All is Calm - All is Bright...

Christmas 2009 is now a thing of the past - to be filed away with so many others.

It turned out to be a pretty nice one, in spite of the last minute preparations (and the mild panic attack.)
My oldest daughter did most of the shopping (it's one of the things she does best!) It was fun to be able to sit back and have a few surprises again!

We were able to squeeze in some fun activities this month - like attending my youngest daughter's choir concert.

It's her first year in the choir, but her last year at school - bittersweet for us - the last High School concert we will be attending for one of our children...

It's been a long time tradition here, that the last number performed is always Handel's Hallelujah Chorus, and they always invite any and all former members of the choir who are in the audience to come up on the stage and join them. It's always very powerful and touching.
My other daughter went up to sing with them - a two-for-one night!


We also attended her choir concert at Temple Square. It was so beautiful there!

I love the old Assembly Hall, where the concert was held.
Isn't it amazing that back in the day when the tools and technology were more primitive, they still built places like this?
Now that we have every tool and convenience known to man, all you ever see are boring straight lines.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland...

It's no wonder people come from all over the world to see this sight...


Hubby's family party was a big hit - as usual (organized chaos)...And, as always, Santa was there:


Christmas Eve dinner went well too, in spite of all my worry and my absence from the kitchen.
(In fact, I think they did better without me! *Making a note for next year...)

New Jammies were had by all...


If you'll excuse me for being corny - I went to bed that night with a very full heart. I have a wonderful family - I feel very blessed.

The Christmas morning breakfast was nice, (or should I say brunch? It was a little more laid back this year.)

Elmo was late.
"Hey - where did everybody go?"

Hubby and the girls have this week off, so they are keeping me busy, but just wanted to share.

Leaving with this parting thought - my favorite Christmas Message:

Hope your Holiday was Happy too - and wishing you the Happiest of New Years!
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Myth Busted

The Perfect Christmas. Does it exist?

In all the years I've been doing them, I've never had one.
If such a thing does exist - it's out there roaming around with Sasquatch and the Lock Ness Monster.

There's always something more I wish I could have done -
if only I had more time, or more money - or just the brains to organize and plan better.

In my mind I imagine sparkling dinner parties, with everyone in best dress - and food that even Chef Ramsey would
approve of.

Instead, I usually serve meat that is a little dry, vegetables that will probably be luke warm, and the same old tired pink salad.

Instead of a candle lit dining hall - we'll be setting up the folding tables in our cramped living room - and invariably, something will end up spilled on the carpet or the furniture. (OK - sometimes even by me...)

This year will not be one for the books (at least, not in a good way) - there won't be many gifts, and I won't even be able to make dinner myself - I'll be working.

Still, I have much to be grateful for; a daughter who is willing to sacrifice her income to help buy the gifts, a family who all live within a few minutes of home, so they can be here to share the day with us.
Hubby will have time off to spend at home, most of the debts will be up to date (for a change.)
...And there are three little grandchildren who's excitement and joy bring all the magic back again.

No, it won't be the perfect Christmas - but it will be good enough.

Merry Christmas!

Epic Fail

...That's a phrase I borrow from my daughter, but it certainly fits the way I'm feeling today.
What a cruddy Christmas this will be. Besides being behind on everything, and having to last minute shop because no one gets paid until next week - I found out last night that I work Christmas Eve until 6 PM!
...I've got 15 people coming for dinner, and I won't be there to cook it!
(Hubby and my daughter have generously offered, but I'll miss putting in my touches.)

That's all today - just feeling bummed.
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Shifting into High Gear

I was sitting in the kitchen, minding my own business Sunday, when my daughter came in and exclaimed - "Merry Christmas.... in about a week."

My stomach dropped to the ground floor as I realized - it really is that close.

*Ahem* ...We started shopping like - two days ago.
We have never waited this long, or been so unprepared!

It's time to shift into high gear (or in other words - panic mode) and get moving!
I did some shopping today, and finished making my Christmas cards, hopefully to go in the mail tomorrow - started that hand-made gift that should have been finished months ago... the list is longer than my arm.

Wish me luck - I need it.
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Mind if I Regress?

Sometimes my brain goes off on tangents, and gets stuck there...

Lately I've been spending a lot of time with my gran-girlies, and I think how fun it would be to share with them little things from my childhood that they will probably never experience.

Just the little things like the games I used to play - jacks, hop scotch and jump rope... and favorite memories like holiday times, and the fun children's' fashions from times gone by...

For instance, I took little Millie for a ride the other day, and I was trying to tell her about when we used to use a "muff" instead of gloves to keep our hands warm. How do you explain something like that to someone who has never seen one?
I found this picture to show her - but she just thought it was funny.
(I've been playing with the idea of making her one just for fun.)

My mother was a lovely seamstress, and she made most of my clothes back in the day.
At Christmas time, we always fell asleep to the drone of the sewing machine in the other room, as she created new cozy flannel nightgowns, beautiful ruffled dresses, or outfits for our dolls.

Back in "my day" (don't you hate when old people use that line?)
*Ahem*, anyway - we weren't surrounded by the huge chain stores that carry everything from toothpaste to tires.
We only had the little local mom & pop department stores.
They didn't have the floor space to carry toys all year through, but at Christmas time, they would often open up a corner of a storage room, fill it with toys, and call it Toyland.
We always thought it was such a magical place - our own little glimpse into the North Pole.
...We were always anxious to see if the toys we craved were there.
I love this painting by Tricia Romance - it reminds me of those days...


My thoughts had me Googling vintage patterns from the 50's and beyond. I found several sites selling vintage patterns, and I had a lot of fun browsing those sites - viewing fashions from other, more glamorous eras.
One site carried a variety of wedding gown patterns, from the 30's on down through the 80's. That site was particularly fun - and guess what? I found the pattern that I used for my bridesmaid dresses!

I remember it clearly, because I had a LOT of bridesmaids, and I had to cut out each and every one of their frocks, just to make sure I could get them all out of the amount of fabric that I had...

By the time I finished looking at all those dresses, I looked at the clock and it was 3:30 A.M. I had gotten carried away again!
When I went upstairs to go to bed, I looked out the window, and it was so light outside. There is nearly a foot of snow on the ground here - and the street lights played off it like a white sheet on a clothes line. It was glowing and beautiful, like a Thomas Kinkaid painting (my son would argue with that one...)
I tried to get a picture of it, but the window screens blurred the picture - and just as I was debating whether to venture outside - the battery died.

Just as well - a body does have to go to bed sometime. Especially an old body.
Here's that feeble attempt:

...Now I'm going to head upstairs to bed, before it's the wee hours again...

'Night!
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December

Can't believe I haven't been here since Thanksgiving.
I didn't even realize until several days after it was over, that
I didn't even think to take any photos that day.
I guess I was more concerned about having it go over well (and having to work the next day) to even think about it.
*Sigh* Maybe next time.

It snowed here over the weekend, and it's cold. I have a feeling it's going to be a long winter...

I finally saw New Moon this weekend. I liked it ok. If I have to pick a team though - I'm going with Jacob. The boy is just too cute - but seriously - can't that girl find any normal guys?
I think her father missed the boat by not putting her in therapy - she is messed up.

Anyway, the house is all decorated now (prayers of thanks) and now we just have to figure out the Christmas list (or who's been naughty or nice.)

'Till then...
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Carnage

The other day when I got home from work, hubby was outside waiting for me.
He told me to pop the hood before I could get out of the car, and he looked over the engine. I got out and asked him what was wrong, and he showed me a puddle of blood on the driveway with chunks of fur and little bloody paw-prints leading away from it.
I had gotten up really early for work, and I guess he assumed there was a cat hiding in my engine.

I think if that had been the case, I would have heard, felt, seen (smelled?) something. It wasn't me - I swear.
...And yet, Ick.

I think that creature that attacked my dog and the neighbor's kitten must still be roaming out there - and claimed another victim.

Yeah.

...Speaking of carnage...

My husband has begun the annual Christmas decorating.

Heaven help us all.
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Thankful

Thanksgiving is over - it was a long day, and lots of work - but so worth it.

Other than spilling my punch all over my mother in law, everything went perfectly. All my family were there - and I feel very blessed.
I'm so thankful that they are all close by and that they are healthy and doing well.
I don't deserve how good they are to me.
Life is good.

Today, however, was another story.
Whoever thought up "Black Friday" should be dragged out into the street and shot.

I'm beat, and I have to do it all again tomorrow.

'Nuff said.
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Scattered Brain Cells

...Just a few disconnected thoughts today -

Murder most foul
There was a heinous crime in my little town on Monday. The perpetrators are still at large, and it has my community on edge this week. Things like that just don't happen here.

Signs & Wonders
The other night, I was up later than I should be (as usual), but just as I had finished dousing all the lights in the house, I started to climb in bed when there came a light so bright - it was as if a freight train was headed straight at my window.
I jumped up and looked through the blinds - but saw nothing.
My little block was sound asleep - nothing was out of place, not even any traffic.
What the heck? I wondered.

Yesterday on the news, I learned that I wasn't the only one who saw it.
Apparently a meteor exploded somewhere - they are speculating that a piece of it may have fallen somewhere in the West desert.
Cool.

Interesting that it happened right after the release of 2012. The news said there were a lot of nervous people coming home from viewing that film...
(No, I'm not going to see that film - I've already been told it's way too stressful for me!)

Escape
I had a full day off yesterday, so I fled the borough and went shopping.
It started out fun, but by the time I came home, I was exhausted, frustrated and depressed.
I went with a very specific list of what I wanted, but as usual - what I want doesn't exist. At least not in this valley.
I spent money that I shouldn't have, and came home with nothing that I needed.
Poo.

Babe in the Woods
My youngest has ventured to the big city today, to job follow her big brother and do a report on the state judicial system.
Poor thing, she worked last night until almost midnight - then she had to be up at the crack of dawn to catch the train.
I hope she can stay awake long enough to see what goes on out there.

Flu
I'm finishing my second week of this crappy flu bug, and not feeling any better yet.
Yesterday, I thought I was on the improve, but I had a rough night last night.
I'm at that stage where I'm so stuffed up that it feels like I'm suffocating in my own fluids. (Sorry for that image.)
Yesterday was a glass was half full day, and I felt that life would be better soon.
Today, it feels like this will never end, and I'll just have to learn to live with the gagging, the muffled cotton in my head, and the cold sores.

I don't like life on this side of the looking glass.
(I know, too many metaphors.)

That's about it today from my little town - aren't you glad you stopped by?

Make it a good one. :-)
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Thursday

Winter storm coming

Longer work days

Sick with the flu

Bleah.
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Again...

Here I am again - another week has gone by...
This one is a good one to have over with.
Went in for the routine colonoscopy today. (Scream)

This was my second try - I was scheduled to do it a couple of weeks ago, but had to change venues for insurance reasons. (Way too much information, sorry.)
The thing is, that I've had to stress over this twice this month.

Everything went well today - no cancer this time.
(Good News)
What was weird though, is - I don't know if I was dreaming this, or if I was not all the way under - but I could feel excruciating pain. I kept screaming and grabbing at things for help, but I wasn't making any noise.

...Weird - that's never happened to me before.

I woke up feeling fine, and have slept the day away - happy ending after all...

***

I may have mentioned before, that my favorite organist has moved from the neighborhood.
I am so sad - he was just the nicest guy. One of those people who would do anything for anybody.

I've been in denial all week, until Saturday night, when I realized I hadn't talked to my other two organists to see who, if anyone was going to fill in for him.
Needless to say, I had nightmares all night (again) that I got to church and had no organist to play the hymns.
Bless their little hearts - they had worked it out amongst themselves, and everything went off without a hitch.
I should have known.

***
I've been reading the book Mayflower this month.
I've been curious about this book ever since it came out, and my sister was kind enough to loan it to me.
Very interesting so far ...much different that what we learned in grade school!

***

My brain has been playing tricks on me again lately - I keep getting my work schedule mixed up. I went in Friday only to learn that I was supposed to have been there Thursday instead.
They kept me all day, because it was pretty busy, but sheesh, things like that are so embarrassing! I want to be a dependable worker - not somebody who just wanders in whenever she feels like it to do the job!
I can't figure out what I'm looking at to get those days wrong - I'm writing them down off her calendar, but it seems like every time I look at it, it's different.

This is my first job since the stroke and the hearing loss, so I'm paranoid about everything anyway. I really want this to work out.
Woe is me - am I really getting this old?

I'm not supposed to drive today, but I really really REALLY want some ice cream.

...Ssshhhh, don't tell...
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November

Halloween is over - it was a pretty fun day for everyone (except hubby, who hates it.)
He had to work until 11 that night. I heard him drive up after his shift, but he didn't come in the house for a while...

What was he doing out there in the dark?

Wrestling the inflatable pumpkin decoration to the ground.
That's the rule around here - all Halloween comes down before his birthday November first.

We had a birthday party for him Sunday - and I had the dirty dishes to prove it. It will take me a couple of days to clean up this mess!

It's always a shocker when you start totaling up the years (I don't know about you, but we only do that once a year around here.)
Both of us are getting a little too close to that next milestone - how did that happen?
Hope our ship comes in soon, otherwise retirement will be spent in a cardboard box.
Hmmm.

Speaking of age, I sure have been noticing some not-so-fun symptoms. I get confused so easily these days, and the memory is worse than usual. Maybe I'm just noticing it more because I have a schedule to keep track of now - but whatever the reason, I don't like it.

Sunday was a sad day because I learned that my favorite organist is moving. He is such an awesome person, and so dependable. I will miss him and his cute little family in our ward.

Some photos to share today...

Grandpa's Birthday - the girlies love to help open presents.

I actually dug out my old cake decorating supplies, and tried to get fancy this year...

My cute little girlies all dressed up for Tricks and Treats

My youngest still likes to go out on the town Halloween night - this year she and her friends dressed as pirates to loot and pillage...

My oldest daughter got in the party mood for work - she was the fortune teller for her department's carnival (they won the office pizza party!)

Jenny wore her Anime Banzai outfit to work - Tifa from Final Fantasy

That's it for our Holiday Festivities - at least this year they didn't start playing Christmas songs on the radio Halloween night (they have done that for the last two years!) ...But I'm already seeing Christmas commercials on TV!

Ready or not - here we go into the Holiday Season!
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F is for Fun

What a crazy busy month this has been - in a good way.

A fun sister weekend last week, and a fun trip this week.
In between was my grand daughter's birthday, and my youngest had her first choir concert.
Years ago I would complain about having to go to so many of these, but I think when the kids are all finished with school (next year), it's one of the things I'll miss the most.
Silly, huh?
My baby - front and center. (Black hair)


My sister has an old school chum from here, who often makes the trip out west to see her. This year, she invited me to tag along. I was happy to do so, since it has been a few years since I've been able to get out there.
We had such a good time - Karen is very easy to get along with. I haven't talked that much in... well, forever. I was almost hoarse from chatting by the time we got there. If anyone wants to know my life history - just ask Karen.

My brother in law had an itinerary planned for us - after a good night's rest (in a bed as cozy as my mama's lap) we drove all the way out to an outlet mall in California, and shopped the morning away. I got some great deals - a name brand purse and shoes at a Walmart price. How can you beat that?

On the way back, we stopped at a place my sister has been telling me about for years - Apple Hill.
It was different than I imagined - I had a tight little community in mind, but what it actually was, was a lot of different apple orchards spread out over a large area. We drove to just a few of them, and sampled the goodies they had to sell.
...A yummy lunch and gooey caramel at one, colorful pumpkins and gourds at another, and a petting zoo somewhere else.



This place forced us to stop for it's gorgeous gardens...

We drove past Lake Tahoe as the sun was setting - Beautiful!

Autumn in the Sierras. *Sigh*

Saturday was a little more leisurely. We went to the doll show at the Holiday Inn. I didn't splurge on any dolls (no room for them at home), but I did find a few little treasures to bring home.
We had a late lunch at Red Lobster with the girls, then we met the whole family for an early dinner at Los Tres Amigos (at least I think that's what it was called.)
I'm not sure that a bucket of shrimp followed by a ginormous mesquite chicken burrito was a good idea. My tummy threatened mutiny the next morning...
But it was so good to spend time with all the kids - I fell in love with Ty's little baby girl. (He said I could have her - I'll go back and collect one day! :-)

I got to play with the pets too - couldn't be helped, they loved me.

