So here's the short of it, 
Happy Samhain (Halloween)!

And here's the long.

Before there was a Halloween there was an old Celtic Holiday called Samhain (pronounced sow-een or shav-nah depending on who you ask). It's the start of winter and the new year in the old Celtic Calendar.  Lots of the Celtic traditions resonate deeply with me - perhaps there's some genetic memory of those ancient celebrations.  This was the night of the first fires to mark the change of seasons.  To the ancient Celts, fire was a symbol of holiness, divinity, truth, and beauty.  The bonfires would have been lit on every hilltop in the countryside to honor the Gods and Goddesses, to usher in the light of the New Year, to purify the ritual space and to ward off evil. The fire was also used to guide the souls of the dead home as this was the time when the thin veil separating this world and the other world was lifted and communication with the dead was possible. All manner of creatures, fairies, demons were abroad on this night!

This must have been an amazing holiday.  There were two major holidays this one - the winter one, and Beltane - the summer one.  Lots of historians think this was the most important. It was the culmination of the harvest season, and getting the storehouses ready for the winter.  They also believe that the Celts understood that in the darkness of the winter, new beginnings are born.  So tonight, ancestors are honored and divinations for the new year are performed.

The Celts extinguished their home fires and Hearth fires were lit from the village bonfire to ensure unity, and the ashes were spread over the harvested fields to protect and bless the land. I love the idea of bringing home the fire to protect and warm my family from the same bonfire that every other member of the community got their fire start!

So here's a traditional Samhain blessing from my heart to yours.

May the ancestors deliver blessings on you and yours...
May the new year bear great fruits for you...
May your granted wishes be as many as the seeds in a pomegranate...
May the slide into darkness bring you light...
May the memories of what has been keep you strong for what is to be...
May this Samhain cleanse your heart, your soul, and your mind!

So here's the short of it, 
Tonight I made eggplant parmesan - well sorta.  

And here's the long.

Mom harvested her eggplant yesterday afternoon in anticipation of the predicted frost.  So we had a bunch of Japanese eggplant that needed to be used up.  I tried breading them - that didn't work so well for me.  Yes I used an egg wash (Alan's advice).  Yes, the skillet was hot enough (more of Alan's advice). No I didn't use egg, then flour, then egg, then bread crumbs (Mia's suggestion) that seems like lots of work and a big mess.  Anyway, I cooked the eggplant a bit without the breading.  Then I browned the breadcrumbs and spread them around on top of the eggplant!  It actually turned out great!
I think I'll make this dish again.

Cousin Mia and her son Clyde joined us for dinner tonight.  Neither of our kids made it tonight. Mia brought a selection of pastries from Rembrandt's for dessert in honor of my birthday.  I love having my birthday celebration continuing! And they were sure yummy. Their Russian Tea Cake is an absolute favorite!

This is a busy week, and it's almost midnight so I need to head to the bed!

So here's the short of it, 
Today I got "stuff" done!

And here's the long.

I could use about 14 more days like today!
I had a chance to work on a couple of projects that have been calling my name for several weeks (well, OK maybe months) now.

I was just right here at home - relatively undisturbed - not distracted by the computer, the television, or the beckoning outdoors.  I take Sophie out for her daily walk, and I did make it out to the garden to harvest all the green tomatoes since we are supposed to have a frost tonite.  I hope they keep for awhile so that I can make some green tomato pickles.  They were quite a hit last year  - I won't have very many but I'm going to try a repeat on that recipe.

But for most of the day, I just hung out at the house, getting "stuff" done.
I love that!

So here's the short of it,
Today was a two car meal day!  

And here's the long.

This afternoon Mom and I drove to Gadsden, Alabama to have her follow up appointment for her cataract surgery.

She has this great wonderful doctor (the reason to drive so far to begin with).  Dr. David Judge - (my cousin, her nephew, and one great Doc)

He gave her an all clear on her eye, told her to keep doing her drops and then got the next eye scheduled for November 15th.  She's looking forward to having both eyes "fixed".

On the drive down she remarked a couple of times about how bright the fall colors seem through her new eye.

We had a good visit.  Mom made lunch for us to eat in the car on the way down.  We had no trouble at all getting there, and except for the stretch of Highway 59 where there's construction, the drive was really very pleasant.

