Well, we are winding down (or winding up?) For our trip to Disneyland. I’m just hoping things will pan out. I have let daughter and son in law make the arrangements. I never thought I was too much of a control freak until now. I love my daughter so much, but she can make a penny scream. Vacation is not the time to cut corners, especially if you are headed to a destination all the way across the nation - plus you have never been there before! I am really on pins and needles about this one. I guess I have let G plan them all before, and I know he does a great job. Plus he doesn’t cut corners to save a penny. I just hope this trip doesn’t become one that was "penny foolish!"
I made Simone’s reservations at the kennel that works with the Boxer Rescue group here. We got her through that group, so I feel that may give her a bit more attention knowing she was a rescue, and that we have only had her since a little before Christmas. I shouldn’t worry so about her, but she is my only baby now. Monkey Boy is in day care, and Lady Bug starts (I can’t believe it) kindergarten in the fall. Oh well. So a dog had become my baby. I'll never say nasty things about that situation again!
Things are always hopping on the Son in law’s family front. You never know what to expect, except you can be sure it will involve money. Not a loan, mind you, an out and out gift. This time it is around $600. They are able to make S feel so bad if he doesn’t give it to them. There are four children in that family, but he is the only one they always come to.
His dad needs $250 for the Tax, Title and License on a vehicle he bought - under very dubious circumstances. That’s another long story that I’m not really even clear on, except I really believe the money he used was from ill gotten means. His mother has discovered her mother is probably in the last moments of life, so S’s sister found a flight for her to get home - for about $300. The catch is that sister, as per usual, has no money. Neither does brother #1. Brother #2 has money, but won’t part with it - even though he uses his parents as his virtual slaves. All work (keeping his two kids and one step kid and cleaning his house), and no money. I really feel sorry for S. I understand the dilemma . It’s so unfair of a parent to do this sort of thing to a child - especially on a continuing basis - with no qualms about asking for money.
Have a great rest of the weekend! Ours will be interesting! Now to email step brother in California to see if we can visit his new restaurant!
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Not like me
I seem to be so serious these days. I’m having trouble finding the humor in life’s situations these days. I really don’t know what is going on with me.
Part of the problem may be that I am still having some difficulty with Dad’s death. I know in reality I began to lose the real "him" ten years ago. I would have these thoughts of telling this or that to him, and then the realization that he wouldn’t understand.
Yesterday G finally made me go through the bags of clothes I had hastily packed at the assisted living place. Two items tugged at my heart. One was a shirt that he had when he was in San Antonio, and he wore that shirt often. The other was the windbreaker he often wore. My daughter in law took a picture of him and me before he really was bad, and he had on that wind breaker. I’ll never see him wear either of these things again, and that makes me so sad.
Part of the problem may be that I am still having some difficulty with Dad’s death. I know in reality I began to lose the real "him" ten years ago. I would have these thoughts of telling this or that to him, and then the realization that he wouldn’t understand.
Yesterday G finally made me go through the bags of clothes I had hastily packed at the assisted living place. Two items tugged at my heart. One was a shirt that he had when he was in San Antonio, and he wore that shirt often. The other was the windbreaker he often wore. My daughter in law took a picture of him and me before he really was bad, and he had on that wind breaker. I’ll never see him wear either of these things again, and that makes me so sad.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Your kids may surprise you
You never know how your kids will really turn out. Sure, you have some idea. You instill the important ideas in them, and you can be pretty sure that they will take. But there are many things in their lives - like interests mostly - that can really change.
When my son was about ten, I enrolled both he and his sister in piano lessons. The assistant choir teacher where I taught had a baby and wanted to stay home with her child. She began giving piano lessons. I changed my daughter from the older woman who had been giving her lessons and started B as well.
K would listen to the teacher, and did fairly well. B did not want to practice. He was bored with the music I really believe. The teacher told me at the end of the "term" that I was really wasting my money giving B lessons. So we quit.
I really believe B has ADD. He struggled in school. Our district will not give up on open concept classrooms in elementary school. B was always distracted, and his elementary education set the stage for study habits through school. That bled over into his piano.
A few years later, B would sit at the piano and pick out tunes. Come to find out he inherited my grandmother’s ear. I had it for a while, but I had an old German piano teacher who wouldn’t allow the training of the ear. I am limited now. I have to have sheet music to play. That was a real problem for a while since I was a part time church organist.
B began band when he went to middle school, and that spurred his interest in music again. He became a very good trumpet player, and stayed with band all through high school. He became a good piano player even though he cannot read a note in the base cleft. Then he taught himself guitar.
He made several attempts to form a band. He went into rock first. That band never jelled, and he decided that rock was too hard on his throat. He would play country with a couple of guys at one private parties one family were always giving. People loved his voice.
A couple of years ago he was approached by a band to fill in for their lead singer. He became the lead singer. His day job changed his schedule and he had to quit that band for a time. They found another lead singer, and moved on. B didn’t have a band.
Fourteen months ago, two of the original band members approached B again about forming a new band. They did, and they play almost every weekend. They could probably play every weekend, but black out at least one weekend a month. The band is getting a great following. Their pay is increasing, and B is so very happy.
