Musings from Grandma's Attic

Me again

2012-01-23T18:00:00.000-06:00

I will be heading into the wilderness for a week again tomorrow. You know, the area with (gasp) no internet. So it will be a while before I can induce sleep again.

And I think I made Daughter sound a lot worse than she is. I KNOW she felt guilty about seeing #6 for a week. She has always been this way. She gets upset with herself, but then lashes out. Not a good quality for sure, but it is just the way she is. Definitely lives by "the best defense is a good offense" philosophy.

She and Son were close as could be in high school. It has changed now. He, like most men, married. The old adage holds there. A son is a son until he takes a wife. They spend much more time with her people. So ...

Anyway. Have a safe and happy week. Catch you later.

Sibling rivalry

2012-01-23T11:30:00.001-06:00

Ah - what a deep subject for a Monday morning. It is a subject that I have no personal knowledge of other than my own children since I was an only child. I see it with G at times. Whether is was his perception of his mother's actions or not, I know he will occasionally make statements that could be construed as springing from sibling rivalry. I think that is not the case - I knew the witch for 42 years. She didn't like any of this family. My question is rather rhetorical I guess because of my previous statement, but does it ever end?

Daughter had not gotten out to meet the newest baby in the family. I know she is busy, but ... So I asked her if she would host family dinner last night since her dad wasn't feeling well and didn't want to infect six children. She launched into such a tirade!

She had contacted DIL on Saturday asking if it would be ok to come out that afternoon to meet #6. DIL said it really wasn't because Son had a gig at a BBQ cook off. Family dinner was brought up, and DIL made a comment along the lines they hadn't decided what they were going to do, but she would let Daughter know Sunday morning.

About 1, Son called me to tell me his had scored a couple of briskets at the cook off, and he would bring one. When I talked to G later, we decided that (1) it was Daughter's turn to host, and (2) we weren't. So then I made "The Call."

What a storm I stepped into there. She was furious with DIL and Son for waiting so long. They had started pork already. On and on she went. I finally just flat told her to let me get a word in.

After a bit, she called and apologized to me. But, you know, the damage really had been done. I felt terrible about the situation. I wish I had the nerve to tell her that she had been wrong for not making time to go out to see the baby. I know her reaction was partially out of guilt with the situation. But still. Even her kids were taking the brunt of all this.

She is so jealous of her brother at times. There is no reason at all. They have always been treated equally, and if it was unequal, she usually had the better times. Son doesn't seem to have these feelings. He is pretty even tempered - until something really gets to him. Even then, he blows up and it's over.

Daughter is looking closely at 40. I can't help but wonder if there might be some peri-menopausal stuff going on there. I don't know, but this stuff is really getting to me!

Better things to think of - our Pastor was absolutely amazed at the working of the women's group with out initial meeting. He saw positive things happening the entire time we were together. My co-conspirator was furious he was there. She felt he dominated the meeting. I told her for this first one, it was fine. I wanted him to see that we were a good thing for the church. If he comes in the next time, we will politely tell him to get a plate of food and leave! So there were good things happening on Sunday too!

Peace

It was amazing, and a lot of fun

2012-01-21T14:57:00.001-06:00

We had the first meeting of the new women's group finally today. While not everyone who said they would be there showed, there were still 11 of us. The eleven are strong women who can get things done.

While we snacked - after all what's a meeting without food, and Robyn brought mimosas! - we talked about the group and what we saw as important. It was clearly decided that the fellowship is important, and that service to the church and the community was equally important.

Pastor came in to say hello, and we convinced him to sit and enjoy some food. So he did. I think he was very impressed by the attitude of the group wanting fellowship, but more importantly - wanting to be of service. We want to be the nurturing heart of the congregation.

We set the next meeting, and we have some definite ideas of where we are heading. What a great bunch of women. There was a little aside where there may be splinter groups from this main group who will meet occasionally - like perhaps a crafting group. Yea! We are off and rolling.

Grrr

2012-01-19T13:59:00.000-06:00

The women's group a friend and I have wanted to start at church will actually begin on Saturday. For this, I am excited. We were going to work on the "children's annex."

A little history here. We are a brand new church (well - five years old). We began meeting in an elementary school. That was good although tiring because everything had to be stored in a trailer and put out/taken up every Sunday. Daughter and SIL stayed at that church while we went back to our "home church" after they got a new preacher. Wanted to give him a chance. But he was not as dynamic at Pastor C at this new church.

After three years, the school gave us the boot, and a new worship facility had to be found. So the church relocated in a strip center. The church sort of has a coffee shop feel, but that's ok. It is laid back and very progressive. It works.

After about a year, it was evident that that space was simply too small. There was no room for the kids. So another spot was leased about three doors down that gained the name "children's annex." Now this isn't advertised except among the members because it seems that there is something that prohibits a children's place. They are probably trying to make sure there is no day-care locating in that strip center. So we moved to two services (ugh!), with the children having a 15 minute education experience during the sermon. It is sort of a Sunday School, but not really.

What does this have to do with the women's group you ask. Well, the person who is in charge of the education has said she wanted curtains to cover the windows. OK. Sharon and I both sew. She does quilts (and I am hoping before something happens she will teach me!), and you know what I do. We were all set, and this was going to be the activity for the first meeting of the wg.

When the time grew close for this meeting on Saturday, K said she had consulted a decorator (!?!?!?!?! - we are broke!) who suggested painting phrases and the like on the walls. She was going to Bed, Bath and Beyond to purchase curtains. What?? Well, ok. She said the women could do the painting. We agreed. We thought it was all set.

I get an email today saying that she doesn't have time to get the paint and all. She suggested a stupid ice breaking game for us. Nope, not gonna' do it. I hate those stupid ice breakers to begin with. Always have, and always will.

I forwarded the email to my partner in crime, and she agrees. So it will be a more relaxed time. We will eat snacks and lunch, and sit and talk. We will be looking at things in the future. We will try to pin down service things for us to do, but first and foremost we will get to know one another. That's what we wanted all along. We just threw in the other stuff because our unmarried pastor doesn't seem to understand that there is an underlying desire among us women to simply know one another. Hopefully there can be some service to the church and community. He is big on the community involvement. He doesn't want us to be self-centered. I think we can handle it all! Even if K keeps throwing monkey wrenches into plans.

Peace.

I get pulled into things like this all the time.

2012-01-18T16:08:00.001-06:00

First, I will say that I do like venison. I don't hunt, but I do eat the stuff! I like the meat. But I have gotten what I guess some would consider lazy (G), and some would say smart.

When we first began going to the area of the SSB - family land remember - I would go out after G got a deer and help him dress it. After all - biology major and all. I knew the anatomy, and where to cut. This is the gross part, so skip to the next paragraph if you want. When I was three months pregnant with child #2 (Son), I saw a deer in the pasture outside the house. Close shot, and easy meat. G got up from breakfast and shot it. Like a trooper, I went out with him to field dress it. Won't go into anymore detail. If you know what that means, enough said.

After a few years, I got really tired of having my feet freeze while out skinning and so on. It seems his favorite time for shooting a deer is at sunset. I also was tired of staying in MIL's house. She had OCD about the house and cleaning. I knew I could never get it back to her standards, and as I have mentioned before, she hated me. So I got really tired of the place. Plus there was only one tv channel. FIL installed this fancy tower antenna, but everyone was afraid to touch it. It would rotate, and it would continually break if it were turned at a speed over .001 millimeter per hour! So I didn't go with him for a long time. I was more than happy to stay at home, and enjoy the life here.

Then we had our trailer put in. I like to be fancy and say "manufactured home," but let's get real - it's a double wide. We have put a lot into it, but that's what we could afford. Anyway. I now go with him once a month and we stay for a week. That's when you don't hear from me. I still do not do any of the butchering. But until last year, I helped make venison/pork breakfast sausage.

Last year G and our wonderful neighbor made the sausage. Gene has a wonderful set up, and it doesn't take long to make that sausage. I don't remember if I packaged it or not, but I am thinking I did. This year I wasn't going to do any of it - except eat the sausage!

Now you know how that fared. I managed to do almost nothing until it was all ground. Then G came in to do the packing. I showed him how to use the meal sealer. But then he complained about having greasy hands to try to use the sealer. I finally decided it was easier to just give in at that point, but I did so knowing that he was fully committed to staying right there to help.

We got it done. Took about an hour. But at least I wasn't doing it by myself. Next year - who knows. There's hope I won't have to do anything!

Peace

NUTS!!!

2012-01-16T12:04:00.002-06:00

I thought I could successfully steal the video of Lady Bug winning her 50m breast stroke from the Facebook page. It was just a tease for me. On THIS computer, it worked. I later found out from the comments that I was woefully wrong.

Anyway, she did win that meet, and placed in each and every one she swam. She gathered a lot of points, and today since she is 11, she is not in the same group. Things will be a little different for her. Instead of (and excuse the terrible pun)being the big fish in the pond, she will be one of the youngest.

I have to give it to her however. She got up and went to swim practice this morning. When her dad asked if she didn't want to just chill - she said "no, all the good swimmers will be at practice this morning." What a kid. I think I am going to have to make sure I have my passport up to date for 2016! She has her eyes set on it. With this dedication I think she will make it.

Angelica went home this morning. She was so excited to see the kids! She was getting really settled in here too. She was getting a little jealous of the attention I would give Simone. That broke my heart because I really wish we had that little girl living here.

She had a bit of excitement when she went out for the last time last night. G came in to tell me there was a rabbit in the middle of the yard. Simone even was a little interested. She usually has a "live and let live" attitude. She doesn't care about the squirrels - and we wish she did!

I asked him to take Angelica out front, but she went to the back. Well - the rabbit was back in the middle of the yard. Angelica is fast! I would have really freaked out seeing that. I was so afraid Angelica would have a midnight snack. G said he never saw a rabbit move so fast. Fortunately it made it under the deck before contact could be made. Fun and games at Grandma's house!

Peace.

So what do I do now?

2012-01-15T13:53:00.001-06:00

This probably isn't going to be a very perplexing problem for you. In fact, I doubt that anyone else in this entire world would give this a second thought, but to me - I don't know which answer I am going to use.

You see - yesterday I found I had filled the hard drive on the old laptop I use upstairs for my embroidery designs. Now this could be because the hard drive is something like 65 gb. The computer is getting old. It crashed once, and I suspect that all those old files that were on it are still lurking someplace in the dark recesses of the hard drive. I have tried to find space. I deleted a lot of old files. But I think there are some I cannot find, and I don't delete files willy-nilly anymore. I managed to do some serious harm to my school issued laptop when I was still an in-service teacher. So I try to be a little more careful.

The other explanation is perhaps, just perhaps, I have too many blasted embroidery files. Just because collecting free embroidery designs has replaced my passion for genealogy ... The last time the files were counted they numbered something like 46,000. Hmmm. Perhaps, just perhaps.

But the problem exists never-the-less. I have been thinking of various solutions. The most immediate solution is to put the designs on CD's. That is an easy fix, and many of the designs were placed on CD's when I used the reader to load them into the machine. That was pre-digitizer. Yeah, spend $1400 to replace a CD reader. But it is a set-up that works well, and IF I ever learn to use it properly, I will have greater flexibility - to get MORE designs. Well...

The downside is that I don't trust CD's - at all. I really don't want to lose those designs. Not all were free. And many of those that were free are special. Nope - can't afford to lose them.

Another possible solution would be to get some large thumb drives. I have mostly small ones now because the machine reads the 2 G ones easily. The bigger they get, the more time it takes to load the designs. But I could use them as storage to then move the design to the computer to load into the machine via the digitizer.

Downside here - not trusting of the thumb drives either. Of course, I should be so trusting of the hard drive on the computer?

The last thought I have had is to buy another external hard drive. I have one, and I backed up the designs on it yesterday, but I need to take a cold look at the files on that drive. I have piled files on there that seemed to be of vast importance when I put them there. Now I am trying to remember just why those files were so important. Plus, I have backed up embroidery designs so many times, I am not sure where the most recent back-up is. Darn chemo-menopause-old age brain.

This has the same downside as the other ways. Plus, the external hard drive is the most expensive. For some reason I seem to trust it more, however.

I think what I am going to do is a combination of at least two of the possible solutions. Probably all three. It is tempting to go to an off-site storage place I have seen advertised.

But the problem is that I cannot get this computer to accept the router, meaning I have no internet upstairs. I got the wild idea to try to set up the home connection thingy. I have worked on that for the last couple of days. It still doesn't work. I look at my internet accesses upstairs, and it shows that it recognizes this computer as an internet place. But this computer doesn't send any information to that one. I guess this one is just too stuck-up.

As to the weekend with the dogs - the old lab is still alive, and doing well. When you are taking care of a dog that old, you worry. You surely don't want him passing on your watch. Simone and Angelica are doing ok, with Angelica staying in her kennel most of the time. We just keep them apart with that little grating. Shadow on the other hand is back on top of the china cabinet. Last night I went in to pluck him down so he could use his litter, eat and get some water. I imagine he is back up there today.

All will be back to normal tomorrow. Mean time, Lady Bug won her 50 m breast stroke. It was a pretty sight. Perhaps I will see if I can hijack the video from Facebook and put it here. Brave talk from one who is becoming very technology challenged!

Keep warm, and peace.

Angelica

2012-01-13T11:48:00.001-06:00

In just a few minutes, Angelica will be here for the weekend. You forgot who Angelica is? Well! She is the little boxer we wanted to foster (and adopt), but she likes Shadow tooo much!

It should be an interesting weekend. Lady Bug is off to LSU (??) for a swim meet. It is a big deal. The other boxer is going to the vet for boarding, and the old lab will be at home. I will be going over to let him out, and all. But I get to have my cutie back here for three days.

Shadow may be traumatized by the whole thing. If he's smart, he will only come around when she is in the kennel - which will be a lot of the time. She likes it there. But I am really happy to be able to have this sweetie!

Haven't gone to the hospital today yet. Is it just me, or does the wonder and excitement of grandchildren sort of subside - after five or six. He IS number six.

So, I will go and make ready for the sweetheart. I hope Simone will be OK. She has been acting strangely. That worries me. She is getting old, and she has had those mast cell tumors. The vet said they could well start up in the digestive track. Great. She already has GERD. About once a month, the throws up. She has been acting like she wants to for a couple of weeks now. This may really set her off. But we have her nausea meds now.

Have a great weekend. Keep warm wherever you are. Seems like winter has found all of us.

Peace.

He's here, he's here!

2012-01-12T13:15:00.000-06:00

I would like you to meet Mr Holden Gregory. He arrived by C-section this morning. The C-section was already scheduled, but he was going to try to make his entrance into the world early. DIL's water broke about 2:35 this morning, and contractions began shortly after that.

The surgery was a given though - she has had two before, and there was no way she could have delivered this baby - the largest of the flock. Statistics: 8 lbs 6 1/2 oz, 20 1/2 inches. She is 5foot 2.

(Note this is the VERY first picture - he still has ink on his feet!!)

Here are the sibs admiring the new brother who is in dad's arms. The other granny is sitting there also.

Busy Boy looks rather astonished! He is ready to be the big brother. He wants to hold him all the time, and walk around with him! He wasn't too thrilled that I got to hold him. Our relationship isn't as strong as with the other grandparents for him and the other grandchildren for me. But then Monkey Boy (7) is just now coming around to me. It's ok.

Time warp

2012-01-09T11:06:00.003-06:00

I must have stepped into a time warp. Where did those other days go? I really thought I had been here since the last post. Oh well - it's hell to get old.

In an old category - weather. It seems it is either feast or famine around here. We went through the summer, well most of the year, with almost no rain. We didn't even get a tropical storm. Today we are getting flooding rains, and the news people are out standing in the flood waters - through all the regular programming too.

You know, I really don't mind the flooding rain except that my kids have to be out in it to work. Both don't have jobs that are in an office. Daughter has accounts (mostly corner stores) to see, and Son works for the telephone company. I told Daughter this morning this is when retirement is really wonderful At the first clap of thunder this morning, I was able to just roll over to go back to sleep!!

The weekend was rather uneventful with the exception of having to host family dinner. Five grandchildren aged from 2 - 11 is really too many!! The toys migrate their ways into the den, and then not a single kid has played with them. Ha! I told one of them that I don't play with them, so I shouldn't have to pick them up. Perhaps I should just get rid of the toys. Went over like - well you fill that in!

Thursday we will add grandchild #6. DIL will go in for her C-section. The other day she remarked on Facebook that she is anxious to find out what it is. I wanted to be a smart-a** and tell her that technology will do that these days. It is called "ultrasound," and she has had several! I didn't. I didn't know what her mood was at the time. Pregnant women can be awfully hormonal!

Step-granddaughter has me wondering again. She needs $$$$ to fly back to SA. There is a legal problem she must attend to, and I can't help but wonder if she isn't using her dad and step mom. She's done it before - many times. And what do they say about leopards? Yea. We'll see, and I will hope for the best.

Peace.

Yes, we are back from the edge of the world.

2012-01-05T14:33:00.001-06:00

And we hit the place running. It seems like I haven't slowed down since we came home. But then, when you are 8 or 9 days without internet, and you do a lot on the internet - it takes a while to go though it all.

All is on for the new baby arrival next week. DIL went to the OB yesterday. All is in place, and her body, as usual, has done nothing to be ready to deliver this third baby. She is still clamped tight. Well the good doc will take care of that!

My step-granddaughter is pregnant. That was a shock to say the least. I worry about this relationship. She is a nutzo, or at least had been. She and the father have only been together five months. Guess how far along she is. Right - 5 months. Due in May.

He had been engaged before they met. I could smell "rebound." They have moved to Alabama now. There is no support system in place for them.

But according to Daughter (the new grandmother), SGD has grown up a lot. She is more mature, and seemingly less needy. The dad wants to marry her - now, but she doesn't want to be hugely pregnant when she gets married. What? She wants her daughter to be flower girl? Sorry - ugly! Just slipped out.

Anyway, they made the big move on Sunday. Seems like things are going well. There are still a lot or worries in everyone's mind, but they seem like they plan to make things work.

I hope so.

Since I haven't been here to say it - Happy New Year. Ours was incredibly quiet. We were in bed fast asleep by 11. We lead such an exciting life.

I am working pretty diligently trying to get a Women's Group going at church. We really need one. But our plans probably have been changed for the first meeting, and I have to call my partner in crime on this. Our Pastor was supposed to announce the first meeting on Sunday, but I don't think he did. I am a little ticked about that!!

So - off to call my co-conspirator, and then draft the email to send out to all the women!

Peace.

This and that

2011-12-24T10:51:00.001-06:00

First - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. After today, things will be crazy, but I wanted to leave you with those wishes.

I have been thinking in the last couple of days (no smart remarks, please!) about how traditions change. What we think of as traditions are there only to change. As our kids get older, they begin to make THEIR own traditions. I saw it happen as we and our kids got older - there is no longer the greater family get together at Christmas, at all. We don't see the in-laws at all like we used to. Our kids and their kids all have their own families or things to do. It is just too much of a hassle to get together like before. I do miss that.

Even things we did as a family (us and our kids) have changed in the last couple of years. There are more grandchildren, and our kids are setting their traditions with their kids. Sometimes, as I am seeing now, the grandparents are sort of pushed aside. At first I had my feelings hurt a little, but I do realize now what is happening.

Today our big point on the agenda is church at 7:30. Now if I were thinking of our old church, I wouldn't even dream of going. All the C&E members will be there, and unless I were the organist as I used to be, I wouldn't have a seat. This church isn't that way. Oh, we will be crowded, don't kid yourself, but we are so small that we have very, very few C&Eers. So off we will go - in the glorious rain!!!

Tomorrow will be interesting. I am sure Daughter wants us to be there in the morning - which means a big breakfast. We would go to Son's, but there is a 10 mile difference. Daughter is a mile, he is 11 miles.