After that great check up, we passed a JC Penney's on the way out of town and stopped in there for a little shopping. Then on to a drive through to pick up supper and home again.

Two car meals might not be the most healthy in the world, but they sure do let other things besides eating get the non-driving time priority!

So here's the short of it, 
Today I went to the doctor with Mom for an appointment. 

And here's the long.

On Saturday when everyone was there for my birthday celebration she had a "cognitive event" that has left us all perplexed.  For about 4 or 5 hours she seemed to have lost her memory - even though she remembered who we all were.  Then on Tuesday she had an extraordinarily painful day with her back/hip pain.

Dr. Cannon was great this afternoon.  She is going to have some tests run to rule out stroke if possible. and thinks that it's possible that it was caused by a Urinary Tract Infection. So we'll see how that goes.

It looks like a middle of the road approach for the back/hip problem is to try another round or two of epidural injections.  So that is also in the works.

I'm so glad that Mom is here in Chattanooga.
I'm really glad that my work is flexible enough that I could take time off to be with her at the doctor.

So here's the short of it, 
It's my birthday.

And here's the long.

The card is here.

What a great day for a birthday!  I've been celebrating since Saturday, but today is the real deal and it's been wonderful. 

So one of the really fun things that happened was my birthday present from Aunt Frances and Aunt Joyce.  Last night Mom brought this big bag stuffed full of gifts to dinner at Provinos. When we got back home, Frances called and said - oh no it's not time to open it yet there's more coming! 

It turns out I got 60 for 60.  60 presents from the Aunts! Actually, Frances sent more than 30 because she thought Joyce was having trouble coming up with 30, but then Joyce ended up sending more than 30 too.  So I was told that I could only have 60 (I don't really want more than I'm entitled to) Who wants to take 70 gifts on your 60th birthday!  So this evening I went to Mom's and we put it all out on her table and I found the 60 best.  She and I had lots of fun with that. I got everything from an insulated lunch box, to a staple remover (and staples), a beautiful little Hummel figurine and a music box and a toothbrush with a travel size dental floss!  60 wonderful little gifts chosen with me in mind.  

I've had so many Happy Birthday wishes through cards, on Facebook, by e-mail, and in person! It's been such a happy time. One of my favorites was a call from Shelley where Max left me a Happy Birthday message.  "I can't see you" he said.  Love that little guy so much!  (his Mommy too!).

Well, let's tackle another decade!  That should be some fun!

So here's the short of it, 
Still another birthday dinner!

And here's the long.

Mom and Russ went with us to Provino's tonight. That free dinner on your birthday sure does bring in the business for them! And for some of us it's such a tradition that even if we can't get there on the day that the birthday dinner is free an early or late visit has to be in the cards for an order of eggplant parmesan.

Russ is on his way to California tomorrow to visit with Elizabeth and Josh and the two grandkids. It's been good to have him here visiting and spending time with Mom. He's been able to be with her a couple of times when she was feeling really awful. And while I really hate for her to do poorly, it's good that the brothers are able to see some of that.

We are trying to get into see the doctor tomorrow.  She''s had appointments cancelled several times. We may have to look at changing doctors if we keep having trouble with getting and keeping appointments.

So after a good day at work - a good day with family at dinner - and a good evening with the sweet animals, it's time to get some sleeping done.

So here's the short of it,
Back at work after Fall Break!

And here's the long.

Wow what a day. I was really getting used to the not going to work deal and Monday came around with a requirement to go to work - and go really early!

Actually Mom was supposed to have a Dr. appointment at 7:15 this morning, so I was up early and ready for that when I got word that her appointment was cancelled.  They are going to try to work her in tomorrow morning - so I'll have another early morning.

We continued the birthday celebration today. Mom and Russ came up for dinner with Alan and me. Now it seems that the party is getting smaller every day!  We had salmon, rice, broccoli, and tomato cucumber salad tonight!  Yummy! (oh yea - there was still leftover birthday cake from that "cake for two" - I'd like to meet those two!)

I can hardly believe my birthday is just a couple of days away.
I never imagined that I'd grow to be this old - and here it almost is!

So here's the short of it, 
Yes - the birthday celebration continues!

And here's the long.

Tonight we did a smaller birthday dinner.
Just Valdis and Kalie, Mom and Russ, and Alan and me. Liga is usually around on Sunday nights, but she and Ryan were going over to his house for dinner with his family. It was nice to have everyone together.

