The best laid plans....

Schedule for Monday:

1. Feed and walk the dogs.

2. Clean out the refrigerator.

3. Visit Mom

4. Buy milk and dry skin lotion.

5. Clean up after the dogs in the yard.

6. Drive to the Emergency Room.

7. Have dinner with the family.

Wait, what was number 6?  I don't remember writing that on the list!  Yes, as they say, even the best laid plans can often go awry and one finds oneself sitting in the waiting room marked "minor wound care"in the Emergency Room of the hospital.

The day was going along so nicely.  Sun shinning, tasks 1 - 5 crossed off the list.  I was just informing the four basset hounds that I only needed to put out the trash and it would be time for a nice cup of tea.  I was on the other side of our fence, bending down to gather up the last of the bags.  And as I stood up to finish, I had a slight, let us say "run-in" with the latch on our garden gate.  As soon as I connected with it, I said out loud, "Oh this isn't good.  This is gonna be a problem."  That was confirmed when after touching the now pulsating spot on my head, I looked down to see blood on my hands.

I immediately sprang into "Teacher Action" - where I act very efficient and on a sort of automatic pilot for emergencies.  Brought the now startled and quiet dogs back into the house and called daughter #2 to say there might be a slight delay in my arrival for dinner at five. I then laid out the four dog bowls with food and placed them in the pantry, a note in each bowl as to where said dog should be placed to eat so as to avoid any more bloodshed. I then made sure I had my medical info and a book to read, turned on some lights in the house, brushed my teeth so as not to offend anyone, and headed out the door.  It was about 3:20.

The experience in the ER wasn't a total disaster.  The long wait did get frustrating, especially since I couldn't get service on my cell phone and I was worried the family was trying to hold dinner (and might be a wee bit worried about crazy Mom).  I finally told a staff member I needed to call and let them know how I was.  I was allowed to use the phone in the room, then having done that I surrendered to my circumstances.  I made a few "friends" as one does in these situations, comparing wounds and family medical stories.  Five stitches later and I was out the door.  Wow, and it's now only 6pm!

I finally arrived at my daughter's house and had a wonderful, albeit brief, visit with the family.  The Englishman, who is currently traveling, chose that moment to "video chat" with me on my phone.  I quickly asked my daughter to grab me a hat, to try and hide my Bride of Frankenstein look, but she declined and I told him what had happened.  He felt so bad for me, but I felt equally bad for him.  Don't things always seem so much worse when you are far away from the situation?  Daughter #1, who is traveling with him, also called to check on me.  

In the scheme of things, it really wasn't a big deal.  I always try to put life events in proportion and this really could have been a lot worse.  Several people at the hospital asked if I was concerned they might have to cut away some of my hair.  At my age?  Not a problem, I said.  Besides, it would only be for a cut.  I am not battling cancer.  Now that, would be a problem.

Memorable way to spend my birthday, huh?

How sweet.....

This weekend finds me deep inside the caverns of my kitchen pantry and cabinets.  I am in the process of weeding out, keeping only that which is useful and a pleasure to look at.  Reaching far back into the glass cabinet I came out with this:

Long ago, when we were first married, the Englishman would find himself having meetings after a very busy day of work, which meant he wouldn't arrive home until long after I had gone to bed.  He felt particularly bad about not being home during weeknights, especially after our first daughter was born.  So one night he decided to bring me home a little gift.

While out to dinner in the city, the Englishman ordered my favorite dessert - chocolate mousse.  They brought it out to him in the above glass.  He wasn't quite sure if he could manage to get it home to me without spilling it, but discovered that if he balanced it just so on the center console of his little MG.......

When he crept in that night, he woke with me with the proud announcement that he had indeed managed to bring me dessert, unscathed.  It was such a sweet gesture, and such a sweet treat!  You know, I suspect that may have confirmed even more firmly that he was indeed "a keeper"!

Thursday's thought for the day....

"Who's lookin at ya?"
                       ~ Ann R.

 My mother would frequently say this to me this when I was growing up.  If she asked me to run to the store or go out somewhere with her,  I generally had one of two replies.  Either I couldn't go because I didn't look right, or please wait while I change my outfit, put on makeup, and do my hair. 

Then came the question:  "Who's lookin at ya?"

I hate to admit this.  But she was right.  The whole world was not actually taking the time to notice me and how I looked.

