After sewing for almost 50 years, I finally ran the needle through my finger. I couldn't believe I did it! I have come close before. I have had my finger rapped heartily by the side of the needle holder (is there a name for that thingie?), but I never had the needle penetrate the flesh.
Yesterday I was trying to get Wiggle Worm's birthday shirt done. I know the party is February 20, but I have this thing that I have lamented hanging over my head. I don't know when I can return to the land of fun since I don't know when I can climb stairs.
I was trying to hoop a two year old's shirt on an 8 inch by 8 inch hoop. This is something akin to trying to put a gallon of liquid into a pint container. The shirt fits - but there then is the little problem of getting the back out of the way. Funny - it needs to be open so WW can put it on. Strange, isn't it.
So I had this mass of shirt between the hoop and where it has to join the arm of the machine. Not a pretty picture. As I began embroidering his name, I could see that the shirt was not being held tightly. So that meant fingers were perilously close to that needle.
To make matters worse, the thread decided to act up. It would slip off the cone to wrap tightly around the thread holder spool. That made the stitches very tight, and the thread broke - repeatedly. Fixed that. I remembered someone sharing a hint of putting the thread in a jar. Well, not having a jar, I used one of our Floozie Koozies. Worked like a charm - most of the time.
By this time, the hoop had become un-hooped. I pushed and pushed and got it secured again. The design was a little off, but not bad. I was reaching in to try to straighten something when I felt the hit, then the needle piercing the flesh. I was amazed that I had been so stupid.
I quickly stopped the machine. I peered at the now throbbing finger. Perhaps I was wrong. Perhaps the needle didn't go through! No blood. Yipee! But then . . . the blood came. It was then I remembered I wanted to stash some bandaids up there. I usually cut a finger with the scissors if I hurt myself. Had I done that little chore. Well you know that answer.
I had to stop the bleeding. I looked around, forgetting that I did have tissue right there. The only thing I saw was the reminants of LB's pink jersey pj top. So I took that strip to try to wrap around the finger tip. The wound was in such a place that I couldn't get good pressure on it, and it wouldn't stay tight.
I looked around for something to use to get the pressure tight. Nothing. I searched all around me, and finally I saw the blue painter's tape. So I wrapped that bleeding finger in blue painter's tape. I got the pressure to hold on the tip. It still took a while to stop the bleeding, and I went back to fighting that shirt.
All in all, it came out OK. It will do. I have to cut jump threads and so on, but it won't take long.
What have I learned from this? Well, I know that I expect too much from this machine. I keep thinking it will do what a professional machine will do. They will hoop something like this - successfully. Will I do this again? You know that answer!
Peace.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
I finally succumbed
Yesterday I had to get the shirt I want to embroidery for Wiggle Worm's first birthday party. As we all know (Yawn), I won't be able to do it after Wednesday. So I loaded up to head to the Store with the Bull's eye.
When I got there, I made the decision that I no longer needed to plod through the store, hurting with very step. So I climbed aboard a motorized cart. I was intimidated at first. I carefully read the directions. I had a steady green light, so I figured I was good to go.
The very first thing that happened was the alarm on the door went off. For Pete's sake, what was this? No one seemed to be worried about it, so off I went.
My first stop was the handbags. A few weeks ago, I broke the handle on my favorite purse, and got one out that I hated. Now this is rather comical because - I make purses. But I wanted a good pouch purse. The first ones I saw were huge. Now I like a big purse, but these were like brief cases. I finally saw one I liked and puttered off.
My next stop was the children's area. I don't know why the stores have to put all their racks so close together. I think I ran over a couple of those racks. I did find two shirts. Now I just have to see which one will work best. I'll do something on the other one and give it to him too.
I decided to go back to look for some night gowns. I have shortie pj's, and I don't think they will do for the hospital. I don't think they will be good with that knee. The intimate area was more crowded than the child area. What in the world? And they didn't have a single gown. Drat!
Then I thought I would cut a stop out of my trip. I needed vacuum seal bags to complete the putting up of the sausage. I headed off to housewares, but the cart was really slower. I checked my green light - it was blinking.
I felt like I was on a long, winding deserted road with no gasoline in the tank. I decided to head to checkout. Maneuvering check out was daunting. There is no wiggle room. So I took the easy access checkout - which wasn't the fastest.
Having paid for my two shirts and purse, I was ready to flee the place. After all, I had rearranged parts of the store! Wouldn't you know, the light was steady green now. It reminded me of the time I rode horses. They would love to "barn rat." That was what this cart was doing, I'll swear. It knew
we were close to the place where it could be left and plugged in again, like the horse looking for its sweet feed.
Now I was facd with the doors and the alarm. Surerly it wouldn't. Surely I could get out. Not on your life. It sounded off as though I was stealing the whole store. And I just rolled on. The woman in front looked at me as though she was wondering how I could shop lift when I couldn't walk. I simply said "it must be this thing - it did it on the way in!"
I parked the buggy and limped to the car. When I got to the grocery (still had to get those blasted bags), I decided I had enough of motoriized shopping!
Will I do it again. Maybe. It was nice not to hurt, but those things are not for small spaces.
Peace.
When I got there, I made the decision that I no longer needed to plod through the store, hurting with very step. So I climbed aboard a motorized cart. I was intimidated at first. I carefully read the directions. I had a steady green light, so I figured I was good to go.
The very first thing that happened was the alarm on the door went off. For Pete's sake, what was this? No one seemed to be worried about it, so off I went.
My first stop was the handbags. A few weeks ago, I broke the handle on my favorite purse, and got one out that I hated. Now this is rather comical because - I make purses. But I wanted a good pouch purse. The first ones I saw were huge. Now I like a big purse, but these were like brief cases. I finally saw one I liked and puttered off.
My next stop was the children's area. I don't know why the stores have to put all their racks so close together. I think I ran over a couple of those racks. I did find two shirts. Now I just have to see which one will work best. I'll do something on the other one and give it to him too.
I decided to go back to look for some night gowns. I have shortie pj's, and I don't think they will do for the hospital. I don't think they will be good with that knee. The intimate area was more crowded than the child area. What in the world? And they didn't have a single gown. Drat!
Then I thought I would cut a stop out of my trip. I needed vacuum seal bags to complete the putting up of the sausage. I headed off to housewares, but the cart was really slower. I checked my green light - it was blinking.
I felt like I was on a long, winding deserted road with no gasoline in the tank. I decided to head to checkout. Maneuvering check out was daunting. There is no wiggle room. So I took the easy access checkout - which wasn't the fastest.
Having paid for my two shirts and purse, I was ready to flee the place. After all, I had rearranged parts of the store! Wouldn't you know, the light was steady green now. It reminded me of the time I rode horses. They would love to "barn rat." That was what this cart was doing, I'll swear. It knew
we were close to the place where it could be left and plugged in again, like the horse looking for its sweet feed.
Now I was facd with the doors and the alarm. Surerly it wouldn't. Surely I could get out. Not on your life. It sounded off as though I was stealing the whole store. And I just rolled on. The woman in front looked at me as though she was wondering how I could shop lift when I couldn't walk. I simply said "it must be this thing - it did it on the way in!"
I parked the buggy and limped to the car. When I got to the grocery (still had to get those blasted bags), I decided I had enough of motoriized shopping!
Will I do it again. Maybe. It was nice not to hurt, but those things are not for small spaces.
Peace.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Hoarder
I will swear I have some tendencies that lean toward hoarding. I look around as I sit here, and things are especially cluttered now. Getting things stowed where they belong is not an easy thing. I really feel it because I have five days to get it stowed. After that I will have a physical therapist coming here to put me through my paces. Oh, my!
I was reading another blog about someone having things from her deceased relatives. That spurred my memory of all the things I have had to let go. I did manage to get some things from my aunt and uncle - who were like second parents to me, but I had a vivid memory of some of the things in their house I had to leave. It was the same with my dad. I had to leave so much, at all the houses where he lived. Let me explain that statement. He kept the house I grew up in when he married V. He rented it out, bu he had a huge storeroom. After he and V married, he built another storeroom. It had a lot of his tools in it. I had to leave them. And of course the lake property. There was a lot - including antiques that I had to leave. It does make me sad.
But then I look around. Now I have stuff. To paraphrase George Carlin, we have our houses to keep our stuff. We then get more stuff so we need a bigger house. When we move in here, I was amazed at our storage. For years, we had unused cabinets. No more. Well, some that could be organized better would have some space.
We have been here 34 years. Stuff happens! It doesn't help that I was a science teacher. We could use all sorts of items with our experiments. A lot of teachers know that as soon as you throw something away, you could use it in the classroom. I can't tell you how many times that happened.
Now I am a crafter. Guess what! Same things. Most of it is stashed neatly away, but I am in the middle of stashing some of it. I looked at pictures of another sewer/crafter yesterday. It was her basement. I was amazed at the fact she posted them. But I think this is a problem with crafters. That's why dear Martha is always highlighting organization. We are all looking to be more organized (but she is ridiculous - I think she only has items that will fit - doesn't matter if she needs other tools).
I don't think I fit into the hoarder role, but then neither do they. I have manageable stuff, I just need to be able to manage it physically - my physically, not house storage physically.
Wish me luck.
Peace.
I was reading another blog about someone having things from her deceased relatives. That spurred my memory of all the things I have had to let go. I did manage to get some things from my aunt and uncle - who were like second parents to me, but I had a vivid memory of some of the things in their house I had to leave. It was the same with my dad. I had to leave so much, at all the houses where he lived. Let me explain that statement. He kept the house I grew up in when he married V. He rented it out, bu he had a huge storeroom. After he and V married, he built another storeroom. It had a lot of his tools in it. I had to leave them. And of course the lake property. There was a lot - including antiques that I had to leave. It does make me sad.
But then I look around. Now I have stuff. To paraphrase George Carlin, we have our houses to keep our stuff. We then get more stuff so we need a bigger house. When we move in here, I was amazed at our storage. For years, we had unused cabinets. No more. Well, some that could be organized better would have some space.
We have been here 34 years. Stuff happens! It doesn't help that I was a science teacher. We could use all sorts of items with our experiments. A lot of teachers know that as soon as you throw something away, you could use it in the classroom. I can't tell you how many times that happened.
Now I am a crafter. Guess what! Same things. Most of it is stashed neatly away, but I am in the middle of stashing some of it. I looked at pictures of another sewer/crafter yesterday. It was her basement. I was amazed at the fact she posted them. But I think this is a problem with crafters. That's why dear Martha is always highlighting organization. We are all looking to be more organized (but she is ridiculous - I think she only has items that will fit - doesn't matter if she needs other tools).
I don't think I fit into the hoarder role, but then neither do they. I have manageable stuff, I just need to be able to manage it physically - my physically, not house storage physically.
Wish me luck.
Peace.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Lady Bug, dear Lady Bug
It is difficult to think that this is her last year in single digits. She is growing up so fast, but with her growing so fast, it gives me an idea of who she will be! I look for her to do great things.
When Christmas was coming, she heard about the Zhu-zhu pets. I heard about them too, and knew I wanted to give her at least one. By the time I heard about them here in my cave, it was too late. They were the hit of the season.
I made the decision that by her birthday, the hub-bub would be over, and I could find some. As fate would have it, Daughter found them at a drug store chain that is one of her stores. She was able to get FOUR of them! We decided that LB had plenty for Christmas, and we would stick to the original plan. They woud be for her birthday.
In the mean time, one of the sites I visit for machine embroidery had also discovered the Zhu-Zhus. She came up with a pattern for the accessories for the little critters. It wasn't ready for release around Christmas. She did have a pattern for a Santa suit and elves. Well, that wouldn't do. Lb's birthday is January 16.
I kept checking for those accessories. I need to email her that her site isn't too user friendly - put that on my list of to do! I never found them. They included a sleeping bag, blanket and carrier. I looked and looked. Nothing.
Then it appeared they were available. Coudn't find them. Last night, after much weeping and gnashing of teeth, I won. I downloaded the patterns. Great - I will be out of commission after next week. The machine will be upstairs. I can't do stairs. Well - they will be done.
LB got to open her presents a day early. She was delighted with everything, but she also was thrilled with those pets. She took them with her when parents went to the gym. When they were getting ready to leave, LB was cloudy! Her beloved pets didn't work anymore. Her mom was heart broken. What a birthday present. One day and zap!
They took the things home and it appears they shouldn't be operated on carpet. So Daughter went aobut cleaning all the fuzz out. Still dead. Her hopes were dashed. Then she had the inspiration to check the batteries. Now Daughter is not the handy type. I was so proud of her. She replaced the batteries and viola they worked again!
So disaster was averted. Things are looking bright. The site is going to put up a pattern for a ballerina outfit for the pets next week. I just hope they continue to work until I can get everything made!!
Peace.
When Christmas was coming, she heard about the Zhu-zhu pets. I heard about them too, and knew I wanted to give her at least one. By the time I heard about them here in my cave, it was too late. They were the hit of the season.
I made the decision that by her birthday, the hub-bub would be over, and I could find some. As fate would have it, Daughter found them at a drug store chain that is one of her stores. She was able to get FOUR of them! We decided that LB had plenty for Christmas, and we would stick to the original plan. They woud be for her birthday.
In the mean time, one of the sites I visit for machine embroidery had also discovered the Zhu-Zhus. She came up with a pattern for the accessories for the little critters. It wasn't ready for release around Christmas. She did have a pattern for a Santa suit and elves. Well, that wouldn't do. Lb's birthday is January 16.
I kept checking for those accessories. I need to email her that her site isn't too user friendly - put that on my list of to do! I never found them. They included a sleeping bag, blanket and carrier. I looked and looked. Nothing.
