Miss Manners

I like Miss Manners, Judith Martin, very much.  I don't know her personally, but her wit and advice every Saturday (Columbus Dispatch) in papers across America is spot on. She'll cut you down to size so if you write to her for advice you had better be prepared.  I bought her book, Guide to Rearing Perfect Children, several years ago and even with her expert written advice I fell way short in that category.  She has put out at least ten other books, according to Amazon.  I'd like to buy them to entertain myself.  The sage wit that she instills in her writing is refreshing. (Living with it day to day might get a tad annoying, however.)

The new trend in real estate, at least for Columbus, is downtown (expensive) condos and multi-generational homes. Luckily we are in the latter category.  I think this is a wonderful new-old concept and it is really cost effective. There is always something going on,  there is privacy when it's desired, company when it's wanted, helpers to keep the place nice, family to help the aged, sage advice for the young (lol), and family stability in these trying times. We have been on the cutting edge of this concept for some time and we find it works.

We have forsaken the traditional taco shell for the bowl.  Tuesday's Kids got a taste of this concept this week and it was voted most delicious. Actually the Fritos impart much more flavor than the fragile shells and it is a treat to layer what ever suits you in this flavorful mix.  Today tree trimmers are all over the property like monkeys--yes, the same company that once drove into our septic tank with their cherry picker.  But, we are still friends and loyal to a great company, Davey Tree.  They have been back several times since the great event. Anyway, it is a good day for tacos and that is what we are having.

Monday (again)

This day is a perfect day for me.  There is a gentle, steady rain falling, yet the back door is open and the dogs are resting in the open area.  It is very quiet and it is a perfect day for the last beef stew of the season. I could enjoy beef stew (with lots of wine within) any day of any season, but other people don't feel the same way.  They will have to suffer through it today, however. (It is Andy's least favorite meal for some strange reason.) Speaking of Andy, he is retiring (or semi-retiring...again.)They are having a retirement party for him and want me to come. I have been to many retirement parties for Andy and  believe me he has had more than his share of send- offs to retirement oblivion. However, they keep luring him back and he keeps going back. This time he says he is going to sign up to go to classes at The Ohio State, taking what ever he wishes which costs seniors nothing, not a cent. He will still do some work for the Regents and that is how it starts. LOL

We have a couple of events to look forward to in a week and a half.  We are going to Hilton Head with the Cincinnati Lechlers to the beach house.  Joe and Glenda will come here and ride with us.  We take our time getting there and back with lots of stops along the way. No hurry, after all, every one is retired in that car or so they say. Hmmmm. Then, of course, there is July 4th just four days after we get back. Never a dull moment, unless you count today.  So far it has been coffee, Sudoku, feed the dogs, work on the next table puzzle, make beef stew, bake a honey bun cake, clean three shelves of the refrigerator and here it is only 9:30. Life is good.

Guest dog/cousin, Fergie and Winston.

Everything moved out to catch the gentle rain.

This is actually a fresh apple cake rather than a honey bun cake.