Rewind ... back 40+ years ...

This is actually part two of two posts from Teri's. Yup, had to write two posts to tell the story -- the never ending saga ...

I think I just went back in time 40+ years!! When Marley asked if she could go ask a neighbor for eggs, it took me back to a time when neighbors were truly neighbors. You could arrive on someone’s doorstep with a measuring cup or a question and be met with a helpful hand.

Today was one of those days. She and her friend, Meredith, decided that they wanted to make a cake – at first, from scratch. I was trying to coax Rudy into taking a bottle so my attention was quite divided. And since the two girls were going to be picked up to go to dinner within about 1-1/2 hours, I was pretty certain they could not achieve that goal.

Then it was cooks – but Marley thought perhaps she could make some substitutes along the way and I assured her that the outcome would be less than her desire if she did that.

Then it was back to a cake … actually, it was cookies first .. then a cake … then brownies. Does that sound like a math problem again?? Back to the cookies – they got everything out except for vanilla – Marley thought she could do without the vanilla this time.

“Nana, what is Crisco?” Okay, how do I explain Crisco? “Do you know what shortening is?” “Oh, yeah. We have some of that.” Okay, so now they are set … except … they have no eggs! Now they have a problem. Meredith assured her that they could not leave out the eggs. So, let’s go the neighbors. After all, they borrow lots of stuff from us. So, off they go to borrow eggs. It takes a few minutes and I find out they had to go to three neighbors to get two eggs. Math again! Gets better. I heard an “uh-oh” … one egg is on the floor and another one precariously close to the edge of the counter. They have to have two eggs. So, now what do they do? They only have one!

Marley suggested that they go to Melissa’s house but she’s around the corner. They were going to ride their bikes but Meredith nixed that idea. (She had carried a bag along for the eggs although had insisted that she had good enough balance she could carry them back!) However, she really didn’t want to ride a bike so they cut through someone’s yard to get there. (Better not tell Mom!) Oh, I forgot to tell you – the cake / cookies turned to brownies because when they looked for flour in the pantry – there was not enough to think about either.

The brownies were made – they look great even though I haven’t tried them yet. Meredith reminded me of the cake they baked for 4 minutes not to long ago – they misread the instructions and thought it said 3-5 minutes instead of 35 minutes. They let it cool for about 3 minutes and tried to ice it!

I haven’t had the heart to tell the girls that after I told Teri of their saga today, she said, “Didn’t they know that there were eggs in the refrigerator in the garage?” Oh, well .. another day, another memory!!!

Who's confused? Me?? Where am I??

Teri called quite some time ago and asked if I would babysit their children while they went to Orlando for a football game (UCF). They planned to spend the night in Orlando and then run in a 5 mile run tomorrow. I assured her I thought I could arrange that and so the confusion began.

Let’s see – I’m going to keep the three girls and Rudy. Seems pretty simple – 3 plus 1 equals 4. Simple enough. I can do the math. But, then again – there’s modern math and of that, I’m clueless, it seems.

She called back – Regan and Bailey were going to Cypress Gardens during the day on Saturday. No problem. That’s minus two for part of the time. I can handle the two that are there especially since Marley is Rudy’s second mom.

Next call …. “Mom, I don’t think this is a problem at all. But, our friends may be going with us to the football game.” They have two children, ages 4 and a baby six weeks younger than Rudy (he’s almost 6 months old.) (Two boys) However, Marley’s friend, Meredith, 12, would come, too, so she could help out with the two boys. Marley would have one boy, Meredith would have the other one. Okay .. now, let’s see. We have added two boys and Meredith. That means seven kids right … I told Teri that she was beginning to push it … thankfully, I can’t offend her easily.

I told her that I could do that if Regan and Bailey would spend the night with the friends they were going to Cypress Gardens with. I wasn’t sure I could manage all seven overnight. (Even though Marley and Meredith were the ‘official’ responsible ones for the two extra boys and have taken the super sitter course.) So, now I am minus two. That makes five, right?

