Monday Mystery

Boy, do I have a good couple of mysteries for you today! 

First, if you are easily "creeped out" you might want to stop right now. I'm so creeped out---I can hardly write about this. I certainly cannot "unsee" it!

I can't even bear to make this picture bigger. You can enlarge it on your end if you want. I just can't do it!

This:

I'm freaking out. This is so gross. Luckily, I don't have to look at it while I write this--it's beyond my eyesight now. Here's the story:

Last Sunday, we were getting in the car for church at 7 a.m. I mention the time just so you will know my mindset--it was a little early, but when I wake up--no matter what time it is, I am "bright-eyed and bushy-tailed" right off the bat.

When I stepped into the car, I saw that, that, that "thing"! My first thought was that it was a curled leaf. I went to pick it up and saw it was an ANIMAL!!! I screamed and hopped out of the car faster than any time in the past 20 years! I screamed, "It's an animal!" Butch thought I was crazy until he looked. He got out of the car to get something to pick it up with. That's when I got my wits about me and took this picture---as much as it creeped me out to do it. 

Anyway, Butch took care of it. I got back in the car. Now I was not going to put my purse on the floor and possibly touch the area where that thing was. We started trying to figure out where it came from. He thinks it's a mouse--I, on the other hand, think it's a rat! It was about an inch long. Any mice at our house are those tiny field mice. This looked too big to me to be one of those. 

He couldn't figure out where it possibly came from. It couldn't have crawled there on its own. There were no other indications of any other thing in his car--and believe me, he checked--under the seats, everywhere. He's fanatical about his car. That means someone had to carry it in on their shoe or something. I haven't been in his car--no one has been in his car recently.

About halfway to church, I helped myself to one of these:

Butch asked where those came from. I said they were just in the door handle thingy. They weren't his. I have bought them before, but I do not have room in my purse for something big like this. So now, we have another mystery on our hands. Mindy was the only person he could think of who has been in his car--but that was for the football game a while ago. She said they weren't hers.

It's truly a mystery. Two for the price of one on this Monday!! 

Something for Sunday

About a week ago, friends Diane and Grenville from Nottingham, England invited us over to play a game that their friend invented.

It's kind of a long story, but they invested in the company with their friend. Gren and his friend took the game to the toy show in London--years--20+ ago. They got an order from Toys R Us for 6000 games. Gren was the money man in the deal. They had the games made only to find that the deal had fallen through, so it was a major loss.

Anyway, when they were here this summer, they told us about the game and said they were going to invite us over to play it. 

The game is called "Gambler." It was really fun--although a little long. But we always modify games to suit us anyway. I was the big winner while Butch--well let's just say--in Diane's words--wasn't a "happy chappy!" He cannot hide his dismay when he loses. He thinks he's the unluckiest guy--which is probably exactly why he is. Me, on the other hand--always think I'm going to win. Actually, he did win when he got me!! Okay, enough about me.

It was a fun evening. When we were ready to leave, Gren gave a brand new game to Butch. We were thrilled to get it. We're calling it "the game that almost was!" 

Last Sunday, I went to a Titan's game with Butch, Mindy and Justin. 

I used to say that I only went to the game for "love." I don't really follow football. But that wasn't quite true. I went for the tailgate parties with our friends. I'm not sure what happened, but one by one, our friends gave up their seats. 

At the time of this game, I don't think I'd been to one in 10 years. The real reason is that it's just so long. Basically, it's the entire day. On this day, I went for the love of Stephanie! She was going to go with her dad just so the seat wouldn't go to waste. It's a very long story as to why we have 4 seats now--and not really important But Butch is adamant that the seats not go to waste. 

Stephanie usually goes with Butch, but on this day, she needed to do all of her regular weekend chores: laundry, meal planning, grocery, etc. since she'd had another commitment the day before. She and Nicky went with Mindy and Justin and their friends, Bonnie and Dave kayaking. We were supposed to go, but we decided against it due to possible dangers at my age. Turns out it was the right decision. The girls said the rocks were very slippery--so much so that it was hard for them.

So, I went to the game. I was happy to see this little girlie!

Maddie is the granddaughter of our friends, Hugh and Pam. She was with her daddy, Chris. Hugh sold his seats to his son-in-law. At least they are still in the family. But that's the last of our friends seats. 

