Rain, Rain Go Away

I have about had it with all this dang rain we have been getting. I wouldn't mind if it were warmer, but it's not. It's raw and cold.

So I have been hibernating in my nice little warm cocoon. But there is hope just around the corner. The nice weather people are saying lots of warm sunshine is coming our way. Temperatures should reach late 70's and possibly even 80 within a week.

Excuse me now while I go sit on my porch and wait for it.

Should I Stay Or Should I Go

We haven't been going out to eat dinner all that much this year and there really isn't a reason as to why. However, we have been doing the breakfast thing at least once a week.

Yesterday, while sitting around discussing what I was going to make for dinner, my husband decided he wanted to go somewhere and get dinner instead. He mentioned where and I was all for it.

A few weeks ago he dragged me to a Chinese buffet and I was not thrilled with the experience. On our way home from that place I told him he owed me one and mentioned where I wanted to go sometime in the near future.

I won't print the name of the place but our TV has been inundated with countless commercials about their endless buffet for $3.99 showing a father and his little girl and lots of pizza. One of their commercials will come on, then a different advertiser's commercial appears, and then they play the same commercial again for the place I wanted to go. If I had a dollar for every time that commercial has shown on TV this month I would be quite happy. Well, maybe more than a dollar.

Finally my husband broke down and said let's go there, then you don't have to cook. I don't think he liked what I was planning on making. Since I am always ready to go out to eat at the drop of a hat, it didn't take me long to get ready.

When we drove by the place while searching for a parking spot, I sort of looked in their window to see what it was like. It seemed crowded and the line was sort of long, but once we got inside it wasn't all that long anyway. We waited about 15 minutes till our order was taken. This was the first time we were ever at any of their establishments so it was all new for us. And they are fairly new to our area.

When we were told our order total, it was nowhere near what it should have been with a $3.99 endless buffet price and a drink. My husband asked why. He was told that they are not one of the places that is taking part in that promotion.

So we left.

And found a better place to eat.

Our Stupid Taxes Are Done

Ordinarily I never do the taxes this early. The reason they are done is due to the online tax company that I use every year. I got a notice from them last week stating their fee was going up $20 this Friday. That's all I needed to get my @ss in gear. I'm part Scottish remember and I don't like to part with my money for dumb things like taxes.

I set a day aside to work on them when I knew my husband would not be in the house. I needed to be alone and not have any outside interruptions. I decided to do them "cold" because I had everything I needed in one large folder. At least I thought I did...

When the time came to fill in the amount for our property taxes, they were nowhere to be found. I couldn't find all the other years of taxes either, so I had to resort to our bank statements to track down the amounts. I lost way over half an hour just on those alone, not to mention my stupidity of losing them.

Once I got over that hurdle the rest was fairly easy. The bad part was that I lost at least three hours of good time I could have utilized doing something far better. The good news is we don't owe a single penny. I'll take that any day.

I now can breathe for another year. And then it starts all over again.

In Memory Of My Mother

Mother…I thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new.

I thought about you yesterday, and days before that too.

I think of you in silence and I often speak your name.

All I have are memories and your picture in a frame.

Your memory is my keepsake, with which I’ll never part.

God has you in His keeping, I have you in my heart.

*******************************************

Today is my mother's birthday. I lost her five years and one month ago, but I hope to find her on the other side.

It Turned Out Well

Dale Jr.'s day was going well until he got busted for speeding down pit road and had to go to the back as his penalty. He overcame that and went on to finish 7th. That catapulted him from 13th (just outside the Chase points) to 8th place in the points. It was a good day.

It's Race Day!

NASCAR having off last week was a lot to bear. We were just getting started and wham! a week off. And another week off coming up on Easter. I hate it when there's no Cup racing, but I must admit that I do get things done I wouldn't ordinarily do on a race weekend. I have waited two weeks for this race. I love the track at Bristol. It never disappoints. This is the last race using that stupid wing on the back of the cars. Starting with the next race at Martinsville, a larger version of the spoiler that was used prior to the wing will adorn the cars. It's not exactly the spoiler I was hoping for but it's a start in the right direction.

