Paul and Cathy go to Bonaventure Cemetery!

No photos this time, folks.
The day was gray and rainy, so we didn't venture out of the car much.
Paul and I had one of my egg-and-English-muffin sandwiches, along with coffee, while Cathy slept in. Then we all piled into the car and rode out to Bonaventure Cemetery. First we drove around its grounds, taking in the large variety of statuary among the Spanish-moss draped live oaks and headstones. Sure there were folks tromping around on the muddy lanes, but that was not for us.
Next, on to Forest Lawn memory Gardens, with poinsettias and mini-Christmas trees hopscotching the rows of memorial markers and the memorial walls. By this time, the drizzle was slowing greatly.
Good timing.
By the time we entered Greenwich Cemetery, the westmost of the three, the rain had stopped. After driving along the bluff road and enjoying the Romanesque statues of angels and maidens, we were able to stop and visit Mama and Frank's new place on this Earth. I explained that I had placed the seashells and small rocks on Mama's marker because she had been so taken by that Jewish tradition when she had seen "Schindler's List". (She had started doing that when she traveled to Waycross to visit my grandparents' graves.)
Visiting the cemeteries quite naturally led to a trip to my church. I wanted them to see the renovations in the sanctuary, the renovations I had helped fund with my "Celebrate The Joy" pledges for more than two years. I very much enjoy going to Asbury Memorial UMC. I find the decor to be quite soothing, as well as uplifting.
Okay, time to get a bit of food! They had never been to Chick-Fil-A and tasted that lovely chicken with the two pickle slices, so that's where we went. Funny thing: that particular store has the code "FSU". (How do you like that, Paul? It's like they knew you were coming when they built that store just a couple of years ago!)
They liked it! They really liked it!
And Paul even got a mini-sundae.
He should eat ice cream cones and sundaes more often. He visibly relaxes when he eats them. I first saw this in Las Vegas, back in 2010, when they had joined me for part of my week there. I have this photo of him eating an ice cream cone, happy as a lark, with the spires of Excaliber rising behind him. Good memories!
Now what to do? Their flight wasn't until 7 PM and we had really done everything that I had wanted to share with them, except the part about dining at Cheddar's. That was in Pooler, near the airport.
Well, we were all packed, them with their flight bags, me with my Florida-bound bags. They weren't adverse to being dropped off a bit early for their ride back home, to allow me to get a start on my drive south while some daylight remained...
So north to Pooler we headed! Then we had a very leisurely meal at the restaurant that doesn't advertise, getting some good veggies at a great price.
Then to the airport, with hugs all around and wishes for safe travels...
And me safe in the knowledge that I was not returning to an empty house on this first night of their absence, that I had a buffer time in a new bed, in a new place, to serve as my loss adjustment.
I had set this buffer in place before I had known how important it would be to me. I had thought, back in early October, that I was being smart and prepared by actually planning to to be down in Florida at the same time my dear cousin Penny and her family are there every year for the week of New Year's Eve. Then, a month later when I was fb'ing with Penny on her birthday, I mentioned my plans to see her at the end of December.
"Oh, are you returning to Tallahassee?"
"Um, no, I'm joining y'all for New Year's, when you'll be in Ponte Vedra. I've booked a stay in Ormond Beach!"
"Oh, I'm sorry, honey, but we won't be doing that this year. Steve's folks sold their condo two weeks ago."
"Seriously? Well... then I guess I'll still be going there (as it's too late to change the booking without losing all of the points)."
Now thank God I did have this booking.
That all worked out just fine for my emotional sanity.
Safe travels, dear friends! I'll miss you!
And tomorrow I celebrate the end of a New Year in the company of Random Acts of Insanity. How appropriate is that?!
(smile!)

Paul and Cathy are Sweetie Pies!

Paul and Cathy had specified only two things when they arrived. 1) Go to Paula Deen's restaurant (not to necessarily eat there, just go there. 2) Eat some real Southern food.
The first objective had been met.
Now, to satisfy the second objective.
That would require visits to two of my favorite restaurants.
Brunch (was actually lunch) was served at Sisters of The New South, home of the best fried chicken in town! White meat, dark meat, it just doesn't matter - both are incredibly moist and delicious! I really like the lima beans, the yellow rice, the sweet potatoes, and the green beans, too. And moist cornbread that doubles as a dessert! Paul and Cathy concurred with my assessment, after we had verified that no pork was used in the cooking of the foods. Most excellent!
What to do next on this drizzly day?
Why not venture back toward Tybee and stop off at the Fish Art Gallerie? It had caught Cathy's attention, so we had to see what lure it held.
Okay, okay, enough with the puns!
(smile)
Actually, it had some very nice fish magnets, so I got those. They spent quite a while perusing the wares, exploring each area of the store cum gallery. Paul had a very nice conversation with the artist-owner, Ralph Douglas Jones, and recommended he venture to the west coast for an art festival that was sure to find a bustling market for his works.
We then bounced over to next store, for more exploration, but Cathy did not find anything that warranted a place in her luggage. Oh, well!
Then I snapped the above photo of two sweetie pies!
No, make that three!
Back toward town, where we were greeted by drizzly rain.
We then spent a very unsuccessful couple of hours going around two pharmacies here, to try to obtain an extension of Cathy's blend of insulin. Sadly, we went home empty-handed, to await a phone call, should her insurance company ever follow through.
Enough of these gray skies!
We needed some blue sky in our lives!!!
With that, we went to Sweet Potatoes for an early dinner. Fabulous bright colors on the walls! Beautiful paintings with blue sky and golden flowers! Excellent variety of vegetables and tasty meats!
We all definitely needed that. Especially those baked sweet potatoes for dessert - oh, yeah! This is definitely my favorite place to chase away the gray skies!
After a very leisurely dinner, it was time to go talk to some folks. So, off to Foxy Loxy for the Philo Cafe discussions! The topic, elected by last week's attendees, was from my former college chemistry professor, Cedric Stratton. "Is Time Money?" was the query. Quite a lively discourse followed, with almost everyone contributing their thoughts, including Paul and Cathy. Good to share that time with them!
Afterward, we were asked if we would be retiring to Chili's for chips and chatting. No, thank you. Paul said they were jealous of my time with them and preferred to go back to my house.
Wasn't that such a nice thing for him to say?
So, that's exactly what we did!
We settled in to watch a little television before bedtime. But what to watch in the 10 PM time slot? Let's try some "Castle", shall we? But that was not to be. The episode was Part 2 of a missed Part 1 and was extraordinarily violent (for that show).
What's on GPB? Good question... oh, my, 'tis "The Great British Baking Show"! With chefs vying for title of "Best Amateur Baker", while making different items each week for ten weeks! And we had managed to catch the very first episode!
What perfect timing!
It was such an entertaining show, too. So many different cakes that they were tasked to make! Some were lovely creations. Some were absolute train wrecks. All sounded quite tasty.
I just may have to tune in again next week.
Seriously.
Okay, time for bed, y'all!
We have one more day tomorrow... sleep well!

