Surviving

Busy week.  I asked for some time off to go visit my sister, and got it, but I've been scheduled eight days in a row to make up for it.  Still, all in all, it's been a fairly decent week, days are a bit slower at work now that school is back in session.  Night's still get crazy, but by the time it gets to that point, I'm out of there.  Weekends are ugly, so we won't go there - ha ha.

We had an ugly incident with an obnoxious teenager running into a senior citizen lady - so we had to ban them from riding them in the store (easier said than done,) for the most part it's working, but there's always a few who push the limits...

Hubby will be home from his sojourn to the desert on Saturday.  It's been pretty quiet around here with him gone.  I've missed him, but one thing I haven't missed is having that dang TV in my bedroom on every night.  I haven't turned the thing on at all since he left!  It's nice to be able to go to bed whenever I want to, without that noise blaring at me - I can even read all night if I want to (and do.)
I will miss that when he comes back - but it's a trade off.  ha ha.

I told him that I was going to decorate the house for fall while he was gone, but I haven't done a thing.
I haven't wanted to spend the money - saving that for my trip.  But I have spent some time thinking about it.  If I had my druthers, I would do it all in white pumpkins and fall colored hydrangeas, something like this:

and this:

...And I'm really into ravens this year:

I also want to do this with my candlesticks:

(care of my Pinterst board)

and this for the front porch:

Source: radiobutlers.blogspot.com via Pat on Pinterest

...While I'm at it, I would love this for that ugly dead spot next to the front walk:

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Pat on Pinterest

There you have it.  My home is lovely in your head, and I didn't have to lift a finger.  :-)

Other than that, been entertaining myself with things like jigsaw puzzles, watching every autumn related movie I have in my hoard (I own quite a few) and lots of comfort food - too much!  I'm getting to the point that I'm not so comfortable any more!  ha ha.

Good thing hubby won't be gone much longer...

Speaking of ravens reminded me of a favorite version of Edgar Allen Poe's famous poem as read by Garrison Keillor...



Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.  (Even though I don't understand what any of these pictures have to do with it!  >.< )

Oh, how I love Fall!

Today is a work day, and I must away now.

'Chou.
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(Fetched most of those photos from Google - will add links ASAP.)

Alone Time

The last couple of days have been pretty quiet around here.
Baby and I have been working opposite schedules, so when she's home, I'm gone and vice versa.

I had the day shift yesterday, and hadn't slept much the night before, so was feeling pretty wiped out.

When I'm alone a lot, I often feel the need to do something a little bit indulgent, just to take the edge off  - so I baked up some cookies that I found on Pinterest - (I cheated though, I used a sugar cookie mix) and warmed up some apple juice with cinnamon candies melted in, and had myself a little autumnal moment.

The only thing that would have made it better is if my next installment of Dark Shadows had come in the mail.  (I'm having so much fun watching them - I remember being addicted as a teenager, but I don't remember anything else about it.  It's been fun re-discovering the stories.  The ones I've been getting are old un-edited originals, so they have all the mistakes - line flubs and story inconsistencies still intact.
Kind of funny :-)

The recipe is just a snicker doodle cookie with a rolo candy rolled inside - yum!

The weather has been great here lately - pleasant days, and cool nights.  In fact, the other morning when I woke up, I had to close the window tight because it was downright cold!

The day my husband left town, I had the day off, so I hopped in the truck and drove to Provo.
It's the first time all summer I've been able to get out of town (because of my broken car,) and I've been desperately in need of some lotion for my poor dried out cardboard-cut-up hands.
(My favorite brand isn't available here.)

It was just a quick little trip (and expensive in the gas-hog of a truck,) but I stopped at all my most favorite haunts - Bath & Body works, TaiPan Trading, Archiver's and Barnes & Noble.
Then I grabbed a bit of lunch, and headed back out of town before the rush hour traffic began.
(I don't think that freeway construction is EVER going to end!)

Pleasant day.

On the way home, for some reason, I started thinking about the old music teacher at the high school.
(He's retired now.)  My kids all had him - he was the most respected - and feared person, not only at school, but in the entire community.

He was very strict, and had zero tolerance for wise-cracking, horse play, or any form of tom-foolery.
If a person misbehaved, all he had to do was raise the "Dahlquist finger" (index finger pointed up - first warning.)  There was no second warning - if the behavior continued, the student was just gone - banished from the class forever more.  Flunked, condemned and shunned from society (or so the legend goes, I don't know if anyone ever truly found out.)

Anyway, the name Dahlquist is still spoken in hushed and reverent tones anywhere you go here in town...

The funny thing is that our dog even responds to the Dahlquist finger - just point it at him, and he lowers his head and lays down on the carpet until instructed to do otherwise.

Strange but true.  ha ha.

Had a few moments to myself again this morning, so I'm taking time to spend it here recording and reflecting...

I've talked to a few of my sisters this week - one just because she was lonely, one who is wanting a visit  - the other, I contacted to ask for some help doing a yard sale.  She agreed, and asked when - but there is where it will probably die.  I have no time left to ask off this month or next - weekends are all scheduled already - and after that, the weather will probably turn and yard sale time will be over.

