Sunday, June 22, 2008

Weekend's almost over

And a nice weekend it's been. Here are a few highlights:

Did you know that Sonic has brought back the regular size coney dog? I really like the coney's, but sometimes the foot-long ones were a bit too much. Good move, Sonic!

Saturday morning I got up and was working up the planting area by the sidewalk by 5:30 or so. As hot as it gets, I wanted to get an early start. Well, thanks to builders who leave their messes of concrete chunks and trash and just cover it with fill dirt, it took about 4 or 5 hours to plant 6 little nandina plants. But that did include a quick run to Home Depot for a few more bags of organic humus and some mulch, so it wasn't totally time spent in intensive labor. Anyway, I'm pleased with the results. Looks good, doesn't it?
They look a bit small, but they'll grow to be about 2'. It's nice that my frog, little chicken, rabbits and an angel have a home to call their own.

It's always a good weekend when I can see the grandkids. Yesterday Angela brought Rhett and Ashlynn by for a visit with Grams, and a good time was had by all. We played with building blocks, watered the tree in the back yard, read a bit, and scattered everything hither and yon. What more could you ask for?

Then today, I got to see them again, along with Lily, when the kids and their families came over for lunch. I know they're busy, which makes me appreciate all the more when we can get together. Lily had a loose tooth when they came over, and it came out while they were here, but she took it in stride. A little later she was playing with her jewels, and even decorated Elizabeth a bit.

So it goes for another weekend, and it's back to work tomorrow. But that's ok, I'm refreshed, rejuvenated, and re-ady for another Monday.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

you've heard of talking walls

You've heard the expression "if these walls could talk", I'm sure. Well you know, I've had inanimate objects speak to me in the past, and it happened again just yesterday. We were in Lowe's to look for a new entry door, and I had in mind what I wanted. Something with a window in it, though not full length. As I looked through the choices, again, one of the doors spoke to me. "Me, me, choose me!" And it's a wise person who listens when spoken to.

It's got the Texas star in the center of the window, and a cherry wood stain finish. Well, I guess in other parts of the country it's probably just a star, but I am in Texas so here it's considered the Texas star.

David and Elizabeth took me so we could use his truck to bring it home, and it turned out David was free and he put it in for me as well. We're waiting on the facings/trim work until I finish painting around the area. Take a look at my talking door.

Remember, listen when you're spoken to.

Friday, June 6, 2008

this-n-that

Last night, maybe early this morning, I had a couple of strange dreams. In one, I went into a house that was empty, kind of like I was watching it for someone, and a pigeon size bird and a dog kept trying to get in. Every time I thought I had them out, one or the other would get back in before I could get the door shut.

In the other dream, I was on a journey and took a road up a mountain. Before long the trail was very narrow, and you know how dreams are, I was alternating between being on foot and in a car. There were times it looked so narrow, I pictured myself tumbling down the mountain. That was scary, because I'd seen several bears on the way up. Some were lumbering around like they just woke up, and others were angry and snarling. There were even a couple of coyotes or wolves here and there. At one point in the passage, I didn't think I'd make it past the obstacle in the path, then I looked again and there was a protective plexiglass shield allowing me to proceed on. Getting past that, I came upon a beautiful lake, calm and serene. There was a tour guide on a boat that was pulling out, and he told me if I hurried, I could join them. I didn't. Guess I wanted to enjoy it on my own.

It's funny how you can go for the longest time and not have anything particularly impressive in your dreams, then wham! You get two that are detailed.

Shifting gears, when Nolene and I went to Arkansas a week ago, we noticed a sign at one of the gas pumps where we stopped to fill up. The pump had a bag on the handle, indicating it was not working. Taped to the window of the pump, the proprietors advised they were "sorry for any incontinence this might cause".

Enough of this. Got to get ready for work.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Just a walk in the park...

I went to one of the local parks this evening, and took a turn around the path. Elizabeth says its about 4/10 of a mile. Since this is my first walk in awhile, I just did one go-round. Hope to make it thru 2 the next time.

And a nice park it is. Not overly crowded, but enough people to feel plenty comfortable, and several activities going on. There were several walking the path, like me. Then there were those on their roller blades swooshing right along. A nice little pond was on the back side that I didn't even realize was there, with a pavillion for a rest or picnic and a fountain in the center of the water. Several guys were playing sand volleyball, and another group were shooting hoops, while in the center field there were a couple of exercise groups. One reminded me of tai chi, the way they were standing on one foot while lifting a weight with the opposite hand (and no, I don't know if tai chi ever uses weights).

The park system has a trail that connects several parks together, over a span of a couple of miles or so. That looks interesting too, though I could see a Saturday morning being more of a prime time to try that out.

So there we have it. The adventures of my new life have begun!

I'm here!


Yes, I've made the move, and it feels good to be home. It's been about 10 days or so now, and quite a few boxes are still waiting to be unpacked, but I'm settling in.

Thanks to everyone for their help in the process. It's so nice to have special people by my side, offering physical help and moral support.

I make it to work in about 30 minutes...what a treat! My commute had gotten to be about an hour each way, so I'm definitely enjoying the change.