The first night, I convinced Lucy (the cat) to come sit on my lap while we watched Castle and Gilmore Girls. I haven't had a cat in decades, and this one is such a friendly one.
I was a little horrified when she got up, however, and I found that I had metamorphosed from human to centaur.
She had left so much hair behind, that I'm going to have to go get a wax job to get it all off! Ha ha...

It's always fun to go visit my sister's homes and see that the little nicky-nacky's that I painted for them ages ago, are still alive and well, and on display. The ones I did for us have mostly been lost and/or destroyed years ago.
It's nice to know someone out there appreciated them.

That's my week in a nutshell. I'm done traveling for this year - now it's time to light the home fires and settle in for the winter.
I love to travel and see what this wide world holds, but I also love to come home to my own little hamlet, and my own kith and kin.
The kids were here when I arrived, and my darling daughter had made a tasty meal. I was greeted first by my youngest gran - It doesn't get better than this.

Sisters are Good for the Soul

I just got back from a Ya Ya weekend with my sisters.
We"ve been trying to do this at least once a year since our mom passed away to strengthen the family ties.
It's been a real blessing in all of our lives -
(...I think, at least it has in mine!)

When we were growing up, there might have been disagreements and rivalries, but those are all but gone now -
I think we've learned to value and appreciate each other, not so much in spite of our differences, but because of them.

We started off by dinner out at a local rib joint, then we drove up to Heber to ride the Heber Creeper's Haunted Train.



We were planning to go home and watch scary movies after that, but we had a much better time just talking - so much better, that we were up until 3:30AM doing it!

We talked about everything from the origin of silly phrases, to the traditions of ancient tribes - the discussion there led to how many of the tribes had a person who was the "story teller."
He was in charge of keeping the history of the tribe, and passing it down by word of mouth from generation to generation. Often they carved symbols on a stick, since there was no written language - those symbols helped him remember the story.
I was thinking later, that my oldest sister is the "story teller" in our little clan. Most of us girls came in at the tail end of the family, but being the second oldest, she was there at the first. She knows so much more of our history than we do.
I love hearing her tell it - she is the strongest link in our family chain.

After a breakfast of Janell's yummy breads the next morning, we drove around town re-visiting all the old sites where we grew up. Our home town has changed so much, we hardly recognized most of the places.

Just a couple of them...
One of the old trees that are still left on our lot - I climbed every tree on the place at least once.


The first church house I went to. I was really young when we moved from this neighborhood - I barely remember going here.


After that drive, we went to lunch at Kneaders, and then we visited the gardens at Thanksgiving Point. It was a beautiful day for that, the weather couldn't have been more perfect.
It's amazing - just a few days ago there wasn't any fall color in the valley, but this weekend, it had already peaked.

Could not have been more perfect.


Some grannies stroll, but we grannies roll

I was fascinated with the fishes in the coi pond...

Like I said, perfect...


I got back just in time for my little gran girlie's birthday -
she's 5.

Back to work for a couple of days, then I'm off again...
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Flu Season

My husband sent me this as a forward yesterday.
I'm posting it here mainly for easy reference - it's good information to have on hand. Hubby says there have been people out with swine flu in both of the places where he works, so it's still a threat out there.
Consider this my public service announcement.

Prevent Swine Flu - Good Advice

Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital , Bombay Hospital , Saifee Hospital , Tata Memorial etc. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W).

The following message given by him, I feel makes a lot of sense and is important for all to know

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).

3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected o ne. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
;
4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*
&nb sp;

5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. *Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

FOG

This has been a strange year. Especially this Fall.

Usually the leaves turn and it's beautiful for a while - and then winter comes, but Old Mom Nature has it backwards this year - we're getting the nasty weather first before there's even any colored leaves in the valley.

What I'm getting at, is that this morning we woke up to FOG. ...In October.

Weird.

I'm off for a sister's weekend tomorrow (after work, that is.) We're all going to be there this time, so it should be all kinds of fun!
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What's New?

It's Monday again, and I feel like I've been AWOL forever.

I've got to learn how to manage my time better now that I'm working again - no more playing all day... (sob)

I'm working on cards today.

Tomorrow is the deadline for the Oct. Sketch for My Sketch World. I just barely made it under the wire.
...Can't show you yet, but soon.
I've got to get one done for my little gran's birthday this weekend too. They've come to expect grandma's cards, and I don't like to disappoint them.

Last weekend, I had to run over to the store to get my schedule for the next week, and I took my 2 girls with me. They had fun perusing the Halloween aisle, while I took care of business, and this is what they came home with.
(The outfit, not the dog.)

Pirate Puppy

Yes, I do believe he's snarling - I don't think he's amused at all.

If you want to see where I've been hanging out in my head lately, this is the place:

It's called Wings Neck Lighthouse in Massachusetts, and I've just added it to my list of dream destinations. The lighthouse can actually be rented - is that cool, or what?

As I was working on the computer today, my printer went *grind* spr@ing *pop* and died. Poop. This is not a good time for my printer to expire.
(As if there were one.)

So far behind on everything else,
...But I'll have to catch up later - got to run!
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Clackity Clickety Clack

I've had a very productive week. Sort of.