Paul and Cathy go to Wash Plus!

Ceviche for breakfast!!!
You bet! Since it was laundry day (today's travelers by plane must pack light), we ate brunch at Jalapenos, right across the street from my favorite laundrette. What a great way to start the day!

While Cathy and I enjoyed our brunch at a leisurely pace, Paul bopped across the road to Wash Plus to start the wash cycle. By the time it was done and he bopped back to put the load into the dryer, we were sated!
It was so nice to introduce them to Nami, too! She and I have known each other for almost 20 years!
You see, I've been coming to her place for tending to my clothes ever since 1996.

Clothes were washed, dried, and folded. On to other events!
First on the list was a trip to the Owens-Thomas House. It's part of the Telfair Museum group and had been included with our admission to the other two yesterday. Also, I couldn't recall having been there, so it would be new to me, too.
The weather was warm, so off we went, clothes still in the trunk!
What good timing we had, too. We arrived about thirty minutes before a tour of the grounds was to begin. Yeah!

Afterward, Paul and Cathy took a few moments to enjoy the lovely garden and fountain. Such peace and serenity! Such a lovely way to pass time before the movie...
What movie? The latest Bollywood film over at the Royal Cinema! I had been chatting up the film ever since their arrival, so of course they humored me and agreed to go!
And so we did, dining first at the coolest pizza joint in this area, the Mellow Mushroom in Pooler. You know, where it's cooler.
Local joke!
(smile)
So, we had slunch, with the five Ultraman statues, under the Spiderman on the ceiling, and admiring the artwork on the walls. I tend to avoid pizza places since I became lactose intolerant six years ago, but this place is just that cool that I work around that whole cheese issue.
Then it was time for "PK"!!! Woohoo!!! What a grand blend of Bollywood, science fiction, romance, and comedy!!!
Definitely stirred up a hunger for Indian food, too.
So, that was our next destination! Back to Savannah and Pakwan! We have several Indian restaurants in town, but I like this one best. Tonight, I didn't have my glasses, so reading the menu was out. No worries. I had the special, lamb chops. I am so glad I did! Absolutely fabulous!!!

Then, back to home, fetching the clean clothes into the house.
We were right on time for a bit of relaxing (and Paul's foot massage) before the two Sunday-evening episodes of "The Big Bang Theory".
Perfect timing!
How very nice -
we'd had perfect timing all day!

Paul and Cathy go downtown!

This morning, we all went to Funky Brunch Cafe!
I've only been once before, between Arthur's funeral and my volunteer ushering at the Lucas for "Miracle On 34th Street".
It had been the perfect place for shifting gears and I had added it to the list of places to share with Paul and Cathy.
They must have had a parking angel, for we pulled up to a space right in front of the restaurant. Downtown. On Broughton Street.
That simply does not happen for me.
Good sign!
The peace Guy was already there, too! He was joining us before resuming his renovation work on his parents' house here in town.
We all enjoyed a leisurely brunch, having just beaten the big crowd. How about that?!
Then Joe left to work and we went to the museums.

Now to decide which venue to explore first?
The Jepson Center, of course!
We took the elevator to the top and worked our way down from the 3rd floor.
The first thing we saw on the upper walkway?
The Bird Girl statue!
Once a mainstay at Bonaventure Cemetery, she had been moved to the Telfair Museum to protect her from avid tourists after "the book" and "the movie" made her absurdly famous.

We then explored several of the current exhibits.
"Deep River" presented the works of Whitfield Lowell, who used barrels as his canvas for the portraits of black Americans.
"Savannah Collects" presented paintings which demonstrated the different tastes of local collectors and emphasized that art, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.
The Sculpture Terrace is actually outside, on the roof of the second-floor auditorium. (There, I made sure they noticed my favorite piece, "Mother and Child".)
The Glass House is located in the hands-on learning center and was fun for the kid in all of us!
"I Have Marks To Make", now in its 20th year, showcases art created as therapeutic works.
We visited the gift shop, too, making use of my member's discount.
Sah-weet!
Time to bop on over to the older museum, the Telfair Academy, with admission included on the passes I had given them.

I've been visiting this place since I was a girl.
Again, we took the elevator to the third floor, then explored our way down. That meant we began with the latest exhibit, "Romantic Spirits", then worked our way to the main floor's "Mansion To Museum", before hitting the scupltures, paintings, and reflection benches in the basement.
Now, time for some fun in the sun!

Of course that included a walk over to Paula Deen's restaurant and shop!
How could we possibly be downtown and not go there?
Plus, it was on Cathy's list to visit.
(smile)
We played around in the shop for quite a while, too, with Cathy having her picture taken by Paul. Me? I was photobombing her!
That was fun!
Then another block east, over to Mack's 5 & 10.
Why this store for Cathy's souvenirs?
Well, ever since I was a girl, going to Mack's in Medical Arts Shopping Plaza was a way to entertain all of us kids. Stickers, toys, puzzles, books -
all at prices a family with four kids could afford.
I'm so glad it relocated downtown!
Speaking of that, what trip to Savannah's north end would be complete without seeing River Street?
No trip, that's what!

