Happy Birthday, Dad!

My dad was born September 19, 1942 making him 66-years Young today. I am 42 and was born in 1966. Why this is interesting to me I cannot tell you... But Living life on the Cutting edge of Ordinary the way I do these things naturally Jump out at me. Ha!

Nevertheless, my Dad, my Hero, my Rock, celebrates his Birthday today and I celebrate with him... albeit from 3,318 miles away. Sigh... Oh wait! Since mom and dad are in Vegas this week they're only 2,214 miles Away so technically they are closer... Whew! Panic averted. Now I feel better. Not!

I just spoke to my Dad. He said the screaming card I sent from the Boys (cartoon characters Hoops and Yoyo screaming, We've waited all Year for this day to say WE WANT ICE CREAM!!) cracked him Up and that it, along with the 30-pound Gift package and the 31 Magazines I included for my Mom to read on their Vacation was all waiting for him at the Business center when they checked in at the Palms last night.

Everything I sent to the Palms arrived in fine order so Dad was Properly be-gifted and Mom wasn't left out either. I always send my Dad something on Mom's birthday and I always send Mom something on dad's Birthday. I do this every Year, without fail because I can't forget how my parents always went out of their Way to ensure I had a gift to open on my Brother's birthdays so I wouldn't feel Left out (they mentioned the word, jealousy but I don't get that). Ironically, James never got Gifts on my birthday but I didn't notice that fact until we were much, much older. Yes, it was All about me... Even early on!

Any way, I sent dad Several gifts... First, he thanked me for the Olive Garden gift card, which mom said later might take them a Year of after-Sunday Mass lunch dates to use up since it's just the Two of them - because there had to be Something wrong with what I sent... But dad's Happy about it, especially since it's been a long time since I've sent them Olive Garden gift cards. And, let me tell you why... For five years I was told Never to send Olive Garden gift cards again after my Dad got into an argument with a waiter who didn't understand that, all you can eat salad and breadsticks meant my Dad wanted him to keep them coming, even after their entrees arrived. (Duh!)

Nevertheless, there must have been a change in Management or something else that happened; because while my Dad used to mention the Episode regularly as the reason he'd Never step foot into another Olive Garden again, a month ago, after I included a Red Lobster card in my Mom's birthday package, dad asked me why I never send them Olive Garden. So without mentioning the Scuffle, of course, I sent Olive Garden with a prayer that whomever waits on my Dad keeps the salad and Breadsticks flowing. In hindsight I might have made the gift card for less money, just in case things don't go well.

Then there's the book. It also arrived and Dad said he cannot wait to get to it! See, a few days ago my Mom mentioned that Dad's been looking for a copy of Dick Morris' book, Fleeced so since I'd already shipped his package I jumped on-line and ordered a copy at Amazon and had it sent express, directly to the Palms. Mom said she looked for it for weeks and weeks in Monterey but could Not find it. I asked her if she Remembered that she lives in California, where Republican-leaning literature is immediately placed on the Banned books list to be burned and she replied, "Four books Costco had about the Baracko Bama but do you think I could find what your father wants?... No!" And, that is how she says his name, Baracko Bama. Lovin' my Mom! So sometime this afternoon you'll Find my dad reading, Fleeced pool-side at the Palms.

I also sent my Dad a McCain campaign button that reads, "Californians for McCain", which of course I had to buy here in North Carolina because they're not sold in California. Finally, I also placed an order with the Spaulding Group for some, Thank You President Bush stuff. I got dad a T-shirt, yard sign, a lapel pin and a bumper sticker. I told Dad to put the yard sign in their back yard since I'm sure their HOA will make it Disappear if he plants it in front yard. Mom told me two days after Dad put the McCain bumper sticker I sent him on his truck someone dragged their Key across his tailgate... Must have been a person of tolerance seeking to make a Change to an otherwise perfect and brand New truck. Love me, hate my Politics... it's okay! Really.

So Happy Birthday to my Terrific dad! I remember being oh, so grateful the day he made it back from Vietnam when I was five years old and I've never, ever taken him for Granted since. Not one minute of any Day goes by that I'm not completely Thankful and humbled by his Presence in my Life.

BookMarks Festival

One of the Best festivals held at historic Bethabara Park in Winston-Salem each year is the Bookmarks book Festival, where Readers and Writers meet, as they say... The first Author we were eager to hear speak this morning was Scott Nelson, who authored, A People at War: Civilians and Soldiers in America's Civil War. While his subject certainly isn't my thing, Wonderhubby cannot get enough of (or collect enough books about) the History of the Civil War. And, I can't blame him - after all, his Great grandfather was a Confederate soldier attached to Virginia's 8th regiment and fought in Pickett's Brigade. Nevertheless, if I want to get under his skin while he's engrossed in some movie, Book or television special about he Civil war, as he often is, I remind him that I Know how it ends... Ha!