I'm so wanting to unclutter and de-junk though.

It's a dilemma...

My oldest daughter is home now, and breakfast is in the oven.

Alone time has passed...

Till next time.
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Quickie...

Only have a few moments this morning before work, just stopping in to say "Hi."

It's been a quiet week around here - hubby is in Saint George working, and the oldest daughter is flitting around with her busy social life, so it's basically me and my youngest.

It's been kind of nice really.  I can go to bed at a decent hour, because I don't have to wait for hubby to fall asleep so I can turn off the blaring television in my room.  I can just read until my eyes get droopy...

...Not that we don't miss him, just sayin' - he can be noisy.  And messy.

Tomorrow is my # 2 son's birthday.  Wish I could celebrate with him.  <3 p="p">
I was planning a trip to Reno to visit my sister next week, but the person I was planning to go with is not well, and won't be able to make it after all.  Sis didn't want to accept that, since I already have the days off and all - so she helped me book a plane ticket.
I'm excited to go, haven't done anything fun at all this summer.

Hubby gave me some news that had me a bit wound up last night, so I didn't sleep much.
It's going to be a long day at work today - hope they keep me busy...

Gotta run!
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Finally Fall

 The rainy season has begun here - the grass grows so fast, we've been having to mow a couple of times a week.  The nights are finally starting to cool down, so sleeping with the windows open instead of the AC blasting is a pleasant (and much less expensive) option.

The only thing bad about it is its unpredictability.
We've been doing the sidewalk sale again at work - still trying to clear out last year's merchandise.

The other day, when I drove into the parking lot, the lightening and thunder were starting, so I clocked in, then went directly outside to see if they wanted to start moving things in - it started to sprinkle... and then to pour.  By the time we had everything inside, we were all drenched.  I had to finish my entire shift soaking wet.

The clothes eventually dried out, but my hair - with all the hair spray in it, dried hard - like one of those plastic molded Barbie wigs.  I couldn't wait until my lunch break to go home and brush it out.

The rest of the week has been "jerk Pat around" week.  I've been running from the front registers to the back to unload the trucks - back and fourth all night long - about the length of a football field.
Oy.

It makes it so hard to finish the tasks I've been given to do in my own department.
I've been scheduled until eleven every night this week - so that last hour, I'm running so fast to get caught up, that I can't unwind and sleep when I get home.

Hubby commented that I should be working graveyards - since those are the hours I'm keeping anyway.  I hate to say it, but maybe he's right - I enjoy work a lot more when there aren't so many people milling around messing up my clean areas.  Ha ha...

A couple of things to look forward to this month - one of my favorite authors' new book is out (just waiting for it to hit the shelf where I work.)
Josi Killpack's latest in the Sadie Hoffmiller saga.  These books are just so much fun to read.  I always finish in a day or two, then I have to wait another whole year for the next one.

In conjunction with the release of Tres Leches Cupcakes the author, Josi S. Kilpack, and the publisher, Shadow Mountain, are sponsoring a contest for free books. To enter, leave a comment in the comment section of this blog before September 16th, 2012. Winners will be announced and notified September 17th 2012.

For additional ways to enter, go to www.josiskilpack.com

 Also, J.K. Rowling's long awaited novel will be out.  Haven't heard much about this one, so no idea what to expect - but it should be interesting...

Other than that, I've just become an unwilling hermit.
My car has a cracked radiator, and doesn't hold any antifreeze, which means I can't even drive five miles without it overheating - that ugly red light comes on, and it starts screaming at me to stop.
I am really hating that.  Jenny and I went for a little ride the other day, and I had such a strong desire to just keep going - and going - and going...   I get so tired of being cooped up - I rarely even leave the house anymore except to go to work.

I had several places I was supposed to be yesterday, but I had to disappoint everyone and just stay home...

On the upside, my fourth season of Dark Shadows came in the mail yesterday, so I spent the evening watching that - the show where my daughter would say "nothing happens."
It's aggravating to admit that she has a point, but last night the heroine got locked in a secret room by a madman.  I told myself I would just watch until someone rescued her - but two hours and 26 episodes later, she was still there.  I finally gave up and went to bed.  By then it was after two.

It made it so I was not all there at church - made some really stupid music mistakes.
Will I learn from that?  Probably not.

*Sigh.*

Still no news on Hubby's job - but he did go to the eye doctor the other day, and found that he has to have cataract surgery.  The doctor called the one eye legally blind.
It freaked me out a little, because he's driving to work every day.  I took him out to breakfast (which is the only time we ever have together anymore,)  and I insisted he let ME drive.  (He never lets me.)
...It was like an episode of the Bickerson's the whole way - he griped and complained until I almost turned around and took him back home!

Retirement should be interesting - if we ever get there.

That's life on the funny farm this week.  I'm done with the late late nights for the foreseeable future, so maybe I'll get caught up on the sleep...