Then it appeared they were available. Coudn't find them. Last night, after much weeping and gnashing of teeth, I won. I downloaded the patterns. Great - I will be out of commission after next week. The machine will be upstairs. I can't do stairs. Well - they will be done.
LB got to open her presents a day early. She was delighted with everything, but she also was thrilled with those pets. She took them with her when parents went to the gym. When they were getting ready to leave, LB was cloudy! Her beloved pets didn't work anymore. Her mom was heart broken. What a birthday present. One day and zap!
They took the things home and it appears they shouldn't be operated on carpet. So Daughter went aobut cleaning all the fuzz out. Still dead. Her hopes were dashed. Then she had the inspiration to check the batteries. Now Daughter is not the handy type. I was so proud of her. She replaced the batteries and viola they worked again!
So disaster was averted. Things are looking bright. The site is going to put up a pattern for a ballerina outfit for the pets next week. I just hope they continue to work until I can get everything made!!
Peace.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
What a day!
This was one full day! I went to the hospital to pre-register. I was a little shocked when I was to pay them my portion of the bill - today. We're talking like $2000. It was a surprise, to say the least.
I was to be there at 11. I was, but appointments don't mean much apparently. I got to wait for a while. After a poke for blood typing (thankfully my blood work was done last week) an EKG, and filling out p a p e r s!!! And more papers. We finally finished at 1.
I went to the courtyard there in the hospital. It seems more like a mall in that area. Anyway, I went to the place with food. It is more than a snack bar and less that a restaurant. I had a pretty good chef's salad. I just wish they would take a little more time to get the ribs out of the romaine lettuce!!
Then I was off to the cardio doc for a 1:45 appointment. That late means HE is running late. I though they were going to do another EKG. I am so glad the technician gave me a (shhhh) copy. She wasn't suppposed to, but she did. He is concerned with the blood sugar. So am I. Even more reason for a diet - or change of living.
Then I went to get my glasses that came in - early. They are different. I always have to get used to new progressive lenses. I haven't hit the sweet spot for the computer yet. Distance is great. We'll see about the reading part after a bit.
Now it's off to packing away breakfast sausage. G was emphatic that we take the venison and pork to the SSB. Our friend and neighbor had a real kick-a** grinder. He can grind the sausage in less than 15 when with our little grinder it would take hald a day. Anyway, I have over 50 pounds out there.
In keeping with usual Texas weather, it is HOT today. That means the ice will probably be melted. I just LOVE things being dumped on me. Now I know why he keeps working. So I can go to the bank (which he requested today), pack sausage, keep stamps in the house (he used them all last night), and all the little drudgery in life.
Anyway . . .
Peace.
I was to be there at 11. I was, but appointments don't mean much apparently. I got to wait for a while. After a poke for blood typing (thankfully my blood work was done last week) an EKG, and filling out p a p e r s!!! And more papers. We finally finished at 1.
I went to the courtyard there in the hospital. It seems more like a mall in that area. Anyway, I went to the place with food. It is more than a snack bar and less that a restaurant. I had a pretty good chef's salad. I just wish they would take a little more time to get the ribs out of the romaine lettuce!!
Then I was off to the cardio doc for a 1:45 appointment. That late means HE is running late. I though they were going to do another EKG. I am so glad the technician gave me a (shhhh) copy. She wasn't suppposed to, but she did. He is concerned with the blood sugar. So am I. Even more reason for a diet - or change of living.
Then I went to get my glasses that came in - early. They are different. I always have to get used to new progressive lenses. I haven't hit the sweet spot for the computer yet. Distance is great. We'll see about the reading part after a bit.
Now it's off to packing away breakfast sausage. G was emphatic that we take the venison and pork to the SSB. Our friend and neighbor had a real kick-a** grinder. He can grind the sausage in less than 15 when with our little grinder it would take hald a day. Anyway, I have over 50 pounds out there.
In keeping with usual Texas weather, it is HOT today. That means the ice will probably be melted. I just LOVE things being dumped on me. Now I know why he keeps working. So I can go to the bank (which he requested today), pack sausage, keep stamps in the house (he used them all last night), and all the little drudgery in life.
Anyway . . .
Peace.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to
Yeah, it's time again. I tried tom suggest we go next weekend since Lady Bug's birthday is TOMORROW! We have missed her birthday for the last three years at least. G says it's because it is doe and spike season, but I heard him telling one of our SSB neighbors last night we wouldn't shoot a doe anyway because he was sure one he shot before was pregnant. As for spikes, we haven't seen too many this year. I think neighbor and his wife has done a good job weeding them out.
We will be going to community club, which I normally would love. The problem here is that there is going to be rain. Our roads are not paved. The county, in trying to make the roads better, added dirt on top of the rock. I know their goal was to smooth out the rocks. Problem: the dirt turns to mud which is really sort of deep. It is deep enough that when we decided to get rid of the troop carrier (big F250 4X4) we decided that we really needed to get a junior troop carrier. Even with the 4x4, navigating that road is scary. There is much slipping and sliding about.
So we will travel it to get to the house. We will settle the kids (Simone and Shadow); I will put the bought day old cake on a plate (probably not fooling anyone); and head back down the road. I hope we can find the old ruts. Then after dinner, the meeting, and bingo (which turns out to be quite fun - those ranchers get to be cut-throat about the prizes - like gas treatment for cars) we will return via that road again.
At least our little area is getting a little built up. There are the Polish outsiders (whom we love), G's sister, his brother and his wife, and a couple of other cousins. (Marti - they are in the branches, not twigs) If we get stuck, there will be others along.
I know I will have limited internet. I have it at the whim of ATT. Sometimes I have a great signal, sometimes not so much.
Have a great weekend. See you Tuesday for sure.
Peace.
We will be going to community club, which I normally would love. The problem here is that there is going to be rain. Our roads are not paved. The county, in trying to make the roads better, added dirt on top of the rock. I know their goal was to smooth out the rocks. Problem: the dirt turns to mud which is really sort of deep. It is deep enough that when we decided to get rid of the troop carrier (big F250 4X4) we decided that we really needed to get a junior troop carrier. Even with the 4x4, navigating that road is scary. There is much slipping and sliding about.
So we will travel it to get to the house. We will settle the kids (Simone and Shadow); I will put the bought day old cake on a plate (probably not fooling anyone); and head back down the road. I hope we can find the old ruts. Then after dinner, the meeting, and bingo (which turns out to be quite fun - those ranchers get to be cut-throat about the prizes - like gas treatment for cars) we will return via that road again.
At least our little area is getting a little built up. There are the Polish outsiders (whom we love), G's sister, his brother and his wife, and a couple of other cousins. (Marti - they are in the branches, not twigs) If we get stuck, there will be others along.
I know I will have limited internet. I have it at the whim of ATT. Sometimes I have a great signal, sometimes not so much.
Have a great weekend. See you Tuesday for sure.
Peace.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Money Pit
Not really, but it almost seems that way.
Our investment property just got new window blinds through out the house. It is now getting a new water heater. Lovely.
It may have also found a tenant. The plumber loves this house. He really wants to buy it, but is thinking perhaps lease for a year then buy. Of course, this is all dependent on wife!!
If we were to sell, we would make a really nice profit. Even with everything we have done, the amount we have invested is less than market value.
The only thing left is for the electrician to get here to replace the breaker panel and put in ground fault outlets in the bathrooms.
The maid service I hired was terrible. They lost out on my having hired them long term for my house. I hate, absolutely hate, stainless steel sinks. I know they can look really nasty most of the time, but I also know they can look pretty good. When the service left here, the sink looks horrible. The windows I asked to be washed are not clean. I think they ruined the solar film on the windows in the living room. Well - they won't be back.
I think the plumber is about finished. Good. The heat is on, but set at 50 degrees. I am freezing here sitting on a brick hearth. I need to get warm after this next little bundle I drop.
Peace.
Our investment property just got new window blinds through out the house. It is now getting a new water heater. Lovely.
It may have also found a tenant. The plumber loves this house. He really wants to buy it, but is thinking perhaps lease for a year then buy. Of course, this is all dependent on wife!!
If we were to sell, we would make a really nice profit. Even with everything we have done, the amount we have invested is less than market value.
The only thing left is for the electrician to get here to replace the breaker panel and put in ground fault outlets in the bathrooms.
The maid service I hired was terrible. They lost out on my having hired them long term for my house. I hate, absolutely hate, stainless steel sinks. I know they can look really nasty most of the time, but I also know they can look pretty good. When the service left here, the sink looks horrible. The windows I asked to be washed are not clean. I think they ruined the solar film on the windows in the living room. Well - they won't be back.
I think the plumber is about finished. Good. The heat is on, but set at 50 degrees. I am freezing here sitting on a brick hearth. I need to get warm after this next little bundle I drop.
Peace.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
YEA!!
Very quick note because I have a plumber coming to the other house. The letter came today. The mammogram is normal!!!
Yea! Bring on that new knee.
Yea! Bring on that new knee.
So spoiled!!
This is Shadow now. He is only a bit spoiled, as you can see. When he was a little baby, this was easy to do, but now . . . He thinks it is just normal for me to hold him while I surf. The problem is that he now hangs off both ends of the arm - just a bit!
As for the soap box stands from the past few days, I refused to read the paper this morning before I posted. I doubt there is anything new because the vote at the school board meeting won't happen until tomorrow night. So I am at a low simmer.
It really amazes me that Texas teachers let things like this happen to them. I have never been part of a more passive group in my life. Look where that character trait has gotten those still in service today. They are viewed as less than valuable workers. But. I. Will. Let. This. Drop. (at least for now as I have said enough)
Yesterday I was actually out of the house! I had my semi-annual blood test for the heart doc. Then I treated myself to breakfast out since the blood work was fasting. From there I went to the office supply to get a calendar to fit my day runner. This year looks like one where I will be tied to it again with all the doctors appointments.
I went to get an eye exam after that. I love my eye (real) doctor, but her prescription for glasses was wayyyyyy off. I have vision insurance that I used for that script for new glasses. Well, I can't see out of them. So I went to just a vision check doc. What an exam. She was great, and the prescription is way different.
One of the local optical places is having a sale. Two frames for the price of one, and two sets of lenses for the price of one. Great. Yes, please, but wait - not so fast. I wear the varilux (that spelling beats me!) progressive. Guess which ones are not on sale. So the two pairs of glasses would be over $450. I came home and mentioned it to G. He didn't think that was so bad, so I guess I will be out and about again.
My life is just so exciting.
Peace.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
More insanity
Well, the newspaper had another article about the ridiculous idea to use student test scores to fire teachers. The school board is pretty much in favor of this. I'm not going to hide anything about this now because, as far as I'm concerned, this school district is making an absolute farce of test scores.
We are talking about Houston Independent School District. They have a new superintendent who believes this will help improve test scores. This thing will be voted on Thursday. It is part of something that is called the teacher's "value added score." They are "not out to get people" said the new superintendent. The trustees said they "do not intend to oust teachers based on one year of poor scores."
This is the same school district that will pay those teachers who have students who score well on the test. Now I know some of you were/are teachers. You know as well as I, not all classes are the same. Clustering of poor and good students happens. If you were lucky enough to get high achievers - well you would be getting a nice bonus. If not, well under this new policy, your neck is on the line. I am fully aware there are teachers who need to be weeded out. I taught with a bunch of them, but somehow they always escaped the hatchet. But that hatchet would swing far and wide, hitting some really good teachers instead of the chaff.
This little score is only for elementary and middle schools. High school teachers are not involved. If the score can be determined for elementary and middle, then why not high school. I have been in both situations. What is the difference? Am I the only stupid one here??
One trustee, Diana Davila, said the policy changes will help ensure quality teaching and schools throughout HISD. How?? The make-up of the schools is very different. The students are different. And based on Sunday's article, so are the administrators.
Ms Davila went on to say that "as a parent that has kids in HISD it shouldn't matter where I send my child to school. Every school should be at the same level." In a perfect world, absolutely. But obviously we are not in a perfect world. If all schools are at the same level, why does HISD have magnet schools?
Chasing these test scores has done more to disrupt teaching, learning, and teacher morale than anything in the last century here in Texas. There is more "teaching the test" going on than any other form of teaching. That happened when they tied the administrator's score to the test. I spend as much time teaching reading and math as I did teaching Life Science. I am curious how that works now that science is a tested area. That may explain why the science scores are low.
I promise I will get off my soap box. There is more to my life than this ridiculous situation that really does not have any effect on me at all. I don't live in that district. My grandchildren do not attend school in that district. I just have compassion for the classroom teacher. The teacher is expected to be everything to everybody. It just can't happen. Teachers are human - wonderful, dedicated humans. Who else would put up with all the s**t that is going on in schools today for the pittance they get paid?
Peace.
We are talking about Houston Independent School District. They have a new superintendent who believes this will help improve test scores. This thing will be voted on Thursday. It is part of something that is called the teacher's "value added score." They are "not out to get people" said the new superintendent. The trustees said they "do not intend to oust teachers based on one year of poor scores."
This is the same school district that will pay those teachers who have students who score well on the test. Now I know some of you were/are teachers. You know as well as I, not all classes are the same. Clustering of poor and good students happens. If you were lucky enough to get high achievers - well you would be getting a nice bonus. If not, well under this new policy, your neck is on the line. I am fully aware there are teachers who need to be weeded out. I taught with a bunch of them, but somehow they always escaped the hatchet. But that hatchet would swing far and wide, hitting some really good teachers instead of the chaff.
This little score is only for elementary and middle schools. High school teachers are not involved. If the score can be determined for elementary and middle, then why not high school. I have been in both situations. What is the difference? Am I the only stupid one here??
One trustee, Diana Davila, said the policy changes will help ensure quality teaching and schools throughout HISD. How?? The make-up of the schools is very different. The students are different. And based on Sunday's article, so are the administrators.
