It's raining a bit -- just like it did every Halloween when I was a kid, or so it seemed. It's almost 8:30 pm and we have had a grand total of six kids come to the door. That's a far cry from a few years ago, when the candy flowed nonstop. I'm not sure if it's the rain, our pumpkin-less doorstep, or a decline in the tradition. Could a little of all of them,... Read more →
SonnyeBoy sent me this picture today -- it's the cover of a brochure for Wor-Wic Community College. I know it's a bit hard to read, but look carefully at the address. (I've blurred SonnyeBoy's number, by the way.) Oh, those perspective students! Always keeping things in prospective! Read more →
What's a perfect place for a school field trip? Why, the museum, of course! The coral reef aquarium attracted big crowds -- Nemo and Dorie are crowd pleasers, but the other fish (especially the giant clam) were also popular. Actually, you don't have to be in school to like the coral reef. This little guy and his dad were fascinated. The giant crystal ball is pretty interesting, too. But really, you can't beat the T.... Read more →
Even though it was Sunday, I went down to the cafe in my office building to spend some time with a buncha nuts. There were men and women, young and old, conservative and liberal, wacky and serious. I saw some familiar faces, folks I hadn't seen in -- oh God -- two! years, met some new folks, chatted and laughed. Only one event can conjure up such a mixed bag of people: NaNoWriMo, aka National... Read more →
Carrie is back for her fitting, but will she still love it after six months?? Sometimes it's even the consultant who has issues. If you're the bride, finding the perfect dress isn't always easy. While Joe is off at the museum helping out with the annual Smithsonian Teacher's Night, I am indulging myself in a marathon of Say Yes to the Dress. I am a little embarrassed to admit this, but not too embarrassed to... Read more →
It's that time of year again! My stats are going up steadily as people search for pumpkin pie recipes for the upcoming feasts. I continue to believe that mine is the best pumpkin pie in the whole entire world. I am taking tomorrow off. I checked my leave balance the other day and was very pleasantly surprised to find that I have a healthy dose of vacation days. I thought, "Well hell -- take a... Read more →
Hi! I know, I know; it's been a while. Let's get caught up, shall we? Mom Mom continues to hold her own. This woman is amazing. She can sit in a wheelchair for a couple hours a day and carry on a conversation, but just when you think she might beat back death once again, the conversation takes a turn. I visited her yesterday and she told me she wanted to host Thanksgiving this year.... Read more →
I visited Mom tonight. At one point she said, "Did I tell you what happened to me?" I allowed as how no, she hadn't; what happened? "They came and got me and put me on a stretcher, and they took me to the stationhouse. I was there for three solid hours! I didn't know what to do; I was afraid to complain! Finally they came and got me and took me back to that place... Read more →
I had the most wonderful, relaxing, fun day yesterday. I spent it with my pals from high school. We get together several times a year to eat, laugh, and catch up. Usually we just meet at a restaurant, but yesterday my friend Ann invited us to meet at her condo on Kent Island, just over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Five of us met Ann at the condo, where we ogled and drooled over her beautiful... Read more →
Mom seems to be in a sort of holding pattern now. The extreme ups and downs have smoothed out into a slow decline. At least that's the way it seems to me. Joe and I visit her every other day or so, stopping by in the early evening after I get off work. She is always glad to see us; she says so. Her face lights up; she smiles. But everything seems to take her... Read more →