Zoom Zoom

Just a few days left of recovery time, and how do I spend it?
...Burning up the road between here and Ephraim.

Jenny was dropped off on our doorstep late Sunday night, so I ran her back on Monday.
Tuesday, she left a desperate message on my phone - fashion 9-1-1.
(She had to go pick up a bridesmaid dress that was on hold for her.)

She was sick, tired and emotionally spent when she got home, so she spent the night... Which means I'll make another trip today.

On the up-side, I did finally get to listen to my new CD. (I've been saving it for the drive time.) And it's awesome.
What I love about my lil' Rascals is that every song is good - you don't just get a couple of good ones with the rest that are just filler like most artists.

Anyway, it's Wednesday now, and I'm just waiting for the little darling to get dressed - then we'll be heading down the road again.
Puppy has had enough rides to last him for a good long while.

Yesterday morning, I rushed out to get a copy of Disney's Tangled.
I never did get to see it in the theater, and I have been dying to, so that was the first thing I did when I woke up.

Jenny had to have her own copy, so she picked one up last night and we all watched it together.

When it was over, Melissa asked; "is that how the real story went?"

It's been so long since I read the original Rapunzel, that I had no idea.
So I Googled it, (isn't google amazing?) and read it.

No, it's a pretty far stretch from the Disney version.
(Those Grimm brothers were a strange lot.)

All the funny little side stories that the Disney folks always add - like the little toothless drunk who they dress up as cupid - and the mime.
He only got a couple of minutes, but definite show stealer.
Wouldn't it be fun to sit in on one of their brainstorming meetings?


I've been anxious to try out my new washer and drier - since I didn't get any laundry done last week. Unfortunately, there's a problem with the installation.
The tap leaks now, whether the washer is running or not - so now the laundry room is flooded.

*Sigh* it's always something... (Why???)

I'm giving up on chores till hubby gets home.

My neighbor brought me a book from the library - (a nice gesture, but still it makes me feel silly because I really can do those things for myself.)
Anyway, I haven't even had a chance to crack it open yet.

I'm just going to read the rest of the day.
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Morphling

It's been such a strange day.

After staying in for two weeks, it's kind of hard to keep track of what day it is.
I woke up today thinking it was Sunday, and that I was late for church (which is kind of ridiculous anyway, because church doesn't start until one.)

I walked into the living room to find hubby all upset because he had just got off the phone with his cousin, who had given him some bad news about her mother. (She's being sent home from the hospital today with an undefinable and aggressive form of cancer - not much hope.)
His brother arrived shortly thereafter in his big dark "hovercraft" (you feel it coming before you see it.) And they went to visit her. I'm glad he got to do that before he leaves town - they're only giving her a couple of weeks.

The new washer and drier we purchased the other day were supposed to be delivered today, within a 3 hour block, so we had to put everything on hold and stay close to home, while we waited...

I get edgy under those circumstances, so I puttered around the house and did a lot of chores that have been irritating me all month (because they haven't been getting done.) I'm finally feeling like I can handle a few things, so I tackled them - with a vengeance. It felt good.

My son came to help remove the old dryer, releasing a load of coins all over the floor that had been collecting inside. He laughed and said it was like being in Vegas - they just kept coming! $11.00 in quarters alone. Too funny.
Our old machines were older than some of our children, so I guess they've been storing up for a while.

There were two weddings we were supposed to attend today, but we didn't make it to either, because we were still waiting...

They finally arrived around 4:30, but it was dinnertime before they left.
I was worn out by then, (as was hubby) so we went to lay down for a bit.
I zonked, but he got up and left with the TV still running. Some HGTV show about a couple trying to buy a vacation home in Costa Rica.
I have been reading Mockingjay all day, and somehow the two things kept getting mixed up in my mind as I slept - I swear the people were trying to find a vacation home that could ward off enemy attacks.

Speaking of books, I had a call from a neighbor today - my choir leader who is also the head of our book club. She asked how I was doing, then informed me that the book club had got together to purchase one of the books from my Good Reads list for my recovery.
When she told me which one, I had to laugh because it's the same one I just ordered from Amazon a couple of days ago. I couldn't bring myself to tell her, because it was such a sweet gesture, but - yeah. I'll have 2 copies now if anyone needs one.

I've been trying to expand my reading the last few months - branching into different genres and authors I've never read, but after a slew of dark and violent tales, I'm so done with them and ready to go back to my safe cozy fluff reads!
...There are horror fans in this household, but I'm not one of them!

