Happy New Year

Happy New Year from the Rinde's!

To your family from ours: we hope 2009 brings you peace; good health; more time with your families; and enough cash to live comfortable.

We are babysitting Rylee tonight what a wonderful way to ring in the New Year. Last year at this time we didn't even know she was coming, what a difference a year makes.

Love to all...

Playing Possum

I don't like anything nature related being around me. For example: the pigeons that took up residence in my neighbors awnings; the big white Crane-looking birds in Shannon's complex; those multi-colored ducks you see waddling around; the lizards who decide my garage isn't good enough housing and insist on moving inside; cock roaches (enough said); and now possums.
The long and the short of is that the other morning I saw a huge possum waddling past my deck door. I said, "John look," and we watched it go into the shrubs by my kitchen. Then we say a baby one walk by. I closed the drapes so the dog wouldn't start barking. (After John promised to go have a look later.) Then I heard something like the sound of something scratching on metal. We looked out and I thought they were trying to crawl in my air conditioning unit. (Like they crawled into Jon P. water softener cover.) Then I left with Shannon to take her friends to the boat. When I returned I saw our Bar-B-Q grill sitting in my driveway. Ah ha! That is when I knew that those creatures picked my place to throw a dinner party. They were planning a back yard grilling get-together in MY yard. What are the odds? Yep, John went out and looked around. Then looked in the grill, nothing. Then banged on it, nothing. Then opened the drip pan and the baby possum jumped out and waddled away. The pan was chucked full of old leaves, how did they get them in there? No mommy found. John has been feeling bad ever since wondering if the baby ever found his mommy. (I hope he did, but I am glad we foiled their party plans! And happy we hadn't decided to grill...they would have been dinner! Yuk!) The moral of the story is: I am not a nature lover.

**Update...for Mom2ET I forgot about "Vicks" thing, thanks for the reminder. I heard about it last year and tried it myself and it worked great. I told John to try it last night and there has been less coughing, but he slept downstairs sitting up in the big chair so I'm not sure how it worked. However, it sounds quite down there and I don't want to wake him if he's sleeping so I am blogging instead of going down to fix coffee.

Nurse Batty

John is so sick. He can't sleep (the coughing). (Which is keeping me awake all night too.) He can't be near Rylee (contagious). Pouting (he hates being sick and is such a baby-what guy isn't?) When he is sick he becomes completely incapable of functioning, I need to remind him of his meds and soothing rubs at every turn. I am so sick of being a nurse and I am so bad at it. (I want to strangle the patient...my-bad!)

I finally sent him to the doctor yesterday and when he got home I asked what kind of cough syrup he got to help him sleep? He said he forgot to tell her he was coughing so much he couldn't sleep.
(I shook my head, my mother told me the Lord helps those who help themselves. I guess she was right.)

If he doesn't start feeling better soon he will piss away his whole vacation. I feel bad about that, since he has been so looking forward to being with Rylee. Colds are evil. Got any great remedies to share?

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Here it is Christmas...and I barely have time to post this bad rhyme! Hope you had a wonderful day with loved ones!


The presents all opened,
Evidenced by wrappings strewn
all over the room.

Many good foods were consumed...
& The drinks were a plenty,
Everyone tired and running on empty.

So now for the let down that surely will come.
The money we spent...oh what have we done!

Still Kickin

Still moving ahead on the festivities of the holiday! With the hubby here there is no time to blog. But we are having so much fun. Having him around makes everything right.
Baby's up...gotta run....
Merry Christmas!

Misc. thoughts:

People don't post much during the month of Dec. everyone must be running on empty I know I am.

I haven't gotten any more cards back so I guess that was the end of my no stamp pile.

Projects almost done. Shopping completely done. Cleaning started. By the way I have decided I hate cleaning and laundry.

Down the street some neighbors had a Par-TA last night. They are four houses down and yet I could hear the music loud enough to sing along. I almost got dressed and joined them it sounded so fun. Would that have been tacky? I would have brought my own booze.

Countdown to happiness...only one more day and the hubby gets here. Expect very few posts...we will be busy!

Going Postal

There are those who are dumb, and those who are dumber, but I venture to guess that I am dumbest! I hurried to get out all my Christmas cards and was so pleased with myself. Then today I went to the mail box and got four cards back stamped no postage! I have a weird feeling that isn't the last of it either.
Does anyone know if I can just put a stamp on it and re-send or because of the no postage thing do I need a new envelope?

I did accomplish something...I wrapped all the gifts tonight!

Monkey Business

The other day driving home I saw a monkey in a tree! I was so excited I changed lanes and made a U-turn for a better look; as I sped past the first time. You know how Florida is I figured I’d be lucky if it was still there by the time I got back around. But I was so excited...as I approached I could still see it. I drove closer and slower and I could see it was...........Wait for it..................................................................................................
it was the bark from a palm tree! Damn! But honestly, it looked just like a monkey, long hairy tale and all. I swear it did.

Now go back in time to about 1959:
When I was about 10 years old my mom and dad took us to the Duluth Zoo and the zoo had spider monkeys. As I remember them they were small, furry and screamed a lot. Well, I promptly fell in love with them! (And in those days you could buy them.) I begged and begged until my dad disappeared and returned with a monkey. I remember I was so excited and wanted to take it out of the carton and play with it right away. To which my mom promptly said "no!" She pulled my dad aside telling him that the monkeys were wild and would bite! And it wouldn’t be fair to the monkey to lock it in a little cage, when here it had a big one with other monkeys and trees to swing from...well anyway she convinced him to give it back. And I was so mad (at her) and disappointed (at him) I cried all the way home.

Well, the long and the short of it is I guess I have always been looking for that cute little monkey; and I’ll keep checking out trees you just never know.

P.S.
Thanks Dad for trying to make your little girl happy; and thanks Mom for not letting him-you were right!

All kinds of Christmas busy

These are my two best girls...Angel (my doggie) and Rylee. Grandma is busy helping Shannon get ready for Christmas and trying to get myself ready as well. I'm sure everyone is in the same rush. When I get time I will post. Meanwhile keep a cool head all will get done.

(And to Juliet thanks for reading!)

Interesting day

Driver malfunction:
I found out the accident was from a driver heading south on Oakland who fell asleep (or was drunk) and just swerved over at an angle by our place and--crash. His tennis shoe must have come off and flew out, it is laying in the hole he left in the ground where the pole was. How weird is that. He must have been going fast.

One of my neighbors here in the complex came over tonight for a visit and brought me a great gift basket filled with wine, gourmet pretzels and dip, cookies. Also two additional bottles of wine and a gift for Rylee. Wow, I was blown away. That was so darn sweet.

I saw a van and some suspicious guys cleaning up the property here...but they walked past a lot of discarded mail...so either they were doing a lousy job or they were casing the joint. I was leaving but I called the police just in case. We have had so many break-ins I thought better safe than sorry.

Today I was over at Shannon's. I did some picking up around here. Not cleaning, maybe Sunday. I also did some beading, TV and now bed.

Accidents happen-but how?

Okay Jess how is your bill 50 bucks less...do you have DVR? That is the only extra I have and it is supposed to be $5.00 extra per month.

Last night there were cops everywhere and FPL and ambulances in front of my place and this morning I figured out why--someone hit a Sunrise City light post. The big (huge) cement kind...right at the entrance of my complex. I have looked and looked and I can't figure out how it happened. The person was going west on Oakland turning into Entrata. No way you could hit the pole that hard...but hit it they did. It was totalled, down and smashed, demolished. How did they do it? Drive by and see if you can figure it out.

money doesn't grow on trees

Comcast gave me a call tonight. How lucky was I? Not very. I found out that the 138.00 I now pay a month for a few lousy channels and what they call high speed internet (I beg to differ) will be going to 156.00 mo. because I was getting a special deal and now it's running out. So maybe I will check out the ATT package or maybe I will cancel it all together. This shit costs too much moola & money doesn't grow on trees!

Couldn't sleep last night at all...so I am hitting the hay early. (Angel is already sawing logs!)

Food Fest

Friday the Thanksgiving dinner I made turned out yummy. In fact we ate it tonight as well. I am stuffed! I am always glad when the food fest is over. The wild rice and sausage dressing was to die for this year if I do say so myself!

Rylee was so good all day Friday she hung out with Shannon and I and helped trim the tree. (Well to be honest Shannon did all the work and Rylee and I watched TV mostly.) The trees look lovely and the house is so feastive! Thanks Shannon!

I got the book club book today-Born on a Blue Day-or something like that, I will let you know if I like it. It is going to be different.

I'm thankful

My Thanksgiving was quite different this year. But all in all still a good day! (Thanks again to all of you who extended invites for dinner but I just needed to chill...)

I made a quick breakfast for S. , J. and Rylee, but most of my day was spent with Edward. Yes, I re-read Twilight, finishing it about suppertime. I thoroughly enjoyed it after the movie. It gave me the long version of the love story. Then I curled up with a good Christmas movie. In between I talked to most of my family and extended family, seems like everyone had a different holiday than usual.

I was most thankful for Rylee this year, but also for the rest of my family and friends both in MN and here in FL. I am one lucky gal.

I also babysat for Rio. Which basically consisted of moving the big chair in front of the window so she could look out and obsess about when her parents were returning. The only time I coaxed her to join Angel and I was when I fed the dogs dinner. It might have been kinder to leave her home where she have known they were coming back. Here, she had to worry. (Now I know what Shannon goes through babysitting Angel for me.)

Hope everyone had a wonderful day! Good luck on Black Friday if you are one of the bargin hunters.

