The Joys of Being a Woman

So the nurse brings me into the exam room and I hop up on the table. I love the deli paper on those things, I keep waiting for someone to put a pickle next to me and wrap me up. Anyhow, she asks if I've been told what was going to happen, and as a matter of fact I haven't. Sure I've committed the cardinal sin of research, but as always I've gotten 10 different answers, each worse than the last.

The very nice nurse then explained that a colposcopy starts out like a regular exam at the gynecologist, a speculum is used to gain a clear view of the cervix then the area is swabbed down with a vinegar solution that will make abnormal areas show up white. Next the doctor would look through the colposcope (like fancy binoculars) and see how things looked. Not too scary really. Then Dr. Ruiz came in. I'd never seen him before, because of the haste needed to schedule the procedure I took the first available appointment with the first available doctor. Luckily Lydia has seen him before and had nothing but good things to say. And he was very nice.

So I assumed the position and the fun began. He saw an area of concern so he went ahead and did a biopsy. There was no anesthetic, and the procedure felt a lot like getting a shot so it wasn't too bad. To stop the bleeding they used a mixture that looked a lot like peanut butter...but when it worked it's way out of my system it resembled coffee grounds, which was a bit disturbing. Then it was time to dress and figure out the next steps.

I really do believe that the Advil I took an hour before really cut down on the pain that followed. For you ladies, it was a lot like that first day of your cycle: You feel crampy and bloated, and like your reproductive organs are about to fall out. Guys, you'll just have to settle for that overall "blagh" feeling and trust me on it.

So in 7 days my biopsy results will be back. If they are moderately to severely abnormal the office will bring me right back in, if they are slight to moderate I'll just keep the appointment I have on the 16th of August. The good news is that worse case scenario they will cut out the affected areas. Best case scenario it will resolve itself over time and I'll just need to come in for check ups every 6 months. So no need for that burial plot for me!

If anyone wants a good informational site on the procedure go to http://www.mjbovo.com/Women/Colpo.htm#what. A big thank you to Jill for taking me and entertaining me for the morning.

Cartwheels

I'm starting to get very anxious about some tests that are being done tomorrow. Jill is showing up at my place in morning at 8 and coming with me, whether I like it or not. I'm glad she is, though I feel really silly worrying about these things. We all know I'm invincible right? Still, the mind does cartwheels when left to its own devices. Silly brain.

My what ifs of the moment:

What if it's cancer?
What if I don't treat it?
What if I do treat it?
What if it means surgery?

Then we careen into the worst case scenario:

If it is cancer, should I think about funeral arrangements?
I need to make a will!
Damn, should have upped my life insurance!
How will I take care of me?
How will my parents take it?
What about my critters?!

See, the brain goes into a tailspin when you try not to think about things. I know this is nothing, I know I'm getting worked up for no reason, I know I will feel very silly tomorrow afternoon for posting this. But knowing doesn't make the thoughts go away. Sigh.

Wish me luck...and Jill too, I'm probably going to drive her nuts!

Humph

I should not have to use a razor blade to open a fruit cup.

This would be common sense, except the good people at Giant are very worried about product leakage so they apparently superglue the damn things shut.

Now I have a utility knife devoted to peaches....go figure.

Warning Labels

Babies should come with warning labels. I spent a few lovely hours with Julia and a very sleepy Smooshie on Saturday. I ended up on the couch with the sleeping cutie on my chest while Mom checked her e-mail. It is impossible to stay awake with a warm sleeping baby on you. They're like human Xanax! Beware!

Who Says...

Who says you can't go back? Obviously not the person who said, "The more things change the more they stay the same." This weekend I saw someone I dated when I was 15...he thinks I'm really in tune with him. Actually, he hasn't changed fundamentally since we last saw each other so really I'm just following the pattern.

The difference between now and then? Now I know what's coming next and find I can just let it wash over me without causing panic, like the "I love you." There was I time I would feel awkwardly obligated to say it back. Now I can say thank you, appreciate the feeling and acknowledge it, but let him know since it's only been 2 days I'm not in the same place. If my timeline is correct I can expect a marriage proposal within a month...that one will be a bit more tricky.

In my To Do List of Life I have checked off Marriage (done that) and have put a big old N/A in the children column. I enjoy playing with my friends' kids, they are fantastic! The best part is that I am not responsible for raising them into kind and successful adults. I was on the fence about it for a while there, but I fell on the "just stay Auntie Liz" side. It works for me. I mention this only because I know my new/old friend is looking for marriage and children to be in his future. And yes, I've mentioned my feelings. Whether or not he chooses to hear what I've said is up to him.

