Support The Arts!

Went to the opening of student art show in support of Tommy after work tonight. Their assignment was to learn to build a crate for shipping art and then to incorporate an art piece.

Left to Right: KimG, Kevin and Tommy


Tommy and Tommy?

And Yet I Keep Going Back

One day last week, Jesse walked over to Wendy's with me while I picked up some lunch. I decided to try their new sandwich. Frescata, I believe. I wanted to know what was on a particular one and the clerk yelled to the cook asking what was in it. His reply? He yelled back, "We ain't got none of those buns. We can make it on a regular bun, though." No thanks. Not the same.

So I decided to try the Mandarin Chicken Salad. "We don't have any of that dressing."

I tried Chicken Ceasar Salad next. A quick look in their refrigerator followed by the blank stare said, "No we don't have that either."

A query for Spinach Chicken Salad got the same blank stare.

I shouted out "Frosty!" but they didn't hear me. Just as well. I didn't really want one but just wanted to see if they told me they were out.

So I finally ordered "Nuggets, chili, and a Biggie Diet Coke." Yep, the regular. Sad thing is, we all know I'll still keep going back. Sigh.

When You Were Little

When you were little, did you ever watch your Daddy shave? Seems to fascinate many children. Fifty years later, it can be just as fascinating but in a different way. Today, I watched my Daddy shave and was actually horrified as his 88 year old hand shakily held a razor that flew over his face. Oh well, even though he has low vision and mostly shaves by feel, he did fine with not even a nick. It was a scarey sight nonetheless.

Six Months

Gene died six months ago today.

Wendy's Comment For The Day

Please note this is a special order sandwich. I asked for tomatoes.

I've Been Remiss

Been lots going on, so haven't posted in a while. I hope to go back and recap it all really soon! Also, having trouble getting online at home. Alas, no computer tech in the house any longer. Sigh.

More Like A Dull Stick In Your Eye

The eye didn't get better so I went to the doctor on Thursday. Nothing life threatening, but just a sty. But it was on the inside of my eyelid. I didn't know you could get one there. Got drops and ointment, but just time is what was really needed. It really, really hurt through Friday.

Much improved. Still uncomfortable, but now I don't constantly feel like clawing at my eye! I am contemplating putting a picture of it on here. (Yes, I took a picture of the inside of my eyelid!) It's really kinda gross though. Hmmmm. Check back if you're interested.

Not As Bad As A Sharp Stick In Your Eye

Yesterday, my eye felt like it was getting a sty. Well, never got the sty but my eyelids are swollen. Not swollen shut, though, just puffy. It's uncomfortable so I stayed home and relaxed my eye today. Used some of that 400 plus hours of sick time I've got on the books. If it isn't better tomorrow, will go to the doctor.

Islands In A Ravaged Time

This morning, I had been out and about and came home to discover that Carolyn and John were over at Billy's, the neighbor across the road. I met them when they stayed with Billy having evacuated from Hurricane Rita along with other family members.

Right after Hurricane Rita had blown through, we were without power. So Gene and I would go across the road in the evenings to play dominoes or cards by lantern light. It was nice to pass the time with one old and several new friends when there was no electricity for tv watching or reading. And with no fans or air conditioning, Billy's porch was a cooler place to be than our house anyway.

There was a rousing card game the night before he died. I remember some discussion came up about age and Gene was adamant about being only 49, NOT fifty! It was funny.


One Last Game

The next morning, Gene had his heart attack. John came up to the clinic and waited with me and was there when I got the official word that Gene hadn't made it. Kim, Gene's sister, made it there right about the time the doctor was talking to me.

Well, Gene got to be forty-nine forever, didn't he?

A hurricane shakes things up. Tosses things and people with the wind and water. People who were strangers became closer in mere days than people I've known for years. I'll always be grateful for the support they offered me. They let me cling to them when I felt like I was drowning in grief. Islands of comfort.

So anyway! It was great to see them again! They'd come up for Billy's birthday. We had a good visit. Got caught up on what was going on with each other. Even after hurricane repairs, sounds like they got a few home repair surprises such as the hot water heater going out. But I think there are a lot of things that got damaged and/or were just hanging on. Like refrigerators, microwaves, etc. Even though there was no hurricane damage to them, I had to replace my refrigerator, DVD, and VCR within just a few weeks after all the power outages and shortages.

So, the visit was good and got to eat birthday cake and drink good coffee, too!

End of Week

I generally hate to see Friday's roll around unlike the rest of the working world. Work sidetracks me from thinking about Gene.

Friday, Annie and I went to lunch together. First time in forever. We used to all the time. I told Annie that she's moving from Bohemian to Eccentric as she gets older. We got a laugh out of that.

After work, I went out to eat with a new friend who has recently started work on campus. Felt stuffed after eating two meals out but it was nice to socialize.


Introducing Reiko

Stayed at home for the weekend. Didn't do too much. But didn't get too sad either so guess that's a good step.

Redbuds Are Blooming

Redbuds make beautiful bonsai.... see where this train of thought is heading? Sigh.

Springlike Days

The longer days and tweeting birds are helping. Hey, last night I saw a fox on the dirt road to my house. It was stalking my neighbors cat. That cat is a tough old boot. When I would inch the car closer and the fox would stop, Bootsy would only trot briskly, not run toward home. Bootsy (not his real name cause I never can remember it and Gene called him Bootsy) is one of the most beat up, scarred-up kitties I've ever seen. And he's getting old, too. Seems like he's been there the whole 11 years I have. He's probably not afraid of a little fox that's not much bigger than him. Probably has taken them on before and won!