Our secretary at work called me at home to tell me that a plane had crashed into one of the towers.  I quickly turned on the TV to watch the news coverage and thought the pilot MUST have had a heart attack or something.  How could you possibly not SEE a building that tall and crash right into it?  I then saw the second plane hit the other tower and, as I was still on the phone with the gal that had called me, I remember saying out loud to her but halfway to myself, *OMG!  It was on PURPOSE!  We are under attack.*

I never doubted for one moment that it was Muslims of one sect or another attacking us.  It was just a suicide bombing on a bigger scale.  I was electrified, horrified and remember crying for all the poor souls that were trapped in the building or that had died when the plane initially hit.  I hung up the phone and hastily called the Beast to tell him the news.  I knew he was on a job with several of our employees, working on installing a water tower for the air conditioning system and he would have no clue.  He could hardly take in the news once he stopped to listen and wasn't trying to get rid of my call.  You know how that can be when someone is busy and in the middle of something.  The news, however, was so earth-shaking, I knew it couldn't wait.

For the next couple of days, we were riveted to the TV.  I was horrified when I saw the people leaping off the building and out of the windows to get away from the heat and flames. No one heard any screams from those people; they had accepted the fact that they were going to die.  I actually prayed that they died of heart attacks or something before they hit the ground.  There was a small black and white TV at the office and that was on from the time the office opened until everyone left for the day.  I prayed for the people who were searching for their friends and loved ones that worked there.  My heart broke over all the pictures that were posted of the missing.

I remember my shock when the buildings suddenly crumpled and came down like a demolition project especially knowing all the emergency personnel that were in the buildings trying to save lives and knowing they had given theirs.  The feelings and images are engraved on my mind almost as firmly now as they were then.

I also remember the feelings we all felt after the attack.  There was a wave of patriotism and resolve that I don't remember feeling even when JFK was president.  We all got out our flags and flew them proudly.  Those that didn't have them, bought them.  They were hung out windows, displayed on cars, lawns.....you saw them everywhere.  There were some wonderful songs that came out right afterward, too.  Toby Keith's *Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.*   Alan Jackson's *Where Were You?*  *We Will Remember You*  *I Can't Cry Hard Enough*  *Freedom Fell*  *Some Gave All*...a really moving Billy Ray Cyrus song.  *Mama Will Hold Me* by Kristi Nelson.  *We Will Stand* by Jonathan Crone.  And one I listen to often these days, *Have You Forgotten?* by Darryl Worley.   That song says it all as far as I am concerned.  We can never forget.  We SHOULD never forget.  Say a prayer today for all those souls lost on that day and all the men and women in uniform that have been lost since then to try to keep this from happening to us again.  AMEN.

The news, not necessarily in the order of the title:

Grandparents Day was actually kind of cute.  First there was a *sing-along* between the kids and the teacher while sitting down in a semi-circle around her.  It was interactive (meaning they did knee slapping and hand clapping) while singing the song, which I was unfamiliar with.    I know!  After all these years and the many kids and kid programs I've been exposed to, it was amazing.  It may have been put together just for the occasion, however.

After the song, we all left the main building and went to the clubhouse.  There was coffee (for us old folks), orange juice and milk plus a nice variety of finger foods.  They had cut grapes, sliced strawberries (with a cream cheese dipping sauce), cinnamon and powdered donut holes, mini-cinnamon rolls, some mini chocolate muffins, pigs in a blanket (mini's, which were quite good, BTW) and even some cheese cubes and crackers.  After we ate and drank our fill and they took pictures of us with our grandchild, we walked the kids to their respective playgrounds where they joined the kids that were already outside playing and we could leave.  Some chose to stay for a while but, since I was still under the weather, I kissed Chewlee goodbye and returned home.  I told the Beast that even HE would probably have enjoyed it.

The one thing that continues to amaze me living here is the number of mixed race children that are totally accepted and loved by their grandparents.  I mean, this is the Deep South.  That's not supposed to be normal here but I can attest to the fact that it truly IS normal.  It is so normal that no one stares or even wonders about it.  The kids are everywhere and you can tell by their friendliness and smiles that they are used to being loved.  It fills my heart with wonder and hope for this world. 

It also amazes me that I have seen less openness about mixed race children in supposedly the *educated North*.  I remember people apologizing for the fact that their kid got *mixed up* with this guy or that and, *Oh well, what can you do?*  It certainly isn't the fault of the child nor do I believe there should be an apology offered at all.  What is....IS!  Period.