Then we will go to DIL's mother's house for lunch. As a posted before - gumbo and probably ham. Plus there will be so much food her counters will nearly collapse. Things will be great - if her son isn't there. He doesn't like one or more of us - probably my SIL. That family doesn't care for him - he still cannot get over his bragging and loud mouth, and that doesn't go in their family.

Then tomorrow night we will be back at Daughter's house for dinner. SIL works for a commercial oven company. They gave him a commercial oven last year, and he had it hooked up yesterday. So the hunk of beef that he has will be cooked in that. They are inviting my across-the-street neighbors whose kidlets go to school with my grandkids as well. So, it should be interesting.

We will be leaving on Monday for the SSB. This is one time I really don't want to go. I don't know why. I am usually up for the trip, but not so much this time. I have been sewing each and every day. It has become a routine, and I won't be taking things to do like that. In fact, I don't know what I am going to take to keep myself occupied. I know there is always cleaning house. It needs it, but really??

So, have a great holiday season. See you when I get home. Peace be with you.

All's well, and all that, plus the beat goes on.

2011-12-21T14:00:00.001-06:00

Some mixture! Some things are right, and some things are just continuing to be strange.

The dryer was worked on the way I hoped. Of course, that wasn't the real issue in yesterday's post - it was that hard headed man I am married to. I don't see him ever changing either, but this has gotten worse. Geesh!

Grannie - you are right. He used those brushes to get all that junk out. I never knew there were such things. Learn something new everyday. Isn't that Martha Stewart's mantra?? Oh, well - I do try.

The beat that is going on has to do with that stupid accident. We got a call yesterday from another adjuster, or something. They want another taped recount of the events. We didn't recognize the telephone number, so we called the adjuster at the insurance company to see if this is really on the up and up.

He was out, but called this morning. It is legitimate, and so G will call this guy again. It seems that the insurance company is very upset about the lying taking place on their part. I believe she has had a claim before, and they are very upset about her not being truthful with them. They are probably looking for a way to dump her. I didn't know they needed a cause, but I guess so.

So things are rocking along. I just wish I knew what was going to happen for Christmas. SIL keeps talking about this hunk of meat he has and wants to fix, but nothing else is being talked about. He wants to go to San Antonio to see his family, but Daughter doesn't want to go - at least not before Christmas.

We are going to DIL's mother's house for a while. She always includes us in her family Christmas. We have a good time, but apparently we don't like real Cajun food. Their gumbo isn't what I like. They don't put anything in it but chicken and sausage. I like a good seafood gumbo. They also have theirs with the rice that one would expect, but also potato salad. Interesting!

So what we will be doing and where - who knows. Church will be one of the places on Christmas Eve. And DIL's mom's house will be a stop on Christmas Day. Other than that is a mystery!

Peace.

Grrrrrr

2011-12-20T10:04:00.001-06:00

I really should just sit and get over this "mad" I have going on right now, but I am still seething.

Our dryer has been working more and more poorly over the last few months. G was going to dry some towels I had in the dryer, but they didn't dry after two rounds over the weekend. He discovered that there was a huge amount of lint - behind the filter. The filter has never fit correctly, and after a million loads, well, it allowed a lot of lint to gather behind it.

He is not the mechanical sort. He took something and began to dig out the lint. He got a lot out, and I had the idea that the vacuum cleaner would be just the thing to use. It would have been, but the space between the front of the dryer and the back of the lint filter holder wouldn't allow the crevice tool to get down there.

I went to the garage to find the largest screw driver I could find. (note - I was able to salvage some of my dad's tools after his death, and he had some like this, otherwise I would have been SOL) It worked sort of, but I couldn't get all the lint.

I remembered that the guy who cleaned the chimney also cleaned dryer vents. Now I thought this would include the dryer too. I can see what needs to be done, but I don't have (???) the proper sized screw driver for those little screws that holds the entire thing. Poetic justice, right?

Anyway this is a long way around to explain why I am still boiling. We called that guy, and he is supposed to come out this morning. We are having some of that water that falls from the sky this morning. He called to say he would like to come later because this involves ladder work. I replied - uh, no. The vent just goes out the wall.

I TRIED to explain to G that we probably aren't going to get what we think we are getting - a complete cleaning of the whole thing, and we probably will have to call a repair person.

Every time I try to explain something to him, he looks at me like I am some creature from the planet Xenon who is speaking in some other language. It is like he thinks I don't know anything. It makes me so mad I could just spit. He will argue with me for hours about something that I know is right. All with that stupid look on his face.

If I hadn't already blown up, although nicely, yesterday about this very thing, I think I would be in a better mood. I told him about how he argues with me about everything. I told him he gives me that stupid look (but I didn't say "stupid") look that is like I am a creature from outer space. I told him all of this, and yet this behavior continues. I am beginning to believe he is stupid. There, I said it! And right now I MEAN it.

I am just furious. So I simply held the phone back to him, said to call this guy to get an explanation. He said no - he thinks the whole thing will be cleaned. I simply said OK - and walked off. I have better things to do with my life than argue with a wall.

Thank you for listening! And peace be with you. And this is why I don't publicize my blog to the family! It is my outlet.

Merry Christmas then and now

2011-12-19T11:37:00.001-06:00

I thought I would add pictures of the clan. The one to the left is last year and is all of them. Son and family on the left, Daughter on the right.

This is Son's family this year. Little girl has grown - a lot!!

I don't have a current family picture of Daughter's family, but they are at an age where they don't change as much as Little Girl. You can't see Baby #3 - still inside. Will be here January 12.

The first picture was one of the many I was given for Christmas last year. They were framed beautifully.

So - that's my family. Daughter's birthday was yesterday. She turned (gasp) 38. Cannot believe all these years have passed.

Peace.

More time with the kidlets

2011-12-18T15:15:00.004-06:00

Seems like our Pastor is in a bit of a quandary. Daughter is on the board. They wanted to have lunch after church. That's all that needs to be said to give background.

So what does that have to do with anything, you ask. Well - it meant that we had the kidlets after church today. We had them twice as long as we were supposed to have them.

I sound terrible, don't I. You KNOW I love those kids. I enjoy being with them - but when I am told x amount of time, I plan on x amount of time.

Kids being kids, want to play with toys they don't normally have around. Such is the time at Grandma's. But I knew that it would be a whirl-wind when parents came to get them, and they were spending their time getting out multitudes of toys. I really did not feel like picking them up.

As it turns out, they did better than great - they were superb. Couldn't ask for better kidlets.

In yesterday's pics, Lady Bug's personality showed through like a champ. She is such a great kid - it scares me. I do love them all, but there is just something about this one!

Perhaps it is because I am more comfortable around older kids. One reason I never, ever wanted to teach in the elementary school. Sixth grade science was the lowest I ever taught - thank goodness. I have to be honest - high school biology was the fav. The others are growing too, so someday ...

Peace.

Busy, but nice

2011-12-17T21:18:00.001-06:00

Today, I got to spend the better part of the day with Lady Bug. She came over and we BAKED!! Her brother joined us later. Cookies, cookies, cookies! Oh and she decorated my little skinny tree. Quite the clown - that girl.

Unbelievable part 2

2011-12-15T12:45:00.001-06:00

The identity of the witness has been revealed. They have the same address. The witness is her boyfriend. She told G she called him. Post accident. And yes, he did come later.

So the insurance company is going to have all the managers sit down. They know she is lying. They are looking at holding her 100% at fault. Guess the car will be repaired!

Can you believe - trying to scam you own insurance company. I know why - she doesn't want to be dropped or have her rate increase. But still...

My back - she is a hurtin'. Just kidding. Really.

Unbelievable

2011-12-15T11:06:00.002-06:00

Remember the parking lot accident that happened Wednesday of last week? When we left, there were no "witnesses" to this - only boyfriend whom she said she called.

Well, we got a phone call today - suddenly a witness has surfaced. They said that we were parked on the same side of the isle. Nope - I have pictures. The witness said we backed into each other going out different ways, and that WE hit her.

So G gave another statement. The insurance person - and by the way, she has the SAME company - said the witness' facts didn't add up. Little Bimbo. Perhaps I should play the injury card after all. I can't believe this.

I always knew that accidents in private parking lots were a problem, but this is really too much. Our question is just where was this witness the day it happened. No one came out other than boy friend. Hummm.

When we reported this accident, the agent said that repairs to our vehicle would come from our insurance, so what is the deal with this girl - oh, I know - she wants her car repaired at our expense. We had already decided that if the damage to ours was more or less the $1000 deductible, we wouldn't have anything done. The damage isn't that great.

I guess trials and tribulations are the order of the day. Especially with people trying to shrug their responsibilities. Sad.

Peace.

Pictures, pictures, pictures!

2011-12-14T11:23:00.001-06:00

This is not the new tree to replace the huge one. This is my favorite little Christmas tree. It is about 18 inches tall. If you look closely, you see that it is LOADED with Boxers! They are crawling all over it along with candy, presents, and associated Boxer goodies. I looked on line last week, and this tree is no longer available. I have friends who would have loved it with Doxies on it. Now I will have to be super careful with mine.

My Boxer tree

Christmons

As I was sewing yesterday, I decided to make a sample of Christmons to donate to the church. The tree there looks much like mine below - no decorations on it. Just lights. I don't know if they want to put these on, but if so - here they are.

My new little tree - without any decorations yet!

This is the new tree. The old one would have taken that entire space - and still be crammed in. I really love this little one. It is perfect for the spot - AND I can pick it up by myself. G still claims he will help - haven't seen that happen yet! I put the poinsettia on top because I just haven't gotten the ornaments out for the tree yet. But this is my new little prize!

I will try to get a picture of the other little Boxer tree for tomorrow. It is a little 3 foot metal tree that I put my annual Boxer ornaments on. It lives in the living room - where there is carpet. If one of the ornaments falls, it possibly won't break.

I was sitting here writing and looked at the new tree picture - and the white baseboard that I haven't stained or painted after the tile was put down years ago. I doubt that it will be done in the near future either! Can't get down on my knees for that. Looks horrible in the picture though!

Doing battle - again!

2011-12-13T10:19:00.001-06:00

That seems to be the catch phrase these days. The computer issues have been well documented. Now it is a new adversary - the Christmas tree.

Several years ago - don't remember how many - I decided that I was going to buy a fake tree. I was really sick of the expense of the real tree to say nothing about the needles that would work their way into the carpet.

So after Christmas, I went to a store, and bought a tree. Not a normal tree mind you, but a huge tree that probably had a bottom circumference of about five feet or more. Plus, it had been a floor model. So problems were inherent.

The first problem was when I was sure it would fit in the trunk of my little Grand Prix. After all it had the pass through trunk - into the passenger compartment. No problem! Yes, problem. I had to come home to get the truck to take that prized purchase home.

I used to wrestle this tree in the living room between the piano and the window. Didn't really fit, but I made it fit. Then as the family began to grow, I realized that there wasn't enough room in the living room for presents to be handed out when the time came.

So I moved it to the den. That was great except there was no place for this humongous tree. So it went on one side of the island fireplace. That meant we only had the one way to the front door - which was sufficient. Right?

Yes, it was good - the tree went there for the last couple of years. But this sucker weighed 14 tons. I couldn't manage this tree by myself - especially in the last couple of years. I had to get my son to put the monster in its bag last year, and then put it away. He had to get it out for me this year.

But this year something was wrong. I couldn't get the tree into its base. It would tilt and roll. When I put the middle section on, it was worse. I could see this monster falling on a grand kidlet - it would kill that child. Plus the entire bottom section wouldn't light. (I think it was the cord attached - but that's our little secret. I think it really was OK)

When I was at the same craft store where I got the monster, I saw they had a skinny little tree - about six feet tall. I remembered that little tree as I was doing battle. I told G the time had come. I was going to get that little tree, and monster tree could go to Goodwill or someplace. Someone could do battle with that tree and love it.

Yesterday morning, I set out to be at the store about when it opened. I knew there would be a lot of shoppers, and I am accustomed to being out early - if I shop these days.

I went to the manager to get someone to help me. If I were buying a tree at the full price - I wanted one in a box. I waited and waited - no one came. So I went back. The manager said the little guy didn't see me. I wanted to tell her - "look at me - I am rather hard to miss!!"

Anyway - I scored the tree. It is so cute, and fits so well. I just love it. Very minimal.

The other tree is in the back of the truck awaiting its trip to Goodwill.

Peace.

Tamed the monster - until it completely breaks

2011-12-10T10:12:00.001-06:00

Yes, I set out to battle this here lil' ol' computer this morning - and I won, at least so far.

Part of my problem is that I am still back in Windows 1 (or whatever it was), and this little babe is 7. I really had a steep learning curve to begin with. I see now there isn't all THAT much difference, and the things I have discovered that are different, I really like. The Gate*** upstairs is XP, and I miss some of the things here.

Anyway, back to my story. This morning I tried to remember what I would do to solve the infernal loop Della likes to settle into. For some reason, the was it was, it would automatically go to my name as user, and I would just log on. Now it doesn't do that. When it doesn't, the internet security program is going through all those things that want to access the internet immediately, and I have to approve them all over again. But then Della still sits and spins.

So I discovered the old "crtl-alt-del" trick. I do that immediately, and choose change user. Ok! Works. Then I shut down the internet protector. Then I am good to go.

Whatever is locked in here, I am pretty sure I will have major problems someday. I did a scan from the Mc yesterday. It came out clean. I have another I will do today, but I feel there is something nasty lurking within those chips in here.

I just wonder when it will come exploding out of the keyboard like "Alien."

Peace.

Here we go again

2011-12-09T12:01:00.001-06:00

This computer is really acting wonky. It takes me about 30 minutes to get it to stop its running in some kind of loop. It started being sick a couple of days ago. Anything that was typed would stop after two or so words. That was aggravating.

Yesterday, it was caught in some kind of loop. One of the virus controls I use for internet is apparently the culprit. If I can get to that program and shut it down, then all's right with the world. If not - well, no internet on this computer today.

I really thought I had the problem solved yesterday. Got the offending program shut down, and everything worked fine. Today G turned it on, and it was the same thing. Another 30 minutes to try to get it solved.

So I am running a scan to see if there is an offending virus or some other thing hidden. I have no idea where G goes on the internet. Nothing really bad - but he isn't really aware of where problems can hide. I KNOW he got viruses on his work computer that shut his down, and even threatened the entire system. We have to get another computer up so I can put the router back on. Then I can take this computer back - for me, plus use the one upstairs - for me.

Exciting days

2011-12-07T14:40:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was another test of the Grandma's Lack of Technological Sense. Thanks to my dear internet friend Judy, I got to play with our "new" home theater system. The thing is at least three years old, and I still fight it.

I was going to watch the wonderful Adele DVD. Oh, that meant that I had to put the DVD in the player. That part I remembered. Then came the real fun. I had to get sound out of the speakers AND a picture on the screen.

You have to understand that I have trouble switching from regular tv to surround sound, and getting the radio on - well, let's just say that I try for about 15 minutes, then walk away!

So I loaded the DVD. The easy part. Then I began trying to get the sound. I finally got that, all the while knowing that I would never get to listen to Prairie Home Companion on Sunday again!

Then I tried everything I could think of to get the picture. I knew G wouldn't settle for sound only with something completely off the subject on the screen.

I fiddled and fiddled. Then the memory came flooding back into my feeble (post menopausal, post chemo) brain. I needed yet another remote. This action required three remotes. You see, our fancy, expensive all in one remote that never worked properly is dead. It is beyond revival.

We watch so many DVD movies I forgot how to work all that stuff. When I got the third remote out, I remembered how to control the input, and viola, there was the picture. I did it. I had sound - out of the speakers, and an image on the screen.

We sat back and enjoyed the concert - greatly!!

Today began as a good day. I got to sleep in!!! We went to the Wednesday prayer and communion service, bought Daughter's birthday gift,and then found a new Italian restaurant. The food was delightful as well as inexpensive.

That was the end of the beautiful day. As we had already backed out of the parking space and were getting ready to pull out, there was a loud explosion sounding thingy. I thought the car (yes, the "new" one) had blown up or something. Nope - some little girl was in a hurry to leave and backed into us. So my bright, shiny new Toyota has a big boo-boo on the back.

What's even worse, I am hoping this is just nerves, but my sciatica, which has been hurting anyway again, is killing me. I know when I get upset, it will hurt. The back tightens up a lot. Well ... It is tight ! And I am upset. So, what will tomorrow bring? We'll see.

Peace.

Introducing: Lady Bug Fish

2011-12-06T13:38:00.001-06:00

Here is the little fish in our family! This is my Lady Bug with one of the medals she was awarded last weekend. She swims again this weekend!

Times have changed

2011-12-06T10:58:00.001-06:00

Not too long ago, Daughter thought she was Wonder Woman. She thought she could have a full time job, volunteer at the school, have the kids in sports, keep a spotless house - basically do it all. And this was all with SIL out of town, a lot!

Last week her world began to crumble a bit. Nothing really bad, but just enough that she FINALLY decided she does need to call on me sometimes. SIL was out of town, and Monkey Boy had one of his GI problems thereby missing two days of school. That was last Wednesday and Thursday, with me keeping the two older ones on Friday after school.

Yesterday was one of those days for her. She is frantically making her calls on her stores. They have a number they are to meet in a month. She will be in Orlando most of next week for a company meeting, so there goes a week for her. She has been elected to the "Board of Elders" at church, and they had a meeting last night. Lady Bug had swim practice. (I need to find her picture from the swim meet last week and show you - she got 4+ medals!!). SIL is out of town.

She asked me to watch the two younger ones. Normally - no problem, but I spent the morning with DIL and her two. We went shopping, then met G for lunch. Fun morning.

The problem was that when I got home, I was so full it was like Thanksgiving all over. I was stuffed, and I wanted to sleep. I am so glad Daughter called. I had forgotten about me watching hers!

I went over there. That was probably the first mistake. Monkey is not supposed to play video games during the week. He pulled a fast one on Granny! He went up to the game room first to play. Then he came downstairs and commandeered that TV. When Daughter got home she was rather livid.

It seems while she was at the swim meet over the weekend, SIL allowed the day to be full of video games. MB spends too much time, and does not take potty breaks - leading to constipation then diarrhea. Then after last night, well...

So Grandma probably made a mistake, but that's what happens! Not gonna' let it get to me.

Have a great one!

Peace.

"Bummed"

2011-12-04T12:56:00.001-06:00

Yep , that's me. The craft show was/is today. It was down to the wire for the snow to be blown. If you remember, I said that there was a great chance for rain today. It was still 70-80%. The time that the decision was to be made was 10:30. That was when the snow was to be blown.

Well - when I got up it was very dark and overcast. Then about 9ish, the sun had the audacity to come out. I got my first email from the person who chairs that committee. She said she would send an email between 10:30 and 11.

I had already made my decision. As frantically as I worked last night, I still wasn't ready. Then after G and Son picked up and unloaded firewood yesterday, I knew any help I sought from G was gone. I knew he was going to be too sore. And he is.

So I told Daughter that I was pulling out. When the email came, the show was a go. They decided to blow the snow, so there will be no rescheduling of the event. There went my last chance for a show this year. This means I haven't done a show in 1 1/2 years. Her being at a swim meet was a big part of my decision. She couldn't help, and G certainly didn't want to help. That was clear even last night.

Well, here it is 1 PM, and we are having rain. I will bet that the snow won't last very much longer, and I am sure there won't be many kids there to play in it. I know there have been lots of kiddos out of school sick. I would hope their parents would think better of them being out in this much cooler, wet day playing in cold, wet snow.

So - my income for the day $0.00. I guess it's ok though. I am not sitting out in the wet cold. My merchandise is not getting wet. Have to look at the positives. Got what I wanted - rain. Not when I wanted, but still got it. Didn't get to church because it might not have rained. I need a weather wizard!

Peace.

This and that

2011-12-01T11:07:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I moaned and groaned about not getting things done for the Craft Show. Well, and this is a familiar mantra in Texas anyway, but bring on the rain. We are forecast to have a 60% chance of rain Sunday. If that happens, there will be no show. That would be great because I am not ready at all!! So - as usual - bring on the rain.

