FEELIN' FINE

I woke up this mornin' feelin' fine... sounds like a song I know. The girls weren't quite so cheerful this morning when they woke up. A little homesickness set in. Dena wanted her pink hippo (which Daddy is bringing over tonight) which made Eliana want to sleep in her own bed. So waking up was a little rough this morning. But, after a few Mommy cuddles and some of Grandma's Famous Buttermilk Pancakes all is well. By the time we were headed out the door for camp (and Grandma to Starbuck's) all of us were singing "Bye, bye Miss American Pie. Drove my Chevy to the levee and the levee was dry. Them good old boys were drinking whisky and rye"...wait a minute. A 3-year old singing about whiskey and rye? At 8 o'clock in the morning? Oh, well. At least all 5 of us girls were singing and the sun was out to make us all happy.

I have been enjoying the musical touch the girls have brought to the household. Their favorite songs are Miss American Pie, Leaving on a Jet Plane, Jimmy Buffet's Volcano Song and Taylor Swift's song about "she wears short skirts, I wear tee shirts". Eliana has taken a few guitar lessons this summer between overnight camp sessions. So, as she practices each night, we are serenaded by guitar music. On Thursdays, Grandpa Dick walks her up the street to the nearby music store where Richard Paris (his middle name is France, according to Elie) tries to teach her as fast as she can learn. Dick sits by and listens for an hour before he walks her back and tells us Eliana tries to teach her teacher as much as he is teaching her. She is trying to keep her mouth shut during lessons but boy is it hard. Last night they even stopped by Humble Pie and brought back pizza for dinner. If you wear a tie dyed shirt there you get a discount. Both Dick and Elie forgot their shirts this time (Eliana had made one at camp) but next time we will remember. Do tie dyed shirts go with campaign buttons that Dick always wears? Why not?

The campaign is going well. We are hearing all kinds of support from people we don't even know but the 2 time mayor is going to run again so it is still a long road ahead until November 2nd. A friend and supporter is making buttons to pass out. They have all kinds of sayings so it is fun to let people pick their pleasure. There are simple ones with "Dick Anderson for Mayor" and ones with his face and a message like "Innovative Leader", "Integrity with Ears" or even "Lets move on". Not all are my favorites but we let people choose. A big check is going to come in today, we are told and that should cover our signs. We have collected enough to print and mail our brochures...which are just about ready...so we are moving into the radio and newspaper ads part of the fundraising. Signs will be ordered next week once the check clears the account. Should be interesting.

Today is my housecleaning, cookie baking, jam making, go to the library, drop off buttons day, and a day to myself day. My quiet time while Dick is golfing and marshalling all day. The kids all stay for Shabbat Dinner at camp so even dinner will be a quiet affair. It gives me a little rejuvenation time for the next week so I will take advantage of this time. The sun is shining and the beach is calling my name, so I think a walk is in order before my day gets too far along.

It's just another perfect day at the beach.