It's just that kind of Sunday

Last week was just odd. I had so much that needed to be done and only four days to do it. I'm not complaining about three day weekends, you understand. I was just feeling frazzled. So, by Saturday, what with CaDiva's mouth being so tender, I only had a few things I could do.

I debugged The Mom's computer. We picked up HRH for lunch at the Cracker Barrel. I stopped at the store for things CaDiva could digest without chewing. And then I listened to a book I have read 5 times on a YouTube audio while CaDiva watched the Royals beat the Blue Jays and the Mets trounce the Cubs.

I see by my computer screen, it is 44 degrees Fahrenheit. I have finished "A Walk In The Woods" after thoroughly enjoying the movie. CaDiva is doing laundry and there is fresh coffee in the kitchen. I should go down to Merle Hay Mall and tour the RVs. (see, some how I was going to get to Travel in this blog)

But, what if there is another game? Ayla has just found Baby. I could possibly work on the departure rating I e-mailed home. And,besides, did I mention it is 44 degrees? So, I think I'll just find chapter 12 and pick up where I left off last night.

Boys of Autumn

I'm married to a baseball fan. Worse than that, I'm married to a NY Mets fan. We were married in a skybox at the stadium while the farm teams for the Cubs and the Mets played. We spent many a happy day in Kansas City during work details. We live in the midwest, so she has been exploring new teams she might enjoy seeing. Now, the KC Royals, the Chicago Cubs, the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays are battling for the World Series.

I'm saying two things. My sister, HRH is blaming her for the fact I know everything I just mentioned. And, if the Blue Jays win, she is not the goat, no matter what she said about being happy if any of the other three won.

CaDiva and the Blind Munchies

First you have to know, CaDiva didn't have any fun in the sixties. She not only didn't inhale, she doesn't even drink. But, in order to get her butt in a dentist's chair, we have to start with what they call oral sedation. Then she gets the Novocain. Not to mention a headset with soothing music. Well, they call it soothing now. When we were young, we called it Rock.

But, yesterday was pretty bad and everything hit her even more than usual. I know this because it is normal for me to pour her into the car after, but she doesn't usually ask to go into the store with me when I'm picking up the "no chewing required" meals she will need between now and when I get home. I slid her into a store wheelchair and handed her a basket. I bought her everything she thought she could eat. Starting with hand-packed lemon orange blast sorbet. Then bananas. Then fruit smoothies. And a cappuccino smoothie. Then Bob Evans mac&cheese. Then gourmet potato bacon cheese soup. Then pumpkin cupcakes.

I got her home and she settled into the love seat while I made some phone calls. She may have dropped off a few times while I talked to The Mom and HRH. Either that or a love-sick moose moved into the house next door. When she roused, she thought one of the cupcakes was a good idea. And shortly after, she decided bed would be an equally good idea.

I woke her up a few hours later to get some pain meds down her throat before the Novocain wore off. But, that was about the last I heard from her before breakfast. She seemed normal enough. At least until I called home later that night. It turned out she didn't remember much after leaving the dentist. She wondered what the orange stuff was in the freezer. She also wondered where the missing cupcake was? She made some Tuscany bean soup because she didn't want to eat the soup in the fridge in case I got it for my dinner.

She is a cheap date, but loads of fun.

She just told me she can't rebut any of this, but only because she can't remember which part I'm making up. BTW, none of it.

Winter plans begin...

Planned Parenthood book sale this week. CaDiva and I went on Sunday (50% off day) before we went to see The Martian. By the way, a great two and a half hours, and I highly recommend both of them. Today, I went to the 75% off Super Monday and laid in 21 mystery books for The Mom for the long winter. Saturday, I also picked up some crochet patterns and basics books for mohrh and the cuz-in-law. They want to learn to crochet during the long winter. CaDiva bought several cook sensibly and craft books to prepare for the long winter.

Sadly, CaDiva and I also had a dentist appointment today. It was supposed to be a few fillings and fitting for crowns. While the good DDS injected one place in the lower right jaw, he hit an encapsulated abscess.  Upon examination, the tooth was lost and the root cracked. She took it very bravely, and not just because we dope her out of her ever loving mind just to get her in the chair.

We will have at least another month of messing with her to get her mouth ready for the long winter. As for now, fruit smoothies and soft food.

I'm cooking for my self and just hanging tight until she is back up and on her feet. Talk to everyone soon.

Two Hours until touch down

Bidding goodbye to the last sunrises and breakfast on the balcony.

 A little history on the way to the airport. Tour of the USS Lexington.

The Corpus Airport to the Dubya Airport...short flight, no reported sugar od'd toddlers. But, they had to take a train between concourse A and B. And the Prince Consort is picking them up at DSM at 11:30 tonight. I'm dying to see pictures and to understand about the red tide cough. 

