Mountain Mama's Point Of View

  A new year looms large in our future. While I am not excited about the prospects for peace, the date will change whether I am ready or not. Christmas was very quiet this year. The oven situation is still not resolved. Not to worry. HeWho is NOT the master of gift giving bought a new appliance for me. He has never been one to choose an appropriate gift. He does try, bless his heart. He has been a giver of strange gifts throughout the last 50 years. He has gifted me trashcans and clothespins (I asked for them, I needed them, and we spent all of our budget on the kids when they were little). He once presented me with 40 lbs of compost manure for Mother's Day. In his defense, I had said I needed to fertilize my garden beds, but he could have included a nice plant. I have learned that I should not make statements or hint at what I might want. Now I will be very specific about things I want. I got into the habit of buying myself a gift, wrapping it and putting his name on it as the giv...

Our last day in Savannah we decided to go to the outlet mall. But first I wanted to check out a thrift store I had seen us pass a few times. Sort of like a Big Lots, it had a variety of goods. Some used and mostly new in packaging that was not in good shape. We found a few bargains and took advantage of the markdowns. The people were friendly and invited us to play bingo that evening. Looked like they expected a crowd with about six long tables covered in holiday cloths and some chairs that looked really comfy. Not the standard metal folding chairs one would expect. We did not find out, as we decided not to go. Neither of us are good at driving at night, most especially on unfamiliar roads. Most outlet malls I see now are deserted. This one was thriving. It covered a good bit of territory to walk, and the walkways were nice and wide. Landscaped with trees and benches set at intervals for just sitting and enjoying the day. There was a splashpad for kids at the entrance and a playground ...

  I studied all the maps that had been provided by the check-in desk at the park. We headed to Tybee Island and the rain stopped. As we entered the island, we saw a sign stating that parking was free. Great news for the man that did not want to pay for parking. The place was pretty much deserted and the parking lots along the beach were empty. We pulled into one and left the RV with only Dora, the turtle, left on board eating her favorite new treat, dried shrimp. I wanted to walk on the beach. My dogs have never been on a beach, and I was excited to see what they would do. Well, until I saw the signs prohibiting dogs on the beach. That was a bummer! We walked on the sidewalk with them, and they were happy to be outside. I spied a store that was open and decided to go in and see what they had while HeWho kept the dogs on the sidewalk. The nice clerk behind the counter graciously offered to let my canine companions come inside. They did for about a minute. HeWho held the leashes chos...

  How to sum up 50 years of marriage .... Looking back, I seem to remember many more good times than difficult ones. I have laughed more often than I have cried. This man I have been attached to for so long, aka HeWho loves me, is the most tolerant and exasperating person I have ever met. We pulled out last Monday morning, believing that our trip was a mere 6 hours to our destination, Skidway State Park in Savannah. No hurries, we ambled along roads we had never traveled before. My view was limited, as usual from my perch on the dinette "bed" in the RV. I always ride in the back with the dogs, fearing that they might end up under the driver's feet. They are happy to be with me. Toni Louise sits right behind the driver's seat and will stick her head onto his shoulder from time to time for a pat on the head from her master. I can only see out the window to my left, but if I scrunch way down, I have a sliver of front wind shield to see ahead. As we headed south, dressed ...

  Mr. BoJangles here. I am using Mom's new computer. She was reluctant at first, telling me not to scratch her keys. I am no novice, I tell you, she should know that I have done this before! We have been traveling a lot lately. I would include photos, if Mom could figure out how to load them. She keeps saying not to worry, that Jeff is coming soon and will help her figure things out. I like Jeff okay, even if he did say I was a funny looking little dog. I will try to set that aside and be on my best behavior while he is here. Mom has no qualms about confining us dogs to her room should we become a nuisance. Yesterday was very strange here at our house. Mom got up and let us out and the day was going along. Mom had her vile smelling coffee. She will offer her cup for me to sniff (why do I always fall for this trick?) and I will dutifully take a sniff. How does she drink this? I have heard Dad say that it smells good, but I don't think his nose works! After the sniff and a few mi...

  We do not put up a Christmas tree anymore. Nowhere to put one and we have no company coming for the holidays. We are the visitors that go elsewhere. This year, though, my son is coming the day after Christmas. Still, no tree, but we must have cookies, right? So, I consulted Pinterest and found some recipes for no bake cookies. Lots of cream cheese and powdered sugar, and everything dipped in chocolate. Lots of boozy options. The whiskey laden pecans that soaked overnight, then went into the creamy base are potent! I licked the spoon after I made the little balls to be dipped into melted chocolate. Rum balls still await construction. I can give you some trivia that might prove useful if you find yourself at a loss for conversation. People may think you are a bit odd when suddenly blurt out, "Did you know that one box of vanilla wafers will yield 3 cups of crumbs?" Well, now you know the rest of the story. What story, your listener might wonder ...... My personal favorite wil...

  Winter had arrived here, down in the 20's at night, then up in the 30's during daylight hours. Not conducive to being outdoors. I put the heavy quilt on our bed and made the lighter comforter ready for storage. I was all ready to store away my summer clothes and find some indoor projects to amuse myself. Doctor appointments pop up with great regularity and rains started blurring the days as we motored along the highway to be told that all was well with HeWho and his cow vein legs. It started getting warmer as it drizzled, and fog rolled in to obscure the mountain tops. I woke to sunshine, and it is already in the mid-fifties. This means I can play outside today! The possibilities are endless. I sip my scalding coffee carefully as I consider the number of hours at my disposal today. I want to use them wisely, as this weather cannot hold for long! I need to make the RV road ready again. But that will make me be indoors ..... Maybe I should finish my retaining wall mural. I need...