And I was wasting my money on piano lessons? Probably at that time. He regrets not following though with piano lessons, but he certainly is doing well with his music now!
Oh, and his sister. She went into basketball and can't play a note today.
When my son was about ten, I enrolled both he and his sister in piano lessons. The assistant choir teacher where I taught had a baby and wanted to stay home with her child. She began giving piano lessons. I changed my daughter from the older woman who had been giving her lessons and started B as well.
K would listen to the teacher, and did fairly well. B did not want to practice. He was bored with the music I really believe. The teacher told me at the end of the "term" that I was really wasting my money giving B lessons. So we quit.
I really believe B has ADD. He struggled in school. Our district will not give up on open concept classrooms in elementary school. B was always distracted, and his elementary education set the stage for study habits through school. That bled over into his piano.
A few years later, B would sit at the piano and pick out tunes. Come to find out he inherited my grandmother’s ear. I had it for a while, but I had an old German piano teacher who wouldn’t allow the training of the ear. I am limited now. I have to have sheet music to play. That was a real problem for a while since I was a part time church organist.
B began band when he went to middle school, and that spurred his interest in music again. He became a very good trumpet player, and stayed with band all through high school. He became a good piano player even though he cannot read a note in the base cleft. Then he taught himself guitar.
He made several attempts to form a band. He went into rock first. That band never jelled, and he decided that rock was too hard on his throat. He would play country with a couple of guys at one private parties one family were always giving. People loved his voice.
A couple of years ago he was approached by a band to fill in for their lead singer. He became the lead singer. His day job changed his schedule and he had to quit that band for a time. They found another lead singer, and moved on. B didn’t have a band.
Fourteen months ago, two of the original band members approached B again about forming a new band. They did, and they play almost every weekend. They could probably play every weekend, but black out at least one weekend a month. The band is getting a great following. Their pay is increasing, and B is so very happy.
And I was wasting my money on piano lessons? Probably at that time. He regrets not following though with piano lessons, but he certainly is doing well with his music now!
Oh, and his sister. She went into basketball and can't play a note today.
Your kids may surprise you
You never know how your kids will really turn out. Sure, you have some idea. You instill the important ideas in them, and you can be pretty sure that they will take. But there are many things in their lives - like interests mostly - that can really change.
When my son was about ten, I enrolled both he and his sister in piano lessons. The assistant choir teacher where I taught had a baby and wanted to stay home with her child. She began giving piano lessons. I changed my daughter from the older woman who had been giving her lessons and started B as well.
K would listen to the teacher, and did fairly well. B did not want to practice. He was bored with the music I really believe. The teacher told me at the end of the "term" that I was really wasting my money giving B lessons. So we quit.
I really believe B has ADD. He struggled in school. Our district will not give up on open concept classrooms in elementary school. B was always distracted, and his elementary education set the stage for study habits through school. That bled over into his piano lessons.
A few years later, B would sit at the piano and pick out tunes. Come to find out he inherited my grandmother’s ear. I had it for a while, but I had an old German piano teacher who wouldn’t allow the training of the ear. I am limited now. I have to have sheet music to play. That was a real problem for a while since I was a part time church organist.
B began band when he went to middle school, and that spurred his interest in music again. He became a very good trumpet player, and stayed with band all through high school. He became a good piano player even though he cannot read a note in the base cleft. Then he taught himself guitar.
He made several attempts to form a band. He went into rock first. That band never jelled, and he decided that rock was too hard on his throat. He would play country with a couple of guys at one private parties one family were always giving. People loved his voice.
A couple of years ago he was approached by a band to fill in for their lead singer. He became the lead singer. His day job changed his schedule and he had to quit that band for a time. They found another lead singer, and moved on. B didn’t have a band.
Fourteen months ago, two of the original band members approached B again about forming a new band. They did, and they play almost every weekend. They could probably play every weekend, but black out at least one weekend a month. The band is getting a great following. Their pay is increasing, and B is so happy.
And I was wasting my money on piano lessons? Probably at that time. He regrets not following though with piano lessons, but he certainly is doing well with his music now!
Oh, his sister. She went into basketball, and can't play a single note now!
When my son was about ten, I enrolled both he and his sister in piano lessons. The assistant choir teacher where I taught had a baby and wanted to stay home with her child. She began giving piano lessons. I changed my daughter from the older woman who had been giving her lessons and started B as well.
K would listen to the teacher, and did fairly well. B did not want to practice. He was bored with the music I really believe. The teacher told me at the end of the "term" that I was really wasting my money giving B lessons. So we quit.
I really believe B has ADD. He struggled in school. Our district will not give up on open concept classrooms in elementary school. B was always distracted, and his elementary education set the stage for study habits through school. That bled over into his piano lessons.
A few years later, B would sit at the piano and pick out tunes. Come to find out he inherited my grandmother’s ear. I had it for a while, but I had an old German piano teacher who wouldn’t allow the training of the ear. I am limited now. I have to have sheet music to play. That was a real problem for a while since I was a part time church organist.
B began band when he went to middle school, and that spurred his interest in music again. He became a very good trumpet player, and stayed with band all through high school. He became a good piano player even though he cannot read a note in the base cleft. Then he taught himself guitar.
