When will the pain stop?

I have the day to myself so this morning I decided to go to the cemetery. My last visit was two days before Christmas. The flowers I left were still there. Still looked ok. Of course I brought more. This time lots of pink. I put them in the container by her name. Along with the mums that someone else had left. The next thing I know I'm curled up in a fetal position crying like a baby. So I fully laid down right there with only God, me and my dead grandparents. It felt like I was reliving Nov. 4 all over again. NT and Joy are here and we won't be going to Nannie's house. NT is here and she won't be the loudest voice singing Sunday morning. NT is here and she won't be smiling bigger than she has since his last visit.

I made it back to Patty's and Daddy called. I picked up Zentner about 12:30. He and I have played for awhile. I just put him down for a nap.

Gotta go clean the dishes and pull myself back together. Dinner with the family is at 6:30. Uncle NT wants catfish.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Fun with Friends

The wait is over. Yesterday around 3pm CST Steve and I reintroduced ourselves and the fun began.

I remember Steve as a thoughtful much older and wiser person than myself. He was always more serious than the younguns such as me. Oh my has he changed. He seems to be more blue now. Much like me, yet nothing like me. He was instantly my BFC you might say. We spent the next few hours catching up on each others lives over the last couple of decades. He has had an interesting life. He has traveled the world. Met exotic people. Worked with the wisest this universe has to offer. To make up for my much more humble life, I took him to the station. The hope was that the mere introduction to my BFFrank would make me look at least comparably cool to Steve. It almost worked.

By the time the rest of the family arrived, Steve and I were actually exchanging inside jokes that only the two of us understood. We were planning visits to Birmingham. I love that town. I had already fallen in love with Chloe - Steve's wonderful puppy. How was I to know that I was about to totally break this wonderful man's spirit?

Uncle NT and Aunt Joy were the first to arrive after Steve. They have lived in Central America since before time began or the early 1960's if you're keeping track. In fact that's where they raised the two most wonderful Dellinger Men on Earth. (feel free to place on your mud waders at any time) Jeff was the last to arrive. He actually arrived twice. Steve chased down another man thinking it was his brother. Fortunately the man only gave Steve an odd look. Once we found the correct Jeff, the next phase of fun began.



I have the most childhood memories of Jeff and Steve and Patty and me. Turns out it takes all four of our memories to get an accurate memory. Anyone thinking about the killer Clown yet? Anywho. While Steve lives in a town that I love and also adores dogs, Jeff has other similarities with my character. Jeff loves baseball. Manages to make his work schedule around major league games. He has been married and divorced. Has children. Dislikes children for all the same reasons I have. (Nicole can give them to you if you really need to ask) Well, you get the point. Somehow after all these years, we still have a lot of similarities. Odd don't you think? Odd and wonderful, I think. I'm already hoping a trip to Tucson can be arranged - around a baseball game of course.


I'll just ask, aren't we adorable? How can we all be this damn adorable and not one drop of DNA matching in the trio? We had a wonderful evening - gathered in Uncle NT and Aunt Joy's room for some family discussion. Then said goodnight to them. The three of us hung out for a while after that. Today we made the trek "home." We will spend the next three days reconnecting with the rest of the extended family. Hopefully we'll be able to avoid the "evil" cousins.

That's all I'm really allowed to say at this time. We done some mighty powerful bonding and I truly hope it sticks. Hoping this begins the long journey to the Tower of a new KaTet.

Long Days and Very Pleasant Nights.

The Dellinger's are coming!

You know that one person in your family that moves away at an early age and only visits every few years? The one that everyone thinks practically walks on water because all his/her adult faults aren't seen by the family. This person never misses calling Nannie on her birthday. Or always shows up for Christmas. And if she can't well, she's very busy and extremely upset by not being able to "come home." When this person is scheduled to pay a visit, the floors are shined, linens changed, good china polished. Damn some may even bathe for the occasion!

Well, just that person is Coming Home this weekend. He has been in Belize since the early 1960's. He wasn't able to make it home for Nannie's funeral. He has been dealing with the loss of Nannie, Uncle Fred and Cecil virtually alone. No family other than Aunt Joy there with him. So he and I have been emailing back and forth since October. He began talking about a visit in '08. To my surprise the date became Late February. The more we talked, the more excited we both became. We were also talking to the family members closest to us. So what began as a "wish" to get together has turned into a full blown family reunion - of sorts.

