Christmas Shopping - DONE!!

YAY!! Cross one more thing off the to do list - my Christmas shopping is done! Not that I had a lot to do, but still, it's shopping! UGH!

Randy & I first went to Cracker Barrel to fortify ourselves for the morning of shopping. We had not been to a CB since we've been in Alabama. I know!! Hard to believe, isn't it? After waddling out of the CB, we hit our first store and didn't stop until we had checked everything off the list. Aaaaahhh, what a feeling. :)

Once home, we had to organize our purchases. Well, that's the royal use of the word, "we." I organized the purchases - most of which were gift cards. And no, that's not a cop out for gifts - they are for our nieces, nephew, and great nieces and nephews. Since most of those get mailed, it's the easiest thing to do. And I truly do think they love receiving them.

The rest of the day was spent . . . yep, you guessed it . . . cross stitching!! I only have three more projects to complete and then you won't be hearing so much about that. I'll still be working on a project of some sort or another, but it won't be with the obsession that I've had this last month or so.

Tomorrow I think we're going into Foley to watch their Christmas Parade and the doings at the park. Then, we'll hit a holiday bazaar at one of the Catholic churches. It's fun to look at all of the creations folks have for sale at those bazaars. Plus, there's usually some good food, too!

Hope your weekend's off to a good start! Until the next time . . .

A Very Special Birthday Wish

Today is our son, Kevin's, birthday. He is 22 years old. There are many reason for being sentimental today; he is my only son, he almost didn't make it at birth, and he is maturing into the man I have prayed he would become. I am grateful for this young man, while he certainly kept me on my knees while he was growing up, he also helped me to learn many things about myself that needed to be changed. God has a way of using our children to teach us about the things He wants us to learn. At least, He did that with Kevin & me. And I am grateful - I didn't always like it at the time, but I am now.

So, Kevin, here's a H U G E happy birthday to you!! You are loved more than you know.

Thursday

Pretty eye-catching title, huh? Well, I have nothing exciting to share with you today and since it is Thursday, I figured I'd just call it what it is. :)

I spent the morning at Jubilee Pickers' practice. Not sure what all Randy did, but I know he grilled some pork chops for our dinner tomorrow night. We were supposed to have them last night, but went out to dinner instead. And tonight we were signed up for dinner at the clubhouse.

Once home from dulcimer practice, it was a pretty quiet afternoon. Did some cross stitching, but not before I got a little nap in. :) Randy napped today, too. Just hanging around the RV.

We went over to the clubhouse for dinner, had some good conversation, met a new couple in the park. Now, we're home, in our recliners, ready for the evening of TV watching.

Sorry I don't have a more exciting day to share with you. But, our life isn't much different from yours - we have our routines, too. Tomorrow we're going to get some Christmas shopping done, so maybe I'll have a story or two. Who knows?

Until the next time . . .

Bad Day Ended Pretty Good

For the most part, today was pretty yucky. I woke up around 4:15 this morning with a sinus headache and just catnapped until I got up at 5:40 and stumbled to my recliner to catnap some more. UGH, I hate waking up with a headache. Isn't sleep supposed to relax you???

Anyway, I didn't even go to Curves, which I wasn't happy with myself about. But, I just couldn't drag my butt out the door. Oh, well. I literally lazed in the recliner all day. Randy went out at early in the afternoon to get new batteries installed in the truck. Since the current batteries are more than 5 years old, he wanted to get new ones before we went on our big trip out west. About 3pm I had to get out in the sunshine a bit. I took Blackie for a walk, then Randy & I stopped by Bill & Kathy's to welcome them back to the park. They've been back for a few days, but we hadn't seen them yet. Also, it's Kathy's birthday tomorrow and I wanted to give her a card.

While we were out, we were told the group was going back to the Mexican restaurant for dinner tonight, so that perked me up a bit, too. Nothing like being with good friends and eating good food to put you in a better frame of mind! Apparently, someone told our waiter that it's Kathy's birthday 'cause next thing I knew Kathy had a big ol' sombrero on her head and the staff was singing to her! It was great!

Now, it's back in the recliner and watching a Christmas special on TV. The headache's still there, but not quite as severe. Hopefully, it'll be gone tomorrow when I get up.

Until the next time . . .

A Birthday Shout Out!

First, I need to say:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMITA!!!