Ms Davila went on to say that "as a parent that has kids in HISD it shouldn't matter where I send my child to school. Every school should be at the same level." In a perfect world, absolutely. But obviously we are not in a perfect world. If all schools are at the same level, why does HISD have magnet schools?
Chasing these test scores has done more to disrupt teaching, learning, and teacher morale than anything in the last century here in Texas. There is more "teaching the test" going on than any other form of teaching. That happened when they tied the administrator's score to the test. I spend as much time teaching reading and math as I did teaching Life Science. I am curious how that works now that science is a tested area. That may explain why the science scores are low.
I promise I will get off my soap box. There is more to my life than this ridiculous situation that really does not have any effect on me at all. I don't live in that district. My grandchildren do not attend school in that district. I just have compassion for the classroom teacher. The teacher is expected to be everything to everybody. It just can't happen. Teachers are human - wonderful, dedicated humans. Who else would put up with all the s**t that is going on in schools today for the pittance they get paid?
Peace.
Monday, January 11, 2010
I'm appalled! I'm furious!
Excuse me a minute. I have to position my soap box here. Ok, let's go.
Here is Texas, as in other states, we have testing of the school kidlets to determine their progress during the school year. It is a trying time for all concerned - that is except for some of the kids.
We have several school districts here in Swampland. One takes the name of Swampland, and I will refer to it as SISD(meaning Stupid Independent School District). It is not the district from which I retired. That one will be referred to as CISD (Corrupt Independent School District).
In yesterday's paper, the paper had an occasional feature story they run. It is about SISD's attempt to increase test scores by giving "good" teachers an additional $20,000 to transfer to schools that are labeled as non performing. Let me assure you, $20,000 is A LOT of money to a teacher. Were it my daughter's salary, not so much. It would have been about 1/3 more of my salary at the time I retired with 29 years experience. What I'm saying is even now it means a lot.
The newspaper followed two teachers that transferred to a middle school in particular. They were having problems getting their students to perform. One was an English teacher and the other was English as a second language (ESL). Both had been very successful. That means their principals liked them, and their already high performing students blew the top out of the test.
So now dawns the day in the low school. The English teacher had been cursed to her face. She found that in that school, she could not send an unruly student to the office. She had to write a referral, and the office would get the kidlet when "they knew how to handle him." What?!?!?!? The principal let the newspaper QUOTE her on that. This is the exact reason I retired at 29 years instead of 30. OK Mrs. X, you keep that child in your class and just flush the other 29 children down the toilet because we need to know how to handle that child."
Let me tell you because I know - it doesn't take the kids long to realize what is going on here, and they take full advantage of the situation. Soon almost the entire school is in turmoil because they know that nothing will be done to a disruptive student, and when the acting out begins, learning ends. And the test scores are low because . . .
With the advent of the new semester, the administrator has opened "satellite offices." I don't know exactly how these work, but it has got to be better than keeping the little offender in the classroom. But then, SISD is known for sending these kids right back to the teacher. That happened earlier when a student assaulted the teacher, and after whatever little slap on the hand he got, he was sent back to that teacher's class. I wonder if they asked the teacher what the teacher did to provoke that child.
The ESL teacher was having problems with his students who spoke about ten different languages. I kid you not! He would get occasional, non scheduled help. He had some discipline problems too, but it came out later that this wonderful principal finally decided this second semester to "shuffle staffing" to help balance out his overcrowded class. And we are not performing on tests because . . .
So on today's paper - "Teachers could be fired over scores." Wait. Just. A. Minute. A teacher could be fired because of the student's non-performance. It is not just the teacher. I am fully aware that there are a lot of teachers who should be weeded out, but this is not the way.
After the two examples I just gave - the administrators can certainly be at fault. If the school environment is not conducive to learning, it is just not going to happen. With just one discipline problem, learning stops for the other students. Overcrowding means kids can easily slip through the cracks. You just can't give them the attention they need. You probably don't really even know that child well enough to know his learning style.
Blame for non-performance can be teacher, yes, but we need to be also looking at the administrator, parents, and (gasp) student. All are equally important.
Thank you for your time. Now I will put my soap box back in the closet - until the next time.
Peace.
Here is Texas, as in other states, we have testing of the school kidlets to determine their progress during the school year. It is a trying time for all concerned - that is except for some of the kids.
We have several school districts here in Swampland. One takes the name of Swampland, and I will refer to it as SISD(meaning Stupid Independent School District). It is not the district from which I retired. That one will be referred to as CISD (Corrupt Independent School District).
In yesterday's paper, the paper had an occasional feature story they run. It is about SISD's attempt to increase test scores by giving "good" teachers an additional $20,000 to transfer to schools that are labeled as non performing. Let me assure you, $20,000 is A LOT of money to a teacher. Were it my daughter's salary, not so much. It would have been about 1/3 more of my salary at the time I retired with 29 years experience. What I'm saying is even now it means a lot.
The newspaper followed two teachers that transferred to a middle school in particular. They were having problems getting their students to perform. One was an English teacher and the other was English as a second language (ESL). Both had been very successful. That means their principals liked them, and their already high performing students blew the top out of the test.
So now dawns the day in the low school. The English teacher had been cursed to her face. She found that in that school, she could not send an unruly student to the office. She had to write a referral, and the office would get the kidlet when "they knew how to handle him." What?!?!?!? The principal let the newspaper QUOTE her on that. This is the exact reason I retired at 29 years instead of 30. OK Mrs. X, you keep that child in your class and just flush the other 29 children down the toilet because we need to know how to handle that child."
Let me tell you because I know - it doesn't take the kids long to realize what is going on here, and they take full advantage of the situation. Soon almost the entire school is in turmoil because they know that nothing will be done to a disruptive student, and when the acting out begins, learning ends. And the test scores are low because . . .
With the advent of the new semester, the administrator has opened "satellite offices." I don't know exactly how these work, but it has got to be better than keeping the little offender in the classroom. But then, SISD is known for sending these kids right back to the teacher. That happened earlier when a student assaulted the teacher, and after whatever little slap on the hand he got, he was sent back to that teacher's class. I wonder if they asked the teacher what the teacher did to provoke that child.
The ESL teacher was having problems with his students who spoke about ten different languages. I kid you not! He would get occasional, non scheduled help. He had some discipline problems too, but it came out later that this wonderful principal finally decided this second semester to "shuffle staffing" to help balance out his overcrowded class. And we are not performing on tests because . . .
So on today's paper - "Teachers could be fired over scores." Wait. Just. A. Minute. A teacher could be fired because of the student's non-performance. It is not just the teacher. I am fully aware that there are a lot of teachers who should be weeded out, but this is not the way.
After the two examples I just gave - the administrators can certainly be at fault. If the school environment is not conducive to learning, it is just not going to happen. With just one discipline problem, learning stops for the other students. Overcrowding means kids can easily slip through the cracks. You just can't give them the attention they need. You probably don't really even know that child well enough to know his learning style.
Blame for non-performance can be teacher, yes, but we need to be also looking at the administrator, parents, and (gasp) student. All are equally important.
Thank you for your time. Now I will put my soap box back in the closet - until the next time.
Peace.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Improving!
The temperature is improving - finally. I know we sound like real wimps down here, but we just doin't build our houses for several days of below freezing temperatures. We have been lucky in that we got all the pipes insulated and nothing broke. That's great.
My tropical and subtropical plants look like cooked spinach now. I think they will come back, but my flower beds are really pathetic right now. My 30+ year old split leaf philodendrons that were four feet tall not are a pathetic glob of goo. I haven't had the nerve to venture out back to the deck yet. I think this will be a year to replant things.
We finally have sunlight streaming through our windows. Partially because there IS sunlight, and partially because I don't have the blinds closed and the drapes pulled tight to try to keep the cold out and the warm in. There is a good five degree temperature difference between the living areas and the bedrooms. This happens in summer too, but we can crank up the fans to get the air moving. With the cold, we have to have a fire going and all the north rooms closed off. It still is cooler in the living areas, but the fire makes it seem warmer. Perhaps I should just not watch programs on cable and turn to "Yule Log" in the on-demand section. It would be easier than tending a fire.
Even my spirits are somewhat lifted. I have been puttering to de-clutter. That also energizes me somewhat. I do love a clean house, but so often I just feel overwhelmed. If I just had a little help . . . (from someone who lives here) But I am slowly getting it together. My deadline is the 26th. I work better under pressure!
Friday I went for the spot compression mammogram. I know the doctor looked at it then because the technician took the thing (not a film because it is all digital now) for him to be sure that they got the proper view. In my way of thinking, he could have told me good or bad right then. Hopefully I will know something by Tuesday. Perhaps there won't be a knee replacement on the 27th. Or then, perhaps the breast surgeon can just scrub in with the Ortho doc and do it all at once.
Hope you are warm and comfortable. Hope you didn't have pipes break or a power outage to make you huddle in the dark.
Peace.
My tropical and subtropical plants look like cooked spinach now. I think they will come back, but my flower beds are really pathetic right now. My 30+ year old split leaf philodendrons that were four feet tall not are a pathetic glob of goo. I haven't had the nerve to venture out back to the deck yet. I think this will be a year to replant things.
We finally have sunlight streaming through our windows. Partially because there IS sunlight, and partially because I don't have the blinds closed and the drapes pulled tight to try to keep the cold out and the warm in. There is a good five degree temperature difference between the living areas and the bedrooms. This happens in summer too, but we can crank up the fans to get the air moving. With the cold, we have to have a fire going and all the north rooms closed off. It still is cooler in the living areas, but the fire makes it seem warmer. Perhaps I should just not watch programs on cable and turn to "Yule Log" in the on-demand section. It would be easier than tending a fire.
Even my spirits are somewhat lifted. I have been puttering to de-clutter. That also energizes me somewhat. I do love a clean house, but so often I just feel overwhelmed. If I just had a little help . . . (from someone who lives here) But I am slowly getting it together. My deadline is the 26th. I work better under pressure!
Friday I went for the spot compression mammogram. I know the doctor looked at it then because the technician took the thing (not a film because it is all digital now) for him to be sure that they got the proper view. In my way of thinking, he could have told me good or bad right then. Hopefully I will know something by Tuesday. Perhaps there won't be a knee replacement on the 27th. Or then, perhaps the breast surgeon can just scrub in with the Ortho doc and do it all at once.
Hope you are warm and comfortable. Hope you didn't have pipes break or a power outage to make you huddle in the dark.
Peace.
Friday, January 08, 2010
I am such a baby!
Ummm - would you mind bringing the cheese and those crackers over here to go with the whine? Yep - here I go again.
I was talking to Daughter yesterday. She was bemoaning the fact that she didn't see how SIL was going to be able to take care of the three kidlets while she was out of town for a week. I thought she was going to get around to me helping out, and I was going to do it, but tell her she manages when he is gone.
So I asked when she was going to be gone. It is the same week as my knee surgery. Now I am a big girl; perfectly capable of taking care of myself - until I have to go to a hospital. I get really lonely in the hospital. G doesn't do hospitals. I guess it comes from working in one for 25+ years. He will dutifully come by to check on me, then after about 15 minutes he is gone - like a ghost. He uses the excuse that he has to come to tend to Simone. I know there is truth in that, but . . .
Everyone asks if he is going to take some time off after I get home. I just chuckle. Nope. He is going to (gasp) modify his hour though. He will go in a little later so he can help with my breakfast and set up lunch. That means I will have to eat at dark thirty and have a cold lunch. Neither is my life style. In the evenings, he will leave early so he can fix dinner and do the dishes. Oh my, that means his skewed menus. He did that when he retired and worked part time, and I was still teaching full time.
I am upset about Daughter being gone because she has spoiled me. She calls me at least once a day. When I have surgery, she tries to visit as much as possible. It will only be about 2 days that she will be gone after surgery. She won't be there that day, but I don't think I will know the difference. But she won't be back until Friday night.
Perhaps the good Lord is looking out for the two of us. I understand the first three days post surgery are sheer hell. She will be spared that. I know the helpless feeling when someone you love is in such pain. But I will still miss her being there - terribly.
I am so fortunate to have the family I have - even with their quirks. We love one another a whole lot, and that's so much more than some others have.
Peace.
I was talking to Daughter yesterday. She was bemoaning the fact that she didn't see how SIL was going to be able to take care of the three kidlets while she was out of town for a week. I thought she was going to get around to me helping out, and I was going to do it, but tell her she manages when he is gone.
So I asked when she was going to be gone. It is the same week as my knee surgery. Now I am a big girl; perfectly capable of taking care of myself - until I have to go to a hospital. I get really lonely in the hospital. G doesn't do hospitals. I guess it comes from working in one for 25+ years. He will dutifully come by to check on me, then after about 15 minutes he is gone - like a ghost. He uses the excuse that he has to come to tend to Simone. I know there is truth in that, but . . .
Everyone asks if he is going to take some time off after I get home. I just chuckle. Nope. He is going to (gasp) modify his hour though. He will go in a little later so he can help with my breakfast and set up lunch. That means I will have to eat at dark thirty and have a cold lunch. Neither is my life style. In the evenings, he will leave early so he can fix dinner and do the dishes. Oh my, that means his skewed menus. He did that when he retired and worked part time, and I was still teaching full time.
I am upset about Daughter being gone because she has spoiled me. She calls me at least once a day. When I have surgery, she tries to visit as much as possible. It will only be about 2 days that she will be gone after surgery. She won't be there that day, but I don't think I will know the difference. But she won't be back until Friday night.
Perhaps the good Lord is looking out for the two of us. I understand the first three days post surgery are sheer hell. She will be spared that. I know the helpless feeling when someone you love is in such pain. But I will still miss her being there - terribly.
I am so fortunate to have the family I have - even with their quirks. We love one another a whole lot, and that's so much more than some others have.