As for Monkey Boy. I said yesterday that he now loves me while before he really could care less. It is the strangest thing. Oh, and I have him once again today. He is happy to stay with me which would not have been the case in the past. He is very demonstrative with his affection. He is really growing into a great kid!

Now the other grandson - the three year old. I get the same reactions from him that I had gotten from MB. He refuses kisses and the likes. He avoids me like the plague. I guess that one day he will change too.

One day - that makes me think. It is really strange knowing that my days are numbered. I don't know how long I have on this earth. No one really does, but at 66 there are certainly fewer than there were before. And then there's always the "c" factor looming out there. Will it return? Probably. It almost always does. Obits will say "fought cancer for x number of years." It is just sobering to realize you are really mortal after all.

OK - enough gloom and doom. I have MB stationed in front of the TV, and am headed up to sew. Pray for rain again! Please - I need more time!

Peace,

Another day gone

2011-11-30T16:28:00.001-06:00

I got nothing done - again - today. Well, not exactly true, but nothing towards the craft show.

At noon, I went to the prayer/communion service at church. It was a good thing. I am glad I went. I left feeling uplifted.

Before I left I had to go up to put away my ironing board and the like because the guy was coming to check out the heaters. Yes - we do use heaters around here!

When I got home, I found that we had Monkey Boy with us. He was having a GI incident, and was sent home from school. I'm glad G stayed behind to await the heater guy. Daughter is running herself ragged trying to get all of her work done since her company is pulling them for a national meeting in Orlando in a couple of weeks.

So with MB here, I spent a lot of time with him. I was also waiting for G to GET THROUGH WITH MY COMPUTER! Sorry - irritates me. I have to get the desk top fixed so I can get the router to work again. Then I can trundle off upstairs, embroidery, and surf all at the same time!

So it is 4:30. We are all anxiously awaiting Daughter's arrival. Then more normal things can commence.

Yesterday I went out to pick up my Christmas present. I ordered it before we bought the car. I knew it was going to be expensive, but I was given the go ahead. It was, after all, a lot less than the new sewing/embroidery machine that was introduced at the same time. This little doozy allows me to make almost anything into an embroidery design and put it directly into the machine. Sweet! I installed it yesterday on the little computer upstairs. Having trouble with this one however. It is Windows 7, and I have had problems with things like that before.

So that was my exciting day. Nothing worthwhile happened - except spending some time with my grandson. Funny - until this year, he could care less about me. That has changed. He loves me this year. Seven year olds!!

Peace.

Er, remember me??

2011-11-29T15:13:00.001-06:00

If you can't, I wouldn't be surprised. We just came back from the edge of the world known as the SSB. When there, we are in the vast never, never land known as "no internet." I really am looking into that to change that little fact. Of course, good ol' Sprint is really failing me now. I was able to get a signal sometimes, now not at all, and the phone doesn't even work! Eight more grueling months with that thing. I would pay just about anything to rid myself of it right now.

To more pleasant things. This Thanksgiving went the smoothest of all the ones (eight now) that we have been there. The turkey was absolutely beautiful. The sides were good. It was all pretty much ready on schedule, and we had my SIL come over to join us. The grandkidlets were well behaved. Doodle Bug is really growing up. She only had a couple of meltdowns!

My other SIL and I went to the Thriving Metropolis to shop and have lunch. With MIL gone, so are all perceived tensions. Things are back to the way they once were. I am so glad. I guess they felt they had been dumped on, but the woman would have never come here. We were certainly not her favorites. Of three children, G came in last in favoritism.

Being without internet for 10 days meant that I spent about 3 hours this morning getting caught up. One of the email sources I just deleted the entire thing. There was no way I could get it all done. This is especially true with the Black Friday and Cyber Monday thingy. Wow. All those emails.

Daughter and I were set to do a craft show Sunday. Of course, Lady Bug, the fish, has a swim meet. I can't be too upset. This girl is really something. Her strokes are the hardest ones for me - breast and butterfly. She jets through the water. Her least favorite is my second - the free style. She says she is going to the Olympics. I wouldn't be at all surprised. Her coaches are amazed at her form and determination.

The craft show is, as always, in some jeopardy. It is being held outside completely. They always bring in "snow." I know - not a big deal for some of you, but our kids here love it. If it is rainy, they try to cancel the snow before being delivered. It is expensive, and no one would be there in the rain. Yes, we are wimps around here with rain AND snow. Something that doesn't happen.

So, after a respite of ten days, I really need to get upstairs and get on with my sewing. Today has been a complete waste. I haven't done a thing toward the show, and here it is 3:30. Gad! Well, all I can hope for is people falling in love with what I have and my pictures.

Peace.

So good with technology

2011-11-16T17:39:00.001-06:00

NOT!!! At least not any longer. When I was an active duty teacher, I was a whiz. I was the one who my colleagues would call to fix their a/v stuff and consult with about the computers.

Now? Now I am lucky to get on line. I have been left in the dust. If something goes awry with this little gem, I am up the proverbial creek without that blasted paddle.

So now I am the one talking about getting a sling box to go on the cable box here, installing internet at the SSB, putting in two new routers, buying a computer for the SSB, and slinging my tv signal from here to there thus getting rid of the satellite (which has gone up yet again). Have I lost my everlovin' mind? I do believe so.

So now we bought a new vehicle that does everything but drive us to out destination while we party in the back. It has taken me this week of reading and trying to find out how things work.

With my points from my credit card, I got a Blue Tooth a few years ago. My son helped me to get it to work. It did a good job, but the battery died. It, of course in this age of disposable everything, cannot have a new battery put in. Here in Swampland, if we are on the phone in a school zone - it is a huge fine. Therefore - must have hands free. I know you are asking what this has to do with the new vehicle. Simple!

I have Blue Tooth in the new vehicle. What does that have to do with my techlessness (love that non-word)? I got it to work today!

There is hope, there is hope, there is hope!

Peace.

More sane - I hope

2011-11-15T11:19:00.001-06:00

I haven't gone back to re-read yesterday's post. I probably should take it down. I was distracted by G, and wondering if I were really over whatever had taken control of my body. One should never write under those conditions!

Things have settled down nicely. I am feeling pretty well with only a few intestinal growls (I know - too much information). Son called to check on me last night. It was strange on Sunday night. He, Daughter and I were all sick. He had symptoms more like mine, and I would say we caught the same bug. If we did however, it was from different sources. Or this is a mighty bug since I last saw him the week before!

This little business I have going is not a money making proposition! I told a lady at church I would do three little handkerchiefs for her. She wanted four letters and the year. Ok.

I did the first one. I was all finished with it. And as usual, with it all finished when I was trimming threads on the back - my super sharp scissors - the same ones that cut my foot when they fell on it - cut a teeny hole in the cloth. Can you believe? Sure you can if you have hung around here long enough.

I knew where she got these. They were really pretty with lace around the edge. She said they weren't expensive, and I already told her that I hoped it would go well, but there was no way I would ask her to buy another because I was so stupid. So I set out to the gift shop. Those suckers were $6! There was only about a thousand stitches to it, so the most I was going to charge was $1 per handkerchief. So $3 supposed profit as opposed to $6 for the replacement, plus my gas out to the shop.

Perhaps one of these days I will become proficient. I did learn a lesson here. I know how to probably not do that again. You DID notice the "probably." That's because I know me too well.

All's well that ends well however. I am only $1 out on this deal (well plus the $3+ for a gallon of gas). She paid me $5. One of these days things may go well, and I will make a profit! But for now, it keeps me off the streets and mostly out of stores. But I did find Christmas presents in that shop - they have some really cute earrings for the girls. Probably $50/pair with another $50 for the charms that can be put on - but cute!

Peace.

To complete the weekend

2011-11-14T11:19:00.001-06:00

We were to have dinner at Son's and DIL's last night. I was excited about it - it was a chance for this part of the family to all get together for an early Thanksgiving dinner.

Well, after church, we went to our favorite local Mexican food restaurant. I got my usual - knowing I would have half of it for lunch today. I felt full from breakfast but attributed that to the excitement of the weekend.

At church, during the congregational meeting, we, the women, felt we had been given the right to form our women's Saturday small group. Don't get me wrong, our Pastor is great, but he has been narrow minded about this for a while. So we were very excited.

When I get really excited about something, I don't have an appetite. So I thought this was just a normal thing.

I was getting full really fast at lunch. The restaurant had already kept half of my meal in the back to box it up, so I certainly didn't over eat, but I was so full I was miserable.

We got home and had to empty out the old Pontiac. We were giving it to a family in the neighborhood who was really down on their luck and working so hard to get back. Their other car had just been repossessed, and the man didn't have a way of getting to and from work. So as I was trying to get everything out of the trunk, I was even more miserable.

That misery got worse. By the time we were to leave for dinner, I had lost lunch. I guess I should have stayed home, but I wanted to see all the grandkids together.

DIL made a wonderful meal - I guess. I didn't eat. I came home and went to bed. Today is much better.

I guess my old system just can't take so much excitement anymore.

Peace.

What an end to the week!

2011-11-13T14:49:00.001-06:00

We finally made the decision to buy a new car. Why? Well the same reason we bought a new truck two (?) years ago. The other one was OLD. My little Pontiac was/is 13 years old. It should be in middle school now.

So we went to look at the web page for one of the big used car sellers. We looked for a while. We were looking for a mid-sized SUV. There were some, but having waited for three weeks before we actually went to look - they were sold.

We had narrowed the search down to four makes, but we didn't want white or black. The roads to the SSB would have them a dull red. And we wanted an SUV rather than a car to traverse those roads sometimes.

When we finally made it to the lot, it seemed that all that was there were white and black ones. At one of the other lots, however, there was a maroon one. Oh great. Our price range, year range, size range, and color. So our salesman was going to have it transferred to our lot. Someone had already put in a transfer request.

So back home leaving him instructions to look at what came up. We did didn't really want to transfer from Austin or San Antonio.

Two days later, he called. That afternoon, we drove it out. In the time we were at the car lot, G's aunt called. His cousin's wife had suddenly died from a massive heart attack.

G had always been close to this cousin. They are about two months apart in age, and grew up in close proximity. I told him it would be a great shake-down trip to really decide on the car. So we were off to Rockport for the visitation and funeral.

Driving a brand new car on a road trip may not be the best idea. Especially when it is an import, and we have never had an import before. But we got there, and we fell even more in love with it!

Saturday was the funeral. It was also a dear friend's wedding. So as soon as the "message" was over at the funeral, we hit the road home. That meant yesterday we began the day with a funeral and ended it with a wedding.

I was exhausted. I slept well. The wedding was beautiful. Today was church, lunch, and family early Thanksgiving. I just hope lunch digests better before we have to leave. I am so stuffed from lunch. Don't know why.

Hope your weekend is/was great!

Peace

Sweet sleep - at last?

2011-11-09T10:48:00.002-06:00

Sleeping may be a fact in my life again! When I talked to Daughter this morning, she told me that both Boxer girls will be going into boarding at the kennel that works with the rescue group. EXCELLENT!

Of course, she managed to make me feel rather guilty about us spending Thanksgiving at the SSB. But then it doesn't take too much for me to feel guilty about almost everything. Anyway, Lady Bug is going to miss three swim practices. Really. I know she is in competitive swim. She loves it . She is more than good at it. She has set the goal of being an olympic swimmer. She had a meet this past weekend and placed first in the 50 and 100 meter breast stroke. But really - no break with the exception of Spring Break?

We are doing the only craft show of this year December 4. LB has a swim meet that day. I don't know what I will do. I guess just hope for the best. I would ask Son to help me set up instead, but he is way south of town being worship leader for a church down there. G will hopefully do it with not much grinching about it. I think I will go look for a cart to move things before that. I have thought about it for a while. That way he can just sit in the truck while I set up tables and merchandise.

Anyway, my life looks better now. I don't have to think about several days with an untested Boxer and a poor cat. Don't get me wrong - Boxers are my passion. They are so great. But. They can and do like cats a little too much. They can have a big prey drive. Our first one - a huge male - knew cats from the day he walked into the house. He was absolutely fine with them - but squirrels and rats - another story!

I still am having a problem with the lies that come from SIL's mouth. I still have a problem with a lot of things he does. This is after them being together for 13 years. I have to get a mind set change. It is getting worse and worse.

So - now I have to trundle off upstairs. I have been playing too much recently and need to get more things done.

Peace.

Not normal

2011-11-08T08:44:00.000-06:00

Usually the time change wears me out, especially when we "fall back." My body tells me that it is bedtime early.

That isn't happening this time. I attribute this unnatural state to my Daughter and SIL. I am still steamed about Angelica. I am still steamed that they are planning to bring the other little Boxer girl, Princess, to the SSB. She is untried around Simone AND Shadow. I foresee five days of sheer hell.

There is no place to move around. Someone (somedog ??) is going to have to be isolated. G will not be happy about that. If we have to put S and S in our room - he will not like having to be sure they are both cooped up while he makes his million and three trips to the bathroom or whatever.

If Princess is the one - she loves to sneak off and poop and pee. At least we have solid surface floors everywhere.

It is just the fact that - again with the lies - we were never asked. SIL would say that he wanted to see Princess with SImone. He would add he wanted to compare sizes since Princess is a rather smallish Boxer. Liar, liar, liar! He wanted to see if they got along. Why not just SAY THAT? Gad - that man is pathological, and they wondered why his daughter from a fling lies all the time? Well, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Anyway, I am still upset about Angelica. She is the one who is losing in this. I tried to get Daughter to let me turn her back to the rescue. No - she wanted her. She is "thinking" about adopting her.

In the meantime, I am worried about this whole thing. I know there is no good coming from it. Of course, it may just be Daughter's way of not coming to the SSB. G is really angry about this. He does need SIL's help - what there is of it.

Last time we were there, we talked about who we were leaving the place to when we are gone, not that it really matters. We won't know. But we know SIL won't take care of it. He thinks he is a handyman. He messes up more than he can do. He had damaged the place already, and we watch him like a hawk. Son and DIL don't come. She, like a daughter, is wrapped up in her family. This is especially true since she and her dad have reconciled. We thought of just selling the place to our neighbor.

Another gripe session. Sorry. I hope to get out of this soon. It doesn't help that last night I got the update on Previous Pastor. Doesn't look good. He had surgery, and the tumor was larger than expected. It was wrapped around some blood vessels. They took the head of the pancreas, gall bladder, some stomach, and some intestine. There will be chemo and radiation.

Also a dear friend who lives around the SSB was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. G's aunt who lives up there had ovarian cancer the year before I was diagnosed. She is still doing well, so there is hope for Pat. I hope she can get the same type of treatment Flo got. So my label has gone from the little c to the big c. That's how I feel right now.

If you are of a mind - please include these folks in your prayers or thoughts. Wish them well. They need it. I guess I do too to get over this funk I am in!

Peace

I swore I would never be this way

2011-11-07T14:02:00.000-06:00

My MIL was a mean, vindictive woman. She verbally attacked me on more than one occasion. I knew what it was like to have at least one in-law from hell. FIL was ok, but not her!

I promised myself I would NOT be that way. I knew what it was like, and I simply would not be that way.

Well, guess what - it seems I am getting that way. Not to the point of verbally attacking - at least yet, but I am getting to be angry with SIL.

The man doesn't know what it is like to open his mouth without having a lie come out of it. When we first met him, all he did was try to impress us. For example, he swore he and George Strait were friends. He would refer to him only by the first name. I tried to impress us with the fact he tried out for the Astros. He didn't make it - at all. Not even to the farm team, but he would always talk about the "Killer B's" as they were referred to. Please don't ask me to name them - Bagwell, Biggo, and ???

Anyway. Last night he was sitting there when Daughter said she didn't know what she was going to do with Angelica (remember the foster dog) while we are all at the SSB for Thanksgiving. Being with us is not an option with Shadow there. He popped up and said "we are on a waiting list for boarding at the vet's office." I KNEW that was wrong, but I just shut up.

This morning when Daughter called, he "beeped" in - as is the usual case. He said the vet had a suite open for Thanksgiving. There was no waiting list. I just sat and fumed. I was so glad there isn't telephone service for us with the camera. I would have had a hard time hiding my expression.

Also last night, he was ragging on the church for having a "workship" yesterday. They went to some group homes and worked instead of having formal worship in the church. He knows that I am a great advocate of doing some things as a whole congregation in an informal setting. We need to form bonds.

As he was sitting there, he said "that church meeting next Sunday ought to really be something." Well, no. We have just chartered. Our next step is to elect our board and set a budget. I told him that, and the answer was another lie out of his mouth - "oh, I know."

When I said that he interrupted my call with Daughter, it happens almost each and every time I am on the phone with her. He calls her multiple times in a day. When they were dating, she was almost fired because it was always calling her. When she came home for a visit - he called about every hour on the hour. Long distance. His phone bill for the week was $300 - which he didn't have.

Whew - I feel better. Vented that out. There is more - like signing Monkey Boy up for year around baseball. He said he would never push his kids into sports - ha!

Now I am through. Thank you for allowing this.

Peace.

OK - now I am alert

2011-11-05T10:53:00.001-05:00

I cannot believe I used to take four (!!) of those things (hydrocodone) a day, and not feeling it. OMG! I really was a danger on the roads and everywhere else. That one knocked me for a real loop, but I finally metabolized it.

Now let's get back to where I wanted to be before the drug hit. Oh, and by the way - there is no doubt I will NOT get back to where I was, and have to go through getting off again. The effects were far too unpleasant yesterday.

Our trip. It was a pleasant day and a pleasant drive although Mapquest didn't have the directions exactly correct. Even though Austin is much smaller than Houston, traffic there is horrendous. AND we were going to be staying downtown. So, arriving at 4pm in downtown anywhere is not a pleasant thing.

Mapquest said this hotel was on the left as we got to 6th street. So we were looking closely, and there was nothing. Well - a bank building. So we went around the block - looking carefully for which were one way streets. There was the hotel - on the right side of that intersection.

We pulled in, and registration was easy. Good. I love knowing that reservations go well. We hauled our belongings up to the room, and there were a lot for an overnight stay. I had packed two pairs of slacks and three blouses for the trip. In Texas, at this time of year you have to be prepared for heat or cold, and in fact, we did experience both. So you really never over pack.

We were to go out to dinner with his brother and brother's wife that evening. We called them, and they said they would pick us up. So that was taken care of, and G decided to use the time between to find the court house.

When he came back, he said it was easy to find, but it was up a STEEP hill. He reported that he had scouted out a place for breakfast the next day. Staying on 6th street is staying in the party area of Austin. There are a lot of restaurants and bars, but guess what - they are not open for breakfast. I was reminded of our stay in downtown Ft. Worth where there was nothing for breakfast with the exception of the hotel, and evening meals started at $25.

We are used to the hustle bustle of big-city downtown, so we didn't want to move the car for breakfast. We thought the traffic would be so heavy he would never make a 9 am court date, hence that was the reason for the downtown hotel. We were in a quandary about what to do. We were fairly close to the campus of UT, so we set out in the car thinking we could find a grocery or something. Our hotel was an extended stay, so we had a kitchen. We could make out easily.

So off went. In two blocks we came across a huge Whole Foods. It looked fabulous, but it was on the left side of the street, and the traffic was terrible. We could have never gotten in there. We turned right to head more to the campus and housing area. Sure enough - a convenience store . They assorted food items among which were egg muffins that we could heat in the microwave. Problem solved.

Dinner out was nice - supposedly at one of Austin's top four restaurants. Perhaps one of the top four Mexican restaurants. Not "Tex-Mex" but it was good - more Mexico City type of food. The company was nice. It seems all the tension that was there before MIL died seems to have disappeared. I am so glad for that. We are too close and have too many mutual friends and relatives (duh!) at the SSB for there to be hard feelings about anything.

We got back to the room, and had been wondering why it was so noisy in the room, but we were on the street side, and just thought it was a noisy room. The A/C fan didn't run continuously, just cycling on and off. No white noise. So that would be a problem. We are used to white noise.

