A Bit of Happy In A Strange New World

After Hurricane Florence, I didn't think that the downtown area could look any worse.  Trees were down, houses were damaged and things in general were in disarray.  We went downtown on Friday and it was so odd.  There were no cars in so many places of business, very few people were walking on the street and traffic was light.  But, probably the strangest thing was the mall.  Belk is our favorite department store down here.  It's big and popular and has great prices on quality merchandise.  It's always a busy place, but on Friday, there were no cars in the mall parking lot.  The construction to add new stores had come to a stop and everything had kind of a deserted feeling.  It was like being in movie, "The Day The Earth Stood Still."  I felt like Tony and I were isolated.

I guess a lot of people in Compass Pointe were feeling the same way because some people in our community decided to do something fun.  They organized a golf cart parade.  The idea was to keep social distance, but just to get out and see people.  Those without carts were asked to sit in our driveways and wave and enjoy the parade.  As simple as that sounds, it was fun.  It did get people out and talking (six or more feet away) and laughing.  

Tony put white Christmas lights on our palm tree, as it was suggested that was a sign of strength and community during this virus crazy time, and he put the flag out.

Dixie had a great time at the parade, but she did not practice social distance!  She waved and barked and sat by us and just enjoyed being out. 

So, here is a summary of the parade.  I picked out pictures where you couldn't really identify people since I did not ask their permission to post.

Tony checking the time; ready for the parade!

We will get through this

White lights!! A sign of support for all 

Dixie really doesn't know how to practice social distance... 

...She's more into smelling and wagging!

This is Charlie, a friend of Dixie's

And here come the carts--I never realized how different golf carts could  be!

Some people wore masks...

...Some didn't ...

This is the strangest golf cart in the parade!!

They came in all colors

And some looked like canvas!!

And lots of people?? were driving and enjoying the evening!

And so, thanks Compass Pointe for a fun time and a few laughs!

It's All About Poop!

With all of the "noise" about the Corona virus, I realized that I didn't post pictures of the kids when we went to Charlotte.  They were busy and cute as always, especially Owen.  This trip, instead of being Mr. Hungry, he was Mr. Poopey and Tony, got the brunt of it when he changed one of Owen's diapers.

Owen thought the whole thing was funny!  So did we!

Anthony spent time with Dixie, reading to her and looking for squirrels.  He didn't "bwaid" her tail this time, but he did hit her in the head and she scratched him, which lead to a discussion about how to treat dogs.  He interrupted my lecture by asking me if I could stop talking and just kiss his "boo boo" better so he could go play.  Dixie and Anthony did makeup, however, and watched for squirrel movement...

Coleton was off doing other things, so we spent some quality time with Anthony.  He's learning to read and Tony helped him.

All in all, it was a good trip, but Dixie was pooped (much like Owen) and spent the entire ride home in the back seat, sleeping!

Speaking of "poop,"  in other news, you know you have a good relationship with your doctor when he greets you with the words, "how's your poop?"  

I've been having symptoms like I did a few years ago when I was hospitalized.  Back pain, side pain, pain in general.  I went to my primary care doctor yesterday and he thinks I might have a kidney stone.  

My first reaction was, "not again."  I'm not looking forward to a bunch of tests and a possible hospital stay again.  The doctor asked if there was anything else he could do for me at the end of my visit.  I asked him if he could make me 34 again.  I liked being 34.  No pain, no extra weight, no wrinkles.  He just laughed and told me if he could do that, he'd never have to work again!  I guess that was his way of saying, "no way."  

And so, Tony and I are here in the house with our toilet paper and sanitizer like so many others waiting to see what other comedy skits comes from the White House.  

I hope the virus is contained soon and things get back to normal.  And, I hope those diagnosed with it have a speedy and safe recovery. 

Why Doesn't He Get It?

Why doesn't he get it?   I'm talking about Harvey Weinstein.  He was sentenced to 23 years in prison today for assault and rape and all he can say is that men in general are confused about this #MeToo stuff.  He says he didn't do anything wrong and that he is concerned about this country when someone as innocent as he can be convicted of these "so called" crimes. 

What is this?  The moron defense?  I feel like I've been shouting this for months now that men like Harvey need to understand that a woman's body is not their jungle gym or entertainment center.  When will they understand that  a woman has the right to say no to sweaty, unwanted advances?