The nice thing is that whether good or bad, he is a known quantity. I am comfortable and secure with him, and perhaps that is just what I need right now. Belt yourselves in kids...this may become a new Greek Myth!

Hot!

You know it's hot out when you wipe down your car's dashboard and it steams itself dry...

Blast from the Past

Seventeen was a long long time ago...

...Today was the first time I've seen this picture, it's a long story and as usual there are 2 versions. While part of me wants to advocate my side of the story, I've decided that since it happened 14 years ago it's better if we both just let it be. Who knows? It could be the start of something very interesting.

Update

Connie is home and everything is sore except from her knees down...at least she got the yogurt out of her hair. All I'm going to say is "Seat belts kids, they're important."

The car is totaled, but she walked away and that is the important part. The woman who hit her was going way too fast and according to witnesses there was no way Connie could have seen the woman. She was going so fast that she went airborn right after hitting Connie, flipped on to the roof of the car and skidded to a stop. Connie slid into another car which was all that kept her wheels on the ground. All she remembers is starting to make the turn, then a woman at the passenger side of her car telling her not to move because she was bleeding.

Thank God for seat belts and airbags.

Power Outages and New Couches

Though hot and muggy, Monday and Tuesday were relatively calm. I popped in to check on Kitten and the fish for Jill and Dan on Monday. All alive and well I am happy to report, and there was no mouse carcass in the trap. Tuesday I found out one of the sweetest bunnies at the shelter passed away. She was always nudging you for attention so the place seems a little empty right now (even though the inn is full). Funny how one presence can make a difference.

After the shelter I popped over to Lydia's for some girl talk and got to play "What's in Ned's Head" with the kids. I personally feel it should be renamed "What isn't in Ned's head," but that's me. For those who haven't had the pleasure, Ned is a plush, mini tent like head with large openings in his ears and nose. Many different objects are in the head (none of which should actually be found there). Things like bugs, an egg, vomit, a tooth, a tongue...you get the picture. You get a card with one of these objects on it, everyone yells "What's in Ned's Head?" and then shoves a hand up his nose or in his ear to find their object. The winner is the first one to do so successfully. And we wonder why kids pick their noses...

By the time I left it was storming pretty good and my apartment building was dark when I got home. Being a little unnerved by just how dark the parking lot was I called for some reassurance and a friend talked me into the apartment. After washing dishes by candle light I settled into bed with a book and was soon asleep. The power came back around 3, so Wednesday morning was relatively normal, but there was some excitement when I got to work.

Sadly Connie was in a car accident on her way in and was very upset when she called. She was banged up but generally okay (thank God), but she wasn't so sure about the car. When she called back later (after they had found her some drugs in the ER) she was in better spirits but was already bruising. As she put it, she had a bruised nose, 2 black eyes and 16 ounces of yogurt congealing in her hair and she felt gross. I told her to watch out for flies, which was a mistake because it made her laugh which in turn was a bit painful. Hopefully she'll be in to work on Monday and things will look a little brighter.

After work I fought my way through traffic to the bank and then to check on the Ambler critters again (still alive and no body in the trap). I then spent the next 45 minutes trying to get home. Lots of lights were still out and traffic was a mess. On the way I made plans with Monie to pick up Lydia and Ralph's old and oh so coveted couch and ditch mine. As I walked up to my building it was eerily quiet...no hum of air conditioners. We'd lost power again. I called Monie to cancel the couchness, but she counseled me to wait and see, and as usual she was right. The power was on by 8 and around 9 she and Sam arrived.

Let me say right here that Monie and Sam are amazing. As I lamely held open doors they wrestled my old couch out the door and into the truck. We then set it free in the parking lot and headed to Ralph and Lydia's where they did it again! Ralph came down to help, but they were too quick for him. Jack then took the girls on a tour of the new house and asked repeatedly why I was taking their furniture (I told him that way he could come visit it).

Soon we were back on the road and the girls did it again (I felt useless but very thankful). And apparently while we were gone my couch found a new home, so everyone wins! The cat spent a considerable amount of time sniffing the new addition. Now I just need to do a little bit of furniture adjusting and we are in business!