Just when I thought things were quieting down (around 11 P.M.) someone pounded at the door. There stood my youngest with her pillow and blankie! We weren't expecting her tonight, but she dropped in just the same. Yay!

It's 3 A.M. already. I've been trying to sleep, but sleep is not to be had.
(I guess when you stay in bed until 10 and have 4 hour naps, that shouldn't come as a surprise.)
...It's going to take me a while to get back to a normal schedule.

Back to work this week - ready or not.
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*Morphling is a random word I pulled from the book - it refers to a disorienting pain medication - it just seemed appropriate. LOL

*Interesting and Humorus Title*

(Sorry, but I'm all out of them!) ha

Only a few days left of R&R, and then it's back to life as usual.

No more staying in bed until 10 A.M., no more schlepping around in my jammies all day. Planning to swing by work this weekend and see if/when I'm back on the schedule - that is, assuming that I still have a job...

Hubby was supposed to be done traveling now, but they have requested that he come back again next week. He's tired of traveling (as am I,) but in a way he doesn't mind it, because they treat him so much better out there than they do here.

The two of us went out to lunch yesterday, and ordered a new washer and dryer. The old dryer has to be run 3 or 4 times per load to get it completely dry - so it takes days to get the laundry done when we only have about 4 loads per week.
Crazy (not to mention expensive) so - it's out of here.

I finished my book Tuesday, and the library is out of the next one, so I'm going a little nuts today... Jenny has the one I need, but she's an hour away (and not due home for a couple of days,) so I'm going to have to be patient.
(Not my best thing!)

It's just as well, there are other things that should be done (albeit not fun ones.)
Just have to suck it up and keep busy.

It's officially Spring now by the calendar - we can only hope Mother Nature complies...
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Strange Things

Another quiet week, but not completely uneventful.

A few days ago, when Melissa stepped out to go to work, she found the hot tub uncovered and running. Apparently we had tub hoppers during the night.

Strange because you can't see it at all from the street or in any direction.
The only people who even know it's there are the really close neighbors, and none of them are the type to do a thing like that.

Weird.

Haunted by dreams again. A new one the other night that left residual feelings that I still can't really put my finger on.

I think I've figured out where it came from though -
I've been thinking a lot about the group I "hang out" with on facebook.
People from high school and my old home town. The funny thing is that these people are folks who never even noticed me back in the day. Not my group at all.

I've got a reunion year coming up next year, and I've been debating the thoughts of whether I'll go or not. (I've never been to one yet.)
I just don't know. I miss the old days, but the people who would be there were never a part of it. I don't really see the point in going.

...But then there was the part about painting my car a hideous pink - and my purse getting stolen. My purse always gets stolen. What the heck is that about?

I've been minding my P's & Q's on the road to recovery, but I took a wrong turn the other day and ended up in a ditch.
I hurt myself (in the tub, no less) and ended up swollen and looking even more ugly than before. ( If that's possible.)

I've been cussing myself ever since, and hardly getting out of bed for penance.
I'm starting to worry about getting my strength back in time to go back to work next week.

Hubby is home now, and won't ever be flying to that place again.
I'm so glad to have him home. We've gotten along ok the last three weeks, but it's just a more secure feeling having him around. He's a rock when things go wrong, (...and I'm like a chicken with a fox in the yard.)

He's got his Sunday music on this morning - nice, although it's cranked up a little higher than need be.

It feels rather peaceful - he with his stack of bills on the floor, and me with the laptop and the dog asleep on my feet.

For the time being, all is well.
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Shhhhhh......

It's so quiet around here this week. Like tomb quiet.
One forgets one is deaf when there's nothing to hear. Ha ha.

Hubby had to go out of town again, so it's just me & the dog during the day, sitting around, listening to our arteries harden.

I can do that when hubby's away, and not feel guilty. When he's around, he blusters and billows about like a tornado - the man can not sit still.
It makes me feel like such a useless lazy creature. It's probably a good thing that he's not here, because I intend to follow doctor's orders.

My neighbor has been taking such good care of me this week. She pops over at least once a day bringing me treats, things to read - or just to say "Hi."

I sure do appreciate it. Good neighbors are such a blessing!

Went in for my check up today. The Doctor removed the bandage from my throat, and - Yuck. I look scarier than the spooks on my daughters ghost flicks.

It's kind of fun to go to the store and freak people out. :P Makes me want to lean in close and whisper to them - "pirates."

The Doctor had the pathology report already - all clear. Yay!

