Sunday, November 26, 2006

Meeting the Neighbors

We've only been here a couple of months, so there was much to do upon arrival. Unpacking, for one thing. Realizing that a 2000-some square foot home doesn't fit into one half its size, for another. Tending to the yard - ack. Lovely home, just several oak, sycamore, and maple trees either in my own yard or those of my neighbors. Can we say LEAVES TO RAKE?

I've had the most amazing experiences raking leaves. One neighbor who spied me and struck up a conversation suggested that so-and-so to the east of me, a single mother who works 3 jobs, needed to clean up her yard, wanted MY input, and I'm the 'new kid on the block'. So instead of telling her what he'd said, I told her that he'd volunteered to remove the offending objects for her. He, of course, about crapped, but before the day was over, he found himself wielding a chain saw and hacking away dead limbs, undergrowth, etc not only for her but for me and the neighbor to my west. --hehehe

Of course, now I feel like a shit for manipulating someone who tried to use me to manipulate others.

The things one finds out while meeting new neighbors. Think I've already mentioned Daisy and husband - he was on Omaha Beach as a wet-behind-the-ears infantryman, and Daisy is like an elderly Energizer Bunny, always working on her house or yard. Well, today I met Dave.

Some of you may have heard the names Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, John Coltrane.? I'm like some human repository for gossip, for some reason. It's gotta be the face - I look like I can lend an ear or offer advice or something. Anyway...

A different neighbor (as in not the guy who'd complained about the single mother) complained that the house to my west (Dave) also needed to tend to their yard, that nobody ever mowed or did anything, that they were rarely even home. I discovered why...the man has had a stroke and is in rehab, and his wife works 24/7. So I volunteered one of the guys who'd complained to help with THEIR yard as well. I'd already met the wife during leaf-raking, and she'd invited me over to meet her husband anyway when she brought him home for a few hours respite from rehab, so I marched over today and told them to keep the pets inside, because the Good Samaritans were coming over to trim her hedges, trees, and shrubs.

Since I'm a jazz fan and former musician, I walk in and immediately recognize him - he's one of the few white musicians to play on a regular basis with the jazz greats I mentioned earlier. Plus his portrait is painted with Holiday and Coltrane and hanging on a living room wall, and despite his stroke, Dave still looks just like the man in the portrait. I could barely speak. I thought, those men who'd complained have NO CLUE who they're bitching about. So...I felt better for having volunteered the one to clean up the yards of the folks who offended his sensibilities. Long story short, the neighbors who didn't have the tools or capabilities of 'tending to their yards' were grateful, and the man who'd complained was either #1 thankful he'd helped or #2 will keep his mouth shut around me next time. In either case, several dead tree limbs and untended shrubs got removed, and those who wanted a nicer view helped clean up their neighborhood one house at a time.

Don't we as writers manipulate our imaginary people in much the same way? I've had characters who refused to do as I wanted, failed to perform as needed, dug in their heels when I wanted them to broaden their horizons and expand their usefulness. My recourse is to either kill them or revamp them.

Maybe I'm just trying to justify manipulating the nosey neighbors into serving the others. It all worked out, IMO. I'm not spending time worrying about it, just thought it was a nice, warm fuzzy to meet some of the other neighbors and get a block party clean-up going. Now...back to my own yard.

The leaves are winning this one, I suspect. Thirty bags later, and the ground is still covered.

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8 Comments:

At 7:01 PM, Blogger Amie Stuart said...

I am your single mom neighbor =) I'm sure the neighbors hate me LOL

 
At 8:18 PM, Blogger April said...

Oh, Lyn! That's terrific! And wow, what an amazing person to meet! Sounds like you'll have all the neighborhood busy bodies straightened out in very short order! The leaves are winning on our end too. There's one single tree waiting to drop its leaves and I KNOW it's gonna happen the minute I rake. Evil leaves...

 
At 8:58 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I want you for a neighbor! Not so that you'll get someone to rake my leaves but because having you around would make raking leaves a hell of a lot more fun.

