The Day After...

 There is nothing prettier then watching a sunset.  It's not only the perfect way to end a day, but it's the promise of a new day coming.  Just look at the color whispering on the clouds..

The end to another Sunday.

A Sunday off.  What a wonderfully cool day it was to.  I didn't know what to do with myself.  So I decided not  to anything at all.  Well, that's not entirely true.  I'm planning a trip to New York in May with my mother, so I was busy checking out flights, and looking into taking a few tours.  We, my mother and I, want to see The Statue of Liberty,  The Empire State Building, and The World Trade Center Visitor site. Then there is; stop at the play ground named after my uncle Pfc. Carlos J. Lozada, meet with the 173d Airborne Brigade Chapter (also named after my uncle), and take a walk down Times Square.  I sure hope we can get it all done.  I can not wait.  I am so excited!!

While researching the world wide web for my New York trip;  I chatted with Paco and Jose, both in New York (via Facebook), and my friend Liz in Florida (also via Facebook).  I  talked to my ex, via Yahoo IM.  H mm, that is another blog.. Maybe.  One day.  OK.  Maybe not.  Anyway, I wanted to keep busy.   Keep my mind off of  two things.  First:  what happened Saturday.  Yes.  That still pledged me.   I found myself bothered because,  I hadn't heard from Wolverine all weekend.  Now, normally I wouldn't be concerned at all, but due to the fact that I chattered the whole time I was with him Saturday. Yeah.  I was worried.  Had I run him off.  Would he even want to see me again.  Worried that my, over charged mouth batteries, had said to much.

I can't figure it out.

I have no idea what came over me

You know how you feel and act when you meet someone you think is pretty great.  And nothing you say or do, is how you would normally day or do something.  You just feel like you're tripping over the same rock.  Stuck, in the Groundhog movie.  I just could not keep a secret while I was with him, to save my life.   All of the cobwebs in my closet were now completely gone.  And look, I still cant type out his real name.  *sigh*  he will always be Wolverine to me, I mean, he doesn't even look like a David.  Oh.  I have, what ever this is, bad.  To top it off, the movie Unstoppable;  is still in the DVD player, waiting for someone, anyone, to just push the play button.

In between thinking and remembering all the things I said, and things I did.  I was reminded of the other thing I didn't want to remember... 

Yes, This is the Yellow Bird House in my Blog. Pretty, isn't it.

My unwanted guest.

Three traps and,  he /she /it  has yet to enter any of them. Thanks to my, Official Trap Checker,  Ashley... I knew her living in the building next to me was going to come in handy.  With my thin flashlight, Ashley sweeps through the apartment, shining the light on each trap and checking to see if the Guest has check in.  Each day,  Nothing.  Why  does it seem, not only can I not keep my mouth shut, but I also get the great mouse escape story as well.   Are the star not lined up right?  Did I upset some earthy balance, and my punishment is Runth  The Mouth Syndrome and  Houdini. Mouse Prodigy.

The craziest thing of all...
The stupid thing had somehow gotten on top of my microwave...
that sits on top of my refrigerator...

Could this thing possible have wings???    That would be my luck.  Because if it was going to happen, there would be no need look any further, it would surely happen it me.  

I've made plans to pick up One Bite at the feed store in the morning.  If anyone knows about getting rid of Houdini, it would be farmers.  And maybe,  if the stars are in my favor, I wont wake up Tuesday morning to a dead mouse on my bedroom floor...  Not that I would want it still running around my apartment, no, that's not what I meant... One Bite would dry Houdini from the inside out.  Yuck.  That made me sick.

The Wolverine Suprise....

The route Wolverine travels.  I.H. 35, right in front of my balcony. The rainbow is just the icing..

You know the days, your off of work and there is nothing to do.  That was my day.  Why did I even need to worry about getting dressed.  No one comes over but the girls.. I pulled my hair in one of those clips on the back of my head.  Put my flip flops on, and headed right for the kitchen.  First order of the day was coffee.  I am going to catch the morning news.. So i pulled open the hutch door, figured I better empty the bladder first and after that, I found myself at my desk until the coffee was finished.  Oh, the smell of fresh brewing coffee.  Sure does get the blood pumping, dont you think?

 I was checking out the latest blog updates {mycamokids is a fabulous blog}, and reading the latest Facebook postings {some wonderful Blue Star Mothers imformation}, even watching at a few "Soldiers Surprise Visits" on youtube {thinking about my son and shedding a tear or two} when my phone rang.      I thought it would be Tabitha or Ashley {my daughters}, or even my son James {who has the knack of knowing when his mother is having a military mom melt down} but to my surprise it was Wolverine.   There is just something about when he calls and my phone flashes his name.  Anyway, as I reached for my cell phone and scooted away from my desk, the butterflies were already stirring in anticipation of his voice.     

