The Girls

Yesterday, my sister-in-law, my three sisters and I (also known as THE GIRLS), yep that makes 5, of us were chatting away on our texting devices.  What fun!  We could actually talk over one another that way.  True, it was a little hard to follow which made it all the more fun.  Sometimes we'd have to stop and catch one of THE GIRLS up on the conversation, but in the end we had a lot of giggles and smiles that definitely came across the texting "line".  Although we don't see each other on a regular basis anymore, we still have that connection......the family connection.  When we are "connecting" in any form, THE GIRLS are little girls once again.  But as is my fate, I am the "oldest".  Dog gone, that title will never leave me.  I get to be boss though, I get to ride in the front seat. 

And so..............about FOOD.  Bet you didn't see that one coming, huh?  THE GIRLS are great cooks.  I thought it would be fun for me to chose one thing, the first thing that popped in my mind, that ALWAYS reminds me of  each girl -- THE GIRLS.

Sister-in-law - Cherry Cheese Cake bites.

Sister 1 - Sauerkraut and Wieners (Weenies as they are called in our house)

Sister 2 - Green Bean Bundles

Sister 3 - Jalapeno Poppers

Oh, they cook MUCH more than that, but these things always remind me of them.

I love THE GIRLS. 

I love you.

I Think Too Much, Then I Put Myself in a Bad Mood

I think too much, then I put myself in a bad mood.  I cannot take credit for this line, I saw it on Pinterest and it is me!  Sad fact.  It's me.

Today we were driving across town and passed a charter bus.  I looked at the driver and wondered how tired he was.  I wondered how many seniors he had on board traveling to all the exotic places.............like Branson.  I wondered if he was sleepy.

I brought up my concerns to my hubby.  He told me they have rules as to how long they can drive without rest and sleep.  "But what if he goes to that bar and gets drunk while the seniors are at Braum's innocently sucking up on milkshakes and malts (does anyone ever buy a malt anymore?)"  The hubby looked over at me and said, "What if the driver commits suicide and the passengers are stranded?"  I told him I hadn't thought of that.  He replied, "Well you need to put that in your repertoire of worries."  I laughed for two miles.

I think too much, then I put myself in a bad mood.

I love you.

A Lone Man, Dancing Alone

Just a little story, but a true story.  I suppose all of you at one time or another have gone to concerts in the park.  My husband and I used to take advantage of all the free concerts in the area.  You might say we were watching our bucks.  We'd spread out the blanket and I, in my obsessive/compulsive way, would have to make sure every wrinkle was straightened before we could set down, but you know what happened..........wrinkles, as numerous as the lines on my face, spread everywhere once those two little ones got through twisting and turning and jumping.  Once they settled down, we'd have our little picnic before the music started.  Oh what a grand time!

One particular hot night, at Mount St. Mary's High School, we were enjoying a great concert by a band that played swing music.  The music was very nostalgic, but not only that, it was music that must made you want to move.  Across the crowd you'd see little kids twirling and dancing and otherwise making their parents smile.  Every once in a while you'd see a couple reminiscing, holding each other, swaying to the music, love in their eyes.  But the memory I will never forget is the one lone man, under the far away shade tree, the man with a smile on his face dancing alone.  He'd hold his right hand to his waist just as if he were holding his sweetheart, swaying, twirling, and a tiny dip now and again.  With the smile on his face you knew he was more than dancing, more than enjoying the music.  He was loving someone..........  He was remembering.............  His heart was full of wonderful memories.

No, it was not caught on video, no YouTube, no Facebook, just a memory that I recall now and again.  A lone man, dancing all alone, without an audience, enjoying that little slice of life at that very moment. 

Enjoy life!  Right now you are making memories.  I hope they are ones that will make you smile in 30 years.  I love you.