I'm thankful

I am having the Thanksgiving blues. I haven't spent a thanksgiving day without my husband for 36 years. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. When my parents were alive we would all gather there and my mom would make the best dinner. The food, the fun, the fighting, the drinking and the eating...it doesn't get any better than that! I love being with my family and sharing the "I'm thankfuls." A tradition which I started years ago making my family wait to eat until we all went around the room saying what we were most thankful for that year. This year of course it's Rylee. The Lord blessed us with her and we are thankful that she is healthy and happy. I am making breakfast for Shannon & Jon tomorrow and we can do our "I'm thankfuls" then. Traditions change and so do situations. It's not the day that is important--it's the love it represents.
I am happy to be here with Shannon and Rylee but I will still be sad because I won't be cooking with my brother or hanging out with John and sharing the day.

I will miss all of you that are still here with us, and those of you who are new and just joining this crazy family, and most of all I will miss those of you who are gone from this earth but never from our hearts. Happy Thanksgiving!

Edward fever

Went to Twilight again and enjoyed it even more the second time! I plan to see it one more time as a Christmas gift to myself and then many times when it gets to the dollar theater!
I have Edward fever...Erin I need to read the book again and you have Shannon's copy. I'd love to read it Thanksgiving Day so I hope we can work out the hand off . ??

When we left the show tonight Shannon was talking to a woman who brought her daughter to the show. The daughter mentioned that Twilight was required reading for her English class. Schools have come along way baby! In my day the books were boring.

movie mania

I'm on a nostalgic kick. I hardly even like to celebrate Christmas and yet I have been recording and watching every holiday movie on the family and hallmark channel. Which is a lot of feel good cheesy movies but I can't seem to help myself.

Going to Twilight again just to satisfy my need to re-live this movie. (Then I need to re-read the book.)

What have I gotten done lately this is productive...not much! I can't imagine what I could accomplish if there were no TV. I should have lived in an earlier time...before TV but after toilet paper!

hearts a flutter

Thanks to Edward (from the Twilight movie) hearts are a flutter in women from 17 to 70. With the opening of the movie today women of all ages have rekindled their love affair with Edward. Vampires have never seemed so appealing. Movies are never as good as the books but this one did a very good job and Edward was very well...EDWARD. The movie was wonderful-go see it! The book was even better-go read it!

Quarantine lifted

I have had a busy few days, bunko, book club and today Twilight movie and I can be around Rylee again...happy happy me.

Book club at Pilar's was fun fun fun...thanks Pilar for opening your beautiful home.

A have had a revelation and I am not sure if my mother would be mad or proud? Since birth I have had an adversion to peas. She had to keep them out of every dish she made just to please me. This year I have decided I love peas and put them in everything. I still wouldn't eat canned peas or soggy peas, but frozen baby peas quick stirred in most anything...yum. Sorry Mom!

Hi Ho Hi Ho it's off to see Edward (Twilight) I go..........It couldn't possibly be as good as the book but I have high hopes it will be enjoyable.

Quarantined

Still under quarantine...haven't seen the baby for a week. (well only from a distance) I am going stir crazy I may have to go out and infect Target shoppers. (That is how I most likely got this.) According to the medical websites I shouldn't be contagious any longer but not taking chances with the baby.
Getting sewing done and not much else.

fuzzy headed frenzy

I don't know if it's because I'm fuzzy headed from the sore throat, cough, stuffy and runny nose--(crap, colds suck) but here are some things I have been thinking:

1. Why do we get colds? All the things doctors can cure and we haven't figured out the cold. I think there is a cure but it is being held hostage by NyQuil and Vicks!

2. Girls that haven't seen Grease 2...how is that even possible????? I have one word for you-Net flicks!

3. Today, Oprah is having a young girl teach us to yodel...(could it be Obama is planning to take over Switzerland?)

4. I think, "Walking with the Dinosaurs" looks awesome! Wish I had tickets for the front row.

5. That's all for now.

Misc.

Erin was right the accident must have been awful two hours after I first saw it, the police had it still blocked off. That intersection must have a high accident rate...there is a lot of accidents there. Why I don't know, it is wide open and straight stretch. I will be careful.

Didn't babysit tonight...between my cold and Jon's laryngitis made Shannon decide she needed to stay home. So I watched old John Wayne movies. Sure brought back a lot of good old memories. Did any of you know I called John Wayne in 1970 and actually talked to him? True story. Too long to write about, but it is a wonderful memory. Ask me in person some time.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

bad accident

There is a bad accident on 115Th and Oakland. There are at least 6 cops and a tow truck or two. Traffic has been stopped or trickling for quite a while. I sure hope no one got hurt. I didn't see any ambulances but that doesn't mean much.

I didn't sleep much last night so I plan to hit the sack soon. Tomorrow is babysitting for Rylee and it seems like forever (since Thursday) since I held her, so I am looking forward to it.

Have a good weekend all.............

Nifty Thrifty

I went to the west coast of FL to visit a friend for a couple days. We had such a blast. Mostly we just hit Thrift shops. I can't believe how many they have in such a small area. On our side you can hardly find a GoodWill and in Bonita Springs we hit about 8 really nice thrift shops and there were more we never made it to. Nina bought a few things and I found a few treasures too. All in all, we had a very relaxing & fun visit. Just what I needed.


We also hit a great high-end baby store. I like to knock off ideas...got a few...we will see what comes of them. I did buy a couple Christmas gifts for little miss Rylee. (Hope I can keep the secret, they are fun.)

Gone Hunting

Everyone I know has gone hunting. I come from a big hunting family. Even though John and I don't hunt I always loved this season in Mn. I liked many things about this time but one of the best memories is everyone would eat dinner at my Mom's all week. One of my favorites was the night we had, boiled dinner. One night venison stew. One night, John and I would eat leftovers because they would eat venison heart and liver...yuk. But the nights were always full of stories, drinks, laughter and fun.

Other things I like about the season:
The stories.
The crisp cold air.
Everyone dressed in orange.
All guys growing beards.
The stories.

Well good luck hunting everyone wish I was there!

Weekends

Saturday I got to Jon and Shannon's at 9:20 to take care of Rylee which they went to a morning wedding. At about 5:30 I called to see if they could bring me a bottle of Tequila and Rylee wanted little painted dolls...from Mexico that is...as I was sure they had crossed the border! Ha ha...they showed up about 6:00. Rylee and I had a great day though! Lots of smiles and cuddling. She was very good.

Today, Sunday, I did all the washing, cleaned and made Spaghetti and had Shan, Jon and Rylee for dinner. (Although Rylee only ate soy...go figure-when the sauce was soo good.) Now I am ready to watch Desperate Housewives and Brothers and Sisters...so see ya..............

Hope your weekend was good as well.

Open or closed

Did you ever notice that most people who live in Florida don't open their window shades/drapes/blinds etc.? Whenever I have been out walking the dog, day or evening, I have noticed all the units in my complex have their window coverings closed...always. You would think all the units are empty. I have noticed that same scenario in Shannon's complex too. In my complex I swear I am the only unit with the shades open and lights on. What is the point of living in the Sunshine state if the sun never shines inside.
Has anyone else noticed this? Or does this?

Please share: Open or closed?

election selection

Tomorrow, (or in a couple days) we will know who we are following into the future. Whom ever it is wouldn't it be wonderful if we all got behind him, treated him with respect and gave him a chance. Let's assume the best man won. LET'S JUST ALL BE AMERICANS. ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL. AFTER ALL WE ARE LIVING IN THE GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD.

peaceful weekend

Such a peaceful couple of days and I needed it. I have either carpel tunnel, tennis elbow or Rylee arm pain but my left arm is hardly strong enough to lift a glass. Any body know the best treatment? Besides, Advil, ice packs and an arm band...that isn't working. (PS I am typing with one hand too. )

Zotz

When I was a young teen, (yes I can remember that far back) my gal friends and I had a thing about words. We liked some we hated some. For instance, we hated agony, anguish, Hank & hug. Don't ask me to explain, we just did so when we were irritated by anything we would say (groan) them all in a row, agony anguish hank hug. Over & over. Try it it relaxes you.

Words we liked:
Earp (my mom hated this word and if she heard me say it she washed my mouth out with soap.)

Zotz-
Zotz was a very bad movie from the early sixties, the only good thing about the movie and the only thing I remember about it was the word Zotz...we used it for everything from hexing some one to swearing around parents & teachers & they never knew, to the equivalent of Zotz you're looking hot/cool whatever...Zotz was a good word!

I know it's absurd but for those of you who can't relate...ZOTZ to you.


PS Trick or Treating sucked for kids in Florida...it down-poured all night! Wish the kids would dress up and try again tonight! All those costumes wasted...sad. Hope I didn't jinx the weather because I hate Halloween.

Happy Halloween

...to all and to all a good night. (A good night of parties and candy that is.) Kids everywhere be safe!

Do you know that Halloween is my least favorite holiday, least by a mile. Shannon will tell you I hardly ever let her trick or treat as a kid. But I did let her dress up and hand out candy and some years we made a spook house and took treaters through it, so I am not completely heartless. And of course of all the wonderful holidays out there which one do you think is her favorite now? (besides Xmas that is every one's fave) Halloween of course!

So mothers everywhere be careful...if you hate something your kids will surely love it. (Watch out what you say about the boy with a dozen earrings and pants down around his knees; or the girl with sexy shirts and short skirts.

I am babysitting tonight and tomorrow, as Shannon and Jon are going to parties. They need some adult fun that doesn't include poo diapers and formula! Rylee and I are hanging out and have our own fun planned.
Have good weekend.

Great Day in the Morning

Thanks for the heads up...The Great Pumpkin is on TONIGHT. I see a lot of us don't know what it's about.

On a different note...what a glorious day. Breezy, very cool. First truely nice day since I got here in July.