He made several attempts to form a band. He went into rock first. That band never jelled, and he decided that rock was too hard on his throat. He would play country with a couple of guys at one private parties one family were always giving. People loved his voice.
A couple of years ago he was approached by a band to fill in for their lead singer. He became the lead singer. His day job changed his schedule and he had to quit that band for a time. They found another lead singer, and moved on. B didn’t have a band.
Fourteen months ago, two of the original band members approached B again about forming a new band. They did, and they play almost every weekend. They could probably play every weekend, but black out at least one weekend a month. The band is getting a great following. Their pay is increasing, and B is so happy.
And I was wasting my money on piano lessons? Probably at that time. He regrets not following though with piano lessons, but he certainly is doing well with his music now!
Oh, his sister. She went into basketball, and can't play a single note now!
Friday, April 21, 2006
Money well spent?
Yesterday was one that I will not soon forget. It was the day of changed teeth and a definitely lighter wallet. It was the day I became the proud owner of six, count ‘em, six crowns!
My dentist has wanted to crown my four front teeth for twenty years. He is a great dentist, but he is also very into "cosmetic dentistry." My teeth are just like what my father had - terrible. They are weak and very prone to cavities. He had full dentures from the age of about forty. He decided he was through with all the drilling, etc, so he had the teeth pulled - top and bottom and full dentures. I knew from my twenties I certainly did not want that!
I have (had now) very few teeth that didn’t have cavities that were filled. That included my front teeth on the upper jaw. Even though the fillings were white porcelain, they soon were stained. I agreed with Dr. Pretty Teeth, they weren’t exactly beautiful, but I did not want crowns.
After several years of having no dental insurance, and then having insurance that only allowed the Butchering Dental Clinic, we were able to return to Dr. Pretty Teeth. The catch here - I put off going until I had an emergency. I had a tooth break. So I made the call.
He repaired that tooth with a cap, and immediately began making plans for the other teeth. I told him I knew he looked in my mouth and saw two trips to Europe. I said he had never been. I imagine he is booking the trips as I write.
Before we could proceed with "the plan" I had another tooth break. Another emergency. The dental insurance was depleted. I am on three month recall for cleaning. My mouth is a mess.
The gum situation is solved. I can return to six month recall. I go for a cleaning with hopes we can return to "the plan," but another emergency discovered at the cleaning. Another crown. Oh my!
After New Year’s, I was sitting at the table eating chips because I had been at the hospital most of the day with Dad missing lunch - another tooth chips. It is one of the original four he wanted to crown. The front tooth had chipped years ago, and another had broken off - thus already crowned. It. Was. Time. But not four crowns - six.
So yesterday was the day. After eight hours in the chair, and I won’t even tell you the amount out of my bank account, I walked out with new "teeth" in the front of my jaw.
I think I would have rather had a new car.
My dentist has wanted to crown my four front teeth for twenty years. He is a great dentist, but he is also very into "cosmetic dentistry." My teeth are just like what my father had - terrible. They are weak and very prone to cavities. He had full dentures from the age of about forty. He decided he was through with all the drilling, etc, so he had the teeth pulled - top and bottom and full dentures. I knew from my twenties I certainly did not want that!
I have (had now) very few teeth that didn’t have cavities that were filled. That included my front teeth on the upper jaw. Even though the fillings were white porcelain, they soon were stained. I agreed with Dr. Pretty Teeth, they weren’t exactly beautiful, but I did not want crowns.
After several years of having no dental insurance, and then having insurance that only allowed the Butchering Dental Clinic, we were able to return to Dr. Pretty Teeth. The catch here - I put off going until I had an emergency. I had a tooth break. So I made the call.
He repaired that tooth with a cap, and immediately began making plans for the other teeth. I told him I knew he looked in my mouth and saw two trips to Europe. I said he had never been. I imagine he is booking the trips as I write.
Before we could proceed with "the plan" I had another tooth break. Another emergency. The dental insurance was depleted. I am on three month recall for cleaning. My mouth is a mess.
The gum situation is solved. I can return to six month recall. I go for a cleaning with hopes we can return to "the plan," but another emergency discovered at the cleaning. Another crown. Oh my!
After New Year’s, I was sitting at the table eating chips because I had been at the hospital most of the day with Dad missing lunch - another tooth chips. It is one of the original four he wanted to crown. The front tooth had chipped years ago, and another had broken off - thus already crowned. It. Was. Time. But not four crowns - six.
So yesterday was the day. After eight hours in the chair, and I won’t even tell you the amount out of my bank account, I walked out with new "teeth" in the front of my jaw.
I think I would have rather had a new car.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
We're back - and possible hot today!
We made it back in one piece! The long weekend went very well - without even one natural disaster. I have decided that it is my niece, her husband, and child who bring the wrath of bad weather to us at Easter. They decided to do something "fun" to get away from the drudgery of moving and unpacking, so they went to Sea World in San Antonio. Strangely the only thing I heard about anything unusual about San Antonio weather was the terrible unseasonable heat, but then we had that too.