I only hope that some day my energy comes back. I had all kinds of things I wanted to do with this time off, but I just don't feel up to much at all.

Anyway, just checking in - it's been a while.

Happy St. Patty's Day!

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I'm Back

I survived the surgery.

I was a little surprised when I woke up, to find that it was 5 hours later. I didn't think it was going to take that long.

They said everything went really well, although I look and feel a bit like Nearly Headless Nick (Harry Potter.) They didn't have to take all of my thyroid - I still have a bit of it left, for what that's worth.

I was looking forward to some R&R, but hubby is home and tearing the house apart.
He moved the family room around last night, and today he's in my craft room.
Good grief, how am I supposed to relax with all that going on?

I keep telling him just to go back to work, but he won't listen... LOL

The girls have been watching the earthquake/tsunami coverage 24-7.
It's a bit overwhelming.

I'm going to hole up in my room with a book.
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Tossing and Turning

Sleep has been evading me this week.

I'm not so much nervous about the surgery - it's all the little things I wanted to get done before hand. It's had me feeling anxious.

I only had one day to accomplish everything, and I'm going to miss the mark, but I did make some progress.

My paycheck was a disappointment this week too, I had to whittle down the expectations - a LOT, but it's all good...

Every time hubby leaves town, it seems that something breaks down.
Last week it was the washing machine and the internet/cable (no computer, no TV.)
This week, the heat in the basement quit. It's freezy down here - have to put on a coat to type. Brrrrr....

Speaking of cold - it snowed again this week. I can't complain - it's all my fault.
I mentioned the "S" word (Spring) way too soon, and jinxed things. Mother Nature is an evil being - she likes to play mind games on us in this region. And the so-called Spring season is her weapon of choice.

My little buddy is home for spring break, so we went on a little shopping spree on Monday. (Gathering up books & magazines to fill the recovery time.)

My mother and I used to take those little trips all the time, and she always took me to the same little greasy spoon for lunch. (It's a nice one, as junk food goes, clean, good service, etc.)

I took Jenny there one day when she was much younger, and told her about it - since then, she always asks to go there. It's kind of nice to have that little mother-daughter tradition carry over to the next generation. (And they have sweet potato fries! Yum.)

Today is a work day - and I work a little later than usual. Hubby is supposed to fly home tonight - not sure how we'll get him home from the airport. We are short a car this week - and mine is running on fumes.

We'll have to see how that one goes...
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Wishes and Fishes

It's Sunday again, and hubby is in the sky as we speak - flying back to the place of people and trees.

They offered him a job while he was out there last week, but like he said, if it were just he and I then, maybe, but that is just too far away to be from all of our kids. The grand kids would grow up without us, and that is unthinkable.

He would have stayed out there over the weekend, but he had to come back to lay off half his crew and to work his other job.

The lay-offs were not a surprise - they all knew it was coming. Still, it had to have been a sad parting - some of those people have been with the company since its beginnings.
...But, it seems, that all good things must end.

I was whining to my daughter last night about being the only unsuccessful member of my family. (Poor girl, she's stuck with me a lot lately.)
She said "Excuse me? ...and in what way is so-and-so successful?" Going through and naming names.

Okay, so maybe my life doesn't totally suck, but at least all those others have been able to be self supporting financially. All I can manage at present is 8 hours a week at minimum wage. Not exactly my hey-day.

I was laying in bed thinking about that this morning. At the height of my earning power, I still fell short of that.
I was working in the craft store by day, and painting samples for a tole painting publisher by night.

I loved that job. I think that's the only time I ever felt like I was really good at something. The hours were killer, but I loved what I was doing so it didn't matter.

The market fell through on that job, just as the scrapbooking one did.
That's the problem with working in a hobby related field - they phase in and phase out. Nothing is forever.

So here I sit. Having a mid-life crisis. Ha!

The sewing hobby is past tense for me, so there is no passion for my current job - and I refuse to even get into the jewelry thing...
There is no room in my house for another hobby.

Hence, I read.

I've been bullying hubby about being here for my surgery, but if you want to know the honest truth - I'm ok with him not being here. I won't be able to talk much, so I really don't want a lot of people hanging around making me feel like a total bore.

Last time I had surgery, the ladies in the ward brought in meals for almost a month. Every time they came over, they'd ask hubby how I was doing, and he'd make me come out to say 'hi'.
I felt like a freak in a side show. Ring the bell to see the gorilla and all that.
It was really uncomfortable.

