I want the kids to have opportunities and to be more confident and athletic than I ever was. They're growing up knowing that exercise is a good thing, a fun thing. I didn't have that life lesson. What is it with our parents generation that when they wanted to lose weight all they did was go on a diet and then stop when they lost the weight? Chris' parents are still like this. I don't understand it. And you'd think they knew better at this stage of their lives, but no. Anyway, they kids have fun at the Y, they have friends they've met and see at the Y. And now Daughter and I have something we do together and have fun doing together at the Y. (She ADMITS Cardio/Agility is fun! *g*) So, they are socialized there, they are comfortable and confident there and and best of all they are growing up knowing how to be healthy. That's one of the best life lessons I can give them. Among other things. *G*
Ahh, as for the kids schoolwork. We're winding down our school year. The kids have about 4 weeks left of schoolwork and tests and then freedom......um, I mean vacation! *g* I think they feel like they'll never have time off again. But, just a few more weeks and then they'll have time to mush their brain until August. *g* Actually, that's not quite correct. I enroll them in Summer Reading programs at the library to at least keep them thinking. Daughter can't wait. Though I have requested she read certain books this summer. Such as Sherlock Holmes and any others I may think of to expand her reading. It's not that she doesn't read or like to read, heck, she's a chip off the block in that instance. I just want to broaden her reading a bit. And Son's time is coming as well. Cue scary music...... *g* Did you have anything education related during the summer when you were in school?
And as for my reading? Hehehe. I have another Lynn Kurland book. Thanks to the library. We went by to pick it up today and I came home with a few books! YAY! I now have: Much Ado in the Moonlight by Lynn Kurland, Love Came Just in Time by Lynn Kurland (what can I say, I'm having fun reading her books), I Can't Make You Love Me, but I Can Make You Leave by Dixie Cash (their books are so fun!), and Sticky Fingers by Nancy Martin. The last two were on the shelves and I couldn't resist picking them up.

Hmm, this evening Chris mowed the lawn for me again. He's doing an okay job. I just wish I could go back to doing it. I loved making everything neat and presentable and being outside. Now? Grass is my enemy until I can totally get rid of this stupid rash. It's not as bad as it was. Just not gone yet and I still itch every evening a bit. I think I seem to itch more at night because I have more down-time at night and notice it more. *g* Although, there could be some kind of scientific explanation for it that I don't know about. I do know that sweating and then contact makes the rash worse. (By the end of the last Cardio/Agility class even my legs were sweating and we were on the Bosu balls-the contact and rubbing made my the rash look BAD.) But, I am holding firm to the belief that they look a bit better.

I was nice and made dinner tonight, though, while Chris rested after working in the yard. Oh, and my neighbor is home again. Her sister came to stay with her today until she's better. I'm going to pick up some flowers and take them over soon. I'm just glad she's home!

And that's it. At least tonight wasn't as bad, or boring, a recounting of my day. *g* If I keep up NOT saying much about the details of our day I can just see my posts becoming very short. *g* No worries, I'll be boring y'all for a long time. *g* And now I need to get some much needed rest. I've had a "I'm so tired I'm going to cry" day and want some sleep.
I hope y'all had a pleasant and smile-filled day. I wish a terrific Tuesday for each of you. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: 8.5 miles exercise bike, 1 hour Yoga
Fitness Challenge Miles: 5.

Updated!

I forgot to post last night and am actually really mind-numbingly tired right now. SO, consider this a place holder until I can gather my wits enough to be coherent and take care of some things-probably this afternoon when I'll have time to get a chance to take care of this. I wish a smile-filled Monday for y'all! B.

Updated: Jeez, sorry about that. No matter how much sleep I've been getting lately (and not too much at that) I always awaken feeling as though I had just closed my eyes. Ah, well.
Anyway, yesterday was a pretty good day. In the afternoon we headed to the Y (where else?) where I took Zumba. It's funny, the teacher that really annoyed me because she can't keep the rhythm doesn't annoy me as much anymore. I think it's because at this point she's the 'lesser of two evils'. Meaning I'd rather put up with her than the new Zumba teacher. I had a good time. While I was in class Chris worked out and the kids went swimming and after class Chris and I joined the kids. We had fun in the pool together and I always enjoy when we can do something together as a family. It's funny, the pool is the one place the kids seem to get along the best. *G*
After swimming we went to Academy Sports. We're looking at getting the kids some flippers to play with in the pool, but weren't real impressed by the offerings carried there. We did find them some shoes for summer, though. Son kills flip-flops (we went through 3 pair last summer), so I decided on closed toe sandals this year. That way he can wear them outside to play in, but won't have to worry about scraping his toes. We found a great pair that had cammo on them (Because every nine year old boy loves Cammo.) and they were priced well at $15. Score!
After that we headed home and had a simple dinner. And I took care of laundry and ironing and that's about it. A rather slow day. But, one that was fun and satisfying.
I hope y'all had a Blessed Sunday. And I wish a pleasing Monday for y'all. Have a great day! B.

