Saturday Drive

Today I asked the hubby to do something with me since he decided not to go golfing. I wanted to find "huge" flea market south of Hannibal. It was a worthless trip. Hubby gave up after we got to Louisiana. He wasn't interested any longer. So we left. There looked like there was all kinds of cute shops in Louisiana and I told him we could go thru those as we were leaving town. He hadn't thought about it.

I did get a few pictures like the ones below. The first time we went by this house in the middle of no where, I told hubby I really wanted to get a picture of it. We whizzed by. So I quietly reminded him upon return a few short minutes later. He pulled over and told me what he thought the building was. I think it's an old home. He says it's an old school. I left it at that. Looks like a home to me.




One of these days Pat, I promise to learn photo editing I promise. My measly brain won't turn on when I try to improve the picture.

It sat all alone in a huge field. There were markers indicating, "NO TRESPASSING!"

Ice floating down the Mighty Mississippi. There was quite a lot of it. Here in Northeast Missouri it was 70 degrees today. The sun peaked out most of the day. It was a big tease I'm sure.

The hubby wanted me to take this picture. He really liked the railroad bridge.

I thought we might wrestle on top of Lover's Leap. We didn't. I didn't offer. I think I could have taken him. Instead I took this picture of Hannibal. I first noticed a church steeple standing out in the crowd. I think I've posted before about how I love how churches stand at attention in a big town or lonely city. It's soothing. Then I saw it.

Rockcliff Mansion. My grandmother took my cousin Amy and I to tour this big home many, many moons ago. I almost dared myself to ask the hubby to take me thru it again, but decided not too. I'm not sure he would have appreciated it as much as me. I remember the ballroom upstairs. The tour guide talked about how the fainting couches were so important especially during fancy balls and dinners. Ladies would pull their corsets so tight they would get faint throughout the evening and would need to lie down. Don't ask me why I remember that. It made an impression on me. Just imagine this grand old house during horse and buggy days. I wish I could be there just once.

We had a very long afternoon in the car. The weather was pretty. Once we returned home, hubby took me out for my birthday dinner. I didn't get ribeye, but the next best thing, Mexican. And a margarita. I hardly ever drink real alcoholic beverages. When I splurge I'm always disappointed. It was full of liquor. I could hardly taste the strawberries. It made my head swim I had to sit for a bit after we got home. As always, the meal was great. It's my favorite place to eat here in this town. Actually it's about the only place in town worthwhile anymore.

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February 3rd, 2009

Every morning at work we have a morning meeting at 8:10am. Usually we get done at 9am. This is what I returned to: my office. A few kind souls decorated my office. No black balloons mind you, but plenty of constructive birthday wishes....or warnings.

The best part about all this, people would come by and visit, wish me well and share any 40th birthday experience they've ever had. Whether it was them or someone they know. It was fun to visit with so many people Some stuck their head in to say hello, others kindly told me it cannot be over the hill because that meant the it wasn't so good for themselves.

Some day I will explain the lamp sitting on my filing cabinet behind my desk. It has Mickey Mouse ears hanging on 3 goddess type women. Again, I'll save that for another post. Now I have to get a better picture. (The mouse ears were a gift from one of my workers who went to Disney World.)

My birthday roses. Aren't they pretty? It was a surprise. A bittersweet surprise. I got them at work. All 40 of them. As of today they are starting to die. I hate that. Hubby didn't understand why they weren't living very long. Since he doesn't ever do flowers I didn't bother with an explanation. I think he was a bit disappointed they are starting to droop. I did point out, out of all 40, one remained a bud. It was the first to droop. The rest have opened up beautifully. Notice Naldo snuck in the picture (he cannot keep his nose out of my business or the camera). I think I took these Wednesday or Thursday night after receiving them on Tuesday.

When people asked me what I wanted I couldn't tell them. I don't need anything and don't really want anything. Of course the things I want no one can afford. Trip to Italy, Greece. Diamond earrings. I did ask the hubby for a 40 minute massage courtesy of himself. He wouldn't have to fork out a penny. (He HATES to rub my back, HATES it!) He, hmmphed, then mumbled something I couldn't understand. SO, I got a spa package aside from the roses. I would much prefer a personal massage, but at this point in my marriage, I'll take whatever I can get. I do appreciate it!!! I will enjoy every minute of it too!

I did have surprises. Someone special sent me a huge box. I waited until my actual birthday to open it and boy am I happy I did. Since hubby won't give me a massage, I will enjoy the scent of Woods. This is the type of candle I gave away at my 100th post. To me it's awesome. There were some other goodies in there too, but I hit the Woods' jackpot. I didn't know they made so much stuff!! Notice Naldo again. I think he rubbed himself on some of those packages thinking he was going outside to swoon the neighborhood kitties. Wrong.

Beautiful pillowcases. That special someone sent them to me and explained why I got them made me appreciate them more. She even told me she knew I wasn't a "green" person, but wanted me to have them since I knew the ladies who made them. Ironically, I'm not a green person, but I plan to do my spare bedroom in a rich green later this spring. These will be perfect in there!!

More beautiful flowers. These really remind me of spring. I love them!! They were a total surprise. She knows she's special. Or she'd better...

The picture doesnt' do this necklace/locket justice. It's my biggest surprise. I sure didn't expect this special person to give this to me. I love it!! There is an floating amethyst stone inside with a floating L. She wanted to put a picture of me and the hubby in here, but I think I like this better. I may have to seek out the bracelet that matches.

Next is Naldo. He just can't mind his own business. So, after he put himself in the Wal-Mart bag, I thought I could take him to Wal-Mart to exchange him for one of these:

a Wii. They wouldn't take Naldo. But they gladly sold me a Wii. Mom gives me money every year. It's not a surprise, but she knows money will always work. So after I dug deep in the hubby's pockets not finding anything, I coughed up the rest of the money to purchase the Wii. Diamond earrings almost won out. I found a pair on sale and on sale again with a big discount, but decided against them. Maybe this is something hubby and I can do together. We've been wanting one for quite some time. My 40th is time. If hubby wins the lottery tonight I will go tomorrow and buy those earrings. If not, I will not hold my breath til next year, heeheehee....

Thanks to everyone for making my birthday special. I received so many cards, greetings and all of these gifts. I truly appreciate every part of it!!!