View from the Nostril Cam

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, from a couple of old farts. My goodness, we're looking elderly. Oh well, I guess that's what happens to a human over time.

Late Brunch or Early Blinner

Mikey checking his stats

For my (our) anniversary, I, Anna (and Mikey) went to see "I, Tonya." It was excellent, by the way. Then we tried to go to Bar Taco for late lunch, but it was jammed. So, we punted and went to Elmo's. It was predictably above average. Nothing to write home about, but never disappointing. Then we walked across the mall to get coffee at Oasis. It's like an opium den in there. Very strange and impossible to get just a regular, non-fancy, cup-o-joe. Had to go to Weaver Street for a caffeine fix. Mikey then had to go to work (actually a rehearsal). We watched the first episode of "The Path" mainly because we're fans of Aaron Paul, but it was interesting enough that we'll continue with the series. It rained all day and the dogs and cats were bummed out.

Artistry in Baked Goods

Fairy House Cake

Against my better judgement, we took a trip to the Phoenix Bakery in Pittsboro. They used to be on the main drag (downtown Pittsboro which is one block long) but have moved further down 64 Business near the community college. They have excellent coffee and amazing baked things and pastries. I completely fell off the Weight Watcher's wagon and had a pecan caramel roll. Forgive me, O Saint Oprah! It was delicious. So, for penance, I said 10 Hail Mary's and took the dogs for a long walk. Yesterday I took them out again and they insisted in rolling in something stinky, so it was back home and into the bathtub. I also washed my car and 2 loads of laundry. All this activity was exhausting. I fell asleep at 8 pm and slept 10 hours. I would have slept longer but my bladder was at critical mass, so I was forced to get up and deal with it. Today is my (our) anniversary. Happy Anniversary to me (us). More about that later.

Working from home today!

Here I am -- "working" from home, still in my jammies, sitting at my super messy desk. This is kind of awesome. It's cold outside, warm inside and I'm completely surrounded by everything I love. It may be a disgusting mess, but it's MY disgusting mess. I made it and I love it. Have a nice day.

Clawdia at her best

Clawdia

When I try to sleep on my side, Clawdia climbs onboard and curls up on my hip. She is not an affectionate cat by nature, but when it's time to get cozy for bedtime, she insists on sleeping next to (or on top of) me. Of course, when I roll over she is flipped onto the floor. She gets right back up, though. She is very determined. I have a love/hate relationship with this cat. And I'm sure she feels the same about me. I keep her around because I wouldn't want her to be mistreated. She's not evil...just willful.

the Day After

looking out the window at Mal's car

view from the back door

Once again, we survived the snow storm. I think the unofficial total is about 10 inches. Pretty impressive. Beautifully sunny and cold today. Power went off this morning, but only for a couple hours. We're snowed in. Can't move the cars yet. I think the temp may go up to 40 tomorrow, so maybe we can venture out. I can't believe I'm saying this--I want to go into the office.

Snow Storm 2

The second snow of the winter season and it was a major one. It started snowing about 8 this morning and snowed all day. It is a wet, heavy snow. Unfortunately it is going to freeze tonight, temp in the teens, so tomorrow morning the entire triangle area will be a huge skating rink. I worked from home today and probably will do the same tomorrow. I hope I can get into the office on Friday. All this family togetherness time wears on my nerves. I've been trying to keep the birds fed. Poor things. The dogs and cats are bored to tears, although Early has been out for a couple of short romps. He doesn't mind the snow as much as Sophie does. The snow comes almost up to her belly. Thank the Lord Baby Jesus--the power didn't go out. That's my main concern during any weather event. If we lose power we're totally screwed. But, so far, we still have TV and internet...so it's all good.

New Hair Cut

Who is that old woman?