The Beast took a ride to a dealer in Chattanooga and bought a new scooter.  Yeah, yeah....I was totally against it until he agreed that he would go to Ft Lauderdale, do the consulting that his big client has been after him to do and replace the money it was going to cost.  This pleases me for two reasons.  It will take him five days to replace the money.  So that means he will be gone a minimum of 8 days.  *Insert huge grin here*.  Even with having to keep Baron, with the new scooter, I can take him for his evening run...no big deal.  The rest of the time, he can mope all he wants.  I have other things to keep me busy. 

The new scooter is really gorgeous and reminds me more of one of the old time Vespa's except more modern and sleeker.  Very cool looking.  Baron had taken the ride with him to go pick it up and, when they got home and I helped the Beast take it off the trailer, Baron could hardly contain himself.  He KNEW that was for HIM!        The Beast, of course, obliged by taking him for a run and I swear, the damn dog was grinning the whole time.

The Princess stopped by today after picking up Chewlee to drop off the little plaques the kids made for their grandparents.  It's got a poem on it and says *Happy Grandparents Day!  Love, Chewlee*  There is also a handprint she made by dipping her hand in finger paint but I sure wish it had been in a different color.  The plaque is a dark orange color and Chewlee insisted she had to have her hand the same color (just slightly lighter).  The other kids used darker colors so their hand prints showed up very well.  But...that's our Chewlee!  Gotta love her. 

The Princess also had with her the dog they bought.  It's a Malamute female, purebred, and she's really adorable.  She's 10 weeks old and very calm.  I doubt she has an alpha personality even from what the Princess told us about her with the other pups.  Johnnycakes really wanted her brother but the Princess said the dog would end up just like Baron because that was the same type of personality Baron had had as a pup.  She took the dog to the vet and had it's shots brought up to date and knows when she has to go back for the last parvo, etc.  The dog seems to have already attached itself to the Princess but it's still early.  She seems good around Chewlee although we have to watch HER because she wants to give the dog all kinds of inappropriate things to eat.    She'll learn and so will the dog.  They are going to crate train her, which is what we did with Baron initially.  We should have kept it up longer than we did but the Beast wanted his own way so he's got the dog he has because of it. 

Poor Baron was really puzzled that the puppy didn't want to play.  He sure tried to entice it to play but the pup kept rolling on it's back to show submission.  I'm sure it was because Baron was just so damned BIG in comparison.  But, after smelling her a bit and appeasing his curiosity, he just lay down and watched her. 

The Beast gave Johnnycakes a gun of his own tonight.  I know it was one of the black powder percussion guns but it tickled him, I think.  The Beast also gave him some of the ammo for it.  I know exactly WHY he did it, too.  First of all, he wanted Johnnycakes to have his own for several reasons.  He's old enough (but doesn't have the spare cash to buy one at the moment) and he should have a gun he's familiar with to use for hunting.  Second of all, now Johnnycakes is going to have to go to the range (with the Beast, of course) to sight it in for himself and get the *feel* for it.  Thirdly, he really wants a hunting partner.    Especially one that has experience AND can field dress a deer.  Heck!  Wouldn't you?

Oh, I know there's a grandparent's day that's official but....they are having a grandparents day at the preschool that Chewlee attends.  Tomorrow.  9am.  Breakfast to be served.  Oh really?  What are they going to serve the grandparents?  Oatmeal? 

The Princess, of course, played the *do you want her to be the only one without a grandparent there?* card.  She knows better than to expect the Beast to attend such a thing.  That will be a cold day in hell, for sure.  As of right now, much depends on this damn cold that has me down.  Yeah, I woke up with a full blown head and chest cold.  Even Bratfink noticed my absence online this morning like usual.  I just couldn't manage to get myself going.  I sat outside with the Beast, blowing my nose often and coughing a lung or two up...or at least trying to....every so often.  I know what brought this on.  The Princess had it and I could probably have thrown it off but the stress of going to the 90th Birthday Party for AM is what did me in.  I actually felt it coming on there but tried to ignore it.  No such thing, I guess.

Don't get me wrong.  I love AM and I loved being able to see a lot of the people there.  It shouldn't have been stressful except for one thing.  The Beast.  Traveling with him is not fun.  I limit what I drink because he hates to stop unless HE has to go to the bathroom.  And eating?  Well, he carries so many snacks for himself (and I am not a snacker, nor can I make a meal out of snacks) that he doesn't see the need for it.  If it hadn't been for Chewlee being with us and telling him *my tummy hurts because it's hungry*, we might not have stopped at all since he knew his aunt would have food ready for everyone at her house.  He was such a bastard about stopping that we got food to go with us and I know darn well that Chewlee did not eat as much as she might have if we had been able to sit down and eat.  But, hey!  He is the one driving and he HAS to be the one.  It's why I like his going away without me and vice versa.  I can stop when I want, eat when I want and relax while I drive. 