Later.
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Boom Boom

Best description of the day yesterday that I could think of.

When Jenny came home for lunch, (and to pick me up for my shift,) she told me that they were doing a sidewalk sale again.  My reaction was - "You are kidding me!"  ....Because I had spent the last half of my shift the day before cleaning up and condensing the clearance section (and a sidewalk sale means that that section had been scooped up and moved outside.)  And also because it was obviously going to rain at some point during the day.

Sure enough, after I had been there a few hours, the thunder started - big time.
I didn't wait to be asked - I ran outside to start moving the stuff back inside.  I have to say, we're getting pretty professional at that - it only took a few minutes for all of us to get it back inside.

Nonetheless, the store looked ravaged for the rest of the night.
I filled in the holes the best I could before I left - that's all I could do...

When I went to claims before leaving (that's where we record all the stolen/broken stuff we find during our shifts,) the lady back there said something about missing the fireworks - I thought she was talking about the lightning and thunder, but then I realized she was talking about actual fireworks.

Labor day weekend is our big celebration here in town, and they always kick it off with a fireworks show.  I told her I am always there at work, so I forget that there are things like holidays, and weekends, and ...summer.  I am scheduled all through the holiday so I will miss it completely.

Bummer.

I was off at 9 though, just as the fireworks were starting, they started with a lot of noise as I was eating my dinner.  I ran outside (in my bathrobe) to catch a few.
I had a perfect view of them from my front porch - so I snapped a few pics...

That fuzzy object to the side that looks like Jupiter is the big full "blue moon" that made it's appearance last night.  I don't know why the camera smeared it like that - all the pictures turned out that way.
Ah well...

My daughter informed me Sunday that the leaves are already changing up the canyon.  I was stunned.
I looked up that way when I went for groceries the other night, and sure enough, I could see patches of color on the mountain.  She posted this picture on her Facebook as proof...

I haven't even been outside for any length of time this Summer, so it was all news to me.
The seasons, they are a changin'.
I've been judging by the store - all the moving around and the getting rid of old stuff getting ready for the new...

I'm still getting a lot of people asking for swimming pools - they've been gone for over a month.
When I tell them that, they look at me like I'm an alien or something - "But it's still the hottest part of the Summer," they tell me...

I just shrug my shoulders and tell them - "you know retail, we're two seasons ahead here."

Doesn't help.

Anyway, there's thunder and lightening again today - it's supposed to rain all weekend here.  It has started to cool down at night (finally,) and it's time to start thinking of how we're going to manage Christmas this year.  (Can we go back to the beach - please?)  Not gonna happen, but I did enjoy that holiday minus the snow last year...

We still have had no news about hubby's work - don't know if we'll be moving or not.
I'm starting to pray that he won't get it.  I've been fantasizing about selling off everything, and starting fresh and new - but I'm realizing now that I'm not being realistic - we would have to haul all this junk with us, and try to stuff it into a space half the size of what we have.

Nightmare.

I guess I'd be content to stay where I am for a few more years.

...But I just don't know.

Stay tuned.
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Hello Again...

Life goes on here in Happy Valley...  I have someone new doing my schedule at work, and I'm thinking she's either ADD or schizophrenic.  I've been all over the map lately - late nights back to back with early mornings, lots of days off or no days off at all.

There's no getting used to this, I'm flying by the seat of my pants.  

Labor day weekend is our big celebration up here, but I'll be working all through it.  Sunday is the only day I have off, so I'll be able to go look at the dead veggies, but that's it.

What a summer this has been.

Hubby has been applying and trying to get his own store to manage - he did all the ground work and has just been waiting for a decision - yesterday he got a memo from one of the company heads that was so strange...  It barely acknowledged that they had even talked about it, and was so vague.

We've been sitting on pins and needles all this time, and I've spent a lot of late nights looking up rental properties, etc. in the area - all for naught.  I don't know what to think any more.  

?

Anyway, we attended my mother in law's 80th birthday party this past weekend.  She had a big turnout, and I had to marvel at how she knew everyone's name and who they belong to - right down to the newest great-grand.  I had no idea who some of them were, or where they came from.

There was a moment when everyone disappeared into the living room, and left the family room empty - I followed to see what was going on, and found my nephew telling horror stories.  He is a train conductor, and was describing the details of a recent accident - ugh.  Gruesome.

Anyway, LaVeda had a nice party - I'm glad I was able to be there.  (I missed the dinner - work.)

At the party, I was flipping through the pictures on my camera, and found these from the recent Fish Lake Reunion.  (Which I missed - work.)  They were such good pictures that I had to share...

My Grand-girlies on the rocks

My children - minus one...

Family group shot

At grandma's party, I turned my camera over to Ellie and let her go around getting photos for me - she got some interesting shots.  Here's Jenny doing her "are you serious" look...

The one shot she got of the birthday girl wasn't very flattering - she looks angry...

I had to post this second one of Jenny - it's not often we see the softer side of her.  

She can be so pretty...

