Before the messy news, I forgot one "little" item about our teen guest hunter. G took the guide and the girl out for a ride on the mule. Of course, the hunter asked to drive the mule. She was anything but shy, but after the last post that isn't surprising news! He asked her if she had driven before. The answer was yes - her mother's car. He got more information - she had stolen her mother's car.
SO, I did a bit more research on the "home" she was from. If, and I do say if, it is the one I think it is - it is not only for orphans, and kids removed from homes, but for troubled kids. Ya' think???
We finally have been effected by the major storm trucking across the states. It looked like there would be as much as 6 inches or more of rain around the SSB. So, we decided that we would leave while it was easy. We have to cross several low water crossings to get out, and Austin was supposed to really get slammed.
We left yesterday. While we hit a few showers, we made it easily. The rain has move, but there is a huge line between Austin and Houston that isn't really moving.
This could make Halloween a washout. That's OK with us. I don't like opening my door to six foot, masked fellows! Really we only get a few of the neighbor kiddos, so we just don't turn on the light.
I really do hate Halloween though. And that's a shame. I loved it as a kid.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Monday, October 28, 2013
Highs and Lows
EVERY time we have groups at church, Pastor has us share highs and lows for the day/week/month. I hate it, so what am I going to do - I am going to share my highs and lows for the last few days we have been here at the SSB. And you know there are both!
Highs:
G signed up for a program around here that brings in orphan/foster/others like that children out to the ranches during the season to hunt. Last weekend was youth hunt weekend, which means you have to be younger than 18 to hunt. It was also girl hunt for this group.
We had a girl and her guide come out on Saturday morning for the hunt. The guide was an absolute delight to talk with. She has a veterinary practice. We talked and talked!
They were able to kill a spike. That was great. We have too many of these inferior deer. They will never develop the proper rack of horns.
LOWS:
This girl spotted my computer. Immediately she wanted to command it to play games. First, I do not allow a stranger to use my computer. Second I do not allow a stranger to use my internet for several reasons among which is the fact I only get a certain amount of usage per day, and after that it slows to the old dial up speed.
I knew nothing about this girl, so I told her that I had no games installed on this because it is a new one using Windows 8 and the games are not free that I can find. Then I told her that my internet is too slow for gaming.
Then she wanted to use Facebook. Not. On. You. Life. Girlie!
After lunch, she spotted my Kindle Fire. She wanted to "read one of the mysteries" on it. Foolishly, I believed her. These are supposed to be good kids who have not gotten into trouble and kept their grades up. When she was pulled from my Kindle, I realized that she had accessed the internet.
First, she went on Facebook. THEN because I have that account with Amazon, she watched two on-demand videos. My battery was almost completely discharged, and the device was hot as a firecracker. I was, to use a popular term that really fits here, pissed!
So, lesson learned. All electronics put away, or never to leave my hand.
Other than that fiasco, We have killed another rattle snake - this one about5-6 feet. Clyde wanted to go over to sniff it. He caught the scent, and was curious. It was acting strangely - probably because it was chilly. It never coiled. It remained stretched out. Such a close call for both Clyde and G. But if he would make the dog use the potty in a certain area rather than walk the property, this wouldn't be so much of a risk.
Yesterday while potty time again (meaning walking ) they came across another one about a foot long at the fence. By the time he came in to get the gun - it was gone. So this morning, he has cut the grass - short. It was just long enough that the snakes are not easily seen.
Yes - there have been highs and low! The lows could have been so much worse, and I learned a valuable lesson from the other. And Clyde WILL be getting the rattlesnake vaccine when his heart worm killing is over, AND he will be going to snake training!
Highs:
G signed up for a program around here that brings in orphan/foster/others like that children out to the ranches during the season to hunt. Last weekend was youth hunt weekend, which means you have to be younger than 18 to hunt. It was also girl hunt for this group.
We had a girl and her guide come out on Saturday morning for the hunt. The guide was an absolute delight to talk with. She has a veterinary practice. We talked and talked!
They were able to kill a spike. That was great. We have too many of these inferior deer. They will never develop the proper rack of horns.
LOWS:
This girl spotted my computer. Immediately she wanted to command it to play games. First, I do not allow a stranger to use my computer. Second I do not allow a stranger to use my internet for several reasons among which is the fact I only get a certain amount of usage per day, and after that it slows to the old dial up speed.
I knew nothing about this girl, so I told her that I had no games installed on this because it is a new one using Windows 8 and the games are not free that I can find. Then I told her that my internet is too slow for gaming.
Then she wanted to use Facebook. Not. On. You. Life. Girlie!
After lunch, she spotted my Kindle Fire. She wanted to "read one of the mysteries" on it. Foolishly, I believed her. These are supposed to be good kids who have not gotten into trouble and kept their grades up. When she was pulled from my Kindle, I realized that she had accessed the internet.
First, she went on Facebook. THEN because I have that account with Amazon, she watched two on-demand videos. My battery was almost completely discharged, and the device was hot as a firecracker. I was, to use a popular term that really fits here, pissed!
So, lesson learned. All electronics put away, or never to leave my hand.
Other than that fiasco, We have killed another rattle snake - this one about5-6 feet. Clyde wanted to go over to sniff it. He caught the scent, and was curious. It was acting strangely - probably because it was chilly. It never coiled. It remained stretched out. Such a close call for both Clyde and G. But if he would make the dog use the potty in a certain area rather than walk the property, this wouldn't be so much of a risk.
Yesterday while potty time again (meaning walking ) they came across another one about a foot long at the fence. By the time he came in to get the gun - it was gone. So this morning, he has cut the grass - short. It was just long enough that the snakes are not easily seen.
Yes - there have been highs and low! The lows could have been so much worse, and I learned a valuable lesson from the other. And Clyde WILL be getting the rattlesnake vaccine when his heart worm killing is over, AND he will be going to snake training!
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Almost over
This morning when I dropped the kids, I was thinking the saga had ended. I just checked on the plane. They are on it, but the ETA is an hour later than they thought. So - I am sure I will do the pickup again today. But that's fine.
I do love the internet, and especially being able to track that plane. I was really irrational about this trip before they left. I was sure that one of the planes was sure to crash. Hope I am not jinxing now - they are only half was here. At least they soon will no longer be over the Atlantic. Geesh - I am such a kook!
I am going to miss seeing those kids everyday. I suppose I could anyway - they are only a mile away. But I really will miss dinner especially. We had some great conversations. I so love those kids.
I am bone tired. My whole schedule has been off. Even to the taking of meds. Other things have been off too. I have a little GI track distress this morning - I know TMI!
And so we are off to the SSB tomorrow. Saturday we have an orphan coming to hunt on child weekend. It's a great program in the Mason, Texas area that brings orphans from the area out to the ranches around to hunt. Some of the kiddos have never hunted before.
