dawn of new year's eve!

That's right, this is my second new year's eve of 2025! Put that in your pipe and smoke it!

"Hey, g'friend! Glad to see the weather has finally improved."

You and me both, sister! It's so very good to be out of the house again. Even better, to have luncheon with one of my favorite people!

"Dawn!!! That must mean y'all are dining at The King & I for Thai?"

You betcha! 

"But wait... I'm confused. Isn't she supposed to be in New Jersey for surgery?"

Well, that donation of her kidney to her cousin has been postponed. Her cousin failed her pre-op appointment two weeks ago. It seems her liver enzymes are elevated and so now she has to see a liver specialist to find out what's going on.

"Oh, no! Do they know what may have caused it?"

Well, Dawn and I were talking and I told her that my bet is on the meds Kim was given last month when she was hospitalized for pneumonia. If her liver is now an issue, chances are those medications were a strain on that toxic waste site. All of those metabolites from the drugs had to be processed by the liver and, with the kidneys not filtering waste as they should, that was extra work for the liver.

"Damn. Do they know which liver enzymes are effected?"

Dawn told me it's the alkaline phosphatase that's elevated. It's unknown at this time if some other disease is at fault, or if it's a temporary elevation resulting from the pneumonia meds, but her cousin goes next Tuesday to the specialist. As I told Dawn, that will mean a series of tests and more doctor visits, so the kidney transplant may well be postponed for a couple of months. Meanwhile, I recommended to her that she go ahead and line up to meet with her clients and get this new year started with her career.

"That's true. I doubt anything will go on with the transplant until March, at least."

My money is on May. The specialist will order another test, which will take time. Then there will be the followup visit about that test, with most likely another test to be scheduled, with yet another followup with the doc, and so on. That will eat up at least two months. I remember burning through an entire summer with a specialist - Dr. Edward Rydzak - with tests and visits about abdominal bloating, only to find out I was lactose intolerant. Seriously, an entire summer! That was in 2008.

"I remember that quite well. Perhaps Dawn's cousin will weather this storm in good time, and still get to the point of being transplant-worthy."

I do hope so. I truly do. This is going toward her third year on dialysis.

vampires and the physicist!

A movie and slunch with the physicist was had today!

Quite a treat to have his company again so soon!

We last met up just two weeks ago, and that was a movie and luncheon, too.

This time, the film was one that was on his wish list: "Nosferatu", the new version, with Willem Dafoe and Nicholas Hoult.

It wasn't anything I might have seen on my own, but it was quite well played and was very true to the feel and story of the 1922 vampire classic.

He very much liked it, which was good, since the last one he chose was so poorly done.

As we were watching the credits, he asked me who the guy was who played 'Thomas Hutton".

"That was Nicholas Hoult," I said.

Nope, that name rang no bells.

So I rattled off a list of movies: my absolute favorite of his, "Warm Bodies"; the fun live action fable of "Jack the Giant Killer" in 2013; him as one of my favorite authors of my youth in "Tolkien"; him as a balls to the wall War Boy for "Mad Max Thunder Road"; with my other Nicolas in "Renfield", ripping off a bad guy's arms to beat him with them.

Nope, none of those rang a bell for the J-Dawg.

So he looked him up, using his communication device, and realized how he knew Hoult's face: it was from "The Great", a TV series on Hulu.

This more serious role gave him a real appreciation for Hoult - good!

After, he wanted french fries and I had a gift card from Tony and Laura to Texas Roadhouse, so there we went!

And guess what?

We both ordered fish and chips!

Well, kinda sorta.

(smile!)

He had fried catfish and steak fries; I had grilled salmon with baked sweet potato.

Like I said, fish and chips!

Maybe that can be our little inside joke.

(smile!)

As we have done so many times, we sat and talked about a myriad of things for about two hours, with Maya checking on us every so often to see if we needed anything.

Nope, we were just fine!

Throughout our bread course, our salads, and our dinners, we talked and talked.

I have enjoyed that with him for so many years!

Looking forward to more of that next year!

(smile!)

sharing Christmas with the physicist!

That very nearly rhymes, doesn't it?

"Sure, if you're playing fast and loose with the rhyming rules. Just like me claiming that what I wrote just now was a rhyme."

Oh, I get it! "Loose" and "rules" - you just have to slur over that hard "L" in the second word, like ignoring the "T" in "physicist". Still, I guess it couldn't really be called a poem quite yet. A few more lines would definitely be needed to have poetry.