I went this morning to have my car washed. (After four years I thought it was time.)

Anyway when I got out of my car the guy said, "You're not from around here are you?"

"No. What was your first clue, my license plates or my accent?"

"Neither it's because you're wearing short sleeves and it's freezing today."

Freezing? They are kidding right?

Charlie Brown

I have a confession...The Great Pumpkin/Charlie Brown thing...I can't remember the story. Seriously, what happens? Shannon watches it every year and I'm sure Rylee will love it too. What kind of a Grandma will I be if I can't remember the basics? This year I better watch it! Anyone know when it's on?


Since my sewing room is so organized I decided to redecorate. I made new curtains and chair covers and am working on the rest...so far it looks good.

Soy Wonderful

Four days ago, I think, I've lost track of time, after the twelve hour Electric Boogie Slide marathon, Shannon was at wits end and decided to try Rylee on soy formula. (I have been saying, "why don't we try soy?" since Rylee was two weeks old, but the doctors thought different.)

Soy far soy good! Rylee has been much better. Of course that happened with the other formula as well; so only time will tell if she is really better or not. But I figure even if it is only as good as the Alumentum and not better...we are miles ahead anyway since a can of soy, twice as big, costs the same. Win win.

Soy far, Rylee seems better and thank goodness, she deserves to feel good. So---soy wonderful! Keep your fingers crossed for our little darling.

no pain no gain

I hurt in places I didn't even know could hurt!

No not from exercising...from organizing. Which I found out hurts just as much!

My sewing room was driving me crazy. Every time I wanted a piece of fabric I had to hunt through six bins of fabric and it was always in the last one. So yesterday afternoon, and well into the night, I took everything out of the room, sorted it, grouped it, labled it and found a new place for it. Now I will be able to find anything I want. (Once I get used to the system that is.)

However, the process took it's toll...I can hardly move this morning. But it was worth it.

Sound the Alarm 2

Yep, now I set it off. Last night Angel was barking and barking at the door. I freaked a bit so I hit the alarm then sat down to watch TV. About one minute later the alarm went off. I jumped up, grabbed the dog and looked around ready to face my intruder. The alarm screached, I looked, no door or window opened...then I remembered that I forgot to disarm the motion sensor. I set it off myself. I ran to disarm the alarm before the cops showed up. I am officially the biggest moron ever.

On a happier note I had such a great couple of days.
Yesterday, I started on a project I have put off since last Xmas. Then I got side tracked because I can't find my fabric. So now I am going to re-organize my material. I have no idea where to begin but Shannon is going to help me. She is the best at organizing anything and everything. We start tomorrow.

Today I walked the dog, twice. Pulled weeds and sat on the porch. Great great cool and breezy day.

Bits and pieces

Rylee had such a great day today! She must have felt soo good! She ate and then fell asleep so peacefully all day . I hope that means that she is finally getting better. XXXXXX Keeping my fingers crossed.

Because she was always sleeping, Shannon was getting little projects done and I had nothing to do so I went home around 2:00 and hit the sewing machine. Not literally, but I sewed a costume for Rylee for Halloween. It's interesting. Not sure if it's quite right yet. I am going to try it on her today. Shannon wanted her to be a mermaid. Whether she will be or not is yet to be determined.

I am up in the middle of the night with leg cramps AGAIN. Ever since the government made Quinine a med that was banned I have been miserable. Some of them are the really bad ones in the calf--which are bearable. But most are much worse. They are in my thigh and feel like a hot knife is twisting in it. They last for about 30 minutes and are the worst pain I have ever had. Getting one terrifies me that is how bad they are. Tonight I went on line and I see that Canada pharmacies still sell quinine...I am going to call the doctor and see if he will give me a prescription for it to fill there. It is worth a try.

I am up now so I am going to make coffee! Have a great weekend...........

Sound the alarm

Yesterday the comedy of errors just kept happening...Last night John was watching the recap of the Presidential debates and I didn't give a crap about the recap...once was quite enough. I went upstairs to bed.

Sometime later I was rudely awakened by a siren in the hall screeching....I jumped out of bed and ran do disarm the alarm. Then I yelled downstairs..."what did you do? I told you I armed the house." He said, "Yes but I didn't think that meant the sliding door." Dah...
But we got a good laugh out of it this morning; and one of our neighbors was having a party so they weren't sleeping, and the other one was out...so no harm.

Today the hubby left...so things are feeling a bit sad around here for both me and the dog...but he will be back in 2 months and that isn't so long I guess.

Hee Haw

Today we laughed all day. It was a comedy of errors. (And Shannon topped off the day...but I am going to let her tell you about it. If she doesn't do it justice though, I will elaborate later.)

We gave the baby a bath this morning--so fun. Bathtime is my favorite. (Rylee's bathtime.)

No compute

Not much happening but even if I had exciting things to write about I can't get near the computer when my John is here. He is always on it...working. He works while he is at Shannon's in between holding the baby. And the minute we get home is gets on it once again, loads American Family and works. He really knows how to vacation! Ha Ha

I'm still here....

Not much to write about, not much going on-John and I are at Shannon's helping with the baby each day and just plain enjoying her. Especially Grandpa he is making the most of his short vacation and loving her up! Right now our little Sweetie is sleeping, Shannon grabbed this time to get outside and tan...but it must be too hot as she is sitting in the shade reading. John is going outside to join her and I am going to relax with a cup of tea.

I'm so excited

...and I just can't hide it...my husband flys in tomorrow! All he wants to do is hold his new grand daughter, spend time with Shannon and me, and relax. I am going to make him all his favorite foods, let him sleep late and just plain spoil him!
Angel doesn't understand it yet...but she will be over-joyed tomorrow to see her daddy.

Icy Hot

I love Icy Hot! My shoulders have been hurting (carrying Rylee I think) so I have been rubbing Icy Hot on them every night. Any excuse for Icy Hot. I love love love the smell of Icy Hot. I could just wear it for perfume. I also love Vicks and it's smell. Am I nuts or does anyone else like weird smells?

Speaking of Ice and Hot I am going to make myself a margarita...Happy Trails.

Wrong for Rylee

Today everything it seems, is wrong for Rylee. She has not had a good day. She hasn't slept at all since 8:00am but she finally fell asleep now and has been for about that 30 minutes. I am blogging quick while Shannon pumps and then I am (thankfully) going home to SLEEP! It has been a busy day for me doing most of the holding, walking and bouncing as Shannon wanted to clean the house before her inlaws come tomorrow. Although she put Rylee in the belly pack and walked her around during some of it. (Still didn't make her happy though.) Oh Oh...I hear little noises from the baby monitor...Shannon is done now so I think I will make my escape quick! Bye...

Right for Rylee

Rylee seems to be doing better! Hurrah! She is eating and sleeping and seems pretty content on the formula. Shannon said she even slept 5 hours in a row last night. Hurrah again!

Things Rylee couldn't live without: (Besides her mom and dad of course.)

1. Sleep Sheep--already told you how great that works with it's sounds that put baby Rylee to sleep.

2. Boppy pillow--Since Rylee has acid reflux issues she needs to sleep propped up. We could use three of these but we are thankful we have one.

3. The stretchy blankets I made her that we swaddle her in all the time. All the sewing and time and effort I put in on all the quilts and blankets...it figures these easy seam around the edges blankets would be the ones that work!

I wonder what will be her favorites in the coming months? I'm sure everything will change soon. As long as she is happy and not in discomfort we will be thankful.

Chicken Cashew Lettuce Wraps

I made a quick easy version of chicken lettuce wraps and they were yummy.
Here is my recipe if anyone wants to try it. (Yes this time I wrote it down after it tasted so good.)

*Add more or less of ingredients to make amount you need. All my recipes are dump-in so feel free to adjust amounts, I am only guesing.

Rotisery chicken--Disgaurd skin & pick off chicken and cut into bite size pieces. (Depending on how much you want to make use all or some of chicken, I used less than half the chicken and there was enough for two persons.)
Four green onions-diced
Three or four stalks celery-diced
Half carton portabella mushrooms-sliced
Half carton of pea pods-diced
soy sauce
peanut sauce
generous handful of cashews
One head of lettuce--clean and carefully unwrap the large leaves using them for your wraps.
dash red pepper flakes
olive oil 2 T.

Put olive oil in deep fry pan add celery saute a couple minutes then add mushrooms saute another two minutes. Add onions & pea pods saute about another three to four minutes. Add chicken. Put in about 1 T. of soy sauce and 1-2 T. of peanut sauce. Add dash of red pepper flakes. Saute two minutes if needed...don't over cook...then toss in cashews.
Wrap mixture in the large lettuce leaves--roll and eat.

dinner & a movie

Last night Pilar came to dinner. I mixed up a concoction a bit like a meatloaf but with very different seasonings and made them into balls then I put a pocket in them and filled the pocket with Gorgonzola cheese then baked them. I also made a mashed potatoes of both regular and sweet potatoes. Then we watched an old favorite movie of mine, The Out of Towners. Pilar loved it and borrowed it to watch with Monica. During the movie we had cheese cake with strawberries and chocolate with coffee for desert. Big mistake! The coffee kept me up all all night. Pilar left at 12:30 a.m. and I stayed up until 2:30 because she forgot her phone. Which is her life line! I kept thinking she would realize she left it and come back. Finally I went to bed where I laid awake all night. At 7:00 she showed up to get her phone, I was sewing, luckily the dog heard her knock. Except for that we had a great night! I think we could talk forever (or at least a long long time) and not run out of things to say. Next weekend we are going to repeat but watch The Goodbye Girl!

