susan*jayne

susan*jayne: Luminaries @ Golf Course Acres

2011-12-05T14:30:00.000-05:00

susan*jayne: Luminaries @ Golf Course Acres

Luminaries @ Golf Course Acres

2011-12-05T14:13:00.002-05:00

This year is the 33rd Annual Light Up and will take place on Saturday, December 17, 2011. At dark thirty.

These photos were taken in 2008 in front of my house in Elizabethton, TN. I wish I could find pro photos taken of these lights because my cellphone just doesn't do it justice. It really is a magical evening with everyone driving around with their parking lights on and neighbors in their yards and street all afternoon and evening. Mother and I made us an eggnog cocktail and sat back and watched the traffic come by.

I know it's nothing grand but I like the charm of small town tradition and it's traditions like these that have been a part of my holidays for 30+ years now.

Plenty Of Company

2011-06-02T14:10:00.000-04:00

"No-- just don't say anything to him," my Mother states.

She is referring to one of many imaginary people around her that she talks to daily. The main one is a man she refers to as "John Doe". He pompously sits in judgement of her, taking her seat, using her pens. He gets most of the blame for things that 'go missing'.

I used to try to reason with her about "the people" when this was the first real sign of her Dementia that showed up besides her loss of balance. She first mentioned "the people" in Dec 2009. I argued with her about it.

"Where Did The Time Go?"

2011-06-02T11:44:00.001-04:00

That is something you will NOT hear my Mother say. Her days are sooooooooooooooo long to her. If she has an Atlanta Braves baseball game coming on that evening @ 7:00pm, she will ask me several times a day if it's time for it yet.

Tiptoeing in to see her sitting in the family room watching the morning news while having her breakfast, I greet her and say, "How are ya feeling today?"

She answers me with a smile and a 'thumbs up' while I fix my morning cup of coffee. I get my dog a treat for breakfast and walk back to my room to sit down. I can feel a sigh release from my body and my shoulders visibly relax.

I note to myself that I'm glad that she still reacts to me. And a smile from her is pure gold right about now.

I realize now that the times I can go away and leave her on her own will be limited as I take off for the drug store to pick up my high blood pressure meds. I need to go back to the doctor and get this dose doubled but for now $4.00 buys me 15 days worth of help and I can push it down on the TO DO LIST to see the doctor later this month for a checkup. Double up this prescription and see about more nerve pills like he's given me in the past.

On the way back I see the Sammons Hotdogs sign and pull in the drivethru to surprise Mother with a hotdog for lunch. These are the best and biggest and beefiest dogs around with a spotless reputation.

I give her her hotdog, take my slawdog to the table. When I went to the drug store, I left her stripping a cob of corn to boil. One whole cob of corn or a small bowl of potato salad or cole slaw fills her up.

I get back and the corn is shucked and sits on the counter. She tells me that she couldn't remember what else to do to it and gives me the confused face. As she tells me this, I mentally retreat, not wanting the dementia to backslide... hoping for it to stay the same.

Small defeats and miracles make up my hours and set the tone for my life now. I hate that I am so consumed by this but it has to be for now. Writing, I hope, will help me cope better.

A Brighter Day Today

2011-06-01T12:57:00.001-04:00

Hallelujah! I slept six hours last night. I feel a lot better but still have some way to go with mental health, I'll admit.

I DO feel like I can say that I am off of some sort of death watch. Not 100% but enough so that I can claim it today.

I ate a whole bowl of cereal this morning and had a bit of tea and grapes.

Mother fixed her own breakfast and is chipper and bored today. Time has really slowed down for her. Time is still relevant, so that's a good sign.

Today I will try to find the joy in what I DO have going in my favor as to what I DON'T have going on.

IF I COULD JUST REMEMBER TO TAKE MY OWN ADVICE!!

Over the past few weeks I keep desperately saying, "Now what is it I usually do to keep the blues away?"

I can usually keep it at bay and WITHOUT help from drugs and/or alcohol. So I may have to turn to the doctor for some stress relief soon.

But I am off of unofficial 'death watch' for now. I know that but my stressed body doesn't know that yet. Soon, I hope.

**UPDATE: I got my The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss in Later Life book that Sandi Rainbolt recommended to me today. Already very helpful.

I Expend A Huge Chest Swelling Sigh

2011-05-31T12:15:00.001-04:00

After six nights of only stressed induced sleep-- you know the kind where you get up the next morning and your eyes are stinging and feel like there is sand in them from lack of sleep? Not sleeping over 20 minutes at a time.

All from worrying about my Mother. Basically I've moved in to watch her fade away from this life with as much dignity and grace that old age will allow.

She woke up screaming to be taken to the hospital a few weeks ago and we drove to the ER. I've never taken her to the ER before and to make a long story short, they xrayed everything and withdrew all pertinent fluids and came up with nothing. Perfectly fine. But I heard the word Alzheimer's posed as a question which has never been spoken before.

Anyway, they gave her some meds to calm her down which threw her into almost a rage which didn't suit this genteel Southern Lady at all. It took her four days to recover from the ER visit and they sent us on our merry way with a basic antibiotic for an impending infection which she may or may not have.

Here's where things go really south-- after the hospital visit and four or five days on the antibiotic she's getting progressively worse. Her symptoms are almost like she has been poisoned and I see, for the first time, those ugly red spots on her lower limbs.

Those ugly red, splotchy, raised dots that indicated to me that vital organs were shutting down. I'm later relieved to see them dissipate(is that the word I want? probably not) slowly.

And I'm so afraid to close my eyes on her. I finally look up this medicine on the internet and I read that this medicine is NOT to be given to the elderly, specifically anyone over 65.

It's a big holiday weekend. Doctors are out of town, and I damn sure don't want to take her back to the hospital for young stud and weekend beach bum, Dr Shawn Whatshisface, to fucking shut her down with the pharmaceutical favorite cocktail du jour.

I count minutes and gauge severity of splotches and watch her rummage all hours of the day and night. She takes a shower @ 1:30 am. Not a good time but thank goodness she can do it on her own. She doesn't know day from night sometimes.

I know at any minute I can call the rescue squad if needed. We are probably 3 minutes from the hospital. But we hold on. I fix her favorite things and applaud when she nibbles a few bites. She weighs 98 lbs and is 4'11" so she's always eaten like a bird.

She begins eating more and gains more clarity a teeny bit each day but you desperately search for positive signs of life when you could be actually watching the last hours of life. She turns the tv remote to the program she wants to watch instead of bringing me the remote and asking me to help her out.

I still didn't sleep last night. Probably only an hour and a half altogether. I've watched out for Mother all evening again and peered at her from down a darkened hallway with nightlites lighting the way in most all the rooms.

I come in closer for the usually dreaded morning observations. eyes stinging, hands trembling, swallowing hard. I see that Mother has dressed nicely, and combed her hair for the first time in two weeks (besides weekly salon visits) AND she has put on lipstick.

We were going to try and catch her doctor this morning but by the time I got through he was booked for the day and will be out all week.

I expend a huge chest swelling sigh... Although it's moment to moment and can take a u-turn, for today it looks like she's going to do just fine.

What's Your Color?

2010-04-27T15:37:00.001-04:00

Found at Shirl's.

You Are Colorful Because You Are Delightful

You are simply a joy to be around. You are cheerful, cute, and charming.

You truly respect and appreciate other people, and it shows. You are extremely non-judgmental.

You avoid confrontation, and you hate fighting. You try your best to make sure that everyone gets along.

Life is hard, so you try to be easy on people. More importantly, you try to be easy on yourself.

The Colors Test

Blogthings: Learn Something Surprising About Yourself

Communication Breakdown? No, We Understand Each Other.

2010-04-27T14:57:00.004-04:00

I sent a text early this morning to my daughter but I soon realized that my 2 1/2 year old grandson was answering me instead.