All I need are some books, videos, a few small projects, and some pretty things to look at to cheer me and I'll be fine.

As you can see from my new header - spring is trying to make an
appearance here.

The majority of the snow has gone away, and what remains is dirty and gross and blends in with the ugly dead landscape.

But my tulips and hyacinths are poking their way through the debris, and soon (we can only hope) things will start greening up, and we'll have dashes of color here and there.

Life will go on, as it always does.

Ain't that grand?
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Thursday the Third

Another week fizzles to a close...

Hubby left early Monday morning, and I planned on just having quiet time at home - came down to check my email and found that my internet was gone.

I had a list of things I needed to do - emails to send, things to look up, lists to make... All filed under "no can do" without the computer. Frustrating.

I just finished all the books I've been reading, and the library didn't have any of the others on my list - really wasn't in the mood for housework, or artsy crafts - so I did a few errands.

I took the weekend movie rentals back to the rental place, and found signs plastered all over the windows "No longer renting - liquidation sale."
Are you kidding me? The only cheap entertainment in town?
Shocker.

I felt like my day was spinning it's way down the drain, so I decided to just get out of town.

Drove up to Borders and spent almost the entire day just looking at books and magazines. I shopped until way past lunch, gathered up a dozen or so treasures, talked myself out of them and put them all back...
(that's how I shop - don't laugh.)

I was starting to get shaky from hunger, so I made one quick purchase, and went in search of lunch - there had to be something there at the Riverwoods, right?
I drove around and looked - it was either Subway (Ick) or something exotic or expensive - nope, nothing here.

I drove through town - same thing. I did that all the way back to the home town, looking at options, then opting to find something closer to home.

I had decided just to grab a sandwich at Arby's, that I could just pick up and take home with me, but when I got to where it was, I decided why waste the money - I'll just go home and have toast & jam.
I'm not usually this cheap, but I'm living on hubby's savings this week, and feeling guilty about squandering.

The laugh was on me when I opened my big purchase, Country Living.
I browsed through the pages, thinking I had made the best choice, but when I got to the end my reaction was why did I choose this one again?

As far as I could tell, it was for just one picture that I saw and fell in love with - a huge full page spread of a flower. (It intrigued me, I want to try and paint it someday - there's often an imaginary painting involved...)

There had been 2 issues of Country Living on the magazine rack, and I wondered about that, but as I cruised the ads in the back, it became apparent - this one was the UK version. Everything there was priced in pounds.

...Anyway, that's what I get for making choices when all the sugar has drained from my brain.

Melissa laughed at me when I told her what I had done - she said "A Brittish magazine? How can you read it, it's in a foreign language!"

She's so silly. And thank goodness for her. She's my rock when hubby's away. I never worry when she's here - she reeks with awesomeness.
Her purse, car and room for that matter, are like Mary Poppins' bag. If you need it -(or not) - it's in there.

She worked as a night guard at a detention center while in college, so she is trained in street fighting. She knows what to do in any situation - earthquake, hurricane, volcano, zombie apocalypse - you name it, she knows how to survive it.



She also knows how best to comfort and entertain her mother. The other day, we were watching "When in Rome," and a thought came out of the blue - "I don't have any Italian fairy tales. (I've sort of been collecting them from other countries.) She held up a finger and went to her room - bringing back a HUGE volume of them. I should have known. ^.^
All that, and she's beautiful too... How lucky can I get?

I woke up this morning to see branches all over the lawn - the wind must have been crazy last night. Funny, I didn't hear a thing!

Today's a work day, and hubby flies home tonight.
I was so bummed when I talked to him last night - he said he has to go back next week! They haven't quite caught on to the system yet, and need more guidance.

Feeling heartsick (and a little... angry.) How much does he owe this company who is cutting him loose in a matter of weeks?

I told him that if he's not here for my surgery, not to bother coming back.
That may have been a bit extreme, and of course I didn't mean it - just lashing out after a long year of loneliness and feeling - well, abandoned while he took care of his brother and his dad - it's not my turn yet? Really?

Oy. What are ya gonna do? ...He'll be here, but just barely.

Been checking up on the youngest daily - she seems to be doing okay.
I guess what doesn't kill you does make you stronger. She's a survivor.
Thank goodness.

So thankful for all of them today.

Today would have been my mom's birthday - she would have been 90 something.
Happy Birthday mom - wherever you are. I miss you.

*My sister just reminded me that mom's birthday is the 8th, not the third...
Good grief - I can't believe I got that wrong - how embarrassing >.<
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March One

What a strange and disappointing month February has been.