Amita is a good friend and the mother of two very adorable little girls who Randy & I have "adopted."

Our day was pretty routine. I had dulcimer practice and while I was there, Randy vacuumed. Once I got home, I had some lunch, checked the computer, then promptly took an hour nap! Haven't done that in a while.

We had an early gourmet dinner of franks and beans 'cause Randy had to get out the door around 5pm for his first concert with the Baldwin Pops Orchestra. He's still not home as I write this. I sure hope he had a good time.

I spent the evening addressing our Christmas cards. More than 80 cards later and very sore hands, I am done! YAY! Now, it's relaxing time in the recliner, watching TV.

Hope you had a good day. Until the next time . . .

A Way to Remember Our Military

Just a quick post this morning. Go to this website: www.LetsSayThanks.com and pick a card to send to a member of the military serving in Iraq. It's quick and it's easy. We need to ensure that they know we haven't forgotten them!

As the mom of a soldier, thank you.

First of the Month . . . Again!

The first of the month is always a busy day in our house. Since we get paid just once a month, we pay all our bills, go to the bank to get our cash for month, and do a big grocery order all on the first. And when we're in Alabama, we have to go to Pensacola, Florida to do our banking because there are no branches of Bank of America in Alabama. So, we make a day of our "first of the month" chores. :)

After I got back from Curves and got my first cup of coffee and a shower, we started out the day by going to breakfast at the Foley Coffee Shop. I wrote about this diner last month; it's a small town diner where you get the feel of the town. Then it was on to the bank and WalMart for the grocery. We also stopped to get one of our propane tanks filled. By the time we got home it was almost 2pm! Then it was unload the groceries, separate the chicken breasts into freezer bags, update the finances, and get the b'day and anniversary cards ready for the month.

By 4pm, I was done; and I was beat. I hate grocery shopping, but I hate putting away groceries even more. I know I've whined about that before - sorry.

We had salad and baked potatoes for dinner. The rest of the evening was spent in front of the TV and, yes, cross stitching. :) But, I'm almost done with the cross stitching projects, just a few more to do.

That was it for the day. Just another exciting one, huh?

Oh, here's a picture of the group with whom I recorded the CD. Starting from my right: Pat, me, Ruth, Cindy, Ann and Barb. Thought you'd like to see my "co-stars." :)

Until the next time . . .

Quiet Sunday

We had a really quiet day. We didn't even go to church this morning. I know! I just wanted to veg all day. So, we did. We took a nice walk late in the morning with Blackie. The sun was shining beautifully, there was a strong breeze, but it was nice for the walk. Then we just hung out in the rig. I did some more cross stitching (aren't you tired of hearing that!) and relaxed.

This evening we had Darrell & Judy in for dinner. They just got "home" yesterday and it was so good to see them and spend a bit getting caught up. After dinner, we walked over to the clubhouse for the weekly Ice Cream Social.

Now, it's back in the recliners and settle in for the night. Gosh, what a life! :)

Until the next time . . .

I am a Recording Artist!!

Well, not really, but I did participate in the recording of a mountain music CD! Eight dulcimer players came together this evening and we recorded seven songs - on one of which I sang! So, I can't wait to hear the finished product. It was rather nervewracking, I have to admit. My hands were ice cold when we were finally finished. But, I gotta brag on us - we did each number in ONE TAKE! All that practicing we did this week really paid off, I guess.

Ultimately, there will be four CDs produced: a Christmas one, a Gospel one and two mountain music ones. They'll be for sale during the Jubilee Pickers' festival in late March. Unfortunately, we'll be out west somewhere by then, but Pat will pick me up one of each.

I promise that none of the fame will change me - I'll still be the humble, modest, quiet woman all of you have know and love. :0

That's all there is to report from Lower Alabama. Other than the rain, that is. Our gorgeous sunny weather is gone and it's been raining steadily since 2:00 this afternoon. It's now 9:20pm and there's no sign of it stopping. Oh, well. Can't complain, it's still warm and it's NOT SNOW!!

Take care of each other. Until the next time . . .

Economic Crisis??? Really?