So it was bed time. Other than traffic noise - so many motorcycles - it was pure silence. Neither of us slept soundly (oh so punny!) especially when the three fire trucks came screaming by. When the blue norther hit - we could clearly hear the wind that was blowing about 40 mph. It did get chilly in the room, and I turned on the heat which apparently had not been on this year. (It stunk, and G thought there was a fire.)

The next morning, I looked out at all the folks bundled against the cold wind. All G had was a long sleeved shirt and his suit coat. He is Mr. I Am Cold All The Time. I realized that there wasn't much traffic, so I volunteered to drive him the four blocks to the court house. It was surprisingly easy. The traffic was so light at 8:30. Here the traffic around the court house(s) is a nightmare.

When I came back, I looked at the windows from across the room. I could see daylight under the right side window. They weren't closed all the way. No wonder there was so much noise! No wonder I could hear the wind. I just sat and laughed. The kicker here is that they wouldn't close either. We should have asked for another room - but we didn't know that was a problem.

We survived though. The drive home was nice - even though we got the news about out previous pastor and friend. I didn't get a new pair of shoes, but all was good. We certainly slept soundly that night too.

The cat was furious with us for being left alone over night. Such an indignity has never happened to him before. Simone had her spa day - a bath and her nails done - but she was a little miffed too because she had been left at the vet (among people who love her there too).

And that's how I spent my Wednesday/Thursday. What an exciting life I lead.

Peace.

Holy Cow!

2011-11-04T11:44:00.000-05:00

If yesterday's post was disjointed, this one will be worse. I foolishly decided that I was a pack horse yesterday when I loaded up my suitcase and computer bag to take to the car. I am paying for it today. My back woke me this morning, and it still hurts - a lot.

So at breakfast I asked G's opinion about taking the dreaded hydrocodone until the pain goes away. I do not want to be in the same boat again to go through withdrawal. He said that probably would not happen.

So I went to my stash. I took the hydrocodone along with the Lyrica. I thought nothing of it. I used to do it all the time, right? In fact, I considered two hydrocodone.

I was sitting here going through free embroidery designs (I am cheap). All the sudden, I got dizzy and nauseated. I couldn't guess what was happening. Then I remembered what I had done this morning. Guess who isn't used to drugs? Oh, my. The bed is looking really good right now.

I was going to tell you about our experience in Austin. Pretty funny, but I think that will have to wait. See you after this all passes!

Guess it's that time of year

2011-11-03T14:47:00.001-05:00

Who took the last seven days? I was just here, and now seven days or so has passed. Who took them?

I have been a sewing fiend - that part is true. If I had not left my camera at the SSB, I could chronicle some of that, but - that camera is sitting on the love seat up there. So, you just have to take my word for it.

We just this minute returned from Austin where G probated his mother's will. It was a simple process - taking less than an hour, but it involved driving there, staying overnight and all.

I rode along because SIL has been telling me about an outlet store for the hideously expensive shoes that fit my feet well. She gets hers there. So, I was going to use this trip for that. Guess what! We were ready to go in at 10:35. They opened at 11. There was nothing to do to waste that time, so we hit the road.

No shoes and a $32 dog boarding fee. That stinks!

On the trip back, Daughter called. Our current pastor send them an email that our previous pastor (who confirmed and performed the marriages for both kids, baptized one grandchild and is a good personal friend) has pancreatic cancer.

That is why I am taking the time to post - other than I needed to. I came home to check my email, and we have one too. It doesn't sound good. He is in the hospital now - can't have visitors. So I don't know how bad this really is. If you are the praying sort, I know he could use all the prayers offered up.

So - I guess I better unpack and change clothes. Before I do that - I have to admit these one day trips are killing me. I don't pack well for them. In the case of MIL's funeral and this trip - I neglected to pack sleeping togs. This trip - and it is embarrassing - I forgot underwear. The old brain is going! I am used to having most of what I need already in place - like at the SSB.

Oh well, peace be with you.

I really don't get it

2011-10-27T13:53:00.002-05:00

Seriously, I am verrrrrry puzzled. It seems that no plumber repairs leaky faucets these days. They REPLACE them -- to the tune of several hundred dollars a pop.

Now, if the little guy who is trying to get started had called me back - he very probably would have fixed my leaky kitchen faucet. That little baby is/was about 15 years old (my, how time flies - seems like I bought it last year), and was a very good, sturdy faucet. It developed a leak - probably from us not turning it off properly. It was a single handle, and we would carelessly center the handle to turn it off. Well - it was leaking unless we really paid attention to what we were doing.

I called Rich weeks ago. He never called me back. So I called a big outfit. I am angry with the plumbers I usually use - but that's another story. Anyway - we had a leaky faucet in the back yard, and the kitchen sink. The bill for those repairs was $1600. Yep - you read that correctly.

The faucet in the back had been "jerry-rigged" so many times, and the pipe itself was badly rusted. I knew there would be dollar signs with that one. But the kitchen?? Replace the whole thing? What happened to repairing the leak?

The same thing happened when the other company was called to repair a leak in the hall bathroom. It was a good Moen faucet. I KNOW there is a cartridge in them that can be replaced - and the leak stops. Nope - the whole thing was replaced. I thought perhaps this company would be into repairs not replacement. I was wrong. Jeesh!

In other money spending - Simone had her semi-annual check up. She is well - vaccinated freshly, but she is well. The whole staff celebrated that. They know us well. Very well. She is such a sweet dog they all love her as much as I do. The vet said he was delighted to see her doing well. We have fought her queasy stomach for years, so it was nice to have a well dog check up. It still cost a bundle though.

Such an exciting life. I need to schedule a couple more repair people. The handle on the dishwasher broke - wonder if it will have to be replaced (the whole thing like the faucets)? Then we have the a/c heater checks. Don't you wish you had such an exciting life???

Oh, Ju Ju - Shadow did finally come down from the china cabinet. It took him a couple of days to realize Angelica was really gone. He didn't even bite me for about a week. He's completely back to "normal" and I am ready to bring that dog back!

Peace

Short and (?) Sweet

2011-10-26T15:38:00.001-05:00

We are back from the land of the dry. There was 2.2 inches of rain in our absence. Any amount is good, but we need sooooooo much more. The juniper (we call 'em cedars) trees are dead. A lot of the oaks are dying or dead. It is difficult to look around and determine what is dead, dead and what is just turning colors with the season.

Exciting day today. I spent most of it catching up on emails and the like. Then I went to the dentist to have my teeth cleaned. I was supposed to take antibiotics before my visit, but they give me such terrible heartburn that I lied and said I did. I talked with the orthopedist, and he thought it was silly to have to do that.

Angelica is at home with Daughter still. Over the weekend they all got into a massive fight, with the old lab coming out on the short end. He still doesn't like Angelica. It was the two boxer girls against him.

The other little boxer girl, Princess, developed kennel cough on Saturday. Now we are wondering if King (old lab) will get it.

I am tired of not having internet at the SSB. My wonderful Sprint phone with the hot spot is a cold spot. The phone itself didn't work most of the weekend. I am going to look into the Slingbox thingy. With that I am supposed to be able to get my cable up there through the internet. That means I will have to have internet. That would be cheaper than satellite, so I am all for that. I just need to talk to my guru friends that put me onto this for more information.

So that's my excitement. Hope your day was good.

Peace.

Again - a change

2011-10-17T11:16:00.001-05:00

Well, the president of the rescue group assured me that my vet really was too cautious. She told me of her history, and she remembers my Simone from when she was a foster. I know she wouldn't knowingly lead me astray.

So here's the latest. Daughter has decided she isn't afraid of any old kennel cough. She thinks old King is healthy enough to withstand the risk. She also said (and this will sound harsh - but she doesn't mean is) that he is 14 after all. She really wants to include Angelica in her family.

So I have been texting Debbie. Angelica is going to the other house this afternoon. Angelica also seems to have weathered the worst too. She is not coughing as much. She will when she gets excited.

So we are off to the SSB for a week. I have the name of a good vet in Fredericksburg. I will use him is needed. Shadow is still on top of the china cabinet. He spent the night in the utility room - with food, water and litter. He isn't eating his dry food, but had a can of wet yesterday.

I hope he gets over being on top of the china cabinet though. I have breakables up there. This isn't good - at all.

Now life can get back to normal - whatever that is around here.

I will be out of pocket for a while. I will post when I can. Have a good week.

The final deciision

2011-10-16T17:32:00.000-05:00

Message: It has been decided. She goes back to the rescue tomorrow. After questioning my vet's office more, this is a bad situation that we cannot handle - especially with other dogs. I have already made every mistake possible with Simone and Angelica. Not only have they met - nose to nose. Slept next to each other in separate crates, but so what. They have used the same water bowl at least twice. And the final thing - I was to be taking Angelica out to the front to potty. Has that been the case, of course not.

I have just contacted my friend and neighbor at the SSB to ask her for a vet's name should I need it during the next week. It's amazing how good intentions (and loving that little dog) can go so wrong. Daughter was still game to try it at her house, but come to find out the old dog isn't up to date on his vaccinations. Great. Just great.

I am still crying about this. I think I will for a long time. I really feel like I have really done it with this one. I can't have the little dog that is so sweet, I probably have infected my baby and she isn't young anymore, the cat may never be the same again, and I may be the ultimate cause of King's death. Just wonderful.

'via Blog this'

And the fun just continues

2011-10-16T13:15:00.001-05:00

So - what's new. Of course there's something. Yesterday after introducing Angelica to Daughter's boxer - Princess, I came home and crated Angelica.

Then she began coughing. And coughing, and coughing. I contacted the rescue group. Their answer - sounds like kennel cough. Just wonderful.

So today I checked with my vet. Simone is covered - if it is not a new strain. Princess is good. King - the OLD lab was due in July. So now what.

I really don't know. Daughter and SIL are still willing to take her. King will have already been exposed even though he was outside the whole time I was there, but the girls had a complete love fest going on for most of the time. They shared cocktails (a water bowl) while there.

Guess I will contact the rescue group to see what they suggest. I am at a complete loss right now. And I have a honking dog that I think just barfed. Glory, glory.

The cat is upstairs, and has been for at least 24 hours. I asked G if we shouldn't put a litter box up there along with his food. His answer was no - the cat could come down. So I guess I will go up and try to bring him down without him killing me.

And how's your day?

Not going to work out

2011-10-15T10:40:00.000-05:00

Well, Angelica met Shadow last night. As a result, one of the two etched glasses that belonged to my grandmother is no longer in existence.

G was careless about letting her in and out of the house. When he let Angelica back in, the cat was right there. I knew his carelessness with her - assuming she was as laid back as Simone - would lead to problems, and it did.

Let me back up. The meeting between the two dogs resulted in one little loud greeting. I really believe it was nothing more than Simone telling this young whipper-snapper that she was alpha dog. After that, Angelica tried her dead level best to ignore Simone! We weren't too worried.

When she ran headlong into the cat, well that was different. Of course, the cat was already skittery around the dog. So he ran. It was all off then. We have baby gates up to keep the dog out of the dining room and the living room. Angelica cleared them with easy. She ran the cat into the living room and into the wet bar. That was the end of my glass. The cat tried to climb the glass shelves. It could have been really bad. The dog was about to get on the counter in there.

Then they went across the entry hall and into the dining room. By that time - G had gotten Angelica away. When I went in, the cat was on top of the china cabinet. I had to pluck him down to feed him after the dogs had gone to bed. I haven't seen him yet this morning.

So - I don't have a new dog. We are going to try her with Daughter. They met her last night, and as far as people, it went great. Now with her adopted female boxer - we don't know. The drama continues.

Oh, I forgot

2011-10-14T15:56:00.000-05:00

Some of you may remember me talking about SIL's daughter from another relationship. She is now 19. She has moved out of her mom's house.

That was like moving from the frying pan into the fire because she has gotten herself in a real pickle. The girl has problems. My SIL is a psychologist. Her assessment of the girl is that she is a sociopath. Enough said about her mental status.

After leaving mom's house, she lived with her aunt for a while. She never contributed anything to the household expenses, and that family lives from hand to mouth or less all the time. She left aunt's house - and moved in with her "boyfriend.'

Boyfriend was engaged just prior to this girl (M) moving in with him. So, I don't know just how stable this relationship could be from the get go. I really think she is as much of a rebound for him as anything. He is 25, and does have a good job. Her first thing was to move to one of the Carolinas with him. SIL talked to her about how stupid this probably was.

OK - so now they are moving to California. Just as stupid an idea for her as the other move. (These are job moved by the way - for him) Now there is another factor here. She is pregnant. Her mother is livid. She is seeing M reliving the mom's life. She is 19, not married to the father, in fact the relationship is only a little better than mom's was at the time. SIL is really sick about it. He knows what kinds of hell this can be. They are going to be tied together for 19 years now. Daughter sort of laughs and says she will be a 38 year old grandmother. The baby's youngest aunt will be 4.

I know this all happens all the time. I have many friends who are great grandparents while I am still a grandmother with grand-babies still being born - the next one in January. Probably you have been through this situation. I know it is not unusual. It will probably work out. I just know the hell my daughter has gone through having a step-daughter - dealing with the mom who hated the dad (SIL) after she got pregnant. He has absolutely no love for her either. It can just be so bad.

Wish them luck - or what ever. They are all going to need it.

Today is the day

2011-10-14T15:42:00.001-05:00

Well - Simone and Angelica will finally attend the "meet and greet" today during the cocktail hour. We will see what happens. They have slept side by side in their crates for two nights now. Angelica has had her crate in the den when we are up so she has been pretty much a part of family life albeit as an observer. The cat - well, I don't know how that is going to go. I really suspect it will not be pretty. I wish at this point he still had his front claws (I know- brutal surgery and all, but I wouldn't have any furniture - or hands left for that matter). He could teach her that cats are nothing to fool with.

I am praying that they get along famously. Otherwise I really do not know what I am going to do Tuesday for the six hour trip to the SSB. G asked me last night just what my famous plans for that trip are. Well, don't know. The back seat of an F150 - even crew cab - is small. I didn't realize until we took the first trip in it. We were so used to the troop carrier (the old F250).

At least I got Daughter interested in the Boxer Rescue group. She is contemplating fostering also. She may have to foster this one.

Just very, very nervous, and I have to get over that immediately. They will be able to tell if I can't act calm, assertive, and sure of the event. We will see. Oh, how I wish I could see a segment of Dog Whisperer that covered this again.

Peace.

Quick post

2011-10-13T12:06:00.001-05:00

Well, the night went smoothly. Simone was in her crate - with the door open. Angelica was next to her in her crate - with the door shut. Shadow visited the bed twice - very nervously. All in all quiet night.

This is Angelica the day we transported her to the kennel. This is when we fell in love with her!

Excuse the stuff in the hall - grandchildren play there. This is the initial meeting of Angelica and Shadow. Did not go well. My phone didn't do a very good job, but you possibly can see that Angelica is just a little TOOOOOO interested in Shadow. Shortly after this - in fact when I was putting the phone down - Angelica charged the crate, and the cat bolted!

When I put Simone in her crate this morning to give Angelica some time out in the house, you would have thought I had done the worst thing to that dog! She really fought going in. But Angelica really surprised me. She knew how to play with toys - which may be a problem later, but Simone usually leaves toys alone. Angelica appeared to know how to play catch. Amazing

She's here

2011-10-12T17:28:00.001-05:00

We have Angelica under our roof. We stopped on the way home to buy her a crate - as the paper work that they sent us as a foster suggested. I am glad we did. Simone has done a little growling. Right now, the crate in sitting in the den where we spend most of our waking time. I think that may be best for now. I just wish I could figure how to open this crate more easily though.

I thought we were getting a 24" crate. She IS a small dog, but we got the 31" instead. It is better for her, but I know for a fact it will not fit in the backseat of the truck like I planned. These two better be getting along by next week or I am up a creek!

I am going to let her settle down a little more before I begin flashing pictures of her, but I promise I will post some soon. She is a real little cutie.

Send good thought - I think I am going to need them!

Oh, the the cat has disappeared.

Peace.

She is our foster - for now

2011-10-11T20:12:00.001-05:00

The Boxer Rescue posted on Facebook that they are desperate for foster. They have taken in 11 since the first of the month yet there are 8 that are in danger of being put to sleep. One if a ten month baby whose time run out today.

I asked G if we could at least foster. He said yes, and we probably would adopt. so ...

We will have a new family member tomorrow afternoon. There is so much unknown. We don't know how the other two will react. We just don't know much except this baby has the most trusting eyes in the world.

When I get my cell charged, I will email myself pictures - which I will post here. She is a real cutie!

Now we will see what happens.

Peace

Ohhhh - I want ...

2011-10-11T10:35:00.000-05:00

Right now, I am stealing some time from being up in the "room" where I really need to complete the dress I have sitting on the machine. The craft show is December 4, and I really need to have several more done. I have done several little shirts with applique and/or embroidery. They are easy. This dress will be too - it's just I did nothing on it yesterday, and here's why:

I try to help out our local Boxer Rescue group. I am a virtual foster which means I donate money each month to the care of these dogs. Yesterday I had the opportunity to help in a real, physical way. I volunteered to transport a dog from the vet's office (that treats up to five of these dogs at a time) to the kennel that holds some space for them.

I was to pick up "Angelica" and take her for boarding. I knew nothing of her. So, armed with Simone's harness for the car, a choke collar and a separate leash, off I went. To cut to the chase - when she came out, she was the cutest thing. She is a small little girl - two years old, or so. She had just been spayed. She is a twin for the boxer I talked my daughter into rescuing when my vet's office called me.

So we were off for the 30 minute drive to the kennel. In that time, she enamored me completely. I didn't want to leave her at that place. She gave me hundreds of doggie kisses when we first met - as is the way boxers do. She loved the ride - going from window to window, not missing a thing.

When we were sitting around last night, G was talking to Simone. He said - "you need a pal, don't you." I was ready to sent an email immediately asking to adopt Angelica. I had fallen hopelessly in love with that baby. We were seriously considering her - planning how to transport both dogs and the cat the 6 hours to the SSB. I was ready.

In the light of morning, he had cooled on the idea. I also thought more. Some boxers have a huge prey drive - and they don't like cats - at all. I have no idea how this dog will react to cats. She seems docile. She seems sweet. But she also is still confused about what is going on with her. So, I guess she will become someone else's baby. She will make a wonderful pet. I can see that in her.

So, the dangers of me having direct contact with these dogs is not good. I fall in love with them. I want them ALL. Smacks of being an animal hoarder doesn't it. Not really. I know what the responsibilities are. I know first hand that a rescued boxer can have health problems. Boxers have inherent health problems as a breed. Just looking at my Simone, you can see so much of what she must have endured before I got her. Her canines are broken at the tips. She has scarring on her legs. I really believe she must have been struck by a car at some time in her life. She had many, many litters of pups in her previous life. She bears scars today - internal and external. She is at least 8, and she is on her way to developing cancers. She has started the mast tumors.

No, the possibility of expenses with several dogs is just too much - but I still fell completely in love with Angelica. How that name fits that little girl!

And now to work I go.

Peace

Pictures - yes finally!

2011-10-09T13:04:00.001-05:00

This is the table my dad built. Those are my new chairs. They are WONDERFUL!!!

This is a little closer view of the table. It could stand having the top refinished, but I will let my heirs do that. I will just think of it as "character."

Difficult to see, but this is the burn that my brainy step-mother put on the table. Daddy tried to finish it out, but as you can see - it didn't work well. Just adds to the marred finish. Oh, well.

This is a picture of my favorite cow - destroying the little deer feeder. If you look closely - there is NO grass. I will post before pictures later

Again a view of NO grass. That is purely red dirt. Red dirt that is turning to dust that is invading like crazy.

This is one of our old chairs from the dining room. Uncomfortable as can be, and will tip over in a blink of the eye.