How did Harvey's mom raise him?  "It's OK to overpower and rape women as long as it's not your sister?"  

Harvey is a coward.  He hides behind his walker and his hospital bed.    I think it's because he is scared to death that what he did to these women will happen to him--and I hope it does.  

Harvey, look in the mirror.  You are a toad.  If you think any of these women had sex with you willingly, you are on drugs.  

When is enough, enough, Harvey?  You are finished, and this "confused" statement about men is just stupid.   My husband and our sons are not "confused" about how to treat women.  My son-in-law isn't, nor are my grandsons and nephews.  They treat all people including women with the respect they deserve.  So, try again, Harvey, I don't think you speak for men.  Whenever you open your mouth, I just hear the sound of a pig.

  

Precious Moments

I have always thought that Tony and I had amazing grandchildren.  From Ben to Owen, each of them has given us special memories.  Individually,  they have many achievements and milestones that have made us so proud.  

Collectively, they are smart, funny, talented and beautiful.

Having said all of that, it should be no surprise to us that they are also logical. 

This was demonstrated by one of them the other day.  At school the class was doing a rhyming exercise.  All was going well until the rhyming word was "it."

I think, very logically, that our grandchild had a great rhyming word.  "Shit."  That was the word.  Think about it, our grandbaby didn't go basic and say, "hit, or bit."  Our grandbaby went with a big four letter word--SHIT.  Personally, I'm proud!  No one else came up with that word.

And so, our children are enjoying those precious moments that all parents do with their children.  Something that they will laugh about for years to come.  Who knows, one day while standing at the alter, this could be a story told by the clergy  during the ceremony!

So who was it?  I'm not telling.  All families have secrets, this is one of ours!!

Was it you??? Ben, Sam, Zach or Ellie?

Was it Coleton??

Was it Anthony?

Was it Owen????

Or, was it Alex?

Back To The Routine

Well, Tony Sr., won the golf trophy again, so it still resides in Leland.  He only won by one stroke, but the time he spent with David and Tony Jr., meant more than keeping the trophy.  They always have a great time together and now that they have their own families, that time is getting less and less frequent, so they have learned to enjoy every minute they have together. 

Donna and Bob will be leaving on Monday to go back to snowy, blowy Cleveland.  Their 2 months here are over.  The male Cardinal that was attacking their windows at 7:00 a.m., finally gets his wish--he can peck at the windows all day without being interrupted.  Bob is bringing a BB gun next year just in case the bird comes back to be their alarm clock again. 

The news has been driving me crazy of late; Weinstein, especially.  As the guilty verdict was read, he was "shocked," and kept repeating, "I didn't rape anybody."  And now, he is in the hospital.  Get it over with, already.  Sentence him to life with Horny Bubba and let's get on with our lives. 

And Trump....what can you say about Trump that comedians, heads of state and half of the world haven't?  He's an idiot.  Oh wait, that's already been said.  

And the beer virus.  Trump says it will "disappear."  Well, like I said above, he's an idiot.  

On a lighter note, I am having coffee on Tuesday with a lady named Karin.  We met at the nail place where I go for my manicures.  She is just moving in and we hit it off right away.  She and her husband are retired and are from Connecticut.  They just went back up to continue to try and sell their house.  I don't miss that exercise.  Karin seems like a very nice lady and I look forward to getting to know her.   

We are headed back to Charlotte to "kid assist" on Friday.  Marie will be traveling for several days and Tony Jr., needs us to assist in dropping off/picking up from school and in general keeping the kids busy while he is at work.  As always, that will be fun, yet very tiring.  When we come back home after a mission such as this, we tend to just sit on the lanai for a few minutes in total silence, just to rest our ear drums. 

Tony got lots of cards and good wishes for his birthday and a call from the Purdum kids--minus Ben.  Ben is playing a part in "The Sound of Music," and was at rehearsal.  He is getting his own room at home, as the classroom is being moved to the basement.  He will be 14 in August.  How did that happen? 

So, we are back to our routine--Tony working at the golf course on Thursday's and driving for the DAV on Monday's.  I continue to look for a part time job.  We will have my sister, Fritz and her son, Joe down in May, as well as Coleton's first communion.  In June we are in Hilton Head, in August and October, back to Cleveland and in November, David, Brenda and Alex may be here for Thanksgiving.   Dixie will love the travel and the company as she still thinks we do it all for her.

