Spring Fling 2024

Annual fun and games day at the Blue. It was great seeing the team. We don't often get together because we all work from home and rarely go to the office.

Eclipse Trip Day 4

April 8, the great American Eclipse! Got up early and hit the road. Drove toward Carbondale, Illinois. Set up at a State Park and waited for the show. It was an incredible sight and I'm glad we made the effort to get into the path of totality. Spent one last night at the hotel in Nashville and drove back home Tuesday morning. It was a fun trip and my travel companions were terrific.

Eclipse Trip Day 3

Spend the day in Nashville. Drove by the Grand Ol' Opry and then went to a Bass Pro Shop to buy a hat. Had lunch at White Castle because Kyle had recently seen the movie "Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle." It wasn't bad, but I wouldn't make a habit of eating there. We went to the old Union Station that has been restored and turned into a hotel. We went downtown near the river and hiked across the pedestrian bridge. Saw the store where they make GooGoo Clusters. Went to look at the Parthenon near Vanderbilt University. Impressive building. The porta-potties were less so... Then to the Farmer's Market.

Eclipse Trip Day 2

Stopped in at the Loretta Lynn "museum" and gift shop on the way to Memphis.

In Memphis, we checked out Sun Studio. Drove past the Lorraine Motel where MLK was murdered. Then stopped by the gigantic glass pyramid that now houses a Bass Pro Shop. It was really fascinating, even though I don't hunt or fish. There were streams and ponds inside the building stocked with fish and one with aligators.

And of course, when in Memphis, one must go to Graceland.

We're off to see the Eclipse

Day 1, April 5. We met at the Wegman's in Chapel Hill and headed west to catch the great solar eclipse of 2024. Drove along I40 as far as Nashville the 1st night. Stayed at a nice little hotel, downtown but not near the river with the bars, clubs and crazy people.

Dinner with the gang.

Still the cutest

Bert says he is obsessed with the lovey blanket I crocheted for him. He just keeps getting cuter. Can't wait to see him again.

Update

The boys went to the Bahamas for a vacation. They're both in year round school. They have a 3 week semester break right now.

Flowers in the yard

Milo

My sweet baby grandboy.

More signs of Spring

Weather was beautiful this afternoon. Me and the dogs went out for another hike through the woods. I snapped a few pics of some flowers in bloom. I also found a bunch of shells in a little creek (more of a drainage ditch). I was told it was probably the activity of some river otters. Early was very interested.

Spring is in the air

While on a hike with the dogs, I noticed a bunch of daffodils in bloom already. I know Winter is not finished yet, but it was nice to see the first signs of Spring.

Jon and boys

The boys got their hair cut, so now they look like decent, tax-paying citizens again.

Baby Milo

Went to D.C. last weekend to visit the grandkids and to help out a little while their dad was off on a business trip. Baby is so cute! Such a happy little butterball. His brothers adore him, so does Koko and I understand he's a big hit at his daycare. I wish they lived closer so I could go and cuddle with him more often.

Those pesky squirrels

The squirrels managed to destroy the birdfeeder hanging on the back deck. They chewed right through that hard plastic. I was considered buying a new one, but was reluctant to spend $50 for a replacement. So, I improvised and did a DIY with a gallon water jug. The squirrels have already chewed it a little bit, but it's okay for now and I can make another one very easily. I love my birds and they can use a little help during the winter months. Our winters aren't cold enough for the squirrels to hibernate. I know they have to eat, too, but GOOD GRIEF--they are annoying.

Last known photo

Our dear Capt. America disappeared a week ago. I am sure he went off on his own to die in peace. He had been losing weight for a couple months. He didn't seem to be in any distress, so we weren't overly concerned. He was still playing and going about his usual business right up to the end. It's sad, but he had a very good, long life with us. He will be missed, especially by Mal. He spent a lot of time sleeping in Mal's room. He really liked it in there. He was such a sweet, mellow guy. I think Clawdia misses him too. She has been extra clingy lately. But, life does go on.