Me: I'm coming over Thursday
?: Lakla
?: Jjjj5jjjjj

?: Tut

Me: That u Phoenix?
Phoenix: Tj,bill

Me: Nsjbfkjgklwq
Phoenix: Re:Lillltiv

Me: Good job, Phoenix.
Phoenix:Hick1alb.bb22.a2acababa<22B.aca<22.ca.ca;B

Me: I love you, Phoenix.
Phoenix: Jjjj5jjjj.lag.lib.llik

Finally!

2010-04-27T09:58:00.003-04:00

March 08, 2006
March 13, 2007
March 21, 2008
March 14, 2009
_________ 2010?

APRIL 27, 2010!

Finally I saw my first hummingbird at the feeder. I've been keeping fresh sugar water for them since the first week in March.

They were very late this year. Very late and I'm certain it was because of the snowy, freezing weather we had for much of the winter. Much,much more than we are used to having here in the East Tennessee/Western North Carolina area.

Dealing With Dementia

2010-03-17T12:33:00.003-04:00

After three episodes, I have cause for concern.

Mother has had dementia for at least 10 years. She's 87 years old now. Her outward sign that you could tell was of her shuffling gate. She began shuffling her feet to walk, instead of picking them up, not long after she turned 70.

Dementia is closely related to Alzheimer's. She hasn't experienced any memory lapses. She has a lot of trouble recalling words. Any conversation is spent digging for the name of Uncle so-and-so who went to work in such-and-such.

You can emotionally accept this as part of the aging process along with her diminished hearing and sight. But the hallucinations are something altogether different. On every level imaginable.

The first hallucination episode happened around Christmas holidays. Skyler and Phoenix were over visiting and Mother appeared yelling about the "two boys" we had in the house. That sounded like something she may have said in my teen years to my sister and I but this wasn't a memory lapse. She actually "saw" two guys in the house and she thought we were hiding them from her.

Naturally, this disturbed me but soon I was able to spin it and accept it as a one time thing.

This past week it happened again. Once, matter of factly, and the next time she came and got me to tell me about the people in her room. I asked her to show them to me.

In her mind there were two adults standing near her closet and on a chair sat a child with two other children around her.

What do you say about that? You have a tiny little lady looking up to you with her sad eyes wanting answers, or validation, and most of all security. Do you play along?

I asked her if they scared her and she said, "yes".

Then I asked her what she thought I should do about it. She sort of laughed and said, "I wish we had some kind of spray to keep them away from here". Then we began laughing about Robin's ex-husband whose family believed in voodoo.

As quickly as it began, it had ended. But I couldn't spin it anymore. Of course, web addict that I am I began googling dementia and hallucinations and it's all part of it. It even has a name. Dementia with Lewy bodies.

I'm not afraid to tell you that I'm scared. I wish I had someone to talk to about it who has been in this position and dealt with this. I'm going to ask her doctor if maybe she should try out Aricept.

If you've been reading this far, bless your ~~little~~ big heart. xoxo

Time For Hummingbirds

2010-03-08T14:04:00.002-05:00

March 08, 2006
March 13, 2007
March 21, 2008
March 14, 2009
_________ 2010?

I'm going to put out sugar water today because our area birdman has seen them in our town already.

how limp my pansies are

2009-05-25T12:59:00.002-04:00

I wouldn't be a very good actress but I have learned to portray my conversations with much animation. My sister was deaf from the time she was 17 years old until she passed at age 50 so I soon found myself acting out my words with movement and exaggerated expression to help her better understand me.

As my Mother's hearing diminishes I begin moving my hands or body to help along the conversation. I realized this clearly today after I flung myself onto the couch to describe how limp my pansies are when they don't get proper watering. I must look like the perfect idiot. ha!

Corner Nest Antiques in Elizabethton, TN

2009-05-17T16:39:00.004-04:00

I found this sweet little stool (there are four legs under the fringe) and a couple of other goodies in an "antique mall".

This particular place is called the Corner Nest Antique Mall and is located in Elizabethton, Tennessee. They have a cafe right in the middle of all the sectioned off areas called Apples To Oranges that's supposed to be yummy and focuses on locally grown food.

In addition to the stool, I had a beautiful Summer floral wreath made for the front of the house so they have that section of beautiful floral garlands and wreaths and there is also niceplants and flowers for sale. Their geraniums are huge, red, and thriving.

Like I needed another hat I bought a black velvet one, ala 1950s/Lucy and Ethel, that's hard to photograph so you'll just have to take my word for it.

There are lots of these co-ops around east Tennessee and western North Carolina that focus on high end hand-made items and antiques. "Antique" can be loosely interpreted and there may be the occasional styrofoamed snowman or crocheted oven mitt but for the most part (90%) the items are very worthy.

The Corner Nest is buzzing like a beehive in this droopy economy. The prices are great and on my first trip I bought as much as I could carry out when I went there Friday. I may bring a wheelbarrow for my next trip.

Return For Deposit

2009-05-12T11:46:00.010-04:00

I went to Vest's Greenhouse today to pick up some flowers. Mother and I haven't been there in decades. We got wave petunias, peach impatiens, pansies, and geraniums. I still want a hibiscus or two.

I'm trying to tidy up the landscaping in the front yard. There are two bushes that I have shaved down as much as I can with electric hedge trimmers and they're still too large so it's time for them to get cut waaaaay down by a pro.

These are boxwoods that have been here for 50 years when the house was built in August 1959. The most unruly one got sheared down to a fresh start a few months ago and new leaves are sprouting already.

The guy unearthed a 16 oz Coca-Cola bottle that looks to be at least 30 years old; probably 40. It says "return for deposit" on the bottle and on the bottom it says, MIDDLESBORO. Remember when you paid extra for the bottles and returned them to get your .05 back. Does anyone remember when the deposit on drinks was .02? Nah, me either. =)

The same house I COULD NOT WAIT to leave at age 17 I returned to find much love and comfort in. There's an invisible force that gives me satisfaction. Return for deposit?

Someone's Got The Sweet Tooth

2009-05-04T13:41:00.003-04:00

I do my Mother's weekly grocery shopping and try to buy healthy foods. We stopped by the grocery store and she wanted to get ingredients for a Cherry Cheesecake from scratch, natch.

She's 86 and walks with a cane but her freedom is important to her so I let her go in alone and leisurely cruise the grocery aisles. (I wish she wasn't afraid to use those motorized carts)

She came out with all the stuff to make the cheesecake PLUS

chocolate pudding,
chocolate ice cream,
and two lemon pies!

She's 5' tall and weighs 100 lbs so this might last her for the rest of the year! Ha!

Caroline Costa sings Hurt : Incroyable Talent, 9 October 2008

2009-05-03T13:40:00.001-04:00

This young girl is a super talented singer whose video is currently making the rounds.

Happy Easter, Dear Friends

2009-04-11T22:39:00.002-04:00

My "little Mommy" (she's 4'11" and 97 lbs.) always asks me to come to church with her and Sunday morning I am going with her and then we're going to eat afterwards.

I hope you're all able to spend some time with your family this holiday week.

Dave's Garden

2009-04-07T12:20:00.005-04:00

For several years now whenever I need to look up something pertaining to flowers or fuits, etc, I usually visit Dave's Garden website first.

From the website: Dave's Garden is an informational website where a large, international community of gardeners can learn from each other and find resources offered by the gardening industry.

It's much more than that. It has all the zones for planting, migration info, photos of plants and flowers from every zip and postal code. Forums of expert gardeners and piddlers like me all congregate to learn and/or help one another.

The Garden Watchdog at Dave's Garden is a free directory of 6,760 mail order gardening companies. And Plant Scout helps you correctly identify your plants. Plants and Seed Trading, also a great section.