Exercise: 1 hr Zumba, 1 hr. Swimming
Fitness Challenge Miles: 8.

There's some on the.....

Bottom, right? I swear her head almost disappeared inside that cup. And no fears, there was water in that cup-Son found that the filter in the fridge needed to be replaced and so didn't finish his cup. But, that's okay. Patches was more than willing to finish it for him. *g*

Guess what? I relaxed today! Well, as much as I can relax. And swear I get a tad fidgety when I have free time these days. It's as though I don't know how to just let things be. *g* It's okay, though. This afternoon Daughter had her event at the library, one of those 'Mystery' events, this one was called Panic at the Prom. Daughter had a blast! While she was there Chris, Son and I went swimming at the Y. We had a good time and I was able to get some laps in. After picking up Daughter we headed home and STAYED HOME. Normally we're running around doing errands or catching up on things, but I was wanted a Saturday where we weren't driving around all over the place. So, after we arrived home I took care of a lot of laundry and sat on the couch for little bit, but I  had been so tired when I awoke today that I almost fell asleep. So, I decided to weed the garden and spent quite a while doing that. I also managed to wrangle Chris into taking a walk with me. Well, actually, I kind of guilted him into it. *g* I put my shoes on and he asked me what I was doing. I said it was so nice out I wanted to take a walk and get some exercise, that I was used to being more active that sitting around. He gave me a look (and I'm sure sighed on the inside. *g*) and grabbed his tennies, too. *g* We had a nice walk, though I had to stop several times for him to catch up to me and at one point he was slowing down going up a steep hill so I offered him my arm. He said that didn't work well. I think I pulled him along too fast. *g* But, we had fun. I was able to be nosy and see my neighborhood and neighbors landscaping. What? I wanted to see flowers! *g* I don't have any. I have trees, I have bushes and I have monkey grass (though I swear some shamrocks are growing by my mailbox. I think it hitchhiked with the monkey grass MIL gave me last year.) and well, I do have the rose bush out back. But, that rose bush is more like a rose tree as it's TALLER THAN ME again. *g*
Anyway, we had a good time talking and checking out our neighbors yards. *g* And I made him work up a sweat, so all is good. When we arrived home I kicked the kids outside to practice with their weapons and the target and Chris grilled chicken for salads for dinner-YUM! And we spent a quiet evening at home. It was nice.
As for reading? I haven't read today, but am reading a book from my keeper shelves as I am out of library books again. I finished up the Michael Lee West book earlier this week and then hopped onto a Lynn Kurland reading kick, so I grabbed yet another of hers from my keeper shelves. I am hoping my library gets in a few of my holds soon.
And that's our day. Not a lot to it, but I had a good time. I enjoy weeding and am a bit, um, intense about it and came in only when it started to thunder. *g* I'm caught up on laundry-for the day (Chris changed shirts 3 times today so there will be a load to be done tomorrow probably.) went swimming, had a nice walk and then bested the hubs at sit-ups. *g* A GOOD day. *g* (I think I"m a tad competitive with him, who knew?)

I hope y'all had an enjoyable and amusing Saturday. I wish a restful and peaceful Sunday for y'all. Goodnight-sleep well, B.

Exercise: 45 minutes swimming, 45 minute walk, 1hr weeding, 5 minutes sit-ups.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 4. (Didn't count the weeding or sit-ups and I counted the neighborhood walk as at least a mile.)

She cracks me up!

Wicket does the funniest things sometimes, well, most the time. Here she just popped her head up like a 'whack-a-mole' game and stared at us around the kitchen table. The look on her face made us all laugh and she definitely brings smiles to our family and love to our hearts.

