Th, Fr, & Sat. March 29-31

From has been a rainy, humid MO,

After I had breakfast with the ladies on Thursday, Jim met me at Country Kitchen and we took off for the Overland Park area of Kansas City. We went to "Land of Paws" for some treats for the girls, then had a delightful lunch at WilJenny's, and then on to Sam's to get divided styrofoam trays.

We were in and out of light rain until we reached east of Hamilton - and then the sky opened up. I am not sure if Jim has ever pulled off the highway since we were married due to weather, but we stopped at least twice while we were in torrential rain. We were in and out of rain for probably 15 miles and finally saw a clearing ahead. We stopped quickly for me to get the car at Country Kitchen and then headed home to unload. This we accomplished and then we took the truck to the shed as hail was also being forecast (Jim's boat is on his side of the garage.)
We had just returned home when the torrential rain hit here - probably about an inch in less than a half hour.

On Friday, Jim joined the second breakfast group and I joined a group of ladies at 10:30 at the Calvary Baptist Church where they were making Easter cards to be distributed to shut ins. Several of the breakfast group join the ladies at the church to help make cards. Eva Danner and Terry Childs had put together a brunch for afterwards as a belated birthday for Mary Willis. One guest that we had was my cousin (raised in Marceline) who now lives in Canada. She has driven down because of illness of her father. She was brave enough to make one card before the group called it quits and also joined us for brunch. This was her first introduction to Eva's famous cinnamon rolls - of course served hot.

We had intermittent rain during the night, not much, but just enough to keep things damp.

Jim walked Thursday at the Y and I joined him on Friday, and this a.m. I am now back to my 16 laps - counted steps this a.m. and each lap was 150 steps - so am way short of the suggested 10,000 steps per day. Jim and I have done some errands this morning and he is currently puttering with his boat as he and John are planning an outing on Sunday. I hope to finish a book this afternoon before the two basketball games this evening.

Be safe.
B.

Wed. March 28

From another beautiful spring day in MO,

The day has been a little fuller than I anticipated - and I think I'll be ready for bed tonight. Actually I slept in this a.m. even though Jim was up about 6:30 to get ready to join both breakfast groups. I planned on getting up when he left at 7:15, but the next thing I knew it was almost 9:00!

We walked at the Y about 10:00 and I was able to make the usual 16 laps. I walked close to normal speed as well.

After cleaning up, we left for a few errands. We are switching our slow dial up to a faster means - with the same local server so our address won't change. I won't have an excuse to play solitaire while e-mail is being downloaded. They were to check our location today and might be here on Friday to actually do the installation. Supposedly we are capable of doing the switch ourselves, but I would rather let someone else do it and not have lots of frustration on our side.

We went to the Steakhouse again for lunch - split a hamburger and each of us had a side salad - all in all - quite tasty. Afterwards we went by HyVee to pick up a prescription that Jim had left this a.m. to be refilled.

I had a very brief library board meeting this afternoon - and then the four of us went down for a good nap. We were awakened about 2 hours into the nap with a call from our tax preparer that our paperwork was ready so we decided to go and pick it up. Jim then decided to spend a little time in the area of the pole vault. I had not gotten around to cleaning off the debris around our peonies (they came from the home where I lived when I went to high school) and this was done. When Jim returned from PV practice, he helped me get the debris into a large garbage bag.

Thursday is garbage day for us so we have two large bags of yard debris (we have to buy 75 cent labels to attach to these bags) and the usual amount of other garbage - a 13 gallon orange sack almost full with perishable garbage, and two large plastic containers with paper items in one and the other contains plastic and metal. We are so lucky to have curb side recycling - have had this for a number of years. We have to pay 50 cents for the 13 gallon orange bags and $1.00 for the 30 gallon orange bags. I keep a 30 gallon orange bag in the garage for non-stinky garbage - and about once a month add a 13 gallon regular bag to it containing the weekly perisable garbage. Now you know about our garbage detail!

I have breakfast with the ladies in the a.m. and then Jim is picking me up about 9:00 and we are heading to KC. The girls have fallen in love with the Innova treats - they start licking us about 10:00 that they are ready to go to their sleeping crate - and each receives half of a treat. They were never this eager when we used IAMS or other treats. We are also going to WilJenny's for lunch. I am not sure my stomach is ready for BBQ, but I'll make that decision at noon and may choose something a little less spicy from their menu - but it will be hard to pass up on their BBQ - but it is also a long drive home. We also will stop at Sam's to pick up trays for Velma.

Be safe.
B.

