Thirteen things I did on a rainy day.

1. Lay in bed until quarter to 6 and thought about how I wished it was the weekend.

2. Scooped the yard in the rain and tried not to slip on the wet leaves (I was successful at not slipping, but not at avoiding stepping in a pile.)

3. Pulled the loose tufts of hair from around Angi's neck.

4. Blew my nose.

5. Vacuumed.

6. Tried to get most of the muddy footprints off the new area rug in the living room.

7. Had a third cup of coffee.

8. Did 20 minutes on the treadmill.

9. Rearranged some books in the bookcases, bringing the Christmas themed ones to the front.

10. Blew my nose again.

11. Made some kugel! (see Tuesday's blog for recipe)

12. Read my book, Thanksgiving Night, and had some General Foods International Coffee - Dark Mayan Chocolate - highly recommended!

13. Blew my nose some more. There is definitely a cold settled in my head. Perfect.

Time for some comfort food!

We said goodbye to a very dear friend tonight. Our friend Pat died tonight after a battle with ovarian cancer. Thank goodness she was able to go home from the hospital a few days ago and was able to die in her own home, surrounded by her family, with her dogs that she was so passionate about.

We met Pat and her husband Rich at the Akita National up near Boston in 1993. We were at a New England Lobster buffet, sitting with a couple of friends, when Pat came over with Rich and their friends Jim and Carol, and asked if they could join us. We said sure, and they sat. Being from Texas, they had never seen a whole lobster, so we quickly became friends over the hilarity of teaching them how to eat a lobster and lots of drinks. I don’t think we ever laughed so much or so hard in an evening. A friendship was born that night between all of us, and it’s lasted ever since.

Pat was always full of life and the most fun person I have ever been with. She had a deep, dirty kind of laugh that she used often - she found humor in almost everything, and nothing was funnier to her than seeing someone fall or slip - even if it was herself! She was incredibly passionate about her dogs - Japanese Akitas - and would do anything to protect them. I know that many people disliked her for her beliefs, but those of us who knew her well loved her. She was generous and loved her family and would do anything for them. She was the consummate hostess and guests in her home were treated like royalty. She was always a straight shooter and would tell you exactly what she thought, which in this day of political correctness and dissembling, was very refreshing. You could trust her to keep a confidence and she would expect the same in return - she was a wonderful friend, and we will never forget her.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6Zfx5qra_g

When I Get Where I'm Going - Brad Paisley

Well, the leaves are falling, and its that dangerous time of year again. You know what I mean...when you are walking around in the yard, playing with dogs or scooping poop, and suddenly you feel that telltale squishy feeling under your shoe, and your foot slides a bit. Ugh! A landmine, hidden under the leaves.

Most of the year we can avoid such happenings, but in November, it is almost impossible. We have Norway Maples around the entire yard, and they don't lose their leaves until November - most of the trees still have a good amount of green leaves still on them - but when they start falling, watch out! The leaves are yellowy/brown and big, over 4 inches wide, so they are very good at hiding things, if you know what I mean No matter how often we rake and clean the yard, there is sure to be at least one hidden surprise! It's almost enough to make one wish for some snow just to make things more visible again!