Even our trip home did not go as planned.  I was supposed to drive part of the way but.....he played tough guy and drove all the way home.  He drove at breakneck speeds to my way of thinking and we got home in record time.  That means he drove at least 10 miles over the limit (he and the Princess have a lot in common that way....LOL).

Oh well.  I'll let you know what happens tomorrow (today).

The Beast managed to salvage some of the pictures from the birthday party.  In fact, I was amazed at how many came out halfway decent.  He had to do a lot of photo-shopping on some of them but we did find out it was the cord he was using for the flash that was responsible for it.  That cord hit the trash as soon as it was verified to be bad.  He did this by taking several pictures of me (and, oh, was I up for that with how I felt) in various lighting and at various distances from the camera.    I made sure he wiped all those out, let me tell you.

So today I spent a little time on the internet but not as much as I would normally.  I felt so crummy that I didn't play some of the games I would have normally.  I picked up Chewlee from preschool and brought her home with me, made her the *noodles* she wanted to eat, turned on Wonder Pets, then the Penguins of Madagascar and then Dora until her mother got here to pick her up. 

After the kids left to go back to their motel to swim for a while before dark, it left just us *old folks* and Chewlee to sit around and chew the fat.  And chew we did, recalling our younger days and escapades.   By 5:30pm, we were pretty much tuckered out (none of us, including Chewlee, had gotten our naps...LOL).  We took about a half hour to say our goodbyes and give AM one last hug before we went to retrieve Baron from the cottage.  We had left him there in the converted garage with plenty of ventilation, food and water.  He's been there before so it wasn't like he was unfamiliar with it.  But he was so happy when we returned.  I laughed because he was hesitant to even relieve himself out of fear that we would leave him again.  It was so obvious that we just loaded him up in the car and returned to the motel.  The Beast took him for a walk and only then did he finally *go*.

I turned on the only kids channel on the TV for Chewlee to watch while she nodded off, finally and the Beast and I collapsed on the bed for a short nap.  The whole idea had become that we would nap, then get packed up and return home to our own beds.  The Beast got up first and, although I was still kind of groggy, he told me I could finish my nap in the car.  Yeah, right!  Like that would last for any length of time with his driving and both of the *kids* with us.

However, when he woke me, he had already packed everything into the trunk.  I was to say the least.  But I fastened Chewlee into her seat, made sure she had her DVD player plugged in and ready and her case of DVD's closeby.  Baron was just happy we were heading out once again.  I swear he knew we were going home.

The Beast has one quirk when he is driving in the evening.  He MUST have something cold to drink.   We stopped to fill up with gas and imagine my surprise to find a Slurpee machine, of all things.  So I got him a Slurpee (cherry since they didn't have orange) and I grabbed a couple of small bottles of juice for Chewlee.  I didn't know they made her favorites in that size.  I got myself some French Vanilla cappucino coffee to try to wake myself up a bit and off we went.

Traffic was extremely light but it was very chilly outside (I think the car told us it was 62 degrees there in the mountains) so we had the windows closed except for a tiny bit on the Beast's side (and I mean tiny!).  We turned the air off completely and I worried about having to even turn the heat on since the Beast had neglected to leave out our light jackets when he packed us up at the motel.  But, by the time we dropped down into the valley area around Chattanooga, it was warmed up to around 72 degrees.

Chewlee once again was marvelous.  She happily played her Care Bears and Dora DVD's and eventually fell asleep with her head on Baron's nose.  Baron was asleep with his head on the arm of the car seat.  It was a cute picture.  When we got home, the poor baby was soaked I discovered.  All she wanted to do was *get warm and go night-night*.  I cleaned her up, got her into warm pajamas and put her to bed.  She was asleep in about 60 seconds! 

It felt wonderful to be home and know that we would be sleeping in our comfortable bed with our comfortable pillows.   I got online with Bratfink to let her know we were home, as late as it was, and hit some of the highlights of our trip.  I finally called it a night and fell asleep easily. 