HRH wishes you an Amazing Tuesday

HRH and SLY had one last full day in South Padre. They fly home tomorrow. But they still had a glorious sunrise and a perfect lunch. 

HRH declared banana, nutella, and honey butter is the Trifecta.

SLY shared one final message on FB, "One last spectacular sunset before heading back North tomorrow." In between, all reports are a wonderful experience.

Some Mondays are just worth it...

The sunsets are golden. 

The showers are straight out of HGTV. 

And before a dolphin cruise, you can have a nice glass of wine.  Although I'm not quite certain what is in that glass on the right. 

So it turns out they were on Osprey Cruise, aka booze cruise and saw more dolphins than they could count. Those are all my details. I'm hoping for more soon. 

On the other hand, that cold CaDiva insisted I had last night is exactly what I said it was, dust from the implosion. 

Sunday kind of day

Still waiting to hear from HRH and SLY how they spent the day. I know she was up early enough for this sunrise photo to make yesterday's blog. 

It looks like they had a quiet day with a picnic lunch on the balcony, I'm guessing.

And she probably didn't know the sun was over her shoulder so HRH did a kind of selfie in the pool.  

HRH did call last night. She is having a grand time. Although she really only want to know where delete was on Facebook. She still needs me. And so ends Sunday in South Padre Island.

Another one bites the dust...

I don't know what HRH and SLY have planned for today, but I momentarily considered getting up early and going downtown to watch them implode the YMCA building down by the river. They were supposed to set off the explosions at first light, around 7:15. The air was soft and cool and it was an autumn Sunday in Iowa, what did I have to do that was any better.

Well, when the alarm went off, snuggling under the blankets and going back to sleep sounded much better. Plus, they set it off like 15 minutes early. And, based on the sneezing I have been doing since then, I probably didn't need the dust.

CaDiva was awake and actually heard the concussion of the implosion. Her bedroom has two windows and one of them faces east. Also, she is a cat princess and can tell if there is a pea under her mattress. One day I should explain how confusing that story was to me as a child. I was very literal and the only peas I knew about came from a Del Monte can. A squished foul tasting vegetable would not have kept me up.

Oh, where was I? Yes, the implosion. I have a few links if you would like to see it. It is sort of a shame since there the building held some wonderful artwork I think dated back to the WPA days.

I should look that up. But still, enjoy the downtown Des Moines skyline at dawn courtesy WHO and KCCI.

WHO, The Des Moines Register, and KCCI own these images. I don't have any right to them so I'm only giving you the links. But, if you ask me, WHO has THE BEST still slide show of all of them. Sorry, KCCI, you know you are my favorite.

Saturday in South Padre

Sunrise, Sunset
Sunrise, Sunset
Swiftly fly the days...

And in between they went to the Sand Castle building workshop and festival. I don't have pictures or stories from their workshop. But SLY sent pictures of the first and second place sand castle winners. I am still fantasizing about twilight on that beach.

Not that they second guess the judges, second place was their favorite.

Regardless of my feelings about twilight, I know HRH's favorite is early morning. A cup of tea with her tablet or tunes, alone before the start of the day. For our benefit, she does take a moment with her phone to snap the sunrise. Her message today, "Happy Sunday."

Good Morning from SPI

I'm waiting anxiously for pictures from the Sand Castle Workshop and Festival. We missed the opportunity to see one when we visited the Oregon coast.

But, HRH is keeping me going with wonderful sun-scapes. HRH reports, "We are on a barrier island. Sunrises from our lanai. Sunset from across the street the Laguna Madre side" 

I might have cast some mild aspersions on one of her sunsets because of the lack of waves. Of course, it was merely to motivate her to get a little more creative.

What a great name for a beach-side restaurant, Wanna Wanna Inn Beach Bar and Grill.

Late lunch, early dinner, who knows but there was definitely something in a long tall glass.

View from the Wanna Wanna Inn Beach Bar and Grill

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Day Two in South Padre

Google Earth shot of the Condo

When HRH gets home, she can show us where her condo was.

Her messages today say today was amazing. Sea Turtles, Bus ride. Sunset. Outstanding.

Ok, so apparently you can have so much fun and relaxation, the fact that your sister is sitting way up where the temperature is falling and we have no negative ions, is not sufficient reason to send more pictures.

Per HRH, "Sea Turtles Rock"

So it is day two of my vicarious vacation.

Yesterday, HRH and SLY drove from Corpus Christi to South Padre Island. This is about a 2.5 hour drive, unless HRH was driving. In which case, they may have gotten there a little sooner except for the stop at King Ranch. I don't know anything about her experience yet. Texting only goes so far, you know? I do remember when I was in school in the 60's they told us King Ranch was the largest cattle ranch in Texas.