"For sure. So, I take it that Tina Tuesday was spent with J-Dawg?"

Yes, it was, g'friend! What an unusual time it was, too. Can you believe that I convinced him to go to an animated film? Truth to tell, he probably wouldn't have agreed if the characters spoke.

I'm sure I wouldn't have asked him to go, either, had that been the case. But Carolyn had steered me to "Flow", and I did the same to him once I saw it was carried over for a second week at NCG.

"That's the foreign film about the cat and the tsunami, right? That did look quite interesting!"

He and I agreed and, as it was cheap movie day, we went to the noon30 screening. I was surprised that about fifteen people joined us for it!

"Very nice! That bodes well for such an artsy film. And was it good?"

It was delightful! I may have startled folks there with my laughing, but the kitteh did such patently kittenish things that I just couldn't help it!

"Oh, my! Did he laugh, too?"

Really, that isn't the sort of thing he would ever do. If we were at each other's house and watching it, he might have joined me a couple of times. But in a room of strangers? Not likely. Still, he didn't get up and move away from me, so that was good. (smile!) 

"That's not his way. He's quite supportive of you."

Yes, he is, isn't he? That makes him my bfe, as he's a keeper. (smile!) And, as I'd paid for the movie, he treated us to our luncheon at Jason's Deli! They were having a "2 for $20" special as part of their '12 Days of Deli-cious' promotion. We both ordered monster baked potatoes and the two drinks, then sat there talking and eating for the next two hours! It was great!!! I'm considering that a Christmas luncheon, for sure, especially with the movie. (smile!)

"That's what I'd do! Long afternoons with him are super rare!"

They're practically nonexistent, but winter break is here now. I'm hoping we'll be getting together next week for "Nosferatu", as he's already told me he wants to see it.

"That starts Christmas Day, doesn't it? That might make for a nice afternoon, perhaps with a meal somewhere afterward. Chinese at eTang would be great!"

Yeah, we'll see about that. Today was just so wonderful!

"What's up with the three photos? That's like something you'd get out of photo booth at the fair or a theme park."

Exactly!!! (smile!)

an early dawn christmas!

No, not the time of day... Dawn!

The hostess with the mostest out in North Jacksonville!

She and I had our luncheon today, and guess where we held it?

If you said "the Thai place", you're incorrect.

We went to The Narra Tree!

She had apparently tried out the Filipino restaurant some time back and was nonplussed, but she agreed to grant it a second chance.

"I'll give it another try," she said, "I trust you."

(smile!)

I was thrilled to go there again!

When I was there with Yvonne, I had so wanted to try the Adobo Fries...

and now I have!!!

In fact, I'd talked so much about the fries that Dawn wanted us to have them as the appetizer that they are meant to be...

and so we did!

And, yes, they are mot definitely scrumdillyumpcious!!!

(smile!)

We maybe ate half and then stopped.

We had entrees coming and they'd arrived!

I had the Escabeche Flounder - and recognized the taste from my days in Panama!

So nicely spicy!!!

I saved one of the three fillets for lunch another day.

Plus, Dawn gifted me the rest of the fries, so we all know what that means, right?

Dinner is done for tonight!!!

Woohoo!!

Such a delightful accompaniment to "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town" that will be!

Such a delightful Tina Tuesday this has been: Christmas luncheon with this lady!

(smile!)

 

moana and the chrimiyach!

But, first, a luncheon at El Potro!

All this time, I thought the name meant 'The Horse', but I was wrong.

She thought it meant 'The Pony', but she was wrong, too.

'El Potro' means 'The Colt".

How about that?

As many times as I've dined there, seems like I'd know.

Good to learn something new every day!

(smile!)

At any rate, that's where we four had our luncheon!

Did I say four?

I did!

That's my first niece, her two girls, and myself, with the littler females choosing to eat chips and cheese, the dish they've been eating most of their lives.

Yes, Christina has trained them well to associate that cuisine with a trip to see me!

(smile!)

Afterward, we let the girls run off some energy.

Christina had paid for my crunchy beef tacos, which was very nice!

She said it was because I'd bought the tickets for our Tina Tuesday cinema outing.

I had, too, but it wasn't the price shown here.

The very first screening of our movie was at 2 PM in the Big-D, so the prices were higher than normal, even with the matinee discount.

But my ticket was part of my A*List, so that made it free.

Then there was the Tuesday discount -

and I had $10 in AMC Rewards - 

plus another $7-something on a gift card -

so all I paid was $11.15 for the four tickets.

