Grampa's suggestion to MB

When we are at the SSB (Stings, Sticks, or Bites), there is no one around. We are on 200 acres, and we are one of the smaller places!

Yesterday, Monkey Boy was standing outside the second bathroom telling his dad that he had to go. He was doing all the associated jumping around and tugging. Daughter was in the bathroom showing no signs of giving up her place. His dad just kept telling MB that he would have to wait.

G witnessed all this. He walked up to MB and asked him why he just didn't go outside. G said MB looked at him like he was crazy.

G told me this last night, and we did get a good laugh. It is still funny, but I got to thinking while I was writing this. It isn't that he has never done this particular thing. I remember them telling me that all summer he would get out of the pool to go behind the garage.

It is still funny though. MB is a different little kid. He just doesn't know exactly how to take us. I'm sure that he was really confused. We just don't let him out to run around. As I have named the place, it could be dangerous.

Needless to say, MB waited until the bathroom was empty!

Peace.

Quickly

I finally waded through the 288 emails on yahoo. My air card just couldn't manage that site. I have joined several yahoo machine embroidery groups. Most of the emails are from digitizers who are trying to sell their designs, but there are also chatty emails. I don't know how those people have the time to chat there. But they do. Oh, well. So I wade through hundreds of emails.

The weather at the SSB was really pretty bad, but I enjoyed it never the less. Daughter and troop decided to make the trip. They weren't really sure because their trip out on Friday morning was scary. The roads are dirt and rock. It rained really hard Thursday night. The road was really squishy, and they didn't have any 4-wheel drive, they were in her work van.

When we were on that part of the road on Friday late afternoon, it was still pretty scary, but we have 4-wheel. Of course, Son says that 4-wheel drive just means you can get stuck twice as far off the road!

I got a lot of things done. I just wish I could have slept more. It was perfect sleeping weather. It was cool and rainy.

Home now. All is good.

Peace.

Preparing to go to the SSB

Warning: This is a vent!!!

Hurry - check your weather radar and you will see severe storms bearing down on Swampland!! I thought I had at least 30 minutes more before I had to load the ice chests and travel tote into the truck. Nope. It is raining cats and dogs right now, and I have both Simone and Shadow under my feet. Wonderful!

That brings me to today's rant. During the hot months (and that's about 9), we can't load the ice chests, et al the night before. That leaves it to me so we can leave as soon as G comes home. This time there are two ice chests. We had about 100 pounds of ice left from the reunion. We are going to take it to the SSB because this is the season it is needed for packing game.

Who gets to load all this s**t alone. That's absolutely correct. I could only get 40 pounds of ice in the old chest, and the new one is full of food because Daughter's clan will be there Sunday. (SIL's aunt died in Little Bitty West Texas Town Wednesday night and they will be using the SSB to break up the trip for the kids.)

Now when we get there, G will have the audacity to complain about the weight of the items I packed - alone. I will be duly ticked!

Gotta go now. I loaded in the toad strangler, so I have to dry off to get wet again when I play shuffle the vehicles. Perhaps I need a job outside the house too???

Happy weekend to you.

Peace.

Whine and cheese

I know the cheese is around here somewhere to go with this whine! I just can't find it. But then that seems to be the status of my house anyway!

I finally got my self in gear to go to the grocery store. I try to put it off, and I am delighted when someone offers to go for me! I used to like to go shopping - anywhere. Now I absolutely despise going.

Tuesday I met the mechanical and structural inspector over at the other house. The grass over there hasn't been cut in weeks, and it about 6 inches tall. When he finished looking at everything, he had to show me. So here I am tromping around the house in tall grass. I don't think that helped my knees at all.

I came home and decided to go upstairs to work on some embroidery. As I was about to start climbing the stairs, I twisted my right knee slightly. It almost felled me. I couldn't believe how much it hurt. But I went up anyway. I thought it would be better yesterday after being off it all night. Was I ever wrong.

Yesterday I was really crippled. More than ever. But there were other possible factors. We got rain. There is a front out there so the pressure is changing a bit, AND I had been walking around on uneven ground with tall grass. What was the cause, I don't know. I do know I was in great pain.

Today I had to go to the grocery store. There is no one but me for this right now. We are going to the SSB this weekend, so the trip was a necessity. I am home now. My knees are screaming. And it didn't help that my glasses fogged up from the car a/c in the muggy heat. Why does that add to my pain? Well I stopped to pick up one of the little neighborhood papers and tripped on OUR uneven grass. I almost ate it. But I did jam my knees catching myself.

So taking this little respite has helped me. Let me bring in the groceries. That cheese just might be in one of those bags, and I'll serve you some. You had the whine.

Peace.

October

I'm going to share a secret with you. I am beginning to really hate October. It's not the weather. It's not Halloween. It's not because the holiday shopping madness is about to begin. It is because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Now, if I had paid closer attention to this month four years ago, I probably wouldn't dislike October so much. The way it is now, all these reminders about self checking for breast cancer, getting a mammogram, and so on, remind me of how stupid I was.

I was stupid enough to go for about ten years without my "woman's" check up. When my general practitioner would ask, I actually lied. When he pressed as to who was doing the pap and breast, I told him I was still going to the old gyno.

I don't know why I finally bit the bullet and went to the doctor. I intended to go to this doctor for six years. He had delivered all my daughter's children. My DIL was going to him, and her mother was also going to him. I just procrastinated.

Finally the spirit moved me. I walked out of his office thinking I had dodged a bullet. From his exam he thought things were just fine, but he prescribed the dreaded mammogram. At the time there was a lot to gram!

When I got the call to come back in, I knew. I knew there was a problem. When I had to go to the surgeon, I had to pick up the films from the mammogram. I could see the tumor. Then I could feel it. Why I had not been able to feel it before I really don't know. That sucker was 2 cm (almost an inch).

So every year I spend the entire month with reminders to self exam, get mammograms, walk in walks. It all just sort of mocks me. I was stupid, and I get reminded more everyday of October.

Don't get me wrong. I get reminders all through the day anyway. There is the numbness beginning mid chest going on through the underarm area to the mid-side. Each evening when I take a shower and see myself in the mirror I get a strong visual reminder. Sure I have had reconstruction, but the chest is still a crazy quilt. Plus I vetoed the construction of the nipple.

I will be glad when October is over. At least one of the reminders will stop!

Peace.

This and that

I thought I had outsmarted the gas company. I gave them my cell phone number. No matter where I went, I would have my cell phone to get their thirty minute warning. I was upstairs sewing happily away on my new machine. A little after 4, it gave the message tone. I listened to my message. It was the gas company saying they were on their way. The message was at 3:38 the guy said. But my phone never rang. I nearly broke my neck running down the stairs, and then hopped in the car to get to the house.

I waited and waited. G came over. We waited some more. At 5:15, we decided we had missed them, so we left. I was so distraught because I just couldn't change the mechanical and structural inspection again. Besides, I had spent two days now waiting.

When I got to the house this morning, there was a door hanger. The gas company was there at 6. Ummm, by my calculations that is just a tad more than 30 minutes.

We had the inspections. The gas appliances in the house are the central heat and the water heater. Both of those are fairly new and shouldn't be a problem. So I am not too worried about them. The inspector found some moderate settling in the house. Down here, we all pretty much have concrete slabs that our houses are built on. When it gets dry, houses settle. Sometimes the slab cracks. But that one is moderate probably due to the summer heat and drought.

So now we are on to closing - I guess. I think I will let my renters turn on the gas. They have to anyway. I am really sick of the gas company!!!

In other stuff and things. I took the remaining parts of the old machine to the store today. I saw they already had my old one out for sale. It was considerably less than they gave me on trade in. Poor soul that buys that lemon.

Peace.

Waiting, waiting!

I'm beginning to think we should just dig a hole in the back yard and bury some money there and cut a hole in the mattress and stuff some in there too. Trying to invest in something that is a seemingly good investment is driving us both crazy!

First was the electric entity that turned on the power days before I requested it. Then sent me one bill for well over $300, only to be followed up a couple of days later with a second bill for over $150. I thought that was taken care of before the bill ever came. That was straightened out Friday - I think. At least I have a letter and an email stating that.

We did get a key to that house. The gas company was scheduled to come out on Friday. They were to call me first to give me 30 minutes heads up. At 6:30 I called (after calling at 3:45) to check on their progress. They had been to the house. No one was there. No s**t Sherlock! So they are scheduled for today - again. It's getting towards noon. I had asked for early.

Anyway, we used the key last night to check to make sure the power and water were on. By the way, the power company is a different company!! Both were on. When G went upstairs (I'm not climbing stairs there), the thermostat was set on 54. The door to the garage was open and the stairs accessing the attic were down. So we were air conditioning the garage and the attic. No wonder the bill was about $426 for less than a month.

My bug guy came today and did the termite inspection. It passed. So now we have the other one set for tomorrow morning - just waiting for the gas company to grace us with a call. I'm sure they will call in about an hour. We plan to have lunch with my daughter at noon. But isn't that the way things go? It surely is - at least for me.