I look forward to some quiet days and better weather for all. 

Chasing the Trophy!

David and Tony, Jr., are in town for a "3 Men and a Bond" golf game--which means that the trophy is on the line and maybe moving out of Wilmington. 

They played yesterday in a 2 day trophy event.  So far, David is in the lead, but they are playing at Compass Pointe, Tony Sr., home course so anything can happen today. 

It's good to have them "home" again.  They both look tired and with their kids, jobs, schedules and everything else they have to do, it's no wonder.  But, we did it when we were their age and I have every confidence that they will too. 

As always, I enjoy watching the three of them interact.  The "boys" manage to keep Tony on his toes with zings and banter and I laugh when he is the butt of their jokes.  It's all in fun (well, maybe not for him!) and Tony is always a good sport.  

I'm glad David and Tony Jr., were able to get away and thank Brenda and Marie for sharing them with us.  

Here's the golf guys: 

Tony Jr., Tony, David and Bob

I'm Cold!!!!

I am cold.  It has been raining and blowing all day and into the evening.  Dixie had to go out.  Well, let's examine that, she wanted to go bunny hunting and stood at the front door, barking.  It's hard to tell if that's the, "OMG, I have to poop," bark or if it's the "Hey, I want to see how many bunnies are invading my property," bark.   So, to error on the safe side, we take her out.  

I went out in my pajamas and Tony's open toed yard shoes and walked her all over the place.  We went out back--no results.  We went around our property--no results.  We went to the circle that usually gives us successful results--not today.  We went to  Uncle Stu's and Aunt Jan's and for whatever reason, on this night, it wasn't enough.  We walked around the other circle close to our house, only to have her sniff and pass.  I took her to the bridge, with icky water running under it and she finally pooped.  Good, I said to her, except, she pooped in an area far from street lights.  I was going to leave it and accept whatever nasty comments appeared on the owner's blog about not picking up your dog's poop when a car came around the corner.  The headlights hit me square in the PJ's so I made a big effort to make it seem like I was ripping off a doggie poop bag and picking up her contribution to the environment.  I don't think I got anything but grass and dirt, but I know when I am standing at the gallows of the dog waste final stop, someone will step forward and say, "wait, don't execute her, I saw her pick up the tootsie roll remains of her small, Shiz Tsu, let her go free."  At least, I hope that's how it goes!!

Tony was coming out to look for us as Dixie and I went in.  I was a frozen TV dinner by that time and Dixie was barely aware.  All she wanted was her poop treat--which she got in short order.  Gee, how I wish we would have house potty trained her.

Dixie is an odd duck when you compare her to Jack, which we try not to do.  But, she is such a social butterfly.  Such a girly, girl.  She wants everyone to love her and her puppy kisses know no bounds.  Jack was a guy.  A real man's man.  He liked to sleep in his cage and there were two pair of blue jeans that I wore that really turned him on.  No matter what I was doing or who was in the house, when he sniffed those blue jeans, he went nuts.  He would hang on my leg and "pulse," across the room.  Jenna was mortified, the boys just laughed.  We used to say that his "lip stick" was hanging out.  He would get short of breath and just collapse on the floor, slowly withdrawing his "lip stick."     Dixie is a lover.  She kisses, she nudges her way into your hip and she gives you a look of utter softness and light.  She kisses your hand and bats her eyelashes at you, as she climbs into your lap.  She has you at "hello."  

I have had 3 dogs in my life.  Willie, who I don't even want to think about, for fear he ended up not having a good life.  Jack, who was blind and deaf, but still my love and Dixie--who is Tony's dog.  I do maintenance on Dixie, but her loyalty and allegiance are to Tony.  He feeds her, takes her out, takes her to the groomer, gives her meds to keep her safe, he walks her, drives her around when he does the community poop bag refill, gives her meds to save her from the storms, he holds her in his lap when she is afraid and loves her unconditionally.   She is our 4th child, our furry one, and we love her so much.  

Oh yeah, that's me...the love child...!

Can you keep it down, I'm napping!

"I'm sorry, what was that you said about not getting on the couch?"

Daddy, Aunt Jan and Uncle Stu...I am loved!

"OK, can you shut this thing down?  I'd like to nap now!"