Sun., Mon., & Tues. March 25-27

From a gorgeous spring morning in MO,

I think I am slowly returning to the world of the living. When we walked at the Y on Monday - I managed 8 laps - today I stopped at 12 -- I usually do 16. I think I could have done the 16 today, but we have several things coming up today and I wanted to be able to try them.

Sunday evening commented on a "lump" on his rump - turned out to be the smallest tick that I think I've ever seen - and I had a devil of a time trying to get it out. I need to get on-line and check out the newest on Lyme disease as I suspect this was not our usual kind.

We got out and did several quick errands this morning and I still have a few more to do, but they won't take long if I just get started. I just haven't felt like doing much for a week so I have a back-log of short errands to do.

Jim went by Ed's this a.m. and they are going to spray our two "gum" trees this coming week as we are tired of dealing with all the "fruit" that doesn't easily decompose each spring. The "nettles" are rather hard and a person could slip on one if not careful - plus I don't enjoy walking on them when barefooted.

Jim put grass seed down either Sunday or Monday along with some straw so maybe some of the bare spots will have a chance.

Jim went over to watch pole vault practice for the first time on Monday - and I followed a little later. He had a big smile on his face when he came home and hasn't growled at me yet this a.m.

If we don't get rain today (some is predicted) there is a home track meet this afternoon. Afterwards I am going to the Grand River Inn to "look pleasant" for a gathering of Chuck's friends relative to the upcoming mayoral race.

Be safe.
B.

Thurs., Fri., & Sat. March 22-24

From what seems like spring has finally arrived - or at least for the time being ---

I have really been under the weather and haven't felt like getting on the computer. I finally called the doctor's office on Friday a.m. and was added to the 4:00 "waiting list." I have been experiencing a lot of pain below my navel these past few days - making for standing upright uncomfortable, getting in and out of bed uncomfortable, food had lost its appeal (and you know that never happens with me), etc. Anyway, the doctor did a lot of punching around and felt that I have some kind of irritation throughout my colon. Bloodwork was done and the results will be given to me on Monday.

I did go to join the breakfast group on Thursday, but only ate the egg and cheese omelet - wasn't sure I needed the added stimulation of the whole wheat bread - and I am thinking that is maybe all I ate on Thursday. I tried a piece of bread on Friday a.m. (thought I needed something on my stomach with pills) and other than that just took in water. I'm feeling a little better this afternoon as I can sit upright without discomfort.

The doctor has me on a clear liquids, broth, diet for a few days. Actually I was surprised that he said beef flavored or chicken flavored Ramen noodles would also be okay. They at least make me feel as if I have some food on my stomach.

Jim seems to be unconscious of everything that is going on. He wanted to go by McDonald's this a.m. and kept thinking he needed to order two egg biscuits. I kept telling him (and he was in the doctor's office with me) that this was not on my current dietary menu - and he remembered temporarily. I had taken some diet 7-Up with me and assured him that I was okay until we returned home.

Jim went to Crowder to fish from the banks yesterday and went down to Dr. Eden's today. I don't think he caught anything yesterday and caught one fish today.

Until I'm back with you again.

B.

Mon., Tues, & Wed. March 19-21

We are moving into spring. We have had a little moisture - actually some heavy moisture on Tuesday with more being predicted for tonight. Some of the spring flowers have decided to show their glory and the grass is getting green.

We have not accomplished a great deal these three days. We have made it to the Y each morning, but I didn't get much done today as I wasn't feeling good - am not sure of the problem. On Tuesday, we went to a theatre complex on Barry Road and saw "Amazing Grace." It was really superb and if you haven't had the chance to see it, please do. We were going to stop by Kearney on the way home to watch the track meet, but the skies had opened and rain was coming down in sheets - so back to Chillicothe we came.

Jim had breakfast with the first group this a.m. and evidently I missed the e-mail about the second group not meeting (Jim had been gone on Friday and missed their Friday gathering.) I did make it to HyVee this afternoon to take advantage of the old geezer discount.

I am fixing Dr. Pepper spaghetti tonight. Jim is not much of a pasta person, but does seem to like this and it provides me with several lunches on upcoming days.

Fred Stephens is now at Indian Hills for therapy. Jim came home indicating that those who have visited him say that he is almost trying to overdo the therapy as he is anxious to get home.

I hope to join the ladies for breakfast in the a.m. and am not sure what the rest of the day will bring - oh, yes, taxes at 10:00.

Be safe.
B.

