Ten Things Thursday

I wanted to do this, but Butch thought it was a dumb idea! I AM going to do it this year!! I'll let you know how it goes.

What I Buy Wednesday

I only knew 3 (although it would have taken me forever to recall it), 6 and 8. Although I did not know #19, I do know that--that's what it's called when you have to take one!!

Travel Tuesday

This is a different kind of travel post. You don't even have to leave home to do a little wandering. It's a state of mind!

One of my favorite things that I do every year is my hike with Nancy to West Nashville. 

We start at her house and get on the green way. The trail is so quiet and peaceful. We talk--a lot--about everything under the sun: news, books, tv & movies, scrapbooking, family and friends. We never run out of topics. 

Here are a few things we saw along the way this time.

I am still enthralled by book boxes. I didn't know you could actually buy them now.

I also didn't know there was an organization dedicated to these little libraries. I just thought someone started it and others followed suit. This reminds me of a documentary I just watched a week ago on PBS: The Pack Horse Librarians of Appalachia. Plus, within the last couple of years, I read 2 different books about these women. It was a complete surprise to me to learn about such a thing. Delivering books by horseback through the backwoods and mountains of Kentucky. Reading, I'm telling you, it's just everything to me!!

There were plenty of houses decorated for Halloween.

This one really went all out. That's a lot of stuff to store!

And then there was this:

As we were crossing a bridge on Charlotte Ave. I looked down and saw this heron. The blue was much brighter and bolder than you can see here. We saw another blue bird along the trail. I got all excited and exclaimed, "OMGosh Nancy! Look at that bird! What is it? She said it was a blue jay. I said "No, it's much too large and the blue is so vibrant!" Then it (and another flew off) and, indeed, they were blue jays! Amazing how the world looks when you have your cataracts removed! I can see!!

Within a half hour of getting home:

I had showered and was relaxing with my book! Ahhh, like dessert after a hearty meal! 

We only logged 6 miles on this trip. It's usually 7, but we took several different trails. It's always so much fun. This time we stopped at Cinco de Mayo for lunch. 

We do this twice a year--spring and fall--when the weather is milder. Last year, we went in the fall, but it was September and was so hot (90's) that after lunch, we Ubered it home. I felt bad that we whimped out, but at our age, the sun really takes it out of us!! 

The reason this hike/walk is one of my favorite things of the year is the sense of accomplishment. It's a fun challenge and we love it. Doing it with Nancy is extra special.

PS I forgot to ask Nancy if her calves cramped up. Mine did as I was sitting there with my book in the picture above. I probably should have done a little stretching when we finished. But, I never do that so it didn't cross my mind. Maybe next time.

Monday Mystery

Yesterday, Nancy and I went to see the new Springsteen movie. It was really good, but we did have a lot of questions. The movie only covered 1957 when he was a kid and then 1981/82 as his career was taking off. I do plan to do a little research.

Anyway, when we were coming out of the movie, we noticed this poster:

The guy who played Bruce was really good--and we know we've seen him in something else. We did not know his name AND we still don't? You certainly cannot figure it out from this poster.

It's an easily solved mystery, but I didn't. Which Jeremy is it? Doesn't make much sense. 

Something for Sunday

My girls are really "in to" the Hallmark Christmas movies. Me, to so much. Still, the schedule is out, so I thought I'd share it. The holiday movies start mid October.

There are many that sound good just by the title. But, I tend to get lured in only to find out that they are either goofy or trite. We'll see what the girls thing this year!

Scrapbook Saturday

The layouts here are still from our scrapbook retreat. I haven't had time for any other scrapbooking this month. I'm "itching" to get back to it, but there's been too much going on. 

Sleepover W/70 somethings!

In July, a good friend of ours passed away. The Saturday night after the funeral, I had the girls come for a sleepover. I didn't want our friend to be alone on her first weekend without her husband. We had such a fun time doing all the things we did when we were teenagers. 