Teri called again … well, she had a new scenario. The friends couldn’t go now so the two boys would not be staying with us. So, we are down to four since Meredith wouldn’t be coming – oh, but now, Regan and Bailey can stay at home overnight (except for going to Cypress Gardens for the day) so we’ll be back to the original ones we started with … or would we???

Teri had forgotten to tell me – they wouldn’t be spending the night in Orlando since Jeff had injured his knee so obviously would not be running tomorrow. So, that meant I wouldn’t be the responsible person overnight. (Okay, so I’m relieved! Trying to get Rudy to take a bottle at 4am can be a little tricky especially when he prefers his mommy and has learned to protest quite vehemently.)

I called Teri on the way here this morning … who would actually be at home today? She told me that Bailey had spent the night with a friend – she was on her way to pick up Regan and Marley at friends’ homes – oh, by the way, she wondered if Meredith could come and hang out with Marley? Sure – we’ll make it five again! I arrived to another change. Meredith’s grandparents are in town and want Meredith there with them, so Marley is staying with her for the day. She will be back about the same time the other girls will arrive from Cypress Gardens – 8:30pm.

Whew .. we have it down .. or do we??? Nope, not at all. Meredith’s mom calls. It seems that her son has a ball game and Marley and Meredith don’t want to go – can they come back here and stay while they are at the ball game and then will be picked up – they’ll come back around 8:30. It’s raining .. it has been most of the morning. Will that affect anything? Of course not – at least, for Teri and Jeff. Who cares if it rains at a football game.

However, Regan’s ride just called – the mom, Barbara, who is taking her and Bailey. It’s too rainy to go to Cypress Gardens right now so they’ll go to the mall for a while and then back to Cypress Gardens for the Scary Halloween parade.

So after Regan leaves and Marley and Meredith get picked up, it will be just Rudy and me … just us!! (That is two, right?) For maybe an hour or two … and during that time, I will try to get him to take a bottle.

Bailey just stuck her head in the door … they are here to pick up Regan. Bailey came in the back door and someone is knocking at the front door. It’s Barbara and she has decorated cookies! She tells me that if it doesn’t rain, she’ll keep them all at Cypress Gardens until about 9:00pm.

So … let’s see … I started with four, added three, took away some … added another one – I’m totally confused …

Right now, Marley, Meredith and Rudy are here … and it’s relatively quiet. Sisterly love has not ruled this afternoon so all is quiet for now … somehow this house reminds me so much of when we had four little girls … but I think I’ll pack that memory away for another rainy day …

It’s all about making memories … and I’m making some that will last a lifetime!!

Gotta date with the little guy ...

Tomorrow, I will spend the day with Rudy -- our almost 6 month old grandson. Hopefully, he has decided that a bottle is acceptable and that he has given permission for his mommy to have a break. I think big sister, Marley, may be home with me, too, although the other two girls, Regan and Bailey, have plans to spend the day at Cypress Gardens. (Not by themselves, of course!)

It is such a delight to watch grandchildren grow up! Tyler is reading fairly well so when Sandi and I are walking in the mall, he is reading the signs along the way. He likes to pick out long words to sound out and for the most part, does pretty well. Kamen struck out two (he's an awesome pitcher) in baseball last night along with getting two good hits. He also got to practice with the 'big boys' at Northside (where he attends and Chris coaches) .. big boys meaning the senior high boys. Kamen is quite the athlete and does well in whatever he tries. It comes so naturally!

In about two weeks, Kasi will turn 17! It seems like just yesterday she was a baby and we wonder where the years went. Kids nowadays face things we didn't face although when we were growing up, we had challenges of our own. I've had some good talks with Kasi ... and I'm glad she feels she can talk pretty openly with me. I try not to act too shocked by some things she shares! I share my concerns but if I interject too much, she's ready to shut down with "when I share, everyone jumps on me." An assurance of "we want what is best for you" seems like just a chiche'. But, she still knows we care!