Thurs., Fri., Sat., & Sun March 15-18

From what is trying to become spring in MO,

We have gorgeous sun, but the cool breeze makes for a somewhat chilly day. We awakened Saturday to a few snowflakes. The daffodils are trying to bloom - so spring will eventually get here.

We had seven or eight at breakfast on Thursday - had a lot of fun remembering our poor hearing from the week before. From there I briefly came home, then had a hair cut, back home briefly, then RSVP board meeting, and then the library board meeting. All in all - a full day.

We really haven't done much. We made a quick trip to Cabela's on Friday - watched basketball in the evening. We walked at the Y on Saturday a.m., - then spent much of the day watching basketball. I have been doing a lot of reading (while sort of watching tv) and have done an admirable job of avoiding housework.

I had an e-mail from a cousin on my mom's side of the family that her father has been in the hosptial in Columbia and is now at a nursing care facility in Marceline. She was leaving today from her Canadian home to begin the drive here - at least two full days. I called her mom a few minutes ago and she is not sure just what is going to transpire. She of course sounded exhasted. He is 92 and she must be quite close to this as well.

Sandy Mc - mom-in-law passed away Friday night. I briefly talked to Sandy yesterday and will call again this afternoon. The graveside services are Tuesday afternoon in Gladstone.

Thompsons return from Buffalo this afternoon. I couldn't find any swimming results in the KC paper this morning so am interested in hearing how their granddaughter did as well as the team results. I'm thinking that Truman State won the past couple of years.

The Andersons left for Las Vegas (via Amtrak) and will return next week. Jim or I will be picking up Charlene's newspaper each morning and taking it inside to her. She has meals on wheels delivered at noon so there will be someone to check on her then as well.

I am not sure what is coming up in the near future. Jim is wanting to see "Amazing Grace" and we will have to go to KC to see that. There is a track meet at Kearney on Tuesday and if the weather cooperates we are planning on going to see that. Jim hasn't gone to any practices this spring, but we still want to see how the kids do. We get taxes done on Thursday a.m. and we will know before we leave what the "bite" is going to be.

Be safe.
B.

Tues. & Wed. March 13 & 14

From what has been two rather balmy, breezy days in MO,

We really didn't get too much done on Tuesday. We headed out from here about 8:30 - Jim to go to Indian Creek to fish (didn't catch any fish) and I headed to the RSVP office to work with Darla relative to labeling items in the Mobile Meals file cabinet. Darla and I also struck out as I thought the lady came in after lunch to help seniors with their IRS filing, but rather, she came in at 9:30.

When Jim returned and had cleaned up, we headed to Hedrick so he could finally get his PSA done (had gone in last Wednesday to have them do the paperwork - they didn't call here until Tuesday a.m. as Jim was leaving - and Jim had called them on Monday a.m. to remind them to get the paperwork done!!!!) We really tried to be lazy the rest of the afternoon.

I did go to HyVee in the a.m. to get the "old geezer" discount - I'm not ashamed to be a senior!

Jim left a little after 7:15 this a.m. to join the first breakfast group. I headed to the shower and then on to HyVee to join Pat. Gerry Schmidt had just arrived so the we had a good visit. From there I returned home to take my a.m. pills (had forgotten to do so prior to leaving) and then headed to the RSVP office where Ron and I puttered for about an hour to relabel all the files. Over the years empty folders had become interspaced with used folders so the organization should be much easier now. We also shredded a number of items that were out of date - or vintage.

Jim and I walked at the Y when I returned. He is almost healed facially now so in another few days we can begin walking outside.

Jim and I headed to Hedrick about 12:15 for his appointment and the doctor was on time - and moving patients through. We then headed to the Steakhouse to split a sandwich and to each of us have a side salad.

Jim had spotted a recipe for chicken/sausage jambalaya. It had a few ingredients that I don't keep on hand so we made a quick trip to HyVee (another "old geezer discount day") and I found the needed items. It actually turned out quite good and there is enough left over for another meal. I had chicken that I didn't use so that will be come the center for supper on Thursday.

I have a full Thursday - breakfast, haircut, RSVP board meeting, and library board meeting.

Chuck's article in the Ad Pages today indicated Fred had broken his hip - so that is another possibility.

Be safe.
B.

Sun. & Mon. March 11 & 12

From a balmy MO,

We have had two full days. Sunday was spent mostly with projects in the a.m. Jim cleaned out the garage (actually used the blower to get debris out) and then brought his fishing boat over from the shed. He is now ready to go fishing tomorrow (Tuesday.)