Besides typing up a very long chapter of family history, I've produced 6 new chapter's of my second "novel". (A record for me.)
...My second novel that no one will ever see.

Maybe by number 9 I'll have something I'm ready to share, (LOL) ...but right now, I'm just learning the ropes.

I must say, I'm enjoying it more this time around. The first one was excruciating, and felt like hard labor, even torture, but this one is almost writing itself.

I guess it's just less scary now.

Artistic productivity means, however, that my productivity as a housekeeper has gone down the chutes.
My house is a shambles, and spiders are building condos in every corner.

I'm going to have to take a break soon, and clean.
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It's All Good...

Some days are ok. I had one of those today...

I checked off all the little items I had on my list to get done before work, and I started to take some R & R, when I decided I needed to run down to Walmart and see if I could find a couple of shirts that would pass as work uniforms.
(I just can't justify spending money for their monogrammed gear, when I know I'm only going to be there a few months.)

I ran into hubby's mom there. She snuck right up behind me, and when I whirled around to see who it was, she said; "Oh, it is you."
(Scary, does she do this to people often?)

My mother in law is legally blind. She has to get right a person's face to see who it is.
I could see that she was in need of a "seeing eye child" (much like the ones I take to the store with me ) to read the labels and prices on the things she was looking at, so I stayed with her until her daughter caught up with her.

I headed off to work, and arrived there during the afternoon rush. It was really busy.
I thought I saw my neighbor wandering the isles, but each time I went to look for her, I couldn't find her. This happened a few times, until I finally caught up with her in the back corner of the store.
I had a fun chat with her for a few minutes before she had to leave.

Later, I was measuring fabric for a lady, when someone else came up and asked, "Can I just ask you a question?" I recognized her immediately, although it took me a few minutes to place her.
I told her to let me finish up, and I would go help her find what she was looking for, and called her by name.
She gave me a deer-in-the-headlights look, so I told her who I was. She was embarrassed not to know me, (but hugged me anyway.) It was one of my husband's favorite cousins who we don't see often because she lives out of state now.
I got to hang out with her and catch up a little bit.

You see?

Fun.

My shift went quickly, because it stayed fairly busy. I'm getting to know my way around a bit more, which helps too.
Things were going great, that is, until one of the managers came and insisted I take a break. (I've never had one of those before, and I only had half an hour left of my shift) I really didn't want to take it, but I obeyed.

...Just that few minutes off my feet made me feel so tired! If it hadn't been for all the weird noises in the back room, I could have fallen asleep.

Anyway, that was my day.

I came home and crashed, but hubby woke me when he came home, now I'm up for the night...

Going to go finish my chapter.
.

BOO!

I've started a new project. It's a ghost story.

That being said, I was laying in bed this morning, half asleep - thinking about what I want to have happen next, when I received three distinct "pokes" on the shoulder.

I jumped about 3 feet!

...It was just my daughter, letting me know it was time to drive her to school.

Scared the bejeevers out of both of us!!!

Honestly, she is so quiet - I'm going to have to put a bell around that kid's neck or something...


.

Again...

Doesn't it seem sometimes like you just live the same day over and over?

It happens so often to me, that I have a hard time knowing what day it is!

It's October today, and I'm doing the dance of joy. Not so much because it's October, but just because I'm finished with the job I was doing on my friend's scrapbooking website. I have to appreciate those girls more now - I never realized how much work that was!

There's actual frost on the pumpkin today (the pumpkin that randomly sprouted from a jack-o-lantern seed last fall - in my front flower bed, no less.)
Summer is officially over, but it would have been nice if we could have had Fall before Winter arrived!

My daughter made the comment last night, that she's tired of only having 2 seasons.

Amen to that!

I'm liking my short shifts at work so far - it breaks up the day, but doesn't wear me out. Good times.

I removed my previous post because I was getting some bizzarre and crazy searches on it. (I'll explain later - or not.)
Weirded me out a little.

Anyway - I'm babbling, so I'll go find something else to do today...
.

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!
.

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.
.

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."

.

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...
.

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...
.

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!
.

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.
.

First annual Grandma Day

I took my little girlies shopping today.
I noticed that they could both use some new clothes, and I love to shop for little girls, so off we went.
I let them choose, but I let them know when their wants exceeded my budget. They were done choosing clothes in about 15 minutes - but then they wanted to look at toys.

Millie found one that was on clearance for a dollar, so I told her she could have it - and I told Arilie she could find something for that same amount.
Not so easy for her. We must have looked for a couple of hours. I finally took them up to the clearance table in the front of the store. We had to compromise a bit, but we finally figured something out that they were both happy with.

I picked out an outfit for Ellie so she wouldn't feel left out, but on the way home, I got thinking about the size I got and didn't think it would fit her at all.
We got to the house, and the girls started showing their parents what they got - so I got Eliie's outfit out after all, just so she wouldn't feel slighted. As soon as she saw it, she started stripping her clothes off to try them on. Amazingly enough, they fit her perfectly.

What a great day - I'm going to have to make a tradition of this.
.

Thursday

Had a really nice visit with my sister today.
She looked so good, and acted more like herself than I've seen her in a while. I hope she's on the up-hill track.
We went out to lunch - and she was able to eat actual food. I hope she doesn't pay for that later...

I took her some books to read, but I think I came home with more than I left with. I'm excited to dive into these:

Sunday's at Tiffany's, James Patterson
Mayflower, Nathaniel Philbrick
The Wednesday Sisters, Meg Waite Clayton
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Shaffer & Barrows
Unseen Odds, Shirly Bahlmann

I left Jenny the car to drive herself to work - that was stressful.
.