 My mother probably heard that phrase from her Aunt Lizzie.  She was from Ireland and they were all about the humility in those days. The older I get the more I think they were on to something. Having some humility is a real asset. 

It's been a very long time since I've worried what "they" will think when I head out the door.  It's very freeing and certainly simplifies things when I'm getting dressed in the morning.


And yes, if I remember correctly, I did repeat the question to my girls as they were growing up.  Of course I always prefaced it with, "As your grandmother would say....."

When art becomes real life....

Norman Rockwell's paintings are among my very favorites, the one pictured above in particular.  I purchased this copy at the Harvard Coop when I was a student at a women's college in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  (I have a lifetime membership card from the Coop. (What's that old saying - That, and four dollars, will get you a great cup of coffee in Harvard Square.)

When I went back to teaching, this picture was one of the first things I hung up in my classroom.  It was for my own pleasure, as well as the hope of exposing the Third Graders in my care to a wonderful American artist.  Well, you know how kids are and I was a little disappointed to think they really weren't paying much attention to it.  But I had underestimated some of them.

I'm not sure how they found out, but several of the students discovered when my birthday was that first year. On the actual day they managed to get help from a couple of their mothers in keeping me out of the classroom after lunch so they could set up a surprise. When I walked back in, there was complete silence, which was a little unusual for this group.  As I gazed around it finally dawned on me - the kids had re-created as best they could the scene depicted in the painting!

One of the girls, Christin, had orchestrated the whole thing.  She had several students write messages on the chalkboard wishing me a "Happy Birthday", similar to the writings in the painting.  One boy proudly told me how he too was balancing a chalk eraser on his head, just like the boy wearing the red shirt. They tried to copy as many details as possible, right down to the two apples on my desk.

As I looked at each of their faces they were beaming with pride, not only for what they had done but that they had managed to surprise me.  Their efforts touched me very deeply and it is a memory I treasure and recall every time I gaze at this print.

That was both the first and last time I celebrated my birthday with my students.  I knew from my own experience that Class Mothers have more than enough to do without having to celebrate the teacher's birthday too!

Tip for a Tuesday....

Slipcovers

If I were given the chance to start from scratch with decorating my house I would most definitely do a few things differently.  Pretty is NOT practical, I've learned, especially when there are two and four legged friends scurrying around the house.

Unlike upholstered pieces, the slipcovers on couches and chairs can be removed and washed!

I have always loved the style and appearance of this sofa, or "settee" as the Englishman calls it, in our living room.  We purchased it many years ago for a room which was off limits to the children.  Life has changed since then, with a couple of moves and the addition of dogs and grandchildren.  Unfortunately, one of the basset hounds has decided this couch is just the right size for him.  I hate to admit it, but I've relented and he's been on it a few times.  But I am not giving in on the two remaining chairs in the room.  They're mine and I am not sharing.

The sofa below, located at our "retirement house", was purchased after experience taught me to be more practical.  The entire sofa is covered in heavy canvas material which can be removed and washed. I've tried it and it works!

As you can see, the boys are allowed on this one with no fear of me chasing them off.  Don't they look content there?



The Englishman is right when he says we are just a couple of old softies and despite all the dog hair, I'm awfully glad we are.

Spotted what?

"You can't make this stuff up," as they say.  Last night when I inquired what the Englishman would like for dessert while watching Episode One, Season Two of the new Upstairs, Downstairs, he thought for a moment and then remembered he had purchased the ingredients of a traditional English treat.

No, your eyes do not deceive you, there is an actual dessert called "Spotted Dick".  It is a steamed sponge  pudding, (cake) which is studded with currants and raisins (which look like spots). It is usually served with warm custard.  This is how it looks out of the tin.

This is the custard that the Englishman warmed and poured over the Spotted Dick:

And this was the result:

The Englishman tells me this was a real treat once a week when he was a boy at school.  Given the sometimes wet, raw weather one experiences in England I can see how children would look forward to a warm, heavy dessert to sit in their tummies.

For me, it took a little getting used to this dessert.  I could faintly taste some ginger in there and commented that gingerbread with custard would be nice to try.  To be honest, the canned custard wasn't as nice as the Bird's custard the Englishman makes up for his trifle at Christmas.  But I was glad I tried Spotted Dick.  He's right, it is rather nice and a comforting type of dessert.

Still discovering new things with the Englishman after all these years.  That's nice and comforting too!

If you love Downton Abbey....