And what a coup to meet Dave. Good deeds are rewarded...

 
At 8:50 AM, Blogger Merry said...

I have 3.8 acres of leaves. Yesterday, I fought the good fight...I cleared right around the well house and the Airstream.

BTW, "charity begins at home" - I'd d say you weren't a manipulator, but a catalyst for the Lord's work. LOL and any neighbor who says differnetly...well. They're just going to hell, okay?

Love that you met Dave. I had the pleasure of listening to some of the original Preservation Hall jazz musicians some 30 years ago...

Keep up the good work on the yard...and wait till Spring. Every raked leaf will be worth it.

 
At 9:15 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

That is SO cool about Dave - and good for you for organizing a leaf patrol, lol.
I live in Mordor, and all around me are hobbit gardens, all neatly tended, while my lawn looks like the Wreck of the Hesperus, lol. My two dogs dig holes under the fence that I stuff with whatever is at hand, and the fence itself is all rusting and falling down. But I'm renting, and I just can't see putting in a thousand bucks for a new fence.
IN our favor, we do keep it mowed and hedges trimmed and leaves raked - but the fence is a huge mess - and I'm not changing it, lol.

 
At 10:52 AM, Blogger Liz Wolfe said...

LMAO @ your manipulation of the gossipy neighbors. Although I don't really think of it as manipulation. More like "just desserts". Fabulous about meeting Dave.
And, sweetie,some of us just referto those fallen leaves as 'mulch'. I'm all about the natural landscaping thing...LOL.

 
At 3:37 PM, Blogger Michele said...

Oh Wow, what a classy solution, Lyn. You are so savvy!
Not manipulative at all! You know how to delagate and you did it in such a way, I bet everyone won.

Do NOT feel guilty. You are Woman, we hear you roar! then purr later when all works out to your satisfaction. LOL

We don't ever rake and we have oak and maple too. My DH uses the lawn mower, it sucks up everything, and he dumps it in the "composting" section. Then he goes back around and mulches the rest to feed the lawn. It always looks good.

But then again, our closest neighbor is hundreds of feet away, and we are surrounded by woods.
Heck, rotten apples and stuff gets thrown to feed the squirrels and chipmunks, which, I think feed the snakes. One big happy family.
All outside, where they belong.

congrats on your solutions, Lyn.

 
At 10:34 PM, Blogger Mechele Armstrong said...

That is so neat on Dave. And you are doing good. Yep yep yep.

LOL the leaves ALWAYS Win.

Mechele aka Lany of Melany Logen

 

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Tuesday, November 21, 2006

A Mutlidimensional Memory Collage

Yeah, I know…I can’t believe I’m doing another blog post so quickly after the last one either. But I had such wonderful experiences yesterday that I have to boast.

My ‘ride’ got lost, so there were a few moments of the ditz giving directions to the driver of the van and her irrepressible sidekick. Ann asked if I’d dressed up for them. Hell, no. She wanted to see me in my low-riders, and I said
Look, I’m wearing underwear and makeup—that’s all you get today. You’ll have to settle for the leggings and pullover.

For starters, once we all found one another, I had my first taste of
Phad Thai and sweet & sour soup. I’d never had Thai food, period, and the meal was a tasty treat in an all but deserted restaurant (we’d arrived later than we’d planned, so no crowd).

Later, I met Doug, Doug, dog, dog, Buffy, Big Sis, and Jeff. I was acquainted with Ann and Jane but not the other two women. Then I met Melissa, Jackie, Marjorie, Carolyn, Cry Baby, Pretzel Girl, and two mimics who perfectly channeled Julia Child. (I’ll never grate cheese again without hearing "Julia" and cracking up.)

We had pianists, percussionists, writers, gourmet cooks, and at least three people who’d worked in an ice cream parlor, even a couple of pilots and a physician who made appearances. Lots of hellers and healers.

