Swap it Out...

On Sunday four Detroit Lions fans, dressed in their colors and hauled their cookies down to support the Lions on their crazy winning streak.  It is our annual pilgrimage, but this year Kristin and I had an epiphany.  After the drive down in crazy traffic, the expensive parking, the overpriced cocktails, the crowd, the miles we walked, the deafening lack of acoustics and the overall length of the game, (four quarters!) that MAYBE this would be us chickies last game.

As our tradition deems,  Kristin and I lasted all the way thru the first quarter (can you believe there are FOUR?) before making our getaway.  Crowd aversions and the dull roar precipitate low grade anxiety attacks in each of us and a fresh vodka would probable ease the symptoms.  A full cardio workout ensued as we did the 'Rocky in Philly' staircase.  The bathroom lines were only slightly shorter than the drink line.  But we persevered and got both events handled and it was on to walking and shopping.  Finally, we found a table where we could people watch.

Together we made the executive decision.  Next year we would wear our cute outfits at brunch and then catch the game at home while enjoying the Ernst hot tub.  We can NOT-watch the game in comfort while imbibing on cocktails and snacks.  We will leave the logistical hassle to the guys and have dinner waiting when they arrive back.

The older I get, the more I like this idea as do my poor hips.

Wonder if fan gear has Lion's bikini's-for the hot tub section?  Stay tuned, Dolls and oh, wait...
Go Lions!

Hips Don't Lie...

About a month ago, I lamented to Kristin that my hips were "killin' me!"  I felt like an old Labrador with a bad case of dysplasia.  Mornings were the worst as I limped down for coffee.  It was very evident that I had totally overdid it in Zumba class while throwing my hips around.  Evidently, channeling my inner Shakira was NOT the best idea.

But...as the month wore on, the pain increased to an all day throb.  An X-ray later, I was diagnosed with (gasp!) arthritis.  Wait.  Isn't that a thing for 'old' people?  Well, okay...Some gray hair and some crow feet action I will own-but arthritis?  Well, hell.  Whaddya do with that?  I have no real family history and Doc says that I have simply worn them out.  Like too many miles on a leased vehicle, time is up for my poor hips.

This news is a wake up call as well as a check to my mortality.  Apparently, taking care of yourself with boxing, Zumba, sculpting and boot camp were aggravating a condition that childhood gymnastics had started.  Who knew?

So, I will hit up physical therapy, medicate, stretch and just be a little more gentle with myself.

But not shake my hips?  Oh, hell no.  I'll be up front, doin' the damn thing, sweating and smelling my new signature scent-Icy Hot and Pacific Vanilla.

Don't judge the old chick... XO

The Tide is High...

Last Friday was not only the thirteenth, but a full moon, actually a harvest moon-dates that mean different things to different people.  The occurrence of the date with the moon only happens about every twenty years.

A friend that works in a nursing home once told me that the patients are noticeably restless and sometimes irritable. Careful attention must be paid as there is a high incident of  'walk offs.'  (For the record, much of the time I am also restless and irritable, but that's another glass of wine..)

Up north, the wildlife also moves around more, possibly causing a higher number of car/deer accidents.  Once, my sister in law hit a deer on her way to work and then another on her way home!  Poor Paula and poor restless critters.

But the worst is the memory of a certain Friday the thirteenth back in 1980.  My parents got the call all parents dread-my brother had been in a serious car accident.  Steve and two friends were in his Pinto and collided with a train.  The boys swear that the RR crossing lights were not illuminated.  The train hit the drivers side while Steve was driving and dragged them down the tracks until the train could finally stop.   My brother was very beat up and had numerous broken bones.  The others suffered minor injuries.   A total freak accident that now is a local legend.  By the grace of God, we were all spared a Friday the thirteenth tragedy.  I hate train tracks to this day.

On Saturday we stopped at a winery that had two black 'house' cats.  The owner noted that the only bad luck that occurred was when someone accidently spilled a full glass of wine.

At the beachouse, we admired the beautiful harvest moon and the gorgeous illumination of the lake that it provided.  It was perfect and I'm happy to report that not a single glass of wine was spilled.

Have a lucky week, my lovelies!  XOXO

Cadillac Ranch...

For twenty years I saw her, sitting in a glass front garage.  All dressed up with nowhere to go, she sat alone like a child in time out.  What had happened that this little beauty that a 20 year punishment was appropriate?  I often wondered.

But I do know that I squealed in delight when I saw her outside, on the lawn, enjoying the pre-fall sunshine.  Wait, I shrieked, there's the pink caddy!  What was she doing making this star appearance and what could be her story?  Was she possibly the very first Mary Kay car that was awarded for sales of cosmetics?  Was she the inspiration for Aretha or maybe Bruce?  I don't know.

While visions of Tawny Kitaen in a Whitesnake video danced through my head, I chose a more jspot appropriate pose on the hood of the car.  Without the owner in sight, we snapped a few pics that gave her the paparazzi attention that she waited so long for.

And....if my begging pays off, you may see me cruisin' the Keys in pink style!!

Stay tuned!  XO

Anticipation...

Every Memorial Day, Cheryl and I sit at our bonfire and cheer the beginning of summer.  Three long months stretch ahead of us like a long flat highway with no end in sight.  Giddily we dream our usual dreams that include all the delights of the season.  The anticipation is as sweet as a s'more.

Fast forward to this past week when again seated at the fire, we lamented on how fast time flies.  How did it happen?  What did we miss?

Well, for me....nothing!  I've enjoyed every minute of it.  From the new beachhouse progress (slow!) to long beach walks, and naps in the hammock.  I love the BBQ's, yard sales, and farmer's markets.

As fall approaches, there are new things to look forward to.  The changing color of the leaves as well as the heavenly scent of them burning.  Cool nights where we pull our lawn chairs a little closer to the bonfire. Harvest moons, Halloween, Thanksgiving, caramel apples and polar fleece-these things are also to be looked forward to.

I try to live in the moment and enjoy each day for what it is.  Life is short and precious and there's no time to waste or wish away.  The good stuff is everyday and the other goodies will get here soon enough.

The song I love says it best-"These are the good old days...."

A special thank you to my sissy-in-law, Cheryl who thoughtfully made a toast to her nephews, Travis and Dane, on Overdose Awareness Day.  Always alive in our hearts.  XOXOXO