Peace.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
I'm back
After the shocking letter from the mammography center rocked my world, plus I was trying to get all the emails, etc taken care of, I just didn't post. I was so centered on the fact that something was found that needed additional testing (even though most of these things are not cancer) that I just didn't have it in me to post.
Setting that next appointment was a fiasco in itself! I called the center, as instructed in the letter and by the message on the answering machine, to set that appointment. They said I needed to call Dr. Poison to have orders sent. OK. I know they have to have orders. More of our simple medical insurance system. So I called the good doctor's office. His nurse said she only had a report for a mammogram from January 2009. Nope - this one was December 18, 2009. She did have the bone density report. OK - done at the same time. She tried to access the breast center's computer - it was down. Sounds about right doesn't it! She said for me to call the breast center to have the report faxed to them. I called the breast center - no one answered, so I left a message.
The next day the breast center called. They had the orders. Apparently they had been there the entire time. So I made my appointment. I called the nurse again. You always have to leave a message because they don't break away from clinic. Later she called back, and I told her that all was well after all.
Now I am going to sound like a whiny Texan. The appointment is for tomorrow afternoon. I thought this weather would be getting better. Nope - not above freezing tomorrow. Texans just don't know how to react to this type of weather. I am more worried about the other drivers out there! They don't do well with this stuff. At least it is supposed to be dry, but I'm not holding my breath.
The intervening days have been fun though. I was able to spend time with three of the four grandchildren. On Tuesday, Daughter and I took the girls to see The Princess and the Frog. It was a delightful movie although I was glad that Doodle Bug went to sleep about half way through. The end was rather scary, I thought, for a 2 1/2 year old. I was glad she didn't see it.
Yesterday, DIL invited me to lunch with her and Wiggle Worm. He is getting to be a real little flirt! She is busy planning his first birthday party on February 20. Funny how big these first birthday parties get! Lady Bug had a blowout. Then numbers two and three - nothing big. We'll see about Wiggle Worm's siblings! I am going to embroidery a shirt for the occasion.
DIL's mother was so worried I wouldn't be able to make the party because of my knee surgery. I have a wheel chair! I have had it since I broke my ankle and don't do crutches at all, and walkers are iffy! I will be there !!!
Today I get to get my teeth cleaned. Joy. After that I get to go to the grocery store, and I am dreading that. I am really having mobility problems. Having to go to the store is partially due to my own stupidity. I didn't get fire starters for the fireplace when I went to the hardware store because G didn't get pipe insulation. In weather like this, the fireplace is integral for keeping this part of the house warm. Also, my fat cat is out of food. So I will have to hit the store.
Talking about needing the fireplace. My next door neighbors are replacing their windows. I have to admit - I am jealous. I really think we will have to do that. Even after we replaced the HVAC, we still have some of the same problems. Our living area is either stifling hot in summer and freezing in winter. I really think it is because we are experiencing the tremendous effect of these 35 year old windows. Energy is too expensive these days to waste. I think I will really start hitting G up for new windows.
So there you have it. I'm still scared of the findings of the mammogram. It is like last time, but I also had a reduction of this breast when the other was reconstructed. I am going to hang on to that. I am actually looking forward to the knee replacement because I am just about crippled now. But I will think positively about it all!
Peace.
Setting that next appointment was a fiasco in itself! I called the center, as instructed in the letter and by the message on the answering machine, to set that appointment. They said I needed to call Dr. Poison to have orders sent. OK. I know they have to have orders. More of our simple medical insurance system. So I called the good doctor's office. His nurse said she only had a report for a mammogram from January 2009. Nope - this one was December 18, 2009. She did have the bone density report. OK - done at the same time. She tried to access the breast center's computer - it was down. Sounds about right doesn't it! She said for me to call the breast center to have the report faxed to them. I called the breast center - no one answered, so I left a message.
The next day the breast center called. They had the orders. Apparently they had been there the entire time. So I made my appointment. I called the nurse again. You always have to leave a message because they don't break away from clinic. Later she called back, and I told her that all was well after all.
Now I am going to sound like a whiny Texan. The appointment is for tomorrow afternoon. I thought this weather would be getting better. Nope - not above freezing tomorrow. Texans just don't know how to react to this type of weather. I am more worried about the other drivers out there! They don't do well with this stuff. At least it is supposed to be dry, but I'm not holding my breath.
The intervening days have been fun though. I was able to spend time with three of the four grandchildren. On Tuesday, Daughter and I took the girls to see The Princess and the Frog. It was a delightful movie although I was glad that Doodle Bug went to sleep about half way through. The end was rather scary, I thought, for a 2 1/2 year old. I was glad she didn't see it.
Yesterday, DIL invited me to lunch with her and Wiggle Worm. He is getting to be a real little flirt! She is busy planning his first birthday party on February 20. Funny how big these first birthday parties get! Lady Bug had a blowout. Then numbers two and three - nothing big. We'll see about Wiggle Worm's siblings! I am going to embroidery a shirt for the occasion.
DIL's mother was so worried I wouldn't be able to make the party because of my knee surgery. I have a wheel chair! I have had it since I broke my ankle and don't do crutches at all, and walkers are iffy! I will be there !!!
Today I get to get my teeth cleaned. Joy. After that I get to go to the grocery store, and I am dreading that. I am really having mobility problems. Having to go to the store is partially due to my own stupidity. I didn't get fire starters for the fireplace when I went to the hardware store because G didn't get pipe insulation. In weather like this, the fireplace is integral for keeping this part of the house warm. Also, my fat cat is out of food. So I will have to hit the store.
Talking about needing the fireplace. My next door neighbors are replacing their windows. I have to admit - I am jealous. I really think we will have to do that. Even after we replaced the HVAC, we still have some of the same problems. Our living area is either stifling hot in summer and freezing in winter. I really think it is because we are experiencing the tremendous effect of these 35 year old windows. Energy is too expensive these days to waste. I think I will really start hitting G up for new windows.
So there you have it. I'm still scared of the findings of the mammogram. It is like last time, but I also had a reduction of this breast when the other was reconstructed. I am going to hang on to that. I am actually looking forward to the knee replacement because I am just about crippled now. But I will think positively about it all!
Peace.
Monday, January 04, 2010
Back home
We got back this afternoon after having spotty at best connections while gone. I have a lot of stories to tell, but all that iks sidetracked by one piece of mail.
I was going through that mountain when I came across a letter from the Womens' Center where I had my mammogram. It found something that needs additional testing. It went on to say that these things are mostly benign, I need to make an appointment.
This is a repeat of three years ago - almost to the day. So now I am sent spiraling into the depths of fear instead of planning a light hearted "three year survival birthday party."
I was going through that mountain when I came across a letter from the Womens' Center where I had my mammogram. It found something that needs additional testing. It went on to say that these things are mostly benign, I need to make an appointment.
This is a repeat of three years ago - almost to the day. So now I am sent spiraling into the depths of fear instead of planning a light hearted "three year survival birthday party."
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas
Christmas Day is drawing to a close, and we will be heading off for yet another meal. We began the day at Daughter's house. SIL fixed a really nice breakfast, and then we got to sit to watch the grands while they opened their gifts from Santa. It was really nice.
Doodle Bug is definitely OCD. As she would tear a piece of wrapping paper off, she would look for the appropriate place to put it! Both Lady Bug and Monkey Boy decided DB's toys were the ones with which to play. What a surprise!
Then we went to Son's MIL's house. I just love her mother who is visiting here from Louisiana. She is such a delight. There was enough food there for the masses. It is always so good. The cousins got to exchange gifts there. It was very nice.
In a bit we will be heading back to Daughter's house where there is venison stew awaiting. G just walked in stating he is not a bit hungry. I know what he means. But we did say we would be there.
Tomorrow we are heading to the SSB for New Year's. We will be there until January 4. I will try to stop by from time to time. In the meantime, I hope you had a blessed Christmas, and I hope you hve a very happy and prosperous New Year.
Doodle Bug is definitely OCD. As she would tear a piece of wrapping paper off, she would look for the appropriate place to put it! Both Lady Bug and Monkey Boy decided DB's toys were the ones with which to play. What a surprise!
Then we went to Son's MIL's house. I just love her mother who is visiting here from Louisiana. She is such a delight. There was enough food there for the masses. It is always so good. The cousins got to exchange gifts there. It was very nice.
In a bit we will be heading back to Daughter's house where there is venison stew awaiting. G just walked in stating he is not a bit hungry. I know what he means. But we did say we would be there.
Tomorrow we are heading to the SSB for New Year's. We will be there until January 4. I will try to stop by from time to time. In the meantime, I hope you had a blessed Christmas, and I hope you hve a very happy and prosperous New Year.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Changes
This morning I was not going to post - anything. I was in a deep funk. The world looked drab, and I couldn't think of anything positive about the day with the exception of the fact that I was breathing and moving about.
Then I met with our Realtor who sold us the other property. We have the house on the market finally. It will be a month after leasing it that we will realize any monies from it because around here the listing fee is a month's rent. Well, that's ok. I want it on the MLS listings.
She was amazed at the change in the property. She made two suggestions, one of which is on the books - a cleaning service to do the windows and so on. That is going to happen. So as soon as we sign the papers and return them, we will have the house on the market.
The real thing that moved me to post was a Christmas card from my "step brother." We are not related in any way by blood. My father married his mother when they were both getting to be elderly. Ron and I seldom had any communication at all. He has five kids, and we really didn't know any of them at all.
When his mother got so sick and I stepped in, that seemed to change things. He inherited a lot more money because of my dad then would have happened before. When Dad died, he inherited even more.
So there has been some communication now. In fact when we went to Disney Land for Lady Bug, we visited him at his newly opened restaurant. We had a lovely time. I got a Christmas card three years ago. He had been treated for colon cancer. Then I got my diagnosis.
We didn't hear again until today. I believe he lost the restaurant because he is selling insurance. But more than anything else, he has had cancer again.
I certainly will be including Ron and his family in my prayers. I think they have had some very hard times. I think the bills were stacking up big time from what his wife said in the letter.
I am not in such a blue mood anymore. I have heard from several people today. So far I have not had a recurrence of cancer. This is another day for me to be grateful, not down.
I hope you have found something of value in this day.
Peace.
Then I met with our Realtor who sold us the other property. We have the house on the market finally. It will be a month after leasing it that we will realize any monies from it because around here the listing fee is a month's rent. Well, that's ok. I want it on the MLS listings.
She was amazed at the change in the property. She made two suggestions, one of which is on the books - a cleaning service to do the windows and so on. That is going to happen. So as soon as we sign the papers and return them, we will have the house on the market.
The real thing that moved me to post was a Christmas card from my "step brother." We are not related in any way by blood. My father married his mother when they were both getting to be elderly. Ron and I seldom had any communication at all. He has five kids, and we really didn't know any of them at all.
When his mother got so sick and I stepped in, that seemed to change things. He inherited a lot more money because of my dad then would have happened before. When Dad died, he inherited even more.
So there has been some communication now. In fact when we went to Disney Land for Lady Bug, we visited him at his newly opened restaurant. We had a lovely time. I got a Christmas card three years ago. He had been treated for colon cancer. Then I got my diagnosis.
We didn't hear again until today. I believe he lost the restaurant because he is selling insurance. But more than anything else, he has had cancer again.
I certainly will be including Ron and his family in my prayers. I think they have had some very hard times. I think the bills were stacking up big time from what his wife said in the letter.
I am not in such a blue mood anymore. I have heard from several people today. So far I have not had a recurrence of cancer. This is another day for me to be grateful, not down.
I hope you have found something of value in this day.
Peace.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Separate ways
Sunday at the kid's Christmas program, I got to thinking. I am a bit sad that my daughter, son and we go to different churches. It's great we all go to church, but it would be nice if it was the same one. I can see problems down the line when Wiggle Worm and his future siblings get old enough to be in programs at their church, and that happening on the same day as his cousins. I have to admit, I did enjoy it when we all went to the same church.
Later that evening, at Daughter's birthday dinner, my DIL was bemoaning the fact that her brother won't be coming here for Christmas at her Dad's house on Christmas Eve. I found that amusing - in a sick, distorted way. You see, Son and DIL will be at her Dad's on Christmas Eve after he gets off work, and then they plan to be at her mother's house on Christmas Day. Now, we are invited to her mother's for both Christmas Eve (I would feel really strange with DIL not there) and Christmas Day. But, do you see any time there for them to spend with just our family? Nope - not just us.
I so wanted to quote that old adage to her:
A daughter is a daughter all her life,
A son is a son until he takes a wife.
That is so very true. It was true of my husband, my SIL, now my son, and now her brother. She was so upset because her SIL's family live in the same city with her brother. I think it may be something that happens because there is so often strife between two women - especially MIL and DIL. I really try to not let that happen. It was a factor in my marriage. If she weren't so thinned skin, I would have said something. There are times it's just better to keep one's mouth shut. And I did. And the twinge of hurt is still there.
Peace.
Later that evening, at Daughter's birthday dinner, my DIL was bemoaning the fact that her brother won't be coming here for Christmas at her Dad's house on Christmas Eve. I found that amusing - in a sick, distorted way. You see, Son and DIL will be at her Dad's on Christmas Eve after he gets off work, and then they plan to be at her mother's house on Christmas Day. Now, we are invited to her mother's for both Christmas Eve (I would feel really strange with DIL not there) and Christmas Day. But, do you see any time there for them to spend with just our family? Nope - not just us.
I so wanted to quote that old adage to her:
A daughter is a daughter all her life,
A son is a son until he takes a wife.
