I really thought that for the most part I did have a positive outlook. I mean, after breast cancer, I just know am going to beat it. That's pretty positive thinking. But yesterday made me wonder about just how positively I do think.
We spent the weekend at the SSB. Daughter and Son in law were going to the Alamo City so she could go to her company'd section meeting. Lady Bug has already missed several days of school, so Daughter didn't want her to miss two more days so she could go with them. We were to pick Lady Bug up from the afternoon bus to stay with us.
The trip from the SSB is at least five hours minimun, regardless of which way you go. G wanted to stop by the lake house to try to board it up. I went in this time, and that is for another time. It was bad.
Back to the subject at hand. I spent the entire trip home worring about getting home to meet the bus. We decided we would leave the SSB by 9AM. That meant not vacuuming and dusting. It also meant washing dishes by hand. The dishwasher takes hours it seems - especially when we are in a hurry.
So the SSB is a mess. We piled into the troop carrier, and we were off. I kept expecting a serious accident or a break down that would mean that we wouldn't get home at all yesterday. I just knew something was going to happen.
We got to our house at 3PM. I had an hour and 20 minutes! Daughter gave her neighbor a heads up to look for Lady Bug in case we were late. That was really great. I got to know her better. We have a lot in common! She is a great lady. I really want to get to know her even better.
So we had Lady Bug all night. She slept with me. I didn't sleep. She is impossible to sleep with. She normally sleeps in a twin bed. Give her a king and she takes the entire thing too.
Oh well, I have the rest of the day to rest. I pick her up again today, and she will be here until about 9 this evening. I am so lucky. SHe is such a great kid!
Peace
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
It never rains but . . .
My new back door is here and being installed as I write! Yea! I am so excited. So what's the downside? It decided to rain. Probably only about .02 of an inch, but enough to make the patio wet with a puddle close to where the installer has to work - often with an electric saw. Could be exciting.
He said he gets to install another door later this afternoon. I'll bet it rains then too!!
On top of all else, who is here but the yard people. I can't believe it! Wet grass and lawnmowers. I wonder if they will try the blowers? I need to get the video camera out. That would make the funny video clip.
Simone was still "out" in the house when the installer got here. She was terrified when the hammering began. Not only was there loud noises, but , gasp, he raised his arm. I'll bet whoever had her before beat the wowie out of her. But when you rescue a dog, you never know what has happened to them.
Well, at least I can get out of the house later. He came on time, instead of at the later time given. That seldom happens.
Yesterday I had to run to choose tile for the front porch. I thought Vernon was coming to rebuild the fence and put in my step in on the front porch. As it is, the other job gave him the go-ahead for Friday and Monday. That's ok - at least I picked out the tile, and it is ready to go. It is really pretty - a charcoal slate type of tile. I can't wait. But knowing Vernon, I'll have to.
Wash your hands!
Peace.
He said he gets to install another door later this afternoon. I'll bet it rains then too!!
On top of all else, who is here but the yard people. I can't believe it! Wet grass and lawnmowers. I wonder if they will try the blowers? I need to get the video camera out. That would make the funny video clip.
Simone was still "out" in the house when the installer got here. She was terrified when the hammering began. Not only was there loud noises, but , gasp, he raised his arm. I'll bet whoever had her before beat the wowie out of her. But when you rescue a dog, you never know what has happened to them.
Well, at least I can get out of the house later. He came on time, instead of at the later time given. That seldom happens.
Yesterday I had to run to choose tile for the front porch. I thought Vernon was coming to rebuild the fence and put in my step in on the front porch. As it is, the other job gave him the go-ahead for Friday and Monday. That's ok - at least I picked out the tile, and it is ready to go. It is really pretty - a charcoal slate type of tile. I can't wait. But knowing Vernon, I'll have to.
Wash your hands!
Peace.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Almost boring
After the excitement, both good and bad, around here for the last few days, I almost feel a let down today. There is no pending disaster. There is no elevaing good news. It is just a normal day. Simone is ok and the sun is shining beautifully.
I know I have to get to the grocery store today. I really don't want to go - on so many levels! Not only do I hurt walking the isles, but, well the elephant, or in reality the pig, in the room makes me not want to go. I guess I am being reactive, but this flu thing has me a bit shaken.
When they first began talking about it, I was whisked back to the days in the early 70's of teaching biology. Texas had just adopted a new book, and in it was a section about the impending swine flu possible epidemic. I had a student that I got to make posters from the pictures in that section, so every year when I would get ready to put up bulletin boards I would remember not only that student but the worry that was around then. I would laugh a bit to myself about how we were so worried then. Now it is reality.
Don't get me wrong. I am not completely petrified of this thing - but the news today of the toddler who died here catch my attention. The child came from Matamorous, Mexico, and was transferred from a Brownsville hospital to a hospital here. But this flu is particularly bad for the young and the old. Well - I'm old!! Enough of that.
Tomorrow things pick up again. My long awaited new back door will be installed. I am pretty excited about that. It is really nice. It should be. I cannot believe how much that baby cost me. But it was the one I wanted. We will have the contractors from H*me D*pot install it. That means they will completely rebuild the door frame and threshold. They did out front door, and it is wonderful. It fits so beautifully and is so energy efficient.
We will be headed out to the SSB this weekend. One of the things we will do it mount the flag pole on the house so we can fly the flag I ordered for G's birthday. It is his great grandfather's brand. It looks something like this:
)-(
1854
He is so excited (as excited as he ever gets) about having that brand flying over that property again. It is really kind of neat.
Well I need to get back to the everyday things around here -whatever they are - and listen to the news bite about the additional cases of flu here in Texas. Great!
Peace.
I know I have to get to the grocery store today. I really don't want to go - on so many levels! Not only do I hurt walking the isles, but, well the elephant, or in reality the pig, in the room makes me not want to go. I guess I am being reactive, but this flu thing has me a bit shaken.
When they first began talking about it, I was whisked back to the days in the early 70's of teaching biology. Texas had just adopted a new book, and in it was a section about the impending swine flu possible epidemic. I had a student that I got to make posters from the pictures in that section, so every year when I would get ready to put up bulletin boards I would remember not only that student but the worry that was around then. I would laugh a bit to myself about how we were so worried then. Now it is reality.
Don't get me wrong. I am not completely petrified of this thing - but the news today of the toddler who died here catch my attention. The child came from Matamorous, Mexico, and was transferred from a Brownsville hospital to a hospital here. But this flu is particularly bad for the young and the old. Well - I'm old!! Enough of that.
Tomorrow things pick up again. My long awaited new back door will be installed. I am pretty excited about that. It is really nice. It should be. I cannot believe how much that baby cost me. But it was the one I wanted. We will have the contractors from H*me D*pot install it. That means they will completely rebuild the door frame and threshold. They did out front door, and it is wonderful. It fits so beautifully and is so energy efficient.
We will be headed out to the SSB this weekend. One of the things we will do it mount the flag pole on the house so we can fly the flag I ordered for G's birthday. It is his great grandfather's brand. It looks something like this:
)-(
1854
He is so excited (as excited as he ever gets) about having that brand flying over that property again. It is really kind of neat.
Well I need to get back to the everyday things around here -whatever they are - and listen to the news bite about the additional cases of flu here in Texas. Great!
Peace.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Extremes
Texas weather, like other places I am learning, is never predictable. Last night we had a toad strangler that stopped about 10PM. I heard the weatherman say that we would still be getting some showers from the Gulf, but G didn't hear that.
About 3AM I was awakened by the claps of thunder. I could hear the rain hitting the roof above the sound of the fan. Of course, Simone had left her kennel and was plastered next to the bed. I would doze off and be shaken awake by the thunder again. Then the power began to blink off and on. I was absolutely sure we would be without electricity in just a matter of time. I was pleasantly surprised when it remained on.
About 4 AM I decided I would check the rain recorded on the electronic rain gauge. That is an absolute necessity in the Burbs of Swampland! We had four additional inches. I thought about getting up to check the street, but I was just too lazy to do that. If Simone jumper into the bed with me, I would be pretty sure we had water in the house.
When we moved here 33+ years ago, flooding was never a problem. We could get these rains and the worst thing that would happen is the street up in front of Poe's house would become impassible, The lady on the corner who has lived here for 50+ years - even before our area was built into houses, said that there was a natural draw there. The center of that draw goes right to his front door.
Now, after we pumped a lot of water from the ground here and we are now surrounded by development, parts of our little city flood - with each heavy rain. They have been working diligently on retaining ponds to try to keep the flooding from happening. To me they are not of real use. When we get one of these monsoons that drops 10 inches (and this one did in 12 hours) those are going to get full, and then THEY will overflow.
G got up once to check on the street. It was over the curb and into the grass. Our stupid neighbor still had his little truck parked in its usual place in front of the house. I wonder if he got water in it? You would think that after his stepdaughter had a wheel stolen from her car they would park in the driveway which has plenty of room. They seem to only allow one car in the drive - but I'm off subject.
I wonder how many homes in our city got water in them. The first thing I heard on the news was that the bayou that cuts through the middle of our city was out of its banks. G went that way to work. He said it was barricaded, and the street that runs along it was still closed. I think we took this rain fairly well. I really think the flooding, if there was any, was minimal. I hope so.
It is now 9 and all the news stations are still covering the flooding. It is bad. It is so weird. A month ago, we were so far behind in rainfall. I think we are ahead now.
This school year has been a tough one for the schools. They had been in session for about a week when we experienced Ike. They have been making up some of those missed instructional days. The districts around here canceled school for today. I know they did it because the buses couldn't roll. But today is the beginning day of the mandated state testing. They are now going to have to make that up.
So hopefully we don't get any more rain. They say we got 7 inches - I recorded only 4. Regardless - no more please!
Peace.
About 3AM I was awakened by the claps of thunder. I could hear the rain hitting the roof above the sound of the fan. Of course, Simone had left her kennel and was plastered next to the bed. I would doze off and be shaken awake by the thunder again. Then the power began to blink off and on. I was absolutely sure we would be without electricity in just a matter of time. I was pleasantly surprised when it remained on.
About 4 AM I decided I would check the rain recorded on the electronic rain gauge. That is an absolute necessity in the Burbs of Swampland! We had four additional inches. I thought about getting up to check the street, but I was just too lazy to do that. If Simone jumper into the bed with me, I would be pretty sure we had water in the house.
When we moved here 33+ years ago, flooding was never a problem. We could get these rains and the worst thing that would happen is the street up in front of Poe's house would become impassible, The lady on the corner who has lived here for 50+ years - even before our area was built into houses, said that there was a natural draw there. The center of that draw goes right to his front door.
Now, after we pumped a lot of water from the ground here and we are now surrounded by development, parts of our little city flood - with each heavy rain. They have been working diligently on retaining ponds to try to keep the flooding from happening. To me they are not of real use. When we get one of these monsoons that drops 10 inches (and this one did in 12 hours) those are going to get full, and then THEY will overflow.
G got up once to check on the street. It was over the curb and into the grass. Our stupid neighbor still had his little truck parked in its usual place in front of the house. I wonder if he got water in it? You would think that after his stepdaughter had a wheel stolen from her car they would park in the driveway which has plenty of room. They seem to only allow one car in the drive - but I'm off subject.
I wonder how many homes in our city got water in them. The first thing I heard on the news was that the bayou that cuts through the middle of our city was out of its banks. G went that way to work. He said it was barricaded, and the street that runs along it was still closed. I think we took this rain fairly well. I really think the flooding, if there was any, was minimal. I hope so.
It is now 9 and all the news stations are still covering the flooding. It is bad. It is so weird. A month ago, we were so far behind in rainfall. I think we are ahead now.
This school year has been a tough one for the schools. They had been in session for about a week when we experienced Ike. They have been making up some of those missed instructional days. The districts around here canceled school for today. I know they did it because the buses couldn't roll. But today is the beginning day of the mandated state testing. They are now going to have to make that up.
So hopefully we don't get any more rain. They say we got 7 inches - I recorded only 4. Regardless - no more please!
Peace.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Happy news!
Simone does not have a tumor. Shre has some thickening in her duodenum. No one knows why. That may be the problem. It is still unknown. We are going to worm her and administer an antibiotic. We have a treatment plan in place after tat too. We'll see what happens. It is just such good news. We are all so relieved.
The a/c guy came. If we go with a really good unit/duct work, we are probably be looking at $20,000. We still haven't talked about what we want to do yet. That's a lot of money. As it is, I really believe we are pouring a lot of money down a rat hole because I'm sure our 35 year old vents are leaking air like a sieve, and the unit is just not an efficient one. Don't know what we are going to do.
Daughter in law asked if I would make a bib for Wiggle Worm's dedication. No problem. It is done - along with a burp cloth.
So has been my day. I hope yours was as good.
Peace.
The a/c guy came. If we go with a really good unit/duct work, we are probably be looking at $20,000. We still haven't talked about what we want to do yet. That's a lot of money. As it is, I really believe we are pouring a lot of money down a rat hole because I'm sure our 35 year old vents are leaking air like a sieve, and the unit is just not an efficient one. Don't know what we are going to do.
Daughter in law asked if I would make a bib for Wiggle Worm's dedication. No problem. It is done - along with a burp cloth.
So has been my day. I hope yours was as good.
Peace.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Tidbits from the samp
The family got together to go out to a Cajun restaurant to celebrate G's birthday (that was last Thursday). It was really good, but this particular place is expensive. Well - it's only once a year.
Wiggle Worm was really a good baby tonight. He took an afternoon nap, so all was good in his world. The other three were really good too. Lady Bug was exhausted. She partied all weekend. She had two birthday parties to attend - one being a sleep over. What a misnomer!
Tomorrow we take Simone to have her ultrasound. She is off food until we get her back home. She is acting so normal right now. I keep praying that she is not as seriously ill as I am afraid she is. She may only have weeks. I just hope she doesn't have the splenic tumor.
We are having the a/c guy tomorrow. I wanted to get a whole house generator. I'm tired of the electrical service here. It can go out with just thunderstorms to say nothing of hurricanes. But we need to see what the a/c will cost. On the news this morning, they were giving stats on things people could live without. I was amazed that that many people felt a/c was not essential. They don't live here! When the temps are in the high 90's or even 100's and the humidity is right there with is - it is an absolute essential. Those conditions can go on for weeks on end.
Hope your weekend was good. I'll catch you later.
Peace.
Wiggle Worm was really a good baby tonight. He took an afternoon nap, so all was good in his world. The other three were really good too. Lady Bug was exhausted. She partied all weekend. She had two birthday parties to attend - one being a sleep over. What a misnomer!
Tomorrow we take Simone to have her ultrasound. She is off food until we get her back home. She is acting so normal right now. I keep praying that she is not as seriously ill as I am afraid she is. She may only have weeks. I just hope she doesn't have the splenic tumor.
We are having the a/c guy tomorrow. I wanted to get a whole house generator. I'm tired of the electrical service here. It can go out with just thunderstorms to say nothing of hurricanes. But we need to see what the a/c will cost. On the news this morning, they were giving stats on things people could live without. I was amazed that that many people felt a/c was not essential. They don't live here! When the temps are in the high 90's or even 100's and the humidity is right there with is - it is an absolute essential. Those conditions can go on for weeks on end.
Hope your weekend was good. I'll catch you later.
Peace.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Unknown
I know. This is yet another post about a dog. Those of you that have close dog companions will understand. Those of you who are not as fortunate will not understand.
Simone had another relatively bad night last night. These "spells" used to come about every six months or so. When she would be checked, there was nothing remarkable that would cause her problems. This time, the "spells" are coming about every other day.
She was pretty much on her own yesterday since the painters were in the house all day. She would seem just fine, then she would start "licking air." That would happen over and over. When she went out for her last potty break, she was fine. She did her laps around the yard,
When she came in, it was back to the air licking. That went on from 10PM to 1AM. It was then, and I guess this speaks volumes for my housekeeping, she vomited up 2 socks and a knee high. I couldn't believe it. She was in the bedroom, and I thought I had scoured it looking for anything she would try to ingest. But there it was. Visible evidence.
I took her to the vet today. We decided on the x-rays this time. The vet and I neither expected anything. But we were wrong. She has a large mass that is distenting her abdomen. It is very possibly a splenic tumor.
So I went on-line to google splenic tumors. The findings were not good. If that is what she has, and it is malignant, which most are, her days are limited. It is a fast growing cancer that begins in the blood vessels, so it spreads - fast.
