July 6, 2009

• A Few Weekend Stories

  I said I had stories, and I do!

  On Friday, the 3rd, a Xanga friend, Margaret, stopped by with her husband and son (his 9th birthday) to drop off some food she had prepared for our family.  They live about an hour west of us.  When she saw my husband and pets she commented, "People I recognize!" - and it was the truth.  I felt the same way about her son and husband!  We all share pictures & stories on our blogs.  Families seem like long time friends when you finally meet!!!

  I would have been thrilled just to meet her, but food (and DELICIOUS desserts) were an added bonus.  Dummy us!  We didn't think to take a picture of the two of us together.  That just means we'll have to get together again!  Thanks so much, Margaret, from our family to yours!  I was absolutely thrilled to meet her and I hope she will use my house in the future as a rest spot when visiting this area! 

  Waving at you, Margaret!!!

  ==============

  All of the children were tightly wound like springs and VERY excited on Saturday, the 4th.  JoAnn had bought them holiday t-shirts.

           
  Luci                                                                                     Annamarie    

  We have never purchased fireworks in the past, and the only reason we did this year was because I didn't feel like driving somewhere and sitting through an exhibit of fireworks in the sky.  BOY, AM I GLAD WE PURCHASED FIREWORKS!!!!

    
  Rissy                                                             Luci

  The day started out calm, with excited children.  I had printed some sheets from the Internet that were patriotic drawings for coloring, word searches, mazes, etc. - all having to do with Independence Day.  I thought it would give the children something to do before it became dark enough for the fireworks.  As it ended up: I didn't hand them out until the night was over with - the children got along so well and were so giggly and full of anticipation.  (Like I said, good thing we purchased our own fireworks this year!)

                                 
                                   Our granddaughter, JanaLyn.

  Stephanie and JanaLyn arrived and stayed with me while Jesse and JoAnn went to pick up friend, Karen, and niece, Aolani, at the airport.  The girls watched a movie to occupy themselves and also ran in and out of the back door.

  JoAnn's friend, Karen, arrived with Aolani.  Their luggage didn't make it.  It ended up in Chicago and missed the short connection to the Oklahoma plane.  Jesse took them to get a sandwich (the plane didn't even serve peanuts and they had been up since earlier than early) and Aolani's father met them at the restaurant to take her for the night.

                            
                              Granddaughter, JanaLyn.

  After much teasing about our room rate, the amenity charges (soap, flushing the toilet, etc.!!), Karen arrived at our house to this note posted on her door (Rissy's room).

                         

  Everyone was dressed in their 4th of July/Independence Day finery.  We enjoyed each other's company and were pretty relaxed and kicked back.  All of the food had been made in advance and Stephanie popped her famous baked beans in the oven to cook slowly.

                                            
                                              Our oldest daughter, Stephanie.

  The weather report predicted a growing chance of rain later in the night, but the forecast kept changing those "rains"
  into "storms" and the chance of rain was continually going up - as was the intensity of rain expected.

  The cloudy sky DID give us a bit of concern and we weren't sure whether to start the charcoal in the backyard or in the driveway (where there was a bit more of an overdrop from the roof).  And, if the rains didn't come, the pool (except for a small leak) was clean, if anyone wanted to use it.

                                   

  Although the sky began to look quite gloomy, we opted for the charcoaling to be done in the backyard.  I figured the cooker could be pulled under the eaves at the back door.  *IF* it started to rain, that would be enough protection from the water. 

                                    

  Not to worry, it was cloudy, but dry, and everyone continued to have a good time. 
    

  Marie was invited to bring her daughter and two grandsons - so, the guest list number continued to grow.  Not a problem, we had plenty for everyone.

                                 
                                  Dad (Jesse) cookin'

  Rissy, the second best meteorologist in the family after me, began to point out the ominous clouds.  She and I can accurately smell a rat (errr, storm brewing) and she continued to watch the SW skies and predict gloom and doom. 

                              

  Everyone, but me, poo-pooed her and she silently raised her eyebrows as if to say, "We'll just wait and see."

        
  Annamarie & Rissy                                         JanaLyn, Annamarie, and Rissy

  Those who know Rissy better, paid more attention to her warnings of gloom, doom, and soggy meat.
                                        
                                        Annamarie and Rissy ("I tried to warn them . . ." )

  Then came the interruption of regular TV programming and the weather alert:
          

  Then, the rains began to pitter patter. 

                                    

  Then a bit more.
   
                        

  And, then a WHOLE lot more.

                                                    

  The meat would have been safe under the eaves of the back doorway, except the winds drove the water ONTO the charcoaler and the thermomotor on the front of the unit began to plummet WITH OUR PORK CHOPS ON THE GRILL!!!

                      
              Smoke came up from the lid of the grill as the cooker's temperature was reduced.

  
  Well . . . that's no good! 
  

  Jesse decided NOW was the time to move the grill to the front of the house.  But how?  . . (???)

                       
                                          Of course!  *THROUGH* THE HOUSE!

          
                         (Do you think the charcoal grill goes well with my formal furniture and decor?!!!)

  It was a successful move and there was no dirt or burn holes in my once white carpeting.  Good thing the carpeting needs to be replaced.  I'm a lot more relaxed and  forgiving about the usual grime producing events!

  Cooking food out front was just as tasty as food cooked in the backyard.  We had a platter of meat (pork chops, brats, smokey turkey sausage for hotdogs, burgers, and grilled jalapenos), baked beans, Mexican pasta salad, potato salad, deviled eggs, and watermelon.  I made a Jell-o cake for dessert and Marie brought a chocolate pie and a chocolate chip cake ring.

                                      
                                                                         We ate heartily.

          

                                           

  One of Marie's grandson's has some behavioral issues and I heard Marie whisper to him, "Jesse is big and if you don't settle down I'll have him take you outside."  The boy rolled his eyes, had a scowl on his face, and continued to sit in the chair at the end of the adult table. 

  Unbeknownst to him, Sushi has been trained to sit on the ottoman in the den with the command of "Chair!" and she automatically goes to the chair.  Sushi was a bit excited and as Jesse was heading with his plate to the adult table, and after Marie had just finished speaking to her grandson about his behavior, Jesse ordered (in a not so quiet voice) to an excited Sushi, "Chair!" . . .

  The boy jumped out of the chair at the formal table and went to the formal living room without batting an eye.  Marie, her daughter, and I got the giggles. 

  Jesse had no clue what had just happened.  We told him of the rebellious attitude problem the boy had been having and the talk Marie had just had with him.  We told Jesse he had come in a second later with his plate and bellowed, "Chair!"   Marie's grandson had jumped up out of the chair, thinking Jesse was demanding his spot at the table.  A rebellious to submissive child in a heartbeat!!!

                           

  Jesse felt horrible.  Marie said it was probably a good thing that he'd gained the respect of her grandson and told Jesse to just leave things the way they were.  We still laughed the next day at the unintentional scare and the way the child with the "attitude" sprang to attention when "commanded"!!!!

  I never got pictures of Rob and Jesse grilling.  They were wearing soaking wet t-shirts and pleaded decency vs. photos!

  The fireworks we purchased saved our lives and made a WONDERFUL ending to our holiday.  Many of the fireworks shows around the city had to be canceled until the next day or, even, the next week. 

  More pictures tomorrow.

  Be Blessed  ~

  • 12:57 pm
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