Since the preschool was closed today, Chewlee spent the day here with the Beast and I.  She was just her usual self.  We watched a lot of Dora on TV and then watched *I, Robot* with Denzel Washington.    I know but she wanted to see Robots and that was the one she wanted to see.  Then we watched her favorite Godzilla movie.  She didn't know I noticed that she put it in HER DVD case when it was over but I let her keep it.  I just made sure to tell her that I knew she had taken it but she could keep it as long as she liked.  I figure if she has it to play at home, that's one less that I have to watch over and over and over, etc.    She has always considered it *her* DVD since I first got it.  She was sure I got it for her and now that she has her own DVD case, she should be able to take it with her.  I know how she thinks...!

The Princess called and asked me to make sure Chewlee was clean and neat because they were going to *hang out* (with Johnnycakes, of course).  When she got here, she told me they were going to look at some puppies and, perhaps, get one of them *for Chewlee*.  Sure.  I guess they are Australian Shepherd and Blue Heeler mix.  Johnnycakes has always wanted a Blue Heeler and this is a good mix, actually.  Blue Heelers are not good with people but Australian Shepherds are.  They are both *herders* so they are protective of their family and property without being vicious.  They should be adorable puppies and, if they get one, I hope it's got a great temperment.  Eventually, I expect to see it come here to socialize with Baron.  What Baron makes of it will be interesting to see.  As will Chewlee's. 

It was cool when we got up this morning (54 degrees) but got all the way up to almost 90.    It didn't feel like it since the humidity was low.  We never had to turn the AC on but had the fans on for circulation.  It stayed very comfortable in here all day long.  The temperature dropped to 72 degrees already and they are saying it will be down in the low 60's tonight so we have the windows open still and the Beast left the back door open (the storm door has a screen on it).  I'm really enjoying all the fresh air for a change.

We all slept until almost 10am; that's how tired we were from the trip and then the socializing.  Even Chewlee, although she did get up much earlier and handed me a fresh pair of pullups since she had wet hers during the night.  As soon as I took care of that, she crawled back on her bed and fell back to sleep.

We got up, reluctantly, and the Beast and I agreed that the bed sucked and we had both had a terrible night.  I still felt tired and really wanted to just curl into a ball and sleep for a few more hours.  But, I got up and proceeded to get myself ready.  The one good thing is that we all knew it was a casual day.  Nice casual but it allowed me to wear my new black jeans and a deep pink top.  The Beast just threw on his jeans and put a nice pale yellow shirt on.  The casual, pullover type with a collar....you know what I mean.  I dressed the baby in a cute purple outfit I had bought for her a few days before.  The Princess had included it with the clothes she brought over.  I brought an extra pair of matching pants with me....just in case.  You know how kids are and I still remember.....LOL.

We went to Shoney's for breakfast since the Beast wanted the breakfast bar and they serve it until something like 1 or 2pm.  I didn't want scrambled eggs or pancakes, etc. so I just ordered a regular breakfast with home fries, eggs over easy, and bacon.  I was hoping for an IV coffee offer but had to make do with just a cup at a time.    Chewlee ordered chicken strips and fries with barbeque sauce to dip it in (I briefly mentioned this yesterday...or rather, the earlier blog).  She was in seventh heaven over the crayons (all three of them) she got so she could color the kiddie menu they give the kids.  She got a lot of attention from even the people coming into the restaurant because they noticed her eyes and just had to comment on them.  She truly does have the clearest blue eyes and nice black lashes.  She's got an almond shape to them that she got from her mother.  Her mother's eyes are golden but you can see the resemblence when they are together.  Chewlee is blonde and her mother is brunette but they are both beautiful.

And, of course, the whole family went nuts over those eyes and Chewlee's cute and compelling personality.  She said *Please* and *Thank you* when asking for something.  Even when she insisted on seeing pictures that people took (not of her even!), once they showed her, she would always say, *Thank you*.  It's just totally cute from a 3-year old.

The food was incredible.  Some of it was catered and included meatballs in a marinara sauce (and it had loads of garlic in it so I avoided it).  There was a hot mostacolli dish, a fantastic salad that was prepared fresh right there at the house.  Chewlee loved the *sketti* dish.  I tried some of the mostacolli and some of the lasagne.  That didn't last long.  Everything was very tasty.  Of course, before dinner was served, there was lots of crackers and spreads including a crab and cheese one that was excellent.  They had a fresh tomato salsa that, to my taste, could have used some spicing up but that's just me.  They took into consideration that there were going to be mostly people over the age of 50 attending so they didn't want to create digestive problems if possible.