Both Uncle NT and Aunt Joy are coming. So are their sons - Steve and Jeff. You have no idea how exciting this is. I have literally changed the linens and washed the floors!

Patty and I have such fond memories of all their trips home. Steve and Patty would run one way while Jeff and I would go another then be thrilled when we beat them the to final destination.

Steve arrives first. I'll get to spend a few hours with him before the rest of the family make it Tulsa. He now lives in Birmingham, Alabama. OMG one of my favorite places on Earth. I really see road trips in the future. I'm sure it isn't far from Atlanta, or at least I remember it kinda close. Most of you know I really don't care for Turner Stadium. But at least the Braves are a real team and my "boys" play there on occasion. Besides a quarter of the fun of a baseball game is the company you are in!

Anywho, I'll be posting lots of pictures.

Long days and pleasant nights.

Weekend Wrap & Futures

Jo once told me one of my finer qualities is that I know when I'm not in the mood to party and stay home, thus enabling the others in our crew to have fun. Well, I thought I was in the mood to party Saturday night. Even drank enough damn Captain Morgan to ensure a real party mood. And possibly a coma.

But once we were inside the Wormy Dog and up at the stage, well the party mood became a mood of uhm disbelief and old age. The band - Reckless Kelly really rocked. Too bad no one noticed other than us and a handful of others. In fact the side show were the Paris Hilton wanna-bee's dancing on the bar and the boy (all of 12) literally raping his girlfriend front stage-center. I abandonced Jo about mid-way thru the set to go the the girl's room. Normally I would've pushed and shoved my way back to her. I mean, Willie needed my support and he performs better knowing I'm there. Anywho, it just didn't seem worth it. After all, I wasn't the one with a zealous boyfriend. So I stayed near stage left. And actually by some kids that really were fans. I'm thinking that is the fastest we have exited a concert event. Fun yet weird night.

Nicole - Your generation is extremely scary.

On to more fun topics - This is the week my family from the extreme south show up! More on that later. I still have to eat lunch, round of the dauchshunds and mozie back to work.

Long days and pleasant nights.

What a Summer It Will Be

Last weekend of April kicks off the Summer of Concerts tour that Jo and I will be embarking on.

First up will be the Calf Fry where all our favorite Texas Country type people will be performing. In case you don't know - Jason Boland, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Pat Green and various others.

Memorial weekend will find me in Eufaula with Patty and Jimmy at the 2nd Annual whatever the hell they are calling it - Jason Boland and Cross Canadian Ragweed. Last Memorial Day weekend was the first ever concert at the new amphitheater and I think the folks hosting the event was surprised at the totally full concert area. We braved mud up to our knees to see these guys and weren't dissappointed. This year they've added JB and the Stragglers. I'm getting my tickets early. This was also Jimmy and Patty's introduction to Texas Country. Of course they have never been to a Boland concert. Patty, don't worry when I dissappear - I can't be in the same area as JB and not be at the stage.

Next up - Country Fever. The two nights I'm terribly excited about are Friday - Texas Country night and Sunday - Willie. Don't really need to say more than that. I've already been approved vacation for Friday and Monday. I plan to enjoy every freakin' minute of Willie.

Then, yesterday I found out that Willie is indeed having his picnic this year. Hot Dog! And it's in San Antonio. Can you say ROAD TRIP? Missy, you're gonna love being single with us!

Long days and pleasant nights.

Gotta be a Guy thing...

I was sooooo excited to get to watch Knight Rider last night. I absolutely loved that show when I was a young girl.

I can't remember if I was in love with David Hasselhoff. I don't remember his pictures on my bedroom wall. Scott Baio and Leaf Garrett were there, but not so much DH.

Anywho, I really liked the show. I think that the Mustang is hot and KIT is still the most awesome thing on Earth!

I'm alone in my summary. It seems that there is a growing group of "men" that are refusing to watch the show. I couldn't understand why. I mean it is about a super-fantastic car for crying outloud. Turns out the type of car matters. Who knew it wasn't a Mustang in the original series? I didn't. Until today. I tried to plead the case for the show.

1) hot guy driving the car
2) hot girl in love with hot guy driving the car
3) AWESOME car with totally 22nd century features

I'm going to continue to work on this poll and see how things turn out. Guys get over the Mustang thing - your alternative is watching Rob Lowe. (also incredibly hot guy)

Long days and pleasant nights.

I almost forgot. Hot guy driving awesome car - not as hot as the Chief Meteorologist at Channel 8.