Smooshie-ness

Today I had the pleasure of watching baby Charlotte. I was prepared for the worst, but she was a little angel. When I got to Chuck and Julia's the Smooshie was asleep in her swing and once I had been briefed on how to mix formula the proud parents scooted out to see Superman. Charlotte snoozed and swung as I did some reading and in about 30 minutes she awoke none too happy.

I started running through the list of possibilities: Yes, she needed a diaper change. So, through her screaming, we went upstairs and got a fresh nappy on. Still we were not happy. We made a bottle...not hungry. We walked, we bounced, we swayed...nope, not happy. I finally realized she was probably still sleepy, so I secured her in her swing and set her in motion. Initially this was not her happy place, but I have learned at the feet of the master (Zoe McKenna). I sat on the couch just out of her line of sight but where I could still see her. After a few moments the hard core crying subsided and was followed by some of the most heart-breaking noises ever heard by human ears. I held my ground though (it was sooo hard) and soon she nodded off.

She slept for almost an hour then popped awake in a much better mood. We had a bottle, gave an impressive belch, and settled in for a nice chat on the couch. She is a wonderful listener, let me tell you. I teased her about her clammy feet and told her to watch out because her dad's could knock over an elephant and that just wasn't lady-like. We talked about boys, I told her since Mom and Dad were seeing Superman she could expect to be Superbaby when they got home. We sang the elephant song and modified the words to "Mr. Sandman" so it was about a teddy bear (Auntie Liz's rhyming skills need work though). And about the time we were playing horsey and declaring her the cutest thing in Willow Grove Chuck and Julia got home.

The proud papa scooped up his daughter and started flying her around the room (called it) to much giggling. Then Charlotte decided it was time for a new diaper and I happily concluded my duties.

Another wonderful day.

Rescue Me!

First, Happy Birthday Monty!

Okay, so I spent today doing something really worthwhile. Hatboro has a rescue fair every year at the Baptist church-no, they aren't out to save your soul, it's for animals. So this year I was manning the booth for The Rabbit Habit which is the organization I volunteer for. It was me, Kerry, Margie, new volunteer Julia and spokesbunnies Luke and Dori. Though hot, it was a nice day and the turn out wasn't too bad.

Now, every time we do an education event we hear the stories that start out, "I had a bunny once..." followed by the most horrible tales of rabbit death you can imagine. I've hear everything from eaten by a dog, grabbed by a hawk and even attacked by bees. This year however as we braced ourselves for the worst after these words were spoken we heard wonderful stories of beloved pets who lived to ripe old ages. It was very refreshing.

Unfortunately we didn't escape the insane person (who can be male or female), and as usual I was the one who got him. Call it a skill. So this elderly man walks up and asks how he can get the rabbits out of his back yard. After ascertaining that they were wild rabbits our first idea was "stop feeding them." He denied encouraging them to loiter on his lawn, so I suggested he get a bird feeder (bird feeder=birds + squirrels= cats which will scare away everything).

I was sitting with spokesbunny Luke on my lap and it was about this time that a little girl walked up to pet the bunny. Now the man started asking about chasing geese. I made the comment that geese make excellent guard animals and would probably chase him back (he then informed me he chased them with his CAR). The little girl thought we were talking about bunnies and asked what they would do if someone came into their yard. I explained that a bunny would probably just run away, but we were talking about geese which would chase away strangers. It was then that the man mused how he wanted to paint the geese different colors and see if they would be ostracized by the other birds. I'd had enough of the conversation so I told him I wasn't sure if geese weren't color blind and turned my attention to the growing group of kids surrounding me and Luke.

It's amazing what parents will let their kids do. I watched the 2 year old with crumbled cookie all over her hands pet the white bunny, and was mildly surprised that mommy had no issue with this (not that it was hurting anything). But I thought for sure she'd say something as the child resumed eating her cookie with a fur covered hand. Oh well, not my kid. I got the crumbs off Luke and set him back into his pen to clean himself. I swear Dori was laughing at him. She is his sister after all.

So other than those events the day was a success. We got a few donations, gave out a lot of information and will hopefully find some very nice adopters for our charges. Of course, spending 7 hours bent over a rabbit pen does have its draw backs: I really sun burnt the back of my neck. Let the redneck jokes begin!

Movie Reviews

So Thursday night Jill, Dan and I trouped out to see Pirates of the Caribbean II. It was great fun to watch and there is a little fun scene after the credits. The story was a bit old, but it was so laced with comedy that I don't think anyone will mind.

