A long day on Saturday

Woke up around 6:00 AM and read in bed until 7:00. Then got back to a little more cleaning (you know, the last few touches, clean the bathroom mirror, etc.) I found that the kids had folded or hung up the last load I had in the dryer (thanks, guys) which was really nice. I made a cup of coffee and was ready to face the morning challenges (hair cut, shopping, errands, etc.)

After my haircut at 9:30, I stopped at the feed store for more birdseed and suet cakes, and then to Westborn for some fresh fruit and cheese. Next I picked up two prescriptions at CVS and finally back home around 11:00 AM.

I noticed this morning that the guy did NOT cut my ditch (he was probably worried about flipping over a borrowed riding motor). So, I got my weedwacker and cleaned it up. Then I planted the two begonias in the mailbox garden (the pansies finally gave up the ghost).

Then I got out my blower and blew off the porch, the sidewalk and both back patios. Now, I'm hot, sweaty and hungry! So, I took a break and warmed up two hamburgers from last night grilling. I ate them lying on the bed watching some taped shows. Jake and Carla came back from the dentist (their Saturday morning errand).

We were just in a waiting mode, then, waiting for Luanne to show up. So, Jake went out and cleaned the birdbath and the reflecting pool. Inspired, I went out and added more mulch to the reflecting pool area (it had settled during the summer). I took some photos and will post them.

Then Lu arrived and after carrying in what seemed like a mountain of suitcases and bags 9for a two day stay!), along with laundry and garbage from Lake Orion, we all started the long process of catching up with each other's lives. Lu started the first of several loads of laundry (both hers and my Mom's) and then Jake and Carla showed her pictures of the house they are buying while I took a shower.

Around 5:30 we left on a road trip, first a drive-by of the new house (Carla was thrilled that the For Sale sign now is sporting a "Sold" placard). Next we went to Novi and the China Caf�, a Chinese/Korean restaurant Carla had found that has won all kids of awards, etc. We've eaten there before but wanted to give Luanne a chance to experience it.

They all had different wines, but I stuck to my traditional water and hot tea. We munched on fried won tons with plum sauce or hot mustard while looking over the menu. Luanne ordered the Shrimp and Vegetable and egg drop soup. After learning the Kung Po Pork contained peanuts (Carla's allergic) both she and Jake ordered the Orange Chicken. She also had the egg drop soup (completely unlike what you would think egg drop soup is, BTW, with vegetables and spicy) and Jake had the Hot and Sour soup. I ordered the house special Cantonese Almond Chicken and won ton soup (also unlike any won ton I've ever had). Huge portions and absolutely delicious! I am ashamed to say that I was the only one who didn't take any leftovers home.

Once we returned home, Luanne got out two photo albums and she showed us her goat operation (43 goats so far) and pictures of the kitchen remodeling to date (they now have their granite countertop and sink installed).

By this time it was 10:30 PM, I was beat and, excusing myself, I went to bed.