Down there we rode, bumping along the cobbled street, enjoying the store fronts and the musicians and the foot traffic and the ships. I pointed out favorite sites along the way, ending with this sight at the east-most end. The Waving Girl has always been such a favorite of mine!
Time to go back home for some dinner!
I made one of my favorite dishes, Andy's Pasta, for us and Joe. Want the recipe? Take a can of chicken, drain the liquid into a large, covered pan. Chop an onion, add some garlic, throw in some olive oil, and cook until the onion is done. Shred the chicken, add it and the diced tomatoes to the pan, add water. Bring to a boil, add your favorite pasta (I like penne), and cook. After the pasta becomes al dente, add a bunch of your favorite leafy stuff (mustard greens, spinach, collards), put the lid on and turn the heat off. Allow it to rest about five minutes and it's dinner!
Why such an early meal tonight?
CinemaSavannah was screening "Force Majeure" at Muse Arts Warehouse and I wanted them to see it! Primarily, though, the event allowed me to introduce them to Tomasz of CinemaSavannah, Jim Reed of the Psychotronic Film Society, and the Rands, JinHi and Mark, owners of that fine venue serving as a cinema tonight.
As a bonus, some other friends were there! Barbara and Sandy had come for this later screening! I've known them for the past seven years, through the group No Kidding! and beyond.
After the film, what to do? We four headed off for dessert at one of my favorite late-night places, The Diner. Back in my college days, my friend Sam and I would hit this place after an evening of dancing at the nearby club. Ah, memories!
Good choice! They have the best variety of desserts in town, hands down. Cakes! Pies! Baklava!
And breakfast any time of day.
Joe and I even had bacon with our desserts!
What a fine way to wrap up an evening!

Paul and Cathy go to Forsyth Park!

Of course Forsyth Park is on my list! Jeff and I lived by it for the first few years of our marriage, in his modified studio apartment in the basement of one of the Park Avenue houses.
That lovely fountain? It's one of my favorite places to photograph. I just love how the water and the sunlight play together!
We had breakfast at my house, then bopped onto Veterans Parkway and out to the school to enjoy the arboretum. Right? Armstrong State University is not only my alma mater, but also where I have taught for the last twenty years. Definitely had to take the visitors there!
Also, I love strolling the grounds. So many trees and plants from all over the world! Cathy especially wanted to see the ginger garden, which is right beside the Learning Commons, where I do the tutoring ("Office Hours") of my students.
We also walked around the International Garden and I pointed out the new trees on campus, planted by President Linda Bleicken. I've attended those planting ceremonies - nice occasions, they were!
Afterward, Paul was ready for more coffee. Down to the Sentient Bean we zipped, thanks to the Truman Parkway! With java in hand, we took a leisurely walk in Forsyth Park to the fountain. There, we sat and enjoyed the sunshine and a bit of people-watching and chatting.
Ah... such a nice day, today! So good to have sunshine again!
By this time, we were getting a bit hungry.
"How about shrimp burgers, y'all?"
"Sure!" was their reply.
Off to Fannie's On The Beach we went! Along the way, I talked about the palm trees on Victory Drive and my love of the salt marshes and the relative newness of the pier at Tybee Beach.
I pointed out The Sugar Shack and told them about trips there on hot summer days as a kid.
We talked about the chicken fingers and spuds at Spanky's, another longtime local favorite.
Then, we entered Fannie's and had one of the best waitresses ever! She made sure we had a supply of crayons to draw on the table cover while we waited for the fried pickle chips - and they were so good! Then came the shrimp burgers and we were good to go!
After that, we took a brief walk to the pier. But the sun was setting and the breeze was quite chilly, so back to Savannah with us!
We made a brief stop at the neighborhood Food Lion, for snacks, cream for Paul's coffee, bread, and fruit. we arrived home just in time for two episodes of - wait for it! - my favorite show, "The Big Bang Theory"!!! What fabulous timing! If we had tried to plan that, you know it wouldn't have happened!
So, we watched both half-hour episodes, with me providing sidebar information about the characters, previous episodes, special quirks... you know, all that nerdy trivia that fans know!
Then, you know what we did??? We played "The Big Bang Theory Trivia" game that I had won at Dave & Buster's! I've had the game since June, but I had not yet played it. Paul and Cathy were psyched to give it a try, so I contacted Joe (he was here in Savannah, too!) and he joined us. Nice!
And what fun we had! We even made up a new rule for the game: The Schrödinger Card. It's based on the premise of Schrödinger's Cat, which has been featured on multiple occasions on the television show.
Here's how our rule works.
After a person has accumulated four different character cards, the next character card cannot be revealed, but must be laid face-down by the other person's accumulated cards. Play continues until everyone has four character cards showing and one Schrödinger Card. At that point, all players reveal their Schrödinger Card. If it completes the requirement for winning the game (i.e., five different character cards), then that person wins!
I wish I could take credit for devising the rule, but I think Paul was the one who did. He is also the one who winner of that first-ever game of TBBT Trivia.
Okay, it's very late! We all stayed up talking until just a little while ago, so to bed I go!
More "Adventures of Paul and Cathy in Savannah" tomorrow!
I mean, later today!
(smile)

Paul and Cathy are here!

Here they are, sitting on the loveseat in my living room!
We were just chatting, after dining on a quickly thrown together dinner from my pantry. Pasta, jarred tomato sauce with garlic, canned diced tomatoes, and canned chicken. And we loved every bite of it! Heck, we ate every bite of it!
Their flight arrived on time, just as I was getting out of the cinema. (I saw "Into The Woods" and fully intend to see it again. Marvelous!) Perfect timing!
Their one checked bag? Well, the baggage compartment on the plane was not opening, so that added a slight delay. Still, thirty minutes later we were out of there and looking for food.
The Waffle House? Wall to wall people.
The sushi place? It had a line out the door.
That's when I piped up and said, "I can make sketti at my house?" Motion made and seconded!
And here we are, about to crash and burn for the night. I'd had a full day which included a couple of hours at Smitty and Mary's for Christmas ham and visiting with my niece Christy and her family. They'd had a full day of travel behind them.
And we would be off to the museums in the morning. Or maybe on Saturday.
Oh, yes! We would definitely be going to the Jepson! I wanted them to experience my Savannah. We would be hitting those places I regard as part and parcel of my life, so when next I speak of them, the San Franciscans will know exactly what I'm talking about.
I am so looking forward to sharing my world with them!

merry Christmas to me!