Friday was a domestic day of grocery shopping, laundry and cleaning. I was supposed to have company that evening, but as expected was rain checked. I didn't mind since it meant I got to hang out with Monie which to be honest was preferable company. We caught a quick dinner at BK and then saw The Devil Wears Prada. I have to say it was one of the most worthwhile movies I have seen in a long time, and I'm not saying that just because my company did some work on it!

After the movie we caught up on her Portugal trip and the various comedic moments of my life from the past few weeks. To be honest, I could do with a little less comedy for a bit. Ah well, it wouldn't be my life if it wasn't somehow ridiculous!

Pork Rinds

If you brush your hand against the upper heating element of your oven it doesn't actually hurt...the skin just puffs up instantly and looks just like a pork rind.

Pretty gross...

Ha Ha Very Funny

I find that life tends to be on the humorous side for me, especially when it comes to dating. Yes, I've had the date who talked about his Dungeons and Dragons character for 2 hours, the ones that wouldn't talk at all, and the ones who turned out to be cleverly disguised octopi and I've taken it in stride. Don't get me wrong, there have been some wonderful guys as well, but those stories aren't as fun to tell. Anyhow, I have long said that my personal dating low was about 6 years ago when I'd decided I needed to get out and a friend was heading to Sisters so I went along. So I found myself sitting in a gay dance club in Philly and taking a long look in the mirror behind the bar. Here is what went through my mind: "I'm not gay, but here I am sitting at a gay bar. Not only that, my ex-boyfriend is sitting next to me whining because he hurt his knee dancing..." and that is when the transvestite at the end of the bar sent me a drink. I've always thought it couldn't get stranger than that...as all too often happens, I was wrong.

I decided that since I tend to hang out with married people and not where one might meet a nice single guy that I'd try one of the new match sites-no not Myspace! After answering a million and one questions from my height to whether I prefer croutons or bacon bits on my salad my little profile was up and running...and they sent me a few people that we interested in me. Cool enough, until I realized they'd matched me up with a guy I'd dated when I was 15. I don't think he realizes we already know each other and it's like a traffic accident! I so want to say "hey, remember your really horrible prom?" but I have resisted.

All this was just too funny to keep to myself last night, so instead of finding an alternate to seeing The Omen, Chuck and I headed to the bar around the corner from my apartment. He regaled me with tales of his wife and daughter and I almost made a martini come out his nose with the latest Dating Tales of Terror. It was a good night full of laughter with a good friend, so no complaints from me!

Missed It!

The best laid plans of mice and me...I like horror movies, sadly I am in the minority in my circle of friends. After a bit of fancy foot work I arranged to borrow Julia's husband Chuck and we were all set to see The Omen tonight. Except of course it is no longer in the theater so we will have to plan a home screening once it is out on DVD. Ah well, there is a consolation prize: It looks like I get to spend the evening with not only Chuck, but Julia and the Smooshie as well. I have a hunch it's probably going to be better than the movie. And if I'm really lucky the baby's head won't spin all the way around.

After the excitement of last week this one is pretty quiet, and that is fine by me. Now if I could just convince myself to go grocery shopping...

Monday Again

I think I'm about recovered from my trip out West...almost anyway. The cat is still attached to my hip when I'm home, but other than that the home-front has been returned to its normal chaos. And I can now say with confidence I have felt up every bathing suit in JC Penny's. Jill and I went out in search of something she wouldn't mind being seen in and I discovered that some suits have underwires. This would be perfect! So I proceeded to get to 2nd base with each suit in the department. Sure, the sales girl looked at me funny, but she had the good sense not to say anything. The trip was a success eventually and we even managed to get dinner in as well!

Friday was a short day of work then a company lunch. Afterwards Will and I speed off to the movies with Dan and finally saw Superman Returns...which I managed to make me cry a lot more than expected. I must be a soft touch because so far I'm the only one who cried at more than the ending. Ah well.

Sunday was breakfast with a new friend then some quality time checking out a park. Evening brought a BBQ with clan Hoag and another rousing game of Duck Duck Goose that devolved into something involving donkey flowers and dirty laundry head...and a lot of giggling. A good time was had by all. In fact, it was so much fun I'm heading back tonight to challenge Zoe to Connect 4. Should be interesting.

Now if I could just stop scratching the mosquito bites I am covered in I think the day would be perfect!

