Resetting the parameters of an I-pad resulted in...

A new screen saver...and a reminder of Robert Frost.  Perhaps the pavement is a bit off-putting.  After all, when one mentally sees two paths in a wood, this isn't what you would expect.  And yet, the concept holds.  If you take the curve to the right, you come to the gate of this community, and on into the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Absolutely gorgeous!  You couldn't go wrong.  But where will the path to the left take you?  Time allowing, it would make sense to me to find out.  I've been lost before and always found my way home.  And there's that Frost thing....  May you be all the better for the paths you take and know you are loved!

I'll give you...

A daisy a day, dear...  For some reason, this song has been dancing around in the chasm of my mind today, and maybe by writing about it, it might find another home?  Perhaps it has to do with how amazingly lucky I was in my selection of life partner.  Perhaps it has to do with how lucky I have been in my selection of friends.  Perhaps it's because I heard it first thing this morning to remind me about that luck.  I will wait 'til rivers run still and the four winds all blow away to complain about my life!  And I will love you!  Now, it's your turn to hum the song!

It's really sweet!

That would refer to the fudge I just finished.  Elmer Fudge rides this Wednesday, and I wanted to be sure to have a variety of the world's best fudge ready for the winners!  It amazes me the number of businesses in town that participate in this promotion!  What a positive way to showcase our hamlet to all those out-of-state hunters who grace us with their presence!  And what amazing effort some businesses exert!  This is one of my favorite times of the year to be involved with this community of caring, progressive people!  Here's to you, participants! I toast you with chocolate, Mounds, peppermint crunch, raspberry, and pineapple!  How sweet you are.  Know, my peeps, that you are loved!

What's for supper?

I never understood my mother...on several levels...but especially when she would comment on how hard it was to cook for us.  We ate everything.  Rarely did we complain (well, there was that one time our main course was chunky beef soup from a can, but other than that...).  She was an exceptional cook.  So what was the problem?  I think I now know.  It's not in the cooking.  It's not in the shopping.  It's not in the clean up.  It's in the bloody "what?"!  Coming up with an idea is the hardest thing in the world.  We had beef yesterday (and this morning, and at noon)!  Chicken graces our table more than it does a coop.  Pork is so lean, it becomes amazing dry and hard to eat.  Chinese and Mexican are possibilities, but we're trying to lower our carb intake, so not so much.  I'm open for any suggestions.  Now.  You see, it's supper time and...
Know you are loved!

The picture of tenacity

It was the day to clean out the garden!  Following a couple frosts, foliage lacked luster, and let's face it, we don't have that many shorts and shirtsleeve kinds of days to do the cleaning!  As Cath attacked the day lilies, she came across this little devil, nestled deep in the browning leaves.  Undaunted by the temperatures, it wasn't ready to give up!  Despite amazing odds, it held on to "strut it's stuff"!  And we are the beneficiaries!  Not to be outdone, I attacked the back half of the garden, and was likewise rewarded!

The leaves are a bit shop worn, the blooms less than perfect, but oh, how it reminded me that even when things are not at their best, we can find a way to survive and thrive...a little worse for wear at times, but survive none the less!  All it took was a little yard work!

And then, there are the asters!  Like you, they make me smile.  Enjoy them, and know you are loved!

Sex, money, and Rock and Roll

Jeopardy question?  What are three things on which most everyone has a point of view?  In my case, as I would guess in most Y chromosomal units, I like them.  That being said, I really believe all three are personal and do NOT need to be discussed ALL the time.  I quickly tire of television programs that seem to believe my intelligence level is akin to a bull elephant in heat.  A HINT of something to me is far more entertaining than being hit over the head!  Call me old fashioned.  As far as money is concerned, like some people, we have enough to survive, a little for play, and a little to share with those that don't.  Amounts shouldn't be the concern of anyone but the two of us.  Call me old fashioned.  And as far as R&R is concerned, Bob Seeger says it best.  Call me old fashioned.  In fact, if I see one more graphic bedroom scene, get asked once more how much we have saved, or hear M&M rap, I'm going to have an old fashioned!  Of this you can be sure.  This old fuddy duddy does love you!

The power of the pen

Fair is fair.  If you read Monday's blog, you were privy to my rant about the high cost of wellness.  If you recall, they suggested I send a letter (in writing!).  I did.  I also copied my doc (read that with awe and a slight suggestion of a halo attached!).  He called me this morning.  The excess charges have been dismissed.  He was dismayed that they appeared in the first place.  Result?  Approximately $500 reduction!  Now you understand the halo on the doctor!  I am, of course, still a bit perturbed.  What percent of customers would have just payed that bill?  For that matter, how many of us don't bother to question, to fight when necessary, to decrease our out-of-pocket expenses?  If I had not copied my doc, what might have been the outcome?  So tonight, well as I am, and a bit more affluent than I thought I was, I'm taking my bride out to supper!  Then it's bridge with the ladies and a bit more restful sleep.
Allow me a step up on my soapbox.  Please check billings.  There may be an error.  There may be an adjustment. And you could save some money!  Question!  Fight!  And know you are loved!