Paul and Cathy are coming!!! Tomorrow!!! All the way from San Francisco, just to be with me!!!
I am soooo excited!
I've already moved my heated mattress pad from my bed and put it, and my sheets, on the sofa bed in the guest room. You see, I'm going to let them stay in my room. After all, they're a couple and they will have more room on my king-sized bed than on the double in the guest room.
Yep, that's how much I love them! They get my room and my bed!
Not my heated mattress pad, though. They can snuggle and share body heat.
(smile)
I moved all the stuff tonight so I can go ahead and get used to being in the other bed. I already know it's comfortable, from several years ago when I test drove it. No sense in having a bad bed for good guests, right?
I just wanted to make sure I had everything in there that I wanted.
Because Paul and Cathy are coming!!! Tomorrow!!!

hark the herald angels sing!

That's just one of the songs we sang tonight!
No, that "we" doesn't refer to the invisible mouse in my pocket.
(smile)
Let me start by saying I attended the Christmas Eve service at my church again this year. As you may recall, I attended the special program last year with my friend, Hai, for the first time ever. He and I joined the throng of carolers afterwards - another first for me - and it was quite a magical evening.
This year, I joined my stepsister Jean and her family at the service. We sat up in the balcony, instead of on the main floor. That definitely gives a different perspective and, oddly, adds a bit of distance, both literally and figuratively, to the proceedings.
Still, when Jamie Kelso sang "Mary Did You Know?", it was the highpoint of the special program. (The video in this link is sung by Kathy Mattea and is good, but Jamie's is so very heartfelt and poetic. She's part of the local oldies-singing trio known as the Girlfriends.)
Afterward, Jean and John and my two nieces headed back home.
I stayed for the caroling!
So did quite a few others, including several of the teen crowd. Nice! Lots of energy from those!
I'm sure you're curious about the songs we sang...
Well, for sure the one in this blog title! Also, "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer", "We Wish You a Merry Christmas", "Joy To The World", "Jingle Bells", "Here Comes Santa Claus", and "Silent Night"! We even threw in "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", one of my favorites, which I led for the first rendition. Woohoo!
The last song of the evening, as it is for each year of caroling, was "I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas". Sung, of course, to Miss Virginia, as she sat on her porch swing. Then, we all piled into her tiny house for hot chocolate, chicken fingers, and cookies, as well as other treats, prior to taking our leave and heading to our own homes.
After all, Santa Claus is coming to town!

poetry in motion

leaves
scattered on the sidewalk
like fallen stars

This photo was taken outside the American Red Cross center today. Why was I there, well, it was that time again, folks.
As I was walking toward the entrance, the display of colors and the shape of the leaves struck me as poetic.
I don't think a 1-6-4 syllable scheme qualifies as haiku, but it could certainly be said to be a haiku-like poem.

chasing sunbeams

(taken at Clearwater marine Aquarium)

seeing winter in clear water

Today, I felt like I was driving in the corn fields of Iowa again.

Crazy, right?
Especially as I was on a twelve-mile bridge in central Florida at the time.
But, maybe not so crazy after all.
You see, I was in search of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
There were no signs, no billboards, nothing to indicate I was on the right path, nothing to indicate that the place I sought truly existed.
It was as if I were in search of another Field of Dreams.
Perhaps I was, but hadn't known of the name change...
An ocean of corn has waves, too, doesn't it? An ocean of water, an ocean of corn, neither with markers scattered about to give a sense of direction to one's quest...
Such a correlation helped me to formulate a goal.
I hesitate to call it a "bucket list". That seems a little morbid, something old folks do as their lives near an end as physical beings.
Sure, I am getting older, but I would like to think I have at least seven years left.
(smile)
But that term, of murky origin, holds no cachet for me.
I prefer "future adventure list!"
(Yes, the exclamation mark is necessary, not optional.)
So, today's trip to see movie star dolphins can be regarded as Entry Zero (or Pre-One, if you will) to my "future adventure list!" I've already thought of another item, too! I intend to visit North Carolina to visit the movie locales used for one of my favorite movies, "Bull Durham". I know, it's another baseball film starring Kevin Costner, but I think that it's just a coincidence that it popped into my brain.
Maybe.
(smile!)

I am feeling so very relaxed right now.
Honestly, ever since I saw Winter and Hope.

Hope was swimming in lazy laps in the large pool, circling and circling. Sometimes, she would break the surface, to allow for a photo op. Or she might push a float toy for a moment.

But every once in a while, she would breach the shallow wall into the small "room" where Winter was chilling out.
You know, to check in on her friend, see how her energy level was holding up.
Very touching.

Very reassuring to me, a different species of mammal, to see friendship demonstrated by these aquatic mammals.
The first thing I did, upon my return to the Mystic Dunes of Orlando was to contact my favorite magician, my bfe, just to touch base.
(smile)

december family gathering!!!

baby holding time!
(first niece) Christina Woods holds Alyssa Smith
(eldest niece) Christy Parker holds Leila Smith
former-sister-in-law's mom, Bev Lockamy in dining room

below: mom Melanie Smalls puts changing table to first use!

the Parker girls, Christy and my great-niece Caitlyn, take a moment to dine, with John Parker close at hand

below: sis-in-law Mary Smith cuddles Leila and shares the loveseat with Jean and Zaida
Christy sits on the floor with little Lee (the Woods' younger foster son) and Caitlyn is at the knee of her Nana Mary

Christy and John Parker visit in the living room with nephew Michael Smith and Chelsea, while Lee sits and plays

below: Christina and her mom Melinda chat with Molly and her dad John while Bev has a little more dip

(step) niece Chelsea McEwen enjoys her role as Aunt to baby Alyssa

below: John Hester and John Parker share some doodad on their phones

me and the out-of-towners!