Oh ... I talked to my dad tonight and Opal seems to be on better behavior. She has slowed down her persistent stalking of him except for an occasional "Ed" or telling someone that "RC has a new girlfriend". (Jene', his granddaughter!) He said that the nurses have tried to be helpful as well in running interference for him. He was having a great time with a "new" family there tonight -- singing together! He truly seems to have found his place of ministry right there! It was just about three months ago when the doctor told us he wasn't sure how long he would be around ... but he's doing great.

On to sons-in-law -- Tim (Sandi's husband) has been really sick and finally went to the doctor. He has an ear infection, upper respiratory infection and bronchitis! He's been one sick guy! Jeff (Teri's husband) has damaged his knee so he'll see the doctor this week for that.

So, I'll be up in the morning and headed for Winter Haven ... y'all pray for me that I'll do a great job in getting that little guy to take a bottle! I'm sure he will do great -- at least, with some coaxing. However, he is teething so that could complicate matters. I'm taking my camera this time -- and my flip video! He's growing up too fast! They all are! I'm not ready to get old yet!

Am I old???

That depends entirely on the day!! Today was one of those interesting days. I've been meaning to walk -- like every day. Meaning to walk ... did I get it accomplished? No really. I've been motivated somewhat by my brother, Tim, who spends an hour on his treadmill every afternoon. I arrived at his home in Atlanta a couple weeks ago as he was coming out the door into his garage. "I'll see you in an hour ... gotta walk!" Wow ... he's not usually one into walking but he has been keeping up with his schedule. I think he may have even passed the 21 day mark so it should be habit by now. Wish I were so motivated.



My girls are great .. they've offered to walk with me around the park .. 2 miles to walk all the way around it. We have managed to walk in our neighborhood which is a 2 mile walk -- unless you come back the short way. (Yeah, how do I know the short cut, right?) But, it's hot out there ... still. Don't worry -- doesn't make me want to move north! In January, I will be SO thankful for our relatively warm days.



But, today, I bit the bullet. (What does that mean anyway?) Sandi, Tyler and I ventured out into the Seminole Mall and began our walk where it was cool. I wasn't sure if this mall was really geared to walkers until I saw a big banner -- "Welcome, Seminole Walkers" ... okay, so I feel at home now. I live in Seminole -- I'm wanting to become a walker so I can do this. We put Tyler in a stroller, handed him a comic book which would keep him occupied for about 40 minutes and off we went. 3-1/2 times around the mall today. Okay, it's not as big as Tyrone Mall but we made several twists and turns to get in as many steps as we could. I was so proud! (Don't laugh!!!)



So .... Roxanne called me as we were leaving and I told her I had walked. You would have thought I had won a lottery (stretching it, I know!) Then, I told her that I was so happy that there was a "Seminole Mall Walking Club". Her comment was priceless, "They set that up for old people." I thought I'd beat her at her own game -- "Well, I guess I qualify. I'm old now!" She did make me feel a little better when she insisted, "You are not OLD, Mom!"



I did remember yesterday when I dropped Kasi off at her cheerleading practice. She was on the phone (it is permanently attached to her ear, I'm sure) and I heard her say, "I'm riding in the car with my nana. Yeah, my nana!" She tells me I am a "cool" nana so I guess I fit in somewhere between old and young -- I'm definitely closer in age to the old but seem to somehow relate to the young, too. (Kasi thinks I do quite well at Christmas time when I buy her clothes!) I guess if I can fit into a photo booth with three granddaughters and act silly with them, well maybe I am not completely over the hill. Thank goodness ...

Oh, and if I can make a fool of myself for Tyler at his birthday party, singing a crazy rendition of "We're The Pirates That Don't Do Anything", maybe I can still consider myself young at heart?!

I will still be walking at Seminole Mall and maybe become a member of the 'walker's club'!! But, I won't be considering myself old .. not quite yet!!!

Update on my dad's "Wanted" status ...

My dad breathed a sigh of relief -- it had been two whole days since Opal had even approached him. He really hadn't seen her much at all after her daughters / granddaughters sequestered her behind closed doors -- her room, of course.