Author Scott Nelson

Barnes and Nobel was there too...Merchandising!

I suppose the more Economical way to do this would be to Check the list of attending

Authors prior to the Festival and order their books through Amazon. But honestly,

the Extra cost to buy Books at the Festival is worth it to be able to meet the authors

and have them Sign their books. We spent just under $200 - Worth it!

Mr. Nelson's book... among others!

Mr. Nelson signing Wonderhubby's book - and Glad to do it. Such a nice guy!

You can't see it but behind Wonderhubby is a beautiful Spaniel barking his little

head off at Freckles, the main character of Ellen Bryant Lloyd's Children's book: Freckles

and the Great Beach Rescue as if to Call him out for not being a Real dog. Too funny!

I believe that we are placed where we are Meant to be and while we waited for another

Author to arrive at the Signing tent I noticed another Author seated next to where we were

standing and was immediately Drawn to his book's title: My Cousin the Saint. A Search

for Faith, Family and Miracles so I asked him about it. Turns out, he is Justin Catanoso,

and his (grandfather's) Cousin, Padre Gaetano Catanoso is a Vatican-certified miracle worker

who was approved in 1997 by Pope John Paul II to become a Saint. Padre Gaetano was later

canonized on October 23, 2005 by Pope Benedict XVI, in his First such ceremony. While it is

true that other Authors drew bigger crowds, I believe it is Mr. Catanoso's book and he who

Deserved to have People lined up down and around the Tent to see him today. After chatting

with this Gentleman-author a bit I dashed back over to the Barnes and Nobel tent to

Purchase his book. I am filled with anticipation over reading it and do so Sincerely appreciate

the Dedication he wrote inside the cover. Upon learning that I am a Catholic, Mr. Catanoso

kindly included a Prayer card for Saint Gaetano Catanoso that I will cherish always

Author Justin Catanoso dedicating my Copy of his book

From the jacket of his book I learned that Mr. Catanoso is a Pulitzer-Prize nominated

journalist and that he teaches Writing and editing at Wake Forest University here in Winston-Salem.

He lives with his songwriter wife, Laurelyn Dossesett and three daughters in Greensboro. Who knew?

When Mr. Catanoso invited me to visit his website and to send him my Review of his book later

I offered to send him my photos. Much to my surprise (and delight) he e-mailed me this evening to

let me know that he has used my Photo (and given me credit for it) on his website Here

Yes, that is a Golden Girl!

And it was she who drew the Largest crowd at the Festival today. Rue McClanahan's book:

My First Five Husbands and the Ones that Got Away is not one of the books we

purchased but I was Glad to meet her and to snap these photos of Her to show you. I just hope

the Enthusiasm for Rue today was less about her Subject and more so about her as a Celebrity

She Looks good for her age and she was Quite pleasant

Carmen Deedy signing our Copy of her Children's book: Martina the Beautiful

Cockroach. The dedication she made to Wonderhubby, to a Fellow booklover,

and the whimsical caricature she Drew of her Martina underneath it made his day.

We also picked up and asked her to sign another of her Children's book: The Last Dance

described: The Magic of dance illuminates this haunting book about the Limitless power of Love

Doreen Cronin and her illustrator, Betsy Lewin signing our Copy

of her Children's book: Thump, Quack, Moo. We also picked up

her book: Diary of a Fly, which also has Great illustration

Signing Diary of a Fly

In North Carolina they Chop their BBQ

There was truly A little something for Everyone...

Pretty much just a Seat bolted to a Rocket

A 1964 Porsche

A 1963 Porsche or as I like to call it, Fine Art

Exploring Historic Bethabara Park

Inside the Visitor's Center

The 1788 Gemeinhaus is the last Remaining eighteenth-century Church with attached living quarters

in the United States. Today was the first time we toured the Church and it was Fantastic!

How fortunate we are to have this Sweet little settlement practically in our Own backyard

The Log house was Constructed in 1816 by Joseph Krause for his New bride

The root Cellar of the Congregation Store

Henrietta Greeted us as we entered the Gemeinhaus... As we left today

she invited us back to Visit with her when she will be stationed at the 

Potter's house next weekend while Bethabara hosts the Apple Festival

The fireplace inside the Parsonage

One of the Beds inside the Parsonage. The down comforter

is just my thing but the rest of the Bed leaves a bit to be desired...

In the Kitchen

This Beautiful tiled wood burning stove stands in 

the Dining room, which was also used as a Schoolroom

Look at that Gorgeous table!

The organ accompanied by a Flautist today - they made Heavenly music!

I know you cannot see it but the Bible on the table is written in German

And what about that chair? Of course, those Central heat and air vents

are New to the Gemeinhaus... Installed to help preserve the Furniture! 