Birds

I've always had a "thing" for birds. I've wanted to do a layout about them for a long time. I had so many stories! I even enclosed a report I did in the 5th grade about bird beaks. It's tucked in to the pocket.

AYM: September--Travel

My September search for pictures through the years pulled up so many travel photos. England, Africa, Missouri, Oklahoma, Florida, Georgia and Illinois are represented.

Downton Abbey--the grand finale

I let the title of the movie be my title for the page. My friends and I went to Cheekwood (our botanical gardens and mansion) for a Downton Abbey tea. The next day, we went to the movie. It was so good and I actually sobbed! It's the end of something really special to me.

Life is Better on the Patio

I just had to do a layout about how pretty our patio was this summer. We had happy hour out there just about every night. Our flowers were so pretty. 

Okay, that's it for now!

Friday Frustrations

Let's talk about "Fake News!" 

I've had it! How in the heck are you supposed to know what is really true anymore. It's so frustrating!

One morning, on Facebook (or as I like to call it: FAKEBOOK!), there were 3 stories that I just didn't know whether they were true or not. So, I had to look them up.

1. Travis Kelsey walked off The View stage. 

NOT TRUE!

Travis Kelsey did NOT walk off the Vew stage. IN fact the panel complimented him on his diplomatic response regarding a statement they launched at him about Trump attending a game.

2. Bob Dylan and Joan Baez got married!

NOT TRUE!

Bob Dylan and Joan Baez did NOT just get married! They had a tumultuous relationship in the ’60’s but that ended then.

3. Then you add the ones about people who have died—all BS! If famous person has died, it’s all over the news.

What I've learned is that if the only place you are hearing about something is social media, it's FAKE NEWS! 

Does artificial intelligence have anything to do with Fake News? I don't know. I can't really wrap my brain around artificial intelligence.

Then, I almost fell for this one:

What a show this would be! It's FAKE! Well, I do not know why the picture wouldn't come through. Probably because it's fake. It showed a country music concert called The Last Ride with Dolly, Reba, Willie, Keith and several more. It couldn't possibly be true.

I just really want to know who is doing this. And for what purpose? 

All I know is that it's so hard to figure out what is true anymore. There are so many lies out there. It's so darn frustrating!

Throwback Thursday

What We Buy Wednesday

Well, I might have mentioned before that we are having to "re-do" our pool. It's a HUGE job with a price tag to match. 

This is what we've been looking at:

The first thing was the delivery of supplies and a huge dumpster.

There were about 6 or 7 people working for a solid week--7 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. (dark)--every day except Sunday.

We had to move all of the cars to make way for this plaster mixer. Our contractor asked Butch to park the cars in front of all this so that no one could come and steal it. What? How in the world could that happen? Plus, we live in a pretty safe neighborhood.

Wires and hoses everywhere--front and back.

I'm pretty sure I already mentioned that we picked the exact same tile that we already had. Obviously, we still like it.

When the plaster mixer was taken away, we were left with this mess.

Our contractor, Wilder has handled so many of our remodeling jobs. We trust him completely. He brought this mess up to us and said they'd get it cleaned up. We never have to ask, he just handles everything. He's just the best. He has come to our rescue so many times. It's nice to have someone you can always count on to handle everything for a fair price. 

They filled the pool--it took 2 1/2 days running two hoses. Wilder told us we had to do it slow and could not stop until it was full. If we stopped the water during this time, it would have made a permanent water line. On top of that, the leaves have been falling like crazy. They have been cleaning the pool every day--sometimes twice-- to keep the leaves out as they can also have an effect on the new plaster. Now it has to cure for several days. 

The new drain that runs all along the brick wall around the edge of the deck has already been replaced. The only thing left is the pool decking. That's going to be next week. I'm excited for it all to be done and look like new again. 

