Cold and Blustery

I was walking to the bank and the UPS store yesterday. It's not a long walk, maybe three blocks in July, it was a great way to take in the gorgeous weather. Yesterday I realized that it's going to become a very. long. walk. It was cloudy and cold and windy yesterday. I didn't pull out the big coat, but I was relatively warm from about mid-thigh up. My legs were freezing. i've got to get some thermals. I couldn't find them at Target the other day. I should have asked. I also need more substantial gloves and scarf. I've got the earmuffs covered.

It didn't snow in town yesterday, but they had footage on the news that it snowed in the suburbs. My mom confirmed. She and my aunt stayed out in Palatine, their home town this weekend and they said that there were definite snow flurries. As I type this, it looks beautiful outside sunny and clear, but I know that it's only in the 40's. I'm debating whether I'll leave the house at all today.

Thankfully, the radiators do keep it pretty toasty in here.

I got a haircut. For the first time since junior high, I've got bangs. Or "fringe" as I'm going to call them. It'll make me seem more sophisticated. Here are the before and afters.




Last time I had bangs I would hold them straight up, spray them with a ton of hairspray, blow dry that so it's nice and stiff and then curl just the tips, pick out the curl so it looked like a ridiculous claw on my forehead and skip out the door. This will be different. I think I'll have to get a flat iron. I think I like them.

It was great to see my mom and my aunt. we had a wonderful visit. and I'm looking forward to the dells this weekend with dad, sis, aunt, uncle, cousin, cousin's hubby and baby.

Day 5 Sans-Matt

Yes, friends, I am day 5 into Matt's 6-week theater trip to Dallas and New York. He says rehearsals are going well and playwright, director and money-man are all pleased with his take on the character.

I am not unaccustomed to being a theater widow. There have been plays that have kept him away from home in evenings, forcing me to cook and eat for and by myself and watch TV alone (well with the cats, but they're quiet company.) The difference, of course, was that he would come home in the evenings and most likely I would see him many times throughout the workday as well.

This is different. It's easy for me to go along making myself believe that it's just a short trip - a day or two- he'll be back in no time. But when that thought runs through my mind there is a darker section that must keep reminding me that it's not even been ONE WEEK and there are FIVE TO GO! It only happens on occasion. But on that occasion, it's hard to let pass.

Fortunately, I've got a lot of goodie-goods coming up including a visit this weekend by my mom (singular) and aunt this weekend and my sister and dad next weekend. Sis and Pops and I are going to the Water Park Capital of the Midwest - The Wisconsin Dells. It is too cold for water parks already, but those crafty Dells-ians put the majority of their water parks INSIDE!! Brilliant. I have mixed feelings about water parks. I generally lose my contacts and had an unthinkably embarrassing experience the last time I went to one... it's too personal and painful to mention here (but the ladies might understand a little better than the fellas) But this one has artificial sun and there are plenty of hot tubs and stuff. I'll post a full report.

I was saying to matt last night that I'm not sure how people were away from each other for these lengths of time without the internet and cell phones. WWII War Brides? How did they manage it? Plus, it was a lot more likely that their husbands might be shot on the front line than on stage, though, I guess it depends on the quality of "the piece."

I'll be seeing it opening weekend! It's called My Favorite Animal

That's all for now, I s'pose.

Didn't think I could do it...

But I actually got the chicken hat on ROSE!!! Those who know our cats know that Lily is the one that we warn people is "unpredictable," but in the quiet moments of our home, Lily is the first one to crawl up on your lap and snuggle in your neck and be very loving and sweet. That's why I was sure that I could get the hat on her. But, Rose, screams if you try to assert any of your will on her. You wouldn't believe what it's like taking her to the vet.

Well, she was sleepy the other day and I did it!


and as you can see, she was not enthused. Whereas Lily just tried to settle down and sleep, Rose kicked and kicked and yowled to get it off. So I was quick, but at least I got a picture.


and look at this fall color

There are more pics on my flickr page

been a while

• It's officially fall here.
• What a beautiful city!
• Saw an AWESOME play - The Hypocrites's Our Town. So great and so much more than you'd think that old play could be...
• Youle's here. That's good
• Clown class, still weird.... good? we'll see
• Matt's leaving in... 5 days?
• loving the fall colors and indian summer of illinois
• the cold is coming. Oh, yes... it is
• will I be ready?
• will miss hearing matty's voice in person (he's on the phone with BFF right now)
• voted early for Barack Obama. I've done my part... will you do yours?
• am going to paint the kitchen while matt's gone.... green? blue? green-blue?

seeing my moms, my dads, and the sis all within a week of each other starting a week from now. yay!!!

sorry I'm not more verbose... feeling a bit short these days.