An exercise in futility?

Is anyone listening? Why am I keeping this blog up and running?

I used to write on this blog because it was pleasurable to remember and write about my life as I was growing up. I enjoyed keeping up with the lives of my friends and family. It was fun to post pictures of our daily lives and to include jokes and cartoons to illustrate my posts.

But now I'm rethinking the reasons for continuing this blog. Is it an exercise in futility? Who really cares what I have to say anymore? Is anyone listening to what I have to say?

Today I'm frowning. I don't know how I will feel tomorrow, but I hope it's a better day. I also hope I don't decide to end this blog because I probably have more to say to this world before my life is ended. But, I don't know if I want to share anymore.

What's cooking at grandma's?

It's a beautiful fall day and I'm off work. I'm also feeling a little ambitious and decided to put my culinary talent to work in the kitchen.

Ingredients for my masterpiece include onions, garlic, celery, carrots, ham, split peas, potatoes, and various seasonings. This should give you an idea of what I'm cooking.

Homemade Split Pea Soup

Right now it's simmering on the stove and will be ready for lunch. I can smell it cooking and I'm starting to drool. What could be better than something homemade in grandma's kitchen?

Some of you may not like split pea soup, but for those who do, want to join me? All are welcome and there will be plenty (because husband already said he's not going to eat it).

After lunch, I'm going out and work in the yard because it's beautiful outside. I hope you are all enjoying this gorgeous Sunday, whatever you have planned.

A Very Special Homecoming

Today is our high school's homecoming. The festivities began yesterday with the usual homecoming parade. Today (Friday) and tomorrow are the county's Pumpkin Festival with all kinds of activities planned. Tonight was the high school's homecoming football game (we are winning) and related activities.

Since our kids graduated way back in the late 1980s, husband and I haven't been involved in school activities. We live next to the school, so in a way we are privy to all the comings and goings on that take place. In fact, you can hear the announcer loud and clear in our house during the game and the lights from the football field light up our back yard.

Today we had our own special homecoming. Because this is now officially Fall, I developed a real taste for homemade chili. As I was driving home from work today, I was talking with daughter and mentioned that I was going to make chili and kidded her about coming over to share it with us. She just laughed it off and said there was no way they could come visit. Later on in the afternoon, after I had finished my bowl of homemade chili and husband and I were enjoying a movie, I received a call from daughter and she asked if there was any chili left and what were we doing this evening. I thought she was kidding. We just laughed and laughed. We hung up and not two seconds later I hear kids running into the house and start screaming for me. Well, what to my wondering eyes should appear but darling daughter and her three young'uns all fired up and begging for bowls of chili. I just stood there with my mouth down to the floor. I was stunned.

They had driven 70 miles to surprise us and to eat my chili. How's that for the ultimate compliment to my cooking?

I love my family more than life itself and spending precious time with them is absolutely the best. I wish everyone I know could experience the joy we felt today with their surprise homecoming.

All I can say is: