It's December 4th! I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around this one for some reason. I'm sure part of that bit of lunacy is because my birthday is in a few weeks, but what's even more weird (for me anyway) is that I am truly closer to a decade I used to think was ancient, I mean even decrepit, but right now doesn't really feel any different from the day I celebrated the dawning of this past one. Screw it, right? Y'all know I'm in my 60's, in fact this coming December 31st, I will be 69 which means not only am I touching 70, I'm damn near in a collision course with it! Next year will also mark our 50th wedding anniversary in March and the MITM turning 70 in June. We're looking at maybe one great big ole party to celebrate everything, but who knows what will happen or what we'll end up doing. Maybe, it's just the natural progression of things that has me ruminating on life. The future is shorter than the past is long, so perhaps it's time to really look at what's ahead or rather how I plan on spending that time. Or maybe it's just winter blues messing with my head! Any thoughts, sweetpeas?
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Because y'all haven't seen these two in few days!
New front teeth!
Holiday party in Pasadena!
Spending time with these two is definitely in my future!
This morning I read an opinion piece about having the right to feel weary given all that's going on here in the states, in the world, and (for me even closer) what's going on in your own life. Right now it seems that no matter where you look things seem to be working in concert against peace/tranquility/happiness/or just every day life. I mean, fires in California, children still in cages, families separated, mass murders, elections being stolen or at the very least, attempts being made to circumvent democracy in the election process here in Georgia and Florida. Yeah, I could go on and that's just here in the USA! And don't get me started on Ruth Bader Ginsburg breaking 3 ribs! Things seem to be taking that proverbial hand-basket walk. I know that all things considered, my life, like so many of us here in the states, is easy compared to those who've decided that walking two thousand miles to escape death is worth the effort, (which is what the "caravan" really is all about, to my mind). I also know that right now I'm whining (or whinging for all y'all on the other side of the pond) which is my lead-up to doing something to sort of kick my own butt into positive action. (Yeah, sometimes, it takes a minute, OK?) All of this is on a personal level because if we aren't taking care of ourselves how can we possibly take care of anyone else? (It sounds so much more magnanimous using the royal we, right?) Anyway, as the MITM with his bottomless wisdom, charm, and ability to chose the absolute best words, said this morning over breakfast and the New York Times, "Reel it in, baby, and cut yourself some slack! It's early still and if you don't stop now, I'll be peeling you off the ceiling by this afternoon!" Profound, right? So, do I know what to do to end this weird state of mind? Naw, but I do know this, I'll breathe in and breathe out slowly. I'll probably go change the sheets, grab the bathroom towels, and start a load of laundry. All the little things that ground you and help keep your head from spinning off your shoulders. It also helps keep a tidy house and according to Martha Stewart, orderly surroundings help keep an orderly mind...or something like that (I mean, have you seen pictures of her linen closet?) What do you do when everything seems to turn into soul crushing insanity?
Today is the birthday of the guy pictured above. Yep, 47 years ago he made his entrance into the world and has been stompin' on the terra ever since! This year he's clean shaved, but I still like this picture more and it's also the only one I could find where he wasn't eating a donut or cooking or skateboarding or drawing! It's also one of my favorites! The MITM reminded me of the night the Captain was born. Our car had been damaged in an accident a couple of days before (we weren't in it) so, the MITM's Grandpa had to drive us (they lived nearby). He drove a big old Cadillac and in those days they were big and long and heavy. I was on the back seat doing my Lamaze breathing every time I had a contraction which totally freaked him out, so he hit the gas all the while saying "Oh sweet Jesus, this girl is gonna have that baby in mah Caddie!" So join us in wishing the Captain a very Happy Birthday!