Peace.

Quick note

The reunion came off fine. The rain came as we were eating lunch. Lunch is another story. I thought I was going to come to blows with a cousin and her beans "not being cooked through." The kids got to do the pinata. MIL came, and thought she would be taken home when she was ready. BIL and SIL had to stay to help clean up.

Little girls are nasty little creatures. They are beginning in kindergarten or before. It happens even in families. Lady Bug is a budding naturalist. She found some pill bugs (roly-pollys or what ever). They fascinated her. A couple of second/third cousins made fun of her because she enjoyed playing with bugs. For Pete's sake. That was a real downer for LB.

So all's well that end's well.

Peace.

Is there any old business?

Yes! I seem to be running a day behind relating this terrifically exciting life of mine! Yesterday was sewing club. I hoisted that machine downstairs along with its trolley. The combined weight must be 60-70 pounds, at the least.

I got the thing into and out of the car. Got into the classroom, set it up, put my "stick" into the USB port, and . . . nothing. It wouldn't recognize the stick. Now I have had problems with it recognizing the stick from the get go. With great trepidation on my part, we put Joyce's stick in. Nothing.

So I knew what I had to do - the same thing I do at seemingly every club meeting. I had to take it to the front for a consultation. Oh, and get ready to leave it to be repaired. They weren't sure what was wrong.

I knew Ken had gotten two machines in that were new, refurbished machines, not just the old one updated. He wanted to move them that day. I jokingly said I ought to trade my in for one of those. Well to cut to the chase, that's exactly what I did. They gave me 65% of the purchase of the old one toward the new one.

When I got home, I put the new one in place and began to embroidery some ornaments. What a joy. It immediately recognized the CD-ROM. (I forgot to say the old one didn't want to recognize the CD-ROM anymore either). I didn't have to use bobbins that were filled with the same color. That cut my time down a lot! It was quiet.

But now I have two new extra bobbin cases. But there are too many people I have heard of that these machines DO eat the bobbin cases. But this new one is so tight. And it sews so smoothly. It just purrs! I love it, love it, love it!!

Pray for good weather at San Felipe State Park tomorrow. IT is the family reunion day. Right now, it doesn't look promising. The problem is keeping the little kids happy. They can't run and play outside if . . . I can't even say it! I guess we do the Pinata early.

Peace.

I knew there was a reason I hated going to Wally World. I totally remembered in a flash yesterday. It's not merely the fact the stores are huge, it is the fellow shoppers. They are, for the most part, strange and rude - hence the web site about them.

I really wanted to get in and out because that was only my first stop. I had pretty much decided that I was going to use one of the motorized carts. Guess what - they were in use by folks that looked to be in their 30's. So I got a regular cart and began my trudging.

My first stop was shampoo for G. There was a lady parked in the middle of the isle perusing every type of shampoo. She really shouldn't worry about what kind of shampoo. I am an expert here. I have always had thin hair, both is texture and amount. After chemo, it never got any better. I really believe the pill I take does that. I wear a wig.

This woman didn't have much more hair on her head than I do. But she was going to take her time looking for a shampoo. I could have whipped that wig off my head and told her that none of them work to give you more hair. But I didn't. I finally got around her.

It seemed that it didn't matter which way I was going in the aisle. It seems it was the wrong, and I didn't have right of way. All these others wanted to crash into me. It was like a demolition derby!

When I finally got to checkout, there weren't too many people at any of the registers, but #16 looked really promising. She was paying, so I could get right in, right?? Not on your life. She still had a cart full of items. So she was all checked out. She swiped what looked like a credit card. I think it was a gift card. It wasn't accepted. She tried again, and they fooled around some more. Finally she said "they don't want me to use it twice in one day." She pulled out another card, and after some sort of voodoo and high finance, she was gone. I was about to die. My feet, legs and hips were screaming!

I went on to three more stores, and it was uneventful with the exception of the big drug store. A woman in a mini-van really couldn't see when she was backing out. There was a huge FedEx delivery truck across from her, so the parking lot was not large at all. She decided she would continue backing out even though there was traffic. There was no place for her to go, but go she must! I had to pull into the parking places at the side or she was going to hit me. It was the perfect topper to my day!

Peace

Shopping

I absolutely NEED to go out shopping today. I need things from the grocery store, and Wally World has sheets on sale. I need additional sets for the SSB. We are getting more visitors there. I can't keep up with the washing of said items,

I just don't want to go out - at all, but today is the day. Tomorrow I could go, but after my sewing machine club, I usually don't want to go. I will pick up fast food and head in. Friday is out.

The reason Friday is out is simple. I have to wait around here for the gas company to install a new meter and turn on the gas at the house we are buying. The other owner's mortgage company finally made a decision. We sent them a new offer after they turned down the first one when we were in Canada. I think they really believed someone would come in with a better offer. The place has been empty since March, and it was on the market before that.

So I spent yesterday afternoon calling all the utilities setting them to be turned on so we could schedule the mechanical, structural and termite inspections. Those are set for Monday. I get to stay close to the phone because I have to be there when they put the meter in and turn on the gas.

I also called the electric utility that turned on the power on August 12 when I wanted it on the 21st at the earliest. Then when I finally found it was on by calling to postpone the service, yet again, found it had been on. I thought that was all taken care of, but then I got two bills totaling $426.

I called yesterday to get that cleared. When I called the number that was listed for those of us who felt the bill was a mistake, I found that there was a credit on September 11 of the same amount that is still "owed." That line would just allow me to make a payment, or ask for balanced billing. When I told the computer I wanted none of the listed options, I was whisked to Customer Service. As I was explaining my case to the guy, as soon as he said "I understand" we were "disconnected." And he ever tried to call me back.

I sent an email to the address that was given for comments, etc. I didn't expect to hear anything at all. I did get a almost immediate response promising she would look into the matter. So far - nothing.

So there is my whine. I guess I should offer some cheese to go with it. Now I am off to take my meds, get dressed and hit the stores. Ugh!

Peace.

Same song

Yep, same song, verse fifth something. Simone is sick again. It started last Tuesday when I needed it the least. The guy was here for the generator, and he had to turn the power off. I witnessed her nausea in the den. I didn't know about it in the bedroom until, in the dark, well you fill in what happened. It wasn't pleasant.

She was better Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday I saw the signs and was able to get her a pill for nausea. That held off the severe nausea. Saturday she was OK, but Sunday not at all. Daughter did volunteer for dinner. I was relieved.

G decided that she needed to see the vet (yet again). So yesterday I made her an appointment with the more senior veterinarian. It is so funny to get to the office. All the assistants exclaim "Here's Simone!" They come around the desk and love on her. Word apparently spreads through the entire hospital. It is almost embarrassing. Of course, you have to remember that she goes there for baths too. She also has been boarded there two or three times.

The veterinarian came in. He is basically stumped. But I wanted G to be there to ask questions. The vet said there was no reason to spend the money to send her to A&M because she gets nauseated, then gets better. She is maintaining her weight, so there isn't that problem,

The course of treatment this time is a stronger anti-vomiting pill. She got that this morning. When she got up, it was the lickey-lickey stuff again. He also wants to try an antibiotic. Boxers are subject to, among the multitude of things, an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut. That can cause the nausea. Well, that is as good as any other probable cause.

This morning she has had her super-duper anti-nausea pill. I need to give her that anti-acid, and she wants to eat. Then we will try the outside break - on a leash to stop the grass (or anything else she can get her mouth on) eating.

Life is nothing but exciting around here. In addition to a sick dog, I will be fighting with the power company I had lined up to turn the power on at the house we want as an investment. They turned it on way before I asked, and didn't say anything when I would call to postpone the turn on. They had it on for less than a month, and they sent me a bill for aver $400. All I can figure is that that thermostat is set on deep freeze. I wouldn't know because I am not the owner yet, and I have to access to the house. Wish me luck.

Peace.

Praying

That title sounds ominous I know, and it's really not that bad. But I am praying in earnest. Here's why:

Our church is about 27 years old, and in that time we have had three pastors. Pastor One was there o get the church started. He was older - about to retire. Pastor M really tried to please all. I was his organist, and I saw a lot of the things he did to please. I have found that the pastor and organist have a pretty close relationship - at least in our church that was the case, especially when we were still considered a mission church and right after. The staff of the church was small.

I remember once Pastor M said he would marry these folks that weren't members. They were going to have the big wedding with bells and whistles. It was to be on Saturday afternoon. We were all assembled - me there an hour or so before to begin the music about a half hour before the set time. I began to play fully aware that the bride was not there. After 45 minutes, I gave up. One can only sit at the bench so long! I discovered the groom's dad was opposed to this marriage. It seems that it was almost an "arranged" marriage so the bride could remain in the country! After about another 30 minutes, a small car careened into the parking lot. Out tumbled the bride and a host of others making that scene resemble a clown car at the circus with a multitude of clowns emerging from a little car.