The Englishman tells me that the Downton Abbey Christmas Special will be broadcast tonight.  For those of you who have been following the series faithfully, I'm sure you will enjoy it as thoroughly as I did.  It's been difficult keeping quiet about it, having seen it on Christmas Day, so I'm glad I won't have to be on guard much longer so as not to divulge any details.

It seems as though it will be such a long time before the series returns. While we wait, I have two recommendations of similar programs for you to seek out and enjoy.  Both series are based on novels and were brought to the US via PBS, first airing in 2008.  As an added bonus while you view them, a few familiar faces may appear, causing you to say, "wait, isn't that......."

Cranford is adapted from three novellas written by Elizabeth Gaskell, published between 1849 -1858.  The series was transmitted in five parts by the BBC.  The story is set in an 1840's fictional village of Cranford in North West England.  It focuses on the single and widowed middle-class female inhabitants.  These ladies are most comfortable with their way of life and place great importance on propriety and gentility.  Jim Carter, who plays Carson in Downton Abbey, is one of the actors.  Joining him is Judi Dench and Aileen Atkins, two outstanding English actresses.  One of my favorite lines from the series is delivered by Miss Matty, played by Eileen Atkins.  "No woman is the equal of a man.  She is his superior in every single case."

The other series is Lark Rise to Candleford.  It was adapted from the writings of Flora Thompson which are semi-autobiographical novels about the English countryside, published between 1939 and 1943. The story takes place in the hamlets of Lark Rise and the wealthier market town of Candleford at the end of the 19th century.  You may find you recognize Mr. Bates, played by Brendan Coyle, as Robert Timmins.  His character wisely advises us all, "You want the world to slow down?  Then just live for today."

These are but two of the many wonderful British series available.  I have found it an absolute pleasure to get lost in their stories and highly recommend you do the same.

My poor boys.....

See these two very sad looking boys?   Hard to tell, I know, since Basset Hounds always look sad.  Dudley and Bentley have just returned from a sick visit to the vet. They have both been found to have ear infections.  I guess they really do share everything.  So, daily medicine and ear cleaning for the next ten days is what has been prescribed.  

The other sad faces in the house?  They belong to the Englishman and I.  We're the ones who just payed the vet bill.  

Thursday's thought for the day....

"Inside every older person is a younger person - wondering what the hell happened?" - Cora Harvey    (all-famous-quotes.com)

On a rainy, raw day such as this, I thought it would be good to have a laugh.  I found this quote in my "Book of Quotes" notebook.  (I did a search so I could accurately note where the quote comes from.  Wouldn't want to break any copyright laws or anything!)

Then I thought, wait, I am an older person wondering what has happened.  And some days, it's not funny.

My mother, who is now 88, always seemed surprised by her age as we, her children,  were growing older. She used to say she certainly didn't feel that old, at least inside.  Now I know what she is talking about!  In my head, I'm about 23.  I recently told the Englishman that I have to be careful to remember my actual age, lest I start to do cartwheels or some other foolish thing while playing with the grandchildren. I doubt my family would find it funny if I broke a bone while trying to keep up with the little ones.

So if you are truly a "younger person" - enjoy it!  Trust me, the time starts to go ever so quickly once you pass fifty.  And if, like me, you are "older", I'll keep your secret if you'll keep mine.

What's that other saying, "You're only as old as you feel!"?  I'm going with that.

When a memory returns....

While "pinning" recently on Pinterest, I came across this photo of a wind chime.  Suddenly, I found myself traveling back to when I was about 8 years old and we were taking my brother to his first sleep away camp experience as a Boy Scout.  While on our journey upstate we had parked at a roadside stop to have lunch.  There must have been a shop there, because I remember that after we went inside we came away with a beautiful glass wind chime, similar to the one above.  In my mind's eye I can see it suspended from a tree branch as we all sat at a picnic table to eat our packed lunch.  My father must have hung it up for us to enjoy during our break.  The pieces of glass were painted with such beautiful colors and I was fascinated by the gentle tinkling sound it made as the breeze would stir it.  

My father looped the chimes around a branch on the dogwood tree in the back yard when we returned home. Sadly, the chimes did not last but a few weeks, being made of glass and held together by such fine threads.   But two things stayed with me - first, the beauty and echo of the chimes and secondly, the surprise that my parents bought it for me simply because I had admired it so much.  Maybe they thought it would help me with missing my brother while he was gone.