Okay, the media continues to tell us that nobody has any money, but we went shopping today (yeah, I know!) and there were lots and LOTS of people out there. Now there weren't bone crushing crowds, but we didn't get to the shopping center until later . . . like 8am! By noon, though, the parking lots were pretty darn full. So, the question is are people really hurting monetarily or are is the media hyping things up? I know that the stock market is down like crazy, but it seems that folks' every day money is just fine. But, hey, that's just my uneducated opinion.

For those of you who have fallen on the floor because 1) I went shopping; and 2) I went shopping on BLACK FRIDAY; well, I needed to get a couple of things at Michael's and there were great coupons that were only good for today. Now I can't say that I never go shopping on Black Friday. I've broken my own rule.

The rest of the day was pretty quiet. Practiced the dulcimer for about an hour and a half in preparation for tomorrow's recording. Can't wait to share that experience with you all.

Thanksgiving 2008

***SAPPY ALERT***

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday - it is the only one that really doesn't demand anything from me. I don't have to worry about buying presents, go to any events, nothing. All I have to do is be thankful. That's it. And that is definitely not hard for me. I try to start each and every day thanking God for the blessings He has overwhelmed me with. Let me share just a few with you:

• I know the One True God and He has given me a place in Heaven with Him because of Jesus
• I have a husband who loves me beyond measure in spite of myself
• I have parents who showed me what unconditional love is
• I have three healthy children who are leading productive lives and love me
• I have a son- and daughter-in-law who I love as my own
• I have two beautiful, healthy grandchildren
• I have a sister, brother-in-law and nieces and nephews who I adore
• I am able to be retired and live a life that is full that many would love to live

I could go on and on and on, but I won't bore you. :) Too often I think we look at what we don't have or listen to the media tell us how bad things are and we believe we should have more of something, anything, to make us happier. I am grateful to be content where I am and with what I have. I wish the same for each and every one of you.

For the first time we did not celebrate Thanksgiving with family. That was a little tough for me, I will admit. I was a bit weepy most of the morning. Each time I talked with one of the kids or my parents or Randy's sister, I got a bit sadder. However, once we got over to the clubhouse and sat with our other "family," I brightened a bit. It wasn't the same, but it wasn't bad - it was just different. I do miss my parents and kids, but it was fun celebrating with our RVing family. Here's a couple of pictures from our dinner.

The clubhouse was FULL - there were more than 240 people!
Our tablemates

We ended our day laughing around the campfire. It was a good day.

I hope your Thanksgiving celebration was filled with family, laughter, and gratitude. And I hope that you will continue counting your blessings every day.

Until the next time . . .

Two Day Post

I really meant to post last night, really! But, I spent the evening cross stitching and when I finally got to the computer, I completely forgot about posting. Well, yesterday wasn't very exciting, so you really didn't miss much. But, I'll catch you up anyway.

I started yesterday morning at Curves. Yeah, I usually don't go to Curves on Tuesdays (or Thursdays, for that matter) because getting there and back home and ready to go back out the door by 8:30 just isn't easy. But, the club is closed Thursday through Saturday this week because of Thanksgiving, so in order to get my three days in, I had to go. Plus, I was due to weigh in and get measured on Wednesday, so I needed all the help I could get!

From Curves to home to dulcimer practice. Spent the remainder of the morning with Jam N Folks, just playing. We got done around noon, as usual, then it was home for lunch and back out the door to practice with the group with whom I'm recording on Saturday. We played for about an hour and a half and then it was back home again.

Dick and Pat came over for dinner (chicken divan) and then Randy was out the door for his rehearsal. Tuesday is definitely music day in our house! I spent the rest of the evening cross stitching AND watching Dancing with the Stars, of course! :)

Today was much more laid back. I went to Curves, got weighed and measured - lost a pound and two and a half inches. Not bad for not really watching what I'm eating. :)

Spent most of the morning updating our finances; getting ready for Christmas shopping. Gotta figure out where that money's coming from! ;) Practiced for the recording session for about an hour, then spent the rest of the afternoon making reservations for the February leg of our trip out west. Doing that made me start getting excited about the trip!

This evening we went out to dinner to a Mexican restaurant with a bunch of folks from the park. There were more than 20 of us, I'm sure. The initial draw was the 99 cent margaritas (not for me 'cause I don't drink margaritas), but the food was pretty good, too. We certainly didn't leave hungry, I'll tell you that!