After a few years, the church was in its building and on its way, and Pastor M was going to retire. So we had to call another pastor. That's when we got Pastor L. L is a very liberal guy, and very dedicated to education. His main focus as pastor to our parish was to serve the community. To him that included a daycare/school. He kept pushing and got that in place.

His health wasn't the best, and he suffered several attacks. He has had many stints put in his heart. Many of our parish are staunch conservatives however. After a parade of two assistant pastors who turned out to be, lets call it as it was, real duds, then the specter of (gasp) sex education and homosexuality reared its ugly head, he was pretty much hounded out of the office. His heart just about quit, he went out on disability, and ultimately resigned.

That was a blow to my kids. He was THEIR pastor. He confirmed them, went to camp with them, presided at their weddings, baptized one of Daughter's children. When he left - so did they, much to L's sorrow. He repeatedly told them it wasn't HIS church.

Our interim through this ultimately became the pastor. It was his dream. He was close to retirement, and this was the position he wanted before retirement. My family didn't find his sermons inspiring. Daughter and family have begun to go to a mission church a little further out. That pastor is so dynamic. I love the spirit - I miss that mission spirit. Our church is the kind that people sit back to let "someone else" do the work. You can't do that in a mission church.

Now we are issuing a call to a new pastor. He is young and from the area. He and the mission pastor are friends. I imagine that he will deliver good messages, not Chicken Soup for the Soul. My concern is something Pastor C said. He remarked to Daughter "Church X (ours) has a bad reputation, and I hope he doesn't get run off because he is a good guy." I hope not too!

Peace.

Ahh weekend

I have hopes of a peaceful weekend. G is on his way to Austin to visit his mom. I told him I would go if he really wanted me to, but otherwise, I would like to stay home. I have hopes that Daughter will volunteer for Sunday dinner. I'm not going to hold my breath however. They usually wait until noon on Sunday to ask about it!

Next weekend is going to be the circus. That is family reunion weekend. We are doing the meat. I just hope it all comes together. SIL has promised that he will get the briskets done. He is going to take them to a customer in College Station who will do them in his restaurant equipment. If not, I will really be up a tree. I have four huge ones in my freezer. My smoker isn't big enough, and my Shake and Bake oven could do possibly three if I had pans big enough. I really miss my old ovens. They were large enough. These replacements are better insulated I guess. To fit the opening, I had to get ones that were smaller inside!

I bought the excess sausage from Wide Spot Community Club. It was from the celebration where I do one of my shows. They don't usually have any left - they sell "German Tacos" which is sausage wrapped in a tortilla. The Boy Scouts were set up close by selling fajitas. Whenever the Boy Scouts are near selling whatever you are selling - you are out of luck. Anyway, that is covered. I ordered smoked turkey from DIL's mom. It pays to know someone who orders food in bulk! She is the director of a child care facility. Sweet!

So this weekend, I am looking forward to peace and quiet. G will be gone until late this afternoon. Daughter and brood are attending the birthday party for the little girl across the street who goes to school with Lady Bug. They will be at the park for that party until 3. Son has a gig tonight, but they don't usually call anyway. Since it's Saturday, I don't expect any workers falling over one another in my backyard, but the gate is unlocked anyway.

I think I will mosey on up and work on stuff for my Christmas craft show! Have a great one!

Peace.

Have to brag!

When Daughter called this morning, she related a little bit of information about Lady Bug that I have to share.

First a little history about that little girl. She has curly, curly hair! When she was just over a year, it came in with the tight curls. When we would take her out, people would stop us and ask "are those curls natural." I felt a little like Bill Engval (Here's your sign guy). I wanted to say "no, we permed it last night!" But I also know those folks wanted to comment, and that was the first thing that came to mind. This little girl gets noticed!

Since she started school (she's third grade now), all the administrators and teachers know her. That could be good or bad! She is known at her school. Not only with the curls, but she really is smart. She is in the Gifted and Talented group. She has amazed me for years.

Our school district, like so many others, is in a financial bind, so they have eliminated busing within two miles of the school. These kids either walk or are taken by their parents. LB is a car rider because she would have to cross one of our busier streets, and at nine, we just don't think she is ready to walk. Our neighborhood is considered very safe. We have our own police, but . . .

So daughter got her to the drop off point at school. The teacher there greeted her, as normal, but asked her to stay with her a moment. The next car was one with one of the Down's children in it. He needs an escort to his class. There wasn't anyone around who could do that, so the teacher asked LB to do that. They only entrust these kids to ones that are known to be the most trustworthy. That would be my granddaughter.

I am so proud of her - not only for this, but so many other reasons. I really believe she is going to do wonderful things with her life.

Peace.

BUT I'M RETIRED!!

My life is supposed to be peaceful and non-stressful. Right? Right?? Apparently not! I usually have my post done by 11 am, and here it is 5:04 pm. What's wrong with this picture?

Well, first off, I had no power for at least five hours. The exact time is unknown because I had a dentist appointment to get my crown at 2:20. Of course, they made me wait until 2:45 to go back. I should have stayed home until 2:45. Their office is just across the freeway from me. Then the tech had to add to it because she ground it down too far. That was another 20 minutes. But when I got home at 4:00, I could see the lights were on.

The reason they were off is ironic at best. It was again the generator. The electrician was going to put the circuits into the generator powered box. I have no idea what we have powered by the generator, but he put them in. To do that, he wanted to turn the power off for two hours. OK. I could stand that. It was 10, I would have power by noon.

The power went off, then after a bit it came back. There was a knock at the back door. There was the electrician telling me he had to find which breaker ran the furnace and a/c. Well of course! He wanted me to turn on the blower fan. Well, since we have HAL (from the movie 2001) sitting on the wall running our heat/ac, I was a little worried.

I cranked the temperature reading on the thermostat down to 46. Then I ventured into fiddling with the fan - a totally new experience. I found a command that said "on" so I did that. Then it came to a setting of fan speed. I moved it to maximum. Then the lights went out again.

I huddled here in the dark until noon when my soap came on. I got my new little battery operated digital tv out. You can't live around here without one of these -especially if you don't have a generator. When a storm hits, you can really feel isolated without the weather.

Time kept going by, and at 1:45 I had to get dressed - in the dark - for my dental appointment. I really felt sorry for the guys when I left. It had been raining for a while ( a cold rain for these parts too), and they were drenched.

I left. The ac set for 46, the fan on and on high. I was very worried about what I would find. When I was waiting for the crown to be built up, I called home. I always have my answering machine on. If it rings more than four times, I know the power is off. The machine picked up.

When I got in, the house was 67. I think I have it all set back. HAL is supposed to go back to normal at 5 anyway, but I wasn't sure. It doesn't seem too cold in here now, but we'll see what happens.

I don't really know where we stand with the electricians. I do know we still have to have a new gas meter installed. Then the plumbers can hook it all up. I also know that someone around here doesn't have a phone. The gas company told me they cut the cable. When the phone repairman came, he told me he will have to send his crew out because the hole the gas company left for him is too small to get in.

So the story goes on.

Peace.

What a day it's going to be!

I am old enough and have experienced Texas weather long enough to know that this won't last, but this is a beautiful fall day. The sun is shining (they forecast rain), and the temperature is wonderful. By this weekend however, we will be pushing 90 once again. So the weather, I'll enjoy today. It is a rare and precious thing.

My back yard is filled with workmen. There are about five guys from the gas company here to put in the new gas line and meter. It has only been ordered and paid since the middle of July. They are right timely, those folks.

There are also two from the generator company securing the transfer switch to the back of my garage. They were supposed to be here yesterday, but for some reason they didn't want to dodge the lightning bolts. Strange.

And to put the icing on the cake, I have a sick dog. She has not been sick since we have been back from vacation. But today . . . She, like the gas company, has such wonderful timing.

Oh, and the investment house - the seller's mortgage company still hasn't made up their mind about our offer. They are saying they have a month. If I could withdraw my offer without losing my $1000. But in the long run that may not be such a bad thing. It is too late in the year to get it rented. People usually don't move until after Christmas. Also, there has been so much activity with investors buying distressed properties that the rental market is glutted. I may just cut my losses.

Hope your day is a good one. I really hope for those in the deep south that the rains will have stopped.

Peace.

Weather report

The first day of fall is going to be an unusual one for Texas! Usually, the day is just like any other at this time of year. Hot. That isn't going to be the case today. Right now, we are experiencing a fairly heavy rain. We have a cold front approaching! That is something that usually doesn't happen. So in addition to rain, our temperatures will moderate a bit.

While at the SSB, we watched the news from Capitol City. They had been enjoying a delightful respite from the usual temperatures for the summer. They had precious few days under the triple digits for most of the summer. Last week was cool and heavy rains. I think they would have liked the rain to come a little slower, but when you are in that kind of drought, rain is rain folks.

When I checked out electronic rain gauge at the SSB, we had 5.48 inches from the last time we were there. I knew we had a lot because a dirt tank we pass on the way that had been almost completely dry was full and overflowing.