The new stadium is underway. We will no longer have our fabulous 50 yard line seats--these are now going for 50K+---each! The Titan's organization realized that these were great seats and now have encompassed them into the club level. All of the seats are going to be crazy expensive. They've already sold out the club level at those crazy prices. My highschool friend, Cathy said that they have friends who paid $78,000 for two seats on the 10 yard line! Holy smokes! That's just insane. 

Butch said he'll only get two seats and already predicts they'll be in the nose-bleed section. Hmmm. Rather than spend that kind of money upfront just to have your own PSL's (personal seat license). Maybe the smarter thing to do is just purchase the tickets wherever you want to sit on a per game basis. $28,000 (the amount of money that we are being credited for all 4 of our seats) will go a long way with that approach! But hey, it's really none of my business. I'm not the one who will be using them.

Scrapbook Saturday

Our AYM word for this month was "umbrella." 

I forgot to take pictures of the other layouts. Karolyn sent me hers.

Friday Funnies

Ten Things Thursday

So I love to play these games with myself. Now I invite you to play too. If you could pick any of these porches--someone else would do all the work--which would you pick?

1. This one certainly has a beautiful background. See the pooch?

2. This one looks pretty and easy. Would branches of colorful leaves last very long?

3. Love the green door--it really sets off the orange. I want that hot chocolate and treat.

5. Breathtaking.

5. Love the garland over the door.

6. Inviting.

7. Those twinkle lights!

8. I never thought about putting drapes on the porch.

9. Love the white door.

10. Very comfy looking.

These are all so gorgeous. But I would go with #4. I love the stone floor of the porch, the rounded door, the coach light, the floral garlands, the assorted pumpkins, and the wreath. 

#10 was a close second--this porch looks so inviting. But being realistic, this one requires upkeep. I know from my own front porch and furniture that it would be covered with outdoor debris in a single day. I don't know where it comes from, but every cushion and pillow needs a brushing. And those cream-colored throws would look a mess. That's all too much work for me. And I certainly don't want to vacuum the rug!

One last thing. Any of these porch decorations would cost a fortune. Have you noticed how much a single pumpkin costs? Those large ones can be $25! I don't think they last long enough to spend that.

What I Buy Wednesday!

Well, after all the running,  jumping, and flipping over to get into my high bed, I finally broke down...

...Yep, I finally got myself a step stool. It's about 12" tall and exactly what I need to get my leg up the next 2 feet. 

So far it's working just fine. I don't really like how it looks, but it's necessary. I need all the help I can get!

Travel Tuesday

Last Friday, Nancy and I decided to walk from her condo to West Nashville and have lunch, and then walk back home. We do this twice a year--once in spring and once in fall. I suggested we invite our daughters, Mindy and Leigh to join us. Round trip, it's 7 miles. It feels like an accomplishment and is a lot of fun. The time flies by when you are talking--unless--it's this hot!

We met at Nancy's house and started out. We were probably only about a mile or so into it when I realized how hot it was. Most of the trail on the greenway is in the sun. We had water with us so we were hydrated, but I was sweating so bad--my eyes were burning. I didn't think to bring any Kleenex with which to mop the sweat. Or, for crying out loud--the cool cloth that works like a charm. You just wet it and wear it around your neck. It keeps you cool and really works! I can't believe I didn't even think about it.

When we were about a block from the restaurant, I was already thinking I might Uber it back home. Really, it was just so hot--I needed a hat too. I never wear a hat unless I'm in the pool, but my head was definitely very hot. We've done this several times, but never in 90-degree heat. I've always said I can handle any temperature as long as I'm in the shade. 

Anyway, we had a nice lunch and cold drinks in a refreshing, air-conditioned restaurant. Nancy and I shared a grilled pimento cheese and bacon sandwich and side. By the time we finished, I felt like I could make the return trip. But we all agreed to just Uber it and do it again when it's a bit cooler. When we stepped outside, I knew we had made the right decision! It was brutally hot!!

When I got home, I confessed to Butch that by the time I had gotten to the restaurant, I was feeling pretty light-headed. I really do need to keep my age in mind when I come up with these "hair-brained" (or is it "hare-brained?" ideas. I still feel like I can do anything!

We all enjoyed it and are looking forward to doing it again--say mid-October. 

 

There you have it--my "travel" post for this week. 

Actually, as you are reading this, Butch and I are in Cleveland, Ohio visiting "A Christmas Story" house and museum and "The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame." Wednesday we're off for Detroit and the "Motown Museum" and "The Ford Museum." More on that next week.

Me on Monday

Well, this one is for the books. Here's the story.