She is to go back in Monday morning. This young vet doesn't do ultrasounds well. She tried, but couldn't get a good picture. It is surely there on x-rays though. So Simone's original doctor will be there to do the procedure.
Then we go from there.
She saw me through my cancer. I guess I'll be here for her as long as she needs me.
Simone had another relatively bad night last night. These "spells" used to come about every six months or so. When she would be checked, there was nothing remarkable that would cause her problems. This time, the "spells" are coming about every other day.
She was pretty much on her own yesterday since the painters were in the house all day. She would seem just fine, then she would start "licking air." That would happen over and over. When she went out for her last potty break, she was fine. She did her laps around the yard,
When she came in, it was back to the air licking. That went on from 10PM to 1AM. It was then, and I guess this speaks volumes for my housekeeping, she vomited up 2 socks and a knee high. I couldn't believe it. She was in the bedroom, and I thought I had scoured it looking for anything she would try to ingest. But there it was. Visible evidence.
I took her to the vet today. We decided on the x-rays this time. The vet and I neither expected anything. But we were wrong. She has a large mass that is distenting her abdomen. It is very possibly a splenic tumor.
So I went on-line to google splenic tumors. The findings were not good. If that is what she has, and it is malignant, which most are, her days are limited. It is a fast growing cancer that begins in the blood vessels, so it spreads - fast.
She is to go back in Monday morning. This young vet doesn't do ultrasounds well. She tried, but couldn't get a good picture. It is surely there on x-rays though. So Simone's original doctor will be there to do the procedure.
Then we go from there.
She saw me through my cancer. I guess I'll be here for her as long as she needs me.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
MIracles!
I can't believe it. It is 11 AM our time and so many things have been done. If I had not been talking and then reading blogs and emails, I would have posted this before now.
Before 8AM Ghost #2, otherwise known as the electrician, called. He was sending his helper over to change out the security light. Wow. I hurried to dress. He was here about 8:30. Light is replaced and I am assured it is working.
The lawn guys were here at 8:45. That's taken care of. Don't have to worry about that.
Ghost #1 was here at the appointed hour of 9:30. I gave him the list of things to be done. His guys have the wall paper down in the breakfast room. That is a feat that I didn't think could be accomplished. The sheet rock is even in tact. After 33 years, I was afraid they would be one piece.
I gave him the laundry list of things to be done. I don't know how much I'll be able to afford since we will be getting a quote on Monday for new duct work, a/c unit, and heater for the downstairs. We also have to replace the 20+ year old pool filter - $3000 worth.
We seem to be bleeding money these days.
Along that line, I have come to accept selling the lake property. I just have to put my feelings about the place way out of my mind. That place IS my dad. I know it will be torn down. But with the things that need to be done around here, we could use the money. Besides, no one has been to the place in at least 3 years. We have to move on.
I am excited about the change in my kitchen/breakfast however. I told daughter the color, and she didn't like it. Oh well!
Peace.
Before 8AM Ghost #2, otherwise known as the electrician, called. He was sending his helper over to change out the security light. Wow. I hurried to dress. He was here about 8:30. Light is replaced and I am assured it is working.
The lawn guys were here at 8:45. That's taken care of. Don't have to worry about that.
Ghost #1 was here at the appointed hour of 9:30. I gave him the list of things to be done. His guys have the wall paper down in the breakfast room. That is a feat that I didn't think could be accomplished. The sheet rock is even in tact. After 33 years, I was afraid they would be one piece.
I gave him the laundry list of things to be done. I don't know how much I'll be able to afford since we will be getting a quote on Monday for new duct work, a/c unit, and heater for the downstairs. We also have to replace the 20+ year old pool filter - $3000 worth.
We seem to be bleeding money these days.
Along that line, I have come to accept selling the lake property. I just have to put my feelings about the place way out of my mind. That place IS my dad. I know it will be torn down. But with the things that need to be done around here, we could use the money. Besides, no one has been to the place in at least 3 years. We have to move on.
I am excited about the change in my kitchen/breakfast however. I told daughter the color, and she didn't like it. Oh well!
Peace.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Well . . .
I don't know if I may have gotten a terrible virus, worm, or other unwanted thing on the laptop - my workhorse, or what. I cannot access the internet on it. Even here on old Della, my main email source says it is having difficulties. I'm not sure where the problem is. Plus I HATE working here in the office. I haven't worked in here since I got Gertie.
I guess that's just the way the day is going. The contractor is still an unknown deal. I don't know he is is going to show tomorrow or not. I know him and all. He did a wonderful job on daughter's kitchen remodel. I don't know if it is because the woman across the street was going to use him and didn't. He thinks she is a loon. We are not all loons on this street!! Honest.
I need to call the electrician - again. He tried to come out around Easter - when we were gone/ The last time he was going to come, we had the monsoon. So I guess I'll call - again - since it might be that I am caught here for the next two days.
I love living a planned life - at least I think I would if I knew what one was!
Peace.
I guess that's just the way the day is going. The contractor is still an unknown deal. I don't know he is is going to show tomorrow or not. I know him and all. He did a wonderful job on daughter's kitchen remodel. I don't know if it is because the woman across the street was going to use him and didn't. He thinks she is a loon. We are not all loons on this street!! Honest.
I need to call the electrician - again. He tried to come out around Easter - when we were gone/ The last time he was going to come, we had the monsoon. So I guess I'll call - again - since it might be that I am caught here for the next two days.
I love living a planned life - at least I think I would if I knew what one was!
Peace.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The contractor is coming!!
No, wait. Probably not. This has been a saga going on since November. Daughter was going to have the contractor (since become good friend) come to take down my 35 year old wall paper in the breakfast room, texture and paint it. That was to be a Christmas present. I was set to do it, but much water has passed under the bridge since I first considered that job. In fact, I have the rolls of wallpaper sitting in my bedroom that I was going to use.
Well, wallpaper has gone out of vogue around these parts, so I decided I would paint. With my shoulders that really isn't an option, and the knees will scream loudly after an insult like that. This kills me because I have always been one to pull out the rollers, et al and go to it.
Anyway, V has always had an excuse - other jobs - for not getting here. Well, the economic downturn has caused his business to slow. So - I thought he would be here on Thursday and Friday. Little does he know, but my job for him has grown. We have some boards that need to be replaced around the house, I would like to have pull out drawers installed in my pantry (especially) and cabinets. I just can't get on the floor anymore to get to those low shelves. I want a step put on my front porch and a tile overlay on that. G decided to have him look at the fence. It is getting really rickety. Let's just say we have some work.
But if he doesn't get here soon, there won't be any money left in the trough. We already have to have the pool filter replaced. It is only 20+ years old. I think it has run its course. Yesterday we had the air conditioners checked for the summer. Guess what! We need an entirely new system for downstairs - ac, furnace AND ductwork. My, my. Things just get better and better.
So excitement about getting the contractor has once again turned to a waiting game. I may be painting this room after all!
Peace.
Well, wallpaper has gone out of vogue around these parts, so I decided I would paint. With my shoulders that really isn't an option, and the knees will scream loudly after an insult like that. This kills me because I have always been one to pull out the rollers, et al and go to it.
Anyway, V has always had an excuse - other jobs - for not getting here. Well, the economic downturn has caused his business to slow. So - I thought he would be here on Thursday and Friday. Little does he know, but my job for him has grown. We have some boards that need to be replaced around the house, I would like to have pull out drawers installed in my pantry (especially) and cabinets. I just can't get on the floor anymore to get to those low shelves. I want a step put on my front porch and a tile overlay on that. G decided to have him look at the fence. It is getting really rickety. Let's just say we have some work.
But if he doesn't get here soon, there won't be any money left in the trough. We already have to have the pool filter replaced. It is only 20+ years old. I think it has run its course. Yesterday we had the air conditioners checked for the summer. Guess what! We need an entirely new system for downstairs - ac, furnace AND ductwork. My, my. Things just get better and better.
So excitement about getting the contractor has once again turned to a waiting game. I may be painting this room after all!
Peace.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Weekend update
The weekend did not go as planned. There were several reasons for that, but still . . . Things just didn't happen like I hoped.
Friday and Saturday were monsoons. We were 4 inches below normal rainfall. Not any more. We are about .15 of an inch. Needless to say, the trip to the grocery store was not in the cards. So that meant we had to go on the day I hate grocery shopping the very most -Sunday. Sunday grocery shoppers are like Sunday drivers. No place to go and all day to get there.
It is such a trial for me to go to the grocery in the first place, I want to get in and get out - fast. I am really thinking about using one of the motorized carts, but I just fight that. So I am in real pain about half way through. We have two stores of the same chain near us, but the one closest is bigger than the one I go to so I don't go there. (Follow that contorted sentence??) I swear if I could order groceries for a reasonable price to be delivered I really think I would do that. But then I think about someone else buying the produce and meat, and the idea doesn't seem as viable. And produce and meat are the majority of my purchase. Hmmm.
The kids were expected Sunday for dinner. That was not easy this time because my whole weekend routine was off. So I decided on something "easy." I found a new recipe for pulled pork with a strawberry BBQ sauce. It was far more work than I anticipated. But they liked it - even Monkey Boy who doesn't like anything I fix because I don't load it with ketchup.
Speaking of Monkey Boy, he usually has nothing to do with me. Ever since we were at the SSB, he has been my "best friend." He was so good and loving last night. I wonder what's wrong with him???
To put the icing on the cake, Simone was acting as though she was going to vomit all evening. I was late giving her the antacid pills. I gave it to her, and husband immediately fed her saying I told him to. Talk about reverse selective hearing. He was going to feed her - period. So he said I said it was OK. Not.
So we (Simone and I) enjoyed each other's company from 3-5 AM this morning as she walked around the bedroom - retching. Somehow, she discovered a sheet of paper that she immediately downed half before I knew it. I thought I would be cleaning it up at some point. You know, I swear it settled her stomach!
I am worried about her though. I tried to convince G to take her. I get the feeling he thinks he could get better results from the visit. He has nicely abdicated that responsibility. He will suggest she go tomorrow - when he is at work. Nice.
Anyway - peace.
Friday and Saturday were monsoons. We were 4 inches below normal rainfall. Not any more. We are about .15 of an inch. Needless to say, the trip to the grocery store was not in the cards. So that meant we had to go on the day I hate grocery shopping the very most -Sunday. Sunday grocery shoppers are like Sunday drivers. No place to go and all day to get there.
It is such a trial for me to go to the grocery in the first place, I want to get in and get out - fast. I am really thinking about using one of the motorized carts, but I just fight that. So I am in real pain about half way through. We have two stores of the same chain near us, but the one closest is bigger than the one I go to so I don't go there. (Follow that contorted sentence??) I swear if I could order groceries for a reasonable price to be delivered I really think I would do that. But then I think about someone else buying the produce and meat, and the idea doesn't seem as viable. And produce and meat are the majority of my purchase. Hmmm.
The kids were expected Sunday for dinner. That was not easy this time because my whole weekend routine was off. So I decided on something "easy." I found a new recipe for pulled pork with a strawberry BBQ sauce. It was far more work than I anticipated. But they liked it - even Monkey Boy who doesn't like anything I fix because I don't load it with ketchup.
Speaking of Monkey Boy, he usually has nothing to do with me. Ever since we were at the SSB, he has been my "best friend." He was so good and loving last night. I wonder what's wrong with him???
To put the icing on the cake, Simone was acting as though she was going to vomit all evening. I was late giving her the antacid pills. I gave it to her, and husband immediately fed her saying I told him to. Talk about reverse selective hearing. He was going to feed her - period. So he said I said it was OK. Not.
So we (Simone and I) enjoyed each other's company from 3-5 AM this morning as she walked around the bedroom - retching. Somehow, she discovered a sheet of paper that she immediately downed half before I knew it. I thought I would be cleaning it up at some point. You know, I swear it settled her stomach!
I am worried about her though. I tried to convince G to take her. I get the feeling he thinks he could get better results from the visit. He has nicely abdicated that responsibility. He will suggest she go tomorrow - when he is at work. Nice.
Anyway - peace.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
He did what?
I just got off of the phone with daughter. I asked what she was doing. She said she was waiting for her husband to get home. I asked where he was. She replied he was coming home from a golf tournament. A what?!!!
People - our weather since 3 PM yesterday - has been stormy with heavy rains (yes Judy - toad stranglers), lightning and thunder. Who is their right mind would put their fannies out on a cow pasture carrying metal sticks? Do they want to be lightning rods?
As you can probably read between the lines, I am not a golfer. I don't see much to it. Don't give me the exercise line either. If you want exercise, get off the cart.
I asked if they played at all, and Daughter replied they managed to get 4 holes. They didn't want to lose their money. Um, I think I value my life more than a few dollars I paid to chase that little ball.
Have a good rest of the weekend. Tomorrow looks to be a better day around these parts.
Peace.
People - our weather since 3 PM yesterday - has been stormy with heavy rains (yes Judy - toad stranglers), lightning and thunder. Who is their right mind would put their fannies out on a cow pasture carrying metal sticks? Do they want to be lightning rods?
As you can probably read between the lines, I am not a golfer. I don't see much to it. Don't give me the exercise line either. If you want exercise, get off the cart.
I asked if they played at all, and Daughter replied they managed to get 4 holes. They didn't want to lose their money. Um, I think I value my life more than a few dollars I paid to chase that little ball.
Have a good rest of the weekend. Tomorrow looks to be a better day around these parts.
Peace.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Dead Brain
Whine, whine, whine. That's my real mood today. I am not going to spend much time here with it all because I am just out of cheese to go with it. So here is a brief list of my whining.
Simone had a bad night last night. She was showing signs of being nauseated at bed time (of course). She woke at 1 and gagged until about 4. So sleep deprivation for mom.
The electrician seems to only be able to come when we are gone to replace the security light. When we went to the SSB last Friday, he called. He called again on Monday. We weren't here. He said Thursday (yesterday) or Friday (today). Didn't call yesterday, and today we are expecting a toad strangling rain with associated possible tornadoes and hail. Doubt he will be here today either.
There are good things going on around me, I just can't see them right now. My vision is blocked by this other bull.
Peace.
Simone had a bad night last night. She was showing signs of being nauseated at bed time (of course). She woke at 1 and gagged until about 4. So sleep deprivation for mom.
The electrician seems to only be able to come when we are gone to replace the security light. When we went to the SSB last Friday, he called. He called again on Monday. We weren't here. He said Thursday (yesterday) or Friday (today). Didn't call yesterday, and today we are expecting a toad strangling rain with associated possible tornadoes and hail. Doubt he will be here today either.
There are good things going on around me, I just can't see them right now. My vision is blocked by this other bull.
Peace.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Wide Musings
Tuesday was a really busy day for me. I had booked two doctor's appointments in the same day. Not a fun thing to do.
The first was with the optometrist. It was time for my annual check up. Several years ago (10-15?) I was diagnosed with glaucoma. For years I religiously put drops in my eyes. And for several years, the pressures remained pretty constant. I wasn't really surprised that I got that diagnosis. My mother was also diagnosed with glaucoma.
Then the medical world advanced. It was discovered that people's eyes (mostly women I think) can have thickened corneas that mimic glaucoma. Guess what? My corneas are thickened. That little fact saves me $50 a month (thank you drug insurance for being there). But it also means I really don't worry about blindness - as much. Take the hearing if you must, but please leave my sight.
Daughter, come to find out, has the same problem. She is 35 and her eyes are worse than mine. So I believe that my mother didn't have glaucoma either. Daughter, husband and I all see the same doctor now, and we love her.
The afternoon brought the appointment in my search for a new primary physician. After being my doctor for 33 years, my other one retired. Can you believe that!!
Anyway, son in law, daughter and husband have gone to Dr A and like him. On the advice of my nurse from the insurance company, I made the well-woman (like well baby) appointment. I LOVE this new guy. You can easily talk to him. Plus he is not one of those weight gurus. He has problems with his weight too! He KNOWS what a struggle it is. In fact he shared with me that he is a heart patient (don't like that - don't want to lose him), has 5 stints, but hasn't seen his cardio doc because he has gained weight. That sounds like a normal person. I want to urge him to see his doc because, like I said, I don't want to lose him.
So my eyes are good to go - didn't even need a new script for glasses, and the new doc is great. All's right with the world.
This morning Simone had another bout of nausea. So we were off to the vet's office for a 9AM appointment. I like this practice a lot. I can always see a vet. My appointment was with a new doctor. I thought perhaps a new slant would shed some light on the problem.