G’s aunt, F, in the hill country community had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and is half way through with her chemotherapy treatments. She called on Saturday, and asked if we were going to sunrise services at G’s family’s little church (Methodist). I told her that if we could get our clan going we would be there. We didn’t get going. My sister in law told me F was sorry we weren’t there. She would have loved to have seen us. I really regretted not pushing to get up. We didn’t even go to the other little church which is my family’s church (Lutheran). We were equal family snubbers I guess.
I didn’t know G’s sister was going to be at her house. We can see both houses from ours. When I saw her car, we called and invited her to Easter lunch. We had a delightful time. Dinner wasn’t a strain because I took advantage of the special deal at Honey Baked that provided all the food. I only had to heat the meal. I really missed my double oven that I have at home because the ham was to be heated at one temperature, and the sides another. Things went well. The food was great, and the conversation wonderful. We had not gotten together as a family like this since last Easter. Our gathering for Christmas/New Years was cancelled when Dad was admitted to the hospital. Even though my niece, her husband , my nephew, and my son, and his wife were not there, it was a wonderful gathering. It is virtually impossible to get everyonoe together these days, so we are grateful for whoever can get together - whenever.
Now we are pretty much back to normal - if you include rolling black outs. It seems the unusual heat is causing a demand for electricity. They are supposed to last for 15 minutes, but here in the Houston area, Center Point just turns off an area for about 3 hours instead. I figure we will be in the three hour area today!
G’s aunt, F, in the hill country community had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and is half way through with her chemotherapy treatments. She called on Saturday, and asked if we were going to sunrise services at G’s family’s little church (Methodist). I told her that if we could get our clan going we would be there. We didn’t get going. My sister in law told me F was sorry we weren’t there. She would have loved to have seen us. I really regretted not pushing to get up. We didn’t even go to the other little church which is my family’s church (Lutheran). We were equal family snubbers I guess.
I didn’t know G’s sister was going to be at her house. We can see both houses from ours. When I saw her car, we called and invited her to Easter lunch. We had a delightful time. Dinner wasn’t a strain because I took advantage of the special deal at Honey Baked that provided all the food. I only had to heat the meal. I really missed my double oven that I have at home because the ham was to be heated at one temperature, and the sides another. Things went well. The food was great, and the conversation wonderful. We had not gotten together as a family like this since last Easter. Our gathering for Christmas/New Years was cancelled when Dad was admitted to the hospital. Even though my niece, her husband , my nephew, and my son, and his wife were not there, it was a wonderful gathering. It is virtually impossible to get everyonoe together these days, so we are grateful for whoever can get together - whenever.
Now we are pretty much back to normal - if you include rolling black outs. It seems the unusual heat is causing a demand for electricity. They are supposed to last for 15 minutes, but here in the Houston area, Center Point just turns off an area for about 3 hours instead. I figure we will be in the three hour area today!
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Oh my!
All is packed, ready to go on this Easter’s adventure, and I have a couple of hours to wait until G gets off work. It has given me a little time to reflect on talk television from yesterday. There is a certain man on television who has a Phd in Psychology. He got his beginnings from a certain richest woman in the world. I think we all know to whom I am referring.
Anyway, on his program yesterday he had a forty-five year old man who was engaged to a seventeen year old girl. They had been having sex since she was sixteen, and she is living with him now. They plan to marry in 2114. My head is still spinning, and my stomach is still very upset by that fiasco.
The thing that really stuck in my mind, after my initial revulsion of the situation with this minor girl, was his statement that he wanted to be a friend first and a parent second. I could not believe what I was hearing. I couldn’t believe he was serious. But then any man who does what he is going really doesn’t have both oars in the water anyway.
He is very fortunate that his sons seem to have really good heads on their shoulders. In fact, one of them is the one who wrote to the program. He hates what is going on there. Apparently their mother is a good mother. She realizes that she must be the parent first.
Children have friends. Parents, they don’t need you as a friend. They don’t want you as a friend. They want, need, and respond to you being a parent. They want, need, and respond to limits. I know it doesn’t seem like it. Being the friend is the easy way out. They are going to constantly test you. They want to know those limits are still there. The limits show in a very clear, nonverbal way that you love them.
There is always time for friendship with your children - like when they are out of the house, working and are responsible adults. It’s wonderful to have their friendship - then. If you put the friendship first, you may possibly be visiting your child in prison.
I worked for a while in an inpatient adolescent psychiatric unit as a teacher. Those kids weren’t mentally ill really. For the most part they had no parents. They had two older friends. We would get them back on track with behavior modification. That is nothing more than a strict set of rules along with immediate consequences for misbehavior. When the kids got to a certain level, they could go home for the weekend. Guess what! Mondays were interesting to come to work. I never knew who would be in seclusion for acting out when they got back. They had not had to follow rules for two days, and they went into a tail spin.
Please be a parent to your child. Step up to the plate and make rules, and follow through. This doesn’t mean to abuse your child, just give consequences that fit the punishment if needed. They will love and respect you in the long run Then you have a friend.
By the way, I’m not reflecting on the main topic of that segment. It still nauseates me too much!