So there you have a thumb nail trip to the SSB. We have had some rain - I hope yesterday and today. I haven't heard from friends, neighbors, and relatives (pretty much the same thing out there) about if and how much yet. Just hoping and praying. We need some so desperately. This drought is predicted to last maybe until 2020. Egad.

Peace.

Technology - bah humbug!

2011-10-07T15:06:00.000-05:00

It seems I get farther and farther behind in the technology field these days. I have been having a real love/hate relationship with this relatively new laptop. My son got a Mac, and I am wishing I had done the same thing, but I wanted something that would be ~~cheap~~ inexpensive.

I spent the day a couple of days ago fighting with an embroidery program. It shows icons of what the design is when you open your folder(s). That is a nice time saver. I got the stupid idea to look for updates. Well, you know what that meant. The whole thing crashed. I wasn't able to see a single icon. No real biggie, but a definite time saver. I do love that program. I guess that's why I have spent $80 on it total. You see in my tech savvy way, I deleted the main program. So I just gave up and bought another license - along with a DISC this time!! I know - slow on the uptake!

When I got that program re-loaded, I was getting an error message about Explorer. I am not an Explorer user, but that stupid program was messing with me making CD's to move the embroidery files from here to the upstairs computer. So, once again, I ventured forth. I reloaded Office 2010. I figured that was where the problem had to be. I still don't know it that fixed that problem or not, but it caused another one!

When I went to my picture file, none of the jpeg thumbnails would open. I had to be in a photo editing program. Well - that just wouldn't do. So I waged war again today with that problem. I finally fixed it. I can see my jpegs.

But, and you knew there was a but, didn't you? Another of the embroidery programs is acting all wonky now. It is the one that allows me to change from one type of embroidery file to another so I can use them on my machine.

And - speaking of my machine. Yep - battle there too. It has been squeaking - a lot. I know it needs its yearly cleaning and check up, but I just didn't want to give it up for three days. It has been acting a fool. I have to cut out thread nests about three times for every 1000 stitches it does. It broke a foot (on the machine - not mine) and ruined my brand new wonderful embroidery scissors when I was trying to get rid of one of those nests. At least I was able to complete all the fancy stuff on the photo album cover for the youngest granddaughter! I had to take it to the old workhorse to sew it together however. So I took the sick machine to the shop a while ago. I was just there yesterday for club meeting, but decided I would wait until we went to the SSB to take the machine in. Nope - got to take that drive again today!

Such is my tale of woe. Technology - bah! So with all the problems I have been trying to solve - I still don't have new pics of the SSB loaded onto the computer. When I couldn't see what I would try to upload here, what was the use? I have embroidery projects lined up to the ceiling. I do have dress making to do - so I CAN do that. Isn't my life just pitiful - don't answer that. I know the answer. This month reminds me of just how lucky I am every day. I really don't forget it with pink ribbons everywhere. I will try to get those pictures posted tomorrow. G will be gone again tomorrow and Sunday afternoon. I should be able to get a lot done!

Peace.

Hi

2011-10-03T11:39:00.002-05:00

Just dropped by to let you know I am still alive and kickin'. That's the problem - there's too much kickin'. I am behind on a lot of "work" meaning sewing stuff. I am still trying to get pictures taken and uploaded.

I decided that I needed jpegs of my embroidery designs to post over there on those other places. So I went back to the sources for some, and I wasted a lot of time trying to figure out how to get those jpegs of the others. When you have 45,000+ designs, that is a daunting process.

I will try to get back this week - sometime with the wonderfully, fabulous (?) happenings in my life this past weekend. G will be gone Thursday afternoon and all day Friday. That sounds like a plan!

Peace.

Checking in

2011-09-28T14:32:00.000-05:00

Yipes, this appears to be my 1000th post! I really had planned to do something a little more special like look back at where I have been. But then, life has a way of getting in the way.

When I began this, cancer was looming really big. I had a business selling candles that has morphed into other things - namely children's clothing. I had one granddaughter, now I am expecting my sixth something... probably a boy. That would make us three and three (unless DIL decided to have another which will definitely be the end).

But since we got back from the SSB, I have been running. It all began with the appointment with Dr Death (oncology) yesterday. That went well. My CA27.29 was up to 24. The nurse said that was no worry. The cut off is 38. Well, ok - but right after the mastectomy and chemo it was something like 10.

I have pictures that are still in the camera with the exception of this one. This is when we stopped to let Simone have a walk before we really hit the road home. Her first potty break. This is an example of our dirt roads. If you look carefully, you can see the dead persimmons off to the right of the road, and there is absolutely no grass beside the road there in the fore ground. Ranchers are selling their herds of cattle and even goats and sheep in record numbers. There is no food for them except what can be bought, and that is so expensive. Hay is something that cannot be found.

. It is so very dry up there even the cedars (junipers in reality) are dying. Live oaks and elms are also dying. The whole area it basically a tinder-box waiting to explode in flames.

I will try to download more of the pictures tomorrow and bring some out of the folders already here to try to show the difference between good times and bad times up there.

Be back tomorrow!

Peace.

Update

2011-09-19T11:03:00.000-05:00

\In my continual whine - the knee is getting better. When I woke this morning (to thunder and heavy RAIN), I could tell it was much better. That is a relief.

Simone has her stitches out. That means no more e-collar. That is great news. Last night (or early morning rather) when the storms arrived, she was afraid of the thunder. That means she wants to be on my side of the bed. There is not a huge expanse of space there, so the collar bumped and scraped along as she muscled her way there. Turning around brought even more noises!! But she is free of that thing. She can get into her crate again (Yipee), and go outside without supervision. Sunbaths again for the old dog.

Yes - indeed we are getting some rain again. I am anxious to see if there was rain at the SSB. If there was any with these storms, there will be a touch of green beginning again there. It doesn't take much. Being a semi-arid biome, it, like a total desert, will green up fast. Takes full advantage of any good weather.

Bad news is that apparently the drought has caused a real problem with the pool. It is leaking water faster than we can fill it. We were going to have it re-tiled and re-plastered this winter, but it looks like that can't wait. There are times I think we just ought to hammer up the concrete and fill it with dirt. I really don't want to do that. I really think I will swim again - someday.

I will take pictures when we are at the SSB. I have some already stored on the computer of better days. It will be a study in contrasts. I will also get pictures of the table. When it was still at the lake, it took some blows from the break ins. It no longer has the perfect finish on it, but then even before the break-ins, my brilliant step mother let a candle burn all the way down. Daddy tried to repair it, but there is a big dark ring on it still. Some people would pay good money to have a table distressed like this one! But with this burgeoning family, it almost seats all of us.

Last night at Sunday Dinner, my DIL dropped the bomb that this coming child (#3) may not be the end. I nearly fell off the couch, I am beginning to think it just keeps putting off her returning to school for her professed hope of becoming a nurse. I really think she believes deeply that she won't succeed. She just wants to stay at home. So having babies, then home schooling will allow that. But even if there is a fourth, that will be the end unless she finds another Ob/Gyn. Her doctor doesn't like more than four caesarians. ( now spell check tells me that is wrong, but there is no choice for the correct spelling - so if it's wrong - blams spell check!)

And so my life continues. We will be taking off in the morning. I know I can't depend on my phone to become a hot spot. It is so irritating. I pay for a service that works here, not there. I hope we can get out of this contract soon. It is set for next August, but perhaps ... I can always dream about a better service.

peace.

Can we talk here?

2011-09-18T13:45:00.000-05:00

We're all friends, right? And friends shouldn't feel self conscious when admitting absolute stupidity, right? Well, that's what I am getting ready to do here. Right here in the blogosphere.

Remember when I said that I made the mistake of getting on the floor to treat Simone's incisions? Remember when I was stuck there on the floor - not being able to get up? I am also the woman who doesn't get into the pool because I am afraid that I cannot pull myself up the steps. Well, last night I was absolutely, positively insane.

My feet and legs were killing me. I wanted a hot bath more than anything else in the world. I haven't immersed my body in the tub in about a year - perhaps less. I do remember it being rather difficult to get out, but I could. So - I got in the tub. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Now I don't know how to accept help in getting up (or out). G wanted me to take a bell or something to ring if I couldn't get out. That wasn't going to happen - regardless. I thought I had a plan.

Well - you know how things like that go. But here's what I thought. I would put a bath towel in the bottom of the tub. It would give traction. That would be the answer. So the towel went in, the water was begun. Then I was going to lower myself in. That's when the traction held. I plopped with a splash.

But I drew the hot water. I sat there for a while. I was in heaven. Then I was going to get out. Right. It wasn't going to happen. In the time between the last time I was in the tub and this time, I apparently have gotten weaker. Even the loss of weight wasn't going to help me.

I don't know how long I sat there evaluating my dilemma, but it was a while. Finally I came to the conclusion there was going to be one way and one way only. So I wadded up the towel that was already there, added another to make padding. Then I managed to get my right knee on the "padding" but it was at an angle.

Up I went - threw the left leg over the edge of the tub and - fell back. Well. Isn't this a situation. I did it again, and I was free. But then and now, the right knee is hurting. I don't believe I did anything to the knee cap. I think it may just be soft tissue injury, but it does hurt.

So, since this is the week we will have to go to the SSB, I will see what happens with the knee. If it isn't better - I will call the Ortho. This is also the side that I landed on when I missed the last step on the "killer stairs" in our house. We all have fallen on those steps - even my sure footed son.

Stupid. I cannot believe how incredibly stupid I was last night. I guess it was the rain that we finally got (hurrah), but something certainly short circuited in my brain. Invincible I certainly am not. I guess I forget that I am getting old, fat and out of shape. If I ever have that wild desire again to get in the tub, I hope I have the sense to come back to this (if I haven't destroyed my knee) and remember what I cannot do!

Peace

People are just amazing - not!

2011-09-15T16:23:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we ventured out to buy a small vacuum cleaner for upstairs. We have a canister vac - one that uses water for its filter. It is too heavy to lug up and down the stairs. So I wanted something other than the one that is up there. It is really just a hand vac that has a handle that goes in it and a stupid little thingy for using on the floor. Doesn't work well especially in a world of threads and bits of fabric because try as I might - those things are on that floor. Plus when anything has to be done in the attic recesses, crud gets pulled out and deposited on the carpet.

So we went to the store that replaced Mervyn's here in Swampland. The K**l's store. I found a vacuum that I THOUGHT was $99. This was after my $10 card for their anniversary. When we checked out - no it was $159 - on sale and minus the $10. Well - OK. I did like the machine. So we loaded it up and headed out for the rest of our shopping trip.

When I got it out and put it together, I was wondering why the top of the canister for the dirt didn't fit properly. As I turned it over and over, the HEPA filter fell out. It. Was. Filthy. That machine had been used. A lot!

I was so upset (use your own word here - they will all fit the situation). So I repacked it. G came in, and I told him what had happened. I expected a real storm of words - especially with his moods of late! He was calmer than I. So I called the store and was assured they would make it right.

We took it back this morning. I had my credit card credited, and got another $10 store card. We went back to look at the machines, but there was nothing I really wanted. I don't want the $500+ nice one. I want something that is fairly powerful, bagless, and above all - inexpensive! They didn't have it.

I had already looked at their add. I knew they had one for $80. I ordered it to be delivered. Of course - it will be next week, and we all know where we will be next week! Joy.

The real upshot of this whole thing is I honestly believe that machine will go back out on the floor for some poor soul to buy - again. It is filthy, and I told the woman at the returns that the power attachment was not there. I saw her write no information about that thing. I am really upset with them - I thought they were VERY reputable. I just don't know.

Peace.

Ho-hum

2011-09-14T12:02:00.000-05:00

Another hot, dry day. That means staying in the house, which doesn't really bother me, but it is driving G insane. That, in turn, is driving me insane. He begins his tirade on global warming again and again. He is so irritable about the whole thing. He insists that he is not staying here in the heat and dryness next summer. That is really stupid. I don't know where or what he is thinking about doing, but it is stupid. Plain and simple.

Last night I had about enough of it, so I asked why he is getting so upset about it. Really. It doesn't make sense to rail and rant about something if you cannot really do something about it. I have too many other things that I CAN do something about.

I agree that there is climate change. It is obvious. I try to explain that some possibly be a natural cycle in nature - which I really believe. I also know humans are just about to put the final insult on our world. But ranting and raving about it, threatening to spend thousands of dollars to live someplace else for several months to get away from the heat ... It would really be funny if he follows through on that and ends up where heat follows - or gets into flooding conditions. Stupid.

Enough of things that smack of politics. I don't do that here. I try to stay away from politics and religion. Sometimes things sneak in, but that isn't what I focus on. I get enough around here.

Simone is still restless at night. That means she is banging and scraping furniture in the bedroom. Either that or she is trying to get into her crate which is an impossibility. I am trying to give her more and more time without the e-collar. She is pretty good about not attacking her stitches, but I have to put it back on if there is a chance I might not be really watching her.

Last night, I decided that I would put the antibiotic ointment on the stitches. She doesn't like to roll over - at least right now. G gets upset with her, and the other night he said he wished I would do the ointment. So I did last night.

I had her in the bedroom with me. I got on the floor with her and made her roll over. I was able to get a lot of ointment on her. Then it came time for me to get up. I realized I had made a crucial mistake. My ortho guy has told me not to kneel. He fears titanium pressing on the floor with the thin little knee cap between. Well, there I was.

After about 10 minutes my solution finally came to me. Thank goodness we had the attic taken in several years ago when the kids were teens (to get them and their teenage messes out of the way). I had made the mistake at that time to put the stairs in the closet space that was in the hallway - just outside the master bedroom door. I had always disliked that placement - after it was too late. Last night I was delighted with that placement. I scooted out the door and pulled myself up the steps until I could stand.

Yesterday afternoon I went to work on more of the baptismal blankets. My machine HAD been working like a dream. Note the operative word there - had. I completed the shell which is so very stitch intensive. I moved onto the date. That's when all hell broke loose. The thread formed a huge "bird's nest" on the back side, ripped the stabilizer, and stretched the blanket. The machine and I fought for at least an hour. I came back down to cool off. I was about to pitch that machine out the window and say good riddance. Anyway - after I went back, there were still some problems, but I completed the blanket. It isn't perfect, but by that time there was way too much invested to just throw it away. (I guess I need to serve you some cheese after that whine!) I only have (ONLY???) five more to go, and then I am free for a while.

So this is the excitement in my life. A grumpy husband, a sly dog, and terrible weather and fights with my sewing machine. Sigh.

Peace.

Ch ch ch changes

2011-09-13T09:10:00.000-05:00

We changed our minds about trekking off to the hinterlands this week. There were several factors involved in this decision. Not least among them was Simone and her "buddy." I was having visions of her trying to get loaded into the truck, and then riding for five to six hours. I had thought about leaving her part of the back seat up because G sometimes stops short and quickly, and she falls to the floor. But then I thought of having the cat carrier on the other part of the seat, and the seat being up. A vision of Simone trying to ride ON TOP of the cat carrier also came to mind. Not a pretty sight!

We called the furniture store in Kerrville where we ordered new chairs for the dining table. The ones we have I have always hated. They are the most uncomfortable things ever manufactured on the face of the earth. My dad made this table - using a sheet of plywood. So it is 6x8. He did a masterful job on it. It was in the lake house, and while we just left a lot of the furniture there (a goodly portion had been destroyed either by the vandals directly, or by exposure to the elements with the windows that were broken out), I couldn't leave this table.

The chairs, however ... My mother found them. They are ladder back with rattan seats. They are from Mexico, and were exactly what she wanted. They have little knobs from the legs that are sticking up on the front of the seats that gouge into your thighs when you sit in them. With our tile floor, G invariably will get up and push the chair back too quickly, The back leg grabs in the grout line, and over the chair goes with a "whap." So we went to buy new ones (I could have bought two tables to go with them for the same price. (Shameful!)

We called yesterday. The chairs are in, but cannot be delivered until the 22nd. So putting all things together, we are staying here until next Tuesday.

Simone is still miserable. I called the vet's office. She has to wear this collar until the stitches come out. Another reason to postpone the trip. Those buggers can come out sooner. So Monday is the target date.

She decided that 2:30 this morning was the time to get up. I think her ear itched something fierce. Of course between her bouncing off all the furniture like a pinball, and the thump, thump of her foot on the plastic collar, I was wide awake. How many days again???

I am so lazy about downloading pictures from the camera. I know it is easy, but it't not as easy as I want it. I will do that later today. I will have some pictures tomorrow - one of my poor baby, and some of the SSB in the more recent better times there. When it was green instead of dirt red and burned vegetation yellow.

Peace.

Update

2011-09-12T11:49:00.000-05:00

Simone is getting along fairly well. She certainly is not used to the e collar. She rams into objects (and us) on a regular basis. I tried to give her a respite from it this morning, but she had to remain in my sight. I know as soon as she would be out of my sight, she would begin the licking and gnawing on the stitches.

I took a picture before we removed the bandage. I will upload it this week.

Even if I get it uploaded this week, I doubt that I will be able to post it until next week. We are off, through the fires, to the SSB. I say through the fires because unless we go WAY out of the way to drive through San Antonio, we have to go through the Bastrop area. So - through the fires. I think they are a little more contained than they were. At least I hope.

The problem with being at the SSB (that stands for Sting, Sticks, or Bites - because that is what everything there does - it is rough land!), is that my dear phone - with its supposed internet capabilities - does not work well there. AND I still have about a year on the contract. Then I can go back to my old carrier. You really do get what you pay for. This was a tad cheaper, and the service is waaaaay worse. Lesson learned.

If I cannot visit you all, have a safe and pleasant week. We will be back here in Swampland (that is quickly becoming desert) next Tuesday. I will visit you on Wednesday!

Peace

Changes

2011-09-08T11:31:00.000-05:00

I was all set to write about how stupid I am. You see, I thought I had an appointment with Dr Death (the oncologist) today. Nope - it is the 27th. How in the world I wrote today down in my calendar, I don't know. I was wondering why they didn't call to remind me about the appointment yesterday. Now I know.

No - my thoughts are far away from that situation. We took Simone to the vet this morning for her teeth cleaning. We both were apprehensive. She is an old dog. We have had her six years. So anytime there is general anesthesia involved - there are risks.

G wanted to be sure someone was here by the phone all day. So I went on my trip, and then he left for his errands. About 30 minutes ago, the vet clinic called. She is doing well with the anesthesia, BUT. It is always the "but" that gets you. The "but" is that the vet found two tumors on her belly.

Boxers are very prone to skin tumors. I know that. Our first baby, Taz, died of a throat tumor. When we adopted Simone, we knew it was something that they can have. The vet aspirated some cells, and they appear to be mast tumor cells. These can be non cancerous, or - cancerous. So I told her to remove the two. Well, a few minutes ago I got another call. There were two more. One behind the knee, and the other in mammary tissue.

I wanted these off. I want to try to stop any spread. I told them to take them off all the while knowing there will be more and more. Our next question was to send them to the lab or not. We aren't. If they are malignant, we could go to an oncologist. I cannot see her surviving chemo. I don't want to make her absolutely miserable. I would rather try to make her comfortable for the last days of her life.

When you have pets, you know this will happen some day. You will lose them. As much as you want them to be with you forever, you know it won't happen. When we adopted her, it was thought she was already 5-7 years old. I don't think that was the truth. She is old now. We think about her leaving us, but we don't verbalize it - until now. It is facing us now. Understanding the fact she will leave us doesn't make it one bit easier.

Peace.

I feel like I have a new career

2011-09-06T11:35:00.000-05:00

I really feel like I am now a meteorologist! It seems that the weather has become the only topic I write about. Boring.

But here I go again. Lamenting the fact that the rain chances that we had last week - at one point a 50% chance - dwindled away to nothing (well a FEW scattered showers) that left us dryer than before because of the winds from Lee. Great.

We have major wild fires in the state. As of just a few minutes ago, one that has been burning for three or so days is zero controlled. That is really scary. It is not a concentrated population area, and there have been 600 homes lost. And still the rain chances for the remaining part of the week - zero.