The rep from this organization talked to us at Community Club last summer, and G signed up. His brother has done this for several years now. He usually gets a few kiddos, but we are going for one girl. She will arrive with a "scout" or something like that. That means a woman will be with her accompanying her to the blind. I have to provide an early morning snack and lunch. Just don't bother ME before at least 8am. I plan to be unconscious, thank you.
I will be making another meal for tonight. I know they won't want to cook, and LB has a volleyball game at 5:30 today. So I am going to do either white or green enchiladas. Sounds strange doesn't it - white or GREEN. The meat is chicken for either.
I have spent the week using the kids as guinea pigs, but they liked the special stuff. So tonight will be another trial I think - the White Chicken Enchiladas it will be. There are a lot of recipes appearing on Facebook these days, so I just add them to my computer cookbook.
Probably will be out of action tomorrow - we will leave (yuck) early, and I don't think I will visit tomorrow night. But I will let you know how Saturday goes!
I do love the internet, and especially being able to track that plane. I was really irrational about this trip before they left. I was sure that one of the planes was sure to crash. Hope I am not jinxing now - they are only half was here. At least they soon will no longer be over the Atlantic. Geesh - I am such a kook!
I am going to miss seeing those kids everyday. I suppose I could anyway - they are only a mile away. But I really will miss dinner especially. We had some great conversations. I so love those kids.
I am bone tired. My whole schedule has been off. Even to the taking of meds. Other things have been off too. I have a little GI track distress this morning - I know TMI!
And so we are off to the SSB tomorrow. Saturday we have an orphan coming to hunt on child weekend. It's a great program in the Mason, Texas area that brings orphans from the area out to the ranches around to hunt. Some of the kiddos have never hunted before.
The rep from this organization talked to us at Community Club last summer, and G signed up. His brother has done this for several years now. He usually gets a few kiddos, but we are going for one girl. She will arrive with a "scout" or something like that. That means a woman will be with her accompanying her to the blind. I have to provide an early morning snack and lunch. Just don't bother ME before at least 8am. I plan to be unconscious, thank you.
I will be making another meal for tonight. I know they won't want to cook, and LB has a volleyball game at 5:30 today. So I am going to do either white or green enchiladas. Sounds strange doesn't it - white or GREEN. The meat is chicken for either.
I have spent the week using the kids as guinea pigs, but they liked the special stuff. So tonight will be another trial I think - the White Chicken Enchiladas it will be. There are a lot of recipes appearing on Facebook these days, so I just add them to my computer cookbook.
Probably will be out of action tomorrow - we will leave (yuck) early, and I don't think I will visit tomorrow night. But I will let you know how Saturday goes!
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
There IS a light at the end of this tunnel
Hopefully it isn't a train.
I am still tired. Last night was a restless one. That bed is killing my back, and I figured out that Hydrocodone wires me. So I either toss and turn because I am in so much pain, or toss and turn because I feel like I have had a pot of coffee.
Not sleeping last night is especially hard today because today is the day we volunteered for our church's commitment to be a partner with a local elementary school. It was Daughter's turn to pick up the food for the weekend backpacks to go home to the needy kiddos, so we did that, and it was also their little "store" where they can use the "bucks" they earn by turning in homework and other things that indicate good student behaviors.
Today was a nightmare. We did it last year, and the kids were remarkably great. Not. So. Much. This. Year. They use these bucks to buy trinkets that basically come from Oriental Trading. In other words - mostly crap. I took those things that were $5and $10. Last year, the only ones that were at that site were those who only had that much or had spent all but that much. This year - nope. I was overwhelmed with kids. And they refused to form even two lines. It was a mass of bodies. I hesitated to become the secondary teacher. They would probably be scared to death. But that persona was beginning to show.
They didn't know the total of bucks they had, and most of them didn't understand when they were told what they qualified to buy. They wanted to count their bucks while standing at the table with a mass of kids behind them.
I don't know how much junk just walked off. It was impossible to stop it. Like a kid will do, they had to walk up and handle the stuff. I tried to make sure I had the bucks, but ... Mayhem.
We had our first meltdown on the "home front" this morning I hope SIL's company is paying for the International Cell Calling, but regardless, they call a couple of times a day. This morning, I let Monkey Boy talk before Little Bit. That was the end!
But tomorrow is the day. They have changed the flight from Milan to Paris to an earlier flight. They don't want to miss the connection to Houston. I don't either!!
We will see what happens tomorrow!
I am still tired. Last night was a restless one. That bed is killing my back, and I figured out that Hydrocodone wires me. So I either toss and turn because I am in so much pain, or toss and turn because I feel like I have had a pot of coffee.
Not sleeping last night is especially hard today because today is the day we volunteered for our church's commitment to be a partner with a local elementary school. It was Daughter's turn to pick up the food for the weekend backpacks to go home to the needy kiddos, so we did that, and it was also their little "store" where they can use the "bucks" they earn by turning in homework and other things that indicate good student behaviors.
Today was a nightmare. We did it last year, and the kids were remarkably great. Not. So. Much. This. Year. They use these bucks to buy trinkets that basically come from Oriental Trading. In other words - mostly crap. I took those things that were $5and $10. Last year, the only ones that were at that site were those who only had that much or had spent all but that much. This year - nope. I was overwhelmed with kids. And they refused to form even two lines. It was a mass of bodies. I hesitated to become the secondary teacher. They would probably be scared to death. But that persona was beginning to show.
They didn't know the total of bucks they had, and most of them didn't understand when they were told what they qualified to buy. They wanted to count their bucks while standing at the table with a mass of kids behind them.
I don't know how much junk just walked off. It was impossible to stop it. Like a kid will do, they had to walk up and handle the stuff. I tried to make sure I had the bucks, but ... Mayhem.
We had our first meltdown on the "home front" this morning I hope SIL's company is paying for the International Cell Calling, but regardless, they call a couple of times a day. This morning, I let Monkey Boy talk before Little Bit. That was the end!
But tomorrow is the day. They have changed the flight from Milan to Paris to an earlier flight. They don't want to miss the connection to Houston. I don't either!!
We will see what happens tomorrow!
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
I'M SO TIRED!
I had two children. I know how to handle two children. It wasn't always easy, and I was a heck of a lot younger, but it wasn't really too hard.
I have two sets of three grandchildren. I am now "mommy" to one set. THREE! And I am OLD. Add those two facts together, and that means I am TIRED.
I used to wonder why Daughter was always tired. Now I know! It's having three kids. I am not even attempting her schedule with these kids, and I am totally exhausted.
Yesterday was supposed to be "cheer leading" for the youngest. Fortunately, she has finally reached the maturity level where little things don't lead to a total meltdown. She had, in fact, been great. I was so afraid she would be whining for her mom, but that hasn't happened.
