Rain, snow, sleet....

Just like the mailman, Gordon and I travel through most of the nastiest weather that Mother Nature decides to throw our way. 

Like today. 

(Gordon is driving; I'm passengering)

Road Tripping with Cousins!

EDITED TO ADD:  I wrote this other day, and thought I'd published it. Unfortunately, I see that it hadn't actually published. Sorry for the delay!

I have been wanting to get up to Vermont to visit with Mom for months now. I haven't had a free weekend to be able to do it. Hating that at least one of every weekend day has been booked from here to eternity, making a weekend getaway to Mom's impossible, I decided that I could still do something about it. I decided to make a day trip out of it; to drive up to Mom's, visit for a few hours, and then head back home. 

This past Saturday, I did just that. I'd hoped that Gordon could make the trek with me, but he woke feeling that it may not be such a good idea. Rather than make the trip by myself, I called one of my sisters and asked her to join me. She readily agreed, and brought along two of her three kiddos. (I'd told her that I would be bringing The Littles with me)

Will and Nora LOVED getting the extra special time with their cousins!

(Please excuse Alyssa's grimace -- I simply caught her as she was glancing up....my intended photo targets were Will and Christoher -- I couldn't get over how adorable they both looked, donning their fire hats!)

The kiddos played happily at Nana and Bert's while Becky and I visited with Mom. 

It ended up being a long day, and wasn't as satisfying as a full weekend at Mom's could be, but it was well worth it!

Where's My Green Thumb?

I am a plant killer. 

I didn't used to be. I used to have beautiful, luscious houseplants. I used to be able to take clippings, root them, and have MORE plants. 

NOW, my poor plants are dying off. They're soon to be listed on the extinct plant list.  (I DO have a few other pots that don't look as dismal as this, but they certainly aren't much happier.)

As sad as I am to see this, I realize it is primarily that I am in survival mode right now.  Only the bare minimum is getting done around this house for the time being. Caring for houseplants isn't a priority. If my few remaining houseplants don't survive the apocalypse, I'll simply have to worry about replacing them when I am in a position to care for them once again. 

Passing the Time

When Gordon has a treatment or oncology appointment, we never know just how long we'll be stuck at the hospital. A number of months ago, I came up with a brilliant remedy for this problem. (Have I already blogged about this?!) 

I keep a deck of cards in my purse.

Now, whenever Gordon and I are faced with a long wait at the hospital, a diversion is literally at our fingertips!

Playing cards helps to pass the time. Playing cards keeps us from getting bored or agitated from the long wait. Most importantly, it's a way to enjoy eachother's company rather than ignore each other while sticking out respective noses in magazines or perusing the web on our phones. 

M&Ms Pancakes

M&M Pancakes. It's what's for dinner.