TWO GREAT FAMILY DAY'S IN A ROW

Yep, nothing like family, and Sunday dinner and picking up Lily from school on Monday were great blessings for me.

Even having my four-legged grand-dog give me her "Wha'chu Talkin' 'Bout?" look put a smile in my heart!

Saturday out with the Knights (Ron and Steve), watching radio controlled airplanes and helicopters circle above our heads, sipping brews with pizza, are so much fun, but there is nothing like close family time.

Judy out did herself by cooking a 4-hour pot roast with potatoes, carrots, slaw, mac'n cheese, green beans, cornbread, and pecan pie for desert.  She invited Tracy, Katie, and Eddie over and they brought Roxy to beg at the table for leftovers!

We had a good time in the sun-room, relaxing, rubbing our bellies, watching Judy and Katie trying to find enough room in one chair, and teasing Roxy.  It was a very relaxing day.  We need more of those family times over a good meal, and Judy has promised to do it more often.

Since Katie had to get back to school to study for finals, the party broke up early.  However, it was the second day Judy and I had her around.  She had actually spent Friday night with us, giving them alone time piled up in the bed talking about boys, TV shows, and what was for breakfast!

Saturday morning she left early to attend a ball game with her young cousin, and I left to join Ron and Steve at the Tennessee Eagles airfield.

So, the weekend went fine and ended too soon.  It used to be sad because we knew we had to go to work Monday morning, but now it's sad because family has to leave to get ready for work and college.

However, for us, the family time continues on Mondays.  That's the day we pick Lily up after school.  

This Monday was to be a special day, a short visit with my mom.  We always stop and get something for a picnic out in her sun room.  Mom loves the time with Lily, 'cause she don't get to see Lily, or her sister, very often.  She watched every move Lily made, and she was in rare form today.

Lily laughed, poked fun at us, danced, flipped her hair band at us, and, in general, thoroughly entertained us.  These days she is quite different from her shy beginnings.  She rubs against us and hugs us, lets us hug and kiss on her, which used to be a "no no".  She was once quite independent and didn't like people touching her, but, boy, has that changed!  It's a change I've waited for for almost six years now!

We laughed at her blue tongue, from the "Blue Coconut" slush she wanted from Sonic, and simply adored every little thing she did and said.

So, tomorrow is Tuesday, and we're back to being by ourselves, which we also enjoy, but not like the times when family is around.  

Those are the "family days"!

BACK AT THE RANGE

It's been quite some time since Ron, Steve, and I took to the range, but this past Saturday we again had the opportunity.

Ron, you know Ron, he's one of the Knights, recently bought himself a new carry.  A Kimber Ultra TLE II, that made Steve and I very jealous!  It's beautiful!

Ron seated...Steve getting ready!

Anyway, he needed occasion to shoot it, so Steve, having the best range, about 18 acres of East Tennessee rolling hills, with lots of trees decided to have the meet.  Steve, probably Terri, truth be known, invited Ron and Neena out to shoot and eat.  Well, Neena tells Judy, so Judy invites us over too!  That's the way the Dragons operate...if one gets something up, then they all have to be there!  
 
This arrangement sometimes makes me uneasy.  I like a firm invitation, and I have to bring something, or I feel like I'm imposing.  They never miss an opportunity to have their fun with me over this insecurity, by not telling me the full truth of the situation!

Ron...looking the part!

It was a great time for several reasons; one being the opportunity to shoot, but the best was seeing Ron out doing what he's always enjoyed doing.  He is battling some health issues right now, least of which is a mending hip and wrist he broke a few months ago.  But, there he was, walking carefully through the woods to the targets, steadying himself on a cane.

What can I say?

We fired his Kimber 1911, then my Springfield 1911, then Steve's Glock .45.  It was good to be back shooting with the other Knights again.  Unfortunately, for both of the other shooters, I had some of the best target patterns!  Oh, well, the shaky old man lucked out on some better trigger pulls...what can I say!


We all agreed that we aren't what we used to be, but the thing to remember, should you think about doing us wrong, is that all the shots hit the center mass...may not have been bulls, but they would do considerable damage in a draw down!