Weekend Update

Emme turned 1!

What a celebration that was - too bad I missed it. Laura planned a Breakfast Birthday party. I got up, fed the puppies, put on a pot of coffee, had plenty of time to get ready and over to the birthday bash. So I decided to lay down and wait for the coffee to brew. That wasn't a wise decision. I woke up around 11:30. The party was totally over. I had a frantic message from Laura. I called to let them know how horribly sorry I was for missing this monumentous occasion. But since Emme is only 1 who would really notice my absence? Well, the 5 year old did. She took the phone from her daddy and laid into me. I don't know if you've ever been told off by a 5 year-old, but I'm telling you by the time she finished, I felt all of 2 inches high.

I did get back in the good graces of Sinclaire. It only took spending 45 minutes in her room and talking Barbies and potions with her. I'm hoping for a nice weekend so that I can bring her to my new house and get some real quality time with her. I miss the little girl and she is growing up so fast. She's already picked out her husband. We aren't sure if Harry Potter will wait for her, though.

Emme gave me lots of hugs and kisses. She even cried everytime I tried to put her down. She isn't a bit spoiled.

Yesterday afternoon, I actually got some yard work completed. Would have accomplished more if my BFF had actually fixed my chainsaw. (I promised to mention him every day in my blog)

Long days and pleasant nights.

Sweatin to the Oldies

Yes, I'm old.
Yes, I'm working out with Richard Simmons.
Deal, Nicole!

The puppies even get into the action. Millie barks every time I clap. Toby runs and jumps when I jump. Then for the cool down - they both tackle me. It's all good.

The reason for this round of exercise is simple. I have to be totally hot for Jason, Pat and Kevin June 13. Stoney really doesn't care what I look like. If the stars align correctly and Barbara comes thru, Pat will be in my "house" that morning. I already have the groupies lined up for it.

Regina and I will be there as "Field Producers." She asked what that means. Basically a "Field Producer" fetches beer and stuff for Frank. It's a tough job.

Long days and pleasant nights - if Gan is willing.

Hearts Day

I must say I wasn't thrilled about Hearts Day. I am looking forward to Texas Day.

Anywho, my whole frame of mind changed when I arrived at work today. You see it has been 12 years since I last received a Valentine gift. I'm pretty sure that was just an obligatory thing anyway.

So when I saw TWO valentines on my desk, I was surprised. I was gleeful when they both had my name on them. One had an adorable giraffe on it proclaiming my cuteness, and a tootsie pop attached. The tootsie pop was quickly gobbled up. The other required an actual trip to a store and some time spent in the card dept. It is the first card I've ever received that has a mouse coming out of a cats nose. I LOVE IT!

So Happy Hearts Day and Thanks to my two secret Valentines.

Long Days and Pleaasant Nights.

Spring Training...

With less than a day left before pitchers and catchers have to report, looks like my team is brand-spankin new this year.

We still have a couple of recognizable names. But, for the most part this is a "start-up" team this year. Even La Russa isn't saying the championship word. He is saying they have a chance to win games, if they play correctly. Thing is, I was upset by the Cards allowing Matheny to leave a couple seasons ago. Turns out it really was the right decision, I just don't like change.

Molina is solid behind the plate. It is going to be odd without Rolen calling the shots from third. Eckstein and Edmonds are also gone. These guys are good, were great. About All-Star time last year I was beginning to think the Cards needed a change. Rolen, Eckstein and Edmonds had very powerful bats at one time. When players stay away from steroids, their bodies get older. New, younger blood in the clubhouse and on the field will be nice. Kinda goes with the new field. Also, I have another "favorite" team.

The Rockies were awesome last year. The most awesome aspect is that many of the players I had literally seen play in Tulsa. The best part of having a new team is that now I have two teams to cheer for. And when they play each other, I will be happy no matter who wins. That's the plan anyway.

Good Hair Day

I must say I had no idea what a good hair day it would be when I woke this morning. The day actually started kinda bad.


My oatmeal was actually nasty and after one bite, the dogs ate the rest. Then I was running late and almost missed getting Jo's Texas Day gift to her before she arrived at work. Ok, I was really hoping to see the glee and surprise on her face when she received the gift but turns out she was a bit under the weather and running late.


Then I made it to T's place just as she was wrapping up with the first client of the day and didn't have time to run out for coffee.

We had a blast, of course. I always get into a better mood when I'm with her. She is just too damn funny. About the time Momma and Patty dropped in, I realized I had my camera with me and I don't have a pic of T and me. So I had Patty snap a picture. Aren't we the cutest?