By the way the meatloaf thing...was okay, interesting, but not great so as my Dad would say, "we'll have no more of that!"

new car curse

There must be a new car curse:

So many people have car accidents in the first few months-usually not their fault. Jess, Crystal, Shannon & Jon to name a few. (All accidents were being rear ended by another vehicle.)

Or you take your car out and park it in the farthest spot at the mall where no other cars are and yet...you get your first door-ding!

Or you have just finished washing, waxing and drying, it for the tenth time in a week and a pigeon poos all over it!

Or you are dying of thirst and even though you have a NO FOOD OR DRINK rule you relent and will be sooo careful...and then the "big slurp" you buy has a faulty bottom! Has it happened to you? It happened to me! (An X boy friends brand new truck...was he mad?...well he is an X boy friend need I say more.)

New Car Curse...moral of the story...buy used!

Ant dance

I have had ants in my kitchen. I have ants out side. I have heard of ants in your pants.
But this is the first time I've heard of ants in your mail. Yep, picked up my mail yesterday and ants were crawling all over it. I had to get the spray and give the box a good long coating. I had to spray the actual mail and make the ants dance before dying. Now we will see what the mail man delivers today. If he is eating chocolate and getting it on my mail...no Christmas bonus for him this year!

Random thoughts

Channel 11 on the big TV with DVR has the voices not matching the lips...I hate that so I came upstairs...thought I'd blog. This TV works fine.

Every one who reads this tell everyone you know who is having a baby to put the "Sleep Sheep" on their gift registry. That thing is a God Send. (Thanks Jess!) It plays water rhythms, whale sounds etc. Rylee has it attached to her at all times. When you try to calm her down to sleep you hold it and her and rock. When I put her down I set it right next to her ear and when the timer goes off I quickly turn it back on or she wakes up within a minute. I am buying it for every new mother I know. Love it!

I am doing something I never did when Shannon was a baby-no time I guess-putting pictures into a photo album. (I mean I did some but most of the photos are in a box.) This time I am going to do better. I might even scrapbook. God forbid, I swore I'd never do that, but that was before I was a new Grandma.

Angel is sleeping behind me and making weird little noises. I take it either she is running from a big scary dog or she is sitting in a big box of Cherios...eating her way out!

Tonight I semi cleaned the house. It isn't spotless but it is a lot better than it was. It wouldn't pass the white glove test but on the other hand you can't write your name on the furniture in dust.

Have a good one.............

Daddys

Mom 2 ET commented that Daddy's have their own special power especially with a little girl. It got me thinking...how true. I hope Rylee's Daddy will be the kind of dad mine was.

My Dad could pull off my band-aids with no pain. He could extract loose teeth with ease. Once when I got a fishing lure hooked by my eye I insisted he take it out himself rather than taking me to the doctor--so he pushed the barb through, cut it off with pliers and pulled it back through. Mom was horrified but I never even cried. More than once he sat by my bed while I slept, trying to swat a pesky mosquito that was buzzing around my head. In my teen years he would come and pick me up when I called and said "I got in over my head"...whenever and wherever, he never ask questions. He was the one I could go to, no matter what bone- headed thing I did. (And there were quite a few.)
He was my soft place to fall...........God, I miss you Dad.

Sweet Baby

Last night while babysitting, Rylee had an restless night. Her tummy was upset so I was holding her on my shoulder and rubbing her back. I she kept holding her head up and looking at me like why are you doing this to me??? Even in her obvious discomfort she was looking at me so sweetly I just kept thanking God for her. Then she had a blasting poo! After cleaning her up I thought she would feel better but it was not to be. About 30 minutes later her mommy and daddy came home and her daddy walked her and settled her down. So maybe it was his good mojoe or maybe she was feeling better but either way I hope she had a good nights sleep.

Observations

Shannon looks so great for being two weeks post delivery. I forgot how skinny she was. She is wearing her pre pregnancy capris and everything. She is looking completely back to normal except for the hooters of course and a bit of left over skin on the tummy that was stretched out to the max. Now if she wasn't still coughing and sleep-walking she might feel like her old self again.

I found out that Angel can be a good dog when she wants to be. She gaurds the baby, sleeps right next to her, and is attentive to her every move. She lets us know if we aren't paying attention. Rio on the other hand sleeps by the front door and gaurds the house. So both dogs are doing their job.

Being born during hurricane season must influence babies in more ways than one...because Rylee goes off like a hurricane spout when she wakes up and wants food. I hear stirring behind me now...winds will soon be in excess of 150 miles per hour--and that is one observation you can take to the bank! I can almost her her saying, "gramma get that bottle ready!"

The Night Shift

Rylee is not giving her parents the gift of a good nights sleep. So last night they finally took me up on my offer of the Night Shift. I came at midnight and let Shannon sleep. Rylee and I had a fun night and I got caught up on late night TV. She was very good as long as you had all night to devote to her. Then today I stayed until around 3:00 pm. Just a bit too long. I was there long enough to help Shannon clean up a blast of a poop that basically went--well, everywhere. (I managed to leave before blast #2 of #2 hit.) Then I came home to catch up on my sleep. I will get there early tomorrow morning and see if Shannon can get a morning nap in. Between the delivery etc. She hasn't sleep much for 10 days. After one night I admit it, I am going to fall into bed. I forgot how exhausting those first few weeks can be. Jon and Shannon cope very well...but then they are young. Thank goodness I can be here to help spell them a bit. If you don't have to do it all on your own...why should you! But for those who have to...more power to you!

One & One

One week and one day since my little darling, Rylee was born. She is what a little girl should be-Sugar and Spice. She is as sweet as cane sugar and as spicy as red pepper, she is purely herself. Shannon is such a wonderful mom (of course I knew she would be) and Rylee responds to her in the way a baby does only with their mommy. It is so special & beautiful to watch. Jon is such a capable dad just like Mr. Mom. I would have expected nothing less. I am just there to fill in the blanks and I enjoy every moment with Rylee, to all the wonderful days and special things we will do together...I can't wait!

Bed Buddies

I have slept with undesirable creatures in my time. (No not men.) But when I was a baby a weasel crawled in my crib and my mom almost had heart failure getting me out of there. Then there has been an occasional dog who got fleas in the bed. But last night topped it all...when I made the bed today a cockroach fell on the floor!
How excited do you think I am to go to sleep tonight?

Rosy Babies

This is a belated thought/question but isn't Florida smokefree? For places with food? Because when we went to Rosy Babies there was a couple guys with cigs.
Also did anyone else gets the "trots" that night besides Venessa and me? Too bad because I wanted to go back but not sure now...

Thoughts and observations

9/11
Happy anniversary Jon and Shannon!
Happy birthday to Pete back in MN.

I just thought of something...Shannon won her own money pot for the baby date, she was closest with 9/9! Good Job!

Rylee has a short fuse. As Shannon put it she goes from contented to pissed in under 10 seconds. (Doesn't sound anything like Shannon's temper, so who does that leave...humm?)

That is about it.

Time Out

Or should I say, time off. Today the new family was fairly rested and doing great so I made up a couple meat loafs and headed for home. I must have been more exhausted than I thought because I took a three hour nap, and it felt great.

I think Shannon and Jon are naturals and Rylee is so good and fun to be around that I wish she would have been twins! But I will settle for one of her. Today Angel met her for the first time and did remarkably well. She only barked a couple times and thanks to the Dog Whisper, we created a boundry around the baby and she didn't cross it. (However tonight she seems unusually sleepy so maybe she is getting sick again and the good behavior was only due to that. Only time will tell.)

Being a Grandma is as wonderful as I always knew it would be and it will only be getting better. Life is good.
Now sleepy time for Gramma....

T&T

Thrilled and tired! But not half as tired as Shannon and Jon. I can't tell you how great being a grandma is! Better than I even expected. Rylee is so sweet she mostly eats and sleeps but doesn't like being alone in her bed. She kind of shakes herself awake. Today I introduced her to the swing and although she resists the start up once she is in it for a minute she falls asleep. TGFSwings!
I should be in bed I am on call early tomorrow so nite nite!

I'M A GRANDMA!

Rylee Elise Polich made her debut at 5:12 pm on September 6th 2008. 7lbs 14 oz Mother and baby both doing fine!

Like most babies she came with quite a story--but that is for Shannon to tell. I am just getting this news out until she can post.

She is beautiful, right now her hair is med brown like Shannon's, her eyes blue, like all babies. She was very good last night while I was there mostly sleeping. But she did open her eyes a few times too. Mom and Dad think she is the only baby on the planet! Jon stayed there last night and hasn't had any sleep in over two days so I am on my way to relieve him.

More details to follow!

Long Night

Long night for everyone. This is the slowest hospital ever. They say they will be right back and then two hours later come in and say pretty soon now...I talked to Shannon around 8:00 and she was tired, hungry and her back aches but nothing else had happened. She thought they would be starting the drip soon and that should move things along.
Jon got some rest in the easy chair and Shannon said she rested but didn't sleep. Vanessa and Pilar kept me company until around 1:00 last night and then I laid on the couch and watched TV. I dosed around five for an hour. But mostly my mind was on Shannon and the baby. I felt peaceful though and I know soon both my girls will be doing fine!

This morning Pilar said that Ike wasn't going to hit us directly I must turn on the news and check it out. Shannon will be so happy if when she brings the baby home the electricity stays on!

Keep us in your thoughts....

Baby Back

Shannon is back in the saddle again. Or should I say stirrups again. Today the doctor saw her again and said there is no point on putting this off waiting for something bad to happen lets get that baby out.

We check in around 2:00 and they are just now, @7:45 coming to start the inducing of labor. The hospital is completely packed-people in the hallways. Thankfully we scored a room...long story for later...But they are super busy. At least Jon is sitting in a big chair and they have TV!