The Dragons later, after all their loud cackling, called us in to eat some fried chicken tenders, potatoes, peppers, and onions, pinto beans, and great cornbread!  It was delicious!

Part of the Knights...Steve, me, and Ron relaxing after eating.

Neena laughing at Steve struggling with cellphone.

Between bites we talked and laughed and mostly poked fun at Steve, as usual!  Yes, we're a happy bunch, and take every opportunity to get together, even when some of the others aren't there.  Gary and Charlotte are in Florida camping at different spots, and Noel and Linda had a previous date in Gatlinburg.  We'll have to have another gathering as soon as everyone gets back home!


It's good to be back on the range with Ron.  Love ya' man!

SOCIALIZING WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

A sudden phone call and we're off...one minute we're just sitting there relaxing and thinking about what to watch on TV or write on my blog, and then a call comes asking us out to share a few drinks and a bite to eat.  No hesitation on our part, we're ready to go at a moment's notice!

Such as it was last Friday, Judy's sister called and asked if we wanted to eat at Carrabba's with the family.  Does a bear ____ in the woods!  We're there!

Of course we were one couple light, with Charlotte and Gary off touring the north west, but the rest of us carried on the tradition of gathering as often as possible.

Carrabba's is one of the group's favorites, so there was no question that the food would be good, it was just a matter of deciding on what to order.  It's hard to make a choice when everything we've tried there has been both an olfaction and gustation treat!

I had never tried the Italian rib dish called Ribs Agrodolce, so I tried it and now I have a new favorite!  The dish is baby-back-ribs braised in red wine with fresh herbs, finished on our wood-burning grill and served with housemade chips!  It is so yummy!

I took a photo of the rib plate, along with Neena's Chicken Parmesan, coated with our Italian  breadcrumbs, sautéed and topped with pomodoro and mozzarella, Judy's Lobster Ravioli, ravioli with tender Maine lobster in a white wine cream sauce!  It was all so good!

I ordered water, since the Knights and I had earlier burned some time waiting on the Dragons to shop at Parkside Grill, where it just happened to be Happy Hour!  We ordered 2 or 3 Yazoo drafts, which came with 2 or 3 free ones!  We had a lot of fun remembering the Yazoo's we had in Nashville after an AC/DC concert a couple of years back. 

After the "happy hour" treats, we walked from there up to Carrabba's and met the Dragons.

Then there was this past Tuesday when my friend Gary called and asked me to meet him at Harriman's Los Primos for...what else, food and drinks!  Gary still works, so I met him, Wendell, and Nathan there at around 6.  Gary's wife was out of town, so he wanted some company and we all were more than glad to oblige him.

You could never guess Wendell's age meeting him, or looking at this photo of him and his daughter Cindy (who just dropped by), but he is 84!  I noticed when Nathan was showing him his iPhone that Wendell didn't even need glasses...as a matter of fact, I've never seen Wendell wear glasses.  Good genes are amazing!

I had my usual, Chicken Fajita Nachos, which consists of corn tortilla chip's topped with moist and tender strip's of chicken, onions, and peppers, (sauteed with Fajitas seasoning mix) topped with melted monterey jack, cheddar cheese, and jalapenos!

I normally go for a margarita a Los Premos, rather than the Dos Equis, which tends to fill me up too quickly.  We also usually sit outside, providing the weather is nice, but even then it's sometimes hard to hear a complete conversation due to the passing trains!  Los Primos sits right next to the tracks, and the squeaking of steel wheels on steel track often makes for some lip reading practice!

However, we don't mind, it's all pure South, and pure Harriman, and we'd have it no other way.

This group usually does a lot of reminiscing about the "good 'ol days"; about the things each of us did and should have gotten into more trouble than we did, and about the Princess Project that's dear to our hearts.  It's always a good time and we always enjoy each others company.

I had to turn one of these impromptu meetings down today because I woke up to some dizziness.  But no fear, they will carry on without me and, of course, there will be another day soon.