(smile!)

We were all looking forward to Miyah and Chloe having their first experience in the Big-D screening room, too!

That didn't happen, though, due to projector issues.

No worries, though!

We still got to see "Moana 2" in another screening room, and just 30 minutes later than it would have been.

Also, we each received a pass that can be used for any movie, any time, at any AMC!

Those are like gold!

(smile!)

After the movie, rush hour had begun so we hung out in the parking lot until a drizzle came along.

The girls ran and got in the van.

My first niece and I sheltered under the lift gate at the back of the van.

And that's when it came out...

when we least expected it...

the chrimiyach!!!

A three-headed beast with fierce faces!!!

Oh, no!!!

Hahahaha!!!

What a fun way to end our outing together!

(smile!)

luncheon with chem nerds!

I almost said "nerdesses", but I think it would be regarded as non-PC, so I didn't.

But I don't believe that Yvonne or Lea or Nicole would have objected one whit!

I have no photo of our group, so my dining choice will have to do.

That's the BEP Wrap, one of the specials at the kayak Kafe Midtown today.

In other words, the black-eyed pea pattie, with avocado and other healthy options, in a tortilla and served with a side salad.

We met just before noon, meaning I'd had breakfast not an hour earlier.

That meant half my entree went home with me for later!

And the conversation?

It started out with talk of children between Yvonne and Lea, but by the time we were all finishing our meals, we were firmly entrenched in chemistry matters.

That went on for an hour!!!

Even after we paid our tabs, we sat and talked and talked!

I very much enjoyed that... and was glad, once again, that I retired 6 years ago.

Yvonne is still very new to retirement, but I hope she'll find her joy soon.

Suzy Carpenter retires at the end of this semester.

That will make Lea the lone female chemistry instructor on the Armstrong campus.

Wow.

How very different from the days when I was there.

tina tuesday this month!

I celebrated with company from Hinesville!

 

"Oh, so you waited until they got out of school?"

 

Nope, didn't have to! No school for them since Friday! Remember that Armstrong always had a Fall Break about this time?

 

"Oh, sure! You went to Las Vegas for the Aloha Festival during that in 2013! The break was timed for Columbus Day as I recall."

Yes, and no. First off, I wasn't in Nevada just for that, but also the other Groupon deals I had for that trip: "MJ Live", "CSI: The Experience", and meals for most of the time I was there. I'm glad I took full advantage of DRI then - I really loved staying at Polo Towers. And I loved getting to see Meat Loaf on their dime - so very magical!

"Oh, my, yes... maybe one more trip out there? Maybe next year?"

Maybe next year. 

"So, tell me about today with your first niece! Did Michael's girls come, too?"

Nope, Christina wanted to keep it simple! Me, her, and her two little blondes! The twins aren't so little any more, acting more like tweens these days, even though they're still 9 years old. Well, they'll be 10 at month's end, but, still. They're not "little blondes" now. They don't want to get excited about anything, and they dampen the reactions of Miyah and Chloe, who both watch Alyssa and Leila so as to follow their reaction cues. 

 

"Oh, what spoil sports!"

It is what it is. Today was just about us!!! What a good time it was, too! Luncheon at Cici's, with a table near the front, so the game room there wouldn't be a distraction - hooray!

"Oh, good idea!! That was a nice change!"

That was a conscious choice, is what it was. (smile!) We all got to talk together while we munched on pizza. Plus, we were on time to head for the movie!

"Oh, yes, luncheon and a movie!!! What a nice outing together!!! What did you see?"

"The Wild Robot"! This was my third time and their first. And we all loved Rossum-7134! And, yes, before you ask: I did cry again, as I have each time. Christina did, too!

"That's so sweet. What about the two little blondes?"

No, they didn't, but they're only 7 and 6, so they don't have the experience yet to catch all the nuances of the story about the robot who adopts a gosling. But we two older girls certainly understood about that.

"Did y'all have your own private screening?"

There was another mother and child there, sitting several rows up. I made sure Miyah and Chloe knew not to go up there. Then, after the movie, Chloe made a move to go up the stairs and I stopped her short. I told her we would not be running up and down the stairs, as that was a bad habit the twins had started, one that could get the cinema in trouble if anyone got hurt. And you know what? She didn't even question me! It's as if she recognized that was bad behavior and chose to not do it. I was so proud of her!

"Very good! She and Miyah are both growing so fast..."