Simone had blood drawn for unremarkable results - which is good, I guess. Still no answers. So bolus of fluids, $42, blood work, $169.50, pancreas test, $74, shots, $67.50, exam, $45.50, new flea treatment, $88, for a grand total of $491. The love of that dog and the pleasure she brings 99.9% of the time, priceless. I just wish we had an answer. We still don't know the why for these bouts. So far nothing serious has reared its ugly head.
Stay well!
The first was with the optometrist. It was time for my annual check up. Several years ago (10-15?) I was diagnosed with glaucoma. For years I religiously put drops in my eyes. And for several years, the pressures remained pretty constant. I wasn't really surprised that I got that diagnosis. My mother was also diagnosed with glaucoma.
Then the medical world advanced. It was discovered that people's eyes (mostly women I think) can have thickened corneas that mimic glaucoma. Guess what? My corneas are thickened. That little fact saves me $50 a month (thank you drug insurance for being there). But it also means I really don't worry about blindness - as much. Take the hearing if you must, but please leave my sight.
Daughter, come to find out, has the same problem. She is 35 and her eyes are worse than mine. So I believe that my mother didn't have glaucoma either. Daughter, husband and I all see the same doctor now, and we love her.
The afternoon brought the appointment in my search for a new primary physician. After being my doctor for 33 years, my other one retired. Can you believe that!!
Anyway, son in law, daughter and husband have gone to Dr A and like him. On the advice of my nurse from the insurance company, I made the well-woman (like well baby) appointment. I LOVE this new guy. You can easily talk to him. Plus he is not one of those weight gurus. He has problems with his weight too! He KNOWS what a struggle it is. In fact he shared with me that he is a heart patient (don't like that - don't want to lose him), has 5 stints, but hasn't seen his cardio doc because he has gained weight. That sounds like a normal person. I want to urge him to see his doc because, like I said, I don't want to lose him.
So my eyes are good to go - didn't even need a new script for glasses, and the new doc is great. All's right with the world.
This morning Simone had another bout of nausea. So we were off to the vet's office for a 9AM appointment. I like this practice a lot. I can always see a vet. My appointment was with a new doctor. I thought perhaps a new slant would shed some light on the problem.
Simone had blood drawn for unremarkable results - which is good, I guess. Still no answers. So bolus of fluids, $42, blood work, $169.50, pancreas test, $74, shots, $67.50, exam, $45.50, new flea treatment, $88, for a grand total of $491. The love of that dog and the pleasure she brings 99.9% of the time, priceless. I just wish we had an answer. We still don't know the why for these bouts. So far nothing serious has reared its ugly head.
Stay well!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
And it just kept getting better and better - not! Part 2
Our weekend could not be contained in just one post! So here is part 2 of my adventure.
Saturday was overcast with cold winds blowing. We had decided that "Easter" would occur on Saturday since the kids were going home on Sunday. Lady Bug has had some quirky illnesses this school year, so she shouldn't miss more school. Our district would like to start school again two weeks after it lets out in May, but the state made them wait until late August. They took a lot of the holidays away this year to meet the state mandate, and that included the Monday after Easter.
The guys went to the metropolis of Doss on Saturday to get deer feed. That metropolis consists of a church, cemetery, store, school, and a community club building. All occupied by distant family members of mine. The joke was that we would all load up to go because they have the world best hamburgers there! But we didn't.
While they were gone, I put the kites for the older kids together. In doing so, I really made a mess of Lady Bug's. I haven't put a kite together in 20 years. They are so much more simpler now. I ended up cutting the string, so I had to unravel it all. Of course, as I was taking it back in, it would snarl. What a mess!
After lunch, the "eggs" were hidden by the barn/garage. The pinata was ready to hang. Out we went. Daughter must have bought the industrial strength pinata. It took a beating and kept ticking! They finally broke it (before it broke our lights out there), and we got the kites out.
Monkey Boy enjoyed his well enough. He was a typical boy and kept letting the string out more and more. We have the perfect site for kite flying. It is void of trees and everything else. Lady Bug was more conservative in her kite flying, and she kept hers up a long time after Monkey gave up.
His giving up on the kite gave the "big kids" a chance. They were like little kids. They had not flown kites since they were kids and enjoyed it as much as their children.
The day continued being drab and winds. The temperatures were around the low 60's all day. The weather forecast looked like we weren't going to get the predicted strong storms. So we all went to bed not expecting anything.
About 2:20 AM, the power went out. The winds were gusting to 50 mph I'm sure. I looked out the window, and the moon was shining brightly. That was strange. No lights which would indicate stormy weather, but a clear sky.
About 30 minutes later, the storm hit. We ended up with only 1/2 inch rain, but there was quite a light display with the accompanying sound effects.
Before the power came back on, with it being so quiet, I could hear Simone's stomach. I know she is really afraid of thunder storms, but I didn't think it would cause all that. At 5 AM she HAD to go out. Husband wasn't a happy camper - at all.
Sunday morning we got up. I gave her meds (for acid reflux), and she immediately began exhibiting her "pre-vomit" activity. Sure enough there she went. We got to minister to a sick dog all day.
I was really happy that she finally got over her being sick, but because she was doing so well, Monday meant stopping in the Capitol City to visit mother-in-law. Before you get on me, I really don't think she enjoys our visits any more than we do. The silence is deafening. All parties are searching for conversation topics. She has never cared that much for husband and definitely his family. She is there with the "chosen," so she is happy as a tick.
But we are home. Things are all back to normal. If I can get my schedule settled down, Simone will be heading to the vet. She may have a UTI. She just needs to be checked.
So there you have it. Parts 1 and 2!
Peace.
Saturday was overcast with cold winds blowing. We had decided that "Easter" would occur on Saturday since the kids were going home on Sunday. Lady Bug has had some quirky illnesses this school year, so she shouldn't miss more school. Our district would like to start school again two weeks after it lets out in May, but the state made them wait until late August. They took a lot of the holidays away this year to meet the state mandate, and that included the Monday after Easter.
The guys went to the metropolis of Doss on Saturday to get deer feed. That metropolis consists of a church, cemetery, store, school, and a community club building. All occupied by distant family members of mine. The joke was that we would all load up to go because they have the world best hamburgers there! But we didn't.
While they were gone, I put the kites for the older kids together. In doing so, I really made a mess of Lady Bug's. I haven't put a kite together in 20 years. They are so much more simpler now. I ended up cutting the string, so I had to unravel it all. Of course, as I was taking it back in, it would snarl. What a mess!
After lunch, the "eggs" were hidden by the barn/garage. The pinata was ready to hang. Out we went. Daughter must have bought the industrial strength pinata. It took a beating and kept ticking! They finally broke it (before it broke our lights out there), and we got the kites out.
Monkey Boy enjoyed his well enough. He was a typical boy and kept letting the string out more and more. We have the perfect site for kite flying. It is void of trees and everything else. Lady Bug was more conservative in her kite flying, and she kept hers up a long time after Monkey gave up.
His giving up on the kite gave the "big kids" a chance. They were like little kids. They had not flown kites since they were kids and enjoyed it as much as their children.
The day continued being drab and winds. The temperatures were around the low 60's all day. The weather forecast looked like we weren't going to get the predicted strong storms. So we all went to bed not expecting anything.
About 2:20 AM, the power went out. The winds were gusting to 50 mph I'm sure. I looked out the window, and the moon was shining brightly. That was strange. No lights which would indicate stormy weather, but a clear sky.
About 30 minutes later, the storm hit. We ended up with only 1/2 inch rain, but there was quite a light display with the accompanying sound effects.
Before the power came back on, with it being so quiet, I could hear Simone's stomach. I know she is really afraid of thunder storms, but I didn't think it would cause all that. At 5 AM she HAD to go out. Husband wasn't a happy camper - at all.
Sunday morning we got up. I gave her meds (for acid reflux), and she immediately began exhibiting her "pre-vomit" activity. Sure enough there she went. We got to minister to a sick dog all day.
I was really happy that she finally got over her being sick, but because she was doing so well, Monday meant stopping in the Capitol City to visit mother-in-law. Before you get on me, I really don't think she enjoys our visits any more than we do. The silence is deafening. All parties are searching for conversation topics. She has never cared that much for husband and definitely his family. She is there with the "chosen," so she is happy as a tick.
But we are home. Things are all back to normal. If I can get my schedule settled down, Simone will be heading to the vet. She may have a UTI. She just needs to be checked.
So there you have it. Parts 1 and 2!
Peace.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
And it just kept getting better and better - not!
OK, the weekend was to be the SSB with a little twist - Easter and three of the grandchildren there (with parents of course). It was supposed to be kind of normal. I wasn't filled with any dread at all. Until . . .
We were getting ready to load Simone in the green beast, and G asked if I had the letter the realtor sent about the lake house having been "severely vandalized." I first thought that would be for the return trip on Monday. Not that I relished it more on Monday rather than Friday.
Nope - we were going on Friday. He called the Sheriff's office before we left to be sure that he was to call when we arrived. So off we went. My stomach was doing backflips and cartwheels the entire three hour trip.
We got there. The trees had overgrown the drive. We had to park almost in the street. When he got out, he said he was going in. He got out the pistol - just to be sure there wasn't anyone in there. When he came back to the truck he told me I didn't want to go in. No s*it Sherlock! I didn't want to be there. If you don't face things, they will go away, right??
I could hear the door crunch on broken glassware. I took Simone for a short walk. In the side yard were two lamps from upstairs. I didn't look with great detail. We headed for the garage area. I was amazed that the door was still shut even though there was a panel out. With nosey rosie Simone, I couldn't really see in, but it looked rather unchanged.
G took pictures of the damage while waiting for the Sheriff. When he got there, he took a statement and pictures giving us a case number. Cutting to today - our insurance is not in effect if the house was not occupied 30 days before something happened. I just love insurance.
We called the realtor. She is going to see about getting someone to clean out all the broken stuff and fix the broken windows and glass door. In the mean time, we discovered some of the neighbors had noticed people around. They didn't call police. Thanks.
The funny part of this is that this time there was more furniture stolen. We took our 25 year old king sized bed up when we got a new one. Yep - they stole it. Must have been desperate. It was nasty being so old.
After two hours of delight there, we finally continued on with our journey. It was rather uneventful after that.
Part two tomorrow.
Peace
We were getting ready to load Simone in the green beast, and G asked if I had the letter the realtor sent about the lake house having been "severely vandalized." I first thought that would be for the return trip on Monday. Not that I relished it more on Monday rather than Friday.
Nope - we were going on Friday. He called the Sheriff's office before we left to be sure that he was to call when we arrived. So off we went. My stomach was doing backflips and cartwheels the entire three hour trip.
We got there. The trees had overgrown the drive. We had to park almost in the street. When he got out, he said he was going in. He got out the pistol - just to be sure there wasn't anyone in there. When he came back to the truck he told me I didn't want to go in. No s*it Sherlock! I didn't want to be there. If you don't face things, they will go away, right??
I could hear the door crunch on broken glassware. I took Simone for a short walk. In the side yard were two lamps from upstairs. I didn't look with great detail. We headed for the garage area. I was amazed that the door was still shut even though there was a panel out. With nosey rosie Simone, I couldn't really see in, but it looked rather unchanged.
G took pictures of the damage while waiting for the Sheriff. When he got there, he took a statement and pictures giving us a case number. Cutting to today - our insurance is not in effect if the house was not occupied 30 days before something happened. I just love insurance.
We called the realtor. She is going to see about getting someone to clean out all the broken stuff and fix the broken windows and glass door. In the mean time, we discovered some of the neighbors had noticed people around. They didn't call police. Thanks.
The funny part of this is that this time there was more furniture stolen. We took our 25 year old king sized bed up when we got a new one. Yep - they stole it. Must have been desperate. It was nasty being so old.
After two hours of delight there, we finally continued on with our journey. It was rather uneventful after that.
Part two tomorrow.
Peace
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Wasting time
Here I sit. I had two different people set to come to the house today. One, who has already been here, as I expected, was to close up little openings that the squirrels have gnawed to get into the attic. And some people find them so cute. They are nothing but rats with fluffy tails. I really don't like them at all. They have cost me a bundle over the years.
The other is Sal*ation Army to pick up our old "entertainment center." Not really much of one, but it was really serviceable. I didn't realize just how much it held until we were getting the obsolete video tapes out of it. Now I have piles and piles of them sitting around.
The entertainment center was replaced by the new fancy flat screen. I thought daughter would take it, but they decided against it. I told her it would be a great place for Doodle Bug to put her toys in. She has the biggest bedroom (but she still sleeps with mom and dad).
They thought it was too big. They were going to help me load it to take to a center. That was at least a month and a half ago. But . . . So there is sat beside my fireplace blocking one way to get to the front door.
So here I sit waiting.
But it's just as well. I am working on my newest addiction - downloading machine embroidery files. I have about 200 that I need to go through to change the format if needed and put into folders where I might find them again. I bought a new program to help with that. It said it went through 10000 files. It said some of those were duplicates however. (Yes, I have an addictive personality.)
I also am hurting today - a lot. The weather is muggy and threatening rain, so that may be part of the problem. The other is I made my foray to the grocery store yesterday. I had to make the entire store. I am so out of shape that I am really paying for it today. At least those things must be the problem.
We are getting ready to make the pilgrimage to the SSB tomorrow. I found kites for the older kids since the winds always blow up there. We don't have the anemometer installed yet, so I don't know the exact speed, but it is usually a gale! We'll see how that goes. Their mom just called and said she had gotten the pinata for them so there is something different this year.
I guess we are set. So Happy Easter - or Passover or whatever!
Peace.
The other is Sal*ation Army to pick up our old "entertainment center." Not really much of one, but it was really serviceable. I didn't realize just how much it held until we were getting the obsolete video tapes out of it. Now I have piles and piles of them sitting around.
The entertainment center was replaced by the new fancy flat screen. I thought daughter would take it, but they decided against it. I told her it would be a great place for Doodle Bug to put her toys in. She has the biggest bedroom (but she still sleeps with mom and dad).
They thought it was too big. They were going to help me load it to take to a center. That was at least a month and a half ago. But . . . So there is sat beside my fireplace blocking one way to get to the front door.
So here I sit waiting.
But it's just as well. I am working on my newest addiction - downloading machine embroidery files. I have about 200 that I need to go through to change the format if needed and put into folders where I might find them again. I bought a new program to help with that. It said it went through 10000 files. It said some of those were duplicates however. (Yes, I have an addictive personality.)
I also am hurting today - a lot. The weather is muggy and threatening rain, so that may be part of the problem. The other is I made my foray to the grocery store yesterday. I had to make the entire store. I am so out of shape that I am really paying for it today. At least those things must be the problem.
We are getting ready to make the pilgrimage to the SSB tomorrow. I found kites for the older kids since the winds always blow up there. We don't have the anemometer installed yet, so I don't know the exact speed, but it is usually a gale! We'll see how that goes. Their mom just called and said she had gotten the pinata for them so there is something different this year.
I guess we are set. So Happy Easter - or Passover or whatever!
Peace.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Oops
We belong to a religion that believes in infant baptism. My son was a member of this religion and his wife was too. That is before they joined an interdenominational church.
With the birth of Wiggle Worm, I wondered what they were going to do about him. "Pa" asked that Sunday night after they got here from a service where a baby was given over to the Lord.
Daughter in law said that WW would be in May. Pa said something to the effect that that doesn't save them. Then a discussion of the "iinnocent souls" of babies insued.
I don't have much to say. I wasn't baptized until I was 11. That was because at the time we attended a church that didn't do infants. When I was 11 I joined my current religion. I must say, it is rather strange to be baptized when all the others are babies.
I really wish WW would be baptized. It is one of the tenets of my religion. But then I wish son and dil were still members of the same religion.
I found out recently that my goofy old piano teacher was right. All my ancestors on my dad's side (with the exception of his mother) were of that religion, and when they came from Germany, they were among the builders of the church in the Alamo City where I was confirmed.
But everyone has the right to chose. If they feel a church is right for them, then it is.
Peace.
With the birth of Wiggle Worm, I wondered what they were going to do about him. "Pa" asked that Sunday night after they got here from a service where a baby was given over to the Lord.
Daughter in law said that WW would be in May. Pa said something to the effect that that doesn't save them. Then a discussion of the "iinnocent souls" of babies insued.
