Taste Like Chicken Monday Monday 11/4

Karen, I am not sure which valve is the bad one and I am not sure she knows. The other family members were not there when we were and we are not particularly close to them. Her parents emigrated from the mountain country. What are you going to put on the T-shirt? Shroomer?

Becky, I hope your pastor feels better soon. A full house is good. If it is going to be that cool you definitely need the heater in the bathroom.

Linda, your garden looks amazing. I love the colorful lizards. Chocolate candy can give me heartburn as well.

Kathy, how was the weekend? Are any out of town family members still around? Are sitting with your feet up recovering?

Liz, good luck with the telecommute today? How are the joints and muscles feeling?

We had a good time at the niece’s place for lunch. The baby was awake when we got there but she had just eaten. I picked her up and kept her awake for a little while before she nodded off. Then one of the cats sauntered by for attention. They have two big dogs that spend most of their time outside. This morning Iggy and I went over our Thanksgiving shopping list for what we are bringing to the family gathering and what we are making for ourselves. There are never any leftovers from the big party except for pie. I certainly don’t need pie.

Laundry is beeping at me, so everyone have a good Monday.

Thanks for the start, Chele. I'm glad you got to see the little one with eyes wide open, even if they didn't stay that way for long. Do the big dogs have much interaction with the little human? I remember the old wives' tale about cats taking the breath away from a baby, so I'm happy to hear that your DN didn't buy into that myth. So many wonderful kitties go to shelters for stupid ideas like that. You're way ahead of me on Thanksgiving. I know what "meat" we're having but have thought no further. Never any leftovers? That never happened at family gatherings in my family. Probably because leftovers were planned for. Several days worth, in fact. I ordered a shirt from Cafe Press for Dale today. It says, "Team Shiitake".

Linda, I am also getting those nagging flu shot messages from UHC, too. I'm tempted to answer and tell them don't bother to call because I don't intend to get the shot. Love your plants! And that gecko is amazing!! Where did you find it? Good that you can have mongo grass. I had some at the other house and the rabbits took care of it in short order. Must have been tasty. Sorry about the rotten chocolate karma. I think chocolate is what started me on the path to reflux and subsequent surgery. At what temperature do you start putting a coat on Micki? Good luck finding primroses.

You certainly have been having un-Central Texas-like temperatures recently, Becky. That heater would be essential for after a shower, especially if you also have a wet head. You would think that they would want to broadcast the local college football teams. Well, maybe not Texas State, though. Dale went to school there so we keep an eye on their sports and they don't seem to be having much of a football season. Sorry about your pastor's allergies. That's really inconvenient for a Sunday morning, just like it would be for a teacher during the week. How was the temperature in church? I remember your commenting during the summer that it could be rather cool.

Liz, how's work today? When do you take Wally in for his follow up appointment? How early will you have to get up on Wednesday to go into the city for your meeting?

I know you're happy to be back to your normal schedule, Kathy, even for such a good cause as celebrating DM's big event. Glad all went well. Good to see family some place other than at a funeral. If you have clothes to wear, I think I would let the laundry wait until tomorrow and just take a day for you. You apparently know more FSU news that I did. I hadn't heard that Taggart got canned, but, as you said, no surprise. I feel bad for him. Who's the new interim? FSU was actually on top at halftime and I thought they might pull out a win, but the 2nd half must not have gone well. I did see that the Dolphins had their first win yesterday, beating the Jets who were only a one-win team. So the Bungles are the loan winless team in the NFL. You're right about the short official Christmas shopping season this year. But with holiday creep, it's not like people can't be shopping well in advance--but most of them may not.

Dale is on his way home from the pool and the orchard. I've been doing things around the house but will wait til he gets home to wash the towels so I can include his swim towels. I'm making a pot of hot and sour soup for dinner and will turn a few apples into applesauce because eating an apple is a bit of a challenge right now. I plan to spend most of the afternoon making hats. A friend of mine is involved in the Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child and I told her I would participate this year. I was thinking knit hats and gloves as part of the boxes. I can find reasonably priced gloves, but hats are a bit more than I was expecting to pay, so I can crochet them and save a bit. I'll also include school supplies, some toiletries, and perhaps a toy.