It was obvious from the start that Jane was an excellent cook. Her family members are all fit and fabulous, and the way the kitchen is set up makes wannabe gourmets like myself drool. It’s not the cabinetry and the center island, not the kewl spices and pantry. Not even the antique stove waiting for a place to shine. It’s the way she handles food that makes me sigh, sit back, and savor. It was like watching one of Sam’s photos spring to life like some live, interactive video. Sam’s photos always send me to another planet – that’s the way Jane’s cooking enchants me. Watching her is a treat.

Of course, learning experiences bring longings to try new things. Mental notes: now, must get
San Marcos green chilies, cranberry beans, a pressure cooker (I’ve never had one), a Rub Away (just so I can howl thinking of Ann, Jane, and the stainless steel sink story), and more cookbooks…I spied several that I’d love to read.

Listening to the conversations, being drawn into the lives of these people, including those of their children, was an absolute blast. I’m very grateful to all of them for including me in their day’s activities. The only thing I forgot was to say Mike loves you – for which I caught hell after I got home.

On the way back to The Kids, I was privileged to see views of a charming Farmer’s Market, fabric store, massive county library, a dojo, and an intriguing looking furniture store. I learned that I was within walking distance of these places.

With the exception of the cat, I met the whole fam-damily. The cat could probably sense that I was untrustworthy, but the dogs seemed to like me.

If I don’t blog again until afterwards, Happy Thanksgiving, my friends. Spend time with your loved ones, wrestle some teenagers, go clothes shopping, grate some cheese, cook a pot of chili beans or go eat Thai food. ENJOY YOUR LIFE.

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3 Comments:

At 8:49 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey there, my dear!

Just wanted to pop by and wish you a Happy Turkey Day! I hope you have a happy, safe, filling holiday with the "kids". :)

If you're indulging today, have an extra slice of everything for me, wouldya?

Love,
K.

 
At 5:10 PM, Blogger Ann said...

Hee hee! Everyone in the fam-damily read this blog and enjoyed it greatly. I'm home (11/26) and brain dead at the moment even though I got 15 hours of sleep last night. It was a wonderful holiday made sublime by the presence of such a great friend. Lubs ya, SunsBuns!

 
At 10:35 PM, Blogger Mechele Armstrong said...

Hope it was a great Turkey day.

Mechele aka Lany of Melany Logen

 

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Sunday, November 19, 2006

A week in the life…

The Bat Dame herself is flying to the Midwest to visit relatives (The FAB DAME!), and they’re dropping by for a visit. We’re doing lunch, probably shopping, and chatting about sewing & writing. This will happen either Monday or Tuesday this week for a few hours.

Tuesday, I’m the guest blogger for
The Writing Playground (and if you’ve not visited these ladies, you’re missing a treat – they’re a ‘hoot’ as we say here). Topic is more or less about Too Much Information – when and where do you as a writer draw the line? (Blame Carla The Great Publicist for hooking me up with this randy writers’ group.)

SHOUT OUTS

To Amelia and Jo with Joyfully Reviewed for their kind reviews on
Star Struck and The Promise: Stream of Time.

To Christy Wheeland of the Coweta American for her terrific write up on
Leaving Mama and moi. The issue isn’t online yet but should be in another week.

To Mary Ellen for updated news on her grandson,
Cowboy Kenny Bartram (I love keeping up with this kid).

To Raelene Gorlinsky & Nick Conrad for getting my 1st m/m romance under way.
Cash Cole now has a bio up at Ellora’s Cave – lol. The 1st book is scheduled to debut on December 27, 2006 and is a ‘Quickie’ called Smooth Ride.

Another shout out to Nick – and to those who helped come up with a title for the spy novella that just sold to EC. The title is now officially SPIES, LIES, & DUCT TAPE.

Bobbie Cole’s 2nd mainstream novel,
La Bella Luna is out in January – whoo hoo – and since my book signing was postponed until after the holidays, this will coincide with that, sometime in mid-January.

