Freak-a-lattes

OK, if yesterday I did Terminator Yoga, today I did freaky pilates. What was that? I had heard the bellydance teacher did her own form of pilates but I'm still not sure what we were doing. She had forgotten her CDs and the only one she could find was baroque organ music. The more I think about it the more I think I was dreaming . . .

Terminator Yoga

Do you ever turn on the TV first thing in the morning (to check the weather, no doubt) and find that you are on the cable channel from the previous evening? Well, that very thing happened to me this morning. Terminator 2 was playing, and given that it had the best story line and special effects of all the movies, I could not pull away. Still, I really felt the need to stretch so I went ahead and did my sun salutation, a little pilates, and some lite weight work.Weird! I think if you can pull that together, it is simply a workout vs. a truly meditative thing. Still : it works!

Pictured asana: Side twist with handgun prop

Lambchop

Last night, my friend Sue and her 'cuz Phyllis brought the sweetest little doggie that I have ever seen over to another friend's (Sharon). He is an Eskipoo - an American Eskimo bred with a miniature poodle. Sharon's first comment is that he looks exactly like the lamb cake that I make at Easter!!! When Sue figures out her new phone (the photo you see is an imposter), she is going to forward a picture . . . of little "Lambchop" - which Phyllis, the rescuer, has affectionately dubbed the little guy. She has decided that the new owner gets to name him, because she doesn't know his name. He is six months old and was rescued because the owner is dying. Trust me, this dog is cute. And house trained. And all of 10 pounds (= little poop in the yard) Call me if you are interested . . .and the breeder has more puppies, but those will cost you!!! It's a new boutique breed!!!

Independence Day

I'm on a personal quest for firepower... we are in Tennesee heading towards "Big Daddy's" fireworks. It is a gorgeous beautiful day. Please say a prayer for us all! May we not start a fire ... May we cause no injuries ... And may we not get arrested all come to mind. Happy 4th! P.S. The way to a man's heart is through his firecracker(s). Have you ever seen bigger smiles?????

Coming Home

I rarely leave, so when I do, I get lovin! And not just from my kids and husband! Even the dogs are wagging their tails off (uh-oh, did anyone feed them while I was gone????) When I stepped off the Marta train, no one was in sight but I saw the car parked (illegally). So I went over and, yes, it was unlocked, so I threw my stuff in but no Rae boys in sight. So called Steve on the cell, I guessed we just missed each other. But the first one who spots me is Cameron, and he runs up and throws himself at me, a blizzard of kisses, am I not the lucky one??? Gavin was in the midst of some tirade, so Steve gave me a kiss and hug. John was at a friends, and when we picked him up, went into an all-out attack on his brother until I said: "Hi, John!! Did you miss me?" And then, he stopped, and rubbed my arm from the back seat, and said, "Hi, Mommy." (The mommy word is only reserved for intimate times or requests for purchases). I still have to say, seeing the dogs get so excited tells me that, indeed, I was missed! Plus, Gavin saying "Mom, Dad wouldn't get us food!" was pretty funny. But the food buyer is back now . . .

On the serious side

In addition to the fun girls weekend, and the connection with my very best friends ever (and you know who you are . . . ), today - and only because my flight got cancelled (again) I went to see my Aunt Judy, who has Alzheimer's and went into a nursing home in Evanston, IL a couple years ago. I'm pretty sure she didn't know exactly who I was, but I did make her smile and I did make her laugh. Talk about perfect timing . . . the Reverend Diann Santschi, who eased Judy's transition into a nursing home was there visiting. She remembered me, and she wanted to come back later, but I asked her please to let me be included in what she came to do, which was to anoint my aunt and pray with her. She hesitated, but I insisted. She said that my aunt had been sad, with tears, and depressed in recent days. So we sat, the three of us, and my aunt had the most unusual expression on her face, almost fearful, as Diane read to her the passages. She was so concentrated on what Diann was saying to her, stopping her only once to ask her a question. It was hard not to be emotional, and of course I was, as the scripture that she read was geared towards those who are suffering. I was fortunate enough to spend 45 minutes with my aunt, seeing glimpses of recognition. I plan on following up with Diann, who has visited Judy so frequently to pray with her, and it so calms her in this time of anxiety.

Again, love you all, susan

girls just want to have fun

Sharon outside the W hotel Chicago lakeshore . . .

I'm sitting on an Atlanta marta train and am fairly confident my travel curse is over. I have another traveling skirt that looks like camo and I think that made the difference today over another cancelled American flight (so far a record 2 in 4 days). But as there truly is a reason for everything, today was a rather perfect day.

Let me show you a few fun photos (camera phone) b4 I tell u about my special day . . .

Poetry . . .

Sharon getting a makeover at Bloomies . . .Sharon riding a lion at Capitol Grille . . . Hilda in our hotel room on the phone . . . Me behind an 'artful' dress . . . all up and down Michigan Ave. . . Evening dress at nite - isn't that cool??? . . . another art effect . . . girls having brunch/Bloody Mary Quest . . . Fancy dinner out holding rather large odd shaped lamp . . . more brunch & more bloody mary's . . .