That's my week in a nutshell.  I'm feeling like an old worn out shoe today - achey and tired.  

One more shift tonight, then I get a day off.

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My Name is...

Victoria Winters.

Not really, but I've been watching old DVD's of the 70's soapie "Dark Shadows" all week, and that's how every episode starts.  It's ingrained into my head now - along with that annoying "eerie" music - ooooOOOoooo000ooo with the waves crashing on the shore...

Jennifer has been making fun of me for watching it.  "And so ends another episode, where nothing happens," she says.  I didn't raise her right - she just doesn't know how a soap opera works.

Pity.

Anyway, not much happening here other than work.  Someone different is doing my schedule now, so it has changed all around.  ...Just when you get used to something, and fall into a routine - it changes.
That's retail for you.

I'm not going to complain though, because I'm getting more days off, and even weekends now and then!  ...And more often than not, I'm home by 8 instead of ten.

Works for me.

I missed the annual trek to Fish Lake.  Kind of sorry about that, because they changed locations this year - camped on the other side of the lake instead of up on top of the mountain.
I've never been to that side - and they said it was grassy and shady, and the trailer came back with no mud anywhere!  Something that has never happened before.

I usually try to do at least one fun thing when I'm home alone - go shopping, have a movie marathon - something.  But all I did was work this time.  Eleven to nine is not a schedule that allows much before or after time.  But I survived.
I made them leave me the dog for company, which bummed him out, (puppy loves to camp,) but it made me feel better.

I haven't reported on that book I was reading lately, but that's because I finally ran across what is the crux of my problem.  I really don't like who I have become lately.  
Not personality quirks so much as the physical things that I don't have much control over.
I consider myself handicapped, so I make excuses for myself not to try to accomplish anything...
I'm finding FEAR is a bigger aspect in the day to day than I realized - I thought I had conquered that
behemoth, but nope.  It's still there.

So, I have much work to do - but as G.I. Joe says; "knowing is half the battle."

We are still waiting to hear if hubby gets the store in Vegas or not - it's hard knowing that someone else holds your entire future in their hands.  Much is riding on this, and there is so much to be done if we are asked to move (and I'll have to do most of it myself.)  So, waiting is kind of crazy-making.  If the word is GO, I need to get started...

Meanwhile, some of the girls on Facebook have been talking about a get-together in Vegas in a few months.  Last night, I dreamed that I went there - not with them, but with a couple of my neighbors.
One of them was showing me her winnings, and trying to entice me to play, which is kind of hilarious, because both of those ladies are former Bishop's wives, and wouldn't be caught dead in Vegas, much less gambling!

So, now you can see why I haven't written lately - not much to report.  Just the boring end of a long summer.

The mother in law is having a party for her 80th birthday today.  Other than that, a quiet day.

Enjoy.
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Reunited

...And it feels so good.  Ha ha.

This past weekend was the big High School reunion.  The big 4-0.
I've never been to one before, I figured no one knew I was there then - why go back?
But thanks to the  Facebook page, I've gotten acquainted with people I never had the chance to know back then.

I had so much fun!  It was really good to see everyone who came.  I was told 99 of us showed up!
(I only counted 58 - they must have included spouses...)

The committee had selected another venue, but it fell through, so in desperation they opted for the school.
Go Cavemen!

 I'm really glad they did select the school - this coming year will be the last that they use the building as I knew it - it will be torn down and completely reconstructed.  So I'm glad I got to walk those halls one last time.

 Mixing and mingling...  Okay - who's got my name tag?

 Debbie Neilson (Miller), JoAnn Jeppson (Saunders) and me - JoAnn called us 'the Three Muskateers'

Debbie was my table buddy.  She and I go way back to the growing up years in Highland.

It was so awesome to see her and spend time catching up.

 The room the event was held in is the coolest thing ever - it was called the Centennial Cave - and had memorabilia on the walls from all the years since the school was started.
The 70's wall - my decade.

 The cake was cute - but not really very good ha ha - whipped cream icing in a 90 degree room?
 Not good.

 Here's the lot of us - not a bad turn out for 40 years after the fact.

Guess who got nominated to be on the committee for the next one?

You got it - moi.

I'm excited - Debbie Davis (Finau) is in charge, and she is such a hoot (and a sweetheart.)

It will be lots of fun.  =)

Looking forward to the next one in 2017!
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Signs of the Times...

I opened this up on Monday to post, then I realized that I have nothing to say - so I closed it back up and walked away...

After chatting with my family last night though, I remembered that I do have news.

Friday, I went to get my hair done, (big party this weekend,) and the beautician told me that there had been a robbery/bomb threat early that morning - right there where I work!

Someone came in, expecting to walk away with the entire previous day's take - told the clerk he had a bomb.  He (she?) forgot to ask...  anyway, the thief was handed the entire contents of the register. (only $99.)  Meanwhile, the person in line behind him was dialing 911 on his cell phone...


The person was aprehended before he even left the parking lot.


Later, that same day - someone distracted the clerk in electronics, while his partner removed the glass from one of the cases and stole $7,000. worth of ipods.