I am not used to getting up at 6 anymore, but I am doing that. Their stairs are sans handrails (DANGEROUS FOR ALL), so I do not venture upstairs. To get around that, at 6, I call LB's cell to make sure she is up. She (fortunately) is picked up by a neighbor for school at 6:45.
The youngest one sleeps on the couch - long story - so I don't have to get her up. Her brother has decided to sleep there also, so I know when they are up. I get their breakfasts (frozen French toast sticks - easy!), get them dressed, and we are off to school between 7:50 and 8. Usually I am thinking about getting up about this time.
I come home for my breakfast and peace and quiet. If I stayed at Daughter's house, her two Boxers would still be all over me. I do my computer stuff, and try to recharge. Then at 3:15 it starts all over again. I pick them up at the pool (if it isn't raining). Or the car rider line - and I have the sign with the name on it all ready. Neither Daughter or the kids know that blasted number, but I understand the name will work.
Then, and thankfully G does this, at 4:15 it is time to get LB after volley ball practice. Disney channel is on the TV. If I NEVER have to watch that again, it will be too soon! The grazing now begins where I really have to watch. Otherwise they would probably eat the table. Of course, that means they are too full for dinner then!
I check folder for the happy faces (or not) and sit with The Boy for homework. If I didn't, he would rush through it so he could get to his "crack-box." That is more appropriately known as an I-pod or something. The boy is addicted to video games, and he does have to be monitored closely.
LB, being the good teen, heads off to the Netherlands otherwise known as her room. She is probably texting and all on her phone, but she really is level headed. She knows her mom can check that phone easily. The other two plop down on the couches - usually falling asleep. Of course, my viewing habits are now out of kilter!
Then it's off to bed for me - on a mattress that I really don't like. I toss and turn, and then suddenly it all starts over again!
I have two sets of three grandchildren. I am now "mommy" to one set. THREE! And I am OLD. Add those two facts together, and that means I am TIRED.
I used to wonder why Daughter was always tired. Now I know! It's having three kids. I am not even attempting her schedule with these kids, and I am totally exhausted.
Yesterday was supposed to be "cheer leading" for the youngest. Fortunately, she has finally reached the maturity level where little things don't lead to a total meltdown. She had, in fact, been great. I was so afraid she would be whining for her mom, but that hasn't happened.
I am not used to getting up at 6 anymore, but I am doing that. Their stairs are sans handrails (DANGEROUS FOR ALL), so I do not venture upstairs. To get around that, at 6, I call LB's cell to make sure she is up. She (fortunately) is picked up by a neighbor for school at 6:45.
The youngest one sleeps on the couch - long story - so I don't have to get her up. Her brother has decided to sleep there also, so I know when they are up. I get their breakfasts (frozen French toast sticks - easy!), get them dressed, and we are off to school between 7:50 and 8. Usually I am thinking about getting up about this time.
I come home for my breakfast and peace and quiet. If I stayed at Daughter's house, her two Boxers would still be all over me. I do my computer stuff, and try to recharge. Then at 3:15 it starts all over again. I pick them up at the pool (if it isn't raining). Or the car rider line - and I have the sign with the name on it all ready. Neither Daughter or the kids know that blasted number, but I understand the name will work.
Then, and thankfully G does this, at 4:15 it is time to get LB after volley ball practice. Disney channel is on the TV. If I NEVER have to watch that again, it will be too soon! The grazing now begins where I really have to watch. Otherwise they would probably eat the table. Of course, that means they are too full for dinner then!
I check folder for the happy faces (or not) and sit with The Boy for homework. If I didn't, he would rush through it so he could get to his "crack-box." That is more appropriately known as an I-pod or something. The boy is addicted to video games, and he does have to be monitored closely.
LB, being the good teen, heads off to the Netherlands otherwise known as her room. She is probably texting and all on her phone, but she really is level headed. She knows her mom can check that phone easily. The other two plop down on the couches - usually falling asleep. Of course, my viewing habits are now out of kilter!
Then it's off to bed for me - on a mattress that I really don't like. I toss and turn, and then suddenly it all starts over again!
Sunday, October 20, 2013
I'm here
Yes, I still walk the face of the earth. I am so tired, but we are half way through this keeping of the grandkids. They have been great. I couldn't ask for better behavior from them. I was afraid of the little one having meltdowns missing Mommy or Daddy, but she has been in great spirits!
Monkey Boy had a bit of a melt down this afternoon when it was homework time. He is a bright boy, but this year is "eating his lunch" at school. He is rushing through his work, so that means he is making silly mistakes. I think he is wanting to be class clown or something along those lines because he is getting in trouble for talking. The one paper I saw first was a science paper. he made a 40 on it. . Of course I was very interested in why. He was so upset with himself (at least I think that was it), and perhaps a little embarrassed because it was science. We corrected the mistakes, and to be honest I could see why he missed some of the questions. But then - I have always had a problem with elementary science teachers. They usually don't know what they are teaching.
Friday was the worst day of the lot. It was raining (yes, we are actually getting several days of rain around here - hopefully breaking the drought for good) when I was picking up the two younger ones. They are to walk from the school about a long block to the parking lot at the city swimming pool. But since it was raining, they got changed from walkers to car riders. Of course I didn't know this for sure.
As I was sitting there, I noticed parents and another grandmother walking to the edge of the school's driveway. I thought they were going to walk there with an umbrella and meet the kiddos. Then I noticed they were going into the school. So I went on. My back was beginning to scream a bit.
I walked into the cafeteria where the kids were held. We were told we had to go to the main office to sign them out and get a "ticket" to get them. I was with my ex pool guy. He had his daughter right beside him, but no - he had to go to the office to sigh her out. We walked there - my grandkids were waving at me through the window, but that didn't suffice. Then I worried - I had no identification on me. I left my purse hidden in the car.
I could have signed "Mickey Mouse" to take "Super Man" and "Bat Girl" in the book. The poor secretary at that desk was so overwhelmed by this turn of events. But I got the tickets to bail the kids out. I handed them over, the kids were right there then, and another one in the cafeteria said "did she have TWO tickets?" That was about the last straw. I am so glad I could get out of there. So we made the trek back to the car, and I was about to die then.
I know there are so many problems for the schools with people picking up kiddos. But if the child is right there, and most of the people in this school knew that their parents were in Italy, and the kids were glad to see me. I think I should have been able to get them. They were going to be walking otherwise - if there were no rain.
Enough of that. I think their mattress is supposed to be a good one, but it is killing my back. It is too soft. And I am about to melt away. The thermostat is set on 78. Mine at home is set on 72. We had a strong front come through last night, but it is warming up again. My home thermostat is set to be very cool at night - in all seasons, and then it warms up or goes up in the mornings. Well - four more nights, then back to my bed. Well not really - it's back to my bed at the SSB.