It has been a strange year. The drought, heat, and absence of storms in the gulf! There is a great probability that we won't even have a big tropical depression come onshore now. It is past our season for such things. Plus with the apparently strong fronts coming, that will push any disturbed weather away.

So now the question becomes what will our winter bring? If it does to the extremes we have seen this summer, oh my! All I can say is that we are not prepared for biting cold weather. We blatantly leave exposed water pipes out. Our main water supply is just a pipe jutting out of the outside wall going into the ground. That puppy broke during one of the bitter winters a few years ago. We make valiant efforts to give it a nice blanket each year, but I always worry that it isn't enough.

What would we have to talk about if is wasn't for the weather??

Peace,

Test results and other news

As usual, Dr Poison was late. He never gets to the office on time, and stupid me, always tries to get the first appointment. I still think it's better. If he's late, it's not going to get any better later in the day!

When he came in, we began to talk and his cell phone rang! This is the second time that has happened to me in the last two months. Dr Bones (my ortho) did the same thing on my first visit to him!! And they have the gaul to tell us to turn off our cell phones! Anyway, the marker number is well within limits, but it is still not low. From what I have read, unless it is over 38, there is not supposed to be a problem and mine has gotten to 26 (it has been around that area for two years). The second thing from what I have been reading today, that number that I have been hanging onto for two years isn't that accurate. Well, isn't that wonderful news.

I managed to stumble through the grocery store, and then I treated myself to Clown in the box. I know I shouldn't have, but I wanted a treat. When I was getting ready to leave, my driver's window would roll back up. The switch has been acting strange, and today was the day. Of course. We are leaving for the SSB for the weekend. So G will meet me at the garage this afternoon, and we will get it Monday.

In the generator saga, the guys installing the transfer switch (that gives the generator circuits to power) needs to be bolted to the wall. They need special bolts because our 35 year old brick is too soft (??) to hold the screws. They couldn't get back yesterday. The job guy called today and said they couldn't get here until - you guessed it, tomorrow. So that will be Tuesday.

The gas company told the generator people I had to call to get the meter. I had been calling. But I called regular customer service. They will be calling, wait for it, to set up installation in the next , yes you guessed, 3 business days. We are gone two of those. Mamma Mia!! You take three steps forward and get smacked back at least one.

So we will be off to the SSB. It won't be a quiet weekend as the three little ones (Daughter's family) will be there so SIL can set up his feeder. Well, I have a lot of work to do. G will just be the one going crazy. Shadow was going to stay at Son's house because G wants (feels he needs) to stop to see his mother. She probably has a small stroke a couple of weeks ago. But he has now decided that he can go along. We can take the cat and the dog into the assisted living place. Enough said on that.

I probably won't be back until Tuesday. I hope you have a wonderful weekend with wonderful weather!

Peace.

Surprise!

I was just finishing lunch yesterday, getting ready to trek upstairs to work when the phone rang. G told me he had a guy from the generator place on the line that was coming out to do something. OK. Well that's a step forward.

Earlier that morning my new best friend (the one who has become my contact person at the generator place) called me. He told me that they had paid the gas company in mid July to come out to put in the new gas meter for the generator. We have to have that done because there is no way it could be connected through the existing gas meter because the money pit (swimming pool) is in the way. My NBF suggested that they might listen to the customer complain about not being out here more than the company.

So I called the gas company. I got the guy's voice mail. I dutifully left a message. No call back. I called again this morning, only earlier. Same song, second verse.

In the mail yesterday I got a bill from the electric company that I wanted to turn the power on in the house we are trying to buy as an investment - which is still on hold. I'm about to call my realtor and tell her that we are really tired of this waiting game - especially with what I am going to tell you. Anyway, that electric company has been called five times. The first was to establish power to be turned on the next week, i.e. call on Aug 12 for power on the 21st. We called on the 18th to cancel and postpone the order to the 28th. We still didn't have the house, so we called on the 25th to cancer and set for Sept 3. I called to simply cancel the whole thing only to find that the power had been turned on on the 12th of August.

The customer service guy worked a lot, got the power turned off, and supposedly set it to where I wasn't going to be charged. Well, the power was turned off. A few days later I got a bill for 25 days of over $400. I am fit to be tied. I don't even have access to that house, much less own it. I'll bet someone turned the thermostat to 60 to get a bill that high.

A few years ago, we had deregulation of utilities here in Texas with the idea that a free market would reduce our power costs. Well, it has been a disaster. At least in Swampland, we pay the highest rates in the country. Our service, well in a word, sucks. With my recent dealings with utilities, customer service is also terrible.

I wonder if the gas company has our house here mixed up with the one we were trying to buy?? It needed a new meter also. I'll bet so.

A little less blood

I am a few vials lower in blood than I was when I woke. I went to the medical center where I had all my treatments because the lab is just upstairs from the clinic. I figured they could get the results to Dr Poison quickly and efficiently - at least for once. They don't really have a good track record, but they are right there. My chances are a little better. This lab does all the outpatient blood work, and they are affiliated with both major labs.

I am in awe however. I don't know where all the people have gone here in swampland. Yesterday we had to take the troop carrier to the doctor (the repair garage). There was no traffic. Usually the traffic is completely gridlocked. G wants to get the vehicles there by 7:30, and that is part of the teeth of rush hour(s). I wondered if it were perhaps Sunday, and we goofed. Then I tried to think of what holiday it could be.

G had a dentist appointment, and then he got to give blood, so he was gone until about noon. When he came home, he said we could go to lunch and he would then go to the craft store with me. I needed felt to make ornaments and fat quarters to make pony tail thingies for the Christmas store. We were about the only people in the store.

This morning, I was sleepy and couldn't get moving. I got to the lab about 8:30. There were no people in the waiting room. I later saw there had been two people in the back. I got right in! Where were all the people??

The vampire at the lab decided that she wasn't going to use the vein in the elbow. She was going to try for one in the forearm. Ummmmm - not! It didn't work (big surprise) so she went for the inside of the wrist. That HURT!!! But at least she got all the blood she needed!!

To award myself since I was fasting, I stopped at my favorite fast food place to pick up a breakfast. There were no cars in line. This situation is indeed strange.

Where are all the Swamplanders? Have they decided this place isn't fit for man nor beast? Is it mass vacation time? Are there that many jobless now? Whatever, it surely is easier to get around and get things done!

Peace.

Been thinking

For several days I have been thinking about being a survivor. Time goes by so quickly, and I tend to forget how long ago I was diagnosed. It has been two years and eight months. When I realized that I am halfway in the five year survival time, it kind of amazed me. I was so moved that I really thought I would celebrate the three years in January.

Thursday I get to see Dr Poison (my oncologist). I will go tomorrow or Wednesday morning to have the blood test done. This is always a time of a little apprehension. I always worry about what the cancer markers will show. I keep praying that number remains low. Otherwise, it's back.

Then I got to thinking about the Femara that I take daily to help keep it away. I wonder what will happen in three years when I quit taking it. Or will I quit taking it. That is a question I need to ask Dr Poison.

All this is a little overwhelming to me today! I guess I get this way right before my oncology appointments. As I have said before, when I was going in weekly (and daily for radiation), I looked forward to appointments being spaced out more. Now that they are, the time between appointments seems to be so long. I would almost like to have the Ca25,27 done monthly! But it will be done this week anyway.

Peace.

I guess I am too impatient

Either I'm too impatient or I expected a miracle. In the continuing saga of the knees (I know, I'm sick of this subject too - but it's my life these days), they are actually some better. I think I was expecting complete renewal of those babies. Well, some relief is better than none. Perhaps the injections will work. I am satisfied to give it a month.

The generator guy showed up yesterday. His "after lunch" was a lot like the time line his company has been working on. We ordered that blasted thing June 30 or before. We are still waiting for it to be operational. Right now it is just sitting there behind the garage looking pretty. But C (the guy) said the next thing is to get the gas company out to put in the new meter and run the gas line, then get the electricians to hook it up. I hope that begins to happen next week. At least I have someone whom I have met, face to face, and will be our advocate. Going to the BBB site, I have the owner's name and his email. That also is comforting.

But with C not getting here until after 4, I wasn't able to go upstairs to the "studio" (that sounds so official - it's Son's old room that I have commandeered)to work on my embroidery projects. This afternoon looks pretty clear, so that's where I am headed in a bit. Housework? It will be here when I come down. I just won't let anyone in the door!! I know - I'll claim my knees are still too sore - shhhhh!!!

Peace.

Such a busy life (not really)

Yesterday, I referred to the family reunion. G's family started having them about 30 years ago. My FIL was probably the motivating factor there because of the multitude of reunions in MIL's fmaily. He had ten siblings, and they would provide the meat (brisket - after all this IS Texas), paper goods, coffee and tea. The rest of the people (kids, etc) would bring the rest.

We are down to two of the siblings now. Several years ago, the children began picking up the responsibility of getting the location and providing what the siblings did (meat, etc). It would be the children of one of the siblings. This year it is our group's turn. Since the reunion location is closest to us (BIL made the mistake of wanting it in the Capitol City, but they are having a MAJOR three day event - no hotels!), G and I get to do the meat.