We have a franchise in our area called Rita's. They sell Italian ice in loads of flavors plus a wonderful assortment of other frozen delectables. Rita's usually opens on the first day of Spring and anyone who visits gets a free Italian ice. I must admit that I have never gone on the first day for a free ice. But yesterday I did. My husband suggested going to our neighborhood Rita's after we finished our dinner. I chose pina colada. Heavenly.

And Then It Hit Me...

Yes, I have finally caved and started exercising to see if it helps my aches and pains.

I started March 1st. Before I started, and up until yesterday, I was going down those cellar steps backwards because going down like every sane person does would put pressure on my right hip and hurt like hell. I said up until yesterday because that is when I decided to go down like a normal person. And it didn't hurt. Major hurdle...it didn't hurt.

I have been working out on various equipment we keep in the basement and I find that if I miss a day it really bothers me. I feel so guilty. I've missed maybe two days so far and those couldn't be helped. I wish there was a way to get my treadmill downstairs but that won't happen unless I saw around it and let it fall to the basement. Oh crap, that won't work either...there's no basement underneath it.

I usually try to get down there around 3-3:30 so that I can be back upstairs to feed the cats that are outside. Then I shower and get dinner started. That has been my regimen since the first of the month, but I am thinking of adding more things to what I am doing now as I am getting a bit stronger. Not by much so far, but it is working and I see tiny results. I haven't lost any weight yet but that was not my intention when I started exercising.

Since I've been out of work almost five years I really haven't concerned myself with what was happening to me. I was losing muscle and everything seemed to be falling apart on my body. I guess the poop hit the fan when I got the report on my back and hip. Nobody wants to read about how decrepit they are, so I just decided to do something about it.

I could lie around all day eating BonBons but only half of that is true. Well, actually most of it is not true. I don't lie around, I sit around. In front of the TV, at the dining room table reading the paper, in front of the computer. You get the picture.

I feel better and will continue with my goals and if any weight starts to come off that will make it even better. But, hey, don't expect miracles from me when NASCAR has a race on TV, because from Friday through Sunday I become a zombie.

How I Feel Today

Boring Weekend

Yes, It was very boring. Nothing but rain and more to come today so they say. Ask me what I did all weekend. Go ahead, I'm game. OK, taking both days into account, I did some laundry, made dinner, did dishes as a result, read my book, read the newspaper, watched TV, played on the computer, watched The Ugly Truth, fed the cats at the appropriate times, tried to make sense of the latest electric bill, smashed a ganglion on the top of my hand that was there for about a week and a half, did my workout in the basement, and stuck to my diet fairly well. I'm sure I'm missing a few things but you get the general idea. Oh yeah, I had some conversations with my husband. Can't forget him.

But for the most part, I didn't do a damn thing that was constructive. Oh, yes I did. I filed our state taxes. I almost forgot to change the clocks too and as soon as I laid my head on the pillow, I realized it and had to get out of bed to do so. I know, I could have waited till the morning to change them but it's just not the same. I love daylight saving time. I hate it when we have to change the clocks in the Fall. That depresses me. But in the Spring...well, it picks my spirits up. And after the long, nasty winter we have had and now all this rain, having the light of day a little longer is a good thing. Both mentally and physically.

This weekend is the first of many with no NASCAR racing. Another thing I hate. But I got through it. And the best part is the race this Sunday is at Bristol, my all-time favorite track. I prefer night racing at Bristol but I will take a day race there any time. And with the ruckus NASCAR just went through concerning Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski, and giving the drivers the okay to beat and bang on one another all they want...well, what can I say? It should be pretty interesting. Not to mention very wild. It also gives the guys a chance to get even for past races where they were wrecked and afraid to get even because NASCAR had a strict policy, and they handed out huge fines and point deductions so the drivers were, for the most part, afraid to retaliate. Not that I condone a driver getting even for something that happened to him, no, I don't like revenge racing, but if NASCAR says it's okay, then I am comfortable with that. At a track like Bristol though they should be able to get away with a lot where no one will be the wiser. It's that kind of a track. I guess that's why I love it so much.