We had "my version" of the Petro's Chili and Chips.
In 1982 the World's Fair was held in Knoxville.  Aunt Joyce was living there, and I managed to get there several times to visit and go to the fair. There at the fair the Petro's chili and chips was invented.  It was a small bag of fritos with chili spooned over it and your choice of toppings. It must have been a hit because Petro's chili and chips franchises were all over the place for a long time after that. I think now they are mostly in Knoxville.

My version was a vegetarian chili - four different kinds of beans, carrots, and zucchini. We had Fritos for the bottom of the bowl (or top of the chili - or both - eaters choice), and choices of toppings. It seemed to be a big hit, and I liked it just fine.

Now I'll have to say - I had more trouble with the chili today than I've had in a long time. My problem was that it kept sticking to the bottom and almost burning. And good grief, burning a soup, stew, or chili ruins the whole dang pot!  I had to change the pot 3 times!  At least I caught it each time before it really did burn. I never did figure out what was causing that.

So to continue the birthday celebration - we had leftover birthday cake for dessert. Now this was a cake from our Bi-Lo which is described as "cake for two".  We had dessert for everyone yesterday. Then three of us had cake and milk for a snack late in the evening. Then there was enough for dessert tonight - cake for two - HA!!

So here's the short of it, 
The Birthday Celebration has begun!

And here's the long.

I had an early birthday party today at Mom's house.

Steve and Pat drove up from Atlanta.  Russ came up to spend a few days visiting Mom and coordinated his visit to be here for the party!  Alan brought Mommy Anne over; Valdis was there with Kalie; and Liga was there as well. It was great to all be together.

The menu!       Fried Chicken
                          Corn (off the cob - frozen from the wonderful summer harvest)
                          Green Beans
                          Mashed Potatoes
                          Cole Slaw
                          Rolls and Cornbread
                                   and of course
                          Birthday cake.

But -- having everyone there was what made it the best of all!

So here's the short of it, 
Sophie went to the vet today.

And here's the long.

Today was Sophie's bi-annual visit to the vet.  Alan and I took her together since she's been so unmanageable and so afraid of the car.

We took Alan's car. I remembered to put on her very strong harness so I could hang on and control her movements.  Sophie allowed me to lift her right into the back seat!  Now she didn't help get in and she was very passive (like dead weight) as I tried to put her in. But she didn't resist! She wanted to  get in the front seat with Alan, but I sat in the back seat with her and held on to her harness.  It seemed like my grip on her really helped her calm down quite a bit. So even though she was drooling all over the place, she rode very nicely.

Our appointment was with Dr. Carter - our neighbor who often visits with Sophie on her walks and who from time to time has doctored her a bit out in circle!  Ashton, his daughter, is also working at the clinic and got to take Sophie in and assist in her exam.  I think having the two of them helped keep her calmer.  She did really well in the appointment including having her ears examined, getting her shots, and even having her temperature taken - but she did not like having her anal glands expressed.

On the ride back, Sophie was wonderful again! I'm hoping that this is a sign of things to come and that car rides are going to become much better for Sophie making them much easier for us!

Oh, by the way, she's gained 10 pounds since June, and we are supposed to help her lose a bit of weight.  I suppose she and I will both tackle that in the morning.

So here's the short of it, 
My birthday is coming up next week. 

And here's the long.

One of those big ones is right around the corner. And to celebrate the thought of it, Alan and I drove over to Nashville today to have a one-on-one appointment with the folks at the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System.  It was a good visit and gave us lots of information for future planning.

On the way home, my back was hurting and I needed to walk around a little bit, so we made a stop at South Pittsburg at the Tractor Supply Company. 

That stretched my back out a bit and we had a good time looking at all the stuff they had for sale.  Of course it made me want some chickens, a goat, and a pony.  It's a good thing I came home to this wonderful dog and cat we've got!  Sophie and Lola are truly calming to my soul.

So here's the short of it, 
Achy Back!

And here's the long.

Lots to blog about today - the topic today is my back.

My back started hurting night before last, but as the day wore on yesterday it got worse and worse.
I have to claim some of the responsibility for that because I've been lax with my stretches.
By last evening, I was really hurting. My back is not really my back.  It may be what people call sciatica.  It starts at my lower spine and travels down through my gluteus and over to my hip joint. It feels muscular, but I suppose it's not.

