Hi everyone!!  So sorry for my cranky post on Friday.  I got really annoyed by the guy in front of me.  Could you tell?  Oh well.  The remainder of the weekend was good.

I got out of the office late for a Friday due to a client needing to get papers signed immediately.  So hubby and I got a late start to head out camping.  We went to a new place he had found when he was out exploring on the watercraft last weekend.  I can easily say that this is my favorite place he has found so far.  Our campsite was ALL shade.  And the nice thing was we reserved it so no one else could take it before we got there.  It didn't take us long to get set up and kick back.   Our weimie was NOT having a good night Friday night.  She was cold and wanted to be covered.  I had covered her with a sheet but evidently that wasn't enough.  She kept scratching on the bed all night trying to get the bedspread on her.  I should have gotten up and gotten something but I didn't.  Needless to say it was a sleepless night for pretty much all of us (dogs and hubby and me).  Then, first thing off the bat on Saturday morning, she tossed her cookies.  She just had a tough day and I tried to baby her a lot because I felt sorry for her.  I sat around in the trailer and just read a book.  Kat, it was one of those love stories, you know the ones where they fall in love in 5 minutes of meeting each other, she gets into danger and he risks all to rescue her, all in the space of 4 or 5 days.  It was a mindless read which was about all I could handle on no sleep.  Hubby, on the other hand, took the watercraft out and spent the day exploring the area.  He came in long enough to eat and was off again.  I think he had a good time.

Today, after lunch, I decided to go out with him for a spin on the lake.  The water was smooth as glass, but was extremely dirty and had lots of debris in it.  He had told me that yesterday.  We rode through a particularly dirty area and I remarked about it.  Not too long after that.....there was trouble.  Evidently, something was blocking one of the areas that is supposed to spray water through it.  Luckily, we were close to an area of docks.  I saw a lady with a couple of dogs on her dock and we asked if we could pull up and check out the craft.  She said sure.  She and her hubby lived nearby and were cleaning up after a birthday party they'd had the day before.  As my hubby worked on the craft, the man started telling us about his beautiful black lab, Booker T.  Now this was one beautiful dog.  And come to find out, he is smart, which the hubby gladly demonstrated to us.  This dog was so ultra obedient that with just a whistle or hand signals, he knew which direction to swim (so he knew his right from his left), and when to return to the dock.  The hubby told us that Booker T had been featured on one of our area newscasts by a reporter who is known for off-beat stories.  When he showcased Booker T's next skill, I KNEW for certain that I'd seen the piece.  He had the dog sit.  Then he said, "Go get me a beer".  The dog proceeds into the dock, pulls on a rope attached to the fridge door, pulls out a beer can, closes the fridge door and returns with a nice cold one as instructed!!  I was BLOWN away!  Now, isn't that a hoot??   So, not only did my hubs get the watercraft back running, we met this nice couple and their wonder dog who entertained us.  NOT  a bad time at all in my book!  Although, I have to admit, I was freaked so I made my hubby take me straight back to the camp.  I had been going to take the craft out by myself, but....after that little episode I thought the better of it.

We are now home, I am doing laundry and all the things we do to get back in the groove after a camping trip.  I need to go take a shower because we have ZZ TOP tickets for tonight.  We will be on row 7!!  Woohoo!!  I will report and let ya know how that goes.

I hope all my blog buds had a great weekend.  Now, I am going to go do a little blog walking.  Ya'll take care now!

Hugs!

BBB

Well, I am finally back for a few moments.  It has been a busy time around the BBB household  since we are getting my Daddy ready to move.  Lots of packing has been done, lots of sorting and throwing out has occurred.  All that fun stuff.

Friday night, hubby and I went to my darling granddaughter's (the 14 yr old) football game.  It seems that she and her fellow cheerleaders held a cheer "clinic" for the little sisters of the girls and their little buddies.  That group included our little 4 yr. old princess.  The little ones were going to perform their learned routine during the halftime of the game.  So, of course, we had to go watch that!  And, the 14 year old was doing a NEW stunt which we had to see.

Before the game, we went to eat at one of my favorite deli's.  It is a deli that has been around since I was in high school, so, it's a long established place.  I love their sandwiches better than any other place in town.  When we walked in, I noticed there was a little stage set up for some "local" entertainment.  By the time we ordered our sandwiches, the first singer (and I kinda use that term loosely) began his "first set."  Oh my, my.  For you youngsters out there, you aren't EVEN going to know any of the songs I am going to tell you about.  You CAN *google* them if you wish.  For you of a certain age, may I just say, it's been a LONG time since I heard that great Mac Davis love song "Baby, Don't Get Hooked On Me."  Let's just say that the song would have been better left in mothballs.  I DO have to say, that, bless his heart, the little fellow gave the song his ALL, including some "smooth" dance moves.  Fred Astaire had nothin' on this fellow.  I gotta give him cred for having the guts to get up there and sing.  I am NOT a great singer myself, being a "shower time" singer.  But I will just throw out there the notion that some people should do as I do, and keep the singing in the shower.

