Saturday, February 7, 2015

Only 42 Days Till SPRING...Meeting Piper (Orange is the New Black-author)...and more...



The snow hasn't completely melted...but it has started. This year's influx of Gardening Porn.  And the David-Austin people have soooooooooooo got my number this year. Ordering three of their old-rose-scented climbers to begin the
Arch. All in pink...






Okay...maybe not. But they will look outstanding covering the arch in a variety of shades of pink blossoms.

Settling in tomorrow to work on a gardening plan for Spring. Just around the corner. This is a hard sell for my Massachusetts family and friends where another foot of snow is predicted for today. On top of the 33" they have already had recently.

                                              Winter Beach Scene

A week full of surprises. The BEST being a call from a (former) co-worker/friend, Tina, inviting me to accompany her to see/meet Piper Kerman author of the best-seller: Orange is the New Black.  (Now also made into a televised series.)  She was touring on the Ubben's Circuit and scheduled for Depauw on Wednesday. So despite the blowing and accumulting snow and the cold...off we went.










Articulate...funny...amazing. Conveying a serious and strong message.  I can't WAIT to read the book, and am waiting to watch the series after I have. Jodie Foster is actually going to be part of the third season!

My youngest son introduced me to a new game this week:




It is called Solitaire Chess, but what it really consists of are a box of preset cards and pieces that you use with them to help you develop your chess skills.

Remember these?




Well, the principle is the same. You use chess moves until you are down to one piece. It helps you develop the skill to quickly see moves on a full board and enhance your abilities.

The Tee-Triangle Game for the "Chess-set". 

You want to know who is REALLY brilliant, though?  The people who sat down and worked out all the possible moves on the individual cards. 

Like, NASA smart. 

Only 16 Squares, 4x4, and the cards show you which pieces you have to put into play, and their locations.

And we were sitting looking at the board together with quick gasps and

"OMG...I think I see it.....no...no...that won't work"  

"Damn!"

And that feeling of accomplishment when you finally figure one board out...and then move to the next card in the series.

Chris and I worked on one board for a long long long time....and then it was like a light came on for him

"I SEE IT!" 

and he cleared the square with the two available Rooks...earning him the monniker

THE ROOKINATOR

It is Official...I have got to get one of these!
  
(...channelling my inner Will Smith...)

The Worst...my DIL, who scared the hell out of all of us this week,

                                        The Chest Scene From Alien


as she was rushed into emergency surgery for an Appendectomy. It had not ruptured, thankfully, and the surgery went smoothly. She was extremely lucky and we are so grateful. We were all up at the hospital with her Thursday...and she was able to be released Friday.

Home now, recuperating.

Idgy...I can't wait, either! Only


more days until our Spring Adventure. Yes...going over the checklist:

Ticket....check

Reservations...check

95 wax birthday candles...check

flame-thrower...check

Bactine....check

A Couple of Eyebrow Pencils....check

Got it covered!  

Can't wait to see you and plunder Franklin, again! 
No sleet this time!

Have a Wonderful Weekend!