But the kids are being great. That makes it all worthwhile!
Monkey Boy had a bit of a melt down this afternoon when it was homework time. He is a bright boy, but this year is "eating his lunch" at school. He is rushing through his work, so that means he is making silly mistakes. I think he is wanting to be class clown or something along those lines because he is getting in trouble for talking. The one paper I saw first was a science paper. he made a 40 on it. . Of course I was very interested in why. He was so upset with himself (at least I think that was it), and perhaps a little embarrassed because it was science. We corrected the mistakes, and to be honest I could see why he missed some of the questions. But then - I have always had a problem with elementary science teachers. They usually don't know what they are teaching.
Friday was the worst day of the lot. It was raining (yes, we are actually getting several days of rain around here - hopefully breaking the drought for good) when I was picking up the two younger ones. They are to walk from the school about a long block to the parking lot at the city swimming pool. But since it was raining, they got changed from walkers to car riders. Of course I didn't know this for sure.
As I was sitting there, I noticed parents and another grandmother walking to the edge of the school's driveway. I thought they were going to walk there with an umbrella and meet the kiddos. Then I noticed they were going into the school. So I went on. My back was beginning to scream a bit.
I walked into the cafeteria where the kids were held. We were told we had to go to the main office to sign them out and get a "ticket" to get them. I was with my ex pool guy. He had his daughter right beside him, but no - he had to go to the office to sigh her out. We walked there - my grandkids were waving at me through the window, but that didn't suffice. Then I worried - I had no identification on me. I left my purse hidden in the car.
I could have signed "Mickey Mouse" to take "Super Man" and "Bat Girl" in the book. The poor secretary at that desk was so overwhelmed by this turn of events. But I got the tickets to bail the kids out. I handed them over, the kids were right there then, and another one in the cafeteria said "did she have TWO tickets?" That was about the last straw. I am so glad I could get out of there. So we made the trek back to the car, and I was about to die then.
I know there are so many problems for the schools with people picking up kiddos. But if the child is right there, and most of the people in this school knew that their parents were in Italy, and the kids were glad to see me. I think I should have been able to get them. They were going to be walking otherwise - if there were no rain.
Enough of that. I think their mattress is supposed to be a good one, but it is killing my back. It is too soft. And I am about to melt away. The thermostat is set on 78. Mine at home is set on 72. We had a strong front come through last night, but it is warming up again. My home thermostat is set to be very cool at night - in all seasons, and then it warms up or goes up in the mornings. Well - four more nights, then back to my bed. Well not really - it's back to my bed at the SSB.
But the kids are being great. That makes it all worthwhile!
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Things will be different next week!
As I mentioned, Daughter is headed to Italy. She has been so torn about going, and I really secretly hoped she not go. But she is going - as of now! They will leave Friday afternoon, fly to Paris where they will change planes and then to Rome. SIL is going for work. He sells industrial coolers and the like for restaurants. One day they will be in Milan - again he will be working part of the day. Then they will be back on next Thursday.
The oldest grandchild is perfectly OK with this. But then she is almost 13, and with that age comes the mother-daughter fighting. She thinks things will be much easier with me there. Well - not really, but anyway - I am not expecting a problem there. Monkey Boy is so emotional as it is. When his dad is gone just for overnight on business, he will cry. His school work is minimal as it is right now. We don't know what's going on with him. I just hope he can hold it together next week. He SAYS he is fine with this, but... Then there is Doodle Bug the Drama Queen. When Daughter and SIL would just be gone the evening to work the Livestock Show, she would begin to cry with "I miss my ______" and the blank would change from one parent to another, but it was usually "mommy."
Their schedules are so jammed full of activities, I just hope I don't drop the ball. I think the water polo practices are covered. I think the baseball on Tuesday is off, and cheer practice is off. LB's volleyball game is the day they come back, so that's covered. Now I just have to get them to school, then pick them up. This is especially a problem these days. When Texas cut funding to the schools, the first thing to really be cut was bus service. Since we are within the mile, no buses for the younger two. That means the elementary, which is not meant for a lot of traffic, is a bear morning and afternoon with folks picking up their chicks. LB has been a car rider, but she CAN ride the bus. We'll see on that one!
I really feel so selfish in wanting Daughter to not go. I just worry. I thought I didn't have attachment problems. I thought I cut the apron strings long ago, but I guess not. I don't want to picture her in that blasted rock heavy silver tube over the Atlantic. Quit laughing at me! I know I am being really crazy here. I wouldn't feel like this if we were together. And deep down, she and I are the same. She doesn't really want to leave her kids even though she knows Pa (G) and I will do just fine.
It is true - you NEVER stop being a mother. Your babies are your babies - forever!
The oldest grandchild is perfectly OK with this. But then she is almost 13, and with that age comes the mother-daughter fighting. She thinks things will be much easier with me there. Well - not really, but anyway - I am not expecting a problem there. Monkey Boy is so emotional as it is. When his dad is gone just for overnight on business, he will cry. His school work is minimal as it is right now. We don't know what's going on with him. I just hope he can hold it together next week. He SAYS he is fine with this, but... Then there is Doodle Bug the Drama Queen. When Daughter and SIL would just be gone the evening to work the Livestock Show, she would begin to cry with "I miss my ______" and the blank would change from one parent to another, but it was usually "mommy."
Their schedules are so jammed full of activities, I just hope I don't drop the ball. I think the water polo practices are covered. I think the baseball on Tuesday is off, and cheer practice is off. LB's volleyball game is the day they come back, so that's covered. Now I just have to get them to school, then pick them up. This is especially a problem these days. When Texas cut funding to the schools, the first thing to really be cut was bus service. Since we are within the mile, no buses for the younger two. That means the elementary, which is not meant for a lot of traffic, is a bear morning and afternoon with folks picking up their chicks. LB has been a car rider, but she CAN ride the bus. We'll see on that one!
I really feel so selfish in wanting Daughter to not go. I just worry. I thought I didn't have attachment problems. I thought I cut the apron strings long ago, but I guess not. I don't want to picture her in that blasted rock heavy silver tube over the Atlantic. Quit laughing at me! I know I am being really crazy here. I wouldn't feel like this if we were together. And deep down, she and I are the same. She doesn't really want to leave her kids even though she knows Pa (G) and I will do just fine.
It is true - you NEVER stop being a mother. Your babies are your babies - forever!
Monday, October 14, 2013
Back to normal
G should be walking in at any minute now. So that means my "vacation" is going to be over soon. I do enjoy these times when I can do what I want WHEN I want.
Daughter hosted once again last night for family dinner. I do appreciate that so much, but part of the reason it that they are leaving Friday for Italy.