The Church has such a Presence

High school Reunion time!

Wonderhubby received an Invitation in the mail last week for his Thirty-year High School reunion. Damn. That makes it 11,402 Reasons I miss living in California! Because, if we were still in Monterey there would be Zero chance he would Entertain the idea of flying across the Country to see people he hasn't seen (and probably won't remember) in Thirty years. However, now that we live only Five hours from Arlington, guess whose going to a Reunion? Yeah... joy.

Honestly, in twenty-four years of marriage he's Never once mentioned one high school chum. His best friend he's still in touch with and his high school girlfriend, with whom he is not, both Attended different high schools. Still, after pulling out his Yearbook and matching some Familiar names on the invitation letter to their Photos, there seemed to be reason Enough to pull the Luggage out of storage.

Before I go on, let me just say how impressive I find his Sophisticated little reunion committee! They out-sourced the whole Registration process to some National reunion coordinating organization, (I almost called to see if I'd reach an operator in India!) which is convenient because through their site I was able to register our acceptance, pay, provide information on class MIA's they listed if I had any, and even reserve a hotel room if I needed one. No thank you, I'll be staying at the Doubletree Washington DC because they have great Pillows and hand you a tin of the tastiest chocolate chip Cookies on the planet at check-in; Making the $265 per night worth every dime.

In terms of what we'll get for our $113 for Alumni and $90 per Guest (me!) fee, the evening includes Dinner at Sobe Bar and Bistro (unfortunately, the Reunion doesn't fall on Lobster night Thursday but the Maryland Crab cake featured on their on-line menu sounds pretty good) and a published Reunion directory. I checked the little box that said: Do not publish my mailing and e-mail address, taking full advantage of their, We respect your privacy promise! I mean, I don't know these people and if someone wanted to Contact him, they've had Thirty years. Right?

Oh, I almost forgot. THIRTY YEARS, Damn, he's old! Okay, now that that's out of the way we can talk about what Really matters; me, and how I plan to enjoy this little Adventure...

First, I called my Congresswoman's office in DC to request a White House tour. The girl I spoke to said she's pretty sure there will be Space for us but she will call me later this Week to confirm. I'm excited about Touring the White House on George and Laura's watch. Bummer notice on the White House website though... NO CAMERAS. Hello? Is it not still, the People's house? Well, this owner of that House doesn't go to the Market without her Camera... So for my 1/350million share, I'd like to take some photos. But alas, I won't be taking any pictures because it clearly states that if you Show up to your Tour with any of the banned items (including combs) you'll be asked to Leave. White House tour. Check.

Second, this adventure means Three days and three nights on our own to re-explore DC without the Boys. No. Didn't even cross my Mind to take them. Hopefully, they will both have to work so that I can Relax knowing I won't have to buy my Stuff back from Guido before we can unpack.

After we were married we spent a Year in DC trying it on, and looking back through the lens of Not being the totally homesick, neurotic teenage bride that I was, and when I put all of his Foster-family from Hell drama aside, I can say it was probably the Best year ever. Although Arlington or the DC area didn't make the cut in Terms of where we wanted to settle down, (Hello? Monterey!) I thoroughly enjoyed our First year of marriage there.

Our favorite weekend things to do were to sleep-in all day, go out for Huge, expensive dinners, take in a Movie and then walk around the Monuments until two or three in the morning after all the Tourists were tucked in for the night. Ah... to be that Young again! Although I'd rather not since today we have a Lot more money and come armed with the Wisdom to know never to take such Bliss for granted. Since we relocated back to the East coast we visit DC at least twice a year and more often when called to attend a Dawson/Bridge family Funeral but this will be our First trip back without the boys.

So for these Few reasons I'm looking forward to attending this Reunion. It'll be interesting, to say the Least so Stay tuned!

In my Dream your name was Chester!

Last night on our Way home from Greensboro we stopped at Lost In Time Antiques where I was told by Jerry (the owner) that the dealer I bought the vintage Gym lockers from last month brought in another set! Somehow, I got distracted by half-price Pyrex and Fireking so I forgot all about the Lockers until just before bedtime. When I remembered I immediately looked up the Phone number and called to leave a message to ask that they hold the Locker until I could get there this morning; however, to my dismay, their voicemail was Full so I couldn't.


The locker unit I picked up last month has been a Fantastic solution to my Storage dilema. At first, I imagined the boys would Pick up their shoes and put them into the lockers before coming in the House to help keep the area by the Door neat - HA, HA, HA, HA! So I decided instead of waging that Losing battle I'd just take the Lockers over for Myself. Now I store my gym bag collection, hardwood floor cleaning solution cartridges, extra Flashlight batteries and table tennis Stuff in them. Now that I have a second set of Lockers it just got better!


