September 29, 2008

This weekend went went to South Carolina to visit my aunt and uncle. My uncle is my dad's older brother (he's 84). After my dad died, he stepped in... Last month he had emergency surgery to have his gallbladder removed. He is doing remarkably well considering his age.

We laughed and talked about dad. I made them apple and custard pies and we had brook trout for dinner.

On Saturday we went out for a drive in the country and found this beautiful road and a covered bridge. There was also a small mosaic of old plates (I wonder if they were found nearby) and pretty wild flowers.

Unfortunately, a little dog ran right in front of our car and we could not stop in time. It was a horrible feeling--and still is. I have no idea why this little dog was running loose on a busy road. Of all days to have to deal with a new death...

I always believe things happen for a reason, but why this happened is beyond me.

We came home yesterday.

It's apple season and I wanted to bring some home from the mountains and along our route back we found some. It was even pick your own if you wanted. Well, we tried, but the ones on the trees weren't very nice, so we just bought a bag that had already picked.

September 26, 2008

We skipped trivia last night because there is just too much going on, plus that nor'easter was whipping the wind pretty good. I went to Zumba today with my new dance shoes. What a huge difference they make!

I have been busy gathering details and research for the upcoming TV show. I did get to speak with some friends today so that was good.

This weekend will be tough--tomorrow is the 10th anniversary of my dad's death. A family friend emailed me yesterday and said something about dad that I had totally forgotten (we were friends 30 years ago). They used to call my dad Tarzan, why I do not remember. I cried for about 10 mins yesterday when I read that.

No worries--I will keep busy. That's all we can do.

September 24, 2008

Yesterday I had physical therapy. For some reason, my knee is giving me real problems. I have to skip my kick boxing classes for a while.

A few weeks back I entered a local photo contest. Well, last night was award presentation. I did not win. Hmm. This is the photo I entered. The theme was supposed to be "On the Road." None of the photos that won really depicted that theme.

I received a call from a production company yesterday and they want me to be in their documentary about Wyatt Earp. They want me to talk about drinking and gambling...who let the word out? Looks like I am headed to Tombstone next month for the shoot. This show will air on the History Channel, like the others.

Speaking of the others, my Investigating History: Wyatt Earp show aired last night again. Sorry I didn't post it here until now. I totally spaced this yesterday.

Went to the gym and have been at this computer all day.

I started an Italian pot roast for dinner since it's a little chilly - 69 degrees. We are starting to get some gusty winds from the nor'easter off the coast. Tomorrow is supposed to be worse...

September 22, 2008

We traveled to the Washington, D.C. area again this weekend for another football game. We stopped at our favorite restaurant in Hanover, Virginia.

This Sunday's game was quite eventful. We won, which is always good. Now this next part might sound crazy or silly to those who are not sports enthusiasts or nutty football fans, but here goes.

The Redskins, like many other teams, have a mascot and die hard crazy fans. However, we take it to a whole new level. There is a guy (our mascot) who dresses in full "Indian" garb (I use that term loosely since his costume is straight from a Hollywood B movie). We also have grown men who wear dresses and pig noses--they are called "Hogettes." They actually do a lot of local charity events and a few years back did an NFL Visa commercial.

Anyway, I got the full fan treatment from both of them. First, the Chief (yes, that's what he is called) sat down near me, so naturally I did the fan thing and had my pic taken (shown here). Then, two of the Hogettes asked to sit next to me. Hmm. Yes, another photo was taken (also here).

What can I say--I'm a nutty Redskin fan just like the rest of 'em. Keep in mind that it was about 90 degrees again, so be kind when viewing the photos... :)

September 19, 2009

Today is three months since my accident. I suspect I will be hearing from the insurance agent again soon. She usually checks in every 30 days.

Yesterday I hit the gym, did some work, and then went to trivia night at the pub. It was fun as usual, but we didn't win. I also talked to my friend, Mary, in Denver. She and I are different, yet so alike and I really miss her. We agreed to do a girl's weekend somewhere. Our criteria? A place with good food, good wine, and a relaxing spa...

I took Zumba again - so far it is not getting old. The class just seems to whiz by. Before you know - the hour is up.

I also got word yesterday that I might be doing a "talking head" appearance for a PBS show. Nothing is set, but once I hear more I will share it here.