Kicking it to the curb...


All of us were sick, vacation canceled, work cut backs, and hubby got sent back East by his company ...to train the person who is taking his job away from him.

Not only that, but when he arrived there, he found that his company hadn't pre-paid his room, so he had to max out his card for it, and he hasn't been able to have a meal since this morning.
He had to call his supervisor (from here) and have her wire him some money from petty cash to get him through the week

Niiiiice.

It snowed some more the last two days, and has been so cold, adding to the misery of being stuck at home instead of on vacation in the desert as we had planned. Everyone was able to get it off but hubby, so it was a no-go.
(This is exactly why we Taylor's avoid planning things - they never work out.)
...It's just as well though, it snowed in the desert too. We would have just been stuck in a motel room all weekend driving each other nuts.

My poor baby has had an awful month too - breakup, love triangle, lies, deceit backstabbing and betrayal - and that was only on Wednesday.
I had the hardest time sending her back there after this weekend. I don't know how she'll make it to the end of the semester. She still has to live with the... little darling. *ooozes sarcasm* [former friend and room mate.]

Holy crud.


On the upside - we celebrated my oldest grand daughter's birthday on Sunday.
She turns 9 today.
(We celebrated early because grandpa had to leave today.)
Where did that time go? I still remember so clearly the day she was born.
She's awesome, and a kindred spirit.



Make a Wish...

I saw the throat specialist today, and am scheduled to fall among his team of cut-throats on the tenth. (Thyroid-ectomy)
The lady who scheduled the surgery for me said that she had the same procedure exactly 25 years ago today. She said that she survived it and is still kicking - (and I scanned her neck and couldn't see a scar.)
Maybe it won't be so bad after all...

Doc says the recovery time should only be a week or two.

Anywho - Melissa drove her sister back to school for me tonight, so I sat here alone and watched "Ghost Whisperer" until she got back.
That was probably a bad idea.
Not so much that it scared me - it's just that it's been such a weird week, and the episodes I watched were so gut-wrenching emotional.

Now I'll have to stay up and see something funny so I can go to sleep.

My month in a nutshell - March can only go up from here.

*Knock Wood*
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Not Vacating...

We had plans to get away to the desert sunshine this weekend, but as of yesterday, the plan is off.

Just as well, the weather report says it will be cold this weekend in our destination city. May as well stay here and try to find something fun to do.

I'll be fine, two fresh new books to read, and an unspent paycheck in hand (such as it is.) I'm sure I can manage, but I feel bad for my daughter.
She has had on helluva semester, and could really use a break.

Other crushed plans...

I told hubby earlier that with this being our 35th year together - I demand a trip to Hawaii. After all this time, I think I deserve it! (As does he.)

...But last night I told him that I don't think this is the year for that after all.
He'll be jobless, so how can we justify blowing that much moolah on a trip, when we don't know what's going to happen next?

Stupid though, that's the second time I've blown off Hawaii in this lifetime.
At this rate, I may never get there.

~*~

I'm supposed to meet with the doctor on Monday and give him my decision whether to do surgery or not. The thing is, I still don't know.

I wish I knew if it was something that will make me feel better - or if it's just an unnecessary risk.

Inspiration please - and pronto!

Not much else going on for me - I don't work again until next Wednesday.
Tonight is Big Bang Theory night - at least that's something to look forward to...

Happy Weekend!
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*Cough*

We've all been sick this week.

All of us - even my daughter who lives an hour away, and my son who is...
3 states away.
Lovely germ hubby brought home for us from work. (Thank you dear.)
The only explanation is that this is a cyber cold - transferable through internet/cell phone connections.

The girls and I had plans to go shopping all day yesterday (due to the holiday weekend,) but when we looked outside and saw the cold drizzly rain, decided that it would be bad for our cold drizzly noses.

We rented movies and cranked up the fireplace instead.

We attended the wedding of a former neighbor/friend on Friday.
Melissa always called him her brother-from-another-mother back in the day.
He was here almost as much as my own son was.

How blessed we have been living in this neighborhood. All of my kids have had at least one good friend like that who fit into our family like one of our own.
...All such great kids too.

Heaven smiled on us in that way.

The reception was so beautiful - it was held in an old Victorian home that has been renovated for this purpose. It was decorated true to the period, and beautifully so.
Their color scheme was Black White, and Red (one of my favorites lately.)
It was so good to see them all, and looking so happy.