 

A FAREWELL GATHERING

Yeah, I know, I missed the last "Cruisin' In Harriman" for the season Saturday, but as often happens there was a family gathering.  One of Judy's sisters is leaving soon on an extended RV trip out through the upper middle American states, and we had to say goodbye.

Two of Judy's sisters are camper/RV'ers, and they often go on extended trips.  One couple was out in the Grand Canyon area while Judy and I were happily touring on a comfortable, leave the driving to us, trip!

I suggested recently that they buy this rig, just so they could go together!  It's probably better suited for a "mother-in-law" situation! 

I'm just not the pull a camper or drive an RV through a major city kind of guy...call me a wuss or something, but I'm just not built that way.  

As you have probably gathered over the years of reading my blog, I make it my business to find things to worry about.  Take last night...I should change out the AC filter tomorrow, and the filters in our room air filters, which we run just for noise, and I sure hope no more snakes get in the house!

"What was that?  I sure hope that air-conditioner makes it through the summer!"

I once worried an entire winter about an old oak tree falling through my bedroom roof.  After a spring windstorm blew down live trees in the yard, and the old dead tree surviving, I had it cut and removed along with the other debris.

So, Saturday was a much cooler day, in the mid to upper 80's, with a breeze stirring from nearby storms.  We could hear rumbling in the distance and see dark clouds northwest of us, but no rain came to soften the crunch of Gary's brown grass!

The cooler weather also eased everyone's mind about Judy...probably less chance of her passing out on us like she did on the 4th, but she was mindful of staying hydrated.  However, I think everyone, like me, watches her like a hawk for the first signs of trouble.  I think we both have figured out our sugar and blood pressure meds...at least for now.

However, so recent moisture had kept the nearby cornfield looking nice and green, with their contrasting yellow tassel tops.  He has a beautiful place with ponds, that he uses for duck hunting and training dogs, the field and nearby woods, from which a deer sneaked into the field.  He told us of mowing last week and finding two fawns, one obviously just a day or two old, hiding in the field where their mother's had left them as they foraged.

Sitting out on their screened porch is truly a relaxing day, filled with much laughter, and Dragon cackling!  We Knights, as normal, gather in an opposite corner in an effort to hear each other over the girl's voices and subsequent loud laughter...each trying to outdo the other!

Naturally, we each enjoyed a few of our favorite libations and even Ron had a cigar this time.  It was good to just sit there and watch them all have a good time.

We enjoyed a great smoked Boston Butt Roast that Gary and Charlotte cooked, slathered in BBQ sauces, one sweet, the other hot, on buns,  with creamed corn, and a potato casserole!  Best of all, there were three desserts to chose from,  an apple dumpling fritter kind of thing Terri made, a "Dolly Parton Peanut Butter Pie" that Judy made, and a strawberry yum-yum the Neena brought. 

Judy's pie was a success, however, everyone encouraged her to use crunching peanut butter next time.

 Actually, I have yet to eat any of either.  I'm saving it for tonight.  I've noticed that if I eat sweets, especially too much of them, it gets my Type II out of kilter and I feel terrible for a couple of hours.  I didn't eat any and I felt fine all evening.  Finally, I'm learning to control my food urges and I'm enjoying such gatherings much more these days.

It was a good farewell.  I can't wait for the welcome back gathering!

IT'S BEEN A GOOD WEEK OF FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND BABIES!

It's been hot!  As evidenced by the car "home" panel, (note the 100 F) it has been an index of a hundred or more for what seems like weeks.  However, I did get out for a little photography this past week.  

This cornfield near one of my doctor's offices just kept calling me until I pulled over and gave in to some fun.  I have also been trying to keep up with our fast growing Surprise Lilies...they seem to change daily! (More on Flickr)

Thursday evening Judy and I again visited classmates to help plan for an upcoming SS&M Party (Social Security & Medicare) this September.  This particular group has remained close since graduating in 1964 and it takes several "gatherings/parties" to plan our normal every 5-year reunions and certain special celebrations like our turning 65 this year!