Duck Duck Goose

Last night was one of my best in a long time. I popped over to a friend's to check on her cats while she's traveling. Didn't see the cats but some of the food was gone so I trust they are okay. I filled food and water bowls then headed over to Lydia's for an evening with the family and a tour of the new house.

The house is beautiful! And so perfect for them. There is room for the kids to play and grow, and room for Mommy and Daddy to hide if they need to, not to mention room for Auntie Liz to crash! I never realized how cramped the old house was. It was beautiful, don't get me wrong, but this reminds me of repotting a plant, the roots can spread out and it will be healthier in the long run.

After the tour Lydia and I got some much needed girl time on the front porch as Ralph entertained the kids and made dinner. Zoe joined us to catch fireflies (which Mommy kindly released after the kids went inside). Then as promised there were some awesome turns of Duck Duck Goose with slightly altered rules. As Jack cased me through the kitchen for the second time, Ralph unwittingly put up a road block by opening the refrigerator door. I think I scared both of us as I skidded to a stop and deftly avoided be tagged to take Jack's spot on the living room rug. It was way too much fun. Kids have a way of reminding you just how simple happiness can be. Good thing I have this guys around!

It was soon bath time so I promised to have another play date soon (with both Mommy and the kids) and headed home. I had some quality piggy time as I cleaned PJ's cage and gave him a little ear massage. Guinea pigs are so easy to please. Sadly my oldest bunny Jewel has come down with a cold so I consulted my bunny guru Kerry and started her on her meds. She's such a patient girl, takes the needle like a pro. With luck she will be snot free in 2 weeks.

Then a little catching up with a friend and I once again found myself getting to bed after 1AM. I seem to be getting better sleep, if less of it, so no complaints.

Joke for the day:

Did you hear about the dwarf fortune teller who robbed the bank? The headline in next the day's newspaper read: "Small medium at large"

Back to Work

I was up way too late last night, but as I was enjoying the conversation I think it was worth it : ) Happily my confused internal clock had no trouble waking up this morning and the work day is zipping along. Something fun to consider for today:

Sixty years ago, on July 5, 1946, the two piece bathing suit known as the "bikini" made its debut during an outdoor fashion show at the Molitor Pool in Paris. The inventors were two Frenchmen, Jacques Heim and Louis Reard. The modern term "bikini" for a particular bathing suit design was first used by Heim and Reard (who were, in reality, the re-inventors of the bikini). Heim was a couturier designer from Cannes, France, who had designed a very small bathing suit called the "Atome" (French for atom). He hired a skywriting plane to advertise his design by skywriting "Atome -- the world's smallest bathing suit" Three weeks later, Reard, a mechanical engineer, had another skywriting plane write "Bikini -- smaller than the smallest bathing suit in the world"-Named after the Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands, the site of atomic bomb testing-atom smashing if you will.

Home on Independence Day!

Ug, long trip home. I flew from Farmington to Phoenix to Las Vegas to Philadelphia. I'm almost positive it was a plot to make people play the slots while they waited for the plane. I managed to resist (mostly because they paid out in tickets you had to redeem...too much for a short lay over).

The flight to Philly was the safest I've ever been on. I was flying with 2 nuns, a priest and a rabbi. I'm still working out the joke, but I felt confident God wouldn't wipe out that much religious clout in one blow. Once on the ground I bailed out my car to the tune of $68 (ouch) and headed home. I got in around midnight, much to the delight of my cat and other fuzzy roommates. As a happy bonus I had a little note from Jill who was kind enough to take care of the animals and a survey from a friend I thought had vanished. Very nice indeed. Then I passed out until noon.

My 4th of July was low key, just a little grocery shopping and setting up the hi speed internet at home...that was fun. I love it when customer service gives up and I just say I'll figure it out on my own. Ah well, all fixed. The rest of the time was spent reassuring the cat I wasn't going anywhere, letting the rabbits out to run and playing with the guinea pig. Sadly my oldest rabbit Jewel seems to have a cold. Off to the vet with us!

What's left of this week is busy but great, and the weekend promises to be quite fun as well. Lots of catching up with friends, which I have to say is the nicest way to spend my time.

A Day in Colorado

First, Happy Birthday Jill!

Today was a family day. We headed up to Durango Colorado to visit my Aunt Jan and Uncle Truman. It is a lovely drive, only about an hour outside of Farmington.