Since 1994, 3,510 companies have been reviewed in the Garden Watchdog, and 46,579 comments have been posted (33,043 positive, 5,268 neutral, 8,268 negative) by 24,273 customers.

Hope you enjoy it. Favorite the link and thank me later. :)

Where'd You Go, Spring?

2009-04-06T12:28:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago I got out my favorite (only) pair of white slacks and other spring tops-- sleeveless and short sleeves, I'd packed away. Mentally putting together all the pieces for the coolness of the pending warm weather.

I found a pair of beautiful white sandals (heels) that had been $75 and got them for $14.00.

Also a week ago I got a beautiful pedicure with yummy oils and bought some good lotions. They painted my toenails a shocking pink.

But I'm waiting...it's still quite cold here in Tennessee. Winter got an extension.

I keep passing over the summer tops and pants in the closet for the long jeans and sweaters and I put those white shoes back in their box.

My feet still look stunning and I admire them just before I slip some crew socks and tennis shoes over them.

Now the weather calls for a light snow tonight and tomorrow. Where'd you go, Spring? I'm waiting.

Easter Cake Pops

2009-04-05T10:22:00.002-04:00

Sugar pearls for the body and tiny hearts for the noses. The ears are brown rainbow chip sprinkles and the eyes are melted candy coating dotted on with a toothpick.

These pops that Bakerella makes on a stick really fascinate me although I'd never be able to do it. Very cute.

link

Head Case

2009-04-04T10:50:00.002-04:00

Does anyone watch Head Case on the STARZ channel on television? I don't have STARZ and had been wanting to see this program so I was happy to find the latest three episodes on their website.

They're just 24 minute shows and to me it's the funniest thing I've seen in ages. Hysterical. Remember that it's rated "R".

The blurb on the website:

Meet Dr. Elizabeth Goode, Ph. D (Alexandra Wentworth), a brash and judgmental therapist who uses her own unconventional methods of therapy to treat the elite of the entertainment, sports and music industries. Her unique brand of treating the celebrity psyche has made her the “it” therapist in Hollywood and NY with an undeniably thriving practice. Rosanna Arquette, Andy Dick, Ione Skye, Lea Thompson, Richard Kind, James Denton, David Alan Grier, Greg Grunberg, Monica Potter, Joel Madden, Christopher Lloyd, Jason Lewis, Jonathan Silverman, Jennifer Finnigan, Ahmet Zappa, Trudie Styler, Cindy Margolis and Jeff Goldblum guest star as themselves in this Starz Originals series that the New York Post hails as “unscripted, unusual, funny and real!”

Watch Videos

Time For Hummingbirds, ETC

2009-04-02T20:36:00.004-04:00

I fixed some sugar water and hung out the first hummingbird feeder of the year a few moments ago. Spring is busting out all over east Tennessee.

The guy finally came and cut the grass today. I have paint bought and waiting on the handy man to apply. His schedule is, shall we say, loose and he said he'd get to it next week which is to say he'll probably begin Wednesday or Thursday and finish up the following week. But he's nice and has been the maintenance man around here for ages so we accommodate his flexible schedule. The house is 80% brick and so there's not that much he has to paint. The gutters and trim work and a little siding on the front. Plus shutters.

During the fresh paint event of next week I'll go order two new entrance doors and two storm doors then stand back and see what else needs sprucing up. I'm thinking some new landscaping but I don't know if I want to put in that kind of expense right now.

There's the big annual yard sale Friday and Saturday, April 3 and 4 in my neighborhood, Golf Course Acres so it always brings good bargains and long lines of traffic. The police came last year to direct it. I've bagged up things to go to the Salvation Army and may just put it out front for free during the event.

That's all I have for now. Love and smoochies to all--

CHANGES at Easy Bake Coven

2009-03-30T17:19:00.004-04:00

**UPDATE:** April 4, 2009. I have my easybakecoven.net website back up. I'm still going in circles, for sure. To tell you the truth I missed my old website so much and wanted it back so I signed back up for it again. Sometimes my intuition is right, sometimes it's not so I still have my http://easybakcoven.net website.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I've changed my website url on Easy Bake Coven (http://easybakecoven.net) to http://easybakecoven.blogspot.com.

New website address

Feed

I'm cutting back on my expenses and since I don't keep EBC up like I used to I thought I'd just put it back here on old faithful, Blogspot. :) I've sorta come full circle I guess you could say since I started out on that url.

Fmylife

2009-03-25T12:00:00.003-04:00

FMyLife - My life sucks but I don't give a f***. Your everyday life stories.

This site is worth checking out if only to observe fragile human nature, which has always been a hobby of mine. People post their predicaments and you judge it by clicking on either "I agree, your life is f***ed" or "you deserved that one".

Sunday, Sunday

2009-03-22T13:12:00.002-04:00

* Although I'm saturated with basketball I'm ready for more today. Yesterday was such a good day for basketball lovers. To watch guys play for the love of basketball and pride of their team and school is way better than watching the bloated egos of NBA.

* Vanilla Slaw. Has anyone ever heard of that before? I saw a recipe today that had basically the ingredients for cole slaw but with an added 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla flavoring. I wonder if it's good like that.

* I took some photos of the famous Covered Bridge today in Elizabethton, TN, today. When I upload them I'll post them here. I finally bought myself a digital camera and although it's an inexpensive model, I am still trying to figure out the bells and whistles on it.

*Okay. Over and out. And Love is the Answer.

Riddle me this, Batman.

2009-03-19T13:29:00.005-04:00

I Have Two of Them ...
they are above the waist ...
and they are thin.

These are cartoon big but I admit I'm jealous of the big lips. Mine are just two thin, sad lips. I have some great teeth but when I smile my lips disappear.

Probably the least favorite part of my body. That and having no eyebrows. And then there's the ...

Why do I even care? sigh

2009-03-18T00:08:00.001-04:00

Obama and I picked the same Final Four! Our somewhat odd team out is #2 ranked Memphis.

Selection Sunday, was it good for you?

2009-03-15T23:29:00.001-04:00

I have Duke as a #2 seed, Tennessee as a #9 seed and my alma mater ETSU, no less, as a #16 seed. I don't think they've ever been invited to the dance before.

Media Recommendations

2009-03-15T22:32:00.003-04:00

I saw one good movie and one good television series premiere this weekend.

The movie was The Reader, in which Kate Winslet won her Oscar award. And on tv I accidentally happened upon Kings, a sweeping drama about a fictional country and king and the politics, corruption, and family that's involved.

The movie, The Reader, was mesmerizing, although the nudity and sex was more steamy than I am comfortable with watching. I hate watching sex for sex's sake. If it fits and adds to the story, fine. And it did.

Kings pulled me in while channel surfing and hooked me all the way through. I was even crying I tell you. The young man is great and Ian McShane, from Deadwood, is perfectly cast as the King of Gilboa.

Cows and Cupcakes

2009-03-13T13:15:00.004-04:00

I happened to run across two interesting blogs this week. Pioneer Woman and Bakerella.

Pioneer Woman lives in Oklahoma on a cattle ranch and is a wonderful cook and photographer and Bakerella has a blog where she lovingly bakes and documents it all. These girls not only can do it all but they look good while doing it.

Pioneer Woman has contests from time to time and the latest one chose winners to visit her ranch and stay at their lodge. Bakerella was also there to share and demonstrate her cooking skills; specifically her popular cupcake pops. The camaraderie and the cooking look like great fun and their respective blogs make for an excellent escape.

Thanks, ladies. I enjoyed my virtual visit.

Keyboard Breakfast

2009-02-28T13:53:00.003-05:00

Does anyone eat at their desk while they're at work or at home? I may be the only slob who does that. That may explain the crumbs I find in the keyboard.

Inconsequential details: Plates are mine I've had since the early 60s. Glass is from Christmas.