We watched the returns last night or rather the MITM watched. I just looked up every so often. I have to admit that I am sorry the Democrats didn't take the Senate, but I knew that was a long shot. I am very glad that Dems retook the House because that is how governance works best in America because when one political party does not hold both houses compromise is necessary in order to govern ALL, not just the party in power. Our system of governance might not be the best, but it is what we've lived under and with for a few years (I know how long we've been a republic, OK?) Anyway, we're sitting here in Georgia knowing that all votes for governor have not been counted and that as of this writing it's very close between Stacey Abrams and Brian Kemp. We shall see. I hope that the Democratic majority in the House will not squander their lead and will remember that, unlike 45 and the GOP, elected officials represent ALL people in their respective districts, not just those who voted for them. We, as a country, have to get back to working together for the good of the nation. It will be difficult, it will be tiresome, it will fail at times, but we must remind ourselves that we have more in common than we have differences. I promise that I will try not to slip into a side eye posture at every mention of GOP policy. (OK, at least outwardly.) The words of President-elect John F. Kennedy are appropriate today: ‘We must always consider,’ he said, ‘that we shall be as a city upon a hill—the eyes of all people are upon us.’ Today the eyes of all people are truly upon us—and our governments, in every branch, at every level, national, State, and local, must be as a city upon a hill—constructed and inhabited by men aware of their grave trust and their great responsibilities.”—Congressional Record, January 10, 1961, vol. 107, Appendix, p. A169..."
Join with us and leave her a greeting because y'all know my Krewe loves birthday wishes from all y'all!
L.A. Dodgers fan since she was 6!
The Matrix Krewe enjoying Cafe Society life!
This has to be the first time super nana hasn't been stateside on Opening Day (hunter's joke) aka her birthday in a L O N G time! So, I hope you'll join us and wish her a very happy, uh, 32nd (yeah, that's it. I'm almost certain!) Birthday! I think I might have some cake, too!
Yes, I am that Grandmother who shares! BUT, I figure that all y'all have sort of been here from the start, so why not, right? super nana, Mr Matrix, and BGM (big girl matrix, for new folks) are in PARIS for a week. super nana lived there for a number of years, so she's the official tour guide. Capt Chaos, Stretch, and BBC (big boy chaos) are already starting their orthodonture fund because they're pretty sure it will be needed! Right now, things are, well, they just are and we're just happy to be alive. Not being vague, darlings, just trying to avoid having half of this post redacted by the MITM for oversharing. Of course, y'all will be the first to hear all the good news when I can, so don't give up, just stay tuned! xoxo
It seems that we WILL get rain and wind, but at this point NOT hurricane strength. Thanks, lx for checking in and reminding me to stay safe! I'll keep y'all updated about life here on the Plantation. Keep good thoughts for our pal, Hope, my next state neighbor! UPDATE: thanks also to Scarlet for checking in just now!
I know I haven't answered comments for ages. I know I haven't even written anything in ages. I know I haven't even read your wonderful blogs in ages. All of this to say, it's time and I NEED to watch every single episode (again) of
THE WEST WING
starting today in order to get through the rest of this week.
p.s. it's neither the pilot or the promo for the pilot, but that's OK with me.
Here's the most recent update from local TV station WTOC and the National Weather Service. There will be more updates before the hurricane actually makes landfall somewhere along the Southeastern Coast, but for right now, this is where Savannah is. Thanks for the emails of concern and also, the Facebook posts and comments here! Y'all are beyond sweet and good people! xoxo
Just a quick note to let all y'all know that Hurricane Florence seems to have decided that she isn't really interested in Savannah, BUT has decided that our friends up in south Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia are a bit more attractive this time! Thanks for the concern and good wishes, but keep our friend, hope, in your thoughts! she and her sweet seniors are in the path this time and her state has already issued a mandatory evacuation!! I love living along the Southeast Coast, but it also means we have to deal with hurricanes from June to November! So, it's the price we pay, I just wish the bill didn't come due!
What a week, right? Two funerals, two different takes on the end we'll all experience. Maybe, experience is the wrong word since we'll not be active participants at that stage. But, we will be the focus of the event! But, I digress. The MITM is focused on college football right now. Don't ask me why because that would entail a conversation neither of us want to engage in. We'll just leave him to his pastime and consider ourselves indulgent partners in this novelty he seemingly enjoys. (Roll Tide)
(Yes, the clip above, and the team, is my secret indulgence.)