At one point, the Beast looked around and said, *This looks like a garden party at an old folks home!*  He was right....LOL.  The younger folks left shortly after the blowing out of the candles and singing of *Happy Birthday*  The cake was one of those where they reproduced a picture of AM (and it was totally edible).  I was really blown away at how they could do something like that.  Of course, there were lots of other choices besides the birthday cake so there was something for everyone.  I tried some thin brownie type concoction that had too much almond flavor in it for my taste.  But I selected a chocolate cake for the Beast that he said was excellent.  It had a whipped cream frosting instead of the usual butter cream. 

The weather couldn't have been better if we had ordered it special.  There was a really nice breeze and lots of sunshine.  The helium balloons that were weighted and all over the place, including the perimeter of the huge yard, kept Chewlee entertained.  She loved the metallic ones and even found the one that said *Princess* on it and declared it *hers*.  She dragged one set from a part of the yard over to the table where we were sitting and managed to snag two others along the way.  When she got to us, there were about 10 balloons bobbing through the air and she thought it was funny.  She had no idea why her balloons were getting heavy as she brought them over to show us.  Everyone at the table thought it was hilarious because she complained her balloons were heavy when she got to us and, when I pointed out that she was really dragging three sets, she said, very disgusted, *How did that happen?  I didn't want them to come with me.*  When she tried to separate them, she found herself tangled in balloons and yelled, *Gramma, help me!  I'm stuck!*  It wasn't an easy chore because they were all helium filled, the wind was whipping them all over the place and she wouldn't stand still and made it worse at times.

We finally managed to free her but couldn't get them untangled from each other so I dragged them away from our table and put them in a part of the yard where they wouldn't interfere with anything.  Chewlee was very unhappy that she lost out on her Princess balloon but, since everyone wanted to take her picture, she was easily distracted.

They kept talking about her pretty big eyes and she was such a ham!  When they got ready to take her picture, she would widen her eyes with her smile.  All those pictures turned out so darn cute.

The Beast, of course, had HIS camera with him and, when they went to take pictures of the family (first AM and her two kids, then the grandkids, then the great grands were added and then nieces, nephews and cousins.  Wouldn't you know that his  damn $20K camera screwed up?  I couldn't believe it.  It seems that the cord that he uses from the flash to the camera when he has it placed on a special *handle* (which places the flash at a better angle) was going bad and either didn't flash or OVER-flashed and almost burnt out the picture.  I was stunned....and disappointed, of course.  Thankfully, most of the others he had taken came out just fine but not what I considered the important ones.  Oh well.  C'est la vie!  Hopefully, the woman in charge of taking the  pictures got better ones and we might be able to get some for our album or a wall.

It just ticks me off that we would have to purchase something with all the expensive equipment he owns.  I won't even go into that at this time.  If I had had a blog back when he started buying his camera stuff, it would have amazed you what he spent on it all.  Thankfully, at that time, we owned our AC company and could afford it.  It's not like his current obsession....guns.  Sheesh.  And we are only living on SS and savings now.

I really and truly had a blog I wanted to leave for while I was gone but time got away from us (me) and I never got it done.  I am truly sorry if you came here looking for it.  BUT.....I do have lots of news from the 90th Birthday Party for AM (and a real reunion!)

When we arrived in NC, we really wanted to register at the motel, get our key, move our *stuff* into the room and relax for a bit before heading over to AM's.  Chewlee needed some refreshing and some exercise although she was WONDERFUL to travel with.  All that's required with her is to have some juice handy and keep her DVD player plugged in.  Potty training goes out the window when you travel but she had no problem with that.  She hasn't quite reached the stage where she hates it.  I did change her once at McD's and then again when we got to AM's place.  The problem we ran into was a sign on the door of the motel office that read, *Closed from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday.  Reservations ring the bell or call xxxxxxxxxx*  The bell was a big bronze one and I proceeded to ring it....once, twice, three times.  I then tried calling the number and it went to voicemail.  I left a message for her to try to call us on our numbers or else we would return at sundown.

So, we bit the bullet and headed to AM's.  When we got there, it was mostly the close family members (that changed as time went on and more people arrived in the area).  We went in and introduced Chewlee, whom almost no one have either met or seen except on her mother's facebook pages.  AM had planned on people being there because she knew many were arriving from all over the country.  Some came from as far away as Colorado.  I did my hugs and kisses around to the various cousins, nieces and nephews.  Exclaimed over how big some of the kids had gotten in just a couple years, the usual.  Chewlee set out to enjoy herself.  She is at her best when she is the center of attention. 