Pink grapefruit, brie on toasted wheat bagel. OJ fresh from the juicer.

HAPPY WEEKEND, BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!

Amid the grieving, a rare act of sportsmanship

2009-02-20T00:17:00.002-05:00

A beautiful story about sportsmanship and love for your fellow human beings.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The coach never considered any other option.

It didn't matter that his DeKalb, Ill., High School basketball team had ridden a bus two and a half hours to get to Milwaukee, then waited another hour past game time to play. Didn't matter that the game was close, or that this was a chance to beat a big city team.

Something else was on Dave Rohlman's mind when he asked for a volunteer to shoot two free throws awarded his team on a technical foul in the second quarter. His senior captain raised his hand, ready to go to the line as he had many times before.

Only this time it was different.

"You realize you're going to miss them, don't you?" Rohlman said.

Darius McNeal nodded his head. He understood what had to be done.

link

Hell's Kitchen

2009-02-19T21:01:00.001-05:00

Yay! Hell's Kitchen is back tonight after a two week break.

While You're Down There...

2009-02-18T13:42:00.002-05:00

If you bend down to pick up something and stay down there looking around to see if there's anything else you can pick up while you're down there, that's a good sign that you might be getting old.

Show Me Your Belly - 17 mos

2009-02-14T13:11:00.001-05:00

Show Me Your Belly - 17 mos
Originally uploaded by sujaco

My grandson, Phoenix, taken this morning and sent via phone to me.

Snowing Today

2009-02-02T15:31:00.004-05:00

My back patio and yard. My yard has so many trees that snow has a hard time getting in but you can see that the golf course below the yard is already white.

From the driveway you can see the snow has begun and this is what I have so far at 3:30 PM. Whee! Hope we get more.

Manic Monday

2009-02-02T11:55:00.003-05:00

1. What's the most embarrassing song on your iPod (or music collection)? I don't think any of them are embarrassing. But I'll say probably the harp music or the meditation stuff.

2. How much time do you spend each day in your commute? (Or if you don't work outside the house, how much time do you spend in your car or other preferred mode of transportation?) I work at home so I don't put a lot of miles on my car. It's a 2001 car and only has 55,000 miles on it.

3. What's your favorite wardrobe item and why? My favorite pair of dark denim jeans. Why? Because I like the way *everything* looks in them.

via: Manic Monday

We Need Mobile Veterinary Service in East Tennessee

2009-02-01T14:03:00.005-05:00

Every year or two I search online to see if anyone in the area has started up a mobile veterinary service but much to my dismay, they haven't.

What a fantastic opportunity for some knowledgeable person to have. I always dread to take my dogs to the groomers. Picking up a large dog that doesn't want to help you put him in the car isn't much fun. And the medium size dog insists on sitting on my lap while driving and tries to put her head out my window. And if I make it to my destination with no doggie accidents I thank the goddess of restraint.

I would groom these furry beasts several times a year instead of once or twice a year. And get their nails trimmed. So it seems like a profitable business for an experienced person.

Out of work vets? Give me a holler and we'll help you get the word out.

UPDATE: Yay! I found some local places in Johnson City (Tennessee) after googling "mobile grooming".

Lady & Apollo Mobile Dog Grooming - (423) 232-2932
Pooch Patrol Mobile Pet Groomer - (423) 767-9911

Super Duper Sunday! with Apples!

2009-02-01T11:15:00.003-05:00

Super Bowl Sunday is finally here. Has it ever been played in February before? As an avid sports fan, I'll be watching although I don't have a favorite team picked out.

After one solid month I'm still going strong so I'll fess up now to my New Year's resolution to eat healthy. As in eating EVERYTHING healthy. So far, so good AND so far, my favorite pair of jeans are loose on me so that's a beautiful bonus of eating healthy and will help to keep my blood pressure in check.

I'm really embracing raw foods and the antioxidant foods and drinks especially pomegranates and blueberries. The acai berry juice I've had is foul tasting but almost worth it for the benefits. And I'm using whole grains only and more vegetables. The object is low fat, low sugar. Avoiding high fructose corn syrup.

I'm finally over that hump of getting sweets out of my system to where fruit tastes almost decadent. Fuji apples are my friend and I eat at least one every day. Someone told me to try them and I'll never eat a red or yellow apples again as long as I can get a fat, juicy, Fuji apple. They're the ones with both the red and yellow skin. So sweet with just the right amount of tartness.

Alright, poopsies. That's all I'll bore you with for now. Is there anything sadder than someone talking about their diet?

Backyard Course Has It's Privileges

2009-01-31T17:18:00.005-05:00

Standing at the cart path beside the men's tee on 15. (Below)

The end of the fairway and the green on 14. The bright green grass in the distance is the green and you can see a small, white flag above the big, fluffy plant. About 30 yards to the right begins my backyard. My dog's head is in the bottom of the shot. (Below)

This course has served many purposes through the neighborhood families throughout the years. It has served as a horse riding trail, a campground, a kite flying field, and we've had lots of sledding and bonfires and oh-- some golfing, too.

Manbabies

2009-01-26T13:48:00.004-05:00

GET MORE AT ManBabies.com!

Pretty funny but definitely a little twisted as well. I'm not sure if you make them or just vote on them.

Yay! Saturday Basketball!

2009-01-24T13:14:00.004-05:00

That's how you play basketball. Duke, 60 - Maryland, 20. And it's not even halftime.

University of Tennessee playing Memphis today at 3:30 PM.

Ready For Change

2009-01-21T19:30:00.000-05:00

I Should Be Working, but....

2009-01-17T13:18:00.018-05:00

...I'm going to visit with friends on the internet today. I've been so busy lately that I keep thinking I should be doing something but no, I don't have anything I just have to do today. Nothing. But I am watching Obama ride on the train from Philadelphia down to DC today and the news programs are covering every moment of it.

So relax, Susan, and go see what the rest of the online gang are doing today.

Anne had me zipping all over the web, as usual. ;) I've favorited 3 websites so far and still clicking!

Julie is smack dab in the midst of summer and knows how to appreciate it. She's off to spend a lovely week at the beach.

Monkey Muck has a nice post on Andrew Wyeth with paintings. Along with the ability to skillfully put paintbrush to canvas, pure genius must also have a much different set of eyes than I'll ever know about.

Was it Mrs Peacock in the Library with the Candlestick? Shirl was moved by an unknown force today in Barnes & Noble.

Karen has recently recovered from a nasty cold. Oh, and did you know that she could take computers apart and fix them?

Brooke continues on her spiritual walk.

Deb's muttering; Mel Tillis is stuttering. And who knew she's sleeping with an IT guy?

Maggie's still in Vancouver, I suppose. She's not updated in a few months now.

Chris was missing in action. ~~Where you be, Chris?~~ I found you. Yum! ;)

Janet has weight loss tips and a strange photo of a found baby and a hat.

Marie continues to document her beautiful countryside which is such a joy.

Kathryn's dear little Claire has been feeling yucky lately and finally had a breakthrough. Thoughts and prayers to them.

Where's Your Eyes?

2009-01-09T10:39:00.002-05:00

Phoenix and his Mommy learning about his face. Every small person I've known has loved to play this game.

Dusting of Snow in East Tennessee

2009-01-08T10:33:00.003-05:00

Much of our snow comes from the Great Lakes' lake effect deal but most of the time we just get the end of the storm or it misses us altogether.

We missed a major snow storm last night by the change of wind direction and this dusting is all we're getting.

But here it is in January and I am longing for a good snow! Sigh...

Time Out For Brunch

2009-01-03T12:11:00.003-05:00

Last night's dinner was so good I'm having it again today for brunch.

Ingle's had some really good fruit and nut chicken salad in the deli yesterday. I've made chicken salad with nuts and fruit before, but this was dried fruit with almonds and pecans. Very tasty.