~*~

Made a bad decision yesterday - short awful haircut.
I did it on purpose because it's been growing so fast lately. In a week it will be right where I want it - but for the time being.... Yuck.

It's cut back time at my work again. I'm back to one day a week. I really need to start looking with the rest of the family... eighty bucks a month is just ridiculous.

I was so lazy all last week, that my house is looking pretty neglected today. I guess I should be grateful for the time to get caught up. ...And I have a new pattern to make the little girls some skirts (using up all that fabric I still have from last time I worked at the store...)

Going to run back down to Ephraim today - Jenny is getting her patriarchal blessing. Then back home, but that means no big family dinner tonight, won't be back in time.

Lots of reading to do, and plans to make (we're hopefully fleeing the cold next week.)

I will survive.

Hey hey. :-)
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Stuff.

I had such a lazy day yesterday.

Those days are really hard on the self esteem. Leaves me feeling like a useless lump of humanity. Especially when hubby is sick and has to work the two jobs anyway, and the kids are all so busy.

There's just no excuse for me, just sitting here - wasting time.
(But no one around who cares.)
What a strange phase of life this is.

I've had some rather enjoyable chats with my youngest this week. She's finally getting her head into a good place, at least for now. I'm so proud of her.

We talked about weekend plans, hanging out at bookstores and such. She mentioned that would be a fun career for her - owning a book store.
We kind of went off on that, because I would love that too!
I could work for my baby, driving loads of books around ...in my wheelchair cart, reading stories to kiddies on the weekend. (But then, I would probably scare them LOL)

As always, when I barge in on the kids' dreams, there's something in it for me - a little corner where I can sell my favorite things - pretty paper, pretty ribbons & lace, gems & such...

I love that my kids have goals and are reaching and achieving them. I never did figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up... and that ship has sailed!

I enjoy my job, I really do. It's satisfying feeling that I can help people - even if it's something as simple as finding the right sewing machine needle.
(Beats sitting here feeling useless!)

...But I can't see myself doing this forever. It's so physically demanding.
(It is, I tell you - all that lifting and hauling and reaching and folding...)
I only work 4 hour shifts, but come home feeling like I've worked 8.
...And right now, the future is scaring me.

I thought by the time I reached this age, I would be looking forward to retirement and freedom, but instead - I'm looking at going full time while the rest of the family searches for work.

I keep thinking of that line from the Sandra Bullock movie that goes; "Life doesn't always turn out the way you plan."

Understatement.

I got a postcard from an old friend this week. Highlight. of. my. week.

She said that she saw the picture and missed me. Isn't that amazing?
I can't tell you how good it feels to be missed - or even noticed. for that matter. Ha
Having a rendezvous with her online on Monday - can't wait!

Speaking of work - I have to go there.

Have a Happy Holiday Weekend!
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Bad Moon Rising...

Definitely some strange vibes in the air today.

I finished reading Hunger Games last night.
Let me first say that I am a bit... overly sensitive to all things scary, gory, or intense. I am not the one who screens the films and books in this house - the kids have to do that for me.
(Mom - you will NOT like this one, and mom, that's NOT your kind of movie.)

So, when I finished this one, I told my daughter that I wasn't sure how I was going to sleep, or if I would ever get over it!
But Melissa knows how to handle me - she took me downstairs and got me watching a hilarious TV show (Idiot Abroad,) and by the time it was over, I'd forgotten to be freaked out anymore.

I did have to call my younger daughter this morning and talk to her about it though. There are two more books in the series, and I had to know what happens, but like I told her - I don't think I'll be reading them.
I can't handle the stress! LOL

While I was talking to her, she asked me if I had seen her school on the news last night. She said that there had been a gas leak in the Science building.
I asked her what kind of leak, and she said; "I don't know - something to do with the cadavers."

Yeeeaach! I told her that was enough - I didn't want to hear any more!
She said that a couple of kids had just been walking by the building, and were taken and quarantined, the levels of Co2 were so high.
?????

Anyway, the day has sort of deteriorated from there - so many things went wrong at work today, 4:00 couldn't come fast enough. Just so frustrating.

The wind has kicked up tonight, and the power's been out once already, so batten down the hatches - it isn't over yet...

You may need this too before the day is over = Idiot Abroad - As for me, I'm going to pull the covers over my head and go to bed.
Hopefully, tomorrow will be better.


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Another one Bites the Dust...

Another Valentines day has come and gone.

We celebrated Love Day Saturday and Sunday, so today was pretty quiet.