Last night, I took my regular Ibuprofen, but it really didn't touch the pain.
I got my old standby microwave heating pad - I think it's got corn in it. I warmed it up 3 times in all throughout the night. It helped me get through the night.

Today, I've spent time stretching every time I thought about it. It's helped lots.  In a little bit I'm going to warm up the heating pad again and head off to the bed. I'm thinking I'll sleep a little better tonight (I sure hope)

So here's the short of it, 
Happy Anniversary Alan!

And here's the long.

Today is our 24th Anniversary.

So I got Alan a new heating unit for the house, and he got me a new air conditioner for the house.

We went out to Costco late this afternoon and shared a hotdog and a polish and a berry smoothie for our anniversary dinner - oh I just have to say - that is so us!

It was a lovely afternoon/evening.

Reliable did get our heat/air unit finished up today. Those ugly vent pipes are gone from the patio! And the vent pipe on the side of the house is really OK.  Hurray for Alan for just sticking with the plan. The guys who were here to do the installation, were just the nicest people. It was really a pleasure to have them here working. They were just great with Sophie and Lola.  (great with us too)  And now we've got a programmable thermostat - aren't we uptown! And the unit is SO quiet, I certainly can't hear it come on!  I'm glad the weather wasn't so horribly hot when the air went out so that it wasn't too uncomfortable.

So Happy Anniversary. It's been quite a ride.  Here's hoping for another 24!

So here's the short of it,
Fall Break at home is really nice. 

And here's the long.

No work for me today! I did have to wakey, wakey fairly early since the crew was here for the first day of installment for the heat and air unit.

We chose this company because of - well several reasons - but a really big one was the placement of the vent from the basement to the outside.  Years ago when we had the present unit installed they promised to vent somewhere on one of the sides of the house.  I got home one afternoon and they had drilled through the brick right onto the patio and there were these big plastic vent pipes on the patio. They've sure been a source of irritation these.

This new company assured us that they could vent to the north side of the house.  Then today they told Alan that wasn't possible.  He held his own with them and it turned out that they really can, and that they really will!  I have to say I'm really thankful to have a great husband who will tackle that kind of problem head on.  I will be so excited to have those pipes gone from the patio!

While he was dealing with all that, I was out having lunch with Mom, Mommy Anne, and Liga.  We went to Red Lobster and just had a great visit and a great lunch.  We brought back cheese biscuits to share with the ElmCroft caregivers and residents, and they were a hit!

Here's my lunch bunch for today!

What a nice way to spend a Monday!  I'm so excited to be on fall break - and that we decided to stay at home!  How nice to just enjoy home!

So here's the short of it, 
What a lovely evening. 

And here's the long.

We had a full house at our Sunday evening dinner on the circle.  We finally got to meet Liga's boyfriend, Ryan. He seems like a nice young man. Valdis brought his on again girlfriend, Kalie. and Mom was here.  Alan did a bang up job with the burgers on the grill. Dinner was good - the best part was the family time.

Liga came early and helped me out with more fall break cleaning. So now we have two cleaned up refrigerators!

Wonder what tomorrow will bring -- well, one thing tomorrow will bring is a team of heat and air workers (I probably coulda said "guys") I'll look really carefully to see if I see any girls on the crew.
Anyway, I'll be up fairly early, since they get here at 8:30! It sure will be nice to go into the cooler fall weather and winter with a new and working heat and air conditioning unit.  AND this company is going to take those ugly, ugly vents from the furnace off our back patio and send them out the side of the house. I am so happy about that.  They were never supposed to have been there to start with, but the installers all those years ago decided to put them there even though I was promised another location!  I wasn't home to see what was going on that time. Tomorrow and Tuesday either Alan or I will be here the whole time for the installation!

But I want to tackle another small fall break project as well - I just don't have one picked out yet - so we'll see.

So here's the short of it, 
First day of fall break!

And here's the long.

So the pantry is cleaned out and organized.
One whole side of the kitchen shelves are cleaned out and organized.
Thank you very much Liga for coming over and helping with these tasks!
Grocery shopping is done a day early.

Tomorrow's menu for family dinner - hamburgers on the grill with sides.
We're expecting the kids and their dates and Mom.