"I am too blessed to be stressed and too anointed to be disappointed!"

Remember not to
drink & dance this holiday. See you next week!

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5 Comments:

At 1:16 AM, Blogger Bobbie (Sunny) Cole said...

okay - so The Dame DROVE, not flew, and the last link doesn't work, and it's too late for me to go back and fix it tonight. Maybe I'll remember tomorrow. *g*

 
At 6:39 PM, Blogger Michele said...

LOL.
As for drinking and dancing..I am assuming that's the link?
That is a hysterical combo. Did you see the picture of the guy at the wedding doing a fancy dance maneuver with a lady and he's sporting a rather impressive woody?

I Laughed so hard at that. Or the Christmas photo with the lady who didn't check her "frontage" and it was peeking out for all to see? Teehee, I love those emails. I hope someone sends it to you. Bet you laugh too!

Have an awesome Thanksgiving, Lyn!!!!

 
At 4:06 AM, Blogger Bobbie (Sunny) Cole said...

omg-omg-omg - can't breathe for laughing! YES - that was the link, and the guy with the woody and lady letting it all hang out just killed me! I wish that link would have posted - it's a scream.

Your titles were cute! HA! Sex, Lays, & Duct Tape was my favorite.

Happy Thanksgiving to you as well, sweetie. Thanks for stopping by.

 
At 10:36 PM, Blogger Mechele Armstrong said...

LOL Too funny.

And congrats on all the great reviews.

 
At 6:40 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Aw, shucks, Lynn, m'friend. You're always so good to me! ::smooches!:: And RED HOT LOVER looks fab! I read the excerpt and it nearly made me weepy, you little dickens.

I couldn't go to the link about drinking and dancing, either. FIX IT! *eg*

Hugs and stuff,
Carla : )

 

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Monday, November 13, 2006

Parrot Heads & Other Pals

My friend Helen is a Parrot Head. Think Jimmy Buffett, Margaritaville, sixties hippies who like to have fun. This group meets monthly, has costume parties, and generally serves to remind members of all things Buffett. I had to post this photo when she sent it to me. She and Paisley won the Most Dynamic Duo award at the Halloween party.

I woke up this morning thinking "you have to write". Took a cup of coffee out to the garage and lit a cigarette to contemplate topics, characters, and whatever might help me procrastinate. Looked out the garage door windows and lo and behold there's Daisy with her rake and push broom.

Damnit, Daisy, you're gonna have a heart attack.

Always check your own pulse before you try rescuing someone else, though. No, she won't. She'll give YOU one watching her.

She was very methodical, leisurely, taking her time. She was bundled well. But when she whipped out the trash bags and started bagging leaves, I felt more than guilty. I felt compelled to do the unthinkable...put out the cigarette, leave the coffee to get cold, get dressed, and grab my own rake.

Once I'd crossed the street, I chastized her for making me look bad, because the oak and sycamore leaves in my own yard would cover a Toyota. I gave her a hug and pitched in. We discussed everything from the snow that's to hit day after tomorrow to Kansas pioneers, Sacramento as a marvelous place to live, what kinds of trees were shedding leaves so deep we couldn't find our morning newspapers in them, to art. I discovered that Daisy paints--very well, too. She took me inside and showed me two of her favorite works.

I asked her if she believed in nature's medicine. Merry had told me to shave off a nickle sized portion of ginger root, put in a mug of water, and nuke it in the microwave for tea. Sweeten with honey, drink, and be done with stomach ulcers after a bit. Daisy said, oh, yes! Then we chatted about various herbal remedies our grandmothers had tried on us, and Daisy told me what she felt worked best. Considering she's 79 yrs old, I figured she'd know better than I would, so I took mental notes.

Within an hour, my nose was dripping from the cold, Daisy's yard looked marvelous and mine looked like crap, and she had 8 bags of leaves to show at the curb for the first half of her yard we'd worked.