I know this is such a great opportunity, but I really wish she wasn't going. I have always been happy for her to be a homebody. Knowing she is over there. This is sort of like "letting go." My feelings are completely irrational. I don't like the thought of my daughter being in that silver tube at 40,000 over the Atlantic. I have to be honest - I am afraid. Stupid.
Her step daughter is riding the pity party train again. She is stirring the stuff causing all sorts of drama in San Antonio once again. This poor girl is so mentally ill. My SIL is a psychologist, and she says the girl is psychotic. It's a shame she has nothing better to do than cause problems in a very dysfunctional family.
Once again I am going thorough a sleepless period. During the day, if I sit still, I fall asleep. So I try to stay stimulated. At night - around midnight, I am wide awake. So right now I am really sleepy.
When G gets here, I will trundle off upstairs to make little pink ribbon tea-light pins for LB's volleyball team. They are having a "Pink" game on the 24th. This is my best chance to get them done because I will be at their house a lot of the time.
Besides - I will be more stimulated to stay awake with that needle so close to my hands!!
Daughter hosted once again last night for family dinner. I do appreciate that so much, but part of the reason it that they are leaving Friday for Italy.
I know this is such a great opportunity, but I really wish she wasn't going. I have always been happy for her to be a homebody. Knowing she is over there. This is sort of like "letting go." My feelings are completely irrational. I don't like the thought of my daughter being in that silver tube at 40,000 over the Atlantic. I have to be honest - I am afraid. Stupid.
Her step daughter is riding the pity party train again. She is stirring the stuff causing all sorts of drama in San Antonio once again. This poor girl is so mentally ill. My SIL is a psychologist, and she says the girl is psychotic. It's a shame she has nothing better to do than cause problems in a very dysfunctional family.
Once again I am going thorough a sleepless period. During the day, if I sit still, I fall asleep. So I try to stay stimulated. At night - around midnight, I am wide awake. So right now I am really sleepy.
When G gets here, I will trundle off upstairs to make little pink ribbon tea-light pins for LB's volleyball team. They are having a "Pink" game on the 24th. This is my best chance to get them done because I will be at their house a lot of the time.
Besides - I will be more stimulated to stay awake with that needle so close to my hands!!
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Overwhelmed
I finally downloaded my cameras. There are only in excess of 550 pictures. Some are of nothing. They need to be edited out, but the task of going through them is really daunting.
I do want to share a couple with you though. They aren't of Alaska. I have some of those that are absolutely breathtaking! No, these are of three of my loved ones
She seems to be wanting to leave competitive swimming for water polo - in addition to the volleyball. She decided that cross-country track wasn't her bag.
**************************************************************************
So what did I decide to do yesterday? I did a lot of genealogy. It was fun. Not so fun was falling down the steps when I went upstairs to feed the cat.
G had called, and he began his rant accusing me of cancelling satellite at the SSB. That was a mistake. I had turned around half way up the stairs. I knew I couldn't make it up to the phone, so I elected to turn back. We call our last step on the stairs "the killer" because people have a bad habit of missing it. I turned,, and even thinking about that darned step - I missed it.
So I was crawling on my knees (not supposed to!) to get to the bed to pull myself up. The phone stopped. I got there and tried to call back, and to make a long story short, he got back through. He had that miffed tone to his voice. I told him to leave that out because I fell trying to answer his silly call.
Anyway -no serious harm. My back is hurting a lot again, so I will take it easy and rest it. It feels like we had to change terminals in Chicago again. We walked miles with our carry-on.
I do want to share a couple with you though. They aren't of Alaska. I have some of those that are absolutely breathtaking! No, these are of three of my loved ones
 |
| My gentle giant, Clyde, snuggling with one of his favorite people - my middle granddaughter. |
 |
| Clyde is making himself right at home - in his new favorite place - the bed. |
 |
| Blurry Lady Bug serving at her first volleyball game. It was hard to get a picture of her standing still!! |
 | |||
| But at least I managed here where she is waiting to spike the serve back over the net. She is really an amazing athlete. |
She seems to be wanting to leave competitive swimming for water polo - in addition to the volleyball. She decided that cross-country track wasn't her bag.
**************************************************************************
So what did I decide to do yesterday? I did a lot of genealogy. It was fun. Not so fun was falling down the steps when I went upstairs to feed the cat.
G had called, and he began his rant accusing me of cancelling satellite at the SSB. That was a mistake. I had turned around half way up the stairs. I knew I couldn't make it up to the phone, so I elected to turn back. We call our last step on the stairs "the killer" because people have a bad habit of missing it. I turned,, and even thinking about that darned step - I missed it.
So I was crawling on my knees (not supposed to!) to get to the bed to pull myself up. The phone stopped. I got there and tried to call back, and to make a long story short, he got back through. He had that miffed tone to his voice. I told him to leave that out because I fell trying to answer his silly call.
Anyway -no serious harm. My back is hurting a lot again, so I will take it easy and rest it. It feels like we had to change terminals in Chicago again. We walked miles with our carry-on.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
I've been bitten by the bug again!
I know I don't need an excuse to skip housework. I do it easily. I figure that here at 68, I have been doing housework for 60 years, and now it's someone else's turn (spell check is telling me there is no such work as "else's" - and we know I depend on spell check, but I am not changing it). How do I figure this? Easy. I inherited it from my mother. She didn't like housework either - so I would do it back then. I am sick and tired of it.
But - if it's not going upstairs to that disaster area, so I can sew other little thingies for craft shows that I never get to do, it is now my old evil - genealogy. Just how did this happen. It is all our vacation's fault!
Here's my reasoning - if we were still home, I would have never dropped my Dell. If I hadn't dropped the Dell, I wouldn't have to re-load all the programs I could find. That means I wouldn't have had to look high and low for the 2005 discs where all my genealogy files were safely saved. That wouldn't have tempted me to gift myself the newest version of Family Tree maker. And that little purchase wouldn't have tempted me to use the two week free trial to Ancestry which was my time waster supreme back a few years.
I did this knowingly. I knew I had to give a credit card. I knew I would have to call to stop the free trial. I knew they would use their best means to shame me into keeping the subscription. Been there. Done that. Have the lack of funds. But I did it anyway.
So I have been chained to this computer seeing what new information I can glean from using Family Tree Maker. I could get much more information if I would just go onto Ancestry because they list the public forms. They don't care if Cousin Sally's great-great-great grandchild is still living. There's the birth, marriage and their children's forms right there in the forms area. It's public record. All this while FTM "respects their member's privacy." Dash the privacy! I want the information.