I added some brie, some crackers, and had dinner... and brunch.

Far Side cover

2009-01-02T15:34:00.001-05:00

Far Side cover
Originally uploaded by entitee

Did You Know...

2008-12-28T16:00:00.005-05:00

If you are a sports fan and are looking to find a score for a particular game, did you know that you can type the teams' name in Google and get the latest score? You can also get the score while the game is in progress.

Here's what Google has today for the New Orleans Saints, who played today and for Manchester United who did not:

Last game: Dec 26, Stoke City 0 - 1 Manchester United
Next game: vs. Middlesbrough, Dec 29 3:00pm ET

Carolina Panthers 33 - New Orleans Saints 31

Math For The Fast Lane

2008-12-28T13:14:00.001-05:00

via kimmmoon

Goodbye To 2008

2008-12-25T16:47:00.001-05:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Merry Christmas, Etc!

2008-12-25T13:08:00.002-05:00

Coming up for air to say Happy Solstice, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza and that I'm thinking about you, dear friends.

I should abolish the phrases, "blog friends" and "online buddies" and just say, "friends". Since moving back to Tennessee I don't have many friends here anymore after having been gone for 20+ years and I work at home so I obv don't meet people at work so your friendship has been invaluable to me and it's always a joy to hear from you.

Skyler is working again this Christmas and so we'll celebrate the holidays next week when she's off with a big dinner and we'll exchange gifts. Grandson Phoenix is 15 months old so he may enjoy himself this year with all the fuss going on around him.

Sending love and blessings to all my friends...

~Susan

Christmas Meme

2008-12-17T11:41:00.004-05:00

I found this at Deb's sugarfused.net website.

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? EGG NOG. WITH VANILLA VODKA IN IT :)

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? I HAVEN'T DECIDED ABOUT HOW TO DO PHOENIX'S PRESENTS YET. PROBABLY JUST PUT THEM UNDER THE TREE UNWRAPPED.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? WHITE LIGHTS ON MY HEARTH, WHITE LIGHTS ON THE OUTSIDE GARLAND FRAMING THE WINDOWS, AND MULTI-COLORED LIGHTS ON MY TREE.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? I HAVEN'T IN AGES.

5. When do you put your decorations up? WE ALWAYS TRY TO HAVE THEM DONE BY DECEMBER 13TH (WE ALWAYS DID IT ON ROBIN'S BIRTHDAY), BUT USUALLY TAKES A FEW DAYS LATER THAN THAT.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? GLAZED HAM WITH PINEAPPLES IS THE MAIN DISH BUT ALSO THE JUNK FOOD STUFF-- CHEX MIX, EVENING COCKTAILS, THE COOKIES WE BAKE.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: I LOVED GOING TO MY GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE ON CHRISTMAS DAY AND GATHERING EVERYONE AROUND THE TABLE TO EAT AND WE HAD DRAWN NAMES FOR PRESENTS. IT WAS ALWAYS GOOD TO SEE EVERYONE.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? CHRISTMAS EVE AFTER DINNER, MY FRIENDS WERE HERE FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE DOORBELL RANG AND IN CAME SANTA CLAUS! WE TOLD HIM WHAT WE WANTED AND WERE ALL GIDDY AND STUFF AND WHEN HE LEFT I PEAKED OUT THE WINDOW AND SAW HIM LEAVE IN A BLACK BUICK. BIG BUMMER.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? YES!

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? WITH ORNAMENTS COLLECTED OVER THE YEARS LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE PLUS ABOUT 50 BARBIE COLLECTIBLE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS THAT ROBIN HAD AND OTHER COLLECTIBLES LIKE FRANK SINATRA, HOWDY DOODY, PRINCESS LEIA, AND MORE.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? LOVE IT! DOESN'T EVERY SOUTHERNER?

12. Can you ice skate? NO.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? GETTING A GROWN UP BIG GIRL WATCH ONE YEAR. MY EASY BAKE OVEN! A BRIDE DOLL I LOVED BUT GOT HER DIRTY AND MOTHER TOOK HER AWAY FROM ME BECAUSE I WAS TOO ROWDY. :(

14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you? I LIKE THE REVERENCE OF GATHERING FOR MIDNIGHT MASS (THIS YEAR AT ST THOMAS EPISCOPAL IN ELIZABETHTON) WITH THE CEREMONIAL INCENSE, PROCESSION, THE MUSIC, THE FELLOWSHIP WHETHER IT WAS A BUDDHIST CEREMONY OR AT THE LOCAL UNITARIAN CHURCH.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? WHITE FRUIT CAKE IS ONE OF THEM. IT'S NOT REALLY A FRUIT CAKE, BUT MORE LIKE A BUTTERY POUND CAKE WITH FRUIT. YOU CAN FIND THE RECIPE ON THIS LINKS OF RECIPES I HAVE HERE.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? THE LUMINARIES

17. What tops your tree? AN ANGEL

18. Which do you prefer: giving or receiving? NOW WHO IN THE HELL IS GOING TO SAY RECEIVING?

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS. I HAVE CRIED DRIVING OVER THE MOUNTAINS IN SNOWSTORMS TO GET HOME TO MY FAMILY FOR CHRISTMAS WHILE LISTENING TO THIS SONG.

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? MEH... I LIKE THE STICKS!! IF YOU DON'T BUY THEM EARLY, THEY ARE ALWAYS SOLD OUT AROUND HERE BUT I FOUND SOME THIS YEAR.

Let me know if you played along!

Internet Explorer Problem?

2008-12-17T10:48:00.003-05:00

The company I work for has advised us not to use Microsoft's Internet Explorer for now and sent me the following email so I wanted to mention it in case you may not have known about it.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Critical Vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) Browser:

Microsoft has announced a critical vulnerability in Internet Explorer that can allow a users PC to be compromised if they simply access a Web Site that has the exploit.

There is no fix at present, however Microsoft is expected to issue a patch to fix the problem on Wednesday.

In the interim, it is recommended that if you access a website other than ***** that you use alternative Web browsers which do not have this vulnerability.

Some popular Web browsers are:

* www.firefox.com
* http://www.apple.com/safari/
* www.google.com/chrome

Further information can be found at
http://news.google.com/nwshp?hl=en&tab=wn&ncl=1280059446&topic=t

Once the Microsoft patch has been released you can install and then browse the internet with Internet Explorer as per normal.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *
This time last year they always advised us to use IE. Over the past months they have been talking up Firefox, which is what I use for work and play anyway. Looks like business may be getting frustrated with IE like us regular folks are doing.

Silver Friendship Ball

2008-12-15T11:46:00.005-05:00

This silver ball was given to me by Robin probably about 10 years ago now. I always cherished it and following tradition, we mailed it back and forth to each other, filled with all sorts of surprises and goodies. Some silly, naughty gifts and some very practical things passed between us.

I found the silver ball again after Robin passed away in 2005. It was hanging on her mirror still full of the inspirational cards I'd last sent to her.

The Twiggery is the original silver Friendship Ball company or you can find them all over the internet for $15 - $17. I'd recommend it to anyone to purchase as a gift.

This friendship ball sits on my desk and I see it every single morning. This morning I was moved to pick it up and re-examine it and found it hard to let it go. I consider myself a student of intuition and hope to learn more about it so when something "speaks" to me, it usually finds it's way onto a website of mine as I try to figure out what it really means, if anything at all. It may be that Robin is making certain that she is not forgotten. Silly girl.

Luminaries @ Dark Thirty

2008-12-13T23:05:00.002-05:00

in front of my house. I wish I could find pro photos taken of these lights because my cellphone just doesn't do it justice. It really is a magical evening with everyone driving around with their parking lights on and neighbors in their yards and street all afternoon and evening. Mother and I made us an eggnog cocktail and sat back and watched the traffic come by.