One disappointing thing is that the lights could not be fixed without tearing up the yard. Considering night swimming only happens about once a summer, it's not the end of the world. We have nice landscape lighting all around so the pool is not totally dark. We're going to get some floating lights next year, just for the fun of it!

So the bottom line here is we just bought a brand new pool this week!!

Travel Tuesday

Today, it's not about me traveling, but the rest of the family.

It was an unusual weekend in that the entire family was in town for various unrelated reasons. Jordan, Robbie, Morgan and Olly were here for a wedding. Sandy was here to go to the Keith Urban concert with Steph, Mindy and me. Greg, Victoria and Elizabeth came in because, they (and Sandy) were going to be spending Saturday with Mitchell, Emily and her family. 

And, as is the Eads family style, we managed to cram a whole lot more into the weekend. The Keith Urban concert was fabulous. It was a rock concert--he is amazing! He played for nearly 2 1/2 hours. 

But the best part, is spending time with all of my girls together. It doesn't happen very often. I can't believe we didn't get a picture!

I'm always amazed when I go downtown to see all of the excitement--and music everywhere. A lot of locals do not like all the tourists. I think it's pretty exciting! It makes me happy to feel part of the craziness. I wouldn't like it all the time, but I don't go down there that often.

And the neon lights are so pretty!

On Saturday morning, Stephanie had the girls over for a Halloween craft project. Her friend--actually "our" friend, Bonnie came up with the idea and did all of the advance work. I appreciate all the time that takes. 

Steph had spooky Halloween drinks with cute glasses which were the party favors. 

I made sloppy joes and loaded 'tater tots for lunch with carrot cake and salted caramel chocolate cake for dessert from Publix. 

And then, the project!! It turned out so cute. 

This is Mindy's Halloween door mat. I do not particularly like craft projects and hadn't planned to make it. I was just going to hang out and have fun with all the girls. Then, Morgan was busy with Maid of Honor duties and couldn't be there. So, she asked me to make one for her. So, I did. I'm saying "yes" to anything the girls ask me to do! 

I got home around 1:30 p.m. After a brief rest, I started cooking for Sunday morning. The whole gang--16 of us--were coming for breakfast before everyone , , headed home. We had about an hour and a half together. The last time ALL of us were together at the same time was for Butch's 70th birthday--nearly 4 1/2 years ago. Everyone is spread out all over. We have plenty of gatherings and vacations, but it's rare when we are all together at the same time. 

Butch reminded us to get a picture! We got this on the first try!

There's nothing I like better than seeing the family laughing and having so much fun together. We are truly blessed!

The Lapps family, Morgan and Olly were on the road heading home. Stephanie was taking Jordan and Robbie to the airport for their flight back to LA. Butch, Nicky, Mindy and Justin were off to the Titan's game. 

Once they were all out the door, I changed in to my pajamas--or rather I prefer to say loungewear--which I were on Sundays. I put the house back in order and then discovered this:

What?? It's always somethin'!

As you are reading this, I might very well be back home after my second cataract removal. I hope I slept through it again!

Me On Monday

So. I had my first cataract removed this week. 

Once they called me in at 6:15 a.m., they started prepping me for the surgery. They started a series of numbing drops and drops to dilate my eye. They inserted an i.v. and told me that they would give me something to relax prior to the surgery. I said that I was already relaxed. They hooked me up with the blood pressure cuff. I didn't ask what my BP was, but it's always low and I was not a bit nervous or worked up.

They wheeled me in to the operating room. The doctor told me that I would be awake the whole time and feel him working, but that it wouldn't hurt. He reiterated that they would be giving me something to relax. He said I would hear all of their conversations. 

Well, I fell asleep before they even did whatever it is they do to keep my eye pried open. So I actually fell asleep with my eye open! Now that's somethin'! I didn't wake up until the doctor said in a loud voice, "Okay, we're all done!" It seemed like a second, but in reality, it was somewhere between 8 and 15 minutes--that's what the doc told me prior to the surgery. 