Not the year for big showy gestures - we're still licking wounds and healing hearts from last year's losses.
Mostly just being thankful for each other...


It seems that the saying; "Everything old is new again," has been the running theme for me this month.

I've been returning to old pastimes lately - first the painting, and as I mentioned earlier, dragging out the sewing machine after decades of disuse.

Today was another one of those days of living in the past.
I was stuck in the basement doing laundry all day, so I pulled out my "That Girl" DVD's and had a full marathon - reliving the 70's as I fluffed and folded.

I was telling my daughter tonight how funny it is to view it from this side of that decade. I used to think of Donald as cute, charming, and sweetly protective - but now he seems like a surly ornery chauvinist.

Times change.

Still, it was nice to be reminded of the good old days when squeaky clean romance and social convention was the norm (at least for TV.)

Speaking of my daughter - she's been full of all kinds of creative energy lately. Yesterday she baked all day for our Valentines dinner, and today she ordered take-out so she could have the kitchen free to use as a potting shed.

We received a lot of potted plants for Wayland's dad's funeral, and they have been starting to look haggard lately. She re-potted them, giving them all more space to thrive in - and even polished their little leaves.

I swear they look happy tonight!

The smell of potting soil would normally be something alarming coming from the kitchen, but instead, it was like the scent of springtime and of foraging in the garden.
Although it may not be particularly hygienic, a little dirt is good for the soul...

Speaking of growing things - when I visited one of my neighbors the other day, she pointed out that she has hyacinths poking out of her flower beds already. It's the middle of February for gosh sakes!
I haven't seen them come up this early, well, ...forever!

Gives a body hope.

Time marches on...

As I was flipping through my calendar, thinking of possible musical numbers for church, it became more and more evident how quickly time is passing this year.
Hubby and Melissa only have a couple more months left of work before their jobs go away for good.

I haven't really thought about it much, because it seemed so far off (and we had so many other things to worry about) ...but now it's becoming all too near, and it's starting to freak me out a little.

Hubby keeps commenting that he always imagined that at this stage in life, he'd be looking forward to retiring soon - not having to find a new career!

Life never quite turns out like you planned it - (at least if you're a member of our clan!)

Been on a reading binge this month - fished the book club selection early, and have polished another book and a half since then.

Trying to expand my horizons.

'Night all.
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Zzzzzzz.....

What a busy busy week - applied to annex my frontier village, built an Italian villa, a pink castle, a greenhouse, a church, and a post office, lost the war to a rival mob, and staffed my police force.

...But that was only in my tiny little facebook virtual world - I'm afraid real life hasn't been anywhere near that interesting.

Finished a book, and feeling adrift...
I went to the library with a list of about a dozen titles that I would like to look into next, unfortunately, the one title they did had from my list was already out.

Our library is so pathetic.

Visited a few neighbors yesterday, and learned some happy and some sad news.
One lady has become a grandma for the first time, and was beaming out the wahzoo with the news - and one lady passed on the news that another of our neighbors ...passed on this past week.

...One arrival - one departure. That's life.

I actually pulled out my sewing machine this week. Hasn't been touched in... decades?
Nothing fancy, just some pillow cases, but hey, I can still work the thing!

Got the day off and planning to be as lazy as possible...

Have a good weekend.
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la Dolce Vita

The age old dilemma - do I see the movie first, or read the book?

Sometimes reading the book makes it impossible to like the movie, and vice versa. (Such as The Last Song...Probably would have liked the film, if I hadn't read it first.)

I rented Eat, Pray, Love this past weekend. It was good enough, but I never fully felt like I knew what was going on. I'm reading the book now, and enjoying it so much more.
When most of the dialog is introspection, it's hard to convey that on the screen...

I'm finding so many things that I can identify with. The author's first journey is to Italy. I have always felt the same way about the Italian language as the author describes. (Out of all the languages in the world, it is the most beautiful to the ear.)
I have several movies in my collection that take place in Italy - I watch them over and over, not for the story as much as for the scenery.

Beautiful!

I'm on the section about India now. I thought it would be boring, but I can't read it fast enough. I have my notepad by my side, and I pause every few minutes to jot down quotes that I want to remember.

One such note is where a former Guru chastises people for being inert. (Such a great descriptive word!)

That's what I feel like I've been lately - inert.
I've been finding nothing better to do than sit and play games on Facebook (Facebook is the Devil - the world's greatest time waster.)
When I think of all the hours I spend there, it kind of makes me sick - I could be so much more productive, if I could only figure out what productive thing I want to do...