I know it's nothing grand but I like the charm of small town tradition and it's traditions like these that have been a part of my holidays for 30 years now.

Who's Done With Their Decorating?

2008-12-13T14:25:00.002-05:00

You? And you, too? Damn. Bend over and let me give you a swift kick because I'm totally jealous.

This is the one night of the year that our neighborhood puts out the luminaries for all to see.

And, by the freaking by, the neighborhood committee would love it if you'd have your house and yard decorated as well. Grrrrr.

But it's really quite beautiful and festive and this year is the 30th anniversary of the lights which someone decided to call, ahem, "Lights For Jesus".

So I better get busy and slap some lights up outside and maybe decorate the front of my Christmas tree-- the side that's in the front window. ha!

UPDATE: 4:00 PM - luminaries in place. Waiting until 5:30 to go back out and light them en masse.

Friday Fill-In

2008-12-13T13:16:00.003-05:00

1. Friends ARE MY LIFE SUPPORT.

2. OPTIMUM health; it's CHALLENGING.

3. I'm ready for FRIDAY. (is it Saturday already?)

4. RED DOOR is one of my favorite perfumes or aftershaves or smells. It's old, it's grandmotherly, but damnit, I still wear it.

5. The oldest ornament I have is NOT VERY OLD--THEY GOT BURNED IN A HOUSE FIRE ABOUT 15 YEARS AGO.

6. Take some BOTTLE OF BAILEY'S FROM THE LIQUOR STORE, mix it all together and you have AFTERNOON DELIGHT.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to the neighborhood luminary festivities, and Sunday, a dinner and tour of the Christmas trees at the Sycamore Shoals Center with Mother and friends.

Rainy Day Women

2008-12-10T07:08:00.005-05:00

The rain doesn't normally wake me up but this was pretty loud today. And appropriately the news was talking about Illinois Governor Blagojevich. What kind of cajones does it take to brazenly dare prosecutor Fitzgerald out? Did he never hear of Eliot Ness?

I'm taking Mother back this morning for a follow-up scan on her thyroid. It's been excruciating for her to wait on this upcoming hospital visit since they found a discrepancy on the initial x-ray last week. Low thyroid is something I know very little about. I know she's lost her hair at an alarming rate this past year and she's felt pretty weak and droopy so I hope it's something she can take a pill for and it'll help her with little or no intrusion.

Talking to Grammy

2008-12-09T20:20:00.001-05:00

Talking to Grammy
Originally uploaded by sujaco

Skyler took this photo while Phoenix was talking to me today on the phone. Couldn't you just eat him up?

Mistletoe Makeover Fun

2008-12-06T11:52:00.004-05:00

Great timewaster! I uploaded a photo of my daughter's face into Sephora's Mistletoe Makeover thingy. Check out the link below to see her blow you a kiss.

link

I Watch Her Fade

2008-12-05T10:49:00.005-05:00

"Let's go!" she yelled.

"What'd you say?" I asked as I went to see what my elderly Mother meant by that, fearing that she may have gotten her appointments mixed up. It's starting to occur more frequently to my 86 year old Mother. Her memory is fading and it's scaring us both.

This career woman whose once loud clickety-clack of high heels across the floor still echoes throughout these halls now shuffles along, cane in hand, eyes on every single frail step she takes.

"It's time to go, Susan!" she said.

Oh, my. How can I frame this delicately? I know she'll be embarrassed that she's gotten the time mixed up and I hate to hurt her fragile feelings this way.

"Mother, it's almost 11:00 and your hair appointment isn't until 1:00," I say, looking into the huge blue eyes that generations of blue eyes have followed.

I have those same big eyes. My son and daughter have those same eyes. Even my grandson has those same big blue eyes.

"I'm thinking about church, aren't I?" she recalled.

"Yes, you are, Mother. Now take your coat off and sit a spell, my dear. We have 2 more hours to kill," I say with a smile.

I feel the sting of embarrassment radiating from this once proud woman but in this quiet acknowledgment of fading years we both know there's nothing we can do to quell it.

Elf Yourself!

2008-12-04T13:52:00.004-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

From left to right: Me, My Grandson Phoenix, and Daughter, Skyler
link

2008-12-04T13:27:00.002-05:00

I saw this sign on Mental Mama's website and was drawn to it. She's listed in my Bloggers Over 50 group in the sidebar and writes The Mental Pause Chronicles.

I suppose I really went from Empty Nest to a Full Nest with the addition of my sweet, little Mother and didn't really have the time to mourn (or rejoice ?) it. Of this I'm certain-- the nest is ever changing and I enjoy feathering it with my usual kookiness and bizarro world-ness.

Unconscious Mutterings

2008-11-23T09:30:00.004-05:00

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Spit it out :: now!
2. Shadow :: (s) and fog
3. Database :: old school pc
4. Expression :: facial
5. Boss :: lady
6. Baby :: Phoenix, my grandson
7. Mystic :: mushrooms
8. Kate :: Hudson
9. Boobies :: girls, twins,
10. Raid :: bust, panty

Who Is Dr Oz?

2008-11-22T21:28:00.003-05:00

And does everyone know about him except me? Real Age: Living life to the youngest and being the best you that you can be is a website that he is part of.

How did I find Dr Oz? Old age lead me to him.

Planning For Thanksgiving

2008-11-22T13:05:00.006-05:00

I'm halfway through with my grocery shopping. I still need to get the broccoli, rolls, and Mr Turkey.

Mr Turkey is already paid for since I always get the free Turkey at my local store, Ingle's and I'll pick it up in the next day or two.

I'm forgoing that decadent Caramel Pie this year. It's just too, too rich and I'm trying to cut back on sweets. Pumpkin Pie and perhaps an Apple Pie will have to do.

I don't have many to cook for but I'll remind those of you who do to be thankful for your large guest list. It's almost a mantra of mine because I always say to be thankful for your big and/or extended families. No matter the mess, the craziness, etc, because your guest list and your dining table may get smaller before you know it.

Snowy View From My Windy

2008-11-21T11:53:00.002-05:00

Out my window this morning. It's still spitting snow but hasn't been sticking to the roads. Kids are trying to ride sleds but it's not working out very well. =)

Babble On

2008-11-18T13:30:00.005-05:00

So I was up early working and I finished with that, made lunch and got myself ready and then walked in where my Mother was and said, "You ready to go?" as I surveyed her skeptically in her "stay-at-home" casual clothes.

Turns out it's Thursday that we have the 1:00 appointment, not today.

Not a rare occurrence with my elderly Mother. It's almost sweet. But it's not initially sweet. My knee-jerk reaction is, "So why in the hell did you tell me it was today?" (I know it may shock you but I used to be the loud, dramatic one.)

It's an ongoing process and I must learn to change the conditioning of 56 years of Mother - Daughter give and take.

Sometimes she'll be midway through a sentence and she'll realize that it doesn't make a lot of sense. I even try to help her make a ridiculous sentence right.

Getting old and experiencing the loss of brain activity is not a phase. It doesn't right itself. She knows it's happening to her and it embarrasses her. I pretend I don't notice and we go on as usual discussing news and satire like we always have. Obama and Hilary and Stephen Colbert and Bill Maher are some of her favorite subjects.

Yes, she taught me well.

Good Monday Morning to you!

2008-11-17T06:55:00.005-05:00

I'm working and am reading blogs in between calls. It sure is cold today. 28° with a chance of flurries today and tomorrow.

I've not seen any snow yet this season, have you?

Unconscious Mutterings

2008-11-17T06:36:00.001-05:00

Oops

I say ... and you think ... ?