We left by 7:30 and home by 8 a.m. Now that's my kind of surgery. 

I haven't had any problems. But there are some annoying things: 1. I cannot wear makeup for the next two weeks. Only one week per eye, but I'm having my secondd one next Tuesday. I don't usually go out without makeup and I had many things this past week, and several next. I just feel better with make-up and definitely look better too! 

And 2. I do not like that hard plastic eye cover thing I have to wear at night. I'm supposed to wear it for a week, but I probably won't. I don't move much when I'm sleeping anyway. 

So, I get to add "sleeping through cataract surgery" to my growing list of things I have slept through:

1. Movies (if I don't take Vivarin before--they are caffeine pills)

2. Facials (that's why I stopped getting them--it's hard to think I can sleep while someone is rubbing on my face!)

3. Massages (stopped them too--I was missing the whole thing!)

4. Two times I have fallen asleep on an airplane before taking off and waking only when we landed. (Okay, they were short 45 min. to 1 hour trips, but still...

5. I kept falling asleep during a root canal. The dentist kept nudging me saying that when I dozed off, my mouth went slack and he couldn't work!

I've always said that if you make me lay down and be still, I'll be sleeping! Actually, I think it's kind of a talent. Or perhaps a "gift!" Either which way, I'm glad for it. I always wake refreshed! 

Can't wait for my nap tomorrow morning during my second and final cataract surgery!

Something for Sunday

I am so grateful for this reminder outside of the Publix. I always seemed to forget my bags. Now, with this reminder, it only took me a couple times going back to the car to retrieve them. Now I remember them most of the time.

Scrapbook Saturday

This is one of my favorite layouts I did on our scrapbook retreat. This road trip was the beginning of my week in Missouri. I arrived at the airport and "Lyfted" to Janet's in south St. Louis. She offered to pick me up, but it's about a 45 minute drive for her. Add to that we literally would be going by her house heading to our first stop--Springfield. It was a fun week and I was excited to do the layout.

I used ephemera from the trip: The Freddy's cards were in the children's meal and the Route 66 was cut out of the Missouri: the Cave State brochure I picked up at the hotel in Salem. I never knew MO was considered the cave state. I only knew it as the "Show Me State" which then made me curious as to why we're known as that. So, I had to look it up:

Missouri is nicknamed the "Show Me State" due to a popular 1899 quote by Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver, who said, "I'm from Missouri. You've got to show me". This phrase has come to signify the state's reputation for skepticism and a demand for proof before acceptance.

As for the Route 66, basically that's what we were on all the way to Springfield. The major highway is now called HWY 44, but can also be referred to as "old Route 66." I don't know why they changed the name. Of course I had to look that up too! I just love learning new things!!

Route 66 was replaced by new interstate highways 

because it was outdated and no longer met the needs of modern travel. The development of the Interstate Highway System, which began in 1956, offered faster, more direct, and safer routes for increased traffic. As the interstates were built, sections of old Route 66 were gradually bypassed or built over, leading to its official decommissioning in 1985. 

• Outdated infrastructure: Route 66 was a two-lane road with narrow bridges and shoulders, making it unsafe for modern, high-volume traffic and heavy trucks.

I cut the Missouri outline with my Cricut. I had the original Cricut for about 20 years before I got the Cricut Explore Air--about 2 or 3 years ago. I've used it more in these past couple of years than the prior 20! I just love it. I use it on just about every layout I make. 

I used my label maker for each city we visited and the stars to designate them.

And then this little car! It made me so happy! It's only about an inch--also cut on my Cricut. So darling! I made one for Janet too. I used a pen to make the road. 

My notes about the week are in a clear pocket. This was a really fun layout to make. 

Now I have to get to the "unfun" part of scrapbooking: putting layouts in albums. I used to be so disciplined and do it every month. Now it's been about 6 months, so I have quite a stack waiting for me. 

Friday Funnies