Google Map view of the drive to Kings Ranch

I went onto King Ranch website to get some information. It is larger than Rhode Island and has many different tours, special events, and a museum. I'm anxious to hear her stories when she comes home next week.










HRH has been sharing some of the pictures so that we don't have to wait until next week for some of her stories, even if they are only my interpretation of the snapshots.

I can imagine HRH and SLY walking along the beach at sunset. I feel the warm autumn breezes and hear the tide coming in. Then they walk up the bluff to the white lighthouse against the black sky. Dang, does my sister take good pictures or what?











I have no details yet, but according her her Facebook posts, she is at Sea Turtle, Inc.

Her post pretty much says it all. No, not really. I want DETAILS. I'll keep sharing everything she sends me that doesn't involve her eating carb-filled casserole with her eyes rolled back in her head. But, I'm keeping the picture for future blackmail purposes.

Preview to HRH and SLY's tales...

She will tell her own story when she get's home. But, since neither CaDiva nor HRH blog even as frequently as do I, I will share what she tells me so far.

The intrepid travelers departed Des Moines in the wee small hours of Thursday morning, via an airline who shall remain nameless since they lost The Mom in Chicago. It was a long flight to Houston and then a puddle jump to Corpus Christi. The plane she boarded for the hop to Corpus held 49 passengers and a two-year old hyped on sugar who was seated behind HRH as she settled into her 27.3" wide seat. Enough said.

They got the rental car, no description yet, and found the first critical stop - WHATABURGER. It was HRH's first and she was more than satisfied.

Then they found the condo complex and settled in. She shared pictures from her balcony. She has a great view over a parking lot to the ocean. All she needs to do is lean back with her tea and tablet in the morning and enjoy the sound of the waves.

Snagged from HRH's FB timeline

She also shared a picture from the site of the sand castle building festival. I'm still trying to find a way to get them off my phone. She has tickets to attend a sand castle workshop. I am anticipating grand pictures.

The one bad news is red tide warning.

According to channel 4 CBS affiliate in South Padre "The bloom is caused by an algae commonly found in coastal areas. It's back with a vengeance this year, and its toxins are responsible for killing sea life and keeping beachgoers off the sand. In humans, red tide can cause coughing and sneezing."  They assured readers the sand castle festival will go on as planned.

Congress Passes Spending Bill

So I get to work tomorrow.

On the other hand, HRH and SLY have to be at the airport and half-past too damned early. But they will be in South Padre early enough to enjoy their first day. They are driving to the island from Corpus. That made me remember the drive from Plantation to Sunny Isle.

We had a great hotel, I told you about it earlier, but it was 20 miles from work. So CaDiva drove me to and from work every day. Every night, we would drive through Miami traffic (she is much gutsier than am I) but as we crested the rise in the road...it was all worth it. Just one, glorious expanse of blue water edged by white beach.

It caught our breath every time.

I hope HRH and SLY have something like it. I am waiting for the stories.

South Padre Bound

HRH is leaving tomorrow for South Padre Island on the Gulf of Mexico.

I left her an FB message to remind her we needed her agenda. We are, after all, her PEOPLE. I'm afraid we are still paying the price for being out of the house when she was flying in from her last business trip.

Oh, that was embarrassing. We were supposed to be tracking her flights to let her know what gate she needed to be at and we were out running errands.

We will redeem ourselves.

I'll fill you in as she gives us details.

First detail. Apparently she doesn't leave until Thursday. Back with breaking vacation news as we confirm or suspect facts.

Great weekend, but I'm ready to crash

CaDiva is making a pot roast, mashed potatoes and spinach. So, I'm going to check my tasks on the computer, see if congress has passed a CR and head upstairs to watch TV and fall asleep.

I'm seriously worried since Boehner resigned. Keep your fingers crossed.

I have been thinking about some of the other issues I haven't blogged about yet. I'm trying to imagine what would be most interesting. But, I hope to have something fun to read tomorrow.

Super Moon Lunar Eclipse - what a way to spend Sunday night

CaDiva and packed up the Highlander with a picnic and cameras and headed north. We found a rest stop north of Ames which looked likely. 

Of course, we overshot the primo eclipse watching spot. So we backed up, way up. This seriously freaked the housekeeping lady at the rest stop. She came out and asked me, "Are you looking for someone." I answered clueless, "Yeah, the full lunar eclipse." 

She was tickled finally, after she realized we weren't some troublemakers, because she wanted to see it too. As we sat in our parking place, popping out every ten minutes or so to snap pictures, we started to gather a crowd. One little girl was going to call her grandma, who lives way far away, but she can take pictures. Several were amazed at the pictures I was getting with my little Nikon.