Nancy texted me to see if I wanted to go to a movie on Saturday. She picked It Ends with Us. I had already seen it but figured that since I have the Regal Unlimited, I would see it again with her. I didn't mention that to her.

We got to the theater and bought our tickets and popcorn. When the movie started, in the first five minutes, Nancy leaned over and said, "I think I've already seen this!" I started to laugh. Are you kidding me? I said, "Nancy, I already saw it, but figured you weren't with Connie and me. We both were laughing at the absurdity of it. 

This kind of thing is happening all the time these days. Actually, I'm so happy that it's not just me. My friends make me feel sane!

We enjoyed the movie for the second time. We can sit and stare at Blake Lively forever--she's so beautiful.

On the way out, I told Nancy that I had a confession to make. I KNEW  I had seen this movie, but what popped into my mind when Nancy mentioned it--was the movie with Nicole Kidman that I watched on Netflix recently--The Perfect Couple. Of course, I didn't remember the Netflix part and didn't realize the mistake until the movie started. 

So you see, we are all a little daff!

Something for Sunday--or should I say "dog"day.

Yep, you are going to find this hard to believe, but I'm going to do a dog post today. 

First off, let me set the record straight. I don't hate dogs. Everyone thinks I do. I don't. I'm just not fond of them. There's a difference. 

I hate liver. That's it. Period. The end. I'm never going to eat liver if I can help it. On the other hand, I don't hate dogs. There are things I don't like about them, but I can tolerate them. I can pet them if I have to--as long as there's a bathroom nearby where I can wash my hands. I don't like them licking me--come on now, we all know where their tongues have been. I don't like the smell. I don't like the jumping. I don't like the slobber and I don't like their noses touching my pants--or any other part of me for that matter. It's kind of a visceral reaction. If a dog slobbers on me or touches me, I "wear" that feeling until I can get home and put those clothes in the laundry. I know, it's weird, crazy, and obsessive. That's just how I am. I have no control over it. I only want to admire them from a distance. 

Now to be fair, I do not like to get up close and personal with any animals--really for all the same reasons. I'm good at admiring them at a distance. I do not want to hold or pet any of them. 

Okay, now what I do like about dogs. I like their loyalty to their owners. I think they are cute--of course--if they are leaving me alone. I even think they're cute when they are so ugly that only their owners can love them. 

I hope that sets the record straight once and for all. 

Now on to the reason for this post. It all started with this picture:

Sandy sent us this picture from Amazon--you know how the driver takes a picture of where he put the package? Well, look a little closer and you'll see Titan in the door. Sandy said that he's in every Amazon picture! How cute is that! 

Here's a better picture of him.

He is a Maltese and is a well-behaved dog, doesn't slobber, doesn't bark (much), and leaves me alone. I usually pet him a little bit and then wash my hands.

Right after Sandy sent the picture of Titan with the Amazon package, I saw Morgan's post on Facebook of her "boys." I shared a picture of their new puppy a couple weeks ago. Here's the whole gang:

The fact that they are on the bed grosses me out a little bit. From left: the newest member of the family--isn't he so cute? I have to admit, I've already forgotten his name. Hold on, I'll look back on my blog and find it. Okay, got it. He's Marshall--an English shepherd from Arkansas with a southern accent. In the middle is Joey. I think he's some sort of "doodle." Little Finn is a Westie--on the end.

Morgan loves her "boys' and I don't blame her. They are cute. But, she's kinda' mean with her talk about Finn. She says he's "dumber than a rock." Well, I beg to differ with her. When we were at their house for Thanksgiving, Nicky kept throwing Finn's tennis ball and he kept returning it to be thrown over and over again. Dozens and dozens of times--no exaggeration. It wasn't a problem, but there was no way I was touching that slobbery ball. All of a sudden, for no reason, Morgan took the ball and pitched it down the basement then closed the door. I thought that was a little extreme. But hey, it's their dog--all of whom are well-trained and very good. Anyway, Finn didn't say a thing. I don't recall if he just laid down. But hours later, someone opened that basement door and Finn was down there in a flash--returning with his ball to start all over again. Now that seems pretty smart if you ask me. He remembered his ball was down there. I don't even have that attention span. Well, unless it's a cookie. I'd remember if Morgan threw my cookie down there!

So, after this picture, I got the idea to let all of my family and close friends share their best dog pictures. Here ya' go. My homage to those overlooked (by me) members of the family!