Shannon is starving she hasn't eaten in a long while, so she just had clear liquid whatever that was. She is relaxed, so far, and feeling fine and the blood pressure is good as long as she is in bed. It was a two flat pillow issue as they were out of pillows so I bought two pillows and brought them back. She should at least get pillows if she wants them! I will leave the other details for her to blog about. (If she ever has time to blog again.)

Tomorrow, MBP should have a real name and be so happy in the arms of her mamma and daddy! In the meantime--prayers welcomed.

Labor Day

Tomorrow is "going into Labor, Day"
And as one of my mother's favorite poem says the day of the week does matter--here they are just as a reminder, Shannon.

Born on Monday, fair of face,
Born on Tuesday, full of grace,
Born on Wednesday, the best to be had,
Born on Thursday, merry and glad,
Born on Friday, worthily given,
Born on Saturday, work hard for a living,
Born on Sunday, shall never know want.

Just stay away from Saturday and you will be alright! Saturday is the day my John was born and he has slaved all his life. Shannon and I were born on Wednesday and well...need I say more!

To figure out what day you were born to see if it fits--google what day of the week was I born and you can put in your birthdate. Then let me know what day you were born on!!!

Florida walkabout

Last couple of days:


Friday, Shannon and I went on a mall "walkabout" as she had the doctors okay to-bring baby down! We didn't buy much but walk we did.

There were some old John Wayne movies on Sat. so I set up DVR then later sat down to watch Rio Bravo--one of my favorites only to find out they had it listed wrong and Bandalero played in it's place-a very-B/C-movie (no John Wayne at all) with Dean Martin, Jimmy Stewart and Rachael Welsh...disappointing! Couldn't even watch it it was so bad. I remembered it from the old days anyway.

Shannon and I went to Jo Ann Fabric's and another large fabric store (where the owners are evil--another story--) hoping to find cute fabric for future baby clothes I could sew. I did pick up a few fabrics but all in all very disappointing. Florida has no good choices for fabric, that I can find. I really need my fabric shop at home they carry such great fabrics. (Deb you need to open a branch in FL!)

I did manage to get Angel out for two walks. I have decided that 6:30 am is about the best time and then around 7:00 pm. So that is our new schedule. She does so enjoy peeing everywhere!

Old Mother Hubbard's cupboard was bare tonight so dinner was less than satisfying. Today grocery shopping!

***completely useless: but I love the Swiffer commercial where the discarded MOP sings, Baby Come Back! Does anyone else like this? I love when commercials are good.

clarify

To clarify: Our association includes an alarm system with a company I don't want, so I now have a contract with Brinks instead. (my buddie George is a Brinks sub contractor) Our association won't pass the-everyone get their own alarm company-because they are idiots and won't listen to fiscal reason. So I wonder should I hook up the other alarm too? Two alarm companies should be better than one? Right?

My neighbors called me today to ask if I'd run for the association board when they renew in March...I think I might. I couldn't be any worse than a couple of the people on there.

Dark Knight was great. And in Imax--fabulous! And for only $12.00. I would go again if any other good shows are at the Imax.

Jess, Sex in the City wasn't that great-wait for the DVD rental.

This weekend I have some interesting projects to work on so I am looking forward to it.

Happy Labor Day weekend to all and to all a good night!

maddening meeting

Tonight was our homeowner association meeting and it was very maddening to say the least. Currently included in our monthly association fee is an armed alarm company. But the contract was up for renewal and about thirty of us attended to try to get them to drop the contract and let each homeowner choose his own company and pay their own, like many of us are doing anyway. We didn't want the fees reduced as with the rising costs we were sure they would be raising them soon anyway. We just didn't want that money thrown away but wanted it rather to stay in the association for other things. Those who had the present alarm company could stay with it. It was a win win for everyone as whatever raise they decide on would be less with the 20,000 plus per year staying in the budget. But some of them would just not listen to reason. Everyone got quite upset but in the end it is what it is, not much we can do about it.

We all met in this tiny pool house and it was so hot we were all ringing wet when we left. I drank two bottles of water the first 10 minutes I was home.

Shannon and I went to the Sex in the City movie and it was okay, pretty good. It seemed long I worried for an hour that it would end bad because time was running out but I guess there was enough time to end it properly after all. I am also headed to Dark Knight in the next couple days so we will see how that is.

I am finishing a blah book but I need it done to start another so I'm off to bed to read.

Finally something interesting to write about. Today was my Mammogram...of course they were running about an hour and twenty minutes late. This old lady kept bitching that she had another appointment at 11:45 and her appt. was at 10:00 and why couldn't they just get her in. She kept saying "Damn it-just get me in!" A few minutes later the power went out. And I mean out. A loud pop and then nothing but a bit of generator lights in the hall. Then the lady yells out "hey girl get in here." One tech came and asked if we were alright. She says, " the TV is out, turn it on." We all explain the power is out. To which she says," F-it turn on the TV I was watching something." Again we explain about the power...we are after all sitting in the pitch dark...and TV's don't work with out electricity. She still doesn't get it.
She wants her turn so she can get to her next appt. The nurse says that the machine doesn't work without power and a several block area has no power. The woman starts swearing and says, "at least turn on the TV you little twit!"
I decided to bail as I figured it would be hours before they were up and running. The last thing I heard as I was leaving was the most disturbing, I heard the old woman say, "I am going to have to go get my car now or I won't make my other appt."
(She was driving! Oh shit, I got out of the lot quick!)

The other funny thing was this other old lady who was already in her hospital gown, open in the back, and she walked out the front waiting room as it was cooler...everything hanging out bare. I just kept my mouth shut and left.

nada

Erin, I don't know how to post pictures...must learn. How about coming over instead? I know you will be busy but maybe we can work out a gals get away for wine and snack time. (gals and one little guy...Miller, of course) If the hurricane isn't in a hurry that is...

Nothing much to say...tired.

Such a nice quiet weekend. I am still not feeling to great so I played it close to the vest and stayed in. I did go out today with Shannon to Target for those last few items like Baby Tylenol etc.

When it got dark and the temperature dropped to a whopping 83.4 tonight--I took the dog for a short walk. She has been going stir crazy. As I can't breathe it was not much of a walk but she did get to pee on several things, so she enjoyed anyway.

I put up my Pack "n" Play and made a quilt for it and a changing pad to match, also burp clothes. So that was fun. Decorating my own little corner for the baby. I put a bin together with diapers, powder and the rest. I feel ready. Now we wait.

We're ready when you are little baby girl...

sew simple

Great day in the morning! I sewed all day. If it wouldn't have been for my neighbor asking me to stop by I wouldn't have left the house all day. I made a quilt for the pack and play that is staying at my house and a cover for the changing try that sets on it. A few other odds and ends too.

Since I have had a nasty cough I have been putting Vicks on the bottoms of my feet at night and if you've never tried it the next time you get a cough do it. It works! I don't know how but it does.

Me and Angel are alseep on our feet...

This and That

Yet again George (from Brinks) had to come one more time because he hooked something up wrong and the alarm system wasn't working. After he "fixed" it I made him test it and yep...not working. Test again...not working. Opps did something wrong yet again...and finally test worked. Not inspiring much confidence right now. I'll say one thing for them they put in an alarm bull horn in my hall and this thing is LOUD! If you're breaking in here you better have ear plugs.

On a happy note...I think my Grand daughter is ready to get out and meet her parents. (and grandparents)
She is moving on down!

Brinks Buddies

I spent my day with the Brinks associates again today. Sometime waiting sometime cooking.
Reasons I know them to well:
1.We call each other by our first names and have each others personal cell phone numbers;
2.I have made them lunches and dinners more times than I have cooked for anyone else this month;
3.We have shared recipes;

And the number one reason we know each other too well:

4.When George left today he hugged me and said, "If I'm in the neighborhood I will stop by and say HI. Should
I?"

When I figured the costs for going with Brinks I didn't add in groceries--that would have thrown off the bid.

Pure Joy

Shannon showed me how to post this darling photo of Aaron and Angel. Both rate an "A" in my book. The look on Angel's face say's, "this is where I want to be...keep holding me!" The look on Aaron's face say's it all...PURE JOY! If ever there was a little boy who would love a dog with his whole heart-this is him. Angel is lonely and misses you!

Survived Fay so far, thankfully very uneventful for us at least. Hope the same can be said for the rest of Fay's path. Had a great nights sleep. Shannon has the most comfortable guest bed ever. We have all been lazy today only Jon has been busy. (His list you know.)

We are packing the hospital bag so must go.

Fr-amily

Thanks you all put my mind at rest a bit about Fay or any Hurricane coming our way. Nice to know that we all have each others backs. There is nothing like "Fr-amily" (friends & family) when times get tough. Hope nothing happens but a little rain. Take care of Miller although he will probably sleep right through it.

I am going to sleep at Shannon and Jon's tonight just incase the power goes out. I'm thinking of it as a fun sleep-over. Since I got my place I never get to use their guest room. I have the essentials, wine, a good book, flashlight and battery fan. Angel is looking forward to it too.

Fay Go Away

Not looking forward to my first Hurricane! I want it to pass-by out to sea. I feel horrible with this crap in my lungs and this cough. It's hot and no electric/AC will not make me feel better. I will worry about Shannon and the baby...just not a good year for a hurricane.
I was looking for D cell batteries...wow 1 pack found 3 stores searched. I picked up a personal battery fan, won't be great but a little moving air will help if need be.
My car cooled a little better today and thanks Erin and Jess, glad to know that it was the heat not my car.