Tomorrow I'm up earlier than usual on a Sunday morning. Alan is speaking at a Sunday School class at the Congregational Church, and I'm going with. I'm looking forward to the interaction, not so much the getting up.  I suppose I'm just one of those night owls - exactly the opposite of Alan who prefers to be asleep very early and then up a the crack of dawn or before!  I enjoy the slow wind down of the late late evening, and am really not ready for bed until midnight or so.

This was a great first day of fall break!  And tomorrow will be another!

So here's the short of it, 
An achy back and a sleepy head

And here's the long.

My back has been awfully achy all day long. I've stuck a lidocaine patch on it this evening and am hoping I'll get better sleep tonight.

Last night I felt like I didn't sleep much at all, and I was glad that my day was packed with things to do or I might have fallen down in a sleep!  I'm going to try to get in the bed and go to sleep earlier than usual tonight to have some catch up sleep time!

Fall Break began at the end of the work day today! I'm looking forward to a week of no work. (well, I have a few things to get done before I go back, but no going in to the office or schools!)

So here's the short of it,
This day has been a little yucky.

And here's the long.

Well I had a bout with nausea this morning. It's been awhile since that's happened.  I thought I'd be fine and so got about half way to my morning appointment up on the north side of the county and decided that I'd better go back home. I had taken ginger before I left but it wasn't enough. I got home loaded up on some more ginger and relaxed for a couple of hours. I felt well enough to go to my afternoon appointment and worked for a half day. I never did figure out what might have caused the nausea.

My back has also been really acting up today. It's achy and letting me know it's there. Two or three times this afternoon, I had to resort to standing instead of sitting with the rest of the group. As I'm looking at bedtime approaching, I'm thinking of stretching and then maybe ibuprofen to help me sleep tonight.
 Tomorrow is my last day of work before fall break. I'm really looking forward to the break.

So here's the short of it, 
I'm watching a NOVA program on dogs. 

And here's the long.

I like to think about how the first wolves came to human communities and then the wolves and the humans decided that being together was a good idea.

I like to imagine that it was a young child and a young cub. That a fearless youngster from each species made friends and then, and then...

On the program, Dr. Kringlebach talks about the over 400 separate breeds of dogs, and he says that the modern breeding of dogs tells us a lot about us as people.  I'd say that's really true.  Like what does it say about us that we breed a Chihuahua or a Great Dane!

And while I reflect on the origins of dogs and their genetic make up and allow myself to be amazed by the German dog Betsy who has a vocabulary of over 400 words and can think abstractly - Sophie is stretched out on the carpet near my feet. This program says that a good relationship with a dog lessens the risk of heart attack and makes recovery from a heart attack 3 times more likely! That would be a lucky extra. But for me this sweet companion is enough.  She keeps me company and seems to read my moods and my health.

So to that first moment when humans and dogs took that chance I raise a glass and toast!  Thanks to them for building that bridge that would allow a time like this when a human and a dog would share a home, share food, and enjoy each other's company. When we would marvel at how smart she is, and she would love to just be with us.

So for those of you who want more information.
Click on DOGS DECODED 
Grab your own dog, and then watch!

So here's the short of it, 
Weather surprise

And here's the long.

Last night I updated the software on my phone.  All my apps disappeared and I had to reload them.

When I'm getting ready for work in the mornings, I always open my weather app on the phone and check out what to expect for the day. I had a pretty early morning and it was dark as I was getting ready.  So this morning I checked the weather and got a sunny and fairly warm prediction for the day. I got myself dressed.  The air conditioner still isn't fixed (that's happening next week) so we've got the back doors open and a fan going.   I'm dressed and thinking about how I'm doing great at staying on schedule to be out of the house by 7:15, when I hear it raining.  I didn't trust my senses and look at the phone again - sunny and clear.  I looked out the back door and it was, sure enough, raining. I looked back at the phone again!   It was set on Tampa where I'm sure they enjoyed a warm sunny day with no rain!

I got a phone call canceling my morning appointment, so I did have time to change my clothes into something a bit warmer. And I'm really glad for the rain. Alan overseeded the front lawn this weekend, so the rain is just what we needed!

So here's the short of it,
So we are going to be cool again and warm in the winter!

And here's the long.

This afternoon we had a visit from the second company with an estimate for our heater/air conditioner.

