I've lost my mojo...

The blogger part of my brain is empty. Is my life SO boring that I cannot think of a clever nor entertaining post?  Apparently!

Hank's mother has behaved so badly at Green Grove that he is moving her back to her house.  That ain't helping my mojo, let me tell you.  She has severe small vessel disease, which is worse that having mini-strokes but she doesn't understand that. Hank has bent over backward to try to please her and make her happy. Me...not so much. You already know a lot about how I deal with my mother. She knows the rules and will actually tell people, "I've given up on being in charge...Belle is in charge. It's just easier to do things her way." VICTORY!  When she starts with the "poor pitiful me" stuff, I reply, "Stop complaining, you're fine...think about how blessed you are to be at Green Grove with Ned just across the street. Aren't you the luckiest person to be able to see him all the time."  And she does (stop complaining) because she has been reminded that she is blessed and fortunate and living in a wonderful place.

Several years ago, Hank said, "You handle your mother your way and I'll deal with mine in my way."  Since I agreed, I suppose I need to stop giving him advice...it's just so hard.  I KNOW that I'm right!!!

Hank's much nicer that I am and my opinion is that he gets taken advantage of.  Yes...his mother is crazy...LIKE A FOX. She needs less "oh you poor thing" and more tough love. On the occasion that he takes a more firm hand with her, she straightens up for awhile. Thinking that she has changed, Hank starts to slack off and the whole big vicious circle starts all over again.

 If I hadn't used tough love on Mother, no telling what would have happened.  One thing is for certain...She wouldn't be taking her medication like she should and Ned wouldn't be living large and finally enjoying the wonderful life that he deserves at "his house." I'm just a little worried that Mother might see this turn of events with Hank's mother as a way to harp on wanting to go back to her house.  I AM READY.  She can go...I'll find somebody to stay with her and it will certainly cost less each month; however, NED is NOT moving back to Hometown. He is one happy camper! She'll never leave him in a million years. It's called tough love folks....TOUGH love!

I know what you're thinking...for heaven's sake, Belle...stop complaining.  You're so blessed. And you would be right. Thanks for listening. Here's to the blogging mojo reappearing sometime soon.

My Big Chill

The Big Chill is my favorite movie of all time. When we get together with our oldest friends down at the summerhouse, we always say we're headed out for a Big Chill weekend (without the issue of the dead friend...that would just be creepy).  This past weekend was one of our best, except that Meg couldn't be with us.  Hank, Will, Louis, Sue and I had a terrific time. I took a couple of days vacation for an extra long "chill." Sitting on the dock...meandering around in the boat...music...laughter...eating shrimp, tomato pie, BBQ chicken...there is no greater way to relax than a Big Chill weekend. This morning, I'm enjoying my last vacation day, washing clothes, and planning to catch up on blog reading.

On Saturday morning, we larked out by water for Edisto Beach.  Most people call it Edisto Island but those of us who grew up in the area and spent time there as children call it Edisto Beach....or THE beach, like there is no other.  If we were in the market for a summerhouse change, Edisto would be my first choice. It's a special place with a lot of history...quiet...nice. 

I didn't take my camera but it occured to me that I've never put a self-made video on my blog before.  As you watch the 50 or so seconds below, it will be perfectly clear WHY!  I'm not much good at it, especially on a boat.  Nevertheless...here for your viewing pleasure...riding around the beach...narrated by the voice of Belle.  Despite how it may appear, no drugs or alcohol were involved in this production!!

Friday Laugh

Am sitting in the airport in Columbia waiting on Lorelai's flight to arrive from Milan via Atlanta. It's not much short of a two hour trip to here from home and I was already on the road before we knew that she was going to be delayed about 90 minutes. You know me, I can always kill time so I stopped in a Walgreens to pick up a few things then spotted a Hobby Lobby across the way.

Hank called to check on me so I said "I am in the checkout line at Hobby Lobby."

His response...serious as could be...

"What's a hobby lobby??????"

Good Grief!!

This and That...That and This

I feel like rambling...

Lorelai Update:  Milan, Reggio, Venice, Reggio, Verona, Reggio, Florence, Reggio, Milan, Paris, London, Milan.  She'll be home on Friday night.  We're really ready to see her sweet little face.

Mother celebrated her 83rd birthday on Monday, although she keeps telling us that she's really a year younger than that because she was never 78.  You figure it out...I don't have the energy. She called one night last week to tell me the following..."A lady gave me a silk jacket.  I don't know why she gave me a silk jacket. I guess I should wear it to church. What do you think?"  (Seriously, I try NOT to think...)

I've finally settled on Weight Watchers Online to track my eating.  I was running a few errands at lunch and decided to grab a Sonic Cherry Limeade...that confounded drink was 10 points!!!  No more Sonic Cherry Limeade.  Don't suggest that I go sugar free...I'd rather drink DITCH WATER than a diet drink.  I cannot imagine know how people swallow them.  Seriously!!  Diet drinks, olives, liver, lamb, licorace.  Can't abide even a taste of any of those four things.

Well...that was all very interesting, wasn't it?

Just curious...what kind of food/drink to you find repulsive??  Anybody else out there dieting?  How's it going?

Graduation Went Off With Nary a Hitch

The Class of 2011 has graduated.  My first year as a high school principal is complete.

I'm happy...

I'm thrilled...

I'm proud...

I'm.........................................

TIRED