Book Review - "Pillage"

Author: Obert Skye

This is going to be my last book review. I'm frustrated with the Summer Reading Thing website this year. They take forever to update. No one seems to be monitoring it at all. I don't think I'll even bother sending this one in.

Anyway, here's the description from the back cover:

When fifteen-year-old Beck Phillips travels by train to the secluded village of Kingsplot to live with his wealthy but estranged uncle, Beck discovers some dark family secrets. A buried basement, a forbidden wall, an old book of family history with odd references to... dragons? Beck's life is about to be changed forever in this suspenseful tale about the destructive nature of greed and the courage to make things right. Pillage is filled wtih Mr. Skye's signature humor as well as some very intense moments. including a surprising ending, that will keep readers young and old engrossed and entertained.

It's true.
This is a young adult fantacy. I'm not a young adult, and I'm not a fan of fantasy, but I still enjoyed this book immensely. Very fresh and different kind of story.

The main character talks about reading his mother's journal, and how as he learns about his family history that it begins to make more and more sense to him.

Likewise, at the head of each chapter is a "page" from the ancient book he finds later in the story. At first, those pages mean nothing at all, but as the story progresses, you begin to understand what they mean. I love how the author did that, so that you could "grow" right along with the main character. Brilliant twist!

I'm going to have to look into the other books by this author.

Rain.

No dreams today. Aren't you happy? I'm giving you a break.

Speaking of breaks - we had a doozy of a rain storm last night. A break from the dry and from the heat.
It didn't last more than an hour or two, but it thundered to beat the band - and it poured.
Long, lovely, soaking RAIN.
Maybe my lawn will last a few more weeks now.

On the other side of the coin - it's official. I'm becoming an antique.

My emails have been steadily dwindling, even my regular junk mail is giving up on me.
One of the few emails I got yesterday was a note from a company where I applied for a job.
The second time this year they have refused me.

Lately I feel like I'm becoming extinct. I've been fighting it for years, but it's inevitable. Maybe it's time to just give in and let go.
I'm tired.

*I feel as popular as Typhoid Mary.

*Stick a fork in me honey - I'm done.

*I can feel myself fossilizing as we speak.

Bleah.

...On the upside - I'm becoming a formidable presence on the High Seas. Arrgh - I have over 2 mil in ill gotten booty, a fleet of ships, me own private island, and a monkey named Jack.

My farm is the envy of all my neighbors...

...And I'm steadily rising in the ranks of the Mafia and my Sorority.

(Facebook games)

*Sigh*
.

Curiouser and Curiouser

Sorry this is turning into a dream log lately, but I'm still on a roll here.
(And no body's reading this anymore anyway, so who's to get bored but me? LOL)

...OK, now I'm talking to myself -

Moving on...

Have you ever had a continuation of a dream you had years ago?

...Yes, I have, thank you very much.
Well, would you like to hear this or not?
Sure, go ahead.
Thank you, I will.

I dreamed a long time ago that I went back to college - only I kept forgetting what classes I had and where they were, until the professor would call me in and tell me if I didn't finish the whole term's worth of work, I would fail.

Well - this was a continuation of that dream. But this time, I was rooming with a former co-worker (who was still in High School when she became my supervisor.)
She had landed herself in a play, and asked me to come with her to rehearsal, because it was late and she didn't want to walk to campus alone.

I did go, and kept getting moved from seat to seat because I was in the way of the rest of the cast.
(This was some production - it was a musical, and had everything from dancing cowboys, synchronized swimming, and, at one point I was kicked out of my seat for the fleet of army trucks that had to come through.)

My friend finally went up on stage, and when it was her turn to get up - she fell down.

Meanwhile, I was wandering the crowd from place to place, not only to stay out of the way, but to stay awake.
(As I said, it was late - and I kept falling asleep.)
I kept running into people who either knew me (who I didn't remember), or knew my husband. It was a little disconcerting to keep hearing my name called out from the crowd - all the different versions of my name that I have gone by at different times of my life.

A couple of times, I even got ogled by some tall good looking cast gents, which was just creepy. I told them - "get away from me, I'm old."

Weird.

At one point, I sat on the front row, next to the costume mistress, who just happened to be Vonda Goodwin (a friend and neighbor who I grew up with, and haven't seen in over 30 years.)
She was harried and swamped everywhere she went, with problems people were having with their costumes.
I decided to offer her my services to help with her out, but while I was thinking about it, she got up and left. I had to wander the crowd again, trying to track her down. (More weirdness)
When I finally did, she immediately took me up on my offer, and before I could say anything else, she had buried me in a pile of sacks, and disappeared again.

A work crew came in and told all the cast members to get off of the stage, because they were scheduled to work there for the night.
I thought, "good, I can finally go home and sleep." ...But no such luck - the cast just broke up into separate groups, and split off into different rooms.

I never saw my friend again - and woke up aching for lack of sleep.

What does it mean when your unconscious life is more interesting than your real one?

Hmmm - that's what I thought...

In Other News:
I had the gran-girls for an overnighter this weekend.
I saw a lot of things I liked, (and a few that I didn't) but it was good for the most part.
I can vouch for God's wisdom in giving us kids when we are young. There's no way I could keep up with that full-time now!

I rented a whole stack of videos that I thought they might like.
- Did you know Rascal Flatts is in the Hannah Montana movie? I didn't, or I would have watched it a long time ago! (Ha ha.)