When we all were at the SSB weekend before last, we all got together at their house. We began divving up things to be done/provided. We had already decided on brisket. While we were sitting there, BIL said we should also have chicken for those who are on restricted diets. Now this is the same person who has a "eat more beef" bumper sticker on his truck - he had cattle before the drought. They are also the people who eat beef "maybe twice a month."

We usually average 60-70 people at these reunions. The beef isn't that much of a problem. It was .99 a pound this week. But chicken!! If we have chicken there, it won't only be those on a restricted diet to take it. If it is offered, more people than not will take both. We are also having sausage that Community Club has (left from Itsy Bitsy Town's summer festival). I know just as well as I know I am sitting here that there are many people who will take all three meats.

So we decided it won't be chicken (even though they are .88 a pound for whole chickens this week). DIL's mom found smoked turkey. That's the "alternative meat." White meat loaded with salt. Yeah.

In better news, it is raining! It rained yesterday, it will rain today, and there is the dreaded low in the gulf! It will possibly be a toad strangler this weekend. But it holds the temperature down. I love it!! We didn't even reach 90 yesterday. Our fall is just around the corner (like late October)!

I didn't report on the ortho doc appointment, and Judy was sweet enough to ask about the knee condition. I told him that I didn't get the relief from the second injections, yada, yada. He went ahead with the third. I asked him where we go from here, and he said to give it a month.

I am so glad I had G go with me. It was comforting to know that I had someone with me so I wouldn't fall, and there were no close handicapped parking places. He also remarked about the trek from parking to the office. I really don't think they could have gotten farther away!! So my knees still hurt. They woke me a couple of times last night.

I think I may be expecting too much from these injections. I was expecting the magic bullet. I was expecting full mobility with no pain. So I will give it a month. I will dedicate myself to getting some of these pounds off. I know it will be a rough road; they like me too much and want to keep me company. I see another two surgeries in my future (gee - I'm psychic - ha!).

The generator guy called and will be coming by just to see what has been done. He's not directly involved with the installation, but he said he will do what he can. He is just not sure where we stand. Hope springs eternal here.

Peace.

One day I don't want to have again!

From the beginning, today has been the pits! I hope I never have one like this again. Allow me to share.

When the alarm for G went off at 6:15, I knew I needed more sleep. But I got up to let the cat out of his crate, let the dog out, and turned on the tv so he could get traffic alerts.

When he left, I returned to bed, setting my alarm for 8:45, which is a much more civilized time of day. The alarm went off, and I reached to the bedside table for my glasses. They were not there. I knew Shadow had been climbing all over me, and he had gotten on that table, but I didn't think there was a problem with the glasses. There was.

I searched and searched. They were no where. I looked for my next oldest pair. They must be at the SSB. That left me the newest that I cannot see anything with. Now that I have a new driver's license, I am restricted to driving with glasses. Oh, my.

I am still searching and the phone rings. I thought it was daughter, but it was the man from the generator place (the one we ordered mid-June, that is sitting in the backyard, finally, but not hooked up). He looked into our problem with the installation. I discovered last night that our original salesman no longer worked for this company. Well, C gave me his name and direct line. We'll see what happens here.

I go back to look for my glasses.

Oops, it's overtime for Simone's pill. She decides this is the day to fight me over that blasted pill. The phone rings - again.

This time it is Daughter. Now yesterday she didn't call at all. Neither Simone nor I have had breakfast, and I still am wearing glasses that make the world blurry. This morning, she talks, and talks, and . . .

After a long while, she decides to go to work, and I get the pill for Simone again. This time she takes it.

I go back to looking for my glasses. I have a dental cleaning 11. It is almost 10. I finally find them. They are peaking out from under the bed. I swear they weren't there an hour ago.

I come into the kitchen to prepare Simone's food. I know I don't have time for coffee. That's bad. But I get my breakfast together.

I go back to the bedroom to get dressed. I am almost dressed. The phone rings.

Now, you have to understand I go days without a phone call (with the exception of Daughter). My cell phone plan has 450 minutes. Usually 400 roll over. But today, I am Mrs Popularity!

It is my DIL's mother. She has investigated rolled turkey roasts for the family reunion. I will tell that story tomorrow. The roasts are EXPENSIVE!!

I come in to boot my beloved laptop. I want to be ready to get on line when I get back from the dentist. It doesn't load right, and I have no internet. The internet is working, but my ISPs are not allowed. In fact, even my firewall can't activate.

I installed the "recommended update" for the air card yesterday. It changed a lot on this computer. I really don't know what all, and the kicker is that even the air card wouldn't access the internet. I am calling ATT today - when I catch my breath. Their update is a disaster. Right now, all programs for the air card have been removed.

Last night was the real beginning of my terrible times. I really wanted to watch Hell's Kitchen. G wanted to watch the PBS (it's begging time, so they have decent programming) program on Steam Engine trips. Well, he rarely asks to watch anything. I bopped into the bedroom to set the timer on the stone age VCR. I did that. When I went to check the program an hour after it aired, there was no program. That VCR is difficult to set. When we had a power outage (see - need the generator), the wrong date was put in. So no Hell's Kitchen. I guess I'll try HULU after a bit.

I so hope your day is a good one. Someone on this earth needs a good day!

Peace.

This and that

First of all - does anyone else have a problem with remote controllers? For the system we have right now, we have three controllers. I cannot keep up with all three of them! I have lost the dvd/surround sound remote. It was there just Sunday, now it's gone. It has disappeared into thin air. I have searched everywhere.

So I went on line with the idea of buying another one. So far, no luck. I found one site, but the parts for that system goes on for pages and pages. I will try to search for one in a different way later, but right now I am frustrated!!

Today is the final orthovisc injections. I think I am wasting my time unless these are the magic bullets, and I think that is just wild hope.

Yesterday I went upstairs to the craft room. Just climbing the stairs was painful. When I got up there, I had to move furniture. My new (from July) sewing machine cabinet was up there, and I had to do something with the old one. So I managed to set it all up with all my machines (with the exception of the terrible Singer) up and ready to go.

I came down to take the biggie machine up. I wasn't sure I could make it down the stairs. My knees were so very painful.

Well, enough self pity. I am going to get the injections. I hope for the best.

Peace.

This wimp is upset!

True confession time. I am a card carrying wimp. I hate confrontations. With. A. Passion. I don't like to confront my adult children either. But, this time I need to.

Last night we went to Son's house for dinner. I thought they would be going out of town this weekend, so I called them earlier in the week - I think Tuesday night of Wednesday night. DIL asked if we would come to their house for family dinner. I was frankly delighted. The bloom is off that rose for me. I look forward to going to someone's house. I kept the dinner going through chemo, and it was tough!

When I talked to Daughter the next day, she said they were having friends over at their house, so they wouldn't be going to Son's. I really thought she would call DIL. I let it go. Something in the back of my mind kept telling me that I should call DIL, but I really thought Daughter would do the right thing. If the tables were turned, she would be, well frankly, pissed.

We got there last night, and they had prepared a nine pound brisket and had TWO pies. They expected five more people. SIL called just before we arrived telling them they wouldn't be there.

DIL's mother really doesn't like SIL. He can be very over-the-top, and she is a little reserved. I'm sure words were spoken when he called.

I am going to say something to Daughter. I am going to try to make it non-confrontational. This doesn't need to tear the family apart. But I do think she needs to know. She knows Son is doing everything he can to cut expenses, so I think she was very rude in this.

In better news, we went to see Julie and Julia last night. Julia Child was my teenage hero (heroine?). Meryl Streep did such a great job in that role. G's brother and wife are best friends with the real Julie's parents. So I had followed Julie's blog when she was writing. I bought and read the book, so the movie was the next step. The movie was so well done. I was afraid it wouldn't be showing by the time we could get to the movies since it came out just before vacation. I want to buy that movie!!

Peace.

Never fails

We have been having a break from the stifling temperatures here in Swampland. One day, the mercury actually didn't go above 90! Wow, that was new. We have had a week of about 90 degree temperatures. Perhaps fall is just around the corner. I don't want to jinx the break. We can have high temperatures all the way until Halloween!

Yesterday I got to sit in the dental chair for yet another crown. I think I only have two more fillings left in my mouth and a few natural teeth. The thing about me getting a crown is that we have storms every time.

When I had a marathon crown visit (like seven) we had a terrible thunderstorm move through. We were almost finished with the temporary crowns when the lights went out. That meant no a/c, no lights, and probably no drill. Well those temporary crowns have to be drilled to fit.

If you have ever gotten a crown, you know how the teeth look. These were my top front teeth. I was beside myself. My dentist decided to see if there was enough air in the line to run the drill. There was. Hallelujah! With all the flashlights in the place focused on my mouth, the window open to allow air in, and the assistants fanning us both, the temporaries were in place.