Of course, at first, she was overwhelmed a bit.  When we had told her that she would be meeting a lot of new aunts, uncles and cousins, she clapped her hands together, that a happy face on and said, *This should be very, very interesting*.    Out of the mouth of babes!  She did tell her Uncle Ralph (actually a cousin but....I'm a bit old fashioned that way and an *uncle* he shall remain since his 16 year old daughter was introduced as a cousin.  Chewlee is not quite ready to grasp all the ins and outs of relationships.  She'll *get it* when she is older.

She was the youngest one there and with her big blue eyes, blond hair and shit-eating grin, she automatically became a favorite.  She loved acting all grown up and opening doors for people and closing them.  She loved going in and out of AM's house because she could manage the back door handle by herself.  Whenever we went in, she would turn to me and say, *Stop!  I will do it* and then she would open the door for me.  I always told her thank you and she always shut it nicely. 

She discovered AM had pickles on the counter, along with trays of lunchmeats and cheeses.  She asked nicely if she could have one (they were halves) and AM was shocked that she didn't want it cut.  The way she holds her hand and says, *No, don't cut it* is just so darn cute.  It drew a laugh from everyone around.  Turned out that she loves pickles every bit as much as her mother.  Every time she breathed on me, all I could smell was the garlic from those pickles!

She was not really happy with the food served because she's not a big sandwich person except for grilled cheese.  But she loved the salami I rolled up for her (and the ham and the chicken...LOL).  She didn't like any of the cheeses they had, although there was certainly a large variety to choose from.  Here, she gets the velvetta slices.  None of those were on the trays.  Oh well.  So *I* ate a lot more cheese than planned.  She ate a bit of the pasta salad but she told me she really, really wanted some chicken nuggets.  We did end up getting her chicken strips at Shoney's, which I cut into smaller sections so they were easily *forked* and eaten.  I had no idea she preferred barbeque sauce to honey mustard but it got a laugh from the waitresses and they called her a *good ole' southern girl*.    I told the Beast she would have been a lot happier with a McD's Happy Meal but HE had a taste for something only Shoney's has.  I can't blame him.  I love their strawberry pie, too. 

I called the motel from a cousin's phone and got the voice mail again.  Happily, they had caller ID at the motel and the woman called us back on the cousin's phone.  She said she really didn't understand it since they had been home and should have heard the bell when I rang it.  The Beast went and drove over there, registered and put our *stuff* in the room then came back to AM's.  We just let Chewlee go around and entertain herself.  She watched the teenagers playing volleyball and then wandered into the rec room (converted garage) to watch some of them playing foosball and some others playing pocket billiards.  They all watched out for her, which was fantastic for us because we could visit with the great-cousins from Virginia and Colorado (and their wives) and their sister, who lives in Tennessee.  Her husband arrived later because he took the opportunity to drive his motorcycle through the mountains to AM's.  It's a fantastic drive on a motorcycle and made the Beast really regret that he can no longer drive one.  He barely manages the scooter since his strokes.  His balance is for shit, as he says....and he can't lift his left leg over, either.  His left leg won't hold his weight for him to lift his RIGHT leg over so there he is.

When we were finally tired and ready to go back to the motel, we said our goodbyes and Chewlee was even ready to go, too.    I know...but she was tired.

When we got to the room, we discovered that there was a queen size bed AND another bed that looked like it held a crib mattress.  I lifted up the heavy cover over it and discovered it was plastic covered.  I thought, *OMG!  A bed for the dog!* and that's exactly what it was.  The dog wanted no part of it so Chewlee decided that would be HER bed.  After I got her changed and in her pajamas, she got up on it and had me cover her with her *ti-ti* and she went to sleep.  I was shocked but...if that made her happy, it was okay with me.  The bed was clean and so was the blanket that covered it.

The Beast and I got ready for bed and right after we turned off the light, the dog climbed up on the foot of OUR bed.  And that was the end of day one....almost.  I did forget one thing.  While we were getting settled and before I got Chewlee ready for bed, she was on our bed, watching her DVD player.  She got off to come and get a drink of her juice and when she went to climb back into bed, she found it was too tall for her to manage.  I had originally lifted her up on there.  However, Baron was laying down at the foot of the bed so she took the obvious route and climbed on the bed using Baron as her step stool.  The dog never moved, never even flinched.  It was cute.  When she got up, she turned around, looked down at Baron and told him, *Thanks Baron*. 

I will have one of my crocheting projects with me to work on and the Beast will be driving.  He insists on that.  It's a MAN THING, I guess.  It's also the reason I crochet.  Otherwise I would have to watch his driving and that would make me crazy.  He's not always careful about staying in his lane.  THAT makes me very nervous because there's always some hot dog on the road, speeding in the fast lane and the Beast doesn't always watch carefully.  I'm hoping that having Chewlee with us might make him just a wee bit more cautious.