Finally got my hair cut. I was looking quite haggardly. I am so glad that Bert can cut hair. I don't know what I'll do when I can no longer get these free cuts. It will be hard to have to pay for them again. It's expensive to get a decent cut and so difficult to find a beautician you really like and trust. I was at her place yesterday watching the boys while she and Calvin went shopping. Those boys are just adorable. I can't believe how incredibly lucky and blessed I am. I do not take this for granted. 

Plus I found gas for $2.24 a gallon. Such a deal! I wanted to fill up before the next snow storm, which is supposed to happen tonight. I stopped by Trader Joe's on the way home from work. It was anarchy. People just go completely crazy around here when the weatherman even suggests the mere possibility of snow. I had to go to the store because it was my usual shopping day and I was out of everything, including cat food. I don't want to be snowbound for a couple days with starving cats. 

Went out to eat lunch with the girls today. We went to Saladelia, a Greek/Mediterranean deli place in Durham. The food is great. I had a veggie plate--beet salad, cowboy caviar and Lebanese green beans. DeeeeeLISH! I felt okay about eating out since I had just weighed in at my Weight Watcher's meeting and had lost 2 pounds. I'll have to really be careful the next couple days...I tend to just sit around and EAT when we're stuck indoors. 

More pix of the grandboys

Dropped in on Jon and Lila this morning to see my little boys. James was lumbering about the house pretending to be a zombie and David has started walking.

James, proud of his first haircut

Thinking about zombies

David going for a stroll

Hanging out in the ball pit

Journaling Tribe

That's me way in the back with some of my new tribe.

I joined a Meet-Up group a few weeks ago called Cafe Journalers. We get together a couple times a month to do do creative stuff in our journals. Some write and some draw. I mostly glue stuff together and write about what I did (or should be doing). Unless you're into the whole concept of journaling, this probably sounds really weird and boring. I find hanging out with fun, artsy types really interesting, but then maybe I'm really weird and boring. We meet at different places, mostly on Saturday afternoons. It's an adult play date. There aren't many opportunities for grown-ups to get together in zero stress environments to relax and quiet down the monkey brain.  It's been just great so far. I'm enjoying my new friends and playmates.

Me and the CEO

A couple weeks ago, the new CEO of the company had a town hall meeting at the Winston-Salem office. For those of us watching remotely, they had a contest to win lunch with the boss. I actually won. Wow. So today I went to his office and we went to the cafeteria downstairs for a quick bite and a chat. He is the nicest guy. He's a physician, the first one we've ever had as CEO. He used to be the CMO at Medicare. He volunteers at UNC Hospital in his spare time! I'm telling you, he is so down to earth, so personable...I have a good feeling about the future of the company. Since I probably will have to work for another 10 years, this is welcome news for me. I don't know what his salary is, but based on the last CEO's salary and bonus, I calculated that 45 minutes of his time was valued at about $3000. I don't think I embarrassed myself. I mean, I didn't vomit or fart in his presence. I didn't use foul language or talk shit about anyone. No politics, no religion. I thought it went pretty well. Then after work I met Mikey at the Lumina and we saw "The Post." Absolutely excellent movie. Loved it. All in all, a good day.

First Snow of the Season

Early and Sophie

I certainly wasn't expecting any snow, but that's how it is around here. When they call for snow, everyone gets freaked out and rushes to the grocery store to buy bread and milk. But when there is no prediction for weather, all heck breaks loose. Well, this was hardly the snowpocalypse--not in our neighborhood anyway--I understand they really got slammed south of here. A "bomb cyclone" is the term. It's been really cold for days which is not normal for us. I shouldn't complain. Others have it worse.

The office closed for the day. I don't do well when my routine is disturbed. I haven't gotten out of my jammies. What's the point?

The dogs and cats and grumpy. I've refilled the bird feeders 3 times. I don't want them to stress. They need the fuel. Mike calls me St. Anna of Assisi. Friend to all animals. I worry about them.

The freezing weather is supposed to last through the weekend and then maybe get back to normal. Ugh.