So, here we go! Tomorrow is Labor Day here in the USA. For the most part people see this as the end of a three day weekend and yet another reason for HUGE SALES IN EVERY POSSIBLE RETAIL MARKET! But, that's what it's all about right now, the end of summer and discounts on items you may or may not need, but Sweet Mary Sunshine, it's on SALE! Seems I'm half way into a rant, but I think this is really just an observational post, more musing than ranting today. Thinking about people who are here, but not. I think funerals bring that to mind. The end of the road, I guess. It's easy to fall into that way of thinking that saddens/burdens/weights you down over folks who've walked away/you've lost touch with. As my favorite Irish saying goes Jesus Wept. We shall see. No new pictures, but the good news is that the First Graders are happy and doing well. The High School Senior has said that 12th Grade is no big deal. All the Krewe are OK and that that has to be the best I've heard so far. The second best is that the MITM has had good news regarding his project, but I can tell you that *REDACTED* and he'll be *REDACTED* (damn, he does this to me every.single.time.) Anyway, still rough seas for a bit, but smooth(er) sailing is ahead. Let's see what September hands us.
I don't know what happened. I took a wrong turn and didn't hit this path again until today. Seems that this is a stumbling/bumbling/rocky month for me, so I'll spare you the details and just hope that y'all will still drop in and leave a word or two.
Sort of just hanging in right now and hoping for the best.
Here's some good news and cute pics!
Big Boy Chaos first day of First Grade!
Mr Matrix & super nana, first day of school for parents who work from home
I know, right? Time seems to be alternately dragging and flying by and I have been caught unawares! The MITM's project has hit bumps and then, sailed around them, so it's still a hurry up and wait situation around here. We shall see... This past month saw birthdays come and go. Calls made and not returned. Letters sent by not received. Fun trips and parties made and held, so on the whole, I'd say more good things happened than bad, more happiness than sadness, so we'll bid July a serious so long, it's been good to know ya and see what August brings! So far, we know: BGM will be 6, BBC and BGM will start 1st grade, The Kid is going to be a SENIOR in high school, Stretch will resume teaching, Cap't Chaos will go back behind the camera, The Doc will probably start looking at travel arrangements, The Dancing Lady will resume teaching, Super Nana and Mr Matrix will continue making magic happen, The MITM will REDACTED, and I will continue to do as little as possible. What are your August plans?
Eroswing has graciously posted a DIY remedy to the email notification problem Blogger has been experiencing! If you haven't fixed the issue on your blogspot blog, head on over for the solution!
Here we are. It's Wednesday, the 11th of July and into the semi-finals of FIFA WORLD CUP!! Yesterday, France beat Belgium and today we'll see Croatia v. England. Odds seem to be favoring England over Croatia. Saturday, the 14th, will be the playoff for third place. Whoever loses today will meet Belgium on Saturday. The winner today will play France on Sunday for the World Cup trophy. We shall see. At Wimbledon, Serena Williams has made it to the semi-finals with her next match tomorrow, the 11th of July. Yeah, it's been all sports around here. But I will spare you the Major League Baseball highlights this time. It's much easier to be aware of politics, but focus on sport these days. I know what I can do and I will do it, but other than that how about them Cubbies? (old baseball joke around here) Until next time:
Super Nana, Mr Matrix and BGM went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium* recently and had a blast! *http://www.montereybayaquarium.org because I couldn't get the link to work.
To be clear and to make sure y'all exhale right now, I'm not quitting Blogville! If that thought didn't cross your mind, then we're good and I probably am far too dramatic for my own good! So, on to the point of this post... My nephew turned 50 a couple of days ago and as usual, after saying Happy Birthday, I reminded him that I'm only 18 years older than him. His response gave me pause, "Well, Auntie, that makes you pushing 70 by my count, so think about that!" WOW! right? I know he's right, but somehow hearing him say it, well, it's been on my mind. I'm not depressed about this, but suddenly it seems as if the end is closer and there's still so much not done, hell, not even started! (I'm starting to think that this post is rapidly turning into a pity party.)