Meet Lainey--Mitchell and Emily's dog. I think she's still a puppy. It's been a while since I've seen her. I think she was named after Lainey Wilson. I'm not sure if that's because of her "singing" or the fact that Emily works for a company that represents Lainey Wilson. I don't know what kind of dog Lainey is--I may have been told, but I don't remember. I think she can be a little wild, but then again, she's a puppy. From what I hear, she gets along with her cousin, Titan (don't you hate it when people act like dogs are actually people? Well, "if you can't beat 'em...." and all that jazz).

Next up is Koda.

Koda is Jordan's "teacup" pomeranian. I've never met him. I think he's small because her apartment was small. From what I hear, he's a pretty good dog. I do know that he hikes pretty well. Seems like that would be hard for a little guy. Oh wait, maybe she did say that they end up carrying him some of the way.

This guy belongs to my cousin, Chrissy. 

I just found out he's a "boy." I always thought it was a girl. Okay, give me a break, I didn't really look. I do know how to tell the difference. His name is "Bear"---isn't that a unisex kind of name? All I know about him is that the last time I saw him, he had a very bad habit of eating something I cannot even mention--his breath--ugh! Except for that, he seems to be a pretty good dog. They had a dog fence for a while--long enough for him to learn his boundaries. Now he stays put without the fence. I'm not sure what that says about his intelligence. Actually, what he eats probably says more about that! He's an Australian shepherd. He's pretty good-lookin'.

Now for this cute little guy. His name is "Dash" and that describes him to a "T"--or...

...used to. He used to dart all around, jumping, and barking--just generally wild. They even took him for training--twice! He's Connie's "baby"--and I really mean that! Dash is about at the top of her list--even above her "people!" When I'm coming over, she threatens him, "You better behave--Mrs. Eads is coming!" I'm not sure how I feel about that. Using the "Mrs." really makes me sound mean and strict! 

The last time I was there, Dash was perfectly behaved. She had put him in the laundry room while our friends and I were there for a club meeting and lunch. I couldn't believe it. Nary a bark or whine. Afterward, I texted Connie to compliment her on his behavior. Maybe he's calmed down because he's not a puppy anymore. Or, maybe he's taken on the affect of his "old" owners. Yeah, that must be it.

Lastly is this handsome fellow, Flannery.

As you can tell, he's a pretty good sport to put up with this little girl--La Rue. I'm, sure he's endured some bumps and bruises with her. A couple days ago, Leigh (Flannery owner and daughter of my friend, Nancy, and also Mindy's friend (well, mine too I guess)--that's a lot to figure out--go ahead, I'll wait). 

Anyway, a couple days ago, the 4 of us (Nancy, me, Leigh, and Mindy) were making our 7-mile walk to West Nashville for lunch (more on that story on Travel Tuesday). As we were walking, Leigh was telling us the story of how early on, Flannery used to sleep in their bedroom. She didn't say anything about sleeping IN the bed---thank goodness. I might have had to drop her from my friend list for that. So, as she talking about telling her husband that she didn't want Flannery in their bedroom, I interrupted with, "So, you just couldn't take the smell?" That's where my mind goes. She seemed a little surprised by that and said, "Well, no, he (or now that I think about it is he a she?) gets up in the middle of the night and walks around." 

OMGosh! I totally get that. It's annoying! Sometimes Butch does that. Not at night, but during the day. I'll sort of yell at him and say, "Why are you walking around? Just sit down!" He CANNOT sit still. Hmmm. I never realized that maybe he's more like a dog than I knew: loyal, handsome, sometimes smells (after he's been golfing or hiking), loves me, and barks now and then. 

Maybe the bottom line is I love dogs after all. One thing I know for sure: I cannot teach my old one new tricks!!

PS I do not have to wash my hands after petting him either!

Scrapbook Saturday

So. About 2 years ago, I took a pretty intensive online class about my photos--mostly organizing, changing the meta-data, and lots of editing ideas. And then there were just some fun things--like using the search box in your photos to curate pictures by words (which is what we're doing this year for AYM, isolating an image from a photo and making color albums--just for fun. Now that I've done it, I'm thinking I might just create a "color album." 

Of course doing this was pretty time consuming. Think of going through your photos all thousands of them--and sorting them in to colors. Still it was fun and I love the results. See for yourself.

It's a great thing to do on a long car ride or flight. You can do it while watching tv. 

I admit it is sort of an obsessive task. But then, I do any number of obsessive things all the time. This is just one more. As if I don't have enough to do with my time!