a new wrinkle...

 Recently a friend told me that she had read that eating a prune a day helps improve bone density.  At my age bone density is not something to be taken lightly so I purchased some prunes.  Actually, my spouse purchased them when he was at the grocery store.  I have been eating one a day, and, while I have no way of knowing if my bone density has improved, I do enjoy the taste, and eating prunes does remind me of a story my mother used to tell me.  When she and my father were first married they lived in Havre de Grace, Maryland because my dad was stationed at Aberdeen Proving Grounds.  This was during WWII and rations were limited.  She told me that, when they went to their favorite neighborhood restaurant, the dessert choices were always the same "prunes, pudding or Jello." I always thought I would have chosen the pudding, but, since it was made with powdered milk, maybe not.  Evidently prunes was the tastiest choice.  Tasty then, tasty now, and good for you.  Although the key lime cheese cake I had a Casa's last Friday was way better, and, you know, cheese has calcium, also good for my bones.  

a day to remember...

 I hope for each of you that your Memorial Day was filled with more good memories than bad.  When I think about it, I marvel about how very fortunate my own family has been.  While many of my family, including my daughter and son-in-law, have served in the military none have died in battle that I know of from actual knowledge and family history.  i hope you have had similar memories to appreciate on this memorial day.  

This is the banner I displayed in my front window while my daughter was deployed in Iraq, to show that I had one child serving in the military.  I am so proud of her and eternally grateful that she came home safely.

the big race...

My husband and I started the day on a healthy note by walking to and from Blueberry Pancake House which is about a twenty minute walk from our home.  While there we ate relatively healthy food (no pancakes, waffles or stuffed French toast) for our brunch.  After we got home we did a few chores, then settled down to watch a bit of the Indianapolis 500.  In case you don't know, that's a really big deal car race.  We ended up reading our books and half watching a rerun of last year's race which was broadcast while Indianapolis was deluged with rain.  At 3:00pm, after the rain had passed and the track had been dried, the Indy 500 started with 45 minutes of pomp and ceremony.  I always enjoy that part and the soloist who sang "Back Home Again in Indiana" this year was excellent.  Ordinarily if  I watched any of the race, it would probably be just the first few minutes, same with my spouse, but this one sucked us in.  There was an accident within the first five minutes of the race, and several more happened in the first half.  Blessedly, no drivers were injured.  The accidents were mostly of the running off the track and scraping against the wall variety.  The cars weren't smashed up too badly, just enough to be out of commission. During the race, almost all in the first half, there were eight times that the yellow flag slowed everything down.  The explanation given for this spate of accidents was that possibly, during the long rain delay, the drivers indulged in too much Red Bull and/or coffee.  Sounds reasonable to me.  All in all it made for an interesting race with a very exciting finish.  Maybe we will watch again next year.

I'm guilty...

 Today, according to my west coast brother, is "Geek Pride Day." Also "National Italian Beef Day" if you would rather think about food.  I looked up the definition of 'geek.'  It's someone who is knowledgeable about and obsessively interested in a certain subject.  The example given was a computer geek.  Not naming names, but I have known a few of those in my life.  But this evening I think my spouse and I may have joined the ranks of 'geekdom.'  During supper we just casually started talking about travel plans for this year.  We both agreed we would like to travel west to see my WCB and family.  Before we knew it, we were seated at my husband's computer creating a list of everything we would like to see on a trip west and then exploring ways to get there.  We considered train, plane, automobile, bus and ship.  The last two were quickly eliminated.  We want to do a lot of sight seeing on the way there and back which makes it trickier.  As I write this my Wonder Spouse is still working away at his computer.  He may have the whole trip scheduled by now.  One way or another we will be heading west in September (probably).

Joy times two...

 Two of my granddaughters, cousins ages 20 and 21, spent the evening with us, and the one from out of town is staying the night.  We played Five Crowns and laughed and reminisced about many things including the time I pushed one of the girls down a snowy slope on a sled and she ended up in the creek.  She was rescued instantly, wet but unhurt, but what she remembered most was that her cousin, who was living with us at the time, was very angry that I borrowed some of her clothes for the unfortunate victim.  Ah, such sweet memories.  Happily they have grown up into nice generous ladies who are still happy to spend time with me. 

a penny your thoughts.... for

 Today is "Lucky Penny Day" and "National Taffy Day."  Thanks again to my west coast brother for that information.  When I read this my thoughts immediately went to penny candy.  For those of you who are too young to remember, there actually was such a thing and I indulged.  When I was in first and second grade my family lived in New Haven (Indiana not Connecticut) and, wonder of wonders, there was a little candy store at the end of our street.  It was a tiny little building and I have a hazy memory of a nice lady behind the counter.  What I do remember clearly though was the candy.  There was an amazing assortment of candy available for a penny a piece.  About once a week my brother and I and two neighbor girls would be allowed to go to the candy store, armed with a nickel each, to buy some candy.  My very favorite were sugar coated cinnamon balls.  I loved the taste and the way the sugar melted in my mouth.  I also really liked bubble gum; I had just learned to blow bubbles. Also Tootsie Rolls, Necco Wafers, mints, taffy and so much more.  I could go on and on but suddenly I'm craving a sweet bite.  I'm sure I'll find something in the pantry but it won't be as good as a cinnamon ball.

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facelift..

Doesn't it look fine? 

Yesterday we had the house washed and today the mulch man spiffed up the landscaping.  I think it looks about twenty years younger.  I wish there was some kind of quick spray and cover up that could make me look 20 years younger.  Ah well, at least I have a pretty house to come home to.  And speaking of coming home, I just found out that my granddaughter who is in college in Columbus, Ohio (CCAD) will be coming to town to deliver one of her art pieces to another granddaughter, and will spend Friday night with us.  A fun and unexpected pleasure.  Life is good in so many ways.