But, FTM and I are getting really friendly. We meet every afternoon. FTM lures me into wanting to blow off preparing dinner - even leaving the kitchen table where I am set up surrounded by notebooks, bills, and tablets. And yes, bills - my week's mail is stacking up quite nicely on both ends of this larger table that we brought in a few weeks ago. Good foresight! I didn't know how much I would need it.
G and SIL are going to the SSB later. I will have until Monday to myself. I am beside myself. All this time for ME. What to do first. Do I break this umbilical to the computer and spend the hours upstairs? Do I just stay down here? What mind numbing TV can I be watching? So many decisions.
I could get some deep cleaning done. Yes, I could. But that's not fun. If I just go ahead with the fun things - I will just continue to bar folks from entering my doors!
But - if it's not going upstairs to that disaster area, so I can sew other little thingies for craft shows that I never get to do, it is now my old evil - genealogy. Just how did this happen. It is all our vacation's fault!
Here's my reasoning - if we were still home, I would have never dropped my Dell. If I hadn't dropped the Dell, I wouldn't have to re-load all the programs I could find. That means I wouldn't have had to look high and low for the 2005 discs where all my genealogy files were safely saved. That wouldn't have tempted me to gift myself the newest version of Family Tree maker. And that little purchase wouldn't have tempted me to use the two week free trial to Ancestry which was my time waster supreme back a few years.
I did this knowingly. I knew I had to give a credit card. I knew I would have to call to stop the free trial. I knew they would use their best means to shame me into keeping the subscription. Been there. Done that. Have the lack of funds. But I did it anyway.
So I have been chained to this computer seeing what new information I can glean from using Family Tree Maker. I could get much more information if I would just go onto Ancestry because they list the public forms. They don't care if Cousin Sally's great-great-great grandchild is still living. There's the birth, marriage and their children's forms right there in the forms area. It's public record. All this while FTM "respects their member's privacy." Dash the privacy! I want the information.
But, FTM and I are getting really friendly. We meet every afternoon. FTM lures me into wanting to blow off preparing dinner - even leaving the kitchen table where I am set up surrounded by notebooks, bills, and tablets. And yes, bills - my week's mail is stacking up quite nicely on both ends of this larger table that we brought in a few weeks ago. Good foresight! I didn't know how much I would need it.
G and SIL are going to the SSB later. I will have until Monday to myself. I am beside myself. All this time for ME. What to do first. Do I break this umbilical to the computer and spend the hours upstairs? Do I just stay down here? What mind numbing TV can I be watching? So many decisions.
I could get some deep cleaning done. Yes, I could. But that's not fun. If I just go ahead with the fun things - I will just continue to bar folks from entering my doors!
Friday, October 11, 2013
Time to eat crow and other unpleasant thoughts
As you remember, my biggest souvenir from Alaska is this here little ole' computer. We are beginning to have a good working relationship, but it is really a steep learning curve - both a new computer AND a new Windows. Why is this so serious, and why am I eating crow? Well - it all goes back to the little bimbo that talked me into these new glasses back several months ago. As my ophthalmologist told me last week - throw those things away. You can't see out of them!
That little issue brings me to the fact that I have trouble changing sizes of fonts in applications here. Sometimes it just magically happens - like it did on Facebook the other day, and here on Blogger. I am talking about just the draft I am working on - I really don't want huge print in the blog.
When the size of font suddenly changed yesterday, I realized that I could not see the title of my post the day before - y
ou know -the rant about of all things grammar and word usage. I didn't see - and it had been corrected - that my title had an "A" in place of the pronoun "I." So I just went on praising spell check while dogging on grammar and word usage. Do I look like a dope? You bet I do.
I have been following Jude's efforts of trying to get the part of her dad's estate to which she and her sister are entitled. I won't link to it, many of you know of her blog anyway. She want to fly below the radar with her blog, so...
When she is talking about her step-mother it brings back so many memories. My step mother was just the sweetest, kindest person you would ever want to meet - on the surface. She was a lying, cheating $%^*&(&%&*^! Even when it was all unfolding, I really didn't want to believe it. In fact, when she was dying, Daughter, DIL and I stayed with her all night so she wouldn't be alone to die.
I was frustrated with her for a while before she died. My dad was very demented. He never should have been driving. They gave big bucks to their church, but never called them for help. (They were in San Antonio then - no family there) She never would call a taxi, ask for help - nothing. She would only moan and groan when I was to be there for a shuttle service - which is another story. She never stopped his driving.
I wondered why - and now I think I have an answer. She was hoping my dad, who was much older than she, would die before her. Either on his own, which wasn't going to happen because he was physically fit, or get killed in the car.
Why did she want this - so her good for nothing son would inherit all the money. Monies that should have been just my dad's, but were theirs because we are a community property state. Had she not ensnared my dad, she wouldn't have had anything. Her previous husband had nothing. She would have had $900/month social security to live on.
I won't go into detail, but my dad had managed to save a good amount of monies. She managed to shield more than her fair share for her son - who could care the least for her. He was never there. This fact was told to me by HIS family.
What did he do with his share of the money. Opened a "high class" restaurant in Malibu. Which I really believe is closed now. I haven't heard from them in a couple of years. Last I heard he was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer.
Sorry - another rant. I had to come clean with my goof! And Jude - you got me to remembering just how evil some step-mothers can be!
That little issue brings me to the fact that I have trouble changing sizes of fonts in applications here. Sometimes it just magically happens - like it did on Facebook the other day, and here on Blogger. I am talking about just the draft I am working on - I really don't want huge print in the blog.
When the size of font suddenly changed yesterday, I realized that I could not see the title of my post the day before - y
ou know -the rant about of all things grammar and word usage. I didn't see - and it had been corrected - that my title had an "A" in place of the pronoun "I." So I just went on praising spell check while dogging on grammar and word usage. Do I look like a dope? You bet I do.
I have been following Jude's efforts of trying to get the part of her dad's estate to which she and her sister are entitled. I won't link to it, many of you know of her blog anyway. She want to fly below the radar with her blog, so...
When she is talking about her step-mother it brings back so many memories. My step mother was just the sweetest, kindest person you would ever want to meet - on the surface. She was a lying, cheating $%^*&(&%&*^! Even when it was all unfolding, I really didn't want to believe it. In fact, when she was dying, Daughter, DIL and I stayed with her all night so she wouldn't be alone to die.
I was frustrated with her for a while before she died. My dad was very demented. He never should have been driving. They gave big bucks to their church, but never called them for help. (They were in San Antonio then - no family there) She never would call a taxi, ask for help - nothing. She would only moan and groan when I was to be there for a shuttle service - which is another story. She never stopped his driving.
I wondered why - and now I think I have an answer. She was hoping my dad, who was much older than she, would die before her. Either on his own, which wasn't going to happen because he was physically fit, or get killed in the car.