I don't have much to say. I wasn't baptized until I was 11. That was because at the time we attended a church that didn't do infants. When I was 11 I joined my current religion. I must say, it is rather strange to be baptized when all the others are babies.
I really wish WW would be baptized. It is one of the tenets of my religion. But then I wish son and dil were still members of the same religion.
I found out recently that my goofy old piano teacher was right. All my ancestors on my dad's side (with the exception of his mother) were of that religion, and when they came from Germany, they were among the builders of the church in the Alamo City where I was confirmed.
But everyone has the right to chose. If they feel a church is right for them, then it is.
Peace.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Cowardice
There are so many things I don't want to deal with. I like to hide from them, and pretent they simply don't exist. I think that's part of my terrible tendency to proscrastinate. I just don't want to deal with something. I feel overwhelmed by something. Or it's a new situation I don't want to handle.
That's kind of the way I feel about the property that has been vandalized. I tried to link to April 2, but I don't know how. Anyway, I got dear husband to email the realtor. I finally told him that I didn't want to face it.
She replied. The door is standing open. She looked inside, and things are all broken up. It apparently has been going on for some time.
She said her cousin lives next door now. My question is why the neighbors allow this to be happening. I don't expect them to be watch dogs, but I believe in watching out for my neighbors. Apparently they don't. There has to be some noise coming from activities there.
I really am not putting responsibility with them, but I would want this type of thing out of my neighborhood. I know one thing however. "Resort" property like this attracts unsavory people. All kinds of folks live around there. Some are retired military. Some are the basest trash you have ever seen.
Guess what lives mostly around that house. I live in a "trailer" at the SSB. I don't really think people who do are trash, but those that are located behind our house there. . . I'll leave it to your imagination. Of course, we live in an upper middle class neighborhood here in Swampland. These kids could do things like this if they had too much time on their hands. I just don't know anymore.
The fact that I don't want to face it still hasn't changed, but it looks like I will have to this weekend either on the way to the SSB or on the way home. My stomach is churning.
That's kind of the way I feel about the property that has been vandalized. I tried to link to April 2, but I don't know how. Anyway, I got dear husband to email the realtor. I finally told him that I didn't want to face it.
She replied. The door is standing open. She looked inside, and things are all broken up. It apparently has been going on for some time.
She said her cousin lives next door now. My question is why the neighbors allow this to be happening. I don't expect them to be watch dogs, but I believe in watching out for my neighbors. Apparently they don't. There has to be some noise coming from activities there.
I really am not putting responsibility with them, but I would want this type of thing out of my neighborhood. I know one thing however. "Resort" property like this attracts unsavory people. All kinds of folks live around there. Some are retired military. Some are the basest trash you have ever seen.
Guess what lives mostly around that house. I live in a "trailer" at the SSB. I don't really think people who do are trash, but those that are located behind our house there. . . I'll leave it to your imagination. Of course, we live in an upper middle class neighborhood here in Swampland. These kids could do things like this if they had too much time on their hands. I just don't know anymore.
The fact that I don't want to face it still hasn't changed, but it looks like I will have to this weekend either on the way to the SSB or on the way home. My stomach is churning.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Wow
My insurance, while taking lots and lots of my money, really has stepped up to the plate. During all the treatments and surgeries, between the physicians and them, my treatments cost me nothing really. Now, the reconstruction has begun to cost some, but really it's not too bad - except for one little ($1000) thing - which is another story.
They have a program for us that I decided to take advantage of. It is a nurse manager and then a nutritionist. I was really doubtful at first. I wasn't sure I would like this at all. The nurse really gave me some good ideas, and she also suggested the nutritionist.
With great dread, I awaited the call of the nutritionist. I just knew I would get the Hitler of that ilk. I thought she would tell me to lightly graze on two leaves of lettuce a day and just suck it up.
She didn't! She was so supportive. She understood. She didn't accuse me of being a week willed creatin. I told her that I lost a lot of weight before, and I did At*ins. No carbs.
I made the mistake in February of a "free trial" of South B*ach. I have another name for them now, but I try to keep this space clean. My "free trial" cost me $200. On their site, in the FAQ section, they STATE they will happily return any portion of the fee if you are not satisfied. DON'T BELIEVE IT. They lied. They, unlike Weight Watchers (which I also tried the week trial), make you call an 800 number. Now, that number is always busy, so you have to sit for a long time waiting on hold.
I wasn't too worried about being absolutely sure I canceled it during that week of free trial because of their policy. Then, when I tried to cancel, they said they sent me a email offering a "special" for a year. They said I approved the "specially priced" yearly membership, and that cannot be canceled during that year. No refund.
The had not been sending me any emails prior to me calling. Now I get one a day. I searched my "trash" bin for an email. I didn't find one. This is a case of "he said - she said" and I'm the one who loses.
The only reason I being this up, my nutritionist said she wants me to eat 140 grams of carbs a day! I laughed when she said that. I had told her about my previous weight loss. She assured me this would work. She gave me very specific things to eat - including a snack before bed! Wow! So this means that SB is clearly out. What an expensive lesson. It's sad that they have to stoop to such means to get people to sign up. They are just snake oil salesmen I guess.
Anyway, I have been adhering to her advice for about four days now. I feel great! I still need to add some of the things she wants me to eat to my diet because I haven't been to the store. I really do feel better though. I am so glad I did agree to participate in these programs - that are free!
Peace
They have a program for us that I decided to take advantage of. It is a nurse manager and then a nutritionist. I was really doubtful at first. I wasn't sure I would like this at all. The nurse really gave me some good ideas, and she also suggested the nutritionist.
With great dread, I awaited the call of the nutritionist. I just knew I would get the Hitler of that ilk. I thought she would tell me to lightly graze on two leaves of lettuce a day and just suck it up.
She didn't! She was so supportive. She understood. She didn't accuse me of being a week willed creatin. I told her that I lost a lot of weight before, and I did At*ins. No carbs.
I made the mistake in February of a "free trial" of South B*ach. I have another name for them now, but I try to keep this space clean. My "free trial" cost me $200. On their site, in the FAQ section, they STATE they will happily return any portion of the fee if you are not satisfied. DON'T BELIEVE IT. They lied. They, unlike Weight Watchers (which I also tried the week trial), make you call an 800 number. Now, that number is always busy, so you have to sit for a long time waiting on hold.
I wasn't too worried about being absolutely sure I canceled it during that week of free trial because of their policy. Then, when I tried to cancel, they said they sent me a email offering a "special" for a year. They said I approved the "specially priced" yearly membership, and that cannot be canceled during that year. No refund.
The had not been sending me any emails prior to me calling. Now I get one a day. I searched my "trash" bin for an email. I didn't find one. This is a case of "he said - she said" and I'm the one who loses.
The only reason I being this up, my nutritionist said she wants me to eat 140 grams of carbs a day! I laughed when she said that. I had told her about my previous weight loss. She assured me this would work. She gave me very specific things to eat - including a snack before bed! Wow! So this means that SB is clearly out. What an expensive lesson. It's sad that they have to stoop to such means to get people to sign up. They are just snake oil salesmen I guess.
Anyway, I have been adhering to her advice for about four days now. I feel great! I still need to add some of the things she wants me to eat to my diet because I haven't been to the store. I really do feel better though. I am so glad I did agree to participate in these programs - that are free!
Peace
Friday, April 03, 2009
And the beat goes on - or whatever
What is the best thing to follow bad news, why more bad news, of course. And that's what happened yesterday.
I was about to exit from the computer yesterday. I had just dealt with a Pay Friend phishing email. I had just reported it, and another message came into my inbox. It was from my cousin's daughter.
Bill was the last cousin I have been close to. He was at least 25 years older than I, but he and my family remained close. He loved my mother so much. His kids are closer to my age - which makes sense. But I was always close to Bill. I have two remaining cousins, but there was never any real closeness - partially due to my aunt, their mother.
The email from Bill's daughter was telling me of his death yesterday at 6:30 AM. I am really saddened by this. Again, I was thinking he would live forever. There were so many things left unsaid. Left unasked (about the family).
We mostly communicated by emails. I had noticed that the frequency had dropped off, but I didn't think too much about it. We were completely polar in our politics - and I will just leave it there. We may not have agreed about things like that, but I still respected him. He had lead a very interesting life.
Bill, I will miss you.
Peace.
I was about to exit from the computer yesterday. I had just dealt with a Pay Friend phishing email. I had just reported it, and another message came into my inbox. It was from my cousin's daughter.
Bill was the last cousin I have been close to. He was at least 25 years older than I, but he and my family remained close. He loved my mother so much. His kids are closer to my age - which makes sense. But I was always close to Bill. I have two remaining cousins, but there was never any real closeness - partially due to my aunt, their mother.
The email from Bill's daughter was telling me of his death yesterday at 6:30 AM. I am really saddened by this. Again, I was thinking he would live forever. There were so many things left unsaid. Left unasked (about the family).
We mostly communicated by emails. I had noticed that the frequency had dropped off, but I didn't think too much about it. We were completely polar in our politics - and I will just leave it there. We may not have agreed about things like that, but I still respected him. He had lead a very interesting life.
Bill, I will miss you.
Peace.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Vandals
I just don't get it. Just what joy is there in destroying other people's possessions? It is a thrill of some sort? Is it some kind of natural high?
My dad and mom built (almost from the ground up) a little house at one of the lakes on the outskirts of the hill country back in 1964. Before my mother died (and I mean almost right up to the very end) they planned to retire there.
Unfortunately, they placed the house in a really bad place. They were after seclusion. So they put the house toward the back of the lot. For years, there were no houses around the house. It got to be that every time we got to the house, it had been broken into. A normal way for the house was to have at least one window boarded up because someone had broken it out to gain access to the house.
Then Henry and his wife built a beautiful home next door. The big plus, in addition to them just being there, is they had a dog. If someone was around our house, their dog would bark spurring Henry to turn on lights which would usually run the perps off.
As time went on, Henry's wife got Alzheimer's. About ten years ago, she died from the disease. That left Henry there alone. But he stayed, and that fact kept the baddies at bay.
When my dad died, I was really tied to the house. When Lady Bug was born on January 2001, that's where we stayed waiting for her birth (two weeks - the docs said it could be any day) in the cold. The house was never well insulated. The house had such meaning to me. He crafted all the cabinets. He built the dining table. It was him - totally.
About three years, Henry had the nerve to die on us. He was 92 - like my dad. Can you believe? Now I'll be more serious. It happened. His house was now empty. There was no one to help run off the baddies. I still don't understand how the people across the street don't see these bums. I acknowledge it would be difficult, but I think they could see something. But they don't.
Two years ago, I walked into a mess. Again, we had been broken into. This time, they stole furniture and pictures on the walls. The worst was the fact they had broken all the curios on the shelf. I packed up as many of the things that were important as possible. I haven't been able to face it since.
Yesterday I got a letter postmarked that area. It was from a real estate agent who lives close by. She wanted to know if I wanted to sell. She said the house had been seriously vandalized. This I cannot understand. It is completely beyond me.
My kids don't really care that much about the property. I am getting over my grief, and I think I am looking at things in more reality. We don't go there - of course, it's not really inhabitable now I'm sure. I have had offers to buy before, but I just couldn't let go of Daddy.
I think I can. I really don't want to face what has happened to the house. I think it would spin me right back to wanting to hold on to it.
I was so upset by the letter, I was absolutely sick. I really wanted to throw up. I knew my thoughts would stay active last night when the lights went off. I've thought about it all day. I haven't mentioned it to G, but I think I will tonight.
I'm pretty sure Henry's house is still vacant. The last time I checked the tax rolls, it was still listed in the Estate of . . .
I just don't understand vandals. I don't understand why there isn't something better they could do with their time.
Peace.
My dad and mom built (almost from the ground up) a little house at one of the lakes on the outskirts of the hill country back in 1964. Before my mother died (and I mean almost right up to the very end) they planned to retire there.
Unfortunately, they placed the house in a really bad place. They were after seclusion. So they put the house toward the back of the lot. For years, there were no houses around the house. It got to be that every time we got to the house, it had been broken into. A normal way for the house was to have at least one window boarded up because someone had broken it out to gain access to the house.
Then Henry and his wife built a beautiful home next door. The big plus, in addition to them just being there, is they had a dog. If someone was around our house, their dog would bark spurring Henry to turn on lights which would usually run the perps off.
As time went on, Henry's wife got Alzheimer's. About ten years ago, she died from the disease. That left Henry there alone. But he stayed, and that fact kept the baddies at bay.
When my dad died, I was really tied to the house. When Lady Bug was born on January 2001, that's where we stayed waiting for her birth (two weeks - the docs said it could be any day) in the cold. The house was never well insulated. The house had such meaning to me. He crafted all the cabinets. He built the dining table. It was him - totally.
About three years, Henry had the nerve to die on us. He was 92 - like my dad. Can you believe? Now I'll be more serious. It happened. His house was now empty. There was no one to help run off the baddies. I still don't understand how the people across the street don't see these bums. I acknowledge it would be difficult, but I think they could see something. But they don't.
Two years ago, I walked into a mess. Again, we had been broken into. This time, they stole furniture and pictures on the walls. The worst was the fact they had broken all the curios on the shelf. I packed up as many of the things that were important as possible. I haven't been able to face it since.
Yesterday I got a letter postmarked that area. It was from a real estate agent who lives close by. She wanted to know if I wanted to sell. She said the house had been seriously vandalized. This I cannot understand. It is completely beyond me.
My kids don't really care that much about the property. I am getting over my grief, and I think I am looking at things in more reality. We don't go there - of course, it's not really inhabitable now I'm sure. I have had offers to buy before, but I just couldn't let go of Daddy.
I think I can. I really don't want to face what has happened to the house. I think it would spin me right back to wanting to hold on to it.
I was so upset by the letter, I was absolutely sick. I really wanted to throw up. I knew my thoughts would stay active last night when the lights went off. I've thought about it all day. I haven't mentioned it to G, but I think I will tonight.
I'm pretty sure Henry's house is still vacant. The last time I checked the tax rolls, it was still listed in the Estate of . . .
I just don't understand vandals. I don't understand why there isn't something better they could do with their time.
Peace.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Life's wonder
I am a biologist by training. I appreciate the wonders of nature.
When my children were born, I was a bit in awe of their births. It IS an amazing thing. Creating a new being from something so very small. When my first three grandchildren were born, I felt much the same thing. I was in awe of the simple miracle of life.
When this fourth little boy was born however, I have experienced a completely new feeling. Every time I look at him and hold him, I marvel at how something so incompletely formed could live with us frail humans in charge. I know there are a lot of animals born out there that are in such a incomplete state. I guess I give the animal world more credit than I do to humans.
Not too long ago, a newborn was found in a discarded washing machine at the trash area of an apartment complex. A little girl, umbilical cord still attached, was found wrapped in a plastic garbage sack stuffed into that washer. It was a warmish day, not really hot, but in a plastic bag in a closed container, I would imagine it could get hot very quickly. Perhaps that ended up aiding her survival.
When I hear Wiggle Worm cry, especially as a new born (only hours old), his cry was feeble at best. This other little girl was located because she was able to make her cry heard. That was a miracle right there. She was taken to the hospital, and last I heard, she was doing well placed in the foster care system.
Back to WW. I marvel at him, and really all newborns. They manage, mostly, to not only survive but flourish. I watch him discover his arms. You can see he really wants to know what those things at the ends of those arms are, but he just hasn't made those neural connections - yet. All he can do is squirm a bit and cry. He cannot do anything else. What fragile little beings come to us.
I never felt like this with any of the others. I really don't know why. Perhaps my life experiences of late have changed me. I don't know. I continue to look at him and marvel. How completely helpless he is. What a wonder . . .
Peace.
When my children were born, I was a bit in awe of their births. It IS an amazing thing. Creating a new being from something so very small. When my first three grandchildren were born, I felt much the same thing. I was in awe of the simple miracle of life.
When this fourth little boy was born however, I have experienced a completely new feeling. Every time I look at him and hold him, I marvel at how something so incompletely formed could live with us frail humans in charge. I know there are a lot of animals born out there that are in such a incomplete state. I guess I give the animal world more credit than I do to humans.
Not too long ago, a newborn was found in a discarded washing machine at the trash area of an apartment complex. A little girl, umbilical cord still attached, was found wrapped in a plastic garbage sack stuffed into that washer. It was a warmish day, not really hot, but in a plastic bag in a closed container, I would imagine it could get hot very quickly. Perhaps that ended up aiding her survival.