Yes, they are. Chloe's birthday party will be on Saturday, as her actual birthday fell during the hurricane Helene days. She wants to have a Halloween theme and said we all needed to wear costumes. But, while we were at Texas Longhorn picking up her mom's Family Chicken Dinner - my suggestion last week! - Chloe told me I didn't have to wear a costume if I didn't have one. Wasn't that kind of her? And totally unexpected!

"That's wonderful! So... will you wear a costume?"

I will not, but I will wear some Dia De Los Muertos tattoos. I'll have to take a photo, too, so I can share it with Ruthie. 

"I know she'll like that."

I do, too. Speaking of sharing, I had asked Christina if she knew what to do with extra coffee cups, as I was getting rid of some. She said she'd take them! During the hurricane, when she had 8 people at her house, she only had one coffee cup. So, now she'll have seven more!

"Let me see. That's the carousel mug from Okinawa, the Avogadro's number cup that you won at chem nerd trivia, the one from the Pirates' House - that's three. The red one from Gordon State College's teaching conference in 2012, one of the two FSU Cheminoles cups that Sabitra Brush gave you, and "The X-Files" cup. Hey, that's only six!"

The seventh wasn't in that line up, but it's also from Okinawa. It's the one that simply says "COFFEE" on its front.

"Perfect!"

snap to my rescue!!!

I've been thinking about applying for nutrition aid for a couple of years, but didn't.

Was I embarrassed about needing to do so?

No, that wasn't the issue.

Was I concerned about looking for a financial hand from the government?

Nope, that wasn't on my mind, either.

Was I possible thinking they might deny me the benefit?

Ding, ding, ding!

Yes, honestly, that was what I didn't want: to be told "No".

However, after spending time in Kissimmee with my first niece and seeing first-hand the many financial benefits of her having SNAP, I finally took the leap...

and they caught me with open arms!

Mine is called Senior SNAP - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for those who are 60 years of age or older.

Not only was I approved, but the card has already arrived!

It even has funds already on it, ready to use!

I applied online in mid-September, and the approval is dated from that first application date, so the funds cover part of last month, plus this month in full.

i thank You, God!

 

I had just bought groceries before Hurricane Helene took out the power.

Having to throw out all that new food was so very hard on me.

I even used two bags of ice to try to save some of it, but to no avail.

Plus, all the other stuff in the fridge - sauces, dressings, minced garlic and herbs - all that extra stuff needed in bits and pieces for making a meal - all that had to be trashed, too.

Then there were the bags of frozen vegetables and the pork loin in the freezer... 

as well as two pork chops from the Texas Roadhouse Family Meal deal in early September... 

and an entire box of Outshine popsicles that had not even yet been opened.

I found out on October 1st that I was approved.

I fully expected that the hurricane would have delayed the processing of the EBT card, but maybe it didn't, as the card was waiting for me after my luncheon with Yvonne and her new neighbor, Toni.

Yvonne has been taking her around to local places, as Toni is from Long Beach, CA.

They've already done Kayak Kafe and Spanky's, but my fellow Armstrong Pirate didn't know about soul food at Geneva's!

This was my first time to the new location, off Skidaway instead of Victory, so I didn't know that water wasn't free.

But I knew to recommend the fried chicken and the cornbread to the newcomers!

Geneva's cornbread has been legendary for decades!

And, after our leisurely luncheon, I walked them around the building to enjoy the murals.

Very nice, aren't they?

Now, I'm going to make a list for the grocery story.

It'll be good to take advantage of soup sales with this cooler weather.

Then, I'm going to check on Hurricane Milton, in the Gulf.

No need to restock perishables if the electricity might go out, right?

But what a relief to know I have the funds from SNAP to do so,

when the time is right.

i thank You, God.

dawn and sandy and political shenanigans

I had meant to take a photo of my luncheon, but I was busy listening to Dawn.

That's why I have this photo of the elite dancing in the rain on the beach.

Every time I see it at The King & I, I wonder what music they heard there.

Perhaps the servants were humming their favorite song?

(smile!) 

Afterward, went to "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" at the cinema, to see it in Big D.

Such a humorous flick it was, too, being most careful to step into those old shoes and walk the path left back in 1988 for it.

So glad it had Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O'Hara keeping the pace!

Then I popped over to Savannah VA to speak in person with my PCP.

We have yet to catch each other about the thyroid ultrasound and I have questions!

I now have a phone appointment with her on Friday.

I also tried to speak with the optometrist, Dr. Urban, about my left eye.