That is so very true. It was true of my husband, my SIL, now my son, and now her brother. She was so upset because her SIL's family live in the same city with her brother. I think it may be something that happens because there is so often strife between two women - especially MIL and DIL. I really try to not let that happen. It was a factor in my marriage. If she weren't so thinned skin, I would have said something. There are times it's just better to keep one's mouth shut. And I did. And the twinge of hurt is still there.
Peace.
Monday, December 21, 2009
What a Sunday!!
We began our day in a normal, peaceful way. We went to Daughter's church because the kids were in the Christmas play. I thought I was going to have to hog-tie G. But, he got over it. They did a great job. Not that I am prejudiced or anything.
Later Daughter and I went to see "Precious." We both read Push, the book it is based upon. We knew what we were in for as far as the language and violence. We both thoroughly enjoyed the movie - if that's what how you want to phrase it. The acting was wonderful. The subject matter is another thing, but these things happen to girls.
What really surprised us was this woman came in to the movie with a little girl not more than ten and another little girl about two. The part of the movie where she entered was some of the worst language, and it went on for a long while. I simply could not believe she brought her children to this movie. It is definitely not a children movie. I really don't understand some people these days. I was very uncomfortable for those girls.
The movie was a good time for us - part of Daughter's 36th birthday celebration. Best of all, it cost us nothing because I had passes from my dentist. His hygienist was ill, and they didn't call me before I got there. It wasn't a problem anyway. The dentist is just right here. G had a gift card that we used for two drinks ($9.50 worth). She drives a company vehicle, so we didn't even pay for gas!
All hell broke loose when I got home however. I walked in, talked about the movie a bit, and G asked "Is the generator still running??" I said apparently, but our neighbors have power. This is about 5:15. We were to meet the rest of the family at 6:15 for dinner. He had been sitting for two hours with the generator running. The problem was OURS! We called the utility company. They did come out - about the time we were leaving. The generator company had me leave messages. The utility company said the problem was ours; we had service. Something was not letting the generator switch back to local power.
We went on to dinner with the generator humming away. I really felt bad for the neighbors, but hopefully since it was cold (for us, I know!!!) hopefully they had their windows closed. It ran all night. I will say, it was kind of neat though. We know it will run the house - at least what we were using for the night. And the motor isn't really that loud. Now in the still of a post hurricane night, that may be a different story for the neighbors. We will just have to provide refrigerator space and ice to make up for things!
This morning, the guy whose "emergency number" I called and left a message, said I didn't do those things, but he sent a crew anyway. They got here about 10 this morning. So we used about 20 hours of natural gas to run our lights. The repairman gave me his card with his direct number. I hope we never need it.
All turned out ok, but for a while there, I wasn't sure. The repairman said he would try to get the company to pick up some of the gas bill, but that really isn't that big a thing. I'm sure it will be about $40, but we now know more about that nice little chest that is nestled behind our garage and keeps the home fires burning!
Peace.
Later Daughter and I went to see "Precious." We both read Push, the book it is based upon. We knew what we were in for as far as the language and violence. We both thoroughly enjoyed the movie - if that's what how you want to phrase it. The acting was wonderful. The subject matter is another thing, but these things happen to girls.
What really surprised us was this woman came in to the movie with a little girl not more than ten and another little girl about two. The part of the movie where she entered was some of the worst language, and it went on for a long while. I simply could not believe she brought her children to this movie. It is definitely not a children movie. I really don't understand some people these days. I was very uncomfortable for those girls.
The movie was a good time for us - part of Daughter's 36th birthday celebration. Best of all, it cost us nothing because I had passes from my dentist. His hygienist was ill, and they didn't call me before I got there. It wasn't a problem anyway. The dentist is just right here. G had a gift card that we used for two drinks ($9.50 worth). She drives a company vehicle, so we didn't even pay for gas!
All hell broke loose when I got home however. I walked in, talked about the movie a bit, and G asked "Is the generator still running??" I said apparently, but our neighbors have power. This is about 5:15. We were to meet the rest of the family at 6:15 for dinner. He had been sitting for two hours with the generator running. The problem was OURS! We called the utility company. They did come out - about the time we were leaving. The generator company had me leave messages. The utility company said the problem was ours; we had service. Something was not letting the generator switch back to local power.
We went on to dinner with the generator humming away. I really felt bad for the neighbors, but hopefully since it was cold (for us, I know!!!) hopefully they had their windows closed. It ran all night. I will say, it was kind of neat though. We know it will run the house - at least what we were using for the night. And the motor isn't really that loud. Now in the still of a post hurricane night, that may be a different story for the neighbors. We will just have to provide refrigerator space and ice to make up for things!
This morning, the guy whose "emergency number" I called and left a message, said I didn't do those things, but he sent a crew anyway. They got here about 10 this morning. So we used about 20 hours of natural gas to run our lights. The repairman gave me his card with his direct number. I hope we never need it.
All turned out ok, but for a while there, I wasn't sure. The repairman said he would try to get the company to pick up some of the gas bill, but that really isn't that big a thing. I'm sure it will be about $40, but we now know more about that nice little chest that is nestled behind our garage and keeps the home fires burning!
Peace.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Cristmas Traditions
This is a strange topic for today since I am in such a funk about everything in general - even Christmas. But over at RevGalPals, they challenged us to talk about the traditions we have in our families, since all families have different ones. Well, this year I haven't done a single thing - much less follow a tradition.
These are the categories:
1. Traditions you always do: (keeping in mind I haven't done these) We decorate for Christmas the first Sunday in Advent. My daughter's birthday is December 18, and she always loved having the house so festive for her birthday. We would also go back to San Antonio to celebrate with family. She thought (even though she later knew it wasn't true) that her birthday lasted two weeks or more.
2. Things I always cook or like to eat: I would bake dozens of cookies. This year - I don't need them. So there has been zero baking. I like to try to do a fruitcake or two. G likes them. This year - no.
3. Traditions I would like to start: Our family being more proactive in helping others. This includes giving to Lutheran World Relief, the various programs that provide things like cattle, serving at one of the city wide meals. I would like to see us turning Christmas to providing for those who have little.
4. Traditions I would like to discard: Gift giving. Sounds like Scrooge doesn't it? My grandchildren have more things than they could ever use. My children aren't in need. My extended family isn't in need of anything.
5. About our family: As an extended family, we have curtailed the gifts. We just enjoy each other's company at Christmas and New Year's. Our closer family is still giving gifts. We have our private exchanges, and G and I go with Daughter's family. Son's family is having their first Christmas with Wiggle Worm. We'll see what that brings.
We are so fortunate to be where we are in life. We are so fortunate to have our families. I need a better attitude this year!
Peace.
These are the categories:
1. Traditions you always do: (keeping in mind I haven't done these) We decorate for Christmas the first Sunday in Advent. My daughter's birthday is December 18, and she always loved having the house so festive for her birthday. We would also go back to San Antonio to celebrate with family. She thought (even though she later knew it wasn't true) that her birthday lasted two weeks or more.
2. Things I always cook or like to eat: I would bake dozens of cookies. This year - I don't need them. So there has been zero baking. I like to try to do a fruitcake or two. G likes them. This year - no.
3. Traditions I would like to start: Our family being more proactive in helping others. This includes giving to Lutheran World Relief, the various programs that provide things like cattle, serving at one of the city wide meals. I would like to see us turning Christmas to providing for those who have little.
4. Traditions I would like to discard: Gift giving. Sounds like Scrooge doesn't it? My grandchildren have more things than they could ever use. My children aren't in need. My extended family isn't in need of anything.
5. About our family: As an extended family, we have curtailed the gifts. We just enjoy each other's company at Christmas and New Year's. Our closer family is still giving gifts. We have our private exchanges, and G and I go with Daughter's family. Son's family is having their first Christmas with Wiggle Worm. We'll see what that brings.
We are so fortunate to be where we are in life. We are so fortunate to have our families. I need a better attitude this year!
Peace.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Many steps
Yesterday was the appointment with the bariatric surgeon. He's the one who also did my mastectomy. What a dichotomy. I guess that is a strange combination, but I like him. So . . .
I knew that I had to go on a three month medically supervised weight loss plan to satisfy my insurance, but it was the rest of the hoops I have to jump through that worry me. What this means is I really don't know when I am going to have the surgery. My plans (what a fool to make plans, right?) were to have the left knee done in January and the right knee done in April. Well - with the bariatric surgery having to be done in at least three months, I have a scheduling problem.
The nurse said that when I was over the knee, then we could look at the gastric surgery. She said that I don't want too many surgeries too close together. Hmmmmmm - I am looking at getting three surgeries in about four months. I think that's going to be too many.
Here's what I have to do for the bariatric surgery:
1. Go to my general practitioner. Get him to follow me on a diet for three months, at least.
2. Have additional blood work done and get a cardiac clearance - which I will do the middle of January anyway for the knee.
3. Get a gastric clearance. That means scoping my stomach. And doing an ultrasound of the gall bladder. If there is any problem there, it comes out at the time of surgery. The nurse said since they were already doing that, they would probably do the colonoscopy. I don't really mind the colon stuff - just the prep for it!! I'm not due until July 2011.
4. Meet with a nutritionist. I would think this should be done at the get go, but it can be done at any time before surgery.
5. Meet a psychiatrist. Now that should be interesting.
I figure that if I go through all that, I just might solve my problem eating on my own without losing part of my stomach. As I said, I now have a scheduling nightmare. At first, I was going to make the appointment with the general doc immediately. But I know I cannot drive for three weeks post surgery. So, that would mean that I can't get the first month check in on time.
What I think I am going to do is wait until I am more mobile post the first knee surgery. I will make the appointment with the general doc, and I can go in on a regular basis. So in other words, I think I will have the bariatric surgery after the second knee. I think that will be the best way to go. I think there will be less recovery from the bariatric surgery than from the knee. I just don't want to have the summer the time I am laid up with knee recuperation.
So, there you have it! Isn't this just so exciting!
Peace.
I knew that I had to go on a three month medically supervised weight loss plan to satisfy my insurance, but it was the rest of the hoops I have to jump through that worry me. What this means is I really don't know when I am going to have the surgery. My plans (what a fool to make plans, right?) were to have the left knee done in January and the right knee done in April. Well - with the bariatric surgery having to be done in at least three months, I have a scheduling problem.
The nurse said that when I was over the knee, then we could look at the gastric surgery. She said that I don't want too many surgeries too close together. Hmmmmmm - I am looking at getting three surgeries in about four months. I think that's going to be too many.
Here's what I have to do for the bariatric surgery:
1. Go to my general practitioner. Get him to follow me on a diet for three months, at least.
2. Have additional blood work done and get a cardiac clearance - which I will do the middle of January anyway for the knee.
3. Get a gastric clearance. That means scoping my stomach. And doing an ultrasound of the gall bladder. If there is any problem there, it comes out at the time of surgery. The nurse said since they were already doing that, they would probably do the colonoscopy. I don't really mind the colon stuff - just the prep for it!! I'm not due until July 2011.
4. Meet with a nutritionist. I would think this should be done at the get go, but it can be done at any time before surgery.
5. Meet a psychiatrist. Now that should be interesting.
I figure that if I go through all that, I just might solve my problem eating on my own without losing part of my stomach. As I said, I now have a scheduling nightmare. At first, I was going to make the appointment with the general doc immediately. But I know I cannot drive for three weeks post surgery. So, that would mean that I can't get the first month check in on time.
What I think I am going to do is wait until I am more mobile post the first knee surgery. I will make the appointment with the general doc, and I can go in on a regular basis. So in other words, I think I will have the bariatric surgery after the second knee. I think that will be the best way to go. I think there will be less recovery from the bariatric surgery than from the knee. I just don't want to have the summer the time I am laid up with knee recuperation.
So, there you have it! Isn't this just so exciting!
Peace.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Life
Son's friend's mother died yesterday. I don't know the specifics, but I know the respirator was turned off and death happened at some point. I just hope the passing was peaceful. She has been through so much the last few months.
On another note, I witnessed the passing of a friendship yesterday. I reached out to a friend, and the response was cold. That was the absolute ending this time. Sad.
I still had absolutely nothing in place that would be termed Christmas decorations. Last year, I bought some LED solar light strings on closeout. The weather here has not been conducive to solar anything, so they just sat in the living room. I decided I would throw them onto the bushes outside yesterday afternoon. Two sets did nothing. Two sets lit - for a while. I know they require six hours of light. It is still overcast today. I doubt they will get the light they require.
I did manage to get all sorts of medical appointments set yesterday. I was amazed that I could get the regular gyno set up. I have to wait one year between appointments. That anniversary is January 26 - the day before the great surgery. I was able to set that up! That's good. I wasn't looking forward to "that" appointment after having the knee done!
My appointment with the bariatric surgeon was moved to this afternoon. I'll let you know about that one.
Have a pleasant day.
Peace.
On another note, I witnessed the passing of a friendship yesterday. I reached out to a friend, and the response was cold. That was the absolute ending this time. Sad.
I still had absolutely nothing in place that would be termed Christmas decorations. Last year, I bought some LED solar light strings on closeout. The weather here has not been conducive to solar anything, so they just sat in the living room. I decided I would throw them onto the bushes outside yesterday afternoon. Two sets did nothing. Two sets lit - for a while. I know they require six hours of light. It is still overcast today. I doubt they will get the light they require.
I did manage to get all sorts of medical appointments set yesterday. I was amazed that I could get the regular gyno set up. I have to wait one year between appointments. That anniversary is January 26 - the day before the great surgery. I was able to set that up! That's good. I wasn't looking forward to "that" appointment after having the knee done!
My appointment with the bariatric surgeon was moved to this afternoon. I'll let you know about that one.
Have a pleasant day.
Peace.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Down
I don't know the exact cause, but I have really been feeling depressed. I sometimes get this way - especially around this time of year. The other day, someone at work mentioned to G what a wonderful season this is. He replied to them that he isn't especially fond of this time of year. He's right.