In the meantime, I vacuumed upstairs and then decided to tackle the stairway. We had not done the stairway with the new vacuum and it really pulled up lots of debris and accumulated dog hair. Next time I'll have Jim help me with the stairway and even more should come up.

Eventually we waded through the two morning newspapers and then settled in to watch the KU/Texas basketball game - what a thriller!

We walked at the Y this a.m. We planned on going at 8:00, but finally managed to get our old bodies out of bed and arrived closer to 9:00. Jim did the treadmill and I walked laps.

After cleaning up, we headed out on some quick errands as we needed to also get the girls to the canine beauty shop by 10:30 for a spring haircut. The lady had quite a task today as Trixie's undercoat is quite heavy and when we picked them up about 1:30 - a remarkable transformation had occurred. I know Trixie hasn't lost weight, but she looks at least a pound lighter. Both girls were glad to see us and have spent a lot of time this afternoon outside.

Jim and I have done some shifting of bank accounts today and also changed our safe deposit box. Interest is better at the "new" bank with the safe deposit box staying at the same amount. Jim has "inventoried" the contents of the box so that might help us as needed. I had to go by the Social Security office as I had no idea if I had a SS card - I don't remember ever seeing one. Anyway, that has been ordered so it should be here in a couple of weeks. Interest on our small savings account will double in one case and triple in another case from where we previously had accounts. The downside is that we no longer have accounts with the banks that offer trips. We can still go, but have to pay a slightly higher fee, but considering how little we use this - we should come out ahead. The trip to Chicago last fall was through a private group.

Jim is going to Indian Creek to fish on Tuesday. I have several "quickie" errands and then will make a stop at HyVee to get the old geezer discount.

Some of you will remember Fred Stephens. He evidently fell either late last week or over the weekend and has broken either a leg or pelvis - stories are conflicting. He is in one of the hospitals in Springfield and should be back in Chillicothe in a few days.

Be safe.
B.

Sat. March 10

From what has been almost a balmy MO,

We were up late last night watching the Texas basketball game and evidently the girls were also worn out as I din't get up with them until 7:00 this a.m. If they had fussed during the night - neither of us heard them.

We walked at the Y about 8:00. It was probably a good thing we were there early as they were having youth basketball teams in from all over this area so were were able to get good parking - and also get out before the parking lot became bedlam.

We had several quick errands to do this a.m. - seemed to take us at least two attempts to get them done. Helen came by this afternoon and picked up the Friday CT. She and Stan were in town to watch a "great" nephew of Stan's play basketball at the Y.

We have spent the afternoon watching the two Big 12 basketball games. I didn't pay too much attention to the KU game, but much more closely watched the Texas game. It will be interesting to see the rematch of KU/Texas tomorrow afternoon.

We have no errands scheduled for Sunday - so we should be home with the girls most of the day. We always look forward to the two Sunday newspapers and of course will watch the game in the afternoon. The coming week is going to be a full week so it is good that the past week has been quiet.

Be safe.
B.

Thurs & Fri March 8-9

From an almost balmy MO,

Thursday breakfast was a hoot. We had trouble enunciating - and articulating - especially with four "ladies" on each side of the table. The group at the north end was discussing canna bulbs - someone on the south end thought they were digging up "cannibals" and one gal in the middle thought the south end lady had said "cannon balls". We also got into a discussion on head lice as a result of my seeing a news item on tv relative to the new policy in California schools. Of course we were quickly scratching our heads. The manager came by to see how the group was doing and we mentioned that we had been discussing head lice - and he thought we said "head lights" - so told us about a close call with a deer that went in front of his headlights. We ended up giggling most of the morning. Probably the average age of those in attendance was somewhere in the low 60s!

This morning, Jim and I took off for the new Bass Pro Shop in Olathe - at the intersection of I-35 and 199th street. He also drove me around the relatively new shopping center on the other side of this intersection. We made a quick stop at the Half Price Book store, but struck out on what we were looking for.

I took a book to read with me to the Bass Pro and ended up spending about an hour reading in a very comfortable rocking chair - in front of a fireplace. I did look around the store a little, but the rocker kept looking more and more enticing. Afterwards we headed east on 119th until we reached Metcalf and then south to 135th - and then to WilJenny's for lunch. The place was packed today with most of the business in the bar area as the KU game was on tv. Jim had a shaved, prime rib sandwich with beef broth for dipping - it was divine! I had the usual Louis Mueller - brisket with all kinds of extra hot things on it - hopefully I won't pay too dear of a price tonight, but seem to be doing okay now. We were back in Chillicothe about 3:00.

