Captain's Entertainment

My dear darling friend Jan-Olav is back in the hospital again. This time, my "internet boyfriend" (a nickname given him by a family member, but I can't remember who) is in isolation because some infection has gotten a stronger-than-normal of hold his impaired immune system. Poor thing can't have any visitors...which is difficult for such a gregarious people-person as the Captain.

So in an effort to bring the party to HIM, I will try to be a better blogger.... trying to make my quiet life here in Middle-Of-Nowhere, Georgia ™ (or as he calls it, MON) a little more visible...and interesting. And while I write this blog for my family and friends--so that all of you can keep up with me and the kids- if I seem to explain things that make you think "duh, E...." remember that he's not Southern...and, as a Thai guy trapped in a Norwegian body, some things don't translate.....

So, while you, Jack, (a nickname with at nod to our mutually favorite movie) have been lounging around in the Infeksjonsavdelingen of St. Olav's hospital (which, I might add, is a pathetic way of getting out of your 36-hour long day shifts as ferry captain...) we had Labor Day weekend here in MON....

I went to Atlanta weekend before this last one, on Sunday night to spend the night at AJ and Anna-Grace's apartment and run some errands. I had to make an IKEA run to pick up an IKEA starter pak for my housekeeper, Lily. Her house burned to the ground last spring, and, when I asked her what she needed, she said she would really need kitchen and dining things....so that's what I am doing for her....

Ok, I'm back...I swear to Gawd, I just heard a cow moo-- like 50 feet from me. I had to go investigate. Either a trailer of livestock was just at the stoplight (yes, THE stoplight..the ONE stoplight in Tennille), Chip is playing with one of her chew-toys or I am starting to hear voices. Bovine voices. The last one is the scary one. Voices..yes...okay...but ANIMAL voices???) Where was I..oh, yes...IKEA.

So I went to stay with AJ/A-G. That was surreal.



Staying at your grown child's grownup apartment. I also found some great material for my office makeover ..for curtains and chair cover.



Very me, dontcha think? Remember all those years ago (I think now almost 3) when we laughed about sharing digs in the looney bin? I think we decided on a blue and orange color scheme...this works well...nothing changes...



Alix recovered from her first cross country meet. Her time, while not great in her book, was under 30 minutes, which was way better than she hoped for.

The week was quiet, and I got some projects around the house accomplished.



I replaced the peeling wallpaper in the dining room.



I weeded out cookbooks. Oh, and that horrible depression I just couldn't shake last week finally lifted. Thank you for calling me and "talking me down" in between ferry runs. And in the middle of the night for you. You are a true friend. I love Skype. Oh, you, too...but that goes without saying.....

Alix and Wesley went to spend Friday /Saturday with her dad, and he took them to the Auburn football game. No, not "real football", American football....the kind with helmets and protective gear. You're not a sports-guy...you really WOULD NOT understand American football. I had dinner with Susanne and John* and sat outside on their porch on Saturday night and watched the hummingbird wars and drank wine.



Perfect evening.

I also worked on refinishing this old washstand I bought 2 years ago.




It's a slow process, because it's so DAMN hot outside. When I get it finished, it will go in the newly refinished breakfast room/bar.





Well, almost refinished...I still have to paint the countertops. Can't decide whether to go for a dark granite look or a light marble paint effect. Opinions?

Since Monday was a holiday (Labor Day, remember? The traditional end-of-summer weekend), John and Susanne came over for supper on Sunday. When I asked them what I should make, John said "make something Louisiana"--so I made a big pot of sausage and chicken gumbo.



I know you are a world traveller, but you might not know gumbo--it's like a real thick soup/stew made with okra, onions, bell peppers, celery, whatever meat you have around, and served over rice. Get well and get here, and I will make you some. Oh, and in honor of the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee that was raining on my high school classmates partying in Biloxi, Mississippi over the long weekend (yes, girls, I will join you next year!!), I made a batch of hurricanes--coconut rum and fruit juices (which you would love, if all that medication you have to take would let you drink alcohol). Which accounted for my wee headache on Monday morning. But I digress.

Over the weekend, I got more photographs mounted for sale. I am thinking about getting a booth at the Kaolin Festival with some fellow amateur photogs to see if I can earn a little income. Or a LOT of income. Which reminds me.... I gotta find a job. Seriously. Fast. Being a goddess has its perks, but the base salary sucks. Do you know how ridiculously clever one has to be when one tries to write a resume when one has been a stay-at-home-mom for 20 years? The fact that I churned one out is a testament to my clever writing skills. (Oh, to anyone wishing to view said resume (or CV as they call it in the world outside of the USA), just email me. Happy to share.)

I went to see "The Help" last night with Wesley, Alix and Will (Wesley's brother).



Cried. Several times. PROMISE me that when you get sprung from isolation and this movie arrives in Trondheim...GO SEE IT. You will understand me even more. As it is set in 1963, I would be the same age as Mae Mobley. My early years. You will love it. It is a movie right up your alley. I am so glad the writer/director stayed true to the book. My mom and sister-in-law Julie kept saying "read it, read it," but I didn't want the whole "southern-upper-class, black and white race thing in the 60's" being thrown in my face...but I finally broke down and it was A-MAZ-ING!!!" Not at all what I was expecting. I would tell you to read it, but as I know you aren't a reader...oh, just go see the movie. Oh, and they make a reference to hitting someone over the head with a skillet. Just so you know I didn't make that up.

Well, I have to run. I have a Guild meeting to run in 2 hours (how I ended up as President I will never understand.....), and then a 2 hour drive for a cross country meet. Can't forget the vuvuzela. I am now a legend in the high school xc world for my vuvuzela...at least in my own mind.

Now, get some rest, Captain...and don't make me open up a can of whoopass on those t-cells of yours!!!!!



*For those of you who are saying "John and Susanne?" You know them. Susanne is my crazy friend who is like a sister to me. She's made a few appearances here.