Anyway, on his program yesterday he had a forty-five year old man who was engaged to a seventeen year old girl. They had been having sex since she was sixteen, and she is living with him now. They plan to marry in 2114. My head is still spinning, and my stomach is still very upset by that fiasco.
The thing that really stuck in my mind, after my initial revulsion of the situation with this minor girl, was his statement that he wanted to be a friend first and a parent second. I could not believe what I was hearing. I couldn’t believe he was serious. But then any man who does what he is going really doesn’t have both oars in the water anyway.
He is very fortunate that his sons seem to have really good heads on their shoulders. In fact, one of them is the one who wrote to the program. He hates what is going on there. Apparently their mother is a good mother. She realizes that she must be the parent first.
Children have friends. Parents, they don’t need you as a friend. They don’t want you as a friend. They want, need, and respond to you being a parent. They want, need, and respond to limits. I know it doesn’t seem like it. Being the friend is the easy way out. They are going to constantly test you. They want to know those limits are still there. The limits show in a very clear, nonverbal way that you love them.
There is always time for friendship with your children - like when they are out of the house, working and are responsible adults. It’s wonderful to have their friendship - then. If you put the friendship first, you may possibly be visiting your child in prison.
I worked for a while in an inpatient adolescent psychiatric unit as a teacher. Those kids weren’t mentally ill really. For the most part they had no parents. They had two older friends. We would get them back on track with behavior modification. That is nothing more than a strict set of rules along with immediate consequences for misbehavior. When the kids got to a certain level, they could go home for the weekend. Guess what! Mondays were interesting to come to work. I never knew who would be in seclusion for acting out when they got back. They had not had to follow rules for two days, and they went into a tail spin.
Please be a parent to your child. Step up to the plate and make rules, and follow through. This doesn’t mean to abuse your child, just give consequences that fit the punishment if needed. They will love and respect you in the long run Then you have a friend.
By the way, I’m not reflecting on the main topic of that segment. It still nauseates me too much!
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
All sorts of news - good and not so good
Bring on the bands! Lets celebrate. I am finally without my friendly little fungi in my ears! I went to see the doctor today, and I am free of any free loaders! What a relief! Yea, yea, yea.
On another note, K called me today when she was on the way to enroll Lady Bug in kindergarten. Oh my. I can’t believe that little girl will be getting on the "Big Bus" going to the "Big School." It is really neat that she will be going to the same school as her mother. In the day and age of families being so mobile, and usually not living in the same place for long, I am delighted Lady Bug and K will have gone to the same elementary. But there are several "kids" in town who have grown up and returned here to live in our little city even though we are surrounded by the big city of Houston.
During the call, K told me her step daughter wants to come to visit the weekend of April 28. I can’t believe she wants to come back so soon. It’s clear she doesn’t understand how deeply she has hurt K and S. She keeps saying very unkind things about K, but doesn’t have a clue that K knows. We believe she wants to see her ex boy friend. She spends hours instant messaging and text messaging some people here - especially the boy. I find it really strange that she wants to come back after the way she "walked out." I suppose there will be the rest of the story on that soon.
We are off tomorrow to see what kind of havoc will descend on us. It is supposed to be hot and dry, but I’m not sure. I do know that the old adage about Texas weather holds true: "If you don’t like the weather, wait ten minutes. It’ll change."
Happy Easter and/or Happy Passover to you. May these next few days be full of peace and harmony.
On another note, K called me today when she was on the way to enroll Lady Bug in kindergarten. Oh my. I can’t believe that little girl will be getting on the "Big Bus" going to the "Big School." It is really neat that she will be going to the same school as her mother. In the day and age of families being so mobile, and usually not living in the same place for long, I am delighted Lady Bug and K will have gone to the same elementary. But there are several "kids" in town who have grown up and returned here to live in our little city even though we are surrounded by the big city of Houston.
During the call, K told me her step daughter wants to come to visit the weekend of April 28. I can’t believe she wants to come back so soon. It’s clear she doesn’t understand how deeply she has hurt K and S. She keeps saying very unkind things about K, but doesn’t have a clue that K knows. We believe she wants to see her ex boy friend. She spends hours instant messaging and text messaging some people here - especially the boy. I find it really strange that she wants to come back after the way she "walked out." I suppose there will be the rest of the story on that soon.
We are off tomorrow to see what kind of havoc will descend on us. It is supposed to be hot and dry, but I’m not sure. I do know that the old adage about Texas weather holds true: "If you don’t like the weather, wait ten minutes. It’ll change."
Happy Easter and/or Happy Passover to you. May these next few days be full of peace and harmony.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Past and future weekends
K and I spent a beautiful spring day in one of our city’s parks with our candles, jewelry and other crafts. We got to interact with other vendors who were there, and had a really wonderful time. We didn’t make much money this time, but we really had a great time.
I was really worried about the day. I was going to be there from 8 to 5, and I was afraid it was going to make for a long day, but it was over before we knew it! I was amazed at the price that another jewelry maker had on their products. She said she had semi-precious stones. Well I use semi-precious also, but I hunt for deals on my beads. She had her things priced at $45. I’m not sure they sold anything.
We were going to do another show in June, but the booth space is $100. That’s a big price! I’m still wrestling with that one. I want to do it, but that’s just so much money!
We are gearing up for Easter Sunday. I’m getting Lady Bug’s and Monkey Boy’s baskets ready. We will be in the hill country. My BIL and SIL will be there also. I think her daughter’s family will be there also. We are joking about all of us trying to get together for dinner - again.
Two years ago we tried to get together. The operative word there is tried. We were going to go over Saturday evening for dinner. We had terrible spring thunderstorms hit. G’s sister was up also with her son, and we were all going to be together for meals that weekend. The lights went out at 2 that afternoon. My son in law, S, had been working around the place, and he needed to shower. We forgot we were on a well. We apparently have a large reservoir with the well because he was able to shower. That was it for the water!
The rains came after that. We have dirt roads if you recall. BIL only had cordless phones. They don’t work with no electricity. Cell phones are marginal up there. He kept trying to communicate with his, so it was spotty. They are a mile from us.
We decided we would try to have dinner. They would use the gas grill. We set out for their house - with four wheel drive engaged. We started up their road and met E and M (their daughter) leaving. We had to pull off the road because as they roared by, M rolled the window down and shouted they had no four wheel drive and had to leave. As we tried to get back on the road, our wheels spun - all four of them! G just put the truck in neutral to let it roll back some to get to a place where there was traction. We were in business.
We pulled into the fenced area, and just inside the fence there were big ruts in the yard. G’s sister also decided to leave instead of staying. But since she was bringing some of the food, she stopped there first, and got stuck. With everyone helping she got out before we got there.
Then there was the food preparation. The wind was so strong, the gas grill kept going out. We were to have, of all things, a filet of beef roast. The potatoes were put on the grill with the beautiful meat. Everything was either raw or burned! We laugh about that meal still today.
The lights came back on - at 4 the next morning. We certainly found all the lights that were left on! Lady bug didn’t have a clue what was going on when the lights were out. Fortunately S had his lap top that played DVDs!
We were there last Easter. It was just our family, and things went well, until everyone left. That evening, another storm came up. A small tornado passed just to our north, and we watched it go over the mountain!
Well, we are going to try it again this year. Another big celebration. I figure it will either be the wild fires that are threatening the hill country or a hurricane that comes up Panther Creek!
I was really worried about the day. I was going to be there from 8 to 5, and I was afraid it was going to make for a long day, but it was over before we knew it! I was amazed at the price that another jewelry maker had on their products. She said she had semi-precious stones. Well I use semi-precious also, but I hunt for deals on my beads. She had her things priced at $45. I’m not sure they sold anything.
We were going to do another show in June, but the booth space is $100. That’s a big price! I’m still wrestling with that one. I want to do it, but that’s just so much money!
We are gearing up for Easter Sunday. I’m getting Lady Bug’s and Monkey Boy’s baskets ready. We will be in the hill country. My BIL and SIL will be there also. I think her daughter’s family will be there also. We are joking about all of us trying to get together for dinner - again.
Two years ago we tried to get together. The operative word there is tried. We were going to go over Saturday evening for dinner. We had terrible spring thunderstorms hit. G’s sister was up also with her son, and we were all going to be together for meals that weekend. The lights went out at 2 that afternoon. My son in law, S, had been working around the place, and he needed to shower. We forgot we were on a well. We apparently have a large reservoir with the well because he was able to shower. That was it for the water!
The rains came after that. We have dirt roads if you recall. BIL only had cordless phones. They don’t work with no electricity. Cell phones are marginal up there. He kept trying to communicate with his, so it was spotty. They are a mile from us.
We decided we would try to have dinner. They would use the gas grill. We set out for their house - with four wheel drive engaged. We started up their road and met E and M (their daughter) leaving. We had to pull off the road because as they roared by, M rolled the window down and shouted they had no four wheel drive and had to leave. As we tried to get back on the road, our wheels spun - all four of them! G just put the truck in neutral to let it roll back some to get to a place where there was traction. We were in business.
We pulled into the fenced area, and just inside the fence there were big ruts in the yard. G’s sister also decided to leave instead of staying. But since she was bringing some of the food, she stopped there first, and got stuck. With everyone helping she got out before we got there.
Then there was the food preparation. The wind was so strong, the gas grill kept going out. We were to have, of all things, a filet of beef roast. The potatoes were put on the grill with the beautiful meat. Everything was either raw or burned! We laugh about that meal still today.
The lights came back on - at 4 the next morning. We certainly found all the lights that were left on! Lady bug didn’t have a clue what was going on when the lights were out. Fortunately S had his lap top that played DVDs!
We were there last Easter. It was just our family, and things went well, until everyone left. That evening, another storm came up. A small tornado passed just to our north, and we watched it go over the mountain!
Well, we are going to try it again this year. Another big celebration. I figure it will either be the wild fires that are threatening the hill country or a hurricane that comes up Panther Creek!
Friday, April 07, 2006
Yesterday's news
I really need to stop reading the newspaper and listening (watching) the news. I am really incensed by what was in the paper. This is a reaction (perhaps a bit skewed to some) to what I read yesterday.
First of all. Good ole’ Tom (DeLay) will get a pension of $67,000 per year - regardless of any convictions that may happen. Plus, all those crooks up there who are helping Shrub try to deny the elderly Social Security and health benefits will all get their medical care through the government. Too bad it isn’t at the same level as the common person. Folks, teachers retirement is probably about $33,000 on average. I am not sure, but I know what mine is. Plus my health insurance, because I had to bail at 29 years costs me $365 of less than the figure I gave you before. I am luckier than most folks on Social Security. I’ll admit that, but when I see what Delay and the rest of the crooks will get, I get infuriated.
Another item in the news was about an area school district being denied a early start date. If we are going to allow most of the school districts (about 3/4 of them state wide) to start early, why was the time wasted on setting the start date of school around Labor Day instead of early August? We have such wonderful politicians in this state. The school funding special session is a prime example of such Tomfoolery. I can tell you from experience that many children do not return to school until after Labor Day. I know most are there on or about the opening day, but you could count on your class rolls swelling after Labor Day. My whole point to this rambling is very simple. You create a guideline; you keep the said guideline. Since there are so many exceptions are made, let’s get rid of the guideline if it’s not going to be enforced. I guess it gives so many of the assistant superintendents (of which my school district has far too many) something to do to justify their positions. Otherwise, they might have to go back to the (gasp) classroom. Can you imagine someone who goes into education having to do that!! Children, nasty!
Let me say at the outset of this part. Public intoxication is against the law, and very uncouth. Drunk drivers should be put under the jail. But the Alcohol Control in Texas is trolling bars to arrest drunks. Um, isn’t ths a little like shooting fish in a barrel? I’ll bet bar owners are jumping for joy over this one. It doesn’t seem to matter that the person may have a designated driver, and the like, they are cuffed and going to jail. I don’t know about this one.
Well, I usually try to steer clear of topics like this that I find in the news, but yesterday’s news was just too much for me. I am a fifth generation Texan, and for most of my life I have been proud of that fact. There are incidents that have been occurring recently that make me wonder about just how proud I should be. It seems we have provided some real clowns in the worlds of politics.
First of all. Good ole’ Tom (DeLay) will get a pension of $67,000 per year - regardless of any convictions that may happen. Plus, all those crooks up there who are helping Shrub try to deny the elderly Social Security and health benefits will all get their medical care through the government. Too bad it isn’t at the same level as the common person. Folks, teachers retirement is probably about $33,000 on average. I am not sure, but I know what mine is. Plus my health insurance, because I had to bail at 29 years costs me $365 of less than the figure I gave you before. I am luckier than most folks on Social Security. I’ll admit that, but when I see what Delay and the rest of the crooks will get, I get infuriated.
Another item in the news was about an area school district being denied a early start date. If we are going to allow most of the school districts (about 3/4 of them state wide) to start early, why was the time wasted on setting the start date of school around Labor Day instead of early August? We have such wonderful politicians in this state. The school funding special session is a prime example of such Tomfoolery. I can tell you from experience that many children do not return to school until after Labor Day. I know most are there on or about the opening day, but you could count on your class rolls swelling after Labor Day. My whole point to this rambling is very simple. You create a guideline; you keep the said guideline. Since there are so many exceptions are made, let’s get rid of the guideline if it’s not going to be enforced. I guess it gives so many of the assistant superintendents (of which my school district has far too many) something to do to justify their positions. Otherwise, they might have to go back to the (gasp) classroom. Can you imagine someone who goes into education having to do that!! Children, nasty!
Let me say at the outset of this part. Public intoxication is against the law, and very uncouth. Drunk drivers should be put under the jail. But the Alcohol Control in Texas is trolling bars to arrest drunks. Um, isn’t ths a little like shooting fish in a barrel? I’ll bet bar owners are jumping for joy over this one. It doesn’t seem to matter that the person may have a designated driver, and the like, they are cuffed and going to jail. I don’t know about this one.
Well, I usually try to steer clear of topics like this that I find in the news, but yesterday’s news was just too much for me. I am a fifth generation Texan, and for most of my life I have been proud of that fact. There are incidents that have been occurring recently that make me wonder about just how proud I should be. It seems we have provided some real clowns in the worlds of politics.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Again
I am such a procrastinator! It was my idea to set up our craft/candle booth at our little city’s celebration tomorrow. I’ve known the date for two months. Have I completed all my projects? That’s an easy answer. A big NO.
I sat the other night to complete some earrings I wanted to do. Today and tomorrow I only have about ten purses to complete. Oh, did I say complete. I have six to complete, and at least four to make. From scratch.
To make things more fun, guess who has another dental appointment tomorrow morning. I get my teeth whitened tomorrow in anticipation of the crowns, This is funny because after I get the six new crowns, I will only have about eight of my own teeth. Oh well.
I was feeling like doing this all at once was such a waste, but I know eventually, if I live that long, all of these teeth will have to be done. When I was in the hygienist’s chair yesterday she told me of one of her patients who celebrated his 50th anniversary a couple of years ago had the same thing done last year. He did it for purely cosmetic purposes. Well . . .
