IDLINGS . . .

Idleness! Pure, unadulterated do-nothingness! Tends to make one feel like a slug; but at this stage of the game, reading and respite readily overcome conscience. Can't believe it's nearly time to return to Chi-town and, hopefully, a taste of Spring. From reading a few Facebook status gripes, it seems that most of you midwesterners are pining for a steady flow of sunshine and resulting warmth ... True dat??

This week has been mostly one of catch-up. Some tiles around the pool have sunken a little because the soil wasn't tamped tightly enough. The men are supposed to come for a re-do; but so far, nothing but promised dates with a "no show". Most of the time seems to be spent making calls to voice mail with no satisfaction. Suppose that's what happens when your paving bill is paid ... no nonpayment threats can be made.

Speaking of phones, Paul and Larry each have new Iphones ... they were waiting for their other contract to end. Talk about distraction! Paul had to transfer all his data and that took a day or two. Larry had a regular
cell phone before, with none of the gadgets; so his time was used trying apps and seeing what all his new phone could do. Each phone is also
equipped for Skype; so Larry had to get in touch with his sister to try it out. Then, both of them discovered the blackjack game and this new
phone has become a part of their anatomy. They are obsessed!

They did take a break long enough to make a leprechaun's leap to Flanigan's Pub on St. Patrick's Day. Thought the place was fairly new, from outside appearances; but that thought was banished as soon as we
walked in. Dark bar room with green twinkling lights and hustling
servers in outlandish garbs of the day. We were shown to another room,
apparently the restaurant side. Strictly pub atmosphere with shamrock decorations, all shiny green foil ... large garlands strung from rafter to rafter above the tables ... each table centered with a sprouting shamrock
"plant" in the same mandatory green foil ... the local Dollar store probably
made a killing when they aided Mr. Flanigan!

The waiters and waitresses went all out for the day. Each had their own
St. Paddy's Day costume ... wigs, large hats. light-up glasses, satin vests
with gold sequins, shamrock-print tights, even a fellow in black who wore no green at all ... he was a walking bottle of Guiness beer and his tall, black
hat had what appeared to be foam jostling around. They were the fun
part of the visit (around 4:00 pm). I can imagine what went on as the day
merged into evening! Paul met us at the pub, resplendent in his pale green dress shirt. We ordered our green beers, took pictures and ate an early dinner ... MINE was, of course, corned beef, cabbage, and boiled
potatoes ... surprisingly delicious, very tender meat.

Weekend days were spent running errands, watching the boys catch up on outside chores (Home Depot had 50% off mulch, so they HAD to take
advantage of that.) I bought another paperback or two; Molson and I
retreated to the lounge area outside and relaxed ... Copper thinks the pool is his alone ... he swims and splashes constantly (he apparently loves the
cold water). Cooked ribs and chicken on the grill ... just like summertime
in Illinois ... except I do miss the dessert, whatever it may be.

Can't shake my Hoosier habits ... been keeping tabs on the NCCA tourney.
Chose my brackets and haven't been doing too badly. Guess the media got
after Obama though ... seems he should concentrate on the problems at
hand and stop wasting time on such trivial matters ... to each his own ... he
could be monetarily betting on the outcome ... THEN they could complain!

Don't know about Irish day photos ... most of the fun was taken with the Iphone and may end up elsewhere ... check out Facebook from time to time ... that could be the "elsewhere" !!

O'Marma