If It's Not One Thing It's Another

Just when we thought it was safe to go in the water, or get away from the snow, we are now being inundated with rain. There is a nasty storm working its way up the coast after wreaking havoc on the entire state of Florida. We had light rain all day Friday so far, with the worst to come today.

I am not looking forward to it because our valley, and its many rivers, is prone to flooding. And I don't mean a few inches...a few feet is more like it. Luckily we don't live near any creeks that misbehave when it rains forever.

The last time we had flooding my husband and I went on an excursion to check everything out. We have a creek a few miles away from our house that has other larger creeks flowing into it north of us, so that when it rains heavily that creek overflows beyond belief. I didn't take my camera along with me that day and I wish I had because those pictures would have been unbelievable.

Talking about it is one thing, posting pictures about it is another. Maybe I will get a second chance this weekend. Not that I am wishing for things to flood, but I do need a good photo op with my newest camera.

Speaking of which, one of these days I must take the memory card and feed it to my computer because I have a lot of photos on it since purchasing the camera this past January that I would like to share. Don't ask me what I am waiting for...or better yet, go ahead and ask me. OK, here's my answer: I am a procrastinator. I wish there was a Procrastinator's Anonymous because I certainly would attend the meetings. At least I admit to being one...that is a step in the right direction.

Speaking of procrastinators, I picked up a wireless router today for my PC and laptop so let's see how long it takes me to hook everything up and get things going. Did I hear someone say they think it will take me at least a week? Yeah, you are probably right. Mostly because I really don't know what I am doing and I always put things off when I am in situations like that. I do have a guide for dummies on how to do it but it still intimidates me a little. Well, a lot.

Pardon My Absence

There are a lot of things going on right now that keep me from posting as much as I'd like. Sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day for me to accomplish what I want to, so a lot of things get pushed to the side.

I recently bought a wireless laptop and cannot access the Internet with it. Being pigheaded as I am, I will try my darnedest to work it out myself before I have to call anyone. I know that's not the right approach, but that's just my nature.

I was not happy upon hearing that NASCAR is only putting Carl Edwards on probation for the next three races, Bristol, Martinsville and Phoenix. I can understand why no fine or points taken away, but I think the probation should be for the remainder of the season. What he did was reprehensible and could have killed the other driver, himself and people in the grandstand if Brad's car would have gone over the fence. That stupid wing can't come off the back of those CoT cars fast enough to suit me. They promised us soon so I am hoping it will happen within a few weeks.

They tell me the weather was gorgeous today but I wouldn't know since I was up to my eyeballs with computer issues. Not only was I having problems with the laptop, but I also knocked myself offline and couldn't get back on again. I think a good night's sleep will do wonders for me. I hope.

Fear The Beard

He's on the pole!

Dale Jr. went out 17th to qualify and laid down a blistering lap of 192.761 mph, setting a record for the fastest qualifying lap ever in a Car of Tomorrow (CoT) for Sunday's Kobalt Tools 500 in Atlanta, GA.

Still Here

This weather has a hold on me. I am taking it one day at a time though because with each passing day, it makes it that much closer to nicer weather. Our weather forecast for the weekend is 53. My goodness, I won't know how to act.

I was just sitting here a bit ago thinking about how Dale Jr.'s season is going thus far and I just don't know what to think or say about it. He qualified second in the Daytona 500 and that is where he finished. His next race was a disaster and I don't want to talk about it, so I won't. That's what's nice about having a blog...you get to say what you want. Anyway, his third race this past weekend seemed to be another struggle not only for him but his team as well. He qualified fourth and finished 16th. That finish brought him up one notch in the points. He now sits in 15th place just 18 points out of the Chase. The top 12 drivers are considered to be in the Chase but not until the 26th race of the season. A lot can happen until then and one of the most promising things to happen will be when they replace that dreaded wing on the back of the car with the spoiler we all know and love. They are saying the replacement will take place the end of March which would be the Martinsville race. I am looking forward to that race.