On the way home we stopped at that gorgeous house I showed you a few weeks ago. It's now all decorated for Christmas and it is absolutely beautiful. I took some pictures, but they came out very blurry. I just can't seem to take night pictures. Ugh. Guess I really do need to get a tripod to make that happen.

Well, now you're all caught up on the exciting life of Randy & Terry Guiler. Can't stand it, can you? :) Now, we're looking forward to tomorrow and taking a special day to be thankful. I like to make every day Thanksgiving - don't you think that's a great idea?

Until the next time . . .

A Good Breakfast, but No Trains Today

The plan for the day was to go out to breakfast then visit the train museum in Foley. So, after my session at Curves this morning, I rushed home to grab a shower and get myself ready for the day.

One of our (Dick, Pat, Randy & I) favorite breakfast diners in this area is Hazel's Nook. It's down in Gulf Shores so we don't go very often, therefore when we do it's a real treat. They have a good buffet, but the big draw for the other three of us is their made-to-order omelettes. Dick, Pat & Randy all enjoy them immensely. I am not an omelette person so I take their word for it. :) But, I do like the rest of their buffet.

After breakfast, we stopped at the WalMart that is next door to Hazel's. Dick needed to pick up a few things to install taillights on his golf cart and, of course, it's always fun to stop in at WalMart to see all the things we don't need! :) Dick found some of what he needed, but not all. I got our Christmas cards and another notebook for my dulcimer music. Then, we meandered our way back up Route 59 (the main drag through Lower Alabama), with a stop at an auto parts store so Dick could complete his purchases.

Back in Foley, we pulled into the Train Museum parking lot. We've heard it is a great place and have been meaning to get there for 2 years. Today was finally the day . . . that is until we got to the door and saw that the train exhibit is only open Tuesday thru Thursday. Ugh. Never thought to check that! Guess we'll have to go back.


The City of Foley Museum is in the same building as the Train Museum and is open Monday thru Friday. Since we were there, we figured we'd go through it. Well. "Museum" is a stretch for this large room. Yes, it has some historic pieces of furniture and documents, but it really looks more like a really old person's attic! I was not impressed.

When we got home, I immediately got out my outdoor recliner, my cross stitching, and a glass of tea - the weather was GORGEOUS!! It was about 75 degrees, sunny, with a breeze. Oh, my. Just perfect. And it was even more enjoyable because it was unexpected - it was supposed to be warm, but rainy with thunderstorms. Never happened. Oh, we got about a half hour's rain around 6pm, but that was it.

After dinner with Dick & Pat at their rig, we settled back in at home. I watched Dancing with the Stars and finished another project. Now it's CSI:Miami. :) Do you think we watch too much TV?

Looking forward to another great day tomorrow. Hope you are, too. Until the next time . . .

It's the Last Week in November - Can You Believe It?

It is so hard to believe that not only are we starting the last week of November, but Christmas is just a month away! Time does fly when you're having fun! :)

Today was another great day - very laid back and relaxed. We went to church, came home and got some lunch. Randy helped Dick work on their golf cart - the lights weren't working. I did a little work on my cross stitch project and then got a short nap in. Later on, the dulcimer group got together for an hour to practice.

We had a crockpot meal of meatball stroganoff. It's a Banquet meal and it's pretty good. After that, it was time for the weekly Ice Cream Social over at the clubhouse.

Now, we're back in our recliners and getting ready to watch our Sunday night TV. Gosh, what a tough life!

Until the next time . . .

It Was a Good Day

This was a good day - just going with the flow of what came along. Of course, I was in the laundry room by 6:30 this morning, but I blew off going to Curves. Just didn't feel like it.

Then, Randy & I went to breakfast over at the clubhouse. They serve breakfast every Saturday morning, but most times we don't go. Today, though, it was biscuits and gravy. YUM! So, we met Dick & Pat over there, as well as several other folks we know.

Later in the morning, Pat, Randy & I rode over to one of the Catholic churches to check out their bazaar and bake sale. Well, the bazaar had a few cute things, but the bake sale, OMG!! I was rather restrained, I must say. I only bought some sourdough bread for dinner and peanut butter fudge. Pat bought some gumbo for Dick (he loves him some gumbo!), a German chocolate cake, and a few books. It was a very small event - we were out of there a few minutes after 10am. Then it was on to the grocery to pick up a few things and back to home we went.