I still haven't written, but I've seen good art this morning...Nature's and Daisy's. I've shuffled through leaves; signed, addressed, & stamped a handful of birthday and Thanksgiving cards for friends and family; and I've watched my two rescue canines romping through a golden shower of yet more leaves that continue to fall. The guttering is clogged again, needless to say, but that's okay. The snow will slow 'em down.

Lyn Cash's latest romance sale to EC has gone through yet another title incarnation. It started out as "All Or Nothing", which is bland, to "Sex, Lies, & Duct Tape", which worked until publisher discovered that they have a Sex-Lies-&-Something title coming out. Back to square one. Any ideas for me??????

Thanks, Kris, for the Maxine birthday card!!! LAUGHED - Lord, I laughed. Love that woman. Thanks, Janet, for managing it so that your new great-granddaughter was born on my birthday last week. Welcome to the world, little Akasha Leigh. Thanks, CJ, thanks everyone who sent cards and good wishes, thanks Merry for dinner, cheesecake, a sleepover, and good conversation. I had a marvelous birthday.

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14 Comments:

At 7:19 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Does that ginger root, hot water and honey thing really work? Inquiring minds (and acidic stomachs) would like to know. As for procrastinating, man, you do it well. You had a very productive and healthy (working outside!)day.

 
At 7:20 PM, Blogger Merry said...

So - are you actually DRINKING the ginger tea? Hmmm?

 
At 7:23 PM, Blogger Merry said...

Beth, in response....

My mother and a dear friend both started the ginger tea...Becky has taken Previcid for years, Mom took Prilosec the last few years. After taking ginger tea for a week, both noticed a difference. Both stopped the meds after about 3 weeks and haven't taken them since. both their doctors said they've known about ginger tea andknew it worked for many people.

 
At 6:42 AM, Blogger Sam said...

Good luck with the ginger - I love ginger anything!
And as for titles, "Sexy Duct Tape",
"Sex, Duct Tape, and Lies", "Lies and Sex and More Sex",
(What's the duct tape for?)
I'm TERRIBLE at titles, LOL!
Sorry.

 
At 9:33 AM, Blogger Bobbie (Sunny) Cole said...

*waves to Beth & Merry*

LOL, Sam! Duct tape - well, it's a spy story, and at beginning, hero and heroine are tied up together, nude, about to be tortured. She doesn't remember she's an assassin for government, and he has to convince her to remember the events surrounding her trauma before they're both killed. I LIKE your titles!

 
At 10:23 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks, Merry, for your response. (And, thanks to Lyn for the posting about ginger tea.) I'm going to try it. Why don't doctors suggest such natural methods right off the bat?

 
At 7:02 PM, Blogger Shesawriter said...

Regarding titles .... How about " Do Me Baby"? LOL!

Or ...

Duct and Cover?

Or ...

Duct and UNcover. :-)

 
At 2:59 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Scandal in Home Depot

or perhaps just

Ecstasy at the Hardware Store oh dear, no.

oh now, hardware. Hardware...surely you could use that word somehow? I'm not very good at this I must say, I tend to use names and dates until a title appears. Hardware Encounters?

After reading this whole blog (As I've not been around since the wonderful cat litter cake - which I sent to everyone in my family with a dare to try) I'm not desperately craving cinnamon rolls with orange icing and fresh brewed coffee. I'm also feeling guilty for not raking up the eucalyptus leaves that fall in my Sweet'ole Lady neighbors yard. We should brunch, and soon.

I LOVE ginger brew like that, I make it lots, but just because I love ginger. It helped a lot with morning sickness and I just got hooked.

 
At 3:01 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Spy Who Bound me!

ok maybe, no.

 
At 12:16 PM, Blogger Bobbie (Sunny) Cole said...

Duct & Cover *SNORT*
...hardware? - ROFLMAO

THE SPY WHO BOUND ME - okay, NOW I'm wiping tears from my eyes and about to pee myself!