As I told the nurse, I am wondering if a bacterial infection from water droplets that got into that eye when I was working in the yard in the spring might be the culprit for the decreased vision I now have in my good eye.

Part of the reason I wonder such a thing is due to Ian, the blind student I had, the one that led me to create my tactile periodic table.

His blindness had resulted from swimming in a dirty pond when he was 12 years old.

By the time I was done with those errands and one at the bank, it was time to meet up with Sandy for a movie!

I'm so glad I'd thought to contact her about "Reagan".

She is very much into politics and I knew she'd be interested in that hagiography.

How about that fancy new word, eh?

A hagiography is a biography of a saint, and clearly the Lifeguard was regarded as such, even though the tale was told through the perspective of a Russian spy.

That was smart: place the emphasis on Reagan's desire to end Communism, to make it the focal point of the movie.

She and I both liked it and popped over to B & D Burgers for dinner to keep talking.

And guess what I had?

An updated cheeseburger!

Actually, it was two of them, called Steakhouse Sliders.

I highly recommend them! 

I highly recommend those movies, too, as well as the third on my not-quite-completed AMC A*List dance card.

I already made my reservation for yet another viewing of "Deadpool & Wolverine".

That will be seen tomorrow.

I do know this: every time I watch it, I want to see "Deadpool" again.

That just may be what I see with my next Comcast $1 Movie Night reward.

But, not tonight.

Am I planning to watch the Presidential Debate between the Prosecutor and the Ex-Pres?

Interestingly, I started doing so, but lost interest.

LOL!

That didn't start out being a joke, but it just happened that way.

Seriously!

And, as much as I'd liked to watch the Blond Man get thrashed, I'd rather see the new movie that Comcast has given to me: "The Blind Side".

Positive messages, lots of Sandra Bullock, and football - yes, much better!

(smile!)

let there be.... sushi!!!

Hallelujah!

That itch has been thoroughly scratched!

When the physicist arrived for our luncheon and asked if I had a hankering for anything in particular, sushi immediately leapt to mind!

That meant I had to tell him about seeing the documentary about the octogenarian again, the one we'd seen together so long ago.

Yes, he remembered that one!

And when he asked where to dine, I said "the place on Montgomery Cross Road", and he'd said, "oh, that's a good place, but I never remember which way its name goes."

That's when the correct order, and the name, popped up for me: Sushi Time Towa.

Yes!!! I love that place, though I haven't been in years!

They even had a luncheon special that looked very good to me...

ah, too bad it's only or Monday through Thursday.

That's when the J-Dawg said, "What day do you think today is?" 

Pause... wasn't it Sunday?

No, yesterday was Sunday, right, since I watched Billy's sermon "live" on youTube...

so, today must be Monday???

But it was Labor Day... which is always on a Monday!!!

Hooray!!!

So we both dined for $18.95 on the sumptuous feast provided by one weekday special!

Salad with ginger dressing, a beautifully-plated California roll, two pieces of tempura shrimp, two pieces of tempura vegetables, a generous helping of teriyaki chicken with vegetables, and a pillowy mound of white rice - and the waiter even brought us an extra plate to split it!

Wow!

Plus, we had lots of talking, too!

He's working on contacting his subconscious mind and I told him about my blog chats with myself and how helpful that is for working through issues.

I also told him that there's a T. S. Eliot line that helps trigger talks with my inner mind.

"Terrence this is stupid stuff, you eat your victuals fast enough."

[Though, just now, when I looked it up, I discovered I've credited the wrong poet.

I should have said A. E. Housman instead.]

"In fact," I told him, "I need to contact my subconscious about this loss adjustment problem I am having that has my sleep schedule screwed up."

So, we talked about Barbara and Kal, about that case still rocking on because the phones are locked, about my apparent need to have some resolution, about me waking up at least six times last night, about me being up until 2:30 AM or later and that causing me to wake up later than I like.

At least "Toon In With Me" had a theme of movie genres this morning, so I got see chuckle at Daffy Duck as a detective in a 1952 film noir spoof called "The Super Snooper".

(smile!)

That alone should have clued me in that it was a weekday, right?

That show isn't on Saturday or Sunday.

And, yet... it took the bfe's asking me "What day do you think today is?"

LOL!

What a fine way to spend a couple of hours today: in his company!

(smile!)

I'd already started out with a fine breakfast, using a chunk of leftover cheeseburger with lettuce and kosher dill pickle slices.