Thanks for listening. I have managed to put off my trek upstairs to the craft room to slave over my sewing machine! Gotta find a new excuse!
I sat the other night to complete some earrings I wanted to do. Today and tomorrow I only have about ten purses to complete. Oh, did I say complete. I have six to complete, and at least four to make. From scratch.
To make things more fun, guess who has another dental appointment tomorrow morning. I get my teeth whitened tomorrow in anticipation of the crowns, This is funny because after I get the six new crowns, I will only have about eight of my own teeth. Oh well.
I was feeling like doing this all at once was such a waste, but I know eventually, if I live that long, all of these teeth will have to be done. When I was in the hygienist’s chair yesterday she told me of one of her patients who celebrated his 50th anniversary a couple of years ago had the same thing done last year. He did it for purely cosmetic purposes. Well . . .
Thanks for listening. I have managed to put off my trek upstairs to the craft room to slave over my sewing machine! Gotta find a new excuse!
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Weekend Update
We made a quick trip to the Little Place in the hill country this past weekend. It was a day shorter than we usually spend. Normally when we go, we leave about noon on Friday and return on Monday. On this trip we went on Saturday morning and included a side trip to see G’s parents in San Antonio.
His parents lost their seventeen-year-old poodle in November. They never recognized the poor little thing had been sick for years, and should have been put down about five years previously. They acted surprised that he finally died. He had kidney dialysis about three years ago and suffered at least one stroke. I understand he had convulsions when he woke. Anyway, they tracked down his blood line to get a new puppy. The pup is cute, but I am wondering about his intelligence. I haven’t had a puppy in about ten years, and I don’t remember how long it took to housebreak it, but this one is four months old. He is still not housebroken. G's father said he is really thinking about giving the puppy up. I think that would be wise. I would have gotten a rescue poodle for them if they had just said something. They don't need a puppy.
Of course we had our rescue boxer with us. The puppy would not get out of her space. She continued to growl. I was hoping she wouldn’t react the way our American Eskimo had. He hated poodles. As he grew older and his vision dimmed due to cataracts he really would growl at their other dog. I ended up taking Simone outside to wait for the visit to end. Of course there was another reason. I was afraid she would decide that the house was a great place to relieve herself also. After all, it smelled like it!
It took me a day to understand why we went on Saturday instead of not going at all. The great white hunter I am married to wanted to go turkey hunting, and the season opened on the first. Usually G has an aversion to spring turkey hunting, and it is wise. Spring equals heat in Texas; heat in Texas can equal rattlesnakes. He went out Sunday afternoon leaving me to my own devices. This time it meant spring cleaning.
We have leased the land out to cattle again. The difference is we have more control over the numbers this time. We have ten cows and their calves. Since G took Rusty (the old ‘67 farm truck) hunting, I got to watching two young bulls try to eat the other truck. They licked the tailgate, the bumper, and then tried to eat the F-150 off the back. When their owner came by later to check on them (love him - the other guy never checked on his heard) I told him he needed to name them Ford and Pickup. That truck was covered with tongue marks! Calves are really funny, but they can be pains also.
So that was my weekend. Hope yours was great. I am off to the dentist in a few to prepare for the six crowns that I get after Easter.
His parents lost their seventeen-year-old poodle in November. They never recognized the poor little thing had been sick for years, and should have been put down about five years previously. They acted surprised that he finally died. He had kidney dialysis about three years ago and suffered at least one stroke. I understand he had convulsions when he woke. Anyway, they tracked down his blood line to get a new puppy. The pup is cute, but I am wondering about his intelligence. I haven’t had a puppy in about ten years, and I don’t remember how long it took to housebreak it, but this one is four months old. He is still not housebroken. G's father said he is really thinking about giving the puppy up. I think that would be wise. I would have gotten a rescue poodle for them if they had just said something. They don't need a puppy.
Of course we had our rescue boxer with us. The puppy would not get out of her space. She continued to growl. I was hoping she wouldn’t react the way our American Eskimo had. He hated poodles. As he grew older and his vision dimmed due to cataracts he really would growl at their other dog. I ended up taking Simone outside to wait for the visit to end. Of course there was another reason. I was afraid she would decide that the house was a great place to relieve herself also. After all, it smelled like it!
It took me a day to understand why we went on Saturday instead of not going at all. The great white hunter I am married to wanted to go turkey hunting, and the season opened on the first. Usually G has an aversion to spring turkey hunting, and it is wise. Spring equals heat in Texas; heat in Texas can equal rattlesnakes. He went out Sunday afternoon leaving me to my own devices. This time it meant spring cleaning.
We have leased the land out to cattle again. The difference is we have more control over the numbers this time. We have ten cows and their calves. Since G took Rusty (the old ‘67 farm truck) hunting, I got to watching two young bulls try to eat the other truck. They licked the tailgate, the bumper, and then tried to eat the F-150 off the back. When their owner came by later to check on them (love him - the other guy never checked on his heard) I told him he needed to name them Ford and Pickup. That truck was covered with tongue marks! Calves are really funny, but they can be pains also.
So that was my weekend. Hope yours was great. I am off to the dentist in a few to prepare for the six crowns that I get after Easter.
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