This office has tv's in all the rooms. I was watching when a severe storm alert was in place for an area about 100 miles away. We got the temporary in place, and I was on my way. When I got outside, I could see how threatening the skies were. About a half hour later, the clouds opened up! I just sat here, comforting Simone through the thunder, laughing to myself. I guess to get rain, I have to get a crown.

Peace.

Comcast vs ATT

Right now I am sitting here using the air card. Yes, I am in my house, with a connection to Comcast. So why am I using a metered service? Simple, because the other unlimited service wasn't bringing in anything.

I still have a few days before my month trial is over with the air card. I found it works at the SSB. I also have to get out of the "dial-up" frame of mind. I am not charged by the minute, I am changed by the bits of information transferred.

When I saw my bill, I nearly fainted. Then I looked in detail. There was the activation fee, a prorated month, and the month fee. I really had used just a bit of the allowed bits. That makes me want to keep it. In reality, would like to keep both services. It is easy (when it works) to use the regular service. I don't have to worry about sizes of files, etc. It is nice to have a service that works when the computer works. But I have to worry. The last thing in the world we need is to spend this kind of money just to have internet access. So, I have to make up my mind - soon.

It's really leaning toward the card. It is consistent. I have it on the weekends when we are gone. Oh my, I really hate to give up that email address. I can't remember who all I have to notify it won't be there anymore. I am glad I have used some of the free email sources for other purposes, like our business. They don't have to be changed.

Oh, life is just so complicated. LOL

Peace

The confidence is gone!

I marched into the Ortho Doc's office full of confidence, looking forward to getting the second in the series of three injections in my knees. I was full of vim and vinegar thinking that I would be so much better after getting these shots.

I was called back right on time and taken to a room. I was relaxed and very confident. In fact, I was looking forward to the whole thing. I sat on the table, and they brought in the tray with all the paraphernalia for the injections.

The doctor came in, and we exchanged a few pleasantries. He prepared the left knee. He put the injection in, and all was well. Before he could get the band-aid on, I had a stream of blood heading to the floor. He asked if I were on blood thinners, and I replied no. He wiped up the blood, and I had another stream running down my leg again before he could get the band-aid. He got the site bandaged, and the bleeding stopped - or at least was contained. But the injection didn't hurt - at all. OK - let's do this!

He prepared the right knee. He jabbed the needle in, and it HURT! He injected the fluid, and it HURT! Then is was over and I was bandaged. We all said see you next week, and I got off the table. The pain that hit that right knee was horrible. It felt like someone had put a knife in the joint. Every step was agony. Of course, the doc was on to another patient, and the nurse was gone to chart.

I hobbled out of the back into the waiting room. I considered sitting in the reception area, but I didn't know if that would help. I left the office and headed for the ladies room that I noticed when I took an alternate path to the office. I went in. At least I could sit in privacy for a bit.

I couldn't stay there all day, so I went out to take the long trek to the elevators. (Why does an orthopedist have an office as far away from the elevators as possible - in a hospital at that where you have to walk fifteen miles to get into the building???) I finally got to the car. I really wasn't sure I could drive - the pressure of applying the break was sending pain all the way up to my lower back.

I wasn't worth shooting yesterday. I was on my butt or back the remainder of the day. Now I am not so full of bravado about the injections next week. But then I think of the recovery from knee replacement. I guess I'm not so bad after all. I just hope these work, and I hope they last at least six months.

Peace.

Shots number two

Today I am scheduled for the orthovisc shots number 2. I am a little jazzed about them because number one seems to be helping.

When we put the house in at the SSB, the installers asked me how high up off the ground I wanted the house. Well, never having a manufactured home before, I thought taller would be better - and that was before the arthritis in my knees got really bad.

That means that it is five steps to get in the back door, and even more (two sets of five I think) to get in the front. As my knees got worse, it was harder and harder for me to get in the house, and once in, I tended to stay in. G would have to take Simone out, and she is wanting out more and more these days.

This past weekend I found that it wasn't nearly as bad to get into the house. It didn't take me five minutes to climb the steps. There was very little hesitation. I am thinking good things are ahead.

Of course, I did talk to SIL M this weekend. She had the shots three times, and each succeeding set of shots did less and less, until she had the replacement. I just hope that they are better these days, and I can keep from getting a replacement. In the back of my mind I think perhaps Dr Ortho knows this, and is just helping me buy some time to shed these pounds. I just believe that the surgery is still lurking out there waiting for me.

On another thought - Monkey Boy began his school yesterday. Things went well. Of course, he was asking the teacher every five minutes when his dad was coming to pick him up. I am keeping my fingers crossed that he will do well.

Happy Birthday Daddy

This would have been your 95th birthday. I think you would have still been with us if it weren't for that blasted Alzheimer's. Your body was so healthy, but in reality we lost you many years ago. You were not the same person.

I still think of you many times a day. Little thoughts of you creep into my memory, and they seem so real, so vibrant. I am finally getting accustomed to not being near a phone on Saturday afternoons at 5:30. That was our scheduled time to call, either me to you or you to me.

For years, every time something would happen in my life, I would file it away to be sure to tell you on Saturday. Those calls went on for 30 years after we moved away. When you began to be affected by the disease, those calls became difficult. Sometimes you were far removed from reality. It was in these calls that I could no longer deny what was happening to you.

I was truly "Daddy's Little Girl," and I loved it. Memories of my childhood are flooding into my memory as I write this. I want those memories to be the once that obliterate the memories of you being in the assisted living facility looking so disheveled. You were always of "natty" dresser. You were so lost there. You repeatedly tried to escape and go home. Your escape attempts still amaze me. Your knees were as bad as mine. I don't see how you could have done the things you did! But I want to push those memories into the deep recesses and remember back when. They are just too painful.

Happy birthday Daddy.

Free (?) trials

Today I was over at Susan's blog, and she posted something that brought my blood back to boiling. She was writing about "free trials" and automatic renewals.

In my desperation to lose the weight that managed to find me again after my chemo (and bring friends), I looked into Weight Watchers on line. I found that the web site wasn't easy for me to calculate points. I think that is a good program, but it was time consuming and not easy for me. So I cancelled. No problem.

So what's the problem? Well, I had been very successful with Atkins. I know South Beach is very similar, and I found their web site. I decided to give it a try. Of course, the free trial asks for a credit card.

I used the web site for about a week and again found it not to be what I wanted. Their "canned" menus for the day involve what I consider bizarre foods. I though I was on a month to month program, so I didn't think there was a hurry to cancel.

When I got my credit card statement, there was a charge from them for about $200. (I don't remember the exact amount). I called to cancel and was informed that I had been given a "special deal" that was for the entire year, and I could not cancel. In fact, at the end of the year they were going to renew the contract for another year.

I ranted and raved, and guess what. No refund and still getting sporadic emails (that should have been daily).

Ancestry.com does the same thing. If you want their free trial, you have to give your credit card number. They will also roll you over automatically. That didn't bother me because I intended to join them anyway, but I cannot, in good conscience, tell anyone else to give them a "try" because it is too easy for that trial to become a year membership.

These days, I don't respond to a free trial. I had always lived by the old adage that "nothing is free, and if it seems too good to be true, it is." I learned that lesson the hard way. All I can say is that South Beach diets must be in dire straits if this is the way they get business. Live and learn.

Peace.

This and that

OK, the visit to the Ortho Doc went well. I was very apprehensive about the whole thing. I'm not good at new situations - especially those involving probable pain. The injections did hurt, but more than anything they felt very strange. He began by using the aerosol numbing agent that I was already used to from chemo. They used it to numb the skin for accessing the port. He then felt around to get under the knee cap, then stuck the needle in. I could feel the liquid, and it was a combination of pain, though not excruciating, and then the sensation of my tissues filling with a liquid.

Right after the injections, I was really happy. The knee pain was diminished greatly. I had thought of going to the craft store near the office, but I was not sure how I would react after the initial time. The pain in my knees is less, but this morning, the right knee is still letting me know it's there. But then, that's why there is a series of three injections - each a week apart. I am hoping these will work. If they do, I can foresee six months of relief without surgery. That would be wonderful. As I research knee replacements, I really don't want one. This weekend I will talk with SIL M since she has had both knees replaced. She has been urging me to do it for years. Hers have done well - even though she almost died on the table because they used the wrong anesthesia on the second replacement!

In other things, MB did pretty well yesterday. He still is not compliant with requests, however. He spent the first hour in the bedroom watching Star Wars. He came into the den where I was working on the computer. I told him to change the station on the TV if he wanted. They have the DVR attached, and he found that he could reverse the feed over and over. I got him to stop that because it was really annoying. That he did, but then he kept playing with the remote. I told him that I did not know their system, and if he "broke" it, I could not fix it. Well - you know what happened. In a little bit I could hear the static from the TV. He looked at me and said "this TV is broken." Um - not! I know he is way too young to know action/consequence in a lot of situations, but he clearly didn't see it here.

I think they promised him the moon and stars to behave. He has a hand held game that he has become addicted to. He is only allowed to play with it on certain occasions. This was one. Plus, I think he was bribed with movies all afternoon after I left. Well - it worked for me. He was generally good. Can't ask for more than that. After all - it isn't my TV!