CaDiva and I noshed and snapped and noshed some more. But here is what we ended up with.

Super Moon rising over Iowa

Just a little shadow off to one side.

And so it begins

Just a bit more

It is getting serious now

It is almost half now - and moving fast

It reminds me of an outhouse door now.

Just a bit more...getting hard to focus the camera at this point.

Oh, it took me about 20 shots to even get this one. I just couldn't hold the camera still.

And, an hour later, it was over.

Fortunately, CaDiva eventually stopped laughing at my attempt to take a selfie with a Nikon in a front seat. It wasn't pretty. 

Oh, what a day...

As I mentioned, HRH was off shopping or spending the day at a lake or something. If it was shopping, remember I need a new wallet. Lady Buxton. Can be a billfold since I no longer need something big enough to hold a checkbook. If it was a lake, well why the hell not. Did you see the day we we are having? Can you believe it is September 26th?  Cross your fingers for a long, slow autumn. I'm trying to talk CaDiva into a trip to the Great River Road next weekend.

As for today, on our way to The Mom's house, we found a bike. A lady's comfort bike. With a FREE BIKE sign taped to the seat. It was sitting with a boy's bike with a bent rear wheel. And a toddler's bike. And the lady's bike was seriously out of plum. Sort of made a sad story, if you think about it. But it was free and I got out of the Highlander and walked it home. CaDiva and I are going to see if it can be made right for a reasonable amount. Then she can force me to get my butt out on the bike. Because I won't have an excuse about falling down and not having anyone to help me get back up. Long story. Another blog entirely.

After that, we went to The Mom's house. We got her health insurance thing all handled, on-line. Smooth as silk. Thank you very much Social Security.gov. Then we ate at Taco John. Ok, no big to the rest of you, but The Mom never had a taco before. And at 108 lbs and holding, if the the lady wants a taco, she gets a taco. She was only able to eat one and a few of the faux-tater tots they call potato ole`s. But she liked the coffee. And she thinks she would try a taco again, but maybe a soft shell.

Then we went shopping. We didn't find the hose or iron tabs. But we did get BOGO for the Vitamin D. Note to me, she wants 2000 milligrams. It was even a real BOGO, not one of those pseudo-bogos where you buy one and get one half off. Seriously. On the other hand, it was Walgreen's. So you had to have a Walgreen's membership card. Well, of course we did...look who I'm married to. Right?

Don't tell The Mom, we even found her bullet-proof pantyhose at a second Walgreen's.

Anyway, after a stop at the grocery store for some nutrition drink (Serious Hy-Vee, we really want the enriched plus in chocolate back. That is 50 more calories and she liked the taste. She does not want the vanilla or strawberry even if she could put chocolate syrup in them. Please bring back the enriched plus.) Where was I? Oh yeah, well she was pretty tuckered by that point, so we took her home. Yes, she had the left over taco, which we tried to tell her wouldn't be good for dinner. But we talked her into buying some ham and Swiss pinwheels from the Hy-Vee deli.  So, hopefully she has already noshed on that tonight.

CaDiva and I went to see The Intern, Oh, without a doubt, best movie this year. Not only that but I got a special on my giant iced tea. Note to mid-westerners. If you ask me do I want my tea unsweetened or sweetened, I think you are asking me if you want to add sweetener to my tea. Which I do. But, if you want to sell me Sweet Tea, you have to offer me Sweet Tea. Sweet Tea is different than sweetened tea. Ask anyone who can use any of the versions of ya'll to explain the difference. None of which have anything to do with using capitals versus lower case.

Does anyone know lower case now? Is that a old thing?  I don't know. I mean small, except if you use an 8 Caliph font it is small and you can still capitalize it. Oh damn, off on a tangent again. Anyway, the movie...Best movie all year. I literally turned to CaDiva multiple times to say...this is such a good movie.

The theater was filled with our age-mates. And we were all laughing and gasping and crying out loud. I didn't cry. CaDiva did. I knew she would. But I didn't. Actually, she cried almost as much as DeNiro, although not as well as Hathaway. That might be  spoiler alert. Without a different doubt Nancy Meyers is our new Nora Ephron

Then, to top things all off, we walked out and there was Cousint. This is the second time we have been to the same movie, on the same day, same theater, one showing apart. We even bootleg the same way. Although she does Nestle` products, which I don't. But this is such a good day I'm not even going to tell you why.

Then we drove home and it is a super moon. I'm going to go out and get a picture.

Don't worry, you don't have to be impressed. It was way more impressive as a pale moon rising. I think one of the discovery channels said the moon used to appear like 10 times the size it is now. Dang, wouldn't that be a sight to behold. I think I might be getting ready to digress again. So I'll sign off now.