In one way I've enjoyed not having any air conditioning.  Every morning and every evening, we have the doors open and the fans going. The fresh air circulating in the house is very invigorating for me. Wow - it's hard for me to believe that I grew up without air conditioning.

I remember that the downtown dime store had a sign something like this on the door! And it was unbelievable when you walked in the door and that cool air evaporated the sweat from your skin. At home though we slept with the fan on and the windows open. We lived far enough in the mountains that it usually cooled off it the evenings and I don't ever really remember summers being as hot as it's been here in Chattanooga these last few summers. As a matter of fact when I was a teen, I would sleep on a bed up in the attic in the summer, and the mountain air made a nice cover feel just wonderful. 

I'm glad we'll be getting the air conditioning up and going in the next few days -- and be back to the refrigerated air!  And I'll have to say I'm pretty thankful it didn't happen while the summer heat was at it's worst. 

By the way both of the sales people passed the Sophie test.  After she barked enough to scare anyone, she made friends with both of them and they were not a bit afraid of her.  She even let one guy pet her!

So here's the short of it,
Wow. It's October! 

And here's the long.

This is my birthday month, and it's making me reflective. I have quite a few days left before I celebrate that big number, so I'm thinking that I don't want to be that reflective.  I suppose I need to make myself busy and push reflection back closer to the 26th!

This week should be pretty busy at work and that will certainly keep that reflective stuff pushed aside!

Mom is already telling me that she wants to do something on my birthday. I suspect she ought to be there - after all this time all those years ago, she was anticipating another little one to join brother Russ. I'm already thinking that Eggplant Parmesian at Provino's  would be the perfect celebration. How's that for a little reflection!

So here's the short of it, 
Another Yom Kippur has come and gone. 

And here's the long.

The day went by pretty quickly.  Liga and Valdis both said they fasted all day.
It was an easy fast for me - and my first in several years.

This evening Alan went to bed really early, and I've felt a little like I'm coming down with something. So I've been a slug, just lying around doing not much of anything. Sophie and Lola have joined me in that not doing much for most of the evening. Lola has even been sleeping on my lap for the last few weeks, and tonight it was very relaxing to me to have her stretched out just sleeping away.  And Sophie sleeping just a few feet away from me just deepens that feeling of relaxation and peacefulness.

It's gotten pretty late. I hope sleep comes easily and stays long.

So here's the short of it, 
Kol Nidre

And here's the long.

Tonight was Kol Nidre, the eve of Yom Kippur and one of my favorite services in the Jewish holiday cycle.  Kol Nidre begins a 24 hour fast. Some years it's easier than others.

This is one of the readings for Yom Kippur that I like.

When we fast, you say: Why do we afflict ourselves?
Is the fast day you think of one on which you only
think of your business and yet oppress all the workers?
Your fasting leads only to strive and discord,
and hitting out with a cruel fist.
Such a way of fasting on this day will not help you.
(or) Is this the fast I look for?
A day of self-affliction?
Bowing your head like a reed and
covering yourself with sackcloth and ashes?
Is this what you call a fast?
Is not this the fast I look for?
to release the shackles of injustice
to undo the grips of bondage
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every cruel chain.
Is it not right to share your bread with the hungry
and to bring the homeless into your house?
When you see the naked to cloth them
and never to hide yourself from your own kin?
Then shall your light blaze forth like dawn and
your wounds shall quickly heal
your righteousness shall walk before you…
If you remove from your midst the chains of oppression
the accusing finger, the malicious word
if you make sacrifices to the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the afflicted
then your light will shine in the darkness and your night will become bright as noon.
You will be like a well watered garden,
and like a spring whose waters never fail.
Rebuild the ancient ruins and lay the foundations for ages to come;
you will be calledthe "repairer of the breach"
and the "restorer of streets to dwell in."

~ Isaiah 58:1-14

So here's the short of it,
Your eyes are getting heavy - you are so sleepy!

And here's the long.

Here at my house, not a creature is stirring not even a mouse -- except for me.

Alan is snoozing and down for the night. Lola (the cat) is sound asleep on my right leg. She's straddled my leg and just completely relaxed.  Sophie is on the floor in front of the sofa. She's got her back paws  pressed up against the bottom of the sofa and her breathing is so regular.  I seem to be the only one awake, and my eyelids are so heavy, I could/will fall asleep just as soon as my head hits the pillow!