So all night I had these short, fitful dreams about the Lockers I meant to buy. I dreamt about what Time they opened and whether or not I'd make the call in time to Reach someone before they sold... Did they open at nine? Ten? Or was it noon? I also dreamt that when I called this morning no one could recall what I was Talking about. In my dream I kept trying to describe the Lockers but I seemed to be speaking to a man who didn't even Remember me or know who Jerry was. And finally, I dreamt that I did reach them but someone named Chester told me that the Lockers sold last night Right after we left. When I woke this morning I picked up the Phone before my eyes were open and hit redial. Jerry answered and knew exactly what I wanted and said he Wondered why I didn't take it last night. Then he said he was glad to hold it for Me and although they open at Noon, he'd see me whenever I could get there. Spectacular!


So I got there and picked up the Locker. As Jerry was loading it into my Truck his partner, Brian was walking across the parking Lot on his way into the shop for work so he stopped to help... When he finished I thanked him and called him Chester. He corrected me and said with a laugh, "Oh no, I'm Brian", I said, "I know, but in my Dream last night your name was Chester."

T-ah!

Frisbees, gym bags and, my Softball gloves too! The glove under

the ball is the one my Father gave to me when I was 11-years

old and started playing softball in Germany... Love it!

Hardwood floor cleaner, Off-spray, batteries, my Table tennis

paddles and Brandon's paintball gear. All neatly tucked away!

Four years Ago I volunteered at our office furniture Sale to benefit

the United Way and out of one of the Tractor trailers we unloaded

came four large wall Locker units that no one wanted to Buy. I eventually

gave them Away to a man willing to Haul them and I've always regretted

not taking them Myself... But it's okay because Now I have my own Lockers!

In 1982, just before our Trip to ski Big Bear in California, I picked up

these Dexter hiking boots at the PX on post (Ft. Riley) and I've always

loved them. And, yes... If you read my Blog, they are the same hiking boots I

gave you in 1984 and then took with me on my way out of your House the day I

came over to Break up with you! So? You didn't deserve me or my Dexter's!

Saturday finds...

After a quick trip this morning to Macy*s (big Sale!) and to Costco, we took off to spend Most of the day in and around Greensboro... At a little garden shop in Brownsummit I found some fun Halloween décor I couldn't Pass up!

Indeed!

Spooky Spiders for the Kitchen door!

More ornaments for the Tree!

He said if I keep this Up it's going to tip Over!

I had to have this water Globe/music box and I picked up three of these Crows. They

have purple and green Glitter accents on the wings that make them Look cool against the

orange Glow of the tree lights. I think These birds will look Great in a Twig arrangement

I have in mind for later but for now I'll leave one to perch atop the Pumpkin!

On the way Home we stopped at Lost in Time Antiques where I found this

Pyrex bowl and Fireking casserole. I know, I know, I need Another

Pyrex bowl like I need another Teenager but it was offered at 50% off

of $7.00 so you would have Picked it up too. As for the casserole, I just like it!

Perfect and unused condition. A good Thing!

I may just have to bake a Casserole of some sort tomorrow... Hum.

No LABOR toDay!

The last few days have So made up for the rainy beginning to my Vacation last week. Today was Amazing! September couldn't have made a More beautiful entrance... This is how we Spent the day!

Ah!

This is for Yolanda who called me on Friday to reminisce about all the crazy Fun we used

to have Running around in my cute little MGB. Yolanda said she was listening to an 80's

station and Frankie was playing so she just had to Call... Yolanda reminded me of what a

Crazy driver I was, (so not true!) and how funny she always thought it was when I'd tell her

not to Panic because, "Frankie says, Relax." Yolanda asked if I remembered the answer

she'd always give me. And, I do... Such shocking language! Yolanda said she couldn't Believe

that I still had my RELAX license plate, but I do! I told her I've often thought about

the Scum-bag that Stole my cute little MGB and what he might have thought of all those

 fingernail Marks she left in the Dashboard - Ha! Oh my, the Fun we had... 

I'm the First to admit that I don't use the Pool as much as I should... but just

Seeing this crystal clear liquid Freshness every day and knowing it's here

for Me whenever I need it, makes it worth whatever it takes to have it!

I ordered two More scalloped umbrellas today

because one can Never have too many umbrellas...

Peace and Quiet

In a few more Weeks the trees around the Pool will be on Fire!

If you click to enlarge this Photo you'll see the leaves are

Beginning to turn Amber on the lower branch behind this tree.

Our trees have faces on them so they Can talk to each other!

Early afternoon Sunshine - It's a Good thing!

One of the many Highlights of the Autumn Garden... Toad Lily!

Of course, there are Many highlights to this Garden!

The view from my Float is truly Spectacular!

My little mossy Birdbath

More gorgeous Trees, please!