But, last night .... his door opens and my dad hears, "Ed?! Ed?!" I think she may have a different name for him every time. He assured her that he was not "Ed" ... and added again, "Opal, go back to your room!" And she did!

So, we shall see today. It's humorous to us but sort of frustrating to my dad -- I guess he thinks he's a little too old for it to be termed "flattery". And I guess being called by someone else's name wouldn't endear you too much to that person if all the circumstances were great.

Then again ... he must remind her of "Ed" or perhaps she can't remember his name so grasps for the first name she can think of.

So much for the saga of the "Wanted" man!

Silver Surf Hotel
An Island Hideaway
50 Laid back Florida Style accommodations
Private white sand beach
Heated Pool
Scooter, bicycle, wave runner& boat rentals

Complimentary beach chairs& umbrellas
Breathtaking sunsets

I made reservations for our 'day away' on-line and you just never know what to expect -- just ask my sister, Rachel, about our trip to Key West a couple years ago. How was I to know that the 3 star rating in Key West meant you were slummin' it! (I guess you would call it that since there were little ants crawling around the bedside table which seemed to be attached to our bed. And other issues -- you could barely turn around in the room let alone in the bathroom! We have laughed over that many times! We moved the next day -- paid more but had a MUCH better time!)

So ... I made reservations for Elaine and me with some trepidation. We were pleasantly surprised -- the room was clean -- no bugs -- had a refrigerator, coffee pot with coffee -- but you had to pay for ice! Yup, the ice machine was outside and due to others who might want to 'borrow' some ice, you actually had to pay a quarter for some ice. I filled our ice container which lasted into the evening. I thought I might get some more but due some interesting 'residents' in a room across from ours, I decided not to venture to the ice machine in the dark. Quite frankly, I'm not sure that the area was even lit. They did tell me at the front desk that the office closes at 6:30pm -- but handed me a note with emergency numbers. And ... there was a $35 lost key fee -- and it would be more if you got locked out late at night because someone would have to drive an hour to get there to let you back in. I asked for two keys! I figured one of us would be responsible enough to have a key on us at all times! We did -- actually, Elaine just added it to her key ring -- fortunately, I remembered to ask her for it this morning when we left -- I might have been charged the $35 and I would have paid the extra in gas to return the key!

Oh ... but, I have to share this. They had no rooms with 2 double beds so I asked for a king sized bed. Sure .. no problem. Paid for it and got confirmation number. "You have Room 204", the gal told us. So, we hauled our lugagge (okay, so it wasn't much since it was an overnight stay) up the stairs -- right! We took the elevator and as we passed the window to get to the door, I thought ... well, that's the smallest king sized bed I have ever seen. I left Elaine there and I went back to the office. That is not a king sized bed ..... Really? It says here it is a king room. Well, it's not. "Okay, so here is the keys for Room 206. I know that is a king sized room." Back I go -- so happy we finally are going to get to this room and check it out. Pass the window -- yikes, it is the same sized bed. Okay, this is a little ridiculous. Go back down to the office. That is NOT a king sized bed. She insisted it was. I insisted it wasn't. Her comment, "Well, if it isn't a king, it's the largest bed we have." Now come on ... I have a king sized bed at home and it is definitely bigger than this bed. The gal was kind but getting a little annoyed. She showed me the printout from the computer (the computer knows best, right?) which clearly indicated that 206 was a king room. I assured her it wasn't.

The gal who oversees housekeeping (probably the only one who does it around here since I didn't see many guests -- it's still off season -- that's why we are here -- rates are down) said she would check it out. Through radio static, I hear, "Room 206 is a queen but Room 205 is a king." Are you sure??? The gal at the desk said she would need to check to see if it is available. I'm pretty sure it is since there are no cars in the lot ... not even in the sheltered parking area. She said we could take our pick of parking places. She found out that 205 was available and told me to make sure I changed the info she had given me to Room 205 (after she had already told me to change it to 206.) Okay -- I hadn't changed it yet and actually never did.

