The End.

This week is the end of September, and probably the end of Fall, since we are supposed to be getting snow by the end of this week.
(Yes, I said SNOW!)

We had a fun weekend celebrating my son's birthday. We barbecued ribs, (another last for the season) and just had a nice time visiting with his in-laws.

The birthday Boy (and company)


Jeff has a tendancy to choose gag gifts - he found this album at the local antique mall. Notice Brad's (forced) smile of delight...


Brad's second family - good people. :-)


As for hubby and I, we've gone more and more to giving cash for gifts, since the adult kid's want lists often exceed our budget (or ability to locate!)
We gifted Brad in the form of "shirt" cash. I often get asked how I make these, so I'll share this demo I found. It's really quite simple, and is always well received.



By the way, that thing with the fruit-flies and the apple cider vinegar really works! I've almost de-bugged my whole house now.
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Busy, Busy, Busy

Full of excuses today.

I started work this week, so I'm having to try to be a little more organized at home. That's not normal for me.
I'm pretty much a go-with-the-flow kind of person, and the flow ain't been going anywhere for a very long time!
Somewhere in this house is a "Button-gear" that I earned from the boy scouts. I need to dig that out and see if it still works!

I've been busy making wedding cards, and tending the "Gallery Pick of the Day" thread at "My Sketch World" (Did I mention I'm on the design team?) I haven't been much help on the forum in the past, and I'm trying to repent.
It's one of those jobs that is fun - but time consuming, and - well, just so daily!

Besides that, I've been churning out wedding cards for hubby to use, trying to keep up the house, working on a new story, visiting neighbors, and trying to keep up with the book club. (Hopeless)

Therefore, my absence...

My daughter in law came over the other night with a secret project for my son. He had a birthday this week, and she was given this hutch, so she wanted to paint it for him to keep his art supplies in.
It was late, and it was cold outside, so I offered to help. (I hope she doesn't mind me sharing the photo).
I've never been one who uses bright colors, so I was a little skeptical about this one, but once the color was on, I really like it - only, I can see it in their kitchen full of Libby's bright red dishes...

Changing the subject, has everyone else been plagued with fruit flies lately? They are just about to drive me nuts! I have then flitting around in every room in my house, and more disgustingly - in my pantry, fridge, etc. ...And when I lift the lid on the trash can outside, I have to close my mouth and every other facial orifice to keep them from flying in! Aauughh!

I almost hope it freezes soon so the little buggars will die off!

My other daughter in law said that a little cup of cider vinegar will catch and drown them - I'm ready to try that!
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Role Reversal

I've switched places with my husband lately - and I'm not crazy about that.

All our married life, he's had terrible allergies - kept me up nights with his coughing and wheezing... But the last couple of years, the doctor has had him on some new medication, and it's like he doesn't have allergies at all.
I, on the other hand, have never had allergies ...until the last few years. Now I'm the one who wakes up puffy and sneezy and unable to breathe.

Funny how that works.

Speaking of role reversal, there are times when I am talking to my daughter, that I feel like she is the grown up, and I'm the dumb kid.

We had a long chat the other night, about her college experiences, and how she could tell a person's major by their character traits. She had me laughing so hard - the thing that was the most funny about it, is that I could totally see it - it's so true!

I wish she could have been my room mate back when, I might have been able to make a decision and pick a major!

***

I had my first day of work today, it was actually kind of fun.
(It seemed like old times, in a completely different kind of way.)
I think I'm going to like it there.
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Survivor

I made it through my first day of orientation today.

It felt like old times, since I've worked in that building before, but some things had really changed. (Like them having to call homeland security to verify my citizenship!)

This is going to be my first time working with the public since the hearing loss. I'm nervous about that - I don't know if it's going to be a problem or not.

I came home so tired - I laid down just for a minute - and woke up at 7:00!

Feeling old.

I spent the afternoon yesterday making mini albums with my daughter in law. It was a little tricky making mine, since I don't really have a plan for what to do with it in mind. She got more done than I did.

I'm going to have to find more inspiration for the rest of my pages.

Mischeif

Some odd things going on in the neighborhood lately - I went to get in the car the other day, and noticed that one the front hubcaps were all mangled. It looked like someone had been trying to pry it off. One of the old cars had it's tire slashed (and a melted candy bar stuck to the front window), and the creepiest yet - I found a pair of rubber gloves on the street in front of the house - what mischief someone was planning to do with those, I'm not sure I even want to know!
Tonight, the kids came over, and just as we sat down to eat a bite - they heard a bunch of kids talking outside. We walked out, and there was a rather large group of them lurking in the shadows near the driveway.