It's late and I'm running on low batter power for my laptop and too darned tired to worry about plugging it in. SO, this will be short. Not much to share today anyway! After schoolwork today the kids and I headed out for grocery shopping-we made it to three different stores before heading home to unpack and put everything away. I can say I never felt like I cooled down between stores and I know that this summer it's just going to get worse. My least favorite time of the year here is approaching fast. After Chris arrived home he and I ran one last trip to a local grocery store and now we're done for the next two weeks. I hope. *g*
As for reading? Well, I've picked up another Lynn Kurland book from the library Thursday and I've just finished that, My Heart Stood Still was a real tear-jerker. The heroine is so lovely in manner and brave and endured such hardship and then when she's rescued, well her adjustment and hardship continues until she comes to terms of what happened. I won't say more in order not to spoil it, though since it's Historical/Time-Travel/Contemporary that it takes a certain type of reader to enjoy. Normally I don't like many historicals, which is weird since I inhaled them when I was a teenager and in my early 20's (The Scarlet Pimpernel was a favorite.) But, over the last few weeks I've found that SOME of them suit me still. And since this author has an amazingly long backlist, I'm happy to use my library's database to search for those that perk my interest. *g* Have y'all ever done that? Stopped reading a genre  and then years later go back and find enjoyment in it again? Or was there ever a genre you didn't like until you gave it a whirl and now like? What? I'm nosy! *g*
Anyway, after making dinner I suggest Chris watch Tron on his computer (It came in from hold the other day.) since I didn't want to watch it, yet still wanted to sit with him and he did. He enjoyed the movie and since it wasn't to my liking I didn't have to watch it, too. Is that a bad thing? I watched Say Yes To the Dress. I love seeing all the very pretty gowns on that show, though the prices freak me out!

And that's our day and evening. We're boring, but I kind of take pride in that! *g* And now I need to get some sleep. I hope y'all had a fun and feisty Friday. I wish an amusing and enjoyable Saturday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: Didn't have time today. But, hopefully tomorrow.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 0.

Let's Try this-again!

This is my umpteenth time trying to post here on blogger. I don't know what is up with them, but it ate comments and a post from yesterday. So, this picture may look familiar if the post went up at all and if it doesn't-look at the pretty ladybug! *G* I fine them adorable and had to share this picture taken at the Out-laws house on their apple tree.

Geez, I wish blogger hadn't eaten my post. Let's see.... I asked how I could interest Daughter in reading some older books, some classics. She reads many books, but most are YA and when she does have to read a classic, (she had to read Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare) she doesn't really like it. By the time I was her age I had made a good sized dent in the library and it wasn't all just one genre. Like now, back then I read almost anything that caught my eye, whether it be Shakespeare, Sir Author Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, Mercedes Lackey, Tanya Huff, L.M. Montgomery, J.D Salinger, Danielle Steele...... *g* I just wish she'd give them a chance, you know? *sigh*
Anyway, I also shared how I went to Zumba Wednesday and took the class from the new teacher. I know I said I wasn't going to, but I felt I should give her an honest chance for an entire class before saying I wasn't going to go and that I didn't like it. Guess what? I didn't like it, so I feel no guilt not attending her class now. I don't like her music (all official latin Zumba songs)(our other teacher blend those with more contemporary/popular songs) nor the fact that she STILL didn't have enough choreography or music for an hour long class. So class was only 45 minutes long. And just like last time I had her my left shin hurt. No clue why. Oh, well. I'll find something else to do that class time.

Now on to Thursday. We had a normal day, although the weather was icky-82 degreees but with a 'feels like' 95. Bleh. We again went by the library, this time because Daughter had quite a few holds come in. She's really into a James Patterson series right now along with some kind of anime show.
After that it was on to the Pine Y for the kids MA class. I was given a key to the dojo! Seems they trust me enough to give me my own key-because if the teacher or AD is not there-I am.
After the kids class we headed over to the MT Y for Daughter's and my Cardio-Agility class. We had fun, well I did. It's hard work and Daughter isn't fond of that all the time, but she did her best. And that's all I ask for. Luckily the class was inside this time thanks to our funky weather. (It storms in the evening right now.) I know I couldn't have handled the humidity well if we hadn't. Not to mention I like being close to the water fountain and restrooms and you know, the air conditioning. *G*

And now y'all are caught up. Nothing glamorous going on, as if there ever is! *G* I hope y'all had a nice couple of days! I wish a fun Friday for y'all. Have a great day, B.