Funny, isn't it, the things you remember....

St. Valentine's Day

How different this day is from when I was a school girl to what this "holiday" has grown to. While attending a Catholic grammar school, we prepared for the feast of St. Valentine as soon as the calendar turned to February.  Several students would work on decorating a "mail box" in which each of us would place Valentine cards for all of our classmates.  Some of you may remember the packets of cards we would get and how we would agonize over who received which one.  Our efforts would culminate with a party at the end of the day on the 14th, with the handing out of all the cards.  Simple, fun.  


By the time I reached college, the big badge of honor was to see who received a dozen roses from a boyfriend.  I remember one year several of the girls on our floor and I had large, luscious bouquets of which we were quite proud.  Sadly, due to the heat in the building, all those blooms were completely faded the next day.  What a waste of money and flowers I thought!


These days, if the advertisers are to be believed, you are a complete failure at love if you offer anything less than diamonds, lingerie, and a costly champagne dinner.  Now, it seems, the amount of love you feel is equal to the amount you spend.


Really?  How sad.


The research on St. Valentine points to a man or group of men, who were martyred in Rome, whose feast day was first marked back in 496.  The first representation of a single St. Valentine was in 1493, when he was arrested marrying couples in a Christian tradition. Ah, that must be when the association of St. Valentine and "love" found its beginning.  As the ad used to say, "We've come a long way baby" since then.


I've read several blog posts and comments today about the Valentine's Day holiday.  For me, I keep it very simple.  The Englishman and I exchange cards and sometimes indulge in some extra chocolate.  I dont' recall doing anything special with our girls as they were growing up, except to make sure they had cards for their classmates - every classmate - so no one was left out.


As others have noted, I feel lucky not to need a special day each year to remember to tell my husband, children and friends I love and care about them.  Through the loss of a beloved 5 year old nephew to cancer, a husband who has traveled to areas where bombings were a real threat, and loved ones serving tours of duty in Iraq, I know how precious life is and that it is important to say "I love you" on a daily, not yearly basis. 


To my family and friends, I love each of you for your uniqueness and the gifts I receive simply by knowing you.  May today, and every day of the year, bring you love, peace and happiness.

It's my job....

I recently started to move a few things around in my office in an effort to create a "room of my own".  In the process, the Englishman removed a table and desk which sat under the largest window in the room.  Since its departure, our oldest basset hound has decided this needs to be his new post:

At first it was kinda cute - he would woof at me as if to say, "I need you to help me up into the chair."  He would then begin to scan the horizon in search of "danger".  Unfortunately, in Dudley's mind, old ladies with walkers apparently pose a real threat to our security, so he would start to bark whenever he saw one in the parking lot of the dentist's office located across the road.  No amount of reassurance convinced him they were on our side, so after several attempts at quieting him, I would have to nudge him back down to the floor.

Duds has found a few ways around that, one of which is rushing into the dining room and jumping up to look out the window in there.  That activity then summons his partner in crime, Bentley, who jumps up alongside him as if to say, "I'm with you, bro!". The Englishman, trying to conduct business in the house, will then come upon the scene and with a baritone of "Get down" all is quiet again.

The saga continues.....  My office is still a work in progress which means that Dudley's lookout points are still changing.   As frustrating as it can get with a dog who is ever watchful, it is comforting to know he is looking out for us. And when the Englishman is off on a business trip,  I wouldn't have it any other way!

Blessed....

Today is our 33rd Wedding Anniversary.  On the one hand, that sounds like such a very long time to be married.  Yet on the other, it seems like only yesterday....

When the Englishman and I were caught in the midst of wedding plan chaos, in part caused by my mother's insistence that I actually make some decisions regarding dress, flowers, music, etc., I was quickly feeling overwhelmed.  It was the Englishman who put it all into perspective for me.  He said, "It's about the being married, not the getting married."

From that moment on it felt as though everything fell into place.  The details no longer mattered to me.  We didn't need a fairy-tale wedding, everything didn't have to be perfect. Spending the rest of our lives together was what was important - not the ceremony that would mark the beginning of our journey together.

The being married has been the most wonderful adventure, far better than anything I had planned or imagined. We are still discovering new things about each, even after so many years. We truly enjoy just being together.  Truth be told - I don't think I would change a thing.  The difficult times have brought us as many lessons and rewards as the happiest of days.  Of course the ultimate joy of our marriage came in the form of three amazing daughters!