That's my Aunt Barbara Narcarti (husband John stayed home sick) with my cousin Bev and her husband Allan Prouty!

the Hester women listen to my outlaw Melinda McEwen in the living room

stepsister Jean and my nieces Molly and Zaida, respectively

above: John H and Allan share a joke in the dining room while Mary admires 'Mama's painting'

my eldest younger brother,
Harvey Smith, Jr.,
between my fsilm Bev in the dining room and cousin-in-law Allan in the living room

above: John Hester and my cousin Bev listen to the Christmas music on the tv

Melinda enjoys a few moments with her daughters Christina and Chelsea and granddaughter Leila

above: Michael relaxes with his younger daughter, Leila, while Jason Woods relaxes after an afternoon of work

Leila and her G'Aunt Tina
(very rare to see me hold a baby!)

almost time for the family gathering!!!

Woohoo!!! The family is coming in two hours!
As I had mentioned earlier, the December Family Gathering is at my house this year! Imagine that!
And I volunteered my house for the gathering!!!
Now, to share a few pictures before things get hectic around here.

How neat and clean the living room is!
And see the lovely snowflakes my dear Melaness gave me for Christmas last year?
Hung with care, they're lending a snowy edge to the entertainment center!
The Energizer Bunny stocking - an inside joke with my stepdad and the family - is also hung up there, off to the right side, so it's the first thing folks see when they enter.
(smile)
Yukon Cornelius, the 'Bomble, and various elves and misfits are out topside, keeping company with the Christmas-past photo of Mama.
And over on the front door? That's a yuletide greeting I latch-hooked as a teen for my Granny White, my Grandpa's mom.
Yes, indeed, lots of Christmases past mingled with the new!

The same is true for the Christmas ornaments on my tree.
The Angel atop the tree dates back to 1981, when I was stationed in Okinawa.
Mama made her for me! Also, the little red ceramic car - on its way over the river and through the wood! - and the gingerbread house and the rocking horse. I had a few more, but I added those to the ones Frank found and gave to me that first Christmas after her death. All were then distributed to my nieces and nephews - her many grandchildren - so all would have something she had crafted.
There are more recent additions to my tree, too! Those were gifts from two of my eldest great-nieces and I've hung the pieces about their eye-level. Watching as they espy them will be fun!
Yes, the tree is in the sunroom this year. It's only been up since Monday, but I rather like it in this new location! I needed for it to not be taking up valuable floor space in the living room, as I am expecting about forty people.
Forty people! In my little 1300 square foot house!

That's why I rearranged the dining set, too, bringing in the two extra chairs from other rooms for an octet.
I'm hoping to provide plenty of places for folks to sit and visit and eat, but also hope they'll mingle.

I'm hoping!
No fear, though - the aromatic configuration remains intact!
(smile!)

What about the guest room?
Well, I have that changing table ready for use!
I've even bought swaddling cloths with little monsters on them and a package of newborn diapers.

Yes, I did!
My nephew Michael, the one whose gone fult-tilt boogie into being a daddy by having twins, will be here and I want to be a true Great-Aunt!

And the plush carpet in that room will be a great place for little ones to play and rest, if the adults are making too much noise.
The loveseat in there will provide more seating, too.
Whew!

That rocking chair I brought home from Panama will provide a nice place for a new mother to nurse, too.
Tucked away in my bedroom, my personal aquarium, it'll be apart from the action, but still in earshot.

That lovely muted fuchsia throw?
Mama crocheted that.
The quilted pillow in the seat?
I fashioned that from clothing I had once made, then gave the pillow to my Grandmama, back when she was traveling so much between my aunt in Tallahassee, us in Savannah, my maternal cousins in Augusta, and her sister in Strong, Arkansas.

What about the bathroom?
Did I forget to gussy it up?
Frayed knot!
(smile!)
Inspired by I know not what, I hung one of my usual wedding-gift towels, and then...
here's the amazing part...
draped over it the two Christmas-themed hand towels my outlaw Kathy had given me a couple of years ago.
Looks good, doesn't it?
Yeah, surprised me, too!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some chip dip to make!

good for Savannah!

The headline in yesterday's local newspaper proclaimed the latest concerning my lovely boys of summer.
City seeks Gnats' 2016 plans
Would Hardball Capital, owner of the Savannah Sand Gnats, be making use of Grayson Stadium for their spring and summer season in 2016?

You may be wondering why there would even be a question about that. After all, the Gnats have held court in that historic place in Daffin Park for... well... as long as they have been in existence. And before them, the Savannah Braves and Savannah Cardinals played baseball there within its walls.
Many other teams have held their sports competitions there, too. It's even played host to wrestlers and Willie Nelson and beer fests, too.
But, back to the Sand Gnats.
Their current owner (of the past two or three years), maker of the money, is John Katz. He wanted the taxpayers of Savannah to build a new baseball stadium for him and has been lobbying for that ever since he arrived here.
Ludicrous, right?
And he wanted the stadium to be built downtown, to draw in more tourists.
Even more ludicrous.
And the cost of this new stadium would be greater than $10,000,000.
Most ludicrous of all.
For one, organized baseball has better than one hundred years of history here and much of that has occurred at Grayson Stadium. If he were truly interested in having baseball on the agenda of history buffs, then what better location could be dreamt of than this one?
For two, the Truman Parkway has made access from downtown to midtown very easy. Tourists can pop onto the Parkway from several places downtown (Bay Street, Liberty Street, and President Street) and be at the ballpark within twenty minutes or so, thanks to the Victory Street exit. Parking would be a cinch, too, and absolutely free.
For three, the majority of attendees at the baseball games are locals, such as myself. Why steal funds from my pocket to build a new locale when I am already supporting these boys of summer?
Sure, the stadium needs some renovations, like new locker rooms, for one. But, as I recall, those were on the list of items to be addressed several years ago, when the City of Savannah approved the needed funds. Only some of those improvements were actually performed. Why not complete the repairs and changes?
A new stadium, located downtown, is not the answer.
My gratitude to my representatives in the Savannah City Council for not caving to the demands of this man.
Now the ball is in his hands.
Will he choose to keep the team here? Or will he opt to sell it, as have those other owners of the past two decades, who fled Savannah after they were denied a new stadium?
Same dilemma, new people.
It can hardly be called "news", can it?
Real news would be if the owner were to build a new sports complex out of his own pocket and then move the team to that new locale. Would fans follow?
But that isn't going to happen. Spend their own money???
No fat Katz do such things.
Meanwhile, I plan to enjoy my boys of summer this year.
We'll see about the summer of 2016 when it gets a bit closer.

therapy through charity

Today's message from the Universe:

Sure, we have an "Advanced Self Help" department here, Faustina!