Hey, I know this feeling will pass because as the MITM says, We've got shit to do! So, there it is. I've always loved this song, but today, well, today it means just a bit more.
Actually just two right now. Anyone else having trouble visiting MJ's site? Anyone else still NOT getting emails regarding comments on your blog? I had no idea anyone had even looked at, much less commented, on yesterday's post! Thank you in advance. xoxox
Today is the start of the World Cup and the U.S. Open. There will only be sports discussed here for the next few days. I will, therefore, leave you with these little faces:
That's a folded slice of pizza. I thought it was a sandwich.
It's the day after his birthday and we're done celebrating! Still drinking, just not in party mode. Super Nana and Mr Matrix gave him (picture posted yesterday) a gift card from his favorite place. You know it's his favorite because all she had to do was say that the card was for REDACTED and they knew immediately who he was. Y'all have to remember that this is the South and when the manager's name is Bubba, the MITM's real name is memorable. He's like Cher, he only needs one name! Gawd, I do so love it here! Cookies are all gone because Bourbon and chocolate is de-lic-ious! The G&Ts (Hendricks) are the drink of choice right now because it africahot outsideand no matter how hard your AC is blowing, a cool drink is a necessity. I know it sounds as if that's all we're doing is drinking, but that would a gross misinterpretation of life here on the plantation. We're also eating and y'all have seen the pictures! Today it's leftovers, so no pics. In fact, it's now time for dinner (or lunch if you're from anyplace, but the south), so I'll try and get back later.
It's Monday! The weekend was filled with family, food, and fun. As y'all may have noticed, any excuse for a party is accepted practice not only in my little town, but most certainly, in our family! But, as one darling cousin remarked (with apologies to Vegas), What is said at the table, stays at the table! The MITM took a few videos, that will probably never be shared here, so just use your imagination, but add a 1960's soundtrack, think of New Orleans, and add copious amounts of liquor! Yeah, and that was just Saturday. Graduation was live streamed with ceremonies stretched over 2 days! The event was technology at its best and, as one cousin remarked, was as highly produced as an Oscar awards show. I am not surprised as SCAD is one of the most expensive art schools in the country. Our sweet little cousin will stay here until July and then move back to L.A. and to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. It's been a long time since we've done the college graduation thing, but knowing that she's moving away did bring tears to my eyes. It's almost as if we're doing the empty nest thing again!
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Saturday on the other side of the USA featured a dance recital by BGM which was followed by a party at Chez Matrix and attended by everyone who wasn't here on this side of the USA for the graduation! We do love a party in this family. Once again, no pictures of the party, but here's one from the recital. Parents were asked to be discrete and not surge the stage to take movies and/or photos, so this photo of BGM was taken from Mr Matrix's seat.
In preparation for the event, Super Nana took BGM to get her hair done! The request from the dance teacher was that it "be off the face" and neat. BGM asked for braids, so French braids were done by a professional!
BGM loves her performance jacket and even in 90F weather, she had it on yesterday. Thankfully, Chez Matrix has AC and ceiling fans!
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One more thing to share that happened this weekend! Since the MITM has been going down the ancestry rabbit hole, he's also shared his discoveries with all the cousins, soooooo now there's talk of doing a family reunion in 2020, in NOLA, of course! Yep, we're talking top hatted, sash wearing Second Line Marshall, brass band, mayhem in the Quarters, and all around shenanigans! Planning has begun.
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Oh, what does this all have to do with the post title today, you may be asking yourself? Well, absolutely nothing! BUT, tomorrow is the MITM's BIRTHDAY!! I might even break the No Computer Tuesday rule for that event!! xoxo
It's Friday and we're celebrating a young cousin's graduation from college. Festivities began yesterday and will continue until Sunday. Relatives from across the country are here, so once again it's Party Central here. The big cookout will be Saturday evening and I am confident there will be no raisins in the potato salad! The MITM will be taking photos, so there might be pictures tomorrow. Of course, that all depends on what goes on at the BBQ. We'll be using Uber this weekend, so not to worry. There will be no bail money calls...