Tough weekend!


It's been kind of a slow shoplifting month in my department, however (and knock wood!)  
The main items that I'm finding are toothpaste, condoms, pregnancy tests (! if they need this, it's too late for the other!)  ...and those 97 cent action figures.  


I did find a bluetooth and some other electronic device (don't even know what it was,) the other day - but that was not typical of this month...


The mass killing in Colorado at the Batman premier had us all reeling - I had a hard time looking at all the merchandise we had received for it.  I thought that would kill sales, but surprisingly - it didn't.
It seems that parents are opting not to tell their kids about it.  (?)


Hubby said that at his store, gun sales were through the roof the following day.  And the concealed weapons classes tripled!  


You can never predict how the public is going to react to things...


Anyway - we're gearing up for major changes in my department - everything is condensing and switching around for a month or two - then we'll be expanding and doing it all over again in the fall.
Holiday time is on the horizon, and you can never start too early in retail.


Mostly what I've been doing the last couple of days, is tearing down all the wallpaper from the pegboard.  Fun.  So much fun.  (Only somewhat sarcastic - it is different and it's something to do - other than pick up after people.)


I have the day off today, and there are so many things on my agenda, (but no energy to do them. =( )


Wishing I was a kid again - I would fill my Summer days this way...

...But I'm not, so I'll be cleaning the fridge, taking out garbage and pulling weeds.

No matter - in my mind I'll be here ~

...It's all good...
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P.S. I'm still getting those highlighted paragraphs and it's making me crazy - thus the format change...
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~ Prempting ~

Pausing for a little station break - My son's show at the Seattle Art Museum "Summer Introductions" opens tonight.

So wish I could be there - I am so happy for him!

Hoping that his wife will post pictures (hint, hint Libby :-) ) so that I can share!

If you go, give him a hug for me and tell him I sent you - if not, at least check out his website:

Bradley Taylor

Thanks!

We now return you to your regularly scheduled program...
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Vicarious Travel

My sister recently took a cruise to the UK - Scotland, Ireland, Wales, etc.
She has been sharing her photos with me this past week - one stop per day, and it has been so much fun going along for the ride in my mind.  Still patiently waiting for Paris...

I love to travel - not the messy bits - airports, reading maps, etc.  But seeing new places and experiencing & learning new things.

Sundays used to be my vicarious travel days - I would watch the travel channel all day long.
My oldest daughter got to where she would turn it on for me, and make sure I wasn't disturbed until all my "trips" were over.  :-)

Sis swears she's going back, and invited me to tag along.  It's a nice dream, but I'm too much of a realist to think it will ever happen.  I'll have to be content with her travel logs.

Another trip I've been taking of late, is the one down memory lane.
It's been so much fun reminiscing with my little high school group on facebook. 
The music, activities, locations, etc. that were unique to our generation and our time and place.

Someone brought up the troll dolls today...

My sisters and I were obsessed with these ugly little things for a while.  We would ask mom to buy us felt squares (I think they were a nickel back then,) in every color possible, and we would make clothes for them.  Hours and hours of cheap entertainment.  :-)

My brother had a job as a lifeguard at Saratoga one summer.  (A mini theme park on the northern bank of Utah lake - it isn't there anymore...) 
The catch was that mom had to drive him there and back - about a 30 min. run.  She hated making the drive alone, especially late at night, so we girls would load up all of our dolls in the back of the station wagon and play all the way there and back.

Mom would even indulge us by letting us listen to our favorite radio station all the way.  (KPIX?)
Beach Boys, Jan & Dean, The Monkees - I can't believe she put up with all that now!  LOL

Good times, good times.
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The Beginning of the End...

This past week, all the summer merchandise at the store has been replaced by back to school items - a sure sign of the end of the season.

Yesterday, the ball cage in my department came down (the 10 foot tower filled with beach balls.)
We were all cheering in the aisles!   Those things have been such a pain all summer, and the management put a net on top so that it could be filled to the ceiling - you had to be a basketball star to get the stupid things up in there.  (Something I am NOT.  I drew crowds with my many failed attempts.)
 Now if the stupid pool noodles would just go away...

Every season, there is something that causes annoyance, (like the barrel of bike horns.)
It's always good to see them gone.

Anyway, I'm done with my little hissy fit - sorry you had to witness that.  Sometimes you just have to vent.  The rest of the week has been quiet.  Something I'm always thankful for.

Yesterday, we were moving furniture here - my oldest son was given a nice leather couch by a neighbor who is moving or something.  So he donated his old one to us, to replace the monstrosity in the basement that has grown old and died.

It is now sitting on our front lawn with a "Free" sign on it.  If someone doesn't claim it in the next two days, it's going to the dump.  No regrets, no remorse.

Yesterday was also the Scottish Festival in town.  Something the girls look forward to every year.
My oldest daughter's BFF still plays the bagpipes, so she is always there performing.  It's always good when they can spend time together. 