I had Jon and Shannon over for breakfast to break in my new waffle iron the kind the motels have that flips over. Only 50.00 at Sam's and the waffles were great. I also made ham and cheese croissants in the oven as Jon's not much of a waffle man. He is however a yard man and he offered to trim two trees for me that I was going to tackle. So I dropped off an 18 pack of Bud to Juan's Lawn Service as a thank-you. I really appreciated it! Thanks Jon. He came to pick up the limbs and haul them to his house and when he came in the alarm was on (I have been trying to get in the habit of arming it) so it set off. I was sewing but ran down thinking the dog set it off but no it was Jon. He said, "good thing I didn't think it was a real break in and bring the gun." I don't think it's loud enough to scare off a robber but hopefully it will call the cops.

Just talked to the hubby for a bit and now lights out and relax!

Hot Hot Hot

Shannon and I have had a swim the last two mornings and it has felt wonderful. Man this 100 degree weather is hard to take. My cars AC feels like it doesn't work. I can't decide if it is just so hot it can't cool it down in the couple miles at a time I drive or if it needs a charge? Any one else having trouble with their AC in this heat?

Angel is off her game don't know if she missed Aaron or had too many treats. I took her in the pool with me this morning but she didn't have fun. My last dog Bandit (pom too) loved the pool. You could put him on a float and just let him drift. I tried to post a picture of Aaron and Angel but it didn't work. Maybe Shannon will do it.

I made a sinful dinner tonight a small steak and a big scallop! Yum.

Getting back to normal is lonely. But I reset up my craft room so I can get back to work. Jo Ann Fabrics tomorrow. Today my highlight was Sam's Club. Maybe I should call this blog...My boring life!

Lonely Night

If you read Shannon's blog you already know that I had company since Monday. Shannon's babysitter (just another member of the family) and her husband and three kids. We have been having so much fun. Aaron, age 5, and I had so much fun in the mornings as he was an early riser like me. The rest of the family slept in getting some much needed relaxation! The second day they all went to the beach at 8:00 am their youngest stayed with me. He just didn't want to go to the beach. He loved Angel and I don't think he wanted to leave her. In an effort to get him to see the ocean we drove him down there hoping he would decide to stay...wrongo! In fact their daughter decided to ditch the ocean too in favor of Shannon's pool. Then we came home and Stef and I beaded. It was a wonderful day. And the visit went way too fast. They left today after a lazy day of visiting to drive to Orlando to catch a late flight home. Angel just doesn't know what to think. Her feet barely touched the floor for four days...she was usually in Aaron's arms. And for those of you who know Angel you know-that is her favorite place to be-in someones arms. She will really miss him as will I, he was my little buddy. All three kids are so sweet. Sue & Otto...you sure did something right! Please come back soon. I am missing you already!

The only thing I am not missing is all those extra shoes in the entry way. It reminded me of how our house in Crosby always looks! I hate small foyers! I felt like the the old woman who lived in a shoe...or in this case...lived with shoes!

I am having an early night as my cough is really messing with my asthma and breathing is getting harder I thought resting in bed with HGTV would be a good idea. Shannon is home doing the same; she saw her doctor today and do to retaining water she is taking it easy as ordered.
Nite Nite!

Hook-up's

If using this alarm is a compli-f_ _ _ing-cated as having it installed--I am as good as dead!
Holy crap it took from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm to day as well as most of the afternoon Friday and they still need to come back for the remote as the one they had was faulty. Now we are at Shannon's for what I expect to be another long long afternoon and night.

New subject-I ran to Publix got the in 10 items or less aisle behind two people. The first one was a very old man, the check out a very old lady. The man had a loaded cart so right there not good. The man had a major crush on the old lady and they talked after every scan. Finally the person ahead of me said, "lady can you talk and scan?" Finally my turn and the old geazer came back and asked her for a date! Yes, it was kind of cute but not in the 10 items or less lane! Come on!

My company isn't going to get here until around 9:00 so I guess it will be a late night!

Dawn turned to Dusk

I finished Breaking Dawn. I couldn't put it down and now I am sorry I didn't put it down. When I read a book (especially if I love it) I always have to read it as fast as possible to find out what happens and then of course I am sad that I have come to the end so quickly.
If they do bring the series to the big screen it will never be as good as the books!

So as you might imagaine as I read 754 pages in two days I didn't get too much done today except that. I did get the 2nd guest room set up with wall to wall beds, my company numbering five, comes Monday. I am excited.

Late night

What am I doing up at this un-Godly hour (3:17 am) you wonder? Truth is that I am reading Breaking Dawn and about 11:00 pm I quit reading and told my self to go to sleep. I slept for a couple hours and now all I want to do is keep reading. But I am not going to let myself because I don't want to finish it too fast. I want to savor it a bit and I am already about half way. I am hoping blogging will get my mind on something else.

I had an interesting day today. After a late book club last night, didn't get in until 11:30. Doctor appt. early am today and then an all day install with Brinks at both Shannon's house and mine I should be sleeping! The all day install was due to parts that were supposed to be arriving UPS early which didn't come until UPS last delivery. The installer was still working after dinner. We feed him twice, thankfully we had leftovers from the party...brownies and cake at noon and then Manicotti at supper as he was still here. (And had no vehicle as his partner left much earlier in the day.) Finally his wife brought him the parts. It felt like we had company all day. Thankfully he was nice and spoke English you could understand. I think this will make us feel a little more secure so it the end it was worth it. We feel like we have a new friend; his wife wants the recipe for the Manicotti because he couldn't stop saying how good it was.

Barkery

Taking Erin's & Shannon's advice I am going to put my phone number on Angels collar. I hope Ryan is right and the dog's barking will put off the robbers. I hope Angel barks-she is so excited to have visitors that if I wasn't home she just might welcome them in! She is the kind of Dog who barks when you don't want her to and doesn't bark when you do!

Now Annie's bark would surely scare away crooks...I wish I had her bark on a tape recorder that would play automatically when someone comes close by the house. We should invent that!

Bad to the Bone

By now you have read about the robbery. I was amazed that V could move back in right away. I would be freaked for...well years most likely. I like Shannon am mostly worried about the dog. If she and I were gone then it would be awful but you could get over it. But if the dog was home...I shudder to think! I am trying to decide if I should "chip" Angel I am most afraid she will run away or they will hurt her to shut her up...she is annoying with her shrill bark! I just don't understand why people do these things. Why can't they just work like the rest of us? There are a lot of bad bad people out there. Makes me miss HOME. We don't have much of that in Crosby. (For all the things I've ever said about small towns etc. I take it all back! Give me the boring life!)
By the way after seeing the way her place was tossed, every out of the way place you can think of stashing something, trust me they will look there.

Designed to Win

Don't know why this has been a bad week but besides my arm both my knees are giving me trouble...my arthritis is really giving me the "red eye"! But its not like I'm not used to it so--whatever.

I am so excited to see Design Star tonight and the Summer Show Down so I need to pay attention to it. Hope the Guy wins tonight on the first show and I hope Vern kicks ass on the second!

Sew relaxing

I had a wonderfully quite day, doing two of my favorite things, sewing and cooking. Made ham & bean soup and a few baby projects: The chair pad for the new rocker, a tickle blanky & several binky straps. Also got some light cleaning and laundry done. Shared the soup with Shannon and Jon tonight for dinner. All in all a very relaxing day.

My arm is starting to feel a little better. And to top it off the Orkin ant bait did the trick and my ants have found a new home! (Or maybe they are dead.) But either way they are not crawling all over my house! Thank You Pam!

DUMB

Hurt my arm in one of those--you won't believe it accidents--can't move it much but I am getting along. (Shannon is taking care of me.) Hurt's to type...

Here's to you

I had my 35th anniversary this week. Too bad I couldn't have spent it with my husband. (Sorry honey!) Here's to the guy who really deserves a metal for hanging in there with me for 3 & 1/2 decades! Hip Hip Hurray!

Haven't been able to post for a while as there has been a computer glitch in MN and I am not able to connect here as they are using my remote access there--to complicated to explain. New computer up and running now.

I have been sewing and finally getting to my own chores. And of course I am still doing battle with my ants...no relief there.

That is about it all the excitement in my life for now.

Don't Bug Me

I called Pam at Orkin, I have her private cell number, when you know your exterminator that well...something is WRONG! But I do feel a bit better about having been sprayed from inside and out. Now if it will only work!
--Also today I went to Publix and saw an even bigger cockroach than the one I killed at home yesterday--that doesn't evoke much confidence in the food we buy does it?

On a much happier note today Shannon and I went to see baby Miller. What a darling he is. He is adorable. And he was good as gold. (Could we get a "ditto" please!)

Murder in the Morning

Yesterday the outdoor exterminator for the complex came around. I told him I had ants. He said, "no uncles?" Funny guy. But he was spraying everything and I was happy hoping I could get rid of the ants and any uncles that might be lurking around.

This morning I woke up to a home invasion! A big cock roach was sitting braisenly right at the bottom of the landing near the couch. Shit! I ran for the Hot Shot and killed the M.F. Wacked him with a broom swept him up and out the door he went. Then I sat down to regroup and saw a small one...repeat above. Then spotted a caterpillar worm thing...dito. Okay for petesake did he just run them all into the house? The Ants brought the Uncles and are really invading now.
If it wasn't for my soon to be Grand daughter...I would high-tail it back to MN!

Day @ home

I hate vacuuming! What a work out by the time I am done I feel like I did an hour of hard exercise--hey maybe I should vacuum more often? I would if this vacuum had a cord longer than 8ft! Gosh I can't even get through one room without replugging...irritating!
I am going to buy a new vacuum so if anyone has one they like I am open to suggestions. If yours has a long cord even better!

Cleanned the bathrooms, kitchen and dusted, whole house looks better and smells like fabreeze.