I've got everything just sitting on ready to make dinner tomorrow night, and a really early morning tomorrow. I'll be asleep almost before this makes it from the post button to showing up on the blog!

So here's the short of it, 
Today's post is lifted from Apple's website - there is no more to say.

And here's the long.

So here's the short of it, 
Pennie - I'm thinking of you!

And here's the long.

On Saturday, I found 3 pennies on the ground. Maybe there are always pennies lying around on the parking lot of the grocery store or in the aisles and I don't see them. But I saw them this week - saw them and picked them up and put them in my pocket.

I've also been getting more pennies back in change than usual. Now I know that's true and not just a perception. One lady said, sorry to give you so many pennies, I'm out of nickels.

Then today, I had a question about something rather obscure and called our central office.  I had already asked all my nearby colleagues and everyone was as clueless as me.  I made a call to the person I thought could help and she was not in her office. So I was routed to two different people and then finally when the second person couldn't answer my question, she said - you need to talk to Pennie.  I'm going to put you through.  (Well she's a Penny)

Well, except for a little girl in the Dick and Jane basal reader series, I had never known anyone named Pennie until I met Alan's sister.  Now it turns out that there are several Penny's (note the different spelling) working for Hamilton County. I had just never really run into any of them in a meaningful exchange.

So Pennie - you've been on my mind. And when you haven't been in the forefront of my mind, something has happened - like a penny on the ground, a picture someone posted on facebook, or a person who can answer a question I have - that has brought you there for me to think about.

I miss you Pennie Pearlman.

So here's the short of it, 
B&F Auto Sales - you guys rock!!

And here's the long.

So this morning when I cranked up my car it said "Low Coolant, Turn off Engine". Wow!  I turned off the engine, and got Alan to help me top off the coolant. I drove over to the quick change oil place near the house and had them take a look at it.  After an interchange where they obviously didn't understand what I was trying to tell them, they told me I needed a new water pump and timing belt -- gave me a quote of $500 + to replace it.

I took it to B&F straight away on the way to work -- they replaced a clamp and said that should fix me up!

I love these guys!!!

So here's the short of it, 
Jacob Fetz is 1year old.

And here's the long.

Ryan, Sarah, and Jacob

Yesterday was Jacob Fetz's 1st birthday. Today was his party at his Fetz grandparents house in Atlanta.

Mom took the shuttle down on Friday - Steve picked her up and she had a nice visit. The shuttle is a great solution for her trips to Atlanta for visits.  All of us are much more comfortable with that rather than her driving down - especially during traffic or after dark.  I went down for the party today and then brought her back home.

This is a picture of Jacob and his Mom and Dad!  It was nice to be with them for this lovely day.

Lauren came in with her two kids as well. Madison has grown so much and that baby Ryan is a really big little fellow - and so cute!

The trip down and back with time for partying took most of the day. So I'm a day short on the weekend - I'll try to do some catching up through the week!

It's good to spend time with family.

So here's the short of it, 
We told Mommy Anne about Pennie today.

And here's the long.


One of the big worries of the last few days has been our pre-occupation with telling Mommy Anne about Pennie.

Mommy Anne's in better shape cognitively over the last few months than she has been in several years. I personally think it's because Alan is so on top of her medications.  However, she has good days and bad days, so it was up in the air about whether she would comprehend what we were telling her and/or how she could respond. Alan had ordered a mild sedative just in case we would need something, but they sent Ativan which gave her so many problems last year. So Alan picked up some dramamine to have on hand.

We headed over to Elmcroft at noon to get there right after her lunch. It probably was the very best outcome we could have wanted.  We took her out to the big parlor and since it was lunchtime in the main dining room, we had the room to ourselves. We sat close together and I held her hand while Alan told her. She was absolutely with us in that moment and understood. She was sad and followed through with very appropriate questions. We had a long talk, she shared memories and her sadness to lose a daughter before her own death. Mommy Anne told us that she wouldn't cry - she'd wait until she was alone in her bed.  I was amazed. She didn't need the dramamine.

Alan will keep a close eye on her over the next few days and weeks to make sure that she is doing OK.  I would imagine that there will be times she remembers and other times it is a more fuzzy reality. We'll all help each other.

I have many life lessons left to learn. Today Mommy Anne was my teacher.