I just looked at my stats when signing on - next week I will hit 1000 posts. All boring, but wow. That's a lot.

To get to thinking about other things - Lady Bug is going into a year around swim program and meets. She has made the Silver classification which is a little more advanced. I think that is so great. She only began swim team summer before this. She didn't know how to swim then. She wore the floaties in the pool - now she is a silver swimmer. She is so excited.

I got into making the baptismal blankets yesterday. Wouldn't you know - the first one botched up. My fault though. Instead of trying something new on a scrap - as I should have - I thought I was just too smart for that. I ended up with the blanket bunched in the middle of the design. Those babies (the blankets, not the baptised) take me about two hours or more to complete. This will be a loooooong project!

I finished Doodle Bug's dress that matches her sisters, and I have about half of another set for their cousin - Little Bit. I don't know if DIL will like it or not. She likes to take her business outside of the family. Instead of perhaps paying for the fabric and throwing in a bit, she goes to another business and pays them $30 for the dresses. So be it!

It is almost time for me to head back and chain myself to the machines again. I moved the furniture around on Saturday, and I paid for that yesterday. I am so out of shape! I was so sore. I got a little concerned when my back had a few twinges. It would have been so easy to get back into those bottles of pills, but all I have to do is remember the three week withdrawal.

I go to Dr Death on Thursday. I forgot to get the blood work done last week, and since it needs to be fasting (again) I made an appointment. The only morning appointment I could get was tomorrow. I know he will not have the results. The only result I am interested in is the breast cancer marked (CA 27.29). I am going to tell him about the pains I am having. I think I have nerve damage from all the surgeries, but the little nagging fear is that I have the cancer spreading to the ribs. Perhaps he will order a CAT. Don't know. We'll see.

Peace.

Too much to hope for

2011-09-02T17:42:00.000-05:00

Once again, our hopes have been dashed. I probably won't get a drop of rain from this storm. It, too, is going to our east, therefore, no rain and higher temperatures because all the moisture will be pulled to the storm.

I should have known as much. At the end of the week, all we could do was watch our rain chances dwindle. We are not on water conservation. That means we can water only on Tuesday and Fridays, and something like 12:00 midnight to 9 am, and some other time in the evening.

Well - enough for that. Shadow certainly didn't leave my side too often last night. He plastered himself right up against me. That cat is one hot body. Just what I needed! He probably won't get anywhere near the bed when it gets cold!

Daughter and I went out to get more supplies today. I have to get the pictures posted sometime. Actually, I need to get photos TAKEN sometime. She took the one of Lady Bug's dress that I finished last Saturday. I haven't been back up there except to get thread colors I need for the embroidery of the shells on the baptism blankets.

I guess this weekend I will lock myself up and work of dresses. Now if I can get an inventory up so I can sell some of those suckers!

Have a good holiday. I will probably not catch up with you until Monday evening or Tuesday morning - unless I have another animal incident where said animal wants to confess his or her stupidity!

Peace

Hijacked

2011-09-01T14:15:00.000-05:00

Yep - this is me, Shadow, the cat. I just hijacked Mom's little place here. I have a terrifying story to tell.

I went outside with the dog this morning. No one saw me. I just slipped out. It has been over two years since I was outside. It looked interesting. SO I went.

Mom saw a black cat walking along the window in the den. She didn't know it was me. I am so clever. I just strolled along the ledge between the window and the gas grill. I heard her tell Dad that she better move the stained glass piece because if I had been in that window when that other black cat walked along there, it surely would have been broken. Tee-hee. They didn't realize. Did called me "Butterball" which is his nickname for me, but he didn't really know. I am so clever!

All was really good. I was enjoying my vantage point there on the ledge. And then, I got the liver scared out of me. The guys with those loud machines showed up. At first one stayed in the front yard, but then one came into the back with me. Well - it was far enough away, but I was still scared. Then this really loud thing came in. It was blowing air everywhere, and all the dirt was flying with it.

I have never been so scared in my entire life - not even when I was thrown out in that forest as a baby to make it on my own! I tried to climb in the window, but of course it was closed and locked. I clawed that screen right off the window trying to get away.

Then I got in the bedroom window that is in the corner. I was still so scared. It was the only place where I felt like something had my back. My heart sank then. Mom left. I didn't know what to do. I was really sunk. How would I ever get back in, but she came back about two hours later.

I heard Dad tell her that I looked sick. You think? Yes, I was sick - with fright. Mom said to keep Simone
away from me. When an animal acts that strange, it is usually rabies. I. DON'T. HAVE. ANY. OLD. RABIES. I. AM. SCARED!

After a bit, Dad looked out the door to see me right up against it, screaming. I heard him go tell Mom that he thought the "sick cat" was me, Shadow. Sure enough, when he opened the door, I ran in. What a relief. I thought I was a goner. We have an old, big, tomcat around here. He was in the back of the yard. If he had seen me, well it wouldn't be pretty.

So I guess I wasn't as smart as I thought. But I am safe now. Rabies? - Please!

Busy day

2011-09-01T13:56:00.000-05:00

We ventured into the Big City yesterday. We went to Aunt W's house first. Actually it is a condo in a verrrry nice part of town. The people who had it before they bought it, bought two condos and made it into one large (2700 square feet) unit. I absolutely love it. My big drawback is "no animals." I do love my animals too much. I have always had pets. I probably always will (hence biology major me!).

They are trying to sell the place so they can move to Dallas where Aunt B's children are. I personally do not thing it is a good move - and I will talk about that more later. W says she thinks it isn't selling because the HOA fee is $1300 a month. I nearly fainted when I heard that, but that includes ALL utilities. And if there are repairs...

Aunt B is in a rehab hospital right now. She had been there about 3 weeks, and isn't expected to be released until Oct 1. She fell 3 times in one day. It was finally discovered she had been having TIAs. These used to be called mini-strokes. The place they were going in Dallas requires she be completely independent. No wheel chairs or walkers allowed in the dining room. I don't know how they can require that of old folks who would be living there!!

So B's daughter is saying she will put her mom in assisted living and W can have a room there somewhere, and they can see each other. They planned to live in the condo until one of them died, and then decide. Don't think this will be a good move for W at all!

We then took Daughter's 35mm SLR to a camera shop to be repaired. I figured paying for repair wasn't a bad deal when she said she had bought another camera. The shop advertises repair on line. When we walked in, the guy rudely told us they don't repair. Well - he lost a customer with me. There are a lot of people who sell cameras! It wouldn't be there.

But they did give us the address of repair places. It was 3:30 - in busy Big City, but we went to one of the places. He couldn't do it, but suggested we contact the manufacturer, and send it off. So we will try that.

We made it home without too much traffic. We both were dreading the trip though. Felt like a real country bumpkin too!

Peace.

Stupid, stupid, stupid

2011-08-31T11:05:00.000-05:00

I guess I am the epitome of a hard headed German! Knowing what the CPAP machine did to me night before last, I used it again last night. Yesterday I was pretty miserable. G gave me some A**egra to take. It had an effect almost immediately, though I sniffled and sneezed all day. Forget tissues - I was using super absorbent paper towels -a lot of them.

So last night I slept with that thing again. Today I am getting no relief. That is bad because we are set to lunch with G's last aunts. I look like Rudolph. My cheeks are chapped from the tissues and towels. I have not had allergies this bad in years. Every little odor sets me off - badly.

So we will see. All this makes me pray all the harder for rain. I think it would help -even thought probably not cure anything. G suggested I have a cold. I wish. It would be gone tomorrow. This feels terminal.

Now back to getting this weight off - again. That made the CPAP use not needed the last time I lost it. I really do hate that machine too. It has head gear reminiscent of the head gear for braces. Only the little piece fitting over the nose blasts you with air. Sometimes I feel like I am drowning in all the air.

Well - do visit with the aunts, we have to (gasp) go into town. They live within the loop. We never go there. When G asked when to leave, he followed up with "it's either going to take us 30 minutes - or two hours." How true.

Peace.

Big news

2011-08-30T09:09:00.000-05:00

At least around here, this is big news! It looks like we will finally be looking for a break in the drought AND high temperatures. The blasted high that has settled in over the entire state is going to move to the southeast (sorry guys). That is supposed to open a route for sub-tropical moisture to move in. It means rain as well as temperatures in the LOWER 90's. There is a feeling of cautious anticipation by the citizenry, but of course the weather clowns are ready to take credit for this change in weather.

I know there has been criticism for the coverage of Irene. I have been guilty of that kind of coverage myself - then there was Ike. But now there is rain as a possibility, those clowns have started all over again. I would rather they get excited about the rain though. They have been telling us how many days in a row we have been without rain and over 100. That absolutely inflames G (good choice of words there GK!). Hew sets off on his tirade again, over and over.

Enough of that. I went to my GP yesterday. He concurs that my symptoms may very well be as a result of stopping the other drugs. But to be sure, I swear he took a gallon of blood for every test known to medical science.

As I was leaving, he remarked that I might have a touch of sleep apnea. Well, hello - I did. Instead of the t-shirt, I have the machine. I told him I lost a lot of weight after getting that thing, and I haven't used it even after finding that lost weight along with the fans of all those pounds.

So I decided to use it again last night. I don't know too many Texans who are not having allergy problems right now. There is all kind of stuff in the air - mostly dust. I am with them. Well, after having air forced into my nose all night, I just thought I had allergy problems.

I remember my poor daddy going through several handkerchiefs when his allergies were really bad. I am that way today except I am using really absorbent paper towels. I think I made a bit of a mistake last night. I don't know if I will use the CPAP tonight or not. I didn't sleep more soundly at all.

Please pray that the weather people are right, and we get some rain and relief from the temperatures this weekend. It is really time!

Peace.

Open Letter

2011-08-28T13:52:00.000-05:00

Dear Daddy (yes I am a southern girl and he will always be my "daddy"

Today is your birthday. You would have been 99 today. I especially thought of it when there was a picture of a lady who is 100 today. Her picture shows her to be healthy and vibrant. That is something you would not be today.

Your body was still going fairly strong. I guess all those days of being a postal carrier who was on foot delivering the mail to each and every home was certainly good for your health. Your poor knees - not so much. I remember how much you really loved that career. Your patrons loved you too.

You said you didn't like dogs, and I thought that was because I am sure you had to deal with more than your fair share of them. But in actuality, you had dogs on your route that you loved and they returned the love. They would join you along your walks. The love you showed to our dogs was evident!

You have been gone for six years now, but you were gone long before that. The mind was ravaged by dementia. You weren't the same. You never got mean like so many with dementia do, but the real you was hidden so far down - if it even existed anymore.

I still miss you each and every day. I don't find myself deciding to be sure to remember something to tell you - as often. I don't have the feeling that something will happen (the phone calls) at 5:30 every Saturday. Those things have faded some. But there is always something that makes me think of you.

When I think of all the things you experienced in your life, I wonder what you really thought of our country. You saw so many changes - things that people didn't dream of. I never asked you that question. But then I was so stupid that I didn't ask you many questions, and I didn't listen well when you talked about things from the past. I am paying for that now. I want to know more about the family. I have so many questions that I will never find the answer for.

Yes, today would have been 99. I firmly believe you are in a much better place. Your last years, while relatively safe for you, were not happy ones. You were the escape artist of the memory unit. You really kept them on their toes. But as time went on, you gave up. I could see you deteriorate rapidly.

Once the sharp dresser - you looked like a bum. Sorry - but you did. I know they did a lousy job on your clothes. I had to give up trying to do your clothes myself. The incontinence was just too much for me. I would have to do three or four loads a week. Your hygiene also had slipped. I suppose those ladies did as much as they could. I know they were working for peanuts, so I have to be glad they did what they could. I wish I could have had you here with me. I guess it's really no excuse, but I just couldn't keep up. Once again - you wandered too much.

So, Happy Birthday Daddy. I so miss you.

Irene

2011-08-27T10:45:00.000-05:00

As I watch the news reports about this storm as it chugs up the East Coast, I also pray for all of you in its path. I have never been to NYC, but my impression is that it is the LAST place I would want to be in a hurricane like this ones seems to be. I know about the winds, the power outages, and the flooding. The last place I would want to be is in a high rise apartment building. Around here, you are to put coverings over windows (which WE never have done, but....) How can you cover those? What do you do until power is restored - unless you are luckier than we were.

These are just the thoughts of a simple "flatlander" Gulf Coast resident. I haven't seen most of the area where this storm is heading. I have been further north - like New Hampshire, but never to the south along there. I really do hope you get through this storm well. What's the deal with these "I" storms?? Ike is the once that really made believers of the folks in Galveston again. They didn't get the hint with Katrina. That storm went so far to their east.

As for us, we are huddled under the a/c vents looking for the season's record breaking heat today and tomorrow. Sorry our little 1/4 cup of moisture is being pulled into that storm to drop even more rain. We are left with dry, HOT, HOT air. I have to listen to G go on and on about how he is not going to put up with this heat next year. He is correct, we are supposed to be lucky (?) enough to have another high pressure area over us the rest of the year and again next year.

So with that, I am scaling the stairs to my sanctuary to slave over hot sewing machines. I have the granddaughter's dresses to finish and complete the final draft of the shell for the baptism blankets. I will take it tomorrow to get everyone's approval.

Have a cool, safe weekend. We had a reporter on TV who would say; "Good golf, good tennis, or whatever makes you happy." Oh, and he was the TV reporter who inspired the movie "The Best Little Whore House in Texas!" Just a little factoid for today. Gotta go - the brain is getting toooo weird.

Peace.

Odds and Ends

2011-08-26T09:31:00.000-05:00

There are some things I really don't address here anymore, and cancer is one of them. I know it is in my information section, but I just don't really write about it. That doesn't mean that the thought isn't always in my mind. All I have to do is take a shower or otherwise change clothes. I see the scars. Yesterday, I was changing clothes and got a terrible cramp in the muscles in the area where the mastectomy was and reconstruction took place. Reminder? You bet!

Then I have an appointment with Dr Death in September. That always brings you back to the reality that regardless of the fact you are getting close to the "magic five year survival," it might come back. With the other things that are going on right now, I have to wonder. My headaches - withdrawal, sinus (since Texas is turning to flying dust), brain tumor ...

There is pain in that right side of the thorax. One of our dear friends had her breast cancer return and that was a symptom. But then I think there is some nerve damage from the muscle being pulled from my back to my breast. But I will bring it up in a couple of weeks.

I sound like such a whiner. But these thoughts live in the recesses of my mind. G went to the bank to try to deposit some of the monies from his mother's estate. They pulled out an actuarial table. He was told he has 18 1/2 more years. I wonder how many I have? Do I really want to know? Aren't there far too many variables in my life?

OK _ enough gloom and doom. I really believe if I don't think about the Little C it will just go away. (Dreamer!!) G is still wandering around here mumbling "global warming" with every news cast. I have tried to explain to him that we have a variety of factors involved with the weather, and yes, we humans have done a really good job of ruining our environment, but he is absolutely sure the high that settles over Texas in the summer (last for sure and apparently in the future) is caused by coal burning electricity plants. Now it would make more sense for us here in Texas, where there is an abundance of clean burning natural gas, to use that gas for powering out plants. But that would mean the politicians ( and I don't care if they are Democrats, Republican, or Tea Partiers - all want the same thing - re-election) would have to use some COMMON SENSE. That is lacking in each and every one of those jokers in political offices from local school boards to the White House.

Oh, right - I don't become political here. Forgot. But I do think they are all clowns, and when you cut through the outer BS, they are all the same. Just deeper BS.

So I sit and listen to him complain about global warming and ranting that he will not stay here next summer. He will go somewhere else. I finally told him the other night that I wasn't going. I didn't add that I wasn't going to come home to find the house falling down on our heads because the slab dried out and cracked into 50 million pieces, the pool was the Black Lagoon - at least the four cups of water that would be left, and the pool equipment burned up because there was no water going through it. Stupid!

Oh - here come the men in the little white jackets to pull me off my soap box. Sorry! Sometimes I get a little wound tight. This is one of them. Time to go play nice again. That means three loads of laundry before I head off to sew dresses. Yep - still put that baby off. What excuse can I find today? Gotta go look for one. Later ...

Peace be with you.

Happy, Happy Day!!

2011-08-25T15:26:00.000-05:00

WE HAD RAIN LAST NIGHT! Sorry to shout, but you cannot imagine the celebrating going on around these parts. It has been so dry and hot. With Irene on her path, we are looking for high temperatures this weekend as she pulls out our remaining moisture. But it actually rained again. It may not for another really long time. That's what the meteorologists say. And we will be under the same high next summer too. Ugh!

I am gradually re-integrating back into big city life. I really needed to go to the grocery store yesterday, but Doodle Bug (the youngest in daughter's family) caught the bug that was going around the neighborhood while we were gone. I went over to sit with her for a while, so that dashed all my plans for yesterday because two hours stretched into four. Oh well. I am so glad I can do it for them. I know how hard it was without family here. Glad I am here.

Today we went to lunch with Daughter. Then to the grocery. That is really the time to go. I haven't felt well myself for a while (2 weeks). I had a small lunch - in fact I didn't feel full when we left. That soon changed, and by the time we reached the store the thought of food was rather sickening. Oh and by the way, as of yesterday morning, I have lost 22 pounds this summer - most in the last 45 days. For some of you lucky ducks, that would make you a skeleton, but, believe me, there is still way enough to keep that from happening to me!

I am getting ready to head up to begin sewing dresses for the two girls. I was able to complete cutting them out yesterday. That was a relief. Now to the machines. I have to do the final stitch out of the shell design for the baptismal blankets. Pastor sent me an email last night. We have a baptism Sunday, but I don't have to have it done - just the final approval. So here I go to slave over the hot machines!!

Our prayers around here and across the state are for more rain. Our property up there is so sad. It is a sea of yellow. It has happened before, and will again, but we dearly need rain. Wells are drying up. Ranchers are selling off. Sad.

Peace be with you.

Hello again

2011-08-23T18:01:00.000-05:00

I AM still alive! We have been gone for a week in the dry Texas Hill Country. It is really bad. If we have any deer this time next year, I will be surprised. We have about 20 head of cattle - a bull, cows and calves - for the next 30 or so days. I don't know what they will find to eat by the time they go home. It is such a terrible situation. Ranchers all over our little community are selling off their herds. Nothing to eat.

So this is to be a quick post to let you know that I did survive my cold turkey stopping of the pain meds. It really was rough for a while, and perhaps I should have sought medical advice to do it. I honestly thought I wouldn't have a problem - at all. Well ...

I quit a week ago Friday. By Saturday, my head was splitting. There were the other associated "problems" too. When we were getting ready to leave on Tuesday morning, I couldn't think about what I really needed to pack, but we are pretty self sufficient there. My main problem has been not sleeping well, but that happens sometimes up there. I sleep like a rock or I don't sleep. Such is life there.

I am better than I have been in a week. But more than anything I am not in pain. My back doesn't hurt. My knees don't hurt. I can climb stairs better than before. Things are looking up. I still have some other problems, but I am planning a trip to the GP to check them out, and I have a standing appointment with the oncologist in September. So I will have other things checked out.

I am NOT saying the Pain Clinic was all bad. The spinal injections absolutely helped. I just couldn't see being on opiates the rest of my life.

Glad to be back with internet!!

Peace.

2011-08-15T11:12:00.000-05:00

Well, I did what I planned to do - I quit all my pain meds. You remember this all began with the first knee replacement that will be two years in January. The knee pain wasn't the factor - it was my back. So later that year I was put on hydrocodone, Lyrica, Elevil, and later a muscle relaxant.

I decided I was tired of all that. As I said, G thought I was over medicated. I tended to believe it too, and even though I didn't take the prescribed amount of the hydrocodone, I was anxious to quit. I didn't really think the pain clinic was doing anything anymore anyway. Just getting me hooked.

So - I stopped all of those pills, just as I had planned, never believing there would be any physical problems. I was wrong, wrong, wrong. Either that or I have had a strange flu. Saturday I developed a splitting headache. When I get one of those, I also get diarrhea (nice -sorry). But my sinuses were clogged, so I thought it might be a sinus headache.