These ants are driving me up a wall. I'm calling Orkin today although it won't do any good because they are dying once they get in but I want them stopped outside dammit! Is that too much to ask?

I am cooking Bar-B-Q ribs and boy do they smell wonderful. I can smell them through the garage door. Yes I have the roaster in the garage. Thanks Howie for the tip. My brother suggested I do them out side to keep the house cool but I thought the garage would be easier and I am helping with the AC bill...see honey I am thinking about you all the time.

Get behind me Satan

Shannon must have read my blog and is easing up on me! ha ha Friday we went to the cheap theater and saw "What happens in Vegas" pretty funny. Then yesterday we found time for a swim! Hurrah, I haven't raised the water level on the pool for months! We waited until super-time and it felt wonderfully refreshing. Especially since Shannon and Jon's house wasn't that cool...hope that air conditioner isn't going on the fritz yet again...
(My place is always like a walk in freezer...sorry John I know I am running up a heck of a bill.)

Angel seems better she hasn't yakked for a day now...we'll see. I told her to stop eating those lizards in case she did!

Curious George can now look around and be curious as he is no longer blind; and he is breathing better-two nostrils; and he no longer has holes. But he is still pretty used up and worn out. He and I have a lot in common.

I am really liking Shannon's new doo. It seems very practical for this weather. I am not sorry I hacked it off. When she gets that-the hair has to go look-I know she won't rest until it is gone. I need a chop myself maybe this week.

It looks like another HOT one today. I told a friend that the Devil has his summer home here in Florida.

Lots of thoughts

The creatures are just horrible here at my house. Ants everywhere, I vacuum them up three times a day. Also the lizards are really trying to move in. (Guess they like the condo.) Every time I open the front door one runs in. They want to be room-mates even after I told them this not a stable home, we barely have money for food, we go to bed at 7:00 pm and then get up at 3:00 am, the woman of the house is a control freak, but they don't believe. Shannon used the Tupperware and paper removal method one day; then the next I used the broom to sweep them out. Tonight I went to the garage and had to do the broom shuffle again...damn.

Dog is sick and puking again. Wish she would get better might have to take her in on Monday if I don't see improvement. I don't know what the deal is there...poor baby.

Today Shannon and I dug out some baby stuff from my cedar chest, dolls, baby clothes, Curious George. Shannon's C. George had really been loved! He had several holes, no eyes or nose. Shannon actually turned her nose up at him...like he wasn't good enough to make the "baby" cut. I said I would spruce him up and patch him up but he was moving to her house! He has been waiting a long time for a new little friend.

Another first, I cried like a baby at the new episode of the Dog Whisper tonight! Cesar gave a family one of his pack, Louis, a Chinese Crested, that has been with him for the last two years. He has gone out with Cesar on many house calls. I just felt so sad for Louis that Cesar would be leaving him behind. But he did seem happy with his real family, but still....so sad.

Cesar if you are reading please do a follow-up with Louis and let us know he really happy without you. Also, I think you should grow the mustache back! You look cute without it, but handsome with it...

Be afraid be very afraid

When Shannon gets an idea look out! She has no patience at all. (I'm surprised she is waiting 10 months for this baby!) She got the idea on our last day of boring driving that the loft area would be a good place for a play room and you guessed it...the first day home she has me moving all furniture to a new location. The heck with the fact that the four days of grueling driving had my back sore already apparently what it needed was pushing and shoving furniture around by myself to get it into shape!
Today I am trying to straighten some stuff here and unpack. (Yes I am avoiding going over to her house in fear of what is in store today!) I didn't do anything at my house yesterday as I fell into bed at 6:30. I am surprised I woke up at all..........

A word to the wise: if you bump into Shannon run for your life..........

Making a list and checking it twice

It's been a lot of lists and the satisfaction of crossing them off! Car packed, check check. (Hope we don't need to add much in the end...no more room. Sadly had to leave one table I really wanted in Florida but next to throwing out Shannon I just couldn't have fit it in. We did bring one big heavy table for the sewing room (sorry to which ever guy has to help Jon P. carry it up my stairs! I will have beer though!) The dog will still fit in and that was the most important.

I am sorry to leave everyone I love behind, especially my John...gosh how I will miss him. But he will be down soon and taking lots of vacations!

One last get together at the resort for book club (as Shannon says...more food) and then it is off to Florida. Hurrican's look out! We are a whirlwind all on our own!

I have a second to think: after hosting a annual party on the 4th for about 30...small group this year...it was fun and food for all after a very nice parade.

Since I have been home I have had two of the three shindigs I had planned--one to go on Tuesday. Although I wonder what I was thinking...that is one a week and in this little place???

The weather has been so wonderful! Mn is reminding us what we will be missing going back to hot, humid & hurricanes! But FL has baby!

Not looking forward to the drive back. Hope Shannon does as well as the trip here! Fingers crossed!

Chow for now!

Break Time

I am so not feeling the blogging...and as I see no one is reading this...why force myself. So until something interesting happens.......Love

Busy Bee

Too busy getting ready for the shower and book club to post anything interesting about the trip. Just read Shannon's blog for that. But we are here safe and sound and Shannon did wonderful...I am thankful.

Ant Assid

All these tiny black ants are giving me a pain in the Ant-Ass! Good lord it is a full time job just vacuuming them up. Their little dead carcases are everywhere. The ones that are alive--I swear are crawling all over me!

I am both happy and sad to leave FL. Happy to get away from the ants and lizzards that are also everywhere. Sad because I am going home to pesky misquetoes!

Damn it don't bug me!

Too busy to post. Well that and not much to say. Been busy sewing etc.

I did hit a movie today, Maid of Honor. It was cute, and I love Patrick Dempsey, but the movie was still only OK/cute.

My neighbor gave me a big coconut today...I have no idea what to do with it. She said to poke a hole in the soft white spot and drink the water...is that really it? I put it in the frig so I could think on it.

I did some peeking out the window at the guy across the street that my association banned from the premises but yet he was there big as life. They think he is behind the break-ins. I am calling the association tomorrow! Creep.

Good News

Congratulations to Erin and Ryan! Welcome baby Miller into a wonderful family.

What could top that? Nothing...........

dogs and burglers

No summer fun going on in MN John says it was so cold last night even the dog wiggled under the quilt! Also constant rain..so much for the deck getting built before I get home!

I need the dog down here as our complex has had several break-ins. In fact I will be afraid to leave her home in the day time alone...when the burgler walks in I'm afraid the dog will run out.
If it's a night time burglery look out...I pack heat...and I know how to use it!

(Warning...to all family...if you come over unexpectedly at night you better phone first!)

TP

The differences I've noticed in expensive (E) store bathrooms versus discount (D) store bathrooms.

E-stores have sparkling clean, shiny marble floors and counters.
D-stores have dirty tile floors and wet slimy counters.

E-stores have hot water and both soap and lotion dispensers.
D-stores have cold water & drippy soap dispensers.

E-stores have clean toilets.
D-stores have grossly dirty toilets with pee and poo on every seat.

E-stores have soft thick toilet paper that actually rolls out.
D-stores have TP that is like thin paper and comes out either like dental floss or 1 sheet at a time.

E-stores have big stalls that you can move around in.
D-stores have stalls so small that you have to straddle the toilet to open the door.

Slight shock...

I knew Shannon was going to store her classroom stuff at my place but I was thinking--more garage--but when I got home I see my spare bedroom has been comendeered. We will have to reorganize that a bit and some will have to find a home in the garage because she said there is a lot left! Oh my. (I had pictured the spare pack 'n' play in there for the baby.) I am going to free up space in my closet so some can move over there too.

I have been wanting to see Maid of Honor...any girls want to go?

Random Thoughts

So much craziness! I have been running on empty for weeks but tomorrow I leave for Florida so things should slow down. Wait a minute what am I saying, help Shannon pack up class room, sew baby quilt bedding etc, drive 2000 miles, rush around for three weeks, two baby showers, work, have fun, host 4Th of July bash, drive 2000 miles...I don't think there is any relief in site. Oh well, keep my eye on the prize-a healthy granddaughter.

I don't know if I mentioned our neighbors across the street. They are interesting. (insert nuts) They hang out the windows of the upstairs and yell swear words at pass-er-bys and cars. They play music loud enough for China to hear & at all hours of the day or night. And no matter how cold -40 they have the windows open. They have a lot of teenagers stopping and usually they only stop for two or three minutes. You do the math!
All of a sudden--gone--haven't seen or heard a thing for two weeks. Hope they are gone for good!

The crab apple trees are blooming everywhere and it looks and smells fabulous. (Although we have had frost the last three nights.) But I do believe Spring has finally sprung!

Happy Day

Busy memorial weekend. Lots of trips to the cemetary. Lots of brats and beer. Lots of campfires. Lots of old friends. Lots of fun!!!

Also a busy few days including the weekend...working in the office. Only two days until I leave for Florida! See you soon....

Surprise Grandma Shower

Tonight I went to meet some classmates of mine to work on our class reunion. (Which we call our 60th birthday celebrations.) When I walked in one of the girls, Cindy, was sitting at the table and she had made a darling cake complete with pink baby booties, for desert. I was so surprise and thought how sweet of her to make a cake for our meeting and to decorate it with me in mind. Then they said it wasn't a reunion meeting at all--they were throwing me a surprise grandma shower! I was blown away! It was the sweetest thing anyone could have done for me. I got the sweetest cards ever...one even had two darling knit sweaters on knitting needles, how perfect.