This year's "birthday party" should be a great one, poolside with the appropriate rock'n roll and country music, and tasty finger foods!  We are hoping several that have never attended will show up this year and join all the fun they've been missing. 

We all have jobs to do to prepare for the event, and I volunteered to update our contact list and send out an early email notice to get a feel for how many classmates to expect.

The music will be state-of-the-art iPod and wireless speakers, so '64 HHS class president Ronnie Thornton proved Thursday night that he had that project well in hand!

Friday afternoon was family time with most of the Dragons and Knights meeting at Aubrey's in Lenoir City to just celebrate being alive and together again.

Ron (right above) and Gary (second from right below) are planning long-haul camping trips soon, so we took this time to see each other one last time before they leave.  Neena's grandson Chandler and Lauren, Terri's boss's daughter, joined us.

Everyone has a personal favorite and mine is the peanut crusted catfish!  Judy always goes for the grilled chicken.

 




Saturday Judy and headed for Knoxville to visit Corey and "the girls"!  As I often do, I stopped by Wild Wings and picked up wings and sliders.  As I checked in with Corey before leaving, I could hear Kinsley shouting "I want hamburger daddy!  I want hamburger!"  So, Judy and I, with sliders with ketchup and pickles were soon, were on the way.

Kinsley (left) was in a great mood, as was Lily (center), and they both tried to get all of the attention.  Lily entertained us by reading, which she does extremely well, and Kinsley jabbered over her trying to win our attention over Lily.  It was so great, watching them jockey for time; Lily read and make several costume changes, while Kinsley also make quick changes and would show us all her toys!  

If you are a Facebook friend, you probably have seen my photo with the princess crown on my head.  Kinsley called it my hat and insisted I wear it the whole time!

After the wings and sliders, Judy and I spent some time up in the girl's individual bedrooms, playing games, watching them struggle into costumes (like the one at right), listening to story books as Lily continued to read, and laughed as Kinsley tried to do everything Lily did.

I'm so proud of Tia and Corey and how well they have taught the girls read, count, interact, and play nicely with each other. They really entertain themselves...all one has to do is watch and listen.  It's so much fun!

After a wrestling match with her daddy, it was soon Kinsley's nap time.  So we left soon after she went to bed, so Corey could have some down time too.  I can't wait for the next visit!                             

A RATHER UNTRADITIONAL JULY 4TH CELEBRATION

Well, our traditional 4th of July celebration began as usual, with the Knights and Dragons gathering at Neena and Ron's house.  Snacks were laid out, beers, and sissy girly drinks opened, and we assumed our usual opposite corners of the screened-porch to enjoy each other and, best of all, laugh!  In the back of our minds we all greatly anticipated the eating of the "low country boil"!

Not two libations into my Fourth, the sisters began calling my name.  At first I was irritated that they would interrupt me mid-conversation, but as I turned and looked in their direction I saw Judy's head bobbling and her sisters trying to attend to her!

My first thought was stroke..."oh please God...no"...and I rushed to her side.  Gary swooped in beside me and we tried helping her up, but it was obvious she couldn't stand...let alone walk. 

 

Gary and I then lifted her, with Gary (blue shirt nearest the camera) holding most of the weight, and we made it to the couch.  Gary hoisted her up over the back and dropped her on the couch.

The other sisters came running with cold wet cloths and an icepack from the freezer.  She would respond with "yeah" and shake her head, but nothing was flowing from her easily or clearly.  Finally after someone asked her where she was she said "Tokyo"!

This was the first time we all breathed easier, but we collectively decided to call 911.  She had gotten weak and had to be helped before, but this was really the first time she had gone completely out.  So, we called and the Roane County EMTs came in short order.

In the meantime we rubbed her with the cold cloth and icepack, and took her blood pressure. Her pressure was 53/40...although her pressure normally runs low, this was extremely low for her.

The EMTs came and they took her vitals and her blood sugar which was 93...fine.

Judy still didn't think she could stand, so they brought in the gurney and out the door they went with her.  I followed in our car, praying just about the whole time.  I lost them at a red light and so I made it to the hospital in Knoxville a few minutes after the ambulance.