"Hello" I said, trying to sound calm and collective... "Well, Hello." he replied "I though I would catch you sleeping."  OK, so there was only one time where he called me and woke me up.  But that was only because I stayed up until 3:30am reading the archive blogs of The Pioneer Woman, and I didn't have to be at work until 2pm, so i slept in... until he called me at 8:30am that is.  "Oh no" I chuckled  "I was up bright and early this morning"  and it was the truth, I was out of bed by 7:30am {I even think it was before that}.   "You know, scheduled world peace, ran a few blocks, and even made time for a few cups of fresh coffee" I added.  There is nothing like his laugh.  "Well good.  A busy morning for you."  "Here we are, once again" I chimed in "you could have brought hot coffee and crescents rolls."  I often joked with him, if he was going to call early, he could at least provide breakfast.  

We joked about making sure we didn't stay in the "normal" classification of daily life.  "where are you working today" I asked  "every where" he said.  Some times he would ramble off places he had been already and places he still needed to travel to, and I would listen intently to each town or city {if that is what there were} like I knew where each place he named was.  As he neared his destination he said "Alrighty then, I will let you go, I have to pick up some forms at the office."  When ever he traveled to and from the office, he would travel on the highway right outside my balcony, knowing that made me all warm inside.  "OK, we'll have to do this again. And next time, bring breakfast."  With a chuckle on his end and a giggle on mine, we hung up.  Just like each time before, and as I press the end key on my cell phone, I sighed "oh, that voice."   

I came back to my room and settled in front of my computer.  I wanted to just surf.  Be care free.  It was my day off after all.  I was looking forward to just relaxing.  Fresh coffee in hand, and the world at my finger tips.  What could be better... and it surely wasn't going to get worse, or was it.  

Wolverine and lunch..

Bellowing clouds.  I think this picture is beautiful  ~ captured by Tabitha

No, he didn't call me right away.  It was almost a week later.  During my break, I looked at my phone and realized there was a missed call. I hadn't recognized the number {as a rule, I won't answer my phone if I dont know the number}, so i was hoping there was a voice message.  It was David AKA Wolverine, a short but sweet message.  For the next few days, and maybe it was weeks we played phone tag.  If he was out of his truck, the phone would just ring; and if i was working, it would ring to voice mail.  When we got the chance to meet for lunch, I jumped on it.  

We met at Lone Star Bar and Grill.  Wolverine was going to be in town during his lunch, and thought it would be the perfect time to sit down to a steak lunch.  Also because we had been talking on the phone one time, and he said something about taking me out for a real good steak meal.  I was very receptive of this idea, seeing how i so needed a good steak meal.  It was during this lunch, that I once again asked if he was married.. the answer was still no {can't blame a girl for double checking}, he didn't have any children... just a dog that acted like a child.  We talked about my sister Gladys who had died long ago, and the brother he lost a while back.  The sisters he visits with in Dallas and the Family I have in Florida.  I told him about the New York trip i was planning to take with my mother, he blankly looked at me, and then added "I am going to have to talk with your mother."  "What for?" I asked.  With out skipping a beat, he said "to make sure you come back."  I suddenly felt shorter in my chair, I think I might have melted just a little bit.  

The conversation was awesome, I hated to see it end. He paid for our lunch, and as we walked I said "I'm parked over here"  He answered "I know, I parked right next to you."  I caught quickly that he already knew my car by site.  He walked me right to the drivers door,  "We'll have to do this again" I smiled up at him, "I would like that very much."  A very gentlemen kiss, and we were on our separate ways.  By the time I was walking into my apartment, my phone was ringing.. Wolverine.  My heart leaped, he called to  tell me "I had a very nice time at lunch.  Thank you.  I look forward to another chance to take you out for a better steak.  That place wasn't very good. You didn't even eat all of yours."  I was touched deeply "The meal was fine, though I would love to do it again, I was just enjoying the conversation."  Shortly after, we said our goodbyes and hung up.

The name is ~ Wolverine...

I love this picture.  It looks like the water is just going to spill right out.  Captured by Tabitha

I don't think there is a better feeling then new dating.  What I mean is...

* The feeling you get when you know he stopped by to see you while your at work.   
* Or when his calls seem to have perfect timing.  
* How about when you're out on your first date, and you both are so wrapped up in talking, that you barely touch your meal {well, I barely ate mine}.  
* And when he calls just as you arrive home from work and says, "Let's go out for drinks, I'll pick you up in a few minutes"  and your heart doesn't stop racing until the drink date is over.  
* Better yet, when he expresses his fear of your planned trip to New York; "Because" he states "What if you don't come back?"



I first met him while I was working at a local Shell Station.  I was the assistant manager, and he would stroll in during my night shifts, fill up his cup with soda and purchase lottery {scratch} tickets.  The first time I had seen him, and before we ever spoke a word to each other, Wolverine popped into my head.  And it stuck.  No matter who I talked to about him {and i did to some talking} I would refer to him as Wolverine.  That wasn't his name, and it wasn't until later that i would learn his real name, but that didn't matter.. He would always and forever be Wolverine.  Of course, he didn't know that.  Each time he visited the store, he would purchase tickets, and when he would ask me to pick them, he always won some of his money back.  He even suggested that I was lucky for him.  There was small talk, I dont even remember what it was we talked about, and I would sometimes work while he scratch his tickets, talk and watch me work.  I do remember feeling safe while he was around.  Comfortable, like being in front of a low glowing fire.  I remember the time we talked about marriage, and how I felt a wave of relief to learn he wasn't married.  His work kept him out at nights when I met him.  He works for the State of Texas, has been working for them for many years, a supervisor of multiple road crews.  It just so happened, they were widening I.H. 35, along the stretch of highway in front of my station.  Luck me.  We never exchanged phone numbers or never went out on a date.  It was just visiting while I worked.  I left that store after 1 year of working there, and lost all contact with Wolverine.  Until...