We planned to eat dinner out with Daughter and SIL, so I just sucked it up, and out we went. The headache was nearly blinding. I slept fitfully that night. Sunday morning came around, and there was no way I could chance church. The headache endured.

Last night I really was not a lot better. It was another night of waking every hour on the hour. Today, there are still vestiges of the headache, and nothing is really "right" yet. I just looked at some of the things of withdrawal. It is a laundry list that could fit anything, but it fit me too.

I am in hopes that tomorrow is a new day because we are scheduled to pack up and drive the 5-6 hours to the SSB.

And I thought I wasn't hooked. I have probably 500 untaken hydrocodine pills. That, to me, meant I was far from any dependence. I don't know. I don't know, and I guess I will never know. I am not going back to the pain clinic - that I do know. I was in pain with the pills. I do not have the pain now. Why??? Well, lesson learned.

Experiment

2011-08-13T11:49:00.000-05:00

Today I am going to try something. It actually has me a bit nervous, but perhaps I won't fall asleep anytime I get too still.

G has been telling me (well once) that he doesn't think the Pain Clinic is doing any good, and he feels I am over medicated. That well could be since I really don't know the exact count of medications I am taking unless I look at the bottles or read my list that I carry for doctors' appointments.

When I told him I was going to do this his response was "well, you moan and groan when you move anyway, what could it hurt?" Point well taken. So we'll see what happens today.

I have really hit a wall after running ragged with LB. I need to cut out her dress so I can get it made before we head off to the SSB on Tuesday. I thought I would get it done last night, but alas, the fabric is still sitting in a chair. At least I got the pattern pieces separated.

And that thought brings on another rant. Those of you who sew and use a pattern. Does it bother you that the companies cram 10 sizes of four "looks" into one envelope so that you have to open all the six by six foot pages of the most delicate of tissue paper to find all the pieces you need? Then the trick is getting them back into the same envelope? It makes me think of the phrase "putting toothpaste back into the tube.

So I have ranted enough for one day. I really have to get moving before noon. I am sitting here in my pjs ; I have read all my blogs and then some new ones. It is just difficult to get the motivation to do much of anything. I DO love a peaceful Saturday!

Peace.

Tired, tired, tired

2011-08-12T17:57:00.001-05:00

I have been 10 year old Lady Bug's play toy for the past three days. Only three?? It seems like six months. Please let me explain. I adore each and every moment I spend with her. She is such an amazing girl. But she is active. She wants to help - and she wants to craft with me. So guess where we have been spending our time. Yep - in the craft room.

This morning when we were up there, I was shaving the embroidery machine stitch the shell for the Baptismal blankets. I was going to make her a bandanna blouse which is the exact same thing as the dress for the little girls. As both machines were purring along, she sat up from what she was doing and said "it is just like a craft room here." No kidding!! I guess she just thought it was a messy bedroom without a bed - I don't know.

Spending time up there means I can't fall asleep on the couch or some place like that. I do like my naps, though I would vociferously deny such a thing. But I am beat this afternoon. We had pedicures scheduled for G, me, LB, and Daughter. When I got home from that, I should have cut out a dress for her. I was just too beet. Then the little towns papers arrived. There is a kin in the one that I don't have in my list, and I cannot find her ancestors.

We seem to have such fun when we are together. I know my days are numbered. Soon, far too soon, she will be a teen. Then she probably won't want to spend time with me crafting. So I do cherish each and every minute.

NEWS FLASH - There was just something falling from the skies here. It is something I vaguely remember. It is wet, but almost disappears as soon as it hits our dry, fissured ground. It was cooling while it fell. Now it has stopped, and there is steam coming off the ground. When I looked this stuff up, it was called rain. Well, my gosh - we actually had rain. Probably a scarce .01 inch, but it was rain.

Here's hoping you get some of this wonderful stuff if you need it, and here's to praying that this heat will stop - soon.

Peace be with you.

Here and there

2011-08-08T11:03:00.000-05:00

The weekend was, as I knew it wold be, busy. The kick-off is meeting daughter and family along with their present BFFs for dinner at the local Mexican Food restaurant. That will be another story. It's fun, but mainly it's good because I don't have to cook.

Saturday was Monkey Boy's birthday party at a laser tag place. Needless to say, we DID NOT participate in the games. But we have missed so many of his parties - along with the other two's parties - that since we were in town, we should go. Got to talk to some of Daughter's friends (and mothers of the boys of course.).

When I got up Saturday I put on my glasses when I got out of bed and stumbled into the kitchen. I have a condition where my eyes will be blurry because of the excretions from the tear ducts. Whenever I looked up that morning, I couldn't see. I could see fine close up, but distance was just a blur. In fact my eyes are blurry now - but close up. I kept waiting for it to finally clear, and I still could not see far.

I finally took the glasses off,at only to discover they were my READING glasses. My new progressives are in a wire frame - like I would always wear before last year when I got the thick frames, So I was trying to look at far things, I couldn't see. I guess when I took the readers off, I put them were the progressives should have been. Que estupido! Now I can tell the difference by feel - IF my fingers are not numb. The readers have a little twirl on the ear pieces.

Sunday was church. I managed to piss G off because I wanted to get there 30 minutes early. We now have two services with 30 minutes between for social. The folks I wanted to see all are in the early service because that's when Children's Church is. So it was just my luck again. They all went to the baby's room meet about who was going to teach what during Children's Church. So no fellowship there!

The afternoon was great and worked like I wanted it to. We were taking Lady Bug to the little suburban theater's yearly Mellardrammar. She loved it. Popcorn was thrown at the villain. She threw the popcorn she didn't eat during the time he wasn't on stage. But she absolutely loved it, and being an interactive play, it was great.

After the play, Family Dinner was held at Daughter's house. Monkey Boy and Dad were at a baseball thingy. THAT's another story.

So that was my weekend. Fun filled. I had great fun - loved it when we were on our way out of the play when the fella playing the villain admonished LB to "get your PARENTS (!!!) to buy better seats next time." He certainly made my afternoon. I haven't been mistaken for her mother in 10 years!

Peace be with you!

Where is it?

2011-08-04T15:40:00.001-05:00

I know it was here just a minute ago, but where in the heck did July go? I know I am anxious to get out of this heat. I know I was rooting for Tropical Storm Dan to give us a little moisture. He turned out to be fickle! But who took July away?

This summer has been a real challenge for most of us. Not only is it dry, but the heat is like living in the clothes dryer. Well, someday it will end. I don't want another winter like the last one either. We had too many freezing days. My fruit trees are just beginning to come back. That is a real trick now that it is hot and dry. I don't know if they will ever be the same.

The big event on this week's agenda was going to the Embroidery Club meeting. I am getting better and better with my machine, and it is going to be difficult for the organizers of this club to find things that I need/want to learn.

We did beautiful lace snowflakes today. They are impractical. I don't want/need them for decoration, and they wouldn't sell at all. I would have to charge $50 for each one according to the suggested pricing on all this embroidery stuff. They also take 60+ minutes to complete. I guess that wouldn't be so bad if I could set 10 machines going.

And so, another day of finding fault with things. I guess I sounded rather pompous with all that. I don't mean to. I still have a lot of things to learn with that machine. It can almost fix dinner. It has features I haven't even considered using yet.

So now it is time to lug the 50 pound machine up along with its 20 pound machine trolley. I also need to re-organize the craft room. I have put some things away so securely that, wait for it ... come on you can guess the answer ... I can't find them. What a surprise. I still cannot find my other wedding ring. It is someplace verrrrry safe - at least I hope it is. So it goes with things in the craft room. Things that will be found after I die, and my kids are repulsed by all the stuff I have,

Oh, I watched a little of the program "Horders." Bless his heart - my dad was a horder. I never thought of it as a sickness, but what else do you call it? He wasn't a crafter that needed stuff like he had. He reupholstered furniture, but that was it. When he was living alone, you couldn't walk through his house.

I guess I'm like that a little, but as a science teacher, we used everyday things for our equipment. Even as just a regular teacher, you never knew what you could use for bulletin boards and the like. I do about 5 different crafts. I use a lot of different stuff. I know as soon as it is in the trash can, and loaded on the trash truck, I need the item.

Right now I am looking for some colored "jewels" to put on girl's hair things. I remember putting them someplace out of the way. Well just where is that place. I'll bet I find my ring there too!

Peace be with you.

Weekend

2011-08-01T17:47:00.000-05:00

Wow - a new form for Blogger. I am so surprised I can hardly type, but then again that's really not new! Can't type anyway!

My weekend was a killer, and most of it was my own choosing.

When the subject if Vacation Bible School came up, my response was NO. Been there, done that, used to have the t-shirt. I was absolutely sure that was my answer. I did VBS for years and years, and being the church organist full time it was, of course, determined that I would do the music program. Does anyone realize how surly and non-participatory pre-teens are? I absolutely hated trying to get those little monsters (and mine were in that group when the time came) to sing and learn the new songs for Sunday service.

Then I stepped out of the frying pan into the fire. I was VBS director for two years. Where was my mind? I surely don't know. At least I had a co-director. But still, I must have been drugged to have said yes.

So all the times VBS was brought up in our little new church, I mentally said - nope. Not me. Until two weeks before the day. I decided to go to one of the meetings. I decided that they probably use another hand. It was all on that Saturday, and it ran from 9-5. We should have played that song by good ol' Dolly. But I didn't know the ramifications of that.

I went to the next meeting. That was easy. They were after church. I was already there. Daughter was signed up to work, and all three kidlets were going to be in classes there. Sure, I'll do it. I will just help out. Music, er no, I don't do no music!

Saturday rolls around. I get up at 6:30. I have only done that a handful of times since my retirement. But, this was for church and the children after all. Up and at 'em for the 8 o'clock meeting to iron out cliches. And for me iron on the patch.

Things were looking good. Everything was set. I was doing registration with another grandmother. Good, someone read my mind. That's what I wanted to do. AND as a result, I got to know Sharon who I had some work time the previous Saturday at one of our church's volunteer places. Neat O! Then we would go to the Children's Annex which was four or five storefronts down. (We are in a shopping center and the place next to us isn't available - so we took what was there)

About 2 o'clock the kids were out of it. They were bored and tired. The staff and student helpers had reached their limit - and we had three hours to go. OMG. The director had a melt down. It was a disaster. But Daughter found crayons, markers, and coloring sheets. We had happy campers for about two hours.

At the end, I was afraid our little Pastor was going to have a fit. Ours is a multi-use space. Church, but can be just open. One of the young helpers got the boys to run around to expend energy. Pastor C HATES running in the church, but I guess this really wasn't church. It was a wide open space. He said nothing though.

Five came, the kids left, and we broke our the wine and cheese we (SIL and I although G had to be involved) thought it would be a nice ending to a long day. And you know what? Almost everyone stayed and we had grand fellowship for a couple of hours. It was wonderful.

Peace be with you.

Here I sit

2011-07-27T13:46:00.004-05:00

I SHOULD be up and doing something. One would think there was nothing to do around this place, but that is so wrong. Name it and it needs doing. But I just feel attached to this computer. I don't want to get up at all. So I will bother you.

When I last spoke about our vacation - and I warned you that time provided blogging fodder for a long time - we had gotten to LA (and on time!!) where we boarded their metro train headed to Oxnard where we stayed for a night. We then headed to the depot to board the Coast Starlight route.

It runs from LA to Seattle. I knew it was a different. Not the outside of the train, not the steps and all the body of the train. It was when we got to the bedroom suite, there were two draw-string pouches that were filled with toiletries - like you find in hotels. Wow! Never had that before.

I knew I would not use them on the train. I have showered exactly twice on a train, and I won't do it again. I don't remember our trip to El Paso almost 20 years ago. I used the "public" rest room. I showered once in a bedroom suite. Never. Again! You are in a space that is probably 3x3. Even they suggest you sit on the toilet to shower. This is the only part of train travel I despise.

Our car steward had already gotten a lunch reservation. I was really glad because this is a big train - and only one dining car, which is standard. First class first!

This is one of the trains we have always wanted to take. It is the MOST scenic train I have been on so far. The train hugs the Pacific coast for a long time. That was so beautiful. When you look down on the beach there are people playing all along, and in most parts they are camped on the beach.

The second day aboard was the real surprise. There was a wine and cheese tasting. It was wines that were from whatever area we were in at the time. Never had that before!

While we were there, we went through such beautiful mountains. We were just climbing and climbing, Just beautiful.

Our final destination aboard that train was Portland. Or. The train went on to Dacoma and Seattle. That part we were going to be on a special train. It would be the great big steam engine that pulled the Freedom Train several years back.

Peace.

Rollin' rollin ', keep those doggies rollin'

2011-07-26T15:20:00.002-05:00

Oh yeah, that's exactly the way it is around here for me. G sits and voraciously reads novel after novel. I run like a chicken with her head chopped off.

I shouldn't complain. Most of what I am doing is because I want to do it. When G was working, I spent my days alone and here at home. We are getting out so much - probably because of doctor appointments.

We went to a local bar (?) for lunch today. Now doesn't that just fit for two oldies like us - and I got another year older today - 67. As we were on our way I commented to G that I never thought we would become two oldies driving their 11 year old car that has 80,000 on it with really good paint. Never thought that at all.

I am about to finish my little cowgirl dress. After I finish that one, I need to get pictures of both and upload them.

Oh, for my birthday, I got new rings. You see, last year sometime I put my beautiful wide gold band someplace that it would be safe not heading the little voice in my head that I wouldn't remember where I stashed that ring. At least I had taken the diamonds out and replaced them with a CZ, but still - I really loved that ring.

So off we went to a jewelry store (really a diamond store)where my daughter bought her new ring set. She and the rest of her family were with us. We didn't know we were going, but it would be the practical thing to do since church is between our houses and the store.

To get a new ring, I told G that I wanted to put the old diamonds on it. Several years ago when I put that CZ on the ring and took the diamonds off, he didn't like that at all. They were from my original wedding ring set. Really what I wanted was a totally new ring. I had one picked out too, but he found a setting that would take my diamonds very well. It did and they are being put on now. It is also being sized since the devil arthritis is invading my hands now.

So the ring will be ready Friday, I hope. I am anxious. This ring will be our anniversary gift (43rd) too.

So peace be with you.

I'm baaaaack

2011-07-22T14:01:00.002-05:00

OK, the important part of my day has happened. I was able to watch the Friday installment of All My Children. Watched it as often as I could when teaching because I have been a fan since day 1. Oh well, we all have our little things we do.

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SIL works for a national company that manufactures commercial ovens and the like for restaurants, schools, hospitals, and the like. They employ executive chefs to help sell their products. These guys may stay at the plant in Wisconsin and/or travel a bit.

One of them who have been here before was in last night. I thought he was going to cook again. The last time he was here, he made a fish dish with papaya salsa with rice. It was so heavenly. I was hoping he was going to cook again, but SIL wanted to give him the night off (and possibly brag on his own cooking, which is pretty good for a civilian).

But the chef is a very amicable guy regardless. We had hoped my son would be able to come, along with his guitar, but he had other plans. One of SIL's friends,S, and his family came, and lo and behold, he also plays guitar. Chef A had his and his amp.

Originally, Chef A was going to major in music - until he realized that there is no money in it. As soon as you finish one gig, you have to be looking for the next one. So he went to culinary school instead. But he had his guitar last night, so after dinner, around the bottles of wine, he serenaded he with his jazz guitar for several hours.

Occasionally one or the other (Chef A or the friend S) would pick up Lady Bug's little child size guitar and the other on the electric to play. It was great fun.

So that was a long way to introduce my musing for today. Chef A lives in Wisconsin. We were discussing the heat there and the heat here. It got me thinking, where it is so unbearably hot now (and you know of where I speak), your heat is comparable to our cold. The area can be so miserable, either hot or cold (for us), but doesn't last long. We are accustomed to bitter cold that may last up to two or three weeks, more like just days, and the northern states that are suffering so now, it usually lasts just a few weeks. We can handle that which ever area.

Our cold can get to where it kills our vegetation and breaks our pipes, but that temperature doesn't last long. That is something I am glad about!! You have to deal with the heat longer, but it does moderate.

So the ideal thing would be to just alternate living areas with the season! Like the "snow birds" that come to Texas and Florida in the winter. Keeps a more regulated temperature! G is ready to buy a house in Seattle for the summer and return here in the winter.

I don't think that is a real option! The weather is a topic that keeps you talking regardless. We have been blessed with scattered rain. I heard thunder a bit ago, but I think it has passes. Darn it all!

Peace be with you.

A few answers

2011-07-22T11:53:00.004-05:00

First, good morning! For once I haven't waiter until late afternoon or evening!! Of course I have 6 minutes before AMC!! Now for the answers (and I will probably be back late afternoon or early evening with my pearls for today).

Yes you can go coast to coast by rail. Before Katrina, it was easy. You took the Sunset Limited from LA to some point to Florida. Now you would have to go to New Orleans (too bad must see Bourbon Street and enjoy its ambiance). Then you would take the train to Chicago. From that train, there are several that would go on the the East Coast.

What are the "facilities" for coach. Not too bad - I guess. There is a women's and a men's bathroom. There are several stalls, and there are several showers - we think. This is all downstairs. Most of the seats are upstairs, and when you walk around the cars, you do it on the upper level. Best scenery in the upper level coach, but we found there is a downstairs seating level. We were going to use that when we had one of the coach seat reservation. Not as good scenery, but you also don't have to walk down the small nearly circular stairwell. I'm not into stairs!

So, I hope that answered questions. Seriously, go to the Amtrak website. They have diagrams of the cars (I think they are still there), and I think they will send you information. I would say to book early especially if you want those accommodations that are scarce.

AMC came on three minutes ago - peace and all that - check you later!

Rushed again

2011-07-21T13:47:00.005-05:00

I think I need to return to work. I am busier now than ever - oh, wait a minute - G needs to go back to work! Yesterday was teeth cleaning, eye exams with a lunch thrown in. Geesh!

I wanted to tell you a little more about our train trip. We left Houston about 9:30 on the Sunset Limited headed to Las Angeles. The train was actually on time. In fact we had no trains that were late. It was really something. I always tell people to not depend on getting where you are going - unless it's a short trip if you are going by train. When you go by train, it's the trip - not the destination.

Our sleeper was about ready which was good. We really didn't need it made up for sleeping - yet. The tracks between here and San Antonio must have been worked on because the trip was smooth. We had a longish lay over in San Antonio because the train from Chicago hooks up, and there is considerable switching to do. It isn't as bad as it sounds. It is like 3-4 AM. I was completely sacked out. Didn't know a thing about it.

We were on that train for a couple of days. It is a nice trip. Eating in the dining car (included in the ticket), moving around the cars - like to the club car or dome. Even just sitting in your bedroom space is nice. You can really be comfortable. REMEMBER this is not coach.

The second morning we woke to the mountains in California, and the desert on the east of the mountains. It was really pretty.

We were going to change trains in LA. We have been stung before, and this was a leisurely trip. So we planned to take one of the Metro trains to Oxnard. I was a little concerned. I see our "Metro train." It is a little play train. Someday it may grow up into a real train. That was a really neat commuter train. Something I have never experienced. So we were on to Oxnard.

I will pick up there since I need to go to my "drug pusher" Pain clinic on (egad) clinic day. I get the results of the EMG and whatever else.

Peace be with you

Hi there!

2011-07-18T22:23:00.002-05:00

It is 10:30pm. I should be in the shower and/or in my bed reading getting ready to fall asleep, but here I am!

I don't understand why, but it seems that my days are fuller than when I worked. Today was a day I have been busy the entire day.

I did my usual morning routine. I did get up a little earlier than 9 or 10. Hey I am retired. That's the way it goes when you are retired. Since it was a little earlier, the second stage of that routine was to fall asleep on the couch while drinking my coffee (and yes before you ask, I have spilled it on myself before) watching the news.