We ran up for a bit, but it was a work day for me, so we didn't stay long.

Not much else happening here - today the young women's group talked in church. 
The annual report on girl's camp. I think this is the smallest group we've ever had in our ward - only about 2 to 3 girls per age group.  I had a hard time hearing them, so instead, I reminisced about my experiences in young women's.

We had a much larger group then - and they all loved to sing.  I swear that the room would transcend the earth sometimes when they were pouring their hearts out through music.  I often wished their parents could experience that feeling - when they sang for the whole ward, they would get all shy and self conscious and crawl into their shells a bit...

All of those girls are married and have their own families now.  One of them lost her battle with cancer just last year.

Time marches on...

I actually have a Sunday off today - a rare occurrence.  I plan to use it napping (and taking care of a sick hubby.)  It's been sprinkling a little the last few days, so we've had some relief from the heat.

Planning a barbecue later - so, you know, it will definitely rain.  It's tradition.

Wishing you a peaceful Sunday.
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Decompressing...

This has been a rough week in a lot of ways...

Work has been exceptionally physical this week, and busy, busy, busy.
Just as I was finishing my shift Tuesday, I got called up to the register.  I ran right up there to help out for a few minutes, when one of my managers came over to me and made a comment that completely devastated me. 

I like all of my bosses, but I don't like being compared to everyone else.  There were customers standing there in line to overhear too.  I was so humiliated - if it hadn't been so close to the end of my shift, I think I would have walked out.  It hurt, especially with how hard I have worked this week.

Quitting my job is not an option, so I just have to find a way to deal with it.

I've had the last 2 days off, so I have been wallowing.

Yesterday, I worked on some things I was asked to do for the Relief Society's Super Saturday this weekend.  I've also been listening to some really old tunes that I dug up on youtube.

Petula Clark.  Remember her?  I loved her songs as a teen - this video is a hoot - especially the go go dancers...



I've also been doing a lot of pinning...  When things aren't going well, that's where I go lately - it requires nothing of me, and is kind of a soothing passtime.  While browsing yesterday though, I found this:

That's how I feel so often these days.  It feels like everything that is good, happy and fun is pretty much over for me.  I'm just going through the motions, waiting for it all to be overwith.
 Not a healthy mind-set, but that's where I'm at today. 

Maybe if I go try to make something pretty, I'll feel better.

Here's hoping...
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Off

I've had the last two days off, finally, and I have been enjoying them.

Thursday, I did absolutely nothing.  I have been so exhausted, that I'm ashamed to admit, I sat right here in my chair and played, wrote, pinned and read the whole day away.

Friday was not quite so relaxing - I had a lot of errands to do.
I took my car up to be looked at, because it's been making angry noises and I needed to leave town - just wanted to make sure it would get me where I needed to go.

Ouch.  It's going to be an expensive fix - the radiator is damaged, and it's leaking antifreeze.
They told me it was ok to drive it, as long as I watched the temperature gauge and didn't let it over heat.
...So I went.

I spent the afternoon at Barnes & Noble.  My son had given me a gift card for my birthday, and I had seen a publication on family history that I was interested in.  It's a monthly thing, so I wanted to get it before it wasn't available any more.  (Research.)

I found that, and a few other fun things.

Then I ran up to A.F. to a little quilt shop that my sister had introduced me to.
She made me a gorgeous quilt a few years ago, using some reproduction Civil War fabrics, that she got there.  I've been wanting to make some pillow shams to match it.
 I found what I was looking for, but Ouch! they were a bit pricey.
I'll have to tell hubby he's not allowed to drool on them...

It was rush hour by the time I headed home - so I opted to take the old highway instead of the interstate.
 I-5 is still under construction, and the last time I was up this way, the traffic was a horrible bottleneck from Springville all the way to Payson. 
 Sitting in stalled traffic idling is not a good place to be with a car that overheats.  
So I rolled down the windows and sailed...

I love my family, but once in a while, it's awesome to have that kind of freedom - no one to hurry home to, no deadlines - just me and my car, and the wind.  I enjoyed it.

My girls left for St. George yesterday.  Without their mama!  Can you believe such rudeness?
It's baby's birthday today, so they are having a girl's weekend.  Baby is no longer a teenager.
It's sweet that they are such close sisters.  I certainly do enjoy mine.

I thought hubby and I would have some time to spend together while they're gone, but alas, we are two ships that pass in the night.  His work schedule has been beastly this weekend.
I did run over and take him to lunch on my way North yesterday - so at least we had that hour...

I unearthed this picture on Pintrest  the other day that made me laugh out loud...

...And I'll tell you why -

When I was a kid, I spent a lot of time at my friend's house.  Her mom made the best pickles ever!
We used to slip downstairs from time to time, and snack on them right out of the jars.

One day my sister was with us, and the three of us went down and polished off 3 whole jars of them in one sitting.  Feeling very silly, (probably all that pickle juice,) we then took apart an old baby doll that was laying around down there, and put the body parts in the jars to replace the pickles.