I have issues with that girl (Hannah Montana/Miley Sirus), and have avoided anything having to do with her - but it actually wasn't that bad.
Who knew?

I also picked "Ballet Shoes" and the American Girl "Kit" for them. The first one is based on a children's chapter book that I heard of somewhere, so I thought Millie would like it.
She didn't.

I watched it myself later, and I could see why. It's really not a movie for kids. It's about three girls, and how they manage to live through the depression. I liked it, but it was a little "scary" for my girls.
Kit is also about the depression. I liked that one too - it was cute, but again a little mature for 4 and 7 year olds.

I didn't miss completely - I got Green Lantern, which Arilie watched at least 3 times, and Barbie meets Thumbelina which Millie did the same.

I learned one thing - I need to preview movies before I get them for the girls!
(You can't make me watch those Barbie ones though...)

.

More Bizarre Dreams

It's been a really active week for dreams.
I don't know if it's the change in the air, or changes in life (school starting), but - wow.
Last night I dreamed that I was in the hospital preparing for surgery, and they took me to this abandoned wing that was reminiscent of the operating room on M*A*S*H.
I had been drugged already, and was in and out of consciousness - but when I saw where I was, it alarmed me a bit. When I asked the doctor what we were doing there, and evil grin spread over his face... I wanted to scream or run, but I was too doped up to do either.

The scary part about this dream is that it really happened (the first part) but it never occurred to me at the time to think anything sinister about it. Makes you think twice about being so trusting about medical personnel. (Like the time I went in for a test and woke up black & blue from head to toe - I swear they dropped me off the table while I was out, but nobody bothered to mention anything about it.)

From there things got a bit more bizarre.
I was at another conference, that started out as one for writers, but morphed into one for musicians and dancers as well. Let me just say - men in tights and murder plots abounded. Adam Lambert was there, and was even creepier than he was on American Idol.

Anyway - got another boring weekend gaping before me.
I've got to find a new hobby to fill the time. Shopping requires cash flow.
.

Joke of the Day

I ran across this as I was blog hopping yesterday.
I thought it was cute, and wanted to share. The person who posted it wasn't sure where it came from, so I Googled it to find the origin - But it's been posted so many times that it would take me years to track it down...
So, enjoy - and whoever wrote this to begin with - Good job!

Dear Tech Support:

Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a slowdown in the overall performance, particularly in the flower and jewelry applications that had operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0. In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5, but installed undesirable programs such as NFL 5.0 and NBA 3.0. And now Conversation 8.0 no longer runs and House Cleaning 2.6 simply crashes the system. I've tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no avail.

What can I do?
Signed, Desperate

Dear Desperate:

First keep in mind; Boyfriend 5.0 is an entertainment package, while Husband 1.0 is an operating system. Try entering the command

C:// I THOUGHT YOU LOVED ME

and download Tears 6.2 to install Guilt 3.0. If all works as designed, Husband 1.0 should then automatically run the applications Jewelry 2.0 and Flowers 3.5.

But remember, overuse can cause Husband 1.0 to default to Grumpy Silence 2.5, Happy Hour 7.0 or Beer 6.1. Beer 6.1 is a very bad program that will create Snoring Loudly.wav files.

Whatever you do, DO NOT install Mother-in-Law 1.0 or reinstall another Boyfriend program. These are not supported applications and will crash Husband 1.0.

In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have a limited memory and cannot learn new applications quickly. You might consider additional software to improve memory and
performance. I personally recommend Hot Food 3.0 and Lingerie 6.9.
Good Luck,
Joyce at Tech Support

My news is brief today.

My youngest started school today. That last and final school year for all of us. Wishing her a great year (and good grades.)

.

Book Review - Methods of Madness

Author: Stephanie Black

Book Jacket Description:

It's been three years since the terrible night Emily Ramsey suffered a double tragedy - the death of her sister, and the disappearance of her fiance. She deserves another chance at happiness, and gentle, adorable Zach Sullivan is the perfect man to mend her shattered heart. But from the moment Emily opens the hand-carved box holding a glittering diamond solitaire, she's seized by an unshakable fear: She's going to lose Zach.

That's exactly what Monica, Zach's ex-girlfriend is banking on. Bitter with envy, Monica will stop at nothing to sabotage Zach and Emily's romance.
A troubling note shows up in Emily's mailbox, fanning the flames of suspicion. A bloody photograph sends her reeling. But when someone is brutally murdered, will Emily be able to escape suspicion and the possibility that she might be next?

This tale is intricately woven, and the plot spirals deeper and deeper. Emily is led to suspect everyone - even herself, as questions are brought up about her sanity.

The only problem I had with this book was that, for being a murder case, the police seemed a little blase. Other than taking every one's statements, it didn't seem like they were doing much to help. That put me a little on edge. (But maybe that was the author's intent?)

...Aside from that minor point, this is a gripping, page-turning book. I read it in one sitting, and I promise the ending will blow you away!

Congrats Stephanie, this is another winner!
.

Perchance to Dream...

Such crazy dreams last night.
I dreamed about my former employer, who had re-located the store into a house.
The employees were all too busy cleaning and doing laundry to help customers.