I gotta see if I can use one of those for the follow up book!!! The heroine has a twin sister. - hehehe

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 
At 12:19 PM, Blogger Bobbie (Sunny) Cole said...

p.s. glad Merry's home brew has been a hit (Mer, I may have to use you again - am thinking of your chocolate recipes...including the spoons...and your bath bombs, etc).

Merry Stahel is like the Queen of do-it-yourself...no, the Empress.

Will think on a new blog post today and get something done about it. Also need to do a blog and send to Marilyn P for next Tuesday. FORGOT until just now - ack. Sorry, Marilyn. WILL GET THAT DONE TODAY AS WELL!

 
At 9:51 PM, Blogger Merry said...

Actually, I'm the Queen of Cheap. I hate buying stuff when I know I can do it myself...

My next project - shelves in the Airstream. Pa is rolling his eyes...he had to show me how to use a drill. Come on, what is it? A few pieces of wood, some screws and a drill - how hard can it be?

 
At 12:42 AM, Blogger Bobbie (Sunny) Cole said...

LOL - uh, Mer, you gotta be better at it than any of us. Shelves in the Air Stream. You must take photos.

 
At 6:33 PM, Blogger Michele said...

"The Spy who"...comment was truly inspired! Love it!

The Sex, Lays and Duck Tapes.
OK, so I don't quack anyone up.

I tried.

The Lies about Duct Sex?
Ouch!

 

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Monday, November 06, 2006

Turkeys


Ever have a time in your life when you managed to get to higher ground only to realize that you felt you'd left something behind that was important? I'm having one of those months. The WIPs aren't completed, but I don't have that sense of panic that I expected. A birthday is coming up (tomorrow), so maybe that's the reason I'm feeling so blasé.

Maxine is one of my favorite old cranks - I just love that cartoonist who draws her. Her name is
Marian Henley. I think some of her best cartoons deal with the current season.

They hold elections in November because it's the best time for picking out a turkey. 'Nuff said.

My birthday always falls on or near Election Day, and there's a Maxine-ism for that as well. I'm not saying 60 is old...but I'm thinking it. (No, I haven't quite hit that mark, but it's a-comin'...I HOPE. Some people never get that far.) I've felt like a princess this year. My son bought me a new winter coat and a pair of leather boots.

I've needed funnies this year. I've had a marvelous time, but so many rotten things have happened to people I love that it's just hard to keep the ole chin up at times. One of my 1st cousins was murdered a couple weeks ago...a woman in her late 30's with 2 teenage daughters. While a part of me was grateful as hell it hadn't been me, of course, my heart cries for our family's loss, especially for Jeanna's kids and her parents, who found her when she didn't pick up the phone and they decided to visit. Seems somebody wanted her computer and her television.

If it got dark any earlier we wouldn't have to get up at all. My across-the-street neighbor, Daisy is 79 years old, and her energy just astounds me. She mows her own yard, rakes it, takes her husband back and forth for his physical therapies (he's 85 and recovering from his last stroke). She's up at 5 am every day. I'm an early riser, but she puts me to shame. I have a story on her, though. The neighborhood had a procession of (how do I put this nicely without naming names?)...religious door-knockers...yeah, that's it...about a week ago, and even though the temperatures have been in the thirties and forties, Daisy makes me wonder if she and the hubby hadn't been fussing a bit. She let the guy with his Bibles inside then left and mowed the back yard until he was gone. Now, mind you, her husband is chair-bound and had to sit through all this, so I hope it was just my imagination and that the man who entered their home was a good friend, because if not...man, that's just friggin' mean. Daisy didn't come back inside until he was gone, which was a good forty minutes or so. I couldn't help myself--I sat on the front porch smoking and watched her mow, marveling at her energy and wanting to kick the crap out of her for putting me and my yard to shame.

Trust me. Tight fit jeans and loose fit skin are one bad combination. I just bought a pair of jeans...low-riders at that. Blame it on The Kids who decided it was time Mama showed off her curves. I saw the booty in the mirror and had to look around to make sure it was mine. Part of me thinks I'm nuts for not just grabbing a pair of knits with an elastic waist, but there's a vain, secret part of me that did a cartwheel when those jeans snapped and zipped without a problem.