Mom and Patty and I had lunch at Chilli's. Joananna didn't join us. Mom was sad. Now I know it's because she was buying vampire protective stuff. Good luck with that Jo.


Once back at the station....



Sam Donaldson was there! Woo Hoo!!! I love Sam Donaldson. He was so gracious to overlook my very evident craziness. I'm going to hang this picture with my picture of JB and the Stragglers.



Long days and pleasant nights.

Chainsaw Tam

Yes, that's right, I have a chainsaw. And I have already broken it.

Ok, I know I wasn't supposed to use it until given explicit permission from Jo and Robbie. Who, to my surprise is actually concernced about me using a chainsaw. I didn't think Robbie could get concerned about anything other than being out of beer.

Anywho, Jo and Robbie, as promised (and directed) here is a picture of the chainsaw. It is really just a quasi chainsaw that attaches to a weedeater. I used it for a couple of hours this afternoon. Got a lot of stuff done and then broke the chain. Patty assures me that it is fixable. I might have to actually get help from a male friend. I wander what Robbie's doing?

In other weekend news: We celebrated Mom and Dad's 44th wedding anniversary. Patty and I were on our way in very casual clothing. Mom and Dad showed up in a suit and dress. We changed, Patty even made Jimmy clean up.

I have to be up at a terribly early time in the morning. So I'm off to Duma Key for awhile then to slumber land.

Long days and pleasant nights.

Super Nicole

Super Tuesday has come and gone. Boy what a fun night. We went "Big" with our coverage. Thirty people covered ninety precincts to get the results in from Tulsa County faster than the election board could get them to us. We had producers calling the counties in our viewing area for numbers as well. We weren't too worried about the Presidential numbers. We were pretty sure that ABC would call the race around 7pm, and they did. So we focussed on the local stuff.

Nicole went to the Tulsa County Election Board with me. I needed assistance getting the numbers to our website accurately. She was a huge help. Even adding entertainment for the evening to everyone in the media area.

This pic was taken on her cell phone. Sorry it's blurry, neither of us took it.

I'm thrilled that she is catching my political lust.

Long days and pleasant nights.

Texified?

Yep, you are seeing correctly...
Right there in the middle of my "bar" stuff. Small collection that it is... is a genuine Lone Star State, state of the art, plastic Texas Star drinking glass!
This in no way makes me a flip-flopper.
Let me 'splain.
I was in Walmart today. Which we all agree is Redneck Heaven. I'm shopping for stuff to organize our Chief Photographers storage bin. I might mention at this point that other than Jo, he is the only 100% die-hard Texan I have actually met in my lifetime. Anywho, while shopping, my eyes wondered to the clearance area. What happened to be there, you guessed it, genuine, Lone Star State, state-of-the-art plastic Texas Star drinking glasses. (They might actually be Texas Flag - what do I know, I'm still a disciple and don't have much of an attention span)
So naturally since they were on clearance and would surely be completely gone if I waited until my next trip to Walmart, I purchased two sets. That makes eight whole glasses. Then I decided to "surprise" Jo with the purchase. You know she has had such an awful life before this purchase.
I did manage to keep the purchase a "secret" all the way to the parking lot. That's a miracle for me.
So, next time you are at Jo's, ask to drink out of the "good" glassware.
Long days and pleasant nights.

Sunday Mornin Comin Down

What a difference a couple of days make in Oklahoma. My last blog was pictures of the snow storm last Thursday. We received a good 2 inches of the white stuff.

Today it is Sunday. No sign of the snowy wonderland that was here a mere 4 days ago. The puppies and I have been doing a little yard work. And I have even kept the back door open so that they can stay outside. You see the unwritten rule is that if I'm in the house and the door is closed - the puppies MUST be in the house. Just in case you don't know, that isn't my rule.

Anywho, I thought it was funny that while Toby loves being outside, he is afraid that I'll make him become an outside dachshund. So this is his idea of being outside without me. His is sitting on the back step looking in the door.

Now, I think I'll grab a beer and head out back and find my way to Duma Key. It's all good today. I'll be in the world of SK with TK and JB playing in the not so distant background.

Long days and pleasant nights.

Winter Wonderland - Again

This time the weather isn't bothering me. The streets are clear and no trees are collapsing.

So, Thankee Sai - Gan for the lovely precipitation.

Long days and pleasant nights