!Sangria Margarita!

It doesn't get much better than that! We had a late Mexican lunch yesterday. The Big Guy and I shared the jumbo Sangria Margarita. It is frozen margarita with a splash of Sangria on top. If you haven't tried one, they are really good! I won't mention the fact that we had to take a nap when we came home and that both of us ended up with headaches. Can you say lightweights? David kept saying it was the food that gave us a headache. He likes the drink too much to blame it on the frozen treat. It was a funny day. The weather reminded us more of fall than of spring. It poured down rain for most of the day. We rationalized that is was okay to nap as the weather had nap written all over it:)

Pumpkin had a swim meet this weekend. His team hosted it on Saturday and Sunday. This was the first time I got to see him swim since his broken ankle. It was great to see him back in there. He had a good meet and cut time in all but one of his events. It seems like he is really trying to apply the things he is learning in practice. He is so fortunate to have a group of boys his age on the team. The meets turn into a big social event for him.

For the first time ever, we dropped him off at the pool on Sunday morning by himself. We went on to teach PRE. At about 9:30 am I looked up and thought about Pumpkin and the start of the meet. We made it to the pool by 11 am. When we walked in, another mom told me that Pumpkin sang the national anthem - - ALL BY HIMSELF. We could not believe that we missed it. It was just one of those things that evolved that morning. Pumpkin willingly agreed to do it. He paused in the middle for just a bit to remember the words. Other than that, he did great - - or so I heard! A few parents passed along compliments. I was so proud of him for stepping up to the mic and singing a very hard song. I just wish we could have heard it! This is another reason to support our retirement from teaching PRE. Pumpkin said that he was sort of nervous, but he'd do it again. We hope to be there the next time!

Date Day!

We finally celebrated our anniversary just 12 days late! The Big Guy took the day off of work and we spent it together. It was a treat. We have found over the years that we enjoy the day. It is nice to have the time together before the boys get out of school in the next month.

We started the day off with a bike ride. My husband is so kind. He did not put any pressure on me and just pedaled right with me. He is a much more accomplished biker than I am. It started out kind of stressful as I knew I was going slower than what he normally goes. I was working really hard. Then, I gasped for a deep breath and realized I just needed to enjoy it. Was he going to love me any less because I ride slower than he does? Fortunately, no. He was content riding with me. The weather was beautiful with a wind coming out of the south. We even struck up a conversation or two. I like the distraction of talking. He has become accustomed to deep thinking on his rides. We had a good time.

For a treat, we went out to lunch at a pizza and panini place on the square. I licked my plate clean! I was starving. I guess from all the fresh air. I got a portobello panini. That is something I won't make at home as mushrooms are only enjoyed by me:( The sammie was good. We struggled with what to do next. We have to make some decisions as to what project to do around the house. And, we need to focus on what the next car is going to be. We talked about test driving some vehicles today. One of the things I hate is walking into a showroom. As much as I'd like a plan for a new car, I did not want to spoil the day by visiting a car salesman. So, we headed to a local kitchen shop and we went to Home Depot. I think the next project is going to be the kitchen. We use that room so much and it needs a bit of updating. We are at the exploration stage. I may talk to a few designers to get their ideas and balance that against a budget. We want to do as much ourselves and that makes it kind of scary. Our ideas have spanned the gamut. We think we've come to reasonable starting place using some of what we have. We'll see what kind of progress we make.

Our day was a nice one. Now, he is off with one boy at soccer and I have to get the other one from swimming.

Have a great weekend!!

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

We went out last night to the Bee show. We don't go out alone that much. This was a late celebration of our anniversary. The show was entertaining. It just finished its run on Broadway and is touring around the country. They actually incorporated four members from the audience into the bee. One of them even stumped 'em and spelled a challenging word correctly. It was wonderful. We had a nice time. We stopped for a cone on the way home. The boys were all nestled and snuggled in their beds when we got back. We are continuing the celebration today. The Big Guy took the day off. We'll head out for a bike ride together. Wish me luck! My legs can't keep up with those;) We are going to go to lunch after that. Sounds good to me!!


I got my hair done yesterday. You can see it in the photo. She cut a bit more off and I got color - my first time ever! I wanted all those colorless hairs (who is mentioning grey?) to go away. This morning I am wondering what I did. I guess it will have to grow on me. I'll have a clearer opinion after I shower and try to do it myself!

Mississippi Breakfast Bake - Yummo!

Tuesday night we had breakfast for dinner. We tend to do that about once every two weeks. I normally resort to a baked french toast, but this time I did an internet search for a sausage patty and egg recipe. I had enough of those ingredients on hand and wanted to use them up. I found the recipe for the Mississippi Breakfast Bake. It was a hit with everyone. I did not chop the tomatoes up too small as one in the group doesn't like tomatoes. The Cajun seasoning is a perfect addition to the dish. My guys said I could make it again. They recommended crumbled sausage instead of patties next time. I think they want to be guaranteed sausage in every bite!


Like the vintage Corning Ware? I think it is a hand-me-down from my oldest sister. I don't use it that often, but it was the perfect size for our dinner.

They Flew the Coup!

A few weeks ago, I posted about the robin sitting on the nest in the Crepe Myrtle outside our front door. We watched her day after day. We knew there were two eggs in the nest, but weren't sure how they were doing. One day last week I saw the Momma bird feed two birdies. I stood at the door and watched her bring food to them. On Sunday, I got brave and brought the ladder out. Momma was off finding food - I guess. Those two birds were quite instinctual. They were up in the nest until they heard the ladder. I stayed pretty far away as I did not want to terrorize them. As soon as they heard the ladder, they got as small as they possible could and sunk down into the next. I snapped one photo.



The very next morning, Buddy and I were rounding the corner for home. I saw something hop out of the corner of my eye. The birds were learning how to fly. One hopped up onto the truck across the street. I don't know where they ended up. The nest is empty. We hope they were able to spread their wings and really fly. We miss the entertainment of watching nature right outside our door!

France?

I see London. I see France.
Fortunately, we don't see Peanut's underpants!!!

Today marked the end of the state testing for both boys. Peanut was still sick on the first day of testing. But, he was able to make it up. The boys thought the tests were easy. We'll see when they get their results.

I proctored in a second grade classroom two days this week. The test seemed easy to me. I do have years on those second graders! Ha! Ha!

Peanut's teacher had activities for the class each afternoon following the testing. This afternoon they decorated a potato. Peanut's potato came alive as a French soccer player. I guess it is officially a football player. Go figure! I think he's watched his share of ESPN. Although, this guy is dressed in white which means his team is playing at an away location. I wonder where. I love the blue tattoos. The potato shared those with Peanut's hands! We welcome the addition to our counter.

Happy Birthday, FedEx!

Today marks the 35th year for FedEx. It seems like they have always been around. They had an article yesterday in our local paper. Fred Smith, CEO, celebrated with some employees at the hub. Today, at my husband's office, they were going to have cake. It is amazing all they have done. Mr. Smith comments in the article that they are just getting started. My Big Guy has only been with them for 1/5 of its life and has seen lots of changes and improvements. We are grateful. As the IT guys say, FedEx is a large IT company that just happens to ship packages!!! I am not sure the pilots think that way!

In our paper today there was a full page photo of a driver helping during the flood in SE Missouri. Give the site a click and see what else FedEx is doing and where they are going.

Happy Birthday, FedEx! Here's to even more wonderful years!!