Happy Hour Indeed!

It's a Route 44 lemon-berry slush.  For a buck ten.  And the sun is shining, and I have the car to run errands.  Yes, indeed.  It's a happy hour!

Reading Material

I borrowed Hearts in Atlantis while at my sister's, because she is a big Stephen King fan and has most everything in hardback.  Nice.  I enjoyed that, and when I got back here I discovered in with my books one that my mum had bought for my sister years ago.  I vaguely remembered that I had started reading it when in Tennessee on holiday, and even though I left it out, it must have gotten boxed up with my stuff after I'd gone.  So I decided to finish it before sending it on. 

I almost always enjoy his short stories, and this was no exception.  Some, of course, were better than others-- but it was a great read.  One a night before bed was the plan, but I found myself reading a lot more during the day.  I couldn't help it.  I love a well-crafted story, and when they are bizarre?  So much the better! 

My New Favourite Invention

There was this thing, sitting on the bathroom floor beside the big claw foot tub.  It was kind of dish-like, and the stopper for the drain was inside it.  Fine, the stopper I knew... but this thing, I couldn't figure out.  Then, when I was soaking in the tub to cure my aching back, I started wishing I could fill the bath up higher than the silly little overflow drain allowed.  It's not like it's going to go over my head, and I would very much like it to cover my shoulders, anyway.  Just up to above that wee drain thing would work beautifully. 

Then I saw this beaty again, and everything just clicked.  Why, yes, it does suction over the overflow drain perfectly, and it does give me a couple more inches of water!  And yes, it does have a hole on top, so there is still an overflow drain.  Just higher up, which was perfect! 

Now I want one! 

Party Night!

Brian and Steph threw a party tonight at their place, for Brian's students to get together-- and to celebrate my passing and being done!  I found out yesterday that my corrections are sustained and I get to actually graduate at the ceremony, so I have good reason to party!  There were several couples there, three of whom I'd only met once or not at all;  it was nice to meet and chat and hang out, but the best part was once those with wee ones went home and left the Brocks and the Prathers and I.  Good times with good friends, indeed!

I walked home in the wet and chill, but I didn't feel it.  Partly because of the warm fellowship I'd shared, and partly because I'd had two large glasses of wine, two drams of nice whisky, and a glass of champagne on one plate of delicious food.  I was feeling darn good, and I deserved it!  It was pretty, though, with the lights shining on the wet roads.  At least I thought so.  ;)

Sad

Today I'm sad. 

I haven't had a friend leave in a year and a half.  I used to be more used to it, back when people were deserting me every couple of months... but not now.  I'm not used to it at all.  And I don't like it.  Even though I'm happy for people when plans work out, and excited for them and their next adventure, I'm selfish.  I want them to stay.  Here.  With me.  *sigh* 

I haven't really done much today... but I did take a two-hour bath.  With a fancy adult beverage, and music, and a book.  And sugar-cookie smelling bubbles.  It doesn't make up for people leaving me, but it was nice. 

A Grand Day Out

It's been in the planning stage for ages, but we finally took the time and had the weather behave enough to make a day trip up north along the coast.  RitaB and I spent the day hiking from the Bullers of Buchan to Slains Castle and down into Cruden Bay.  Very long day with very achy knees by then end, but dang, I love those places!  Plus, it was great to spend the day with RitaBekah.  And we had a picnic on the cliffs.  With cheeeeese, Gromit!  Hence the name of the day, for those of you in the know.  ;) 

I still want to live at Slains.  Maybe I'll just set myself up in a caravan there...

I'm a Crabby Person!

Sometimes I am.  And sometimes I'm not.  But I went to see 'You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown' (which was here as part of the Aberdeen International Youth Festival) with Aleithia, her flatmate Amber, RitaBekah, Liz, and ... a girl whose name I've forgotten.  I 'dressed up' as Lucy.  My sister used to tell me growing up that I was just like Lucy... and I can see that in part. 

Besides, it's a great show. 

Happy 30th Birthday, Harry Potter!

Yes, I do realise the fact that I not only know what day his birthday is but what year makes me a very big dork.  And I'm okay with that. 

In honour of my thesis being ready to be turned in on Monday, and of course since it was dear wee Harry who got me on this long thesis road to begin with, we had a partay.  With Hogwarts themed food, of course, like deviled eggs and chocolate frogs and Gryffindor-coloured rice krispy treats and such.  It was a great spread, and a great low-key celebration with my great Aberdeen friends. 

Happy Birthday Cake, Kenny!

I also made cupcakes, but this wee baby is all Kenny's.  It's a yellow cake with chocolate butter cream frosting.  This came out of a regular cake pan, but our oven cooks oddly, so it was all uneven.  I decided I'd make it a layer cake of the miniature variety, and it worked out splendidly.  And tasted great.  At least the cupcakes did.