The Beast and I always stop to get some French Vanilla coffee from one of the truck stop type gas stations.  It's always amazing and we both love it.  The Beast will have some snacks along for the trip just because he is used to it.  I'm just never sure if it will be cheese crackers with peanut butter or Crunch N Munch or Cheeto's.  He's pretty easy to please that way.  He WILL usually get some of those candy orange slices.  Between that and those maple nut candies, it's about his usual requirements for traveling more than an hour from home.

Me?  The coffee works just fine with me.  I don't require more stupid calories that just head for your belly and butt.  I am pretty much packed up and ready to go.  All I need to do is add Chewlee's clothes and other pair of shoes and I'm done.  I'm bringing a light jacket and her sneakers with in case it gets too cool in the mountains for her sandals.  I'll check over what clothes the Princess brings in case I might have to grab up something more out of the drawer I keep with clothes of hers.

I do love some of the drive up to AM's house.  The area beyond Chattanooga starts really climbing up into the mountains.  I love the mountains.  As we get closer to Franklin, there's always the chance that we will see deer.  There is a huge state park area we go through...well, BETWEEN....and deer always seem to know where they can't be hunted.    I'm not counting on it because it will be broad daylight and hot.  They can usually be spotted, eating, at dawn and dusk.  They seek shade and shelter during the heat of the day, unlike us humans.  We have things to do, people to see, places to go.....

Once we get to NC, we will check in at the motel and the Beast will probably have to nap before we do anything else.  It should be early enough that there will be plenty of light (and time) before we have to think about returning to get ready for bed.  Hopefully, others in the family will be checked in already since I believe they were driving in on Friday evening.  If they aren't around, we'll catch up to them at AM's house.

We finally picked out what to get for AM.  We ordered a $100 bouquet of beautiful purple flowers.  If it really looks as good as the picture, AM will love it.  They are even delivering it to her house on Sunday.  I just wish it was her actual birthday (it's Sept. 11th).  She hates that one of the worst tragedies that ever happened to us here happened on her birthday.  I guess that's why the party is this weekend instead of next.  She's going to be 90 and we want it to be a happy occasion for her.

I'm heading to bed early tonight so that I won't nap during the trip.  I'm not sure how Chewlee is going to react to the drive AND to being away from her mother all day.  I won't have a regular post up on Sunday (although one will be here) but I wll catch you up once we return.  I'm still not sure if we will be home on Sunday night or Monday morning.  Either way, by Tuesday, you will have a full report.  With any luck, a picture or two might even be included.  Everything depends on how long my camera holds it's charge.  Cross your fingers.

So I have been mulling over the problems of traveling with a child once again in my life.  I'm planning on what I need to have readily available in the car with us.  You know, stuff like juice, fruit and other snacks.  Then I have to have spare pullups since I doubt she will be able to hold *it* for the time it would take us to find a bathroom.  Also wipes for both her face, hands and bottom.  She will also require her portable DVD player to keep her occupied, as well as her special case that holds her DVD's.  We need her *ti-ti* (blanket) and I have to buy a special sippy cup for her juice because she's will be fighting the dog for space and I won't have to worry about spills.

I told the Princess to pack up some clothes for her to wear for a couple days.  How she is going to take sleeping with *Papa* and *Gramma* is going to be interesting.  The Beast has so many cans of Baron's dog food in the back seat that I had to laugh.  I know what it is.....he forgot he bought it because he was doing so much running around that day.  I have to empty THOSE out of the back area because it's ridiculous.  We are only going to be gone Saturday and most of Sunday.  We might stay another night and leave early and get home on Monday but we have to wait and see about that.  A lot will depend on how much we enjoy ourselves and if we can drag ourselves away early enough to make driving home feasible.  Personally, I prefer staying a second night and making the drive home when we are refreshed.  Okay, maybe not refreshed but at least after a decent nights sleep.

The one thing I do know is that I have always slept well when I visit up there.  I don't know if it's the elevation, the fresh air of the mountains or whatever.  I just know that it's never taken me long to fall asleep and I always wake up feeling fairly good.