Down the hall and through the doors with the sign that says, "Help Others."

Yeah, same-same, because the therapy that comes from helping someone else is one of the most advanced ways to help yourself.

Shhhhhh... please do not tell a single soul!
The Universe

Of course, as soon as I read it, I copied it to post here, for all the world.
How much better would life be if we all gave of ourselves to others?
I'm not talking about writing checks or digging in your pocket, either. That can help others, but you might want to check the Charity Navigator or Better Business Bureau first. After all, you want to be sure the majority of any monies you donate are used for the programs they espouse, not for the staff or fundraising.
No, throwing money at folks is not the best way to help.
Your time is a valuable resource for them, too.
Ever since the summer, I have been volunteering my services at the Lucas Theatre For The Arts.
Every month, the list of events which need ushers is sent out. I look at my schedule and select those events which I know I will be able to attend. I am very careful to not double-book myself, as I have no clone to stand in for me.
As my friends will attest, if I say I will be present at a gathering, I will certainly be there. As a volunteer, it is doubly important to maintain those appointments, as others are depending upon my physical and mental presence.
I have found that I enjoy having that responsibility of being a Volunteer.
Certainly, I have also enjoyed the events for which I am "working." So far this month, I have served as an usher for a ballet ("The Nutcracker in Savannah"), a Christmas chorale ("Savannah Children's Choir Christmas Show"), and two holiday films ("Home Alone" and "Miracle on 34th Street"). All very enjoyable, some of which I might have attended on my own. Possibly. (Although, at this time of year, many events compete for my time, especially on the weekends.)
Tonight, I usher for the speakeasy-style show, "Cool Yule: A Christmas Cabaret"! I know I am going to very much enjoy being present for this! Johnny Mercer's holiday tunes! Trae Gurley (think modern Frank Sinatra)!! Folks dressed up for a party!!!
So, use the link and you can be there, too... and I will be glad to help you find your seat!

farewell to Arthur

There he is, sitting in his personal seat at Grayson Stadium.
That's right - his seat.
You can see the metal nameplate peeking out behind him.
Good seat, too, right behind homeplate, up high enough in the bleachers to catch a nice breeze from the overhead fans on a hot summer night at the Sand Gnats' games.
He and Willie Smith, Jr., have been such faithful fans of Savannah baseball that they were rewarded with permanent seats there at the historic landmark.
This morning, Mister Willie spoke at Arthur's funeral.
Willie had called me on Thursday. Arthur's granddaughter, Jennifer, had just called him to tell him Arthur had died. So, as I usually share the space on those wooden bleachers with these two old men, Willie called me to share the sad news.
The Savannah newspaper didn't even have the obituary yet. The funeral notice didn't appear in the paper until yesterday.
That didn't give folks much time to arrange to be at the 11:00 AM funeral on a Saturday morning, this close to Christmas.
Even so, the church was full.
Arthur was that loved by all who knew him.
How very sad that he is gone.
I will miss his ready smile and easy-going sense of humor.
I do hope Jennifer will still make use of his seat this coming season.
Otherwise, it will be a constant reminder of the loss of this good man.

music in the house!

Changes are definitely overdue.
As I was talking to the bfe on Wednesday, I shared that I was going to start playing music in my house again.
He was surprised to hear that.
He had thought music was such a part of my life that a radio or CD player would be constantly on.
He's right, of course.

Before marriage, yes, the radio or some other music source was constantly playing. Television? Who needed it?
After the wedding, I tried to keep it up, until the husband came home. I tried to be considerate of him, as he worked at a radio station (for years as a DJ, then as the man who produced the commercials) and just wanted some quiet when he was off. Well, that wasn't entirely true; he preferred the sound of the television.
After Mama's death, I stopped playing music at the house, for the most part. Hearing songs that she and I would sing to each other would just send me into tears.
So, no music.
Crazy.

But that isn't news anymore.
This summer, I realized that January will make 14 years since Mama died.
14 YEARS.
That means, in 7 years, I'll be as old as she was when she died.

She was 20 years (and five months) when she had me.
That's close to 21.
21 - 14 = 7
I have 7 years until I hit the age of her last birthday.

Seven years was the length of time on the contracts in "Poor Devil". Willing to sell your soul to Lucifer to get what you want? Fine! When you sign the deal, you'll have seven years of him (or his agent) doing your bidding, seven years that will be the best of your life! Then you go straight to Hell, do not pass GO, do not collect $200.
(Monopoly, y'all. Try to keep up.)
I would like to think the next seven years will be the best of my life.
No deals with the Devil are involved, just me taking back those things that once brought me joy.
Music in the house, so my butt is always wiggling and my feet are always jiggling! I may even get up and dance, too!

I had also told the bfe that I'm going to start wearing perfume again.
I had stopped back in 1992.
How can I recall that so clearly and quickly?
Well, I was getting married that October. My stepdad was diagnosed with COPD and was suddenly attached to an oxygen machine everywhere he went. Because fragrance competed with oxygen molecules for space in the air, perfumes and colognes were no longer to be worn around him.
Mama had to give up perfume.
That was a very big deal.
She always wore scent and had done so for all of my life.
Now, no more Charlie for her.
In solidarity, I ceased wearing perfume, too.
Every once in a while, I would still wear some fragrance, but not if I were going to be visiting Mama and Frank.
After a while, I stopped completely.