When I hear Wiggle Worm cry, especially as a new born (only hours old), his cry was feeble at best. This other little girl was located because she was able to make her cry heard. That was a miracle right there. She was taken to the hospital, and last I heard, she was doing well placed in the foster care system.
Back to WW. I marvel at him, and really all newborns. They manage, mostly, to not only survive but flourish. I watch him discover his arms. You can see he really wants to know what those things at the ends of those arms are, but he just hasn't made those neural connections - yet. All he can do is squirm a bit and cry. He cannot do anything else. What fragile little beings come to us.
I never felt like this with any of the others. I really don't know why. Perhaps my life experiences of late have changed me. I don't know. I continue to look at him and marvel. How completely helpless he is. What a wonder . . .
Peace.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Promised pictures
As I promised, here are a few of the pictures I snapped from just around the house.
This is a begonia that I absolutely love. I got a small cutting from a dear fellow teacher about twenty years ago. She had gotten it from one of her professors in college. I gave my dad a cutting and he propagated it into several. When I moved them here to Swampland, I brought all his plants here (quite a load too). My begonias like this had all died, so I was given a second chance. I just wish they bloomed all year. It is a "fancy leaf" so the blooms are not what it is used for. The leaves form a pin wheel - if you look closely you can see how they spin around themselves.
This is the standard hawthorn in my neighbor's side yard. It also only blooms in spring. When I look out my breakfast room window (where I use this computer), this is what I see. This picture doesn't do it any justice at all. Her mother and father in law (from Australia) have moved into her house when she moved out. They had just returned to the states. David is not into horticulture - at all. They don't hire anyone either, so the hawthorn has been allowed to become leggy. The branches are from a crepe myrtle that hasn't budded yet, and will become a real problem when it grows into the roof. These are the folks that owned the tree that landed on our garage roof during Ike. Enough said. But this is pretty, and I enjoy it every spring!
Here is one of the three potted amaryllis I have. The hibiscus decided to drop all of its day only blooms just before this picture. Now the other plants are about to open, but I'll try to get the trio later and post them. Unfortunately, I didn't go out to move the waste can from their midst before taking the picture. I was on the other side of our locked gate. Just to prove we do get a little cold, you can see our wood stack in the distance. What you don't see is the pool behind the plants to the right. Only in Texas I guess!
Sorry I missed my azaleas. I don't have as many as I once did. After 35 years, they are dieing out. They are so much trouble that we are letting them go. But even the two plants I have were really pretty again this year. But them were done by the beginning of March.
The pictures I have not taken are the most breathtaking. They are along out highways. The roadsides are seas of blue (the blue bonnets), red (Indian paint brushes), and pinks and yellows. This is the time of year, especially just to our north and west, you really have to be careful driving along the roadways. There are lots of folks that park on the shoulder and put their poor unsuspecting kids in the masses of bluebonnets - with the chiggers and possible snakes get what really is a pretty picture!
Spring in Texas is really a beautiful time. I'm not as sure about the panhandle, but I think a little later they will be just as pretty as it is around here. Spring comes at differing times in this state.
So I have shared some of the sights I enjoy right around me in the spring. I hope to see you tomorrow. I wonder what this new "worm" will do!
Peace.
This is a begonia that I absolutely love. I got a small cutting from a dear fellow teacher about twenty years ago. She had gotten it from one of her professors in college. I gave my dad a cutting and he propagated it into several. When I moved them here to Swampland, I brought all his plants here (quite a load too). My begonias like this had all died, so I was given a second chance. I just wish they bloomed all year. It is a "fancy leaf" so the blooms are not what it is used for. The leaves form a pin wheel - if you look closely you can see how they spin around themselves. 
This is the standard hawthorn in my neighbor's side yard. It also only blooms in spring. When I look out my breakfast room window (where I use this computer), this is what I see. This picture doesn't do it any justice at all. Her mother and father in law (from Australia) have moved into her house when she moved out. They had just returned to the states. David is not into horticulture - at all. They don't hire anyone either, so the hawthorn has been allowed to become leggy. The branches are from a crepe myrtle that hasn't budded yet, and will become a real problem when it grows into the roof. These are the folks that owned the tree that landed on our garage roof during Ike. Enough said. But this is pretty, and I enjoy it every spring!
Here is one of the three potted amaryllis I have. The hibiscus decided to drop all of its day only blooms just before this picture. Now the other plants are about to open, but I'll try to get the trio later and post them. Unfortunately, I didn't go out to move the waste can from their midst before taking the picture. I was on the other side of our locked gate. Just to prove we do get a little cold, you can see our wood stack in the distance. What you don't see is the pool behind the plants to the right. Only in Texas I guess!Sorry I missed my azaleas. I don't have as many as I once did. After 35 years, they are dieing out. They are so much trouble that we are letting them go. But even the two plants I have were really pretty again this year. But them were done by the beginning of March.
The pictures I have not taken are the most breathtaking. They are along out highways. The roadsides are seas of blue (the blue bonnets), red (Indian paint brushes), and pinks and yellows. This is the time of year, especially just to our north and west, you really have to be careful driving along the roadways. There are lots of folks that park on the shoulder and put their poor unsuspecting kids in the masses of bluebonnets - with the chiggers and possible snakes get what really is a pretty picture!
Spring in Texas is really a beautiful time. I'm not as sure about the panhandle, but I think a little later they will be just as pretty as it is around here. Spring comes at differing times in this state.
So I have shared some of the sights I enjoy right around me in the spring. I hope to see you tomorrow. I wonder what this new "worm" will do!
Peace.
Monday, March 30, 2009
I know, I'm late.
But I'm here - finally. I am watching a sick granddaughter - number 1 granddaughter. Bless her little heart, she has always has bowel problems. Yeah, we're letting it all hang out today. She hasn't "been" in several days, and now she has the associated problems with that. She simply doesn't feel well. So After the M*ralax, she is with me.
That wouldn't be a problem except I also had Pa home today. It's his off day, nothing unusual. We planned to go to Home D*pot. We desperately need a new back entry door. This is wooden door number 3, and all though the door has been replaced, our "contractors" never replaced the weather stripping. We don't need to hold a smoking thing to see the air coming through. You feel the gale with your hand.
So that meant that Lady Bug had to go with us. I must admit that I was a tad apprehensive about taking her after the dose of laxative she had taken this morning before she came. That trip went well. We even ate out. She was really good, but Pa isn't used to an 8 year old chatterbox. Sometimes a precocious child isn't good!
The real problem is that I won't be getting out to the grocery. I have nothing for breakfast for me. I guess I'll live through it and go tomorrow.
I finally uploaded some of our spring pictures, but since it is so late I won't be posting them today. We'll try for tomorrow again. I am being summoned by my 8 year charge.
Peace.
That wouldn't be a problem except I also had Pa home today. It's his off day, nothing unusual. We planned to go to Home D*pot. We desperately need a new back entry door. This is wooden door number 3, and all though the door has been replaced, our "contractors" never replaced the weather stripping. We don't need to hold a smoking thing to see the air coming through. You feel the gale with your hand.
So that meant that Lady Bug had to go with us. I must admit that I was a tad apprehensive about taking her after the dose of laxative she had taken this morning before she came. That trip went well. We even ate out. She was really good, but Pa isn't used to an 8 year old chatterbox. Sometimes a precocious child isn't good!
The real problem is that I won't be getting out to the grocery. I have nothing for breakfast for me. I guess I'll live through it and go tomorrow.
I finally uploaded some of our spring pictures, but since it is so late I won't be posting them today. We'll try for tomorrow again. I am being summoned by my 8 year charge.
Peace.
Friday, March 27, 2009
What a waste
At least that's what so many would say. Since I have become the proud owner of four email addresses, I have spent 3 hours this morning going through messages that I have not had time to read. I have found that I have to decide which ones to read and which ones can wait.
I have a good reason for the four emails. I think I have alluded to these before, but, you know, chemo brain plus menopausal brain . . .
The order of checking is:
1. The main email. That is the one known to family and friends. All the really important news comes into that one. Important email includes those reminding me to pay certain bills.
2. The business email. That takes only a second. We have been too lazy to update the web site and our postings to sell things. Again procrastination.
3. The email for ordering on line and linking to embroidery sites. That one takes quite a while. I spent most of my time there. I read the most pressing first. But today I found I should be reading one when it comes. It sometimes has free stuff (my absolute favorite) offered with limited downloads!
4 The last one is where the groups post. This is the newest acquisition. I was hesitant to join those groups, being the shy, retiring person I am. At ad time, there can be 40 emails in a single day.
It takes a loooong time to check.
So these are all excuses for what I was going to post today - Spring in Swampland complete with some pictures of how really pretty it can be here. I have two pictures safely residing on the card in the camera. I was going to take a couple of others, of course I have missed my azaleas blooming. They were really early this year.
I will try to get some more pictures. I need to get merchandise photos too. I will really try to get these posted on Monday.
In the mean time, as one of our TV reporters used to say (before he died) Have a great weekend, good golf, good tennis, or whatever you do!
Peace.
I have a good reason for the four emails. I think I have alluded to these before, but, you know, chemo brain plus menopausal brain . . .
The order of checking is:
1. The main email. That is the one known to family and friends. All the really important news comes into that one. Important email includes those reminding me to pay certain bills.
2. The business email. That takes only a second. We have been too lazy to update the web site and our postings to sell things. Again procrastination.
3. The email for ordering on line and linking to embroidery sites. That one takes quite a while. I spent most of my time there. I read the most pressing first. But today I found I should be reading one when it comes. It sometimes has free stuff (my absolute favorite) offered with limited downloads!
4 The last one is where the groups post. This is the newest acquisition. I was hesitant to join those groups, being the shy, retiring person I am. At ad time, there can be 40 emails in a single day.
It takes a loooong time to check.
So these are all excuses for what I was going to post today - Spring in Swampland complete with some pictures of how really pretty it can be here. I have two pictures safely residing on the card in the camera. I was going to take a couple of others, of course I have missed my azaleas blooming. They were really early this year.
I will try to get some more pictures. I need to get merchandise photos too. I will really try to get these posted on Monday.
In the mean time, as one of our TV reporters used to say (before he died) Have a great weekend, good golf, good tennis, or whatever you do!
Peace.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Freudian slip or simple omission?
As I was confessing my need for a support group for my addictive nature, I "forgot" to mention my trip to M*chael's yesterday. I had a simple purpose in mind. My daughter wanted me to do scrap books for her children. I had done one for the new resident prince at the other household, and she wanted one for her three.
I was a good grandmother. I stopped at the foolish children's garbage items and bought the older three some little trinkets for Easter. I refuse to give them candy. We will be trapped in the rather smallish house at the SSB. If tradition holds true - the weather will be horrible. One Easter we had severe thunderstorms that knocked out power for 17 hours. Another Easter we had an ice storm that coated everything with ice. We were trapped.
So, since they were on sale (ah, those magic words), I piled into the car and began the trek to that Mecca. I forgot (?) where the scrap books were, so I made a round of the store. Guess what I found! Something that I had not purchased in several months. Jewelry findings. And they were on close out. They were over 50% off. I put some in my cart. Then I found the crystal that was on close out. Yes, they went into my cart.
I had found just about all I could use from those two huge bins, so I rounded the corner headed to the scrap books. What just happens to be on the way to the scrap books you say. Why more jewelry things - at 40% off. More was piled into my cart.
By that time, my knees and back were about to kill me. I had to stop - then. So I found three identical scrap books and threw them into my cart. Daughter will have to go with me to choose fabric to cover them.
You know, they will never get done. She will never go to choose fabric. They will be like the three baby blankets that I have in the craft room that she purchased in January for me to embroidery for three of her retailers. Those kids will be in college before they get those blankets!
Procrastination. Where do you suppose she got that?? (crickets chirping in the resounding silence)
Peace.
I was a good grandmother. I stopped at the foolish children's garbage items and bought the older three some little trinkets for Easter. I refuse to give them candy. We will be trapped in the rather smallish house at the SSB. If tradition holds true - the weather will be horrible. One Easter we had severe thunderstorms that knocked out power for 17 hours. Another Easter we had an ice storm that coated everything with ice. We were trapped.
So, since they were on sale (ah, those magic words), I piled into the car and began the trek to that Mecca. I forgot (?) where the scrap books were, so I made a round of the store. Guess what I found! Something that I had not purchased in several months. Jewelry findings. And they were on close out. They were over 50% off. I put some in my cart. Then I found the crystal that was on close out. Yes, they went into my cart.
I had found just about all I could use from those two huge bins, so I rounded the corner headed to the scrap books. What just happens to be on the way to the scrap books you say. Why more jewelry things - at 40% off. More was piled into my cart.
By that time, my knees and back were about to kill me. I had to stop - then. So I found three identical scrap books and threw them into my cart. Daughter will have to go with me to choose fabric to cover them.
You know, they will never get done. She will never go to choose fabric. They will be like the three baby blankets that I have in the craft room that she purchased in January for me to embroidery for three of her retailers. Those kids will be in college before they get those blankets!
Procrastination. Where do you suppose she got that?? (crickets chirping in the resounding silence)
Peace.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Where do I find a support group?
I have decided that I must have an additictive personality. I develop passions for things, and I then spend all my time pursuing whatever it is.
For years, it was genealogy. I spent hours surfing A*cestry.com looking for my ancestors. It got to the point where I discovered that many of those on the far reaching vines and twigs could be found. So I was no longer looking for those dear departed kin, I was looking for all the offspring. Did you notice I said all? Yes. I was looking for anyone I could find. These folks would be classified as perhaps twenty-fourth cousins. Addiction.
So along came my wonderful embroidery machine and our little business branched into embroidered items from simply jewelry, candles, flip flops and purses. Looking for designs, and free ones at that, has become another passion. I sit at the computer for hours checking web sites that offer the free samples. I have quite a few bookmarked. I know which ones put out designs daily,weekly, and monthly.
Then, I discovered they had groups to whom they offered more free designs. So I joined their groups. That meant yet another email address. That brings me to about 4. I have our main one; I have my "order on line" email that I use to cut down on spam in the main one. Then I opened the "business" email so that any business interactions would not get mixed up with personal things. Now I have the group email address. I think I have joined about 8 groups. They send out several emails each day, and the groups are interrelated. That means I may get the same message three or four times. When I go to that email, it is not unusual to have at least five new messages per hour.
Now I find myself checking emails most of the day. When I'm not doing that, I am trying to organize the downloaded designs. You can bet I get at least three per day. I tried to work on them only when at the SSB, but I am so far behind.
Now I have decided the best way to manage these designs is to print them. I have one three inch binder stuffed overfull. I have started another, and I have barely made a dent.
And so it goes - on and on. I am in serious need of a support group, but I don't know when I would have time for it.
Peace.
For years, it was genealogy. I spent hours surfing A*cestry.com looking for my ancestors. It got to the point where I discovered that many of those on the far reaching vines and twigs could be found. So I was no longer looking for those dear departed kin, I was looking for all the offspring. Did you notice I said all? Yes. I was looking for anyone I could find. These folks would be classified as perhaps twenty-fourth cousins. Addiction.
So along came my wonderful embroidery machine and our little business branched into embroidered items from simply jewelry, candles, flip flops and purses. Looking for designs, and free ones at that, has become another passion. I sit at the computer for hours checking web sites that offer the free samples. I have quite a few bookmarked. I know which ones put out designs daily,weekly, and monthly.
Then, I discovered they had groups to whom they offered more free designs. So I joined their groups. That meant yet another email address. That brings me to about 4. I have our main one; I have my "order on line" email that I use to cut down on spam in the main one. Then I opened the "business" email so that any business interactions would not get mixed up with personal things. Now I have the group email address. I think I have joined about 8 groups. They send out several emails each day, and the groups are interrelated. That means I may get the same message three or four times. When I go to that email, it is not unusual to have at least five new messages per hour.
Now I find myself checking emails most of the day. When I'm not doing that, I am trying to organize the downloaded designs. You can bet I get at least three per day. I tried to work on them only when at the SSB, but I am so far behind.
Now I have decided the best way to manage these designs is to print them. I have one three inch binder stuffed overfull. I have started another, and I have barely made a dent.
And so it goes - on and on. I am in serious need of a support group, but I don't know when I would have time for it.
Peace.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Home!
I never thought I would be so exhausted after a visit to the SSB. But in reality, the time we spent there was minimal. When we were there, we were working. Gosh, I'm really glad to be home!