Outside one of the EMTs said she was fine and inside being checked out.  The other EMT met me at registration and reassured me that she was fine.

I did the normal paperwork, using her Medicare card for the first time since we hit the magic age in May, and was then allowed in the back to see her.

Judy was fine...talking and making jokes about being a party pooper, and that we couldn't run with the big dogs anymore!  I was so relieved!

Her vital signs, the x-rays, the CT, and all the 6 vials of blood all checked out negative for anything.  The doctor said he could tell us what went wrong...just what wasn't wrong.  He released her and we made our way home.

We have both lost weight recently and our bodies haven't adjusted to it.  Therefore, the blood pressure medications we take are apparently pushing the pressure too low.  Like me, she will have to start monitoring her pressure and decide then whether or not she needs medication for the day.

The doctor said her pressure was probably low and the heat and laughter, which are both stressers he said, pushed it too low and she went out.  She had also had two teeth pulled last week and had been on pain meds.  All in all, it was just a combination of things, but she needs more tests.

By then it was nearly 10PM, so we stopped at Steak & Shake for a bite to eat.  It was the first we had since breakfast, besides a chip or two at the earlier gathering.

I just returned from meeting Ron in Kingston, about half way between our homes, and picking up our share of the "boil" from yesterday.  Judy is sleeping well, but when she wakes up I will heat up the food and we will celebrate the 4th quietly at home...thanking God that everything is okay again!

Come tomorrow...I will insist she go see our family doctor and try and make sure this doesn't happen again anytime soon.

Love you all...Mushy!

DON'T YOU LOVE WEEKS WHEN YOU GET TO EAT OUT MORE THAN ONCE!?

Ever since I got my appetite back, sometime in February, I have looked forward to going out to eat.  I'm not content to cook up something like I used to, although I love anything Judy does.  I guess it's a matter of whether I had to cook it or not!

Anyway, this has been one of those weeks, and it ain't over yet, that I've gotten to eat out 4 times!  Strangely though, every time I weigh at the doctor's office I still come in at 217 fully dressed.  That's 30 pounds less than this time last year!  I'm sure if this appetite keeps up that it will change, but thus far I've maintained that weight for about 4 or 5 months.

Judy and made a run to Knoxville Wednesday, after her dental appointment, and ate at my favorite place; P. F. Chang's!  I love that place and their KUNG PAO SHRIMP OR SCALLOPS (I get both) which has peanuts, chili peppers and scallions.  Judy tried their new SESAME CHICKEN lunch bowl which is stir-fried with broccoli, red peppers, onions and ginger in a sesame sauce.

 

Of course I always have to have a draft of KIRIN ICHIBAN!  

After filling our bellies, she wanted to stop by Markman's Jewelry, supposed just to look, but naturally she ended up trading up on her wedding bands!  I should have known better!

Thursday evening, I went downtown to the kick off rally for Chris Mason's second run at the Harriman mayor's job, and ate free BBQ.  It was really good, and I need to find out who catered that affair, 'cause I want some more soon!

Friday evening we were invited to meet Jerry and Gene Eblen at RedBone's in Kingston for supper.  They are good company for dinner and kept us laughing.  I had eaten almost half of my half of the GULF SHRIMP AND GRITS we ordered before I thought of taking a photo.  Besides, the tables are relatively close in there, so I didn't want to blind someone next to us and cause them to miss their mouth and put out an eye!  However, trust me, the dish was good...along with the fried green tomatoes on the side!

I'll have to say, the margaritas were a touch shy on the hard stuff!

Then there was tonight, Saturday, and we met the other Dragons and Knights at Carrabba's.

Everyone was in rare form, but Neena and Ron seemed anxious to leave on their western trip in their camper.  However, they sat still long enough to enjoy their meal.

I had a hankering for their brick-oven pizza, and ordered one with pepperoni, onions, and olives.  Man was it tasty! 

I've found that beer really fills me up quickly, so I ordered my next favorite - scotch/rocks!  It was good, but man the markup is almost as painful as gas these days!

Then there's tomorrow...wonder what I can sink my teeth into before Monday!?