At one point, a girl came up to the office screaming and crying. I peeked out to see what was wrong, and saw that half of her face was pretty much scraped off. She had fallen from a scaffold in the warehouse.
No one else would do anything to help, so I was fumbling with my phone trying to dial 911, and was having trouble at the other end, because I didn't know the girl's name.
I asked one of the other employees, but in the midst of all the chaos, I couldn't hear her reply.
"That's (so-and-so) can't you remember?" she screamed at me. Then I was self conscious and upset because I couldn't - I had no idea who she was.
...Then I remembered that I have been away from there for 2 years - I didn't forget, I didn't even know her!

...And so it went all night long.

I don't know what I ate before bed, but when I figure it out, I'm striking it from the menu!

My oldest flew off for Washington DC yesterday. He called to let us know he made it safely. I hope he has a wonderful experience there.
Wish I were with him.

It's been feeling very fall-ish here the last few days - especially at night. I've been loving it, and sleeping under the open window, reveling in the cool breezes.
I had to give that up though, because when I wake up and see hubby buried in quilts and curled up in a ball, it makes me feel too guilty.
(I can't believe school starts this week - it just can't be!
.

No Rest for the Wicked

We had a good friend coming to visit yesterday, so hubby took the day off, and both of us spent the entire day cleaning up the house and the yard. (Yes, it did need that much work - and more!)
We managed to get ready in time, and had the whole family here to see him. We barbecued, and had a really nice time.

Hubby is in the guest room working again today. I don't know how he does it!
I am so exhausted, I could seriously stay in bed all day!

We've got the gran-girlies coming to sleep over tonight. (Their daddy is flying off for DC early in the AM.) I'm a little nervous about that. I'm sure the older girls will be fine, but the little one hasn't spent the night here since she was a wee one. She's one of those kids who likes to go home at night. I'm not sure how that's going to work, and still be able to get up for church by 8:30.

I guess we'll see...

(So much for the clean house!) LOL
.

That's What You Get...

I decided to be lazy today, since everybody is gone again (work, friends, etc.) so, I've been slopping around in my bathrobe. Wouldn't you know it - today would be the one day someone actually comes to see me.
My dear neighbor from next door came to visit.

She was telling me about a book she was reading ("The Undaunted" - local historical fiction) and I mentioned that I want to read it too, because I had ancestors who were involved in that historical event. (Hole in the Rock)

That led to a discussion of family history, and - can you believe it? We tie in a few generations back! Her great...(x3) grandfather was a brother to mine.

That is just too cool.

I've badly neglected my family histories for the last several decades, but she has been busily working on hers. Hoping we can share some information soon.

Veggie Heaven

Just when I was complaining about not having a garden this year, and how I would normally be up to my eyeballs in squash by now, my daughter's friend showed up at the door with some over-flow from her family's garden!
Squash, cukes, radishes and cabbage...

Tender mercies from strangers.

Private Screening

Last night was fun. My son came over with a copy of his friends' new film "City of Fitness 0" and we watched it together. It was such a hoot - and fun to watch with my son's commentary from behind the scenes.

These guys are getting really good with their filming techniques. They should be ready for the film fest at Sundance soon!

Here's one of the scenes - my son is in this one. (He's the random bandito.)
Warning - violent and graphic content...in a funny sort of way...


If you want to see the whole film, it's all on youtube here: City of Fitness 0
(If that link doesn't work, copy & paste this address into your browser: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0sHRMQt3wU&NR=1)
Have fun!

I guess I should try to accomplish something today...
Where to begin???
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Murphey Lives Here

I've been on my own this week, and I cannot believe all the things that have gone wrong around here.

*That storm that had me running around all night trying to keep everything in the yard from blowing away.
*Trying to read my new book in the dark with no power.
*Something is funky with the pond - I can't keep water in it.
*I've had problems with the plumbing all week
*The alarm system "talking" to me all night,
*The dog freaking out for no apparent reason,
*Having to take care of the neighbor girl because her babysitter left her high and dry.
*The brain-splitting headache due to lack of sleep
*The pounds I'm sure I've gained self-medicating with food.

The family will be home soon - thankfully. I could use a break from my "vacation."
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Book Review - English Trifle

Written by Josi S. Kilpack

I was so excited to read this book - I loved the first book in the series (Lemon Tart)

Amazon's description:
High Crimes at High Tea Things to Do in England Visit Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and the London Zoo Take the Jack the Ripper tour creepy! Sample authentic English scones and crumpets Discover a dead body What begins as a holiday trip for amateur sleuth and cooking aficionado Sadie Hoffmiller and her daughter, Breanna, turns into a bizarre mystery when they discover a dead body in the sitting room of an English manor. Breanna's boyfriend, Liam, is heir to both the family title and the family estate of Southgate, where everyone seems to have a secret . . . or two. When the body in the sitting room disappears, Sadie and Breanna are stranded at the estate until the police can clear them to leave. With their departure delayed, they might as well solve the murder. Armed with a jogging whistle, her personal recipe collection, and an unfailing sense of American justice, Sadie begins her own investigation to find the killer. But as Sadie uncovers layer after layer of misdirection, secrets, and outright lies, she wonders if anyone is telling the truth or if the case is really as hopeless as it appears to be. Take a missing family history, toss in a secret romance, mix with a mysterious murder, and this is one vacation Sadie will never forget.

Rarely do I enjoy the second book in a series as much as the first, but I think I actually liked this one a little bit more.
I love that Josi chose such a different location for this one. The foray into life in an English Manor was a fun departure from Sadie's usual diggs.

The plot has lots of twists and turns, and no one escapes suspicion. I thought I had things figured out a time or two, but I didn't know for sure until the final few chapters.

I just wish I were a better cook, so I could enjoy the recipes more...
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