Today

Today's events are planned and unplanned. The planned event is going to the Ortho doc for my synthetic cartilage injection. They called the house twice while I was on vacation and once on my cell - even though I told them of the return date. Oh well.

I am a little apprehensive. After last night, my knees can't hurt worse than then. They kept me awake most of the night. I couldn't find a comfortable position. I am praying for good results. I really don't want more surgeries.

The unplanned is me watching Monkey Boy for a few hours. They must have threatened him with his life. He is being so very good. He is even pleasant.

If I were here awaiting SIL, I would not have said I could do this, but Daughter is the one who will be home. She is so very careful - at least with me watching the kids - to be on time.

I am anxious so see the paper bill with the air card. What I saw on line is twice what it should be. I have decided that I am paying the "restocking fee" and getting rid of it. I have a month. The thing runs at 3.6 mbps. With all I do on line, 5K is eaten up rapidly. I'm sure glad that I had free WiFi at the hotels. My bill for that thing would probably have been $500.

Daughter should be here soon, so I will go.

Peace.

Grandson

It's getting to be time to stop kidding ourselves. Monkey Boy apparently has some real, deep seated problems. His parents put it off to "being a boy," but I think the problems are much more serious than that.

I am well aware that boys are very different from girls, but . . . MB has been coddled since birth. He has been the little prince in the house. Whatever he wanted - he gets. If the family is eating one thing, all he had to do was say he didn't want that. He would get a meal of frozen breaded chicken nuggets, french fries, and ketchup. They didn't believe that he would eat when he got hungry.

A little while ago, they would make him try foods (by the way he just turned 5), and if he said he didn't like it, he would get a lunch meat sandwich. Still today, he has to have ketchup on everything.

If he wanted a toy his sister had, Lady Bug had to give it up. Every time something happened, she was blamed. He was held innocent.

Well, last school year, he had some kind of disagreement with the day care teachers. I know there are two sides to every story, and I don't know the teacher's side, but I know how Monkey can be. To act out, he smeared feces all over the bathroom. Of course, according to parents, it wasn't his fault. The teachers were yellers, etc. Well, so are parents.

A couple of weeks ago, he got into a fight with another kid at the child care at the gym. Again, it wasn't his fault. The kid was bothering his nine year old sister. Believe me, LB can and does take care of herself.

Last night, he was in a "mood." When he saw me and the shirt I brought him from our vacation, he made some noise and disappeared. He later remarked how he didn't like the shirt. So the response was "does it scare you?" I purposely chose one that is like one he has with a wolf on it.
He went through intensive speech therapy. His words are clear, but he babbles things that don't make sense and are not about what is going on. When they brought Simone home on Saturday, he was babbling about something being his TV. It had no bearing on anything.

Next week, he begins a new program - the bridge program. I am going to be interested to see how he manages in that program. As a professional, I see aberrant behaviors here. My problem is how to tell his parents. No parent wants to hear that kind of news, but your own family is even more difficult. My personal opinion is that there are going to be more problems. We have seen aggression to his two year old sister. I think there is going to be more this year.

If it does come about, I am going to have to say something. I think I will consult with my "resident" psychologist - my sister in law. Sure is nice to have one in the family!

Peace



I am biding my time. I will see what happens

Joys of home

Sleeping in familiar surroundings is really nice. My very own bed felt so good, and that in itself is a very good thing. One of the souvenirs I brought home was a cold. I know I had gotten totally fatigued several times on the trip, and my system must have been compromised. G said he was not feeling well after the Algoma train trip. It turned out it was a cold. Guess who got it two days later?? I tried to stay away. but when you are trapped in a car . . .

Simone got sick last night, just as I thought she might. I don't know if coming home was too exciting for her or what. I think her last two weeks were rather trying. She is used to peace and quiet with two old farts, and she was thrown into a household with three lively children that even under the best of circumstances is not quiet. Daughter was so worried about her getting sick that she watched her like a hawk. Simone wasn't allowed to even be outside by herself because she will sneak something green to make herself throw up. She also was cut back on food with the hopes that she wouldn't get sick.

Today, she has taken two long sunbaths. I am not sure she had pottied at all, but she is calm and has slept a lot - and soundly.

Today we get Shadow back. Son and his band were booked to play for a wedding in Galveston last night. I miss that little dickens (Shadow), but I was really glad we didn't have to drive even 10 mote miles out to get him. I could not get into a vehicle for days and be happy.

But that won't be happening. The Ortho doc's office called three times while we were gone (twice here at home and once on my cell) to tell me the injections are in. So I guess I'll call tomorrow for an appointment. I am looking for some pain relief with them; I am praying for a "fix" with them so I can avoid surgery. I am a little worried because I am imagining needles shoved into my knees and injecting a thick fluid - three times. But overall, I am excited about the possibility of a reduction in pain.

School begins tomorrow for the grandchildren. Lady Bug is going into third grade. She is still grouped with the gifted and talented. I am sure she will be classified this year. She is excited about the new school year. I think it will be a good one for her. She has the same g/t teacher all day, and her class is only 15 students. Sounds good.

Monkey Boy will be going into a "bridge program." He only turned five last month, and none of us think he is mature enough for kindergarten. The school will not retain him at the end of kindergarten, and we are really afraid that might be the best thing for him. We really don't want him to float along, and then about third or fourth not be able to cut it. All this does is to give him another year to mature. He really needs it. I wish I had such a program available for Son when he was this age. School was always hard for him. By the way, his birthday is the day after MB's. So there was a maturity factor there too.

So goes my life. The cold is going away - some. I am feeling a little more human. Good thing. I have a huge pile of laundry to do!

Peace

Last day!!

I didn't get to post yesterday. We had WiFi at the motel, but my firewall kept warning me about intrusions from it. I switched to the air card, but the signal was weak. We were in the Missouri boot. With all the intrusions, I just didn't trust that connection, so I just turned it all off.

The hotel was really something. It was definitely older, but every room was a suite. We opened the door, and the room was really spacious. I then looked to my right, and there was another room that had a hide-a-bed, two chairs, a coffee table, another TV, and a desk. It was really a nice room. The only thing that freaked me out was the creaking of the floors. They creaked in the hall, in the room - everywhere!

I am going to be so happy to be back home. I never thought of myself as one who needs handicap things, but I have come to appreciate handicap ready bathrooms. Some of the toilets I have encountered seem like they are on the floor. Some do have bars close, others are just there. Out in the middle of the floor. Those scare me - a lot. I am also so pleased when I find a restaurant that has a handicapped stall! Getting old and infirm - but that's another topic.

We are in a litle town in Texas - Atlanta. The WiFi here says Carthage. We are just south of Texarkana. About five more hours and we are home.

Daughter tells me Simone has settled down - finally Wouldn't you know - after 13 days, she settles down. I am told she has been sick about 60% of the time. Great.

The trip was fun, but I am so ready to be home. I really miss my bed, my bathroom, my dog and my cat!! Oh, I also miss the family, too. Just going to be glad to be home.

Have a great weekend.

Peace.

Here in Indiana

Home is at least two days away, most probably three. This was a long trip today - especially waiting on the International Bridge. There was construction, and then the wait at customs. If the customs guy wasn't so chatty, things would have gone faster. I really think those customs checkpoints are a joke. Between the US and Canada, there is no real checking, not like between the US and Mexico.

I knew I should have put Simone with the vet. She has been sick with Daughter - especially when her in-laws arrived. Daughter tells me she looks like she is going to be sick most of the time. I need to get back to my furry baby.

So here we are in Indiana - and there are bad storms moving through. Nice.

Check with you later.

Peace.

Last night in Canada

We took the Algoma excursion train today from Sault. It really was a pretty trip. I found the seat to be a torture chamber.

We go back home starting tomorrow. Next in sights is Ft Wayne, IN.

Exhausted. I didn't sleep well from 2:30 A.M. on.

Peace.

We are here

OK, this is the farthest point of our trip. We are here in Sault Ste Marie, Canada. We are going to (gasp) ride an excursion train tomorrow. Then we will stay the night. Wednesday will be the bee line home. Hope those storms in the Atlantic decide to go away. I don't want to come home to one of those - especially since the generator isn't in yet.

It took us 45 minutes to get into Canada. We sat on the bridge and waited. I've never waited that long to get into Canada before. But then again, I don't think we have been here since 9/11.

Our trip here was really beautiful. Northen Michigan is beautiful. The Holiday Inn in Marquette was a very comfortable place, and the grounds were just beautiful.

So far I don't find Sault as beautiful as I remember. Perhaps it is just where we are. But hopefully I'll see some of what I remember later in the visit.

I am now tired - and it's dinner time even on my central time zone body.

Peace

Whatever day

We are out of the Rat'sson (I know - that's not the name of the hotel, but I hated the place). It only took about five minutes to get the elevator to take the luggage down. Fortunately G found a cart. I think it was the only one left.