Have a great weekend!!!

September 17, 2008

I struggled through my group strength class yesterday. I feel way better today.

Yesterday I finally finished editing the presentation I gave back in April at the Booth Western Art Museum. The actual presentation was about 25 minutes, but I edited down to about nine minutes. Feel free to go watch it - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daAcxkLPvsw

Today I have another physical therapy appointment, so I am skipping the gym.

Considering it was 99 degrees on Sunday, today feels pretty darn chilly at 64. I might have to don a jacket...

September 16, 2008

Saturday we drove to Washington, D.C. for the Redskins football game. We got to eat at one of my favorite places--it's called the Houndstooth Cafe. They have some awesome BBQ and clam chowder. We stayed in Maryland Saturday night, then headed to FedEx field on Sunday morning. We tailgated, like true football fans do...it was a real scorcher.

We got into the stadium and got to see our new seats for the first time. Holy cow - we were about 20 seats from the field. When the ball is thrown in our direction it looks like it's coming right at you. You can also hear the crunching of the players equipment. Next game I will take some pictures so you can see.

The game was awesome, but it had to be 99 degrees on the field and in full sun for four hours. We each drank two bottles of water, which cost $5 a bottle. That wasn't nearly enough water to hydrate us in those conditions. Later that night and yesterday we suffered some dehydration issues. I am feeling better today, but still not 100%.

Yesterday I stumbled across a new book review for Taste of Tombstone in a Tucson paper. http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/recipes/96216.php The reviewer was very kind.

I will attempt the gym today...

September 12, 2008

Zumba! I even bought a music CD from the instructor today. It's fully of sexy Latin songs.

I talked with my friend in England today. He had some interesting information to share for my latest book. It's always good to hear from friends!

Well, today I decided to be domestic and do some laundry. Must to my surprise and dismay, the washing machine decided to leak. Let me state that our machine is on the second floor. There was so much water that it was raining on my car which is in the garage below. Yikes. I have spent the last 5 hours playing clean up and soak up.

Thank goodness it's Friday and I can rest tomorrow.

Have a great weekend!

September 11, 2008

As expected there is lots in the news about the 7th anniversary of this date. Still hard to imagine that day. It was like a scene from a movie and could not be happening, but it did.

I ended up making baked penne pasta with Parmesan cheese. I used some sauce I made and froze, then added some fresh pesto I made. It was tasty.

I took a new class at the gym today - cardio funk. Lots of fun with funky music from 70s-90s. Tomorrow is Zumba!!

I saw the physical therapist again today. He is quite a character and has one hell of a sense of humor. I love him! He is also quite skilled at what he does. He sort of did a deep tissue thing, but moved my joints and muscles around. I am still twisted (hey, we all knew that before!) from the accident, but he thinks I will make good progress.

He does have me concerned about my knee though. That was the one place that took a direct hit to the dashboard in the accident. It seems there is something liquidy, called plica in the body. A plica is a thin wall of fibrous tissue that are extensions of the capsule of the knee. When that is banged it can turn into scar tissue which might need to be surgically removed later. Yikes. With proper work I might be able to avoid surgery.

Tonight is Pub/Trivia night. A night out is just what I need after being beat today by Kurt (P.T.)...

September 10, 2008

Today's class at the gym was an awesome workout with one of my favorite instructors.

After that I had a dentist appointment to replace a filling. I was never convinced that I needed to have it done, and the dentist I saw today agreed with me. Got away without having a needle jammed into my gum!

Last night we watched the Replacements with Keanu Reeves and Gene Hackman. There are so many funny scenes in that movie. It was just what I needed to get excited about this weekend's home game!!

I am making something Italian for dinner tonight...

September 9, 2008

I normally enjoy my kick boxing class at the gym, but the instructor was feeling tired, so she modified the class.

The progress on my next book is making me feel so much better. I talked to a historian at the FBI today about some details. Looks like I may have to contact the U.S. Marshal's office next.

I am hot on the trail of some really sinister people from the past...

We watched 12 Monkeys last night and I totally loved Brad Pitt's performance as a nut job!

We are supposed to have nasty storms tonight and the temperature is supposed to drop about 25 degrees.

Tonight I am making Pork Jambalaya for dinner.