This sign, which hangs in my office and was given to me by daughter #1, says it all:

to hear the laughter of a CHILD

to wake up next to the LOVE of your life,

to know that God has placed these angels on earth for you....

YOU ARE BLESSED

I am.  I truly am blessed!

Before and after.....

Before:

It was just the two of us.  Starting out, building our lives together.

After:

There are three incredible daughters, one son-in-law, one future son-in-law and two beautiful granddaughters.

All because of a chance meeting at the beach and realizing we belonged together.  For always.

Thursday's thought for the day...."

"The nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens, but those that bring simple little pleasures, following one after another softly, like pearls slipping off a string."

  ~  Lucy Maud Montgomery

Today was one of those days which provided numerous simple pleasures....

It was just an ordinary sort of day.  I spent most of it cleaning bathrooms, dusting and vacuuming, and washing the dogs beds. I enhanced the experience by listening to music from an ipod, applying wax on the furniture that smelled of lavender and laundering with detergent that has a scent of lilac.  Do you think the dogs will notice?   

Speaking of the dogs, the Englishman did make me laugh this morning.  Looking out the window to the rear yard I waved at Dudley, our oldest basset hound who was sitting and looking towards the house.  Noticing what I was doing, the Englishman inquired, "Did he wave back?"

During one of my breaks to check my email and the latest "pins" on pinterest, I read on Facebook that there was one bit of exciting news.  It seems that Baby C, our youngest granddaughter, is now officially crawling!  The Englishman suggested she be given a map to Grandmom's house.  I concur!  But while I am delighted for Baby C and her new found freedom, I fear her mother's life is about to change dramatically now that both her little girls are mobile.

After a restorative cup of tea, thanks to the Englishman, I am finishing up the last of the days tasks and feeling a sense of accomplishment.  It has been a good day. At this stage of my life, I don't need exciting or fireworks.  Simple pleasures are true gems  indeed.

Tip for a Tuesday....

Light a candle....

Every evening during the wintertime, the Englishman lights one of the many scented candles I have  purchased. Doing so adds a wonderful aroma to the room, creating a sense of warmth and coziness.

 Why not make every night a special occasion? You can light a single candle as we do or gather a group of them together. 

Just be sure if you are sharing your space with four legged friends, that you remind them to "mind their tails" as they pass by!   

Old Habits Die Hard

For a woman of my age and generation, I think I do a pretty good job of navigating my way around the computer. In addition to my own attempts, I truly appreciate that the Englishman quietly suggests different apps and tools I can use to make life easier and takes the time to show me how it can be done.  But there are some "old fashioned" ways of doing things I just can't seem to let go of.  Using a calendar is one of them.

Perhaps it's the teacher in me, but I like the idea of being able to glance at a calendar to see what the day may bring or might be upcoming in the weeks ahead.  Clicking on the calendar icon on my computer, inputting the information, making note of whether or not I want a "reminder", seems not only tedious to me, but just doesn't feel right somehow.

So I hearkened back to my days as Miss Teacher Lady, and ordered a Susan Branch desk calendar, similar to the ones I used in my classroom.  It arrived this morning and I am a happy camper once more.  I can jot down upcoming birthdays, anniversaries, the Englishman's business trips, and on and on.  I can even "doodle" on it, as I have been known to do, while on the phone or just wasting time.

And the bonus of waiting so long to decide to order?  The calendar was on sale!

Super Bowl Sunday

Go

Beat

Saturday nights....

Last Sunday night, January 29th, The Englishman and I stayed up past our normal bedtime in order to watch the SAG awards.  Not for the glitz and glamour.  But to see this remarkable woman honored with The Life Achievement Award.  

Mary Tyler Moore

I started watching Mary when I was in grammar school and was home sick.  Her first series role was in The Dick Van Dyke Show, playing the part of his wife Laura Petrie. How fitting, then, that it was Dick Van Dyke who introduced her that night.  He said, "I know everyone loves her, but I mean, I'm serious about it. I saw her first." 

It is said that their performances as husband and wife were so convincing that for years viewers thought they were actually married.

Fast forward from the 60's.....

If you were a young woman from 1970 to 1977, the actors in this photo should be quite familiar to you. They were the cast of The Mary Tyler Moore Show.  If my memory serves me, the show aired on Saturday nights, on CBS, at 9pm eastern time.  While I was in college, my roommates and I refused to leave our dorm room until we had watched her show.  Seriously. I think each of us wanted someday to be Mary.  We dreamed that we too might soon have apartments of our own, a career, and a chance to be independent.  And if by choice or chance we were like Mary, still single in our 30's, she showed us that we too "would be happy after all".