Around 1:30 Pat and I were back over at Ruth's for more dulcimer practice. We've picked some neat songs for the CD. We're doing a harmonized version of Joy to the World; our gospel pick is How Beautiful Heaven Must Be (I had never heard this before playing the dulcimer, but it's beautiful song); and we've got four other songs we're practicing before we make a final decision on which 2 we'll do for the CD. We practiced for almost 2 hours. We're getting good, even if I do say so myself! :)

We vegged the rest of the afternoon. Went over to Dick & Pat's for a chili dinner. I took the fudge and the sourdough bread for my contribution. While Randy loves chili, I am not a big fan. However, I did enjoy Pat's chili. It had a bite to it, so it was pretty good. The bread was great, as was the fudge and the German chocolate cake! Good eats.

Watched a so-so SciFi movie the rest of the evening while cross stitching and playing around on the computer. And that's it for now. Tomorrow's church and another dulcimer session. Of course, the ice cream social tomorrow evening, can't forget that! Just another crazy weekend in Lower Alabama!

Until the next time . . .

Celebrating Friendship

This was such a fun day. Today is Ruth's birthday. Ruth and her husband, Ron, were among the first of our friends here. They did everything they could to make us feel welcome at the park and to include us in the community. Ruth is also the one who introduced me to the dulcimer! Ron & Ruth are also the first ones to jump in and help when a need arises - no matter what that need may be or who it is.

So, I wanted to turn the tables on Ruth and celebrate her, for a change. Six us took her to lunch today at Applebee's and we had the best time. It was great to laugh and chat and get to know each other a little more. Don't we look like we're having a good time?

From L to R: Connie, me, Cindy, Ruth (the b'day girl), Linda, Sarita & Pat

Later this afternoon four of us, Ruth, Pat, Cindy & I, got together to practice a few songs for our dulcimer recording that's happening next Saturday. The Jubilee Pickers are recording a couple of CDs and are doing it in mini sessions. So, next Saturday six lap dulcimer players are getting together at one of the JP member's homes to record a Christmas song, a gospel song and a couple other songs. Linda & her husband, Marvin, have built a small recording studio in their home - isn't that cool?

And that was my day. Didn't see much of Randy, but I'll make up for that this weekend, I'm sure. He is so great about my comings and goings. I am blessed to have him as my husband. When I ask him if he minds my going out, he always tells me as long as I'm happy, he's happy. See how fortunate I am?

Hope you have a good weekend. Until the next time . . .

We Did Our Part to Help Out the Auto Industry!

It's Thursday, so it must be a dulcimer day! Today was rehearsal for Jubilee Pickers. It was a much smaller group than usual as some of the folks are attending a festival in Georgia and others have already begun their Thanksgiving travel. But, it was fun as always. We're now practicing Christmas music! It is getting close, isn't it!?!?!!

The more important thing that we did today, though, was to do our part in helping out the auto industry and, thus, the economy. Randy took the truck in for its 90K mile check-up. A few hours later, Ford was more than $500 richer. So, we are good citizens, sacrificing for the cause! :)

And that was pretty much our day. Exciting, huh? Bet you are just drooling over your keyboard 'cause our life is just one phenomenal event after another and you wish you were here. Well, to be truthful, we wish you were here, too! We do love our life and would be ecstatic if more of our family and friends were on the road with us. Just think about it . . .

Oh, I haven't shared pictures of Reagan recently, so here are a couple from last Sunday when the family got together to celebrate a grandniece's birthday and to see our nephew, Joe, who was in town from California.

Playing with the new guinea pig
Just talking with Uncle Joe
Until the next time

Haircut, Mani/Pedi, and Dinner with New Friends

How's that for diversity?!?! And throw in my session at Curves. Nice.

Pat and I went back to the beauty school for haircuts. They really do a decent job and for $12 plus tip you get a shampoo, cut and blow dry. Plus you feel like you're helping out the students by giving them a live person to practice on rather than a mannequin.

After our haircuts, we went to get our nails done. Pat only got a pedicure, but I did the whole nine yards - manicure, pedicure, brows & lip wax. I am beautiful! Well, my hands, feet, and hair are, at least! ;)

This afternoon we had an early dinner at Lambert's. I wrote about Lambert's last year, I believe. It's a family-owned restaurant with two other locations in Missouri. The neatest thing about this restaurant, other than their food which is fabulous, is their "throwed rolls." Many years ago when the restaurant was getting started, it was very busy and the waiters were trying to get around to all the customers with the delicious homemade rolls. Well, the story goes that one customer yelled out, "Just throw the darn thing!" (or something like that) and the rest is history. For more on this wonderful restaurant, visit their site at Lambert's.