Reading: Finished the Wanda Sykes books, have read two Lynn Kurland novels (one from keeper shelves and the other I bought last Sunday).

Wednesday Exercise: 45 minutes Zumba, 20 minutes swimming.
Thursday Exercise: 4.
Wednesday Fitness Challenge Miles: 10.06 miles stationary bike-L11, 1 hour 5 minutes Cardio/Agility
Thursday Fitness Challenge Miles: 6.

Short and Sweet!- Written last night.

The short part is this post. *g* I've had my head stuck in a book all late night and am up WAY too late, but I gladly sacrifice the sleep to read without interruption. *g* Isn't the ladybug the sweetest looking little thing? This one was sitting on the Out-laws apple tree in their backyard. It was on too tall of a leaf for me to get a good picture of, so Chris was nice enough to take a picture of it for me. *g* He's a good hubby that way. *g*

Another mainly low-key day here today. Which is fine with me, though I could have done without the humidity. We were at 87 degrees here today with a heat index (seriously, already?) of 95. Yay living in the South. *sigh*
Daughter had a writing workshop at the library this afternoon on writing a memoir. She loves the writing workshops and I am hoping they help with something she loves to do-write. Although, I do truly wish she would expand her book reading. I can't get her to read any classics at all. I had to pull teeth to get her to read The Diary of Anne Frank years ago (I know it's not a classic, but I think of it as required reading.), Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, Agatha Christie, Sir Author Conan Doyle...... She won't read any of them. And a few weeks ago she had to read The Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare. I could tell it wasn't to her taste, whereas I adored Shakespeare. She tends to stick with Science Fiction/Fantasy and other YA's. I so wish she enjoyed reading like I did, and still do. I think she should at least try! Am I being too whiny about this? How do you know of you like or don't like something until you try? I just want her to try. And I think she wouldn't have had such trouble with the language of Shakespeare if she'd read other books that were written in a more formal hand than they are today. Maybe someday she'll explore them on her own? I can hope, right?

Anyway, after Son and I picked up Daughter from the library we went to the Y for Son's KidFit class and my Zumba class. Daughter and Chris (who arrived after work) went swimming and after Son's and my class we both changed and got in the pool, too. However, we weren't in there more than half an hour before an announcement that the pool was closing for 30 minutes because of weather. (The warm weather we're having is building big storms during the day and evening.) Only, after Daughter and I were changed the Life-Guard approached us and said that the people at the front desk weren't supposed to make announcements like that-that it was up to the Life-Guards and that they weren't closing the pool because there was no lightning. Yay. We were already changed and Chris had confessed to a headache right as we got out of the pool, so we went ahead and headed for home.

After playing around with a recipe for a low-fat Philly Cheese Steak sandwich we had dinner and had a quiet evening. After everyone was in bed I read for a while and then succumbed to sleep. I hope y'all had  wonderful Wednesday. I wish a thoughtful and thankful Thursday for y'all. Goodnight, Or rather, Good Day, B.

Exercise Wednesday: 45 Minutes Zumba, 15 minutes of swimming. (Tried the new teachers whole class because I didn't want to say I disliked it without giving it the benefit of doubt. Out of the 45 minute class she didn't have enough choreography for an hour-nor enough music. The entire class was latin, official Zumba music and afterwards my left shin was hurting. SO! I emphatically don't like her class and can say so with a clear conscience.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 4.

Enjoying the sights!

Here is Layla enjoying the top tier on the kitty tower. She can't get up there on her own, so I'm a good kitty mama and place her up there when she shows interest. She can, however, get down on her own. I accidentally put her up there one day and forgot she was there and left for an activity. She was down when we arrived home. We didn't know how she managed to get down until several weeks had passed. *g* She's quite ingenious. She managed to make her way down quite easily, whereas we had thought there was some jumping and bouncing off of the ottoman involved. *G*
Another rather uneventful day. We went to the Y for Daughter's MA class this afternoon and again, no kids came. So, Daughter talked to the Youth Director and he said he's make some calls, where Daughter also let him know she's placing an application in for Life-Guard for the Summer soon. I'm not sure he paid attention to her and if not he's going to be unpleasantly surprised and will deserve it for not paying attention to her.
After the Y we headed to the library, again. Daughter received a call this afternoon- she won a $25 gift card to B&N! (I wish I had her luck!) She won for writing several haiku's. She never let me read them, but has offered to let me read them now. *g*