Now, it's time to "dress up" with scent again.
Perfume to delight my nose and make me feel special, make every day seem special. I'm thinking citrus...

lingaa, in multiple tongues

Woohoo! it's the beginning of the month and you know what that means, right?
Bollywood time, baby!!!
This one coincides with the 65th birthday of its star, Rajinikanth. This man has been super-popular in India since the 1970's, playing the lead in more than two hundred movies.
Wow.
I can certainly understand the attraction! The man has excellent comedic timing and knows how to work a camera to his advantage. In "Lingaa", he plays two roles, including his own grandfather. (Yeah, there's a joke in there, for sure!) The title character is a thief on the path to redemption, saving not only himself and his compatriots but also his family home from destruction. What I really liked? Its historical perspective, working in the past and present relationships between India and England. And I don't usually like history lessons!
There were only five songs in this movie. Generally, there are considerably more, including much dancing, but I guess the nature of the film (adventure/history) simply didn't offer those opportunities. Still, it's available in three languages, so you can check it out.
Three languages, you say? English, Indian, Spanish?
Hahaha haha!
Not hardly!
No, here is how it works. India, which is a little less than half the size of Australia, but has more than a hundredfold that country's population, has no national language.
Let me repeat: India has no national language.
I first became aware of that during my years as a graduate student for Leo Mandelkern. Rakesh and Nandi were postdoctoral students in our polymer chemistry lab. Both were from India, but different regions, and neither could talk to the other in their native tongues. I don't know which of the 22 languages in India they spoke. They had to communicate in English. Interesting, yes?
"Lingaa" reflects that multicultural aspect of life in that country. Made using the Tamil language and starring the Tamil mega-star Rajinikanth, it also featured key players who spoke two other major dialects, Telugu and Hindi. The distributors released the film in both Tamil and Telugu, both dubbed in English. I attended the latter version, as the time better coincided with my schedule.
One other person, a man, was in attendance. During a glitch in the film, we talked to pass the time. The reason he had chosen this version over the other? Telugu was his native tongue. His best friend spoke Tamil and was attending the other version of the film, two screening rooms from us at the Carmike Wynnsong cinema.
Sure, they could have opted to watch the movie together... but which would get to enjoy hearing the language and which would have to simply read the subtitles?
No problem. Since both versions were in the same cinema, the two men had opted to each enjoy the Indian film as it would be if they were in their hometowns.
How very cool that they even had that option here in tiny Savannah!!!
I'm telling you, I am so fortunate to have grown up in a seaport! There's nothing like it for broadening one's relationship with the world.
Oh, before I go, here's a joke. (Well, not really, but work with me, okay?)

Q: Why did the man from India sit in the upper rows at the cinema?

A: Because, back home, those are the expensive seats!

thanks for a lovely day!

The funny thing, Faustina, is that
in spite of the euphoria one feels upon entering paradise, cloaked in miracles, surrounded by angels, love, and unimaginable beauty, it gradually becomes all they know, commonplace, ordinary, and then, shockingly... invisible.
Yep, I'm talking about life on earth. Right?

Yippee-kai-yay,
The Universe

Today, that was the message I received.
Sometimes, they are more spot-on than others, especially in retrospect. You know, with hindsight being 20-20 and all that.
But today, I heard the messages in between the lines.
"Enjoy the here and now."
"Appreciate the life you have."
"See the beauty all around you."

Mama must have been instrumental in the timing of that one.
My outlaw Bunny started my day with the simple text: "Love you, Tina."
How wonderful to know someone else was remembering that it was my mother's birthday!
I posted the significance of the day, and Mama's Christmas photo that Frank had given to us the Christmas after her death, on facebook, then signed off.
I had a luncheon to attend.
That was a most excellent decision on my part. I had set it up quite a while ago, knowing December 10th was not just some ordinary day for me.
No.
So, steps had to be taken to distract me, albeit gently.
In other words, the company of strangers was needed.
Who better than the Lunch Ladies? The meetup was scheduled for a venue close to hand, not downtown. That was a plus! I didn't know how many to expect, but I knew there would be at least a few familiar faces of women of various ages. That was another plus!
I like having a range of ages around me - I find it reassuring. Megan, Debbie, and Jackie have been at several of the lunches I have attended and I truly like them. I wouldn't go so far as to call them "friends" yet, but they are certainly more than "acquaintances". As good fortune would have it, all three were at the table when I arrived slightly late and a little teary-eyed. There were others there, like Agnes and Betsy, that I knew more glancingly, as well as two newcomers.
None pried. All allowed me time and space to regain my tether.
At some point in the conversation, about books and movies and televised shows, I mentioned Mama, just to let them all know. I also shared how thankful I was to Megan and Debbie for our conversation about the Junior League Thrift Sale at an earlier luncheon. Thanks to them, when my first niece invited me a few days later to go to the sale with her, I complied. Moreover, I snagged lots of baby items and two Graco high chairs for my nephew Michael's upcoming twin girls. What a coup! And for less than twenty bucks, total!
I was feeling pretty good by the time lunch was done. And, look! Plenty of time until I was due at the school to give a make-up Final Exam to two students! (Yes, another activity deliberately scheduled as a distraction on this special day.)
The grocery store, a new one I had only been in once, was right there. (That's an inside joke with the bfe. Remind me to tell you about it sometime, if I haven't already.)
While there, I grabbed a few things for my upcoming soiree - sodas, clementines, cubed cheese - all on sale. Yeah! And while I was there, a special promotion allowed me to buy $145 worth of kitchen goods for only $39. Wow! I have two weddings coming up next year, so these will be fabulous gifts for the new couples!
Timing. That was such excellent timing!
I returned home in plenty of time to put away the three half-gallons of lactose-free milk and other refrigerator-stored items. In fact, I had time to set up the radio on the new station I so enjoy, SC 103. Its music selection is so diverse!!! They play a lot of old tunes, mixed in with new songs, and have an occasional holiday favorite thrown in for good measure.
Then I had to race out to the college, as I had lost track of time. Oops! That's okay, I made it there only five minutes late. The students were just glad I showed up! I read the student newspaper, marking errors in it along the way. When they finished their exams, I considered going to a movie, but finally decided against it. Why not check on the physicist, see if he was still in the house?
Turns out he was! I delivered the magazine that had the article about the movie we had seen last week (about another physicist, Stephen Hawking), then offered him a ride downtown (no, not like the cops on "Law & Order" do), as he was leaving, too. He accepted and we had one of our "random trains of thought crashing about" conversations along the way and, then, for another half-hour in front of his apartment. Very nice!
I then headed toward dinner, most likely at Sisters of the New South. (I have an incredible deal that nets me four free meals per month there and they have the absofrickinlutely best fried chicken on this planet.) As I pulled in, at o'dark thirty, I wondered: should I invite my brother Ronnie?
So, I called him, to let him know I was thinking about him on this day of our late mother's birth. He was obviously drunk and completely unaware of the significance of the date. After talking with him for about fifteen minutes, I signed off, not mentioning where I was or extending an invite.
No. I was not dealing with him, in that state, on this day.
So, I called my brother Smitty, to share that I was thinking of him on this day of our late mother's birth. I got his voicemail. Recalling that the day was the one on which he met with a group for Mexican fare, I headed toward the restaurant I thought most likely.
No. He was not there, nor did he ever call me back.
Strike two, as it were, for dinner plans.
Back to home, to cook and dine "with" four of my favorite nerds. You know, Leonard, Sheldon, Howard, and Raj. Very nice!
Then, I ventured out of the house once more. That Psychotronic Film fellow was screening another item gleaned from television of the 1970's. Good move on my part! Jack Klugman was the main draw for me in "Poor Devil", but Sammy Davis, Jr. was a treat to watch, too! I was in good company at the film, with the owner of the "Singin' In The Rain" poster there to share a chocolate cookie, and laughs, with me. Amanda was there, too, and gave me an enthusiastic greeting and personal invite to the librarian's baby shower. Super nice!
And now, I am home again, after enjoying this day of cheer and friendship and surprises.
Thanks, Mama!

