Sunday Drive Along the Mississippi River

If you are looking for something to do on a dreary winter day, consider going to the River and watch the eagles. Following this suggestion from M&M, we loaded up our ailing dog in the van and went to Grafton, IL, to watch our National Birds, the eagles yesterday. It was a crisp, windy day and the eagles were active. Armed with binoculars and bundled in down, we watched them. We joined other spectators whose vehicles lined the roads; there were people with cameras armed with huge zoom lenses, and binoculars. They took pictures and studied them with a quiet zeal.

We then drove on to Grafton and stopped for lunch at a nice little bar and grill that had rebuilt after a flood, and enjoyed some beer and a nice bowl of chili with a grilled cheese sandwich--perfect on a winter day. It was nice to get out, and Greta loves a ride in the car. (We were still unable to get her to eat anything and are feeling very sad about that.)

We didn't take pictures and those posted here were lifted from the Internet.

Up Mine...

I'm sure (if you are older than 40) you have heard lots of horror stories about colonoscopies and the preparation for them. Well, they are not so bad. Having one does at least a couple of good things for you: 1. It allows detection and removal of potential cancer-causing polyps without abdominal surgery and/or makes sure you have no polyps thus allowing peace of mind. 2. Some say that a good cleansing colonic is a healthy thing to do. At any rate, it allows one to start again, fresh. I'm trying to find some humor in it.

At any rate, five years ago I had my first exam which may have saved my life. The doc found and removed a polyp. So here I am 5 years later following up with another exam. The prep involves liquids and some nasty solution which I tolerated fairly well. I went to bed early hoping to sleep well enough not to feel my pangs of hunger, keeping in mind that this too shall pass, and that there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Puns intended.

At any rate, it is over now and I can happily say the exam was negative. There were no new polyps. "Come back in 5 years," doc said. And I will, because after 36 hours of hunger and discomfort, I was rewarded with the relief of knowing I was polyp-free, and with about 3 seconds of a most fantastic high from the sedation.

Just Passing By...

If you want to know how to waste even more time in the day, put yourself on Facebook. Because so many friends are involved, I tend to hang out there more than necessary just to read that they are chillin' out with their coffee or eating a free subway sandwich--numerous short sentences or quips made (written) in passing as if one were walking by the water cooler at work, or passing a friend on the street. Facebook has almost completely usurped the intrigue of the blogspot. So I'm paying homage to my old blog, hoping that someone will pass by me here and stay a while and spend some quality time with me.

We Miss You, Hudson and Kate...

If you are needing something to watch on television during the cold winter months, or anytime for that matter, you might consider an old PBS series that ran from 1971 until 1975. Upstairs, Downstairs is a BAFTA and Emmy award-winning British drama set in a large townhouse in Edwardian London, and that depicted the lives of the servants "downstairs" and their masters "upstairs."

He and I have been watching it over the past few weeks, limiting ourselves to 6-8 episodes a week. We were addicted. Although I had watched part of the series back in the day, I had forgotten most the details. He had never seen it before, and it was funny to have him say that he hesitated to watch them too often because soon we would have watched them all, and he would miss it. It was the same for Him when the Sopranos series ended. For me, it was like not being able to put down a good book.

You'll get past the fact that it isn't in HD, the color is faded, and the fact that some of the early episodes are in B&W due to a technician's strike at the time.

Happy Birthday to Meeeeeeee

Wednesday was my birthday. I spent the day fairly quietly but did go the a book store to look for some special books for our grandson, Kyle, who told me he wanted a big book about cats and dogs for Christmas. After a nice long browse in the books, I sat down in the cafe and treated myself to some coffee and a scone. Then I decided to get a manicure and pedicure. I crossed the street to the Crestwood Mall and started looking for a nail salon. It was surprising to see that the more than 1/2 the mall had closed down for lack of business. It seemed so odd. My search turned into a nice mall walk--there was no nail salon anymore--and decided that exercise was a nice present to myself.

I took the long way home (still looking for a nail salon), ran a couple of errands, and eventually ended up back at home without the manicure. Not a big deal.

What was really nice was getting calls from friends and family (and e-mails too) who wished me a happy birthday. The P-G's called from Bloomington and I was treated to a song over the phone. Someone was flat which made the effort even more special because I think it was Babers. Then Babers talked to me for a minute. Half-Pint had to translate what he said. Sweet.

Then it was out to dinner with friends. I picked Mexican food because I like that a crunchy, spicy stuff. That's about it. Good enough. No cakes. No presents. Maybe I'll get a manicure after Christmas.

I Guess I've Been Naughty

This is the most behind-est I've been for the holidays. You should see the mess here. (On second thought--no you shouldn't.) What is today, the 14th? (oooo, I just realized I forgot to send a BD card to a friend. expletive. See what I mean?)

The mood is subdued. The house is a mess.
The construction is impeding my will for success.
The oven is broken and won't get fixed soon
So if you wanted fruitcake, just change your tune.

The Christmas tree is still in the shed,
buried neath lumber, and tool kits, it's said.
It is too much trouble to bring it all in
There's no place to put it in usual stead.
"Too big," says He, "the room is too small,
tools, ladders, and boxes all stacked in the hall."
The bathroom's in progress, you may recall.

So you see why "Bah Humbug" is my general thesis?
I've just thrown my hands up, because I don't know how to end this.

-by Me

Afterthought: You know you've grown up when none of the things you want for Christmas can be bought at a store.

Green Your Holidays

Here are simple things you can do that will make an eco-friendly holiday:

Rethink the Gift Wrap
It’s time to think outside the box, for real. Not only are most wrapping types wasteful, but its been done, year after year. Break out of your comfort zone and create some great looks with reuse items found around your house.

• Bows
• Bags
• Fabrics
• Newspaper comics
• Magazines
• Decorative boxes

These scrap items can be used to make that gift even more special. They can also be reused year after year.