Of course, Friday was the 5 hour trek to get there. That is always tiring. Add the trip to Community Club to that. Travel, travel, travel. It takes a good 20 minutes to get from the SSB to the CC. Over the wonderful unpaved roads. But they had rain since our last visit, so they were able to get the road graders out there to turn the rocks over. It's just in some places it feels like they had turned the rocks the wrong way. Those roads will jar the fillings out of your teeth. The upside is that they keep motorcycles at bay.
Saturday morning we had to get up and get started to the Alamo City. That is a two and a half hour trip at least. Of course, we hit road construction before we got to the exit for the funeral home. I am glad that we both grew up there and retain some vestige of how to get around. The funeral home is in an area that neither of us frequented in our youth, but we're not talking a huge city. We made it - and on time.
Sunday we were so tired. I worked on my downloaded embroidery designs. G piddled outside. We really took it rather easy. But we still traveled. We went to our second close neighbor. They are probably about two miles away, but the road is basically a cow path. It was too windy to take the Kawasaki. It would have handled the road better. We wanted to take the wedding present for their son who married on Saturday, and we had to miss it.
Monday we finally got to the "spring cleaning" which at least got the floors spic and span. I had cleaned the oven (by pushing the button - not the old fashioned way) on Sunday. So we are ready for the onslaught at Easter. Only daughter will be coming with her family, but that is FIVE!
I finally got an idea for G's birthday present. I am going to have flags made for him to fly there. He really wants his great grandfather's cattle brand on a flag. That property came from the company ranch which he owned. So I have set out to find that brand. It was in the local paper, but their archives don't have it. I have emailed his aunt there, and I am about to email the distant cousins who share that same ancestor.
I am always looking for a present for him that he will really like. This is one of the few times he has given me a good idea. I don't want to miss out on it.
But at least we are home again - where I can get some rest!
Peace
Of course, Friday was the 5 hour trek to get there. That is always tiring. Add the trip to Community Club to that. Travel, travel, travel. It takes a good 20 minutes to get from the SSB to the CC. Over the wonderful unpaved roads. But they had rain since our last visit, so they were able to get the road graders out there to turn the rocks over. It's just in some places it feels like they had turned the rocks the wrong way. Those roads will jar the fillings out of your teeth. The upside is that they keep motorcycles at bay.
Saturday morning we had to get up and get started to the Alamo City. That is a two and a half hour trip at least. Of course, we hit road construction before we got to the exit for the funeral home. I am glad that we both grew up there and retain some vestige of how to get around. The funeral home is in an area that neither of us frequented in our youth, but we're not talking a huge city. We made it - and on time.
Sunday we were so tired. I worked on my downloaded embroidery designs. G piddled outside. We really took it rather easy. But we still traveled. We went to our second close neighbor. They are probably about two miles away, but the road is basically a cow path. It was too windy to take the Kawasaki. It would have handled the road better. We wanted to take the wedding present for their son who married on Saturday, and we had to miss it.
Monday we finally got to the "spring cleaning" which at least got the floors spic and span. I had cleaned the oven (by pushing the button - not the old fashioned way) on Sunday. So we are ready for the onslaught at Easter. Only daughter will be coming with her family, but that is FIVE!
I finally got an idea for G's birthday present. I am going to have flags made for him to fly there. He really wants his great grandfather's cattle brand on a flag. That property came from the company ranch which he owned. So I have set out to find that brand. It was in the local paper, but their archives don't have it. I have emailed his aunt there, and I am about to email the distant cousins who share that same ancestor.
I am always looking for a present for him that he will really like. This is one of the few times he has given me a good idea. I don't want to miss out on it.
But at least we are home again - where I can get some rest!
Peace
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Tidbits
We will leave, as planned, tomorrow morning for the SSB. It is our usual trip and Comminuty Club meeting. I wanted to take the small sewing machine, but that was vetoed at the very beginning. I was reminded that this trip is "spring cleaning."
As it turns out, we will be going to the Alamo City on Saturday for the uncle's funeral. When I read his obit today, I was amazed at the things I learned. He has a daughter who didn't do a flip for him. She apparently has always been a weird duck. He also has an older step daughter who has stepped up to the plate for him. He had a step son also. Never knew that. He has five grandchildren and a mess of great grandchildren. I bring that up because the sisters (the remaining two aunts) talked about how he said he was so lonely. That shouldn't have happened.
I KNOW how hard it is to visit the elderly in some sort of home. My dad was there. I probably didn't go as often as I should. With his dementia, it was just too much. There was never anything to talk about, and he would sometimes become inappropriate in what he said. I did slip into avoidance. But I was there at least once a week.
Did he realize how infrequently I came? I really don't know. He did associate with a lot of the women there. Always the lady's man. I think he was kept busy. He also slept a lot. That had been true even before I had to put him there.
But Krissi and I would be there - once a week with the children. Perhaps that's the answer to my question. I have lived in the glass house, and I shouldn't throw stones.
Peace.
As it turns out, we will be going to the Alamo City on Saturday for the uncle's funeral. When I read his obit today, I was amazed at the things I learned. He has a daughter who didn't do a flip for him. She apparently has always been a weird duck. He also has an older step daughter who has stepped up to the plate for him. He had a step son also. Never knew that. He has five grandchildren and a mess of great grandchildren. I bring that up because the sisters (the remaining two aunts) talked about how he said he was so lonely. That shouldn't have happened.
I KNOW how hard it is to visit the elderly in some sort of home. My dad was there. I probably didn't go as often as I should. With his dementia, it was just too much. There was never anything to talk about, and he would sometimes become inappropriate in what he said. I did slip into avoidance. But I was there at least once a week.
Did he realize how infrequently I came? I really don't know. He did associate with a lot of the women there. Always the lady's man. I think he was kept busy. He also slept a lot. That had been true even before I had to put him there.
But Krissi and I would be there - once a week with the children. Perhaps that's the answer to my question. I have lived in the glass house, and I shouldn't throw stones.
Peace.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Here we go again
It seems like I do more venting here than anything else, but here I go again.
I really like using Fire*ox for my browsing the web. I feel, perhaps without real justification, safer there. I think it is harder to allow bad things to happen.
But, for some reason, there are many times that I cannot get that browser to open my homepage - or anything else for that matter. That's what has happened today.
The real problem with this is all my bookmarks are on that browser. I have very few over here. I really feel hampered. Bah.
After I returned yesterday, George's aunt called to check on me, but she had gotten a call that his last remaining uncle on that side was in really bad condition. They were getting ready to head over to the Alamo City to see him. Last night she called to say he had died. We are down now to two sisters from that family of ten.
She told me one very interesting thing. She never married along with another sister. Two of the boys never had children. But this family has produced 102 nieces, nephews (and their children and grandchildren). What a family! One of the cousins is way ahead of the rest of us. He is a great grandfather. Our grandchildren are next in age, and our oldest is 8. Amazing. It's no wonder I love searching my genealogy.
Peace.
I really like using Fire*ox for my browsing the web. I feel, perhaps without real justification, safer there. I think it is harder to allow bad things to happen.
But, for some reason, there are many times that I cannot get that browser to open my homepage - or anything else for that matter. That's what has happened today.
The real problem with this is all my bookmarks are on that browser. I have very few over here. I really feel hampered. Bah.
After I returned yesterday, George's aunt called to check on me, but she had gotten a call that his last remaining uncle on that side was in really bad condition. They were getting ready to head over to the Alamo City to see him. Last night she called to say he had died. We are down now to two sisters from that family of ten.
She told me one very interesting thing. She never married along with another sister. Two of the boys never had children. But this family has produced 102 nieces, nephews (and their children and grandchildren). What a family! One of the cousins is way ahead of the rest of us. He is a great grandfather. Our grandchildren are next in age, and our oldest is 8. Amazing. It's no wonder I love searching my genealogy.
Peace.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Dr. Poison
Just back from my appointment. These doctors! Geesh. They have appointments scheduled for like 8:30, and they aren't even in the office! But I will get over it. In this practice, they have three or four offices. The doctors move from office to office. We, the patients, don't usually have to go all over the area, so I'll cool my heels in the room and read. I mean, what else do I have to do?
The appointment went great. The thing I most look at is the marker value. Mine is 23 and the upper limit is 38. That's good. No problems. I guess all the things that I just knew were mets were just a figment of my imagination. But you know how it is - once burned. Well, once diagnosed . . .
I told him of the pains I have in the right breast area, and I thought it was probably reconstruction surgery. He said the mammo showed some scar tissue. He also said to leave things alone there. No more surgery. Right-O!
I was going to ask for some sleeping meds, but I didn't get to it. Perhaps my body will adapt to the time change - before it changes again. I just simply cannot go to sleep at night. I can sleep easily enough in the morning, but at night I'm ready to go.
So things are right in my world -at least for another six months. They would be even better if the arthritis in my neck wasn't acting up so today. It really hurts to sit here and type. Perhaps tomorrow will be better.
Peace.
The appointment went great. The thing I most look at is the marker value. Mine is 23 and the upper limit is 38. That's good. No problems. I guess all the things that I just knew were mets were just a figment of my imagination. But you know how it is - once burned. Well, once diagnosed . . .
I told him of the pains I have in the right breast area, and I thought it was probably reconstruction surgery. He said the mammo showed some scar tissue. He also said to leave things alone there. No more surgery. Right-O!
I was going to ask for some sleeping meds, but I didn't get to it. Perhaps my body will adapt to the time change - before it changes again. I just simply cannot go to sleep at night. I can sleep easily enough in the morning, but at night I'm ready to go.
So things are right in my world -at least for another six months. They would be even better if the arthritis in my neck wasn't acting up so today. It really hurts to sit here and type. Perhaps tomorrow will be better.
Peace.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Surprise!
It's Saturday. I'm home. I am posting. These are three very unusual things.
Last night we had dinner with daughter, husband and three little ones. It was so nice because I had not seen Lady Bug in about three weeks. If we were in town, they weren't. Plus they are going out of town again this weekend. In the spirit of being positive, I won't even touch that one.
The weather is really wintry for us right now. It is cold - the temperatures are staying in the 40's, so that is really cold for us - and rainy. The last thing I wanted to do was the grocery store. I was going on Thursday, but at the time I started to go, it was pouring rain. So I thought it was going to clear yesterday - wrong. It is still bad today, but I need items for tomorrow's dinner. It is almost St. Patrick's day. That means it is time for Blarney Pot Roast. That is a delicious pot roast with leeks. It is an annual thing that holds over from the days when George thought he was Irish. I knew I was Scotch Irish, but we found that he is absolutely 0% Irish. But that's ok, the dish is still good.
Being the great trooper he is, he added the grocery store to his rounds. I really think it is time for me to the ortho guy I'm thinking about. My knees are certainly no better - in fact I think they are worse by the day. I am looking for the miracle that will take many pounds off my body before I go!
Hope your weekend is good. I will see the new grandson tomorrow when son comes to help assemble my new sewing table. I was crestfallen when I discovered that the instructions state that it takes two to assemble it. That stinks! So after about a year, I'm going to get it done.
Peace.
Last night we had dinner with daughter, husband and three little ones. It was so nice because I had not seen Lady Bug in about three weeks. If we were in town, they weren't. Plus they are going out of town again this weekend. In the spirit of being positive, I won't even touch that one.
The weather is really wintry for us right now. It is cold - the temperatures are staying in the 40's, so that is really cold for us - and rainy. The last thing I wanted to do was the grocery store. I was going on Thursday, but at the time I started to go, it was pouring rain. So I thought it was going to clear yesterday - wrong. It is still bad today, but I need items for tomorrow's dinner. It is almost St. Patrick's day. That means it is time for Blarney Pot Roast. That is a delicious pot roast with leeks. It is an annual thing that holds over from the days when George thought he was Irish. I knew I was Scotch Irish, but we found that he is absolutely 0% Irish. But that's ok, the dish is still good.
Being the great trooper he is, he added the grocery store to his rounds. I really think it is time for me to the ortho guy I'm thinking about. My knees are certainly no better - in fact I think they are worse by the day. I am looking for the miracle that will take many pounds off my body before I go!
Hope your weekend is good. I will see the new grandson tomorrow when son comes to help assemble my new sewing table. I was crestfallen when I discovered that the instructions state that it takes two to assemble it. That stinks! So after about a year, I'm going to get it done.
Peace.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Oops!
It is definitely Friday the 13th. The alarm went off this morning. My sleepy brain told me is was Saturday. I turned the alarm OFF! I blisfully went back to sleep thinking what a wonderful time to snuggle deeper into the covers and sleep. It is "cold" - low fortys, and rainy (thank you God).
About 7ish, I heard George in the dressing area. I peeked out at the clock and wondered why George was up, but when I saw he was dressing, I was really confused. Did he have some early morning appointment I had forgotten? Nope - he was dressing for work - an hour late.
I thought spending THE time change at the SSB would help. I thought I would be more into the change. I was wrong. When we got back here on Tuesday, my body was definitely on standard time. At bedtime, I was still ready to go. I read for a while. It got later and later. I read and read. Finally i turned off the light. Then I tossed and turned. About an hour later the light was turned on again. But my eyes were smart enough to realize they should be shut, so I turned the light off again.
Wednesday night brought the same thing. Only this time I was at a really good part of the mystery I was reading. I kept turning pages rapt with the action. Then it was up early so I could get to the lab for the fasting blood work.
Last night, I did fall asleep earlier, but this morning . . . Oh, this morning. Well, I thought the two days he stayed late would cover it. Guess not. Let's say I am a little in the dog house. Move over Simone!
Peace.
About 7ish, I heard George in the dressing area. I peeked out at the clock and wondered why George was up, but when I saw he was dressing, I was really confused. Did he have some early morning appointment I had forgotten? Nope - he was dressing for work - an hour late.
I thought spending THE time change at the SSB would help. I thought I would be more into the change. I was wrong. When we got back here on Tuesday, my body was definitely on standard time. At bedtime, I was still ready to go. I read for a while. It got later and later. I read and read. Finally i turned off the light. Then I tossed and turned. About an hour later the light was turned on again. But my eyes were smart enough to realize they should be shut, so I turned the light off again.
Wednesday night brought the same thing. Only this time I was at a really good part of the mystery I was reading. I kept turning pages rapt with the action. Then it was up early so I could get to the lab for the fasting blood work.
Last night, I did fall asleep earlier, but this morning . . . Oh, this morning. Well, I thought the two days he stayed late would cover it. Guess not. Let's say I am a little in the dog house. Move over Simone!
Peace.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Making a change
Endangered animals are a special interest of mine. So I had a changing picture added over there to the right for awareness of just which animals are in special need.
A few days ago, I discovered a little boy who needs prayers - lots of prayers. I have added the "Praying for Jonah" to my blog.
This family is one of the bravest couples I know of. Their newborn is amazing in his fight for life. Click on that icon. Go read their story. More importantly, pray for the baby and the parents.
A few days ago, I discovered a little boy who needs prayers - lots of prayers. I have added the "Praying for Jonah" to my blog.
This family is one of the bravest couples I know of. Their newborn is amazing in his fight for life. Click on that icon. Go read their story. More importantly, pray for the baby and the parents.
What fun!
With great trepidation, I visited the vampires again today. In other words, I went for my blood drawing before I see the oncologist next week.
This blood drawing has not always been pleasant. Once at this lab, I left with my arm bleeding. That was interesting. Not too long ago at the other lab for the cardio doc, the tech couldn't find the vein. When only one arm can be used for said sticking, I was a little distraught - to say the least.
Today was easy and almost pleasant. She was really good.
I was talking to my aunt in law this past weekend. She had ovarian cancer, and not too long ago had a scare about possible breast cancer. Thankfully, there was no breast cancer.
We were talking about how we wait for the results of the cancer factors that are measured. A spike could mean the cancer is back. We both said that interval between tests seems to go on forever. Those little numbers, and hopefully they stay little, mean we are probably cancer free.
I have remarked before that six months seems like an eternity. When I was undergoing chemo, my blood was tested just before chemo so determine whether or not I was able to withstand being poisoned yet again If the RBC's were too low, I wouldn't get chemo.
I never had that problem. Things got a little low at times, but I never had to miss an appointment. In fact, I never really had a problem with the chemo.
Krissi and I went to eat a Chinese lunch after my first treatment, and I will admit that Chinese still isn't my favorite food. I seldom have a desire for it, but I was not sick on it. I really never got nauseated at all. When we would grill outside (which is a year around thing here), the smell from the grill which is just outside the door was disagreeable, but never nauseating.