happy 77th, Mama - wish you were here

let sleeping kittehs lie

Today, I had lunch with the bfe to celebrate his birthday.

I thought that was back in November.

Well, it was, but today we dined in the Galley, with him dining courtesy of the university. You see, for our birthday, the Human Resources folks reward us with a free meal on campus. He had contacted me last week to suggest we dine sometime this week, and today was that "sometime".
Cliff and Mitch joined us for awhile, then they scooted on back to the Science Center.
Very kind of them to do so.

(arched right eyebrow)

You know, so the bfe and I could have some time to chat freely. After all, I had been invited to the luncheon; they had invited themselves. Or perhaps been included when today's hall talk turned to lunch options. I really don't know and am "just making it up at this point".
That's how the bfe refers to conjecture.
(smile)

I see. How does he deal with creating hypotheses? Those are conjectures.

Yes, but there is a general scientific underpinning to those. That makes them "okay".
Anywho, I was talking about lunch today and conversation with him.

Do tell.
Seriously.
Y'all have some pretty interesting talks.

I know! Today, we were talking about burlesque shows that didn't happen and burlesque shows which were missed.
We were also talking about odd words, like "Fliss" and "fliss" and "frotteurism". That conversation arose because I had told him I had done a search to see if my Fliss of Kickstarter blog was still on darknet.
Honestly, I have to wonder if that boyfriend of mine in San Diego, lo these many moons ago, had known of that term "fliss" when he nicknamed me that. He had said it was because of the sound of my initials run together, but he was certainly the kind of guy who would know about kinky, torturous sexual practices.
But I digress from my tale of today.

I'll say. DLE was thirty years ago... Wait a minute! Hadn't he wanted you to marry him and move to Spain?

Yes, that's David. I was already out of the Navy and out of California, but he still had several years to go. When he got orders to Spain, I was settling in to life in Savannah and starting school and... well, to be honest, I was a bit relieved to know he was going across the Atlantic. What we had in San Diego was done, d o n e, done, in my book. Last I heard, when he got to Rota, he met a Marine and married her.
Good for him, I say.
I was certainly not the right one for that relationship.

Okay... meanwhile, back at the ranch...?

Oh, yeah. I was looking to see if my blog was still, essentially, operating in Darknet, where even the Great Google could not find me.
BWAH ha ha!!!
Apparently, it is off that search engine's radar still.
As you see, I do pepper my posts with links to other websites, wondering whether mine will be uncovered by doing so, but, honestly, I like being on the dark side of the internet.
Fewer robots come crashing over to make inane comments on posts.
THAT is a very, very good thing.

Dear, if I may interrupt before you catch hold of some other wild tangent and go winging off into the ether? Please tell me the reason for the photo?

What's that? You want to know about the photograph at the top of this post?
Sure thing!
The bfe snapped it of his old lady cats, Chloe and Contessa.
That blue tortoise one is Contessa. I've waxed rhapsodic about her a time or two.
That's not to say I have disregarded the Chloe girl here - never! She was the one I wrote of here and here, even though her name was not mentioned.
The two girls have been quite sisterly since Thanksgiving.
United by a common enemy, as it were, but I like to think that Oskar and Klaus have had a beneficial influence, too.

Beep! Beep! Back up there! What was that "common enemy" thing about?

Well, on Thanksgiving Day, the bfe and his girlfriend cooked duck, among other things. After they were done with the meal, they shared some of the fowl with his old lady cats and her tiny dog, Cocoa Chanel. Generally, Cocoa and Contessa get along quite well; Chloe tolerates the dog's existence.
Like I said, the humans were sharing their repast with the critters. Chloe chose to abstain and was looking in the kitchen for treats. 'Tessa ate up all in her bowl and then moseyed over to check out the slow-eating guest. At that point, the little dog lost her mind and began barking! The 'Tess hissed, startled, and Chloe came racing in from the kitchen, making a beeline for the dog!!! Wow! What chaos! The humans had to react quickly to keep blood from being spilled!
But how very nice that Chloe came to Contessa's rescue!
The bfe and I believe the book about the blind cat and its best kitteh friend has helped remind his girls to look after each other.
Isn't that sweet?
I am so proud of them!
(beam!)

thanksgiving note

Dearest Tony,

Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving as you gather with friends and loved ones!

Say what?
No, your sister has not lost track of time, she's simply being frugal. Here's a lovely card that would otherwise hang around idle, waiting for next Thanksgiving, and who's to say it wouldn't get lost along the way? What a shame that would be!

The sentiment is good, too. An attitude of gratitude fits right in with the spirit of Christmas!

with much love!