And then there was the apartment.  It was in a Victorian house in Minneapolis, with a large bay window, perfectly decorated right down to the large letter M hanging on Mary's wall.  I don't know about anyone else, but I cried when Mary left that house to move to a modern day apartment.  I felt it lacked the warmth and coziness of the first.  There was no longer a "window" to pull down and separate the kitchen from the living space.  Sad to say, my first apartment was in the basement of an apartment building, just outside Boston, but that's a whole other blog.

If you are not familiar with Mary Tyler Moore, it is well worth your time and effort to find re-runs.  For those of us who know and love her, to watch these shows again is like visiting with an old friend.  

Congratulations to Mary Tyler Moore for the Life Achievement Award!

You are still "turning the world on with your smile"!

 Thank you!

Thursday's thought for the day....

“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.”

                                    St. Francis de Sales
                                    Patron Saint of Writers and Journalists


I was just saying to the Englishman yesterday that it has been so nice for me lately to no longer be rushing about, trying to do twelve things at once and feeling as though I am merely treading water.  While looking after my mother and her affairs the last several years, I have had to do things very quickly and often on the spur of the moment.  Since handing that responsibility over to my sister last September, I have found a freedom and a peace I wasn't aware I had lost.
By slowing down, doing one thing at a time, keeping one thought at a time and just being - my day, my home, my life,  have improved dramatically.  If you are able to do it, I highly recommend it.

A Television Saga....

The Englishman and I went out recently to purchase a new television.  My daughters will tell you I have a true love/hate relationships with the tv's in our house.  Yes, it is very nice to have a large tv with surround sound, the ability to record television programs on an automatic basis, access to British television shows, etc.  But sometimes, most especially when the Englishman is halfway around the world on a business trip, the girls have witnessed me at my wit's end shouting, "I just want an on/off switch.  That's all."  Because if I push the wrong buttons I can sometimes lose the picture entirely.  Then I have to wait days till the Englishman arrives home and can put it all back in order.  I have tried writing down a "cheat sheet" with all sorts of instructions as to what to do, but even that is of no help sometimes.

Despite this, when the Englishman suggested a new television for the living room I just smiled and said sure.  I trust his judgement on what to get and simply go along to help him get it in the car and then into the house.  Thank God for the flat screens of today.  It was a different story many years ago when we got our first really big tv....

I think it is instinctual for men to want to go forth from the home and provide for their families.  Back in the day, that would have required a shotgun or knife and maybe a wagon. Today they just need credit cards, a shopping cart, an SUV and access to a supermarket or store.  Whether it is providing food, shelter, or entertainment, I think men enjoy the feeling of having "brought home the bacon" or in this case, the television.

One Saturday morning, long, long ago, the Englishman arrived home from an outing and asked me to come outside to see what he had purchased. I obliged and he proudly pointed to the back of the station wagon which held a rather large wooden frame surrounding a rather large television.  A four hundred pound television! He was so pleased to tell me how it had taken three men, plus himself, to hoist it into the back of our station wagon.  I quickly looked around and inquired if he had brought these three men home with him. There was a pause....  Nope, apparently they had not come along.

So there we were, staring at the four hundred pound television lying in the back of the car, wondering what to do next.  The Englishman pointed out that on a positive note, there were wheels attached to said tv.  Ok, so that might get us to the front door area.  Then what?

You know how when you are in grammar school, and they are teaching you all kinds of what you think are useless bits of information and you wonder when in heaven's name are you ever gonna use it?  Well that day had arrived.  I suddenly remembered something about Fifth Grade Science and inclined planes...

Long story short - we got the tv out of the car, onto the driveway, and rolled it up to the front door.  Fortunately the Englishman had two large planks which we were able to use to roll the tv up over the two steps of the entrance and safely into the house.  The step down into the family room was a little heart stopping, but we finally reached its destination in the corner of the room.  Phew!  Mission accomplished.  I think the Englishman may have even mumbled something like, "See. No Problem." Hmmmm....

It's no surprise then, when the Englishman and I feel a twinge in our lower back or neck these days, that I start to feel gratitude for today's sleeker, lighter models of televisions.