I had good intentions of not napping, but after having trouble staying awake coming home, the girls and I went down for a two hour nap. The Texas/Baylor basketball game begins at 8:20 - so I know I'll be up late tonight.

I made it without a nap on Thursday afternoon and really slept well last night - didn't even hear the girls needing to go out during the middle of the night and didn't hear anything until almost 6:00 this a.m. when Jim began moving. Turns out he had taken them out during the night - I must have been really sawing the logs.

I have visited with Helen this evening and may meet her in Trenton on Saturday a.m. The CT tonight carried a second article on a local person who seems to be involved in illegal car titles being made in Nebraska and also may be involved in getting illegal discounts from a car manufacturer (customer rebates). The article on Thursday evening was rather confusing, but tonight's article seemed clearer.

Our big plans for Saturday will hopefully include watching Texas play basketball in the Big 12 tournament. They have to win tonight to make this possible.

Be safe.
B.

Wed. March 7

From has been a cool, but sunny MO,

Jim joined both breakfast groups this a.m. - while the girls and I slept in. I did fix the small omelet with the sausage for breakfast - so there is a little less in the refrig.

We walked about 10:00 at the Y, came home and cleaned up, and then headed to the Steakhouse for lunch. We had our usual side salads and decided to split a tenderloin. The latter was fine, but not on the par of HyVee.

We hadn't planned on sleeping this afternoon, but I was in bed a little after 12:00 with Jim soon afterwards. I can't believe I slept for so long and so deeply. I was really tired when walking this morning - am not sure why, but I really struggled to do my 16 laps. I actually did 17 or 18, but the latter three were at a very slow pace as Sue J. was wanting to talk. I am not sure what is going on with Sue as she is looking rather fragile.

We have spent some time this afternoon trying to comb the girls. Abby has a thin coat of hair and is usually quite easy to get combed - then there is Trixie. She has a dense undercoat and tangles quite easily. With both of us alternating combing her, we made a little progress, but more needs to be done. We try to run the comb through them at least once a day, but I think the time they have been spending outdoors in recent days romping has made for a more difficult chore. I will call tomorrow to see when we can get them in for a moderate haircut. I am not ready to have them peeled, but shorter hair would be a lot easier for them - and for us.

I join the ladies for breakfast in the a.m. and beyond that the only thing on the agenda is walking.

Be safe.
B.

Tues. March 6

From what was initially a crisp morning to a sunny afternoon - from MO,

This has been a quiet day for us. We were at the Y before 8:00 this a.m. to walk. There were probably about the fewest people there that I can remember - we must have arrived between groups.

After cleaning up, we headed to the McDonald's drive through for egg biscuits and then on to get three or four items at WalMart (girls safely tucked in their travel crate in the back seat) and then on to HyVee to do some "old geezer" shopping. We decided that meatloaf sounded good so we bought the hamburger and then Jim decided he would like a little sausage in it as well. I really didn't have as many things on my list this week as I am trying to clean out the shelves to get rid of items that started the year (2007). I have never had a can "erupt" but I also don't want to do the clean-up.

I left a little after 11:00 to take HyVee receipts to Dewey as well as to leave some free stickers with Debby. I briefly saw Marcella Murray (mom of a pole vaulter) and then was off to the library to deliver some clean plastic bags as well as donate a book that was listed as being on reserve. I met Helen and Mary for lunch at Piece of Cake. The special today was a sandwich of choice (Mary and I chose chicken salad on a croissant) and cheese/broccoli soup. It had to be the largest and probably flakiest croissant I've ever seen and it was delicious. The only downside was about a 25 minute wait for them to take our orders and then a long time to get them served (with only maybe six or seven customers in the store!) The place was quiet so we had a good time visiting.

I hadn't meant to doze this afternoon, but gave up about 1:30 - and didn't waken until after 4:00. Hopefully I won't pay a bad price tonight.

The meatloaf turned out well and I baked a couple of small sweet potatoes to go along with it. We had sort of an orangy supper as Jim had also cooked some small carrots this afternoon - really turned out good - and when I asked - he had added some Splenda to them.

Jim has breakfast with both old men groups on Wednesday a.m. and I'll just see what the a.m. brings. I have a couple of sausage patties left so I might just cook these and make a small omelet. We will walk a little later in the a.m. - either at the Y or outside - depending on sun and temperature.

Trixie is dozing on the back of Jim's recliner while he watches tv and works on a Sudoku puzzle. In the meantime, Abby is at my feet - sound asleep.