Not to be outdone was the fellow's lady friend.  She was probably in her seventies, and bless her heart, (are we seeing a theme here??), she was something to hear.  Now even you people of a certain age aren't gonna believe the song that came to my ears.  Anybody remember the lovely, and very young Debbie Reynolds singing "Tammy's In Love?"  Yep.  You got it.  That is the song I got to finish off my sandwich to.  Let's just say, that after THAT trip down memory lane, I was ready to beat a retreat.  I just KNEW that the next song on her playlist was going to be something along the lines of....*Nancy"Sinatra's* "These Boots Are Made for Walking."  I could just see her dancing....and singing that famous line....."Are ya ready boots?  Start walking!"  So I walked my own self outta that restaurant. 

In all fairness, the above singers have quite the following of "regulars" who come out on Friday nights to hear them sing.  They were having a ding durn good time if hooting, hollering, clapping and singing along is ANY indication at all.  So, it must have just not been MY cuppa tea.  I was definitely in the minority!

The game was a lot of fun.  Both of the girls did a great job with their cheering.  The new stunt performed by 14 year old took my breath away.  Literally.  I was so afraid they were going to drop her.  However, they did not.  They performed admirably.  What can I say about la princess (4 yr old).  She was freakin' awesome in her little cheer skirt and t-shirt.  She was quite unhappy that she couldn't wear the complete cheer uniform that grammy bought her, but had to wear the t-shirt so she matched all the OTHER girls.  If she asked once, she asked a hundred times to change into her cheer shirt.  The minute her routine was over, she accepted all the accolades to which she KNEW she was due, and promptly changed shirts!

Saturday was spent with my sisters sorting through the things that Daddy doesn't want to move.  Most of it was Momma's cardinal collection, Christmas ornaments, etc.  No blood was shed so I take that as a successful day.

Once my sisters and I finished our sorting, I took a quick shower and hubby and I headed out for QuikTrip Corp's 50th anniversary free show out along the Arkansas river.  We got there in time to hear the legendary Leon Russell, author of the "Tulsa Sound"!  Then, we listened for a little while to the big headliner...Tulsa's own....HANSON!  I have to say, I have been watching those young men perform since they were just little boys...and I mean little.  Zac was only about 7 or so.  To say the least, they have grown into wonderful young performers.  It was a lovely evening and their music was really impressive.  At least what you could HEAR of it over the bazillion teenage girls screaming at the top of their lungs of their love for Isaac, Zak and Taylor.   Speaking of Taylor Hanson, he is not only one HOT young man, but an impressive musical talent.

So, there ya have it.  I am NOT going to write about the other stuff that's been going on in my head or heart.  I will just say that I have missed you, my friends.  Thanks SO much for your encouraging words, and for hanging in there with me.  I love you all!!

Hugs!

BBB

Sorry I haven't had a blog in me.  I think another blogger put it well.  I got nuthin'!!  Anyone had a case of writer's block lately besides me??

I am doing okay.  I promise I will be back soon.

I DO still love ya'll!  Truly, I do!

Hugs!!

BBB

One of the reasons I started this blog a year or so ago was to give a snapshot so to speak of life after the age of fifty.  If you have read my blog at all in the last year, you know that one of the things most of us, including me, have to deal with is aging parents.  It is so difficult to see our beloved parents become frail and fragile of health.  You all will remember that I lost my beloved Momma coming up on a year ago.  To say that the last year has been difficult would be an understatement.  I have suffered from some health issues and from depression.  Besides my Momma being ill and finally passing, my hubby had his second heart scare in a year.  It has been overwhelming at times and I have tried to be honest and chronicle my thoughts and feelings during this time.  I have been honest about not only seeking some counseling, but also being treated with anti-depressants. 

Honestly, there are times that I do really well, and then there are times that I don't do well and the grief still comes in waves over me.  My mother's birthday is coming up and it just brings the memories and the feelings of loss.  The date of her passing is approaching and that is hard as well.