During this season, as I think I have mentioned before, we have lost my mother, my step mother, my dad, his dad, and a favorite aunt. Just a bit ago, Son called. His friend, who was his Best Man at his wedding, is having to make the decision to remove his mother from life support. This hits me hard. The closeness of out two sons, and she was a breast cancer survivor. The cancer had come back with a vengeance. She was going to San Antonio for experimental treatments that she couldn't get here. That is a bit amazing to me because we do have the premier cancer center here. J's mom had cancer before me. I think she had been a seven or eight year survivor. J is convinced that the cancer was still there, and the medication to stop the production of estrogen (I don't know which one she was taking) just held the cancer at bay.
At any rate, this looks like the end for his mother. I have so much sympathy for J. He, like me, is an only child. I know how hard that is. I don't know if having siblings helps at a time like this, but I do know how horrible this time is for an only child.
I just don't know why I feel so empty inside. I am so lonely. I'll be glad when this season is over. Perhaps this mood will leave with the season.
Peace.
During this season, as I think I have mentioned before, we have lost my mother, my step mother, my dad, his dad, and a favorite aunt. Just a bit ago, Son called. His friend, who was his Best Man at his wedding, is having to make the decision to remove his mother from life support. This hits me hard. The closeness of out two sons, and she was a breast cancer survivor. The cancer had come back with a vengeance. She was going to San Antonio for experimental treatments that she couldn't get here. That is a bit amazing to me because we do have the premier cancer center here. J's mom had cancer before me. I think she had been a seven or eight year survivor. J is convinced that the cancer was still there, and the medication to stop the production of estrogen (I don't know which one she was taking) just held the cancer at bay.
At any rate, this looks like the end for his mother. I have so much sympathy for J. He, like me, is an only child. I know how hard that is. I don't know if having siblings helps at a time like this, but I do know how horrible this time is for an only child.
I just don't know why I feel so empty inside. I am so lonely. I'll be glad when this season is over. Perhaps this mood will leave with the season.
Peace.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
It's a date
The big day id January 27 at 9am. I met with the surgeon today. I didn't realize how severe my knee problem was. The surgeon was amazed at the x-rays. He is concerned about me making it to the 27th. He told me to be very careful where and how I walk.
We will be doing the left first because it's the worst. The bone is breaking apart, and I have little pieces of "stuff" floating around in the knee. It has been there so long that there are secretions around the pieces making them even larger. He likened it to an oyster making pearls. The bone fragments irritate, so there is secretions added to the bone.
I feel somewhat better than I did. He was very reassuring. He actually has a personality! He gave me a cortisone shot to ease the knee somewhat while I wait for the surgery. He actually gave me a script for pain pills. I asked if they were for post surgery, and he said no - that he knew I was in pain now.
So . . . there you have it. My bariatric appointment is for next Thursday. That could probably be squeezed in between the knee surgeries. That is if I go through with the bariatric stuff. We'll see.
Hope you are all in one piece with only natural parts!
Peace.
We will be doing the left first because it's the worst. The bone is breaking apart, and I have little pieces of "stuff" floating around in the knee. It has been there so long that there are secretions around the pieces making them even larger. He likened it to an oyster making pearls. The bone fragments irritate, so there is secretions added to the bone.
I feel somewhat better than I did. He was very reassuring. He actually has a personality! He gave me a cortisone shot to ease the knee somewhat while I wait for the surgery. He actually gave me a script for pain pills. I asked if they were for post surgery, and he said no - that he knew I was in pain now.
So . . . there you have it. My bariatric appointment is for next Thursday. That could probably be squeezed in between the knee surgeries. That is if I go through with the bariatric stuff. We'll see.
Hope you are all in one piece with only natural parts!
Peace.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Busy, busy
I think I am going to have to begin with the "day-timer" again. This is a busy, busy time.
I went to the bone doc today. I have an appointment with the surgeon tomorrow. Wow, that was fast. We will be discussing the dreaded knee replacement. The first doc nearly scared me away from it all. He told me how much it hurts, and many people refuse to have the second one done due to the pain. He said to schedule the second six months after the first, but look forward to a year of hellish pain. Yipee! Sounds just groovy!
When I returned home, there was a call from my OTHER surgeon. My insurance will cover the bariatric surgery. But I have to jump through some hoops to get it. It will be a few months. I have to be on a managed weight loss program. That means them prescribing a diet and watching. Then I will be a candidate. So I see him next Thursday.
In the mean time, I have to have a physical to make sure I am fit for the knee replacement surgery. It's not a little snip-snip like I understand the gastric sleeve is. I am due to see the heart doc soon anyway. So I'll just see about moving that appointment up.
All this and the holidays too. Am I crazy? Well, yes, but that's another story. Am I scared? You bet ya'. But something has to be done. I can't go on this way. I can't walk. I told the nurse at the bariatric doc's office what was going on. Looks like I will have the knee done first. Well, that can't be helped. That is unless the knee surgeon sayd he wants the other first. \
We will see what is what!
Peace.
I went to the bone doc today. I have an appointment with the surgeon tomorrow. Wow, that was fast. We will be discussing the dreaded knee replacement. The first doc nearly scared me away from it all. He told me how much it hurts, and many people refuse to have the second one done due to the pain. He said to schedule the second six months after the first, but look forward to a year of hellish pain. Yipee! Sounds just groovy!
When I returned home, there was a call from my OTHER surgeon. My insurance will cover the bariatric surgery. But I have to jump through some hoops to get it. It will be a few months. I have to be on a managed weight loss program. That means them prescribing a diet and watching. Then I will be a candidate. So I see him next Thursday.
In the mean time, I have to have a physical to make sure I am fit for the knee replacement surgery. It's not a little snip-snip like I understand the gastric sleeve is. I am due to see the heart doc soon anyway. So I'll just see about moving that appointment up.
All this and the holidays too. Am I crazy? Well, yes, but that's another story. Am I scared? You bet ya'. But something has to be done. I can't go on this way. I can't walk. I told the nurse at the bariatric doc's office what was going on. Looks like I will have the knee done first. Well, that can't be helped. That is unless the knee surgeon sayd he wants the other first. \
We will see what is what!
Peace.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Too much attention
When I went to the (wrong) Christmas party at the sewing machine place, they introduced a new person who would be doing classes. They also stressed checking the web site for things going on at the sewing machine place. So I did.
I found that this woman was going to be offering a class on a casserole carrier. I have been wanting to do these for a long time. Yesterday I called to get the details. They were scarce. Even the store had no idea. They didn't have her telephone number either.
So, I loaded myself into the car and headed over there this morning. I had no sewing machine - just me. I walked in, and she was in the classroom. Apparently she didn't get word that the other woman had dropped out - so it was just the two of us. She had the fabric - already cut out. So I went off to find a spool of thread.
It was just the two of us! I had full attention. I was using a machine that I didn't know. The first had a bobbin that you put in from the front. I am used to a drop in bobbin. They swapped out the machine.
The worst part, and the part where I had way too much attention, was using the wide bias binding. I don't do well with that stuff. I had to go around this huge circle adding a shoe lace in. The first round, I missed about a half of catching everything. I know she thought I was a real ditz.
We were there for the full three hours. And then some. I do have a casserole carrier, and I can tell you this: when I make them, they will NOT have bias tape holding them together.
Peace.
I found that this woman was going to be offering a class on a casserole carrier. I have been wanting to do these for a long time. Yesterday I called to get the details. They were scarce. Even the store had no idea. They didn't have her telephone number either.
So, I loaded myself into the car and headed over there this morning. I had no sewing machine - just me. I walked in, and she was in the classroom. Apparently she didn't get word that the other woman had dropped out - so it was just the two of us. She had the fabric - already cut out. So I went off to find a spool of thread.
It was just the two of us! I had full attention. I was using a machine that I didn't know. The first had a bobbin that you put in from the front. I am used to a drop in bobbin. They swapped out the machine.
The worst part, and the part where I had way too much attention, was using the wide bias binding. I don't do well with that stuff. I had to go around this huge circle adding a shoe lace in. The first round, I missed about a half of catching everything. I know she thought I was a real ditz.
We were there for the full three hours. And then some. I do have a casserole carrier, and I can tell you this: when I make them, they will NOT have bias tape holding them together.
Peace.
Monday, December 07, 2009
Offer
Daughter's friend, the one she and Lady Bug accompanied to "A Christmas Carol" yesterday, can bring vendors into her building. I think she only has one or two at a time. She offered space to me.
That sounds really great, but I don't have the items for a "one man show." Most of the items that I made for yesterday's event were specifically for this area. They were in local school colors, and in fact really were monogrammed for that event.
I have ideas for some other things, and I may take NR up on her offer at a later date. It's a shame because this would be a great time to sell. People are thrilled to find easy gifts. I may talk to Daughter more to get her input. Perhaps we do have enough things. But we only have ten wreaths, and other things are vary limited.
Regardless, the pressure is off. I will now set my sights on the July show. Last year, I could have sold hundreds of the neck coolers (they hold water and some say cool you). I heard the organizer say she would find someone for next year. Well, Dora, here I am.
So like other manufacturers, I will shift from Christmas to hot summer stuff. We will see how the break that comes post knee surgery works in. I know I can't bring the craft stuff down - I will have to get myself back up so I can climb stairs. But that has to happen so I can go to the SSB. It is at least six steps to get in there!!
Now I have to set about cleaning this messy house. It is so cluttered. I would like to have help come in every other week. That would be so nice. But I wouldn't allow them in right now!! So it's off to de-cluttering now!
Peace.
That sounds really great, but I don't have the items for a "one man show." Most of the items that I made for yesterday's event were specifically for this area. They were in local school colors, and in fact really were monogrammed for that event.
I have ideas for some other things, and I may take NR up on her offer at a later date. It's a shame because this would be a great time to sell. People are thrilled to find easy gifts. I may talk to Daughter more to get her input. Perhaps we do have enough things. But we only have ten wreaths, and other things are vary limited.
Regardless, the pressure is off. I will now set my sights on the July show. Last year, I could have sold hundreds of the neck coolers (they hold water and some say cool you). I heard the organizer say she would find someone for next year. Well, Dora, here I am.
So like other manufacturers, I will shift from Christmas to hot summer stuff. We will see how the break that comes post knee surgery works in. I know I can't bring the craft stuff down - I will have to get myself back up so I can climb stairs. But that has to happen so I can go to the SSB. It is at least six steps to get in there!!
Now I have to set about cleaning this messy house. It is so cluttered. I would like to have help come in every other week. That would be so nice. But I wouldn't allow them in right now!! So it's off to de-cluttering now!
Peace.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Bummer
Here it is 11:54 am. on Sunday December 6. I should be looking for a parking place up at the park so I can be setting up my booth. But here I sit at the breakfast room table.
I really thought the powers that be would cancel this whole shindig. It is in the 40's, overcast and drizzling. We had real snow all over the place day before yesterday. It seems that Holiday in the Park is going on without me. I called to withdraw. I don't think there will be much traffic.
The chairperson said that even if the snow was canceled, they would have the vendors there. I keep telling myself that there won't be much in traffic, but truth be known, I have worked hard to get ready.
I'm not really totally ready. The two week down time with the machine in the shop really put me behind, but I thought I could sell some stuff this time. Now we will never know.
I know it would be miserable out there. The ground is wet, and I think will get wetter because there is going to be more rain before the 4:00 ending time. I don't have warm clothes here. They are all at the SSB.
Still I am bummed. I am really let down. I was all set - now . . . Oh, well. I guess we will have a Christmas in July table at Round-up. Or perhaps we will set up our own craft show (not).
Peace
I really thought the powers that be would cancel this whole shindig. It is in the 40's, overcast and drizzling. We had real snow all over the place day before yesterday. It seems that Holiday in the Park is going on without me. I called to withdraw. I don't think there will be much traffic.
The chairperson said that even if the snow was canceled, they would have the vendors there. I keep telling myself that there won't be much in traffic, but truth be known, I have worked hard to get ready.
I'm not really totally ready. The two week down time with the machine in the shop really put me behind, but I thought I could sell some stuff this time. Now we will never know.
I know it would be miserable out there. The ground is wet, and I think will get wetter because there is going to be more rain before the 4:00 ending time. I don't have warm clothes here. They are all at the SSB.
Still I am bummed. I am really let down. I was all set - now . . . Oh, well. I guess we will have a Christmas in July table at Round-up. Or perhaps we will set up our own craft show (not).
Peace
Saturday, December 05, 2009
What's wrong with these pictures?
Other than the fact that it was really overcast, so they are dark, this is the early snow here in Swampland. It got heavier, but Daughter and I went to lunch, so I missed those pictures. The real internet is up today, so I can get these to load. As I have said before, the 3.6 speed just doesn't cut it!!
It is rare for snow to stick to the ground here, but it did. All the shrubs looked like they were sprayed with the canned snow.
We certainly didn't need the umbrella today to block the sun.
Didn't need the fan to blow cooling breezes. In fact, it got to 25 last night. It is 11:23 local time, and there is still snow on the ground in the shade. We are not used to this - at all. I worry about how many plants we have lost. There hadn't even been a light freeze to temper them. We have so many tropicals. We got some into the "green house," our out building, and gave them an electric heater. I am just hoping!!!
Peace.
It is rare for snow to stick to the ground here, but it did. All the shrubs looked like they were sprayed with the canned snow.
We certainly didn't need the umbrella today to block the sun.
Didn't need the fan to blow cooling breezes. In fact, it got to 25 last night. It is 11:23 local time, and there is still snow on the ground in the shade. We are not used to this - at all. I worry about how many plants we have lost. There hadn't even been a light freeze to temper them. We have so many tropicals. We got some into the "green house," our out building, and gave them an electric heater. I am just hoping!!!