Heart Wide Open...

Ashley and Bruce ~ together 13 months ~ going strong

Once in a while

Someone comes along

And changes everything

You believe about yourself.

From the time we are little, girls are romanced into the perfect fairytale, and boys are trained to be their Knights.   

It's what dreams are made of, passed down from generations of loving mothers, to their hopeful children.  

It is what I dreamed of.  

It was passed down to my children.

It's what they pass down to their children.  

Tabitha and Cody ~ together 12 yrs (married 9) ~ going strong

 

I didn't get my fairytale, but that doesn't mean it isn't real.  True Love is out there.  It does happen.

If there is one thing I have learned as a single woman it's this;  relationships are a two way street.  The joining together of two different forces, and making a unity of one work.  It is a roller coaster ride, and if you hold on tight, it will continue to full your very soul.  

My Cup Runith Over...

One of the greatest things about my title Nana, and I'm not talking about when they go home, is sitting back and watching each one of my grand children.  The things that they do and the things that they say, just keep me in stitches.  I don't remember just sitting back and enjoying watching my children.  So often, being a parent, you are rushed to accomplish so much in one single day, that you miss all the small stuff.  It is the small stuff I look forward to with my grand children.

.

Garrett is funny, loving, smart, and just look at that smile..

    

Jayla is a work of Diva Art.  She loves the camera..

Eli is the explorer.  You know he is planing something big.

Arianna is quite, but just look at those eyes.  She is taking it all in.

There is nothing in this world, like spending time with these four children, it is never a dull moment, that I will tell you. By the time our visits are through, I feel like I have been through the spin cycle of a old washing machine.

 ~ GIRLS NIGHT ~

Tonight I had the pleasure of dinner with the girls... On the menu was, La Chicken Tenders, Mac & Cheese, and a Fine Bottle of Apple Juice.  Jayla and Arianna picked it out {and it was a good thing to, fast and easy, right up my alley}and helped me cook.  Of course, Jayla thinks because she is the oldest of the two, that she must go first.  To out smart them both, I gave them each a job to do.  After I cooked the pasta, Arianna added the cheese and Jayla added the milk... then the job to mix it up, where I gave them both a turn {and had to explain to Jayla "Arianna goes next because, you just poured the milk"} before there was blood shed in my kitchen. Dinner was cooked, thank goodness, and the girls sat down for their meal...

Arianna loves cheese.. I should have bought stock in Kraft!

I think it was the only time, both of the girls, ate with out saying a word.  I think they were just hungry, {must have been} because the one thing it isn't, with either of them, is quite. 

Jayla was very excited that she was beating her sister...

"Nite Nite Nnna" So not what happened...

When dinner was over, and playing in Nanas bed came to an end... Arianna settled on the sofa and fell fast asleep, and Jayla {oh Jayla} came into her second wind.  There was nothing stopping that little girl when mom picked them both up.  I just smiled that loving smile toward Ashley {my youngest daughter}, helped her pack up the girls belongings{quickly and efficiently},  walked out with the three of them onto the breezy way {happily}, and bid them all good night.  

~ A day with Nana ~

The one thing you can never be sure of is, the thoughts of younger child.  Not yet into the talking age, and not yet walking well enough to run away from you.  Sadly, these poor children are stuck going where ever their parents go.  If they like it or not.  I started to wonder the thoughts of my youngest grand baby, Eli, on Tuesday afternoon.  

The Unwanted Guest...

 Why is it that when you least expect it... there is... The Unwanted Guest. My hair was a mess, I was in my LEI PJ's, and I had already removed my make up.  Now, I would like to think I am the perfect host.  I am all for having a gathering (I loved throwing Pampered Chef party's), there is nothing I would love more then company (really! unless I am dating you, I don't mind if you show up unannounced), and I can talk with the best of them (so a girls social sleep over is not a problem).

What is the problem then?  (You ask)  Huh?

I love Disney movies, I could sit down for and watch them for hours.  One of the movies I like best it Ratatouille, how cute that movie was, and the story behind the movie... You can do anything, no matter who you are.  Such a delightful movie, yes? 

A few nights ago, as I was reading my daily blogs, something out of the corner of my eye caught my attention.  A blur of sorts,, a blackish mass shooting across my bedroom.  Not knowing what it was, and not sure I wasn't just seeing things.  I carefully got up out of my chair, tip toed to my bedroom door, peaked around the corner and listened.  Now, everything that goes bump in the night, is S C R E A M I N G   L O U DY.