I opened all my gifts: T
wo darling onsies from Cindy-one with tiny strawberries all over and a bigger one on the little behind; and one in a soft pink with ruffles on the butt! (I love love love ruffle-butts!) Plus a picture holder with booties.
From Sharon, a darling soft soft knit dress with hot pink flowers and lime green leaves-the little briefs were lime picking up the color from the leaves. It was to die for.
Then from Rose another dress, with briefs, in a softer pink cotton with tiny little flowers embroidered all over it. Just so darling. (The pink booties that Cindy put on the cake just matched.)
And LeeAnn found me a darling picture frame with pink block letters that said, "This is my Grandma--this is me!" For a picture of the new baby girl and me. Everything was wonderful and I was so very touched.
And by the way the cake was fantastic! We all had two pieces. Cindy is one great cake baker!

Then to top off the fun we gals went to the Legion and played Bingo! It was a blast. I can't remember when I ever played bingo before. I would love to go again. I told them when Shannon came home we'd both come. So it's a date.

I don't know what I ever did to be blessed with friends like these. I know I don't deserve them but I thank God for them!

Dinner and a movie

Last night finally got together with gal pals. Had dinner. Mine was boring a small salad and a chicken breast.

Then I came home and we watched the finale of Bones, from Monday. It started out with Booth being dead. (He was shot last week.) I couldn't believe it. But there we were at his funeral-I hadn't had time to properly grieve-when low and behold-he was alive and well, not showing any problems from being shot only a few days earlier. As long as he was shot the FBI thought lets catch a bad guy. Bones was pissed that he didn't tell her and blah blah. I was mad at him myself so I understood her pain.

Tonight I have dinner with more gal pals--and the cycle goes on...

I'm still here

Too busy to read or write. (Except at work of course.) I feel like I have been caught up in a tornado and I am waiting to be spun out!
However, I did find time today to shop at Kohl's with my additional 30% off coupon. John's wardrobe needed an update. I even bought Shannon something...see I haven't totally forgotten about her. But then the baby's not here yet.
We were going to have a campfire and roast brats tonight but the wind is roaring and it looks and feels like snow!

Mother's Day

In the early A.M. dad and I sat around and had coffee-yum. Shannon called and we had a nice visit after the muffin funeral. Then on to the "home" to visit John's mother. We brought her chocolate she liked that. I fixed her hair and she looked pretty.

Then we spent the early afternoon with friends, that are like family. There were several mothers present--the food and laughter was wonderful. I am so thankful for the many wonderful friends I have.

Later we changed into old clothes and went to the cemetery to rip out the winter flowers and put in spring ones. I didn't put in the real ones yet it is still too cold at night. But that was my way of spending a bit of the day with my own Mother-the most wonderful mother of them all. Love and miss you Mom!

Then the hubby and I watched Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters. All in all a very relaxing day.

Two words.

Slaved today. Dead tired. Dinner over. Thank God. Sunday tomorrow. Need rest. Body hurts. Must rest. Nighty nite.

Apple Jack

Yesterday I made two cakes for a party one was a chocolate butter cake and one was a apple spice with Jack Daniels...that I called Apple Jack! They went over big. Nothing left but crumbs. And the best part was I didn't even taste them. I was soo good. Although the night before at my book club I was a bit bad...oh well.

At the party we played the name game. Name the baby girl that is. Lilly was sad and lonely before everyone showed up so to keep her busy I sat her at the computer on a baby name website and told her to find names she liked because Shannon and Jon needed names ideas. By the end of the night everyone at the party got involved and the list of names was atcually pretty great. We emailed them for consideration.

Last night in Duluth it was a lovely night and after everyone else went home Howard and I sat on his deck and studied the stars. We also saw Saturn and it's moon through the big telescope. It was a very nice night for star gazing, and fun to relax with Howie. Then this morning I was lucky enough to go to Lilly and Ian's (niece and nephew) Spring concert. It was wonderful.

Books Books Books

Have to talk about books! Eat, Pray, Love- our club did last year-it was one of my least favorites. I thought some of it was boring.
But last night's book, Water For Elephants, was a WOW! Pick it up at the book store and read a couple pages in the begining and then chapter 3-4 just to get a feel if it's right for you. But I loved it. It is based on true stories about the circus circuit in the 30's & 40's. Also a love story and a end of life's story.

Monday Madness

Why is it every Monday night is a scramble to watch and tape TV shows. Everything I love to watch is Monday nights. Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, Bones, The Bachelor, & more, plus my favorite...Wildfire. I have to be home and watch several shows just because I am DVR-ing the rest. I can't go anywhere on Mondays. I am terrified that somehow Wildfire won't tape! I DVR it on two channels at two different times and I still won't leave the house. Although this week not much happened and I am pissed...how could that be? There are only two count them two episodes left (show is ending) and they wasted this week with lost little girls we didn't even know. Who cares. Come on with only two weeks to fight, resolve issues and get married they better hurry. And I worn you if that wedding turns out to be with the WRONG guy and they are going to pull an upset--you will hear me scream all the way down in Florida. So two Mondays from now close your windows just in case.

Panic Attack

Yesterday visiting the new mom in the hospital--a bit of panic set in! The baby, only a few hours old, was snuggled on her tummy on Mommy's belly. She was so peaceful I am sure she was thinking, "this feels familiar."
Then Liz asked if we wanted to hold the baby and both John and I answered at the same time, "no!" I was terrified I admitted to him later he said he felt the same. I don't know how I am going to get over that feeling when Shannon's baby is so tiny. I just pray I do. I will have to put Ceasar Millians theory into practice...& draw on my calm assertive energy!

Congratulations Larsons!

Kirk & Liz Larson, some friends of ours, had their second baby this morning--a girl. (Name undecided but blank to be filled in soon.)
We are so happy to report mother and daughter doing fine. Dad is fine too and son Kal, well he is tired and has a big lump on his head from a tumble in the hospital but doing fine otherwise and happy to have a new sister. Kal and Dad came for lunch today, that was so special.

Haven't been posting...too busy. Haven't been reading blogs either sorry. I have been a slave since I got home. Working in the office; cleaning; organizing; sewing...you name it I have been on top of it. Yesterday I wanted to move the TV in one of the bedrooms off a table I plan to take to Florida. (in July) But to do that one move I had to move five big pieces of furniture. (Men can't understand why this goes there, then move that, switch...and so on.) But now everything looks good. As long as I was at it I cleaned my closet, four black garbage bags later, the closet and drawers are much better. I am on a quest to have everything in order before I leave for FL again.

So many things to do--so little time.

Idiots and barking dogs

Yesterday someone parked a mini van directly in front of our office and left. There were two huge dogs in it and the windows were rolled down about 2 inches. Every time a customer stopped, a person walked by, or even a car drove by the dogs hit the glass with force! Growling and barking and scaring everyone. The entire block was open on both sides of the street, why would they chose to park directly in front of our door? What a riot!
No one came back and it was going on two hours so I was about to call the police, I was worried about the dogs. But then a gal came walking up and hopped in and drove away. I guess she works at the gas station across the street. All I could think of was that I hope she isn't planing to park there everyday!

Other than that I have just been working and busy. Tonight Shannon's friend Sara and I are going to get together. Fun Fun...

Great Day

Today as you might have read is my Birthday (59 but don't tell) and it was great. First thing in the morning Shannon called that started my day off right.

I was missing my mom so I went through her jewelry chest drawer by drawer. The chest is a piece of furniture about 2ftx2ftx2ft, it is an old map chest that has about 8-10 drawers. Mom kept all her jewelry and small things, keepsakes and costume jewelry in there. It was always packed to the hilt. And every little girl who came over played dress up with all the sparkly's. Shannon love to play with the jewelry and find little treasures. Today I did. It was like spending the day with mom. I decided I am taking it back to Florida with me this summer so my granddaughter can play with the stuff in it someday too and hear stories about her great grandma. (Love you Mom)

After that I relaxed mostly. I did make John a nice pot roast dinner with gravy , potatoes and carrots. I ate a black bean burger and a salad (trying to be good here) but I am going up to drink some wine for my birthday treat! I draw the line at giving up wine. After all I'm drinking for three. (Shannon, Erin and Me!)

Snow flakes keep falling...

Hard to believe but we are having yet another big snow storm!
What the H E-double hockey sticks is going on here. I have been home two weeks and we have had a storm both weekends. And it is MAY in three days folks! At this rate maybe we will have the 4th of July parade in the stuff.

Last night we had a dinner with family out. (I had salad...being good.) But everyone was blown away with their meals. The only complaint was that it was snowing out and freezing and yet the restaurant had their air conditioning on. It was even cold for me! The other odd thing was that when we first sat down I said I didn't want anything to drink because I had a terrible head ache. All of a sudden our waitress started massaging my neck and putting pressure in spots in my back. Becky looked at her and asked, "do you I know her?" She said, "I'm a massage therapist." Everyone thought she was strange. But it worked I felt better in just a couple minutes. I took her card for future use!

Then today we cleaned the office from top to bottom-Spring cleaning-even though it is still Winter! I am sore to the bone. I will be flat-backing tonight. With wine for medicinal purposes only of course.

Three good things

1. Have you ever tried freezing regular yogurt? A couple days ago I wanted something cold and I spied a yogurt in the frig. I put it in the freezer and that night I ate it. It was frosty and yummy. Better than real frozen yogurt. Crazy good.
2. The last week at work the gals in the office have been complaining about Angel barking a lot, from upstairs. You know how sometimes you can't really tell where a noise is coming from, and I kept saying, I don't think it's her. Well today I heard the barking and ran out side and found it was the neighbors little dog and not Angel at all.
3. Tomorrow is my day off and I am going to an annual all day garage sale in Pierz. They always hold it the last week in April. So I think of it as my personal birthday treat. I have gone every year now for about fifteen years. Practically everyone in town puts out stuff and it is a blast. Especially this year when I can look for baby girl stuff!