I love the description of how they spend the New Year - sitting under the stars, chanting it in with all it's joys and problems.
Filing all these things away...

Anyway, when I finish the book, I'm going to have to watch the movie again to see what I missed.

The power has been going off and on tonight, which is strange because it is snowing, but not very much. We've had several storms that have been much worse with no problems whatsoever.

Luckily, dinner was cooked before it went off - we did have to dine by candle light, but at least the vittles weren't raw!

Drove my daughter back to school last night.
That drive that I love so much in the daytime is a whole different beast at night.

I don't like that road at night - it is so dark that I get disoriented, plus the fact that whole stretch of road is a notorious hang out for deer.
It's one thing in the daytime - you can see them on the side of the road and slow down - but when it's dark, they can leap out at you with no warning.

I don't like surprises.

I come home exhausted and white knuckled every time.

Day off again tomorrow - maybe I can accomplish something if I try to get to bed before 4:30 this time...

Ciao.
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Super Saturday

Sorry about that last post... Yeah. Feeble attempt at humor.

I mentioned earlier that I'm not myself these days, vitamin D deficiency, sunshine deprivation syndrome, glass half-empty and all that...

The funny bone's not the only thing that's off.

The other day at work, this cute little girl was crawling through the storage space under the cutting table, (a common event - 100% of all children try it - 99.9% of mothers don't even try to stop them.)

She dropped a toy on the floor, and dove for it - her little arms were too short to reach the floor, so she started tumbling to the floor.
I stood there watching, seeing what was going to happen, but all I could do was say "Oh my, she's falling..."

The response team in my brain must have been out to lunch, because I couldn't seem to move, even though I was standing right there.
Luckily a co-worker was close enough to grab her.

Odd sensation.


It's a girl's weekend here.

Hubby works late tonight, and tomorrow is the Super Bowl. My son invited his dad to come and watch with him. He asked if I wanted to come too...

Quite frankly, I'd rather have my toenails pulled out.

What with the pre-game shows, the commercial breaks every 3 minutes, the post game shows, the interviews, and on and on and on...

If there's anything more boring than football, it's a bunch of rabid men talking about football.

The girls and I will stay home, eat pizza and watch Jane Austin movies or something.

We'll be just fine, thank you very much.
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Constitutional Amendment.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the congress,
I hereby propose that Valentines Day be eradicated from this nation's calendar.

It is a day that will forever live in infamy - one that perpetuates misery, engenders false hopes, and destroys the self esteem of all generations.



Do we set aside a day for Little Bighorn?

Nay.

The Alamo?

Nay.

Donner party?

Again, Nay - and for good reason.

As with Valentines day, those events were also brutal massacres that, though appropriate to remember, are not events to celebrate with flowers and candy.

Those of us who are loved know it. We wish them well.

Those of us who are not do not wish to be reminded, or for a 24 hour period, have our noses rubbed in it.

Thank you.
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Just Say No!

Groundhog Day

I hear the little buggar saw a shadow today. First time in years (and it's about time!)
I hope his prediction is a solid one this year. I'm so tired of COLD!

It's a quiet non-working morning, but not for long...
Tornado T'Ellie is coming to spend the day with grandma. Not sure what we'll do for ten hours, but I guess we'll just go with the flow.

Haven't got much to say these days. I guess I'm succumbing to sun deprivation syndrome or something. Just not quite myself lately.
Not much inclination to anything... at all.
Just me and the dog rattling around this empty house most days.
Me and lil' Ant'ny - we're getting pretty tight.

Grandma took a spill on the pavement this week. She's been pretty lonely without grandpa, and doesn't see well enough to drive - so she decided to walk up to check on her son. She missed the dip in the sidewalk, and went down hard - right on her face.
She's ok - just bumps and bruises, but Ouch! Such a worry now that she's on her own.

Finished my book club book (The Help) and enjoyed it a lot. I've had that one on my wish list at Amazon for a while, but I probably wouldn't have gotten around to reading it, if no for the book club.

Last meeting, they asked me what I've read lately and who my favorite authors are. After stuttering and stammering about books I haven't read in decades, I decided that I'm in a rut. I'm a boring reader.
I find one author I like (or can trust not to be vulgar) and I stick to them, whether I like their writing or not.

I've vowed this year to expand my horizons a bit.

See ya later, got to get something done before the munchkin gets here!

Happy Rodent Prognostication Day!
(We humans are a weird bunch - we'll celebrate anything...)
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