Be safe.
B.

Sun. & Mon. March 5 & 6

From an almost balmy MO,

Sunday was not a very warm day, but today is absolutely gorgeous.

We didn't do much on Sunday other than enjoy the girls, wade through the morning newspapers, and basically just putter.

I had Mobile Meals this a.m. and Ruth showed up to help. She looked much better today and had some of her usual onery streak in her - she is so delightful. It was good to see the twinkle in her eyes. We had no glitches today and were out of there in a little over an hour. The checkbook is balanced, bills have been paid, data sheets have been printed, and labels have been made. This is the way it is supposed to go.

When I got back home, we put harnesses on the girls and set out on a surface street walk.

Jim has been putting on some ointment that is supposed to help take care of sun damaged skin and the left side of his face looks like a mass of sores. He decided after walking outside this morning that maybe we had better return to the Y until he has some healing. He doesn't want too many people seeing him right now.

I met Pat a little before noon at Pizza Hut. Afterwards we checked out the antique store where the "Duck Club" used to be. It was cold inside as he has not had heat on and had the building opened up today for airing. It really didn't smell as if it had been closed up, but it was good to get out in the warm air. Next we went to the antique mall between Threads and Investor's National. I found several pieces of the Vernonware, but none that I could use. Pat found some beads that she can use in her jewelry "manufacturing" as well as a book with her older daughter's name on the title. Evidently there is a series with this name and Pat has found a couple of the books for her daughter.

Next we went to the "junk" store across from Casey's. I was looking for a ream of colored paper - found a yellow ream for $1.50. I think I tossed maybe two sheets when I got home, but it will do fine for me. They had lots of white paper today - also at $1.50.

We are going to finish leftovers tonight - ham and beans along with the remaining cornbread - guess that means I will need to cook on Tuesday evening.

We have no special plans for Tuesday. I have a list to take to HyVee to get an "old geezer" discount.

Be safe.
B.

Fri. and Sat. March 2 & 3

From what has been a sunny, breezy, coolish MO,

Friday was rather a full day. Jim joined the second breakfast group and I headed to a meeting - somewhat relative to Mobile Meals. I am not sure what transpired much of the rest of the day - on the spur of the moment met some gals for lunch at Applebee's, napped in the afternoon, and enjoyed beans and cornbread for supper. Jim and I did walk at the Y after my a.m. meeting and before I headed to lunch.

When I took the girls out about 2:30 this a.m. - we had about one/half inch of snow on the deck. I'm not sure that I even realized that snow was in the forecast so was rather surprised. We walked at the Y about 8:00 this morning, I fixed pancakes for breakfast, we enjoyed the morning newspapers, watched the KU/Texas basketball game, I read in the afternoon while Jim slept, and don't plan on doing much the rest of the evening.

The only plans that I know of for Sunday will be to go through the KC and St. J newspapers - which we always enjoy.

The book I finished today was by Phillipa Gregory - THE BOLEYN INHERITANCE. It was a little confusing in that three women were featured and each chapter was about one of the ladies, then the next, and then the next - then to be repeated again and again. Ladies involved were Anne of Cleaves, Katherine Howard, and Jane Boleyn Rochford.

Be safe.
B.

Thurs. March 1

From an overcast, blustery, cold MO,

We had quite a Wednesday evening watching the Texas/A&M basketball game - Texas finally won in the second overtime - meaning it was also late to get to bed for us.

There were seven ladies at breakfast this a.m. - am not sure if I should count myself as a lady, but maybe I have a few people fooled - Pat, Mary W., Clara, Ellen, Margaret, Sandy, and yours truly. The topics of conversation were numerous - A.N.Smith, media, local schools, books, off to Florida, grandchildren, etc., etc., etc. We didn't get too splintered in our conversations this a.m. as we could hear this smaller group quite well.

Jim and I walked at the Y when I returned home, cleaned up, went to the Steakhouse for lunch (gyros and side salad), dozed this afternoon, and in general have been bemoaning the blustery wind outside.

When I first turned the tv on this a.m., KC indicated it had been 50 there at 5:00 a.m. and by 6:00 had already dropped to the upper 30s! They (as well as us) had lots of rain last night. I think the Grand River was already out so can't imagine how much higher after the torrential downpour of last night.

Jim joins the second breakfast group in the morning and I am heading to the United Church Women's meeting to try to answer any questions relative to our local Mobile Meals - or at least the part that I work with. I don't anticipate being there long. They have some other activities planned, but I intend to leave when I am done.

Be safe.
B.