EATING LATE

I'm eating late tonight because I worked outdoors after sundown and until almost dark weed eating, watering, etc. I'm having hotdogs on cheese toast. The hotdogs were a lucky find in my freezer since I have had a recent craving for one--good old Oscar Mayer and salty to boot.

My friend Dorothy left yesterday after 2 weeks with me so today seemed a little lonesome to me. I finished reading a novel by Anne Tyler, a writer that I like very much and someone who was born the same year as I. The book, "Ladder of Years," seemed like she was writing about my life only a different location and a different ending. I enjoyed it as I have some of her other books. Tonight I plan to start reading "Snow Falling on Cedars," a book by David Guterson which has won several major awards--one of which was not a lady's leg lamp. Those of you who are "A Christmas Story" fans will understand that reference. I really like to read books that grab me in the first couple of pages so that is what I am hoping for in this one.

I had my cable turned off for the summer so that is prompting me to read more. The bill had increased dramatically so it was not a hard decision to make. Nothing on in summers anyway.

Tomorrow I will entertain my 7 year old great nephew and we are going to learn to watercolor--a new experience for him. He likes to draw with markers so I thought this would be something a little different. Since water color paper cost almost $5 for 15 sheets this will have to be a one sheet a week project. I hope it works out. Maybe we will both learn something. I haven't water colored since high school.

Recently got the movie "Little Miss Sunshine," kind of cute, and "Notes on a Scandal" which stars one of my favorites, Judy Dench. This role was one of a more unlikable woman than what she usually plays so it was a stretch for me to see her in this way. There is a Blockbuster Video near my house and they reduce movies to 4/$20 after they are out for awhile so that is how I come by most of my DVD's. It is great and cheaper than going to the movies. At home there is cheap popcorn too.

Night, night, buds.

THE PRODUCERS

Last night I watched "The Producers" again with my friend Dorothy who is visiting me. I think I laughed more the second time than when I saw it originally. Of course, it is better on the big screen but with so much satire and irony it is hard to catch it all the first time around. The outtakes on the DVD version are priceless as well. This time I was also more aware of how many similarities it has to Mel Brooks "Blazing Saddles" referring to someone as the Teutonic Twit and his presentation of the male version of Madeline Kahn and her role in BS's. I always thought Madeline's character was priceless and am so sorry that she is no longer with us. If you haven't seen it (Producers) I suggest it as a holiday romp. Of course, Blazing Saddles is still a romp too.

LIVING AT HOME AGAIN

As of today I have plumbing. YAHOO! I'm glad to be back in my domicile. The tile is complete except for sealing the grout which comes next week. It looks soooo good. I have never had a nicer bathroom floor. I am so lucky thanks to my brother, his skill and his love. I think the job was more tiring on me than on him. He just seems to keep on going--he and the Energizer Bunny. He runs like a Timex--"takes a licking and keeps on ticking." All he demands is iced tea and coffee--more or less alternatively.

SLEEPING AROUND

I confess unabashedly that I have been sleeping around this week. When my mother-in-law was living and in good health we used to tease her about "sleeping around" because she could pack a shopping bag and be on a bus or in a car going someplace at the drop of a hat. So this week I have been packing a little bag--fancier than her shopping bag--and sleeping here and there because I have no toilet due to my bathroom renovation. Sorry that you can't wag your tongues over this one.

Speaking of Mama's shopping bags, it was always great fun to bring her a souvenier shopping bag from some new store or trip that we had taken. I don't think that she ever lacked for one. Once I gave her a heavy black vinyl one that I found someplace which I think became "the bag" from then on. When her sleeping around days were over I couldn't bear to see that old black shopping bag go after all the many trips it had made so I rescued it and to this day have it and sometimes use it. When I pass I hope that someone else will find use for it.

If I'm lucky I will get my toilet reset tomorrow and I'll be sleeping at home again. Nothing like ones own bed.