I asked G if he had eaten. I mean he is a big boy now fully capable. He snarled that he had not, so I got out the boxes of cereal. I threw away the milk that was dated June 15, although I really thought it was still good. That was the extend of out breakfast.

I came in here after The View to try to finish going through all the things on the computer that had piled up while we were at the SSB. I only had a partial day with a connection.

Before I knew it, it was 12. That is my special time that is running out. My soap - All My Children -will soon be history.

We went to the bank after AMC was over. I have never tried to see a banker without having to wait. And wait we did. The only reason I was there was to make the trip count. That meant grocery store. I didn't want to make G that too (not really, I don't know WHY I went to the store).

We spent a good amount of time at the store. It was after 4 when we got home. That meant no Sonic Happy Hour either. Drats!

I decided there wasn't enough time to go up to finish the dress, so I came back in here spending more time trying to finish loose ends on the computer. I was looking for a page that I had gotten to that had some really cute things on it. Never found it. Don't know who had them on their page. Fully a waste of time there. I did send a donation to the boxer rescue here. They really needed a foster home for a poor little girl that was in the pound. She needs medical care badly. Simone would never let me bring another little one in. And there is no way we could travel with her. So I did the next best thing and donated toward the $1000 they need to save her (medical treatments and the like).

So how was your day?

Peace be with you.

What else?

2011-07-17T17:06:00.001-05:00

Well, here I am again. Still dressed for church ( and that's another story), finally getting the spaghetti on since it seems to be an unsaid thing that dinner will be here, still no pictures that I want to post because the computer put them in at least five different folders, and G wandering through. So much I want to say, but ...

Quickly I will tell this one on myself. My bedroom is not known for its lighting. My closet definitely not. My vision - getting really poor. I decided what I wanted to wear. Black pants and if I don't like the other blouse I picked out it will be the black t with black beads on it. Got dressed. Didn't look at my pants in the light of the den. We went out for breakfast since neither of us wanted to go to the store yesterday. Whoo hoo! Breakfast out!

We get in the car. We pull away and out on the highway. I finally look down. I have on my navy pants with my black blouse. It was then I realized that these felt different in the closet. But after my month of living in a suitcase for 16 days, then turning right around to the SSB for a week - I just didn't pay attention to the slacks.

And I still have this outfit on?? Am I trying to make sure it is pressed into my memory. No, I am just very lazy today finally getting the spaghetti sauce on to cook. Finally called DIL with that fact. Poor actions today!

Peace!

PS And my ridiculous stuff continues. When I was ready to look for labels - I realized that I was over there in The K Design. Sad, sad, sad.

Once again - rushed

2011-07-16T19:09:00.002-05:00

I am here again, with a good connection, but no time. I spent the afternoon up working on the shell that I am going to use (I hope) on the blanket that is presented to the baby on its baptism at church. I put together a shell like the pastor wanted, how the initials and date would look. I will take it to church tomorrow. We will see.

Then I decided to work on the bodice of a dress for a 6 month old. I embroidered the front and will do the bloomers and skirt tomorrow. Or, sometime.

Anyway, it's dinner time and I run. And this laptop is pissing me off really good. It puts print wherever it pleases. I. AM. DONE.

Later

Oh and Peace

So brief

2011-07-12T08:27:00.001-05:00

We are at the SSB. I can't believe I have a sjgnal - doesn't happen very often. Going out to look at some property. Try to be back soon. Soooooo dry. All the animals are suffering. We have some of the neighbor's cows so he can try to not sell them before we might get rain again. Don't know.

Ok class - next lesson on trains

2011-07-07T11:22:00.002-05:00

Probably the least comfortable area of the train is the coach seat. We were, as I said, going to have to go by coach from Portland, Or to Chicago, Il. Even when we made out reservations way ahead, the bedrooms and roomettes were gone. I haven't ridden coach in about 15 years. It was from Houston to El Paso on the Sunset Limited. The train was really late then (a lot of retail traffic that ended us on sidings - doesn't happen so much now. I wasn't in the lap of luxury for the over night, but I wasn't miserable. After a certain hour, the lights go down, you put your chair back down, and sleep - sort of.

If you are riding coach, you can go up to an observation car. You can go to the diner. You can go to the club car where there is food. There you find sandwiches and the like, and wine too. Don't know about any thing else. I haven't gone because once I get up the stairs, I don't like to go down until we are at our destination. I send G! But he won't be traveling with you, so you are on your own!

The roomette, from what I see, is two chairs for regular traveling that make up into one bed for sleeping. They are on both sides of the sleeper car. They have doors on them so you can have privacy if you want, and I think they are like the bedrooms where that door is a pocket door enabling you to be exposed to the hallway. The other bed seems to be one that is above like the bedroom that drops from the ceiling. This area is also first class. That means your meals in the diner are included in your ticket. Also coffee and juice are available at the stair well where the bedrooms begin. You will have to use a communal bathroom however. It is used only by the folks in the sleeper cars. Folks from the coach area are not allowed in the sleeper cars.

The bedroom is my favorite. It consists of a couch that is a good six feet long and a chair facing the couch. You have a pocket door or a curtain or both to give you privacy from traffic. These rooms have a "bath roon" in the room, but don't get too excited. The sink is just as you enter the room. It is probably half the sized sink as a home bar sink, and it does have running hot and cold water. There is a mirror above. The shower and toilet and pretty much one and the same. There is a door that is water proof. Most of the shower stall is the toilet. When you want to shower, there is a hand held, I think, shower head. You make sure the door is closed well and pull the curtain over it. They recommend that when you shower, you sit on the toilet lid. Let me tell you - depending when you shower, and where the train is - that is a wonderful idea! The toilet/shower uses space very well, but it gets the job done - which ever job you need!

The diner still has the graciousness that it always had. Even though people no longer dress up for travel, the diner reminds you of time gone by. The tables are for four. They have table cloths that look so much like fabric that one meal, I had to find the edge to be sure that it was paper. There is a real flower on the table, and the knives and forks look like silver - they may be silver plate or a good substitute. They do have communal dining - that means they fill the tables. Unless you are a group of four, you will be seated with other travelers to fill that table. The food, while not needing to be prepared to order, is prepared on the train. The menu is pretty much the same for all trains. It is tasty. The flatiron steak is prepared to your taste, and just that cut is a really good steak. The prices, if you are a coach passenger, are not high. That steak is the most pricey, and it is $24. You can find a good meal that begins usually with a salad then the protein with potatoes and vegetable for no more that you would pay in a mid-cost restaurant.

The fun of the diner or club/or observation car is getting to know other people. We have met and dined with some fascinating people. It really is fun.

To get schematics of the train cars, go to www.amtrak.com.

Peace.

Train Travel Primer

2011-07-05T11:39:00.002-05:00

The fact that the passenger trains, apparently all over the US, are full or almost so makes me really happy. The fact that they aren't making money bothers me because there are so many out there that are calling for the demise of Amtrak. You have to know by now, that I think that idea STINKS. I am not going to go all crazy with some political stuff here because I don't like that kind of stuff. I will say this one thing about politics - there isn't a dime's difference in any of the politicians. Notice I didn't just hit the "big" parties - it is every one of those who choose to run for political office. "Nuff said" - period.

But when we were originally booking our tickets, on the way back we were going to be travelling in accommodations that we normally would not choose for a trip over long hours. We were going to be in coach for at least 48 hours, and in a Roomette for another long period. I know the "choice" bedrooms are few on a train, but this was the first time we have had the problem of them all being full. But it didn't matter. We wanted the trip to be all train. It just wasn't meant to be. (I began taking pictures after we had to rent the car because it was soooooo boring. I will try to post them, but it will be in two weeks - we are at the SSB next week.

So if you want to take a long trip via rail - and you want a private bedroom (larger) or roomette (smaller) you need to decide sooner or probably take the trip when it is off season. Everyone travels in summer it seems. If coach is ok, you probably can get tickets anytime. If you want the largest bedroom - the family bedroom - there is only one per car, and there is usually only one sleeper per car.

If you are in the corridors along the East coast, I don't know how they run their trains, but I do know they are really full most of the time. Those are on our bucket list. We don't know how they are.

And tomorrow children, we will study the bedroom and roomettes. Class has been long enough for today.

Home

2011-07-02T14:10:00.002-05:00

Yes, we actually made it home on Thursday to get the rental car returned on the 1st. We did a fast 2300 miles from Portland, Oregon to Jersey Village, Texas. As you know there were distinct ups and downs. I wish it were a planned leisure trip. We missed some really great things to see along the way, but the planned 500 miles a day just didn't allow for it.

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We could have returned by train. We could have taken the Starlight back down the Pacific Coast and met up with the Sunset Limited, or we could have taken the Empire Builder as far as it would go, transfer to some other - probably the one where the truck and passenger train hit - I can't remember that name - then on to the Texas Eagle almost home with a stop in East Texas where we would take a bus that is part of the railroad. Houston doesn't deserve a rail line for the Texas Eagle. It goes to San Antonio.

We love to vacation in the northern states and/or Canada. It get so blasted hot here we love to escape. Usually we leave when it is only mildly hot here - 90's with a few days in the 100's (not really). That makes our return even worse. We left with it fairly cool - went where is is cool - come back to the blast furnace, I don't know how much G paid the little college girl to keep things watered, but at least we didn't come home to plants that look like wilted, grilled spinach! My orange tree (Satsuma really) didn't look all that great, but I think it will be ok.

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I went to the grocery store yesterday since we really didn't have much in the house. When I got home there was a little cotton tailed rabbit in the neighbor's yard. I think it may have been smelling the pool's water. That is a dangerous thing for little things. They reach over, fall in and drown. So I rummaged through the garage and found an old pet watering device. I put it out for whatever comes alone that needs a good gulp of water. There's none around here naturally unless they catch it from yard/flower bed watering.

When SIL gets back, I am going to have him set me up with a sprinkler system that is not a sprinkler system. It is all normal yard watering parts - except one sprinkler and the timer (!!). They have gone away for the 4th, and I am taking care of their old dog.

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We picked up Simone yesterday morning. It was a day late, but we are such good customers ... I know they are full for this weekend, so I didn't want to put them out too much. She is so difficult to get "to the back" whether it is for a bath or boarding. When she comes back to the front, she runs at full speed. I felt so sorry for the little attendant that was trying to hold her. She was being pulled at full speed. Simone did not act like an old boxer! Except for the extreme cold - I think she could be a good sled dog!

Then I went to Son's house to get Shadow. He, of course, was in hiding. He finally recognized me. He began being so sweet. That lasted about an hour. Then came the first bite. He also slept with me. He was sweet and fairly loving until about 4 am. Then he got upset that I wanted the covers back, and he went into his panther mode. That is "kill Mom." He attacks and attacks until I throw him off the bed. So he is back to normal - well, with one exception. He has let me pick him up and hold and love him twice. Miracle. I will pay for that this evening - I am sure.

So here we are. I haven't even unpacked my big suitcase. I took everything that was necessary and put it into the smaller suitcase. The other is things that I could live without. As usual, I over packed again. I really tried to be frugal, and take only what I projected as needed. Well - there are things in that suitcase that never touched my body. I'll try again next year when we go to Iowa. And I won't make fun of my daughter (in my mind) when they arrive at the SSB for a weekend with their entourage of six suitcases for five people!

Peace be with you.

Almost home

2011-06-29T20:30:00.003-05:00

Sitting here in Oklahoma with free wi-fi. We will be HOME tomorrow. This return trip has been really something. We are averaging 500 miles per day. Most of the trip has been good, but we did have one real trial.

When I last posted, I thought things were going to be great. A Honda Civic isn't exactly my cup of tea. In the front there is adequate room, but only our two big bags fit in the trunk. The small ones ride in the back seat. However when we checked the mileage is was 38 mpg. OK

Well back to Wyoming of the last post. Things turned south that night or early morning. G got up to go to the bathroom, and I was vaguely aware. Suddenly he started making the most god awful noise. It was if he had taken a pill, and it got stuck in his throat. But he hadn't. He surely was having a pharyngeal spasm and couldn't catch his breath.

I was scared out of my mind. I asked if he had choked on something. No. I asked if he wanted an ambulance. Yes. I began trying to get lights on so I could see; find my glasses, and then call. I was trying to read the instructions on the phone. I really was unsure WHERE we were, and then which room number. Too much traveling. Too many rooms.

The spasm passed, and he no longer wanted an ambulance. During that spasm he really sounded like a child with whooping cough. So I told him to go in the bathroom, turn the shower on hot, and breath the steam. He did (remarkably he followed my suggestion).

After he came back in he told me to go back to sleep. What? Sure, right away. I did go back to sleep - and I guess more than I thought. At 7 he told me to get up. He was dressed and looking in the phone book I had gotten out to look up hospitals. He then called one to be sure they had an ER.

Guess where we went. Guess who is not a driver of the rental. Guess who was scared out of my mind driving to that hospital! We did get there in one piece, and to make a long story short, the ER staff were wonderful. But it was still noon before we got on the road.

Even with the horrible turn of events, we did manage 500 miles and got into Kansas. Destination made.

So now we are here in the 108 degree area of Kansas and Oklahoma. Houston is next - I hope!

Peace be with you.

Home again, home again - soon?

2011-06-27T20:36:00.006-05:00

We are in some town in Wyoming. We are hoping for Kansas tomorrow, then home the next day in what will be considered a death march.

I actually have free internet, but it is as slow as my phone and its hot spot. So ...

I am so sorry about the flooding and the people who are included - I just can't imagine. It makes the cancellation of out return trip absolutely nothing. We are getting there. We had options. We could have flown - I'd rather walk. We could have taken a couple of trains back including the Sunset Limited that we took to California. We are still seeing beautiful things we never saw before. All is good.

I am just too tired to do some of the posting I have thought of.

Good night to you all, and peace.

Another short post

2011-06-24T13:15:00.002-05:00

We have been so busy that trying to get to the computer and the phone's hot spot. Wednesday we saw all modes of transportation in Seattle. There was a lot of walking there, and I am really out of shape. Yesterday we rode a steam engine out to the base of Mt Rainer (still haven't seen that!). Today is a day of seminars. Too boring for me - I like to ride. So I am catching up on email and getting things straightened out here. I can't find anything.

Marti -please understand what has happened -that I am going to talk about - is not usual. Don't let this make you not want to ride the wonderful method of travel on the train. On a train, people are smiling - not so much on a plane!

We have been scurrying about pretty wildly searching for another way home. The mid-west floods have caused the Empire Builder we were going to take to Chicago has been cancelled. We could get home by rail if we made several transfers. With four suitcases - two heavy - isn't going to work for us, so we will drive home.

We won't really be late getting home. When you take the train you have to realize it is a grander, slower way. With the train, it's the journey, not the destination so much. You experience so much on a train. You see sights that you could not see by car.

So I finally got this phone to pony up and give me internet! It saved us on our return trip planning, but I don't know how long it will take. I will post things about our experiences when I can until I get back, and then I figure I will have many posts.

Peace.

Thumbnail sketch

2011-06-20T17:19:00.001-05:00

Here we are in Portland, Oregon which is, as I was told, the bicycle capital of the world. I also read "Keep Portland weird" which also happens to seem true. I always associated that phrase with Austin, Texas, but I suppose there certainly be more than one "weird" city in the world.

Also I am being charged $9.95 for the privilege of getting emails, read your blogs to catch up, and write this little ditty. But you are worth every penny of the fee.

We arrived yesterday and I flopped on the bed. I didn't rise for the free happy hour nor going to find a place to eat for dinner.

I wanted to catch you up on some of the things we have seen and done since we have been gone. I still plan to write them. I am going to try to write them in office and then move them over. I will just bet that won't happen though. The new office and I don't like one another! And I am finding writing anything on the train is difficult at best. It is meant for looking out windows and sleeping.

The thing this blog is the train. Ah, the train. This is the one that hugs the Pacific Coast all the way, but is really close from about Malibu (I think) until there are more mountains. We saw scenery that would be difficult from a car, although there were campers, trailers, bus RV's down there along the beach. What a beautiful place.

When we got on board and into our bedroom, there was a little welcoming gift on the sink. Everything in that room was new. It was just outstanding. The food was, as I imagined it, Amtrack food. The menu was basically the same, but this train puts a little more into it. We found, too late, that there was a meal served in the Lounge car. This car is the one that has swivel club chairs and then the booths like the diner.

In the diner you most always meet some interesting people. That is for another visit with you.

The afternoon, there was a complimentary wine tasting. That was really interesting. It was wine and cheeses to sample. That's when we discovered that those booths are made for the mini people in this world, to we didn't pursue eating dinner in that car. The food was the diner food - but fewer choices, but done "fancier."

The train really was great - it even got us here to Portland AN HOUR EARLY. That may not seem unusual or something, but when we travel Amtrack, it is usually very late!

So now I am off to see what you guys have been up to. And I haven't had the latest from DIL - things seem fine. She goes to the doctor on Thursday. So we will see how far I get reading!

After I take this post from the other blog. Train brain - must be

Peace.

2011-06-17T21:28:00.002-05:00

I have been working on the trip journal, but it isn't completed for the first days. We are in a motel in Oxnard tonight because we are changing trains. The good news is that the floor of this room won't move a millimeter! Trying to get some rest!!

I'll try for a real post on Sunday!

Looks like it's a go!

2011-06-15T14:38:00.003-05:00

Well - Shadow is doing well with his cousins and Godparents. I just called to check. There is a bit of hissing, but he has found a new front window to watch out of. If he looks around, he will find there is one every bit as good as the bathroom window and sliding glass door at the SSB for watching wildlife. He may not want to come home!

The next thing is to leave Simone with the vet. She knows something is taking place. She knows there is not this level of activity that is normal around here unless we are headed out for a trip - be it SSB or something she knows nothing of. That will take place in about an hour.

Then our contractor/friend/whatever will be here at 8:30 to take us to the train station that is in such a wonderful part of Houston. Downtown with all the homeless. I think that is under pretty much control now. You see, we get train service only about every other day. Then, if the good lord's willing and the creeks don't rise, the train will be in at 9:15 to take off at 9:50. If it does - I will be surprised. But the last one that we got to take in privately owned cars (that spoiled me forever!) did leave just about on time. I hope the track is better than it was between here are SA. We are supposed to sleep then!

But the real news is this here lil' ol' machine will be going along for the ride. I will have internet service (I think) while we are gone. Yea!

I will have time in the evenings to return to your posts and read them from the time I had to leave them. I am so excited to catch up on your lives - that sounds a little pathetic, doesn't it. But it's true. I have missed reading it all.

So until the next time - Peace be with you. (and a little ps here - if you have a bit of time and a bit of inclination to do so - please say a few little prayers for DIL. I will fill you in later, but this pregnancy is not going as smoothly)

Home to wash

2011-06-14T14:07:00.003-05:00

Me things we should have planned this affair better. We got in last night from the SSB. Tomorrow we leave on our two week train vacation.

Not lots from last week, but I am sure there will be stuff from the coming weeks.

I MAY pack this computer. If I do, I will give updates. I think it is looking like that may not be what happens.

We'll see. Hope you all will be enjoying the last days of spring and the beginning days of summer. No rough weather! There's been enough of that.

Peace.

Here I am again

2011-06-02T13:57:00.002-05:00

I haven't been away because of our scare with Simone. I have had appointments. I was treated to the pleasure of an EMG. This is one of those little tests that you love - not.

This is the test where they attach electrodes to stimulate your muscles to see how much damage they can find. The first part wasn't too bad. The stimulation felt strange, but it wasn't really bad.

The last part of the test involved needles. Needles AND electrical stimulation. I discovered that the right leg isn't as sensitive as the left. They said the needles were like acupuncture needles. I think that was a little wrong! They hurt. Acupuncture doesn't hurt! And there was blood. Again not the same as acupuncture!

For a while, I thought there might be a question of Peripheral Neuropathy. But I think that was not the case. That is what I hope anyway.

I think I will hop over to one of the search engines and look for that.

Peace be with you.