It was a quiet night except for the guys who were staying across from us. It appeared that they were workers from New Jersey although they spoke Spanish. (I guess that is pretty normal though.) Elaine and I decided to make sure we kept our curtains drawn lest they think that these 'old ladies' were trying to 'reach out and touch' ... and that was surely NOT the case. Although Jim had given us instructions we were not to get too wild on our adventure. Wonder why he would say that. (We are quite the well behaved ladies for the most part -- unless our kids are around and then we turn into silly teenagers at times.) We decided not to do the scooter thing -- I'm afraid that everyone on the road would have run for cover when we came through!

Having said all that, we actually had a great time. We took in local fare when it came to meals -- we found a quaint little Italian restaurant on Anna Maria Island -- DiGiorgio's. What a delightful place -- one server but she handled it all very well. Both Elaine and I had "Agnolotti Di Magro" which is homemade agnolotti stuffed with spinach and ricotta cheese served in an Alfredo sauce. It was awesome to say the least. And the lunch of clam chowder from Shells was some of the best clam chowder I have ever tasted. This morning, we finished with breakfast on the beach at a small cafe just south of our hotel. We could quickly tell that it was a favorite of locals as the gal serving us could call people arriving by name!

So, all in all, it was a great time. Would I go back to this place? I'm not sure -- it was a nice place to go to just unwind .. did we venture to the beach? Why? I was too tired and the beach is just 2 miles from my house -- it's not going anywhere so I can visit it any time I want to. And maybe the fact that it was sort of a cloudy, gloomy day squashed our desire to do the beach thing.

Enough for my day away ... thanks, Elaine, for taking time out of your busy schedule for a friend ... it was a very relaxing time!

'Tis the season ...

I love this time of year -- well, for the most part. This is probably the time of year that I miss being north of the state line - the changing of the seasons! Last year, we were in Colorado and the aspens were golden!! I knew that Thanksgiving and Christmas were just around the corner. But, when it is still 87 degrees, it's hard to imagine Christmas at all. Then again, maybe not! I visited K-Mart today -- an almost daily occurence (what would they do without me?) and there was my reminder -- a full Christmas section in the store. It's not even Halloween let alone Thanksgiving -- but the trees are lit and stockings are hung just waiting to be picked! I had to check to see if my rememberer was working properly. Isn't it just the middle of October?!!

You know you are a true Floridian if you take a couple days off to stay at a hotel near the beach and spend the time in your room working on emails, etc. Okay, I can see the water from my room -- but I can see the water when I go to the grocery store -- northerners, eat your heart out! We are blessed but we don't have a clue!! I just get annoyed when the drawbridge operator decides to have mercy on that tall boat in the channel ... and I have to wait while the bridge goes up .. up ... and ... down .. down. Don't people know that some of us actually live here year 'round and actually work, too.

Of course, then there's those of us who dare to go shopping at 11am .. like I did this morning. I had a vision of what I might be in 20 years and it scared me! I was dodging sweet little old ladies and men as they made their daily or weekly jaunt to KMart. One of them actually said, "Oops". Most of them are off in their own world and you make way for them. And if you get in the middle of a discussion on various physical ailments or remedies, you might as well go around another way.

But, we love our snowbirds! And I do mean that! They like to have fun and so if I am like most of them in another 20 years, maybe I won't irritate the shopper at 11am on a Tuesday morning in Florida!!

Oh, did I share ... my friend, Elaine, and I are spending a day in Bradenton Beach -- way down the coast -- all of about 30 miles -- but, it's far enough away to be away -- and I can see the water from my window as I write this but can't say that I have any yearning to wade through the sand to get there. Aren't you jealous .. and don't you think I am crazy for not appreciating what we have here?! I do ... and I will really appreciate it in mid-January when it is 70 degrees and sunny almost every day.