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The MITM is still waiting for Godot, but instead of pondering, he's writing. For as long as I've known him it's been one of his many talents. I think it's part of the way he deals with his life experiences that aren't necessarily part of polite conversation. Or maybe it's just his wild imagination and creativity. Or maybe he just needs a good agent.
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But what about me, you might ask. Well, I still have not replaced my mobile. Why you might ask in this hyper connected world how can I possibly exist without that hyper necessary appendage? So far it's been damn easy! Outside of using it as a hotspot for streaming Netflix on my tv or posting on IG or reading the news at 3AM, I don't need it. I will replace it eventually (like next week), but it has been nice to wean myself from it. Calls come via the landline and texts do show up on my computer, so I am still "connected" just differently. And we do have an iPad...
I need to start using the real camera again. I stopped taking photos when I got my iPhone because it was easy and readily available. It was also, one less thing to carry and/or think about. We'll see what happens next.
I have to admit that I've been remiss and not only did I not blog on Tuesday, but it's been a week since I've even blogged at all! It's been beyond crazy, mad around here and while I've started a post almost every day, nothing has jelled or even been coherent. So, I like to think that I've spared all y'all that unfortunate experience. OK, so right now, this is my story and I'm sticking to it, so I'll see y'all tomorrow with, hopefully, something interesting or at least, entertaining.
It's Tuesday and I'm not really here. Or online. BUT, I am still around. I haven't forgotten I was going to post every day! I've just been a bit busier than usual. Regular blogging to resume tomorrow.
Busy? Crazy mad? Or both? Phone died, as in absolute will not hold a charge and t-mobile said, 'You can get an upgrade! Just come in and we'll give you a new phone." Not exactly giving it to me, I have to buy it, but I do need an upgrade. Anyway, that took a few hours. And then there was the rain, the VERY HEAVY STEADY RAIN! There was other stuff going on, but just thinking about it makes me tired all over again! so, trust me on this one key thing: This day is almost over and that's a good thing!
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Fun news from the krewe came in and here are the photos!
Big Boy Chaos Long Hair
Big Boy Chaos Short Hair
Yesterday BBC got his first haircut! BBC had told The Captain that he was ready to cut his hair "because he was tired of having to brush it and also, tired of it falling in his food!" He told the Captain that he wanted it short like his, so that's what happened!
Mr Matrix sent me this video because Big Girl Matrix was "so proud" that she could cross the Monkey Bars to the end!
I know I said I wasn't going to be "that Grandma"....
Yep, I almost did it! I sort of stayed away from social media on Tuesday. That other social media site did capture my attention for a bit, but after reading the papers and sharing from there I was done. I did read some blogs and I may have commented on a couple, but hey, this "Take Tuesday Off" thing is a work in progress! Instead of lounging around, I'm back using the treadmill! Living in The Land Where Pollen Began, having the ability to get a workout in without leaving the house is marvelous! A friend who's a runner tries to get in a thousand miles a year, either outside or on a treadmill. This is my goal even though he started in January! I figure any mileage I can get in between now and December 31st is hot damn fine by me! What are y'all doing as a workout for exercise?
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Some cuteness for this week:
Stretch, BBC, and the Cap't on Mother's Day
The Pirate Kid
BGM and Saffy and Miss Pink!
There's a photo of The Kid and BBC, but I forgot to ask if I could post it! (She's 16 and we do not post any pic without prior approval.)
Sometimes I feel as if we're the perfect MAC v PC commercial when it comes to our phones. Yes, I have an Apple smartphone and he has a Samsung Galaxy, but most of the time we use our landline for calls when we're at home because we have lousy reception out here. Short of moving back to the Historic District, we have to wait until we're off the Plantation to use our mobiles without worrying about a lost signal.