We stopped at Serious Texas BBQ for lunch on the way. Messy, but oh so good! You have to love a place that has a roll of paper towels at the table instead of a few wimpy napkins. They also have a metal sculpture of a mariachi band on the roof...classy!

After lunch it was on to my Aunt and Uncle's. They live just outside of Durango proper on a golf course my uncle owns part of. Very nice, especially if you like to golf.

After teasing my uncle that I hadn't seen him since before I got married and he pointed out that he didn't think it looked like he missed much, we all settled in to the living room with some ice tea and caught up on family news. Since I hadn't seen him in so long, Uncle Truman and I spent a good bit of time chatting. Their house was way too close to the Mission Ridge brush fire last year so he had some beautiful if frightening pictures to show me.

We all ventured out to the patio for a while, but it ended up being a short lived photo opp as it began to rain which turned the hot ground into a sauna. I did get some pics before we gave up and went inside...


...this is (left to right) my dad, my Aunt Jan and my Uncle Truman. I'm being good and not putting up a pic of my Mom. She's camera shy.

We ended up having an odd conversation about how Uncle Truman (a very kind and gentle man) once cut off a canary's head with a pair of scissors (he was very little and mom caught him before he got to the other bird). Completely unexpected and out of character, which kept it more funny than gruesome. Mom asked if all the bird feeders out back were a kind of penance, I commented that he must have grown out of that "sociopath" stage. He then mused that you don't see canaries much anymore...sure HE doesn't see them, they're hiding! Dad then wondered if my uncle had killed a breeder. I told him about the rainbow bridge some say you go over when you die. All your old pets meet you at the other side to welcome you. I said since he'd probably be looking at some angry birds with sharp objects so he might want to get a running start!

Soon it was time to head home. My aunt and uncle are going on a train ride to Reno soon, Uncle Truman says if that works out maybe they'll train to Philly...sounds grueling, doesn't it?

Aside from spotting some prairie dogs the trip home was uneventful. Mom made another great dinner and Dad worked on his latest rug (he weaves in the Navajo style). I have to admit the new loom is pretty cool. I worked on my needle point and Mom and I chatted a bit. Both sad I'm leaving tomorrow, but there really isn't much out here for me. I think we are both better off where we are, but I hate the distance.

Time to pack and get ready to travel again. Cue Willie and Waylon...

Gems, Museums and Horses, Oh My!

In an effort to do something different this trip I suggested we go the the Farminton Gateway Museum and see the exhibit that my company did work on. Mom suggested we take in a horse race at the Sun Ray track and both she and Dad wanted to check out the gem show. Made for a full day.

We started at the gem show, Mom had a piece of green something that she was told was jade but we had our doubts so she figured this would be the best place to get another opinion. About the only thing folks could agree on was that no, it wasn't jade. It's a toss up between adventurine and plastic. She's going to stab it with a hot needle to decide. I came across some beautiful pieces of amber that I couldn't pass up. I am such a sucker for amber.

So on to the museum. After roaming through the history of oil production in the area, and of course Farmington through the ages, I finally found our display. It was a life size replica of a trading post. It looked really good, as you can see. Mom is now like me and insists on touching things to see if they are real. She didn't realize the stone was actually plastic.

I snapped some pictures and we were on our way. Once in the parking lot Mom tells me, "You know you really aren't allowed to take pictures in there." I looked at her with my sly smile and said since I saw no signs about that I guess it is easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission. One of the few phrases from my ex that I have found to be quite handy.

We then headed to lunch-my treat since I didn't get to see them for Mother and Father's Day. We went to a neat little Italian place. Interestingly, Farmington must have about 10 asian restaurants but this is their first and only Italian place. It was quite good and I'm betting they'll go back.

After a brief pit-stop at the house we headed out to the races. Sun Ray is a lot like Delaware Park out here: slots inside and a track outside, but owned by the local Indian tribe, not the state! We watched the first race and I realized just how quickly they're over! It was cool to be able to get right down to the rail to watch, I don't think you can do that in PA. Anyhoo, I couldn't go to the track and not bet so I put $2 on the horse Mom liked. It turned out to be quite an exciting race. My horse threw it's jockey and ran off the other way. 2 horses were disqualified and it took forever to get a result, but I got some nice pictures.

The evening was a quiet one at the house. Dad worked on his rug, I worked on my needle point and Mom did a crossword puzzle. Quiet is really nice sometimes. More fun tomorrow!