Time to install more lights in the yard.

Oy - I think all my late nights caught up with me today - I'm headed to bed...
To steal a phrase from my daughter, "It hurts to live."

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Been Busy...

Had a busy week last week.
When the family takes time off, I work overtime...

I've been babysitting more than usual, (and having fun committing spoilage) ...and I had an actual, honest-to-goodness job interview.

I had to take my daughter to the fabric store, in search of something that eludes me now, but when we got there, they had a "Help Wanted" sign on the door. I asked for an app. and they had actual paper ones - not those stupid impersonal online things where they never have to look at you in the face before they reject you. (I hate those! Give me one where I can be seen, and interact - and at least get a foot in the door!)
...Anyway, I scored an interview, and I start this week.
It's only for the holidays, and it's part-time, but it's a paycheck! ...And it will help alleviate the stress of Christmas.
I'm thrilled.

I had baby for a couple of hours yesterday.
I am enjoying her so much lately. Since she's learned to process language, her random acts of spontaneity are much less destructive. I love talking to her and watching her process thoughts.

I took her to Walmart, because she missed out on the shopping trip with her sisters. I picked her out a couple of tops and a pair of jeans.
She kept trying to put the shirt on by putting her feet through the sleeves.
I told her "no honey, this is a shirt," and I tossed it in the front of the basket, lest she ruin it before we even checked out.
She gave me a blank look, and then a light went on - she patted herself on the head, and said "head."
She had figured out how it should have gone on!

I love moments like that with her - they are so fun. One on one time with her is a blast!

My little writing group has started up again, and wants me to play. (Oy, do I really want to go there again?)
...But, I have been wanting to redeem myself from that first chapter contest, so I did some repairs on that.
Maybe I'll give that story a go...

I've got a long "to do" list today, better get at it, starting with the haircut...
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Out of the Funk

I've been in shut-down mode for a while.
Depression is an ugly beast. Haven't felt like doing much of anything for a while, so I closed up shop here.

The fog has lifted somewhat, so we'll try it again, and see how it goes...
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Labor day

Another Onion Days has come and gone.
...Lot's of fun, but so exhausting! We went to the park on Saturday, to avoid Monday's crowds. I thought that was brilliant! We got our scones and Texas twisters, so we don't need those for another year. LOL

Ellie has finally decided she likes her grandma, and she stayed with me for most of the parade. I had her waving at all the Princesses, and I think she's destined to be one - she has the elbow, elbow, wrist, wrist wave down already!
She was so much fun.
This is our official city float. Who knew that a hollowed out onion could be so charming? I hope they have lots of air freshener in that coach though!
(Click on the picture to see it clearer.)


My family at the parade. We had a nice shady spot, and a nice cool breeze - it was a perfect day for a parade!


I didn't know this until Sunday night, but my 2 grand-girls were on a float with their karate class. So exciting - for all of us! (They're the two in the middle who are waving.) We heard that further down the route, Arilie broke two boards with her foot! I would love to have seen that!


We went from there to Wayland's folks house for lunch. So many of the family were there - even some of Wayland's aunts and uncles. It was good to see them all, but as those parties go (very long,) I got sleepy, so I snuck away and walked home, so I could get a nap in before the kids all came down for dinner.

I did get a short nap, but then my sister and her husband stopped by. We haven't seen them for ages, so we had a good visit. Before they left, the kids all arrived, and we spent the evening with them. Wayland and Jenny both had to work tonight, so Melissa and I got to relax for a bit, and watch a movie together (The Importance of Being Earnest)

It was a really great day, but I'm glad it's over - I'm exhausted!
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It's September!

Yay! Summer is finally ending.

This weekend is Labor Day - which means it's also Onion Days.
We talked about going camping this year for a change, but I don't know if that's going to work out. We just take things as they come these days...

We attended the funeral of a neighbor today.
One of those sad/happy occasions. Sad for the obvious reasons - he was too young, (4 years older than Wayland) and will be missed, and happy because it was a celebration of a really good life. I felt inspired from everyone's comments about him.
He was my favorite Sunday School teacher.

I hope this bug I have goes away soon - I'm getting tired of being so sleepy all the time.
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