We've been to Lambert's many times, but the highlight of this visit was that Jim & Ellie and Mark & Dortha were joining Dick & Pat and us. This was the first time we had to sit and visit with them since they've been in the park. Well, we had a wonderful time together! I keep repeating myself, but it's worth it - the best thing about living this RV lifestyle is the people we meet along the way. And Jim & Ellie and Mark & Dortha are proof of that. There's something that clicks with us RVers. We can be completely at ease with each other within minutes of meeting. And isn't that great?!!?!!

On the left, from front to back: Jim, Ellie, Dortha & Mark. You know those folks on the right!


Randy & I have even tweaked our Spring trip to include a few days in Rockport, TX so we can meet up with Jim & Ellie and Mark & Dortha. Can't wait to be able to spend a little more time with these folks. The four of them are leaving this week, so February will be the next visit together. Safe travels, you all!!

That's it for today. It's been chilly here, but sunny, so that's a plus. Hope you're having a good week. Until the next time . . .

A Very Musical Day

I had a whirlwind day! I had two dulcimer gigs today. And of course, Randy had his orchestra rehearsal this evening.

This morning Jam N Folks had rehearsal for about an hour and a half, then we had a gig at a church in Fairhope at noon. One of the great things about most of our gigs is that we get fed! :) I had jambalaya for the first today at lunch. It was really good! I thought jambalaya was a gumbo-type dish, but it's not. It's rice, chicken and sausage all mixed up together with a creole seasoning. Yummy! We played for about 30 minutes or so after lunch.

This evening the Jubilee Pickers had a gig at a local middle school. We were to play background music during the dinnertime of one of their fundraisers, Wild Game Night. A local celebrity, Gary Finch, was their speaker. He has an outdoorsman show on TV here. So, again we played for 30 or 40 minutes until Gary Finch spoke. Then, we got dinner. They had venision, fried fish, fried shrimp, cole slaw, beans and dessert. Another yummy evening.

I gotta tell you, though. I am tired tonight. This has been one big day. But, I really enjoy the music and the people I play with. It's a joy.

Hope you had a good day, too! Until the next time . . .

Just Another Monday

Mondays are usually pretty laid back around here. I know - most of our days are laid back! But, I mean that there isn't much planned on Mondays for some reason. Anyway, I did go to Curves this morning even though it was rather chilly - 36 degrees! I had to warm up the truck so that the windshield could defrost! (Sorry to my northern friends, I know you're experiencing even colder weather.)

Back from Curves, I did my normal morning routine - coffee, computer and morning news. And I always like to watch The View on Mondays 'cause it's Hot Topics throughout the whole show. This morning's show was a little boring, though. So, about halfway through I called Lins to get caught up on their weekend. I even got to talk to Reagan for a few minutes! YAY!

Then it was on to clean the bathroom and then get my shower so we could go shopping. Yes, shopping. Ugh. For those of you who know me well, you know that I did not get the female shopping gene. I. do. not. like. shopping. Unfortunately, it was necessary 'cause I had to get a pair of khaki-colored pants or capris. One of the dulcimer groups I play with, Jam N Folks, wears a navy polo and khaki-colored pants/capris for their performances. And we have a performance tomorrow afternoon. Yeah, I know. Nothing like waiting until the last minute.

Well, Randy & I drove all the way down to Gulf Shores (about 20 miles), stopping at 2 WalMarts and 1 Target before finding a pair of khaki jeans. Not what I wanted, but they work. I really wanted a pair of capris because I'd get more use of those, but that's what I get for waiting so long. I'm sure I'll wear the jeans more than I realize right now. And with the weather being so chilly, I may be glad I've got the jeans!

That was it for the day. While dinner was cooking, I went over to Pat's to download an anti-virus program for her. Dinner was good - salsa chicken and broccoli with melted cheese. Yum. Now, it's Dancing with the Stars and cross stitching, well, as soon as I post this entry, that is.

Until the next time . . .