Aunt Flo and I both said we really remember very little about chemo. I guess it's something like childbirth in that aspect. George wants me to be available to a lady he works with who is having a double mastectomy this week. I understand she is really worried about the chemo, and he thinks she will be going to the group practice I go to. She will just go to another of their facilities.
I will be more than willing, but once she starts, she will find the other patients undergoing chemo will be quite a support system in themselves. Aunt Flo said she really regretted that she had her chemo alone in a private room. I told her at first that was what I wanted, but soon discovered that the company was great. She only had her last treatment with others around, and it was so much better.
In a few more days I'll get the results of the blood factors. With any luck, I'll be good to go for another six months. I wonder how I will be able to handle a year!
Peace.
This blood drawing has not always been pleasant. Once at this lab, I left with my arm bleeding. That was interesting. Not too long ago at the other lab for the cardio doc, the tech couldn't find the vein. When only one arm can be used for said sticking, I was a little distraught - to say the least.
Today was easy and almost pleasant. She was really good.
I was talking to my aunt in law this past weekend. She had ovarian cancer, and not too long ago had a scare about possible breast cancer. Thankfully, there was no breast cancer.
We were talking about how we wait for the results of the cancer factors that are measured. A spike could mean the cancer is back. We both said that interval between tests seems to go on forever. Those little numbers, and hopefully they stay little, mean we are probably cancer free.
I have remarked before that six months seems like an eternity. When I was undergoing chemo, my blood was tested just before chemo so determine whether or not I was able to withstand being poisoned yet again If the RBC's were too low, I wouldn't get chemo.
I never had that problem. Things got a little low at times, but I never had to miss an appointment. In fact, I never really had a problem with the chemo.
Krissi and I went to eat a Chinese lunch after my first treatment, and I will admit that Chinese still isn't my favorite food. I seldom have a desire for it, but I was not sick on it. I really never got nauseated at all. When we would grill outside (which is a year around thing here), the smell from the grill which is just outside the door was disagreeable, but never nauseating.
Aunt Flo and I both said we really remember very little about chemo. I guess it's something like childbirth in that aspect. George wants me to be available to a lady he works with who is having a double mastectomy this week. I understand she is really worried about the chemo, and he thinks she will be going to the group practice I go to. She will just go to another of their facilities.
I will be more than willing, but once she starts, she will find the other patients undergoing chemo will be quite a support system in themselves. Aunt Flo said she really regretted that she had her chemo alone in a private room. I told her at first that was what I wanted, but soon discovered that the company was great. She only had her last treatment with others around, and it was so much better.
In a few more days I'll get the results of the blood factors. With any luck, I'll be good to go for another six months. I wonder how I will be able to handle a year!
Peace.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Well . . .
I took the machine in. My sales woman was there. She put it through its paces. It "seems" ok. Of course, OK means another bobbin case to the tune of $35. This is two in about a month. I still think there is something with the machine, but then I guess we will have to see.
One problem is that for what I paid, and that was about 60% of the price, I expect this thing to print a pattern, buy the fabric, cut it out and then sew it. Me being unreasonable? Never!
But it is home. It is "fixed." What more can I ask?
Peace.
One problem is that for what I paid, and that was about 60% of the price, I expect this thing to print a pattern, buy the fabric, cut it out and then sew it. Me being unreasonable? Never!
But it is home. It is "fixed." What more can I ask?
Peace.
Still alive
It was the usual weekend for our foray to the SSB. I forgot to give a heads up before we left. Because of scheduling conflicts, we left on Saturday to come back yesterday, Tuesday.
It was a rather busy weekend with all sorts of things scheduled. Plans were for our neighbor to come over to help George cut a path for a new deer feeder. I was going to sew.
Since we got there on Saturday, that meant the work schedule for cutting brush was pushed to Sunday morning. That meant no church. Oh, well. The problem with that was it was the first day of DST. As we were discussing the schedule, I kept asking if the appointed time was old time or new time. SO we set the alarm to get up at 6:30 A.M. - new time. It is so dark at that time! Anyway, Gene didn't show for two hours. I Was Not. Happy.
I set up the sewing machine after I got them out of the house. I got the scrap book cover done. For my first real quilting experience, it came out OK, but I would have liked it to be better. Am I going to re-do it? No.
A cut out the "church lady apron" that I had bought the pattern and fabric for at least two months ago. The one side is named "god ladies." It is such a cute pattern. The back obviously coordinates with it, but is a subdued two tone pattern. I embroidered the pockets and the front of it. I was ready to put the two together, and began with the sashes. I changed the stitch length, and then all hell broke loose. The machine did what it has been doing periodically - stitch three stitches, then kick like a mule.
I had taken the machine in for its yearly check up in January. I didn't report this behavior because I thought I was doing something wrong. When it ate up the little bobbin case, it wouldn't sew at all. I took it back and we replaced just that. It has gone through several of its little snits since then, and I again attributed it to something I was doing. I now know it is the machine. I think it has not been right since I bought it. When I would embroidery, it often would bring the bobbin thread up on top. I would take the tension down to zero, and all was right with the world.
Monday, I bent two needles trying to sew. One was just a nice little curve to the left, the other was bent at a right angle. There is a problem. So I will take it back and give its little history. I am beginning to wonder if this "top of the line" machine is as heavy duty as I assumed. This machine was not in the hundreds. It was in the thousands. I really expected more, and now that I have owned it for 15 months, I doubt that anything like this will be covered - so I get to pay . . . more.
So today, I will go to my little bitty machine that I thought was so wonderful when I bought it several years ago. It is a little work horse, but it doesn't do anything but sew. So, there won't be any embroidery - unless I pull out the really little machine I bought at WalMart several years ago.
In other news, on our way to the SSB we saw something we had heard would live in that area, but had never seen. There was a dead porcupine dead in the road. I really didn't think they were in our area, but there it was. This drought is driving the animals to find water and food. Otherwise we would have never come across that scene. It is supposed to be raining now. I have heard that about 75 miles away, they got 3/4 inch last night. I hope we did too. It was misting when we left. I just hope and pray - literally - that some of that moisture fell on the ground there. Brother in law sold off all his cattle last week. The feed bills were just too high, and we will not be doing a ground lease this year because we have no grass. We are almost desperate.
Peace.
It was a rather busy weekend with all sorts of things scheduled. Plans were for our neighbor to come over to help George cut a path for a new deer feeder. I was going to sew.
Since we got there on Saturday, that meant the work schedule for cutting brush was pushed to Sunday morning. That meant no church. Oh, well. The problem with that was it was the first day of DST. As we were discussing the schedule, I kept asking if the appointed time was old time or new time. SO we set the alarm to get up at 6:30 A.M. - new time. It is so dark at that time! Anyway, Gene didn't show for two hours. I Was Not. Happy.
I set up the sewing machine after I got them out of the house. I got the scrap book cover done. For my first real quilting experience, it came out OK, but I would have liked it to be better. Am I going to re-do it? No.
A cut out the "church lady apron" that I had bought the pattern and fabric for at least two months ago. The one side is named "god ladies." It is such a cute pattern. The back obviously coordinates with it, but is a subdued two tone pattern. I embroidered the pockets and the front of it. I was ready to put the two together, and began with the sashes. I changed the stitch length, and then all hell broke loose. The machine did what it has been doing periodically - stitch three stitches, then kick like a mule.
I had taken the machine in for its yearly check up in January. I didn't report this behavior because I thought I was doing something wrong. When it ate up the little bobbin case, it wouldn't sew at all. I took it back and we replaced just that. It has gone through several of its little snits since then, and I again attributed it to something I was doing. I now know it is the machine. I think it has not been right since I bought it. When I would embroidery, it often would bring the bobbin thread up on top. I would take the tension down to zero, and all was right with the world.
Monday, I bent two needles trying to sew. One was just a nice little curve to the left, the other was bent at a right angle. There is a problem. So I will take it back and give its little history. I am beginning to wonder if this "top of the line" machine is as heavy duty as I assumed. This machine was not in the hundreds. It was in the thousands. I really expected more, and now that I have owned it for 15 months, I doubt that anything like this will be covered - so I get to pay . . . more.
So today, I will go to my little bitty machine that I thought was so wonderful when I bought it several years ago. It is a little work horse, but it doesn't do anything but sew. So, there won't be any embroidery - unless I pull out the really little machine I bought at WalMart several years ago.
In other news, on our way to the SSB we saw something we had heard would live in that area, but had never seen. There was a dead porcupine dead in the road. I really didn't think they were in our area, but there it was. This drought is driving the animals to find water and food. Otherwise we would have never come across that scene. It is supposed to be raining now. I have heard that about 75 miles away, they got 3/4 inch last night. I hope we did too. It was misting when we left. I just hope and pray - literally - that some of that moisture fell on the ground there. Brother in law sold off all his cattle last week. The feed bills were just too high, and we will not be doing a ground lease this year because we have no grass. We are almost desperate.
Peace.
Friday, March 06, 2009
A mild rant
I find it so amusing when people complain about not having enough money that they are cutting on various essentials, but splurge on non-sensical things. I am going to be a little vague because this might get to the ones about whom I am speaking, and I don't want to face their ire.
I am not by any means wealthy. Folks, I am a retired Texas teacher. Our salary schedule is public record, and we are by no means near the top of the salary scales. In fact, look closer to the bottom and you will find us. Since I retired at 29 years rather than 30, I get less in my retirement, pay more for health insurance, and generally get scre*ed with the amount of money I get. But I have enough money to be comfortable, and can afford my little splurges occasionally
With that said, I will continue. When I bought this notebook computer, I felt I had really splurged, but I had a reason for it. I do use it daily. When I bought my sewing machine, I did splurge, but I had just gotten my diagnosis. I was going to do something for myself. But I did not have to take something away from my partner to cover the expense.
There are people out there who spend wads of money on things that are not essentials - and a lot of them. I do not have a Iphone, Ipod or any of those things. I have a basic cell phone on the lowest plan and listen to the radio if I want music. If I want something else, I use the web site of that station and stream music.
These people who complain about finances have the latest phone, spend their time sending text messages, have Ipods, Kindles, and the like. Texting costs money. Why not call the person??? I just heard one person sent 800 texts in a billing period. Mercyful heavens. If you are using your **** phone anyway, use the calling option. If you want to read a book, go to the used book store and buy one at a reduced price and hold the **** thing. Books on Kindle run $30 a pop. I can buy a used paperback for a couple of bucks.
I am thinking of asking for an Ipod and a digital turntable for my birthday. The kids and husband are always asking what I want. If they divide that by 5, it's not that much money. They would probably spend that much buying something I have no use for. I want to put our vinyl records on the Ipod. Our new tv has a place for the Ipod, and our old stereo system is obsolute. It will not connect to this new system. We have hundreds of records that we cannot listen to.
Some of these people have to have the newest and fanciest electronic stuff out - be it phones, cameras, or whatever. I just don't get it. If you have to keep the temperature in your house at a very uncomfortable level, watch your grocery bill, or deny the folks you are living with, then the problem is YOURS. Stop making others pay for your indulgences.
Enough said - probably too much. Rant over.
Peace.
I am not by any means wealthy. Folks, I am a retired Texas teacher. Our salary schedule is public record, and we are by no means near the top of the salary scales. In fact, look closer to the bottom and you will find us. Since I retired at 29 years rather than 30, I get less in my retirement, pay more for health insurance, and generally get scre*ed with the amount of money I get. But I have enough money to be comfortable, and can afford my little splurges occasionally
With that said, I will continue. When I bought this notebook computer, I felt I had really splurged, but I had a reason for it. I do use it daily. When I bought my sewing machine, I did splurge, but I had just gotten my diagnosis. I was going to do something for myself. But I did not have to take something away from my partner to cover the expense.
There are people out there who spend wads of money on things that are not essentials - and a lot of them. I do not have a Iphone, Ipod or any of those things. I have a basic cell phone on the lowest plan and listen to the radio if I want music. If I want something else, I use the web site of that station and stream music.
These people who complain about finances have the latest phone, spend their time sending text messages, have Ipods, Kindles, and the like. Texting costs money. Why not call the person??? I just heard one person sent 800 texts in a billing period. Mercyful heavens. If you are using your **** phone anyway, use the calling option. If you want to read a book, go to the used book store and buy one at a reduced price and hold the **** thing. Books on Kindle run $30 a pop. I can buy a used paperback for a couple of bucks.
I am thinking of asking for an Ipod and a digital turntable for my birthday. The kids and husband are always asking what I want. If they divide that by 5, it's not that much money. They would probably spend that much buying something I have no use for. I want to put our vinyl records on the Ipod. Our new tv has a place for the Ipod, and our old stereo system is obsolute. It will not connect to this new system. We have hundreds of records that we cannot listen to.
Some of these people have to have the newest and fanciest electronic stuff out - be it phones, cameras, or whatever. I just don't get it. If you have to keep the temperature in your house at a very uncomfortable level, watch your grocery bill, or deny the folks you are living with, then the problem is YOURS. Stop making others pay for your indulgences.
Enough said - probably too much. Rant over.
Peace.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Club Meeting
Today is our sewing machine club meeting. The project for this week is, um, embroidering, um, toilet paper. This ought to be a very interesting meeting. What you really do with embroidered toilet paper is a puzzle to me. I guess as a gag gift? On a serious note, I have heard about this. It will be good because it means I have to really get practice centering a small piece to be embroidered. When we did the fabric post cards, I thought I wouldn't like that one, but it was really neat and the post card came out really pretty.
To prepare for today, I spent yesterday upstairs in the tower working on bands for diaper cakes. I'm going to take them for "show and tell." Probably that's not a really good idea because I may end up with competition in the market place. Oh well, I'm also going to take the receiving blankets, burp cloths, and possibly the bibs.
At one point I wanted to throw that machine (that should be gilded just based on its price) right out of the window. For some reason when I changed over to regular sewing to put the ribbon on the band, it would make three good stitches and then kick like a mule. Come to find out, the three "good" stitches weren't. They weren't stitches at all.
I changed the needle. Still kicked. I cleaned the bobbin. Still kicked. I changed the bobbin thread, and yes, you guessed it - still kicked. I finally changed thread. It sewed. I still wanted to give it a pitch however!
I got that finished only to realize that I have misplaced a new pattern I wanted to try today. Great. I simply don't know where I "filed" it. I guess it's safe for now. I'll look later.
With time on my hands, I decided that I would tackle the serger that I have never used. You see, when it said to thread it by tying onto the existing threads that ran through the machine, when I did that - they came untied - at the worst moment. So I had a machine I knew nothing about with no threads running through it. I have worked periodically for months on that thing.
I decided I had nothing better so I would tackle it again. After two hours, I finally got it threaded and actually sewed a seam on it. Those little buggers are really a pain. I had bought DVDs to learn how to do it. The expensive ones thread the loopers automatically. For the others, the advice is to tie onto the existing thread and pull . . .
Peace.
To prepare for today, I spent yesterday upstairs in the tower working on bands for diaper cakes. I'm going to take them for "show and tell." Probably that's not a really good idea because I may end up with competition in the market place. Oh well, I'm also going to take the receiving blankets, burp cloths, and possibly the bibs.
At one point I wanted to throw that machine (that should be gilded just based on its price) right out of the window. For some reason when I changed over to regular sewing to put the ribbon on the band, it would make three good stitches and then kick like a mule. Come to find out, the three "good" stitches weren't. They weren't stitches at all.
I changed the needle. Still kicked. I cleaned the bobbin. Still kicked. I changed the bobbin thread, and yes, you guessed it - still kicked. I finally changed thread. It sewed. I still wanted to give it a pitch however!
I got that finished only to realize that I have misplaced a new pattern I wanted to try today. Great. I simply don't know where I "filed" it. I guess it's safe for now. I'll look later.
With time on my hands, I decided that I would tackle the serger that I have never used. You see, when it said to thread it by tying onto the existing threads that ran through the machine, when I did that - they came untied - at the worst moment. So I had a machine I knew nothing about with no threads running through it. I have worked periodically for months on that thing.
I decided I had nothing better so I would tackle it again. After two hours, I finally got it threaded and actually sewed a seam on it. Those little buggers are really a pain. I had bought DVDs to learn how to do it. The expensive ones thread the loopers automatically. For the others, the advice is to tie onto the existing thread and pull . . .