We are now in Marquette MI. It is a pretty place so far. The drive from Duluth was really pretty. The weather wasn't cooperative. It was misty and some rain. But we are here. That's the main thing.

This morning, I watched the folks that are taking the train back to Minneapolis cross the street, and down the hill in the rain. I'm sure that was so pleasant. My though was I was glad I didn't have to do it. I really think I would have called a taxi. I would have been completely soaked through by the time I got there. That hill is quite a hill, and I have to take it really slow with at least one stop along the way. But thinking back - I don't think I ever saw a taxi in Duluth!

Tomorrow we will head into Canada. So there isn 't anything to post. I just hope tonight we get a good sleep.

Peace.

Day eight

The days are beginning to run together. If a drop down menu didn't show up, I wouldn't know what day it is!

We arose early again to eat the cinnamon rolls and scones we bought with lunch yesterday. I have my coffee maker, so we have coffee. Just like me - I don't trust the hotel's coffee maker. I know how dirty mine is. But then I bring my own pillow too. That isn't because I am attached to that pillow - I just know where mine has been. I would have bought one of those new bed liner dubies, but I didn't have time. I really thought about making one. I've been this way since chemo. I hate walking on the carpet barefooted, but I also hate shoes. Quite the dilemma there.

We left here about 7:30 to go two blocks to the Rail Road Museum to board the train. It is a miserable trip for those who are mobility deficient. If you know Duluth, it is hills that end at the lake. Walking down that steep grade hurts my knees and back a lot. I have been using my hoarded from surgeries pain pills. This is why I hoarded them in the first place.

This is really beautiful country. The trip went to Grand Rapids. Unfortunately, the train was about an hour late getting in, so we had limited time. Walking about town would have been difficult, but I think I would have tried. As it was I sat on a bench with another lady from the train who is mobility deficient. Our husbands brought us the box lunch (the first one on this trip). Then we boarded the train to return to Duluth.

Tomorrow we head out to Marquette I think. I'm just along for the ride. I have a couple of days before it's on another train. I really am glad. Today was a bit trying. When we got the the Museum, the line stretched for a couple of blocks. We had coach tickets which shouldn't have been a problem. When we boarded the car, there were no seats, or at least a few - scattered. We walked to the next car. Same thing. Then it was stale mate. We couldn't move. As it was we ended up in the club car. My feet were kicked five times, and I couldn't have gotten them another centimeter under the seat. My legs and knees were screaming the entire trip - there was little padding in the chair front. But the scenery was really nice.

So this brings the convention portion of the trip to an end. We are on our own starting tomorrow for the most part. No downtown hotel. Yea!

I haven't used the air card since the first day or two. I have been using the free stuff. I said I would use the card, but . . .

Anyway,

Peace

Day seven

Today has been one of rest. There were sessions scheduled, but no rides. The last one is tomorrow, and it will be a long one again.

I wanted a real breakfast this morning. So we set out (in a direction I didn't want to go) to find a restaurant. I was tired of scones or other carbo stuff. We found a Burger K*ng. So we stopped. Not exactly what I had in mind. Oh, well.

Later we had to go across the street to the public library. Our realtor called last night, and our offer on that blasted house had been denied. We decided to go up some. But that meant downloading a form, printing it, then faxing it.

I first downloaded it to a thumb drive. The problem was a printer. The library was no help. We came back and wonder of all wonders, the hotel computer and printer was open. So the form is printed. Now I need to find a fax.

We drove around a bit later, finding a nice little restaurant for lunch. It was good!! I'm sounding like Aunt W. When you ask about a trip she has been on, she rates it by the food.

I have worked on cataloging my free embroidery designs today. G went across the street to the museum (rail road of course). It's been quite and peaceful. Restful too!

Peace

Days five and six

I hit the wall yesterday. I was so tired and drained it was terrible. The day began with boarding the bus at about 8. We were to get on the train at 10. It was a "lunch train." We were in Wisconsin - a first for us.

We took the train from a museum, so some time was spent in the museum. There was a little shop that probably thought it hit the gold rush when we all got there. There were three bus loads of train enthusiasts that arrived in Spooner, WI. A little shop with scones and coffee was located. That was breakfast!!

The train (at least in coach) was not air conditioned. We knew that, but this is Duluth!!! All the cars were set in tables. It was a lunch train. The food was great. The tables got a little old at the end. On a train, tables are close and set for four. Enough said.

We got back here about 5:15. There were those who were taking the dinner train that night. It was tight. And that's the problem. Here at the Rat'sson, we have 15 floors. There are two SMALL elevators. People crowd them until I am really afraid they will fail. Did I mention I was afraid of elevators? It takes forever to get people to their destinations.

Today, we were to get on the train at the museum. We were warned on the way over about the spray. We have been spoiled by the steam trains we have ridden before. They were oil fired. THIS one was coal fired. We were spewed with water and soot when it arrived at the site. I had on white, but it can be bleached. G had on a new shirt. I don't know about it.

We went to Two Harbors. It was a very quaint little village. Both lunches were hot. I expected box lunches, but they were both absolutely delicious.

I wonder, however, if I am becoming tired of riding trains. It may be the heat. But I am tired. The routes look the same for the most part. I am tired of the "run bys." Those are where the photographers can get off, set up, and take pictures of the train as it runs by - hence the name.

We didn't make the second trip today. We were both tired. I am really not looking forward to Saturday's ride - and that's the one I really chose. Perhaps I am just TIRED!! Tomorrow is a play day for us. I want a real breakfast. I want to explore Duluth and that should not be too difficult. It seems Duluth is about 26 miles long and two miles wide. I just want to sleep!!!

Peace.

Day four

We made it to Duluth with time to spare. That means our room wasn't ready. As usual for a downtown hotel, there is not a cheap place to eat within a block and certainly not in the hotel. There is one here, but G loves to travel, travel, travel until I am about ready to eat the seat belt then stop at about 2PM. Well guess what! The place here in the hotel closes at 1.

We registered for the convention, then I got settled while he went to scout for a place to get something to go. He was successful, but I am worried about breakfasts, etc for the remainder of the time.

Tonight is a dinner cruise on Lake Superior - makes sense doesn't it?? Come to a train convention and have a dinner cruise., Ok . . .

I'm glad we didn't take the train from Chicago. It was a specially chartered train, and I really wanted to do it, but it is three hours delayed. It was supposed to be here at 3; it won't be here until 6. The cruise is at 6:30. A little tight! But that's train travel. To us the trip is the exciting part.

We will be on the bus to the train trip tomorrow about 7:30. That should be fun.

Daughter reported last night that Simone got sick. It is always something! I keep telling her she can board her at the vet. She keeps telling me no. Oh well.

Off to change clothes. It is HOT and humid here. Just like home. I knew it wouldn't be cool. I've been in Minnesota before in August!

Peace.

Day three

We are in a small town north of St Paul tonight. It was the only place we could find a room. It is a nice place however.

The lady at the desk recommended a restaurant. Since it is our anniversary, we splurged. I had halibut in a white balsamic sauce. It was absolutely to die for.

Just as I predicted, the heat is here with us. I know it isn't as bad as Swampland, but . . . I really wanted to experience cool.

Tomorrow is Duluth, and the train rides will commence. Our first activity however is dinner on the lake. That should be fun!

I did not fry the IPod. I was all set to work on it last night. It came on, and charged. We used it a bit today. I haven't gotten taking our OLD 33 1/3 vinyl and putting it on the IPod yet. The sound is not very loud. I'll have to work on that.

We had tremendous thunderstorms last night. This morning was bright and sunny. The thunderheads seem to be building once again. Hope they stay away!

Peace.

Day two

So here we are at the end of day two of the great adventure. We have had (knock on wood) a very uneventful trip - at least on the road.

Last night our room was about 4 rooms from the pool and around the corner from the elevators. That means the headboards in our room backed up to the elevator shafts. All afternoon, we didn't hear the elevators. I will swear that the volume of those elevators was tied to the lights in our room. The lights went out - the elevators got louder. I say this because this morning, they didn't seem so loud.

Also, we had bikers who were returning from Sturgis. That is the biggie for motorcycles. They partied hard - and late. Guess where they met. Yep - the elevators.

Anyway, we traveled a little further today. We are north of St Joseph, MO. There are thunderstorms in the area, but I think we will miss them. The weather - HOT. I knew this would happen. Tomorrow, we will be in Minnesota, but we don't have to be in Duluth until Tuesday. So I don't know if we will spend time in St Paul or Minneapolis. Either is fine with me.

Daughter called to let me know the latest with Simone. She slept poorly last night, and it's evident she misses us. I miss her too. Every time we stopped today, I would look back into the back seat so check her and the windows. I have been traveling with her too much I guess!

I think I fried the IPod last night. We have free internet here, and I plan to go to Apple to try to get help to bring it back to life. I was in a hurry and using the air card - for the second time. It was a comedy of errors. But the result is the Ipod that I was trying to charge is DEAD.

I'll try to be back tomorrow - if I don't fry the computer!

Peace.