Back in the swing...

Obviously not, as Fat Finger has struck again... (the diabolical fiend!). As I was going to say, I am back in Arizona and picking up where I left off before my trip East... (and what a glorious trip it was). King's Dominion was a roller coaster extravaganza and I got my roller coaster on and on and on... (Natalie had her first ride on a adult coaster and she is hooked). The 305 foot drop on the Intimidator was spectacular and the Dominator was a thrill a minute... (sounds like I'm in a Schwarzenegger film). All I know is--- "I'll be back". Sunday was a get-together with friends of my sister's family who have become very good friends of mine also. We ate and laughed and said goodbye and I even got an invite to return in February for a party... (it's around the Hallmark invented holiday on the 14th). It works out for me because it's after the Waste Management Phoenix Open tournament and the Accenture Tournament at the end of the month... (better find my boots and scarves for that trip).

Up early Monday and last hugs for my girls... (Veronica suggested a webcam so that we can "see" each other more often. She's a smart one...they both are). Then off to the airport with sister (her to Charlotte and me to Phoenix by way of Chicago). We had an interesting conversation about the future and plans and such and she put a pretty interesting idea in my head (there's plenty of room up there) that I am going to investigate further... (sorry, no details or hints---keep your readers in suspense for future installments). Lets just say that it's an interesting idea... (did I mention that it's interesting?). The flights were uneventful and my ride was on time (thanks, Jody) and I got home in time for it to rain a couple days... (it rained here more than my whole visit to Virginia). Go figure. But we probably won't see rain until January now. The good news is that the rain brought the "awesome" season to the Valley... Chilly, crisp nights and sunshiny warm days (mid 80's). I'm going to miss the 100's (but not too much). It's time to get my GOLF back on!!

Work was 2 days this week at a NSBA (National School Board Assoc.) convention... ( 25 hours in two days) and a wedding in Chandler on Friday night. The cool thing is that I saw a lot of stuff that the girls are using in their schools. The really cool thing is that I actually have a traditional weekend (Sat. and Sun.) off. I only work Tuesday and Wednesday and Saturday next week also... (now that's what I'm talking about---FORE!!). I also broke out the slow cooker and am attempting some soup and chili recipes... (really need to start eating better. I really enjoy seeing my feet when I look down and it's getting harder). If I don't poison myself I will advance to actual meals. And I have decided, with the help of my nieces and that damn Sara MacLaughlin... (her commercials tear my heart out) to add a member to my Arizona family. A cat (no, I will not name her Mrs. Wafflepuss, Veronica) will be adopted from the shelter after I return from Aruba in December. She will decide her name much like Cleopatra did... (the Queen of D9). Oh yeah, did I mention I'll be on the beach in Aruba after Thanksgiving? I'll be on the beach in Aruba after Thanksgiving... hopefully you guys won't be shoveling snow by then... (hee hee). Very excited to see my NY peeps down there and enjoy some fine Cuban cigars and island cuisine... This year I am going to find us a "local" restaurant to try... (where the natives eat).

Meanwhile, the Yankees were eliminated last night (as a long suffering Met fan I had to mention that). But it just gets a mention... The J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets are off to a great start at 5-1 (and 3-0 in the division). Let's hope this is the year that they don't crush my spirit (AGAIN) like they have numerous times in the past. It's time for the Jets to stand for something other than "J-ust E-nd T-he S-eason". How about the J-ets E-nd T-he S-uffering?? I'm just saying if the blind chicken can find a kernel of corn and the blind squirrel finds an occasional nut, how about one of MY teams making it a banner year? I'm just saying...