September 8, 2008

Well, T.S. Hanna made her way here and the eye of the storm went right over us. Luckily her winds were only gusting at 40 m.p.h.. We had some downed tree limbs and five inches of rain, but other than that nothing serious. We actually went out Saturday afternoon with some neighbors to taste wine.

A tiny little local winery had its grand opening on Saturday, so we had to go and give it a whirl. Let's just say that NC wine is traditionally made from the muscadine grape, which is native. It's a big sweet grape, which is exactly how the wine tastes. It's not my favorite.

It was football Sunday yesterday and my husband's team, the Steelers, crushed their opponent. He made the comment the other day about having to read my blog to see what I'm up to...hmm. He was only joking (I think). ;)

I made a little progress on my new book project, which always feels good.

Today I went for physical therapy and was surprised that I have been doing all the right things. He said my spine and rib cage were shifted to one side, which is causing all my pain. He thinks with one or two more visits, I should progress much quicker. He also told me that working out at the gym has advanced my progress.

I go back on Thursday.

September 4, 2008

Here is the deer picture from a few days ago, and one of my adorable Bailey cat.

Well, the crab soup got put on hold. I ended up making chicken Caesar salad for dinner.

I hit the gym again today - took a class and did some weight-lifting. I also scheduled a physical therapy class to see if I can get my back, neck, and shoulder feeling 100%.

You know, I realized today (well, not just today) that my really good, close friends all live too far away. Either I moved, they moved, or I met them in my travels and they have always lived away. What can I say? I miss them! I just left a message for one of them and hearing her voice made me think about all this mushy stuff.

My good friend Bob Bell (yeah, he lives far away, too) did as promised and posted a Peruvian soup recipe. It sounds really yummy and I can't wait to try it.

Tonight is usually pub trivia night, but it's the first regular season football game. I was torn between going and watching it there or staying home. I opted for staying home and ordering pizza.

We are going to have to put some things away outside to prep for T.S. Hanna - she's supposed to hit here tomorrow afternoon through Saturday afternoon. Those are always fun (yes, that was sarcasm).

I don't normally talk politics here, but I have to say that I was totally impressed with the Republican VP candidate, Sarah Palin. Holy cow - she is impressive. It's funny how all the news people and commentators are comparing her skills to Obama's and who the better candidate is. Uh, excuse me, she is running for VP - not president. Compare her to Joe Biden is you must, but Obama, really!

September 3, 2008

The gym was good as usual. I also managed to take some packages to the post office.

I finally made it to downtown Raleigh to pick up my concealed handgun permit. I also got an awesome new pair of sunglasses - Maui Jim.

I took a friend's advice and changed the intro to my website, and I am real pleased with it. You'll have to check it out. I also updated the free recipe for September.

I am going to attempt to make Charleston She Crab Soup...we'll see how that goes.

September 2, 2008

Well, since I haven't blogged since last Thursday, this one will be big.

Friday started out really great with my Zumba class. It went down hill after that. I have a client who is making me nuts and really stressed me out Friday afternoon. However, there is nothing like "moose drool" to make you smile again!

Saturday was the usual, wine tasting and shopping. Sunday we went to our friends' house for a Labor Day party. It was nice and we had ribs and all the fixins'. I made a pig pickin cake for dessert. Now before you conjure up an image of pork and cake - STOP. It's a yellow cake with mandarin oranges and the topping is Cool Whip, vanilla pudding, and pineapple. It's really tasty and everyone wanted the recipe. I should have know better because that always happens. I should start taking printed copies with me.

Monday some friends and I went shopping. We went to the outlet stores nearby and left at 10:15 a.m. We got home at 6 p.m. Talk about shop 'til you drop. I got some awesome deals though - a Van Heusen shirt for $2.81. Yep, you read it right. Some many other as well. Since I got home so late, I made crab cakes for dinner. They were awesome.

This week AMC TV is running my all-time favorite actor's Dirty Harry movies. Yes, that would be Clint Eastwood. One of my dreams is to meet him...

I took my second favorite class at the gym, which is kickboxing. I am getting pretty good at it, too. I am waiting for the GE repairman to show up to assess why my new dishwasher isn't working right. It's one of those between 1-5 things again.

I got some book and map orders I need to process and it's September so I need to add a new recipe to my website.

Rotisserie chicken for dinner tonight.