Thank you, Tony and Laura, for that party yesterday!

(smile!)

Then, for dinner tonight, I polished off the half-rack of ribs my other brother had brought with him to the Friday Fiesta at Jalapenos.

Smitty had texted first to confirm that I would be there.

Hooray for ribs for Labor Day!

Thank you, brother mine!

(smile!)

Now, I'm off to meet Carolyn at the cinema.

We're going to different movies, but it's still a chance to see each other.

I'm seeing "The Crow" again, she's seeing "Deadpool & Wolverine" once more.

What a full holiday weekend it's been!

(smile!)

luncheon of comfort and joy

Right place, right time.

I had almost called to cancel our luncheon, but hesitated.

I didn't want to have to say the words out loud about Barbara and Kal's deaths.

I had already spoken them to Lauri and Lynn, as well as to Kristin.

I had already sent numerous emails with those words to so many.

I had already sent so many texts to Sandy and Carolyn.

I needed a break.

So, I showed up at Houlihan's, as already scheduled...

and this "Summer Tree" greeted me.

Then Josie came!

She and I talked about so many things!

Her book about her time in Ghana as a teen is now under review with the publisher!

She is in process of moving all from her house to her new office, as her counseling business has been sold to her partner!

Both of those changes, as well as her bird-feeder invention, will provide revenue streams well into the future for Buddy Watch and the shelter for homeless veterans.

She also told me that her son, Michael, the impetus behind her creation of Buddy Watch, has gotten married, though time will tell how that turns out.

I told her about my trip to Kissimmee, but she could tell something was off.

After all, she's known me since high school.

She knows when the smile is reaching my eyes, and can tell when it stays only on my lips.

So, as we were finishing our meal, she asked what was up...

and I told her all of it, from the words I'd said to Carolyn to the

nightmare visit to the Wilmington Island house to all the

rehashing while notifying friends Barbara and I had in common.

She wondered why the police did not have yellow tape out front to mark

the homicide scene, but she listened intently.

Then, she reassured me, as Jeff and Christina had, that there was 

no call for guilt on my part for my glib slip of the tongue.

And we talked about Barbara's decade-long infatuation with the SCAD

philosophy professor and about her continual insistence for three years

that she would take care of him when he finally had the hip surgery.

And we talked about Kal's narcissistic need for a live audience for his 

classes, how he had detested having to teach by ZOOM this summer,

how depressed he was at the thought of having to do so again in fall.

And we talked about both of my friends having owned guns.

A momentary lapse of reason, with forever consequences.

Does it matter which fired their weapon first?

No.

Does it matter whether it was murder-suicide or double homicide?

No.

Both are dead, both are dead from gunshot.

Still.

The thing to keep in mind, though, is as my first niece said:

"The last ten minutes of their story is far less important than

the rest of their story."

Jo agreed.

i thank You, God, for these wise women in my life.

luncheon for a michigander flying home

"That's incorrect. Cathy Mac is driving there."

Okay, you got me. I was going for the pun about geese and ganders, but, no.

"My bad, dearie! Carry on, it's all good! What's up with the photo?"

We had a farewell luncheon with her at Sweet Potatoes. I still think of this location as being Toucan Cafe, but it hasn't been called that for a few years. I'm glad they kept much of the art that had been at Sweet Potatoes when it was on Waters. This painting has long been one of my favorites!

"I see by your plate that you had some other favorites while there! Nice!"

Yes, those lemon collard greens and the Brussels sprouts are definitely faves! And the baked sweet potato as dessert to go along with the meal - very nice. But I did try something different this time: Hot and Sour Garlic Pickles. You know what they reminded me of?

"The Garlic Cucumbers at E-TANG?"

Exactly! They certainly weren't spicy, and they weren't quite as garlic-infused, but they certainly were tasty. Lea had the veggie platter, too, naturally, and her choices were all different from mine!

"Oh, how nice that the vegetarian was there! It's been a while since you've spent time with her. Who else was there?"

Cathy Mac, of course, as the person being honored. Plus, Yvonne, Donna, Lea, The 'Cole, and me. Six of us. I guess that made this a doctor appointment!

"Hahahaha! That's a funny meme!"

Yeah, the joke about "all appointments being doctor appointments when you have a PhD" popped up on my fb page as a memory of my BFF's post. I guess it would be to the sixth power for this luncheon! Oh, that reminds me of a story about one of Lea's students. The student actually thought that to get rid of an exponent on a number that was squared you would divide by 2!!! I laughed out loud when she said that! Just blew my mind!