After the library we headed to the kids MA class. We were a little later than usual thanks to the trip to the library so I wasn't able to work out before my class tonight. Oh, well. However, Daughter did receive her card to keep in her wallet (official certificate) for her CPR/AED/First Aid/Lfe-Guard course. Yay! While the kids were in MA class I took Zumba, they're back to calling it that again-meaning the instructor there finally has her qualification. After class the kids and I headed home and Chris and I made dinner together after I finally made the decision on what we were having. Chris just couldn't make a decision tonight! Silly man.

As for reading? I'm still reading the Wanda Sykes book, but have also started reading the Michael Lee West book as well. I don't normally read more than one book at a time, but somehow ended up doing so with this book. No clue why. But, it's working for now. I think it's because one book is fiction and the other is pretty much non-fiction.

And that's all from me today. It's been rather slow and not much to share to be honest. Oh, well. OH! My next door neighbor is in the hospital. She has pneumonia, and won't be home for a few more days. Her husband is stationed now at a base a couple hours from here (instead of Wisconsin where he was stationed for two years)  and he called me this weekend when we weren't home to ask if I'd seen her. Since I wasn't home I couldn't help him and he ended up calling an ambulance because of her fever and she had trouble getting good breaths. I'm checking their mail and keeping an eye on their house for them while she's in the hospital and am praying she heals soon, though she called today and said her fever hasn't broken yet and she's been coughing up blood. I love this neighbor, so if y'all could maybe just say a prayer for her or at least send a healing thought to her I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

I hope y'all had a terrific Tuesday. I wish a wonderful and smile-filled Wednesday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Zumba
Fitness Challenge Miles: 4.

I wish!

I wish I could claim credit for this GORGEOUS flower. But, no. It's from a plant that MIL has in her side garden. It grows along a wooden fence and is so bright and eye-catching and beautiful it took my breath away. I honestly think if MIL had had the opportunity she would have been a horticulturist. She has the prettiest flowers I've ever seen.

It's been a low-key Monday and return to welcome routine. I adore Mondays, something I'm sure that sounds weird. But, Mondays start of a new week, there's a freshness to that. And then there's my favorite yoga class. *g* Monday is always the day I do the floors, the day the kids start back to schoolwork, the day Castle comes on........ I could go on. But, I won't. *g*
Son has finished up his Phonics course early, so I had him take his last test for that today. He was excited to be able to finish a subject until our next school year begins. *g* (There will be MANY tests over the next six weeks. Poor Son, I hope he's excited to take them all. But, I doubt it.) After cleaning, laundry and of course schoolwork we headed to the Y. My home away from home. Next to the library, anyway. *g* Ooh, speaking of the library. I have two books! Yay! I picked up Yeah, I Said It by Wanda Sykes (It caught my eye and I've been seeing repeats of a show she was on a couple of years ago.) and Gone With A Handsomer Man by Michael Lee West. This last book is by a new-to-me author. But, the book has gotten a lot of good reviews and remarks, one by Dru. I peeked at it tonight and already I can tell I'm going to like it. *g*
Anyway, while I worked out for a bit before my Yoga class the kids went swimming. I've tasked Daughter with making sure Son practices his swimming techniques. It's an exercise in patience for her, something she doesn't have a lot with Son. I want her to see that yes, patience is hard work, but the rewards are usually worth it. What do you think? But, as far as tonight? It worked out well. For tonight, anyway. *g*
Chris went straight home from work. His math class was giving him fits tonight. Something about graphing and indexs and projections. *g* Don't look at me, I aced classes like History and Literature in H.S.. Those subjects interest me to this day, hence my eclectic reading habits. *g* Chris, however, has always been pretty good at math so this class giving him fits is unusual. However, his project for tonight was completed and he feels good about it. Cross your fingers!

As for dinner tonight we decided to do a simple night. Every now and then there's a night where neither I, nor Chris feels like cooking. Tonight was that night. I made something for Son and made something for Chris, Daughter fixed what she wanted. I went simple. *g* A sandwich. But, I am now regretting it because my head is pounding! Ugh! Peanut butter seems to be my enemy tonight. Hopefully, my headache will be gone by tomorrow.