Why did she want this - so her good for nothing son would inherit all the money. Monies that should have been just my dad's, but were theirs because we are a community property state. Had she not ensnared my dad, she wouldn't have had anything. Her previous husband had nothing. She would have had $900/month social security to live on.
I won't go into detail, but my dad had managed to save a good amount of monies. She managed to shield more than her fair share for her son - who could care the least for her. He was never there. This fact was told to me by HIS family.
What did he do with his share of the money. Opened a "high class" restaurant in Malibu. Which I really believe is closed now. I haven't heard from them in a couple of years. Last I heard he was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer.
Sorry - another rant. I had to come clean with my goof! And Jude - you got me to remembering just how evil some step-mothers can be!
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Like we had it.
That is the way we are spending money these days.
I don't know what the little jaunt to Alaska cost us. I was really pleasantly surprised with the prices - once we got there. I had heard that everything was so expensive there. We found lodging was inexpensive. The hotel in Fairbanks was absolutely great. It was like a suite! It seems is was under $90 a night. Of course, we were not only at the end of the 0"season," things were closing down as we left! And we had convention rates. The hotel in Anchorage was the same way. In fact, our bill for the dog's and cat's "summer camp" at the vet's office was more than ours!
Of course, the train trips were expensive. And the fact that we didn't go on one in Fairbanks and I didn't go on one in Anchorage still gets to me - that wasted money! Those trips usually run about $100 a trip because they are not regular runs for the train. It's like taking a limo someplace. You have to pay the crew, the fuel, usually the rail line that owns that rail. All an expensive thing, but you see things that "normal" people don't get to see.
The food - at least at the grocery (Safeway) was inexpensive. I guess a large chain can spread out losses over their entire chain. Restaurants on the whole were more expensive. In Fairbanks, we had to eat at the hotel, so you KNOW that was high. But it was the only game in town, and that's when G had the full blown cold.
So where is this all going? Well - something that is both exciting and will be a good thing in the long run for so many reasons. When this house is sold, it will come back to us because it is one of the important things folks look for. We are having our bathrooms remodeled.
My wild dream is to have one of those walk in bathtubs put in the hall bathroom. With my assorted aches and pains, I would love, love, love to take a nice hot soak. A shower just doesn't ease the pains. A hot bath - oh, yes.
We have a friend who is a contractor. He has re-done my daughter's kitchen. He does the most beautiful work. AND I know he doesn't gouge nor do shoddy work. He came to give us an estimate
yesterday. I think my dream tub is going to be just that. His plumber said that the price on a Kohler is - get ready for this!! - $9000. Holy smokes! And then the door will begin to leak in a year.
But the Master Bath will be able to have the big walk-in shower. All new tile (which G has let ruin - it's his bath and HE can clean it!!). New counter tops. I have hated that master one since we moved in 38 years ago! It is a textured black formica. It never comes clean because of that texture which they probably thought gave it "character." Nope - it traps the calcium from the water, dust, toothpaste, make-up. Nasty!! Hate it!!
As I said, this will add value to the house. We are one of the last to up-date out baths. I intent to go for the kitchen next - at least having my cabinets done. They need to be re-stained or something. I won't have them changed out - my builder was a good cabinet maker. But they look very tired and dirty. Jude, and I won't link to you, I just don't have the spunk you have. I can't get on the floor for the lowers, and the torn rotator cups in my shoulders just won't allow that kind of pressure to really get to those uppers.
So, with great joy, anticipation, and a lot of doubt - here we go again!
I don't know what the little jaunt to Alaska cost us. I was really pleasantly surprised with the prices - once we got there. I had heard that everything was so expensive there. We found lodging was inexpensive. The hotel in Fairbanks was absolutely great. It was like a suite! It seems is was under $90 a night. Of course, we were not only at the end of the 0"season," things were closing down as we left! And we had convention rates. The hotel in Anchorage was the same way. In fact, our bill for the dog's and cat's "summer camp" at the vet's office was more than ours!
Of course, the train trips were expensive. And the fact that we didn't go on one in Fairbanks and I didn't go on one in Anchorage still gets to me - that wasted money! Those trips usually run about $100 a trip because they are not regular runs for the train. It's like taking a limo someplace. You have to pay the crew, the fuel, usually the rail line that owns that rail. All an expensive thing, but you see things that "normal" people don't get to see.
The food - at least at the grocery (Safeway) was inexpensive. I guess a large chain can spread out losses over their entire chain. Restaurants on the whole were more expensive. In Fairbanks, we had to eat at the hotel, so you KNOW that was high. But it was the only game in town, and that's when G had the full blown cold.
So where is this all going? Well - something that is both exciting and will be a good thing in the long run for so many reasons. When this house is sold, it will come back to us because it is one of the important things folks look for. We are having our bathrooms remodeled.
My wild dream is to have one of those walk in bathtubs put in the hall bathroom. With my assorted aches and pains, I would love, love, love to take a nice hot soak. A shower just doesn't ease the pains. A hot bath - oh, yes.
We have a friend who is a contractor. He has re-done my daughter's kitchen. He does the most beautiful work. AND I know he doesn't gouge nor do shoddy work. He came to give us an estimate
yesterday. I think my dream tub is going to be just that. His plumber said that the price on a Kohler is - get ready for this!! - $9000. Holy smokes! And then the door will begin to leak in a year.
But the Master Bath will be able to have the big walk-in shower. All new tile (which G has let ruin - it's his bath and HE can clean it!!). New counter tops. I have hated that master one since we moved in 38 years ago! It is a textured black formica. It never comes clean because of that texture which they probably thought gave it "character." Nope - it traps the calcium from the water, dust, toothpaste, make-up. Nasty!! Hate it!!
As I said, this will add value to the house. We are one of the last to up-date out baths. I intent to go for the kitchen next - at least having my cabinets done. They need to be re-stained or something. I won't have them changed out - my builder was a good cabinet maker. But they look very tired and dirty. Jude, and I won't link to you, I just don't have the spunk you have. I can't get on the floor for the lowers, and the torn rotator cups in my shoulders just won't allow that kind of pressure to really get to those uppers.
So, with great joy, anticipation, and a lot of doubt - here we go again!
Tuesday, October 08, 2013
I do love spell check - I wish more people would use it..
I know the saying of "people who live in glass houses .." and all that. I know I am beginning to sound like a dry, old prune of an English teacher. And that, in itself is funny because I never taught English for a single day in my life. I actually have a double major - Biology and English. That happened when I decided that my math skills were so poor that I could never make it to the 24 hours in Chemistry that I needed to teach it. (In Texas - your teaching minor has to be 24 hours). So in the summer of my Junior year in college, I began to pursue English as my teaching minor. Thus I ended up with something like 28 semester hours.
