We're waiting!

This little family, plus Mom most of all, is waiting on the arrival of our second niece. Every time the phone has rung this weekend, I've dashed through the house to grab it hoping for news from Gary of a little lady on the way, but nope, she isn't ready. We wish and pray for a speedy and safe delivery for Molly and a healthy baby for all!

Short on pictures but big on FUN!

David was kind enough to go see a local production of High School Musical with me. A friend from work was playing Coach Bolton. I thoroughly enjoyed. D says he did. I'm not asking any questions!

In other news, D has taken up golf lessons. For those who play with him, I'm sure you're estatic! Of course the pro (Is that what they're called in golf?) has already recommended him get news clubs. Thanks, Man! I went to Charlotte last week for a conference and of course had a wonderful time. We had the chance to go rafting at the US National Whitewater Center . The rapids were man-made but I still had a great time. The Center offers a variety of outdoor sports including kayaking, running trails, climbing walls, rafting, etc. and is an amazing complex. I would love to have one in Memphis. I would go all the time.

A few have asked about the bathroom counter from Home Depot. Amazingly, the replacement was perfect and it has been installed with the help of a great handyman who was able to cut it to fit our oh, so tiny bathroom. The next home improvement project will either be a fence or a new master bathroom. I'd prefer the bathroom, but if you saw my dear neighbor's yard, you'd know why we're considering the fence. (Hate to be negative but prefer to be honest!)

Have a great week.

It's Elvis Week! Let's Run!

Tahoe tries on the race shirt. He doesn't seem to mind it!

I think I'm getting him a sweater this winter. Just don't tell D!

D by the gates of Graceland

M in front of Graceland after the race

Please help me be grateful for the seasons and where did my parsley go?

Just like anyone in the south, Memphis is in the midst of the Dog Days of Summer. I am struggling to be grateful to live in a place with four defined seasons. Those who know me well know that I have a budget spreadsheet for ever element of our life. However, it is so hot, I no longer care how high our next electric bill is. I just want to be cold. From my first footstep onto Memphis soil, I have said this place is hotter than any place else due to the humidity. Just last week, I found someone who agreed. Our vet's office has a new vet that grew up in Mobile. Even he said Memphis was the hottest, most humid place he's been, and he grew up within a short drive to the beach where it is supposed to be hellish in the summer. The heat is making running a nightmare. Yes, I am getting up to run at 7:00 am, but the heat index is already close to 90. I've told a neighbor I'll run a 5 mile race in August that is dedicated to her boyfriend who recently passed away. I cannot back out, but am truly getting very worried about finishing in the heat. I've even talked other folks into running with me so I've got to show up AND run!

In other news on Cherrydale Rd., I typically have a large supply of parsley in my herb pot. However, over the past few days, I've noticed the number of leaves decreasing, and decreasing until today there were none. Could someone tell me what to do to keep the squirrels, chipmunks, or the unmentionable Memphis rodents out of plants I want to put in my mouth? I know parsley is just to add some color to a dish but I do have a recipe that really tastes better with fresh parsley and now I have none!

Finally, those (Gary) who are concerned about our consuming processed food and wasting aluminum through getting our dinner from Supper Supers (click here to see Super Suppers post) will be happy to know we've returned to fixing our own dinners. Super Suppers is great for Super busy families but I just don't think we qualify.

One more thing. In my next life, I am going to be the CEO of a high-end, customer-satisfying, mega-home improvement store. Going to the two big-box home improvement stores is pretty much a constant, particularly with our old house. These are two of my least favorite stores. Why? Because on top of facing the challenge of poor Memphis customer service, we have to battle the poor customer service that will come with the big-box store. Case in point: We ordered a small counter top for one of the bathrooms. It was only about 25 x 18 inches. Surely a small slab of rock can get delivered to the store in one piece. Nope. David went to pick it up and it was in THREE pieces. How can such a small piece of rock end up in so many pieces?

Stay cool!

What a great surprise . . .

Today squashed in between junk and bills was a copy of the July Gourmet magazine. How exciting! Why was this particularly exciting you ask? Because I haven't subscribed to it but love it. If there is a magazine fairy out there who has sent this to me, please do tell so I can properly thank you!

We've had a request for pictures of Tahoe . . .

Annual snow (March 2008)

Tahoe chilling on the couch this past winter. (Sorry Jeannie - that is an afghan Grandma Monk made and I promise Tahoe doesn't normally cover up w/ it!)

Tahoe actually adores Anna, who is hugging him, but he does look like his eyes might pop out at any moment! Anna's father and step-mom keep Tahoe when we travel and we are SO grateful to not have to board him much anymore. They have two children, three cats, and two golden retrievers. Needless to say, Tahoe is a bit bored with us when he comes home!

I want this . . . (M not D)

Who doesn't want plates with golden retrievers on them? Okay, maybe just a few to hang on the wall!