One thing that has helped me make it through this last year has been concentrating on taking care of my Daddy.  He has done so much better than I ever dreamed he would.  That has made dealing with Momma's loss a little easier.  Helping to make sure that my Daddy has done well, being able to talk to him often and see him at least once a week has been good for both of us.  I have treasured these times with my Daddy because I have always adored him.  He is the sweetest man walking and he is wicked funny sometimes.  He is someone I deeply admire because he showed not only me, but everyone he knew, what TRUE love and commitment were as he so lovingly cared for my Momma till she drew her final breath.  Their devotion to each other was something not everyone is blessed to witness.  And I do feel very blessed because I have been able to just hop in the car, drive a couple of blocks and visit with my Daddy.  But all of that is about to change.

I got a call from my middle sister asking me if I knew about Daddy's plans.  I, of course, didn't know of any plans except that he had said he wanted to move back to the duplexes here in town where he and Momma had lived and he put his name on the waiting list.  At any rate, it turns out that my oldest sister, who lives about an hour and a half or so from here, was "joking" with Daddy about him moving in with her and my BIL.  Daddy jumped on that like white on rice.  He will be moving away to her home by the end of the month.  I, who have helped him so much, was the very last to know and that hurt my feelings, sensitive soul that I am.  Plans had already been discussed when my sisters, my BIL, hubby and I had lunch yesterday.  At this point there wasn't much else I could do but tell my Daddy that if he was happy and well taken care of, that is all that matters.  My heart is breaking.  I will miss my Daddy terribly since I won't be able to see him as often.  I hope to be able to see him once a month or so, but it just won't be the same. 

Don't get me wrong, I know Daddy will be happy there with my sister.  She has a HUGE house with lots of room.  Her kids and grandkids are in and out of there constantly.  My sister is a great cook who cooks just like my Momma did.  I know she will take good care of him.  But it just won't be the same not having him here with me close at hand. 

So, I am resigned, but sad on so many levels.  I know that at 87, my Daddy probably, realistically, doesn't have THAT many years left with us.  The selfish part of me wants him close at hand.  I think my sister wants to relieve me of going through what I did in the loss of my Momma and helping Daddy take care of her.  But I don't know that distance from him will make his loss someday any easier.  I don't think anything will.

So, those are the winds of change blowing in BBB's life.  I am sad, but I will be okay.  I will adjust.  I will be happy for my Daddy to be happy and well taken care of. 

It sucks being of this age sometimes.  That's the honest truth and I want to keep this blog honest.  Other times, I think this a most wonderful age because of the insight you have into yourself.  Your acceptance of yourself and all your warts and flaws.  Your thankfulness for another day, each day you are blessed with one.  If you are lucky, you have grown into your own skin.

I am very blessed.  Sad, but blessed.

BBB

So much for blogs from the pipsqueek section!  I hope you all enjoyed the post.  Piper is really full of herself now, and the big dog is getting on my last nerve for a rebuttal post of her own.  We shall see.

For now, it's back to me.  I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend.  We did.  As Piper reported, we went to see our son.  It is the first time I have seen him in a while.  He is looking better than I have ever seen him look.  He is fit and healthy.  He loves his job as it gives him a sense of purpose, and he knows he has to keep himself out of trouble or the job goes away.  He has three years left, give or take, and he is ready to get out and become a productive member of society.  He so desires to have a family.  There were lots of people with babies in the visitation room and he kept looking at them saying when he gets out, he wants a family.  He has a buddy that has been out for three years and he talks to him regularly and tells him how proud he is that this kid is staying out of trouble and doing well.

We did go to the grand opening of the BOK Center and were most impressed.  We promptly came home and ordered tickets for *Jeff*Dunham*, the ventriloquist, who I think is hilarious.  And we ordered tickets to the *Cirque*de*Soliel* in December.  ALSO, hubby has a friend who he graduated with that works at the pharmacy we use, and she was looking for someone to use the other two tickets she scored to.....*Rascall*Flatts*!!!  We looked up her tickets and they are PRIMO!!  We are so excited to be going and hub's friend is excited to have people to go with her that she knows and who will drive downtown at night.  So, we are gonna be busy people!!  Woofreakinghooo!!

Piper was correct that we went to a cookout at our kids' home.  I did, in fact, bake my chocolate sheet cake (which all our kids' friends LOVE).  As they say, why mess with success?  Bring what you know everyone loves.  SIL grilled primo steaks and everyone who came brought the side dishes.  It was all yummy to say the least. 

The little girl Piper was talking of was, of course, our four year old princess.  She is getting to be such a big girl, sleeping on the couch with NO nightlight.  She was absolutely GOLDEN during the day Friday at work.  I was slammed with work and she never caused a minute of trouble.

I have another post coming about my day yesterday.  It's a long story and I am working on it.

I hope all my blog buds have a great week!  At least it is a short one.  Yaayy!!

I'm outta here for now!  Hugs!

BBB