June 1, 2007

I am still basking in the sweetness that comes from spending special time with good friends. I had lunch a a super restaurant just off I 64 near my former home. Two dear friends drove over from Staunton and Charlottesville to dine with me. Bash went too but stayed in the car in a shady spot nearby. He had a vet appt. this afternoon so rather than drive all the way back to Ashland, I took him along. He was fine sleeping in the front seat of the car. We had an incredibly delicious Sweet Red Pepper Crab Bisque that stole the show. Then we split sandwiches. If that wasn't enough, we shared a home made Creme Brulee. The sugar on the top had been carmelized with a torch and the custard was very light. Yum! We parted with the promise of spending more time together in the fall when I return. I have several other friends in the VA mountains that I haven't been able to connect with in over a year. I have lots of catching up to do in the fall.

I am very excited and grateful to see the rain moving into Florida and Georgia. I mentioned in my previous blogs how dry it was and the many fires I saw as I rolled up through that area. They may get 5" out of TS Barry.

Good news this morning. The insurance company called to say they would cover my loss all but the deductible. Sigh!! That worry gone. Now it is time to begin checking air pressure in the tires of Bearfoot as well as the car (toad). I need to go out to NAPA and pick up some oil and coolant just in case I need a little. I have already added coolant. The hot weather and the mountains combined to make Bearfoot need a bit of fluid. That old Diesel thrives on heat but it does need to drink occasionally.

Went to my Granddaughter's broadway show choir spring concert last eve. What a thrill to experience the talent of this new generation of high school students. I do believe that they have evolved over the years as I have watched. The talent is of a quality nearing professionalism and in some cases is over the top. The American Idol's are right here in our back yard. Most of the kids in this group which is approximately 80 students are going on to pursue music degrees.

Bash checked out at the vet's with a blue ribbon health check. He has gained a couple of pounds. We think that is due to the new very healthy food I am feeding him. I thought I was feeding him the best for the last 5 years but he kept getting ear infections. I blamed them on the groomer not drying his ears but turns out it was an allergy to corn and wheat. We switched to Nutro which is even more expensive but it doesn't have any corn or wheat. It is made with brown rice, chicken, lamb, veggies and fruits. He likes it but the vet said he is utilizing more of his food now, therefore the weight gain. I cut him back. Gee, I wish someone would cut my good food back when I gain weight.

I will post again before we the big wheels roll again on Tues.