No Computer

I woke up around 2 am on Frday, wondering why I was so hot! Half asleep I wondered why my ceiling fan wasn't turning. Then I realized that the power was out. I rolled over and fell back to sleep. When I got up at 4:30 am, my clock was flashing about an hour and a half later than it was. Thank goodness I use my cell phone alarm.

When I got home that afternoon and tried to turn my computer on, it was a no go. So now I'm without computer access. Thank goodness for my Blackberry. I'd feel completely cut off from all of you without it. Someone is coming to pick up my PC tuesday night and has promised it back on thursday. Keeping my fingers crossed until then. Be back soon!

Labor Day Weekend

It seems like forever since I've posted to my blog.  Life has a way of getting in the way of things I'd *rather* be doing, like blogging.  I spent the holiday weekend in North Carolina, and boy, was I busy.  I was kissing, hugging, loving, making french toast, and basically just getting bossed around by these guys.

Oh, I know they look innocent enough, but don't let these sweet faces and angelic eyes fool you.  They're SLAVE drivers, I tell you.  We played Uno; dried tears, runny noses; and even had time for a boat ride down the river.  It was hard work but someone had to do it.  And, okay, I'll admit it -- I loved every minute of it.  

This little guy has become quite the talker and general bosser of all those larger than himself.  

Here he is, trying to make me get into that little bag!!  I think he wanted to take me to school with him for show and tell.  Now, come on, let's be reasonable.  I'm not going to fit in that bag, but it looks like he would.  That bag is nearly as big as he is.  So instead, I told him I loved him.  And he said, My mommy says that too!  Ah, they grow up tooo fast. 

I had a good drive home, got to listen to the audio book I downloaded onto my Ipod Shuffle and it made the time whiz by.  I'm listening to The Help and really loving it so far.  

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend too.  I wanted to go out and take some falls photos but just haven't had time.  I hope I'll be able to get some pictures this week to share with you all. 

First Day of School

I can't believe how big my grandsons are getting.  They started school on Thursday.  This was Michael's first day of KINDERGARTEN.  And he was SO EXCITED.  He could hardly wait to meet the UPS man to get his new backpack, and then to actually get to take it to school?!  Here he is with his big brother Tyler, before heading out the door.

Doesn't Michael look like the sweetest angel in the world?  He was so thrilled that he was getting to go TO SCHOOL this year like Tyler.  Tyler, on the other hand, is clearly thinking yeah, yeah, let's get it over with.

Here is Michael standing in front of his school:

 Notice how prepared he is, double packing the water?  I think his backpack is almost as big as he is!  When he went for his orientation with his mom, he pointed out the principal's office and said, There's the principal's office.  I hope I don't have to go there a lot.  His mom said she hoped so too.  Tyler had heard that his new teacher this year was mean, so he wasn't quite as enthusiastic.  LOL!  My babies are growing too fast.

Mini Meet

Yesterday evening, I was lucky enough to spend a wonderful evening with Lynn of Razzberry Corner!  She just happened to be in my neck of the woods this week, attending a job-related course.  Isn't that serendipitous?  We decided to meet at Sweetwater Tavern, one of my favorite restaurants.  You know, some folks (my kids) think it's downright weird to meet someone online and then meet them in person.  But I've always had wonderful times meeting people in person after getting to know them through emails or blogging.  Last evening was no different.  Lynn is wonderful and beautiful, and we settled in and whiled away almost two and a half hours.  Truthfully, I could have spent a few more hours talking to Lynn.  I felt like I really knew her; and we talked about our lives, our jobs, our blogs, the blogs we love and read. . . in other words, we talked about everything.  You were all there with us, believe it or not!  All I can say is that if you ever get a chance to meet another blogger in person, don't be afraid to meet them.  It's so nice to be able to put a face and all the dimensions of someone's personality together with what we read every day.  Thank you again, Lynn, for a fun evening with someone I consider a friend.

PS.  We're both much cuter in person!

Remembering Love

NPR's Picture Show recently did a piece on a photographer's photo journal of his father's last year.  You can see it all for yourself at Days With My Father by Phillip Toeldano.  Some of the memories are sad and some are very funny.  But what stands out beyond all of the surface emotions is the huge love shared by father and son. 

Life as a House

 

This movie stars Kevin Kline who has been an absent father in his 16-year-old son's life.  He lives in a run down shack on the ocean.  He goes to work one day, only to be fired after 24 years and finds out he is dying of cancer.  He decides to tear down the shack and build a house with his rebellious kid.  How did I ever miss this movie?!  It was made in 2001.  I absolutely loved it.  There is one scene in the movie where he's lying in the hospital room and nurse comes in and touches him gently on the face.  He tells her that's the first time he's been touched by anyone in years.  It made me realize how lonely and empty life would be without those hugs from my kids and grandkids, my sister, my nephews, friends and all the people that are so dear to me.  We're are such tactile beings from the time we're conceived.  I can't imagine living a life where no one had physically touched you for years.  See this movie if you get a chance.  There are some screwy parts, but on the whole, you'll love it.  Make sure you have a box of tissues handy.

I'ts Official!

I made my plane reservations today, and I'm so excited.  I'm going to MAINE!!! the first week in October.  It should be the perfect time of the year to see the fall foliage and enjoy the cool weather.  I took a trip to New England last October but ran out of time before we got to see Maine.  I'm making up for it this year.  Someone told me that they have lobster rolls at the McDonalds in Maine!!  Can you believe it?  I foresee a lot of lobster rolls in my future.  That's the kind of fast food that I could get used to loving.

I'll be in the same state as Julie from Dog Trot Farm!  My son and I used to joke that we should visit Maine because it would be "lobstah fun!"  I want to take lots of photos and enjoy the cool air and peace.  Someone told me that it's very peaceful there.  I could definitely get used to peaceful.  I fell in love with New England last year, especially Vermont; but Maine may run a close second.  I'm hoping to see a lot of scenery, maybe go kayaking, eat some good food, spend time with some great people, and fall in love with Maine.

I'm looking forward to the break from work and to having some time to just relax with my daughter, granddaughter, and our friends from Maine.   Anyone have any ideas for a gift for my hosts?  I'd like to take them something really special from Virginia.