"Oh, wow. That's pretty bad. And she deals with students who are chemistry majors."

I tell you what, it made me glad to not be teaching, that's what it did. Truly! I left that luncheon convinced that I had done the right thing by retiring before the pandemic. Having to deal with students who got their high school diplomas by Zoom just isn't the way I'd want to be spending my time.

"Heard that. Whoa, isn't that the farewell card you got for Cathy?"

Yes, it is. I forgot it, but she made sure we all have her new address. So, by the time she gets to East China, my missive will be awaiting her.

"Wait... east China... is that a joke?"

Nope! It's an actual town in that state shaped like a mitten! Go figure!

just add 6 for the heat index...

Trust me, that means it's cooled off, ever so slightly.

Just ignore the rain symbol, as it's been wrong for the last few days.

Wait, I take that back - the rain comes very late at night, when most are asleep.

I hear it, though.

That's why the humidity has made the air nearly intolerable to breathe in the daytime.

Even so, I ventured out with mi amiga, Sandy for a luncheon!

We went to Chili's and talked for almost two hours - very nice!

We both went home with food for dinner, too.

That's a nice bonus!

That gave me something cool to eat after my workout in the front yard.

No need for the Purple Planet when I have the Ryobi to push around, yet again.

That wasn't today, though.

I worked on the front yard Saturday and Sunday.

Yes, that grass was already so thick that the mower battery ran out of juice before I was done on the first try, so I had to finish the next day... and ran that battery dry that time, too!

Today's efforts, though, ended with that big bag and little pile down by the curb.

Now, I'm going to have po' girl ceviche along with those leftover chips from Chili's while I wait for "The Quiz With Balls".

Nice to know I'll still have leftover Cajun Shrimp Pasta for tomorrow!

I'll most likely have it chilled.

(smile!)

poland, china, and italy!

Those were the countries I visited for food and entertainment on this week!

The Polish man who runs CinemaSavannah brought us a Polish film tonight and was quite pleased to introduce it to us.

Barbara and I went, but none of the other amigas, to see "Kobieta na dachu", which literally means "Woman On The Roof".

What a hard time that 60-year-old had, caught between a promise to her sister and a secret from her husband that had her mired in debt.

Yes, E-TANG was a good place to revive our senses after that deluge of dourness.

Even better was this: mi amiga treated me to the dinner as my birthday gift!

Plus, the restaurant treated us to little plates and bowls so we could share the Hot Sour Soup, the Garlic Cucumbers, and the Snow Pea Greens as Chinese food is meant to be eaten - and we each took home food for a later meal!

We both agreed that I really do need to thank the bfe again for introducing me to this place.

(smile!) 

Speaking of him, we met up on Monday evening!

He had returned from his ashram experience and was excited to tell me all about it.

Learning the Sanskrit alphabet!

Chanting in different languages!

Sleeping under the stars in his tent!

Such wonderful tales of his vacation!

We were Bonefish-ing, naturally, and I tried a new dish: Pineapple Shrimp on coconut rice.

Rather tasty it was, too, like having dessert with my dinner... and I do so enjoy that, when dessert first is not an option!

(smile!)

Oh, and I had a luncheon on Monday, too!

Yvonne and I went to the Olive Garden 'cause they treat us like family and it's our go-to place for gathering.

Soup and salad, both dining on Pasta Fagiole for a change!

We had a nice and leisurely - three hours!!! - meal, there inside the cool of the restaurant.

Yes, summer didn't officially get here until today, but the humidity makes those upper-80's feel more like mid-90's.

Spotty little showers just add to that water in the air!

We even had one of those earlier, but I had finished the back yard, thankfully.

Oh, and that post reminded me that I'd mentioned going to Jalapenos today.

However, Mexican wasn't on my list as all I had time for were chips and salsa, as I knew Boo was coming for me and she's always early.

Still, I did get to visit with all the usual folks at the S&K Family Fiesta, except for Becca, as she was having a birthday dinner with her mom.

I had some visit time with John and Sherry, too, as the Schomburgs had popped down from the mountains to surprise all of us!

That was quite nice!!!

And when I told John I was going to a Polish film, he reminded me that his birth parents were Polish, and he was adopted.

Major coolness!

(smile!)

Okay, time for me to settle in and settle down.

I have a busy weekend planned!

(smile!)

dawn with route 66 luncheon

"You were on the road? 