So much for rambling today -- guess since I'm in 'shut down' mode for a day and my brain has decided to follow ... so I'll make no cents today ... oops, I mean, no sense today! My dad would be mortified at my grammar or lack thereof. Better stop before it gets worse!!

My dad is a WANTED man!!!

Okay, my dad is now well over 81 years old and somehow I see the word "Wanted" stamped on his forehead. Not actually -- but a sweet little old lady (okay, sweet might be stretching it just a little) where he lives has decided that he surely must be hers! At least, she is following him everywhere and getting quite huffy when any female turns her attention towards him. That is quite entertaining when it is his 20 year old granddaughter or his daughter (okay, Rachel, I won't tell your age -- but ...). This lady was quite put out when she thought he had a 'new miss' recently and she was quick to express that opinion. She usually waits until my dad leaves the dining room to leave, but when Jene' stopped to see him, she was not very happy at all! Jene' works there at Glenn Oaks and tries to visit Grandpa when she can. But, Opal was pretty put out.

She (Opal) has become so persistent that I understand that last night, her daughters had to pull her out of my dad's room, take her to her room and shut the door behind them. She thinks nothing of barging into my dad's room!! Her mind doesn't always seem to be on target so she may perceive my dad as being someone from the past or perhaps she just wants a man at this stage of her life. Whatever the case, my dad has taken up studying evasive tactics. (Isn't that something he should have learned in the military service many years ago.) He is so gracious that he doesn't want to hurt her feelings but I think he is toying with the idea of having to just lay it on the line!

She sometimes parks her walker at the nurses station to wait for her 'wanted man' ... I'm sure my dad's blood pressure soars a few points and it's not because he is enamored by her presence. I think it's rather .. "Where is the closest exit ... here comes Opal!!"

She tried to follow him into his room recently so he decided to walk her home .. well, rather drive her home -- no, that's not right either. He's in a scooter, she's on a walker -- what a combination they are! Oh, how I wish I had my "Flip Video" handy so we could record this for posterity! He can't see very well but I think we would all get a good laugh about it. Mark especially!! You could probably hear his laugh from one end of the hallway to another.

Fortunately, my dad is a gracious person -- yet, at this time in his life, he doesn't take too kindly to be chased down the hall by a woman with a walker. I'm really glad he passed his driver's test (the test given to those who have scooters -- and, yes, it's a pretty tough test -- can't run into any walls, you know ...)! At least, he can outrun her -- but chances are, she'll be waiting by the nurses station -- and you can't get there from here -- you can't get to his room without passing "go" so I'm sure he will have another Opal story to tell. Unless her daughters convince her to "leave that man alone"! I guess at her age, she doesn't worry to much about rules and perhaps she doesn't remember them once they are told to her -- so my dad will remind her again ... "Opal, go to your room!"

Special gift!!!

Special gift from Phil Driscoll's wife, Lynne ...

When I was visiting Bob last weekend, I talked to Lynne Driscoll and asked her what CD she would suggest that I get of Phil's since I didn't have any. Her response was quick ... "Give me your address and I'll send you 10 or 12 of them." Okay, I was delighted -- but, typically, not sure if she would actually follow through. Bob assured me she would and imagine my delight when I got my mail today -- there were the following CD's in a box with the note (right) with them ...
"Make Us One"
"A Different Man"
"Vintage"
"Drops of Praise"
"The Quiet"
"Plugged In"
"Classic Hymns" (2 CD set)
"In His Presence"
"Phil Driscoll Christmas" (3 CD set)
"I Exalt Thee"

I am looking forward to some great listening ... and being blessed!!!

Chuck E. what???

Shonna called me last night and said, "Mom, I have something for your blog!" When the girls call to say that , it usually means it's pretty cute. Evidently they were talking about going to Chuck E. Cheese and RJ popped up with, "Yeah, I'd like to go to "Chuck E. Jesus"!! Not sure where he got the "Jesus" part although I guess he thought that Cheese was plural and it surely sounded just like "Jesus". So, whenever I see Chuck E. Cheese again -- I'm sure I will remember the new name given by a 4 year old!!