Some Mondays I feel like a wet dog smells. I don't know how, but ole Marian Henley managed to both tickle me and make me go hmm with that one.

Cash Cole's 1st m/m book has a release date, by the way - December 27th. Bobbie Cole has her 1st booksigning, December 9th at 2 pm at one of the local Border's Bookstores. Lyn Cash sold a novella last week to Ellora's Cave called (for now) "All Or Nothing" that may be out this coming spring. Wish she could get confirmation that EC would have "Just Desserts" out in print before the Playgirl article hits in January, but I'm not holding my breath. I'm a happy cat, though - I'm doing what I enjoy doing.

Thank you Marian Henley, Charles Schultz, Erma Bombeck and others for making me go hmm now and then. It helps my mind digest the other trash that polutes the universe. Thank you, friends like Janet & Joann, who send me photos to post on the blog. THANK YOU, MERRY, for taking me to my 1st doctor's appointment since I've been here. Ack. I'd hate to think what would have happened without you when I moved up here.

Ever feel like you've had too much coffee? Me neither. I'm having cinnamon rolls with orange icing with my coffee this morning, and I'm watching squirrels forage for nuts through the mountain of oak leaves that seem to have rained upon the yard over the past weekend.

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13 Comments:

At 3:08 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow! You're back. I've missed my (almost) daily fix of checking what's new with you & having some laughs.

I love the visual of you watching your elderly neighbor mow her lawn while you enjoy a smoke on your porch.

Welcome back.

 
At 3:20 PM, Blogger Rinda Elliott said...

Thanks for the smile today. Missed you, too!

 
At 5:53 PM, Blogger Shesawriter said...

Missed you, sweetie. Good to see you back.

 
At 6:42 PM, Blogger Michele said...

Very busy post! That's a lot of ground you covered.

I can't believe your neighbor let them into her house! I would never, ever allow strangers in my home. I talk to them through my window. I don't open the door for anyone! Even cops and feds get the window treatment.
(**gg**, I'm a good girl, they've stopped by for neighbor issues)

OH, and I like your PC reference for the religious visitors. **gg**

That was an adorable picture of the cats on the toilet tank, LOL..bet they were looking at those foraging squirrels.

Thanks for visiting my blog too!!
Always glad to see you.

 
At 8:03 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey, you! I faithfully check every day to see if you've written something new... glad to "see" you again! :)

 
At 12:36 PM, Blogger Bobbie (Sunny) Cole said...

You're all so nice for popping in - Tanya, I'm still reading past posts on your blog - lol. Beth, what a nice surprise! And Michele, my friend Janet sends me all those photos of the animals (usually it's her). Don't think the woman has a pet, but she loves the photos and shares when she gets 'em.

Rinda, we should be having drinks somewhere today or at least between now and CJ's birthday on the 5th of December. *sigh*

Kris, I owe you like half a dozen emails - loved the photo of the munchkin at Halloween.

 
At 3:52 PM, Blogger Amie Stuart said...

Sicko that I am, I think you need to use Daisy's tactic on her hubby in a book!

 
At 7:38 AM, Blogger Sam said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

 
At 5:31 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

What Sam said ;)

 
At 11:01 PM, Blogger April said...

Happy late Birthday!

So happy to see a post from you!

 
At 11:02 PM, Blogger Shesawriter said...

Lyn wrote: "Tanya, I'm still reading past posts on your blog"

Well, sweetie, I'm still looking at the cat poop picture on yours. And I don't know why! LOL!

 
At 1:15 PM, Blogger Bobbie (Sunny) Cole said...

aww, many thanks, Sam, Doug, & April. *g*

cracking UP, Tanya!!!!!!!

 
At 3:19 PM, Blogger Amie Stuart said...

Happy birthday toots!!!!!!!!

 

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