I have to get a card for his aunt.  I'm ashamed to say I haven't done that yet.  I plan on doing that tomorrow (Friday to you reading this).  We still haven't a clue what you get for the woman that has everything.  I mean, she had the complete collection of Rockwell plates and Hummel figures.  She's had to downsize a bit due to having gone from two households to one so you really can't buy her anything.  I'm not sure of her size or I would stop at one of the luxury women's stores and buy her one of those wonderful, soft robes for her early morning coffee time.  I know I love the one I bought for myself several years back.  I loved it so much I went back and got myself one that was shorter for those times I don't need the warmth for my legs.  But, we shall see.

Chewlee was hungry (of course) when I picked her up.  Today she wanted spaghetti-o's and she was disappointed that it didn't have hot dog in it.  So....I got a hot dog out of the fridge and she watched me cut it up into slices and add it.  She absolutely insisted that I couldn't heat it up.  That is, until she had a couple tastes.  I then went and heated it up for her and she was much happier.  She ate every single slice of the hot dog and about half of the spaghetti-o's.  When she was done, she wanted a purple popsicle.  I bought those real fruit ones and she's decided she likes those best.  She had barely started hers when the Princess showed up.  The Princess grabbed one of the strawberry ones and Chewlee got a big kick out of that.  She had to come and tell me all about it.

I told Chewlee she was coming with us to meet a lot of relatives...new aunts and cousins for her to meet.  She got very excited over that and told me that I had to bring her DVD's including Dora and the pirate adventure.  I bought her that earlier this week and I guess she really likes it.  The Princess and I talked for a bit about what I would need from her.  I guess she will bring it over either tomorrow or Saturday when she drops off Chewlee.

Part of the reason the Princess isn't going with us is the fact that she is sick.  She is pushing herself at work because she has not more time coming right now.  Plus, it seems like when she rests, it gets worse.  Go figure!  But, her car also needs an oil change and two new tires.  She can't afford to change that right now since she just paid rent and bills.  She would really like to go because there are cousins she hasn't seen in ages but she's hoping there will be another time.  She's young yet.  It's us old folks that may miss out on that reunion. 

I love when we can have the house opened up.  It's one thing I've missed this summer due to temperatures heading to triple digits most of the time ever since May hit.  I don't even mind when the house gets a bit on the warm side but the Beast isn't so rugged.  If a drop of sweat forms, he runs for the thermostat, turns on the AC and starts closing everything up.  At least here in my room, I have my window open with the twin fans in it and I can direct air IN as well as OUT.    I keep my door shut, of course.

The Beast went up to Huntsville today and took Baron along for the ride.  He was going to pick up the air filter for the scooter, which he had paid for and decided he would ask how much it would cost for them to open up the engine and find the damn spring that it ate.  I guess Johnnycakes didn't want it and the Beast is reluctant to throw it away.  He likes it better for running the dog around than he does the ATV.  Mostly, it's because the dog keeps running in front of the ATV and Baron could be badly hurt by it.  He figures if it's only a couple hundred for them to do that (and he will deliver just the engine and take care of reinstalling it himself), then it's worth the cost to him.

He said today that he is starting to get too shaky, really, for the scooter but he really isn't ready to give it up.  The Beast doesn't often admit to his frailties so that took me by surprise.  I think that is why he is still so intent on getting some things done around here and pushes himself.  He told me today that he believed I would definitely outlive him and he wanted to make things easier for me to manage.  He also wants to make sure that I have the financial means I will need without his income from Social Security.  I told him that I would be getting the same amount he does if he dies since my check will increase to that amount.  That made him feel a bit better because we originally figured that his check alone could pay all expenses on the house plus food.  Mine is for *other* stuff.  Yeah, and he sure makes sure it gets spent.  *Insert disgusted face here*

Chewlee was hungry when I got her here after preschool.  She ate two cans of chicken noodle soup.  Of course, she doesn't eat all the broth but she makes sure she gets all the noodles.    Then she had two glasses of juice and two popsicles.  Little glutton! 

When her mother came to pick her up, she told her she wanted to watch her Dora the Explorer Pirate Adventure DVD that I bought for her and sent home with her and the Princess on Monday.  Did I mention I bought Chewlee a purple Garanimals outfit?  It's really cute and is very purple.  Both the short sleeve top and the pants.  She likes them because they have pockets.  Of course, the pockets are in the back but she really doesn't care.  It's not like she uses them but she likes having them.  I think the Princess is saving it for when we go to NC for AM's birthday party.

She bought Chewlee the cutest sandals.  They are black patent leather thongs but there is a big circle on the top.  They look so cute and feminine on her feet.  Her mother gave her a pedicure, so-to-speak, and painted her toenails.  Her finger nails are the same color.  She loves to show them to everyone.  It's so cute.