Punkin' still hasn't settled down much. He'll be seven months old next week. He sure doesn't let any grass grow under his feet. And I wouldn't want him any other way, he's just too cute all the time.

I have an appointment later today to see my chiropractor so that he can take a look at my X-rays and fill me in on what I can do to make life a little easier and less painful. On my end, I have started a 30 minute daily routine on a recumbent bike, a cardio glider, leg presses on the weight bench, plus I power walk laps in the basement where all our equipment is. I am hoping my regimen will be twofold: stronger muscles and lose weight.

And every time I look at those hyacinths below I can literally smell them. Can't you?

Something To Look Forward To

OMG, can't you just smell 'em?!


This is my favorite Spring flower. I love them in every color.

The Olympics are almost over and the same goes for February, which has been quite the nasty little bugger, hasn't it?

March is one day away and although it has brought some nasty snow storms in the past, it is another month closer to Spring...that magical wonderful season that I love so much.

Daylight Saving starts on the 14th, St. Patrick's Day is on the 17th, and Palm Sunday is four weeks away from today. Soon we will be hunting eggs, eating chocolate bunnies, and wearing our finest Easter duds. Not really. I don't own any Easter duds and even if I did I certainly wouldn't wear them. I also don't hide or hunt eggs and chocolate is the last thing I should be thinking about when I look in the mirror.

So put on a happy face, do a happy dance, and let's all get ready for what's finally right around the corner: Spring! It arrives March 20th.

Bode Miller ~ Gotta Love This Guy

There was no one more disappointed than me four years ago at the Olympics in Italy when Bode Miller left empty handed. I had great hopes for him back then and I was both stunned and devastated by his actions.

When he won two silver medals at the Salt Lake City Olympics in 2002, he was happy and I was happy for him. But that elusive gold just wasn't meant to be. And then came the 2006 debacle where no medal was meant to be. I can't even put in words how I felt when his last event was over; I thought his career was over, too.

Since then he's become a father to Neesyn Dacey who turned two years old this month. She has become part of his resurgence, as children can do that to a person. He has mentioned her numerous times at these Olympic games (he calls her Dacey). That makes me all the more proud of him not only as an athlete, but as a father too.

Bode started the games slowly in Vancouver and built to a crescendo. He placed third in the Downhill earning a bronze medal. Next, he placed second in the Super G earning a silver medal. And then he won the Super Combined and earned his first gold medal.

No other American Alpine skier has earned more medals in the same Olympics. Bode stands alone. Just like I had hoped he would when I first started following his career, long before most people had ever heard of him. And he's not done yet.

Never A Dull Moment

Yes, I once made that remark about our house. Especially with the three cats we have inside. My older two (they are 3-1/2 years old) never got into much trouble. They kept each other entertained. But Punkin' is a whole 'nother animal.

Two days ago I found him on top of my radio console with one of the two live plants I have left and it was laying over on its side, dirt and pebbles spilling out. Months ago he had the entire plant upside down on my beige rug in the family room. I wasn't all that happy then and I sure enough wasn't happy two days ago. I did the only thing I could think of which was quite spontaneous. I yelled at him. He didn't see me coming and I guess I scared him. He jumped down and it was higher than he is used to. And then he cowered and froze. I felt terrible at that moment and consoled him soothingly so he wouldn't be afraid.

Around noon my husband noticed he was limping. His right front foreleg seemed to be the culprit because when he walked he didn't put his full weight on it. I monitored him all day and it wasn't getting better.

Wednesday morning my first order of business was to call the vet. I was lucky enough to get an appointment later in the day. I was worried he had a fracture, although I was fairly sure it wasn't broken. The vet said it is a common thing for cats. She said he had a sprained elbow. She gave him a shot (painkiller) and said that will last three to four days so he doesn't feel the pain of the sprain while he mends. She also said it may take three to four weeks for it to fully mend.

