Hello. My name is Tom.

I was doing one of those silly tests on Facebook the other day - the one that tells you what your nickname should be. Mine is Tom. I thought that was pretty strange but hey, that's me.

I started writing again. Posted chapter 4 of my latest creation and am getting a few good reviews. Well, 3 people are responding (I think) but that's okay. I write for myself. If people like it, good. If not, that's okay, too.

I'm looking forward to the women's retreat next weekend (April 10-12). I need to get away for a few days. Then, on the 14th, I'm going to a Tiger's game in Detroit to see them beat the Chicago White Sox. Then on the 16, Laura and I are going to the Mudhens opener in Toledo. WOOHOO! Another sign of Spring. I hope it's warm. Laura and I nearly froze at the Mudhens opener last year.

I'm tired and hurt all over. Arthritis sucks!

Spring!

Ahhh, springtime in Michigan. I love it. Well, give it a few more weeks when it's a bit warmer and I'll love it even more. The robins showed up in our yard two weeks ago. Paul always marks it on the calendar. It's a big event. The cold nasties are losing their grip. Your nose doesn't freeze shut when you breathe in. You can finally fold up the long-johns and put them away until next year. Which by that time, I hope they'll be too big for me to wear and I'll have to buy new, skinnier ones! The days are longer and a bit sunnier. AND THE BIRDS WAKE ME UP AT 4 O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING! Gotta love those sparrows. We're never happy. Soon, we'll be complaining about the heat. Not me. BRING IT ON!

So, after last weeks WW meeting where I found out I gained 2.6 pounds for the previous 2 weeks, I've been very careful about my diet. Until last night. Paul got home from work and he decided that we were going out to El Sueños, a nice little family owned Mexican restaurant in Toledo that we found and like. Oh boy, chips, salsa enchilada, taco, rice and beans. $8. I was stuffed. Tomorrow night we're going out with the Rhino herd to Quatro's, which is an Italian restaurant in Monroe. Not sure I want to go to the meeting Monday night. Well, I'll try to be reasonable and not eat the whole portion and order something that will be healthy. Whatever that is.

And, Paul has been asked to perform the wedding ceremony for his nephew/fiancé on June 6 in Grand Rapids, Michigan which means we'll miss Tim and Renee's wedding. Can't be helped. Brett is so happy that Paul will do it and we're glad he's glad. He's offered to pay our hotel expenses and we might have to do that as we thought about staying at Doug and Shelia's place in Holland but they've got a full house again with Raylene moving back home. We'll see.

The elves are on strike! I just know it!

It was just a matter of time. If they can make shoes for a shoe maker and cookies for a well known baking company, why can't they show up at my house and help me out with the dishes? Especially when my arthritis is acting up and it hurts to move. I sent in a request, filed it in triplicate, had it insured by the FDIC and EVERYTHING! I got a notice telling me that they are demanding union wages with full benefits PLUS seven weeks vacation to be taken at their choice of time. I guess I'll just have to do them myself.