Please stop :: by when you can
Move over :: rover
Sweet as :: pie, honey, snuff--ha!
Bet :: gamble
Mad about :: choo (you)
It’s over :: divorce! No, not me.
Intend to :: make happen
Blame :: game
Jefferson :: Airplane and Thomas
Heartless :: bastard

is it cheating when you have multiple answers? I'll have to work on that. Sometimes several answers storm my mind at once and it's hard to determine the first one.

Wasted Time

2008-11-15T14:51:00.003-05:00

I wasted 2 hours this morning trying to fix my computer only to later find that a particular online area from my work was currently down for maintenance.

I looked in my work forums under the tech support section to find everyone screeching about it. I'm thinking an en masse email to all of us would have been much better. grrrr

Sigh...

I will say that I'm grateful we DO have these online forums for employees. They're always busy and buzzing with news and not-news. Actually working in a virtual office, you just about have to take advantage of all the internet perks. IMs, video conference calls and meetings, powerpoint, excel, message boards and chat rooms.

Okay, it's a girly post.

2008-11-14T11:22:00.003-05:00

If you like makeup or if you buy it for others, I saw a link today that offers amazing buys. It's for a company called e.l.f., which stands for eyes, lips, face, and was recommended by Farnoosh Torabi on the Daily Beast, which is another amazing newsworthy site.

I haven't ordered anything from them yet, but many items are $1.00 each so I'll be trying some things out as soon as I get an order together.

The Name of Essence

2008-11-09T23:04:00.001-05:00

Our parents chose a name - often even before we were born.
We have carried that name over the years, whether we have used it or not.

How relevant is it? Does it accurately define the being that we are - or have come to be in the years since our first name was given?

Those many years they have called you Susan Cook

From this day onward
you may also know yourself as Beloved Celebration

link

Okay.....who will you be?

If it's Saturday, It's Got To Be College Football

2008-11-07T22:59:00.004-05:00

UT is playing Saturday at 1:00 with a 3 - 6 record and it's their Homecoming game.

Being on campus during Homecoming Week is a fun time whether you enjoy sports or not and I didn't care for football at all in college but when I lived in the dorms, it was lots of parties and fun everywhere you looked.

Don't Be Talking About MY President

2008-11-07T16:18:00.000-05:00

My sweet, fragile and timid little Mother was with a group of ladies of all ages at a formal function today when someone told a derogatory joke about Obama. The lady started to tell the 2nd joke when my prim and proper 86 year old Mother butted in to say,

"You know that I'm a Democrat, don't you?"

The girl got red-faced and flustered as everyone turned to see what would happen next saying,

"Well, I don't think it matters whether you are Democrat or Republican, the jokes are still funny."

I asked Mother what the joke was and it was something about how there will now be watermelon and fried chicken in the Rose Garden.

Mother was still upset when I went to pick her up and she said to me, "Obama is probably more aquainted with haute cuisine than those rednecks back there."

Urban Dictionary

2008-11-06T17:12:00.003-05:00

Election erection

e⋅lec⋅tion e⋅rec⋅tion ĭ-lěk'shən ĭ-rěk'shən -noun

1. the general euphoria experienced when your candidate of choice wins by a landslide.
2. the sexual arousal and excitement caused by same.

"Dude, when I saw the final tally of votes on Nov. 4, I got a total election erection!"

Love these Urban Dictionary words.

It's a Little Embarrassing

2008-11-05T12:15:00.016-05:00

Yesterday Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States and I've been so overcome with emotion that I can't stop crying. What is it with me?!

It may seem silly of me but I cried all through his acceptance speech and finally settled down and went to sleep. Again this morning I began crying every time I saw something about Obama's win or people talking about it or the replaying of his speech. I still have huge, audible sighs rolling off my shoulders-- one after the other.

I didn't realize how much I had emotionally invested in this election and the past eight years of the Bush administration. It creeps up slowly. The frustration. The heartache. Your shoulders tense up; your neck muscles tighten. You have tension headaches and day after day, month after month, year after year it culminates into an uptight ball of nerves.

I've always been empathetic; to feel others pain and be deeply moved by it. I don't talk the talk-- I walk the walk.

Since I was a teenager I've marched and protested with all the underdogs, both black and white. My kids still keep the old photos and mementos. I've felt like an underdog since I was a teenage hippie and raged against segregation, gay rights, women's rights, but I never really knew what it's like to be discriminated against. There's a massive difference between being inconvenienced and being discriminated against.

Am I being presumptuous to feel so strongly about this Obama win? I am white after all. How dare I pretend I might know how great it is for an Obama victory. I've had every benefit possible. Is it white woman's guilt? Is that what it been all these many years? Maybe if I had never cared about equality and human decency until now it would be.

I'm still trying to sort out my feelings. For now I'll just let my emotions roll off me in waves of relief and tears of joy.

I Googled can't stop crying + Obama and links flooded back in agreement.

Goodbye, Coach Fulmer

2008-11-03T12:50:00.011-05:00

He'll finish out the season and we will have a new coach in the fall at UT, the University of Tennessee. College football's been painful to watch this year. link

The Tennessee Titans (NFL team) are the only undefeated team in the league and there is college and NBA basketball to look forward to as well as both are just getting underway.

Unconscious Mutterings

2008-11-02T23:49:00.002-05:00

I think I can squeeze this in before midnight Sunday!

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. In love :: content
2. Be my guest :: help yourself
3. Number one :: first
4. Swallowed whole :: devoured
5. 50 percent :: one half
6. Made in :: USA
7. Supplement :: vitamin
8. Right for :: not good... always go left
9. Endless :: bottomless
10. Ceramic :: pottery

link

template bingo

2008-11-02T23:47:00.002-05:00

If you are seeing a different template, I'm playing around again so bear with me. I have always enjoyed the ability to change around the template on Susan*Jayne and this latest website has many good Blogger options.

Vote!

2008-11-02T23:15:00.002-05:00

Looking through my graphics I've saved over the years I found this one that is appropriate for now.

Tuesday morning my Mother and I will be going to West Side Elementary School to both vote for Barack Obama. If only my daughter were here in Tennessee, it would be 3 generations voting for him.

I've already been emotional about this election and if we get the outcome that I'm hoping for, I'm going to be extremely moved.

two pumpkins!

2008-11-01T17:25:00.005-04:00

Originally uploaded by sujacojust a little blurry but was enough to satisfy this Grammy who's been missing them across the mountain.

Halloween Day

2008-10-31T15:33:00.003-04:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I'm just finishing lunch and settling in to read my email and blogs and news. Phoenix has his pumpkin outfit on and Skyler sent me this photo.

I'm able to accommodate about 100 Trick or Treeters tonight. So, what's new with you? Are you staying in or going out? Got any photos to show us?

A Rare Book

2008-10-20T14:11:00.002-04:00

Life is one large series of events, would you agree? Largely how it effects you is in the way that you react to the events. It's what separates us from each other and makes us different and can sometimes break us into pieces. Once I understood this I could better deal with life's problems.

For instance, if friend "A" had to deal with a divorce and friend "B" had to deal with a divorce, friend "A" could become totally unglued and make a mess of his/her life while friend "B" could acknowledge the pain, grow from it and move on.

A series of bad reactions to events and you may end up with a total mess of your life wondering why. Did you react in the best possible way to life's events? Or did you turn to substance abuse, drinking, or worse?

I can't explain this as well as I'd like to but it's one of the things that have helped me grow and something I have talked to my kids about and hope that they can learn from it.

Acknowledge your pain and know that your reaction isn't just the footnotes on your book of life. Your reactions are actually the book.

Happy Birthday, Doctor Monkey Monkerstein!

2008-10-20T13:10:00.002-04:00

Birthday wishes go out today to my neighbor and pal, Doctor Monkey.

I wonder if he's divulging any beauty secrets.

Shhhh-ugar

2008-10-19T23:40:00.001-04:00

Boston lost. It looked like they just gave up half way in to the game tonight.

Oh, well. Bring on the NBA, baby!

Morning Banana Diet

2008-10-19T15:41:00.003-04:00

The Morning Banana Diet regime is simple: A banana (or as many as you want) and room temperature water for breakfast; eat anything you like for lunch and dinner (by 8 p.m.).

A three o'clock snack is okay, but no desserts after meals, and you have to go to bed before midnight.

Sumiko Watanabe, a pharmacist in Osaka designed this stress-free diet to help increase the metabolism of her husband Hitoshi Watanabe, who had been rather overweight. In due course, Mr. Watanabe lost 37 pounds and introduced the diet on mixi, one of Japan's largest social networking services.

link

I may try this out and it sounds simple enough. I sure could stand to lose a pound or twenty.

Unconscious Mutterings

2008-10-19T14:42:00.003-04:00

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Magical :: Mystery Tour---- Roll Up!
2. Shrimp :: boat, coconut shrimp,
3. Project Runway :: fashion, Bryant Park, Tim Gunn from Parson's, Heidi Klum,
4. Economy :: I'm concerned about my future and my children's future
5. Porch :: stools, guitars, singing
6. State of affairs :: which affairs? US guvvamint? Sad, baby.
7. .com :: getting a new one soon-- need suggestions, please?
8. Fifty cents :: in da club, now I'll be singing that all day
9. Ripping :: cds
10. Bull :: shee-it, red

link

RedSox 8:07 PM Eastern Time Tonight

2008-10-18T16:10:00.002-04:00

There's been a discrepancy on the time for the baseball game tonight. Tonight at 8:00 PM Eastern time, 5:00 PM on the west coast.

UT's game is Pay Per View only.

Boston Comeback

2008-10-17T17:16:00.005-04:00

Boston Red Sox made a huge comeback last night after being down 7 - 0 late in the game. People had been leaving the stadium and who could blame them?

A miracle happened, started by David Ortiz, aka "Big Poppy", who had a home run and before it was all over, Boston had scored 8 runs to win 8 - 7.

They are still playing a 4 wins out of 7 series for the chance to play in the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. Boston has won 2 games; Rays have won 3.

Stay tuned Saturday afternoon to see if Boston can tie up the series or if the Rays go on to the World Series.

Karen is also rooting for Boston.

------

UT is playing Mississippi State Saturday @ 7:00 PM in Knoxville, TN.

Project Runway Winner

2008-10-16T12:19:00.003-04:00

"Did Korto's vibrant, unique looks, Leanne's aqua waves of same or Kenley's flocked retro kaleidoscope rock Fashion Week?" {More »}

"So that's why we watch this show after five seasons! To relive our high school years, only this time the cool, snotty, popular girl with the red lipstick is shunned and humiliated, the confident, beautiful, intimidating black girl with the withering glare comes in second, and the squeaky little nerd with the bad hair wins the applause, the adoration -- and the dorky-looking car." {More »}

I thought any of the three could easily win. It's just 3 people's opinion, therefore pretty subjective. I was rooting for Kenley because she was the underdog and I liked her feminine Alice in Wonderland type clothes. Leanne was good as usual but I'd like to see if she could do anything else besides her usual "petals" style.

Cutting Back On Expenses

2008-10-14T12:14:00.002-04:00

This is personal, I know, but I'm looking for ideas and, well, camaraderie. Looking over my household expenses, I see what I can cut back on or do without.

I had been automatically picking up a prescription each month that I thought I could do without. After a doctor consultation, I stopped this medicine altogether, which saved $28.00 a month.

My television bill is outrageous so I cut back the premium services and lowered that bill by $25.00 a month.

Still not smoking after 2 months has saved a ton of money AND other benefits.

Onto the telephones. I just pay the phone bills each month, never paying it much attention. But I looked at it in a new light and realized that I am paying for 4 PHONE LINES A MONTH. Four different phone numbers; 4 different payments a month. All are essential, but I did manage to cut the fat somewhat.

Little Dangerous Chocolate Cake

2008-10-14T11:52:00.004-04:00

MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

1 Coffee Mug
4 tablespoons flour(that's plain flour, not self-rising)
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional) Small splash of vanilla

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well . Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.

The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired. EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to share!)

And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!
Instructions:

Mix flour, sugar and cocoa:

Spoon in 1 egg

Pour in milk and oil, and mix well

Put in microwave for 3 minutes on maximum power (1000watt)

Wait until it stops rising and sets in the mug

Tip contents out of mug onto saucer and enjoy!

*I got this via email and it looked quick, easy and delish!* Gonna try it out later today. I've never cooked anything in a coffee cup.

who wants meatloaf?

2008-10-13T15:19:00.004-04:00

My Little Mommy got upset this morning when she realized that she had forgotten my Dad's birthday on Saturday. (He was born on October 11 and he passed away on July 9, 1990.) Looking back I realize that she always mentions it and says Happy Birthday aloud to him.

She's 86 now and it still sharp and sarcastic and witty so it was unexpected to hear her tell me about this.

She framed her forgetting his birthday around the slippery slope to Alzheimer's and began crying. She doesn't cry often so I hugged her and kissed the top of her head (5'0" tall) and stayed close to her until she felt a wee bit better. Some of you may remember me mentioning that she's not much of a hugging, kissing person so it's a little awkward when I do that to her because she doesn't react or reciprocate.

Losing her memory has always been her greatest fear. Do we all fear it that strongly when we're older?

I'm fixing a big dinner tonight for us. I thought that would be nice. So, who wants meatloaf, mashed potatos, green beans, and apple cobbler?

xoxo

Go Big Orange!

2008-10-11T15:49:00.005-04:00

...please?

UT (unrated) is playing University of Georgia (10) today. As I watch Tennessee trail 13-0 I see Shirl's team is winning here in their 2nd quarter.

Project Runway

2008-10-09T14:19:00.002-04:00

Anyone watch Project Runway last night? There's a link I've been reading online and today you can vote of who should have been voted off last night.

Did you agree with the decision on which 3 will go to Bryant Park? I've got to admit, with all of Kenley's attitude, I always look forward to her designs the most. Korto is alright but her color choices leave me hurting. LeAnne is wearing out that one "look" of hers. If Jerrell knew more about fitting the curves and shape of a woman's body he would do much better.

So that's my *Expert* opinion. ha! Anybody else of am I the only Project Runway fan drifting along the etherness?

Anyone Watch MADMEN?

2008-10-08T15:16:00.003-04:00

I first wrote about it last year and still haven't missed an episode. Since moving in with Mother, I find myself watching too much television. Appointment television for me is Mad Men and Project Runway. Those are all I can think of at the moment.

Back to Mad Men. I found great prints, illustrations and desktops on Flickr from a very talented artist. She also has this website.

And there's a Mad Men fansite called Basket of Kisses. The first, best, and most adorable Mad Men fansite. Unofficial and unauthorized.

Any Sports Fans?

2008-10-06T13:24:00.005-04:00

NFL - Lots of good sports games happening over the weekend. NFL saw pull off a great 4th quarter win and the Tennessee Titans are still looking good. The Dallas Cowboys had a predictable win. Who doesn't love to watch TO and the other TE's in action with Romo?

MLB - Baseball's last days are keeping my Mother busy and me busy finding the right time and tv stations for her.

NCAA (College) - Tennessee's football team sucks this year after losing so many good players for various reasons.

But what I'm looking forward to is:

NBA!! Basketball Season. Soon!

** BallHype has ALL sports latest posts**

Urban Dictionary

2008-10-04T15:42:00.000-04:00

October 4: manicorn

a mythical male creature who is successful (read: pursuing his passion and can pay his electric bills/rent), funny, chivalrous, masculine (read: not chauvinistic), adventurous, artistic (read: not suicidal).

Anybody ever seen this mythical creature before? lol