Even though he had that sprain, he was still running around like nothing happened. He favored his leg when he walked or ran but he still played ninja cat with the other two cats. He still jumped up onto things and jumped down. He was doing everything that he normally did before the sprain.

And once the painkiller kicked in he was back to normal. But he's in for a surprise when it wears off. I need some of those shots for my pain but the vet wouldn't hear of it. Foiled again.

Congratulations, Dale Jr

Finishing second in the Daytona 500 is just what the doctor ordered. He almost won the thing, but I am very happy with a second place finish. Congrats also to Jamie McMurray on his win. He deserves it. He's one of the nice guys.

It was a long race, interrupted by two red flags due to a hole in the surface of the track. But the wait was well worth it. Watching Dale Jr. cut through traffic during that last lap was freakin' awesome. Such a beautiful sight to see. I'm looking forward to more of those throughout the season.

On another note...more snow is coming. They say 6-10 inches. Good grief. Maybe I'll see you all in the Spring thaw.

Tighten Your Seat Belts And Hang On

You're in for one helluva ride while watching today's Daytona 500 at 1:00 EST.

Dale Jr. took a ride on the wild side during the Nationwide race Saturday when his car was turned by a driver whose wife is expecting their child any day now. I believe that driver was daydreaming about the new baby and lost his focus. Because he made one bonehead maneuver causing Dale Jr. to fly.

And although I didn't watch the second half of the truck race, I read that they too had some wild crashes. I just hope everyone got it out of their systems and what they refer to as "the big one" won't happen during the 500. I want to watch cars racing, not flying through the air.

Buried Up To My Eyeballs...Almost

We ended up with 17.10" of snow. On top of the 7.7" we got over the last weekend. That's a total of 25.5".

I remember back in '96 when we had 26". The husband and son-in-law had to clear off our roof. One of them lost a rake and we didn't find it till Spring.

Another bad snowstorm for our area was back in '83 when we got 25.2" and that was a record because it all fell on one day. I didn't go to work that day and I was living in an apartment complex. I cleared out a parking space for my Jeep and decided to leave and go play in the snow. When I came back someone was in my cleared spot. Knowing who it was, I marched my behind to their door, damn near broke it down with my knocking, and told them they can kindly get their vehicle out of the spot I cleared by myself. They did. I take no prisoners when it comes to stuff like that.

More snow is coming Monday evening but they are saying it won't be much. I've heard that before...

No Escaping It This Time

That's an old photo from two years ago. It looks like we won't be that lucky this time. Or as lucky as we were just a few days ago when we ended up with 7 inches and Philly (60 miles to the south) got almost 30 inches. No, this time it's taking dead aim for us, too.

They say anywhere from 12 to 18 inches. We are on the northern fringe of the storm. There are two storms, by the way. The first one is already here (Tuesday evening), and the second one will arrive sometime Wednesday and it is supposed to stop snowing, oh, maybe Wednesday evening close to midnight. Good grief.

We usually do our grocery shopping on a Wednesday. Since NASCAR is gearing up with a lot of coverage today, I decided we had better get our shopping done a day ahead of time. My excuse was, of course, the storm. My real reason, of course, was NASCAR. But I couldn't confess to that now could I? I get enough grief from the husband about how much NASCAR I watch as it is.

After our grocery jaunt was over and we were on our way home, I felt it was safe to tell the husband of my plans. I told him I was commandeering the remote for the TV around 11:00 am Wednesday and was not giving it up until the news was on Sunday evening. That's five days, people. Five days of a lot of NASCAR. Pure heaven.

While I was doing my shopping today and calculating what I needed, it was on my mind that I wasn't planning on going out of the house for the next five days. And every time I said that to myself, I felt giddy and excited. Sort of like being in hibernation but staying awake during it all.

I fully expect all the snow to be gone when I wake up Monday morning. Yeah, I know, but it's nice to dream.