...Just a little "thank you" surprise for her mom...  :-)
 (Who years later was still laughing at the fact that we had eaten 3 whole jars of pickles!)

Memories.

One more little photo that made me smile;

I wish I still had my boots - such memories of marching in parades and at ball games (and all the blisters!)  1970 - 71 Best year ever!

I'm not free today, it's a work day, so I should probably get something done...

Later.

(P.S. I don't know what's up with that highlighted paragraph - I tried to fix it, but it won't go away.)
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Rain.

This morning, the dog woke me up at 5 a.m. to go let him out.
I could have killed him - on my day off no less!
When I opened the door, the air was so heavy with moisture, it was certain that it was going to come down.

Sure enough, when I rolled out of bed again (around... 10?) it was raining.
Not a sprinkly little shower, or the kind of downpour that sends rivers running down the street - but the long soaking kind that rinses the earth and quenches it's thirst.

Ok - I'm reaching for metaphors here, but it was the first rain we have had all summer, and it was sorely needed!  It's been so quiet outside, it's like all of nature is finally relaxed.
The plants in my garden are standing up for the first time all summer.

I love rain.

I started reading that book about aging today (trying to improve my outlook.)
In the first chapter, the author talks about "lightening strikes" ...that first realization that we are not immortal and that something is going to change.

For me that strike was when the doctor looked at my x-ray and told me that I had a heart problem.
I went home in shock - thinking that my life was over.  I was 44.

I've been through a lot since then, but admittedly,  I'm still "having trouble getting used to my new situation,"  I'm not growing old gracefully - I'm about as awkward as they come, choosing instead to be in denial, and fight to hang on to that teenager who could do and say anything she felt like with no repercussions.

Boy, do I need my head put on straight!  Ha ha...

Well, like the author says; it's all down hill from here - but are you going to slide, or are you going to steer?

That remains to be seen.
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God Bless the U.S.

Happy Independence Day!

I'll be working all day, so no celebrating tonight.
 Hubby and Jen both work today too, but will be home for the evening festivities.

Fireworks have been banned here, except for 3 locations around town - large parking lots, where the city can keep an eye on folks and have some control.

There was a new fire yesterday, up in Alpine, so the restrictions are understandable.
(Bountiful Temple with the new fire coming up over the mountain.) 
Very scary - there are homes all along that ridge!

Went to Uncle Dennis's place this morning for his birthday breakfast - Aunt Kathy always puts on a great spread.  Not only tasty, but festive tables with flags and the like.  Yum.

Here's a few visuals (and an audio) from me to you for the 4th.

...And Sweet Baby James.  I love this song;


Celebrate for me, will you?
...And hey, stay safe!
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Eight Days Makes One Weak...

It's been a long week already - my department manager is on vacation, so I don't get a day off until she gets back.  I don't think I've done 8 days straight before, even in the height of the Christmas season.  But I guess I will survive - knowing that at the end of those eight days will be a very big CRASH.

Today is my birthday.  I have no idea how old I am, and would like to keep it that way, but I know that soon my mother in law will call and tell me exactly, and to the minute...
"Let's see... Carol is X number of years, and you are 6 months older than she is - that makes you..."
Happens every year.  Drat.

My daughter spoiled me yesterday and took me shopping.
It was fun.  She is my stylish girl, and she is very honest - if something doesn't work, she will say so (and vice versa.)  I really appreciate that.  I've been very self conscious about the way I look lately - you know, because of the impending reunion, so her input was something I needed.

I came home with 3 cute tops, a pair of jeans, and some capris.  Not bad for a few hours time.
(The happy bonus was that the jeans are a size SMALLER that what I've been wearing!)
...So when I tell you that I'm running my butt off at work - it is a true statement!  ha ha

I've been trying to stay up beat about the growing older thing - it gets harder every year.
I ordered this book this week to try to get some perspective on it - because I must be doing it wrong.  It has not been fun for me.

Fun has always been very big in my book.

In maturity and wisdom, I seem to be stuck at 17.  Just can't seem to move on from there...
Wrinkles, pain and creaky joints are just SO not amusing.

Anyway, I'm getting side tracked. 
Last night, hubby was telling me what was on the menu for my birthday dinner - sounded good, but I told him to enjoy it for me, because I won't be there - back to work for the long haul today.

I have a few hours to spend with the fam. before I go, so, what am I doing here?   :-)

Here's a little ditty for your enjoyment in the meantime - appropriately called "Love is Always 17"
It's true.


Hubby surprised me with tickets to see David Gates at the Scera Park venue a few years ago - one of my happiest surprises to date.  Those mellow old Bread tunes from days gone by, on a summer night under the stars?

Perfection.

Hey, - Love ya!
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This is a test...

Oy, what a week this has been!

All the drains in the house have been chronically plugged, so that keeping things clean has been a challenge.  The hot water heater quit working,  the pipe for the irrigation water has been broken, so the lawn has been burning up.  The plumber visited us yesterday ~ cha-ching ~ that was a costly visit.