Peace.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Well -
I*'m still on air card because I just don't have time to call you-know-who and wait, then set up an appointment for them to come out for a service call.
The surgeon Daughter went to is the one who did my mastectomy. I like him a lot - if you can imagine that after what he had to do! His chief type of surgery now is bariatric surgery. Even though he is not one of my preferred providers, he will do the surgery for what the insurance pays. If it is 80% - he accepts that and doesn't bill for the remainder. I have to admit - I am thinking very seriously about it. I keep weighing the pros and cons. So far, I haven't done it on my own. The knee thing is looming on the horizon (if I would call the bone doc).
I started on the embroidered Christmas cards yesterday. I also got a call from daughter. She has accepted another engagement on Sunday. She, after all these years of doing this, forgot the show was Sunday. I'm a bit bummed. But she said Son in law will help. Hmmmm. Not sure about that.
The tree company is working on the trees at the other house today. I wish G could be there instead of me. They just had a question that I am not sure of. I didn't mark the trees with G, and , um, there is a language problem there too. I don't really know what they are asking.
It hit me this morning that we have to prepare that house for the immanent 26 degrees too. We are not ready here, and I don't know where the vulnerable places in that house are. Gotta call the contractor to see if the plumbers changed out the water cut off for the house. That is the way I WANT to handle it.
Better run - have a good day.
Peace
The surgeon Daughter went to is the one who did my mastectomy. I like him a lot - if you can imagine that after what he had to do! His chief type of surgery now is bariatric surgery. Even though he is not one of my preferred providers, he will do the surgery for what the insurance pays. If it is 80% - he accepts that and doesn't bill for the remainder. I have to admit - I am thinking very seriously about it. I keep weighing the pros and cons. So far, I haven't done it on my own. The knee thing is looming on the horizon (if I would call the bone doc).
I started on the embroidered Christmas cards yesterday. I also got a call from daughter. She has accepted another engagement on Sunday. She, after all these years of doing this, forgot the show was Sunday. I'm a bit bummed. But she said Son in law will help. Hmmmm. Not sure about that.
The tree company is working on the trees at the other house today. I wish G could be there instead of me. They just had a question that I am not sure of. I didn't mark the trees with G, and , um, there is a language problem there too. I don't really know what they are asking.
It hit me this morning that we have to prepare that house for the immanent 26 degrees too. We are not ready here, and I don't know where the vulnerable places in that house are. Gotta call the contractor to see if the plumbers changed out the water cut off for the house. That is the way I WANT to handle it.
Better run - have a good day.
Peace
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Short, sweet (?), sorry
Comcast is still MIA so I'm on the air card, and it is limited.
Daughter went to the surgeon. She has mitral valve prolapse, so she should be on antibiotics prior to any procedures, but we forgot about that. He did another ultrasound, found something that was not to his liking, but we have to wait until Thursday for the biopsy. She has to take the antibiotics two hours prior to the procedure.
Thanksgiving went fairly well. After three days, G was tired of Doodlebug. When anything doesn't go her way, she howls. So they left on Saturday to see Son in law's family. It was time.
We did get several hair bows made as well as ten wreaths. If I can get away from this card and its blazing speed of 3.6 Mbps, I will upload some of them. The show is Sunday.
So with all that is going on, I must head upstairs. I have wrist rattles, girl's coins purses and cards to make before Sunday. Feel like a hamster on a wheel!
Peace.
Daughter went to the surgeon. She has mitral valve prolapse, so she should be on antibiotics prior to any procedures, but we forgot about that. He did another ultrasound, found something that was not to his liking, but we have to wait until Thursday for the biopsy. She has to take the antibiotics two hours prior to the procedure.
Thanksgiving went fairly well. After three days, G was tired of Doodlebug. When anything doesn't go her way, she howls. So they left on Saturday to see Son in law's family. It was time.
We did get several hair bows made as well as ten wreaths. If I can get away from this card and its blazing speed of 3.6 Mbps, I will upload some of them. The show is Sunday.
So with all that is going on, I must head upstairs. I have wrist rattles, girl's coins purses and cards to make before Sunday. Feel like a hamster on a wheel!
Peace.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
My machine is back
And it was free! Now I am waiting for Daughter to call me back so she can come over and haul it upstairs. Today is a terrible arthiritis day, and I don't think I can do it alone. Sometime I need to get a weight on that puppy. Of course, it is back just in time for us to leave for the SSB until Monday. Oh, well, some you win, some you don't.
We will be working of Christmas wreaths and little girl hair bows while away. I will get pictures of what we do. When we get back, I will call Comcast and b*tch at them. I keep thinking they will want to make an appointment to come out, and it just won't work until like - next Friday. Monday is Daughter's appointment, Wednesday the tree people are coming to the other house, Thursday is my sewing club Christmas party. Sometime I need to make a bone doctor appointment so we can move along with the (gasp) knee replacement.
I hope your Thanksgiving is good. I hope you have a lot to be thankful for. I know I do.
Peace.
We will be working of Christmas wreaths and little girl hair bows while away. I will get pictures of what we do. When we get back, I will call Comcast and b*tch at them. I keep thinking they will want to make an appointment to come out, and it just won't work until like - next Friday. Monday is Daughter's appointment, Wednesday the tree people are coming to the other house, Thursday is my sewing club Christmas party. Sometime I need to make a bone doctor appointment so we can move along with the (gasp) knee replacement.
I hope your Thanksgiving is good. I hope you have a lot to be thankful for. I know I do.
Peace.
Monday, November 23, 2009
More (yawn) pictures
Ok - quick post (or at least as quick as the air card will allow since Comcast is down - again!) These are more of the Christmas things I have been doing.
These are key fobs - done in purple and gold since they are the local high school colors
OK - for now this is it! Blogger isn't cooperating. I have up loaded two more pictures twice. I am allotted only so many downloads and time - so I give up! Perhaps tomorrow.
This is the story of my life right now. The machine is still in the shop. Even if it comes out tomorrow, I can't do anything with it until next week. The craft show is the 6th. So I;'m shifting gears. We will make wreaths for the show.
Peace.
These are key fobs - done in purple and gold since they are the local high school colors
OK - for now this is it! Blogger isn't cooperating. I have up loaded two more pictures twice. I am allotted only so many downloads and time - so I give up! Perhaps tomorrow.
This is the story of my life right now. The machine is still in the shop. Even if it comes out tomorrow, I can't do anything with it until next week. The craft show is the 6th. So I;'m shifting gears. We will make wreaths for the show.
Peace.
Friday, November 20, 2009
The long wait
Daughter has an appointment December 1 for a biopsy. That just feels like such a long time. I know it really isn't, but . . . At least we have Thanksgiving in there to break up the time. Three years ago plus a few days, I was the one waiting.
Holiday time isn't always a pleasant time around here. My mother died in December. My dad died January 13, which isn't really holidays, but he was so ill during the holidays. My step mother died right after Christmas. She was also so ill at Christmas. I had my suspect mammogram right after Christmas, so I spend a lot of time worrying about it. Now we have this.
I am really optimistic about the results though. This is probably a case like they are talking about. She will have to go through the pain of the biopsy with a result of no cancer, but I know she wants the biopsy. She would not be open to waiting to see what happens. The masses are large, and from what I understand, large masses in a young woman are usually not cancerous.
So we keep our heads up high and plan to have a good Thanksgiving. I know part of their Thanksgiving will include a trip to the Alamo City as SIL's dad just had heart bypass surgery. Things will work out fine.
Peace.
Holiday time isn't always a pleasant time around here. My mother died in December. My dad died January 13, which isn't really holidays, but he was so ill during the holidays. My step mother died right after Christmas. She was also so ill at Christmas. I had my suspect mammogram right after Christmas, so I spend a lot of time worrying about it. Now we have this.
I am really optimistic about the results though. This is probably a case like they are talking about. She will have to go through the pain of the biopsy with a result of no cancer, but I know she wants the biopsy. She would not be open to waiting to see what happens. The masses are large, and from what I understand, large masses in a young woman are usually not cancerous.
So we keep our heads up high and plan to have a good Thanksgiving. I know part of their Thanksgiving will include a trip to the Alamo City as SIL's dad just had heart bypass surgery. Things will work out fine.
Peace.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Prayers, please
I sincerely hope I am jumping to conclusions that are not real, but please pray for my daughter. She finally got the results from the ultrasound of her breast. She has two large masses in her right breast. She has been referred for a biopsy. I know one of the masses is in the area where my mass was.
I keep thinking they are milk ducts that are inflamed/infected. She is still lactating, but rarely nurses from the right side. She will nurse Doodle Bug at night from the left only. She is only 35.
And the stand now is women don't need to self exams or get mammograms! Bull.
Please include her in your prayers.
Peace
I keep thinking they are milk ducts that are inflamed/infected. She is still lactating, but rarely nurses from the right side. She will nurse Doodle Bug at night from the left only. She is only 35.
And the stand now is women don't need to self exams or get mammograms! Bull.
Please include her in your prayers.
Peace
Dim the lights, please!
OK, now just sit back and relax (or flee for your life). Let the show begin.
These are the 3D embroidered ornaments I worked on. Most are self explanatory.
OK - bring up the lights - hey, wake up over there! Come back tomorrow for some of the other things. I won't subject you to as many! It was just that this was a set.
Peace.
So there you go!
These are the 3D embroidered ornaments I worked on. Most are self explanatory.
OK - bring up the lights - hey, wake up over there! Come back tomorrow for some of the other things. I won't subject you to as many! It was just that this was a set.
Peace.
So there you go!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Christmas present
G has been emailing the kids with an idea for my Christmas present for this year. It is the same one he thought of last year, and, really, I won't mind it especially if I am going to be incapacitated for several weeks in January with the old knee.
When I was reading Judy's blog this morning, she was talking about how nice a larger house would be, but it means more work. I can fully attest to that. We are still in the house where we raised the kids. We have been here since right about this time 1975. We have even added on to it - we took in the attic to add two bedrooms, bath and sitting area.
I love a clean house. I HATE housework. At one point in my life, I taught full time, was a church organist two Sunday's a month, and ran a small craft shop which was open on Saturdays and Sundays for which I was the crafter. During that time, I kept my head above water. But Daughter still was home, and she provided some help.
Recently, the cancer drained me of all energy, and the arthritis has progressively gotten worse and worse. My house is cluttered. It is dusty.
All that said, I will return to the beginning of this post. G wants to give me a cleaning service for Christmas. That's great. Of course I need to get things a little more ship-shape before that happens, and I can do that. The sticking point from what Daughter tells me is that he has the bizarre idea to rent a storage facility to move everything into from the house to "deep clean."
I will balk at that! First, that is much more work than is required! Second this house is not that bad! And - if he would help with small things - like picking up the newspaper when he is through reading it - it would be nice! You would think it was like the houses you see on that program "Hoarders." Clutter is one thing - filth is another!
So, these days with no sewing machine that I need, my plan is to cut the clutter. I want to do that regardless after talking to Aunt F, I know I will have all sorts of help in and out of the house. And I am really sick of all this cr*p!
Tomorrow the promised pictures.
Peace
When I was reading Judy's blog this morning, she was talking about how nice a larger house would be, but it means more work. I can fully attest to that. We are still in the house where we raised the kids. We have been here since right about this time 1975. We have even added on to it - we took in the attic to add two bedrooms, bath and sitting area.
I love a clean house. I HATE housework. At one point in my life, I taught full time, was a church organist two Sunday's a month, and ran a small craft shop which was open on Saturdays and Sundays for which I was the crafter. During that time, I kept my head above water. But Daughter still was home, and she provided some help.
Recently, the cancer drained me of all energy, and the arthritis has progressively gotten worse and worse. My house is cluttered. It is dusty.
All that said, I will return to the beginning of this post. G wants to give me a cleaning service for Christmas. That's great. Of course I need to get things a little more ship-shape before that happens, and I can do that. The sticking point from what Daughter tells me is that he has the bizarre idea to rent a storage facility to move everything into from the house to "deep clean."
I will balk at that! First, that is much more work than is required! Second this house is not that bad! And - if he would help with small things - like picking up the newspaper when he is through reading it - it would be nice! You would think it was like the houses you see on that program "Hoarders." Clutter is one thing - filth is another!
So, these days with no sewing machine that I need, my plan is to cut the clutter. I want to do that regardless after talking to Aunt F, I know I will have all sorts of help in and out of the house. And I am really sick of all this cr*p!
Tomorrow the promised pictures.
Peace
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
I'm back, I'm back!
I'm back in more ways than one. Yes, we are back in Swampland after an exciting weekend full of testosterone. The guys were really a lot of fun. They provided lots of laughs, especially when Contractor Dude decided to sit in the high grass. He ended covered in chiggers. Bad move! I would spend another weekend with them.
I'm back in the land of the internet. I don't know if my problem was the air card, my computer, Firefox or all of the above (or none of the above). I would get on line, and then I couldn't get anything done. The internet would just lock up. The air card showed it was well connected and working at its break neck speed (3.5 Mbps). But after a bit, I couldn't get anything in or out. I would then connect to Explorer, and things would work some better, but the end was the same. Anyway, I am connected this morning.
One of the things I did get accomplished was to get pictures of the things I have been working on. I will get them downloaded today. I want to post them on the website, and I will post some here also.
I have lots of time to work on the pictures today, and tomorrow, and so on until next week. I got word of the sewing machine. They finally got to it yesterday. It seems everyone brings their machines in this time of year. I guess we are all busy little sewers! Anyway, they have the USB port ordered. I guess they don't stock them. I must be the only idiot they have! The amazing part of this story is that it is going to be covered by the warranty. I broke the thing. It was my fault. But, I'll gladly take the warranty! I do have to wish I could get it back sooner because I have so much yet to do and so little time. After I get it back, there will only be a few days before the show.