How could that be? 

You have VBS tonight, don't you?"

You know it!

I will even have lines this time.

But first, how about some food?

Specifically, let's have free birthday food!!!

"Most definitely! 

And who was granting you that?"

Dawn and Houlihan's!

She had no idea they had a loyalty program with that fabulous perquisite, so now she does.

We may well return next month for her birthday!

"Very nice of you to spread the joy with her!

Do I see seafood in that pasta?"

You most certainly do!

That's Sedona Shrimp Pasta, and it was spicy!!!

As it turned out, it was also absolutely perfect for my Route 66 birthday.

That town in Arizona is just a little sidetrip from the famous highway.

I just may have to travel that someday!

"What an incredible coincidence!

Is that why you ordered that dish?"

Actually, I had no idea until I googled it just now.

The Universe was just looking out for me!

Right place, right time!

there... are... only... 4... blondes...

That's because my first niece has dyed her hair black!

New house, new life, new hair color - hooray!

That loss of blonde must have adjusted her timing...

she was actually right on time for our luncheon!

And just where had we two chicas met?

Chicken Salad Chick, naturally!

Fruity Fran was just my speed, now that I'm on 

birthday Route 66!

Next up?

Picking up her two little blondes from their Grammy, at her doctor's office, then meeting up with two more little blondes, and their dad, for a movie!

So much energy they had!

The four girls have had four nights together and were soooo revved up!

This is almost an hour after "If" ended -

which we all enjoyed -

and they're still playing games!

That's Miyah, hand up for Uncle Michael to give her a proffered dollar, while Alyssa stands beside her and Leila waits her turn.

And Chloe?

She was off scoping out which machine to take her money.

Oh, and speaking of toys... Michael won me a little pink dog (or was it a pig?) with teal green muzzle, ears, and tail, from that very machine!

Dog or pig, it certainly is a cutie!

By the time we ended that birthday get-together, it was 5 PM.

For real!

Thanks, AMC, for the large birthday popcorn and large birthday drink (that I shared with the four little blondes)!

 

By the time I was back to my car, it was after 6.

My goodness!

They ordered dinner to go from a nearby spot, while I did the same at Jason's Deli.

Good deal!

I got two kids meals for 99 cents each, as well as dinner for another time.

Most excellent!

Here's one of the kids meals, the Chicken Penne Alfredo, which was so very tasty!

It also went well with "27 Dresses" on Peacock.

(smile!)

Tomorrow, I'll eat half the kids Pepperoni Pizza for breakfast, and the other half on Friday.

Just perfect!

Such a wonderful day with family!

(smile!)

free at last, free at last, yvonne and cathy are free at last!

Today's three-hour retirement luncheon was in honor of these two women!

Hooray for them!!!

Cathy Mac (seated) will be flitting off to Michigan, her home state, with family nearby for the first time in more than thirty years.

Yvonne (standing) already has her daughter living in this area, so she'll be hanging tight while hanging out, but letting loose.

I am so very happy for both of them!

(smile!)

That's Donna Mullenax in the Armstrong t-shirt.

"Once A Pirate, Always A Pirate" - for sure!

Gotta love that West Virginia moxie!!!

She's the one who organized this event, so brava to her!

B&D Burgers set us up on the patio, too - perfect!

(smile!)

Nice to see some other familiar faces here!

These two fellows I've both seen fairly recently.

Brandon Quillian was at the ACS dinner in March.

As for Richard Wallace, it's been a bit longer.

That was last summer when I sat with him and his wife at "The Phantom Of The Opera".

(smile!)

As for these two fine fellows, it's been much longer ago!

I haven't seen Leon Jaynes (left), my former physics professor, since the 2017 year-end soiree at the Pirates' House!

As for Pete Zipperer, he and his lovely wife were both at "The Little Prince", in 2019, to see their grandson - and he was fabulous as the Pilot in that opera!!

Ah, those bonny, pre-pandemic, years!

(smile!)

And who do we have in this trio?

That's the ever-ebuliient Jim Lobue, the bfe, and Ria of Trinidad!

Jim retired last year, but still keeps an office, so he was able to share a ride with Ria, who was new to me, but quite engaging.

The physicist had bounced over to warn them about me - hahaha!

Too late!

Jim has retired and is free at last along with me, as are the old pros  Leon and Pete!

Welcome to the new world, Yvonne and Cathy!!!

I'm looking for others, like Suzy Carpenter, to join our ranks next year!

(smile!)