Glad tidings of great joy!

Sandy's brain surgery was a great success. We have seen her. She can move all of her extremities. She can communicate just fine. She makes Garcia-worthy jokes! We are deeply appreciate the very fine care she has been receiving. We are grateful for all of the support from friends and family. She is, too!

We are truly blessed.

 

Saturday is for lots of things.

In the autumn, it's for College Football. Today, it's the classic rivalry between Army and Navy. Brilliant! So I've got the game on with the volume down and Christmas music on, while I'm decorating the house for the season.

And I'm getting ready for marathon cookie-baking sessions over the next few days.

What could be more festive???

HA!!

I've always got an answer for that!

Try this:



Heh.

These are the folk who originally foisted the Mystery Science Theatre concept of full audience participation with the movie via smart-alecky remarks upon the world. I fondly remember getting my mom ever so gently hooked on this snarky method of watching bad movies.

She's on my mind right now. (She often is, but now especially, with the news about my mother-in-law.)

...and I really need some escapist humor today. This trailer made Rick and me howl with laughter. This is something Mom would have enjoyed, too.

 

Beautiful Ohio

A view to be thankful for.

We are en route to Bill and Louise's farm for Rick's side of the family's Thanksgiving celebration. It's always a good day when we get to go to the farm. It's a double-whammy of good when it's a holiday at the farm.

 

I dislike that I rejoice in this sign.

It's been a dog's age since I've seen gas prices like this. I have very mixed feelings!

Garcia WINS!!

Beautiful. Just fantastic performance. Well done, Leonor!!

 

Final Battle!

 

Garcia v Steinway: advantage Garcia!!!!

In this shot Leonor is playing a piece that is entirely playful and completely wacky. It is thus far my favorite of the evening. There are many yet to come, though, and I fully intend to be just as delighted with the rest of them!

 

Garcia v Steinway: point, Leonor

 

Garcia v Hamburg Steinway

This is my beautifuul sister-in-law Leonor, whose talent is awe-surpassing. I am so proud of her, and thankful I am so blessed to be able to call her "sister".

 

No trucks on the Innerbelt Bridge????

So much for THAT rule. And, while we're at it, so much for 3 lanes of traffic on a 4 lane bridge.

 

With just over 13 minutes left in the 4th quarter of the Big Game...

...it now appears that Michigan in fact did NOT make it past Toledo.

Sad, sickly, little Wolverines. Clearly, there's no Adamantine in these pups.

Current score: Michigan 7, Ohio State 42.

O H!!!! I O!!!!

Next rivalry game: Michigan State at Penn State. We (ouch) want (ouf) the Michigan (ugh) State (ow) Spartans to win so the Buckeyes might possibly go to the Rose Bowl. It is a yucky feeling to cheer for a Michigan team. ANY Michigan team. Almost like wanting Pol Pot to win the lottery, and I'd *never* want that. (Fortunately, he's dead now, so I only have to wish him a nasty place in hell.)

Not the greatest season in Ohio State football history, nor the worst, but still: we beat Michigan!! It's the most important game of the year, and as of this game, the Michigan seniors have never had a chance to beat a Buckeye. >grin<

Beating Michigan is always what matters most.

 

Today's Ohio State game against the Wolverines has been cancelled...

Michigan can't get past Toledo!!!

(cue rim shot.)(or not...)

 

A Treat on the Eve of All Hallow's Eve (no, that's not a little redundant...)

From the least sane of the un-sane labs of TopFive(dot)com, I bring you their first ever video presentation of a comedy list. (This one is specifically from Top Five Comics, "Comics" referencing comic books, though this one isn't really about comic books specifically.)




Might not be their best work, but it's at least some nice decor for the season.

For some of their better offerings, subscribe to their newsletter or one (or more!!) of their "Little Fivers" or "Ruminations". Truly, a moment of joy in your email Inbox. I frequently laugh out loud with some volume. Ask my husband.

 

Silly, smiling caterpillar!

Edited silly, smiling caterpillar!
Originally uploaded by sunspotting.

Made by Adelaide, Grammy Garcia, and Aunt Becca.

 

Federal Red Tape

Federal Red Tape
Originally uploaded by sunspotting.

It *is* in a national park...

I'm sitting on the porch of the Boston Store now, knitting socks as I cheer for the runners. Rick should be finishing anytime now...

 

Captain America Isn't Dead.

Captain America Isn't Dead.
Originally uploaded by sunspotting.

Wow. There's that guy with that unstoppable patriotic spirit! I really admire him. Well done, and way to support the ultimate "support staff", our Armed Forces.

I wish I could have gotten as good a picture of my husband... perhaps Rick needs to run with a huge get-up on his back, so I have advanced warning when he's coming, too!

 

Marathon Upd8

Marathon Upd8
Originally uploaded by sunspotting.

Rick just sent me this picture from the race route. It's the 8 mile mark, where they turn around and start running back north. What a gorgeous day, and how distractingly beautiful a race course! I think he's having fun, after a fashion... (I sincerely hope so!)

 

Waiting for the Towpath Marathoners

Waiting for the Towpath Marathoners
Originally uploaded by sunspotting.

Obligatory pretty picture while I wait for runners to appear on the course. It IS a national park, after all. There's scenery and there's scenery, and it's all over the place.

This is the Cuyahoga River, as it runs along the old Canal Towpath in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Taking this picture, I'm right by the M.D. Garage and the Boston Store, and I stayed across the road from those landmarks for the most of duration of the race.

 

Patriotism & Dedication at the Race

Patriotism & Dedication at the Race
Originally uploaded by sunspotting.

This man is a true hard core (corps!) runner. What a heart of gold. I hope he has a terrific PT!

 

En Route to the Marathon Start Line

En Route to the Marathon Start Line
Originally uploaded by sunspotting.

Sunrise touches the ski slopes at Boston Mills as I accompany Rick to the start of his race.

It's peaceful. It's also hilarious, as we observe dozens of men disappearing into or reappearing from the not-so-deep-brush, adjusting the fronts of their shorts and looking furtively around.