Peace.
I'm back in the land of the internet. I don't know if my problem was the air card, my computer, Firefox or all of the above (or none of the above). I would get on line, and then I couldn't get anything done. The internet would just lock up. The air card showed it was well connected and working at its break neck speed (3.5 Mbps). But after a bit, I couldn't get anything in or out. I would then connect to Explorer, and things would work some better, but the end was the same. Anyway, I am connected this morning.
One of the things I did get accomplished was to get pictures of the things I have been working on. I will get them downloaded today. I want to post them on the website, and I will post some here also.
I have lots of time to work on the pictures today, and tomorrow, and so on until next week. I got word of the sewing machine. They finally got to it yesterday. It seems everyone brings their machines in this time of year. I guess we are all busy little sewers! Anyway, they have the USB port ordered. I guess they don't stock them. I must be the only idiot they have! The amazing part of this story is that it is going to be covered by the warranty. I broke the thing. It was my fault. But, I'll gladly take the warranty! I do have to wish I could get it back sooner because I have so much yet to do and so little time. After I get it back, there will only be a few days before the show.
Peace.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
In the continuing drama of my life
I took the machine to the shop yesterday. One of the sales people who claims to love these machines looked at the computer slots, and said it should be easy to replace. I tend to agree because it looks like a pretty much stand alone component once you get into the guts of the machine. But when the owner of the shop looked at it, he wouldn't even guesstimate about the machine. He said they would have to run diagnostics to check the mother board. Well, a mother board couldn't cost over $2000 - could it??
So there is sits. I am awaiting word. I keep telling myself Ken (the owner) probably likes the Brother machines better than mine, or he just doesn't really know the machines at all. They just make him money. Nevertheless, I really need it back.
This down time gives me a little spare time though. I am on my way up to the craft room anyway. The a/c-heated people are coming to do the fall check on the systems. I was just telling Daughter I should have made her old room into the craft room. Son's old room (the one I am using) has both access doors to the attic where the equipment lives. We had taken in our attic when the kids were teens/preteens to give two bedrooms, a bath and a sitting area. It was nice to get them and their associated mess upstairs and out of sight. In fact, I even found a poster that announced "Teen ager lives here." I put it at the base of the stairs. So I have to go up to move the ironing board and other associated sewing equipment away from the access doors.
Tomorrow we will be heading to the SSB. Son in law, Contractor dude (who is working on the investment house) and Old Friend will be going with us. I don't know how long I can stand the testosterone in house. I may have to go to the next mountain for some relief from my friend there!!
Hope you have a great weekend. I might check in, but usually things are too busy. At the least, see you Tuesday!
Peace.
So there is sits. I am awaiting word. I keep telling myself Ken (the owner) probably likes the Brother machines better than mine, or he just doesn't really know the machines at all. They just make him money. Nevertheless, I really need it back.
This down time gives me a little spare time though. I am on my way up to the craft room anyway. The a/c-heated people are coming to do the fall check on the systems. I was just telling Daughter I should have made her old room into the craft room. Son's old room (the one I am using) has both access doors to the attic where the equipment lives. We had taken in our attic when the kids were teens/preteens to give two bedrooms, a bath and a sitting area. It was nice to get them and their associated mess upstairs and out of sight. In fact, I even found a poster that announced "Teen ager lives here." I put it at the base of the stairs. So I have to go up to move the ironing board and other associated sewing equipment away from the access doors.
Tomorrow we will be heading to the SSB. Son in law, Contractor dude (who is working on the investment house) and Old Friend will be going with us. I don't know how long I can stand the testosterone in house. I may have to go to the next mountain for some relief from my friend there!!
Hope you have a great weekend. I might check in, but usually things are too busy. At the least, see you Tuesday!
Peace.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Sick
As you know, I have been working hard on getting items ready for the craft show in December. I have been pushing the machine really hard.
I have a new sewing table that I got for my birthday (and anniversary and probably for Christmas and Valentine's Day at its price) that has a pneumatic device to lower it into the cabinet. I did that the other day. I needed the space, and I put the machine in the lowest position. Great, right?
Uh, no. I forgot one little detail. I didn't take the external CD computer cord out if its side. When I lowered the machine, the cord stuck. Oh that computer cords would stick like that when you want them to. But I didn't realize it at all. Yesterday, I was ready to stitch another design. I tried to put the thumb drive in the port. It wouldn't go. I tried the cord. It wouldn't go. Then I realized what had happened.
I looked at the cord from the CD drive. It was chewed inside. So was the port on the machine. I then tried to hook the computer directly because you can do that. The machine wouldn't recognize the computer. I was dead in the water. It also was messing up the last design I was working on.
I am embarrassed to take it for service. I know the other one was a lemon. I don't think they know that fact today. When whoever bought it keeps bringing it back, they will know though. But I think they believe I don't know how to sew.
I think I am going to fabricate just how this disaster happened. I just can't admit I was so stupid. But I am wondering just how much this little fiasco is going to set me back.
I will take it after a bit, and I am hoping fervently I can get it back on Tuesday. I've got a lot of work yet to do!
Peace.
I have a new sewing table that I got for my birthday (and anniversary and probably for Christmas and Valentine's Day at its price) that has a pneumatic device to lower it into the cabinet. I did that the other day. I needed the space, and I put the machine in the lowest position. Great, right?
Uh, no. I forgot one little detail. I didn't take the external CD computer cord out if its side. When I lowered the machine, the cord stuck. Oh that computer cords would stick like that when you want them to. But I didn't realize it at all. Yesterday, I was ready to stitch another design. I tried to put the thumb drive in the port. It wouldn't go. I tried the cord. It wouldn't go. Then I realized what had happened.
I looked at the cord from the CD drive. It was chewed inside. So was the port on the machine. I then tried to hook the computer directly because you can do that. The machine wouldn't recognize the computer. I was dead in the water. It also was messing up the last design I was working on.
I am embarrassed to take it for service. I know the other one was a lemon. I don't think they know that fact today. When whoever bought it keeps bringing it back, they will know though. But I think they believe I don't know how to sew.
I think I am going to fabricate just how this disaster happened. I just can't admit I was so stupid. But I am wondering just how much this little fiasco is going to set me back.
I will take it after a bit, and I am hoping fervently I can get it back on Tuesday. I've got a lot of work yet to do!
Peace.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Whoopie!
The gas company has finally come to put in the meter here for the generator. I hate the gas company! Last week, they called, out of the blue, to put in the meter at the other house. It wasn't there for the inspections. Yesterday I discovered the water heater probably doesn't work. I never got any hot water. But I don't think a water heater would have sunk the deal anyway.
But back to home. We are on the last leg of the generator saga. The meter has been paid for since July. We are finally getting it.
Yesterday, the construction crew from the phone company came to fill in the hole that has been dug out three times to fix the nicked cable. They even put in new sod! Soon, I can go back to locking my gate so that I don't have to worry about strangers coming into my back yard! Finally!!!
Things are looking up. Now I just have to face . . . the knees. Still scares the stuffin' out of me. I'll make the appointment with the doc probably next week. We (G and I) have decided on sometime after January 18. Oh, what am I in for?
Peace.
But back to home. We are on the last leg of the generator saga. The meter has been paid for since July. We are finally getting it.
Yesterday, the construction crew from the phone company came to fill in the hole that has been dug out three times to fix the nicked cable. They even put in new sod! Soon, I can go back to locking my gate so that I don't have to worry about strangers coming into my back yard! Finally!!!
Things are looking up. Now I just have to face . . . the knees. Still scares the stuffin' out of me. I'll make the appointment with the doc probably next week. We (G and I) have decided on sometime after January 18. Oh, what am I in for?
Peace.
Friday, November 06, 2009
MIA?
No, I am here, but I have been horribly busy. I am still trying to use the computer, sew, and watch TV. I can do the sewing and tv, but no computer!!!
Anyway, I have been gone most of two days. First, we decided that the old troop carrier was time to be retired, only it won't be. Daughter and family want it. Their extended cab is just too small for their family. So they wanted the big ol' 250.
We looked at new smaller troop carriers on Monday. We found one we want at C**Max. It was sent to our close location yesterday. We bought it. G wanted a LoJack put on, so I couldn't get it until today.
As soon as I got home, Daughter was picking me up to watch Monkey Boy while she had a mammogram. She was just going to leave him in the waiting room. I knew better. She has a lump in the right breast. Even though she is still (?? Doodle Bug is 2 1/4) nursing a little, she wanted that lump checked. After all she does have a family history now. I think it is just a milk duct, but better to know for sure.
So today I went to get the new truck. I took the old 150 to Son's house. We are really downsizing. We will only have two vehicles!! Got DIL to take me to get the new one after leaving the other one at her house. . Then lunch. Gotta have some fun.
Got home and had to get Simone her Prilosec. The things I do for my dog.
I am still sewing my little fingers off. I am getting ready to get pictures. I finally downloaded the 183 that were on the camera from who knows when up to last month. I will post them at some point.
I just wanted to let you know I hadn't fallen off the face of the earth.
Peace.
Anyway, I have been gone most of two days. First, we decided that the old troop carrier was time to be retired, only it won't be. Daughter and family want it. Their extended cab is just too small for their family. So they wanted the big ol' 250.
We looked at new smaller troop carriers on Monday. We found one we want at C**Max. It was sent to our close location yesterday. We bought it. G wanted a LoJack put on, so I couldn't get it until today.
As soon as I got home, Daughter was picking me up to watch Monkey Boy while she had a mammogram. She was just going to leave him in the waiting room. I knew better. She has a lump in the right breast. Even though she is still (?? Doodle Bug is 2 1/4) nursing a little, she wanted that lump checked. After all she does have a family history now. I think it is just a milk duct, but better to know for sure.
So today I went to get the new truck. I took the old 150 to Son's house. We are really downsizing. We will only have two vehicles!! Got DIL to take me to get the new one after leaving the other one at her house. . Then lunch. Gotta have some fun.
Got home and had to get Simone her Prilosec. The things I do for my dog.
I am still sewing my little fingers off. I am getting ready to get pictures. I finally downloaded the 183 that were on the camera from who knows when up to last month. I will post them at some point.
I just wanted to let you know I hadn't fallen off the face of the earth.
Peace.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Oh my,
I found there are many embroidery groups on Yahoo, and I joined several of the groups. Most are groups that are set up by digitizers. They are the people who put together the computer designs for the machine. They will often offer samples and other freebies. That is wonderful in itself, but there are some really cute sets, and they are often on sale. Anyway, I spend a lot of time on Yahoo. Some of those folks must spend 24/7 because they post a lot of messages!
Today I was reading one message posted to one of my groups, and the woman was talking about doing projects for craft shows. That got my attention quickly. She went on to say that she is on her second machine in just a few years (sounds familiar), and the present one has frozen up. I was really interested now.
She said that she fully explained to her dealer what she wanted out of a machine, and they sold her the ones they did. Now when she takes them in for service, she is told they were not meant for business use. They are for only about a million stitches. Some of the things I have done recently (most if truth be told) are 20,000 at a minumum. I am sure I am beyond a million.
Now her machine is not the same as mine, and I am sure my first one was a lemon. It should have been yellow - lemon yellow! Needless to say, I am really worried about this machine now! I can just hear it - I should have bought a commercial machine. I guess I could have for a little more than what this one ran, but they only embroidery. I wanted something that sewed as well.
I guess I'll just have to praise this one and keep it happy!
Peace.
Today I was reading one message posted to one of my groups, and the woman was talking about doing projects for craft shows. That got my attention quickly. She went on to say that she is on her second machine in just a few years (sounds familiar), and the present one has frozen up. I was really interested now.
She said that she fully explained to her dealer what she wanted out of a machine, and they sold her the ones they did. Now when she takes them in for service, she is told they were not meant for business use. They are for only about a million stitches. Some of the things I have done recently (most if truth be told) are 20,000 at a minumum. I am sure I am beyond a million.
Now her machine is not the same as mine, and I am sure my first one was a lemon. It should have been yellow - lemon yellow! Needless to say, I am really worried about this machine now! I can just hear it - I should have bought a commercial machine. I guess I could have for a little more than what this one ran, but they only embroidery. I wanted something that sewed as well.
I guess I'll just have to praise this one and keep it happy!
Peace.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Mass confusion
I brought the lap top up to the craft room so I could do my emails and read my blogs while sewing. You know, that was a stupid idea. It really can't be done.
When I have the machine going, I thought it would be a great time for doing the computer stuff. It isn't. I just get started with one thing when the other thing calls. I'm finding I'm only getting 50% efficiency. It has helped to have the computer though because sometimes I have to download a design onto a disc, and it's all right here.
G was off today and we spent the afternoon looking at trucks. He gfeels it's time to replace the troop carrier. So we looked at C**max. They didn't have anything. We went to the dealer. Found two we like, but $$$$$! I really don't know what we are going to do in the end. I know what I think, but then again, I hate to think of spending that kind of money. I feel like we have been bleeding money these days.
Well, the machine has stopped, so that is calling.
Peace.
When I have the machine going, I thought it would be a great time for doing the computer stuff. It isn't. I just get started with one thing when the other thing calls. I'm finding I'm only getting 50% efficiency. It has helped to have the computer though because sometimes I have to download a design onto a disc, and it's all right here.
G was off today and we spent the afternoon looking at trucks. He gfeels it's time to replace the troop carrier. So we looked at C**max. They didn't have anything. We went to the dealer. Found two we like, but $$$$$! I really don't know what we are going to do in the end. I know what I think, but then again, I hate to think of spending that kind of money. I feel like we have been bleeding money these days.
Well, the machine has stopped, so that is calling.
Peace.
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