Peace.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
From my point of view
My point of view doesn't match those ranchers around the SSB. Of course, my training happens to be in biology with heavy emphasis on wild life biology. In my skewed view, this makes me a tad more of an expert - but if I were to speak out, I would clash terribly with those ranchers there.
These people have a "society" that dedicates itself to getting rid of all the critters there. They have a bounty on all sorts of predators. They are particularly after old wily coyote. But he certainly is not alone.
In one of the weekly papers, a cousin of mine made the remark to be careful when out in the pasture. I cougar was sited with some type of prey in its mouth. Right now that country is gripped in such a drought that its hard going on all animals, and what few prey animals that are around are being forced into closed contact with humans. She was correct - you should be wary of the cougar. They can, and do, cause great harm to humans. In times like this - it very well may attack calves, kids or fawns. All those things are a threat to the ranchers in the hill country.
But in better times, these people are hell bent on ridding the area of all coyotes, foxes, bob cats, and cougars. They have "round ups" of the various body parts for the bounty. They believe this will mean that their livestock will be safe.
Then they wonder why we are over run with mice, rats, rabbits, and the like. On our place, there is specific prohibitions to shooting anything that you don't intent to eat. If you shoot it, you better plan a meal from it.
This comes to mind because out closest neighbors (the ones who are not family) have been visited by an armadillo recently. We really thought the fire ants had wiped out the armadillos. My biology friends, and others I am sure, have nick named the armadillo the Texas Speed Bump. In the past, you would travel the roads and there would be many of them dead on the road. It wasn't that people would intentionally try to hit them, it was a fatal flaw in their nervous system. When they are startled - like by a car coming at them on the road - they would jump up straignt in the air about 2 feet. That is right at bumper height. That makes the equation of car+armadillo = dead armadillo.
Skunks have also become a great problem in the places around the SSB. Again - we have no predators. All these animals will bloom if their checks are gone. The skunk is a real problem, and not just because of his odor. In Texas, you can figure that if you see a skunk, he has rabies. That makes them really scary.
Of course, a small predator in the area is fighting rabies also, and I fear for them. The foxes in the area seem to mostly be rabid. We have one family back on the ridge, and I really don't think they have rabies because they have been observed for about three years now. I won't push my luck to find out, but even though most of the foxes may be vectors for rabies, I think our little group is healthy.
Anyway, in my opinion, the bounties should be lifted. At church the other week, our insurance guy admitted that the coyotes weren't the real problem for his livestock. It was the feral pigs that have taken over the place - and so much of Texas. There is no bounty on them - yet.
In the meantime, we will have our bloom of rats, mice, rabbits, skunks, etc - IF it ever rains again.
Peace.
These people have a "society" that dedicates itself to getting rid of all the critters there. They have a bounty on all sorts of predators. They are particularly after old wily coyote. But he certainly is not alone.
In one of the weekly papers, a cousin of mine made the remark to be careful when out in the pasture. I cougar was sited with some type of prey in its mouth. Right now that country is gripped in such a drought that its hard going on all animals, and what few prey animals that are around are being forced into closed contact with humans. She was correct - you should be wary of the cougar. They can, and do, cause great harm to humans. In times like this - it very well may attack calves, kids or fawns. All those things are a threat to the ranchers in the hill country.
But in better times, these people are hell bent on ridding the area of all coyotes, foxes, bob cats, and cougars. They have "round ups" of the various body parts for the bounty. They believe this will mean that their livestock will be safe.
Then they wonder why we are over run with mice, rats, rabbits, and the like. On our place, there is specific prohibitions to shooting anything that you don't intent to eat. If you shoot it, you better plan a meal from it.
This comes to mind because out closest neighbors (the ones who are not family) have been visited by an armadillo recently. We really thought the fire ants had wiped out the armadillos. My biology friends, and others I am sure, have nick named the armadillo the Texas Speed Bump. In the past, you would travel the roads and there would be many of them dead on the road. It wasn't that people would intentionally try to hit them, it was a fatal flaw in their nervous system. When they are startled - like by a car coming at them on the road - they would jump up straignt in the air about 2 feet. That is right at bumper height. That makes the equation of car+armadillo = dead armadillo.
Skunks have also become a great problem in the places around the SSB. Again - we have no predators. All these animals will bloom if their checks are gone. The skunk is a real problem, and not just because of his odor. In Texas, you can figure that if you see a skunk, he has rabies. That makes them really scary.
Of course, a small predator in the area is fighting rabies also, and I fear for them. The foxes in the area seem to mostly be rabid. We have one family back on the ridge, and I really don't think they have rabies because they have been observed for about three years now. I won't push my luck to find out, but even though most of the foxes may be vectors for rabies, I think our little group is healthy.
Anyway, in my opinion, the bounties should be lifted. At church the other week, our insurance guy admitted that the coyotes weren't the real problem for his livestock. It was the feral pigs that have taken over the place - and so much of Texas. There is no bounty on them - yet.
In the meantime, we will have our bloom of rats, mice, rabbits, skunks, etc - IF it ever rains again.
Peace.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Ah, spring
Spring, or what we here in Swampland call spring, has come. While we still have days that have a low temperature in the 30's, we are reaching into the 80's on many days. The yard people are extremely busy this time of year cleaning the dead herbaceous plants that proliferate here most of the year, but end up quite dead during the "winter" Temperatures in the low 30's and 20's certainly change the look of banana plants. They first wilt, then become brown and dry. Quess what kind of plants are prolific in our back yard. Bananas and cannas. Both becomes dry husks after winter passes.
Spring flowering plants are all blooming. When I was teaching, I tried to get our unit on flowering plants to come at this time of year. I have azaleas in my front bed. At one time there were a lot of them, and they bloomed profusely. They were wonderful flowers to have the kids dissect to learn then parts of a flower. My plans were usually not good because we too often would be mired in the study of vertebrates about now. Flowering plants were a long way off, and the azaleas wouldn't wait.
I finally have come to the conclusion that my pin wheel begonia only blooms at one time of the year, and that's right now. I have learned to love it for its foliage. Just as well because there won't be blooms again until next year.
But, the congress of the United States has done something that destroys this beautiful time of renewal. It comes in on a early Sunday morning - about 2 am. It ruins the entire season. What is this dastardly thing? It is Day Light Savings Time. I hate it, hate it, hate it.
Being retired, this time of year shouldn't bother me that much, but it does. George still is working. That meant we are on a schedule. We are effected by this blasted time change where we are getting up an hour earlier. Just when it is daylight when the drive to work comes, it is ripped away again, and the drive is in the dark again.
During this change time, I am chronically tired. My body tells me everyday for about a month that I am forcing it up an hour early. I am not a morning person - never was. Working was a terrible thing for me. When we moved to Swampland, I didn't know the schools took up at 7:30 in the morning! I grew up with schools beginning at the more civilized time of 8:30 This is an outrage. Then when DST was thrust upon us, it almost killed me.
I really don't see the reason for the change. The sun doesn't stay around an hour longer. The amount of daylight is the same. If you need sunlight for your jobs, you get up earlier. Actually, I wouldn't mind DST - IF we stayed on it all year. I think it would be helpful more in the winter. We would have more daylight in the late afternoons. More people are functioning at that time, and it gets dark so early.
But, those in power don't listen to us. I know I am not alone in detesting this time change. I have not heard anyone praise this blasted change. If that is so, why do we still do it? Statistics show there are more traffic accidents during the first couple of weeks of time change than normal - usually pedestrian/vehicle. It's just not a good thing.
Peace.
Spring flowering plants are all blooming. When I was teaching, I tried to get our unit on flowering plants to come at this time of year. I have azaleas in my front bed. At one time there were a lot of them, and they bloomed profusely. They were wonderful flowers to have the kids dissect to learn then parts of a flower. My plans were usually not good because we too often would be mired in the study of vertebrates about now. Flowering plants were a long way off, and the azaleas wouldn't wait.
I finally have come to the conclusion that my pin wheel begonia only blooms at one time of the year, and that's right now. I have learned to love it for its foliage. Just as well because there won't be blooms again until next year.
But, the congress of the United States has done something that destroys this beautiful time of renewal. It comes in on a early Sunday morning - about 2 am. It ruins the entire season. What is this dastardly thing? It is Day Light Savings Time. I hate it, hate it, hate it.
Being retired, this time of year shouldn't bother me that much, but it does. George still is working. That meant we are on a schedule. We are effected by this blasted time change where we are getting up an hour earlier. Just when it is daylight when the drive to work comes, it is ripped away again, and the drive is in the dark again.
During this change time, I am chronically tired. My body tells me everyday for about a month that I am forcing it up an hour early. I am not a morning person - never was. Working was a terrible thing for me. When we moved to Swampland, I didn't know the schools took up at 7:30 in the morning! I grew up with schools beginning at the more civilized time of 8:30 This is an outrage. Then when DST was thrust upon us, it almost killed me.
I really don't see the reason for the change. The sun doesn't stay around an hour longer. The amount of daylight is the same. If you need sunlight for your jobs, you get up earlier. Actually, I wouldn't mind DST - IF we stayed on it all year. I think it would be helpful more in the winter. We would have more daylight in the late afternoons. More people are functioning at that time, and it gets dark so early.
But, those in power don't listen to us. I know I am not alone in detesting this time change. I have not heard anyone praise this blasted change. If that is so, why do we still do it? Statistics show there are more traffic accidents during the first couple of weeks of time change than normal - usually pedestrian/vehicle. It's just not a good thing.
Peace.
Monday, March 02, 2009
I did it!
I knew the day would come. It was a given. It rolls around every year at this time, so it was inevitable. I had been waiting for it and really dreading its arrival. It came on Saturday. It was The Day. It was . . . income tax calculating day.
That in itself brings great trembling to me. In years past, there was much yelling and cursing. It was horrible. I usually found some other place to be. The kids and I would flee in terror. Recently, there has not been such wrath. I think part of it was when George worked at H&R Bloc*. Now we buy the software, and things seem to go well.
The real terror of the day was the fact that I had to clean off the computer desk. That room that was affectionately called "the study" had become "the catch all." Of course we have satellite "catch all" rooms. I simply don't have the energy to put things where they should be. I'll get one room straight, but all the junk from that room has to go someplace.
I know I should put myself on a schedule, and I have one worked out in my brain. But I am still too immature to stick to that schedule. I have watched the OCD people, and I could become one of them if I didn't watch it. They don't have any fun. They are constantly alphabetizing their pantry and medicine cabinets.
When the kids were little, I knew that they would someday be gone. I wanted to make memories with them. I wanted to go places and do things with them. I knew no one would come in and clean up. It would be here when we returned. I never said we couldn't go and do because I had to clean house. My house was clean enough to be healthy. It may have clutter, but it was basically clean.
I had a house keeper come in once a week for a while. She really tried to do things to please us. I hated for her to do the laundry because somehow she managed to wrinkle permanent press. When you would go to the closet for a clean blouse, it looked like it had been slept in - by an elephant. I can't imagine how she thought that would pass.
She also began cooking for us. She made some delicious Mexican food. It was heavenly. I learned a lot from her. But the cooking took time from the cleaning. Cooking I don't mind - cleaning was what I hated and was paying her to do. So the housework was still there. We let her go - telling her that Krissi was going to do the work for an allowance.
But back to the monster that was looming in the study. I finally slunk in there. After moving all the things George had piled in my desk chair, I sat and looked at the mountain of stuff. I made a plan. I started at the far end. I went through piece by piece. I found things I had completely forgotten about. I found tax things that I had not put in the file cabinet. Wow.
All the while, I was waiting for the computer in there to load. It had not been on in months. It always takes forever to load. I hoped it still worked. So it is sitting there, just spinning its hard drive along, loading away. I sat there going through stuff. I made piles of things. I had things to go upstairs to the craft room, things to go into the file for taxes, and a lot of junk.
After just a few minutes I was done. I asked George if he wanted me to load the software. He was a little non-commital so I knew. The answer was yes. As the computer inched its way along the loading process, I became impatient. I started hitting keys to try to hurry the process along. I ended up in a continuous loop. I had frozen the computer. So I left it alone after restarting to have lunch. After several minutes - like a couple of hours, the program was loaded and updated.
During that time, I returned to that room and picked up the rest of the junk that had accumulated in the room. One could actually get to the book case! Movement could happen. There was more than one little pathway.
I tackled the printer then. I finally got a document to load from "My Documents." I hit the print command. For a minute, the printer just sat there. Humm. Finally it spit out a sheet - with nothing on it. My cartridges were empty.
They were the ones that I had Walgr**ns fill. What. A. Mistake. Never again. They never worked properly. I then remembered why I had not printed anything in a long time. I put in new cartridges and it worked like a dream.
Later George went in. In a couple of hours he came out. I waited breathlessly for the result. He said he wasn't in a hurry to file. I knew what that meant. So I asked the pressing question: how much do we owe? It is a pittance, so that was a great relief.
It was a successful day. I cleaned the study and the den. Have two bags of paper to go out for recycling. Shredded enough papers to fill two bins. And the taxes got done. We did good! And there was no yelling if you discount me yelling at the computer for being so balky.
Peace.
That in itself brings great trembling to me. In years past, there was much yelling and cursing. It was horrible. I usually found some other place to be. The kids and I would flee in terror. Recently, there has not been such wrath. I think part of it was when George worked at H&R Bloc*. Now we buy the software, and things seem to go well.
The real terror of the day was the fact that I had to clean off the computer desk. That room that was affectionately called "the study" had become "the catch all." Of course we have satellite "catch all" rooms. I simply don't have the energy to put things where they should be. I'll get one room straight, but all the junk from that room has to go someplace.
I know I should put myself on a schedule, and I have one worked out in my brain. But I am still too immature to stick to that schedule. I have watched the OCD people, and I could become one of them if I didn't watch it. They don't have any fun. They are constantly alphabetizing their pantry and medicine cabinets.
When the kids were little, I knew that they would someday be gone. I wanted to make memories with them. I wanted to go places and do things with them. I knew no one would come in and clean up. It would be here when we returned. I never said we couldn't go and do because I had to clean house. My house was clean enough to be healthy. It may have clutter, but it was basically clean.
I had a house keeper come in once a week for a while. She really tried to do things to please us. I hated for her to do the laundry because somehow she managed to wrinkle permanent press. When you would go to the closet for a clean blouse, it looked like it had been slept in - by an elephant. I can't imagine how she thought that would pass.
She also began cooking for us. She made some delicious Mexican food. It was heavenly. I learned a lot from her. But the cooking took time from the cleaning. Cooking I don't mind - cleaning was what I hated and was paying her to do. So the housework was still there. We let her go - telling her that Krissi was going to do the work for an allowance.
But back to the monster that was looming in the study. I finally slunk in there. After moving all the things George had piled in my desk chair, I sat and looked at the mountain of stuff. I made a plan. I started at the far end. I went through piece by piece. I found things I had completely forgotten about. I found tax things that I had not put in the file cabinet. Wow.
All the while, I was waiting for the computer in there to load. It had not been on in months. It always takes forever to load. I hoped it still worked. So it is sitting there, just spinning its hard drive along, loading away. I sat there going through stuff. I made piles of things. I had things to go upstairs to the craft room, things to go into the file for taxes, and a lot of junk.
After just a few minutes I was done. I asked George if he wanted me to load the software. He was a little non-commital so I knew. The answer was yes. As the computer inched its way along the loading process, I became impatient. I started hitting keys to try to hurry the process along. I ended up in a continuous loop. I had frozen the computer. So I left it alone after restarting to have lunch. After several minutes - like a couple of hours, the program was loaded and updated.
During that time, I returned to that room and picked up the rest of the junk that had accumulated in the room. One could actually get to the book case! Movement could happen. There was more than one little pathway.
I tackled the printer then. I finally got a document to load from "My Documents." I hit the print command. For a minute, the printer just sat there. Humm. Finally it spit out a sheet - with nothing on it. My cartridges were empty.
They were the ones that I had Walgr**ns fill. What. A. Mistake. Never again. They never worked properly. I then remembered why I had not printed anything in a long time. I put in new cartridges and it worked like a dream.
Later George went in. In a couple of hours he came out. I waited breathlessly for the result. He said he wasn't in a hurry to file. I knew what that meant. So I asked the pressing question: how much do we owe? It is a pittance, so that was a great relief.
It was a successful day. I cleaned the study and the den. Have two bags of paper to go out for recycling. Shredded enough papers to fill two bins. And the taxes got done. We did good! And there was no yelling if you discount me yelling at the computer for being so balky.
Peace.
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