May 12, 2006

We have enjoyed a lovely day today after some scary storms yesterday. The weather front came in from the west bringing strong T-storms, hail, gusty winds and tornados. I took down all my awnings and battened down the hatches so to speak just in case but all we had here in Ashland was rain. Tonight the moon is full and I am grateful for clear skys. I went to Walmart today to buy some noodles. You know those long foam tubes used in pools. I put them under my slide-out canvas since it has stretched a bit and collects rain water and all sorts of debris from the trees. The noodles lift and support the little dip in the canvas allowing the water to slide off.

My daughter has planned a very active weekend for me. Tomorrow we go to see "Singing In The Rain" done by our local HS. My grandson will be playing in the band. He is graduating this year and has received a 4 yr. scholarship to VA Tech. In addition, he received a 4 yr Leadership Award which will pay his other expenses. He is quite a young man. I am very proud of him. Sunday for Mother's Day, we are going to an outdoor concert by this same young man and then out to dinner at Bertuccis, one of my favorite places. This entire month has been devoted to my VA family activities as well as my own personal catch-up with doctors, dentists etc. I am gradually working my way through the list.

Try this recipe for Brussels Sprouts:
peel off the outer leaves and slice in half or quarters according to how large they are. Toss in a bowl with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt. Bake at 375 degrees for about 40 mins. or so. Toss occasionally during the baking. They come out crispy on the outside and delicious inside. I actually like them the next day, cold with a bit more olive oil, a touch of lemon juice and a piece of crusty bread. Yummy and so healthy.

I will post some pics soon. Enjoy your springtime wherever you are.

May 9, 2006

After a day and a half of steady rain, Bash and I are ready to climb the walls. It is cold too for us here in VA. I have had the munchies all day today. Went shopping to get out of the MH. Tomorrow promises to be a better day. I have been studying maps and camping books trying to map out a route for my trip westward. My tentative plan is to leave in August. Any advice would be welcome from those of you who have travelled westward by motor vehicle.

My daughter here has just sold their home so they will be moving soon. Not out of the area but closer to the HS. They are now 45 mins or so from the school. It has been difficult for everyone since the children went to HS. This move will ease the travel time, stress and expenses.

I watched the Dr. Phil show today on child abuse in the home. I am terribly upset by the abuse that children in this age. There is a great deal of anger, out of control anger, children are the victims and used as vehicles of that anger since they cannot fight back. They are innocent, don't understand and have no where to turn. Dr. Phil can only make a difference one family at a time. Hopefully, as people see others abusing their children, they will seek help for their troubled existence. We must somehow help the innocent children of this world.