And that's it. I don't have anything else to share with y'all. It's been a pretty slow day and I LIKE it that way. I hope y'all had a pleasing day. I wish a terrific Tuesday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: 1.70 miles on the elliptical at level 10, 1 hour Yoga. Had a GREAT Yoga class tonight.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 5.

One way to cool off!

Another picture from yesterday's Spring Fling. Here are Daughter and Son enjoying the fountain raining water down. The fountains downtown were very popular with the kids at the Spring Fling. What's a bit scary is, it was only in the low 80's yesterday (not counting heat index). This summer is going to be miserable at this rate. (As with all picture of the kids this one will be taken down after 24 hours.)

It's been a pretty nice Mother's Day. Chris tried, in his own way, to make it a nice day. He folded a load of towels for me and made the kids a card to give me. He also mowed the lawn for me since the rash I have is still driving me insane. (I have NEVER itched this badly in my life and I've had chicken pox.) He wore himself out mowing the lawn. *g* I had to remind him that last Sunday I went to Zumba, swam laps, did laundry, and mowed the lawn. I told him that maybe I do more than I get credit for and that he can now see exactly how much I do to make things easier for him and the kids around here. I wish I could say the kids were eager helpers today as well, but they weren't. Oh, well. They were sweet when hugging me.
This afternoon I went to Zumba and had a blast. The lady in the front row I normally hide behind pulled me up next to her on the front row today. I wish I could say I liked it. But, I've never liked being in the spotlight. Next time I'll hide again and be happier.
After class I headed back home and picked Daughter up. She and I went to B&N while Son stayed home with Chris. Chris had schoolwork to do and Son enjoyed the time on the Wii to himself. *g* The kids gave me a small gift card to the bookstore and today is really the only day I had to go look. (This week when we fit a visit in, it was hard because we had a very short time to look around.) I looked at my favorite genres: Romance, Mystery and Sci-Fiction/Fantasy. I picked up Lynn Kurland's latest, One Magic Moment. I haven't read her books in a while, but the premise of this one sounded good. No other books sounded good to me for some reason. I guess it's because I have my list and rarely vary from it and no books on my list are due out until later this month and in June. Daughter spent some of her money-in the cafe. *g* She bought a frappuccino and a big cookie. *g*

After we arrived home Chris and I made dinner together. After wards we all watched a bit of tv and Son played with his Hot Wheels cars. *g* He has quite the collection. One or two were given to him by MIL, they were Chris' when he was young. That's kind of cool.

As for reading? I finished the Jen Lancaster book last night and loved it! It was fiction, but yet still in her voice. As a matter of fact, it even had the notations she puts in her memoirs. *g* I feel so blessed to have been able to read it and it makes me want to go back and reread her memoirs again! 

And now it's time to head offline again. It's been a long day and I didn't sleep well last night. I hope y'all had a peaceful and joy-filled Sunday. I hope everyone had a good Mother's Day, even if you're only a mom to a fur-baby or extended family. I wish a low-key and pleasant Monday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Zumba.
Fitness Challenge Miles: 4.

Celebrating Spring!

One of my favorite cars from the car show.

The hood ornament from the car. (With a little fun vintage look from iPhoto.)