I know, what a first world problem.
At home I do receive text messages on my mobile and since I'm MAC based, they also show up on the Messages icon on my computer, so I don't need my iPhone nearby or even on when I'm home. But, even I will admit having one when I'm not at home is hot damn handy!
Seems as if smartphones here are getting larger with every new edition and seriously far smarter than anyone needs! I miss my old slender flip phone.
Who knew it was as simple as going to bed later? I'm joking, sort of. Yesterday evening began with a really delicious soup made by the MITM. (I know, you're probably thinking who makes soup when it's hot outside? He does because as I was told, "We have air conditioning inside and it's on right now, Dear.") It was a new chicken soup recipe* he found and had to make immediately. Also, we had some chicken quarters that were frozen in February of this year and as he put it, needed to be cooked immediately or they'd be past their prime. It has become apparent to me that we have very different ideas with regard to prime or best by dates for frozen foods. The soup really was delicious, but sadly, left a ton of turmeric stains on the counters, the floor and somehow, my white tee shirt! All taken care of now, by the by. *https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/the-best-chicken-soup-recipe The link above has a picture and the recipe for the soup. It called for boneless skinless chicken breasts which we didn't have so use whatever parts of the bird you have handy. Trust me on this one key thing, it will be grand!
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All rules are off on the weekend regarding electronics at the table, so as I was having my coffee and eating an English muffin, I heard
Who knew, right? Seems the MITM read an article in the New York Times (The article is entitled, "For a Black Girl in London, It's the Summer of Meghan Markle") that mentioned the "Road Dialect" in London, so of course, inquisitive news junkie that he is he turned to youtube for enlightenment!
I'm having a bit of a problem with hyper-links again, so if you're interested in the article you'll have to check the NYT yourself for the article. As an outsider looking in at the Royal Wedding and all things related, I thought the article spoke to the climate, conditions, and the perceptions of otherness within the immigrant and also the larger community in London.
The little girl in the article, Tshego (who wants her Mother to call her "Tiffany"), at the end of it is quoted, "I know how it feels to leave countries, and leave all your friends behind," she said. "I would give her (Meghan Markle) my friendship. So that she's not alone."
All of this today reminds me of how important it is for all of us to see ourselves represented in the media and in our daily lives. We are all different and yet, so much the same. Images we see change our subconscious and how we react to one another. Girls seeing women in different careers allows them to see themselves as engineers, doctors, and professions not normally associated with women. Boys learn kindness and not violence, equality not misogyny, are acceptable behaviors from seeing those represented on the screen. We have a long way to go, but we will get there.
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It's Saturday, I'm rambling, and I probably should go do something productive. Or not, but there you go. (Total aside, but the MITM just told me that Tiger Woods is -8 as he finished his round at The Players Championship today.)
We've been dealing with our current hurry up and wait mode by doing a lot of big batch cooking aka if I-fix-this-dish-and-freeze-it-in-serving sizes-I-won't-have-to-cook-for-days and watching some great programming! We started with the HBO documentary Being Serena. The link will take you to the HBO site about the documentary and some fascinating stories about Serena Williams.
The National Geographic channel is hosting Katie Couric's series, America Inside Out every Wednesday at 10PM. My hyper link skills aren't working on the nationalgeographic.com website, so you're on your own if you're interested. Netflix DVDs and streaming have also been entertaining and certainly an escape from network tv. Acorn tv rounds out our tv watching with great British shows that aren't easily available on PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) stations here. It might sound/read as if we're watching a ton of tv, but that isn't the case. We've just become really selective about what is on and what we watch.
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The MITM, when he isn't cooking, has been working on some of his literary or genealogy projects and I have been doing as little as possible. BUT, in my own defense, I have been reading and blogging and following my one day-one room personal challenge. So far, everything has been working out well for both of us. That's my story and I'm sticking to it! I think he might have a different take on all of this, but I'm blogging, he isn't so, we'll just go with my truth right now. Remember, I love you like chicken and we ain't dead yet.
