Toadfrogs and Elephants

Mom and I spent the morning in downtown Paducah. I found an antique chest of drawers that I love. It is an English splitter chest (it comes apart to be taken up the small staircases in old houses). The chest would look great in our bedroom, but it was a little expensive for Wade and I. Instead I bought it to use in my room at Dad’s house. I can’t wait to get it in there and “arrange”. (Mine is not the one below but similar. The one I bought is more American with wooden knobs, straighter lines, etc.)

Mom and I had dinner with Joyce at Di Fratelli’s and then went to see the play Annie at the local performing arts center. What a wonderful play! I sat with Mary Ann and we both enjoyed the musical. It’s too bad Melissa wasn’t in town. My red head sister always loved the story.

Mom and I spent the day running errands – dropping Madison off at Dad’s to play; buying new shoes at the mall; dropping off my watch at the jewelery store to be repaired; stopping at TJ Max; stopping at the bookstore for a return and new books. Then we picked up Madison and went to visit Grandma. I wasn’t sure what she would think of Madison but they quickly became friends (Grandma fed her crackers).

Mom and I went to see the Upshaws’ new furniture at their new house. My mom has joined them in some recent antiquing trips and all of the furniture was delivered today. They have some beautiful pieces – especially a Jackson Press and a 10 Drawer Chest. Then we all went to dinner at a new restaurant in downtown Paducah – Toucan’s. We were one of three couples in the new restaurant, but the food was good and the dessert was excellent.

The phone kept ringing. I went to bed late because I didn’t think I would be able to drive to Paducah. The ice was supposed to start after midnight. Mom called at 8, right after my alarm had gone off and I had hit snooze, to see if I knew if I was going to make it in. I told her I hadn’t checked the weather yet. I got up and saw that it was raining, no ice. I watched the news till I fell asleep. Then Melissa called. Then Mom called. I decided to get up and try the drive. The news wasn’t telling people to stay off the road and it was supposed to start snowing around noon. Madison and I got on the road around 10 and didn’t have any trouble.

I got into Paducah in time for dinner. Mom and I went to Chong’s and then made plans for a movie (she had forgotten that they have 9 o’clock movies. Evidently her group doesn’t go out past 7). We called Joyce and met up for Fool’s Gold. I don’t think Wade will mind missing this one. I liked the movie but it didn’t have the plot or fun dialogue of How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days. Then it was late to bed with hopes that Madison will sleep late.

Wade’s work is sending him to China for a week. He spent last night trying to gather enough batteries and movies to last on the 15 hour flight. He’s concerned about being cooped up in a small seat with nothing to do. You know the insomniac isn’t going to sleep any. He got up early to finish packing and they picked him up at 8 am.

I am on my own for 8 days. I realized I had most of my work for next week already done so I decided to spend the week in KY. Then I remembered that I was invited out with the girls on Saturday night and a big storm was coming through on Sunday. I decided to stay for the girls’ night out.

Christin picked me up and we went to her house. Liz arrived with garlic bread and chocolate. We made shrimp, pasta, and garlic bread – yum!. Then we had chocolate cookies, starbust jelly beans, and garlic popcorn for snacking during the movies. We watched Sideways and Under the Tuscan Sun. As Liz drove me home, I realized it was well past midnight. I had contemplated heading for KY after my night out but realized I was much too tired. I’ll just see what the weather is like tomorrow.

Happy Birthday Stephanie!

Wade and I might have a house. We are still waiting on the home inspection and there is a contingency for the sellers to get the house they want, but all of that should be taken care of by next week. With our luck, there might be a hiccup or two, but we’ll manage.

617 N. 66th Street

Wade and I have already started a project list. I think Wade has gotten very bored in a one bedroom apartment.

Wade and I had dinner with Maren and Michael last night. We picked up a couple pizzas and headed over to see their house and to meet Elise. Elise has a full head of dark hair and is a very cute baby. I held her most of the night and was shocked when Wade asked to hold her right before we left. This was the first time I think he’s held a baby – especially one a couple of weeks old. He did fine and Elise slept through the entire thing. Somehow I still don’t think he’s ready for a diaper change yet.

Wade and I are beginning to feel like pros at this house hunting business. We saw three houses today, but this one was by far our favorite. We are going back tomorrow to look at it again.

617 N. 66th Street

There are actually more pictures, but you have to do the searching yourself. Go to www.shorewest.com and type in MLS 972919 in the box.

It’s snowing in Milwaukee. I have never seen snow like this before – it just keeps coming. We are supposed to get 12-18 inches. The picture of Madison below isn’t blurry – that’s the snow.

After it finally stopped snowing (around 9 pm), Wade and I went for a walk. The snow was up to Madison’s chest and it was quite a hike, but what fun!

Winter Wonderland