We went to the Spring Fling in the next town over this weekend. These are two of the many pictures we took while there. We met up with the Out-laws while there and walked around with them for a while. I loved it when they reminisced about a few models of the cars in the car show. (No worries, the stories were all G-rated!) We looked at all the vendors, watched a few bands, and the most fun of all- we watched World Champion Disc (Frisbee) catching dogs! The dogs were all very cool. Each one is a rescue and the couple who train them rescue them from shelters, train them and then adopt them out. And they do it all as a non-profit-meaning they don't charge adoption fees for the dogs they adopt out. Now, they do sell merchandise to support their operation. So, we bought a frisbee. ($2) It had actually been used in the show we watched and the joke from the trainer was that they'd been "jaw-tographed". *G* We also watched a live performance art piece by a woman who dresses in silver, paints her skin in silver and plays a silver drum after standing like a statue for a long while. It was cute! Especially when one woman went up close to her to take her picture and she started playing a drumroll on her drum. It shocked the heck out of the woman who had been in the process of taking the woman's picture. *g*
Chris wasn't able to find alligator to eat, so he settled for a German sausage. Daughter tried one of the bloomin' onion's and couldn't eat it all because it was so greasy. Ugh. (Is it bad that I'm proud of the fact that she didn't like all of it because it was greasy? The kids just aren't used to greasy foods.) Son and I went with a safe bet food-wise. We chose Chic-Fil-A nuggets. Though I ended up giving half of mine to Son, they were too salty. We walked around A LOT and after three hours I'd had enough. It was crowded, it was hot and I was ready to go. So, we bought one more food item and sat by a fountain to enjoy it before we left. FUNNEL CAKE! YUM! Chris and I split one and enjoyed every bite. I feel like I deserve it because we walked so much and also because guess what I forgot in my eagerness to gather the family, gather some waters, make sure the cats had food and water and and all that before we left. If you thought sunblock, you'd be correct. *sigh* Think about it. We were there for three hours. In the sun, though it was windy thereby making it not seem as warm as it was. Yeahhhh, I am sunburned. I am red. So, not only am I an itchy mess, I am now a sore, hot, burned mess. Yay me! I don't think my skin could be more miserable at this point, but *KNOCKONWOOD*. Because at this point I am taking NO chances. And I had asked Chris to remind me to find and put on sunblock. He forgot, too. As for Chris? His face and neck are pink. Son's neck and nose are pink and Daughter has the barest hint of color on her cheeks and nose. And me, I look like a science experiment gone wrong. I swear, no I really do raise my right hand and swear I will be buying another bottle of sunblock to keep in the jeep. As for the one in the house? I found it tonight. To late to do any good this time, but next time we'll be prepared.
After the car show the Out-laws left, so we did most of the above mentioned activites alone. But, today was MIL's birthday so we were requested to join them and SIL&BIL for dinner. Which we did and went bearing cards. Son kept BIL's ear busy. He talked non-stop during dinner. Something he normally doesn't do. Son made a comment that had us ALL cracking up to the point we had tears in our eyes at one point.
After-wards we left and headed home. And have had a quiet night ever since. I haven't even had a chance to read today, though I am halfway through my book and thoroughly enjoying it!

I need to head off-line and get some rest. I hope y'all had an interesting and amusing day. I wish a Peaceful and Blessed Sunday for y'all. Happy Mother's Day to everyone-share some love today! (I'm writing late again.) Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: Walking for three hours counts, right?
Fitness Challenge Miles: 0. Because I have no idea how far we walked.

Layla looks a bit peeved with me in this picture. I guess she had a right to be. After all, since she can't get up to the top of the kitty tower without help I helped her up there and then stood there petting her for a few minutes. From her look you'd think I dumped her up there and deserted her. Actually, this is her "you're going to take a picture now?" look. I do love how expressive her face is.

Um, y'all are expecting a post tonight, right? But, I have my face stuck in a book and am loathe to put it down! See, earlier today I was walking around the house in a benedryl induced fog feeling as though my limbs were weighted down and as if my head were stuffed with cotton. And then the lovely surprise of a book by my favorite author appeared! I snapped out of my fog when that happened! And after a quick trip to the library to drop some books off (one of the library books from last week was a DNF) and back home I've been trying to find time to read it ever since! Oh, the book? If You Were Here by Jen Lancaster. I feel so special and loved today! That hardly ever happens. So, thank you! (You know who you are, I'm not tattling.)
Oh, the reason for the benedryl? My rash is caused by an allergic reaction. Therefore an antihistamine might be useful. At least that's what I'm hoping. I am going to take a course of them for a couple of days to see if the rash stops itching. (Btw, does anyone know why it itches more at night? It's just weird!) But, earlier today Son and I went outside to sit on the back porch and I was so tried I put  my hands down on my head and would have fallen asleep except Son never stops talking. I was only out there about twenty minutes to half an hour, but it was long enough for me to end up with a slight sunburn on my arm and one of my legs.
I'm pretty sure this post is a rambling mess and I'm sorry, but I am so tired my eyes are drooping and my head keeps snapping back up. (Part is really being tired, a lot is from the benedryl.) So, this is were I send all y'all good night wishes and dreams. I wish a spectacular and smile-filled Saturday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: 0
Fitness Challenge Miles: 0 (I took the day off, back at it tomorrow.)