Anyway, you are so familiar with my problems with word usages. "Your for you're", the "to, too, two" and of course "then and than." Lately there have been others that I have added to my list.
I am a member of several Yahoo groups where I surf for free embroidery designs. Some of those in these groups must never actually sew because they are spending hours in these groups. The owners will set up "searches" where the members are going through the sites looking for a little design hidden in the pages of designs that are for sale. Smart marketing, but who has that sort of time.
One of the other things that occurs in these groups is the plea for help. Now that is a good ides. I learn from the mistakes of others that are often problems that plague me. But! Some of the grammar used. OMG. And the spelling.
I will be honest. I am a terrible speller. The greatest thing that has happened for me is the computer word processing and SPELL CHECK!!! If I am nor sure of spelling, I depend on spell check. And if the word is not there, I use a synonym. It's the simple words that kill me. I can spell most scientific words easily, but simple words - not so much.
The words I have recently added are those simple ones. These are the ones that slip by spell check. One of the messages I read recently went something like this:
"I no I must be doing something wrong. I try to click on the sights to go to another page ..."
That one statement took me a few seconds to realize just what they were trying to say.
OK - I am the first to say that I certainly am not perfect. It is so easy to be typing along (for those of you who know how to type and that's not me!) and a word to come into your mind but the spelling, proper tense, etc don't. But some of the same mistakes are made over and over. And I know that spell check will miss a lot of words. And grammar check doesn't run automatically. And I have terrible sentence structure here.
I will put my soap box away now. Sorry.
Anyway, you are so familiar with my problems with word usages. "Your for you're", the "to, too, two" and of course "then and than." Lately there have been others that I have added to my list.
I am a member of several Yahoo groups where I surf for free embroidery designs. Some of those in these groups must never actually sew because they are spending hours in these groups. The owners will set up "searches" where the members are going through the sites looking for a little design hidden in the pages of designs that are for sale. Smart marketing, but who has that sort of time.
One of the other things that occurs in these groups is the plea for help. Now that is a good ides. I learn from the mistakes of others that are often problems that plague me. But! Some of the grammar used. OMG. And the spelling.
I will be honest. I am a terrible speller. The greatest thing that has happened for me is the computer word processing and SPELL CHECK!!! If I am nor sure of spelling, I depend on spell check. And if the word is not there, I use a synonym. It's the simple words that kill me. I can spell most scientific words easily, but simple words - not so much.
The words I have recently added are those simple ones. These are the ones that slip by spell check. One of the messages I read recently went something like this:
"I no I must be doing something wrong. I try to click on the sights to go to another page ..."
That one statement took me a few seconds to realize just what they were trying to say.
OK - I am the first to say that I certainly am not perfect. It is so easy to be typing along (for those of you who know how to type and that's not me!) and a word to come into your mind but the spelling, proper tense, etc don't. But some of the same mistakes are made over and over. And I know that spell check will miss a lot of words. And grammar check doesn't run automatically. And I have terrible sentence structure here.
I will put my soap box away now. Sorry.
Friday, October 04, 2013
So what have I been doing?
Basically I have pretty much chained myself to this new computer. Windows 8 and I are at least being cordial right now. I still hate some of its characteristics, and I find myself wondering if a true friendship or love (gasp) will ever happen. It has one of the most annoying facets that I have ever found. If I dare to move my mouse around too much, I am whisked away to a previously opened window. Now that window may not have even been opened on purpose, but it will magically appear on my screen, and what I was working on goes away.
I finally found how to toggle back and forth, but you have to hold your mouth just right and all the stars, moon and sun must be in the correct configuration for the ways to work the first time. I spend more time hanging around in the far corners of my screen than actually doing something th at smacks of work or even just surfing.
I am getting used to the keyboard. Not being a typist in the first place is always a problem, but this keyboard seems skewed to me. It is all pushed over to the left. That may be due to something that I would have adored when I was a teacher. I have an actual number pad on the right. That isn't so important these days since I no longer have to enter and average grades.
I have almost finished loading the files that I have copies of. I was afraid I had lost the hours and hours of work I had put in on the family trees, but I found copies that I had done in 2005. So there's not much lost there since I haven't done much work on them since then. I treated myself (hey - it's only money - can't take it with me) to a new edition of Family Tree Maker, and I am going to join Ancestry again at least for 6 months. Now - it's the pictures I am still missing. I am afraid for those.
I can't decide if I should take the other computer to a small business that seems to be very good, or use a guy who advertises on one of the Buy, Beg, Sell, Borrow web sites that are so plentiful around here. I have read that the more the disc runs after damage, the more damage is done. I know the little (new) guy in Anchorage tried for hours to get into the files.
And then other than the doctor appointments from last week, there are the volleyball games. Lady Bug is on the "A" team. She is the captain and a starter. Yesterday she made a save that turned the game around. Such a proud grandma!
Next on my agenda is the promised pictures. They are still safely ensconced in the cameras. I will get to them.
I finally found how to toggle back and forth, but you have to hold your mouth just right and all the stars, moon and sun must be in the correct configuration for the ways to work the first time. I spend more time hanging around in the far corners of my screen than actually doing something th at smacks of work or even just surfing.
I am getting used to the keyboard. Not being a typist in the first place is always a problem, but this keyboard seems skewed to me. It is all pushed over to the left. That may be due to something that I would have adored when I was a teacher. I have an actual number pad on the right. That isn't so important these days since I no longer have to enter and average grades.
I have almost finished loading the files that I have copies of. I was afraid I had lost the hours and hours of work I had put in on the family trees, but I found copies that I had done in 2005. So there's not much lost there since I haven't done much work on them since then. I treated myself (hey - it's only money - can't take it with me) to a new edition of Family Tree Maker, and I am going to join Ancestry again at least for 6 months. Now - it's the pictures I am still missing. I am afraid for those.
I can't decide if I should take the other computer to a small business that seems to be very good, or use a guy who advertises on one of the Buy, Beg, Sell, Borrow web sites that are so plentiful around here. I have read that the more the disc runs after damage, the more damage is done. I know the little (new) guy in Anchorage tried for hours to get into the files.
And then other than the doctor appointments from last week, there are the volleyball games. Lady Bug is on the "A" team. She is the captain and a starter. Yesterday she made a save that turned the game around. Such a proud grandma!
Next on my agenda is the promised pictures. They are still safely ensconced in the cameras. I will get to them.
Tuesday, October 01, 2013
Oh, my goodness
It's late - almost time to get dinner on. So this is going to be short, short.
Just heard the news - the next hurricane is going to be named .......................
Karen
Oh, look out world! She is going to be, well I will just leave that part to you to fill in!!!!
Just heard the news - the next hurricane is going to be named .......................
Karen
Oh, look out world! She is going to be, well I will just leave that part to you to fill in!!!!
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