Someone stole our gas cans from the yard - hubby found this out while trying to mow the lawn...
(I'm surprised they didn't take the generator too - knocking wood.)

We must have really done something to anger the powers that be - because they are really ticked off at us!
 
The wildfires in the state are out of control - it seems the whole state is on fire.  Fireworks for the 4th are being strictly regulated, and I heard today, that pretty much all the canyons will be closed.
What will people do for the holiday?

My supervisor left for vacation yesterday, so that means I don't get a day off until next Thursday.
Yep, I'll be working my birthday AND the 4th of July.  Nice...
At least it's time and a half...

Speaking of bosses, I left my other job because it was so unfriendly, (and because the hours stunk.)
I had very low expectations of this job, since the store is so BIG and there are so many employees.
I have been pleasantly surprised though, it's a great place.  It's like it's own little community of friendly neighbors.

I have one supervisor who greets me every day with a big bear hug.
 Not a creepy leacherous hug, just a warm "glad to see you" kind of thing.
I'm not sure how I feel about it though.   I guess it's a cultural thing, (he's Hispanic) he does that with everyone, but for me - from a boss - it's a little.... odd.

That's life here at home, just trying to keep the body cool, and the spirits up.

Maybe some ice cream would help...
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Hot Hot Hot.

I've been here less than I've been in my kitchen lately...  Ha ha.

June has busted out all over - with heat.  It's been really dry too, which makes a bad combination.
Fire season has started early, and with a vengance.

Four major wild fires are burning in the state at present.
 Between that and my neighbors tree - my allergies are at their peak.  Ka-Choo!

I went to the Parade of Homes with my sister on Thursday.  We had a good time.  Most of the homes we saw were in the area where we grew up, so it was fun to visit the old stomping grounds and see how the other half lives.  :-)

Lots of beautiful homes - this one is in Alpine.  Such a gorgeous area, with killer views.
Budgets must have been smaller this year, because the decorating was much more simple...

My garden is a bust this year - everything I've planted is either fried, flattened out in protest, or is not what I thought it was.  I should just give up and let the grass take over.  >.<

My big flower pot is thriving and beautiful though, so at least that's something...

Hubby put in his papers to manage the St. George store yesterday.  It's down the road a bit - they won't open until November, but I guess it's time to start de-junking the house in case we have to make that move this year.

We've been here for a lot of years, but I'm kind of looking forward to a change.  I think it would be good for us in so many ways.

Monday (yesterday) and Tuesday are my days off this week - I was on my own yesterday, so I went shopping.  Trying to find just the right top to wear to my 40th reunion next month.

...Let me just say, I hate shopping for clothes.  My mood goes from 100 to 0 in less than 30 seconds.
I guess clothing manufacturers think that large people are already ugly, so why bother - just cover them up in gaudy awful colors and shapeless forms - don't waste the embellishments - let's save those for the cute people.

Ugh.

I left the mall hating myself even more than usual.  I stopped at a little local shop on the way home, just in case, and found 3 that I liked right off the bat - and on clearance too.  So there.

I'll probably wimp out and not go to the reunion anyway.  Never been yet - why break that record?
It's causing me too much stress.  I enjoy talking to everyone on Facebook, but I would really rather not be seen.

Just checking in, it's been a while.  Hubby has the day off today, so no rest for this day off - I'm already 6 items behind on his "to do" list.

Chow.
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Cat's Away...

Hubby left around 4 this morning for a trade show for work.
I'm not envying him that 4 hour drive at such an ungodly hour.

He used to travel a lot for work, and I was a paranoid little housewife who would lock the house up tight and stay awake every night until he returned.

That mentality is a bit crazy-making.
Me with no sleep for weeks at a time is not healthy for anyone!
So I re-trained myself.  I started using the time he was away to do all the fun things I didn't get to do when he was around - crafty stuff, shopping, chick flicks, mexican food (he hates mexican!)

Soon I was looking forward to his time away...

It's not the same anymore - the kids are all adults, and not totally reliant on me (in fact, they take care of me now more than the other way around!)  And I'm not the timid little house frou I used to be.

He left me with plenty to do while he's away - we have a family reunion this weekend, so somebody has to get the trailer ready...

That, and work will keep the days pretty full.

The weather has taken a turn lately - it's been getting really cold at night.
We've had to keep the windows shut, and even turn the furnace back on a time or two...
There have been a few nights that I've wondered if I needed to cover my seedlings outside to keep them from freezing!

Saturday, we had a sidewalk sale at work, and the wind came up so strong that we had to rush to drag everything back inside.

Very strange for June, but as they say, "Welcome to Utah."  The saying goes that if you don't like the weather here, just wait five minutes, and it will change.

Not that my garden is worth fretting over - nothing's doing very well out there.  It's hard to get a garden to flourish in soil that's like cement.

Another lovely thing about this area.

The garden I wish I had:

Unfortunately, what I do have looks more like this...

*Sigh*

Time to get started with my day...
 I saw something frightening in the mirror that must be wrestled into submission.

Later.
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